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Monday, June 24, 2013
Sparkle's and join in the cellybration.
Mum was around for the weekend, no working from home. Says she took the break cuz next weekend she won't be around much.
But she got smart and took naps with us, both Caturday and Sunday. So we all took it easy!
Stop by on Friday for Ducky's purrthday party. Mum has it all arranged, even though she has been bizzy with day hunting.
8 comments:
- Sparkle the Designer Cat said...
Thanks for spreading the word about Cat World Domination Day! I'll be here for Ducky's birthday for sure!
- June 24, 2013 4:16 AM
- Fuzzy Tales said...
We're glad you got nap time with your human this weekend! Those times are the best!
- June 24, 2013 9:31 AM
- Photo Cache said...
we love napping with humans.
emma and buster
- June 24, 2013 12:31 PM
- da tabbies o trout towne said...
doods...nap time N mum time...all ways de best N looking forwerd ta yur birthday D :)~~~
- June 24, 2013 1:05 PM
- Shaggy and Scout said...
We'll be belated for Duckys birthday...mom & dad are leaving town, back Sunday.
We got kicked off the innernet from some bad storms but are back, with pictures tonight at our blog.
- June 24, 2013 6:39 PM
- Flynn said...
Lots of napping time makes a good weekend for all of you.
- June 24, 2013 6:57 PM
- The Island Cats said...
We've decided not to settle on world domination and we're taking over the universe! Happy Cat Universe Domination Day!
- June 24, 2013 8:46 PM
- Shaggy and Scout said...
Derbs & Ducky, we will teleport over as soon as the garage door closes and they're on their way. We'll help you get set up for the party!!
- June 25, 2013 9:23 PM


text: On Sun, May 21, 2000 at 04:04:58PM -0700, Len Burns wrote: > > I have put up a test kernel with a slight variation of the workaround > > as /pub/NetBSD/arch/cobalt/netbsd.2700.gz . Please try it out. > > Ok, same result, hanging in the same spot. Ok, I'll try to think about what I am doing wrong. It also may be that I am getting physical access to one of those machines, which would be helpful. If I come up with source patch for testing, can you cross compile test kernels? -- Soren

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It's going to be a tough year for many pay-per-click (PPC) search marketers, a class of which you may be a member. Google and Bing have added additional functionality in both ad formats and targeting, and these new capabilities are likely to make your life more complex by making it more difficult to optimally prioritize your tactics and experiments. Mobile traffic (across both smartphones and tablets) is exploding and the emerging set of hybrid tablet/laptop/notebook machines is further confusing the marketplace.
In addition, every indication is that cost-per-clicks (CPCs) across the desktop/laptop segment, as well as the mobile segment of users, are starting to rise. The last couple of years saw a stabilization of laptop and desktop CPCs. This stabilization was driven to a great extent by new ad formats in Google AdWords that asymmetrically raised Quality Scores among the more aggressive advertisers, thus reducing their billed CPC or enabling them to achieve top position at a lower bid. PPC sitelinks and other extensions were the primary drivers of the increased click-through rate (CTR) (all other things being equal) and, therefore, the drops in CPCs.
Many of you benefited from this and experienced similar or better conversion rates, thus contributing extra profit to the bottom line, or – if the keywords you were bidding on were elastic (bid price increases resulted in position change) – an increase in position with an accompanying surge in profitable volume.
Most retailers running product listing ads (PLAs) advertising had a happy holiday despite the challenges associated with managing a separate PLA management system in tandem with AdWords. Advertisers who managed PLA effectively reaped the rewards and those who didn't handed customers to their competition.
As CPCs rise, as the traffic mix becomes more "mobile," and as new Ad Extensions are rolled out across Bing and Google AdWords, you may find it helpful to heed some 2013 PPC search advertising resolutions.
- Quality Score, Quality Score, Quality Score! (These only count as one resolution.) I can't overstate the importance of high Quality Score on the success of a campaign, as well as its positive impact on the staying power for your campaign as the CPCs start to rise again. Top positions are easier to attain if your Quality Score is high, because the bids required to obtain the positions are lower.
- Consider using different KPIs for mobile campaigns. Mobile searchers, particularly those on smartphones, have different needs from desktop and laptop users. As a business, you should consider whether or not the same success metrics you use in your main campaign apply to mobile.
- Separate mobile campaigns. Regardless of whether you use separate campaign objectives for mobile vs. desktop, you still may want to separate out campaigns because:
- The winning ad copy may differ.
- If you don't have dynamic landing page creation capability, you may want to specify different mobile landing pages.
- Conversion rates and values will differ, necessitating different bidding strategies.
- Separate mobile landing pages. Tablets sometimes render your website fine and are navigable even for users with fat fingers. However, as the percentage of tablet traffic grows, a tablet-specific landing page may make sense, starting with those serving as landing pages for high-volume keywords. The smartphone user experience suffers even more from sites not optimized for their form factor and resolution. Also, consider the differing needs of mobile searchers.
- Know when to use separate targeting. Should you use hyper-geo-targeting to refine audiences, target by device, operating system, and carrier? Depending on the size of your campaign and the materiality of some of these segments, it may make sense to either clone an entire campaign or take specific high-value, high-opportunity portions of the campaign and use separate targeting.
- Know your ad extensions. Ad extensions are great for driving CTR and volume, but they aren't always warranted for every ad. Match your campaign objectives against the things that each ad extension delivers best.
- Thou shalt not have bad ad copy. The first thing the searcher sees in a regular PPC ad is your ad copy. Even in PLA ads, one has a bit of control over how your products are merchandized and you should use this control to provide the best messaging you can.
- Weed those ad groups; tune match types. Most ad groups have too many keywords in them. Take a look at the similarity of those keywords and decide whether or not to treat match type traffic differently for exact vs. broader match types.
- Wean yourself off DKI. Dynamic keyword insertion (DKI) can still be useful. However, Google recently announced some policy changes that make it clear that overuse of DKI is discouraged. Automated tools can augment, but never substitute for genuine human intelligence.
- Take a fresh look at landing pages. You've seen them in someone else's campaign as you surf around. Don't let your campaign suffer as well. Take a fresh look at landing pages. Start from your most popular landing pages (sometimes shared by more than one keyword) and work your way down.
- Look for volume first. Search your campaign analytics for opportunities to gain volume. Sometimes a high-opportunity keyword in a low position can afford a higher position with better ad copy or a better landing page.
- Consider adaptive design and personalization. If 2013 is a year in which a new website is being planned, consider adaptive design. Not only will adaptive design work well to tune user experience based on device, but it can also be effectively based on personalization.
Start the year off right but also be vigilant. Campaigns need TLC all year 'round. Search engine marketing (SEM) is not a "set-and-forget" advertising medium even if your campaign management software is killer.
Article Source» ClickZ
Author: Kevin Lee
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text:
photos by Ana Gibert
The first weekend of Rock in Rio USA revved up the volume on the Vegas Strip with a hard-hitting rock n' roll line-up that burned brighter than the city's neon lights. 82,000 fans showed up to the festival's 30th anniversary and United States debut for two days of soulful jamming, new age progressive rock and heavy metal that spanned more than three decades of legendary talent. The City of Rock's streets were themed with culture from the United Kingdom, United States and Brazil lined the festival grounds with flavors and street performances inspired by the different countries.
Saints of Valory, a band that originally formed in Rio de Janeiro before relocating to Austin, buzzed the crowd to life on Friday afternoon with their pillowy vocals and artful layering of alt rock vibes during songs "Big Eyes" and "Kids." Smallpools fused chic pop with electro-rock to bring the crowd at the main stage to their feet with songs that will be likely to get tons of attention soon – including "Dreaming" and "American Life."
Gary Clark Jr. delivered the best performance of the entire festival as the sun went down on Friday evening, beaming through the crisp air with his bluesy velvet voice and distorted guitar solos. His contemporary take on blues was a refreshing texture for the metal-heavy festival, especially when he busted out favorites "Catfish Blues" and "Travis County," shut it down with "Bright Lights."
International sensation Maná pumped the festival with enough energy to dance past the unusually cold desert night with their delightful pop rock ballads inspired by their Guadalajaran roots. Whether everyone getting their groove on actually understood the Spanish lyrics was not important, their bouncy beats and festive hits like "Labios Compartidos" and "Clavado en un bar" created a deep sense of comradery that was palpable throughout the crowd. The energy carried over into No Doubt's set, which delivered funky ska-pop classics including "Underneath It All" and "Hey Baby." Gwen Stefani owned the stage like a true rock star throughout the entire night, even showing her softer side with acoustic renditions of "Simple Kind of Life" and "Excuse Me Mr."
Coheed and Cambria brought back the nostalgic edge of post-hardcore with their epic lyrics and adventurous music on Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for the weekend's more raw rock day. Sepultura commanded one of the largest audiences with their intensely heavy metal set and were joined by guitar god Steve Vai joined the group on stage for a mind-blowing performance of "Roots Bloody Roots." The Deftones performance was packed with plenty of punch, sticking to heavy versions of old favorites including "Engine No. 9." Fireworks celebrated the close of the weekend just before Metallica took over the fest for the heavy metal heads that couldn't get enough of their "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters."
Throughout the weekend, the 'what happens in Vegas' mantra was heard occasionally as festival goers climbed up to the top of the 64-feet tall zip-line tower, hopped in mosh pits or sipped from their colossal drinks in life-size guitar-shaped cups. It was a wild start to the inaugural Rock in Rio USA, and will certainly bring even more excitement with sets from James Bay, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and more on weekend two.
– Jesse Lingenfelter


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Segmenting our life into six parts is a little messy. There are overlaps and holes, but in focusing on these six main parts you are able to address a great portion of what Zig Ziglar calls the "Wheel of Life." Today you will look back over the work you've done so far and fill the gaps. What is missing from your 10 year plan? Look at the sections I've guided you through and consider other sections of your life that I may have missed.
Do you wish to be more involved in your church? Would you like to join a bible study group? Attend a spiritual retreat? Practice daily prayer?
Are you still fleshing out your beliefs? Make goals within your 10 year plan to explore your beliefs and learn more about your own spirituality. Incorporate your spiritual tenants into your daily life. What would that look like and how does it change the outcome of your 10 year plan?
Making a difference
Within the community section, you addressed how you would give back to your community with time, money, or some other contribution. Making a difference means something different to everyone. Where do you want to make a difference? For what population/community? Is there a cause your hold close to your heart? Are there other parts of your life that contribute to your desire to make a difference? Would your career aspirations place you in a better position to make a difference?
Use your community section of your 10 year plan to address the communities you would like to help.
Mind and intellect
I tend to lump mind and intellect goals into my personal section. It's where I list all of the things I want to learn and books I'd like to read. Is there a particular topic you have interest in and would like to become more knowledgeable? Would you like to become a scrabble wizard? This section tends to be a slippery slope for me. I have a strong desire to learn and know everything, so when I'm working on this portion of my 10 year plan, I have to edit, edit, edit.
Review it all
Today is a perfect day to fill gaps, not only in areas that aren't mentioned previously, but also in the ones we have covered. Is there other things you would like to add to your plan? More people to add to your relationship inventory? Financial goals that you previously felt uncomfortable making and therefore omitted them from your initial plan?
Break down some of your bigger goals, if you can. Sometimes we don't always know how to get from A to Z, so if you can't break down your larger goals right now, it's okay. Do what you can and then pat yourself on the back because you made a decision to do it.
If you are just joining the challenge, don't miss out on some FREE worksheets! I have eight worksheets that will help you through the first eight days of the challenge.


text:
This is a list of all online degrees offered by the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.
Online Degrees
Online IT Business Analysis MS degree for working professionals. Advance your career and learn to bridge the business and IT functions of an organization. - 100% online IIBA® & PMI® based curriculum - No GRE -
Rolling admissions - Accepting applications now
The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology Quality and Regulatory Compliance is designed to provide professionals graduate-level education in the important aspects of strategy and biotechnology innovation within the context of regulatory compliance and quality assurance. The graduate certificate is a nice compliment to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Online MS degree in Biometrics will provide working professionals with the skills required to succeed in the identity management and technology industry.
Online IT Project Management MS degree for working professionals. Delivers skills and techniques you can apply to every phase of the project lifecycle. - 100% online PMI® based curriculum - No GRE -
Online Construction Management MS. Distinguish your career as an industry leader focusing on executive level principles such as risk and strategic management.
Online MS in Aviation and Aerospace Management for working professionals. Distinguish and advance your career in the competitive transportation industry from anywhere in the world on your schedule.


text:
Welcome to Marwick's…
…Bosham's brasserie restaurant. William Marwick, a local master craftsmen, lived here circa 1701. We know he was proud of this stunning location as you can see his initials carved in stone on the front of the main building.
We too are very proud and are pleased to present an exciting, modern, yet modestly priced restaurant set in relaxed and informal surroundings.
Call us on 01243 578599 to reserve your table.
Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with our special offers and news.


text:
Alaska Senate standstill divides GOP
Joe Miller's refusal to concede the Alaska Senate election has Republicans divided over how to respond to an awkward political standoff between a GOP incumbent who has already declared victory and a GOP nominee whose campaign still maintains a committed core of grass-roots support.
With a lead in excess of 10,000 votes, Sen. Lisa Murkowski declared victory Wednesday in Anchorage after The Associated Press called the race for her — making her the first senator to be elected by write-in vote in more than 50 years.
Story Continued Below
But Miller has yet to concede and has said that he's exploring all his legal options, including calling for a recount. He filed a lawsuit against the state arguing it should apply a strict spelling standard to Murkowski's ballots and sued to stop election officials from certifying the race on Nov. 29 — an injunction a federal judge granted temporarily Friday evening while Miller moves his case to state court.
His campaign website homepage shows no sign of retreat: It features numerous press releases addressing voter fraud and various other election law issues. The top story is titled, "5 Myths About the Election."
"Lisa Murkowski and her friends in the media have misled you. They want you to believe that Joe has lost this election," the text reads.
The mathematical path to victory remains very difficult for Miller: Every one of the 8,159 write-in ballots that have been counted for Murkowski but have been challenged by Miller would have to be disqualified by a federal judge. And Miller would have to prove another 2,189 votes were not counted correctly following his review of the voter rolls.
With Miller, who defeated Murkowski for the GOP nomination in August, facing almost impossible odds, state and national Republicans have been left in an uncomfortable position.
The Alaska Republican Party was the first to take sides, with Chairman Randy Ruedrich congratulating Murkowski on her victory Wednesday.
"This was a free and fair election," said Ruedrich in a statement. "It is now time to look forward. We call on Joe Miller to respect the will of the voters and end his campaign in a dignified manner. We have every expectation that Joe will do the right thing."
But almost immediately Ruedrich's motives were questioned by Miller supporters since the two have a contentious history: In 2008, the GOP nominee was part of a group of Republicans who unsuccessfully tried to overthrow Ruedrich from his perch as chairman.
"Randy Ruedrich has to do what he feels is right, but Joe Miller is still the Republican nominee and Ruedrich has to mind his own business for a little while and let this process work itself out for a while and give some discretion to Joe Miller," said Eddie Burke, a Miller supporter and Alaska conservative radio host.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment until the results were "official."
There's good reason for being tight-lipped: The NRSC, which initially sent $20,000 and made an e-mail fundraising plea to help Miller with the ballot count immediately after the election, is in an impossible position. Its mission is to elect Republicans and protect incumbents, but this is the rare case where the party nominee is actually different than the Republican incumbent. And if the NRSC embraces Murkowski too soon, it risks alienating tea party activists who are already at odds with the committee.


text:
VITAS Volunteer Memory Bear Crafter
Cause Areas
WhenIt's flexible! We'll work with your schedule.
WhereIn your home, business or school locationDayton, OH 45439
VITAS is looking for Memory Bear Volunteers to make home-sewn bears with compassion and love to ease a hurting heart after the death of a VITAS patient. The bears are sewn from items of the patient's clothing: a favorite pair of jeans, pullover top, dress, bathrobe, nightgown, etc. A Memory Bear may recall the closeness of a loved one, bring a smile to someone in distress, or offer a sense of security to a child who feels alone after the loss of a grandparent, parent or sibling. The fabric is provided by the family; the pattern, support and stuffing are provided by VITAS and the creativity is provided by the Memory Bear Volunteer. Bears can be made in the volunteer's home or at the VITAS office.
- Sewing
- Community Outreach
- Hospice Care
Good Match For
Teens People 55+ Group
Requirements & Commitment
- Must be at least 16
- Flexible
- Sewing machine!


text:
Thanks to Steam's beta functionality, Bethesda is giving PC users an early look at The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 1.4 update that's currently in development. Last week, Bethesda released the change-log for the 1.4 update for all three platforms and updated PC users on the status of the Creation Kit and Steam Workshop, announcing it was "nearly ready".
Of course, the patch is still in development, which means there could be some problems with it. Bethesda warns users to "apply the update at their own risk and only if you are affected by issues listed in the fix notes."
As a precaution, be sure to back up your saved games and be sure not to overwrite your existed Skyrim save files. If you do decide to opt out of the beta program, your old saves still work with the Skyrim 1.3 release.
To get the beta, you need to do the following:
- Log into Steam
- Click on Steam in the upper menu
- Select Settings
- Under the Account tab, go to the Beta Participation section and select Change.
- A drop down menu will appear. Select Skyrim Beta.
- Select OK.
- Steam will now restart. After Steam restarts, Skyrim will be updated to the Beta version currently available.
Bethesda has encouraged users for feedback on the beta update, using their beta forum.


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How soon some Democrats forget: Al Gore was not helped by easy nomination in 2000
By Rob Richie
May 10th, 2008
The conventional wisdom crowd is having a field day with misguided arguments in favor of avoiding competitive contests in presidential primaries — take former MccCain advisor Dan Schnur's somewhat wistful analysis for the New York Times that if Democrats had had the same popular vote results in each state and used winner-take-all rules, Hillary Clinton would have a lock on the nomination despite having fewer popular votes overall. You now have Leon Panetta, former chief of staff for Bill Clinton, opining that winner-take-all is the way to go.
I've argued in this blog that Democrats in fact are getting a leg up over Republicans with their process — mobilizing far more voters that will help them in the fall in down-ballot races, getting far more press attention that has contributed to a widening advantage over Republicans in voter self-identification and getting more "battle-tested", with plenty of time to heal wounds as long as the contest ends soon after the Montana primary on June 3rd.
Of course for many Democrats, they just want to make sure the process doesn't lead to a loss in November. But they seem to be forgetting history:
* John Kerry in 2004 had an easy nomination process after his upset win in Iowa and follow-up win in New Hampshire. Then he lost a race a lot of Democrats thought they could have won.
* Al Gore in 2000 had a far easier nomination process than George Bush. After winning Iowa and New Hampshire and the onset of Bill Bradley's heart condition, he strolled to the nomination while Bush faced a vigorous challenge from John McCain. By May, Bush was 8% ahead in a New York Times poll and went onto win a race many Democrats thought was theres. Of course the election was highly controversial, but few would argue Gore somehow was boosted by having such an easy ride to the nomination.
* Bob Dole in 1996 overcame a stumble in New Hampshire to close out the nomination relatively early under Republican winner-take-all rules. He never came close to defeating Bill Clinton's re-election effort.
* In 1992, George Bush quickly fended off Pat Buchanan's insurgent campaign while Bill Clinton had to fight it out for months. But Clinton won by 6% in November.
And so on. Each election has its own reasons for why the general election goes the way it does, with the most important being the public attitude toward the party occupying the White House. Having a more democratic process for choosing nominees seems to be no barrier to winning in November.
Labels: front-loading, presidential nomination, winner take all


text:
Islam Between Culture and Politics
Bassam Tibi offers a radical solution to the problems faced by Islam in a rapidly changing and globalizing world. He proposes a depoliticization of the faith and the introduction of reforms to embrace secular democracy, pluralism, civil society and individual human rights. The alternative to this is the impasse of fundamentalism. The pivotal argument is that Islam is being torn between the pressure for cultural innovation and a defensive move towards the politicization of its symbols for non-religious ends.
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text:
Like I said earlier in this thread,in BC2 if I had some time off from the game,I'd struggle for about 3-5 games after coming back.With BF3 I have had long periods off and came back and just picked up where I left off.
I don't think I saw an enemy tank the 10-15 minutes the round lasted,they were all just laying around with JAV's or stingers in bushes.Which is not clever when I repeatedly kill them with proximity scanner and thermal vision on my Abrams.
Battlefield 3 - Gaming/online chats times (pew pew) • Page 512
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Tryhard 12,014 posts
Seen 6 months ago
Registered 7 years ago
Anyone tried the Wake Island marathon? Saw a u toob video where 2 guys get buggies and race round the island trying to stay alive! Looks like fun
More good rounds last night.
Nothing outstanding to report, but I am really enjoying it.
Got endgame yesterday and enjoying it. Air superiority is an easy way to get the jet unlocks. Just go for the bases and don't expect to get any kills! Came second in one match with 0 kills and 10 deaths! Just can't get on with the controls no matter what config.
Ctf is good fun. I get lots of kills waiting for enemy squads to rush the flagf and then mow them down. Mobile aa is good fun and its good having the manual fire option for ground supression.
I'm still annoyed about the ridiculous stinger buff. It completely removes the fun of being in a helicopter. It's even worse in that they did nothing to stop jets being totally dominant.
Only if u can fly them though! U need a team mate to spot incoming missiles if ur in a chopper to time the flares right
I like the stinger buff - I am crap in choppers and like the easy kills.
For the flares it's easy enough to hold the lock until the flares disperse.
You must surely see how unbalanced it is though? Not really fair that rubbish players can kill helicopters with zero skill, when a far more skilled helicopter pilot can do nothing about it. Better players should be rewarded not punished.
We could remove stingers altogether and return to the circle strafing chopper pilots of bc2 who were impossible to shoot down. For the sake of balance, it is always best to err on the side of making the choppers underpowered rather than overpowered , otherwise it can completely destroy the game on certain maps.
motti82 3,317 posts
Seen 16 minutes ago
Registered 11 years ago
I would counter the stingers by allowing the choppers to have their second set of flares back. Even ECM jammers don't do much anymore.
Another way to counter it is to have more AA guns that require the player the aim rather than lock on.
A chopper pilot who knows what they r doing can stay airborne for ages. Flare timing and utilising the landscape are key to breaking line of sight for the lock on.
I like the stingers cos I can't fly choppers for shit. Tried the fire from sky co op as pilot and kwpt falling into the ground.
The greatest pilot in the game can't stay airborne for ages if everyone is shooting stingers at him. It's not a matter of skill, it's literally impossible because you can only flare/ECM once every so often, and stingers can lock on immediately from a mile away. Their range is ridiculous. The only way to stay alive is to hide back from the main battlefield, which goes against everything the attack helicopters are supposed to be. Stingers worked perfectly as deterrents, they're not supposed to be one man javelins, but that's what they are.
Yeah but its satisfying as fuck to take out a chopper with more than one pilot though!
I suffered a lot in BC2 from circle strafe chopper pilots like Andy mentioned, so I don't feel much sympathy now. Plus, I don't think *all* the ground troops are aiming stingers up in the sky so the pilot has a chance to survive by dripping low behind a ridge - it's happened to me a few times.
Plus, fuck it, I like getting the kills, so basically it doesn't bother me.
Well it wouldn't bother you if you don't use helicopters would it? As someone who's actually pretty good in them, it's really shitty to see them become so useless. Play Oman or Wake Island and take the helicopter out as the US side, you'll have 4+ stingers flying at you the second you get near land. If you don't do an immediate 180 and fly back towards your boat you will die, no matter how great of a pilot you are.
It's also pretty crappy from an infantry point of view. I used to like teaming up with a friend, we'd use teamwork to deal with a tricky helicopter. Sometimes we'd have a soflam and javelin, sometimes we'd use a tank and the laser seat, sometimes we'd co-ordinate with stingers ourselves. Back then you'd need to time your shots and get the distance of attack right to stop it escaping before its defences recharged. Now it's just a race between every player on the team to see who can stinger it out the air the quickest. It's so dull. It's an attempt to get it closer to Call of Duty where skill doesn't matter as much. There is less reward for teamwork and actually being good at the game.
Edited by ecureuil at 18:05:49 31-03-2013
Jazzassin 75 posts
Seen 5 years ago
Registered 6 years ago
ecureuil wrote:And are you supposed to be able to stay airborne for ages if everyone is shooting Stingers at you?
The greatest pilot in the game can't stay airborne for ages if everyone is shooting stingers at him. It's not a matter of skill, it's literally impossible because you can only flare/ECM once every so often, and stingers can lock on immediately from a mile away. Their range is ridiculous.
Before the buffs the Stingers were completely useless and pointless. And it's a delicate balance that goes further than that anyway.... if you make the choppers too hard to kill, then tanks become death traps.
Edited by Jazzassin at 09:56:47 01-04-2013
Aftermath any good? Half price today.
captbirdseye 8,259 posts
Seen 22 minutes ago
Registered 12 years ago
Only worth it on the PC as the maps are designed for 64 players.
Same old then, will leave it as on 360. Bored of looking for someone to shoot on maps like Caspian border as everyone ls in the air.
That's wrong Imo. Aftermath is only bettered by endgame. The maps are fine for 360, it's armoured fist you wanna stay away from.
Jazzassin wrote:Maybe not everyone, my point was just that everyone carries them now because they're so powerful. In truth, just one guy can do the job because he can fire a second shot long before your countermeasures return so you have to retreat from the moment you get the first lock-on sound.
ecureuil wrote:And are you supposed to be able to stay airborne for ages if everyone is shooting Stingers at you?
The greatest pilot in the game can't stay airborne for ages if everyone is shooting stingers at him. It's not a matter of skill, it's literally impossible because you can only flare/ECM once every so often, and stingers can lock on immediately from a mile away. Their range is ridiculous.
Before the buffs the Stingers were completely useless and pointless. And it's a delicate balance that goes further than that anyway.... if you make the choppers too hard to kill, then tanks become death traps.
Stingers were never useless, they served as a deterrent. Once the chopper flares away your stinger missile, he's open to attack from your own helicopter, jets, and javelins. It will also cause him to retreat. They were useless in terms of getting kills but they were more about forcing a retreat than about easy kills. If you're capping a point and a helicopter comes over, use the stinger and you'll scare him off so you can capture without getting everyone annihilated.
I have no problem with them getting a buff FWIW, helicopters were overpowered at one point but they've gone too far the other way now, and I swear ECM just plain doesn't work on stinger missiles sometimes.
Edited by ecureuil at 12:29:24 01-04-2013
macmurphy 2,851 posts
Seen 2 hours ago
Registered 11 years ago
I'm back home, is there still a regular 360 night? I'm 'Carpark karaoke' if anyone wants to add me for games.
On the stingers, I like it. I'm ok in a chopper as well, but they are a nightmare when some chopper guru just circle strafes and destroys you. They are powerful now, you can do a bit of damage then you get out. As you say because you couldn't get kills before with stingers, no one really carried them. I think when they were testing the game they probably worked in teams and used javelins a lot, but people hardly ever use a soflam in a public game so javelins are useless, stingers are useless and choppers were just hammering people.
I much prefer it this way.
Played a quick round of CQ Conquest Domination last night and had a total blast. Managed to get put in with a decent squad of Frenchies who stuck together and bothered to revive fallen teammates. I just followed them round an basked in their glory. Well, not quite, but they definitely helped.
Also played some CTF with Simps on Friday night - it's much better playing *with* someone. And having someone who understands how the game mode works.
Also, I completed the Co-op missions. Need to go back and do a few of them properly in order to get the achievements though... Simps - did you check out Youtube yet for Drop 'Em Like Liquid?
More Close Quarters Conquest Domination last night. It's a good way to get quick kills with a particular gun to unlock shit and get the service star. Plus it's pushing up my Recon score.
I was trying to find Condom games last night, hardly anybody plays it anymore. The only servers that had spaces (that weren't empty) were 500% Ziba, and I don't want to play a 700+ ticket game on Close Quarters.
You're right, there aren't that many servers. I forgot to check how many tickets we were on, but it wasn't more than 300 per side. Pretty sure it was just 200 actually. The two rounds I played were 23 and 24 minutes.
AgentDaleCooper 1,280 posts
Seen 8 hours ago
Registered 5 years ago
Question for those with Premium and all the DLC - which of the map packs released have the best map layouts for Team Death and Squad Deathmatch? That is apart from Karkland and Close Quarters, which I already own.
I ask because the DLC goes on sale next week and I'm thinking off grabbing two sets.
Hardly anyone seems to play the DLC maps in team deathmatch. On 360, at least. It sucks because those maps have some really great TDM arenas. All of the Armored Kill maps are so good for TDM, and from End Game, Nebandan Flats is especially good in TDM. I couldn't recommend any if those are the only gametypes you want to play, there's every chance you would constantly struggle to find ANY action on those gametypes, even if you filter for every region. Don't know what the situation's like on the other platforms though.
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TNA Impact! Wrestling Recap: Jeff Hardy Walks Out, Carter's Major AnnouncementDecember 26, 2013
The Thursday, December 26, edition of TNA Impact! Wrestling, which aired from Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., opened with a complete video package of last week's Final Resolution television special and Magnus' World Heavyweight title victory.
TNA president Dixie Carter's Chief of Staff, Rockstar Spud, made his way to the ring to open Impact! Wrestling. Spud introduced Carter to the ring. Carter praised Magnus for his hard-fought World Heavyweight victory and said that the new champion is a role model to TNA and its fans.
Before Carter could make her announcement, Jeff Hardy came out to the ring. Spud defended Carter and demanded Hardy to leave the ring. As Spud was forced into the corner, Ethan Carter III attacked Hardy. Sting's music played, as "The Icon" ran towards the ring to confront Carter.
After forcing Carter III and Spud outside the ring, Sting proposed a tag match for Impact! Wrestling. Carter reluctantly accepted the tag team match request between Sting and Hardy against Carter III and Spud before a commercial break.
While Carter attempted to make her announcement after the commercial break, Gunner interrupted the TNA president by coming out to the ring with his World Heavyweight title shot briefcase. Gunner, who didn't kindly accept Carter's answer, said no matter what time it is, he will defeat Magnus for the belt.
James Storm came out next, interrupting Carter once again after attempting to make her announcement. Storm confronted Gunner and demanded a match for the World Heavyweight title shot. After getting another chance, Carter declined to make her announcement and teased the viewers to stay tuned to Impact! Wrestling.
Match No. 1: James Storm vs. Gunner.
No contest result.
After Gunner speared Storm outside the ring, referee Earl Hebner counted to 10, resulting in a double count out. With the count-out result, TNA has effectively ended the tag team partnership and friendship of Storm and Gunner. Expect to see this feud continue to grow on television with a potential rematch for the No. 1 contender spot for the World Heavyweight Championship. This was a pretty basic opening, but limited match that ended way too soon.
Match Rating: 3/5.
Brooke came out to the ring after the match and called out Bully Ray to reveal the truth. Ray, who came out wearing a black sweater and sunglasses, completely ignored Brooke's desperate plea for answers. After Brooke said she was done, Ray grabbed her arm and began speaking. Suddenly, dark background music began playing as Ray spoke about Brooke and demanded her to leave the ring.
Match No. 2: Joseph Park vs. Christopher Daniels and Kazarian.
Your winner via pinfall: Joseph Park.
TNA is getting closer towards writing the final chapter of Park's on-screen storyline and fully re-introducing the Abyss character. Although this was not an exciting street fight by any means, TNA was able to effectively get the Abyss character moving in the right direction.
Match Rating: 2.5/5.
Match No. 3: Lei'D Tapa vs. ODB.
Your winner via pinfall: Lei'D Tapa.
Cheap victory for Tapa, as Gail Kim distracted the referee late in the match, which caused ODB to get pinned. Another basic, slow-moving match with limited action inside the ring. The cheap win made Tapa look beatable inside the ring.
Match Rating: 2/5.
Before the main event tag team match, Carter was shown on the entrance way screen and announced that next week there would be a coronation of Magnus.
Match No. 4: Ethan Carter III, Rockstar Spud, Robbie E and Jessie Godderz vs. Jeff Hardy and Sting.
Your winners via pinfall: Ethan Carter III, Rockstar Spud, Robbie E and Jessie Godderz.
Pretty solid main event match, as the action inside the ring finally picked up after the previous battles never seemed to click. After the match, Hardy spoke about Carter's recent actions and displeasure with TNA. Hardy announced to Sting that he had fought his last match in TNA and left to the backstage area as Impact! Wrestling faded to black.
Match Rating: 3.5/5.


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High school junior Wakaba Sakimoto is a normal girl, no matter how you look at her. Everyone around her is thinking about the future, but Wakaba still doesn't know what she wants to do. Then one day, she meets voice actress Touko Hosaka by accident, and Wakaba's future changes in a big way…
By Tatsunari Sakuraba
Publisher: Jmanga
Age Rating: Teen
Genre: Shonen
Price: $4.99
Koetama was another impulse buy from Jmanga. I've always been intrigued with voice acting, and after reading the scenes in Bakuman, I wanted to read more. Then Jmanga licensed this series. The characters are fun, and the premise isn't bad, even though the whole thing comes off as feeling very generic. But being only the first volume where all the set up takes place, this is to be expected.
Wakaba Sakimoto is a high school junior who doesn't know what to do about her future goals. Her two best friends, Tomo and Serina already have goals that they are working for; Tomo is practicing karate and Serina wants to be an author. But Wakaba doesn't have anything she feels passionate about. When Tomo, Serina and Wakaba go to an amusement park, Wakaba finds a lost girl and tries to help her by reading a book the girl is carrying. She starts to reach the girl, but then gets nervous. She is rescued by well-known voice actress Touko Hosaka, and then Wakaba knows what she wants to do; be a voice actress. She has a bit of a rocky start, but then she meets Kuu Sonozaki, another aspiring voice actress, and the two apply to Voice Connect voice acting school.
I had a hard time getting into this title at first. I started reading it three times before I finally got through the first chapter. It wasn't that the story was bad, it was just so generic. The girl with an untapped special talent, supported by her two best friends, gets dropped into a situation where her talent is needed and noticed by someone important. Even after I finally got through the first chapter, things didn't really change. The rival, the country bumpkin with dreams in the big city, and the stuck up snob who looks down everyone all make their appearance in this first volume.
Despite all the tropes, I actually liked Koetama. Wakaba, the main protagonist of the series was quite likable. Once she decided she wanted to be a voice actress, she didn't hesitate getting down to work. She bought books about voice acting and breathing, and practiced on the roof of her school everyday. I liked that his was a decision she made on her own, and didn't have to be told and pushed by friends into doing it. Even when she seems to have a change of heart, her friends, Tomo and Serina never pressure her, but just support her from the background. Throughout the volume there are hints that Wakaba has a special talent for voice acting, the "soul of the voice", and a flashback with Tomo shows the idea of voice acting was planted in her at a young age.
I liked all of the supporting characters as well. Tomo is the male childhood friend who seems to have a crush on Wakaba, but never comes out and says anything. Serina is the best friend that has no problem with beating up on Tomo. She is constantly running him over with her bike. Kuu is the spunky girl from eastern Japan and an accent. She has her quirks, such as speaking her mind and getting lost, but her accent was kept in check, so she wasn't as annoying as she could have been. Amane is the spoiled rich girl who goes into the audition expecting the wow the judges, and does. She is of course prejudice against Kuu just because of her accent and tries to woo Wakaba away from her. I'm sure she'd be won over by Wakabe by the second or third volume. Runa is the seasoned pro who is tough on others but really means well. She is the one the other girls will be chasing to become a star voice actress. She is more talked about than really seen but she doesn't appear to be haughty star.
Koetama, had a lot of potential. The character conceptualizations were down by four seiyuu: Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Hayami Saori and Yahagi Sayuri, all of whom are credited in the title. We've been getting titles about the inside workings of manga lately, so it's not a stretch for voice acting, since these actors will not only work on anime, but also drama cds. I'm disappointed that I won't be able to read more of this title. I was starting to look forward to see what happened with these girls next. I don't hold out hope for Jmanga titles to be rescued, since they were rescuing titles from defunct publishers themselves. I can only hope someone will see the worth of this series and license it on its merits.


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|Rediff India Abroad Home | All the sections
Advertisements are back in the soap opera
T R Vivek in New Delhi | October 30, 2004 11:27 IST
In spite of a squeeze in profit margins, FMCG majors such as Hindustan Lever, Nestle, Dabur and Gillette have spent an additional Rs 200 crore (Rs 2 billion) on advertising during the July-September 2004 quarter compared with the same quarter of the previous year.
This could mean a revival in the fortunes of the advertising agencies as FMCG spending accounts for a third of the Rs 9,000 crore (Rs 90 billion) industry. Reeling under a severe downtrading, most FMCG companies had slashed their advertising budgets.
Hindustan Lever, the country's largest FMCG company, increased its advertising spend in the home and personal care category by 27 per cent in the second quarter of 2004 compared with the same period last year, amounting to an additional spending of Rs 35 crore (Rs 350 million).
According to a company spokesperson, the launch of several power brand variants such as Lux Orchid, Lux body wash and Rin Advanced pushed up spending on advertising.
Also, Hindustan Lever initiated a unique campaign last month where it aired its ads for Pepsodent toothpaste during primetime across all the popular entertainment channels in the country. Last quarter, too, the company had upped its ad budget by Rs 60 crore (Rs 600 million) or 30 per cent.
Nestle's outgoing chairman and managing director Carlo Donati, in his statement on the company's quarterly results announced yesterday, attributed the dip in profits to the company's sustained investments in brand building.
"This year there has been higher spending across categories but the FMCG sector has emerged from a three-year long slump," said CVL Srinivas, managing director, Maxus, a WPP group media buying outfit.
Male personal grooming products major Gillette was among the biggest spenders in the category as the company more than doubled its expenditure in the last quarter to Rs 19.4 crore (Rs 194 million) from Rs 7.9 crore (Rs 79 million) last year. For the first nine months of this year, the company spent Rs 37 crore (Rs 370 million) compared with Rs 20 crore (Rs 200 million) during the same period last year.
"There is growing realisation among the FMCG companies that they need to constantly invest in above-the-line advertising to maintain their brands' health," said Sam Balsara, chairman and managing director, Madison Communications.
According to Srinivas, after the slump the FMCG firms are going back to tried and tested conventional advertising. Dabur India, which signed up Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador in 2003, increased its advertising and promotional spend by more than 26 per cent in the first half of the current financial year.The company spent Rs 95 crore (Rs 950 million) on brand building in the first six months, compared with Rs 75 crore (Rs 750 million) last year.
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Skip to comments.So Where Do We Go From Here?
Posted on 11/07/2012 6:23:42 AM PST by The Louiswu
So where do we go from here?
The election is over and the sun came up. In a little while I am off to my little art gallery downtown, I'll open my doors and wait for folks to come in to buy my art.
I know the economy is no better off today that it was yesterday, I know the residents of this area of Illinois have no more money now that they did twenty four hours ago, so I might just be waiting in vain for those sales, I might be sitting alone today with no one to talk to.
Where do I go from here? Do I keep the gallery open a little while longer? I am now the sole employee and I don't take a paycheck. People want to purchase art, but they need to purchase food and pay for their electricity, I don't believe there will be a rush to purchase art today.
Like a lot of Americans I prayed to God for a Romney victory, I humbly asked that the almighty help carry the day for all Americans by delivering us from President Obama and to help good Christians set this country right. Today I am vexed by the answer I got. I believe God is saying that the fight is not over, the road to change and salvation is a long one, don't give up, but I'm not sure any longer.
So I'll pray again today, this time I'll ask God, "Where Do I Go From Here?" and I'll listen close for an answer, I'll wait for a sign or a signal. Hope I get an answer soon.
Job #1) Replace John Boehner as speaker- he is not up to the job.
If you hear anything, please let me know.
So disheartened. I am not sure if this is God's grand plan, or he has turned his back on us.
I think we need a grieving thread, so thank you for getting us started.
I am sickened, and frightened for my kids.
Will be praying here also and looking for answers. Am afraid have found those answers though. May God's Mercy Come.
Lock and load! Stock and pray that the President (i use the word losely) does not go off the deep end with power and come after all we have worked for.
Where do I go from here? To buy more guns and ammo, of course. :)
God doesn't care who is president. He loves us so much that he gave us free will to make those decisions.
Guns and ammo- it is the FReeper way, isn't it?
NO MORE RINOs !!!!!!!!!!!!!
See my Post "Starve the Machine" - let me know your thoughts.
WE as a nation don't go anywhere. America died last night.
Actually, it died a long time ago and we just didn't know it yet.
WE as Christians do go somewhere... We "go Galt" by the hand of our Savior Jesus Christ at the time of His choosing.
Until then, our mission should not be about saving the republic, but rather about saving souls for Christ.
Whenever a nation turns away from God, it is destroyed. We are there. Our choice for leaders were a Marxist who said he is Christian, but his actions show different, and a Mormon, who while being a good man, is still not a follower of Christ. Our nation couldn't even put up a true Christian for election this year. We have turned away from God.
So we teach our children the Way and prepare from the economic impact this election will have in the best ways we can. Sorry that art will not sell well in the future. Look for skills that are useful to those around you.
"So Where Do We Go From Here?"
Sraight to hell with no comeback pass...thanks to all of you sitting on your fat butts whining for the last 4 years.
Send Me An Angel ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTJrVVDVfqA&feature=related
"I was looking at some of the preliminary numbers and it looks like the youth vote went heavily to Obama. So, you know how we keep saying that "future generations will get stuck with the bill for the consumption of the current generation" (and how we've been telling the youth about that, over and over)...last night's vote invalidates that statement. The youth vote seems to have taken their parents and grandparents to an expensive restaurant and said, "It's all on me folks!"
What do Freepers think? Were the young voters adequately warned? Have they accepted the bill?
Well, it's time for us to organize the states to amend the Constitution or even better enact state laws; that is, if a citizen (subject now) is taking Federal welfare payments, he/she/it will be considered a "ward of the state" and be ineligible to vote until such time that person has a paying job. This gets rid of the "what do I get for my vote" crowd very efficiently since the states are the vehicle by which elections are held. Any takers???
I am very sorry for your situation
People will always need beauty in their lives, like art
Maybe if they cannot afford to buy art you can create some income by teaching them to create and enjoy art - especially kids and seniors
I'll catch a lot of grief for this, but I am convinced now more than ever that we have got to stay the hell away from social issues. I've long held the belief that the federal government has no place in legislating morality - I want the gov't out. It is a double edged sword: if we expect the federal gov't to mandate our positions, we cannot be surprised or upset when the immoral in society do the same. I think a small gov't Conservative would be a sure fire win, but the baggage of social issues is a sure fire way to lose.
The federal monster has got to be tamed. While I personally don't condone BS immoral and depraved behavior, my belief is that it is a local and state issue and that is exactly where it should be left. No argument could be presented against a small gov't Conservative that would hold water with anyone other than true socialists.
Where do we go from here? I think that is a complicated question. For me, it means a hard evaluation at whether I can afford to keep my doors open any longer - the past 5 years have not been kind on the bottom line of my business. I can't justify throwing more of my savings down the tubes. I haven't drawn a paycheck in over 4 years. Right now, it seems as though I am busting my a$$ just to pay taxes - something I'm not willing to do any longer.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Company / App Name: Moviestud.io
Twitter – moviestudio_
What does it do?
Moviestud.io helps you create film budgets, production boards, and call sheets quicker than any other software. Import your script and start your pre-production process with just a few clicks.
Why do we need it?
Filmmakers have a specific workflow and often use spreadsheets or desktop software that has not changed much in over a decade. In addition to automating many steps of the process Moviestud.io allows you to access anything from the anywhere.
Who is it for?
Moviestud.io is for the low or no-budget filmmakers who are creating films because it is their passion. They do not have $1,000 in the budget for traditional software or for the professionals to use it.
What makes it stand out from the crowd?
The defining feature of Moviestud.io is the script import process. It parses the script and gets you well on the way to creating your budget, scheduling, and creating call sheets.
What's next?
The goal is to help filmmakers make their films. Moviestud.io in its current form helps one part of that process. I invite all filmmakers to get in touch and let us know other obstacles they are facing and we will figure out a way to help.
Pitch Video


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Fourth Grade Welcomes a New Lead Shark
Cassie Lambert
Shark Correspondent
Cedar Key School welcomes Mrs. Jessica Sloan as the new fourth grade teacher for the 2013-2014 school year. Mrs. Sloan taught at Whispering Winds Charter School in Chiefland before deciding to teach at CKS. "I love it! I'm so happy to be here!" Mrs. Sloan exclaimed.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Cedar Key Beacon, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:


text:
Also Known As
- Dimitri Renardet
Game Credits
Quality Assurance
|World of Warcraft (2004)
|(Q.A. Testers - French)
|Empire Earth II (2005)
|(Localisation Team)
Developer Biography
There is no biography on file for this developer.
If you have a portrait of this person, you can upload it to the MobyGames database.
Related Sites
There are no related websites on file for this developer. If you know of any related websites for the person, please consider contributing them.


text:
I've been asked many times over the years…how do I transition from one job to another? There is no easy way to resign, but there is a professional way to move forward.
Professional courtesy is at least 2 weeks from the day you give your notice. If you are thinking longer than that you are doing a disservice to your new employer. If you start talking more than 3 weeks, you might not be ready to move on and you might re-think your move altogether. 2-3 weeks is fair for all.
If you are out of work or transitioning from the military to civilian life, there is nothing wrong with giving a 2 week start date to get your affairs in order. It's not always that easy to start right away, so take some time, if finances allow, to get your home settled and get your mind ready to get back to the grind.
Are you headed back to the private sector from the military? I know from placing many ex service people, it's not always a concrete date you are separated, so it can be a bit confusing to pin down a start date. Share as much as you know with your future employer and they should be more than willing, and happy, to wait for your services. I know it's tough out there, but try to land a job no more than 4 weeks before you can actually start.
In honor of our military service men and women we are offering them, as well as their spouses and family members, a discount on our Re-Fresh or Re-Write service through Thanksgiving Weekend, 2011. Visit our website and enter "proud" in the coupon code field for a $20 discount.Free Resume Review


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WASHINGTON — U.S. productivity growth slowed in the fourth quarter while labor costs kept falling. For the year, productivity turned in another weak gain.
Productivity grew at an annual rate of 3.2 percent in the October-December period, down slightly from a 3.6 percent growth rate in the third quarter, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Labor costs fell at a 1.6 percent rate in the fourth quarter after an even bigger 2 percent rate of decline in the third quarter.
For the year, productivity rose a slight 0.6 percent, down from a 1.5 percent increase in 2012, and the weakest performance since an 0.5 percent rise in 2011. Labor costs edged up a slight 1 percent in 2013, continuing a trend of modest gains in labor costs.
Productivity measures output per hour of work. Greater productivity raises living standards because it enables companies to pay their workers more without having to raise prices which could boost inflation.
The Federal Reserve monitors productivity and labor costs for any signs that inflation could pick up. Mild inflation has allowed the Fed to keep short-term interest rates at record lows and purchase bonds to try to keep long-term rates down.


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Make a personal statement
To say that Vitess Rider Carlos del Junco plays harmonica is like saying "Jimi Hendrix plays guitar". Carlos, a two-time Juno Awards nominee, won two Gold Medals from the Hohner World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen, Germany, and he has been the Harmonica Player of the Year eight times out of the Canadian Maple Blues Award's fifteen year history. In the awards story book, Carlos is simply one of the very best in the world.
Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz. With 8 albums and countless live performances throughout Canada and the USA, Carlos has grown a massive fan base. His next performance will be a night of virtuosic playing featuring his band "The Blues Mongrels" at Toronto's wonderful first class listening room: Hugh's Room on Friday October 19th at 8:30 (book a table here)… that is: assuming we can get him off the saddle of his Vitess by then…
This is the story of an artist at the top of his game with a keen eye for design, and a sudden and immensely intense passion for cycling that has taken a lot of his days and nights. He hates brands but loves quality and craftsmanship. He calls his Vitess "Phantom". Here's why.
Port Hope (ON), 28-Sep-2012
By Carlos del Junco
I had a dream one night (I'll tell you in person some day), not a dream about a bike per se, but a really powerful dream about a wild and exuberant creative energy devouring a tame and overly sheltered spirit…two days later, I met Julien Papon, and a week later I put a deposit on my Vitess… that is the short story.
The longer version: the day before I met Julien, I stumbled on this article in the Toronto Star.
I thought, gee, that is me, except I was 'stumbling' and not 'zooming' through my mid-life crisis – yet! I called Julien's shop and left a couple messages saying that I live in Port Hope and don't come into Toronto regularly. We finally connected later in the day and he was able to accommodate me the very next day.
I had my eye on a couple of the demo bikes I saw on the Vitess web site thinking to myself "these bikes are within my budget". I had no idea what to expect when walking into his sparsely furnished showroom with only a few of his bikes on display. We started a conversation…four hours later after sharing my own goals as a novice cyclist, what my budget was, he took numerous measurements and suddenly I found myself stepping onto Julien's own personal bike (luckily for me, the same frame size I needed) that he had taken the time to refit to my body, posture, and stretching ability: adjust the seat post height, change the seat, change the length of the handle bar stem to a shorter one, change the pedals, and then…
I got on the bike, and started to pedal – and that was it – an epiphany, this was my dream come to life! I kind of exploded into action and could not stop for the next hour and a half. I was completely and utterly hooked!
And, so I got back to the showroom and Julien and I talked some more. This was literally only the second day I had been researching anything to do at all about road bikes and I had hit the jackpot – without intending to do so. I told Julien I needed to try some other bikes to get a sense of what I was getting into. Little did I know that I had just been completely spoiled by his personable manner – not to mention riding his own bike that was worth well over $20,000!! …hmmmm…
I tried 3 other bikes the next day at 2 different bike stores, and although service at these stores was very pleasant, I never got the sense of being taken that seriously. And the riding experiences were disappointing, if not because the bikes were not as high end as Julien's own personal bike, I think largely because the bikes had not really been fit properly to me. Adjust the seat height and that was it. The other thing I really missed and had been spoiled with on Julien's bike was the electronic Di2 shifting experience. All the 3 other bikes I tried that day were disappointing (with good quality – and properly set up – mechanical shifters).
And so, another intense week of online research and phoning different shops and asking lots of questions, it came down to the Vitess and another reasonably high end bike with the same components. Either way, I was already more than twice over my original budget. The Vitess was going to be a bit more than the other bike I had my eye on but then I realized I was going to be able to make my own personal statement in getting the Vitess frame painted the way I like. I am trying to convince Julien to market it as the "Phantom" (the real "Dark Knight"). The Vitess logo is almost invisible in certain light – the way I like it (not a fan of any logos as you can see from the photos). But as you can see, the dark burgundy/eggplant colour (inspired by Julien's frame colour but darker and without the metallic sparkles) glows in the sunlight with the subtlety of the carbon weave very visible. Why would anyone want to cover this up? Beautiful! I do confess however, not being a fan of logos, I took a magic marker to cover up all bold logos on the wheels, gears, breaks and cranks set – encouraging it's "Phantom" like glow…
The other aesthetic I really like about the Vitess frame is that the top tube of the frame is parallel to the ground which has a certain look that is much more classic to me. Every other frame I have seen slopes down from the front of the frame.
I am pleased to say that my Vitess Phantom came in roughly a couple grand less than half the value of Julien's bike – and the riding experience is VERY comparable. Perhaps the dream about the wild exuberant creative energy getting the best of me made me throw a bit of caution to the wind in terms of going well over my budget, but I have absolutely no regrets. We only live once, and I thought to myself, I am only doing this once, so go for the best!
I also really appreciate Julien's sense of marketing and community building among his riders. The Gran Allenamento ride, greet, amazing breakfast and delicious lunch (and wine!) that happened on Sept. 9 at the beautiful Alton Mill Arts Centre was a wonderful introduction into the shared sense of fun and fitness that is so much a of the part of the Vitess experience. Also to show Julien's dedication to the cause, assembling the bike together and finishing (at quite literally the eleventh hour – 11pm at night) the build just over 24 hours before the day of the Gran Allenamento shows his commitment to the cause.
Getting to build the bike (assembling all the components to the frame with Julien exhaustively taking the time to explain how things work and are put together) with Julien was also an attractive option and was another reason to go with the Vitess. I am going in shortly after just over two weeks (of getting used to the feel of the bike after some longer rides) for a re-fit: change the seat, maybe change the length of the handlebar stem, etc. I can't say enough about Julien, his passion and dedication to the cause. He loves his work and it shows.
If you've read this far, you are obviously a burgeoning cycling enthusiast. Perhaps you are also a blues/jazz music enthusiast? Again, please come and join me for a night of fun eclectic roots/blues/jazz music featuring my band "The Blues Mongrels" at Hugh's Room on Friday October 19 at 8:30pm. This venue only holds 220, so the sooner you reserve, the better table you will get. You can do that here.
To find out more information about Carlos: please visit his web site.
If you enjoyed Carlos' story, you will love those ones: click on the headers.
Although there is nothing truly complicated about riding a bicycle, today's cycling culture can be a bit intimidating at times, especially for novice riders.
Cormac Monaghan was no different than most people contemplating cycling as part of their active lifestyle. Busy at home with young children, busy at work as VP of Finance of eOne Films Canada and President of the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce, for him it has been about the search for a more balanced lifestyle.
Here is his cycling journey of the last 9-months: from purchasing an entry-level bicycle that he never really used, to joining two of our Gran Allenamentos on a demo Vitess, to becoming a Vitess Rider and most recently member of one of Toronto's finest: the Morning Glory Cycling Club [...]
Riding is supposed to be fun. When Vitess Rider Sajid Syed came to Vitess 2 years ago, that was most certainly the last chance he was giving to cycling.
After 3 years of excruciating back pain, much time and money spent on trying to figure out what to do about it, he was "quite frustrated and very close to throwing [his] bike in the ditch and walking away from the sport for good."
Our integrative approach to proper body positioning and bike set-up based on muscular ranges of motion and physiological needs, and our collaborative work with medical professionals surrounding Sajid successfully brought him back on the saddle and he seems that he's now enjoying every minute of it.
Proper bicycle fitting is not reserved for the Pros. It is not a matter of winning races, it is a matter of having fun, feeling good and upping our own individual performance on the bike.
And it's not about the bike, it's about you [...]
When a local newspaper reported on Bonjour Brioche almost 15 years ago they suggested that "it's a cherished myth that no French person will live further than a short bike ride away from a decent bakery".
Vitess Rider Henri Feasson, a French pastry Chef by trade, and his wife Laurie – owners of Bonjour Brioche, turned a myth into reality and an idea into a huge success.
How successful? The lining-up around the block for buttery French pastry fix, delicious quiches, warm baguettes and many other French delicacies – even on a slushy winter morning, is testament to the quasi-magical things happening in the kitchen. But also evidence that success fuels success in unique ways. In an article on the trendy brunch wave in Toronto, The New York Times went straight to the point: "[Queen East] benefits from the overflow from Bonjour Brioche".
Passion, quality, attention to details and unique expertise are some of the key ingredients of Bonjour Brioche's success; Henri and Laurie are proud of their work, and so they should be. When it comes to their own personal experiences, they look for similar values. After decades of hard work, the couple has started to enjoy some "free"-time and has been wondering what life outside of Bonjour Brioche could look like – what does quality time feel like? [...]


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All this week we're talking about the digital currency Bitcoin. We've learned about what Bitcoin actually is. We've also checked in with Coinbase, the company trying to become a kind of version of PayPal for bitcoin that connects customers to businesses. Today we hear from a business that has started to accept Bitcoin. Dr. Paul Abramson runs a private practice called My Doctor Medical Group in San Francisco. He says that he's actually treated patients for substance abuse who prefer to pay with the cryptocurrency.
Click the audio player above to learn more.
Follow Ben Johnson at @@TheBrockJohnson.


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The Box Office is open 10 AM-6 PM, Monday - Friday, and 2 hours before each performance. Please note: summer hours are 10 AM - 5 PM.
The free coat check is located just past the Box Office outside the Coyne Lobby and opens one hour before curtain. For more info call 315-443-9922.
The bar located in the Sutton Pavilion offers wines, liquors and spirits. The coffee bar located in the Coyne Lobby offers Recess Coffee, as well as a variety of small snacks. Both are open one hour before curtain and during intermission.
Discounted rush tickets are available for purchase on the day of performance, and must be requested in person, pending availability.
All tickets may be exchanged within the same event. [Contact the Box Office at 315-443-3275 for all rules and procedures for ticket exchange.] Please return tickets to the Box Office or call the Box Office 24 hours prior to the earliest performance involved in the exchange. Single Ticket exchanges carry a $5 transaction fee per ticket. 6Pack holders may make one free exchange per show. Subscribers may make unlimited free exchanges; upgrade charges may apply. Subscribers who missed a scheduled performance and did not exchange may use their Extra Value Ticket or purchase a Missed Performance Pass for $5. Please call the box office at 315-443-3275 for more information.
The John D. Archbold Theatre and the Storch Theatre are wheelchair accessible for every performance along with the lobby, restrooms and Box Office Windows. Please call the Box Office at 315-443-3275 to arrange seating. Handicap Parking is available in the lot next to Phoebe's and in the parking garage on the south side of the 800 block of East Genesee Street.
Audio-Described Performances: A matinee performance of every production is Audio-Described by a live narrator for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. The pre-performance description of sets and costumes begins at approximately 20 minutes prior to curtain, and visual details are verbalized during the performance. When contacting the Box Office, please be sure to reserve a headset (at no additional fee).
Audio Enhancement: Syracuse Stage offers an infrared hearing system for patrons with up to 70% hearing loss. Headsets can be reserved free of charge through the Box Office or at the Coat Room before curtain.
Open Captioning: Open Captioning is provided for two matinee performances of every production. A small screen, placed to the side of the stage, displays text corresponding to the play's dialogue and other sounds. Open Captioning can be viewed from most seats in the theatre. However, for the most advantageous viewing, please contact the Box Office.
Signed Interpreted Performance Series: An American Sign Language-Interpreted performance is offered for every production. For the most advantageous viewing, be sure to mention your interest in sign-interpretation when reserving tickets.
Each season we host a number of discussions, lectures, art exhibits and other community engagement programs to enhance the theatre-going experience and make attending a Syracuse Stage production accessible to everyone. For a full list of programs and events check out our Programs & Events page.
Leave your name and seat location at the Coat Room when you arrive. This is the only way we can locate you. In case of an emergency during a performance you may be reached at 315-443-9922
Yes. Our secure server software encrypts all of your personal information including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet. The encryption process takes the characters you enter and converts them into bits of code that are securely transmitted over the Internet. When your order reaches our office, it can be decrypted only by designated individuals in our Ticket Office.
Syracuse Stage offers Audio Description, Open Captioning, Signed Performances and Audio Enhancement. For information on these programs, click here.
The John D. Archbold Theatre and the Storch Theatre are wheelchair accessible for every performance along with the lobby, restrooms and Box Office Windows. Please call the Box Office (315-443-3275) to arrange seating. Handicap Parking is available in the lot next to Phoebe's (entrance on Irving Ave. across from Syracuse Stage) and in the parking garage located on the south side of the 800 block of East Genesee Street.
All tickets are held at the box office and available for pickup 2 hours prior to curtain. Subscription series tickets are mailed at the end of the summer, or as the season progresses, you will receive them in the mail shortly after you purchase your subscription tickets.
Productions may be cancelled due to bad weather or in the event the Mayor of Syracuse declares a "State of Emergency." Ticket holders may exchange for another performance of the same event. If the "State of Emergency" is declared in an area from which or through which a patron is driving, the above rules apply. During "Travel Warnings" or "Travel Advisories" free Missed Performance Passes will be offered to any ticket holder who chooses not to attend due to weather. Patrons using the Missed Performance Pass may choose another performance of the same event and will be seated just before curtain by the House Manager in available seating.
Performance run times vary. You may call the ticket office at 315-443-3275 the day of a performance to inquire as to the running time. This information is also posted in locations throughout the lobby when you arrive for a performance.
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Some audience members come to the theatre in more dressy attire, others arrive in more casual shirts and slacks. Either is fine.


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Garden Visit: Lyman Greenhouses, the Nation's Oldest
In 18th century America, Boston merchant Theodore Lyman was a wealthy purveyor of goods from China and India. So it follows that Lyman's country estate, built in Waltham in 1793, eventually became known for its collection of exotic plants and trees such as pineapples, grapes, camellias and orchids. Today, rare camellias are still propagated on the property, now down to 37 acres from the Lyman family's peak of four hundred in 1839. Today, the brick and glass greenhouses on the property remain beautifully intact.
Most gardens have a particular emphasis or special season — the Lyman greenhouses are no exception. Each year, during February and March, the camellia trees, some more than 100 years old, bloom in a parade of white and pink and dark red, and in double and single forms. The faintest floral scent warms the air on a sunny but chilly February day. It's a must-go.
According to the Historic New England which now runs the Lyman estate, Lyman hired gardener William Bell, an Englishman, to design and build a garden in the English picturesque style in the late 1700's. It evolved into a classic four square kitchen garden, large trees and a greenhouse complex of a grape house (1804), camellia house (1820), orchid house (1840), and a sales house (1930). Standard for the period, the greenhouses were designed as pit style lean-to greenhouses, built into the south facing slope not far from the main house, a federal style home called "The Vale." The greenhouses' back brick wall extends into a 600-foot peach wall against which peach and pear trees were grown. In the early 1800's and hence, the greenhouses' glassed covered pits were heated with a firebox and flue and cast iron pipes that snaked through the entire complex. With a primitive mechanical crank system, the windows open easily to release heat and moisture.
Go to the Lyman greenhouses on a late winter day, just when the landscape is truly bland and lacking verdure. It will feel like a breath of spring. The walk is quick, quiet and so relaxing. Each week, the greenhouses are open every day but Sunday, 9:a.m. until 4 p.m. The adjacent Lyman estate is open once a month, on the first Saturday. The Lyman estate also holds regular plant sales and lectures.
If You Go:
The Lyman Estate and Greenhouses are located at 195 Lyman Street, Waltham, Massachusetts.


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Egypt is home to the most famous pyramids of all, three well-formed examples located at Giza on the outskirts of Cairo. Just as there are pyramids throughout the world, it should come as no surprise that Egypt has more than just these three. Egyptologists have actually catalogued over 90 major pyramids that were built over the course of 1,000 years (roughly 2600-1550 BC).
All the pyramids can be found close to the west bank (none on the east bank) of the Nile, with the majority found along a 17-kilometre stretch incorporating Abu Ghurob, Saqqara and Dashur. Giza is 11 kilometres further north. Because of their size and relative proximity, when visiting a site it is quite normal to see other pyramids on the horizon.
Although each Egyptian pyramid has individual features, they are far more alike than houses in our modern suburban streets. The shape we know. The heights range from 17 to 146 metres, with the faces at an angle to the base of 42-57 degrees, with a couple of 18 metre pyramids attaining more than 70 degrees.
The largest pyramids were built in quick succession:
"The truly gigantic stone pyramids were built over the course of only three generations: Sneferu, Khufu and Khafre. If Sneferu did indeed build the Meidum pyramid as well as his two stone pyramids at Dashur, his pyramids alone contain more than 3.5 million cu. m (124 million cu ft.) of stone. All the other pyramids of Egyptian kings combined (excluding queens' and other satellite pyramids) contain only 41 per cent of the total mass of the pyramids of Sneferu, his son Khufu and grandson Khafre." [1]
It makes sense, on first impressions, to label these pyramids as gigantic mausoleums for deceased pharaohs. They typically contain secret entrances and passages, some which lead to rooms underneath the pyramid, and some that just come to an abrupt dead-end. The main rooms have stress-relieving chambers above them – to stop the immense weight crushing down and destroying whatever was in the room. These rooms have contained sarcophagi, but never with a body still within, which has prompted alternative researchers to look for other, non-burial purposes for these structures. Some sarcophagi were even found closed and sealed, yet still empty!
Ancient Egyptian texts have mentioned 80 men being required to set the lid on a stone sarcophagus. This is in keeping with the overall immensity of size and weight. The pyramids represent inconceivable size and unbearable weight. To my thinking they represent the scale between the ordinary and the incredible, between a simple burial chamber and a pyramid, between a standard earthquake or hurricane and a global cataclysm.
In close proximity to the major pyramids, there are usually temples and/or satellite pyramids – miniatures commonly known as Queens' pyramids. These can also contain passages and chambers.
The Great Pyramid of Cheops/Khufu
The pharaoh Khufu reigned for 23 years from 2789 to 2767 BC, and it is the accepted orthodox view that he constructed the Great Pyramid as his personal tomb. However, the pharaoh's body was not found within it, nor any treasure, or anything remotely related to a funeral. No mummy has ever been found in a pyramid in Egypt. Mummies have always come from mastabas or tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
Independent researchers have come up with an array of alternative dates for the construction of the Giza pyramids. But if we rule out the endless possibilities of inter-galactic visitors, there are no solid theories as to who else could possibly have made them.
The Great Pyramid is huge. Its base covers 13.6 acres and for its weight estimates vary between 5.75 – 6.5 million tons, based on 2.3 – 2.6 million blocks.[2] Napoleon's surveyors calculated that the three Giza pyramids contained so much stone that they could build a three metres high by one metre thick wall around the perimeter of France with it.
The pyramid is located at 29 degrees, 58 minutes, 51.06 seconds north latitude, and 31 degrees, 9 minutes, and 0.0 seconds east longitude. This is very close to 30 degrees north, and it has been suggested that the Giza Plateau was the best spot to place such an immense weight, whereas other areas would not be able to cope. [3] The line of 30 degrees latitude is only a mile or two the north, so they may have thought it was the best they could do, short of building an unstable pyramid that might not last the required millennia.
Some believe that Giza is a special location that is at the centre of the earth's land mass. If you follow the east/west parallel around the globe, it crosses more land than any other parallel. The same goes for the north/south meridian that intersects with Giza. These two lines also cross in the ocean.
|Although there appears to be more land along the Russia / Alaska parallel, if you use a globe this illusion disappears.
Much has been made of the extreme accuracy of the Great Pyramid's alignment to north, with less than 1/15 of one degree of error. [4] However, this might be the least remarkable feature, when you consider the math that has been built into it (see below).
The top of the two giant pyramids are at the same height, although the Great Pyramid is actually larger because its base is lower. A lot of effort was put into creating this effect:
"the base of Khufu's pyramid is level to within just 2.1 cm.in building the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre the ancient masons started on a sloping plateau c. 7-10 m (23-33 ft) higher than the eventual base and in each case left a massif of rock in the body of the pyramid" [5]
It is hard enough to fathom why this design aspect was so important in Giza, without considering that in Teotihuacan, Mexico they did the same thing with their Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Another feature which is rarely mentioned is that the four faces of the pyramid are slightly concave, a feature probably unduplicated anywhere else, ever. Some say that this curvature is the same as the earth itself, which would add weight to ideas regarding the pyramid as a model of our planet.
The centre of each side is indented to form an eight-sided pyramid. The effect is not visible from the ground or from a distance but only from the air, and then only under the proper lighting conditions. [6]
The measurement used in the construction of the pyramid is known as the pyramid inch "PI". It is equal to 1.0011 modern inches. Twenty-five pyramid inches made up one "Sacred Cubit".
The perimeter of the pyramid's base divided by twice its height equals "pi" to 5 decimal places:
9131*4 / 5813*2 = 3.141579+
The dimensions used are pyramid inches, but because this is a ratio, any form of measurement will give the same result. In this way it is future proof, in that alien beings could arrive and inspect it thousands of years from now, and still derive pi.
What makes this extraordinary is what is required to make this ratio occur – the slope of the pyramid's sides needs to be precisely 51 degrees, 51 minutes, and 14.3 seconds. Of the 90 major pyramids in Egypt, the Great pyramid of Giza is the only one with this angle.
The perimeter of the base is equal to the calendar year – 365.24 pyramid cubits
Many, many other equations have been discovered, with dozens of books consisting of not much more than pyramid numbers. Some are ridiculous, and most are hard to prove without a single, definitive source of measurements. Many are so complicated that they appear contrived.
By focusing on the few definites – location, size, angle and alignment, we can be certain that someone, long ago, was trying to impress upon us that they knew things. They wanted our attention.
Nowadays located in northern Sudan, the ancient kingdom of Nubia had an incredible 180 pyramids. Admittedly, some were only a few metres in height, however a few attained a height of 40 metres or more. Built much later than their Egyptian counterparts, they were created in the last millennium BC through until about 350 AD, and situated along the banks of the Nile. For more information, see Mark Lehner's "The Complete Pyramids".
You've probably heard of the biblical Tower of Babel. The word "Babel", in its original Akkadian language means "the gate to god". In Mesopotamia attempts to recreate the Tower of Babel were known as ziggurats – man-made mountains with a shrine at the top.
A ziggurat is a pyramidal, stepped temple tower. characteristic of the major cities of Mesopotamia (now in Iraq) from about 2200 until 500 BC. The ziggurat was always built with a core of mud brick and an exterior covered with baked brick. It had no internal chambers and was usually square or rectangular, averaging either 170 feet square or 125 170 feet (40 50 metres) at the base. Approximately 25 ziggurats are known, being equally divided in number among Sumer, Babylonia, and Assyria.
No ziggurat is preserved to its original height. Ascent was by an exterior triple stairway or by a spiral ramp, but for almost half of the known ziggurats, no means of ascent has been discovered. The sloping sides and terraces were often landscaped with trees and shrubs (hence the Hanging Gardens of Babylon). The best-preserved ziggurat is at Ur. The largest, at Chogha Zanbil in Elam, is 335 feet (102 m) square and 80 feet (24 m) high and stands at less than half its estimated original height. The legendary Tower of Babel has been popularly associated with the ziggurat of the great temple of Marduk in Babylon. [7]
As you can see from the photos, ziggurats do not have the geometric beauty of their cousins the pyramids. Yet, when broken down to components, they are very similar – religious purpose (typically there was a shrine at the summit), gigantic size, stepped and stair cased. They are also very old – the Ur ziggurat dates to the 25th century BC, making it contemporaneous with the Giza pyramids. Therefore I feel that they belong in our studies of pyramids and their purpose.
Mt Nemrut, Kâhta is a natural mountain (2150m), with a 50 metre artificial peak built on top. It was constructed as a tomb for King Antinochus I during the period 80 B.C-72 B.C. If pyramids are meant to represent mountains, the builders of this one have gone a step further by placing it on top of a real mountain.
Not just an artificial mound, this site features huge (10 metre high) statues.
[1] The Complete Pyramids, Mark Lehner, page 15 (Thames
and Hudson, London, 1997)
[2] The World Atlas of Mysteries, Francis Hitching,
page 67 (Pan, London, 1979)
[3] http://www.hunkler.com/pyramids/pyramid_references.html#ref14
Dramatic Prophecies of the Great Pyramid, 1974, Rodolfo Benavides, ISBN 0-914732-00-5 page 70
[4] The Complete Pyramids, Mark Lehner, page 212 (Thames
and Hudson, London, 1997)
[5] The Complete Pyramids, Mark Lehner, page 214 (Thames
and Hudson, London, 1997)
[6] http://www.hunkler.com/pyramids/pyramid_references.html#ref18
The Egyptian Pyramids: A Comprehensive & Illustrated Reference, 1990, J.P. Lepre, ISBN
0-89950-461-2, page 65
[7] Britannica


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Taboo Silver has been established in Eastbourne for well over 20 years. Well renowned locally, the shop premises has changed throughout the years, although the original concept and owners ethos remains the same; to source, produce, and deliver the highest quality silver jewellery.
Call 01323 639636
Taboo Silver has been a well established silver jewellery shop in Eastbourne for well over 20 years.
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Like Chardonnay, Viognier can make a full-bodied rich textured wine that will fill your mouth. Unlike Chardonnay, Viognier has much more aromatics with hints of peaches, violets, pears with a spicy finish with high minerality.
Difficult to grow and naturally low-yielding, Viognier has never been widely produced but can make a complex and rich wine.
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Thumbs-up, thumbs-down; it's your choice
Jan. 14, 2011 at 4:01 p.m.
Updated Jan. 13, 2011 at 7:14 p.m.
Thumbs-up to the workers. On this morning of Jan. 9, the Vanderbilt-LaSalle areas, as well as Bloomington, Placedo and Telferner experienced tornadic winds, which caused much damage to many of our family members', friends' and neighbors' homes. Many residents lost electricity. The recorded messages at Victoria Electricity kept us informed of the repairs. Late tonight, the repairmen are still out trying to restore electricity. May God keep you all safe as our electrical power keeps us all warm.
Colleen, Vanderbilt
Thumbs up on the newspaper delivery man who, through a rainstorm and strong winds, still delivered my newspaper. Such devotion to duty should be recognized by those in nice warm offices during harsh weather conditions.
Joseph, Palacios
Thumbs-up to Dr. Culberson with The Navarro Small Animal Clinic for always being a kind and caring person who puts others before his own needs. You do a great job, Doc.
Cristal, Nursery
Thumbs-down on the twilight rapist of elderly women, who, based on the "prima facie" evidence, didn't evolve much since Neanderthal times.
Joe, Palacios
Thumbs-down to Union Pacific in Bloomington. What a dirty little secret. Keeping the tracks on 185 blocked for 27 minutes plus. I hope I never need emergency medical attention.
Kelly, Bloomington
Thumbs-down to Emillio's thumbs-down. Try using your remote, and set the TV to wide screen.
David, Victoria
Thumbs-down to the city of Victoria for the ill-placed and small-lettered "hours" sign at the Huvar Street recycling center. Also, it looks like the city could spend some of the motel tax to fix Huvar Street into a first-class street, rather than a narrow lane.
Ray, Victoria
Thumbs-up to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church's restoration.
Thumbs-up to only a few DWI citations issued over the holidays, according to Victoria Police Department.
Thumbs-up to H-E-B manager Gus Kroos upon his retirement after 35 successful years.
Thumbs-up to The Keep Victoria Beautiful award recognizing Thomas Yantis as executive director. He was filling in as interim director after Joni Brown resigned her position.
Thumbs-up to Citizens Medical Center for receiving its accreditation for stroke for the next three years. DeTar has the same accreditation.
Thumbs-up to Helping Hands-Friends of the Library, semi-annual book sale.
Thumbs-up to The Texas Zoo's lion cubs, Aesa and Gaia, who celebrate their first birthday Saturday.
Thumbs-up to The Texas Zoo and its special ZooWise presentation about Sea Turtles Saturday. ZooWise is tailored to junior high age through adults but can be enjoyed by children as well.
Thumbs-down to the $15 billion shortfall in the Texas budget.
We want to make it easy to submit comments. Include your contact information so we can verify you wrote the "thumbs." Only your first name will be used in the newspaper. You may e-mail them to firstname.lastname@example.com, mail them to Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, Victoria Advocate. P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902, or drop them off at 311 E. Constitution.


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We support clients in the oil and gas and offshore renewables industries, supporting our clients with engineering studies, coastal defence modelling and planning for deep water drilling. We do this using technologically advanced oceanographic and meteorological data collection and interpretation techniques on a bespoke basis.
Metocean data can inform design parameters for nearshore and coastal construction projects, while real-time wave, current and tidal information is provided for installation and operational phases to optimise productivity and safety. Measurement of currents can be undertaken using various different methods and instrumentation appropriate to end-user needs. Sampling regimes are designed to be cost-effective for the client, without reducing data quality.
Our in-house developed 'Oceans' software suite enables harmonic analysis of tidal data to reduce observed data to predicted and residual tidal elevations. Predictions of tidal data can then be made in order to produce reporting outputs such as tide tables. We have extensive global experience in the use of industry standard instramnets used to measure waves, currents, temperature, water level, turbidity in surface following wave measurement, and the multi-role wave, tide and current measuring ADCP instruments.
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There are several methods of delivering real-time oceanographic data to both onshore and offshore locations. We presently receive wave, current and weather data transmitted from remote instruments to our offices in the UK using HF radio, Iridium and Orbcomm satellite telemetry – this data can be redelivered to customer desktops, or as an alternative to point-to-point data delivery, We provide a web-enabled real-time data package, www.gardline-realtime.com, with 'live view' and data download facilities on user-specific access privileges.
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Please Contact Us to find out how we can help with your project.