text:
The Filson Historical Society has the Taylor-Hay Family Papers. This collection includes the papers of Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. that includes the letter books from the O.F.C. Distillery. These books are the 19th century equivalent of photocopies of his correspondence with customers and other business correspondence from the distillery. These copies were made by dampening the original letter that he wrote and pressing it between the onion skin pages of the book to cause a copy to bleed onto the page. One of the letters in one of these volumes includes a letter to a customer who purchased a barrel of whiskey from the distillery for personal use. In those days, it was common for people to purchase a barrel for their home.
In the 1870s, when this letter was written, distilleries sold their whiskey by the barrel. Most commonly, these barrels were sold to distributors of whiskey such as whiskey merchants or saloons. Customers would bring their own bottle or jug to these merchants or saloons and purchase their whiskey from these barrels. The whiskey was entered into the barrel at 103 proof as that was considered a drinkable proof. Bottles were expensive, costing a lot more than the whiskey itself and some customers would purchase a whole barrel of whiskey to save the expense of the middleman.
One such customer asked Taylor how he should store the whiskey for best results as it aged. Taylor's reply was very interesting and I thought I would share it.
To start with, Taylor suggested that the barrel should be stored in the attic of his house. The additional heat in the summer would be good for the whiskey. Once in the attic, Taylor suggested that once a week, the customer should go to the attic and maintain the barrel by checking for leaks. The first week he should roll the barrel several times to make sure the staves remained damp and not dry out. The dry wood could cause leaks. Then he should pop the bung and leave it out for a week and then the next week, replace the bung and roll the barrel. The bung should be left in the barrel until the next week, when the customer would once again remove the bung for a week. This process would be repeated for the life of the barrel. Taylor believed that this would cause the whiskey to get better as it aged.
Taylor does not say why the bung should be removed in this manner, but it would increase the air in the barrel, and the resulting effect would speed the oxidation process of the whiskey. Oxidation is an important part of the maturation process. As the whiskey oxidizes, compounds in the whiskey break down, creating new flavors. The rolling of the barrel would also increase the contact with the wood in a manner similar to rotating the barrel in the warehouse. I am not sure how much change would take place and I always wanted to experiment with some barrels to see what actually does happen to whiskey treated in this manner.
My experiment would be to take two barrels of two year old whiskey with a similar taste profile to start with and place them in an attic area of a building. With one barrel, I would do nothing other than to let it sit and pull a quart of whiskey from it each week, replacing the bung after thieving the whiskey from the barrel. The second barrel would be treated as Taylor describes and also pull a quart of whiskey from the barrel each week. I would then compare the taste of each quart to see if there was noticeable difference.
This would be a fun experiment and it would give evidence as to what Taylor was trying to do with the whiskey. This would be a chance to re-discover old wisdom.
Photos Courtesy of Rosemary Miller


text:
Drama Called Life
Drama Called Life
The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!
Over the weekend, I had the exciting experience of observing a casting call and auditions for a movie to be filmed in Guam. Would-be actors showed up by the dozens to read and vie for their hoped-for parts.
The next day, I attended a director's workshop hosted at the University of Guam where the film's director, Alex Munoz, shared a few insights into the art of directing a movie, as well as some interesting things about how to construct a good story. The most interesting part of the lesson in filmmaking was a simple line about what makes a scene and a movie effectively "work." But more on that later.
So based on my first introduction to the world of feature filmmaking, I'll share with you some of the elements of a good movie/screenplay. As you read each element, I'd encourage you to see how these elements apply to any "drama" going on around you. You can choose the story of your life, the contenders in the developing presidential race, or you can choose the CUC (Commonwealth Utilities Corp.) situation, the Mariana Monument debate, or even the CNMI itself as the character in this drama called life.
A Story Always Begins With A What If? Question
A good story starts with a "what if?" What if this happened? What if that happened? Frame your story as a single sentence telling who the hero of the story is and what he/she wants to accomplish. Who is trying to stop him/her? What happens if he/she fails?
For example: What if a group of tree hugging environmentalists suggested the creation of a marine protected area in an effort to put their island on the world map, but were opposed by others who saw it as a threat to their interests? What if a contract worker traveled thousands of miles in search of a better life, but finds the conditions in the new land worse than what she left back home? What if everything you believed about life was a lie?
Identify your characters
The next step in telling a good story is to identify your characters.
eg. "Judy Hall is seeking a life of simplicity and love. She believes that there is someone special out there seeking the same thing in her. She is determined to find it. She starts out hopeless, fearful and desperate, but by the end of the story is empowered, courageous and fulfilled."
Based on the above, we have the four elements of a good character:
1) NEED: What does he/she want, is going to get or going to achieve?
2) POINT OF VIEW: How does this character view the world?
3) ATTITUDE: What is the character's attitude and opinion?
4) CHANGE: What is the change? Characters must change, i.e., the "arc."
The Arc
Every character has an "arc." An arc is the change the character goes through during the story. For example, a character may start out as timid, but by the end of the story becomes courageous. A character may start out arrogant, but by the end of the story becomes humble. In order for a character to hold our interest, there must be a transformation of some sort.
A good story is moved along by knowing what each character wants. Every character wants something. According to one screenplay writing website: "There is always something at stake in a good movie. Not just something someone wants, something that must be acquired, no matter what the risk, as in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Or something highly desired by as many main characters as possible, like the small black statue in The Maltese Falcon. Some times it can be an intangible thing, like the freedom of a people in Lawrence of Arabia or Gandhi. All these things drive the character's quest, even gives the hero superhuman strength. It can be something personal (romance) or for the good of all (saving the world from aliens) but it must be powerful and grow more desperate as the story unfolds."
That something can be freedom, love, sovereignty, money, revenge, you name it. Here are seven of the most common driving wants in filmmaking:
1) Survival: Many good films are about survival—human instinct—do-or-die situations. if you're into Hollywood scripts and stories, think about the top-grossing films of all time. 99 out 100 are stories with characters in do-or-die situations.
2) Safety and security: Need to find a secure/protected setting once again.
3) Love and belonging: Someone longing for connection/ wanting to feel loved.
4) Esteem and self-respect: Wanting to be looked up to, and be recognized for their skills.
5) The need to know and understand: Curiosity, and understanding how things happen and what they have to go through to get answers.
6) The aesthetic: Trying to be connected with something greater than themselves—a higher power.
7) Self-actualization: The characters need to express themselves—to communicate who they are. The audience roots for someone to succeed. a lot of comedies have this plot.
There are always obstacles which provide that catchword that actors love so much—conflict. This is the heart of drama. Someone wants something and people and things keep getting in the way of them achieving the goal. At times, the obstacles can be common to both the hero and villain, and the ultimate goal a laudable one for both parties, as in Jingle All The Way. In that film, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad battle to achieve the same goal—the acquisition of the last popular action figure for sale that Christmas season. Both of them have promised their son, and they must not fail. Conflict and obstacles can be physical or emotional. But they have to be in your story or you don't really have a story. In most good stories, the protagonist will also have an inner obstacle, some mental or even spiritual problem, that will be resolved by the time s/he reaches the outward, physical goal of the story.
Hopes and Fears
Here's the line I alluded to earlier that I found interesting: What makes a scene compelling for the viewer/observer—what makes a good story—is the Hope and Fear dynamic. As you are drawn into the developing arc of the character and his or her wants and needs, you—the viewer—have a hope and a fear in regard to the outcome of each scene and the outcome of the overall story.
For example, as you watch the story unfold, you hope that agent 007 finds the killer, but you fear he will not. Without this hope versus fear dynamic, a story does not hold your interest.
A Screenplay called Saipan
There are many such compelling stories being played out here in the CNMI: We hope that Saipan recovers economically, but we fear that it won't. We hope that contract workers get improved rights, but we fear they will not. We hope that the Marine Monument gets established, but we fear that it won't. (Now, of course, the particular hope and fear you have all depends on which side of the debate you're on, but you get my point.)
Don't forget the Four Parts Of Any Screenplay
1. THE STORY CONCEPT: A single sentence telling who the hero of the story is and what he/she wants to accomplish
2. THE CHARACTERS: The people who populate the story
3. PLOT STRUCTURE: The events of the story and the relationship of the characters; determines what happens in the story and when it happens
4. THE INDIVIDUAL SCENES: The way the words are laid out on the page—the format, and how one writes action, description and dialogue to increase emotional involvement.
Final Tips
1. The level and type of emotion always goes through peaks and valleys rapidly in a great story. It's the catalyst for the pace of the story.
2. The law of conflict—nothing moves forward in a story except through conflict.
3. You need to lead the audience into an expectation, make them think they understand, then crack and open a surprise. Surprise and curiosity always bring the audience into the story.
So now, what can you do with this information? The potential applications are limitless! If you are a political candidate, you can use the power of a compelling story to pull people in so that they believe they have a vested interest in your victory. If you are a newspaper reporter, you can create characters and conflict where none exist in order to sell papers. If you are a marketing consultant, you can spin events in order to sell a point of view or public perception about your brand. If you are a novelist or professional storyteller, you can make your creations and characters more intriguing. Perhaps, if you are a professional gossip, when you spread stories about your neighbors, you can format it in a way that establishes your reputation as the best source of "dirt" in town.
Or, at the very least, you can see the world through a set of objective eyes and not fall victim to the manipulation that exists in the various and sundry stories that are always being told in this drama called life.
Note: NEXT WEEK: a WINNING SAIPANPRENEUR PROFILE!
Note: For more tips on overcoming your fears, acting on your ideas, changing the game, and creating a passion-centered lifestyle, visit www.passionprofit.com!
Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!
Breaking News from Walt:
A few weeks ago, a former workshop attendee and coaching client revealed that she nominated me to be considered for this year's Governor's Humanities Award here on Saipan. I thanked her, but I didn't really believe I qualified because...(read why at www.jamaicaninchina.com/humanities-award)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
116 pages of nude painting. Erotica, Studies, Soft and Figurative.
7x10 soft cover
Please note. Our books are produced when ordered. All books ship with in 5 business days of ordering, choosing a faster shipping method does not speed up this process, only shipping time. Thanks so much for understanding and supporting our small business.
Type: Book


text:
Roger Williams
Roger Williams (born Louis Jacob Weertz, October 1, 1924 - October 8, 2011) was an American popular music pianist. Biography: Weertz was born to a Lutheran minister, the Rev. Frederick J. Weertz (1891-1980) and a music teacher, Dorothea Bang Weertz (1895-1985), in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, before his first birthday. He first played the piano at age three. In high school he became interested in boxing, mainly at his father's insistence, and only returned to music after breaking his nose several times and sustaining several other injuries. Weertz majored in piano at Drake University in Des Moines, but claimed he was expelled for playing "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" in the practice room. Weertz entered the United States Navy and served in World War II. While still in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree from Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) in 1950. Afterwards, Weertz re-enrolled at Drake, where he earned his master's degree. He then moved to New York City to attend Juilliard, where he studied jazz piano under Lennie Tristano and Teddy Wilson. Weertz won a talent contest on Dennis James' television program, Chance of a Lifetime. David Kapp, founder of Kapp Records, heard him, and was so impressed that he signed the pianist, giving him the professional name "Roger Williams" after the founder of Rhode Island.
In 1955 Williams recorded "Autumn Leaves", the only piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard's popular music chart. It sold over two million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. It was the fourth #1 song of the "rock era," which unofficially began with the ascension of "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets into the top spot. In 1966 he had another Top Ten hit with the song "Born Free" from the motion picture soundtrack. His other hits include "Near You", "Till", "The Impossible Dream", "Yellow Bird", "Maria", and "The Theme from Somewhere in Time". Billboard magazine ranks him as the top selling piano recording artist in history with 18 gold and platinum albums to his credit. Williams was known as the "Pianist to the Presidents", having played for nine US Presidential administrations, beginning with Harry S. Truman. His last White House performance was in November 2008 for a luncheon hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. On his 75th birthday, Williams performed his first 12-hour piano marathon. He performed the marathon at Steinway Hall in New York City and the Nixon, Carter and Reagan Presidential Libraries.
His Steinway & Sons "Gold Steinway" grand piano was on tour for public display and entertainment during 2007-2008. In 2010, Roger Williams was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Williams developed his particular attitude to his public from a boyhood experience in Des Moines, Iowa. After a piano concert by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, he waited for 45 minutes outside in cold weather to meet Paderewski. When the pianist finally appeared, it was to rush to a waiting automobile. Williams who had waited was mad at them. "I didn't even get near enough to touch him or get an autograph. It was then and there I resolved that if ever I became famous I would never disappoint anyone who wanted to talk to me." Illness and death: In March 2011 Williams posted on his website that he had pancreatic cancer and that his doctors had told him they could not remove the tumor until chemotherapy shrunk it to an operable size. Williams said that he did not plan on canceling any upcoming concerts. He died on October 8, 2011, one week after his 87th birthday.
Williams was married twice. His first marriage produced three children. Both marriages ended in divorce. Chart hits: Year Title
1955 "Autumn Leaves" "Wanting You"
1956 "La Mer (Beyond the Sea)" "Hi-lili Hi-lo" "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" "Two Different Worlds"with Jane Morgan
1957 "Almost Paradise" "Moonlight Love" "Till"
1958 "Arrivederci, Roma" "Young Warm and Wonderful" "Near You" "The World Outside"
1959 "Sunrise Serenade"
1960 "La Montana" "Temptation"
1961 "Marie, Marie" "Maria"
1962 "Amor"
1963 "On the Trail" "Janie Is Her Name" "Look Again" "Theme from the Cardinal"
1964 "Whistl'n"
1965 "Try To Remember" "Summer Wind" "Autumn Leaves '65"
1966 "Lara's Theme" "Born Free"
1967 "Sunrise, Sunset" "Love Me Forever" "More Than a Miracle"
1968 "The Impossible Dream" "If You Go" "Only For Lovers"
1969 "Love Theme from La Strada" "Galveston"
1971 "The Summer Knows" "Love Theme from the Godfather"
1972 "Main Theme from King Kong"
1976 "Cast Your Fate To the Wind"
Source: Wikipedia
Text from this biography licensed under creative commons license
Click on any song title to hear and see one page of the music.
A Time For Us
(Piano Solo) The Love Theme From
Romeo And Juliet
America The Beautiful
Piano Adaptation by Roger Williams
Before The Parade Passes By
(Piano Solo)
From The Motion Picture "Hello Dolly"
Born Free
Piano Adaptation by Roger Williams
Recorded on Kapp Records
Close To You
They Long To Be
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
Come Saturday Morning
(Piano Solo)
From The Paramount Motion Picture
The Sterile Cuckoo
Didn't We
Jimmy Webb
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
Gentle On My Mind
John Hartford
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
Hello Dolly!
(Piano Solo)
From The Motion Picture "Hello Dolly"
I Wanna Be Free
(Piano Solo)
Recorded by The Monkees
I'll Never Fall In Love Again
(Piano Solo)
From The Broadway Musical "Promises Promises"
(Piano Solo)
From The 20th Century Fox Film
The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie
Just Leave Everything To Me
(Piano Solo)
From The Motion Picture "Hello Dolly"
midi - Song From
(Piano Solo)
From The 20th Century Fox Film
Midnight Cowboy
(Piano Solo)
From The United Artists Picture
Midnight Cowboy
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
Near You
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
From "Tommy"
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
(Piano Solo)
From The 20th Century Fox Film
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid
Spanish Eyes
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
(The) Spinning Song
Piano Adaptation by Roger Williams
Recorded on Kapp Records
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
The Time For Love Is Anytime
(Piano Solo)
From The Columbia Pictures Release "
Cactus Flower
This Guy's In Love With You
(Piano Solo) Arranged by John Brimhall
Go to
The Piano Bar
The Main Ballroom
, go to The
Front Lobby
or to order the anything please click


text:
Monday Night RAW Supershow
Miami, Florida
April 2nd 2012
Commentators: Jerry Lawler & Michael Cole
Reported by: David Stephens of WrestleView.com
Are you ready? Then stop questioning your heart and join me because it's time for Monday Night RAW!
The show kicks off backstage with the entire roster gathered around the new GM of both RAW & Smackdown – John Laurinaitis. He announces a Triple Threat Match for the US Title tonight. CM Punk will also be in action to defend his Title against Mark Henry. Laurinaitis claims that tonight is the start of a new era.
The Rock's music hits and he makes his way out onto the entrance ramp amidst a monstrous response from the crowd. He makes his way down to the ring and soaks up the crowd reaction. The Rock says that 14 months ago he came back to the WWE, he came home. He holds up his arm to show the goose bumps. The Rock says that there is one man that he has to thank – John Cena. The crowd begins to loudly boo and chant "Cena Sucks".
He says that Cena brought it to The Rock like never before. Move after move The Rock struggled to get Cena off of him. Rock says it was the biggest match of all time. Win or lose at the end of the day the most important thing is that they made history at Wrestlemania, and they did it for the fans. The Rock wants to thank John Cena and Cena's friends. Most of all, The Rock has to thank the people. He has to thank the millions – and millions – of The Rock's fans.
Rock jokes about getting cut by the Canadian Football League so many years ago. Today, he is able to stand in front of the WWE Universe as The Peoples Champion. Rock says that for those who think that this is the end, he gauran-damn-tees that this is just the beginning. "Thank You Rocky" erupts throughout the arena.
Rock went out in Miami last night to celebrate his victory. While he was dancing and celebrating he had a vision. It's a vision that some may think is impossible, but Rock doesn't care about impossible. He asks if the people want to hear his vision. Of course they do! Rock's vision is to one day walk down the entrance ramp as WWE Champion once again! The crowd is going insane chanting, "Yes, Yes, Yes".
The Rock says it will come true one day, if you SME-LL-LLLLLL what The Rocks is cooking!
"Excuse Me". Vickie Guerrero comes out on the ramp to introduce her clients for the next match.
United States Championship
Santino Marella v. Jack Swagger v. Dolph Ziggler
The three men square off. Swagger backs Santino into the corner and then tosses him towards Dolph. Ziggler kicks him to the mat and then does a couple of sit-ups while wrenching back on Santino's arm. Swagger rolls around on the mat with Santino and does pushups across his back. Santino dodges punches from both men and throws Dolph out of the ring. Swagger charges and hits a hard shoulder block.
Back from the break, Dolph holds Santino's hands behind his back. Swagger hits a punch. Santino escapes and throws Dolph aside. Santino shoulder blocks Swagger to the mat and reaches for the cobra. Dolph is back on his feet to intercept. Swagger lifts Santino into the air and Ziggler hits a leg drop. Ziggler goes for the cover, but Swagger breaks it up. Swagger slams Dolph down hard to the mat and charges for the second rope splash on Santino. It misses and Dolph floors him with dropkick. Santino is back on his feet and throws Dolph to the outside of the ring. Santino still has the cobra on his arm and uses it on Swagger. This match is over!
Winner & STILL US Champion: Santino
After the match Dolph and Swagger try to follow Santino up the entrance ramp. Brodus Clay appears and comes to the aid of Santino. Ziggler charges, but gets swatted down onto the steel ramp. Brodus' music hits and his dancers appear. Santino joins in on the dance party!
New music blasts through the arena as Lord Tensai makes his way down to the ring. He is accompanied by a Japanese sidekick of sorts. Tensai's ring gear is a robe and Samurai hood and mask.
Lord Tensai v. Alex Riley
Riley charges but Tensai hits an elbow to the jaw. Riley is pushed back into the corner. Tensai follows after and connects with a punch. Tensai throws him hard across the ring towards the other corner. Tensai lifts him to his feet only to maul him down to the mat. Tensai hits a huge double underhook slam. He bounces off the ropes and hits first one, then a second elbow. Tensai leaps for a massive running senton. Tensai pushes him into the corner again and beats down on Riley with his elbows. The crowd begins to chant for Alex Riley. Tensai clobbers Riley with a sit-out choke bomb. The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Lord Tensai
After the match, Tensai goes back on the attack by gripping Riley's head in his hands.
WWE Championship
CM Punk v. Mark Henry
They lock up and Henry grabs him by the throat. Punk uses his legs to escape and hits a dropkick. Henry knocks him down to the mat and delivers an axe handle. Henry kicks the injured mid-section of Punk. Henry pulls back on the arms of Punk by using his arms for leverage. Henry continues to stomp on his back.
Punk pulls himself to his feet and knees the midsection of Henry. He bounces off the ropes but gets swatted to the mat. Cover, but Punk kicks out. Henry uses his shoulder to attack the back of Punk. Henry catches Punk in a bear hug. Punk quickly begins to punch to try and free himself. It doesn't work at first, but Punk sends him to the mat with a DDT. Cover, but Henry throws him across the ring.
Punk is back on his feet and connects with a number of kicks. Cover, but Henry kicks out. Punk climbs to the second rope and leaps for a crossbody. Henry catches him and throws him into the turnbuckle. Henry climbs up to the second rope himself. Punk springs to his feet and pulls Henry back down to earth. He charges for the high knee, but Henry intercepts with a huge boot. Henry heads for the second rope again for a splash. Punk rolls out of the way and heads to the apron. Punk springboards but gets swatted out of the way.
Back from the break Punk leaps from the top rope for a crossbody. Henry counters with a big boot. Henry uses both his hands to apply leverage to a nerve on the back of Punk's neck. Punk struggles to his feet and hits a jawbreaker. Punk kicks at Henry, but Henry whips him into the corner. Henry charges for a splash but Punk moves out of the way. Punk connects with a couple of kicks and punches before laying on the chops. Punk kicks him square in the jaw and Henry falls to the mat. Punk climbs to the top rope. He takes a moment to straighten his body, and then leaps for a beautiful elbow. Punk appears to have hurt his already banged up midsection. Henry is the first to his feet.
Punk charges and connects with the high knee in the corner. Punk follows with a second and goes for the bulldog. Henry lifts him into the air and throws him right to the outside of the ring. The referee begins a ten count. Punk struggles to his feet, but can't make it back into the ring.
Winner via Countout: Mark Henry
STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk
After the match, Henry exits the ring to find Punk. He lifts him into the air and delivers a World's Strongest Slam on the outside.
John Laurinaitis appears on the entrance ramp with David Otunga. He says that he wants more consistent matches and Title defenses for CM Punk. He sees dark clouds on the horizon for Punk.
Chris Jericho appears in the crowd. He asks what just happened to CM Punk. Jericho says that they had an epic and classic match last night. Jericho says that they should celebrate with a drink. Jericho says that he promised that he would be the reason that Punk takes his first drink. Jericho has a bottle of whiskey and stands over the fallen Punk. He takes the whiskey and dumps it all over the face and body of CM Punk. Jericho then connects with a couple of punches for good measure. Jericho says that Punk's father is an alcoholic and his sister is a drug addict. Jericho picks up another bottle and tells Punk that he shouldn't drink too much, because if he does it will go straight to his head. Jericho smashes the bottle, breaking it across the skull of CM Punk!
Sheamus' music hits and he makes his way down to the ring. Alberto Del Rio's music immediately hits and he makes a grand return to RAW. Rio says that people will soon forget about Sheamus' 18 second victory because now Sheamus has a new challenger. Del Rio announces that he will face Sheamus this week on Smackdown. If Rio wins, he will earn a World Heavyweight Championship Match! The fans begin to chant, "Si! Si! Si!". Sheamus says that he is delighted that Rio is here because the people don't want to see him talk, they want to see him Brogue Kick someone right in the face!
Rio tells him to relax, he isn't here looking for a fight – because he already has one. In another of his return, Rio has been given a match this Friday on Smackdown. The crowd is chanting for Daniel Bryan. Rio tries to continue talking but his mic cuts out. Rio looks annoyed and is handed another mic by Ricardo Rodriguez. While his back is turned, Sheamus squares up and then connects with a Brogue Kick!
Daniel Bryan and AJ are shown backstage. The crowd loudly cheers. Mathews says that this much be painful for him and asks about last night's loss. Bryan stares him down.
Cody Rhodes v. Kofi Kingston
Rhodes pushes Kofi into the corner and smashes his head against the turnbuckle. Rhodes kicks the gut of Kofi and charges towards the corner. Kofi blocks with his leg and leaps out with a crossbody. Cover, but Cody kicks out. Rhodes bounces off the second rope with a disaster kick. Instead of going for the cover, Rhodes appears to look for a chinlock.
The Big Show's music hits and he has a mic. He says that he has something to show Rhodes from Wrestlemania, he just hopes it isn't too embarrassing. It is a picture montage of Cody being knocked out. Rhodes turns around only to walk right into Trouble in Paradise! This match is over.
Winner via Big Distraction: Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry is shown backstage throwing things in his locker room. Abraham Washington walks into the room and says that it is time for some change. Abraham says that he wants to represent Henry and lead him back to greatness. AW gives Henry his card and tells him to think about it.
Eve's music hits and she walks onto the entrance ramp with a microphone. The crowd chants "Hoeskie". Eve says that everyone wants to have their Wrestlemania moment. Last night, she had hers. She manipulated Zack Ryder, and it was easy. The crowd begins to chant for Ryder. Eve says that it is easy for her to manipulate men, except for one man – John Laurinaitis. Eve says that powerful men cannot be eliminated. She asks the fans to give it up for People Power.
Video Recap: The Rock thanking Cena earlier tonight on RAW
The Miz v. Zack Ryder
They square off and brawl in the middle of the ring. Ryder ties for a cover, but Miz kicks out. Ryder is fired up and backs Miz into the corner. Miz gets to his feet and knocks Ryder back with a kick. Miz gets behind Ryder and begins to club his neck before applying a rear headlock. Ryder throws Miz to the mat and then counters a splash with a double knee attack. Ryder bounces off the ropes with a high knee and then slams Miz's face to the mat. Ryder charges and hits a splash. Ryder pumps up and hits the Broskie Boot. Cover, but Miz kicks out.
Ryder kicks Miz in the gut and then throws him shoulder first into the steel post. Miz connects with the Skull Crushing Finale. This match is over.
Winner via Skull Crushing Finale: The Miz
John Cena's music hits and he makes his way down to the ring. The crowd is heavily booing at first but begins to sound mixed. Cena has a mic and takes a moment before speaking. Cena says he never thought of losing. But now that it has happened the only thing to do is to do it right. That is the obligation he owes to those that believe in him. Everyone takes defeat in life. Cena talked a lot on the road to Wrestlemania. Cena won't make excuses; he meant every single thing that he said. He meant it then and he meant it now. There was not one second in the yearlong build up to Wrestlemania that he thought he would lose because if you think like that then you will lose. But, no one goes through life undefeated. A true person continues on despite the loss.
Cena says that there was some speculation over how he would react to the crowd. Would he come out and lash out against his opponent? The crowd starts to chant that he is a loser. Will this be the date that he finally lashes out against the WWE Universe? The crowd chants "yes". Cena says that that will not happen, so the crowd boos. Cena says that he was a man and was beaten. As a man he will admit his defeat. Last night, he lost to The Rock.
There will be critics that will say it was the most important moment of Cena's career; however he promises that it won't be his last. Cena thanks everyone who has supported him through all of this. Cena even shouts out MGK. He says that if he has let anyone down, then he is sorry. All that Cena can do is wipe the slate clean and earn his way back up.
Cena claims that he is not out here to call out The Rock. They called each other out for a year, and settled it last night. The crowd chants, "We Want Lesnar". Cena says it is an always interesting crowd on Monday Night RAW. Cena says that he actually wants The Rock. Not to call him out or fight, but to show his respect. Cena says that he wants The Rock to know that he considers him a Champion, an inspiration, and the greatest WWE Superstar in the industry. Cena says that this past year has been exhausting.
The crowd once again chants for Lesnar. Cena says that he understands the excitement in the air, but he put his heart and soul in the match last night. But to be honest, The Rock was the better man. Cena plays into the chants for, "Yes" and shouts out Daniel Bryan. The crowd begins to chant for Bryan. Cena says that this is why he loves RAW. Cena would just like to take the moment to recognize The Rock as the better man and congratulate him on his victory.
Brock Lesnar! Instead of The Rock, it is Brock Lesnar's music that hits! Lesnar walks out onto the entrance ramp!
Lesnar walks his way down to the ring. Lesnar goes for a handshake… but grabs Cena and hits the F-5! Lesnar stands over his fallen foe as the show fades to black!


text:
These days I find that I am using my laptop less and mobile phone more. Thanks to andriod /smart phones life has become a lot easier as you are accessible to your near and dears all the time and in not just one way but several. Tech innovations can definitely help you in several areas of life including kitchen.. yes of course
I had the opportunity to visit #Googlehouse on Aug 18,2015 where Google showcased a variety of product innovations for India's 'mobile first' world. The event featured demos on Google Search, Photos, Translate and Youtube Offline and included appearances by celebrities like chef Kunal Kapur, fashion photographer Dabboo Ratnani, stand up comedian Kanan Gill, and VJ-Designer-Photographer Anushka Menon.
Sandeep Menon, Country Head Marketing Director explained the latest trends and their vision for online future. He mentioned the millions of people currently only thanks to mobile devices and the increasing percentage of online indians and how Google is targetting these by providing customized apps and software like Google translate which has been customised and working at present in Hindi and in other Indian languages in near future.
Did you know that you can now take a virtual walk through important cultural places without exactly having to visit these places. Try it out..
Not just that Google lets you search your choice of restaurant, ushers you in virtually and lets you reserve a table of your choice. Ofourse you can even preorder from online menus if available and simply enjoy the food of your choice with your near and dear ones.
Btw, not just calorie chart, Google Translate has features that gives you calories and names in your choice of language say Hindi other than English.. This fact was even stressed by Sandeep Menon along with MasterChef Kunal Kapur .
Did you know a virtual tour will also help you in deciding interiors Try out .....
This massive feature was shown by Bollywood Photographer Dabboo Ratnani who has been clicking stars for the past 15-20 years..
And if you are a person who hates the buffering that Youtube takes, then here's the good news. YouTube Offline lets people download videos to mobile devices and tables and watch these at leisure even when coonectivity is not so strong.. A fact mentioned by stand p comedian Kanan Gill who had everybody in splits right from the moment he walked in.
What are you waiting for, download the Google Apps and make you life easy...


text:
On a chilly morning last December, a group of IT and business managers from some of the largest agriculture companies—and fiercest competitors—in the country gathered in a basement conference room of the OHare Hilton in Chicago.
The group, including representatives from agricultural products companies Tyson Foods Inc., Louis Dreyfus Citrus S.A., Monsanto Co., Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives and Archer Daniels Midland Co., had been meeting off and on for three months in an attempt to map out AgXML, a version of Extensible Markup Language that, many thought, could spark a business-to-business e-commerce revolution in the industry. Things, however, were going slowly.
Concerned about losing control of the standard and that AgXML collaboration between competitors could be construed as anti-competitive collusion, the executives, like strangers playing poker, were waiting for someone else to make the first move.
Finally, by Day 2, John Von Stein, vice president of IT for the North America Grain and Oilseed Crush business unit at Cargill Inc., asked what everyone else was already thinking: Who will actually own the standard? How will final technical decisions be made, and what will happen if two organizations disagree on important XML tags?
That day, AgXML LLC, a nonprofit dedicated to determining how partners and suppliers will one day speak to one another using XML online, was born. Picking up on Von Steins lead, participants hammered out how AgXML LLC will be organized and how it will go about defining XML for the agricultural products industry. While a final, complete AgXML standard is still years away, the group has already defined a subset of XML tags that could be used in B2B collaborations by the end of the year.
"If there was a defining moment, perhaps that was it," Von Stein said. "It became apparent from me asking some blocking and tackling questions that we needed an overriding organization in place. It just pushed the whole thing over the edge and made everyone realize this was worth the time and commitment."
While broad, vendor-led initiatives such as Microsoft Corp.s BizTalk Framework have attracted the lions share of attention, the real heavy lifting in creating the XML standards needed to drive B2B e-commerce, experts say, will happen in the scores of industry-specific initiatives—such as AgXML—now springing up.
Gartner Group Inc., of Stamford, Conn., estimates that so far 200 initiatives have been launched to create XML standards tailored to 55 industries. (For a related story on industry-specific XML initiatives that are making substantial progress, see Page 50.) While each standard will be tailored for a single industry, the intent of each will be the same: to create a common language—defined in XML—that business partners and even competitors can use to easily and universally exchange information and transactions online, driving cost and time-out-of-business processes as fundamental as placing orders and confirming shipments.
Recently, eWeek was able to find out, through one companys eyes—Cargills—what its like to get in the trenches and help develop an industry-specific XML standard.
The takeaway? First, the challenge is not primarily one of technology but of politics. Competitors must collaborate and embrace industrywide XML definitions, even if that means theyll be forced into extensive, costly system and business process rework. The key to making that happen, Cargill officials said, is to create a fair and unbiased organization to oversee the XML standard process. At the same time, openness—publishing definitions before, as and after theyre established—is the key to making sure that XML standards are accepted and used across the industry, Cargill officials and other experts said.
Whats the big deal?
So why was Cargill so interested in pushing a set of XML standards for the agriculture products industry? First, Cargills interest in XML goes way beyond the agriculture products industry. The $47.6 billion privately owned company, based in Wayzata, Minn., supports the development of XML standards in six industries in which it operates. Cargill officials feel that pushing B2B interactions online could help serve its customers more efficiently as well as cut its transaction-related operating costs by 20 percent to 30 percent annually.
Today, whenever Cargill receives an order, places an order, ships an order or executes any other transaction with a business partner, it generates paperwork—faxes, letters and so forth—and lots of overhead expense. Moving all that to the Web will cut costs and speed business. But first, business partners and competitors will have to agree on the language—the XML tags and schemata—to be used to define standard online transactions and documents such as invoices, purchase orders and contracts.
The potential benefits to Cargill go far beyond improving B2B processes. The company sees AgXML as a way to provide new online data and services to farmers. According to Forrester Research Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., about 35 percent of U.S. farmers are already online, and the company estimates that figure will reach 70 percent by 2004.
Cargill knows that to do business online with these farmers it needs an XML standard. Other alternatives, such as EDI (electronic data interchange), are too expensive for farmers. And faxes are too slow and costly.
Cargills investment in AgXML has been substantial. Some 10 business and IT managers at the company participate in various working groups that meet two days every month.
In all, 32 companies so far are supporting the AgXML standard, including Cargills largest competitors.
In for the long haul
Discussions that led to AgXML started about nine months ago when agriculture B2B marketplace Rooster.com began to push industry leaders to create the standard processes and XML definitions that will allow supply chain partners to integrate their back-end systems. Rooster.com President Gary Carlson, in Bloomington, Minn., said he saw integration as a way for suppliers and partners to link to the e-marketplace and, by eliminating the inefficiencies and unnecessary costs in various business processes within the grain and oil-seed industry, ensure its survival.
The timing was right for Cargill. Not only was it invested in Rooster.com, Von Stein and other officials at the company had been considering for three years how the use of XML documents would enhance the experience of its trading partners and change its internal processes. The company was ready to invest both time and money in AgXML.
"Obviously, theres a lot of interest in getting standards established across the industry," Von Stein said. "When Rooster said it wanted to develop that standard, that realization was quickly adopted by others."
Until the December meeting when Von Steins questions lit a fire under the AgXML group, however, AgXML had been going slowly. At issue, of course, was the power struggle that is inevitable between competitors. Each company already had its own established set of business processes and vocabulary to go with them. Where one company in its internal systems and documents might, for example, refer to a supplier with the acronym "SUP," another might use a combination of letters and numbers.
Switching systems to be consistent with a new XML convention could create Y2K-compliance-like nightmares. So each competitor was motivated to push for its own definitions. And that meant, for a long time, none was ready to fully commit to the AgXML process.
After Von Steins prodding, however, group members got down to business. First, they decided to tweak the AgXML organization structure to maximize fairness and minimize the likelihood that any one company would gain the upper hand on the standards being developed. Representatives of the 32 participating companies decided to set up AgXML LLC as a nonprofit that would own the standard.
And designated to run the organization and make final standards decisions was a steering committee with a representative from each participating company. The committee meets quarterly to present the recommendations of working groups focusing on subsets of the AgXML standard and to discuss the progress being made. The bulk of the work is done by groups working on the vocabulary and documentation for specific applications in the agriculture industry, such as shipping, settlements (invoicing, payables and receivables) and contracts. Volunteers from the participating companies make up the working groups. The meetings are held at a different participants location each time.
The pseudodemocratic setup of the organization, participants said, means they dont have to worry about one company imposing its definitions on others.
"On a conceptual level, youre building a community, and thats the hardest part," said Michael Dockham, technical architect for Cargill North America Food Ingredients, in Wayzata. "Once you have the working groups in place and understand how the process is going to move along, youve met a major milestone. The rest is just sweating through the details."
The AgXML group also took steps to assuage participants fears about setting off anti-competitive alarm bells among regulators.
Attorney Steve Schoenebaum, of Brown, Winick, Graves, Gross, Baskerville and Schoenebaum plc., in Des Moines, Iowa, was retained to read a legal disclaimer at every meeting to ensure that no antitrust laws are violated. And participants agreed that, while they will discuss data definitions, they will not compare key business processes. Sharing that kind of information, it is feared, could create the appearance of collusion.
"When youre looking at XML schema, youre just talking about business name definition or agreeing on what customer name youre going to use," Dockham said. "Business processes can never be discussed."
The AgXML group made another important decision late last year that, members said, will improve chances that the standard will eventually enjoy industrywide adoption: to publish all its work to the public. Anyone has access to information on what the group is trying to accomplish, the activities to date and the plans moving forward. All information on the groups work is available at www.agxml.org.
Publishing all information about the standard, said Cheryl Gielau, a senior data analyst for Cargill Corporate IT who is participating in the working groups, will encourage even those not currently involved, such as farmers and small businesses, to eventually adopt the standard.
That approach is smart, said Rita Knox, a Gartner Group analyst. Rather than hiding XML data model proposals behind firewalls, enterprises should post them on a public repository and invite input from the outside. XML standards, Knox said, will be used only when they receive broad adoption and cover many requirements, not when one enterprise posts its XML-defined proposal as a fait accompli.
The future of AgXML
The approach of the AgXML group is beginning to bear fruit. After months of little progress, the group since December has identified three process areas it will concentrate on—shipping, contracts and receivables—and has developed proposed XML schema for specific applications such as the language to be used in sending and receiving contracts.
By the end of this year, Cargill officials hope, the group will produce standard definitions that can be used to share XML documents—not yet transactions—between business partners. The U.S. Dairy Association and the National Grain and Feed Association have shown interest in using the AgXML standards being developed, Cargill officials said.
As modest as that seems, its a lot more than whats going on in a lot of other vertical industries, experts said.
"The fact is that theres very little XML out there right now," Knox said. "A lot of work is going on, but theres still not a lot of it floating around. Everything has to be translated and tested before processes are put in place."
For Cargill and AgXMLs other members, theres still a long way to go. Cargill officials estimate that a complete, deployable XML definition for the agricultural products industry wont be in place for many years.
Still, they said they consider the initiative so far a success, if only because it represents a blueprint for how to work with competitors who, one day, may be partners. A year ago, the idea of opening the lines of communication between Cargill and competitors such as Louis Dreyfus and Tyson would have been inconceivable, Cargill officials said.
"I would have been shocked at the idea of working much more closely with our competitors," Von Stein said. "Especially since most of the barriers have already been paved over the last few decades. Hopefully, AgXML will begin to remove some of those technology barriers."


text:
While some Dell investors have taken issue with CEO Michael Dell's proposed plan to take his company private, an SEC filing has revealed some compelling reasons for investors to think twice about protesting the move. As noted by Forbes, a filing dated March 29th includes a lengthy section where Dell outlines the "risks and uncertainties" related to continued ownership of the company's stock — it's essentially a laundry list of how the consumer tech market has changed and how hasn't quite managed to keep up.
Difficulties that Dell notes in its filing include:
- "...decreasing revenues in the market for desktop and notebook PCs and the significant uncertainties as to whether, or when, this decrease will end..."
- "...the overall difficulty of predicting the market for PCs..."
- "...the ongoing downward pricing pressure and trend towards commoditization in the desktop and notebook personal computer market..."
- "...the increasing usage of alternative PC operating systems to Microsoft Windows..."
- "...the uncertain adoption of the Windows 8 operating system, unexpected slowdowns in enterprise Windows 7 upgrades and the increasing substitution of smartphones and tablets for PCs..."
Most of these risks and difficulties aren't exactly news — we already knew that Windows 8 hasn't been the sales driver manufacturers have been hoping for and that "post-PC" devices like smartphones and tablets are where the growth opportunities currently exist. Still, it's a frank admission from a company who built an enormous business on a model that's clearly becoming outdated.
A blunt assessment of where Dell is in the technology landscape
However, it's also worth noting that companies typically report such risks and uncertainties in nearly every SEC filing they make — it's an obligation to shareholders. While these trends do paint a difficult picture for the company, it doesn't mean Dell thinks it can't work around them. But in a worst-case scenario, these factors could (and, in a lot of ways, already have) hurt the company's financial performance. The plan to take Dell private still has a ways to go before it's a done deal — there are potential rival takeover bids from investor Carl Icahn and investment firm Blackstone still to be dealth with, and Michael Dell said today that Blackstone deal is a possibility if he retains his status as CEO. However, if the deal does come to fruition, investors can look at this list of risks and take some comfort that the company cashed its chips in before things got even more dire.


text:
Cart is empty
Filter by services
Partner status
All developers
Cs-cart Authorised Reseller in Singapore
CartTuning is reliable partner that offers an extensive selection of cs-cart addons and templates with a wide range of services.
Centre Locus is a team of E-Commerce Platform experts specializing in CS-Cart online shop, CS Cart Multistore, and CS Cart Marketplace. Additional Services: Add ons, Integration, SEO, Marketing, Support and hosting.


text:
Don't all of these bright, fun, playful colors
Just make you want to come play with us
On Thursdays
These are the colors of Thursday
And they make me as happy
As those I get to share them with
Enjoy your up coming weekend
Blessings to All
Love love love bright colors. They just make me smile.
Oh- What beautiful, bold bright colors, Cindy. Love these photos---they feel "happy" xo DianaReplyDelete
Color makes me happy! One might say, it 'colors my world'! lol! Fun photos!
These colors shout 'happiness'.
Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady
Those are definitely the bright colors of great Summer fun... Enjoy! Blessings!ReplyDelete
Hi Friend, I read and cherish every single comment you leave! You bring Joy to my heart! Blessings, Cindy


text:
FERGUSON, Mo. — Tonight, utter chaos unfolded in Ferguson, Mo., after St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch announced that charges would not be filed against officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.
Standing outside the Ferguson Police Department headquarters, the mood of the crowd of a few thousand was initially jubilant and brimming with anticipation, but around 8 p.m., when the announcement of the grand jury decision was made, all hell broke loose. Michael Brown's mother, Lesley McSpadden, addressed the crowd as McCulloch was speaking, apparently already informed of what the decision was going to be. She broke down sobbing in tears and agony saying, "They took my baby," and "We're sick of this." After that, the stepfather of Michael Brown, Louis Head, shouted through tears, "Burn this shit down." At that, some of the crowd got agitated and very aggressive with police.
Simultaneous with the announcement of the decision, St. Louis County officials released transcripts of grand jury testimony. Wilson, who is 6 foot 4 and 210 pounds, described Brown in his testimony as "Hulk Hogan," and stated that he looked "angry as a demon." According to Wilson, Brown reached for his gun while he was seated in his police cruiser and said, "You are too much of a pussy to shoot me."
In front of the Ferguson Police Department headquarters, after Head's outburst and after the grand jury decision was announced, the police took out their riot gear and formed a blockade in front of the headquarters building. There were also snipers visible on the roof of the police headquarters.
After the police formed a line, the crowd began chanting various slogans: "Hands up, don't shoot," "Fuck the police," "No justice, no peace," etc. Some members of the crowd then dispersed south on South Florissant Road. The protesters who remained started throwing rocks at the police. Others damaged a police cruiser. Police then told protesters they were assembled unlawfully and to disperse or face arrest.
When the protesters didn't disperse, police confronted them, shooting multiple tear gas or smoke canisters into the crowd and pushing the crowd north on South Florissant. The protesters reacted by shrieking, running, and washing their eyes out with milk and water. Some of the protesters were randomly shooting guns into the air, feeding into the chaotic environment. As the crowd moved north, a few protestors looted a small number of stores on South Florissant, including a Second Time Around resale store. But they were the minority by far. Most of the protesters were peacefully assembled, chanting slogans, but there was a minority who decided to loot, to set fires, and to torch two police cars. The protesters were angry, they were hurt, they were disappointed, and some of them used violence as a way to vent their frustration. One of the other protesters, a woman, said to the looters, "Don't do this, this isn't who we are."
The crowd was pushed further north. At South Florissant and Airport Road, protesters set a Walgreens on fire. Protesters also looted a T-Mobile store and an Aaron's furniture outlet. Over on West Florissant Avenue, a different crowd had set multiple fires only a block or two from where Mike Brown was killed. Looters also hit up the McDonald's that became infamous as a location where reporters camped during the first round of riots immediately after Brown's killing.
The scene was chaos. In addition to the looting, cars were running into each other, people fighting on the street, and were guns being shot off. As I was leaving, I saw more fires being set.
Meanwhile, angry citizens in cars drove up and down South Florissant, honking, trying to rile up others, and saying, "Don't go to sleep, this is the night," or, "This is only the beginning, we'll be back tomorrow."
St. Louis County Police reported 61 arrests, nearly a dozen buildings set afire, and two police cars torched. In an early morning news conference, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said there was basically nothing left on West Florissant. Many area school districts also cancelled classes. And officials have reinforced a no-fly zone over Ferguson. Protests continued throughout the city in Clayton, downtown and Ferguson.
Updated at 10:52 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2014.
Editor's Note: February 2, 2016
After uncovering misattributed quotes in stories written by Juan Thompson, a former staff reporter, The Intercept conducted a review of his work. Quotes in this story attributed to anonymous protesters could not be confirmed.
Photo: Charlie Riedel/AP


text:
For numerous reasons there will be no match report posted for this game. For those who are curious as to why not, feel free to find us at the bar and we'll be delighted to tell you.
Archive for: March, 2012
CPR Old Boyz 1 FC Partizani 1
Comments are off for this post
Schedule for March 31st and April 1st:
A Saturday night session, maybe better than the red bulls even…
Men's White @ NYC Albania, 8pm Tibbets Brook Park field # 3
Men's White Reserves @ NYC Albania, 6pm Tibbets Brook Park field # 3
and then back to Sunday action:
Women's Red @ Manhattan Kickers, 1pm East 6th
Women's White @ Rovers1, 9am East 6th
Men's Red vs. Shamrock, 4pm Randalls #74
Men's Red Reserves vs. Shamrock, 2pm Randalls #74
Men's Black vs Gotham Argo, 9pm Pier 40 East
Old Boys vs. Pele SC, 8am Randalls #75
Men's Gray vs Banatul, 4pm Corporal Thompson Field
Good Luck CPR!!
Comments are off for this post
White Reserves Dominate NY Croatia
NY Croatia was no match for an eager White Reserve squad Sunday at Icahn. From the opening kick-off CPR found themselves with acres of space down the wings creating chance after chance. The break through finally came with a ball knocked forward by Matt Geswell that Chris Norelli out muscled a defender for and went in on goal. After a composed finish slotted neatly to the far post CPR lead 1-0. The onslaught continued for the remainder of the first half, but the score remained because of some incredible saves by the Croatian keeper and some poorly placed shots by CPR.
The second half began with more of the same with the White Reserves controlling the almost all the possession and creating numerous chances with nothing finding the back of the net. Dan C changed that when he received a pass in the 18 yard box, which he skillfully turned and drove into the far corner. For the next ten minutes NY Croatia showed a little fire getting forward a few times, but the CPR back line and some sweeping clears by Jon coming off his line turned away all Croatian efforts on goal. Once CPR regained the possession and their composure they quickly created more chances with two more goals coming from Jacopo and Archie in quick succession that produced the final score of 4-0.
The CPR back-line calmly dealt with the NY Croatian long balls all game to get the shutout. Jon was rarely troubled in net, but did alertly and necessarily spring off his line a few times to clean up some Croatian long balls.
Final: 4-0
Goals: Norelli, Dan C, Jacapo, Archie
Comments are off for this post
Will the Win Stand?
The Firsts' dominated play against a robust NY Croatia team. We had a lot of the ball, while Croatia only got the odd long range attempt off. Our possession and frequent long ball attempts to beat the high defensive line and their offside trap repeatedly failed due to some very poor line work from the aged referee's assistant (I have informed the league that he should not be officiating first division games). We should have been clear through on several occasions, but were wrongly called back. The one time we did beat the trap we could not finish when in on goal. The Croatians visibly tired in the second half and with a more able assistant running the line in this half, it wasn't long before we were breaking through the slow defense. Finally, a deep run from Pat O down the right saw him reach the line and square perfectly to George at the far post, who took his chance well. It was an excellently worked goal. As the game went on our defense repelled anything they threw at us, while we continued to break though their rearguard. We had another two or three one on one situations and repeatedly failed to find the back of the net. At this point the sun was setting and the floodlights had not turned on. With 10 minutes to go, playing in very low light the referee stopped the game. He will now report the score and game time situation to the league and they will decide whether the score will stand or we have to replay the game.
TEAM: Ben, Pat O, Pat W, Paul, Mike N, Andy, Mike N, Conor, Danny D, George, Sharif – SUBS (used): Eli, Kyle
Comments are off for this post
Results from March 25th
Women's Red beat Battle Row, 1-0
Women's White had the weekend off
Men's White Reserves beat NY Croatia 4-0
Men's White beat NY Croatia, 1-0 (game called 10 minutes from time due to light, league ruling pending)
Men's Red beat Moroccan Astoria Lions 3-1
Men's Red Reserves drew 3-3 with Moroccan Astoria Lions
Men's Black fell to CD Iberia, 1-5
Old Boys drew 1-1 with FC Partizani NY
Men's Gray drew 1-1 with Hoboken FC
Comments are off for this post
Schedule for March 25th
Women's Red vs. Battle Row, 3pm East 6th Street
Women's White have the weekend off
Men's White vs. NY Croatia, 6pm Icahn Stadium
Men's White Reserves vs. NY Croatia, 4pm Icahn Stadium
Men's Red @ Moroccan Astoria Lions, 8pm Kaiser Park
Men's Red Reserves @ Moroccan Astoria Lions, 6pm Kaiser Park
Men's Black @ CD Iberia, 12noon Randalls #74
Old Boys vs. FC Partizani NY, 6pm Randalls #74
Men's Gray @ Hoboken FC, 10am Randalls #74
Good Luck CPR!!
Comments are off for this post
Old Boyz lose to Older Boyz by narrowest of Margins on first CPR Over 30's Derby day
From the moment it was announced that a new Over 30's CPR team would come into existence a derby day has been mooted. Finally the Grays pushed the Old Boyz into making a date for the spring which turned out to be the day after St. Patricks day. The initial returns at the field were not promising. Although the Old Boyz numbers were solid their condition left something to be desired. Since the derby was combined with WAGS day (Wives And Girlfriends for the uninitiated) there was a sizeable crowd available as well as an expectation of everyone having a chance to play some minutes.
A democracy on the field it may have been, but the goal of victory was still the same. The Old Boyz managed to shake off their sluggishness early with the midfield generators Bustamante & Phillips taking quick control. The defensive pressure of the Old Boyz soon hit pay dirt as the Grays were harassed into a deplorable error at the back leaving the goalie no chance to save Stower's nice finish. In quick succession the Old Boyz hit the post and crossbar, unfortunate not to take the lead on an excellent shot by Bustamante.
Right when it looked like the 'boyz might turn this into a laugher both Phillips & Edmunds dropped out injured. Phillips was "Tok'd" hard in the penalty box, a painful clubbing that has been inflicted by Tokumbo Shobowale on virtually everyone in the club over the years. Edmunds calf injury was self inflicted but no less critical to the spine of the team.
In the second half the Grays started exerting their influence as much as the Old Boyz had in the first half. Not content to watch the Old Boyz hit the woodwork they started peppering it themselves an astonishing 4 times, managing to tie the game up amidst the onslaught. Against the run of play the Old Boyz scored a spending counterattacking goal down the left, with Hollins to Bustamante to Breslin for a clinical goal. The Grays tying goal was equally pleasing to the eye with some good one touch play around the box.
An Intraclub derby could not end in a draw as the Cane needed to be presented to one of the teams. Penalties had been agreed to beforehand, and somehow the Old Boyz managed to take the advantage by shooting first. Venkataraman & Bustamante quickly put the Old Boyz ahead after a missed initial penalty from the Grays, and despite Hollins missing his 4thsuccessive penalty Morse buried his crucial one to have the Old Boyz a spot kick away from clinching the cane. Alas, it was not to be as Breslin stroked his weakly at the keeper and then Stower's was saved, with Enticott gently nailing the coffin by trickling the ball in.
|Congratulations to the CPR Grays on winning the first Geriatric Cane CPR Cup.
A splendid day and a lot of fun, with the planning for the next game to occur when true post game festivities can happen. Special thanks to Omar Sanchez for the ever thankless job of refereeing.
Competition: CPR Grays, Club opposition
Location: Field #72,RandallsIsland
Conditions: Nice Spring Afternoon
Fans: Several families, probably about 10 in total
Result: 2-2 (1-0 at H/T), 3-4 on Sudden Death Penalties
Goals: 1-0: Stower 2-1: Breslin Assist Bustamante
Penalties:Venkataraman: 1-0
Bustamante: 2-0
Hollins (miss): 2-1
Morse: 3-2
Breslin (miss): 3-2
Stower (miss): 3-3
|Efficacy 1, Elegance 0.
Yellow Cards: None (Hamilton away this week)
Red Card: None.
Mike D's aka No Shows: None
Conboy's aka Reverse Mike D's: None.
"Mr. Glass" Fragility/Old Man Injury Award: Back to normal programming. Phillips went out in the first half after getting 'Tok'd', looks like he'll be out all spring with a meniscus tear. Old Man Edmunds (video available here) succumbed to a calf pull and stole the Grays cane to wobble around on and generally shake at the younger generation.
Old Man of the Match: A generally good performance, although much more so in the first half than the second. Losing the spine up the middle of Edmunds & Phillips didn't help.
Old Man of the Bar: None
El Presidente (new award for Old Men who don't make it to game but come to the bar): None.
Team Bar Showing: 7 out of 17 (41%)
Team Bar Night: 1.5 out of 5: A noon game the day after St. Patrick's day was always going to be a tough ask for the pub. Impressive that anybody managed to make it down.
Team (No new profiles this week): Telly Vamvouris (GK), Tony Vamvouris (DF), Mark Becker (GK), Steve Morse (DF), Drew Faherty (DF), Mark Edmunds (DF), Alex Kass (DF), Scott Brindley (DF), Jessie Phillips, Dan Hollins, Paulo Bustamante, Manohar Venkataraman, Declan Breslin, Ernesto Teran, John Hodges, Neil Stower, Manuel Casanova
Comments are off for this post
CPR White vs. Vendaval – 3/18/2012
Comments are off for this post
Results from March 18th
In Women's league games:
CPR Women's White fell 0-3 to Scala
CPR Women's Red fell 0-4 to Rovers1
…and as expected, the 2 friendly derbies within the club were both tight matches:
CPR Grays beat the CPR Old Boys in PK's after the game ended regular time 2-2
The CPR Reds and CPR Whites drew 3-3 in their 'friendly' but with no cane at stake, skipped the PK's (not that there wasn't a controversial one late in the game anyway)
Comments are off for this post
CPR White vs. Scala – 3/11/2012
CPR Women White started out the spring 2012 season stronger than ever with a decisive win over Scala! Al led the way to victory with four – yes, four! – amazing goals, including a header off Lisa's corner and a fabulous volley from Kelly's cross. Kelly added another brilliant goal, making the final score, 5-0. Overall, the team showed no rustiness from the off season, with excellent possession and composure all over the field. As the team journeys to the far reaches of Randall's Island this coming Sunday, the momentum from the Scala win will hopefully propel them to their second win of the season! Look out Vendaval!
Comments are off for this post


text:
Voice Pedals for Live Performances
dingo Enrolled Posts: 119What do they do?
Check this out. I'd like to get ahold of one of these little puppies.
Bob H.
Eazy Enrolled Posts: 7
Dingo, it goes between your microphone and the mixer/PA and creates different voice effects such as delay, reverb and harmonies.
Dave I don't have any experience with voice pedals, but from years of experience with guitar effects I'd suggest nothing compares to going to a music shop, plugging in a mic and trying it for yourself. Many times in the past I've tried a particular effect based on someone's recommendation only to find that I don't personally like the sound of it at all.
Also, the multi-effects units have the advantage of only having to buy one unit and being able to turn on/off several effects at once, but if you don't like the sound of one of the effects you can't really swap it out for a different brand.
Single pedal effects give you more flexibility from a swap out perspective, but it's difficult to turn on more than one effect at once with your feet and you may run into issues with differences in volume between pedals.
Not sure if that helps or not but hopefully someone finds it useful.
well worth it.. you can control you pitch (if you need to , on those off days), and compression, delay, reverb, etc.... really eliminates a sound guy, or gives you that extra edge on smaller venues where no sound guy is present..
highmtnI was going through your old comments out of curiosity and looking to see if you had a link for a demo - as you've studied and worked with your vocal for a while nowI found this discussion and thought I'd share my experience.I watch your link featuring Ken and I found myself nodding my head in agreement when he said about being in control and not relying on someone else for "your" sound.A guitar player such as @sspatrick and i'm sure will agree, will spend hundreds or thousands on their axe and amps and fx rig ..............Well why would you not do the same as a vocalist and take control - this is what brought me to TC Helicon.I've been a fan and a user of TC Helicon products for vocalists for about 5 yrs now, in my opinion they are the best for vocalistsI'm currently using a voicelive 2 which comes everywhere with me,from memorable harmonies from your favourite songs to simple lush ahh's and ooh's it really adds a sparkle to gigs and performance.There is a pitch function on them - though only chromatic and subtle i prefer not to use it anymore as it gives a better feel and "live" sound without - though thats my preference.One thing I have noticed on youtube from users "testing" the products - almost EVERY video, the person using it has a tendancy to OVER USE it and then it sounds AWFULApart from seven bridges road or harmony specific songs - less is most definately more and little flutters of effects will add to your performance more so than the Harmony switch "ON" all nightstraight out the box after calibrating your input level it gives you studio ready vocals (well 85-90% - I have my own small studio and like to do things manually) its a great starting point for studio and gives fantastic instant stage ready vocals.across the range of TC products - from experience they all work fantastic - buy for your needs, the voicelive 2 is flagship and has a lot more in depth settings and editable features but essentially use the same algorithms and track flawlesslyHope this is helpful to you and anyone else thinking of investing in a vocal product.
I know this isn't the model you asked about, but I definitely give a thumbs up to the TC unit that I use...
I use the TC Helicon Harmony G, which allows me to have two harmonies on top of my voice. I'm singing backing vocals and it really fills the sound out. I plug my guitar into it and it selects major or minor harmonies depending on the type of chord I'm playing on the guitar.
It also has a few reverbs and I think it has some form of basic pitch correction.
It's a great unit, and I think I'd be lost without it now.
The lead singer in my originals band uses the other model... I'm not sure of the model name, it looks very similar to mine but it has delays, reverbs, etc... and I know he loves it.
Hey PeteMurphy that's great your a user too
The model your band mate uses is the Voicetone Create - its a reverb and delay fx unit,
I also have one of those
Yeah, I think mine is an out of date model now (I think the current model is the Harmony G+). I've had it a few years, and I'm so reliant on it. It's so cool the way it works out whether to do a major 3rd or a minor 3rd depending on the chords you play on the guitar.
jay said:Hope this is helpful to you and anyone else thinking of investing in a vocal product.Don't care about any of the other effects or looping, but quality vocal sound is worth the extra money over vocal foot pedals.thanks
I'll answer my own question, I just bought a livevoice2 for $470 on amazon and it sounds really great. I suspect the sound and harmony quality is similar to the voicelive2 touch that Ken demo'd, except this is a stomp floor model. Its really awesome having the harmonies track with my guitar chords. This thing can really do the Eagles, Kansas, Beachboys, etc... justice. I also like the tone feature which has automatic compression and de-essing. Looking forward to using it with a live band setup.ps. Ken, I love your laid back and fun style. Hope to meet you some day, it would be fun to jam with you at the Costa Mesa Studio.
I went to a gig a couple of months ago in California for one of the bands my little brother drums for.
The lead guitarist is their main background vocalist. He's using a stompbox harmonizer.
It was very effective (no pun intended). You have to be judicious with the mix settings, but it sounded like 3 or 4 voices in harmony. The high voices can sound a little chipmunky, but that's where good mix settings are important.
I wouldn't mind having one of these items.
Elvis's backup singing group was called "The Jordanaires".
I've often been referred to in my group as "The Jordanaire". ; ^ )
@highmtn yeah, that's what I've been finding as well. We have to be careful having the backup vocals too loud in the mix. I've also split my lead voice using an A/b box to get my standard vocal sound in the Bose L2 pa, then route a return from that channel to the backup effects and use the A b stomp to put it in the mix. I don't like the helicon's bypass mode, seems to take something out of my vocals.
danhurley Pro Posts: 8I also fell in love with the Demo of the Voice Live and got my own Voice Live Play GTX.
Now if I could just figure out how to use it. It is a guitar singers perfect match if you can put it together properly. I am still trying to build my home studio on a Zero Budget. Hard to do. I only have a SM58 Mic and need to find a cheap upgrade for home use. Then its on to the Recording Programs.
Would love to find someone in my area (Sacramento Foothills) to play with and share equipment.
If you have a Voice Live system can you please tell me what Mic you found works well with it?
For the Guitar part, it is so nice to have it all in one spot. I no longer need to mess with all my pedals, what a relief...
I myself have Voicelive helicon. I love it very much - amazing effects that you can edit yourself. But in Russian clubs the sound engeneers are not used to this pedals - so the mic is always whistling - don't know why. They say that better have 2 mics together. One - clean channel - - one with a pedal. Didn't get 2 mics yet. )))
@Alyona, I think I know what they are doing wrong. In order to get the really huge stereo sound, you need to run 2 XLR cables out of the VoiceLive Play and into independent channels on the mixing board. These 2 channels are then panned hard left and hard right. This is especially effective if the PA system is running in stereo.
Lastly, as you control the mic gain from that little black dial on the side of your VLP, get the sound guys to pull back the gain on your 2 channels to "0".
That should kill the feedback whistling, unless your monitors are the cause.
But these 2 things should definitely help!
@Furious_Phil Wow thank you so much! That is so helpful!
I have a gig in 2 weeks - will bring them your message - see what we can do! ))
@Alyona, the biggest contributor to feedback/squeal is the little black knob on the left side. This should be set so that you peak in the yellow, but are pretty consistently in the green. Just make sure that the sound guys have the board gain greatly reduced on your channels.
The other parts are all about getting you the absolute best sound possible.
i.e. running dual XLR cables from your VLP to 2 channels on the mixing board and panning them hard left and hard right to achieve true stereo separation like what you hear in your headphones. This will be much more dramatic if the PA is running in true stereo!
Let me know how you do with it!
@Furious_Phil Sure I will! Thank you for the advice!
cjfox Member, 2.0 INTERMEDIATE Posts: 19I have a Voicelive (1) that I got used. I love it! You do need to hook the unit so the harmonies are coming through a separate channel(s) on the board. My unit allows separate left and right as well as a bypass for the main mic to go unprocessed into the board, similar to what Phil was saying. I have found the unit colors the sound even in bypass mode if you have your voice coming out of the same output with the harmonies. My favorite feature is the midi hookup, as I play keyboards. The unit will do the harmonies according to what you play on the keyboards, regardless of what the main melody line is doing, which is great for stuff like Steely Dan, where you have complex chords that don't follow the preset scales built into the Voicelive. I don't use a lot of the other features, but it's a great unit and I have only scratched the surface.
Yes they make an amazing product for sure! I think I want to turn down the overall effect level to get a little more pureness to the tone, but I've found that what I hear over headphones is allot more exaggerated than over a stereo PA system. So I basically record our practices/rehearsals and make performance notes from that for me to tweak my settings for the next rehearsal... rinse and repeat


text:
Have you ever considered taking or are you now prescribed antidepressants? If so, there's an effect that comes with certain psychoactive drugs such as these, going beyond their common pharmacology that you ought to know. If you've already consulted a medical professional about acquiring these medications, then you've also probably discovered that there's no real test required…READ MORE >>
A person who commits suicide or mass murder isn't who you think they are. He isn't even who he thinks he is. The cause of all human violence goes to a phenomenon beyond the understanding of intellectual analysis. It is metaphysical, and for this reason, experts will always look toward wrong solutions. Forget about TV…READ MORE >>


text:
Hopefully among the many renovations at Dodger Stadium this offseason includes more room for the front office, as the Dodgers keep adding to their baseball operations staff. The team announced on Monday the hiring of Pat Corrales as a special assistant to general manager Ned Colletti.
Corrales has been in baseball for 53 years, including nine years as a manager from 1978-1987 with the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Indians. He was the second manager of Mexican-American descent in major league history, after Ted Williams.
"We are very happy to have Pat join us," Colletti said in a statement. "His vast experience, especially from his years in Atlanta and Washington, will be a great strength to our organization. He will assist us in a variety of ways, including evaluating our player development system and helping us at the Major League level. I have known Pat for a long time and some of my early mentors, whom I respect very much, have worked side by side with him."
Corrales worked with Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten in both Atlanta and Washington, including nine years as a coach under Bobby Cox with the Braves.
I believe this makes eight special assistants under Colletti and/or baseball operations: Corrales, Toney Howell, Ken Bracey, Bill Mueller, Jose Vizcaino, Aaron Sele, Juan Castro, and Mickey Hatcher. Corrales is the third announced front office hire since the end of the season, joining senior advisor Gerry Hunsicker and international scouting director Bob Engle, and doesn't include Patrick Guerrero, who hasn't been announced but has been reportedly hired as Latin American coordinator.
The trio of Corrales, Engle, and Hunsicker has a combined 126 years of baseball experience.


text:
Mette-Marit speaks out in new book
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has written the preface of the new book "Skapsprengere" (translated: "Those who blow up the closet"), written by Anniken Huitfeldt (Norwegian Minister of Children and Equality) and Kurt Ole Linn (Senior adviser at The Ministry of Children and Equality).
The book, which was released by Aschehoug on Aug. 12, tells the "coming out" stories of 17 different homosexuals and lesbians living in Norway.
The Crown Princess says: "I hope that this book will create discussion and reflection about how important it is to be allowed to be a whole human being, and how we can help each other to become just that."
The book will be handed out in Norwegian schools.
Read more bout the book, in Norwegian, on Aschehoug.no and Regjeringen.no


text:
As many investors reevaluate their portfolios and start to actively take control of their investments, some are curious about just how to use exchange traded funds (ETFs) to construct a diversified and well-balanced portfolio.
Although there are various ways to diversify, Roger Nusbaum, a contributor at TheStreet, follows a Mohammed El-Erian type portfolio with allocations in equity, bonds and real assets. El-Erian is the CEO and co-CIO of PIMCO.
Nusbaum took a look at ETF choices that fit in with El-Erian's concept:
In the equity portion, he suggests allocating 10% to the PowerShares S&P 500 Buy Write Portfolio (PBP) and 5% to the iShares S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (IJR) which enables investors to benefit from fact that small-cap stocks generally lead the way in the early stages of a stock market cycle.
Additionally, he suggests allocating 10% of a portfolio to the WisdomTree International Large Cap Dividend ETF (DOL) and 5% to the SPDR S&P International Small Cap Index Fund (GWX). In regard to gaining access to emerging markets, Nusbaum suggests looking at the PowerShares BLDRS Emerging Market 50 Index Fund (ADRE).
Next, he suggests adding fixed-income ETFs to a portfolio. In this portion, he states one should look at the iShares Barclays Agency Fund (AGZ) or iShares S&P/Citigroup 1-3 Year International Treas (SHY). PIMCO also offers a PIMCO 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury Index Fund (TUZ).


text:
Guyfront TrunkAdd to Wish List
This bad boy is a bestseller for so many reasons. As our number one men's undie, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, support and breathability. Experience what a bestseller really feels like for yourself.
- BONDS Cool wicks moisture away to keep you cool and dry
- Ultra soft elastic waistband
- Side seam free
- Signature fly front opening
Material: Main: Cotton / Elastane; Waist Elastic: Nylon / Polyester / Elastane (Excluding Trims).
Manufactured In: China
Product Code: MX3N_OM9
Buy Online, Return In Store - You can return all orders (including online orders)to your nearest Bonds stores (including Bonds, Bonds Kids and Bonds Outlet Stores but excluding Bonds Clearance Stores).
Want to return your item in store? Not a problem, let's get started. - In Store Return Check
Free Click & Collect - Collect your BONDS order (personalised items excluded) from your closest Bonds or Bonds Kids store for FREE.
Standard Shipping - Free on all orders for Bonds & Me members Australia-wide. For non-members, we offer free shipping on orders over $59 (excluding eGift Cards). A $6.95 flat fee is charged for orders under $59. Please allow up to 7 business days. For personalisation orders please allow up to 14 business days.
Express Shipping - $9.95 Australia-wide.
International Shipping - Charges may vary for delivery outside of Australia.
We accept change of mind returns for FREE on most products delivered within Australia for up to 60 days from the date of receipt, or if faulty. View returns policy
Each garment label will provide the specific material and care instructions for your guidance, so please make sure you check these.


text:
Treatments to Try: Medical Pedi, Arabian Massage & an Almond nail dip
What: Medical Pedicure at Sisters Beauty Lounge
The atmosphere: The new pods at Sisters Beauty Lounge, Dubai Mall are pretty exciting so it's worth getting a treatment done there. It feels very private, with your own TV to keep you company.
The experience: The treatment started with crystal filing (instead of the usual file), before getting a nail serum on the nails to open up the cuticles and hydrate the nails. Post cuticle work, foot oil is applied on the nails with intense dry foot filing (the intensity really does give you soft feet!). My feet were then soaked in emu oil and Lemon Myrtle (Margaret Dabbs loves organic emu oil in her treatments for its anti-aging, moisturizing and healing properties). My feet were then scrubbed with the foot mousse before ending with a paraffin treatment for 10 minutes followed by a foot massage.
Final note and results: My pedicure lasted longer than any other pedicure, and my feet were the softest they've been in a while!
Cost: AED180
Contact: http://www.sistersbeautylounge.com
Extra notes:
-Margaret Dabbs is a renowned podiatrist, so it's pretty exciting that Sisters have introduced her treatments to the salon!
-They have a range of different treatments from the Dry Skin Cure, Broken Skin Remedy to detox and Hygiene Fresh Treatment.
Recommended rating: 8/10
What: Arabian Massage at the Anantara Spa
The atmosphere: I went during the day, so it was nice and quiet. Anantara is one of my favorite hotels when I think of a getaway in Dubai. As soon as you enter, you feel like you've just arrived in Thailand or Bali.
The experience: As soon as I arrived, I was greeted to a hibiscus honey juice and a cold towel, before being directed to my treatment room. Before the massage, my therapist started the treatment with a milk bath and a lavender sea salt scrub for my feet. If you want something oriental or Arabian, this is a great recommendation for a spa treatment. I went for the Arabian massage, which is a 60 minute treatment using Spice Oil with your choice of pressure. The therapist tends to use her forearm and elbow for most of the massage.
Final note and results: Super relaxed and felt like I was on an island getaway!
Recommended therapist: Feli
Cost: AED550
Contact: http://dubai-palm.anantara.com/spas.aspx
Extra notes:
-The treatment rooms have a view of the Anantara lagoons, which are beautiful.
Recommended rating: 8/10
What: Reflexology at the Armani Hotel Spa
The atmosphere: I've stayed at the Armani Hotel once before, and the spa really reminded me of how the rooms looks and felt. Everything follows a grey palette and is super minimalistic.
The experience: I mean, it's already pretty amazing that the treatment takes place inside the tallest building in the world (The Armani Hotel is located inside the Burj Khalifa). As soon as I arrived, I filled in a quick questionnaire before getting served a refreshing juice (which included watermelon, cucumber and elderflower syrup) with a hot towel.
Final note and results: Even though the treatment usually takes place on a bed, I decided to have mine on the chair. The treatment started with a foot bath in a gorgeous stone sink (I loved the dome room), and I was able to choose which of their signature three oils I wanted my therapist to use for the 60 minute reflexology treatment (it was between jasmine, cedarwood and citrus — I picked jasmine)
Recommended therapist: Chalee from Thailand
Cost: AED600
Contact: http://dubai.armanihotels.com/spa-en.html
Recommended rating: 9/10
What: Clay treatment at Be Bar Salon
The atmosphere: I visited Be Bar when it opened not long ago, and it really defines a blow dry bar for me. It has the perfect mix between Dry Bar in the US and Duck & Dry in the UK. Everything from the staff and the scent, to the designs and the kettle corn popcorn really make the atmosphere and experience.
The experience: This is a great treatment for women with oily hair. As soon as I arrived, I was taken to the hair wash room which feels very zen, with dim lighting to some of the most comfortable shower beds. The treatment, which is by Maria Dowling, is made out of ingredients like clay, sesame oil, argan oil and honey to name a few, and was applied in sections to the scalp before it was massaged and left on for 15 minutes. During those 15 minutes, I was pampered with a complimentary hand massage, which made this hair treatment feel like a spa experience. Fifteen minutes later, it was massaged in and thoroughly removed.
Final note and results: I decided to really take in the benefits of the treatment, and didn't style my hair. It smelt lovely (super natural) and felt great, and hydrating too.
Recommended therapist: Sashi or Ria (Ria gives an incredible head massage!
Cost: AED150 and AED220 for very long/thick hair. They offer a 20% discount on the blow dry following any of their treatments.
Contact: http://mybebar.com
Extra notes:
-They send email reminders, which are very helpful!
Recommended rating: 9/10
What: So Sweet Almond Dip treatment at The Nail Spa
The atmosphere: There are quite a few branches of The Nail Spa in Dubai. I tend to go to the one in Jumeirah as it's quite close to my home. It's always lovely and quiet there which I love, as opposed to the other branches that can get much busier.
The experience: In my opinion, there are a handful of places in Dubai I can trust for a good manicure, and The Nail Spa is one of them. In addition to the typical manicure – cuticle, cleaning, massage etc. – the sweet almond oil dip is an additional treatment to the manicure. After the cleaning, filing and cuticle work, your hands are dipped in warm almond oil for 10 minutes, before it's massaged into your nails for it to be absorbed.
Final note and results: It's not recommend that you add any polish post manicure because the oil will make the nail polish peel. My nails have been feeling very dry and weak because of all the traveling and gel manicures, so I definitely felt like my nails felt nourished after the treatment, so this is something I'd do for the next two manicures to really build up the strength of my nails.
Recommended therapist: Fhe
Cost: AED95
Contact: http://thenailspa.com
Recommended rating: 8/10


text:
A woman who denied pulling out part of her ex-husband's intestines after they had sex at her Birmingham home has walked free from court.
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court, who had deliberated for two-and-a-half hours, found Dalya Saeed not guilty of attempted murder and wounding with intent.
The 35-year-old burst into tears and bowed her head when the jury announced its verdicts.
The court had heard previously that 31-year-old Bilal Miah had met Ms Saeed when they worked in a restaurant.
They had a daughter together but split up in 2013 and he had remarried.
Taxi driver Mr Miah said that on October 19, 2015, his ex-wife had phoned him and asked him to come to her home in Forest Road, Moseley, to discuss their daughter.
He said they had consensual sex but had then argued, the court heard.
They then started to have sex again but she suddenly stabbed him twice in the stomach before taking hold of his intestines and pulling them, jurors heard.
He managed to get out of the flat but she continued the attack in the street, the court heard.
Ms Saeed said in her evidence that she had acted in self-defence.
"I fully believed it was going to be my final night," she said. "I was just looking for something to cut. I stabbed him twice."
She said she fled to a storage area and that Mr Miah had attacked her with a wooden stick.
"I put my hand up in order to stop him and touched his body," she added. "Then I saw a piece of intestine in my hand.
"I threw it on the floor and at that point I saw Bilal's intestines fall out."
She said she had pursued him outside to make sure he did not come back.