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We train smart people to succeed in traction roles at high-growth startups.
"I learned more in 3 months at Tradecraft than I did in 3 years of law school."
Ariane Mohamadi, Tradecraft Alum
What is Tradecraft? The fastest way to break into the startup community.
Tradecraft is a full time, in-person immersive training program for people who want to work in startups. The program has been designed by industry leading experts to ensure that you graduate with both the depth and breadth of knowledge you'll need to make meaningful contributions on your first day at a high-growth startup. Once you select your vertical focus you will work with a large group of world-class mentors and a small group of inspiring peers to learn new skills while doing real work for real companies.
You will learn the hard and soft skills you'll need to thrive in the startup community.
You will graduate with more real-world experience than any HR person expects of an entry-level hire.
You will establish valuable relationships with industry leaders and peers.
Your experience with Tradecraft, and our support, will not end until you have a job in the field.
Core Skills, Cross Functional Exposure and Deep Vertical Expertise
To be great at any of the traction verticals, you need to understand both human behavior and the general mechanics of tech businesses. That's why, in addition to their chosen vertical, Tradecraft students build foundational knowledge in key social & business areas as well as cross-functional knowledge in the other two tracks. Here is a limited sample of both the hard and soft skills you will learn at Tradecraft:
- Customer Development
- User Research
- Interaction Design
- User Interface Design
- Prototyping
- Content & Copy
- Experimentation
- Research
- Acquisition
- Activation
- Retention
- Copywriting
- Persuasion & Influence
- Customer Development
- Business Operations
- Pipeline Management
- Deal Crafting
- Business Theory
- System Architecture
- Prototyping
- Iterating
- Debugging
- Scripting
- Process Management
You will learn from the best in the business.
An unparalleled group of industry leaders and practitioners have signed on to help at Tradecraft. These are people who push the craft forward, establish industry standards and actively mentor the next generation of leaders. Your work at Tradecraft will give you the opportunity to learn from their experience, collaborate on projects, and establish meaningful relationships.
You will do real work for real companies.
There is no substitute for real-world experience. That's why you will be required to not just work on, but lead, a number of projects for Silicon Valley companies throughout the semester. The projects will reinforce your track-specific development, provide valuable leadership opportunities and help you make more informed decisions once settled into your new job.
You will learn to adapt.
You will experience varying levels of guidance at Tradecraft. Why? Because that's how it happens in the real world. These are rapidly changing fields, so being able to adapt and evolve is absolutely essential. That's why our method involves everything from instructors explaining topics in great detail to assignments where you will be expected to research and teach new concepts to the class.
You will have a unique experience.
Our expectation that you can teach yourself the fundamentals allows us to offer a substantial amount of flexibility throughout the program. We will require you to learn those skills that we consider "core" to your field, but where you dive deep will depend on where you've been and where you want to go.
Adam Fishman
Chris Loeper
Sales and BD
Cristina Cordova
Sales and BD
Doug Landis
Sales and BD
Elay Cohen
Sales and BD
Gagan Biyani
Hiten Shah
Hitesh Parashar
Ivan Kirigin
Siqi Chen
Julia Stiglitz
Sales & BD
Manu Sharma
Matt Hudson
Mike Greenfield
Mike Long
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Sales and BD
Rick Marini
Sean Ellis
12 Weeks
60+ Hours
Per Week
San Francisco
* Financing is available for qualified students.
Apply now to learn new skills while doing real work for real companies.


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Questions and answers regarding the pending $2 billion sale of the Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
Q Can Donald Sterling mess this up?
A Yes, as evidenced by his attorney's statement Friday that Sterling plans to sue the NBA for $1 billion. Worth noting is Sterling waited for the bids to come in and Steve Ballmer's $2 billion winning bid before putting a price tag on the lawsuit. Forget that he could reap a nearly 15,900 percent return on his $12.5 million investment in 1981. Sterling loves litigation and is known for never selling anything.
Does this change the face of the sports business across the board?
Absolutely. Just six weeks ago, the Milwaukee Bucks were sold for an NBA-record $550 million. And now the Clippers are worth almost four times that much? Sure, the Bucks aren't the Clippers and Milwaukee certainly isn't Los Angeles. But the bar has been set and you know what they say: A rising tide lifts all yachts.
Q Will the NBA approve this deal?
A Yes. The NBA recognizes Ballmer as a cash-rich owner who is eager to buy. The former Microsoft CEO already made one attempt at buying a team when he aligned with hedge fund manager Chris Hansen to purchase the Sacramento Kings. And why wouldn't the owners approve this? All their franchises just skyrocketed in value. Put it this way — Ballmer will never have to pay for drinks at the owners' meetings.
Q Will Ballmer move the team to Seattle?
A No. Ballmer did try to buy the Sacramento Kings and move them to Seattle, but the value of the Clippers franchise is largely linked to its location. Paying $2 billion for an NBA franchise in Los Angeles might not make sense to some, but doing so for a Seattle franchise makes no sense. Unfortunately the Emerald City, which lost its Supersonics and Kevin Durant to Oklahoma City in 2008, will still be standing at the NBA altar. And Clippers fans will embrace Steve Ballmer for not being Donald Sterling.
Q Seriously … $2 billion for the Clippers?!?!
A Keep in mind the Dodgers sold for only $150 million more than that a little more than two years ago and that deal included the stadium! The Clippers have another nine years on their lease at Staples Center. Then again, Steve Ballmer's net worth is $20 billion. He wanted an NBA team and he made sure he got it. The key value here: The Clippers' TV deal with Fox Sports Prime Ticket is up in two years. It was only three years ago the Lakers pulled in $3 billion over 20 years from Time Warner Cable. No doubt Fox will pay handsomely to try to retain the franchise on the rise in L.A.

subset: commoncrawl


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Before and AfterPosted
August 30 my 4 yr old fell on our deck, busted his mouth and damaged his two front teeth.
We saw the dentist the next day and was told he needed to have those teeth pulled. He had damaged the root on one and pulled a tendon on the other. Really no way around it, they needed to come out.
Today was the day! At 9 am we arrived at the dentist office expecting to be there several hours.
We needed to sedate Daniel to make the process easier on him. Usually they drink the "juice" and wait for nearly an hour for it to work. Then the rest of the day they are groggy and sleepy.
However, they are now using a new medicine that works in 10 minutes and wears off quickly. If they are doing something quick like pulling teeth, it is a much better option.
Daniel drank it with no problem and pretty quickly got very relaxed and sleepy. They put a topical on the teeth to get the area numb before they gave him a "bubble" (that is what they call a shot).
He will need a permanent partial because it will be so long before his adult teeth come in. They are estimating him to be 8 - 9 yrs old before those adult teeth make their way in. Anyway, they were able to fit the bands and make an impression all while he was already there and relaxed.
It didn't take long at all and while he did cry and didn't like what was going on, he didn't put up too much of a fuss and he was very brave. He was never in pain and he wasn't scared. One of the best parts of the medicine they gave him is that he really doesn't remember what happened so he won't be afraid to go back to the dentist. By the time we got home he was his happy little self and ready to eat!
Now for the best part....


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Jocelyn Noveck
Marilyn Monroe. The Rolling Stones. And Bond � James Bond. What do they have in common?
Sure, one�s long gone, and one�s fictional. But all three marked a golden anniversary in 2012. And after a half-century in our pop-culture consciousness, they each displayed a surprisingly enduring appeal.
So even though, as a culture, we still worshiped at the fountain of youth this year, marveling at the precocious talents of a Lena Dunham, a Taylor Swift, and a slew of charming young Olympians, let�s also give a shout out to some of our most enduring icons. Turns out some things never go out of style.
Our highly subjective pop-culture journey through the year:
Here begins the incredible ascendance of Lena Dunham, as HBO picks up the actress-director-writer�s Girls, a meditation on the awkwardness of being female and 20-ish in New York. By year�s end Dunham, at 26, will have gathered so much buzz, she�ll be on her way to becoming what her character, Hannah Horvath, can only dream of being: �The voice of my generation. Or at least, A voice. Of A generation.�
Let�s hear it for the adults! Meryl Streep, 62, wins her third Oscar for The Iron Lady. It�s her 17th nomination, a record. The whole ceremony has a vintage feel: Billy Crystal is back as host a year after the rocky appearance of the �young and hip� hosts, James Franco and Anne Hathaway. The best supporting actor, Christopher Plummer, is 82, and the best picture, The Artist, is a throwback to silent films.
Meanwhile, all hail Madonna � at 54, not only does she score at the Super Bowl with her halftime show, but by year�s end, her MDNA global tour will be the highest grossing of any in 2012. (Second place? That goes to Bruce Springsteen, age 63.)
Enter springtime, and youth again: Billboard�s top moneymaker for 2011 is Taylor Swift, less than half Madonna�s age. In 2012, Swift will have the biggest sales week for any album in a decade, for Red. She also writes for the soundtrack of one of the year�s hottest movies, The Hunger Games.
Speaking of which, Jennifer Lawrence, 22, becomes a breakout star this year, rocketing to fame as Katniss Everdeen in the first installment of the Suzanne Collins trilogy.
In fashion, Marc Jacobs� Louis Vuitton show in Paris has models in Edwardian hats stepping off a reconstructed retro steam train, with valets carrying vintage-inspired hat boxes.
In technology news, Facebook buys Instagram for a cool $1 billion, banking on people�s insatiable desire to share photos of their most mundane moments.
And oh yes, it�s an election year, and it�s dog eat dog: Talk focuses on Seamus, GOP candidate Mitt Romney�s Irish setter. The pooch is long departed, but the image of him strapped to the roof of the family car, suffering gastric distress, is too much for many dog lovers to stomach (sorry) and will continue to dog Romney (sorry) for some time. Romney supporters, meanwhile, point out that Barack Obama sampled dog meat as a child.
The weather�s getting warm, and certain phrases are fast becoming ingrained into our consciousness. One of them is Call Me Maybe; Carly Rae Jepsen�s dangerously catchy tune hits No. 1 on iTunes. Another is Fifty Shades of Grey. The so-called �Mommy Porn� trilogy � the publishing sensation of the year � is banned by some public libraries because of its steamy content.
Call Me Maybe hits No. 1 on the Billboard chart. But let�s dedicate the month to Nora Ephron, the author, filmmaker and essayist whose searing wit put her in a class of her own. Her death at age 71 brings a flood of tributes.
And rarely does a secretary of state make it onto our pop culture radar, but let�s welcome Hillary Rodham Clinton, ever more popular, who wears green-and-purple, cat-eye sunglasses this month to swear in a purple-loving public servant. (By now she�s famous for her shades-wearing power texting, the subject of an Internet meme.) She apologizes for not wearing a purple pantsuit; it�s the only color she doesn�t own, she quips.
Who�d have thought the cheesy words �Hey, Sexy Lady� would go so far? South Korean singer PSY�s video of his song Gangnam Style, emerges this month and the rest is history � it will become the most watched YouTube clip of all time.
At the London Olympics, young athletes like the ebullient gymnast Gabby Douglas and swimmer Missy Franklin, both 17, shine, but Michael Phelps � now 27 � still shows fellow swimmers how it�s done, and 70-year-old Sir Paul McCartney delivers a soulful Hey Jude at the opening ceremony. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II gamely participates in a sketch in which she parachutes into the stadium.
Fifty years ago this month, Marilyn Monroe died, and look how a 1950s icon has become a 21st-century phenom. Her platinum locks, slightly parted ruby lips, and curvy, clinging styles are copied by actresses and singers from Madonna to Taylor Swift to Lindsay Lohan to Rihanna to Nicole Kidman. And there are a slew of Marilyn-themed enterprises on the horizon.
Meanwhile, crusty Clint Eastwood, 82, makes our night at the GOP convention with his infamous �empty chair� chat with President Obama. It becomes one of the enduring moments of the campaign, if also the most puzzling.
The most uninhibited person on the planet is now officially Dunham, who gets naked at the Emmys � she sits naked on a toilet and eats a birthday cake, to be precise, in an opening skit. At the MTV Video Music Awards, the boy band One Direction makes its mark as a new teen-girl obsession.
But look who�s also making waves: Bill Clinton, 66, who rocks the Democratic Convention with an energetic speech that shows he can still inspire the masses. As for little Sasha and Malia Obama, the country does a double-take; in four years they�ve become two mature and fashionable young women.
Binders full of women! Big Bird! Malarkey! Debate season is on, so let the instant memes begin. This is the first election where you could have followed the debates purely via Twitter.
Surprise, Dunham�s in the news again � and let no one doubt the value of pop-culture prominence, however ephemeral: Her new book deal with Random House is reportedly worth more than $3.5 million.
But let�s hear it for another 50th birthday: Edward Albee�s Who�s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is back on Broadway exactly a half-century after it first premiered, and it�s getting some of the best notices of the season.
Bond. James Bond. Embodied by the tough and chiseled Daniel Craig, the world�s most famous British spy is in better shape than ever as the franchise marks its 50th anniversary with Skyfall, regarded by many as one of the best Bond films.
Another iconic image doesn�t fare so well: Lohan�s turn as Liz Taylor in a new TV film is pilloried. Sometimes the original just shouldn�t be touched. And hail to the first statistician to achieve pop-culture cred: Blogger Nate Silver scores with his spot-on predictions of the election�s outcome.
And we must mention the oldest pop-culture hero of the year: Abraham Lincoln is back, courtesy of Steven Spielberg�s movie and a typically mesmerizing performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.
As the year ends, the world is abuzz with news of a royal pregnancy. Soon, a baby will be one of the biggest celebrities in the world.
But for now, let�s give a shout out to the Rolling Stones, whose average age is 68-plus, slightly older than the average Supreme Court justice. In five concerts marking their 50th year as a rock band, the grizzled foursome shows the world they still have the power to rock huge arenas (at huge prices), and upstage celebrity guests like Lady Gaga with their own charisma.
Along with aging rockers McCartney, Springsteen, the Who and Pink Floyd, they dominate a televised benefit for storm victims. As for Mick Jagger, who at 69 hasn�t lost any of those �moves like Jagger,� we can only say, to paraphrase the famous movie line: �We�ll have what he�s having.�


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Anne Dumont-Gravity Adaptable Jewelry
At Design Interviews
Interview with Anne DUMONT : Frank Scott: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?. Anne DUMONT : I want to create adaptable jewelry based on simply technique to create the most possible open concept. After the development of Jewel Box, I want to reach it using a most basic and universal principle of modularity. In this collection, I'm using the gravity, an universal resource and the threading, a technique very old and basic technique. .Frank Scott: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?. Anne DUMONT : To cevelop a concept of modularity based on fundamental techniques and resources. .Frank Scott: What are your future plans for this award winning design?. Anne DUMONT : I'm looking for a company for the industrialization and the commercialization of this concept. I imagine it with precious stones. .Frank Scott: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?. Anne DUMONT : 1 year .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. Anne DUMONT : This is my own inspiration, dreaming only to create a new concept of adaptable jewelry. This choice of modularity technique is the consequence of a lot of previous criteria for the technique I was looking for. .Frank Scott: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?. Anne DUMONT : I want to sell or lease the production rights (I want to continue to work as designer, to continue to develop this concept and also to develop other concept of adaptable jewelry - Currently I'm developing an other concept, named Mosaic, I'll present it next year to this competition) .Frank Scott: What made you design this particular type of work?. Anne DUMONT : I think that being civil engineer and at the same time having no classical knowledge in jewelry, when I have dreams of jewels or concepts, I'll find other ways to achieve it that somebody with all the jewellery knowledge. .Frank Scott: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?. Anne DUMONT : I do not think. Perhaps unconsciously? .Frank Scott: Who is the target customer for his design?. Anne DUMONT : People liking classis jewlry and precious materials, pearls, stones. .Frank Scott: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?. Anne DUMONT : - A very open concept of adaptable jewelry, based on very basic principles, perhaps the art of simplicity? - Light and delicate design .Frank Scott: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?. Anne DUMONT : The concept being vased on the gravity, the name was logic ... .Frank Scott: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?. Anne DUMONT : No design tool. Rof the beginning, I'm using only the pen and the sheet. After I 'm doing prototypes in my small studio. .Frank Scott: What is the most unique aspect of your design?. Anne DUMONT : Princess dreams with engineer technique! .Frank Scott: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?. Anne DUMONT : I collaborate with Serge Flecijn who is attorney. For the technical and design points, I'm alone. .Frank Scott: What is the role of technology in this particular design?. Anne DUMONT : For Gravity, the technology is really the base of the concept, the point on which all the concept is developed. All the Gravity concept depend on the choice of the technology used for the modularity (I'm now developing an other concept of adaptable jewelry, Mosaic : it is based on a other technology, so the design is completely different) .Frank Scott: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?. Anne DUMONT : My design is influenced by a physical and geometry thinking : which metal designs allows the threading and at the same time allows that when wear the jewel stay on the right way without losing pieces? Also the design has to be asthetically pleasant. .Frank Scott: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?. Anne DUMONT : Design for a designer is easy and pleasure, but the communication and the marketing to let discover the design, it is really difficult! Also, it is very expensive! .Frank Scott: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?. Anne DUMONT : I want to sell or lease the production rights. For this, I've to show Gravity. So I'm participating at awards hoping some prices and some publications in the press. .Frank Scott: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?. Anne DUMONT : With a great surprise, I discover that I've always new ideas, it never stop! .Frank Scott: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?. Anne DUMONT : First, I developped Jewel Box : this concept is based on the use of toys building bricks for it's modularity, a technique old of about 50 years. Second, I developped Gravity : this concept is based on the threading, a technique old about thousands of years. Actually I'm developing a third concept, Mosaic which will be the third part of this trilogy. To discover next year ... .
Anne Dumont-Gravity Adaptable Jewelry Images:
End of the article, click here to go back to previous page, or alternatively go back to Design Industrial homepage.


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Jean Tirole is the latest recipient of the Nobel prize in economics, as was announced Monday. For more background on his work, see NPR and the New Yorker. My favorite portion of Tirole's work (and, admittedly, pretty much the only part I've read) is his work on open source software communities. Much of this is joint work with Josh Lerner. Below I share a few selections from his work that indicate the general theme.
There are two main economic puzzles to open source software. First, why would highly skilled workers who earn a substantial hourly wage contribute their time to developing a product they won't directly sell (and how do they convince their employers, in some cases, to support this)? Second, given the scale of these projects, how do they self-govern to set priorities and direct effort?
The answer to the first question is a combination of personal reputation and the ability to develop complementary software (Lerner and Tirole, 2002, p. 215-217). Most software work is "closed source," meaning others can see the finished product but not the underlying code. For software developers, having your code out in the open gives others (especially potential collaborators or employers) the chance to assess your abilities. This is important to ensure career mobility. Open source software is also a complement to personal or professional projects. When there are components that are common across many projects, such as an operating system (Linux) or web framework (Rails), it makes sense for many programmers to contribute their effort to build a better mousetrap. This shared component can then improve everyone's future projects by saving them time or effort. The collaboration of many developers also helps to identify bugs that may not have been caught by any single individual. Some of Tirole's earlier work on collective reputations is closely related, as their appears to be an "alumni effect" for developers who participated in successful projects.
Tirole and Lerner's answer to the second question revolves around leadership. Leaders are often the founders of or early participants in the open software project. Their skills and early membership status instill trust. As the authors put it, other programmers "must believe that the leader's objectives are sufficiently congruent with theirs and not polluted by ego-driven, commercial, or political biases. In the end, the leader's recommendations are only meant to convey her information to the community of participants." (Lerner and Tirole, 2002, p. 222) This relates to some of Tirole's other work, with Roland Benabou, on informal laws and social norms.
Again, this is only a small portion of Tirole's work, but I find it fascinating. There's more on open source governance in the archives. This post on reputation in hacker culture or this one on the Ruby community are good places to start.


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There won't be any Oscars for YouTube videos this year, despite Roger Ebert's best efforts. But the video site might soon be going Hollywood.
New York magazine's Vulture site reports that YouTube is talking to agents about paying celebrities to start their own channels on the site. The stars would maintain ownership of the content, while YouTube would keep any ad revenue, according to Vulture.
The set-up could mark the start of a new media meld that raises great possibilities – along with concerns that YouTube, the people's video site, could morph into an overly-commercial, virtual version of Tinseltown.
U.S. & World
The arrangement, in theory, could bring artists more freedom, making them less beholden to TV and movie studio executive conceptions of what sells. They'd be forced to be more creative, given probably tight budgets and the confines of the relatively short-form videos Internet users have come to expect, whether viewing news reports, homemade YouTube pieces or comic shorts on Funny or Die.
YouTube, which gets 2 billion hits a day, would prove a powerful platform for the celebrities, particularly with the promotion and prime placement their channels almost certainly would get. The special channels also would help viewers wade their way through the site, which receives some 35 hours of uploads a minute.
Whether the new channels would hurt other media – or whether that matters at a time when the public is increasingly finding entertainment online – is up for debate. The cross-pollination might actually help promote movies and boost TV, as we're already seeing with HBO's version of "Funny or Die," "Tosh.0" on Comedy Central and Hulu, where plenty of folks catch-up with shows from NBC, ABC, Fox and other outlets.
But would a YouTube filled with celebrity channels kill the DIY spirit that's driven the site since it's 2005 debut? The charm and genius of YouTube is that anybody has a shot at virtual fame, whether it's a little boy whose baby brother chomped his finger or an aspiring filmmaker whose visually arresting video about New York City after the post-Christmas snowstorm got Ebert talking Oscar.
We realize that money needs to be made, but we'd be somewhat concerned about the potential invasiveness of the advertising attached to the celebrity channels. We'd also hope that the Google-owned site would constantly search for potential celebrity channel candidates among its ranks of unknown but talented uploaders.
While it's unclear how all this might play out, we're hopeful given previous YouTube efforts to enlist the hoi polloi to raise the quality of its content, through its art projects, virtual orchestra and "Life in a Day" movie.
For the uninitiated, "Life in a Day" is a 90-minute pastiche of some of the 80,000 videos of ordinary life scenes taped on July 24 and uploaded to YouTube. The movie recently debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and is set for a commercial release this summer – making it eligible for next year's Academy Awards.
As for whether YouTube becomes its own branch Hollywood, with all the benefits and drawbacks that entails, we'll be watching.
Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NYCity News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is the former City Editor of the New York Daily News, where he started as a reporter in 1992. Follow him on Twitter.


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Tony Wells, the chief marketing officer at 24 Hour Fitness, San Ramon, CA, announced last week that he is leaving the company.
Wells has accepted a position as the chief marketing and customer officer of The ADT Corp., a division of Tyco International Ltd, which announced Wells' hiring last Friday. He will begin his new role on May 21.
Wells was hired in 2007 by 24 Hour CEO Carl Liebert, a teammate of his on the U.S. Naval Academy basketball team in the 1980s. Wells came to 24 Hour from Visa USA Inc., where he was vice president of partnership marketing.
"It's been an amazing five years of growth, learning and unbelievable experiences," Wells wrote in an email to colleagues at 24 Hour. "I've been able to play a small part in growing this great brand, accomplishing some major achievements and maximizing our shareholder's value. I would like to thank Carl, who's been a great boss, coach, mentor and friend."
Wells also wrote that Bill Quinn will serve as the interim CMO at 24 Hour.
ADT, a provider of electronic security, interactive automation and related monitoring services for residences and small businesses in North America, will become an independent company later this year after separating from Tyco, which is based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.


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Congratulations to the winner of the Pooches & Pickups fat quarter bundle! Special thanks to Laurie Wisbrun and Robert Kaufman fabrics for providing the prize.
The winner is #54, Reen, who blogs at Laney Family Crafts.
I have two grandsons who would love these fabrics! I like the gray/blue/green combination and would add a stripe, and a "green light" block to your darling quilt.
Congratulations! I'll look forward to seeing what you make for your grandsons! Please contact me with your mailing address and I'll get your prize out to you ASAP.
Hope you're all having a fantastic day!


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The Carnival of Venice is a festival that's steeped in history, vibrant colors, outlandish costumes, spectacular masks and of course a whole host of events make the Carnival of Venice one of the most popular times to visit the wonderful City of Masks!!
Venice is such a beautiful and amazing city that it really doesn't need a Carnival to attract even more tourists, but the Venice Carnival is definitely one of the city's top events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors during a time of year that might otherwise be quiet. During the 1970's, the Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centerpiece of their efforts.
You have nearly two weeks to come to Venice and enjoy the carnival festivities and to really be involved in all the fun, you'll also want to buy or make a mask to partake in the festivities and to really enjoy them to their fullest capacity. The costumes, masks and an assortment of events that happen around Venice Carnival time, means that families with children can enjoy it too, after all, what child doesn't like dressing up in a costume?
Once you've got your costume and mask sorted out you'll want to know where all fun is taking place! There are events around most of the city during the Carnival so you shouldn't have to look very far.
The Carnival of Venice historically had a reputation for attracting Europe's aristocracy, but it was also a time when the poorer of society could dress up and mingle with the upper classes. Venice still has a reputation for being a very expensive city though, if you're on a budget don't let this put you off on visiting the Carnival of Venice as you can actually visit Venice on a shoestring budget.
The Carnival of Venice starts around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
Venetian Carnival Masks
Masks have always been a central feature of the carnival; traditionally people were allowed to wear them between the festival of Santo Stefan (St. Stephen's Day, December 26th) and the start of the carnival season and midnight of Shrove Tuesday. They have always been around Venice. As masks were also allowed for Ascension and from October 5th to Christmas, people could spend a large proportion of the year in disguise. Maskmakers (mascherari) enjoyed a special position in society, with their own laws and their own guild.
Venetian masks can be made in leather or with the original glass technique. The original masks were rather simple in design and decoration and often had a symbolic and practical function. Nowadays, most of them are made with the application of gesso and gold leaf and are all hand painted using natural feathers and gems to decorate.
Bauta is the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding. One may find masks sold as Bautas that cover only the upper part of the face from the forehead to the nose and upper cheeks, thereby concealing identity but enabling the wearer to talk and eat or drink easily. It tends to be the main type of mask worn during the Carnival. It was used also on many other occasions as a device for hiding the wearer's identity and social status. It would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the society outside the bounds of identity and everyday convention. It was thus useful for a variety of purposes, some of them illicit or criminal, others just personal, such as romantic encounters.
In the 18th century, the Bauta had become a standardized society mask and disguise regulated by the Venetian government. It was obligatory to wear it at certain political decision making events when all citizens were required to act anonymously as peers. Only citizens of Venice had the right to use the Bauta. Its role was similar to the anonymizing processes invented to guarantee general direct, free, equal and secret ballots in modern democracies.
It was not allowed for the wearer to carry weapons along with the mask, and police had the right to enforce this ruling.
The moretta is an oval mask of black velvet that was usually worn by women visiting convents. It was invented in France and rapidly became popular in Venice as it brought out the beauty of feminine features. The mask was finished off with a veil, and was secured in place by a small bit in the wearer's mouth.
Volto or Larva
The "Volto" was the more common mask used in Venice for centuries. Volto, means "face", a design that is was the most common, simplest mask.
Mask Makers
The mascherari, or mask makers had their own statute date 10 April 1436. They belonged to the fringe of painters and were helped in their task by sign painters who drew faces onto plaster in a range of different shapes and paying extreme attention to detail.


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Elephant Dung #21: O'Reilly challenges Palin over entitlements for the poor
I'm not sure this was really a sign of the deeper Republican crack-up as much as it was about O'Reilly just being fed up with Palin's platitudinous right-wing bullshit:
It's hard to say why it happened, but all of a sudden Bill O'Reilly decided last night to stop tossing Sarah Palin the usual softball questions and Hannity Jobs she's become accustomed to during her tenure at Fox News. He asked her to finally get specific instead of bloviating in vague generalities about where and how she's achieve the budget cuts she's calling for.
Yes, O'Reilly actually looked compassionate and sane next to Palin, who responded to O'Reilly's comment about how there are "a lot of people on the dole" in Alaska by, predictably, blaming the federal government and calling for more irresponsible environmental misuse ("tap into energy resources").
In the meantime, you have to wonder how much longer Palin is going to enjoy her free ride at Fox. If O'Reilly is toughening up on her, that probably means Roger Ailes is getting close to throwing her to the wolves.
Well, I'm not sure we're there quite yet, but it's abundantly clear that many on the right, and within the GOP, have grown tired of Palin's idiocy, however popular she may remain with the base.
Here, watch and enjoy:
Labels: Alaska, Bill O'Reilly, Elephant Dung, entitlement programs, Fox News, Sarah Palin


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Isle Of Man Charging One Pound Per Month For Unlimited Music
Rebuilding copyright for the digital age. It's a massive task, but perhaps crafting a new and digitally coherent way of protecting content for creators while exploiting the web's distribution network would be easier than trying to batter a centuries old system into something that will work today.
One conceptually intriguing but practically complex solution would be an internet tax, payable through every web connection to cover all copyrighted material online.
Content owners would have to register their work with some giant central rights database (surely YouTube has made a start with that?) but users could download anything and everything they fancied, in whatever form and through whichever platform they preferred. It would legitimise file sharing amongst others.
But where in the world would this tangled web of online content ever become a reality?
In the Isle of Man, says the New York Times, where a proposal would allow the population of 80,000 to pay £1 per month on top of their broadband charge and have unlimited music downloads.
'Blanket licensing' was proposed in France in 2006 but turned down after furious lobbying from copyright owners. They prefer the 'disconnect them' approach, which seems rather Canutist in the face of illegal music that accounts for 95% of digital music, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
Its chief executive John Kennedy dismissed the proposal as "a state-imposed tax that would be unworkable in practice and discriminate against consumers who want Internet access without music services".
Meanwhile, the Isle of Man's inward investment department has started talks with record labels.
Given the island's record in launching 3G phones before the rest of the world and its 70% broadband penetration, this could become a fascinating experiment.


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A complete catalogue of all works of art in this program is accessible through the indexes on this screen. You may search the entire program by artist, by medium, or by date.
Searching through these indexes will take you to images of each work of art selected and to other works of art by the same artist, to information about many of the works, to biographies of all artists represented in the program, and to the Learning Activities associated with selected works of art, including all images appearing on the Timeline.


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Call EPA 24 hours a day.1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC)
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Victoria's unique rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coasts are home to millions of creatures and are highly valued by all Victorians. They sustain us, our way of living and our future. We all impact on them through everyday activities, so we must all work together to better manage our actions and reduce our impacts.
Victoria has a diverse range of marine environments.
Page last updated on 5 Dec 2018


text: Experience a year-round playground in Whistler, wrapped in Four Seasons comfort and intuitive care. Canada's only AAA Five-Diamond property, Four Seasons Resort Whistler is dedicated to perfecting your travel experience through the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings with 273 modern-rustic rooms and suites, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, the resort embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best.In addition to elegant, spacious accommodations, guests enjoy an award-winning spa and mountainside dining, plus easy access to the awe-inspiring mountains of Whistler Blackcomb. In summer, the Mountain Product Store conveniently located in the hotel will assist with bike rentals and storage of equipment. From daily wine tasting receptions to outdoor barbecues on the patio every Thursday and live local music performing three times a week in the bar, there is no shortage of activity on or off property. Amenities Room Types Special Offers Reviews Map COVID-19 Services24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, Concierge desk, Housekeeping - daily, Pet FriendlyRecreationFitness Room, Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Steam RoomParkingParkingLocationShuttle to Lift, Walk to LiftInternetHi-Speed Internet, Wireless Internet (free)Equipment StorageSki ConciergeDiningRestaurant, Room serviceAccessibilityWheelchair accessible building, Pool Access for the Mobility Restricted Resort Room: Resort Rooms offer a cosy wood interior, a gas fireplace and views of the courtyard or forest. Approximately 520 sq ft. 1 king bed.Superior Room: Superior Rooms are generously proportioned and offer a cosy wood interior, gas fireplace and a step-out balcony with views of the courtyard, forest or mountains. Approximately 550 sq ft. 1 king bed.Deluxe Room: Deluxe Rooms offer a cosy wood interior, gas fireplace and a balcony with views of the surrounding mountains or the courtyard. Approximately 550 sq ft. 1 king bed or 2 twin beds and one sofabed in the living area.Premier Room: Featuring the best available views of the surrounding mountains, Premier Rooms are generously proportioned and offer a balcony, cosy wood interior and gas fireplace. Approximately 580 sq ft. 1 king bed or 2 twin beds and one sofabed in the living area. Four Seasons Executive Suite: These suites are well-suited for families, with a bedroom separated from the living area by a door. A balcony offers views of the courtyard or the surrounding mountains, while a wood interior and gas-burning fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere. Approximately 800 sq ft. 1 king bed and one sofabed in the living room.Deluxe Four Seasons Executive Suite: Deluxe Four Seasons Executive Suites are perfectly suited for families or those on longer stays, with a bedroom separated from the living area by a door. A balcony offers views of the surrounding mountains. Approximately 850 sq ft. 1 king bed and one sofabed in the living room.


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Currently in Studio G at the Mohn Broadcast Center I'm working on an underwriting spot for the Hammer Museum featuring the Mandala project. Many years ago I attended a demonstration observing the detailed, pain-staking process Tibetan monks do to create a sand mandala. Placing the smallest grains of sand in a perfect design and then sweep it all away. Amazing!
Hammer Museum presents the Mandala Project. This is a two-week program which features the construction of a Tibetan sand mandala by a team of traditionally trained Lamas from Nepal. Comprised of millions of grains of colored sand, the sacred painting represents boundless compassion, purity and clarity. Visitors may view the monks at work during the 10-day ceremony, Oct 26-Nov 7. More at http://hammer.ucla.edu.
(Audio clip is an underwriting spot for the Hammer Museum featuring a musical excerpt of You Tube video mandala sand demonstration. MPR voice talent is John Zech.)


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required by other agencies and their needs complement its program objective. Work done for State, county and municipal agencies is almost always done on a cost-sharing basis.
Most of the funds received by the Survey in fiscal year 1982, both appropriations and reimbursements, are distributed through budget activities that roughly correspond to its mapping, geologic, hydrologic, information transfer, administration, facilities, and regulatory areas of responsibility. During fiscal year 1982, the "Conservation of Lands and Minerals" activity ($129.9 million) in the "Surveys, Investigations, and Research" account functioned under the name "Minerals Management Service." in fiscal year 1983, portions of Offshore Geology and the support organizations will be transferred to the new Minerals Management Service which will have, given Congressional approval, its own appropriation account.
At the end of fiscal year 1982, the U.S. Geological Survey had 7,293 permanent fulltime employees on board, a decrease of 2,145 from fiscal year 1981. Most of this decrease was associated with the transfer of personnel to the Minerals Management Service. More than one-half of the Survey's permanent full-time staff are professional scientists, and approximately one-fourth are technical specialists. Hydrologists and geologists predominate among the professional group, which includes members of more than 30 other disciplines, such as geophysicists, cartographers, chemists, and engineers.
The Survey's work has been accomplished with a virtually level full-time work force since 1973; moderate increases in the Geologic Division and the support Divisions have been offset by decreases in the National Mapping and Water Resources Divisions. The additional workload on these scientifically oriented components has been supported in part by the rapid expansion in the use of grants and contractual services and, in part, by the extensive use of temporary and part-time personnel.
The number of these other-than-full-time permanent employees has more than doubled since 1973 and includes many students and faculty members from colleges and universities and summer hires from various categories. The Survey has profited greatly from its association with the academic community. The expertise of many eminent specialists has become available to the Survey in this manner and has given it great flexibility in solving problems and meeting surges in its workload, especially during the field season. The relationship also has been an invaluable channel for recruiting young professionals of demonstrated ability for permanent full-time
positions upon the completion of their studies.
Minerals Management Service Formed From Conservation Division
The U.S. Geological Survey has often been referred to as the "Mother of Bureaus" because many of its activities have led to the formation of new organizations when a managerial or developmental function evolved. Some of the organizations that have emerged from the Geological Survey include the Reclamation Service in 1901(now the Bureau of Reclamation), the Bureau of Mines in 1910, the Federal Power Commission in 1920, and the Grazing Service in 1934 (since combined with other functions into the Bureau of Land Management).
During the last year, the Geological Survey has gone through yet another partitioning. On January 19, 1982, Secretary Watt announced his decision to establish a Minerals Management Service, originally to consist of the Geological Survey's Conservation Division. In May 1982, the decision was made to consolidate all 008 lease-related functions within the Minerals Management Service. This action involved moving components from the Bureau of Land Management and Office of Policy Analysis, as well as part of the Geological Survey's marine geology program. Subsequently, the decision was made to consolidate onshore mineral-leasing functions of the Minerals Management Service and the Bureau of Land Management within the Bureau of Land Management, and in the case of Indian Lands, within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. However, this later action did not directly impact the Geological Survey. Harold E. Doley, Jr., was appointed as the first Director of the Minerals Management Service. The Minerals Management Service reports to the Assistant Secretary for Energy and Minerals. The Secretary's decisions were made to accomplish several objectives: strengthen the royalty-accounting function; streamline lease-related activities; and strengthen the scientific capability and image of the Geological Survey. The Secretary has stated on several occasions his desire for the Geological Survey to be his principal scientific advisor. It is his belief that these decisions will place us in a better position to fulfill this role.
Formation of the Minerals Management Service had a significant impact on the Survey. The total Survey budget was reduced by 29 percent ($150 million) and total personnel was reduced by 23 percent (2,400 positions).
During the process of forming the Minerals Management Service, several questions were raised about the division of responsibilities. The marine geology question has been specifically addressed, and the decision was made that the Geological Survey will retain the responsibility for marine geologic research to include, among other things, regional geologic studies and hazards evaluation and assessment of potential seabed mineral resources.
Formation of the Minerals Management Service should permit the Geological Survey to focus more clearly on its principal mission as defined in the Organic Act of 1879, which is "to classify the public lands, examine the geologic structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain. . . The Geological Survey looks forward to fulfilling this traditional role as well as to cooperating with the Minerals Management Service and the Bureau of Land Management in their new undertaking.
Awards and Honors
Each year employees of the U.S. Geological Survey receive awards that range from modest monetary awards to recognition of their achievements by large professional societies. The large number of these awards attests to the quality of the individuals who are the U.S. Geological Survey. This year, the Survey wishes to acknowledge those individuals who either received high honors from or were elected to high office in professional societies and those individuals who received the Department of the Interior's highest award.
Walter B. Langbein, Senior Staff Hydrologist, received the 1982 International Prize in Hydrological Sciences from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences for his long career of scientific excellence and accomplishment.
Francis T. Schaefer, Assistant Northeastern Regional Hydrologist, was named the "Engineer of the Year" by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Charles W. Spencer, Research Geologist, was given the Levorsen Award of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. The award is presented annually for the paper that best reflects creative thinking toward new ideas in petroleum exploration.
Richard F. Meyer, Research Geologist, received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists "for outstanding contributions in the field of national and international energy resources and for eminent service to this country and AAPG."
Robert B. Halley, Research Geologist, was appointed a Distinguished Lecturer by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. His lecture, which was entitled "Evolution of Carbonate Porosity During BurialBahamas, Florida, Gulf Coast, Jurassic to Holocene," was presented at 10 institutions.
Honors From Foreign Governments
George E. Ericksen, Research Geologist, was honored for this work in geology and institutional development in Peru at a ceremony in Lima on March 22, 1982, on the 80th anniversary of the Cuerpo do Ingenieros de Minas, Peru's first national geological/ mining institute.
Presidents of Professional Societies
Service in professional societies is one of the important professional contributions a scientist can make. Societies play a fundamental role in the distribution of new knowledge, in addition to providing a forum in which new ideas are tested. The active participation of Survey scientists in professional societies attests to the scientific vitality of the Bureau. The Bureau is particularly proud of those individuals who have been elected to society presidencies by their professional peers. They includes the following:
Bruce R. Doe Geochemical Society of America;
Frederick J. Doyle International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing;
Philip E. Greeson American Water Resources Association;
J. Howard McCarthy, Jr. Association of Exploration Geochemists;
Douglas J. Nichols American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists;
Edwin D. Roedder Mineralogical Society of America; and
Donald E. White Society of Economic Geologists.
Presidents (or chairmen) of sections in large interdisciplinary societies include the following:
G. Brent Dalrymple Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology Section (American Geophysical Union); and
Leonard A. Wood Hydrogeology Division (Geological Society of America).
Department of the Interior Distinguished Service Awards
The highest honor given by the Department of the Interior is the Distinguished Service Award. This award for careers in challenging and difficult assignments was given to 13 U.S. Geological Survey employees this year. These individuals and the bases for their awards were as follows:
Paul B. Barton, Jr., Deputy for Scientific Programs in the Office of Mineral Resources, for his imaginative scientific research on the mineralogy, chemistry, and origin of hydrothermal ore deposits, the inspiration and source of ideas he has provided his coworkers, and the
international prestige he has brought to the Geological Survey;
Peter F. Bermel, Assistant Division Chief for Plans and Operations (NMD), for his exemplary and resourceful leadership, his scientific integrity, and his distinguished career as an administrator;
John D. Bredehoeft, Western Regional Hydrologist, in recognition of his major contributions to the development of this country's water resources;
Robert J. Dingman, former Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Scientific Publications and Data Management, for his exceptional contributions to the field of hydrology;
Frederick J. Doyle, Senior Adviser for Cartography, for his exceptional contributions to the National Mapping Program;
Doyle G. Frederick, Associate Director, for his many significant contributions in the development and management of cartographic and earth sciences programs of the Geological Survey;
Wayne E. Hall, Research Geologist, for his many contributions as a scientist and as an administrator and in recognition of the prestige he has brought to the Geological Survey;
Warren Hamilton, Research Geologist, for his highly innovative research on the relationships of fundamental geologic processes to tectonics and for the international prestige he has brought to the Geological Survey;
Gerald Meyer, former Ground Water Branch Chief, for his exceptional contributions to the development of ground-water programs and resources;
Avery W. Rogers, Western Region Management Officer, in recognition of his essential support role which has contributed so significantly to the accomplishment of the Geological Survey's Western Region scientific and research programs;
Hansford T. Shacklette, Research Botanist, in recognition of his eminent career as a scientist and of his exceptional contributions to the important fields of environmental geochemistry and mineral exploration geochemistry;
Norman F. Sohl, Chairman of the Bureau's Geologic Names Committee, in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and the excellence of his scientific reports; and
David 8. Stewart, Research Geologist, in recognition of his outstanding research in experimental studies of rock-forming minerals and his contributions to the national program to manage nuclear wastes.
National Mapping, Geography, and
The National Mapping Division conducts the United States National Mapping Program to make cartographic and geographic information available in graphic and digital form. A family of general-purpose maps in various formats and scales, as well as basic cartographic data, is being produced in four regional Mapping Centers to meet the expanding mapping needs of the Nation. The Division prints Survey map products and stores and distributes all Survey map, text, and photography products. The Division operates the National Cartographic Information Centers, the Earth Resources Observation Systems Data Center, and the Public Inquiries Offices.
Major Activities
' Primary quadrangle mapping and revision. About 1,135 revised and 950 new standard topographic maps were published. Most were in the 75-minute 1:24,000-scale series (fig. 1), Alaska being the exception where the 1:63,360-scale series is the primary quadrangle map coverage. Currently, 15 States have complete published topographic map coverage at 1:24,000 scale, and, overall, 79 percent of the conterminous United States is available in published form at this scale.
' Small-scale and special mapping. Complete topographic coverage is available for the United States in the 1:250,000 small-scale map series. The intermediate-scale (1:50,000 and 1:100,000) series (fig. 2) is available for more than 70 percent of the conterminous United States. More than 70 topographic/bathymetric maps were published for coastal area planning. Land use and land cover maps are complete for 2.1 million square miles.
' Information and data services; acquisition and dissemination of information about U.S. maps, charts, and aerial and space photographs and imagery; geodetic
control, cartographic and geographic
digital data, and other related informa
tion; distribution of earth science infor
mation to the public; and sale of map
and map-related products through more I than 2,500 private retailers.
' Advanced development and engineering; to improve the quality of standard products; to provide new products, such as digital cartographic data, that make maps and map-related information more useful to users; to reduce costs and to increase productivity of mapping activities; to acquire innovative and more useful equipment; and to design and develop techniques and systems to advance the mapping of important highpriority areas of the country.
' Cartographic and geographic research; with particular emphasis on spatial data techniques for studies using modern geographic analysis with new and improved cartographic concepts and techniques.
' Digital mapping to produce base categories of cartographic data at common standards of content, accuracies, and formats suitable for computer-based analysis.
Budget and Personnel
For fiscal year 1982, National Mapping Division available funding amounted to about $87 million. Included are funds from 34 States, which, together with matching Federal funds, amounted to about $6 million for joint funding agreements for mapping. These joint funding projects mutually benefit the State and national programs by ensuring completion of map coverage sooner than would otherwise be possible.
The permanent full-time personnel strength of the Division at the end of fiscal year 1982 was 1,840, encompassing a variety of professional skills incuding geography, cartography, data processing, engineering, physical science, and photographic and remote-sensing technology.


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Man dies after rescue from Miami garage rubble
Updated at 2:10 p.m. ET
MIAMI A third victim of a massive parking garage collapse at a Miami college died Thursday morning, just hours after rescuers pulled him from beneath piles of twisted steel and crumbled concrete, police said.
Samuel Perez, 53, had been trapped in the collapse Wednesday at Miami Dade College. He was beneath the rubble for about 13 hours, communicating with rescuers before he was taken to a hospital. He was first discovered after workers heard his cries, and crews were saddened to hear he had died, said Miami-Dade Police Lt. Rosanna Cordero-Stutz.
Authorities said they no longer expected to find anyone else alive and expected to pull a fourth person from what remained of the five-story structure that had been under construction. One worker was still missing, said Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief David Downey.
William P. Byrne, president and chief executive officer of the garage contractor, Ajax Building Corp., said during a news conference Thursday there was "no warning whatsoever" that anything was wrong.
"We have absolutely no idea what caused this incident," Byrne told reporters.
Byrne previously said an internal review was being launched to determine the cause. Byrne said the company would embrace "any additional protocols, policies and procedures that will enhance and ensure the continued priority of safety."
Steve Budhoo said his brother Robert was still missing in the rubble. Steve Budhoo was huddling with family members Thursday at a hotel near the garage site. Authorities would not confirm Budhoo was among the missing, but his brother said his family feared the news that would come.
"We break down and we console each other. We are just going through the motions," said a visibly shaken Budhoo.
Besides Perez, police identified the other two men who died as Jose Calderon and Carlos Hurtado de Mendoza, 48. They died at hospitals after being rescued. All three of the dead worked for subcontractors of Ajax Building Corp., Byrne said.
Another man was pulled out alive and brought to a hospital shortly after the collapse, Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue spokeswoman Griselle Marino said. A video shot by Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue and provided to The Associated Press showed four firefighters pulling him out from under a steel beam. His face and hands were bloody, and he was carried away on a stretcher.
At least seven workers were brought to the hospital with unidentified injuries, while an eighth was treated on the scene and sent home.
There were no students in the area because the garage was under construction. The campus was evacuated and closed for the rest of the week. Officials said there was no visible damage to other buildings, but even a hairline fracture could compromise safety.
The garage is connected to the campus' main building.
"Very concerning to us was that this facility was about to open. Had this collapse happened just a couple of months from now, it would have been a totally different story. So for that reason, we're not going to leave a stone unturned," said Juan Mendieta, spokesman for Miami Dade College.
Mendieta said the project was put out for a competitive bidding process and was in compliance with state laws.
Victoria Buczynski of Miami said she saw the collapse while working at Gurkha Cigars across the street from the construction site.
"It fell to the ground like a house of cards," Buczynski said. "The construction workers started running out, screaming. It was loud. Our entire building shook."
Byrne said crews were putting in a "spandrel beam" on the day of the collapse. The beam, a five-story, pre-cast concrete puzzle piece that was to attach to an elevator shaft, was still hanging from a crane near the wreckage Thursday.
Ground was broken on the $22.5 million project in February, and the 1,855-space garage was to be finished in December, according to Ajax's website. The first floor was to have classroom and office space. The structure is next to the college's main office building and nestled among other campus buildings.
The college serves about 8,000 students and is one of several campuses in the Miami Dade College system. The campus opened in 2006.


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Top prospects set, clear table for Tiburones
Rangers' Sardinas, White Sox's Sanchez combine for pair of runs, four RBIs in win
Venezuelan Winter League
La Guaira 6, Caracas 2 Edgmer Escalona scattered just one earned run over four innings for La Guaira on Sunday, as Rangers No. 2 prospect Luis Sardinas and White Sox No. 9 prospect Carlos Sanchez combined to go 3-for-6 with two runs and two triples at the top of the order. Indians No. 17 prospect Jesus Aguilar went 2-for-4 with a run for Caracas, and veteran Bobby Abreu went 1-for-4. Box score
Magallanes 6, Zulia 4 The two teams combined for 22 hits, but Magallanes overcame four errors for its second win of the season. Left fielder Lew Ford went 4-for-4 with a double and a triple for the victors, while catcher Jesus Flores went 1-for-5 with a run. Box score
Aragua 6, Lara 2 Seven batters recorded hits to help Aragua stay undefeated on the season, with Juan Infante going yard. Jairo Perez went 3-for-4 with three doubles for Lara, which also got six scoreless innings of one-hit ball from Anthony Vasquez. Box score
Margarita 5, Caribes 3 Margarita earned its first win of the season with an 11-hit output and a two-run ninth inning to seal it. Manny Pina, Antoan Richardson and Adam Duvall each recorded multihit games, while Oscar Salazar went 2-for-4 for Caribes. Box score
Mexican Pacific League
Obregon 8, Mexicali 5 Iker Franco cleared the bases with a three-run double in the top of the 12th to give Obregon the victory in the extra-innings slugfest. The two teams combined for 26 hits, with Dan Robertson homering for Obregon and Ricky Alvarez going yard as part of a 3-for-5 day for Mexicali. Veteran Karim Garcia went 0-for-5 for Obregon while reliever Jeremy Accardo took the blown save in one inning of work for Mexicali. Box score
Guasave 8, Los Mochis 7 After the two teams combined for nine runs in the first inning, the bullpens settled things down in Guasave's first win of the season. Marco Tovar was rocked for five runs in two-thirds of an inning, but Jesus Pirela threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the win. Jonathan Castellanos also threw just two-thirds of an inning for Los Mochis, surrendering four runs. Jesus Avila went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Los Mochis, and Mark Hamilton and Zelous Wheeler each homered for Guasave. Box score
Hermosillo 3, Navojoa 1 Barry Enright allowed just one run while scattering five hits over 5 1/3 innings, besting Jose Oyervidez (two runs on four hits in five innings) in the teams' first game of the season. Jerry Owens went 1-for-4 with a double and Yunesky Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer for Hermosillo. Rolando Acosta went 3-for-4 for Navojoa. Box score
Mazatlan 6, Culiacan 5 A four-run ninth inning propelled Mazatlan to its first win of the season on Sunday. Each of its six runs came in the last two innings against Culiacan's bullpen, as Issmael Salas and Jose Orozco homered. Refugio Cervantes went 3-for-4 with a homer for Culiacan. Amauri Sanit took a no-decision after 7 1/3 innings of one-hit, one-run ball for Culiacan. Box score
Australian Baseball League
Canberra 7, Perth 6 Both starters -- Warwick Saupold for Perth and John Holdzkom for Canberra -- gave up six runs in Sunday's ABL Championship, though Canberra's bullpen was able to keep Perth at bay for the remainder of the game after Holdzkom's 4 2/3 innings. Just five hitters between the two teams' starting lineups did not record a hit, and catcher Jack Murphy led the way for Canberra with a 3-for-4 day, including a double. Kody Hightower and Michael Wells both homered, while Perth's Luke Hughes tripled and drove in two runs. Box score


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14 count aida cloth
Tapestry needle
Embroidery hoop
DMC floss (see the pattern for color numbers)
Final Measurements
19 stitches w X 23 high
Approximately 1 ?" X 2 ?" (3.4 X 4.2 cm) on 14 count aida
Use 3-ply for all stitches
Right click and select "Save Target As"
© Mountain Harmony's original pattern was taken from Mountain Harmony Creations and turned into a cross-stitching pattern by Leaky Crafty Witch Josée Leblanc with permission. DMC color recommendations and Final Picture were made by Joannakath on the Leaky Lounge.


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Ask a Question Reserve Your Seat Share Your Experience Contact Us
All kids under 18yrs are given a $250 discount on ALL river trips.
When paying in full redeem discount register each kid as an "Individual" and use coupon code KIDZ.
Please enter information in the form below to process registration for event July 20 - 25, 2020.
Our Trips are Licensed through a
special use permit with the
Salmon Chalis National Forest


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This weekend, those of you who aren't heading down to ATP may well be considering or already planning a trip to another part of the coast: Brighton's The Great Escape is in its second year and has expanded to encompass more new bands then there might actually be left in the world. DiS's Gareth Dobson braves the 'who?'s and the 'why?'s to select five acts that you might not have checked out yet... but probably should.
For more information on The Great Escape, click to its official website here; for details of the line-ups on DiS's stage, at the Zap Club, and to download our special podcast preview, click here.
Bonde do Role
Post-CSS, it seems only right – or ripe? – for more Brazilian flair to hit these shores. BDR are a trio from the city of Curitiba now signed to Domino in the UK. The vibe is once again 'party', as the three-piece blend rock samples with traditional Brazilian Baile rhythms. Already tipped as a band to watch this year, they've been added to the Club NME line-up on the same night as their showcase gig.
See them at: Pressure Point, 19 May
Hear them at: MySpace
Redlight Company
One of the newest or, at least, most unheralded of the bands playing this year's TGE, Redlight Company exude enough promise to suggest that they'll have a rather fine 18 months or so. The between anthemic rock in the vein of early U2, Disintegration-era Cure (but not as grindingly austere) and more driving, US-styled indie. They look pretty good, too. Definitely a band to check out and tick your 'already seen them, hah!' boxes. You indie snobs.
See them at: Engine Room, 18 May
Hear them at: MySpace
The Besnard Lakes
No DrownedinSound preview would be complete without the highlighting of one ubiquitously ace Canadian band or other, and this year's shindig offers The Besnard Lakes. Big slabs of slo-mo, progressive, psychedelic guitar rock combine with echoing chamber sounds and crashing percussion. After their seaside shows, the band head out on an inaugural UK tour, supported by Land of Talk. The octet's new record features guest appearances by the likes of The Dears, Stars and Godspeed!... so that should give you a fair idea of what to expect.
See them at: King And Queen, 17 May
Hear them at: MySpace
Six Icelanders making filthy Cramps-esque garage-rock blended with electro-indie throbbing. Kind of like The Horrors infused with ELO but less morally impure and with a wry smile instead of a shitty velvet smoking jacket and Victorian frilly shirt. Propulsive and sonically damning, they're a joyous live proposition and an antidote to both the po-faced and those who promote urban mediocrity.
See them at: Audio (downstairs), 18 May
Hear them at: MySpace
The Early Years
The Early Years are fantastic. Fine purveyors of psychedelic, circling drone-rock a la Spacemen 3 with a sweet underbelly, they might suffer in trendy circles for being out of tune with the current vogue for day-glo or electro riots, but that makes them all the more precious. Their debut album, released last September, won as many hearts as minds. Their recently-released 'The Great Awakening' EP continues to plough and similar furrow, but with added melodic nuance.
See them at: Pressure Point, 18 May
Hear them at: MySpace
Look out for review content on The Great Escape next week…


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1In a large saucepan or soup pot heat the oil over medium high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of the garlic and 1 tablespoon of the ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
3Add the 1/4 cup of sliced scallions and the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low so that the broth just simmers. Allow broth to simmer for at least 20 to 30 minutes while the wontons are being assembled.
5In a small mixing bowl combine the remaining teaspoon of minced garlic, remaining tablespoon of chopped ginger, 3 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions, the pork, egg yolk, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and crushed red pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
7Working on a flat work surface, lay out a few of the wontons. Fill a small bowl partially with cool water and set aside. Using a teaspoon measure, place a heaping teaspoonful of the meat filling in the centre of each wonton. Using your fingers, lightly wet the edges of the wonton. Bring 2 opposite corners of the wonton together to form a triangle and enclose the filling, pressing edges firmly around the mound of filling to eliminate any air pockets and seal. Moisten opposite corners of the long side. Curl moistened corners toward each other, overlapping one on top of the other, and press the edges together to seal. You should now have a rounded stuffed wonton with a triangle poking up at the top. Assemble the remaining wontons in the same manner. When the wontons are all assembled, set aside.
9Add the sliced bok choy, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots to the broth and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Using your hands or a slotted spoon, gently add the prepared wontons to the simmering broth. Increase the heat slightly so that the broth returns to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally (very gently), until the wontons float and the pork filling is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
1 tbs and1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tbs finely chopped fresh ginger
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, plus 3 tablespoons finely chopped
10 cups canned low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushroom caps


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BaBEE Layette Bouquet – Blue or Pink
The latest buzz in the nursery is that this truly original layette bouquet is the perfect newborn gift. Crafted from beautiful baby must-haves, a cushy, quilted changing pad is used to hold 100% cotton, soft baby basics in blue or pink, as well as an adorable bee wrist rattle. Both Mom and baby are sure to "bee" smiling.


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{Sharkey poses in front of a pair of Franz Kline-style paintings in his newly-completed living room. How gorgeous is that huge arrangement of tulips?}
This weekend, I devoured at least ten different September issues. One of my favorite interior design spreads, was that of Kevin Sharkey's newly unveiled apartment. Sharkey is the executive editorial director of decorating for Martha Stewart Living, so naturally one would expect his place to be fabulous…and it is!
{Sharkey selected a muted, neutral palette for the apartment in order to make the extraordinary view the main focus.}
{Sharkey opted for a pair of glamorous chandeliers and refinished an old oak table for the dining room.}
{Sharkey has hung these beautiful Chinese paper panels in every apartment he's ever lived in. Martha inspired him to start his own collections of sterling serving pieces along with some beautiful orange lacquerware from Kyoto, Japan.}
{Lovely Details}
{They really pulled out all the stops for voluminous floral arrangements for this spread. First, the lush tulip arrangement and now this gorgeous mix of peonies!}
{Martha's sweet dogs made themselves at home in front of Sharkey's television.}
{I love that the apartment is at once glamorous and subdued. Sharkey's closet is perfectly polished and organized, but the huge hunk of pyrite adds an unexpected touch of glam.}
{Sharkey wanted very low, Japanese-inspired furniture in his bedroom. I wouldn't have gone that route myself, but I do love the huge abstract painting.}
{Sharkey chose extra dark furnishings for his bedroom so that they would not blend in with the walls and flooring. He purchased this oak desk and chair ages ago and painted them in a ceruse finish for his new apartment. Check out the view!}
{I would have loved to have seen more of his kitchen and from this image alone, I am sure it is lovely. It has all of the classic elements!}
Image Credit: Paul Costello for Martha Stewart Living


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Find An Agent & Get a Quote
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19 (Updated 5/27/20): CLICK HERE
Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions – Kentucky
Click on a topic below for answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Claim Information
Q. My claims are the result of an accident. Do you need special information to process my claims?
A. If you have an accident, we need to know how, when, and where the injury occurred. We also need to know if there is another insurance policy that might cover this claim, such as an auto, workers compensation, or homeowners policy Complete the accident form (LG199) and fax it to our office at 309-346-8265.
Q. How do I file my claims?
A. Your doctor or hospital normally will submit your claims to us for you. You will not need to do anything as long as you have provided them with your health insurance identification card at the time you received the service.
Drug claims are submitted by using your drug card when you purchase prescriptions. Your participating pharmacist electronically files the claim with the drug card company. If you do not have your drug card with you when you purchase a drug, you will need to get your drug card information to the pharmacy where you purchased the medication within 7 days of purchasing the medication so that the claim can be filed.
Q. Do I need to pre-certify or receive prior approval for any services?
A. You are only required to pre-certify an overnight stay in a hospital. You can do this by calling MCM's pre-certification line at 800-245-3005. You should pre-certify a scheduled stay at least 48 hours before admission to avoid a penalty and to confirm your stay is approved. For emergency admissions, you must call the pre-certification line within two business days after admission.
Calling the pre-certification number does not confirm health care coverage for your stay or that the provider is a PPO provider. It simply establishes if the length of the overnight stay in the hospital is medically appropriate.
You will need to receive prior approval before purchasing or renting any medical equipment. You can do this by contacting our case management nurse at 800-371-9622, Extension 2782. The nurse will refer you to a cost-effective vendor if the item is a covered expense under your health insurance policy.
You will also need prior approval for any injectable medications other than insulin. You should call 800-371-9622, Extension 2782, for a vendor for these items.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Q: What is a Medicare Supplement plan?
A: Medicare Supplement insurance plans help cover the health care costs that are left unpaid after Medicare Parts A and B pay their portions of your health care costs. Medicare Supplement policies pay only for services Medicare considers medically necessary. Payments are generally based on the Medicare-approved charge. The policy might not fully cover all of your health care costs.
Medicare Supplement policies are available from private health insurance companies. While the costs of these policies may vary, individual health insurance companies must provide the same standardized benefits.
Q: Am I eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan?
A: If you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you're probably eligible to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. During your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period – for people 65 or older, that's six months after you sign up for Medicare Part B – a health insurance company must allow you to buy any Medicare Supplement plan offered. In some states these plans may be available to those under age 65. In these states, you have the right to apply for coverage, although issue is not guaranteed unless the applicant falls under a guaranteed issue situation.
Q: Do I have to use certain doctors with my Pekin Life Insurance Company Medicare Supplement Plan?
A: No. With a Medicare Supplement plan, you have the flexibility to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
This policy has exclusions and limitations. For cost and complete details of coverage, contact your Pekin Life Insurance Company agent.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Respondents will be contacted by a Pekin Life Insurance Company agent.
Form #: LZ400 KY (updated 10/2016) (Advertisement)


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From: Mark Plancke <soundtch@x??x.xxxx
Date: Mon Nov 1, 1999 5:39 pm
Subject: 703 4" vs 2" and room tuning, was Soundstage
At 10:08 AM 11/1/99 -0700, you wrote:
>From: Dan Nelson <dprimary@e...>
>For a soundstage 2" would work since you don't have much bass in the room
>you just want keep it from sounding like a cave on the video. if the
>soundstage has concrete wall 4" may be required . 2" 703 does very well
>down to about 250 hz and remember drywall absorbs low frequencies. For
>your room if you have some bass problems you may need 4"
>Have your calculated the rt 60 of your room?
Ah, okay. I haven't calculated the RT60 yet, but I'd be willing to bet
it's around 1.5-2.0secs. The room actually sounds pretty good the way
it sits, but I have some problems below 400Hz from the sounds of
things that I've recorded so far, I think it's mostly centered around
the 250hz region. I'll have to calculate the modes and do some
measurements to figure it out acurately.
The construction is as follows:
8" concrete block wall (it's a basement)
2x4 walls butted up against the concrete,
insulated, 5/8" drywall.
A second set of 2x4 walls offset 1"
from the other wall, insulated, double
layer of 5/8" drywall.
Floor conrete w/ 1/2" plywood & hardwood
oak flooring. I will be using area rugs to offset
the "live factor" of the hardwood, but it sure sounds
nice and *looks* killer!
Ceiling: Heavy insulated w/ 2 layers 5/8" drywall
hung from R/C.
Overall sound, pretty live. I want to keep the RT60
to around 1 sec. I'm doing mostly rock and pop
recordings, live drums and guitars all in the same
room. I have one iso booth (still in construction)
that I'm going to use for vocals/acoustic gtr along
with the louder instruments when required.
Mark Plancke
Windsor, Ontario Canada


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Normally on my blog the only really controversial subject I write about is my belief that Jesus is the only way to salvation. It is a subject I feel strongly about and feel led to share about.
There is another controversial subject that I have never written about here, but that has been on my mind a lot lately. In fact having this post rattle around in my head taking up space for the past month is a big part of the reason I took a month off from posting. I have wanted to avoid this subject because no matter how I approaches it, there is bound to be someone who takes offense and reads something into what I've written that was not what I intended. It is a subject that is typically "discussed" with sound bites and angry one-liners.
In the end, I've decided to write about this subject in terms of my own story as well as adding a bit of a book review in the mix. This controversial subject is abortion.
For much of my life I was strongly pro-choice. I even attended a NARAL rally with my sister in Portland, Oregon many years ago. I was (and still am) a strong proponent of a woman's right to make decisions regarding her own body, and I believed that making sure a woman could have an abortion any time she chose to was the best way to protect that right.
But then something happened that changed my heart and mind on abortion. My son was five years old at the time and I found out I was pregnant. My husband and I were thrilled because we had been trying to get pregnant with our second child for four years. We were so excited that we told everyone when I was only six-weeks along.
About a week later I started having some spotting so I went to see the nurse practitioner at my doctor's office. She sent me for an ultrasound. I had never had an ultrasound before except when I was almost nine months along with my son, so I was not really prepared for what I saw. The ultrasound technician pointed out my little baby and his or her heartbeat on the monitor. The baby was very small, but the human shape and the beating heart were unmistakable.
Unfortunately, the ultrasound also revealed that my placenta was tearing away from the uterine wall. I was directed to go home and rest, and I hoped that it would heal and all would be okay. Two days later I had a miscarriage.
In my grief over the loss of this child I cried out to God, but I found comfort in the thought that someday I would meet my little baby in heaven. Suddenly I realized how hypocritical and illogical it was to mourn the loss of this child only seven weeks after his or her conception while simultaneously believing that to abort a child at the same stage of development involved only the mother's body. I realized that what Dr. Seuss once said through the words of Horton the Elephant was true: "A person's a person no matter how small."
Several years later a friend loaned me a book titled Won by Love by Norma McCorvey. It is her autobiography as Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade. She tells the story of how she became the poster child for the pro-choice movement, worked in an abortion clinic, and was ultimately won over by love to the realization that abortion was not a right worth fighting for. Her story is heartbreaking and compelling. In her first-hand recounting of her time working in an abortion clinic, Norma exposes the truth that abortion clinics and doctors were more concerned about their bottom lines than about the health and care of women facing crisis. Her story is worth reading.
Then when my son was in the eighth grade he took a communications class in which he was required to prepare and present several speeches. When the persuasive speech assignment came up, he was randomly assigned the pro-life position on abortion. As he worked on his speech he shared with me the research that he had found in the school's article database. The research showed that women who have an abortion with their first pregnancy are 30% to 40% more likely to suffer from depression, attempt to or successfully commit suicide, and to get breast cancer than women who brought their first pregnancy to term. I wondered if these risks are shared with women facing this choice by clinics like Planned Parenthood. Based on Norma McCorvey's story I suspect that they are not.
When all is said and done, I find that I do not advocate for making abortion completely illegal. This would only lead to those who profit from this industry to go underground and abortion would become even more dangerous than it is.
What I do advocate is that when faced with a decision about what to do with an unplanned pregnancy, women should be given all the information necessary to make an informed and logical choice. They should not be led to believe that the only option is to abort their child, because adoption is also a viable option. They should be made aware of the fact that the child inside them is a living being with his or her own heartbeat. They should be informed that having an abortion increases their risk of depression, suicidal tendencies, and breast cancer by as much as 30% to 40%. They should be made aware that the child they are considering aborting may be destined to be a woman who also deserves the right to choose.
But all of the facts, statistics, and rhetoric in the world will never be enough to change a person's position on this issue. My position was changed by love – by the love I felt for my lost child and the love of God. Norma McCorvey's position was changed by the love of the folks at Operation Rescue that moved in next door to the abortion clinic she worked at and the love of God. Ultimately it is love that will win the day in the battle for the lives of unborn children who have no voice of their own.


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Do you sometimes find yourself longing for "the good old days"? Do you laugh at yourself for even thinking this because - after all - you're not even 50 yet? And - upon seeing some of the things the kids of today have, or when you see how easy they have it, do you catch yourself thinking out loud "When I was a kid..." only to cover your mouth in horror as you realize that you sound just like your parents? Do you feel a jolt of...you're not sure what...when you realize that you're thinking of the 70's? How good things were in the 70's?
Darryll Sherman lives in Pullman, Washington with his wife and their 2 children. He is a licensed Architect and is employed as a Project Manager at Washington State University. In addition, he has his own business doing residential designs in the greater Palouse area. He is a self-taught pianist, song-writer and singer and is involved in the music department at his local church. He grew up in beautiful western Washington and attributes his appreciation of nature to the countless family vacations he took in the Cascades and the surrounding areas. His interests also include carpentry, gardening, fishing, hiking, racquetball and art.
OK - so this is what happened. Awhile back, I noticed how many times my friends and I kept talking about how things were different when we were kids. I know, I know - this is something that we all grew up with...our parents said this to us all the time. We've all heard the stories of how they trudged uphill through endless snow drifts, barefoot, to and from school; how they can remember the very first TVs they ever saw; how they all made do with a lot less than we have today.