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As I was ranking Mets players with Presidential surnames, I noticed a few of them only had one year tenures with the team. This got me to wondering which one-year Mets were the most productive, and I was back on the Baseball Reference Play Index before I knew it. The results are listed below (as with the President list, I'm relying exclusively on the version of WAR (rWAR) used by Baseball Reference).
One note before we start: I omitted the best "one-year Met" from my list. Ike Davis had a 2.5 rWAR in his rookie year, which easily tops all of the other contenders. Seeing as how he'll be the starting first baseman this season, I figured he didn't technically qualify. If he suffers a career-ending injury before the season starts feel free to blame me for jinxing him. Now, on to the list:
10. Derek Bell (1.3 rWAR, 2000): A throw-in in the Mike Hampton deal (at least, that's how I always looked at it); Bell was the starting right fielder for most of the 2000 season (a season ending injury late in the year prevented him from playing in the postseason). He slashed .266/.348/.425 in 624 plate appearances over 144 games. He added 18 home runs and 69 RBI, but his 98 OPS+ indicates that he was slightly below average for a right fielder.
My favorite Derek Bell memory has nothing to do with his time on the Mets. He signed a two-year deal with the Pirates after the 2000 to be their starting right fielder. When informed that he would have to compete for his starting job, Bell launched his infamous "Operation Shutdown". From the Wikipedia:
"Nobody told me I was in competition. If there is competition, somebody better let me know. If there is competition, they better eliminate me out of the race and go ahead and do what they're going to do with me. I ain't never hit in spring training and I never will. If it ain't settled with me out there, then they can trade me. I ain't going out there to hurt myself in spring training battling for a job. If it is [a competition], then I'm going into 'Operation Shutdown.' Tell them exactly what I said. I haven't competed for a job since 1991."
That's one of the best sports quotes I've ever heard, trailing only Latrell Sprewell's "I got my family to feed" and Rasheed Wallace's epic "As long as somebody CTC, at the end of the day I'm with them. For all you that don't know what CTC means, that's 'Cut the Check." If I ever re-name this blog, Cut The Check is the hands-down favorite to be the new name.
9. Richie Ashburn (1.3 rWAR, 1962): While technically tied with Bell, I couldn't bring myself to equate a Hall of Famer with "Operation Shutdown". After all, Ashburn played his final season with the inaugural 1962 Mets, which was inglorious enough. He slashed .306/.424/.393 and had a 122 OPS+, an incredible line for a 35 year-old. In fact, Whitey's .424 OBP stood as the team record (minimum 400 at-bats, an entirely arbitrary threshold) until John Olerud topped it.
8. Rick Cerrone (1.4 rWAR, 1991): Even though I remember Cerrone on the Mets in 1991, I have always thought of him as a Yankee. That's why I was surprised to learn that he played for six other teams (Cleveland, Toronto, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Boston, and Montreal). Another interesting factoid is that 1991 was the second most valuable season of his career (in terms of rWAR, at least), trailing only his 1980 season (3.9 rWAR for the Yankees).
6. & 7. Joe Foy and Duke Snider (1.4 rWAR, 1970 & 1963): We touched on Foy during the Presidential post, but I'll say it again: just an unnecessary trade. Duke Snider's story was similar to Ashburn's in that he was a past-his-prime future Hall of Famer still hanging around. Unlike Ashburn, Snider had a connection to the Mets as one of the brightest stars of one of the franchises they were meant to replace, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Snider didn't play much center for the Mets, appearing in only 11 games there in 1963, but while his bat was not up to his previous standards he did have an above-average OPS+ (115). He would finish his career in 1964 with the San Francisco, making him one of only four men to play for the Giants, Dodgers, and Mets. The other three are listed at the bottom of the post.
5. Dick Schofield (1.8 rWAR, 1992): Jayson Werth's uncle was acquired from the then-California Angels along with a PTBNL (Julian Vasquez) for Julio Valera. Schofield was a defense-first shortstop with an excellent arm, but he was a pretty poor hitter. That's being nice actually. According to the Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Schofield Schofield shares the record (with Mark Belanger) for most seasons with more than 400 at-bats and less than 100 hits with four. This seems like a bad thing, but it isn't really. They are arbitrary thresholds, and some good players (including Mark McGwire, Ricky Henderson, and Barry Bonds, to pick just three) appear on the list. For the record, 12 other players had similar seasons with the Mets, including Dave Kingman, Todd Hundley, and Tommie Agee.
4. Desi Relaford (2.1 rWAR, 2001): Relaford falls into the nebulous category of "players I liked for no particular reason". The Mets picked up on waivers from the San Diego Padres and paid him just $475,000, then later packaged him with the also-awesome Tsuyoshi Shinjo for Shawn Estes. 2001 was a career year for Relaford (he didn't come close to replicating that season again) so Steve Phillips was right to try to sell high. Being Steve Phillips, however, he completely botched the transaction.
3. Eddie Bressoud (2.2 rWAR, 1966): I didn't really know that much about Bressoud, who played all four infield positions (but primarily shortstop) for the 1966 Mets. Turns out he was very productive (at least in terms of Mets from that era): his single season with the Mets produced the third highest rWAR among position players to that point in the franchise's history (behind Ron Hunt's 2.6 and Ken Boyer's 3.0). According to Baseball-Reference.com, he's fairly similar (as a player, not necessarily as a person) to Tony Bernazard. I wonder how many times he challenged minor leaguers to a fight?
1. & 2. Tommy Davis and Richie Hebner (2.3 rWAR, 1967 and 1979): A Brooklyn native, Davis had an 18 year career for 10 teams. He actually lead all Mets position players in rWAR in 1967, admittedly not the most impressive achievement ever. A former MVP candidate (his 6.8 rWAR in 1963 trailed only Willie Mays and Frank Robinson that season), Davis was acquired along with Derrell Griffith in a trade for Ron Hunt and Jim Hickman. 1967 would be a last hurrah of sorts for Davis: he would never again be that productive, and he would play for 8 more teams over the next nine years. Unlike with Relaford, however, the Mets successfully sold high on Davis: packaged with three other players, he brought back Tommie Agee and Al Weis in a 1967 trade with the White Sox.
Richie Hebner also had an 18 year career, though he was much less traveled (he only played for five clubs). Hebner was known for digging graves during the offseason, but more importantly the Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richie_Hebner notes that "Few people know that Rich Hebner has 3 heros: Jerry Flynn, his son Joe Hebner, and his nephew Michael Hebner." I felt I had to do my part to spread that important piece of information, so there you go.
Hebner came and went before my Mets fandom began and nothing jumped off of his Baseball-Reference page, so I originally didn't have anything else to add. That is, until I read his page over at the Ultimate Mets Database. Holy crap did this guy elicit a lot of raw emotion from Mets fans, and they are all over the map. I had no idea so many felt so strongly about a guy who was only here for one year. Bonus: someone defended him by calling him a "gamer".
Trivia answer: Jim Pignatano, Orel Hershiser, and Darryl Strawberry.


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More surgery for Celtics' Avery Bradley
Guardmay not open the season
WINTER PARK, Fla. — The Celtics were already intensifying their search for a shooting guard when Ray Allen defected to the Miami Heat. Now the team's projected Opening Night starter at the position may have his shoulder in a sling when the season begins.
About six weeks after having surgery to repair repeated dislocations of his left shoulder, Bradley will undergo another procedure on his right shoulder Tuesday at New England Baptist Hospital and may not be ready for the start of the regular season. Team officials said Bradley is progressing well from the left shoulder surgery, but had to wait until that shoulder healed enough before having surgery on the right.
It is unknown when Bradley will be able to resume basketball activities, but coach Doc Rivers and assistant general manager Austin Ainge are prepared for Bradley to miss time.
"I have no idea, I really don't,'' Rivers said as the team's summer league entry practiced Sunday. "I hear the beginning of the year he'll be back, [or] until mid-December — probably somewhere in-between.''
Bradley's emergence because of his defensive prowess and offensive improvement was the team's biggest surprise last season. He took over for Allen as a starter in April and flourished until being sidelined during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers. His shoulder was dislocated after a collision with the 76ers' Lavoy Allen during Game 5 and the team decided to shut Bradley down for surgery.
President of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Saturday that the team is in search of another shooting guard and there is interest in Houston free agent Courtney Lee, but the mostly likely way he could be acquired, unless he would accept the veteran's minimum or the biannual exception of $1.95 million, would be a sign and trade.
The Rockets would sign Lee and trade him to the Celtics for a matching salary. Lee averaged 11.4 points per game in 58 games for the Rockets last season, but Houston is not interested in re-signing him. He shot 40.1 percent from the 3-point line.
Nothing doing
There is a possibility the Celtics could get something in return for Allen.
They could work out a sign and trade with the Heat, meaning that they would sign Allen to a three-year, $18 million deal and then trade him to Miami for a player or draft picks. That would allow Allen to earn more money and the Celtics to get a player back.
But according to Rivers, that is not likely to happen.
"I doubt it,'' he said. "I don't know if they have anything to give us. I mean, if they want to give us [Dwyane] Wade, then yeah.''
Allen accepted half the money the Celtics were offering ($3 million per season) to sign with the Heat.
No Stiemsma offer
Mike Naiditch, the agent for center Greg Stiemsma, said his client did not receive a $3 million offer sheet, as had been reported.
Naiditch said he had a meeting scheduled with Timberwolves general manager David Kahn Sunday night, but he didn't expect an offer until the Timberwolves get a final answer the Trail Blazers about Nicolas Batum, whom Minnesota signed to a $45 million offer sheet.
"It went well in terms of knowing that they're interested in Greg,'' Naiditch said of an earlier meeting. "But there's an outstanding issue that they have a verbal agreement with these players until the 11th; they don't really know exactly how to implement that. There's a lot of dynamics to their cap flexibility that the Celtics just don't have.''
Naiditch said there are essentially two ways for Stiemsma to return to the Celtics: if the club offers him its biannual exception starting at $1.95 million, which is unlikely, or if he receives a 125 percent raise from last year's rookie minimum. Naiditch said he hopes that teams such as Portland and New Orleans, which are under the salary cap, bid for his client.
"Just because Greg would get an offer more than the biannual doesn't mean he would take it,'' Naiditch said. "If the Celtics were to offer him the biannual, and he had a choice between the biannual with the Celtics and may a little bit more with another team, I'm quite certain he would still go with the Celtics.''
Game on The Celtics begin their 10-game summer league slate Monday at 1 p.m. against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Amway Arena practice facility. The focus will be on the development of rookies Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo, and Kris Joseph and also second-year players E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson. The Celtics play a five-game schedule in Orlando before heading to Las Vegas for five games next week.

subset: commoncrawl


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
The Historic Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, presents George Jones on Saturday, June 1, at 8 p.m.
George Glenn Jones is an American country music singing legend known for his long list of hit records, and his distinctive voice and phrasing. He has had more than 150 hits during his career, both as a solo artist and in duets with other artists. Jones has received many awards during his long career, from most promising new vocalist in 1956 to being named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008. In 1992, Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Tickets are priced at $58 to $68. For further information, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 716-692-2413 (weekdays) or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.


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Best known as the Coal Capital of Queensland, Blackwater is home to the Blackwater International Coal Centre where you can learn everything there is to know about coal. With over 20 exhibits and displays, the centre tells the story of the region's coal mining industry - past, present and future. Apart from its rich mining history, the town also boasts one of the finest Japanese gardens in the state...a symbol of the bond between Blackwater and its sister city Fujisawa.
Test your knowledge of flags with a walk in Lions Park where you'll see one of the largest displays of flags in the world. Or head over to Bedford Weir to enjoy fishing, boating and camping.
Take a trip 55 kilometres east of town to the spectacular Blackdown Tableland National Park where you'll discover hundreds of plant and animal species. It's a great place to pitch a tent for a few nights with lots of walking trails, lookouts and picnic areas to enjoy.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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I love baked goodies, and I am not ashamed to admit it.
Okay, maybe a little. After all, baking is usually associated with sweets, and sweets are associated with calories, and …you get the drift. And I certainly am not one of the lucky few born with genes that seem to just melt the calories away.
Going vegan has helped me maintain my weight, but my love for baking still has been my downfall. I cannot resist sneaking into the kitchen at the first available chance to whip up a sweet treat. And while my vegan sweets are usually far lower in calories than traditional versions, they are definitely not sugar-free nor calorie-free (oh, the dream!).
While Desi is the one who really loves sweets in our household, he has that awful self-control which means he can have one cookie or one cupcake and stop. Not me. I munch on the goodies morning, noon and night until they're all gone and it's time, well, to make some more.
One of the quickest sweet treats one can conjure up in the kitchen are scones. Now I love scones, both because of their flakily yummy texture but also because they are less sweeter than other sweet treats, which makes them just the tiniest bit better for you. But last night, at the very moment that the baking bug bit me, I had a flash of inspiration: savory scones.
There are lots of recipes for savory scones out there, but I have never made one before. I decided to modify my own recipe for Black Currant Scones Fit For A Queen, and the results were just fabulous. Healthy, even. For starters, I used- as I always do- whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour which in itself is a great start because it adds tons of proteins and fiber into the treat without compromising one bit on the taste.
I went foraging in the refrigerator to see what else I had on hand. It was my lucky day. I found a jar of grainy dijon mustard and some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, both of which sounded like they would do very well ensconced within the flaky folds of a scone.
So here's the recipe for my Monster Savory Scones Flecked with Sun-dried Tomatoes. They're golden, light, crisply tender, but most of all, deliciously satisfying.
And you just cannot ask a treat for more than that.
Monster Savory Scones Flecked with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4- 1/2 tsp salt (I used a grainy sea-salt, but I think a finer salt would work better in this because the grains don't dissolve easily while baking)
Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl. Add:
3 tbsp zero-trans-fat vegetable shortening
Mix together gently until the pieces of shortening are no more than the size of peas and the mixture looks crumbly.
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (you might want to go slow on the salt in the first step depending on how salty the tomatoes you use are)
Whisk together and add:
1 tbsp flax seed powder mixed with 1 tbsp water
1 cup soy milk or almond milk
2 tbsp whole-grain dijon mustard
3 tbsp canola oil
Mix together quickly. This mixture will be pretty sticky and won't come together in a ball, although it will be thick enough to drop on a baking sheet.
With a spoon drop the batter in large lumps on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving at least two inches between each. I made seven giant scones that fitted on one sheet.
Shape the scones lightly into rounds with your fingers right on the baking sheet. (The scones will expand but won't change their shape much during baking, so if you leave the lumps of batter looking really messy, you'll get delicious but messy-looking scones)
Place the sheet in a 425-degree preheated oven.
Brush the tops of the scones with a mixture of 1 tsp soy milk and 1 tsp canola oil. This will give them a nice golden-brown glaze.
Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until the tops are browned lightly. Leave on the sheet for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a rack.
You can serve them warm with vegan spread, although they taste pretty darned good by themselves.


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Guide to Geologic Hazards in Alaska
- Glacier hazards
- Outside the two ice sheets, glaciers in Alaska (and shared icefields with Canada) represent about 13% of the mountain glaciers and ice caps area on Earth. Glaciers represent an important fresh water reservoir and glacier-related tourism is an important part of the economy in Alaska. Glacier-related processes, however, can become hazards when they threaten public safety and infrastructure. A variety of glacier hazards exist in Alaska (e.g. jökulhlaups, calving, glacier surge) and many glacier-related processes lead to other (indirect) hazards (e.g. flooding and debris flows) that impact people and infrastructure in distant areas. (Echelmeyer, K.A. and others, 2002)
- DGGS online catalog of government agency publications relating to: Glacier hazards
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Volcano hazards program
- Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO): Homepage
- National Avalanche Center:


text: At 06:38 PM 11/10/2005, Glen Gardner wrote: >I think the advantage to stacking bare boards is the potential for >greater density in terms of number of cpus, and a potential for better >thermal management. There is nothing to stop one from forcing massive >amounts of air through closely spaced boards to get the density up so >that large clusters take up a lot less valuable floor space. Uhh.. thermal management for large systems can be a lot more complex than just pushing bucketloads of air through. Ask the folks designing blade systems. So, you're right, there's a *potential* for better thermal management, but there's a non zero cost to realize that potential. At least with stock cases, someone has presumably done the thermal design. >The cost of an aluminum plate and standoffs is trivial compared to a >case, and once you have made one plate all the others can be readily >mass produced using a template and a hand drill. The material cost may be low, but you're not going to be out making 90 odd aluminum plates with a hand drill (I assume you're talking an electric drill, not an "eggbeater"), unless you're not very picky about tolerances and fit. >I can fabricate a chassis for a mini itx cluster from aluminum plate and >aluminum angle stock with simple hand tools in about 2 days.... and I >could do it in hours if I owned a drill press and cutoff saw. > >The main point is, it can be done cheaply and with simple tools. Yes, but if you pay yourself any sort of reasonable rate, it's not necessarily cheaper, especially when you consider assembly time. For a hobby cluster, sure, you can count your time as free, and then, you can make the tradeoff for enjoyable free time vs writing a bigger check. 2 days of hiring someone basically competent is probably about $500. (We used to hire moderately skilled carpenters to build sets or special effects technicians at a cost of about $25/hr, back in 1995. Call it $250/day.) Mind you, though, you're not going to be building any 100 node cluster with a 2 day labor investment. Just the time to pick up, walk across the room, and put down the 100 aluminum plates would be more than that. >There is nothing unprofessional about such setups... they are very >professional and offer layout flexibility that opens up new >possibilities. > >My present setup has vertically arranged mini itx boards bolted to a >rack panel. One could easily stack 18 mini itx form factor p4 >motherboards with power supplies and hard drives behind a 12 inch high >rack panel, and have 7 of those arrays in a single equipment rack for a >total of 126 nodes in a single equipment rack. with the vertical P4 >boards you would have to force cooling air through the rack, but it will >work fine. > >If you use dual cpu mini itx boards, that gives you 252 cpu's and a much >easier cooling solution.... I am sure that one can stack them in an even >denser fashion if they tried.... Hmmm.. lets say 100 Watts each. 250 cpus is then about 25kW. Say you have cooling air at 25C and you will allow a 10C rise. The specific heat for air is about 1 kJ/kg*K and the density is about 1 kg/m3. 25kW is 25kJ/sec, so we need about 2.4 kg/sec of air (for the 10 degree rise) or 2.4 m3/sec. This is about like a couple or three electric clothes dryers, by the way. Let's assume your pushing that air in through the entire front face of the rack which is roughly 18"x72" (or, keeping it metric, 0.45x1.8 m = .81 m2). The air flow speed through the rack is about 3 m/sec. Most folks actually buy fans in CFM and measure air flow in LFPM.. 35 cf/m3 so, about 5000 cfm. 3m/sec is about 600 LFPM, a reasonable speed. Whipping out the W.W. Grainger catalog.. there's a nice 10" diameter axial fan that pushes 665 CFM. Of course, that's at some negligble pressure drop, so you probably can only figure about 300 CFM in practice. So, you need to buy 16 of them, they'll just fit on the face of your rack. They're $60 each so that will set you back another kilobuck. And, of course, you'll need to make sure you package the fans right, and find a place for that 5000CFM of air to come from and go to. (A couple big 2x6 foot holes in the wall?) (rgb quotes 1 ton of A/C per 3500W, so we're looking at a 4 ton air conditioner) >It is all about cpu density vs floor/rack space and thermal management, >and I am surprised that someone has not come up with a low cost >commercially available cabinet for beowulf clusters that embodied this >idea... Because anyone who can afford the cost of the 100+ motherboards and the electricity to run them, probably also has to deal with the cooling issues, and the cost of the packaging starts to become insignificant. (25 kW @ 0.20/kWh costs you $5/hr just in electricity. Run that puppy 24/7, and it's almost $50k/yr... ) >Glen Gardner > bareboards and ad hoc fabrication is fine for a few or a dozen mobos.. When you start talking a hundred, there's a lot more to it, and casual design MIGHT work, but if you're investing hundreds of kilobucks, odds are you want SURE to work.


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anyone see any Uechi in the positions?anyone see any Uechi in the positions?
I kind of like this guy. I recognized his voice before recognizing him. Hadn't seen him for a while. He is getting a little gray like the rest of us. Just don't understand why he changes his name so much. Jim Grover, Crucible, now Kelly McCann. Actually quite a few of his techniques do look similar to some Uechi moves, but then, quite a lot of styles do have movements that look similar in many ways.


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Badaga Community
Welcome to Badaga community forum
Tea Price !!
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Occasional poster
Joined: 17 Feb 2004
Posts: 37
Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:33 pm
As we all know that Tea Price is decreasing day by day..
What we are going to do .Or How we can tackle this issue?,
Its been several years ,recollecting the bandh in Yellanalli , saddest moment of our community ever.
We have been fighting for many years , only assurance continues not the actions ..
What the badaga ministers are doing to our community ??
I personally dont want to mention the names of badaga ministers, but couple of ministers looks like they dont care about our lives.
Should be like this for ever ?? Nanga ka olli jama banthara va..
Friends , share the ideas , lets create a mass !!!!!!
Frequent poster
Joined: 31 Dec 1998
Posts: 131
Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:35 pm
Brother vijay,
Black sheeps are not uncommon. I put words without minching. Now that you have also joining in similar tone. let us now try to "UN-ELECT" the members, if they cannot REPRESENT badaga plights. Elsewhere, in this forum pl see, one of DFOs is started taking up with legal proceedings to get better price for Nilgiris.
The court seems to have ordered fixing "Floor Price" for tea. If green leaf price is continue to look downward, the Tea dust price should also. This is not happening. That implies, with out much vocabulary,
that money is siphoned off
by SHREWD hands.
The Law is silent so far. Else, the contempt of court orders issued to Govt would have been active now. We cannot be silent sufferers for long
Let us appeal to the Badaga communiity to join together and send Minister to Assembly & Parliament and revive our well being.
Devarajan Mathan-
Occasional poster
Joined: 22 Apr 2002
Posts: 32
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:40 am
The dicussion on the tea rate is happening every where but there is no sign of
all the badagas joining together to get a solution. I know that we have several
badaga associations operating in different places but i don't know if one exists in our
own Ooty.Why can't all the Hattis join together.Why can't Hatties (atleast the Gowdas)
have meeting regularly to discuss the issues like this. Why can't we together take this
issue to the court?. When will our people understand the power of UNITY?.
Will our next generation say "I'm from Ooty" or will it become a tourist place for
them !! I'm really scared !!!!!
Frequent poster
Joined: 12 Feb 2007
Posts: 573
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:17 am
Hai Dear friends,
Happy to see the rise up again. But I think its not good to only stick on to tea. I know its easy to put words but difficult to put something in practise. I heard that many villages have come forward towards Floriculture. Even the Government was ready to give some opportunities for people to get in to this field by issuing some loans. But there is no proper education in our villages. Our people are afraid to take steps. I could understand their situation. I think that we have to continuously fight for the tea price but also take care that our people are able to get the basic amenities. I heard even today that in most of the villages there are people who suffer to pay the school fee for thir children, suffer to pay the current bills and a lots. I think it would be wise to make some arrangements first to rescue our brothers and sisters from the current situation and let the discussion towards tea go on in a side. We do understand that there involves a lot of politics in the tea price. But mere discussion about this will not help the people to meet their day to day difficulties that has to be cared for the immediate time being. Poor people and children cannot understand the politics and robbery going behind. Only thing that they need for the hour is LENDING HANDS AND HEARTS THAT HELP THEM TO GET THEIR BASIC AMENITIES:
Comments are welcome. If there is something wrong in my views I regret for that. Lets join hands.
With Love
T.S.Gopenath M.Sc., PhD
Institute for Zoology,
Department of Developmental Biology and Neurogenetics,
Schnittsphanstrasse 3,
64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Frequent poster
Joined: 31 Dec 1998
Posts: 131
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:05 am
Brother Gopenath & Andik_bellie,
Good points are raised. More and wider views comes from out of box thinking people.
Yes, the Govt did give loans. Yes- the people should change the mind set! - Yes- there is no association at Ooty - leave alone, there is no one to associate at hatti level [ We all are aware of 'Katchi' with in Hatties]. It is shocking to read 'The Hindu of today- 12th Dec 2007- about tension in Kuruthuguli about temple ceremony. The temple has to be closed. Not sure if this is of Badagas or outsiders settled in that area.
That is where the politicians make a their hey days for 5 years at a stretch.
The govt loans, most of the time benefit too few a people. To enter floriculture means converting existing tea gardens, which is again a costlier mode given the meagre income of hatti people.
One thing is for sure, that there is a silent revolution taking place inside each badagas. This is a good symptom.
As Gopenath, puts it, basic amenities first. Improving water availablity, hygenic surroundings, etc. The panchayt level office bearers in this activities must be urged/forced/persuaded. Once this is done, this will give time for other activities.
The YBA activities at OOty level be keep reminding the Political heavy weights for District Level developments.
Let us hope one step at a time takes us to the path of development.
Cheers !
Devarajan Mathan-
Frequent poster
Joined: 12 Feb 2007
Posts: 573
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:33 am
Dear Dev Anna,
Thanks for your comments.
Well, I have a small suggestion. I think its too late for us to educate the people about the politics adn the things going around. I think there already exists a group under the supervision of Mr.Senthil from Melur. He is trying very hard to do something for the community.
I hope if a massive campaign is held, there is a chance to come up with new ideas. Let the group visit all the villages and discuss the problems rather than directing the people against the politicians.
I know its no easier job for a group to visit all villages. For this starting purpose lets donate a small funding for the trust worthy group, so that there is no need for them to spend from their pockets.
Let them discuss the real problems and if any suggestions from each village shall be welcome. I definitely believe there are some youngsters in every village who could come up with some block busters in their minds and also there are experienced elders who could guide and give valuable suggestions.
Based on the ideas and problems arising, we could make out something worthy for the people. I hope even by the start of these social
works, the politicians should feel ashamed of not doing their duties.
Unless every village is visited, suggestions and efforts are put forward, nothing will pave on its way. Mere meetings and conferences being held will not serve the purpose, as we have seen that a number of meetings have been held and disappeared like dew. The group should be prepared to meet any criticisms in this venture.
Again I know its easy for me to write just sitting in front of the computers but its very very difficult to put things forward. I really feel for myself for not being able to be one among the group. But I could help like a squirriel that helped Lord Rama.
Suggestions are welcome. Criticisms are also welcome. Because only through criticisms we can learn more.
With Love
T.S.Gopenath M.Sc., PhD
Institute for Zoology,
Department of Developmental Biology and Neurogenetics,
Schnittsphanstrasse 3,
64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Occasional poster
Joined: 17 Feb 2004
Posts: 37
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:59 am
I know by this time the Ruling State Government would have given Color TV to all peoples as they promised in election Oath.
But why do our badaga people dont understand or unware of the facts??
If Govt can spend money on getting Color TV for all card holders , protest it and we should get hike price ..
I knew our badaga minister visited all hatties and distributed TVs,Instead he should have given the amount as "Maniya" to all so we could all benefit.
Looks like he just do what is instructed to do !..
Frequent poster
Joined: 12 Feb 2007
Posts: 573
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:41 am
You are right in your views. But as you said our Honourable minister would not do anything which is not instructed. Its very natural that when you depend on someone for your survival, ultimately you are forced to obey them. It so happens with politics. So these types of works could be done only by people who are not bound to such restrictionns.
And you should know that distribution of colour TVs is just like giving a small piece of chocolate to stop the immediate cry of a child. And I believe its very difficult to educate people on these grounds. instead we could try to train them in newer fields and atleast let them come out of their immediate sufferings.
And please note how many replies you got in raising such issues. I am not trying to blame anyone but I think most of them are not caring to give some ideas. There is in everybeing, a thought, EVEN WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING, WHAT WE ALONE COULD DO?
When this type of doubts and carelessness goes out from every individual, then there will be a revolution in the History of Nigiris rather than protesting and get ourselves hurt. Do you think people will be ready to protest after remembering the last one which ended up in a tragedy?
Also I opine its not good for our people to go on a protest and get themselves hurt again which all of us cannot tolerate. only way is to serve the community with full heart. Each one of us, everyone either rich or poor, educated or uneducated, employed or unemployed, youth or the grown, males or females evryone should realise the period for us to awake.
We appreciate one of our brother who has entered the cine field with great enthusiasm. Its good. But its an individual victory. When are we going to appreciate ourselves for a community victory?
If you have a look at my postings in the Daily Inspirations, I do not post it as I want to post in the Badaga web. But I do not know how many of us really get inspired towards the Social Service.
Even now you could see, this issue of tea price and the poor situation of Nilgiris, we discuss for a couple of days and we forget there after. Unless everyone comes out to march, I do not how we are going to face the future with out a true culture, without a happy population, without a prosperous District...................
With Love
T.S.Gopenath M.Sc., PhD
Institute for Zoology,
Department of Developmental Biology and Neurogenetics,
Schnittsphanstrasse 3,
64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Occasional poster
Joined: 17 Feb 2004
Posts: 37
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:43 pm
I too completely agree with ur views.
But think once the Oath or promises given by our minister during Election Campaign..
" Enga kathci aatchika banthala Tea price kandippa thasthi madineyoo.."
Certainly the above is an aprt of election manifesto..
Are they keeping the words??
Giving Color TV was an Promises made during the campaign and he had kept his promise..
But what the promise given by our Badaga Minister to our Community ???
Why we dont understand this ??? should we go all sufferings..
Friends share and act ASAP..
Frequent poster
Joined: 31 Dec 1998
Posts: 131
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:46 pm
Brothers Gopenath/ Vijay Boj,
Well, I am happy to see your different thinkings. People Think alike ... said Dr Robert Ian Seymour.
Now intolerance is brewing in side the heart of every badaga ,,,[ leave those wiith dhothi in Polical colours -- karai - Vetti ..] , it is KARAI [ AZHUKKU] & they are VETTI [ WASTE].
SHAMEFUL it is to read todays news paper, that "hounurable [?!?] - Khadhi Minister announced bus arrangements at Nilgiri District for PARTY gathering at downsouth at NELLI - District.
The Colour TV Distribution is making money in silent manner. Those who know will be clear that the distribution is VIDEOCON brands of 14", which are unsold units of Picture Tubes from Videocon Manufacturing Unit at a backward Gujarat state. happily dumped on Poor Badaga [ Nilgiri & Taminadu people in general] making them happy temporarily. Any one who is aware about Videocon's Intention.... They bring all unsold Electronic Gadgets from various parts and sell bulk at cheap price by palm greasing the hands of chamelianistic politicians and hood wink the general public.
Rightly as Vijay put it, our Badaga brothern, should have shun it. we all Knew how the same political party lashed at Meekari - Manihatty few years back. Public memory is very short and hence politicians make their hay.
Gopenath, your Money donantion idea is good. Unfortunately on several occasion, I personally suffered that money to specific hands get bungled [
Ana Kotta Ede Hage ..]
I know, in my village a couple of hands [ Me part to it on Holidays] joined and cleaned a dirty area, which has become a nice garden now.
My suggestion is that we persuade, the Elected Panchayat / Council wards/ MLAs relentlessly by organising silent protest to enhance the basic ameneties in each of our Hattis.
As Vijay puts it, when he visits Chennai, we mobilise the Badaga's at Chennai [ whatever numbers it may be ] and then Coimbatore [Badaga Assn ] to join hands and take one hatti at a time for development of basic amenities. I am sure, the Hatty public will suppport.
Let us plan week ends / Holidays like Diwali, Pongal, Christmas etc..
We shall urge YBA at ooty and respective office bearers to spread the news at Seemai Level.
There are funds allotted by Panchayat Board/ MLA/ MP constituencey development. We shall represent to collectors also with out getting our blood boiled. We shall use RTI act to the advantage of larger public of badagas.
Let us hope. !
Devarajan Mathan-
Frequent poster
Joined: 12 Feb 2007
Posts: 573
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:45 am
Dear Vijay,
Please note that the promise of giving TV was given by Karunanidhi and they kept the promise. But he never promised to hike the price of tea and so he didnt. It was only our Minister who has given promise whom we know that he is solely dependent on the State Government.
The mistake is with us. We should have thought for a while about the promise they make. This type of promises take place every year and during every elections and it has become very common nowadays. On one hand we are trying to re-establish our culture which is slowly getting faded. On the other hand we are struggling to save our people out of serious conditions. On the other hand we are trying to bring up facilities for hospitals, educational institutions etc... On the other hand we are trying to save our lands which are being sold to outsiders due to low price, and due to which, foreign encroachment has started to begin. I dont think its a good sign for a community development.
Ofcourse its our duty to count the successes on the other part. But we need more attention in these areas rather than success areas.
With Love
T.S.Gopenath M.Sc., PhD
Institute for Zoology,
Department of Developmental Biology and Neurogenetics,
Schnittsphanstrasse 3,
64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Occasional poster
Joined: 17 Feb 2004
Posts: 37
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 2:03 pm
Gopi / Dev
Happy to hear of ur views..
Still I am wonder is badagas dont voluntarily come and share their ideas..
This issue is floating among us ..
Why are they not getting invloved.???
DEV , we could plan some thing to organise badagas in Chennai..
I am sure i could collect many peoples ..
Frequent poster
Joined: 31 Dec 1998
Posts: 131
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:17 pm
Brother Gopenath,
You put is rightly. They didn't promise - so they didn't do it. True. When truly qualified people vent their ideas with love and zeal still more points will come and we can go on cosolidating with Badaga Assns at Chennai & Coimbatore.
Brother Vijay.
As Gopenath, put it in one of the previous messages also, people are not participating. Let us not pull who are not reading/ not interested, whatsoever the reason be.
It is good, if you can mobilise people at Chennai. Personally, I have about a dozen contatcs at Chennai and one office bearer by name Bobbili. I will request him to mobilise the group at your time of arrival to Chennai. Let me know your date and duration of stay at Chennai and place of stay.
I stay near Chinmaya Nagar & work at Manapakkam .
We can make the psuedo groups in Chennai to join together.
Let the ball keep rolling.
Devarajan Mathan-
Frequent poster
Joined: 12 Feb 2007
Posts: 573
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:49 am
Hello Dev Anna and Vijay,
My wishes for your efforts to mobilise our group in Chennal. I hope this also would be successful in Coimbatore. As far as I know the situation is more complex in Coimbatore. Already there exists an Association but to my knowledge I knew that some youngs were trying to establish a new one and I did not know of what purpose they decided to go for a second one.
And Vijay you put a question why our people dont share their thoughts. Its far better that some of our brothers are not so interested in discussions but will you not be shocked to hear that some of them even went a step beyond. They were insisting me not to do these discussions and better I do my work.
But I am not bothered what ever others say in case of blocking my activities. And when I told that I was unable to serve our community in person for the time being and that I wanted to be in touch, they clearly gave me a mocky laugh. I did not want to put their names as it would hurt them.
SImply they ignore the issues by a simple sentence THANAKKU MINJINADHU DHAN DHANAMUM DHARMAMUM. Ofcourse, I agree with the sentence. But I do not know
MANUSHARUGA ADO AASAI GA EE JENMAGA ONDHUNU MINJA, INNU ELLIDHARI DHANAVU DHARMAVU MADIYARA? Please note that I did not mention this in common because I know a lot of our people do a lot of service without any expectations. This is only for those who deny to serve the society. Any way what ever it is lets not hurt them also. Its purely their personal and we do not have rights to talk about others.
With Love,
T.S.Gopenath M.Sc., PhD
Institute for Zoology,
Department of Developmental Biology and Neurogenetics,
Schnittsphanstrasse 3,
64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Occasional poster
Joined: 17 Feb 2004
Posts: 37
Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:47 pm
Even I too heard of our badaga association in Coimbatore..
That was not smooth going , there were some hitches all the way.
Even this too happens in Bangalore too..
There is some complexity problems happening between peoples .
One thing to keep in mind that not all our badaga guys are in same page..
Some guys doesnt have the generousity to treat the felow badagas equally for the fact that he is not equal in status ,
Eg: IT guys in Bangalore treat the guys who work in Small company a bit differently..
Not all guys are like that, only a few,,
Arpannuku Valvu vantha artha Rathiriyle Kotai Pudipan..
There is a famous Badaga Proverb
"uttithama thindhalaey ota bendhara , nannama thindhalaey nan yenthara.."
They dont want nothing to do for our community , but they will work for upliftment of some other services.
As Gopi told that some peoples dont want nothing to do for their community , they dont want others to do tooo..
I dont want to try to beat the air..educate them ...leave them their own way..
Keep going ....
Hope the best...
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Tax Issues in Early Distributions from Retirement AccountsThere are times when people really need money – and in those times, a retirement account may seem like a conveniently liquid resource to tap. What's the harm in taking an early distribution from a tax-deferred retirement plan? Well, the tax bite could be considerable.
Big taxes may await you.If you are younger than 59½, working, and you withdraw funds from your 401(k) or IRA just as you would from a bank account, you might really feel the pain next April. An early distribution from an IRA or a qualified retirement plan must usually be included in your taxable income. So your federal tax bill could balloon for the year in which you take the distribution. (If you take an early distribution from a Roth IRA, you won't be taxed on the amount of your contributions. Any amount above that which is attributable to the Roth IRA's earnings will be subject to tax.)
An additional 10% tax penalty may also apply.The federal government does not want taxpayers to raid their Roth and traditional IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s when they are far from retirement age, so an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty is in place to further discourage premature distributions.
There are some exceptions to this. This 10% penalty may not apply if you are using the money you withdraw to pay for: Deductible medical expenses (documented medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income). Higher education expenses (for you, your spouse, or children or grandchildren either of you may have). The purchase of your first home, or the building or rebuilding of a first home.
You are also exempt from the 10% penalty on premature distributions if you are "totally and permanently" disabled, in the words of IRS Publication 575. Another notable exception: the 10% penalty on early distributions does not apply if you are the beneficiary of a deceased IRA owner. If a traditional IRA owner dies before age 59½, neither the owner's estate nor the beneficiary will face the 10% early distribution penalty when those IRA assets are distributed. However, if your spouse dies and you decide to treat an IRA you inherit from him or her as your own, any distribution you take from it before you reach age 59½ may be subject to the 10% penalty.
1 - irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590.pdf [2010]
2 - irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p575.pdf [2010]


text:
Despite a 97-yard touchdown drive by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seahawks missed out on a road win because of their defense.
The Bears just tied the game and sent it into overtime with a 46-yard field goal as time expired, making it 17-17.
The Seahawks for some reason didn't quadruple-cover Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who reeled in a 56-yard grab to set up the game-tying field goal by Robbie Gould.
Marshall was the target of 14 of Jay Cutler's 26 passes, and was essentially the only one that could make a play. And the Seahawks let him.


text:
At the end of June/beginning of July, I was on vacation and my family and I did various things around Nashville – one of those items being a trip to Fisk University. My husband wanted the kids to see the HBCU campus and we talked throughout the day about the importance of education. I found the trip very rewarding, for it has helped solidify my interest in blacks in Nashville and helped me further appreciate the rich history here in town. I blogged about our trip on my main blog.
It was neat to walk the campus and hear the history, and hear many names that I've learned of through my activity on this blog. For example, now that I've seen and been inside the Fisk Memorial Chapel and learned of it's history, it makes it easier to place stories like the report on the Merchant of Venice production in a more real setting.
I hope to continue to learn even more as I continue this project.


text:
Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool seal Coutinho deal
Liverpool have completed the £8.5million signing of Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan.
The 20-year-old Brazilian has signed a "long-term deal", the Premier League club announced, after completing his medical and acquiring a work permit, which was the final hurdle in the process.
Coutinho, an attacking midfielder, has appeared only once for his country over two years ago but has played internationally from under-17 level.
Coutinho becomes manager Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the January transfer window having already brought in Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for £12million.
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Coutinho began his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010.
He has also spent time on loan in Spain at Espanyol.
Managing director Ian Ayre told liverpoolfc.com: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after.
"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan. "I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."


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Texas A&M International University Summer Session I begins Monday, June 4.
Registration information is available at tamiu.edu/affairs/registrar
Summer Session II begins Monday, July 9.
Course offerings for Summer at TAMIU have been expanded in response to student requests for additional offerings.
The University's online Summer and Fall schedules are available at schedule.tamiu.edu. Fall 2012 classes start Aug. 23.
For more information, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at 956.326.2250, e-mail email@example.com, click on tamiu.edu/affairs/registrar or visit offices located in the University Success Center, suite 121.
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August 2012
Terms Used in This Fact Sheet
Drug resistance: When HIV mutates (changes form), causing one or more anti-HIV medications to be ineffective.
Regimen: A combination of three or more anti-HIV medications from at least two different drug classes.
Treatment adherence: Closely following an HIV treatment regimen -- taking the correct dose of each anti-HIV medication at the correct time and exactly as prescribed.
Treatment adherence means following your treatment regimen closely every day -- taking the correct dose of each anti-HIV medication at the correct time and exactly as prescribed. Adherence is very important for successful HIV treatment.
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Skipping medications makes it easier for drug resistance to develop. HIV can become resistant to the anti-HIV medications in a person's current regimen or to other, similar anti-HIV medications not yet taken, limiting options for successful HIV treatment. And drug-resistant strains of HIV can be transmitted to others, too.
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This information is based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents.
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Fans of Sunday brunch at Clementine at the Creative Alliance have more to choose from.
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Julian Assange, the man behind international secret-revealing website WikiLeaks, has so far made his name by letting the world peek behind the curtain and see the inner workings of governments and financial institutions. But the enigmatic Australian, over whom much ink has been spilled, is now going to tell the story of his paradigm-shifting media machine in his own words, reports New York.
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Suggested Reading: New York, Wall Street Journal, Guardian


text:
Library Hours
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Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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The Miller Memorial Library has more than 27,000 books, LPs, CDs, audio and video cassette tapes, and DVDs, plus more than 100 periodical subscriptions. The library's catalog and periodical indexing is web-based and includes access to library catalogs throughout the UW System. The circulation system provides easy check-out to students through the use of their identification cards. Interlibrary loan from other UW Colleges and other UW System libraries vastly expand students' research possibilities.
Additional lab computers for word processing, e-mail, additional internet searching, and other programs are available. The Tutoring Center and Classroom 315 are located in the Miller Library.


text:
High School Hoops notebook: Charity Stripe
A week's worth of big-time tests for area high school basketball teams didn't go quite as planned, and much of the damage happened at the free throw line. Hoggard's boys, Ashley's girls and boys, and Laney's boys all had early season test games last week, and all lost closely due to struggles at the free throw line. Laney opened the season hosting Jacksonville and hoped to kick off new coach Nathan Faulk's tenure with a home win. But instead, the… Read More »


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Novità nella versione 0.179
MAMETesters Bugs Fixed
: [Interface] Cannot create INI for individual game when the game and the driver share the same name (Robbbert)
: [Graphics] (namcona1.cpp) emeralda: Visible area too small (Angelo Salese)
: [Crash/Freeze] (bnstars.cpp) bnstars1: Emulator hang & crash (Osso)
: [Documentation] (nbmj8688.cpp) kaguya2f: wrong year is listed (system11)
: [DIP/Input] (mz2000.cpp) mz2000, mz2200: Mistakes in current keyboard matrix emulation and missing keys ! (AJR)
: [Graphics] (gb.cpp) gameboy [f1race]: Corrupted graphics (racetrack not lined up) (Wilbert Pol)
New working machines
Fidelity Designer 2000 [yovan]
Fidelity Elite Avant Garde 2100 [hap, anonymous]
Istrebiteli [IgorR76, MetalliC]
Splendor Blast II [ShouTime]
Ocean to Ocean (Medal) (DECO Cassette MD) (No 10 / Ver 1 Japan) [Joseph, the Game Preservation Society, David Haywood]
Mahjong Senpu [system11, David Haywood]
Super Two In One [Edstrom, David Haywood]
Canon Multi 8 [hap, Sean Riddle]
Gakken Game Robot 9/Mego Fabulous Fred [hap, Sean Riddle]
VeriFone Tranz POS terminal [Ryan Holtz]
New working clones
Dead Or Alive 2 [defor]
Bombjack Twin (prototype? with adult pictures, set 2) [Sugoi Helsinki]
Ocean to Ocean (Medal) (DECO Cassette MD) (No 10 / Ver 6 US) [Joseph, the Game Preservation Society, David Haywood]
Splendor Blast (set 2) [Stefan Lindberg]
Splendor Blast (set 3) [caius, robotype]
Lady Maker [system11]
Demon's World / Horror Story (set 2) [Sugoi Helsinki]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Asia 4 Players, version ?) [Abelardo Vidal, The Dumping Union]
Greyhound Electronics Poker (Version 50.02 ICB, set 4) [any]
UniWar S (Karateco) [MASH]
Video Hustler (bootleg, set 3) [f205v]
Fidelity Sensory 9 Playmatic S [anonymous]
Fidelity The Excellence (model 6080) [hap, yovan]
Fidelity The Excellence (model EP12) [anonymous]
Fidelity The Par Excellence (model 6083) [anonymous]
Machines promoted to working
Clones promoted to working
Power Drift (Japan, Link Version) [Angelo Salese]
Tatakae Genshizin Joe & Mac (Japan, bootleg) [AJR]
Fidelity Elite A/S Challenger [hap]
New machines marked as NOT_WORKING
Big Casino [Guru]
Crazy Dou Di Zhu II [Guru, Dyq, Bnathan]
Tarzan Chuang Tian Guan (V109C, set 1) [Guru, Dyq, Bnathan]
Time Scanner (TS 2.0, Magnet System, prototype) [David Haywood, Ricky2001, ArcadeHacker, IFW]
Exzisus (EX 1.0, Magnet System, prototype) [David Haywood, Ricky2001, ArcadeHacker, IFW]
Xain'd Sleena (SC 3.0, Magnet System, prototype) [David Haywood, Ricky2001, ArcadeHacker, IFW]
Puzzle Yutnori [system11, David Haywood]
Grande Fratello (Ver. 1.7) [f205v]
Ron Jan [system11]
Super Triv Quiz I [any]
Humlan's Lyckohjul (Sweden, Ver. 402) [Edstrom, Robert Quenet]
Aceex 2814 modem [Joakim Larsson Edstrom]
Akai AX80 [Arashikage, R. Belmont]
Burroughs EF315-I220 teller terminal (ANZ) [Vas Crabb]
New clones marked as NOT_WORKING
Stargate (rev.5)
Wing War R360 [Ordyne, The Dumping Union]
New WORKING software list additions
gameboy.xml: Pokemon - Cock Version (Bootleg) [Zeipher]
apple1.xml: Wumpus, Extended Monitor [Dagarman]
ProDOS v2.4.1 [John Brooks]
Gumball, Jumpman, Tapper [4am]
UniDOS 3.3 Plus v2.0.1, UniDOS Plus v2.1
Gamemaker, Hardball, The Heist, Law of the West, Master of the Lamps, Paper Models - The
Christmas Kit, Pipe Dream, Portal, Racter, Rambo First Blood II, Shanghai, Where in Time
is Carmen Sandiego v1.1 [TRex]
UniDOS 3.3 Plus v2.0.1, UniDOS Plus v2.1
Thexder v1, Cribbage King / Gin King v1.01 [TRex]
segacd.xml: rewritten replacing many sets with more well-documented dumps [FakeShemp]
snes.xml: update for various redumped games [Alex Jackson, byuu]
Blade of The Great Elements (Test Version), Phalanx (Sample Version), Mahjong Gensoukyoku
II - Mahjong Fantasia -The 2nd Stage The World of X68000 - Formula X, The World of X68000 -
Fortress Attack & GJ, The World of X68000 - Logic Rush & Ah! Ohimesama!, The World of
X68000 II - C Ryoku Kensa, The World of X68000 II - Cynthia, The World of X68000 II -
Rush! & Useful, The World of X68000 II - T-94X [Wayder]
New NOT_WORKING software list additions
Login Disk & Book Series - X68000 Kessaku Game-sen
Source Changes
-aristmk5: Fixed missing ARISTOCRAT_MK5_BIOS defines addition. [MASH]
-core: Proposed for new system flags for 0.179 dev-cycle: [Angelo Salese]
* MACHINE_NODEVICE_MICROPHONE For unemulated microphone;
* MACHINE_NODEVICE_CAMERA For unemulated camera;
* MACHINE_NODEVICE_PRINTER For unemulated printer
* MACHINE_NODEVICE_LAN For unemulated linking multi-cabinet capabilities;
* MACHINE_NODEVICE_WAN For unemulated networking capabilities;
* Restructured MACHINE_FLAGS into FATAL/WARNING/BTANB main categories, in order to make them easier to expose.
-sh2: Added stub bus/sci/wdt devices for sh7604. [Angelo Salese]
* This also fixes Daytona USA CE for Sega Saturn.
-cischeat: Various input related bug-fixes to Wild Pilot [Angelo Salese]
* Changed lightgun to an AD-stick.
* Added player 2 inputs.
* Fixed bogus start button starting a play even without a coin inserted.
-mjsenpu: Added mahjong panel. [Angelo Salese]
-core: Added new string conversion overloads [a|w|t|utf8]_from_[a|w|t|utf8_]string(xyz.c_str()) [Nathan Woods]
-imgtool: Various changes and modernizations: [Nathan Woods]
* Mac: Fixed an unsigned overflow error that would causes crashes on 64 bit systems.
* Fixed a bug that could cause module's close() callback to be invoked if an image failed to open or be created.
* C++-ified imgtool_partition, imgtool_image, imgtool_stream, others.
* Converted a number of pointers to references.
* Made use of std functionality where possible.
-coco: Changed to use required_ioport_array and optional_ioport [Nathan Woods]
-omv1000: Removed second joystick. [einstein95]
-6809: Fixed disassembly when core is interrupted mid-instruction. [smf]
-core: Ensured all CPUs export STATE_GENPCBASE and use safe_pcbase() for everything in the debugger, which allows interruptible
CPUs to work properly. [smf]
-pc: Fixed 16-bit audio in diagnose.exe for the Sound Blaster 16. [smf]
* The fix replaces the lowest bit of the page with the upper bit of the address, in the case of a 128k DMA.
* This applies to the southbridge, cs4031, wd7600, ngen, and at devices.
-ide: Added "headphones" to ATAPI CD-ROM drives. [smf]
-ay8910: Implemented upper address check. [smf]
* Not configurable at present, but chips could be ordered from the factory with IDs other than 0.
-chdman: Fixed addmeta --valuefile by calling the correct write_metadata. [smf]
-dac: Started documenting the various DACs in use. [smf]
* ataxx: Fixed missing sound channel caused by one DAC not being hooked up and one DAC being hooked up to two addresses.
* bestbest: Fixed high pitch screech caused by incorrect addressing (two DACs weren't hooked up and two were hooked up to two
* cchasm: Fixed static noise generation caused by feeding the same bit to both DACs.
* cheekyms: Slightly improved sound by implementing sound triggers as 8x1-bit DACs instead of 1x8-bit DAC.
* galeb: Fixed sound by implementing it according to http://www.deltasoft.com.hr/retro/galebemu.htm & implemented enough of
LOAD/SAVE to stop it hanging.
* hard drivin: (all games in driver) Improved 12-bit controls, although centre still goes out of sync.
* mea8000: Converted to a sound device.
* megaphx: Fixed noisy samples due to wrong format.
* microvsn: Fixed sound pitch caused by incorrect usage of write_signed8().
* seicross: Changed to a 4-bit DAC as samples are packed nibble.
* spaceg: Preliminary sound using space invaders samples.
*suna8: Changed to a 4-bit DAC as samples are packed nibble.
* vcombat: Fixed static during machine gun fire due to incorrect dc offset removal.
* vectrex: Fixed noisy samples due to wrong format.
wheelfir: Fixed sound, EEPROM & analogue steering wheel and brake pedal.
-osd: Fixed several small issues in HLSL/BGFX. [Jezze]
* Fixed target texture dimension when -intoverscan is used (this fixes the appereance of scanlines and shadow mask)
* Added target_scale and screen_count uniforms
* Rounded corners now remain aligned with screen bounds when -intoverscan is used (single screen only)
-d3d9: Fixed null reference exception when toggling from fullscreen to window mode [Jezze]
-d3d9: Disabled clearing render targets in several passes to reduce draw time, all texels are written with opaque anyway. [Jezze]
-d3d9/bgfx: Reduced defocus effect to one pass and capped defocus strength to 2.0. [Jezze]
-norautp: Added PROM, PAL and updated PCB layout for bjpoker [Guru]
-various: Fixed various spelling errors. [Jordi Mallach]
-various: Fixed various things in certain mahjong drivers. [system11]
* homedata: Added information about board types.
* nbmj8688: Corrected kaguya*, secolove DIP switches and added DIP locations to all games.
* nbmj8891: Fixed or improved DIP switches in hanamomo and scandal.
* nbmj9195: Improved renaiclb and gal10ren DIP switches.
* niyanpai: Fixed 4psimasy DIP switches.
* niyanpai: Fixed mhhonban year and company.
* srmp6: Added DIP locations.
* ssv: Fixed hypreac2 DIP switches.
* mjsister: Fixed DIP switches.
-ninjakd2.cpp: Replaced mnight with World version, Kawakus license now mnightj [frsj8112, system11]
-hp9845: Various changes: [F.Ulivi]
* Moved hp9845b_state class into a separate file.
* Refactored handling of irq/sts/flg bits to allow for adding I/O slots.
* Added I/O slots.
* Implemented HP98035 RTC card.
-hphybrid: Fixed indirect EXE instruction [F.Ulivi]
-neogeo: Redumped irrmaze V2 ROM and fixed ROM loading. [Brian Hargrove, Razoola]
-model1: Made wingwar360 not crash on startup. [David Haywood]
* Currently hangs after you insert coins waiting for the safety bar to lower.
* Collisions in wingwar are broken since recent changes to swa.
-model1: Fixed enough to get netmerc to boot, though there are many issues still and it is unplayable. [David Haywood]
-model1: Made render list scanning code safer by masking accesses to the RAM size and using less pointer math. [David Haywood]
-mjsenpu: Hooked up payout buttons and a hopper [David Haywood]
-decocass: Tagged all sets as US / Japan based on which BIOS type they use (A = Japan, B = US/World). [David Haywood]
-decocass: Made the different BIOS ROMs selectable and added Ocean to Ocean. [David Haywood]
-cmi2x: Fixed envelope terminal flag diagnostic. [Ryan Holtz]
-6840ptm: Changed WRITE8 to WRITE_LINE for single-bit outputs. [Ryan Holtz]
-cmi2x: Fixed MAST/TIM diagnostic test. [Ryan Holtz]
-v1050: Fixed 8214 PICU hookup and promoted back to working. [Ryan Holtz]
-tranz330: Added partially working driver for the VeriFone Tranz 330 point of sale terminal. [Ryan Holtz]
* Modem is not currently emulated, but it can be interacted with in a meaningful way and configured.
-ds1386: Added Dallas DS1386-8K and DS1386-32K timekeepers (largely untested). [Ryan Holtz]
-ie15: Improved performance by using a timer to determine hblank. [Ryan Holtz]
-rainbow: Various changes: [Bavarese]
* Fixed medium resolution mode.
* Added first incarnation of Color Graphics Option for Rainbow-100 B.
* Note: Highres and vector mode still have unfixed bugs.
-Added clickable buttons to a few Midway layouts and cleaned up some code. [Risugami]
-seattle: Added layout for San Francisco Rush [Risugami]
-mjsister: A few input fixups [AJR]
* Identified the difficulty DIP switches.
* Added some non-DIP inputs for service mode.
-cninjabl2: Add sprites, changed title; promoted to WORKING with known problems [AJR]
-witch: Fixed the code handling the "Hopper Active" DSW; no longer must it be low [AJR]
-core: Misc. keyboard input improvements [AJR]
* Add BS, Tab, 00, 000 keys common on add-on keypads as input items; SDL may recognize these, but DirectInput does not
* Assign Keypad 00 and Keypad 000 in several drivers' input lists
* Add SDL keycode for "cancel" key
* Add keypad keys as alternates to natural keyboard
-core: Soft resets no longer turn back clocks on devices [AJR]
* Give RTCs their own phase of machine initialization, right after NVRAM loading
* Make RTC feature flag overrides const, including one new one
* Make rtc_clock_updated a required override
-ui: Parenthesize optional items in input menus [AJR]
-amusco: Various improvements; promoted to WORKING [AJR]
* Figured inputs out almost completely
* Added blinking cursor for service mode
* Hacked coins into working due to broken IRQ timings
* Palette is in need of improvement
* mc6845: Added readback for cursor blink state
* pit8253: Eliminated device name from logging messages
-Added row size as sixth parameter to debug dump command [AJR]
-zodiac: Changed input type to keyboard [AJR]
* Added PORT_CHARs
* Added notes on physical button layout
-mz80b, mz2000: Various minor changes [AJR]
* Moved MZ-80B to mz2000.cpp driver (emulation remains non-working)
* Overhauled character layouts, creating separate configurations for European and Japanese keyboards (MT #6338)
* Added GRPH characters and kana to key names
-octopus: Various changes: [Barry Rodewald]
* Added on-board serial comms controller.
* Added serial vector ports.
* Fix extended RAM, made 256k the default.
* Inverted IRQ signal from RTC.
* Added Centronics parallel port.
* Added software list.
-x68k: Added IPL ROM dumped from an early X68000 CZ-600CE, made default for the X68000. [The Dumping Union, Barry Rodewald]
-linenoise: Fixed build with Visual Studio ('and' isn't supported). [dankan1890]
-mac: Rewrote audio output for original Macs to work like hardware. [R. Belmont]
-osd: Incorporated product/instance DirectInput device IDs. This should allow better disambiguation of devices. [Tomer Verona]
-sms: Fixed Out Run sound in FM mode. [Enik Land]
-core: Added swpath. Allows users to specify location of loose software. [Robbbert]
-rc702: fixed ctc interrupt. [Robbbert]
-accexx: Started skeleton driver for 1995 Accexx 28.8 modem. [Joakim Larsson Edstrom]
-z80scc: Various improvements [Joakim Larsson Edstrom]
* Added support for shift left/right modes in zbus_r and zbus_w.
* Improved variant handling including some incomplete read register maps.
* Added external CTS and DCD interrupts.
* Improved device reset values.
* Added SWI acknowledge command.
* Improved/fixed handling of WR9, RR2, RR3.
* Added WR7' register.
* Improved Tx handling, added Tx FIFO including special case with 1 slot Tx FIFO for NMOS and CMOS.
-z80scc: IACK and reset improvements [Joakim Larsson Edstrom]
* Added IACK by reading RR2
* Made z80daisy_iack return -1 when no vector found or disabled through the WR9 VIS.
* Removed z80daisy_reti code to match SCC documentation.
* Removed defacto reset values where possible and replaced them with documented SCC reset values.
-8530scc: Fixed typo (allows System 7 to boot on Mac drivers, and fixes X68000 mouse) [CharlesJS]
-s3: Replaced Pinball sound ROMs with game specific sound dumps [barakandl]
* Williams System 3/4 Pinballs affected: World Cup, Contact, Disco Fever and Phoenix
-es5506: Various fixes [Christian Brunschen]
* Fixed readback of global registers when the current page was in a certain range.
* Made voices run for a zero-length loop, as real hardware does it and synthesizers rely on it.
* These changes fix the playback of "Transwaves" on the VFX and SD-series synths.
-stv: Added Taiwan 97/05/15 v1.14 BIOS [Corrado Tomaselli]
-hiscore.dat: Updates [Leezer]
-8042kbdc: Fixed keyboard on SGI Indy/Indigo 2 driver. [Carl]
-mcr: Redumped dpoker sound ROMs. [Sean Rider]
-core: Use standard uint64_t, uint32_t, uint16_t or uint8_t instead of UINT64, UINT32, UINT16 or UINT8 [Miodrag Milanovic
* Also use standard int64_t, int32_t, int16_t or int8_t instead of INT64, INT32, INT16 or INT8.
-Fixed alt-enter full screen toggling on SDL (Linux/Mac/BSD) builds. [Hans Ostermeyer]


text:
There is a bit of a push to get surfers into kitesurfing, led by companies like Slingshot. Fair enough too; it's a big untapped market.
But "kitesurfing" will NEVER have any cred with surfers until we show we can ride waves properly with a kite. It hasn't happened yet.
Putting up kooks like Ben Wilson as exemplars of "kitesurfing" only makes it worse. Hardcore surfers look at Wilson "kitesurfing" and piss themselves - if they look at all. He looks completely shit... bum stuck out, spin outs, soft body.
We need to get a surfer with cred into kitesurfing if we are to get any traction with the surfing community. Eg someone like Brooko or Abberton.
At the moment, we just look like kooks. Putting up fat-arse losers like Wilson only makes it worse.


text:
Old West Christmas Families use found
items from the Old West for ornaments and trimmings, including
cowboy boots as stockings, chaps as table runners or bridle bits as
garland to wrap around stairwells or railings. They also have a
Polar Express, where kids show up in PJ's, and they hop on a
locomotive train which rides 30 minutes out of town to the "North
Pole," where Santa is waiting and gives them a little bell.
Words like "romantic", "magical" and "historic" are often used to
describe this quaint village that has been called "the prettiest
small town in America". First settled in 1768, Woodstock retains the
elegant charm and rugged character of American antiquity. Wassail
Weekend kicks off winter excitement in Woodstock! This festive
annual holiday event is held the second weekend in December and
features three days of holiday shows, beautiful music, a parade of
riders, horses and carriages, a historic house tour, a medieval
banquet, a 19th Century Christmas celebration at Billings Farm &
Museum and many more activities throughout the village. Voted one of
Vermont's 10 best winter events.
Kennebunkport and Lower Village of Kennebunk are nestled between
the Kennebunk River and the ocean--"the port" being on the east side
of the river and Lower Village on the west. Kennebunkpork Christmas
Prelude includes a tree lighting ceremony, a River Tree Arts
concert, a chowder luncheon, candlelight caroling and Santa's
arrival by lobster boat. There are three tree-lighting ceremonies –
Dock Square in Kennebunkport, Lower Village of Kennebunk and the
lobster trap tree in Cape Porpoise; about a dozen Art and Craft
Fairs; approximately 12 venues serving either breakfast, lunch,
afternoon tea or dinner; programs sponsored by the Historical
Society; and 12 programs of music celebrating the season. Santa
still arrives by lobster boat escorted by two very special "lobster
elves". The Kennebunkport Business Association's Christmas Prelude
is now in its 26th year. For each of these years, business people
have worked with the community to recreate the spirit and joy of the
Christmas season.
The locals pay tribute to their centuries-long musical heritage by
caroling in the caves, in a huge amphitheater located in Blanchard
Spring Caverns, where the sound is incredible! Also they make corn
shuck angels (made out of corn husks and string) that hold various
musical instruments like fiddle banjos and dulcimers, and a guy
whittles spools into ornaments.
Driving through North Pole, in any season, you will see why we
capture the imaginations of visitors to our great state. When you
visit North Pole, you'll experience great outdoor venues, highly
charged youth sports and arts activities, friendly faces and
pleasant conversations with friends you just meet in the local
stores, year-round Christmas decorations, and street names and
light poles that reflect our motto, and now Santa Claus Lane boasts
three beautiful traffic circles within a quarter mile—certainly an
experience for the record books! No visit to North Pole would be
complete without a stop at the world famous Santa Claus House. As
an extra treat, mail your postcards from our U.S. Post Office
(Santa's Zip Code is 99705!) so that friends and family can receive
mail postmarked from North Pole, Alaska.
As the annual host of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend,
The Campagna Center is proud to launch Alexandria's holiday season
with the fresh scent of heather and the festive melody of bagpipes
throughout the quaint streets of Old Town. The Scottish Christmas
Walk Weekend events, with the exception of the Parade and the
Holiday Designer Tour of Homes, is held at the George
Washington Masonic Memorial. The Memorial is located at 101 Callahan
Drive (at the intersection of King & Callahan) in Alexandria, VA.
Just a frozen 20 minute ferry ride from the northern tip of
Michigan, this town of only 500 people celebrate Christmas like they
did a century ago -- people travel only on horse and buggy, since
cars have been banned for 100 years. Among the town's traditions,
Santa visits every child to hear their Christmas wish, they have an
annual island Christmas bazaar where they sell unique crafts and
their decorations are full of lots of green, red and lilacs, which
is a special local color.
Welcome to Christmas New
Orleans Style! Join with us as we celebrate the spirit of our city
aglow with twinkling lights, festive iron-laced balconies, and
garland decked streetcars. Converse with Historical Characters as
they stroll the streets of the Vieux Carre and share their love of
New Orleans; learn the secrets of our award winning cuisine at
Cooking Demos; visit our historic homes and museums decorated in
festive holiday colors; and find treasured holiday gifts as you
stroll our quaint streets and shop with our local merchants. Papa
Noel hotel rates are available and make it easier to spend more time
at Christmas New Orleans Style. Restaurants continue the French
tradition of "Reveillon" dinners. The icon of our city, 200 year old
St. Louis Cathedral, will host a variety of weekly concerts, and
additional Special Events for all ages will bring family and friends
together to fall in love with New Orleans all over again!
Every year the city dresses itself in lights to celebrate the
Holiday Season. The Riverwalk slips on thousands of lights and the
parks dress up with 40' Christmas trees. We've tried to give you a
taste of what you'll discover when you visit downtown SA this year,
whether you're a local or coming for a visit. Residents pull out all
the stops to make this Christmas memorable, from piñatas and
mariachis to riverboats and twinkling trees. Instead of turkey, they
make tamales. Some of the traditional Mexican decorations include
figurines made from cornhusks wearing colorful dresses. Finally,
they stage an annual spirtual and spirited procession, "La Gran
Posada," a moving reenactment of the first Christmas eve.
Top Ten Cities by America's Best
Cities to Live
Cities to Retire
Best Ski Towns
Christmas Towns
College Towns
Educated Cities
Bike Friendly
Wilderness Towns
Greenest Cities
Best Walking
Most Polluted
Tax Friendly


text:
2013 NFL Draft Prospects – Wide ReceiversPosted: May 1, 2012 Filed under: 2013 NFL Draft | Tags: 2013 NFL Draft, Cobi Hamilton, Da'Rick Rogers, Justin Hunter, Keenan Allen, Kenny Stills, Marquess Wilson, Rankings, Ray Roundtree, Robert Woods, Roy Roundtree, Ryan Swope, Tarvarres King, Tavarres King, Tavon Austin 6 Comments
One of the strengths of the 2013 class as of now appears to be the wide receivers. The class is loaded with potential top 10 picks with Robert Woods, Keenan Allen, and Marquess Wilson all fitting that type of prospect. Woods could end up being a top 3 pick and the highest WR taken in a long time. Outside of the "big three" there are plenty of other impressive prospects like Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers from Tennessee who both possess great height, weight, and speed. Kenny Stills is incredibly productive and Cobi Hamilton will look to replace Arkansas's three NFL Wide Receivers. If there are any names I am missing, let me know in the comments


text:
To assist with your accommodation, exclusive rates have been secured at the Amity Lodge, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Garden Court Suites and Copthorne Hotel Apartments Lakeview. Accommodation bookings can be made via the registration process.
Room rates are including GST and are per room per night.
|Cnr Earl St and Marine Parade
Standard King Room $285.00
Centrally located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, treat yourself to 4-star tranquillity at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. Start your day fresh with a breath of mountain air on your balcony and a delicious buffet breakfast in the airy restaurant. Your welcoming room awaits you to soak up Queenstown's natural beauty. Located only a short stroll from the conference Venue Millennium Hotel.
Amity Lodge
|7 Melbourne Street
One Bedroom Apartments $245.00
Amity Lodge Motel & Apartments is centrally located in a quiet street, just 5 minutes walk to Queenstown CBD and lakefront, and opposite the Millennium Hotel, conference accommodation. We offer spacious, north facing units with free unlimited WIFI, Sky TV, kitchenette and free off street parking.
Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Lakeview
| 88 Frankton Road
Superior Lakeview Room $205.00
Set 600m from both the lakefront and Queenstown Gardens, this low-key hotel with mountain views is a 10 minute walk from Queenstown CBD, located only a 3 min walk to the conference venue. Rooms are spacious and feature free limited Wi-Fi, flat-screens and mini fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities with private terraces. The complex includes a casual restaurant overlooking the water, a cafe/bar and a fitness room.
Garden Court Suites and Apartments
|41 Frankton Road
One Bedroom Balcony Room $320.00
Garden Court Suites & Apartments offer a variety of Queenstown accommodation and sits opposite your conference venue the Millennium Hotel. Set in a relaxing garden setting only a five minute walk from Queenstown's beautiful town centre.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
|32 Frankton Road
Superior room $195
Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. Located right in the heart of the action, just minutes from Queenstown central.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
|27 Frankton Road
Superior lake view room $205
Copthorne Queenstown Lakeview is a 4-star Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. A sophisticated escape inspired by its surrounding nature. Located in the heart of Queenstown, the hotel is surrounded by picturesque mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Just a stroll away, you'll find the town centre.
Accommodation terms and conditions
Bookings will be available until 18 July 2017 as long as there are rooms available.
Your credit card details are required to guarantee the booking only.
Credit card details are encrypted in our database and stored in an electronic vault. Our payment service provider Centium Software, is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant. This means, your card holder data is protected to the highest possible levels, from data entry into our online registration sites, through to payment into the banks.
Nothing will be deducted from your card prior to the Meeting.
In case of your non arrival or late cancellation the hotel will be given access to your card details to charge the appropriate cancellation fee. The fees are as follows at both Millennium Hotel Queenstown and Copthorne Queenstown Lakefront:
Cancellations received after 18 July 2017 will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to whole duration of the stay.
All prices are per room, per night and include goods and services tax (GST) at 15%.
Contact us
If you need assistance please contact Emma Redfern at Conference Innovators, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Have you noticed that sometimes you seem to look better than other times? Perhaps you look younger, healthier or thinner. How can you look better in a mirror at one place and not so good in another place? Often the answer is as simple as different lighting.
Creative use of interior lighting can provide an environment where your customers look and feel better while working out, a psychological effect that other industries that work with the public have known for years. However, the idea of focusing extra attention on lighting still may seem unnecessary to some club owners, especially since for years the attitude of many club owners has been that "lighting is lighting" and that whatever gives the most light, and at the lowest cost, is the best choice.
Lighting is not easy to understand and plan. Variables, such as size of the room, height and type of ceilings, extent of natural light, energy efficiency, room décor, different bulbs and a club's budget, affect lighting decisions. Therefore, club owners need a design or lighting professional to understand the best lighting options.
Research has shown that lighting has a profound effect on people. For example, basic fluorescent lights provide an overly bright environment, are energy inefficient and have a draining effect on people. Therefore, they should be avoided in most public areas. Other options, such as indirect or reflective lighting, provide better results.
A trend in clubs now is that less lighting is better. This does not mean that too little light is better. It just means that the old goal of making the workout area — any area, for that matter — as bright as possible is now defunct. Softer lighting that conveys a feeling of warmth is becoming more popular, especially in entryways and locker rooms. Softer lighting options, such as can lighting, hanging pendants, wall sconces, and track and cove lighting, can create softer lighting while still functioning effectively in certain areas, such as vanity areas where women put on make-up and for operations at the front desk. Also, group exercise areas should have more than one lighting option (such as sconces on dimmers) so that different atmospheres can be created for different types of classes.
Lighting can bring added attention to different aspects of clubs. Track lighting can be used for branding, graphics and areas you want to promote, such as signs for personal training, tanning and products.
The cost of lighting fixtures can complicate decisions about lighting. Two lighting fixtures that look similar and have the same lighting effect can vary substantially in cost. One could cost $100 and the other $300. By understanding this ahead of time, club owners see the importance of shopping for fixtures. Fortunately, the Internet makes shopping easier than in the past since thousands of lighting options can be viewed and purchased online.
Clearly, it is far easier to just do "blanket" lighting — choosing the same lighting for every area in the club — but that would be like doing all workouts with the same piece of equipment. You will get some benefits, but it won't provide the best results.
Lighting can either add energy and fun or cause an uninviting and boring environment. Clubs are selling a service and product — exercise — that most people don't enjoy. Everything that club owners and designers do to positively affect the emotions and senses of members and potential members helps to reduce their resistance to exercise and clubs. Any extra effort put into the optimal lighting for a club will clearly be a noticeable asset in your efforts to make a positive impression on potential and existing members.
Bruce Carter is the president of Optimal Fitness Design Systems International, a club design firm that has created about $420 million worth of clubs in 45 states and 26 countries.


text:
The convergence of high heat, lingering drought, rising livestock feed prices and fear of the same for world food prices has put a rapidly diminishing U.S. corn yield in the spotlight. The August 10 USDA corn forecast – an expected 10.8 billion bushels, slashed over 2 billion bushels since the last report -- have only intensified focus on the crop.
"Based on conditions as of Aug. 1, yields are expected to average 123.4 bushels per acre, down 22.6 bushels from last month," writes Elton Robinson, Delta Farm Press editor. "If realized, this will be the lowest average yield since 1995. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 87.4 million acres, down 2 percent from the June forecast but up 4 percent from 2011."
For the latest on the U.S. corn crop, see here and here.
Looking to cushion the impact of such news, a myriad group of domestic and international interests – including U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Director General José Graziano da Silva-- have called on the EPA to waive the government-mandated Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which places a quota on ethanol production. The RFS requires 13.2 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol be produced in 2012 (requiring some 4.7 billion bushels of corn) and 13.8 billion gallons in 2013 (requiring 4.9 billion bushels of corn).
Reiterating a long-standing grievance that ethanol is a major factor in the increase of feed prices, on August 2 a coalition of ranchers and poultry producers petitioned EPA administrator Lisa Jackson to waive the RFS for the rest of 2012 and at least part of 2013.
On August 7, Jackson also received letters signed by around 180 members of the House and Senate asking for a waiver.
Commodity and farm groups strongly refute the notion that granting a waiver will make a significant difference in the markets.
"The August USDA crop report confirms our concerns that corn production may be several billion bushels less than previously anticipated, due to a summer heat wave which kept temperature well above normal and offered only sporadic rain," said Garry Niemeyer, National Corn Growers Association President.
Urging a "level perspective" Niemeyer said that "while speculators aiming for personal gain and emotionally charged decisions may drive corn prices beyond justifiable levels in the short term, these factors will subside. As it always has, the market will correct and continue to effectively allocate the corn supply for our various customers."
Recent analysis, said Niemeyer, "suggests that the current need for octane in gasoline is driving ethanol demand, rather than the RFS. Corn going for ethanol use, about one quarter of total corn supply, is subject to the same market forces that all customers of corn are currently facing."
On Friday, Niemeyer's views were largely echoed by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Speaking at the American Coalition for Ethanol, Vilsack reiterated the Obama administration's fondness for biofuels. "This is an industry that is worth supporting. Which is why the president is supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard, and it's why I'm supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard. … The market responds, the market reacts, the market pays attention, and we're already seeing that."
While animal feed prices led the charge against the RFS, the potential impact of a short U.S. corn crop on world food prices has joined the battle.
"We've been critical of similar policies in Europe and other countries because of the disastrous competition between food and fuel that it helps exacerbate," Gawain Kripke, director of policy and research for Oxfam America, told Farm Press on August 7. "It's no prejudice against corn farmers to say that this intervention by the government is problematic.
"In general, we think (the RFS) needs revision and review. It's clearly an exacerbating factor in food prices and food price volatility."
Ethanol advocates quickly responded to such claims.
"The flexibility of the RFS and the market are the most effective way of reducing demand for corn during these difficult times," said the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance in a statement. "Already we have seen U.S. ethanol production curtailed by 14 percent this year while refiners are sitting on 2.6 billion RFS credits that can be used to meet their compliance obligations. This market flexibility combined with large ethanol stocks makes the waiver of the U.S. RFS unnecessary.
"Globally, total grain output is expected to drop by 2.9 percent this year, but this global production is still expected to be the second largest in history with grain ending stocks 4 percent above the 10-year average. It is also worth noting that the U.S. ethanol industry will use only 2.9 percent (net) of the world grain supply. In short, any calls for the indiscriminant waiver of the U.S. RFS this year is unjustified."
As crushing drought, heat and input costs continue to hurt the livestock industry, such claims ring hollow for many ranchers.
"We find it concerning that these mandates are allowed to continue today in the worst drought I have seen in my lifetime," said J.D. Alexander, a Nebraska cattleman and president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "Seventy percent of cattle country is under drought conditions -- this is not isolated to a certain part of the country."
For more, see here.
"One has to wonder how bad the drought has to get before EPA uses its authority to grant a RFS waiver," said Alexander. "This isn't rocket science. Let the market work."
For full drought coverage, see here.


text:
Atlassian Sourcetree is a free Git and Mercurial client for Windows.
Atlassian Sourcetree is a free Git and Mercurial client for Mac.
Pylons is a rapid web application development framework.
Full documentation is available online at http://pylonshq.com/docs/en/1.0/
Installation instructions are at http://pylonshq.com/docs/en/1.0/gettingstarted/
If you want to install from source you can run the following command:
$ python setup.py install
This will display a message and download setuptools if the module is not already installed. It will then install Pylons and all its dependencies. You may need root privileges to install setuptools.
To test the source distribution run the following command:
you will need to install Pylons as well some additional tools.
$ python setup.py test
This will install additional dependencies needed for the tests. As above, you may need root privileges.
Generating documentation requires Sphinx:
$ easy_install Sphinx
Then to build the documentation use the commands:
$ cd pylons/docs/<lang>
$ make html


text:
The Indiana House Education Committee signed off Thursday on a large expansion of the Republican-backed school voucher system.
The measure would remove a one-year waiting period students have to spend in public school before qualifying for a voucher and qualify wealthier families for the program in certain cases. In some cases, it would allow a family of four earning up to roughly $128,000 to qualify for a batch of vouchers which cover 50 percent of the cost of schooling.
The panel voted 9-3 Thursday afternoon to send the measure to the full House of Representatives. The vote split along party lines just as the issue has for much of the last two years.
Gov. Mike Pence announced this week he was supporting the bill and it has the backing of the Republican leadership in the House. But the prospects of an expanded voucher system passing the Senate this year aren't clear.
At the heart of the battle is whether state dollars are spent on private or public schools. In one exchange, emblematic of the innumerable debates which have taken place between Republicans and Democrats over the last two years, Rep. Kreg Battles, D-Vincennes, and House Education Chairman Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, scrapped over whether raising the amount of each voucher would become a handout for private schools.
Battles, the top Democrat on the education committee, argued that raising the cap on each voucher from $4,500 to $6,500 could turn into a giveaway for private schools that charge any less than the new limit.
"If they've established a $4,500 fee, they obviously think they can provide those services for $4,500," Battles said. "I think this is just wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars, in my opinion, to let someone charge us a fee just because we're willing to pay it."
But Behning, the author of the voucher expansion, told Battles he was ignoring a number of safeguards already in place that prevent any group from fleecing the state via the voucher program.
"The voucher bill will not allow the institution to charge voucher children more than they charge non-voucher children," he said. He added that the 2011 law also limits voucher recipients to receiving 90 percent of what public school students get from the state.
"At no time does the voucher ever exceed more than 90 percent of the state general fund support. They're never getting as much as a traditional public school or charter school would get. So there are always caps for it."