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What was a guy who makes almost $500,000 a year stealing you ask? How about $59.00 worth of t-shirts, two hours before he was to be at the park for batting practice.
During the 2nd inning of the game that night against the Pirates, the Reds front office issued the usual type statement indicating they did not tolerate such behavior but would refrain from further comment until the disposition of the case. Mike Leake then offered up a statement thru a spokesperson saying that his attorney has advised him to not say anything at this time but eventually his "side of the story" would be told.
His side of the story? How about store security video cameras catching you taking off the security buttons and then exiting the store without paying for the items. What is your side of the story on that Mike? It was a team prank you say?
Dusty made you do it to see if you were a loyal member in Red? Hmmm!
How bout "Wow, I just did something monumentaly stupid for no good reason and I am sorry and will accept my punishment", which will likely be a $1000 fine and suspended jail sentence with a heavy dose of community service.
Once again, so tired of pro athletes and their attorneys trying to spin everything away from the obvious truth to make over paid children look better for stupid actions. Great news for Homer Bailey who is coming off the DL next week, as I am sure Mr Leake will be heading for Louisville to contemplate his defense.
Try telling the truth people, right up front, right off the bat, ask for forgiveness and accept responsibilty for your actions and I would bet that people will forgot what a GOOF you are or were much quicker! Oh wait, a lawyer wouldn't get paid if everyone did that............
I guess if at a later date, Mike's side of the story shows that his mother was kidnapped by masked gunmen and he was forced to steal for them, well I will apoligize on this site for jumping the gun!
Edited by Gumshoe, 19 April 2011 - 01:11 PM.


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|Online MIPT programming contest
|<PREV Problem:
Time limit = 2 second(s)Your are given set of documents. Each document is set of words.
You should find two documents having maximum number of words in their intersection (duplicates should be removed).
Input The first line contains number of documents N, 2 ≤ N ≤ 100. Then N lines follow. Each line contain words delimited by while space. A word could repeat several times in one document. Number of words in one document is less than 501. Word length is up to 100 letters. But average word length is 5 10 letters.
Output The first line should contain max intersection size. Next line two documents identifiers (output any correct pair). Document identifier corresponds to line number in input. The first document has id equal to 0.
3 aa bb cc cc dd bb aa dd gg cc dd dd dd dd cc gg
3 0 1
Artem Voroztsov, Personal MIPT contest, 7 October 2007
4 December 2007
© acm.mipt DevGroup
The page was generated in 210ms

subset: commoncrawl


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"O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy." (2:208)
"And spend of that with which We have provided you, before death comes to one of you and he says: "My Lord! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e. return to the worldly life), then I should give Sadaqah of my wealth , and be among the righteous." (63:10)


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slony_lag_ - Plugin to monitor slony replication lag.
Configuration is done through libpq environment variables, for example PGUSER, PGDATABASE, etc. For more information, see Munin::Plugin::Pgsql.
To monitor a specific database, link to slony_lag_<databasename>:<clustername>.
#%# family=auto #%# capabilities=autoconf
Magnus Hagander <firstname.lastname@example.com>, Redpill Linpro AB
Copyright (c) 2009 Magnus Hagander, Redpill Linpro AB
All rights reserved. This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; version 2 dated June, 1991.


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Columbia River Knife and Tool Turtle Folders
We claim a lot of items are "cool" and they all are, but these are "very cool." The Turtles are not expensive or elaborate, but very well designed and constructed. They fit nicely into your lifestyle as money clips, pendants, key ring tools or pocket jewelry. These are great. Read on for a lot more information:
Is it a knife? Is it a money clip? Is it a pendant? Is it a key fob? Yes. Now you can afford a Boyd Ashworth-designed Turtle™ knife.
We first noted Georgia custom knifemaker and Knifemakers' Guild member Boyd Ashworth when his custom "Thomas C. Turtle" models won back-to-back Best Miniature Folder awards at consecutive Blade Shows. These innovative little jewels were marked by the use of Boyd's own Damascus steels and exotic materials such as mother-of-pearl, wooly mammoth, fossil walrus, and gold. Consequently, you could spend close to four figures to own one.
We thought the concept of the pendant/money clip knife was brilliant, and came up with our new production Ashworth Turtle™ series. No, there are no exotic materials, but this is a useful pen knife suited to hundreds of daily tasks around the house and office, from clipping recipes to opening packages to sharpening pencils. The 1.0" Razor-Sharp stubby spear point blade is polished high-carbon stainless steel. Just press the blade tang to open with either hand.
In lieu of exotic handle scale materials, we discovered today's advanced CPL composites, used widely in modern bowling balls. This material is exceptionally strong and tough. The scales can be injection molded in an almost infinite variety of colors and swirl patterns. Four scale colors are available: black, brown, blue and white. Because of the molding process, the swirl patterns vary considerably, so every Turtle is unique.
The Turtle frame is high-carbon stainless steel, available in a polished finish or black anthracite titanium nitride coating.
We engineered the CRKT Turtle to be convertible. It comes with one CPL handle scale on the front and a polished stainless money clip on the back. If you decide to wear it as a pendant on your favorite neck chain (not included), simply unscrew the money clip, and attach the second CPL scale on the back. Then fold out the hidden chain holder and you are ready to make a fashion statement.
Yes, they are cute little knives, only 2.0" long when folded, and weighing only 1.3 ounces. They make great conversation pieces and are useful and affordable gifts both for men and for women. Believe us, if they have everything else, they don't have one of these.And by the way, no Turtles were harmed during the filming of this web page.
* Blade: Length: 1.00" (2.5 cm)
* Thickness: 0.08" (0.21 cm)
* Steel: 3Cr13, 52-55 HRC
* Closed: Handle length: 2.00" (5.0 cm)
* Open: Overall length: 3.00" (7.6 cm)
* Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g) (with scales)
* 1.6 oz. (45 g) (with clip)
About the Knife Designer
Boyd Ashworth is a custom knifemaker whose workshop is located in Powder Springs, Georgia. He is a Journeymansmith with The American Bladesmith Society. He says, "I sold my first custom knife in 1993. Much of my knifemaking education has come from the Mastersmith's teaching at the annual Jim Batson Blade Symposium. I enjoy forging my own Damascus steel. My specialties are turtle folders with mosaic turtle Damascus, locking Damascus folders, along with fighters, hunters and gents. I also offer filework and exotic handle materials. My interest in knives has been lifelong. During my youth as an Eagle Scout going hunting, fishing and camping, I developed an appreciation for an expertly crafted knife." He has a vivid, creative imagination and a flair for incorporating organic and animal forms into his custom art knives with names such as "Pocket Goblin" and "One Arm Bandit." Boyd's folding turtle knife won back-to-back "Best Miniature Folder" awards at the Blade Show in 2001 and 2002.


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Current Weather
Current Air Quality
The air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals. However, sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure.
Based on Current PollutantsMore Details
Learn more at
Chkhuteli Satellite
Around the Globe
Corona Virus Tracker
Grab your sweaters! November-like weather is on the way for the Midwest
Another batch of chilly air will suppress daytime highs and create AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures as low as the 20s, 30s and 40s for some.
Daily coronavirus briefing: Disney plans to lay off nearly one-quarter of its workforce
The Walt Disney Co. shut down parks as the pandemic worsened in the United States. Now the company is feeling the economic toll lockdown restrictions have taken on its businesses.
Have a cough? How to tell if it is fall allergies or the coronavirus
Experts offer up two key symptoms to be aware of that could help to differentiate between seasonal allergies and COVID-19.
Home air purifiers that can help filter out wildfire smoke
With air quality plummeting in some parts of the country, it's wise to have a device that can help clean the air you and your family breathe in your home.
Road trip emergency gear in case of bad weather
It's hard to predict when a road trip emergency might occur, but if you keep a few survival basics in your car you won't have to worry about being unprepared.
AccuWeather School: Frost is not frozen dew
Frost forms under the same weather conditions as dew, except that temperatures have to be at or below freezing – so it makes sense that some people may think that frost is frozen dew, but that is not correct.


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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The immigration reform proposal pending before Congress could be a dicey proposition for Republican presidential contenders come 2016, when they visit this first-in-the-nation caucus state.
Republicans in Washington are in virtual agreement that they must do more to broaden the party's appeal to the increasingly influential bloc of Hispanic voters. And many of those GOP leaders argue that supporting an immigration reform law that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants is a good starting point.
But the party's eventual standard-bearer in 2016 will likely have to run a gauntlet of primaries that begins with Iowa's caucuses. And catering to the Hawkeye State's voters could force White House hopefuls to the right – not just in 2016, but in deciding how to posture themselves toward the immigration reform law making its way through Congress this year.
Matthew Holst / Matthew Holst / AP
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks at the Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner event, Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Two senior members of the state's Republican congressional delegation – longtime Sen. Charles Grassley and Rep. Steve King – have been some of the most outspoken critics of the "Gang of Eight" bipartisan immigration overhaul currently making its way through the Senate committee process. Both dished out plenty of red meat to the party faithful during speeches at Friday night's Lincoln Dinner.
"It gives amnesty to and legalizes everybody who's in America illegally today," King said of the Senate proposal, invoking a word – amnesty – that reflects deep conservative trepidation toward immigration reform. "This bill destroys the rule of law, and it forever produces contempt for the rule of law."
"We can't afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. And, I want you to know, I learned a lesson, and I want you to know that I — and we — screwed up in 1986," Grassley said. "The lesson learned: you reward illegality, and you get more of it."
Their words amount to a caution sign for Republican presidential hopefuls with designs of competing in the Iowa caucuses in 2016.
Some Republicans, like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican co-author of the Gang of Eight proposal, probably have no choice but to embrace the legislation and its path to citizenship because of their close involvement in its creation. And indeed, Rubio and his conservative cachet might help bring some conservatives on-board with the eventual bill.
"I think that he is one of the people that's been trying to work to find a reasonable approach toward that, that would secure our borders and would find a reasonable way to deal with people who have been here a long time," Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, R, told NBC News. "I'm going to see what Marco Rubio says about it. I trust him."
Other would-be Republican presidential candidates can afford to be more circumspect.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, one such potential hopeful who's previously called for immigration reform, told reporters in Iowa that the Senate bill needs tougher border-security provisions, especially for it to have any chance of passing the Republican-controlled House. To that end, Paul termed himself the "bridge" between the two chambers.
"I'm the bridge between people who won't consider it at all to people who want it," he said. "I'm in the middle such that I'll vote for it if I think it'll do the right job and it creates border security, doesn't create a new pathway to citizenship, and allows people to get in an existing line, the same way someone in Mexico City would get in line."
"So I think there's a lot of room for me to help the bill, but we'll see," Paul added.
But it's also easy to imagine at least one Republican contender running to the right on the issue of immigration in hopes of outflanking his competitors in Iowa. That temptation – and its repercussions – was on full display during the 2012 primaries, when Mitt Romney used immigration to run to the right of his primary challengers. But his comments during that drawn-out primary came back to haunt him during the general election, when Romney notched a record-low performance among Hispanic voters for a recent Republican presidential nominee.
Regardless of their stance, A.J. Spiker, the Iowa Republican Party's chairman, cautioned White House hopefuls to be ready to answer questions about their approach to immigration come 2016.
"The one thing I think Republicans agree on, absolutely, on immigration is a secured border," he said. "After that, you really do head off in some different directions."
He added: "So what I believe is that whatever a candidate's position is, when they come to Iowa, they're going to have to explain their position to Iowa Republicans. They're going to have to explain why they supported X; why they supported X over Y."
This story was originally published on Mon May 13, 2013 1:42 PM EDT


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DU Super-speciality Entrance Test-SET 2011
DU Super-speciality Entrance Test-SET 2011
University of Delhi Super-speciality Entrance Test-SET 2011
Admission Notice - 2011
The Super-specialty Entrance Test (SET) for admission to various D.M. and M.Ch. courses will be held on Saturday the 4th June, 2011 and Sunday the 5th June, 2011 at Delhi.
The application form along with Bulletin of Information may be obtained from the office of the Deputy Registrar, Faculty of Medical Sciences, 6th Floor, V.P. Chest Institute Building, University of Delhi, Delhi - 110 007, against a crossed M.I.C.R Bank Draft/Banker's Cheque only drawn on any Nationalized Bank in favour of the "Registrar, University of Delhi" payable at Delhi in the following manner :-
1) By hand For Rs.2000/- (Rs. Two thousand only) between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on all working days from 1st Mar, 2011 to 18th April, 2011
2) By post Rs.2,050/- (Rs.Two Thousand and fifty only) along with a self addressed envelope of 10" x 8" upto 4th April, 2011. No cash payment will be accepted.
Last date : 18th April 2011
For more information visit-: http://www.fmsc.ac.in/


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User Experience Designers usually aim to make application interfaces intuitive and easy to use without relying on help or a manual to guide the user through how to use the app. However, there are times when an interface is most effective and efficient to use once some initial behaviors are learned. In these cases, designing an application to be completely intuitive upon first-time use can be impractical or detrimental to repetitive use. There are also times where a quick introduction on how to use an app simply makes the user feel more comfortable interacting with it for the first time, and is not a reflection of a poorly designed interface.
iPhone applications that introduce new, innovative interaction models or that allow the user to access a wide range of information or complete several tasks often use first-time use help screens to help users learn how an app works. This help can come in a wide variety of styles: demos, tutorials, single screen overlays, walkthroughs, tips, or short screen summaries. These first-time help screens are often supplemented by a centralized help or FAQ area within the app. Below is a look at how different apps have leveraged these help patterns to introduce functionality to their users upon first use.
1. Demos
A demo animates a series of screens showing the primary functions of the application. This can come in the form of an animated walkthrough in which key interface elements are called out within each screen, or in the form of a short (up to 30 seconds) video demonstrating functionality.
- Convertbot: Convertbot is a unit conversion tool. Upon first launching the app, it asks the user up-front if they'd like to view a demo of how it works, then uses an animated demo along with bubble callouts to demonstrate the end-to-end action of converting something within the app. This demo is also accessible under the "Support" screen in the app, allowing the user to view it at a later time.
- Starbucks Mobile Card: Starbucks' mobile payment system, Mobile Card, provides a demo upon entering the "Payments" tab. The demo is in the form of a 30 second video that demonstrates actions that occur within the app and within the Starbucks store itself.
- Always allow the user to end the demo if they're not interested in viewing it right away.
- If shown only at first launch, provide access to the demo somewhere else for later viewing.
- Keep it short – no longer than 30 seconds.
- Annotate interface elements that require additional explanation.
- Demonstrates key aspects of the app without having to tap through multiple screens.
- Helps to show the relationships between elements in the app.
- Can incorporate branding messaging to help set the tone for the application.
- Can show both online and offline actions that relate to use of the app.
- May demonstrate too much functionality up-front as opposed to in-context.
- If play controls are not used, the user cannot easily replay sections of the demo.
2. Tutorials
Tutorials allow the user to tap, scroll, and/or swipe through static images of the application that point out key interface elements and interactions.
- WebMD: First time use shows an alert box with the option to view a quick tour of the app. The tour allows you to tap a "Next" button or swipe to advance screens. The tour uses an extensive 15 screen tutorial to point outs controls and information throughout the app.
- FLUD: This news aggregator introduces the application by reinforcing the primary purpose of the app, and follows with a very brief tutorial that introduces two key functions of the app. The tutorial ends by marketing a supporting iPad app, showing that first-time tutorials can also be used to encourage further engagement.
- Vlingo: Vlingo is a voice app that turns words into actions. The first screen displays a centralized help area, which also accessible within the app. Tapping on a section provides detailed help regarding each aspect of the app. Tapping on "Get Started" starts a quick tutorial of the app, where the user taps on the screen to progress from screen to screen.
- Pose: Pose allows users to add products to a personal style feed and share and discuss their finds. The first screen reinforces the primary purpose of the application, then allows the user to swipe to reveal a multi-step process to complete the primary action within the app. Each screen uses annotations to explain interactions that can occur during each step in the process.
- MINI Link: This app allows MINI car owners to detect and connect with other MINI owners. A scrollable tutorial pops up on startup including "What's New", "Features", and "Navigation" overview sections. The tutorial gives the user the ability to show the content upon each startup. If turned off, the tutorial is still accessible via the main screen of the app.
- Tutorials can be used to either introduce all aspects of an app or focus on key interactions.
- Try to reduce the number of tutorial screens used (10+ is likely too much to digest all at once).
- Allow access to the tutorial in a permanent section of the app for later viewing.
- Allow the user to bypass the tutorial on first-visit.
- Allows the user to follow the tutorial at their own pace.
- Can introduce more than one feature at once and describe the relationships between areas of the application.
- May demonstrate too much functionality up-front as opposed to in-context.
3. Single Screen Overlays
Single screen overlays serve to point out key interface elements in context of viewing a specific screen. The overlay is typically used to explain the use of 1-5 controls in a way that is quickly read and then dismissed.
- Pulse News Mini: This news aggregator uses consistent controls and actions throughout the app. A screen overlay introduces these actions in a simple, easy to understand manner.
- Due to limited screen space, explanations must be kept as short and succinct as possible.
- Overlays are best used where primary user actions occur within a contained interface that keeps controls consistent across all screens in the application.
- However, single screen overlays do not necessarily have to appear only for the first screen the user sees in the application. They can also appear upon first view of deeper screens that utilize a different set of controls.
- Make it obvious how to dismiss the overlay screen. This is typically accomplished by tapping anywhere on the screen, but could also be accomplished with a "Close" or "Done" button.
- Since the screen may be dismissed either accidentally or purposefully without the user reading everything, provide a way of accessing the help information elsewhere in the application.
- Explains interface elements in context of a user interaction as opposed to explaining everything across multiple screens upon first use of the application.
- Emphasizes the primary user actions that can be taken without overwhelming the user.
- Helps to introduce controls that may not be standard among other iPhone applications without making the user learn their function through trial and error.
- May not be appropriate for interfaces that have many controls that require explanation.
- Only describes functions on a single screen as opposed to how processes or actions work across multiple screens in the application.
4. Walkthroughs
Walkthroughs help users learn actions used throughout an application by guiding users to complete a task step-by-step. Walkthroughs help users accomplish a task quickly. By doing so, walkthroughs encourage additional application use and exploration.
- Shopkick: Shopkick offers deals and rewards for using the app in various businesses in the United States. Upon opening the app, animated "Tap Me" imagery points out what action to take in the app. For completing the action, the user is rewarded with points. After completing the first action, a second instruction is given on the next screen in the application.
- Walkthroughs are best used in apps that have one or two top tasks that are able to be completed in a small number of steps.
- You should explain the overall goal of the actions before guiding users step-by-step through a task, so that users can better connect the actions they take to the end result.
- Consider ways of making a walkthrough fun and rewarding, such as awarding points or status for completing the requested action.
- At the end of the walkthrough, clearly guide users toward what they should do next, or return the user back to the first screen in the application.
- Can help introduce top tasks and processes in a quick, fun way.
- Helps the user learn key behaviors by doing the actions themselves, as opposed to by looking at images or words.
- Walkthroughs build upon the idea of sequencing, meaning that we are more likely to take action when complex activities are broken down to smaller tasks (as described in Stephen Anderson's Mental Notes). By accomplishing a small task quickly, the app can feel less complex.
- May prevent the user from exploring the app in a way most suitable for their own needs upon first use.
- A walkthrough may become overwhelming if a task takes more than just a few steps to complete, and could make the app seem complicated.
- Since walkthroughs tend to only focus on one isolated action, it may take longer for users to get acclimated to the full range of interactions available in the application.
5. Tips
Tips provide the user with descriptions of functions within an application. Tips are generally displayed one at a time, with the ability to optionally view additional tips. Tips can appear either appear immediately upon launch, or appear upon the user actively opening a tips screen or overlay.
- Evernote: Evernote synchronizes notes, snapshots, and voice recordings across multiple devices. Upon the first time launching the app, a welcome screen pops up with the top three things to know about the app. After closing the welcome screen, a "Tips" tab appears at the bottom of the screen. Tapping on "Tips" pops up a single tip with the ability to click to view additional tips.
- Tips are mainly suitable to introduce lesser-known features within your application. They tend to take a "Did you know…?" approach, which lends itself more to discovery of features rather than learning key functionality.
- Always provide a way of disabling or minimizing tips upon startup so that they do not annoy or inconvenience the user.
- Tips tend to be random upon launch, with the ability to progress through all available tips with a "Next" button.
- Quick, easily digestible pieces of information are a good way of introducing features or actions without overwhelming the user.
- The idea of a short "tip" is less daunting than going through in-depth instruction in order to learn about the application.
- Not as comprehensive as a tutorial or demo, and therefore may not help clarify actions that require multiple steps.
- May appear out of context upon first use of the application. Most users need to feel comfortable with the app's primary functionality before learning some of the detailed features that tips introduce.
6. Single Screen Summaries
Single screen summaries are a very basic way of introducing what you can do on each of the app's primary screens. An overlay containing a very short amount of text appears for a couple of seconds that describes what the screen represents. This overlay is typically only displayed once upon first visit to the screen and does not return upon subsequent visits.
- Instagram: Instagram is a way of taking and sharing photos using your iPhone. First use of the app provides guidance towards the primary call to action, which is to sign up for the service. First visits to each tab bar icon pops up a short summary of the screen at the bottom of the screen that disappears after a couple of seconds.
- Display the screen summary long enough so that it is able to be read completely before disappearing, generally at least 5 seconds.
- Keep the length of screen summaries to one sentence long.
- Display the screen summary in context of the screen's content to tie together the message of the summary with what is on the screen.
- Allows for quick clarification of the primary purpose of key screens in an application.
- Acts as an unobtrusive way of providing information without detracting from the user's own exploration.
- The amount of instruction that can be displayed using this method is very limited.
- If the summaries only appear upon first view of a screen, they may get missed without an easy way of retrieving the instruction.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of methods of helping your users learn key functions of your iPhone applications without detracting from the overall user experience. Have you seen any other patterns used to introduce application functionality to users upon the first time launching an app? If so, share them in the comments!


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Sega kiddy arcade game MUSHIKING: King of the Beetles has entered the record books! The Guinness World Records awarded it a certificate for:
The arcade game for which the most official tournaments have been held is SEGA's Mushiking: King of the Beetles, with 100.297 officially-sanctioned competitions held between May 2003 and November 2007.
No wonder those dudes are so happy! If you had threads like that, you'd be thrilled.


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Rule #1 - Be Patient - Rule #2 - Don't ask when, if you don't contribute - Rule #3 - You have coding skills - LinuxMCE's small brother is available: http://www.agocontrol.com
Way to pick up on the sarcasm golgo, you're are brilliant. (that was more sarcasm)To clear it up for up you...again. My origial post was looking from someone who used other media centers as the list of needs I have were not working out for me with LMCE.
As we all can see, there are to many hard headed people out here that took it personally. And that brings us where we are today.
What would be interesting to know is:-what other software packages have you looked at in the last while (to replace LMCE)?I honestly haven't bothered to go looking for other alternatives as I find LMCE is great! I had a full blown 3-4 station MythBuntu system working and that was fine, but it lacked some of the extra functions that LMCE offers that I would say are now my "must have" features and I would feel 'naked' without them! (specifically for me: X10 integration; IR control; different users; easy Samba shares; easy media discovery; UI2 and gyro control, network booting MD's, various orbiters, events & scenarios, etc)I downloaded the XBMC iso and booted off it to have a look and yeah, their screens are super pretty, but it doesn't have a PVR so it's useless to me. LMCE will never look that fancy because LMCE has to display on a wide variety of screens and to get that means some of our screens have to look "1982-ish" in order to be so flexible. I don't see anything wrong with the look and feel of UI2 and a gyro. There are some things that can be tidied up but none of those things are show stoppers.You won't appreciate UI1 until you see it rendered on different orbiters (like a cell phone or PDA or web) and then realize, gee, you can still do all this wonderful stuff from any device. So it's not as pretty as XBMC, but you have so many more options!I have to thank Thom for educating us on the inner workings of LMCE. There are a few things I think are kinda crazy too, but when you understand why certain things have to work in a particular fashion, it starts to make sense. I thought there was a significant change between the 7.10 betas and the 7.10RC2 package. One can only imagine what good things await us in later releases.You've made your points about what you like and dislike about LMCE, so perhaps you can now tell us about the other software you are trying out. I'd be interested to hear about it (but I doubt the rest of the readers will be). There's no sense continuing to bash the project in this thread, so instead, let's hear about the other software you are sampling or just stop posting. It's time to agree to disagree!
slight disagreement. I think we can create nicer looking screens, and people such as me are learning HADesigner thanks to the fact that Thom has been deep into the code, learning what it does. So i think its a matter of time before we start getting more UI skins.
I saw your reply skeptic, but it was too late. The regular crew already had the damage done. Freymann, I'll be posting shortly my experience with LMCE and Vista Media Center shortly.
This did go downhill fast. But this wasn't started as a bashing thread. The regulars could of took it as constructive criticism, but instead took it personal and started bashing me. They didn't point me to the hardware that could tie in netflix in, I was told to leave because I wanted netflix to tied in. If this was the first time I read a rude reply to either me or many others it would of been different. The problem is that's the norm out here, the decent people are the exception.
I could wait for the next release and maybe some things would work better than I want, but I already invested good money into hardware. So I'm better off using a product that work as I need it to now.I found that product, it not only does everything I want. It does it better than I expected and much more.
First of all, when did I ever say I never got any help out here?
But again, the lack of help and attitude from the LMCE community speaks for itself.


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Find your retailer
Browse our products
Assembly & Instructions
Selftacking jib systems
NEWS - Now available for 25'-35' boats
Furlex Electric
Get a complete kit of Furlex Electric, or upgrade your manual ø6-10 mm Furlex with Electric drive.
Furlex 20S 30S 40S
Seldén introduces three smaller models of Furlex jib furling systems for dinghies and keelboats with 3-4 mm forestays. These furlers are based on a rotating forestay wire as opposed to furling the sail on to a luff foil as with a traditional jib furler. Ball bearings and structural parts are stainless steel with other parts made from composite.
What is your boat's righting moment?
In our product presentations we often refer to the righting moment (RM) of the boat, this is crucial to dimension our products correctly. Use our righting moment calculator to find the RM of your boat and all our dimensioning tables will make a lot more sense. "
Low friction rings
Use them for applications with static load such as backstay cascades, barber haulers, kicker tackles - just to mention a few.
INTRODUCING "Upgrade your boat"!
Uprade your boat is a tool to easy find options for enhancing your boat. Locate your boat type from our database and your're ready to go!
Product recall, 517-914
Important information concerning forestay fitting 517-914: It has been brought to our attention that a few forestay fittings of this design have failed due to a crack in the welding. The suspect production batches were used during the period 2004-2008.


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Welcome to the blog tour for The Journey Home! Having been to Alaska twice, I am really excited to see this movie because the terrain looks just as beautiful. Plus, being the mother of four sons, this looks like a great story about the bond between a boy and his mother. Read on to learn more about the movie and enter to win the DVD, plus a $25 Visa gift card!
About the Movie
The Journey Home is a heartwarming tale of a boy and his need to reunite a polar bear cub with his mother. When Luke Mercier (Dakota Goyo, Real Steel) heard some noise outside his house, he never could have guessed what he would find. Discovering a young polar bear cub that has been separated from its mother, Luke knows he has to do something to help. Despite the warnings of his family and friends, Luke speeds off on a snowmobile, with the cub in tow, deep into the frozen wilderness. But when a violent storm closes in, Luke's mother (Bridget Moynahan, "Blue Bloods") and family friend Muktuk (Goran Visnjic, "ER") frantically search for the daring pair as they defy starvation and below freezing temperatures so both boy and bear can complete their own journeys home. Rated PG.
Watch the Trailer!
Enjoy These Images from the Film
Check Out These Polar Bear Facts
One (1) winner receives:
· $25 Visa Gift Card to embark on your own family adventure
· The Journey Home DVD
Prize pack value, $52.97. Open to US mailing addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by RLJ Entertainment. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Railroad Commission Announces New $6 Million Alternative Fuels Grant Program
AUSTIN-- The Railroad Commission of Texas—the state's top energy agency—has a new $6 million grant program to help companies replace their older forklifts and medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles with ultra, low-emission natural gas- and propane–fueled equipment. The grant program, which will produce significant air-quality benefits, is funded by the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Since 2005, the Railroad Commission has awarded $39.5 million in grants to Texas companies and school districts and reduced emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) by nearly 5,000 tons.
"We're pleased to help operators use Texas-produced alternative fuels to save money and help continue to clean up Texas air," said Chairman Barry T. Smitherman. "Our program works for large and small operators in eligible counties, whether they have a single piece of warehouse equipment or an entire fleet of heavy-duty trucks."
Commissioner David Porter said, "The grants provide an incentive to replace older forklifts and medium- or heavy-duty equipment and also help offset initial capital costs of new natural gas- or propane-fueled equipment for operators who retire their older gasoline or diesel vehicles by sending them to the scrapyard."
Commissioner Christi Craddick said, "As natural gas and propane costs about half of diesel, this grant program can help Texas companies cut their fuel costs. In addition, the new natural gas and propane vehicles and forklifts will lower smog-forming NOx emissions by more than 600 tons over the vehicles' useful lives."
To be eligible for the grants, new equipment must meet the latest emissions standards and operate in one of the 43 counties designated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as having substandard air quality. The grant amount averages $9,500.
For more information, visit www.altenergy.rrc.texas.gov or contact the Railroad Commission's Alternative Energy Division at 512-463-6933.
About the Railroad Commission
Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 90 years regulating the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Commission promotes research and education on the use of alternative fuels and has jurisdiction over gas utility, surface mining and pipeline industries. Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. To learn more, please visit http://www.rrc.texas.gov/.


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|5' 11"
|Caracas, Venezuela
|Colegio Tas Cumbres
2011-12: Posted a 12-14 singles record, earning half of his wins in conference play with a 6-2 mark... was an even 10-10 in dual matches, recording a 4-3 record at No. 1 and 6-7 record at No. 2... combined for a 19-12 overall doubles record, seeing the most success (8-1) when paired with Rogerio Ribeiro... defeated UNF's Moritz Buerchner at No. 1 singles in the 2012 Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship Finals, clinching ETSU its sixth consecutive title... named Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP... earned A-Sun First Team Singles All-Conference honors... selected A-Sun Second Team Doubles All-Conference.
2010-11: Tied for first in singles victories, going 21-14, a 12-8 dual record, while going 8-1 in A-Sun play... played three matches at the No. 1 position with a 2-1 record while going 5-5 at the No. 2 and 5-2 at No. 3... boasted a 22-12 doubles record, holding a team-best 19-9 record with doubles partner Sander Gille... finished the season with 13-consecutive doubles victories... defeated Alexandre Haggai of then-No. 50 Binghamton 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 (Jan. 28)... won three matches against ranked teams in doubles play, beating then-No.13 Louisville (Jan. 23), then-No. 20 San Diego (Mar. 18) and an NCAA Tournament victory over then-No. 30 Notre Dame (May 13)... selected First Team All-Conference... earned Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team honors.
2009-10: Finished the season with a 15-13 overall singles record…Defeated Davy Sandgren of Tennessee in fall tournament play…Knocked off Viktor Maksimcuk of Louisville and Illia Ziamtsou of UNC Wilmington in spring action…Teamed up with Sander Gille to finish an impressive 25-6 in doubles play.
Prior to ETSU: Attended Colegio Tas Cumbres…Highly sought after southpaw recruit was ranked as the No. 1 junior in Venezuela...Won the 2008 Panama Bowl…Also won the 2008 Horizontes de Anistad of Cuba…Earned the doubles title at the 2009 Copa del Café in Costa Rica.
Personal: Born January 30, 1991… majoring in business… son of Jesus and Mayli Bandres.
Honors-2012 Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP-2012 Atlantic Sun All-Tournament Team-2012 Atlantic Sun First Team Singles All-Conference-2012 Altantic Sun Second Team Doubles All-Conference-2011 Atlantic Sun First Team All-Conference-2011 Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team-2010 Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team-2010 Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team


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Colo High School
Clay's malleability and responsiveness allow for development, modification and realisation of ideas. These works are endlessly refined modifications of a common tea strainer, with elements enhanced, multiplied or negated. Subtle form and colour within a balance of harmony and variety determine its base. Largely devoid of social and cultural constraints, this is a work of mind rather than emotion.


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The recently released first issue of Faction Comics was featured on TV3 News last night, and can be viewed HERE.
It features an interview with editors Damon Keen and Amie Maxwell, as well as contributors Ant Sang and Lauren Marriott aka Ralphi.
Faction Comics #1 is now available at selected comic shops and to buy online, and subscribe for a FREE digital download HERE.


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As usual I didn't feel like going out and surfed the net most of the day.
Luckily gf had the day off, so later we went to eat quiche at Pauls, and then went to the Yotsuya Library.
I picked up John Mayer's "Continuum", an Eric Clapton and Billy Joel hits CDs, a Blue Note jazz compilation and er.. Black Eyed Peas "Monkey Business". I also got a Japanese Grammar book. I may even have a read of it sometime.
From there we walked into Shinjuku on the hunt for penguins, Suica Penguins that is.
Gf wanted to show me a Penguin Christmas display outside the JR offices next to Krispy Kreme. Here they are..
Here's a new Suica Penguin mobile billboard outside the South Entrance to Shinjuku Station.
We proceeded from there to the yakiniku, korean BBQ for an "All You Can Eat". Normally it's listed as 2200 yen per person for 90 minutes but I had a 500 yen discount coupon that was due today. It was for the Yokohama one, but luckily they accepted it here in Shinjuku.
We ate SO much in that time and definitely got our money's worth. I was full, but not sick full like after eating at the pizza place. Not a wasted day after all.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Night Of The Christmas Suica Penguins
As usual I didn't feel like going out and surfed the net most of the day.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:55 pm 0 comments
Labels: Suica Penguin
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
I am Otaku
I didn't feel like going straight back home after work so first mission was the catchers. I was hoping to pick up some more chocolate.
All up I spent something like 2300 yen, but I THINK I at least covered my losses.
First I went for a BBQ twisties-like snack box called "スコーン". I think I spent a ridiculous amount for this, but I had to get that Goddamn box in the fricken chute. FARRRK!!!
Anyway, after that I spied some Dead Or Alive Bikini girl mugs with um, breast "bumps".
For anyone who doesn't know, the DOA characters are from a video game on Xbox featuring said bikini girls playing volleyball.
Very juvenile, but I have no objections to playing this game. This is Jimmy who yes, once got Lara Croft, "Tomb Raider" on all fours in a suggestive pose. Maybe that is something I shouldn't write on a public post. Hmm.
Anywho.. it took about 600 yen to get that one. I cheated, and asked the arcade staff to make it a little easier though.
After that I saw some Rilakuma headphones with cute bear headpieces that I thought would be hilarious to wear on the train listening to my iPod.
Again, I spend too much on doing that so I quit, cut my losses, and got the hell outta there finally.
I did a walk around Shibuya before heading home and eating some curry pasta. Yes, you heard that right. I don't think this has existed before this moment, so I have decided to call it "Jimko", named after us.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:18 pm 0 comments
Labels: Shibuya, UFO catchers, Yokohama
Friday, 23 November 2007
Kyoto II - The Sequel
Like most sequels, our second day in Kyoto was just not as good as the first.
We left a little earlier but we're still overwhelmed by the amount of places to see and the limited time that we had to see them.
Gf had a much better idea of where we should go. I did have a look at my Lonely Planet guide, but I wasn't sure which places were better than others.
SO.. First we went to Rokuon-ji Temple, otherwise known as Golden Pavilion for obvious reasons.
Today is the Labour Day holiday for the japanese, so it was incredibly crowded.
As you can see here, the maple leaves were as red as the ones in Higashiyama area.
Reaching this area is not very easy. It is really accessible only by bus. Being a busy day the buses were packed and moving so slowly that one could walk faster than this.
This made it worse, making us both feel lethargic and short-tempered.
Next we went across to Ryoanji Temple to check out.. some rocks.
Not wanting to take the unusual route, we took the usual one to the Rock Garden."The longer you gaze at it, the more varied your imagination becomes". At least that's what it says in the brochure. There are fifteen rocks in the garden. From every angle it's impossible to see all fifteen at once. Fascinating.
To end off a hectic day we walked around Kyoto Station.
It's the 10th anniversary of it's existence. It's a very modern station, so it looks new to me.
After hours of getting all templed out, it's a nice break to see something different.
From the station we could see the Kyoto Tower, but we didn't go up there. From Kyoto Station's (free) Skywalk we had a great view of the large Kyoto area.
What do you think this "ball" thing is? It's a Pachinko parlour! I just don't GET why japanese are so into this crap gambling habit.
Finally, we catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Shinkansen's are great. More space than I thought there'd be and super quick too. It's around about two hours to Tokyo.
I finally managed to take a pic as it was arriving into Kyoto Station.
As a final note, I just want to say a "Happy Birthday".
I don't want to make a big deal about it, but I just want to thank everyone for all the "Happy Birthdays" I got.
Just hearing it made me feel special for at least one day, even though I don't like the thought of getting older and feeling like I haven't accomplished anymore than the year before. That clock just keeps on ticking.
I am a little disappointed by some things that happened today. No matter what happened it was MY day, and I don't need anyone or anything to bring me down. OK?
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: Kyoto
Thursday, 22 November 2007
I know I didn`t mention it before, but we are staying at the Luna Studio Hotel near Sanjo-Keihan Station in Kyoto.
I don`t know what it is, but like in Hiroshima, there was a girl obviously enjoying a tryst in the neighbouring room.
We were supposed to get up to have breakfast at 730am, but I think it was closer to 8am before we were down in the lobby to have our free feed. We put a few extra rolls in our bag to eat during the day.
Luckily, I thought to bring an umbrella here as it was raining a little today.
First we went to Tofukuji Temple, in the east side of Kyoto, and checked out some amazingly beautiful autumn maple leaves. Pictures don`t do the colours justice. The leaves distracts you from bothering to look at the temples themselves.
DJ "Scratching" on the spinning thingies at Tofuku-ji. Hit my head on the corner there. Oops.
It was probably about a 20 minutes walk from Tofuku-ji to Fushimi Inari. Along the way I heard a small truck playing some music. You can see me here bopping my head to the music while eating.
The main attraction here at Fushimi Inari are endless lines of orange torii going around the mountain. We didn`t do the full circuit as this would have taken more time than it is worth. Is there such a thing as too MANY torii? Yes, I think there is.
This is my "running through the Torii" video moment. Note the touches on the last few ones, and a final Rocky victory pose. HAHA.
We also went through Gion, an entertainment area where it`s possible to spot geisha.
Apart from a single geisha, the only ones I think we saw were girls who got made up in costume, as they didn`t quite fit the image of japanese beauty, unless of course "sumo geisha are the "in" thing these days.
It's quite disappointing that they allow this. The last thing I want to do is take a picture of a "tourist" in make-up.
Our final stop for the day was Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This is a very picturesque elevated area. Here, we waited until dark to see the area lit up for a different perspective.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:15 pm 0 comments
Labels: Kyoto
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Losing My Shinkansen Virginity
Tonight we left on the Shinkansen, the bullet train to Kyoto.
I didn`t get a chance to take a picture of the front so this is just a poster of what it looks like. Sorry.
We didn`t get a chance to have dinner before leaving home, so she bought a bento, and I got pork sandwiches (550 yen) to eat on the train.
A little bit expensive for one sandwich cut into three pieces but it was pretty tasty.
The train was super quick.
From Toyko to Kyoto only took about two hours to get there. This is us waiting to board the train at Tokyo Station.
See how excited I am? This is my first Shinkansen trip, and the second trip outside of the Kanagawa and Tokyo areas. Kyoto should be really something!
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: Kyoto, Shinkansen
Saturday, 17 November 2007
This Is Nuts
Ok, hard to believe, but we passed the five month mark of this relationship. While I can't say it's always been roses, it's been as good as I could hope for.
After work I did the usual walk around Yokohama station. To me, Yokohama is a more attractive city than Tokyo. It has it's charm. I can't work out why Tokyo appeals. Aesthetically it ain't pretty, but it has.. something. Maybe because it just IS Tokyo.
I went to the catchers again near Tokyu Hands department store. No matter how much I try, I just can't ween myself off these things.
I saw the Ghana/Crunky combo sitting tantalisingly over the edge that I HAD to have a go. Ok, I really went there to get that damn chocolate.
I bought a small Crunky slab the other day for 98 yen at the supermarket and it feels too small now that I had been spoilt by an almost endless supply of chocolate. So in two goes, that's 200 yen folks, I made that bitch mine.
After that I went to the Vivre store. First I went to the Sofmap store to play with the micro PCs I have had my eye on. I managed to get one of them connected to the Apple Section wi-fi. Apart from the text being super tiny, it works great. Everything including Youtube worked like a charm. I can see myself getting one of these babies real soon.
Next, it was on to the musical instrument store. I had a play with the Roland electric kits. I am a pretty ordinary drummer but I had a bit of fun rockin' out while the staff were looking on a short distance away. That secondhand kit is still tempting me too.
I've saw this poster on the wall at Yokohama Station. I think it's pretty funny. It says "Which is more impolite?" in Japanese. I see myself as the monkey with the headphones. You HAVE to be wired for sound to avoid going insane on these long monotonous train trips.
Finally, I made my way back to the station to get back home to Tokyo. Passing through Shibuya I couldn't help but notice this advertising. Apparently this is some teenage girl's magazine called "Nuts". Too true.
The Scritti Politti and Robert Plant CDs are pretty good. Wham! is well Wham!, so there really isn't any more to say about that band.
At home I had a very nice dinner and a yummy chocolate dedicated to the five monthivesary relationship. On the cake here are five candles. Tricky camera angle.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Australian Embassy & Yotsuya Library
After not going to bed until 3am last night, I woke up at the crack of noon.
Today I thought it would be a good idea to vote for Australia's federal election. I must have been bored. If a person is not in Australia, it is not compulsory to do it, BUT you are supposed to inform the AEC that you are overseas which I didn't do.
I had planned to walk there from here. I think that it would take around an hour. I didn't leave the apartment until about 4pm so instead I caught the train to Azabu-jūban on the Namboku subway line, which is the closest station to the Embassy.
I was slightly disorientated when I got there but I found where I had to go fairly easily. I realized walking there that my soft headphones case must have dropped out of my pocket. I should've been more careful. I was a little peeved, but I think I have my old case with the semi-broken pair I had before.
After voting I decided to catch the train back to Yotsuya and then onto the Marunouchi line to the Yotsuya Library. I got off at Yotsuya-sanchōme station, but I probably shoud have got off at Shinjuku-gyoenmae which is a little closer to the library.
I got my library card organised thanks to one of the male staff that spoke enough english to tell me what to fill in. So, now I am a fully fledged member of the Yotsuya Library! Woo Hoooo!
I can borrow any items from any of the Shinjuku ward libraries. For my first borrowing I got a Rolling Stones (US) magazine and three CDs. Mystic Rearranger (Robert Plant), Anomie Bonomie (Scritti Politti), and um.. The Final (Wham) greatest hits.
After the library I walked towards Shinjuku and went to the recycle shop. The roland electric drum kit is still there. Mmm.. tempt! I also went to the Key musical instrument store and had one of the salespeople following me around, which felt strange.
We met up in Shinjuku and walked around a bit before having okonomiyaki again for dinner. It didn't look that great the way I made it but it tasted good and was filling.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Show Me The Money!
Not much to say today, except that I got all 60,000 yen back of my deposit from the Tomioka house!
I gave the english rep of the company a call with the excuse to "verify my bank details", and lo and behold it was in my account the next day. nicee. It feels like I "won" the money until I realize it's my money to begin with.
I heard stories that the rental company was slow to pay back deposits, but I'm very happy to say that was not the case with me. I am thinking that it was my intense house cleaning that made it easy for them to pay it back quickly, but they didn't look around very long when they inspected the place.
While I'm not short of money, this is very welcome.
Another thing is, Softbank have given up asking for my credit card and posts me out convenience store slips. Things are looking real good 'round here!
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Cheese Day
Today we went to Aoyama for Cheese Festa 2007 at Spiral.
We caught the train to Harajuku and walked from there, which wasn't very far away at all.
Along the way we walked past Kiddyland and got to see the amazing green dinosaur, Gachapin!
Apparently we weren't the only ones with the idea to go to a cheese sampling festival. The place was absolutely packed.
We were given four cheese coupons to try the cheeses for free but wine and other drinks had to be paid for.
Any thoughts that Japanese people are polite and courteous was thrown out the window as many of them fought over getting their samples first like pigs at feeding time.
I like their slogan, "Have A Nice Day With Cheese'.
Even though we were given four cheese tickets each, we walked out and walked back in and picked up another four tickets.
If it's possible to overdose on cheese we did it. We sampled quite a few varieties from Spain, Netherlands, France, Italy and even Australia.
The one we liked best was the french Brie cheese. The worst was probably the Italian Gorgonzola, with a blue vein mouldy taste, it wasn't the best.
The most deserted sample table was the Japanese Camembert. Why would Japanese sample cheese they can get in their supermarket easily?
We caught the train from Harajuku to Shinjuku. The train was delayed for ages as there was some crazy person running along the tracks so they stopped all the Yamanote trains.
Gf bought a new saucepan at Tokyu Hands and I got a 105 yen pack of playing cards so I can learn magic tricks. A new teacher showed one of my students a trick which makes me want to do them.
It will probably end up in the same unused place as the yo-yo I got months ago.
We ate some spicy noodles, dumplings and rice for dinner in Shinjuku and decided to catch the train home instead of walking. We were both tired and it started raining.
A good, cheesy day.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:12 pm 0 comments
Labels: Aoyama, Cheese Festa, Harajuku
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Re-Entry Visa
This is my first full day off in Tokyo now that I am finally living here.
I woke up at 11am. I had in mind to go to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Office to get my re-entry visa organised.
I still have a lot of time to do it, but knowing me if I leave it to the last minute I would forget about it, meaning that without it I will not be able to return to work in Japan next year, which in a word would be a real "bummer".
After a lot of procrastination, I managed to leave the apartment at 2:10pm.
I worked out that the cheapest way to get there is to get off at Shinagawa Station and walk the rest of the way.
The immigration website suggests to get off at Tennozu Isle Station, but that costs almost double and the walk isn't that much different.
There IS a bus to the Immigration Bureau from Shinagawa Station that costs 200 yen. True to my mantra, "That's Crunky money!", I decided I could manage the short 20 minute walk by myself thank you.
You'll know you're going the right way if you see the Minato-ku garbage factory tower on the left side of the second bridge.
From the bridge you can also see very clearly which building is the one. It's shaped like a cross.
The procedure is pretty painless. In 30 minutes I was outta there.
First I picked up an application form from the ground floor and proceeded to the D section on the next floor, where the lady informed me I didn't mark off that I was a male. Oh.
Before she put my application through she told me to go downstairs and buy a 6000 yen (multiple entry visa) revenue stamp from the am/pm convenience store while holding onto my gaijin card and passport ( true to it's name, conveniently located on the ground floor in the building).
I picked up another queue ticket thinking I'd have to wait in line, but she motioned me to come to the desk and had my passport already processed. Nice.
Shinagawa is a pretty ordinary place. I used to go through here quite often as it links my old Keikyu (Keihin Kyoku) Line between Tomioka and Tokyo. I thought there was a Suica Penguin shop but I could only find combini selling JR's overpriced penguin merchandise.
I made my way shortly after onwards to Akihabara, a strange place. The land of maids and geeks. I went through Electric Town looking for the Sony micro-portable and found a second-hand one for 69,800 yen which isn't too bad. Don't know if I really need it though.
I scored a plush turtle at the UFO catcher. It's made by the same company as the penguins and the purty fur feels similar. I did it for around 600 yen. It's VERY easy to lose track of how much yen you put in.
After that I met up with gf and we had dinner at a ramen noodle place in Yotsuya, with the unusual difference of tomato sauce and cheese. I was expecting it to taste like pasta, but the sauce was kind of spicy with unexpected pieces of tender chicken. Gochiso sama Deshita!
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 3 comments
Labels: Akihabara, Japan visa, re-entry
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Mama Penguin
Today at Yokohama I did the usual UFO catcher run after work to see if there was anything worth sinking.
At the Round 1 Bowling Centre (with game arcade), I spied a machine with penguins, BIG penguins.
Girlfriend has a penguin fetish, so I know I wasn't going to go home without at least giving it a good go.
I asked one of the staff to move the one that looked similar to the ones she has at home. I wasn't sure if I could actually do it. The toy is quite soft and there were a few obstructions to make it pretty difficult. I first put in 500 yen, but it just wasn't happening.
Another staff member moved it a little and still after another 1000 yen, he must have felt sorry for me and moved it into a "knock the machine and it will fall in position". So, all up I think I spent no more than 2000 yen.
I was as usual a little drained after my ordeal, so I went to the nearby supermarket and bought some orange juice as a mixer to go with my 4 litres of the 'chu!
On arrival home I got my phone on video and wanted to show the surprise on her face. She exclaimed something in Japanese, that I think means something like, "Oh wow!".
She has decided that this penguin is the Mama Penguin. I don't know why she insists on all the penguins being female. Apparently the Suica Penguin is the father. It's going to be a little bit harder to get one of those..
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:05 pm 0 comments
Labels: Penguin, UFO catchers
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
What Does What Mean?
I still need to get used to my extended travel time.
Fujisawa is my furtherest school from Tokyo, so I have to plan accordingly to get there on time.
Even more so today because I only have about 2000 yen in my wallet where virtually all of that will go towards my train travel today.
Probably the biggest expense (after rent) living here in Japan is the cost of train travel. Pay top dollar to stand on a train for 30-40 minutes. Yes, please!
First, I wanted to go to an ATM to get some more of that yen. ATM hours are like the banks, open until 3pm, but still useable after that incurring an after hours charge.
Then, more importantly I wanted to get to Fujisawa in plenty of time to get this four litre bottle of Green Shochu. Beautiful isn't it? I got it at the Bic Camera, an electronics store!
This cost 2580 yen. Alcohol in Japan is quite a bargain. Even a normal bottle of Smirnoff Vodka is about 1000 yen (AUS $10). Damn the Aussie alcohol taxes.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Cars & Girls, But Mostly Girls.
The post everyone has been waiting for. Yes, it's the Tokyo Motor Show 2007!
If I didn't stay up until 4:30am I would have felt much better getting up at 8:30am this morning. I had so much to post yesterday, and that took a lot of time. Hopefully this won't take as long, but I did take a lot of pictures today.
And yes, I took a lot of pics of the sweet looking car model girls. Like I would just go to a motor show just to look at cars. Enjoy.
First though, at the merchandise stand I was surprised to see Motor Show cookies along with the usual t-shirts, caps and things.
I got my first picture taken with a girl in a red skirt, but gf decided to take only a torso shot of us both. I knew there was a catch to letting her take these pictures.
After that I took all the other girl pics myself. You don't send a girl to do an, um otaku's job. From what I saw I was not alone in my mission. I'm sure there were more pictures of girls than cars today.
Mmm.. the Bosch girls.
And, the Subaru Girls.
Alfa Girls.
A Honda Civic Girl.
A Corvette Girl.
Two Ford Girls. It's getting a little hot in here isn't it?
Yes, it is. Oh is that a Ford Charger Girl? I think it tis.
A Hummer girl in short shorts. nice.
Ok, just to prove that I actually looked at the cars. Here are some pics of some new cars and some concept cars. This would have to be the best motor show I have been to.
Unlike in Australian car shows, I actually saw a lot of cars that either have not been released yet, or some really interesting and desirable cars close up, that looked like they might actually go into production.
Finally, it looks like Subaru have got it right this time with the front of the Impreza. This is the new WRX STi.
The Peugeot 308RCZ looks fantastic from the front..
... and, from behind.
I needed to sit down and rest. Where better to do that, than in front of the sweet Audi R8. Standing next to the TT, it makes that car look real ordinary.
The Lexus LF-A concept car.
The Honda CR-Z : Compact, Renaissance, Zero. Whatever that is supposed to mean.The Honda Puyo girl (bouncing up and down like a japanese rabbit) was more entertaining than Puyo, the weird japanese concept car, but not as good as Asimo the Honda robot.
Nissan Round Box. That name makes a lot of sense.The Nissan GT-R. It looks better in real life than in photos.The Pivo 2. As a sequel, it should be better than the first.
The VW Eos, which I look REALLY good in.And, the VW concept, Space Up! (I don't know what this one is about either) and oh, another car girl. Sorry.
Just to end off this post, here is my lame driving in a Mini Cooper simulator. The steering was really sensitive. I really drive better than this. I swear.


text: Thanks to hoping for happy accidents for giving the heads up on these wonderful pieces, available from one of my all time favorite artists, alma allen. These fabulous little bronzes are part of a fund raising effort for mojave desert land trust quail mountain project. Beauty and goodness all in one, happy package. Who could ask for anything more?


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February 19, 2009
Obama has picked a Bilderberger to be his choice for health secretary — Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Obama initially picked former Senate Democrat leader Tom Daschle for the position, but Daschle "withdrew because of personal tax issues," in other words he didn't bother to pay any taxes because minions of the elite are not required to do so, except for public relations reasons.
|Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was groomed for the position of health secretary. She attended the 2008 Bilderberg meeting in Chantilly, Virginia, and the 2007 meeting in Istanbul, Turkey.
Recall Sebelius, described as "a moderate Democrat," was considered a leading candidate to be Obama's vice presidential running mate last summer, but the elite picked CFR member Joe Biden instead.
In June, 2008, Sebelius attended the 2008 Bilderberg meeting in Chantilly, Virginia, a fact not reported by the corporate media in her home state. She was included on the Official 2008 Bilderberg Participant List.
In 2007, Sebelius attended the Bilderberg meeting in June in Istanbul, Turkey and the Kansas City Star reported the story on Sept 2, 2007. "It is a rather prestigious group," Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran told the Star. "She was pleased to be invited."
Now she will be pleased to do the bidding of the Bilderbergers in the Obama administration, that is if she is confirmed and does not have any pesky tax issues or illegal alien housekeepers in her closet.
It is also fair to say that any health care agenda Obama puts forward will be vetted by the elite who attend secretive meetings initially organized by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, a confirmed Nazi.
Increasingly, Obama's "change" represents not only more of the same, but a larger dose of the same as he has appointed a record number of Trilateralists, CFR members, and Bilderbergers to his administration.
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Oakhurst Acquired By Dairy Farmers of America
04 Feb 2014 --- It was announced that Oakhurst was acquired by Dairy Farmers of America, a national dairy farmer-owned cooperative. Oakhurst will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America and will continue to operate independently.
The Bennett family, which has owned Oakhurst since 1921, and the existing management team will continue to manage the company's day-to-day operations. John Bennett and Tom Brigham will continue in their role as Co-Presidents.
According to Oakhurst Chairman of the Board Bill Bennett, "For more than 90 years and three generations, my family has worked hard to build a strong local brand that Maine families trust. We are pleased to entrust the farm families of Dairy Farmers of America to continue our commitment."
Bennett continued: "This was a big decision for our family, but we believe it is what's best for the future of the company. Farmer-owned Dairy Farmers of America understands the importance of supporting local farmers and our community and has the financial strength to fuel new opportunities for growth and improvements in our Maine and New England operations. Oakhurst will continue to contribute to organizations that support healthy kids and the environment."
All 200 employees at the company will retain their positions. Oakhurst will remain committed to its pledge not to use artificial growth hormone in its milk and will continue to source its milk from the 70 independent Maine farmers that currently supply the company. Processing and bottling will continue at the company's Portland, Maine location.
Bennett continued: "Oakhurst milk will continue to be Maine's milk and distributed throughout Northern New England. Nothing has changed but the ownership. I look forward to continuing my role as a strategic advisor to the company."
Dairy Farmers of America, operates as a milk marketing cooperative and a dairy processor with strategic investments in plants, products and partnerships that bring value to its farmer owners. In the past few years, the Cooperative has increased its investments in the fluid milk and ice cream category by purchasing other regional dairy processing facilities and brands including Guida's Dairy in Connecticut, Kemps in Minnesota and Dairy Maid Dairy in Maryland. These local brands continue to run and function as separate, independent businesses.
"The Bennett family has established Oakhurst as a trusted local brand known for its long-lasting commitment to quality, integrity and freshness," said Alan Bernon, President of Dairy Farmers of America's Affiliate Division. "We are pleased to have them join us and are glad the Bennett family will continue to manage operations. As a company committed to doing the right thing for their suppliers, customers, employees and community, the Oakhurst and Dairy Farmers of America values align."
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Edinburgh Council has become the first political body to officially back to worldwide Occupy movement.
The council this afternoon voted in an overwhelming majority to redirect economic decisions to be more focussed on the needs of the 99% in an attempt to reduce the "inequitable gap" between the rich and poor.
The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Greens, all voted in favour of the motion, with the Conservatives the only party to reject it.
During the debate, Councillor Chapman of the Scottish Green Group said: "Next week workers will go on strike to protect pensions whilst the 1% continue their parasitic feasting on the commonwealth."
Labour Councillor Gordon Munro, who is an advocate of the Robin Hood Tax, added: "Occupy Edinburgh is a civilised response to the irresponsible actions of global bankers."
Conservatives voiced concern over the safety of the Edinburgh camp based at St Andrew's Square, citing anti-social behaviour and a risk to public safety. They also felt that a vote to back the movement would suggest that Edinburgh was closed to the needs of businesses.
Councillor Chapman responded: "This is not about saying Edinburgh is closed to business. It's about representing the interests of the people."
Background to the Occupy Movement
St Andrew's Square has seen an influx of approximately 300 protestors since October 15 calling themselves Occupy Edinburgh. The demonstration, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street protests in America, has seen campaigners rally against the influence of the 'one per cent' of wealthy individuals and companies over the '99 per cent' of the general public. Their mantra, 'We are people over profit', reflects their protests against cuts to education, disability benefits and the NHS. Dozens of students, working mothers, trade unionists and other campaigning groups have set up camp and made a call for social equality and corporate responsibility.
The non-violent protests in Edinburgh are among a small minority of the demonstrations which have gone smoothly with little disruption.


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Dish Network posted a loss of $11.1 million during the second quarter as the number of total pay-TV subscribers declined and the company took a charge related to a pair of its satellites.
Dish's loss disclosed Tuesday amounted to 2 cents per share and compared with net income of $225.7 million, or 50 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
The recent quarter's results included $438 million in impairment charges related to two of the three satellites it acquired through its acquisitions of DBSD North America Inc. and TerreStar Networks Inc.
Total pay-TV subscribers declined about 78,000 in the quarter.
Revenue edged up about 1 percent to $3.61 billion from $3.57 billion, while analysts polled by FactSet expected $3.65 billion.
Subscriber revenue increased 5 percent to $3.46 billion.
The company's average revenue per pay TV subscriber increased slightly, but its population of pay TV subscribers remained relatively flat at 14 million.
And number of gross new pay-TV subscribers fell 6 percent to about 624,000, which was softer than Wall Street had expected.
Citibank analyst Jason Bazinet had expected growth of 675,000 new pay-TV subscribers. And the churn rate, or the rate at which a company loses customers, was 1.67 percent, slightly more than Bazinet's projection of 1.63 percent.
Dish added about 61,000 new broadband subscribers during the recent quarter, up from about 11,000 in the year-ago period and bringing its total broadband subscriber base to about 310,000.
Shares of Dish Network Corp., based in Englewood, Colo., rose 36 cents to $45.06 in afternoon trading.


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Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Trying my best
Posted by Lynn at 19:50 0 comments
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Its going to be a GREAT year
Oh dear dear my blogging etiquette has gone to pot!
I haven't even wished you guys a Happy New Year. Well, even though its 17 days late i am wishing it now. To each and every one of you. May it be a fantastic, inspiring, beautiful, love filled & exciting year.
Lets skip the depressive gloomy rubbish and think of the good things in life. If we get out of our houses and get out and embrace the world we can have a magic time. Beautiful colourful trees to be seen blowing in the breeze. The sounds of children laughing as they play. The sight to a cute little puppy out on its first walk. The 17 year old nervous girl out on her first driving lesson. A mummy and her little baby out learning to walk and the look on the child's face as it looks with amazement at his surroundings and all the new interesting things he is seeing (that's Nathan and i at the moment). If your lucky enough to live near water go out and listen to the waves, such a peaceful sound. The birds flying high singing beautifully. A young couple walking hand in hand or kissing in the street (gross lol) not caring who sees them because its the first time they have been in love and they are just buzzing.
Does it sound nice? Well i know that's the things i see when i leave my home. And instead of plodding along thinking of and noticing nothing at all, i try to see these things and appreciate them all. And they are right there within a 5 minute walk. So if i can see all these things just 5 minutes from my home then imagine just how much i can see if i go further.
This is my year to get out there and embrace the world we live in. We hear so much negativity all the time and we can forget just how beautiful our world really is. I think the more you start to look for the good out there, the more we see it. The less we notice the bad points. Believe me i live in such a crappy area (in fact it had just been given the title of the worst town in the UK) but even surrounded by all its flaws, i still see the good. And i am grateful for that. Do you do the same?
I guess its about being grateful for what we have isn't it. Imagine we lost our sight. The things that we took for granted before would seem so much more special than we ever realised. Why does it need to take losing something, before we can appreciate it?
I want to enjoy every minute. I want to live this year. Not just exist. I want to fill myself up with more happiness and more positivity than i have before. Not a bad resolution is it?
I'm going to love myself. And enjoy my little quirks. I'm not going to beat myself up and feel so much guilt for not being perfect. Who is?
I still get loads of emails from people and a lot of people will ask me the question 'Do you do this too?' When they describe some behaviour they might have, it bothers them, worries them, or makes them feel ashamed'. Well i can say yes. Any weird thought you have had, Ive probably had it too. Even that thought you think it completely mental, and if you told it to anyone they would be calling for the men in the white coats to take you away. Your not alone.
- The girl who struggles washing her hair because shes panics when she starts to shampoo it
- People who wont dye their hair as it makes them anxious
- People who wont get a tattoo because they wont be able to rub it off once its done
- Imagining bad scenarios. Car crashes, being attacked
- Feeling nervous when someone moves furniture
- The fear that this is all a dream
- Small irrational things sending you into panic. Things that shouldnt matter (Marie breaking your bin and panicking cause it was broken and could not be fixed).
Ok not the finest examples (certainly not extreme ones) but all things i have heard of, and what im trying to show is that we all have these thoughts. But we are special, because we TALK about it. I imagine everyone in life has these kind of thoughts playing out in their head, but we are more sensative souls so we are more aware of them. Sometimes it can be hard not to be bothered by them. And we wish they would all go away and we could just be NORMAL!! But i embrace my mental quirky side. It just makes me more interesting lol. It just makes me more convinced that 'agoraphobic' isnt the best label. I think we are all just sensative and anxious. And it affects us all in different ways. Unfortunately it leaves some of us scared to travel, or leave home, or walk through wide open spaces. But in the first 3 examples its all about fear of losing control, so theres more going on with us than just whats outsides of our homes. We all have other issues. And sooooo.... as well as embracing life, pushing the boundaries etc this year, i will be facing the control issue.
A small example... i like to have a little suntan going on. But its winter and its Scotland so that aint happening. So yesterday i reached for the bottle of fake tan and i felt a little wobble. I felt i didnt want to put it on because if i didnt like it, im stuck with it and i cant scrub it off. And so i might panic. So the control issue. I dunno why i felt that way. But i could have just avoided doing it, but for god sake why should i? Ive avoided enough and so i slapped it on not caring if i ended up like an oompa loompa. If i panicked then id work through it but lets face it, would i panic... probably not! (im aware that this is another very weak example but im trying to focus on the little issues we can face that wouldnt automatically be associated with agoraphobia). All this avoidance left me a nervous little wreck in the past and so although this might be minor, its all these little battles that make us a little bit stronger each time confronted.
And so a late happy new year and all the best. Lots of love and positive energy to all of you. Why dont we make a plan for the year ahead? Hmmm I could possibly write some ideas in my next post. And I really need to sort out links for available downloads soon. Oh and also this year no more procrastinating haha.
Posted by Lynn at 21:11 5 comments


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- Written by webmin
Stop number three on the Monterey auction plate is Mecum Auction's second showing during the famed weekend. Keeping their end of the two-day affair exciting, Mecum has secured consignments from the Reggie Jackson collection, Jim Parkinson collection, and vehicles from the estate of Karl "Fritz" Schiffmayer, as well as several noted vehicles. If you prefer wooden boats, Mecum has a handful on the docket (pardon the pun attempt) as well. Mecum's second Monterey auction starts this morning, August 13, at this location. Below are five of the 300-plus lots that are scheduled to cross the block – their full lineup can be seen here.
Lot #F102 – 1940 La Salle Series 52 convertible (from the Jim Parkinson collection)
Lot #F148 – 1954 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (includes a 1961 Cushman scooter)
Lot #S123 – 1959 Ferrari 250GT (lwb) TdF Competizione Berlinetta (Mecum's headline vehicle)
Lot #S125 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 convertible (the first L88; raced by Tony DeLorenzo when new)
Lot #F164 – 1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Sports Coupe


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I Cried Through Stag's Leap by Sharon Olds and Without by Donald Hall
My manuscript had been accepted by a publisher when a friend advised me to read Stag's Leap. Here was a Pulitzer-winning book on the same subject--husband of 30+ years falls in love with other woman. Oh great! how could my measly book compare with that, and would everyone think I'd copied her?
But my book was already written. And even though our stories were so similar, Olds told hers her way and I told mine my way, and isn't that how creativity works?
Anyway, I was enthralled by Stag's Leap and yes, it made me cry-- for her, for me. Though I had moved beyond my grief, her book brought up hidden feelings, and it prompted three more poems, which my publisher allowed me to add. It was especially cathartic to write these additional poems. One was "Has He Landed Safely," a poem of understanding about my ex and inspired by the titular poem in Olds's book (which itself was inspired by Stag's Leap wine and its logo of a stag leaping off a cliff).
Her poem begins:
Then the drawing on the label of our favorite red wine
looks like my husband, casting himself off a
cliff in his fervor to get free of me.
and a bit later, she writes:
When anyone escapes, my heart
leaps up. Even when it's I who am escaped from,
I am half on the side of the leaver.
from "Stag's Leap" in the book of the same title, Sharon Olds, Knopf (September 4, 2012)
That poem and so many others in the book made me shout, Yes! Olds connects to the reader through specificity of language and emotional honesty.
How writing helped me (and Donald Hall) heal.
Whether I furiously scribbled, "#&#%#!" on a notepad or sat straight up at three a.m. to scrawl in my journal, writing saved me.
My thoughts were driving me crazy. Writing helped me sort out feelings and make sense of the bomb that had blown up in my life. Sometimes entire poems came out, and sometimes snippets later made it into poems. Some of the real cray-cray talk still sits in my journal, and if I look back (rarely now), I can hardly believe it was me who wrote it.
Donald Hall wrote the poems in Without during the illness and death of his wife, Jane Kenyon. He said, "Writing was the only happy time in my day. It was as if I were doing something about the grief: writing as good a poem as I could. The poems are full of grief and some horror, but it was not grief and horror to write them. It was making them into poems. It was making grief and horror into poetry." (Listen to the whole interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrOkStQ640)
His beautiful, honest book made me cry for my mother who'd also died of cancer, and it made me cry for other losses. Again, a cathartic cry. Hall puts us right there in the scene, feeling what the poet feels. Here's an example of how well he brings us into an intimate moment.
From "Last Days"
He asked her, "What clothes
should we dress you in, when we bury you?"
"I hadn't thought," she said.
"I wondered about the white salwar
kameez," he said -
her favorite Indian silk they bought
in Pondicherry a year
and a half before, which she wore for best
or prettiest afterward.
She smiled. "Yes. Excellent," she said.
He didn't tell her
that a year earlier, dreaming awake,
he had seen her
in the coffin in her white salwar kameez.
from Without, Donald Hall, Mariner Books (April 14, 1999)
Turning midnight ramblings into poetry.
My writing experience was similar to Hall's: The concentration required to turn my journal notes into "good" poems further helped me get out of my "poor me" ruminations.
I kept writing, editing, and saving poems on my computer with no thought of a book, but with the goal of making viable poems--not too sentimental or desperate, but well-crafted and honest. Some of the poems are angry, others are funny, sad, philosophical, etc., because this is how thoughts and emotions can jump around at times of grief.
After a couple of years, I printed out the divorce poems: about 60! Arranging the best of them into a manuscript got me excited. Wow, the grief had come to something! Call it a work of art or not, it was definitely a "thing" with a life of its own beyond what I went through.
Getting a book published helped me help others.
Writing poems helped me reveal my vulnerabilities. That benefits me but also my readers (or listeners at a reading), who become more emotionally connected to the poems in Untying the Knot than my earlier work. People have even purchased the book for friends going through divorce. I'm certainly not saying I'm a Sharon Olds or Donald Hall--they are masters. But I am saying honest writing speaks to people.
Advice to writers: Don't censure yourself on the first draft.
My advice is not new, but personal experience has shown me that it works: Just let that pen flow! You can rip it up or save it, read it daily or never. Burn it in the stones of your drive like I did with angry letters I wrote, or turn it into a memoir, poetry, or novel, but don't lose the emotion when you edit. Get rid of cliché sentimentality but show us how you feel through actions and images that we can see, hear, taste, touch, and experience.
A friend was reading Untying the Knot while on a cruise with her girlfriends. They admonished, "Why are you reading a book that makes you cry? This is supposed to be a fun trip." She replied, "But it's a delicious cry."
So go ahead and give your readers some delicious feelings--make them shout, Yes! That's what will happen if you open your heart and share.
Do you have something say about poetry? An essay on being a poet, tips for poets, or poetry you love? TrishHopkinson.com is now accepting pitches for guest blog posts.
Contact me here if you are interested!
Karen Paul Holmes is the author of the poetry collection, Untying the Knot (Aldrich Press 2014), which has been described as a "courageous, deeply human book," by Poet Thomas Lux. Karen received an Elizabeth George Foundation poetry grant in 2012, and her publishing credits include Poetry East, Atlanta Review, The Sow's Ear Poetry Review, and The Southern Poetry Anthology Vol 5: Georgia, among others. She was invited by Stay Thirsty Media to have work included in their Best Emerging Poets (forthcoming). Karen is also a freelance business writer (http://www.simplycommunicated.com).
Untying the Knot is available in paperback and Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/Untying-Knot-Karen-Paul-Holmes/dp/0615998984/
Follow Karen at facebook.com/karenholmespoetry
Categories: Guest Blog Posts


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Margaret Noyes Lovett
January 25, 1918 - January 12, 2012
Seacoast Sunday, January 15, 2012
[The following article is courtesy of Seacoast Online.]
HAMPTON — Margaret Noyes Lovett, 93, of Hampton, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at Oceanside Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, where she had resided since July of 2010.
She was born Jan. 25, 1918, in Hampton, the daughter of the late Walter S. and Margaret (Cherry) Noyes.
Mrs. Lovett was a graduate of Hampton Academy with the Class of 1936. She graduated from Keene State College in 1940.
She taught school for a short time in Greenland before taking a position in the pricing department in the Boston office of the former USM Emhart Corporation, which was succeeded by Black & Decker. She retired in 1971 with more than 28 years of service. She later worked for Tobey & Merrill Insurance Company and also as a bookkeeper for Lane Memorial Library.
Mrs. Lovett was a longtime member of First Congregational Church of Hampton and more recently, prior to her residing in the nursing home, attended Faith Community Church in Hampton with her caregivers. She was an 80-year member of the Grange, past master of the Oceanside Grange #260, member of State and National Grange, member of the Winacummet Rebecca Lodge #26, Rebekah Assembly of NH, and was a member and past president of Hampton's American Legion Auxiliary Unit #35.
She was the wife of the late Roger S. Lovett Jr., who predeceased her in 1978.
She is survived by her best friend, Alta Kimball and her family.
SERVICES: Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Burial will follow in High Street Cemetery, Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.
If desired, donations may be made to either First Congregational Church, 127 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton, NH 03842, or Lane Memorial Library, 2 Academy Ave., Hampton, NH 03842.


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Main Material : silver |
Fitting Type : Post or Stud |
Dimensions (mm) : 11 x 8 x 1 |
One of a Kind : No |
Hallmarked : No |
Wire Material : silver
Silver dip, then rinse and brush with a soft tooth brush with hot water and fairy liquid.
For best results, dry earrings with a hair dryer. This will avoid any silver dip residue or water stains.


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So Rush was talking about how Scott Walker is a great model for what the GOP needs to do to win, which is to stand on conservative principle and ignore the advice to move to the middle. And:
New Republic cover story: "Scott Walker Is So Hot Right Now," and then you get to the bottom line of the cover: "Too bad he owes his success to a toxic strain of racial politics."...Well, no. I waited and waited for the text to appear on line, but as soon as I was able to see the cover — when it popped into my iPad — I could also read the text on my iPad, as a subscriber. I couldn't link to the text. I was quite clear about all that in my first post, "Look at the new New Republic cover, smearing Scott Walker for his 'toxic strain of racial politics.'" In that first post, I say I read the article and I summarized it for you.
So, ladies and gentlemen, Ann Althouse, who lives in Wisconsin, waited and waited until the New Republic put that story out. Not just the picture of the cover but the actual text of the story up on their website.
Although Rush links to the TNR piece at his website, he doesn't link to me. And he doesn't identify me as a blogger or a law professor. I'm just a person who lives in Wisconsin. That's annoying in part because I want the traffic, but also because there's my name and he's confusing what I said. (And by the way, Rush frequently talks about Apple products and tech-y topics, and this was, for me, also a story about iPad and Chris Hughes's flat-footedness on digital media.)
Rush continues:
She has called it a smear, "a racial smear." There are phrases in this story like, "When Is it Considered Acceptable, in Polite Company, to Refer to the Excessive 'Whiteness' of a Public Figure? -- Why did the editors of The New Republic -- that venerable journal -- think it was acceptable to title an article ' The Unelectable Whiteness of Scott Walker'?" That is the title. You don't see that on the cover.Now, that's bungled. The phrase "When Is it Considered Acceptable, in Polite Company, to Refer to the Excessive 'Whiteness' of a Public Figure?" is the title of the third blog post I put up, and "Why did the editors of The New Republic -- that venerable journal -- think it was acceptable to title an article 'The Unelectable Whiteness of Scott Walker'?" is the first sentence of that post. Again, my post is not linked, but several phrases of mine are presented as if they are in The New Republic. Rush seems to realize that, but he doesn't go back and clarify. It's just confusing, because the point is that TNR wrote something scurrilous and the quoted lines — my lines — aren't scurrilous but — if I may say so — careful and probing, highlighting a serious problem in TNR's journalism.
Rush focuses on the article title and says "the only thing in it that even relates to race is the fact that he is in favor of voter ID. That's it." And that's part of what I said in my first post, here:
[T]he closest thing to anything racial coming directly from Scott Walker is his support over the years for voter ID laws.I also said:
Much of the article is about the demographics of Milwaukee and the suburban counties around it, including the history — going back into the early 20th century — of how black people migrated to the city and did not — as white people did — relocate into the suburbs....Rush didn't touch that material about talk radio, which bulked out the TNR article. And not only is Mark Belling a frequent guest host on the Rush Limbaugh show, but Rush himself has laid into "Gwendolynne" Moore many times.
The article also focuses on 2 talk radio hosts — Mark Belling and Charlie Sykes — who have big audiences in Milwaukee. TNR has little direct racial material on them, but it forefronts the one truly ugly thing it has: Belling mocking a specific black person, Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Mostly, TNR accuses Belling and Sykes of indulging in dog-whistle politics about crime and dependence on welfare.
Rush continued:
This is not just a smear. That it is, but it is a huge hit piece. The title: "The Unelectable Whiteness of Scott Walker." He only got elected and survived two recalls in the blue state of Wisconsin.Here, Rush repeats a mistake for which I corrected him 6 days ago. Walker faced one recall, not 2. I have no delusions that Rush reads my blog. I think someone prepares material to feed to him to riff on and he's bold and freewheeling enough to read things and talk about them as he goes. Fine. That works for him. But he does make mistakes in the process. I can see that his show has vigor because of the spontaneity, and it's something like the way I proceed with a text when I blog. But writing is different from speaking, and I reread what I've written and can correct things or pause to think or do a little research. The show just rolls on, and the experience for the listener is what really matters, not precision over any details.
Rush drives forward to his destination:
It's time to destroy [Scott Walker] again. See, the left will always tell us who they fear. They will always tell us what they're most worried about by who they try to destroy. But I think this is kind of fascinating....I agree. I agree with the big point: Scott Walker is powerful and threatening to Democrats because he stands firm on conservative principles, that's why he is targeted for destruction, and racial politics is the way they do it.
It's racial politics, reverse racism, whatever you want to call it. It's hideous.
And that's how talk radio works. A lot of the material is sketchy and a bit off, but you're caught up in the cascade, and in the end, you get the point, and you probably agree with it, even if you've just had the unsettling experience of hearing your own name tossed out and your own words used and abused.