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Recruiting a new leader for a big museum can take months — sometimes more than a year — involving search committees, consultants and rounds of interviews and negotiations.
In the case of the Autry National Center of the American West, finding its fourth chief executive since opening 25 years ago was a much simpler affair. The biggest challenge was for board chair Marshall McKay, tired from a 12-hour day of meetings, to muster the energy to rush through a hotel corridor in Portland, Ore., catch up with the man he'd pegged as the Autry's next leader, and make him a proposal from out of the blue.
Autry museum: In the April 28 Arts & Books section, an article about the Autry National Center of the American West said that Shelby Tisdale, its vice president in charge of curators and exhibitions, began her job in January. She started last September. —
The candidate — although he didn't know he was one until McKay had corralled him in the hallway — was W. Richard West Jr., who made his mark as a national and global museum-world figure from 1990 to 2007 as founding director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.
CHEAT SHEET: Spring Arts Preview
During his tenure there, West and his staff raised $156 million in private donations and oversaw not just the construction and 2004 opening of the main museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., but the launch of satellite sites in New York City and Suitland, Md.
McKay and West are Native Americans and had spent the day in Portland in meetings of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, on whose board both serve. McKay learned that West, now 70, had come out of a four-year semi-retirement and was working as the full-time interim director of the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C.
"I threw out a request: If he had any intention to continue leading museums, would he consider helping us at the Autry?" McKay recalled. "I explained [the job] to him literally while walking down the hallway, giving the 'elevator speech' of the Autry."
West's hiring, and the departure of his predecessor, Daniel Finley, after less than two years, were announced the following month. Because of his commitment to the Textile Museum, West didn't start his new job until Dec. 31.
The American Indian Museum "was something that most tribal leaders thought of as a dream rather than a reality, and we were thrilled with [West's] leadership" in making it real, said McKay, now vice chairman of the NMAI's board, having joined after West's tenure. McKay, who chairs the tribal council of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in Northern California, had seen West in action up close, when he successfully courted a substantial Yocha Dehe donation to the NMAI. "I admired his work, and his stamina."
West "was the only choice, once we found he might have an interest," said Jackie Autry, who established the Autry National Center with her late husband, cowboy star Gene Autry, and continues to be its leading funder. She provides almost $6.5 million a year, which will account for more than a third of its $17.7-million budget for 2013.
PHOTOS: Arts and culture from the Times
West said his enthusiasm for the day-to-day demands of running a museum was rekindled at the small but venerable Textile Museum, which displays rugs, tapestry and artfully woven garments from around the world and needed an experienced leader to replace a director who'd unexpectedly resigned during preparations for a move next year to a new venue.
"I decided I still love this work, and I want to keep doing it for a while," said West, who grew up in Muskogee, Okla., the son of Dick West, a noted Cheyenne painter, sculptor and art teacher, and a non-native mother, Maribelle, who was a pianist and music professor at Bacone College in Muskogee.
With his trim build and smooth skin, West is clearly not an old 70. He's known as a dapper dresser, sporting an assortment of check-patterned garments during a recent interview, along with the suspenders that have been his sartorial signature since his first career as an attorney with a practice focused on Native American concerns.
West says he didn't inherit an iota of his father's artistic talent. He earned a history degree at his mother's Southern California alma mater, the University of Redlands, then got a master's in history at Harvard before deciding in 1968, amid a dawning Native American rights movement, that it was important to be on history's front lines. He enrolled at Stanford's law school along with his wife, Mary Beth, whom he'd met in Boston.
West said he has a three-year contract at the Autry, with an annual salary of $305,000 (Finley had earned $282,000 in 2011), and is open to staying five years or more, as the museum board initially requested. His wife, a former oceans and fisheries diplomat for the U.S. State Department, was OK with leaving Washington after 40 years, even though it meant giving up her job heading the U.S. office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
He already has made important decisions, recruiting Justin Estoque, one of his former top aides at the NMAI, as deputy director and hiring new heads of fundraising and communications. The Autry also has a new vice president in charge of curators and exhibitions, Shelby Tisdale, former director of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, N.M. She arrived in January, but her hiring had predated West's appointment as president.
FULL COVERAGE: 2013 Spring arts preview
In some ways, West's new job is more complex than what he faced at the NMAI. There, the fairly straightforward task was providing a museum platform for Native Americans to tell their own stories.
But when he gives his elevator pitch to prospective Autry donors, it might behoove him to do it in a skyscraper. The complicated mission is to use a collection of about 525,000 pieces, including perhaps the most prized Native American holdings outside the Smithsonian, to examine the history and cultures of the West. The Autry takes a multicultural perspective that conceives of the West as a puzzle assembled from disparate pieces that, to put it mildly, have not always interlocked smoothly. West says he doesn't want to smooth history's rough edges.
"I think museums should be a forum for debate and sometimes even controversy," he said.
Because of its collections and research archives, West said, the Autry has "lots of horsepower to produce effectively as a museum." But its prospects will depend on his own effectiveness in fundraising for a potentially daunting array of needs. Each of the Autry's sites requires a large infusion of money.
At the main museum in Griffith Park, a $6.6-million state grant is covering most of the cost of renovating galleries on the lower level as a permanent showcase for the Native American collection, expected to open in 2015. After that, the plan is to carve additional exhibition space from areas now used for offices and storage.
In Burbank, a warehouse the Autry bought in 2010 is being rehabbed for collection storage, research libraries and curators' offices. The initial estimate of combined costs in Griffith Park and Burbank was $75 million, but West said the museum is working on updated figures. He said $8.2 million has gone toward basic renovations and installing state-of-the-art climate control and security systems in Burbank, where most of the collection is now stored.
Then there's the 99-year-old Southwest Museum of the American Indian building on a hilltop in Mt. Washington — the knottiest, most battle-scarred piece of cultural turf in Los Angeles. The site, and the political and community issues attending it, have bedeviled Autry leaders since late 2002, when the Autry took over the financially teetering Southwest. The collection was a brilliant acquisition — a boost toward potential greatness for the Autry. But the museum building is a vast challenge — too historic and distinctive to be shunted aside as a white elephant, but too need-ridden to fit easily into its step-parent's institutional plans.
About $15 million has gone into conservation work on the Southwest Museum collection and initial structural improvements to the building, but only one hall has been refurbished enough to resume exhibitions — the first since 2006 is expected to open this year.
West said flatly that the Autry can't handle a complete revival of the Southwest without lots of outside help — and where that help might come from is unknown. Neighborhood groups in northeast Los Angeles have sued the city — unsuccessfully, but an appeal is pending — for approving the Autry's Griffith Park improvements, which they contend should not go forward until the Autry guarantees it will fully restore the Southwest Museum as a cultural venue.
The Autry, which envisions sharing the site with other cultural nonprofits, is cooperating with city engineers assessing the Southwest building's needs and costs, but West said it won't join in discussions with the Southwest Museum's neighborhood backers until the lawsuits have been resolved.
With all of that on the Autry's plate, it's counting on West and board chair McKay as point men in a fresh fundraising approach to Native American tribes in California that have grown wealthy from casino operations. At the Smithsonian, West secured separate $10-million donations from three Eastern tribes that run gaming operations: the Oneida of New York and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan of Connecticut.
"I wouldn't want to put it all on the back of the casinos and tribes," West said, "but we would like to talk to the native community about why they should be involved with the Autry. Native people want a personal connection. I think we can make the case."
"I think with both of us at the helm, we'll be able to attract a much deeper acceptance and a growth of native participation," said McKay. "Rick has that ability wherever he goes, and I'll rely on my connections in the northern part of the state to help him."
McKay sees no lingering fallout from a sour postscript to West's Smithsonian tenure. Shortly after his November 2007 retirement, the Washington Post published stories documenting large travel expenses during his last four years at the NMAI, including first-class air fares and pricey hotel stays.
A subsequent report by the Smithsonian's inspector general found that most of West's expenses were permitted under the Smithsonian's existing travel policies but lamented that they "were not more in keeping with the prudence demanded of a nonprofit leader." The report blamed "anemic oversight" by his superiors — the Smithsonian secretary and deputy secretary who earlier in 2007 had both resigned under pressure, engulfed by scandals of their own.
West accepted the 2008 inspector general's report, saying at the time that "I should have exercised better judgment" and promised to reimburse $9,700 in expenses found to have been unwarranted.
"It's history, and it has not interfered at all with my professional progress," he says now.
West would rather look ahead to two exhibition openings — both planned before he took over — that he says illustrate how the Autry's cross-cultural approach to the American West is gaining traction.
"Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic" begins May 10, providing a historical overview of Jewish L.A. On June 15 a new gallery, Art of the West, will debut, giving the Autry more room to trace how artists from different cultures and in different periods have responded to the region's landscape, people and events.
"The seeds of our direction are there," West said. "I want to be here long enough to really advance things."
Music Center names Kent Kresa chairman of the board
Dr. Frank Gehry? A Cleveland university honors the architect
Juilliard School honorees include Daniel Day-Lewis, Dawn Upshaw
TONYS 2013: Nominees, photos and full coverage of the awards
CHEAT SHEET: Spring Arts Preview
PHOTOS: Arts and culture in pictures


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Billy Strange, Musicians Hall of Famer and Longtime Friend to Country, Dies at 81
Turn on any Oldies radio station and you're bound to hear the guitar or penwork of Billy Strange, a talented writer, musician and actor who died on Wednesday morning at the age of 81. The versatile guitarist and songwriter performed with everyone from Roy Rogers and Spade Cooley to Count Bassie, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.
Strange's website meticulously documents his 50 plus year-long career in music and show business. Perhaps his most recognizable credits are as the writer of Presley's 'A Little Less Conversation,' or as the one who arranged Nancy Sinatra's 'These Boots Are Made for Walking' and Frank Sinatra's 'Something Stupid.' The Sinatras were always grateful to Strange, and there are numerous photos of the group chatting socially at the website.
"My dear friend, the legendary guitarist/arranger Billy Strange passed away this morning in Nashville," Nancy Sinatra tweeted on Wednesday. "My heart is shattered."
According to his biography, the talented conductor was also the musical director for the first five ACM Award shows. He recorded with Willie Nelson, Bob Wills and Dean Martin. Strange also wrote Presley's 'Memories' and 'Viva Las Vegas' and had a role as "Speedy West" in the 1980 Loretta Lynn biopic, 'Coal Miner's Daughter.'
Family and friends have been sharing memories and stories of Strange at the message board on his website. He leaves behind wife Jeanne Black Strange and several children from previous marriages. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Watch Billy Strange Conduct Frank Sinatra's Band

subset: commoncrawl


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Oo-err, that sounds awful complex
I've just realised, you seem to use many smiley thing that I haven't seen anywhere else on the forum.
Basically- where do they come from?
sweet cheers guy. found a 24 month contract for £20, think i'll get that
yo, figured you're in the know about these things, so thought I'd ask. Nexus 4, worth it for £272? my contract runs up soon, and i've had a look on the internet and most people seem to prefer this to competitors at a similar price range. any help? tar
True but there's only one Cronus =P
Hey, you've kept through your years and have retained a pretty solid personality, I'd say that's an indisputable upside ^^
Even if your body is a whithered husk capable of the bear minimum these days and looking like a prune far past its sell-by date-hey! That's only natural!
Your spirit hasn't whithered over the years, evidentially ^^
Probably near some specialist store. Think you can make it to the nearest one with those knees mate?
Oh, well, I promise I didn't noticed the grey hairs either? =P
Happy Birthday Cronus ^^
Did think about your present being oriented around your perverted shtick, but I decided to theme it around another joke. Here ya go
New Member
GF Member
The Demon King
GF Pro
Grand Master Jedi
Smooth As.....


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Nigeria defender Juwon Oshaniwa says three UK clubs keen to sign him
Last Updated: 04/06/15 3:35pm
Nigeria international Juwon Oshaniwa claims he is attracting interest from several clubs in the UK, saying Hearts are in discussions with his current side over a potential summer move.
The defender, who currently plays for FC Ashdod in Israel, was linked with a move to Celtic in January and says they are still looking at him, as well as Sky Bet Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
Turkish club Bursaspor are also rumoured to be monitoring his situation.
The 24-year-old played in all four of Nigeria's World Cup matches in Brazil in 2014, including a thrilling 3-2 defeat to eventual runners-up Argentina.
Oshaniwa says he knows about a potential move to Hearts and would be keen to play in the UK.
"I am aware of it. My club president confirmed the official proposal from Hearts and let me know that talks are still on to seal the deal alongside my agent Ladi Salami in the UK," he said.
"And more so, my agent confirmed interest of Celtic and from Sheffield Wednesday."
Oshaniwa, who joined Ashdod in 2012, says he is keen to leave the club this summer in a bid to continue his football development.
He said: "I will be so glad to leave for greener pastures to meet up with my goal in a well-developed league to improve on the status I have got in the world of football.
"And I am very sure I can achieve my aim with these clubs. But sure, my mind is set and made up to leave Ashdod in this summer's transfer window in as much as the deal terms are met with and sealed with any of these clubs."


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Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party Tour Continues to Break Records
Just a few weeks following his impressive back-to-back sell out shows at Atlanta's Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Jason Aldean is at it again.
The southern country rocker's recent shows at New York's IZOD Center and Charolettsville, Va.'s John Paul Jones Arena helped bring his attendance record to a new level. Aldean has now reached his 13th milestone of exceeding ticket sales for his 2012 performances, marking a total of 18 shows sold out on his current My Kinda Party Tour.
Other sold out shows over the past few weeks have included Rodeo Houston at Reliant Stadium, where he set the all-time record with 74,901 fans. His show at the IZOD Center, however, set a new record in the venue's country music concert history after Aldean packed in more than 19,000 fans, which exceeded Shania Twain's previous record of 15,749 back in 2003.
"These last few months on the road have been unbelievable, and the crowds this weekend were killer," says Aldean. "We are off to Vegas next for the ACMs, and will hopefully have a little luck on and off the blackjack tables!"
At this year's ACM Awards, Aldean is up for six nominations, including second-consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. The Entertainer of the Year winner is once again determined by fan voting, which is taking place now through the show's live broadcast on CBS on Sunday, April 1 at 8:00PM ET.
Aldean's My Kinda Party Tour has upcoming stops in California, Illinois, Indiana and Alabama. The tour also features the likes of Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina, who are opening the shows.


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Watch 100 Years Free Online. Stream and Download The Full Movie 100 Years For Free Online
|>>Watch Free: Link 1
|>>Watch Free: Link 2
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|>>Watch Free: Link 4
Where Can I watch 100 Years For Free? Now a days there are many sites available for free to watch 100 Years online. Now a days we prefer to watch 100 Years online because for offline first we have to download and then watch it, but for online we can see right now.
Last Saturday Hannover-Linden presented his multicultural side and offered a varied program with a participatory character in the foreground. And there were plenty of reasons to celebrate: - 150 Years "Young Linden" - 50 years "Freizeitheim Linden" - 40 years "IGS Linden" - 30 years "DGB-Choir" - 20 years of "Faust" and - 10 years "IG Ahrbergviertel".
In 1942, my grandmother was forced to leave her Russian village, which had been burnt down by the German army. She was twenty-five years old at the time, and died thirty-six years later, here in France. I was ten years old then. I knew little about her. 65 years later I went to Russia.
31 years old Erie arises one morning without any memory of the past 15 years, thinking she is still 16 years old. Her life is far from what she had dreamed it to be, and she refuses to face reality. Rejecting her husband, she goes to visit her high school boyfriend she made a promise 15 years ago ...
Over an average life you'll spent 7 years in the bathroom, you'll spent 6 years eating, you'll spent 5 years waiting in lines, you'll spent 4 years cleaning house, you'll spent 3 years in meetings, you'll spent 1 year searching for things. One of the best exercises of self-discipline is to take the time and to think through and plan out everything you do before you begin. The very worst waste of
13 years on from the brutal war in Sierra Leone, ex child soldier, Nathaniel Sesay, tries to come to terms with his past. He was captured when he was nine years old and spent five years fighting with the rebels in the jungle. As he approaches 30, Mash P travels back to meet those who knew him before and just after the conflict, some of whom, he hasn't seen for 15 years.
Amin and Parto, used to be in love 15 years ago. Now after 15 years, while traveling to Tehran, they see each other in the bus and they spend a night together in Tehran talking about the years they were a part. Even though all these years they were still thinking about each other, after this trip they find out that they are dependent to their present life and family, and past has finished.
8 years. 12 years. 15 years old. A body is growing and developing in front of the camera, absorbing sensations and emotions, confronting its limits and its darker hidden parts. A body that through the years abandons itself to the character, transforming what could be seen as simple (children's)
A wedding is approaching, Mario and Angela's one. He is 84 years old, she is 88. After fifty years of a life together, they will finally take the plunge. To their marriage are invited the pianist Lina 100 years old, which will lead the party and Henriette 76, her servant for over fifty years. This is a story about life, love, death.
George Monroe is a lonely and sad man. Divorced for ten years, he lives alone on the Southern California coast with his pet dog in the same run down shack he has lived in for twenty-five years, the shack which his father passed down to him. In the intervening years, ostentatious houses have sprung up around him. He's been at the same architectural firm for twenty years in a job he hates, which p
A group of young friends go hunting during their holidays near a small town in Texas, where the father of one of them own a piece of land. But the place has a legend. Years ago the grandfather stole the land from the Indians and they cursed the family. The curse is effective once every 10 years. 20 years ago the grandfather was killed, 10 years ago an uncle disappeared, and now...
There are many Free and paid sites to watch 100 Years online . And some of sites you have to login or signup but there is also some sites where login or signup is not required to watch 100 Years for free.
Here's a list of free movies that are related to 100 Years.
Here's a Random Selection Of Free Movies


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As in emo icons.
Out of curiosity why not have Berserk emo icons?
Why not make puck emotes?
What a crazy idea. Stay tuned...
What a crazy idea.
I can see why you might want to avoid Berserk icons.
I don't.
Abuse of them as with the family guy icon.
I tried it.
Stay tuned...
UPDATE:Thanks to its abuse, the following rule has been changed. Any further use of Quagmire emoticon will get you quarantined for 1 month.
i have seen a few threads where it looks like the Quagmire emoticon should be used. i think it would be a good idea if there was a certian amount of times a person would be alowed to use it.
this one is kinda new compared to the other smiley's
It's not technically possible, and experience showed it wouldn't work well anyway. People would abuse it, just like they did.
Yeah, it's not in the standard emoticon set, I implemented it a while ago because I personally like it more than any other alternative, and I thought the board was missing an animated laughing emoticon, we only had a grinning one.
That's wrong. I lost 100 posts and I wasn't even aware you couldn't post the quagmire icon.
So not worth sacrificing your posts for
Yeah because it's the quantity of posts that defines your contribution to the forums and not just your e-penis.
It's actually the qualities of your posts that really defines your contribution to the board, the quantity is vastly secondary (not even talking about the post count).
but look at how many posts you have and you are a mod!
That doesn't change anything. I had 400 posts when I became administrator, and I had been around for quite a long time. I get to post much because I'm around and try to answer questions and correct errors as much as possible, but that's pretty much it.


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• jurisdiction •
Pronunciation: ju-ris-dik-shên
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: 1. Authority, the right and power to interpret the law. 2. The territory in which an official or office has authority.
Notes: We find very little area to explore in this word. It has an adjective, jurisdictional, which makes the obvious adverb possible. The adjective jurisdictive didn't make it very far but it is still out there in the Oxford English Dictionary.
In Play: Hey, kids! Do your parents invade the privacy of your room and try to dictate how it is administered? Try reining them in with something like this: "Dad, you are in my jurisdiction now; don't try to impose your sense of tidiness here." This puts him in the position of having to decide which is more important: vocabulary or neatness.
Word History: Today's is another good word seined intact from Latin, this time, iurisdictio(n-), a compound of iuris, a variant of ius "law" + dictio(n-) "declaration" from dictus, the past participle of dicere "to say". Jus is also behind English justice, jury and other words having to do with right and justice. Latin dictus "said" is visible in many English words related to speech: diction, dictation, dictator, whose 'dictation' everyone has to take. But the root *dik- began its life meaning "to show", which is how it ended up in English as teach. How it became toe is a great puzzlement until you recall its relation to what Romans called a digitus "finger"—from the same root. Digits are quintessential pointers and, of course, our ancestors were less likely than we to wear shoes. (The fickle finger of fate is now pointing in gratitude at Katy Brezger, a major contributor in the Agora and to the Good Word series, for this good word.)
Use this forum to discuss past Good Words.
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I will be recycling some old words that do not reflect my best. When I left YDC I had to leave all my Words there (1300+). However, I had always intended to go back to those I wrote during the first two years (2000-2001) and plump them up a bit.
Jurisdiction, however, is not a rerun.
Jurisdiction, however, is not a rerun.
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Announcing the April Featured Geocacher of the Month
Many people recognize April's Featured Geocacher of the Month for their hospitality and ability to host and organize numerous geocaching gatherings. Congratulations to Milosheart for being named April's featured Geocacher of the Month!
Lackeys were greatly impressed with the tight number of votes that pushed this power couple to take the lead. Many acknowledged that Milosheart is no stranger when it comes to the success of geocaching in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
As one geocacher casting a vote put it, "the fun we have had is due to their laid back but encouraging way of introducing people to the sport. They have held social gatherings as well educational events at their house where all are invited and made to feel at home. They have a lot of experience and knowledge to share and an easy way of going about it. They are excellent organizers as shown by the overwhelming success of this year's contest and banquet. New people are joining the Fredericton club weekly (if not daily) due to their leadership. I guess what I am trying to say is: They are excellent ambassadors of the sport."
Milosheart will receive a collector's edition Featured Geocacher of the Month Geocoin, along with a Geocacher of the Month hat and certificate acknowledging their contributions signed by two of the founders of Geocaching.com.
Thank you to the fellow April nominees and all those who supported them. Those nominees not chosen as the featured Geocacher of the Month receive a gift of appreciation from Groundspeak. See a list of all the featured Geocachers of the Month here.
The geocaching community is encouraged to re-nominate those who have yet to be honored as featured Geocacher of the Month.
If you know an outstanding geocacher who should be considered for the honor, send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Every nomination must meet the following requirements: Please include your name, the name of your nominee, their username, at least one picture of the nominee and description (in 500 or fewer words) explaining why he or she deserves to be the Geocacher of the Month. Please inform your nominee that you've submitted them for the award. Nominations for the May featured Geocacher of the Month must be received by June 8th.
Once we have received all of the nominations, we will choose the top candidates and post them on the Latitude 47 blog. You will then get a chance to champion your favorite. Our goal is to involve the entire geocaching community in this process so we might learn from each other.


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BabyChapters necesitaba un nuevo diseño de otro y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 9 diseños de 3 diseñadores freelance.
We are an online baby journal (with many features like photo galleries, milestones, growth charts, etc.) for parents to chronicle the first year of their baby's life. We currently allow parents to write simple pages (one photo, and 500 words per page) and decorate these with tiled wallpaper (for which we offer many options).
We now want 5-7 different page designs to use as "templates" for our baby book pages. Users can select one of these designs to auto-apply that image as a background design to the digital pages in our scrapbook. Each design will be a theme, and we would like themes like
- Wild West (cactus silhouette, sunset, blue-pink fading sky, horses/cowboys etc.)
- Undersea (fishes, seaweed, bubbles, starfish, lobsters etc.)
- Woods (trees, bushes, leaves, some squirrels, acorns etc.)
- Halloween (pumpkin jack-o-lantern, rich orange and fall colors)
- Beach (sand, bucket/pail, spade, lifebuoy. lifeguard, towel, umbrella, sun etc.)
- Christmas (show snowman, Santa, reindeer, gifts etc.)
See" requirements" for design parameters and constraints on this assignment.
Pregnant women, mothers of babies and toddlers. Our audience is largely female, mostly timestrapped moms who are looking for help with producing cool and distinctive coffee table scrapbooks of their children. They also share their online baby journal securely with family (e.g., grandparents, uncles, aunts) and their friends/colleagues.
1) Each design to be made as 7" X 9" image (provide jpg + vector files)
2) Use mostly lighter and pastel versions of colors (because it will be in the background, with text and photos overlaid onto it)
3) Set up each design within a rectangle such that 60% (left) and 40% (right) portions are clearly identifyable (don't demarcate them with lines - this is just a guideline to organize the image visually)
4) The 60% (left) portion will host TEXT, so it can have the bulk of the actual "visual" background for the image (e.g., if you use a large snowman, or a silhouette of seguaro cactus, center these elements in this 60% portion, but leave them pale enough not to obscure overlaid text)
5) The 40% (right) portion will host a photograph. For this part you can do interesting details, including richly colored portions of the image (e.g. a colorful fish, or a pumpkin jack-o-lantern) in the lower half of the 40%, leaving the upper half for the photo which will be overlaid onto the template image
6) For the top 0.50" and bottom 0.75" margins, you can use richer colors, as these will frame the page, and will not have text (except page number, and section heading) embedded - avoid dark (e.g. violet/black/blue) color
7) Do not use letters or signs in the image (we may "reverse" the jpg by mirroring it as well)


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By Russ Britt
This may be a record for one-day stock surges.
Shares of Intercept Pharmaceuticals /quotes/zigman/12230574/delayed /quotes/nls/icpt ICPT nearly quadrupled on Thursday after the company announced it was able to stop tests on a liver treatment drug because it already had met its primary goals.
Intercept shares were up more than 275% to $272 at last check, a whopping gain of $200. Normal trading volume is under 200,000 shares a day but on Thursday that shot up to nearly 6 million.
Intercept said its so-called "Flint" trial of the substance it has developed, obeticholic acid, already showed "highly statistically significant improvement" in patients being treated for the liver ailment known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH.
"This is a very rare event, and a significant positive for the prospects for the drug," Janney Capital Markets analyst Jim Molloy said in a note to clients. Molloy said results from the test were not expected until the second half of the year. He noted that half of the test subjects didn't finish trials and were considered non-responders, but the fact that those who did finish managed to produce the results showed an "extremely robust response."
NASH afflicts the liver in the same manner that many alcoholics experience but affects non-drinkers. It creates fatty deposits in the liver and can lead to cirrhosis. It is believed to affect 2% to 5% of Americans, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Intercept Chief Executive Dr. Mark Pruzanski called the early stopping of the Flint tests is a "major milestone." He added that the disease is expected to become the leading cause for liver transplants in future years if current trends continue.
Follow Russ Britt on Twitter @russbrittmktw
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The Medical Insurance Billing Specialist is responsible for submitting insurance claims to clearinghouse or individual insurance companies electronically or via paper CMS-1500 or UB-04 form and work/bill Medicare claims in the Novitas DDE system. Also responsible for rebilling claims to the insurance companies for payment, follow up with insurance company on unpaid or rejected claims, resolves issue and re-submits claims, and collect and enter claim information.
Responsibilities also include:
Join our team and discover a rewarding, fulfilling career.
Brentwood Hospital is a 200-bed psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment facility located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Brentwood has served Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas for more than 45 years. We provide quality services to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We help individuals and families achieve optimal mental health, resulting in improved quality of life. A dedicated professional team provides individualized treatment, meeting the personal needs of our patients in a safe and nurturing environment.
One of the nation's largest and most respected hospital companies, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Steadily growing from a startup to an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, UHS today has annual revenue nearing $10 billion. In 2017, UHS was recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #276 on the Fortune 500, and listed #275 in Forbes inaugural ranking of America's Top 500 Public Companies.
Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40 years ago: Build or acquire high quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets, invest in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and become the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has more than 81,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates more than 320 acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.
Mission Statement: To provide superior quality healthcare services that: PATIENTS recommend to family and friends, PHYSICIANS prefer for their patients, PURCHASERS select for their clients, EMPLOYEES are proud of, and INVESTORS seek for long-term returns.


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The Ruler from Bethlehem
The scribes in Matthew 2:1–6 answer Herod with an interpretive gloss that says Bethlehem is not the least of the clans of Judah because of the Messiah. Though many of them would reject Jesus, this interpretive reading implicitly ...Read More
A Small Town, a Great King
God's often uses what the world deems insignificant or unlovely. Across the world, His kingdom is spread by ordinary people who will probably themselves never be famous or remembered in the history books of men. Yet, those who know ...Read More


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YORK, PA - The 2014 edition of the York College Spartan softball program is one in transition with a change in culture, philosophy and a very young roster. For the members of the 2014 York Softball team, no starting position is guaranteed, particularly in preseason practice.
"We are testing some players in practice to see what the best combinations may be, where the players fit best in our program, where they can best help us succeed and where they are most comfortable," says head coach Jen Petteys. "We are up in the air with several positions, but the competition is healthy and the battles for starting spots are competitive, which is good because healthy competition breeds success."
With nine returning players, and just one senior Alyssa Molino (Montgomery, PA/Montgomery), the Spartans will be looking to a core of young talent to lead the way this season, and production by the incoming freshman class is an expectation that Petteys is eager to explore.
"I am excited to get started and to assess how effective our combinations are on the field," states Petteys.
York heads into the 2014 season knowing just a few things about the infield. Freshman Carleigh Ruleman (Owings, Md./Northern) will be at first base with soft hands and very steady glove while fellow freshman Katie Maloney (Aston, Pa./Sun Valley) will be at shortstop.
"Katie has a very high game IQ and demonstrates sure hands along with good speed and an impressive transition," said Petteys. "I am looking forward to these young ladies making a dynamic impact for us this season."
"We are still evaluating who will earn the remaining starting positions in the infield," states Petteys. Junior Jena Ruby (Hampstead, Md./North Carroll) and freshman Courtney Carbone (Seaford, N.Y./Seaford) are competing for a start at second base and sophomore transfer Natalie Fritz (Fayetteville, PA/Chambersburg) is coming on strong to battle for a start at the hot corner.
"Natalie knows the game well and she makes good decisions. She's hitting the ball well this preseason," says Petteys.
The others in the mix in the infield are sophomore Samantha Foreman (Delanco, N.J./Riverside), freshman Amanda Lewis (Aston, Pa./Sun Valley) and freshman Annie Hartman (Landisville, Pa./Hempfield).
Behind the plate in the backstop position, the Spartans will see a new face this year. Junior Vanessa Mendez (Lititz, Pa./Warwick) and sophomore transfer Lauren Lum (Rancho Santa Margarita, Cailf./Trabuco Hills) are the top two candidates for playing time heading into the season.
The outfield is where Spartans' lone senior, Molino, hopes to leave her mark on the program. Along with Molino, sophomore Kayleen Bell (Herndon, Va./Westfield) hopes to build on her experience from the spring and will work to hold onto the center field position.
"Alyssa and Kayleen have a great work ethic and we are looking for their experience to grow into leadership on the grass for us in season," said the second year Spartan head coach.
Junior Ashley Chenoweth (Fredericksburg, Va./Stafford) has been called upon to transition her focus from behind the plate to the outfield grass this season due to a preseason injury suffered by incoming freshman outfielder Mackenzie Ewell (Hamilton, N.J./Steinert). Others in the mix for outfield play are freshman Morgan Ober (Mount Joy, Pa./Donegal) and freshman Morgan Wiernusz (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn).
York's pitching staff will rely on the leadership of junior Sara Thacker (Ijamsville, Md./Urbana), who made the transition from her primary position at first base to being the top pitcher on staff headed into the 2014 season.
"Sara has really stepped up as a leader and has accepted the transition to the mound with grace, optimism, drive & determination," states Petteys. "I believe that Sara will be a driving force for our success this season. She is mentally tough, throws with good velocity for a lefty pitcher and has a hard-nosed approach that will drive her to do what it takes to get the out. She has worked very hard over the fall and winter and it is showing now in preseason."
Freshman Jennifer Taff (Germantown, Md./Clarksburg) brings a fresh arm to the Spartan mound this year and will contend for time in the circle, bringing decent movement to her pitches. She looks to make her pitching debut a success in the 2014 campaign. Sophomore Morgan Levine (Oakland, N.J./Indian Hills) rounds out the pitching staff and looks to build on her year of experience gained from the 2013 season.
Sophomore Payton Hill (Staunton, Va./Fort Defiance) returns to the 2014 Spartan roster, after earning first-team All-CAC honors in the designated player role. Hill is rebounding from an arm injury and expects to pick up where she left off upon full recovery.
"The ultimate goals for this season are to maximize our strengths and improve on our weaknesses. We look to expand on growth witnessed in the fall non-traditional season as well as improving our win/loss record," says Petteys. "As a coaching staff, we are looking to develop cohesiveness among this very young team and motivate them to have the desire to get 1% better each day."
The 2014 Spartan schedule features 14 Capital Athletic Conference contests, including two games each against conference newcomers Christopher Newport, Penn State Harrisburg and Southern Virginia University.
York opens their season this Saturday, March 1 at Bridgewater College at 1:00 pm, and they are scheduled to make their home debut on Wednesday, March 19 against Washington College. The Spartans open up conference play on Saturday, March 22 at Southern Virginia University.
2014 York College Softball Roster
2014 York College Softball Schedule


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Jason.wynne necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 144 diseños de 38 diseñadores freelance.
Craynne Developments
Craynne Developments is a dynamic entrepreneurial company that focuses on delivering real estate solutions through different technologies.
Craynne Developments focuses on providing thought leadership in the areas of communication and everyday business operations for companies who specialise in real estate and property.
Craynne Developments bring together extensive experience in delivering IT projects together with the management and construction of both commercial and residential property.
Target market for Craynne Developments is companies who specialise in building and property and who are open to change within their business, through the implementation of IT solutions.
Target market is both large multinational companies down to small businesses.
The target market has both conservative and cutting edge members. The building and property industry is changing on a daily basis and putting more pressure on the older generation to bring their businesses to the 21st century by adopting technologies that can increase productivity of their operations.
The logo needs to embody the culture of Craynne Developments, which is a dynamic and entrepreneurial. The logo needs to say cutting edge AND professional.
The logo can not be too "busy" and must have the ability to be used on marketing material, including websites.
- A combination of type-fonts and images can be used to create the logo.
- The logo needs to say "This company knows what they are doing"
- The logo can be focused on "Craynne" as the website address is Craynne.com but the word "Developments" needs to be included in the logo
- No COMICS SANS fonts please, all fonts need to be of a professional standard
- Open to both uppercase and lowercase
- Open to play on words of "crain" being part of the logo but do not let this blind you from other ideas
We believe in the simplicity of designs making the biggest statements
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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I was awarded my disability on October 1st of 2010. When my approval letter came in the mail it said that my case would be reviewed again in 18 months...thanks to the state paid "specialist" who stated on record that my condition is expected to improve. Having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Syringomyelia, I was clearly
Shocked to hear this! Maybe this "specialist" should be running the clinical trials and research for us if he knows we are going to improve, right?!? What's his secret? Lol. Ok, enough sarcasm. Here is my issue.
My notice came in the mail last week for my Continuing Disability Review and I am so scared that I will be denied! What kinds of things do I put in my paperwork to help my case?? Have any of you ever had your benefits stopped? I haven't improved, is that enough?!? Please help!!! I have been having nonstop panic attacks since the packet arrived and I need advice.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.


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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive 715 (MD-715) applies to all executive agencies and military departments (except uniformed members) as defined in Sections 102 and 105 of Title 5. U.S.C. (including those with employees and applicants for employment who are paid from non-appropriated funds), the United States Postal Service, the Postal Rate Commission, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Smithsonian Institution, and those units of the judicial branch of the federal government having positions in the competitive service. These agencies must file EEOC FORM 715-01 with the Commission.
Under the Instructions to Federal Agencies for MD-715, Second Level Reporting Components with 1,000 or more employees must submit EEOC FORM 715-01 to their headquarters for inclusion in the agency-wide report and must also file a copy of the EEOC FORM 715-01 with the Commission.
The following is a list of the agencies and departments covered by MD-715. Also included is a list of Second Level Reporting Components of 1,000 or more employees, under the appropriate agency or department. Please contact Lori Grant (202) 663-4616 if you believe that your agency or department has a Second Level Reporting Component which should have been included on this list or if you believe such a component has been included erroneously. Thank you.
|Department or Agency
|African Development Foundation
|Agency for International Development
|Agriculture, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Air Force, Department of the
|American Battle Monuments Commission
|Appalachian Regional Commission
|Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
|Army & Air Force Exchange Service
|Army, Department of the
|International Broadcasting Bureau
|Central Intelligence Agency
|Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board
|Commission on Civil Rights
|Committee for Purchase From People who are Blind or Severely Disabled
|Commerce, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Commodity Futures Trading Commission
|Consumer Product Safety Commission
|Corporation for National Service
|Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency
|Defense [Summary - Independent DOD agencies]
|Defense Commissary Agency
|Defense Contract Audit Agency
|Defense Contract Management Agency
|Defense Education Activity
|Defense Finance & Accounting
|Defense Human Resources Activity
|Def. Information Systems Agency
|Defense Inspector General
|Defense Intelligence Agency
|Defense Logistics Agency
|Defense National Imagery/Mapping
|Defense National Security Agency
|DOD Office of the Secretary
|Defense Security Service
|Defense Threat Reduction
|Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
|Education, Department of
|Energy, Department of
|Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
|Environmental Protection Agency
|Equal Employment Opportunity Comm.
|Executive Office of the President:
|EOP- Council of Economic Advisors
|EOP- Council on Environmental Quality
|EOP- National Security Council
|EOP- Office of Administration
|EOP- Office of Management and Budget
|EOP- U.S. Trade Representative
|EOP- National Drug Control Policy
|EOP- Office of Science & Technology
|Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
|Farm Credit Administration
|Federal Communications Commission
|Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
|Federal Election Commission
|Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
|Federal Housing Finance Board
|Federal Labor Relations Authority
|Federal Maritime Commission
|Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service
|Federal Mine Safety & Health Commission
|Federal Reserve Board of Governors
|Federal Retirement & Thrift Investment Board
|Federal Trade Commission
|General Services Administration
|Graduate School, USDA
|Harry S. Truman Scholarship
|Health & Human Services
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Homeland Security, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Housing & Urban Development, department of
|Inter-America Foundation
|Interior, Department of the
Second Level Reporting Components:
|International Boundary & Water Commission
|International Trade Commission
|Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
|Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission
|Justice, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Labor, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Marine Mammal Commission
|Merit Systems Protection Board
|National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Second Level Reporting Components:
|National Archives & Records Administration
|National Capital Planning Commission
|National Credit Union Administration
|National Committee on Library & Information Science
|National Council on Disability
|National Endowment for the Arts
|National Endowment for the Arts & Humanities
|National Endowment for the Humanities
|Institute of Museum & Library Sciences
|National Gallery of Art
|National Labor Relations Board
|National Mediation Board
|National Reconnaissance Office
|National Science Foundation
|National Transportation Safety Board
|Navajo & Hopi Indian Relocation
|Navy, Department of the
|Nuclear Regulatory Commission
|Occupational Safety & Health
|Office of Government Ethics
|Office of Personnel Management
|Overseas Private Investment Corporation
|Office of Special Counsel, U.S.
|Peace Corps of the United States
|Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
|Postal Regulatory Commission
|Railroad Retirement Board
|Securities & Exchange Commission
|Selective Service System
|Small Business Administration
|Smithsonian Institution
|Social Security Administration
|State, Department of
|Tennessee Valley Authority
|Trade and Development Agency
|Transportation, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:
|Treasury, Department of the
Second Level Reporting Components:
|U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
|U.S. Armed Forces Retirement Home
|Naval Home
|Soldiers & Airmen Home
|U.S. Postal Service
Second Level Reporting Components:
|United States Tax Court
|Veterans Affairs, Department of
Second Level Reporting Components:


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The American Antinuclear Movement
Paul Rubinson
Spanning countries across the globe, the antinuclear movement was the combined effort of millions of people to challenge the superpowers' reliance on nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Encompassing an array of tactics, from radical dissent to public protest to opposition within the government, this movement succeeded in constraining the arms race and helping to make the use of nuclear weapons politically unacceptable. Antinuclear activists were critical to the establishment of arms control treaties, although they failed to achieve the abolition of nuclear weapons, as anticommunists, national security officials, and proponents of nuclear deterrence within the United States and Soviet Union actively opposed the movement. Opposition to nuclear weapons evolved in tandem with the Cold War and the arms race, leading to a rapid decline in antinuclear activism after the Cold War ended.
American Foreign Policy and the Space Race
Teasel Muir-Harmony
The Soviet Union's successful launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, captured global attention and achieved the initial victory in what would soon become known as the space race. This impressive technological feat and its broader implications for Soviet missile capability rattled the confidence of the American public and challenged the credibility of U.S. leadership abroad. With the U.S.S.R.'s launch of Sputnik, and then later the first human spaceflight in 1961, U.S. policymakers feared that the public and political leaders around the world would view communism as a viable and even more dynamic alternative to capitalism, tilting the global balance of power away from the United States and towards the Soviet Union.
Reactions to Sputnik confirmed what members of the U.S. National Security Council had predicted: the image of scientific and technological superiority had very real, far-reaching geopolitical consequences. By signaling Soviet technological and military prowess, Sputnik solidified the link between space exploration and national prestige, setting a course for nationally funded space exploration for years to come. For over a decade, both the Soviet Union and the United States funneled significant financial and personnel resources into achieving impressive firsts in space, as part of a larger effort to win alliances in the Cold War contest for global influence.
From a U.S. vantage point, the space race culminated in the first Moon landing in July 1969. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy proposed Project Apollo, a lunar exploration program, as a tactic for restoring U.S. prestige in the wake of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's spaceflight and the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion. To achieve Kennedy's goal of sending a man to the Moon and returning him safely back to Earth by the end of the decade, the United States mobilized a workforce in the hundreds of thousands. Project Apollo became the most expensive government funded civilian engineering program in U.S. history, at one point stretching to more than 4 percent of the federal budget. The United States' substantial investment in winning the space race reveals the significant status of soft power in American foreign policy strategy during the Cold War.
Nuclear Arms Control in U.S. Foreign Policy
Jonathan Hunt
The development of military arms harnessing nuclear energy for mass destruction has inspired continual efforts to control them. Since 1945, the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, the People's Republic of China (PRC), Israel, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and South Africa acquired control over these powerful weapons, though Pretoria dismantled its small cache in 1989 and Russia inherited the Soviet arsenal in 1996. Throughout this period, Washington sought to limit its nuclear forces in tandem with those of Moscow, prevent new states from fielding them, discourage their military use, and even permit their eventual abolition.
Scholars disagree about what explains the United States' distinct approach to nuclear arms control. The history of U.S. nuclear policy treats intellectual theories and cultural attitudes alongside technical advances and strategic implications. The central debate is one of structure versus agency: whether the weapons' sheer power, or historical actors' attitudes toward that power, drove nuclear arms control. Among those who emphasize political responsibility, there are two further disagreements: (1) the relative influence of domestic protest, culture, and politics; and (2) whether U.S. nuclear arms control aimed first at securing the peace by regulating global nuclear forces or at bolstering American influence in the world.
The intensity of nuclear arms control efforts tended to rise or fall with the likelihood of nuclear war. Harry Truman's faith in the country's monopoly on nuclear weapons caused him to sabotage early initiatives, while Dwight Eisenhower's belief in nuclear deterrence led in a similar direction. Fears of a U.S.-Soviet thermonuclear exchange mounted in the late 1950s, stoked by atmospheric nuclear testing and widespread radioactive fallout, which stirred protest movements and diplomatic initiatives. The spread of nuclear weapons to new states motivated U.S. presidents (John Kennedy in the vanguard) to mount a concerted campaign against "proliferation," climaxing with the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Richard Nixon was exceptional. His reasons for signing the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) and Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) with Moscow in 1972 were strategic: to buttress the country's geopolitical position as U.S. armed forces withdrew from Southeast Asia. The rise of protest movements and Soviet economic difficulties after Ronald Reagan entered the Oval Office brought about two more landmark U.S.-Soviet accords—the 1987 Intermediate Ballistic Missile Treaty (INF) and the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)—the first occasions on which the superpowers eliminated nuclear weapons through treaty. The country's attention swung to proliferation after the Soviet collapse in December 1991, as failed states, regional disputes, and non-state actors grew more prominent. Although controversies over Iraq, North Korea, and Iran's nuclear programs have since erupted, Washington and Moscow continued to reduce their arsenals and refine their nuclear doctrines even as President Barack Obama proclaimed his support for a nuclear-free world.
The Panama Canal and the United States
Michael E. Donoghue
The United States' construction and operation of the Panama Canal began as an idea and developed into a reality after prolonged diplomatic machinations to acquire the rights to build the waterway. Once the canal was excavated, a century-long struggle ensued to hold it in the face of Panamanian nationalism. Washington used considerable negotiation and finally gunboat diplomacy to achieve its acquisition of the Canal. The construction of the channel proved a titanic effort with large regional, global, and cultural ramifications. The importance of the Canal as a geostrategic and economic asset was magnified during the two world wars. But rising Panamanian frustration over the U.S. creation of a state-within-a-state via the Canal Zone, one with a discriminatory racial structure, fomented a local movement to wrest control of the Canal from the Americans. The explosion of the 1964 anti-American uprising drove this process forward toward the 1977 Carter-Torrijos treaties that established a blueprint for eventual U.S. retreat and transfer of the channel to Panama at the century's end. But before that historic handover, the Noriega crisis and the 1989 U.S. invasion nearly upended the projected transition of U.S. retreat from the management and control of the Canal.
Early historians emphasized high politics, economics, and military considerations in the U.S. acquisition of the Canal. They concentrated on high-status actors, economic indices, and major political contingencies in establishing the U.S. colonial order on the isthmus. Panamanian scholars brought a legalistic and nationalist critique, stressing that Washington did not create Panama and that local voices in the historical debate have largely been ignored in the grand narrative of the Canal as a great act of progressive civilization. More recent U.S. scholarship has focused on American imperialism in Panama, on the role of race, culture, labor, and gender as major factors that shaped the U.S. presence, the structure of the Canal Zone, as well as Panamanian resistance to its occupation. The role of historical memory, of globalization, representation, and how the Canal fits into notions of U.S. empire have also figured more prominently in recent scholarly examination of this relationship. Contemporary research on the Panama Canal has been supported by numerous archives in the United States and Panama, as well as a variety of newspapers, magazines, novels, and films.
Social Science and Foreign Affairs
Joy Rohde
Since the social sciences began to emerge as scholarly disciplines in the last quarter of the 19th century, they have frequently offered authoritative intellectual frameworks that have justified, and even shaped, a variety of U.S. foreign policy efforts. They played an important role in U.S. imperial expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Scholars devised racialized theories of social evolution that legitimated the confinement and assimilation of Native Americans and endorsed civilizing schemes in the Philippines, Cuba, and elsewhere. As attention shifted to Europe during and after World War I, social scientists working at the behest of Woodrow Wilson attempted to engineer a "scientific peace" at Versailles. The desire to render global politics the domain of objective, neutral experts intensified during World War II and the Cold War. After 1945, the social sciences became increasingly central players in foreign affairs, offering intellectual frameworks—like modernization theory—and bureaucratic tools—like systems analysis—that shaped U.S. interventions in developing nations, guided nuclear strategy, and justified the increasing use of the U.S. military around the world.
Throughout these eras, social scientists often reinforced American exceptionalism—the notion that the United States stands at the pinnacle of social and political development, and as such has a duty to spread liberty and democracy around the globe. The scholarly embrace of conventional political values was not the result of state coercion or financial co-optation; by and large social scientists and policymakers shared common American values. But other social scientists used their knowledge and intellectual authority to critique American foreign policy. The history of the relationship between social science and foreign relations offers important insights into the changing politics and ethics of expertise in American public policy.


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Monday, July 14, 2008
Comic 449: Things Fall Apart
If you are going to say "OH but it's artistic, it's meaningful" well not really. Unless he really thinks that no one has every thought to put this feeling in print before, he's not doing anything new or interesting. He's basically just saying "Hey guys, here's a common situation and guess what? I UNDERSTAND IT A BIT."
In short, I don't see how anyone can come away from this comic feeling any kind of happy, or even thinking about sad things in a new way, unless they totally lacked imagination.
On a related note, the excellent comic Achewood is both funny and depressing (and just plain awesome). For example, this is pretty sad. And of course the comics that dare to ask What Is The Saddest Thing? Chris Onstad is allowed to do this with no Achewood Sucks blog from me for two reasons - 1, they can also be insanely funny, 2) the sad ones are usually part of a larger story or at least build character development; in xkcd the characters are usually faceless and you don't see them over time, so you don't ever care.
13 comments:
True, this latest installment of XKCD is not spectacular by any real stretch of the imagination. I didn't dislike it, either. I found it mildly amusing, in a very 'laughing at myself' sort of way.ReplyDelete
It is entirely possible that Randall sort of treats the comics more like a blag than a comic--albeit a blag with a more consistent update schedule than most and definitely a bigger readership.
If you will allow me the conceit of comparing it to my blag (in which I write morose flash fiction): I have some readers (like, maybe five) who have added me to their RSS feeds, and will read pretty much whatever I put out even if it's just a half-assed idea I got which is not very entertaining, insightful, poignant, or otherwise worth reading. It would not be a stretch to assume that they like some of my entries enough to give these entries a miss, or even, possibly, they find these entries, if not enjoyable, still a worthwhile read simply because they're a fan overall.
I don't actually hold Randall to terribly high standards, I guess is what I'm saying. I don't do so because I don't view each comic as something which is designed for my entertainment, and as such I don't view it as a failure if it doesn't do so. I don't get offended if it is unexpectedly serious, because I've always felt more like it's just Randall expressing his thoughts in a blag-like way. I enjoy them most of the time; sometimes they are spectacular, other times they are mildly amusing, other times they are ultimately forgettable, but on the whole it provides an enjoyable experience.
Some webcomics are very much about the comic and its presentation, and the artist isn't overwhelmingly in the foreground. Some try to be like this, but fail. I've never felt like Randall is trying to distance himself from the comics themselves. It actually affects my perception of it, at any rate. (I write too much. Can you tell I'm in love with my own words?)
I suspect that I will have to accept your view of xkcd eventually, given that the comic seem to be taking a less humorous (or at least, lest comical) tone, and that when a comic isn't funny it's easy for people to say, as they do, well, it wasn't SUPPOSED to be funny.ReplyDelete
You must admit that that is not what xkcd started as (well, not counting the original sketches, which were actually more whatever-jumped-to-mind) but the first few years of the comic, it was a webcomic. It was usually pretty funny, or close to it. So it's changed, and the thing is that a) people seem to be denying that it's different now, and b) I'm not sure that xkcd-as-blog would have been popular at all if it hadn't been for the (deserving) success of xkcd-the-webcomic. It's like a Come For The Funny, Stay For All My Relationship Observations kind of deal.
I can't say I've done a side-by-side comparison of the old versus the new but I'll give you that it has probably changed in recent months. I'm not sure I ever saw it as more than xkcd-as-blag (which, nevertheless, I enjoyed immensely). It's possible you're right and he's running out of ideas. Or maybe he's just in a lull.ReplyDelete
Then again: you have a pretty comprehensive list of Repeat Offenders here, dating back to pretty early on. He's pretty steadily interspersed the ones which aren't intended to be funny (apparently since about 46, or 43 if you count the Red Spiders); so maybe it's always been there and you're only now getting tired of it? Or it's only really standing out to you now because he's doing more of the ones you dislike lately?
A comparative analysis might actually be helpful. Or it might drive you into the depths of madness.
I don't think there is any further madness I can fall to.ReplyDelete
I did at one point have a pretty good empirical study going but I haven't updated it since then. The computer science jokes faded a bit so I didn't feel the need to keep up with it. Relationship jokes are on the rise though, but I don't feel like adding them all the way through. I am LAZY.
Most of the repeat offenders seem denser as you go forward in time. I need to get some fancy database program and make lots and lots of charts and powerpoints about this. CLEARLY that is my destiny in life.
I maintain that there must have been something that made me go from loving xkcd to not loving it.
Could it be the lack of computer sciency jokes that made you "go from loving xkcd to not loving it?"ReplyDelete
Is that why you are making the charts, to quantify your lack of love?
you must be new here...I generally oppose the computer science jokes (not always, but usually I think they are lame). I first made the chart to follow the unfortunate rise of them.ReplyDelete
It is, however, ironic that I used such a scientific method to complain about things being too sciency. You'd think that someone nerdy enough to make a chart about a webcomic would be nerdy enough to think xkcd was TEH R0X0RS. I am an enigma I suppose.
yes, thank you for explaining my joke to me. i was going to put "isn't it ironic, dont'cha think?" at the end, but thought you might catch it by your self.ReplyDelete
i guess - like so many times before - i was wrong.
SEE THE POINT HERE IS THAT I AM STUPID.ReplyDelete
Do you all get the joke? I want to make sure you all get it. It took me a while.
I am glad we are clear on this now.
In the spirit of your latest post:ReplyDelete
My Hobby:
Being incredibly sarcastic in text form, then being a dick when no one picks up on it.
You see, the joke here is that sarcasm doesn't translate well when dictated.
You see, the joke is...probably being carried on too far.ReplyDelete
My Hobby: No longer understanding what we are talking about.
Another example of why I hate Randall Munroe. Trying to be an insightful, touching, bittersweet look at the end of a relationship... more like some fucking nerdy emo bullshit.ReplyDelete
And why does he call his blog a "blag" anyway? What an internet cockjockey!
That "What Is The Saddest Thing" comic is the dumbest thing I have ever read.ReplyDelete
Vlad, I think he calls it a "blag" as a joke. One of the comics I remember is an over zealous guy screaming about "the interblags!" It is a humor sight. Just not your type of humor.
Kurt, Achewood is too good for you, never read it, stick with xkcd.ReplyDelete


text:
Under the plan, developer DMB Associates will restore and bring back to life — at private expense — 1,436 acres on the edge of San Francisco Bay where levels of salinity and concentrations of other substances resulting from industrial salt production are so extreme the property is uninhabitable.
The restoration plan proposes to use 50 percent of the site for active recreation, open space and tidal marsh recreation and the remaining 50 percent for a walkable, transit-oriented community that would reduce the massive jobs/housing imbalance in the area and help reduce long-distance commutes and greenhouse gas emissions across the region.
The vote reflected public opinion in Redwood City, where a survey conducted in April found that 68 percent of voters support city officials conducting a full environmental and public review of the Saltworks 50/50 Balanced Plan.
"We are heartened by this indication that the Bay Area embraces the form of sustainable reuse and restoration we have in mind for the Redwood City Saltworks," said John Bruno, DMB Redwood City Saltworks general manager.
"As the Bay Area learns more through the environmental review process," Bruno added, "we are confident voters and elected leaders will see that we have an opportunity in Redwood City to do something truly special and set a new standard for smart growth and stewardship of the natural and human environments."
The community will be constructed to meet U.S. Green Building Council LEED ND standards and generate enough solar energy onsite to fulfill most power needs. It will have a new independent source of drinking water that will not compete with regional supplies.
The project will take place on private property owned by Cargill that hasn't been part of San Francisco Bay since it was diked, graded and filled for industrial salt-production between 70 and 100 years ago. DMB intends to pull the Bay onto the site through re-creation of 440 acres of wetlands, tidal marsh and natural habitat, which would amount to one of the largest privately funded restoration projects of its type in San Francisco Bay history.
"The more light the environmental review process sheds on the Saltworks 50/50 Balanced plan, the more the Bay Area will appreciate its environmental values," Bruno predicted.


text:
3:00 am
Outdoor Idaho "Rec Tech" Whether producing custom jet boats, some of the world's best-known knives, high-end fly fishing reels or calorie-packed and great-tasting energy bars, the people leading Idaho's recreation technology companies share one characteristic: They love Idaho's great outdoors. This episode features the adventurous men and women behind these innovations.G
3:30 am
MotorWeek "Detroit Auto Show" Auto Show: 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Road Test: 2013 Ford Fusion. Goss' Garage: Shocks & Struts. D
4:00 am
Sesame Street "Sesame Street-O-Saurus" Grover, Elmo, and Rosita are imaging that they are Paleontologists, scientists who dig through dirt and stones to find fossils. Chris explains that fossils are what are left of a plant or an animal that lived a long time ago. The first thing they find in the dirt is a colorful, metal soup ladle which Grover thinks is a bone from a dinosaur. D
5:00 am
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood "Fruit Picking Day/Daniel Is Big Enough to Help Dad" Fruit Picking Day - Daniel and his friends are enjoying a Fruit Festival in the Enchanted Garden. Prince Wednesday grows upset because his big brother Prince Tuesday can pick the highest fruit off the tree branches, but he can't. He wishes he wasn't so little! Then, when the festival-goers spot a very special magical golden pear on the ground, Prince Wednesday is the only one little enough to reach it. D
5:30 am
Martha Speaks "Martha Ain't Nothin' But A Pound Dog, Part 1 & Part 2" Martha Ain't Nothin' but a Pound Dog, Part 1 - Martha loses her collar and winds up in the animal shelter. Martha Ain't Nothin' but a Pound Dog, Part 2 - When Martha's family comes to take her home, she decides she can't leave her shelter friends behind.G
6:00 am
Nature "Attenborough's Life Stories: Understanding the Natural World" Sir David Attenborough shares his memories of the scientists and the breakthroughs that helped shape his career. He also recalls some of his more hair-raising attempts to bring new science to a television audience: standing in the shadow of an erupting volcano as lumps of hot lava crash around him or being charged by a group of armed New Guinean tribesmen. Part 2 of 3G
7:00 am
Rick Steves' Europe "Rome: Ancient Glory" Rick takes a fresh look at Rome by exploring the traces of life in the capital of the ancient world - visiting the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and viewing the empire's art. Then he goes by bicycle to see the Appian Way and the other marvels of Roman engineering. Part 1 of 3G
7:30 am
Rudy Maxa's World "South Africa: Safari" Rudy experiences the wildlife of South Africa - lions, giraffes, elephants and dozens of other animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife photographer Joe Pontecorvo films this episode to bring the excitement of the wild into the living room.G
8:00 am
The Desert Speaks "Grand Canyon, Floating Through Time" The Yetman brothers continue their trip of exploration through the Grand Canyon, this time focusing on the geology of the canyon and the desert vegetation found along the river. They go plunging through Lava Falls, one of the last big rapids on the Colorado River and watch adults of all ages turn into sprightly kids again while jumping from the edge of a waterfall into a pool below. Two great mysteries about the Grand Canyon are explored in this episode. D
8:30 am
Ciao Italia "Everyone Loves Italian Food/Tutti Amano I Cibi Italiani" Mary Ann is guest chef at the University of New Hampshire, where their talented food service staff is busy serving up Ciao Italia recipes to over 5000 hungry college students who love good food. Later that day, Mary Ann puts University President Mark Huddleston to work on the demonstration stage to prepare a savory, filling dish of Farro with Sausage and Mushrooms. Then his wife, Emma Bricker joins in for Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables. D
9:00 am
Cooking Odyssey "Athens" Eva visits the city of democracy and a unique eco-friendly store, and Chef Yianni along with a guest chef make loukanopita, roasted leg of lamb and loukoumades. D
9:30 am
Pati's Mexican Table "Fonda Favorites" These home-style dishes are a staple at the small restaurants known as "fondas" in Mexico - and delicious inspiration for busy cooks in American homes today. Make them once, and they'll become a simple but special treat in your own kitchen. Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce (Albondigas); White Rice and Fried Plantains; Tres Leches Cake. D
10:00 am
America's Test Kitchen from Cook's Illustrated "Crepes and Croissants" Host Christopher Kimball takes a trip to Paris in search of the best croissants. Next, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make foolproof Croissants right at home. And finally, test cook Becky Hays reveals the secrets to flawless Crepes. D
10:30 am
GardenSMART A classical botanical garden makes a perfect outdoor garden school. Join us as GardenSMART visits the experts who provide great garden tips for your home garden. D
11:00 am
Bluegrass Underground "The Del McCoury Band" Band patriarch Del McCoury has impeccable traditional credentials, including an early-'60s stint with Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, a 2010 National Heritage Fellowship and 2011 induction into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. But the Grammy-winning singer/guitarist who personifies the "High Lonesome" sound also takes it to new frontiers playing with everyone from jam band Phish to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. McCoury's band features sons Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo), with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram. D
11:30 am
Music Voyager "New Orleans: The Perfect Musical Storm" "Nawlins".the Crescent City, where the local music and cuisine share a lot in common: both are spicy, fused with a multicultural mix of ingredients, and one taste only makes you hunger for more. Host Jacob Edgar arrives during the build-up to Mardi Gras. D
12:00 pm
Sesame Street "Thinks Oscar Is A Prince" Chris is reading Abby a story about a princess who kisses a frog and turns him into a prince. Now, Abby thinks that someone on Sesame Street could be an enchanted prince and she thinks that someone could be Oscar. After all, he's green like a frog and no one could really be that grouchy unless he's a prince who was turned into a grouch. D
1:00 pm
Dinosaur Train "Dinos A to Z, Part 3, Classification/Dinos A to Z, Part 4, A To Z Picnic" The Pteranodon family rides the Dinosaur Train - now with extra cars attached -- as it continues picking up more dinosaurs that are in the `Dinosaurs A to Z' song. The Pteranodon family reunites with some dinosaurs they've met before, and are introduced to species they've never met! The Pteranodon kids also learn about classification, and Don leads the way organizing the dinosaurs on the Train by their species, features, and size. The Pteranodon family is on the Dinosaur Train, now very crowded with all 26 dinosaurs mentioned in the `Dinosaurs A to Z' song. D
1:30 pm
Super Why! "Jasper's Cowboy Wish" Howdy Partner! Whyatt and his friends are playing cowboys, but Pig can't join in because he doesn't know what cowboys do. The super readers jump into the tale Jasper's Cowboy Wish and make the acquaintance of a cowpoke named Jasper who's desperate to become a rompin' stompin' cowboy if only he could get the hang of it! When Jasper must use his cowboy skills to save the day, will he be a hero. . D
2:00 pm
Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That! "A Sweet Deal/King of Swing" A Sweet Deal - Sally and Nick are having a hard time getting customers to come to their "cafe". What can they do? The Cat takes them to meet Eddy the honeyguide bird. Eddy shows them how he guides humans to bees' nests by making noise and putting on a show. D
2:30 pm
Wild Kratts "A Huge Orange Problem" While Chris and Martin are off searching for the endangered Orangutan in the deep forests of Borneo, back at the Tortuga HQ Aviva, Koki and Jimmy get carried away swinging on vines and their muscles so get incredibly sore that they can't do anything. The bros attempt to rush back with the first aid kit but a huge orangutan keeps tossing them back into the forest. Here they learn that orangutans use a special leaf and chew it into a lotion to ease muscle soreness, and return with this orangutan medicine to help their friends. D
3:00 pm
Wyland's Art Studio "Sunset Coconuts" Paint the tropical evening sun behind a silhouette of palm trees.G
3:30 pm
Piano Guy Host Scott Houston and his guest, Matt Munhall, discuss playing Woody Guthrie's classic American folk tune, "This Land Is Your Land." Five-time Grammy nominee, David Benoit, demonstrates playing tunes with only black keys. Bradley Sowash shows us how to play "On Top Of Old Smokey. D
4:00 pm
Life On Fire "Ash Runners" On the volcanic island of New-Britain off the coast of Papua New Guinea, a handful of animals have learned to live with the Earth's moods. When ash from a volcanic eruption invades their habitat, the choice is simple: leave or stay and adapt. In truth, it's not that easy, since volcanoes and their actions are unpredictable and each creature responds in its own way. D
5:00 pm
PBS NewsHour NULL
6:00 pm
NOVA "Who Killed Lindbergh's Baby?" An international hero after his 1927 solo transatlantic flight, the world follows Col. Charles Lindbergh's life and family. On March 1, 1932, his son, Charlie, age 20 months, was kidnapped and later found dead. Despite a trial and execution, the case remains controversial. Now a team of expert investigators employs state-of-the-art forensic and behavior science techniques in an effort to determine what really happened to the Lindbergh baby - and why.G
7:00 pm
Everyday Edisons "Up in the Air Tubes" In this episode we explore the physics of air versus springs in a device the inventor calls "Cardio Air Tubes." The inventor, Greg Bruce, is a bit of an exercise guru; a daily workout, eating right and a lifetime commitment to good health type of guy. Always in search of new and exciting exercise regimens, Greg went first to his shop and then to his gym and what he brought to the casting call was simple, yet very effective: two walking sticks, one in each hand that strengthens the upper body commensurate with the user's ability. D
7:30 pm
Everyday Edisons NULL
8:00 pm
History of Science "Can We Have Unlimited Power?" It took centuries for science to explain what power is, rather than simply what it does. Host Michael Mosley explores how the most power-hungry generation that has ever lived has now harnessed that energy - from wind, steam and from inside the atom. Part 4 of 6G
9:00 pm
Scientific American Frontiers "Beneath The Sea" Ocean explorer Robert Ballard shows Alan Alda new technologies and research techniques that are revealing undersea secrets. Alda visits Ballard's Institute for Exploration, tests out the interiors of exploration vessels and takes a virtual underwater trip through a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV).G
10:00 pm
NOVA "Who Killed Lindbergh's Baby?" An international hero after his 1927 solo transatlantic flight, the world follows Col. Charles Lindbergh's life and family. On March 1, 1932, his son, Charlie, age 20 months, was kidnapped and later found dead. Despite a trial and execution, the case remains controversial. Now a team of expert investigators employs state-of-the-art forensic and behavior science techniques in an effort to determine what really happened to the Lindbergh baby - and why.G
11:00 pm
Everyday Edisons "Up in the Air Tubes" In this episode we explore the physics of air versus springs in a device the inventor calls "Cardio Air Tubes." The inventor, Greg Bruce, is a bit of an exercise guru; a daily workout, eating right and a lifetime commitment to good health type of guy. Always in search of new and exciting exercise regimens, Greg went first to his shop and then to his gym and what he brought to the casting call was simple, yet very effective: two walking sticks, one in each hand that strengthens the upper body commensurate with the user's ability. D
11:30 pm
Everyday Edisons NULL


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Fantastic ending to the franchise!
I loved it. Perfect .
So epic to watch the story after reading the books.
Wasn't as good as the last one.
The absolute best of the series and a must-see for lovers of all ages.
I actually thought this one was the weakest of the three movies,although I think the scene where Ana expresses her anger at Christian, over his lack of support when she tells him she is pregnant, was her best acting of all three movies.I have not read the books but found the character of Ana from shy student to high class hooker to first lady a little incredulous.
The love story of our time. Would be nice to see them start a family in the next one!
I really understand why there is a need to show full nudity and sexual act in movies. A few years ago this would be classified as Porn. Nothing is sacred anymore. I even saw a couple of young mothers there with their small children. Pathetic.
Another let down.
Why are children allowed to see this? The place was full of young teens.
Finally had a chance to see the movie. It's sweet and charming, a beautiful love story. People who are writing negative reviews have obviously not seen it.
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Parallel cloud bands illuminated by sun setting over the ocean.
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text:
PENNSYLVANIA. Summer 1831. Financial Affairs and Legal Rights of Widows; Effects of Drunkenness on the Domestic Life of the Family; Benefits of Primogeniture Laws.
As to the law of dower, it is much the same as that of England generally; but where the sale has been made, the produce is considered as real estate so far, and the widow receives an annuity from one third in lieu of her dower. This does not effect the distribution of the remainder, which is divided as in England. It often happens, that the share of each person if young, is just enough to purchase his destruction.
Very frequently, but in some States more than others, its most prominent application is detected by the effects of a vicious indulgence in ardent spirits, principally among the second and lower classes. Drunkenness still prevails to an alarming extent, notwithstanding the benign presence of the temperate societies. I have heard the most melancholy and appalling accounts of its ravages in private life; and in one place I was informed of its disgusting influence over Judicial morality. The root of the evil is in the expectations which are formed: it is the certainty of actual possession of property at a future time, accompanied by ignorance as to its amount, that so often cherishes in the children the most dissolute habits of idleness, with all their attendant evils. Supposing both of them in the same easy circumstances as country gentlemen, and fathers of families, how different must of necessity be the sentiments of an American and an Englishman, when they survey their respective fire sides! Both see around them their wives and children, in the possession of affluence and comfort, and happy in the enjoyment of each other's society. But in the event of his death, how gloomy may be the picture drawn by the one, in opposition to that contemplated by the other ! A divided estate and a dispersed family, present themselves to the mind of the American; or perhaps a small part of them living together, but unable to command any share of the luxuries, and not many of the comforts they enjoy during his lifetime, in consequence of a secession of property of marriage, or decrease of it from dissipation. The Englishman feels a debt of gratitude to the constitution of his country: in the event of his death, his house, in the possession of his eldest son, will be a home for his widow and a place of meeting for his children. His younger sons have been brought up under the idea that they are to be the architects of their own fortunes, and such a doctrine has not rendered them unhappy, because it has enforced the virtue of contentment. The law of primogeniture perpetuates, through the eldest son, a species of parental affection and authority; and where there is a title to descend, there is a further inducement to the eldest son to emulate the virtues or the actions of an illustrious father; or, if that father has brought disgrace upon a distinguished name or sullied the escutcheon of a distinguished family (which, be it added, is sometimes the case), the son may be naturally desirous of wiping away the stain, and of giving the benefit of his example to society, by his imitation of the character of a nobler ancestor. There is yet a further deficiency of inducement to exertion existing in the American, and in every other democracy. In England, a young man in the enjoyment of a sufficient income, and who is consequently not obliged to labour at any profession with a view to its increase, yet with the possibility of obtaining a title, will exert his abilities to the utmost; but in America, the stimulus of titled distinction being unknown, it must often happen that the finest talents are doomed to remain unemployed.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND. Summer 1831. Strawberry party; Beauty of American Women; Need of an Aristocracy for the Improvement of Manners.
The environs of Baltimore are exceedingly pretty: almost every eminence is crowned with a country house, surrounded by gardens and pleasure grounds richly wooded, and laid out to the best advantage, so as generally to afford a peep through the trees at some part of the Patapsco, or the Chesapeake. They are admirably adapted for a fete champetre, or a strawberry party, as it is called at Baltimore. I had the honour of an invitation to the only one that was given during my stay in that city. The company assembled about six o'clock. Quadrilles and waltzes were kept up with great spirit, first on the lawn, and then in the house till about eleven. In the mean time strawberries and cream, ices, pine apples, and champagne, were served up in the greatest profusion. I had understood, and am quite ready to admit, that Baltimore deservedly enjoys a high reputation for female beauty. I am speaking of the American ladies in general, when I remark that it is no injustice to them to maintain, that where you will see twenty pretty girls, you will not see one really handsome woman. I have frequently observed the prettiest features, such as more reminded me of England, than of any other country; but I think that most Europeans who have formed a correct taste from the "stone ideal" of Greece, would agree with me that ladies with pretensions to that higher degree of beauty, are not so often to be met with in America as in England. There is one particular in which they would do well to imitate my fair countrywomen.
They have great charms for the breakfast table; but yet, elegant and lady-like as many of them undoubtedly are, how often have I been compelled to wish, that the breakfast table had not quite so many charms for them. They must know that to eat is unfeminine; and that ladies should in the presence of gentlemen, appear very hungry, is a decided proof of a deficiency in national manners, just as much, or even more so, than that men, be they who or what they may, should sit with their hats on in the dress circle at New York. The influence of a court would extend to, and would remedy all this. I should here again remark, that the first society is seldom seen at the theatre, and would not be guilty of such behaviour.


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Turn two is in progress, but all orders are in. I'd like to remind everyone that you are allowed to kill each other. Also, the goal is Last Man Standing, so you may want to knock off some other players, because the zombies could be slow about it. Finally, I'm hoping nobody looks at each other's pics, because that would be cheating. Which is bad.
That is all.
EDIT: To clarify, I have completed the actions I was sent (which was all of them) and the second batch of pictures is in progress, but parties do tend to get in the way. Turn 1 was what just happened. Since it is finished, I will call this Turn 1. The pics are being slow. When they are up, new orders will be sent, which will be Turn 2 Orders. The next thread will be Turn 2, which shall be posted when Turn 2 is finished. And so on.
That is all.


text:
NEW YORK/LONDON/BEIJING (Reuters) - Global manufacturing ended 2013 on a strong note, as major exporters like the United States, Japan and Germany all saw demand pick up, although China's performance remained modest, surveys showed on Thursday.
Years of loose monetary policy, along with soaring stock markets, appear to be bolstering economic confidence. That bodes well for a global economy that has struggled to shake off the effects of financial crisis and recession.
China's growth rate fell to a three-month low, though the index was still above the 50 mark that indicates expansion. Weakness in global equity markets was blamed in part on the Chinese data, though markets were also taking a breather from recent gains.
U.S. manufacturing activity grew in December at its swiftest pace in 11 months and the rate of job growth was the strongest since March, according to Markit's Purchasing Managers' Index.
Other U.S. economic figures, including construction spending and the Institute for Supply Management's purchasing managers' survey, also pointed to steady gains in the world's largest economy.
"We have had a whole string of strong ISM numbers. This is a gauge of sentiment and sentiment is improving," said Scott Brown, chief economist with Raymond James in St. Petersburg, Florida.
"Europe has turned the corner. It's not contracting at least. The emerging markets are doing better. We are looking for growth to pick up once again in the new year and we have few headwinds to deal with, especially less fiscal drag."
The U.S. Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing PMI index dipped slightly to 57 from 57.3 in November, but that's still well above the 50 level that indicates growth in the sector. Construction spending rose 1 percent to a four-and-a-half-year high.
A Reuters poll of economists taken in mid-December forecasts annualized first-quarter economic growth of 2.5 percent, reaching 3 percent by year-end. Since then, economic data has tended to exceed forecasts.
U.S. stock markets have been on a tear, even as the U.S. Federal Reserve eases off on its monthly stimulus. The S&P 500 benchmark closed at all-time highs on Tuesday, even though equities dipped modestly on Thursday.
Factory sentiment hit a 10-month high in Mexico, with the HSBC Mexico Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.6 in December, thanks to improved new orders and output.
Euro zone manufacturing grew at the fastest rate since mid- 2011 in December on brisk business in Germany and Italy, Markit Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMIs) showed. Add in the fastest growth in 7 1/2 years for Japanese manufacturing and no major slowdown in Chinese manufacturing output, and the stage is set for a solid start to the year.
"Looking ahead, the hope for the euro zone is that recent improved confidence will encourage businesses to lift their employment and investment plans as 2014 progresses, and will also encourage consumers to spend more," said Howard Archer, the chief European and UK economist at IHS Global Insight.
Markit's U.S. manufacturing index rose to 55 in December from a final reading of 54.7 in November, above the 50 threshold that indicates growth.
Markit's euro zone manufacturing PMI rose to 52.7 in December from 51.6 in November.
While business is showing signs of life, unemployment in many euro zone countries, particularly among young people, remains high. However, the PMIs showed almost two years of job cuts across euro zone factories nearly ended last month.
Manufacturing appears to reviving in several euro zone countries that have struggled since the sovereign debt crisis broke out more than four years ago, with gains in Spain, Ireland and even Greece.
In Germany, Europe's biggest economy, manufacturing grew at its fastest pace since mid-2011, with its PMI rising to 54.3 from 52.7. The Dutch posted their fastest rate in more than two years.
But the euro zone's No. 2 economy, France, is still lagging. Its PMI fell sharply to 47.0 from 48.4, a seven-month low, marking faster contraction as the year drew to a close.
Chris Williamson, the chief economist at Markit, noted that euro zone manufacturers have begun raising prices, suggesting some strengthening in almost non-existent pricing power.
"It seems likely that the manufacturing sector will help drive a meaningful, albeit still modest, recovery in the wider economy," Williamson said.
In Britain, which in the last several months has been outperforming the euro economies, the manufacturing PMI unexpectedly slipped to 57.3 from 58.1. Even so, manufacturing output probably grew by 1 percent in the fourth quarter alone, according to Markit.
In Asia, performance was a bit more mixed. Already lackluster output slowed in India, owing mainly to weak domestic demand. But orders from abroad picked up.
"The most striking feature of today's PMIs was the rise in the output component recorded everywhere but India," wrote Krystal Tan, Asia economist at consultancy Capital Economics.
The HSBC/Markit PMI for China slipped to a three-month low of 50.5 in December, consistent with a dip in the official government PMI to a four-month low of 51.0.
Capital Economics' Tan noted that new orders growth in Asia, while not as strong as output, was better for most economies than it was just a few months ago.
"This fits with our view that the region's manufacturing sectors are on a gradual road to recovery, supported by loose monetary policy and strengthening external demand."
The PMIs for South Korea and Indonesia, important emerging economies in Asia, both rose in December but remained at relatively low levels.
(This story corrects construction spending rise in paragraph eight)
Writing by David Gaffen and Ross Finley; Additional reporting by Richard Leong in NEW YORK, Jonathan Standing in BEIJING, Faith Hung in TAIPEI, Rieka Rahadiana in JAKARTA, Yati Himatsingka in BANGALORE; Andy Bruce in LONDON; Editing by Larry King and Chizu Nomiyama