text:
LG and Verizon have teamed up to announce the U.S variant of the LG Optimus Vu, the LG Intuition. The Galaxy Note competitor from LG sports a 5-inch True HD IPS display with 720p resolution with excellent viewing angles and color reproduction.
Other specs of the LG Intuition include a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, Adreno 220 GPU, 1GB of RAM, an 8MP camera with an LED flash at the back, a 1.3MP camera in the front, Bluetooth 3.0 + HS, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC and GPS with A-GPS. LG will also be bundling two NFC tags, which can be re-programmed using the pre-installed LG Tag+ app.
The handset-cum-tablet hybrid will run on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box with LG's own custom skin on top of it. LG have added some useful features with their skin including the ability to click a picture via voice commands, a Notebook app that will allow users to take virtual notes on the Intuition, and a suite of Amazon apps.
The LG Intuition will be available from September 6th on all Verizon stores and website for $199.99 on a two-year contract. Buyers who order the phablet between Sept. 6 to 10th will also receive a free LG Tone Stereo Bluetooth headset.


text:
DECAL GRIP/GRUPO MERCARI H & K Grips
Decal Grip Enhancer For H&K USP45C Pistol
The decal grip was designed to be practical and effective in providing a perfect gripping surface. The unique non-slip textured surface is less than 1/ 32" thick, it is exceedingly durable, it stays put and will not shift or slip, it will not tear or split and it resists solvents and oils. The decal grip is simple and economical just peel and stick the pre-cut strips to your H&K according to the enclosed diagram.
SPECIFICATIONS:Mfg Item Num: HGUSP45C Category: GRIPS/RECOIL PADS Type :Grip EnhancerModel :DecalFinish :Sand/BlackMaterial :Peel Stick Strip

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Section I: Standards of Academic Conduct
Academic integrity stands at the heart of intellectual life. The academic community is bound by a fundamental trust that professors and students alike undertake and present their work honestly. As a community of the mind, we respect the work of others, paying our intellectual debts as we craft our own work.
The Academic Integrity Code ("Code") for American University defines honorable conduct, outlines attendant rights and responsibilities, and describes procedures for handling allegations of academic misconduct. American University views academic integrity as integral to its mission, treating it as far more than a disciplinary matter: All members of the university must join in educating students about the value of integrity and the ways in which intellectuals acknowledge their debts. In each course, faculty should remind students of the standards of integrity, and faculty may ask students to include with their submissions a signed statement pledging adherence to the Code in completing the assignment.
By enrolling at American University and then each semester when registering for classes, students acknowledge their commitment to the Code. As members of the academic community, students must become familiar with their rights and their responsibilities. In each course, they are responsible for knowing the requirements and restrictions regarding research and writing, examinations of whatever kind, collaborative work, the use of study aids, the appropriateness of assistance, and other issues. Students are responsible for learning the conventions of documentation and acknowledgment of sources. American University expects students to complete all examinations, tests, papers, creative projects, and assignments of any kind according to the highest ethical standards, as set forth either explicitly or implicitly in this Code or by the direction of instructors.
Section II: Definition of Academic Integrity Violations
Violating standards of academic conduct is a serious matter subject to discipline. Types of violations are listed and defined below. This section provides explanations and illustrations but does not exhaust the scope of these violations. Academic integrity is not merely a matter of conforming to rules; it must be understood in terms of the broader purposes of a university education.
A. Violations Adjudicated under the Academic Integrity Code
1. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the representation of someone else's words, ideas, or work as one's own without attribution. Plagiarism may involve using someone else's wording without using quotation marks-a distinctive name, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire passage or essay. Misrepresenting sources is another form of plagiarism. The issue of plagiarism applies to any type of work, including exams, papers, or other writing, computer programs, art, music, photography, video, and other media.
2. Inappropriate Collaboration
Inappropriate collaboration occurs when work that the professor presumes is original to the student is in fact the product of collaboration so close that the originality is no longer individual to the student. Professors often expect students to study together, to brainstorm together, and to read and criticize each other's work; group projects also require much collaboration. However, these forms of appropriate collaboration become inappropriate when the originality of the work is lost. In addition, for many assignments, such as take-home examinations and some homework assignments, professors specifically limit or restrict collaboration, requiring that all of the work is entirely the student's own. Before submitting work, students should clarify with their professors what forms of collaboration are appropriate for that assignment.
3. Dishonesty in Examinations (In Class or Take Home)
Dishonesty or cheating in examinations is the use of inappropriate or unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in a test. Unless the instructor directs otherwise, an examination is assumed to be solely a student's own work. No communication is allowed among students either through voice, written, electronic, or any other form of transmission, nor are students permitted to consult books, papers, study aids or notes without explicit permission. Dishonesty in examination includes but is not confined to copying from another's paper, giving or receiving unauthorized assistance, obtaining unauthorized advance knowledge of questions on an examination, and using mechanical or marking devices or procedures to achieve false scores on machine-graded examinations. Specific policies regarding examinations may vary with individual professors.
4. Dishonesty in Papers
Dishonesty in papers covers but is not limited to submitting material obtained from another person or company or purchased from either. All papers and materials submitted for a course must be the student's original work unless the sources are cited.
5. Work Done for One Course and Submitted to Another
This category of violation covers the presentation of the same work in more than one course at any time during a student's academic career without prior consent from both instructors. When incorporating their own past research into current projects, students must cite previous work. This requirement applies even when the work submitted had been originally for a project for another institution. When the previous instructor cannot be consulted, faculty may permit such a submission.
6. Fabrication of Data
Fabrication is the falsification, distortion, or invention of any information or citation in academic work. Examples include, but are not limited to, inventing a source, deliberately misquoting, or falsifying numbers or other data.
7. Interference with Other Students' or Scholars' Work
Interference with the work of others covers but is not limited to acts that deny others access to scholarly resources, or deliberately impede the progress of another student or scholar. Examples include sabotaging laboratory experiments or research, giving misleading information, knowingly deceiving other members of a project team or group, disrupting class work, making library material unavailable to others, or altering the computer files of another.
8. Bribes, Favors, and Threats
Students may not bribe, offer favors to, or threaten anyone with the purpose of affecting a grade or the evaluation of academic performance.
9. Other Academic Misconduct
No specific set of rules or definitions can embrace every act of academic misconduct. A student who employs any form of academic deceit has violated the intellectual enterprise of the university.
B. Violations Adjudicated Elsewhere
1. Copyright Violations
Copyright laws must be observed. These laws govern practices such as making use of printed and electronic materials, duplicating computer software, photoduplicating copyrighted materials, and reproducing audio visual works. The Student Conduct Code prohibits theft and the unauthorized use of documents and requires adherence to local, state, and federal law. These provisions will be enforced through the Student Conduct Code.
Section III: Adjudication of Academic Integrity Offenses
A. Jurisdiction
1. The Academic Integrity Code applies to all students enrolled at American University, except students at the Washington College of Law ("WCL"). WCL has a separate Honor Code and process for handling academic misconduct.
2. In cases where a combination of violations of academic and nonacademic regulations is alleged, students are subject both to the Academic Integrity Code and the Student Conduct Code.
3. Most charges of Academic Integrity Code violations are brought by the university faculty. Staff, students or others wishing to bring charges must identify themselves and work through the faculty member in whose course or academic activity the alleged Code violation has occurred. In unusual circumstances, students, staff, or others may bring suspected charges to the dean's office. At the discretion of the dean, the dean's office may initiate charges.
4. Each major teaching unit ("School or College") will have an Academic Integrity Code Administrator ("AIC Administrator") designated by the dean to manage the adjudication process. An AIC Administrator is usually a member of the dean's staff.
5. To advise the dean in evaluating certain charges and determining actions to be taken, each School or College has an Academic Code Review Panel ("Panel") with a minimum of two faculty and one student. The Panel may be a standing or ad hoc committee of the major teaching unit.
B. The Adjudication Process
The adjudication process assigns specific roles and jurisdiction to the faculty and to the dean's office.
1. Faculty Jurisdiction
When convinced that a possible violation was an honest mistake rather than purposeful dishonesty, a faculty member may use the occasion to educate the student about acceptable standards for academic work. In such cases, the faculty member could, for example, require the student to rewrite or correct the original assignment, or to submit a substitute assignment. A faculty member may not, however, fail or level other grading penalties against the student for the assignment or for the course, but must send the case to the dean when seeking these sanctions. Referring the case to the dean's office ensures that the student receives due process for potential disciplinary action and allows the university to check for repeat offenses. In all cases, the faculty member is encouraged to consult with the AIC Administrator, who can provide guidance on the Code and can help evaluate and locate evidence of a possible violation.
2. Administrative Jurisdiction
In all other circumstances, when the faculty member believes that a case may be due to purposeful dishonesty, the following procedures will be observed:
a. Faculty members reporting an allegation of dishonesty to the AIC Administrator should do so normally within 10 business days from the date of discovery of the alleged dishonesty, supported by appropriate documentation.
b. At their discretion, faculty members may discuss the alleged misconduct with the student before the case is adjudicated. Faculty members, however, may not submit grades for the work in question or for the course until the case has been adjudicated. If the semester grades must be submitted before the adjudication process is complete, the faculty member should consult with the AIC Administrator about the proper grade notation.
c. After consulting with the faculty member, the AIC Administrator will promptly notify the student of the charge in writing and will arrange to discuss the charge with the student at a preliminary meeting. The AIC Administrator also will report the complaint to the chair of the department in which the alleged violation occurred. If the student is a member of another teaching unit, the AIC Administrator also will report the complaint to the student's dean.
d. At the preliminary meeting, the student will be presented with the charge and the evidence, advised of the Code procedures, apprised of sanction options, and given the opportunity to respond. Either at the meeting or within five (5) business days, the student must submit a written statement that (i) accepts or denies responsibility for the charge, (ii) explains what occurred and why, and (iii) elects to resolve the case through a decision by the AIC Administrator or through a Panel hearing. The student's signed statement will become additional evidence in the case. If the student fails to attend this preliminary meeting, the AIC Administrator may proceed with the process as appropriate.
e. By electing a decision by the AIC Administrator, students waive the right to a hearing before the Panel. The AIC Administrator will arrange a meeting as soon as possible. If both the student and the AIC Administrator agree, a preliminary meeting may proceed directly into the next phase of adjudication. If the issue cannot be resolved in one meeting, the AIC Administrator may request additional meetings with the student.
f. The AIC Administrator may refer the case to a panel for decision, even if the student has elected decision by the AIC Administrator.
3. Decision by AIC Administrator
a. If the AIC Administrator adjudicates the case, the AIC Administrator will impartially gather evidence from the student, the complainant, and other appropriate parties and sources.
b. The AIC Administrator will review the evidence and findings with the student. The student will have an opportunity to respond to the evidence and may call witnesses. If the student fails to attend any part of this phase of the case, the AIC Administrator may proceed as appropriate.
c. At the conclusion of the process, the AIC Administrator will submit a written recommendation with supporting rationale for the findings and sanctions to the dean of the major teaching unit in which the alleged offense occurred.
d. The dean may affirm or modify the AIC Administrator's recommendation or remand the case with instructions for further action. The dean's decision is final and may not be appealed unless the sanctions include a permanent notation to the student's academic record (III.C.2.b-d).
4. Academic Code Review Panel
The following procedures will be observed by the Academic Code Review Panel:
a. Upon determining that a case should proceed to a Panel, the AIC Administrator will convene a Panel, convey the charge and the evidence, give guidance about the hearing process, and serve as a resource during the panel proceedings. The AIC Administrator may remain present during the Panel's closed sessions. A faculty member will chair the Panel proceedings.
b. All Panel hearings will be closed to the public.
c. All Panel decisions related to the hearing process are by majority vote.
d. In cases in which a Panel member has a conflict of interest, the member will be excused from participation and replaced by a new member.
e. The student charged will have the opportunity to answer the charges.
f. The faculty member making the charge should be given the opportunity to be present or available to support the charge.
g. Witnesses may be called by the parties or by the Panel. The Panel may limit the number of witnesses for such reasons as redundancy or irrelevancy. Witnesses will be excluded from the hearing until testimony is to be presented. All parties present may question the witnesses.
h. During the proceeding and prior to the Panel's closed session, any relevant party may submit evidence or suggest an appropriate sanction.
i. At the end of the hearing, the Panel will meet in closed session and decide whether the student is responsible for the Code violation.
j. If the student is found responsible, the Panel will proceed to the sanction phase, at which point the AIC Administrator will disclose the student's prior record of academic violations, if any.
k. The Panel will submit a written recommendation with supporting rationale for its findings and sanctions to the dean of the major teaching unit in which the alleged offense occurred.
l. The dean may affirm, modify, or reject the Panel's recommendation. The dean's decision is final and may not be appealed unless the sanctions include a permanent notation of the AIC violation to the student's academic record (III.c.2.b-d).
5. Other Adjudication Issues
a. The standard of proof for any instance of academic dishonesty will be clear and convincing evidence—a measure of proof that produces a firm belief in the allegations presented. It is more than the standard of "preponderance of the evidence" and less than the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt."
b. If the student fails to attend any scheduled meeting, the time and place of which have been made known in advance, the Panel or the AIC Administrator may hear the case in the student's absence.
c. Because the purpose of this adjudication process is to provide a fair review of alleged violations of this Code rather than a formal legal proceeding, participation of persons acting as legal counsel is not permitted.
d. A student may be accompanied by a supporter throughout the process. The supporter's role is limited to personal consultation. The supporter may not represent the student, speak in adjudication meetings or hearings, or question witnesses. The supporter must be a current American University student, faculty, or staff member who is not involved in the alleged violation.
e. All participants must provide truthful testimony. Participants who fail to do so may be subject to disciplinary charges.
f. Any participant whom the AIC Administrator deems disruptive to the adjudication process will be removed from the proceedings for their duration.
C. Sanctions
1. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will be treated seriously, with special attention to repeat offenders. In assigning a sanction, the dean will take into account the seriousness of the offense, the particular circumstances of the case, and the student's class year (freshman, sophomore, graduate, and so on). Cases involving repeat offenders or especially serious offenses will result in suspension or dismissal in combination with other sanctions.
2. Sanctions for an AIC violation may include one or more of the following:
a. A failing grade of F or ZF for the course in which the offense occurred.
b. A failing grade of F or ZF for the course in which the offense occurred. A notation of the Code violation will be entered on the student's permanent record.
c. Suspension for one or more academic terms, including the term in which the offense occurred. A notation of the Code violation will be entered on the student's permanent record.
d. Dismissal (for a specified term or permanently) from the university. A notation of the Code violation will be entered on the student's permanent record.
e. Other sanctions as appropriate, including, for example, remedial work, a lower course grade, and so on.
3. Before implementing sanctions, the dean may consult with the faculty member, the student's dean, and other relevant university officials or parties. For sanctions applied to a student enrolled in another major teaching unit, the dean handling the case will seek concurrence of the student's dean before implementing sanctions. Concurrence need not be sought if the student is a double major.
4. For suspensions and dismissals, the appropriate academic action will be taken by the dean of the major teaching unit to which the student belongs.
5. Withdrawal is not permitted either from a course in which a suspected AIC infraction has been discovered or from the university in such instances. No refund or cancellation of tuition or fees will be permitted in such cases.
6. Students receiving a failing grade for a course due to a Code violation will not be eligible to receive Freshman Forgiveness for that course.
D. Notifications and Appeals
1. The dean or the AIC Administrator will notify the student in writing of the findings and sanction, if any. The results of the case will be shared with other university officials determined to have a legitimate need to know in accordance with the Confidentiality of Student Records policy.
2. In cases concerning notation to the permanent record, students will be notified in writing of their right of appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to the Provost within ten (10) business days after the date of written notice is delivered to the address on record for the student. Appeals are limited to the following grounds: new evidence that was not available at the time of the adjudication of the case and that may affect the outcome of the case, improper procedure that materially and adversely affected the earlier outcome of the case, and excessive sanction. Appeals will be reviewed by the Provost who may consult the written record of the case, the appeal request, and any person involved in the adjudication process or other appropriate party. The Provost may affirm, modify, or remand the case to the dean with instructions for further action. The Provost's decision is final.
3. The implementation of a suspension or dismissal will be deferred while an appeal is pending, unless the Provost finds that the continued presence of the student on campus poses a substantial threat to himself or herself, to others, or to the stability of normal university functions. During the appeal a restriction will be placed on the student's record that will prevent registration for classes or requests for transcripts.
E. Suspension and Dismissal
The decision as to whether suspension or dismissal is appropriate depends on the circumstances of each case.
1. Suspension is effective for not less than the session in which action is taken or for not more than one calendar year. The length of a suspension will be specified at the time the action is taken. A suspended student is ordinarily entitled to resume studies in the same School or College at the end of the suspension provided the student has satisfied all requirements that were imposed by the dean.
2. Dismissal is reserved for serious violations of rules and regulations, and when circumstances indicate that a student's association with the university should be terminated in the interests of maintaining the standards of behavior and conduct normally expected in a university community. A student who has been dismissed but who has not been denied the privilege of returning to the university may apply for readmission after one calendar year. The calendar year begins on the final day of the session during which the dismissal was implemented. Readmission applications are evaluated based on the total record of the student and consistent with the admission practices in effect at the time of application. A readmitted student is governed by the academic requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
Section IV: Records of Disciplinary Actions
A. When a case is referred an academic disciplinary file will be created.
1. If the case results in a finding of "not responsible," the file will be voided. A voided file will be so marked, will not constitute academic disciplinary records, and will not be kept with the student's academic files. Voided files that are retained will be for administrative purposes.
2. If the case results in a "responsible" finding, the file will be retained as an academic integrity disciplinary record.
3. The dean's office will maintain voided files and most academic disciplinary files for five (5) years after the student's last registration at American University. If sanctions become part of the student's permanent record, the record and files will be maintained indefinitely by both the dean's office that handled the case and the University Registrar.
B. Records relating to the Code adjudication process are subject to university regulations concerning the confidentiality of student records. Upon written request, students may access their records in accordance with the Confidentiality of Student Records Policy.
Section V: Interpretation
The Provost or the Provost's designee is the final interpreter of the Academic Integrity Code.
Senate action and Provost approval, October 1990. Effective spring 1991. Revised 1994: Senate action, April 1994, Provost approval, May 1994. Revised 2007: Senate action and Provost approval, April 2007. Effective fall 2007.


text:
August 6, 2002
<bt>The Western Fairfax County Citizens Association (WFCCA) is a local citizens' activist group which has shaped much of the development in Centreville.
The organization comprises representatives from more than 50 homeowners and civic associations in the Centreville/Clifton area. It serves as an umbrella organization for homeowners in the area from south of Route 50 and west of Stringfellow/Clifton roads to the Fairfax County line.
Each community with an active civic, community or homeowners association sends a representative to the WFCCA to serve on one or more of its committees. New communities and those not currently represented are urged to participate.
The group meets quarterly — January, April, July and October — the third Monday of the month, at 7 p.m., in Supervisor Michael R. Frey's (R-Sully) conference room in the Fort Hill building at 5900 Centreville Road, Suite 205, in Centreville. The meetings are open to the public. Richard Smith of Pleasant Hill is president.
One of the group's main purposes is to get residents involved with issues facing the community. It focuses attention on land-use, transportation, environmental and educational issues. This nonpartisan group provides a forum where citizens can meet with county and state officials, developers and other groups whose decisions can affect the quality of life in Centreville. Call secretary Carol Hawn at 703-266-6872.
The most active committee in the WFCCA is the Land-Use Committee, which meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., also in Supervisor Frey's conference room, and the public is encouraged to attend.
The committee, chaired by Jim Katcham of Centre Ridge Regents, reviews development plans covering everything from architecture to landscaping to road improvements. It also hears and tries to resolve residents' concerns regarding proposed projects.
When the WFCCA is satisfied that a project meets its environmental, transportation and density standards — and is in keeping with the county's Comprehensive Plan — it recommends approval to the county Planning Commission, a body of appointed officials that reviews development and rezoning requests prior to the county Board of Supervisors' review.
The Planning Commission usually follows the WFCCA's recommendations, but the Board of Supervisors normally has the final say. Call Jim Katcham at 703-803-8177.
<mh>Town of Clifton
<bt>Clifton is an incorporated town of about 200 residents with its own town council making decisions on architectural design, land-use, business, zoning and other issues.
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, and are open to the public. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. If a public hearing is scheduled, meetings start a half-hour earlier, at 7 p.m. Call Mayor Jim Chesley at 703-830-2129 or town clerk Pam Wallace at 703-830-9619.
<bt>The Sully District Council of Citizens Associations serves as a forum for fact-finding, research and dialogue among citizens and civic and homeowner association leaders within the Sully District. Its mission is to inform residents of issues affecting the district and the county as a whole, promote the interests of citizens associations and enhance the welfare of Sully District residents. The council currently represents some 35 civic and homeowners associations — and addresses controversial issues affecting the county as a whole.
Bull Run Estates resident Mark McConn is president of the council, which meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room 7 of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, in Fairfax. The meetings are open to the public. Call McConn at 703-818-9124.
This group also has a land-use and transportation committee which meets the first Monday of the month, at 7:30 p.m., in the conference room adjacent to Supervisor Michael R. Frey's (R-Sully) office in the Fort Hill building, 5900 Centreville Road, in Centreville. Call Jeff Parnes, 703-904-0131, evenings.


text: Thomas S. Taylor owned a general store in Kingston, Rhode Island, during the first half of the nineteenth century. One of his account books was used solely for his transactions with Mary Barber. The accounts were kept between 1824 and 1829 and reveal that she ran a tavern and boarding house. Most of her debits were for alcohol (gin, brandy, wine, and cherry rum). Other debits were for knives, forks, tumblers, playing cards, cigars, coffee, tea, eggs, butter, cheese, corn, plaid flannel, bed cord, brooms, bellows, and candles. When the book is turned over, it lists her credits. In most cases she paid Taylor in cash, but she also received credits for calf skin, fish, veal, fowl, killing a hog, board for Hannah Gordon, and for boarding carpenters, masons, and other laborers.


text:
When I was in middle school a weather event some have referred to as "Jay's Blizzard" hit our area. It was a short but powerful storm that had us go from rain to blinding snow in a few hours. It was more hype than storm. I think it only lasted three or four hours. We didn't even lose power.
That does not mean all blizzards are like that.
Pre-Blizzard Preps: A lot of this is done when getting ready for winter anyway, but if there's a prediction of a blizzard and you haven't gotten to it, now's the time. Wrap exposed pipes with heat tape. If you have a fireplace make sure you have plenty of wood. Keep a good supply of food on hand.
You may end up with guests if you live along a highly traveled roadway. Having some extra supplies such as tooth brushes and extra blankets may be a wise idea.
In the Car: You may also be one of the guests if you are caught out in this sort of weather. Keep boards, kitty litter and a small shovel in your vehicle. You'll also want space blankets and perhaps some food and water.
The shovel is to clear snow away from your tailpipe if you are trapped. You'll only want to run your engine a short time to keep it survivably warm and checking to be sure the tail pipe is clear of snow.
Right Before: If you have a fireplace, bring in plenty of wood. Gather flashlights and blankets. Make sure there are things to do. It's warmer to keep everyone in the same room so plan on it being that way.
If you have large animals, make sure they have plenty of feed and water before the storm. Going out in it could be deadly. If you must go out to check them, tie a strong rope between the stable door and the house door.
Do Not! Do not bring in a charcoal grill to cook on or to heat your home. It will kill you. Do not try to go back outside during the blizzard unless you have taken the rope precaution.


text:
Weather Blog: Heavy rain threat diminishes
Heavy rain producing thunderstorms brought huge rain totals and flooding to Dane, Rock, Jefferson, and Walworth counties overnight.
Lake Geneva has had 2 back-to-back 2"+ rain events the past two nights with a rain total closing in on 5".
Here's the estimated rainfall indicated by our doppler radar network.
Fort Atkinson, Busseyville, Janesville, Lake Geneva, and Madison reported some of the most significant street/yard flooding.
The heavy rain threat will now diminish as we head into Wednesday afternoon and evening. A spotty shower/thunderstorm is possible, but widespread gully-washer rains are not expected.
Here's our hi-res forecast model for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday.
Here's our hi-res forecast model for 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.
Of course many eyes are to the forecast for the kickoff to Summerfest. Tonight the Big Bang starts at 9:30 p.m. and the latest information shows a dry stretch of weather!
Stay tuned to the latest weather and forecast information right here on WISN.com, our mobile apps, twitter, and facebook.


text: Redirection - making sure your mail moves with you. Are you moving house? Want to make sure your mail goes with you? Redirection from An Post will forward your mail wherever you need, for up to a year, whether it's at home or abroad. Arrange your Redirection online now How does it work? Step by step How much? For more information Application forms Glossary of Terms Get a copy of your completed Redirection application.Lost your Redirection reference number?To cancel a Redirections Service please write toAn PostRedirection UnitGround FloorGPOO'Connell Street LowerFreepostDublin 1D01 F5P2. How does it work? To have your mail redirected to your new home, simply download the application form, pick one up at your local Post Office, or apply for your Redirection online. Fill it out and return your application along with the appropriate payment and documentation to us at least five days before you want the service to commence. We'll take care of the rest. Step by step Fill out the application form in full Make sure you fill out the names of all occupants whose mail you want redirected All occupants (aged over 18) must sign the application form For all minors please include date of birth Include all relevant documentation Your post can be redirected to any address in Ireland or abroad You can pay at your local Post Office, online, or by post You will need to provide proof of I.D. and Proof of Address (this is only required for the individual bringing the application to the Post Office) Pay by credit card or debit card when posting your application form to: An PostRedirection UnitGround FloorGPOO'Connell Street Lower FreepostDublin 1D01 F5P2 Please do not send cash. Applications by post may only be paid by credit or debit card – all other payment methods will not be accepted. The name on the debit or credit card must match the name of at least one of the individuals having mail redirected. Proof of I.D. accepted at the Post Office Proof of address accepted at the Post Office Driving licence (showing the address mail is to be redirected from) Passport Employer photo I.D. Student photo I.D. (from a third level college) Utility bill (showing the address mail is to be redirected from) within the last 5 months Bank/Building Society Statement (showing the address mail is to be redirected from) within the last 5 months Proof of I.D. and address only required for the individual bringing the application to the Post Office. Online Redirection application With our new online Redirection service, you can: Set up a Residential Redirection Activate your Redirection Renew an existing Redirection The Primary Contact must be an adult with a valid email address to receive a copy of the application form by email. Once payment is successfull, the full order details, including the redirection reference number, will be shown. A copy of your completed application form will then be sent to your email address. Please note that the PDF application form needs to be signed and returned to Customer Services before the service is setup. An PostRedirection UnitGround FloorGPOO'Connell Street Lower FreepostDublin 1D01 F5P2We will then send you a notification letter containing a PIN number and login information. You will need to activate the redirection in order for it to be made live. How to activate your Redirection: Enter your Redirection reference number and PIN number to activate your Redirection. Please note that if the expiry date of the redirection has been exceeded, you will be notified and informed that the service cannot be activated. Renew a Redirection online It is possible to renew an existing redirection providing it is no earlier than 21 calendar days or more than 3 working days before the expiry date. To renew a redirection you will need to enter the Redirection reference number and the PIN number. If your redirection is eligible for renewal, your summary details will be displayed. Select the duration of the extension period for the redirection. Once you have selected your extension period you will then be brought to the Redirections confirmation page to complete the confirmation and make payment. When payment is succesful you will receive confirmation by email. "Lost / Forgotten PIN No?" If you have misplaced your PIN number, you can click here and enter your Redirection reference number and email address we will then send you the PIN number again by post.We can resend your reference number simply entering the email address you used when setting up your Redirection. We will then send you the Reference Number to that email address. How much? Duration Residential In Ireland (fee per redirection) Residential Abroad (fee per redirection) Up to 1 month €35.00 €50.00 Up to 3 months €90.00 €125.00 Up to 6 months €140.00 €190.00 Up to 12 months €180.00 €240.00 For more information For any queries on our redirection service refer to our Customer Services section for a list of frequently asked questions If you're on holiday and you want An Post to look after your mail while you're away try our MailMinder service If you're away for over 12 months you may want to apply for a Post Office Box Do you need more information? Email your enquiry or feedback and you will receive a response shortly Terms and conditions These terms and conditions apply to An Post's Residential Redirection Service (hereinafter referred to as the "Service"). In these terms and conditions "You" and "Your" refer to the applicant(s) for the Service and "We", "Us" and "Our" refer to An Post, having its registered office at GPO, O'Connell Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2. The service is only available for the redirection of residential post to which You are entitled. You confirm that the new address stated on this application is Your true and correct address. The applicant(s) who sign(s) this form must be 18 years of age or older. A parent or guardian must sign their own name for a minor requesting the Service and insert the minor's year of birth where indicated. We will require at least five working days' notice to put the Service in place. There is a delay of at least one working day in delivery of redirected post. A new address label is applied to each redirected item or pouch. If the item cannot be delivered it may be returned to the sender complete with the new address label. Except in the case of temporary redirection, when the Service expires all post addressed to Your old address may be delivered as addressed or may be returned to sender, in accordance with our operational procedures. If You wish to cancel the Service You must do so in writing. We will not refund the fee if You cancel the Service after it has started. If post is addressed to more than one addressee and only one of the addressees has requested the Service We will deliver the post as addressed and We will not redirect it unless both parties agree in writing that one of them or a third party will receive it. Items sent using the An Post Parcels Service (including Courier Post) will not be redirected. We will not redirect post: for applicants who share a name with someone who remains at the address from which the post is to be redirected (e.g. parent and child of the same name or people that share the same initials and surname); sent poste restante; from a college, boarding house or similar accommodation with one delivery point; or addressed to a PO Box. Deceased Persons: The following conditions must be satisfied before We will redirect post on the instructions of the executors or the administrators of an estate. if the deceased person left a will, probate of the will must accompany this application form which must be signed by all the executors; the deceased person left a will but there is a delay in obtaining probate, a copy of the will and a letter from the executors stating that probate has been applied for and that they know of no reason why it will not be granted must accompany this application form which must be signed by all the executors; if the deceased person did not leave a will, letters of administration to the deceased person's estate must accompany this application form which must be signed by the administrators of the estate; if the deceased person did not leave a will and letters of administration are not available, You must provide a written undertaking from a solicitor to produce letters of administration within a reasonable period (e.g. twelve months); We reserve the right to request further documentary proof of any applicant's entitlement to receive the post of deceased persons. We will not accept redirection applications from persons acting on behalf of persons who may be ill, incapacitated or a Ward of Court unless the redirection application is supported by documentary proof of the applicant's legal authority to redirect and/or receive the mail in respect of which the redirection application is made. An Post reserves the right to request further documentary proof and information. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue the Service at Our absolute discretion, including, but not limited to, where the Service is unworkable. In this event, An Post will refund the fee paid for the Service but will have no further liability. Your Indemnity: In consideration of Us providing the Service You will indemnify Us and keep Us fully and effectively indemnified on demand from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, costs, charges, expenses, liabilities, demands, proceedings and actions which We may sustain or incur, or which may be brought or established against Us by any person, which in any case arise out of or in relation to or by reason of Your use of the Service in breach of any of these terms and conditions. This agreement is governed by the laws of Ireland and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. Limitation on Liability: Our liability for any direct loss or damage arising from this contract is limited to the fee paid for the Service. We will not be liable, in any event, for any consequential or indirect loss or damage including, without limitation, loss of income, profits, interest, utility or loss of market, however arising in respect of the Service. Application forms Redirection Residential Did you find what you were looking for? If you have not please email your enquiry or feedback and you will receive a response shortly. Glossary of Terms Post Office Box MailMinder Postal Money Order Redirect


text:
* Late birdie flurry helps Harrington card a 66
* Leads by two shots in elite, four-man field (Add quotes, detail)
Oct 23 (Reuters) - Triple major winner Padraig Harrington, a late addition to the four-man field, birdied three of the last five holes to grab a two-shot lead after Tuesday's opening round of the end-of-season PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda.
The 41-year-old Irishman, who replaced British Open champion Ernie Els in the elite event which brings together the winners of the year's four majors, fired a sparkling five-under-par 66 at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton.
In a relaxed and chatty mood with his playing partners, Harrington sandwiched birdies at the 14th, 15th and 17th around a bogey at the 16th to finish two strokes clear of American left-hander Bubba Watson, the Masters champion.
Webb Simpson, winner of this year's U.S. Open, was a further shot back after carding a 69 in the 36-hole event while fellow American Keegan Bradley, the defending champion, shot a 72.
"Every day I play, I always try to make an effort to enjoy the day, talk to my playing partners," Harrington told reporters after mixing seven birdies with two bogeys in ideal scoring conditions.
"Today it was better than ever. We were all very relaxed out there. Everybody was up for a chat. Selfishly, I play better when the whole group enjoys it. If the guys have any sense, they shouldn't talk to me tomorrow," he added with a grin.
Harrington, who accepted an invitation to compete at Port Royal after South African Els withdrew on Saturday because of an ankle injury, is bidding to win the prestigious event for the first time after twice losing out in playoffs.
The Irishman was edged out by Argentina's Angel Cabrera in 2007 and was pipped to the title by American Jim Furyk in 2008.
On Tuesday, however, Harrington was stunned by the accuracy off the tee by Watson who is one of the game's longest hitters.
"It's unbelievable how straight he hits the ball," said the Irishman who won the British Open in 2007 and 2008 and the PGA Championship, also in 2008. "Bubba is long, there's no doubt about it, but he's incredibly straight.
"It's unusual to see the long hitter always reaching for the driver, and it's obviously the best club in his bag."
Watson eagled the par-five seventh on the way to an adventuresome 68 that also included five birdies and four bogeys.
"Anytime you can come to this event, it's fun," said the wiry American, a self-taught player. "I had a couple of tough shots out there and a few three-putts.
"I wasn't comfortable on greens but other than that, three under, can't get too mad at that. The weather was perfect, the fans were great. It was good."
Bradley, winner of last year's PGA Championship, gained his spot in the field as the first alternate after Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy pulled out due to a scheduling conflict.
McIlroy, who clinched his second major title by a staggering eight shots at this year's PGA Championship, had already committed to the European Tour's BMW Masters, being played this week in China.
The Grand Slam of Golf, billed as "the most exclusive tournament in golf", was held in Hawaii from 1991 to 2006 before moving to Bermuda in 2007. (Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Frank Pingue)


text:
A commanding defender, Nicholas Prasad joined Whitecaps FC Residency with a wealth of experience playing for previous club Surrey United at various levels since 2007, as well as representing British Columbia with the BC Soccer Provincial Team.
2012-13: The Surrey, BC native started 21 of his 23 appearances in the regular season for Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency, scoring one goal on the season in a 3-3 home draw against De Anza Force on May 4, 2013.
Currently residing in Surrey, BC, Prasad started off with the Whalley Soccer Club in 2006 before representing Surrey United at the Metro level from 2007 to 2010 and then in the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League in 2011-12.
Prasad won the BC Secondary School Provincial Championship as captain of the Enver Creek Secondary School Cougars. The defender also captained every youth club team he played for with Surrey United.
Additionally, Prasad has represented British Columbia at every level from U-13 to U-16 and was called up to the National Training Centre program from 2007 to 2011. Prasad also led Team BC to a bronze medal at the Canadian All-Star Championship.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Nicholas' parents Arun and Rosene later moved him and his brother Brendan to Surrey. Prasad graduated from Enver Creek Secondary, and started at Simon Fraser University in September of 2013.
When not working out on the soccer pitch, the 6-foot-1 defender enjoys working out with weights in the gym and playing basketball. His favourite soccer team is Real Madrid and he would one day like to play at the Spanish giants' stadium, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Nicholas' favourite food is pasta and his favourite player is Chelsea centre back David Luiz.


text:
The Palace, Or: The Grand Canyon of Stadiums
The phrase – well, the "palace" part – is Derek Jeter's. It's unoriginal, cornball, and entirely accurate. In managing to transplant the history of Yankee Stadium, and amplify the grandeur of the old place, and�wrap the whole thing up in state-of-the-art hi-tech bells-and-whistles, the Yankees have created a landmark.
8 Comments
Waah, your graphics are broken, Keith. They look something like:
I hope you can fix them – would love to see the stadium!
Okay, so, there's an issue with the photos, but you've seriously caused me insomniac baseball anxiety.
I can't wait to see the stadum!
(and the exhibition against the Cubs.)
TV's in mirrors?! Ok…..WHY?!?
Nice tour for us outlanders. Just one question, probably a supremely dumb one: where are the memorial plaques from the old stadium?
(And TVs in the MIRRORS in the bathrooms? Kinky? Obtrusive? Or just plain weird? I'm going with weird.)
Mirror TV's… I vote for TV's on the back of the stalls in the Lady's Room in all ball parks (I missed a fantastic double play once because of an urgent appointment with the porcelain boss… a rocket bounced fair caught by Ichiro in right field thrown to Lopez for the out at second than Sexson for the out at first).
Nice pics, but after watching the first game there Friday Night, I was extremely disappointed. To me, viewing the game on MLB.TV — which is going to be awesome this year — the new digs look just like the old Yankee Stadium, except the seats behind the plate look much fluffier and much more expensive!
Now, the new Citi Field looks awesome! Maybe it's just because Shea was so freakin' ugly, but the Mets new home reaks of freshness and fan friendliness.
My opinions, which I admit are not the most indepth, are based solely on what I can see from my vantage point, on my computer just outside of Austin, Texas.
Good luck in your AL draft this weekend, Keith! I have my final draft this weekend, as well. It's my big ticket, NFBC draft. In an effort to add some additional pressure and intrigue I have declared if I don't win this league I will undergo a VASECTOMY! Who says fantasy baseball fans are wimps!?!
-Johnny Archive
So, to any women who've been to the new "House that Ruth Built," are there television screens in the women's restroom, too? I love baseball, but I think I could step away long enough to answer the call of nature. My dad, a life-long Yankees fan, FINALLY got to see a game in the original stadium in its last year. I think going to the new place would break his heart, but that's just me.


text:
Last edited: 23 June 2014
Dr. Li-Yan Zhu was born and raised in a rural area in southern China. He spent quite some time chopping firewood in his childhood. He experienced firsthand that as the hills were deforested, it was increasingly more difficult to gather firewood. He also saw that soil erosion, flood, and draught became more frequent and more intense. He read about solar cooking. But he couldn't find suitable material and tools to make one.
Dr. Li-Yan Zhu immigrated to the United State in 1980, and earned his Ph. D. of mechanical engineering from U.C. Berkeley in 1988. He works for the computer industry in Silicon Valley. He is versed in both theoretical derivation and experimentation.
Dr. Zhu has focused his efforts on developing a parabolic solar cooker that can be used for unattended cooking. He has tried to take the best qualities of box cookers and parabolic cookers and create a cooker that combines both into one design.
Audio and video[edit | edit source]
- March 2003: Audio interview with Li-Yan Zhu
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Zhu Parabolic Cooker
- Making a Parabolic Reflector Out of a Flat Sheet - Li-Yan Zhu
- A Parabolic Solar Cooker for Unattended Cooking - Li-Yan Zhu and Yun K. Kim
- Robustness of a Reflective Solar Cooker - Li-Yan Zhu and Yun K. Kim
- An Alignment Template for Unattended Solar Cooking - Li-Yan Zhu and Yun K. Kim
- Theories behind a Chinese Reflective Solar Cooker - Li-Yan Zhu


text:
Recipe courtesy of our friends at bloomacious This is easy cooking at its best ~ healthy and versatile, eat this chili with a little cheese on top, or put it on hot dogs, nachos, the works! An all around fabulous dish – here's the recipe: 2 tbs olive oil 1.5 lbs ground turkey 1 package spicy turkey sausage (like Aidell's Habanero and Green Chile) 1 medium onion, diced 1 green pepper, diced 1 red pepper, sliced 16 oz red kidney beans 1 bottle dark beer 16 oz can of tomato sauce 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cloves garlic 2 tbs cumin 2 tbs chili powder 1 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 1 tablespoons oregano 1 tablespoons salt In a large pot add the oil and brown the turkey, drain liquid. In another pan brown sausage and add to turkey. Add onions and peppers, beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic and spices. Add beer to taste. Simmer for 20 minutes, then reduce heat. Wow – that was easy!! Some info about beans: According to David Grotto in his book 101 Foods that Can Save Your Life, studies have shown that eating beans regularly, more so than any other food, contributes to longevity across various ethnicities. Bean eaters are less obese than non-bean eaters, reduces hypertension, reduces the risk of breast cancer, among many other things. Click HERE to read more great stories at bloomacious.
Bean, Beans, Are Good For the Heart! (you know the rest…)


text:
Russell Crowe has fired back at reports he's dating actress/singer Natalie Imbruglia in an angry tweet.
The two stars were reportedly spotted flirting at a Soho House party in New York last month, and sources claim they reconnected at the Beverly Hills Hotel over Oscars weekend.
But Crowe has wasted no time in dismissing gossip suggesting he has moved on from the alleged break-up of his marriage to Danielle Spencer.
In a tweet on Thursday, he rages, "I am not having an affair with nor am I dating Natalie Imbruglia. She has been a friend for years. No flirting, no whispers, total BULLS—."
Crowe and Spencer have yet to comment on reports suggesting their marriage is over.


text:
- News
- Business
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Lifestyle
- Health
- Travel
- Technology
Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters, Dreamgirls) takes over the reins of the vampire franchise with excellent results, as he brings Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) together in the flesh. The movie opens with their wedding, but ends with a life-threatening pregnancy that could change Bella forever. Stewart offers up a standout performance as she finally gets some dramatic flesh to sink her teeth into, while Pattinson almost feels warm, despite his character's icy skin. This may be the best Twilight yet.
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Anna Kendrick
Directed by: Bill Condon
Parental advisory: sexually suggestive scene, violence
Running time: 118 minutes
Rating: Three stars out of five
Like all fine cheeses, The Twilight Saga ripens with age. Once bland and milky white, the story of Bella Swan's transformation from innocence to adulthood grows increasingly textured with each new outing.
When we first met Bella (Kristen Stewart) in the original 2008 feature, she was a quiet and withdrawn high-school student surviving adolescence in Forks, Washington. Just a few years later, Bella's not only graduating, she's walking down the aisle as a blushing bride.
"I wonder if she'll be showing," says her friend Jessica (Anna Kendrick) as she mingles among the drooping white wedding blossoms. "Why else does anyone get married at 18?"
This is probably the strongest moment in the film, because, in a split second, Kendrick's character opens the door to all the disbelievers and cynics through humour. She also yanks some of author Stephenie Meyer's creepier subtext out from under the rug, because there is something unsettling and slightly cult-like about this whole franchise.
Young girls are transformed into highly sexualized creatures who dream about having sex with truly ancient men. Certainly, this is Bella's central preoccupation: She is obsessed with Edward, and no matter how many obstacles are thrown in the road of their inter-species romance, she can't stop herself from swooning over the handsome, centuries-old bloodsucker.
In this first part of Breaking Dawn, she finally gets her wish. After lusting over Edward's icy body, Bella gets her chance to commune with the dark side and consummate her love.
Director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Gods and Monsters), who takes over the reins of the lucrative franchise for the final assault, does a masterful job in these opening tableaus.
Recognizing the thematic and dramatic importance of the wedding, he visualizes the whole thing in several different ways. First, we get Bella's dream sequence of a gorgeous ceremony festooned with white flowers — only to watch it turn deep red in a flood of blood.
This symbolic and physical deflowering of Bella is the central hook for this whole episode, and Condon has to take us into the breathless, heart-thumping world of a virgin facing the cliff of experience — and leaping into the abyss.
With the help of Stewart's strongest performance to date, Condon successfully conveys the depth of connection between the two lovers. Every time Bella looks into Edward's cold amber eyes, we can feel the hunger. But it's not the vampire's lust that leaves a mark, it's Bella's human yearning that digs its nails into the flesh, prompting the bleed between pain and pleasure, lust and love, the dead and the living.
Ordinary girls from small towns don't usually get a shot at immortality with a hunky rich boy, so it's no wonder why Twilight has become one of the favourite modern fairy tales among the tween-set Twihards: It's Cinderella with a heavy dose of sexuality.
Fusing the high romance of the whole saga with the nitty-gritty sex act was no doubt the biggest challenge facing Condon when he sat down in the same chair once occupied by Catherine Hardwicke, David Slade and Chris Weitz — and, to his credit, he finesses the moment without a stumble.
Finding just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humour, non-revealing nudity, and overhead shots of a canopy bed crumbling like a shoddy temple, we experience Bella's moment of corporeal bliss.
The encounter leaves her altered in every way. Not only does she enjoy the carnal communion, playing it over and over again in her mind with an addict's glare, she also conceives a mutant human-vampire baby.
Edward is angry at himself for even succumbing to carnal desire in the first place, because vampires, apparently, can kill human women through the act of lovemaking: They are just too big and strong.
Leaving Bella bruised was bad enough, but knocking her up could be lethal, and Edward does everything he can to "get rid of it." Of course, it's all too late for that. The baby must be brought to term, even if it means Bella's life may be sacrificed in the process.
These dramatic beats are big. In fact, they are so cumbersome in their ambition to be epic, they verge on the absurd.
This is the problem with Twilight: If you're not on the voyage, you're heckling from the sidelines. Yet, because Condon and the cast roll with it, and ingest the campiness in the same gulp as earnestness, the whole thing goes down without prompting a gag reflex.
Even the silly computer-generated wolves, and the red contact lenses, and the soap-opera-styled dialogue seem charming, because we believe in the emotional truth of the story.
Stewart and Pattinson convince us they are desperately in love. They find the right glances, the right body language, and the intangible static energy that draws two souls together.
Stewart seems to delight in the added depth, and her first shot at genuine transformation, because she carries this movie single-handedly on her delicate shoulders. Thanks to her brown contact lenses, the innate spunkiness in Stewart dulls to a matte finish and we immediately believe her as the plain Jane who becomes a blood princess.
It goes without saying this movie will be meaningless and boring to anyone who has not seen or read the previous instalments, but for those Twihards seeking a solid execution of their favourite story, this Twilight is probably the best yet.
What's On Tonight for


text:
Comfort cottage
- For 8 Persons
- 4 Bedrooms
- 104m²
- Wifi
- 2 bathrooms
- Single Storey
Pets not allowed
Pets not allowed
For a perfect start to an active day. A comfortable bed, a luxurious bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen. Comfort into the smallest details. After all, what could be better than to fully unwind after a day filled with fun and adventure?
- 1-2 parking space(s)
- Sheet package
- Basic Wi-Fi
- Preference for location
- Towel package (bath sheet and towel)
- Bed making service
- Streaming Wi-Fi
- Electric cart
Living room with fireplace, flatscreen-TV
4 bedrooms : 2 with double bed (180 x 210), 2 with twin beds (90 x 200)
2 bathrooms : 1 with bathtube, double wash basin, toilet, 1 with shower
American style kitchen fully equipped : crockery, microwave, cooktop, refrigerator, filter coffee machine, dishwasher
Private terrace with garden furniture
1 baby bed and 1 highchair provided (additional ones for rent), separate toilets, 2 parking spaces at the main car park
You still have access to all the park's facilities for the whole day on the day you check out.
Always included at Center Parcs:
- Fully equipped accommodation in the middle of nature
- Unlimited access to Aqua Mundo
- Free entertainment under the Dome and access to play areas for children
- Indoor, outdoor activities for young and old
- End of stay cleaning in your cottage
- Unlimited Basic Wi-Fi access
Need help?
0891 701 600*
(0,25€ TTC/min)
- The price per cottage and per stay is displayed in EURO.
- Not included: tourist taxes, reservation costs and any optional insurances taken.
- As mentioned in our general conditions prices are excluding reservation costs.


text:
Portrait of a Franchise
This story appears in the March 2004 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
It's been a long haul for Jack and Diane*. During the time between finding a suitable franchise opportunity and the construction of their quick oil-change franchise, the calendar has clicked ahead two years, and our weary couple is still dealing with adversity and delays. These timing issues have to be considered. The more complex the business, the longer it takes to get established. While a hair-cutting business may take about six months from signing the franchise agreement to opening, a homebased tutoring business can take less than 30 days; it just depends on the challenges of the business you choose.
This is the last installment of Jack and Diane's story. We hope to catch up with them again one day in the future, as they man their new franchise, beaming and shaking hands with a satisfied customer, or ringing up yet another sale. These are the images they envisioned over two years ago, when they committed to take a chance on a franchised business.
These are also the images that franchise investors find in the brochures sent by franchisors. Franchisors know we seek independence, freedom and wealth. Franchising would not be so successful if it did not deliver on these points in many instances.
However, from my viewpoint, Jack and Diane's struggles, as well as the tales readers shared with me during the course of this column, bring to mind a vision of the painting American Gothic by Grant Wood. You know the picture-an Iowa farmer with his unmarried daughter standing stoically in front of their gabled farmhouse, pitchfork in hand. The image was accurate for 1930, but today, the new American Gothic would have Jack and Diane standing in front of their franchised business, oil funnel in hand. Likewise, all of you who are franchisees could pose in the same way, with the serious face and the sore shoulders. You are the farmers in our new economy, toiling to harvest goods and services from what was bare ground. Those of you who run a profitable franchise know the harvest is reaped only from hard work.
Owning a franchise is not like buying a security and waiting for the market to rise. If you fail to do a good job, someone in the strip mall down the road will take your customers away. So how do you set your franchise apart from other businesses? You can ask almost any franchisor in this country which franchises perform the best, and they'll tell you it's the stores where the franchisee is actively involved in the day-to-day business operations. Thus, all the serious faces across our franchised countryside.
Taking on the active franchisee role, Jack recently served as his own mystery shopper, getting his oil changed by his closest competitor-a national player in the oil business. "Driving onto their lot, I witnessed two employees engaged in a mock battle of martial arts using a broom handle," he says. "The other employees were standing around, watching, since there were no cars to service at the time. It turns out one of the employees in mock battle was the manager.
"Once I was directed into the service bay, I didn't even have time to turn the engine off before one of the technicians was at my door attempting to open it. I felt this could be intimidating to some customers, particularly women," Jack continues. "As I was directed to the waiting room, I overheard one tech say to another that one of my rear taillight bulbs was out. After the oil was drained and the oil filter removed, I was called back out to the work area to determine what services I required. No mention was ever made of my burned out taillight."
Banished to the waiting room as the technicians called around to auto parts stores, trying to locate a filter for his Volvo, Jack noticed a sign hanging on the wall stating this lube center was owned and operated by some company out of Omaha, Nebraska. "Long-distance ownership doesn't seem to be working very well," says Jack, "all the more reason why I'll be an on-site owner of my facility."
From the numerous messages I received from other franchisees regarding this column, the message from Larry Shirk, the former operator of five instant oil-change businesses, best reinforces Jack's decision to be a hands-on franchisee. "When I had five locations, I hired a general manager," says Shirk. "He had worked for the franchisor and was very knowledgeable about the business. The problem was that he was more concerned about being liked than being the boss."
As Jack prepares to grab his "pitchfork" and dig into his new business, he reflects on why he has chosen to abandon his white-collar career for a set of greasy fingernails. "A few years ago, I wrote a song titled, 'Shakin' It Up.' The lyrics were about challenging yourself, not settling for the status quo. The stanza of the song was this: "I don't want to look back and wonder/If I'd have lost or won/a race I didn't run."
Good luck, Jack and Diane. We'll be checking in on you.
*The franchisees' names have been changed.
Todd D. Maddocks is a franchise attorney and small-business consultant who is founder of Franchisedecision.com. You can reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
I have created a C++ program with MS Visual Studio C++ 2010 configured to be 64bit application using the sample codes and precompiled blas and lapack libs and dlls (64bit) provided at http://icl.cs.utk.edu/lapack-for-windows/lapack/. I also configured the project properties by adding the libs and their directory to the link properties to make sure VS links them. The codes can be compiled without any problem. However, when I tried to build (link) the project it gives me the error:
error LNK2019: unresolved external symbol dgesv_ referenced in function main
On the other hand, I am able to build the corresponding exe application under 32bit version successfully.
So can anybody help me figure out what the problem is.
Thanks in advance.
BTW, here is the sample code I used for test:
#include "stdafx.h"
#include < stdio.h>
#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
void dgesv_(const int *N, const int *nrhs, double *A, const int *lda, int
*ipiv, double *b, const int *ldb, int *info);
void dgels_(const char *trans, const int *M, const int *N, const int *nrhs,
double *A, const int *lda, double *b, const int *ldb, double *work,
const int * lwork, int *info);
#ifdef __cplusplus
int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
/* 3x3 matrix A
* 76 25 11
* 27 89 51
* 18 60 32
double A[9] = {76, 27, 18, 25, 89, 60, 11, 51, 32};
double b[3] = {10, 7, 43};
int N = 3;
int nrhs = 1;
int lda = 3;
int ipiv[3];
int ldb = 3;
int info;
dgesv_(&N, &nrhs, A, &lda, ipiv, b, &ldb, &info);
if(info == 0) /* succeed */
printf("The solution is %lf %lf %lf\n", b[0], b[1], b[2]);
fprintf(stderr, "dgesv_ fails %d\n", info);
return info;


text:
The weekend was too short. I realize that's pretty much the most apparent declaration ever made especially since most of you out there are thinking the exact same thing. But I'd be thoughtless if I didn't mention my disappointment with the world coming from the fact that it is, indeed, a Monday. I'm further disappointed by the fact that my beloved Frenchman had to leave for Paris 20 days after getting married, to attain a work visa that would allow him to work in India. Not for one day, not for two days, not for a week, not even for two weeks, but… FOR ONE WHOLE MONTH!!! We were devastated. And even though he has to do this for the both of us, so we can be together, I miss him terribly and want him back. Now.
Even though this time apart is good for some me-time. It's not relaxing. That's not to say it isn't fun. It is. But I'm in love and hopelessly screwed. However, I'm surviving - though I'm sure there will be flashbacks and some lingering post-traumatic stress - until my Frenchman arrives home. Heck, in the days of being married, we have been together almost 24 hours, 7 days a week. We eat all our meals together, we go to the same functions and parties… oh yes, and we even sleep together. The only times we're not together is when I'm in the office or when we're at home and he's watching TV in the living room and I'm journaling in my work area. And since the Frenchman is the cook in our little family, I'm surviving on take-outs and Maggi.
So him returning home would be nice. I'm just sayin'.
For the past 3 years (wow) I've recapped events, weeks and brought you music I've listened to, things I've read, discovered and seen and other random things. Today, however, I've got to shift gears.
The Frenchman. For those of you who aren't in the loop, my husband is the strongest, kindest and smartest man on the planet. He's a fantastic cook, a wonderful husband and an all-around incredible person all while being smoking hot.
Mr. Perot. I love you.
Just who is the Two Door Cinema Club? To be honest I'm not entirely sure. I know their music was randomly dropped into Grooveshark playlist last week. But other than that I don't know much. I know in pictures the lead vocalist looks like a very sweet ginger headed boy, but in video it feels like he's trying to come across as Indie Rock.
I also know that their music is worth a listen and will probably interest most of the people who read this blog. Including you. So, here's 'Two Door Cinema Club' with "What You Know". Enjoy the music.


text:
Athearn N scale is proud to offer a mainstay of railroading's golden age in it's premium line of N scale models. This diminutive workhorse is capable of providing the power and performance to capture this rich era of railroad history. Each locomotive is decorated with colorful paint schemes that were common of the era.
Out of Stock
Copyright © 2005-2020 Horizon Hobby, LLC Privacy Policy Trademarks Warranty
Shipping Policy Return Policy Terms of UseTower Hobbies


text:
|Kevin Clash
|Kip Rathke builder
Spa'am is chief of the native island pigs from Muppet Treasure Island.
In 1995 (several months before the character's debut), the Hormel corporation, makers of SPAM processed luncheon meat, attempted to sue Jim Henson Productions for trademark infringement and dilution over the character. Hormel claimed that the unkempt, savage boar character defamed the name of their product and that merchandise items featuring Spa'am would cut into profits from their own licensed SPAM merchandise. The case was decided in favor of Henson. Despite this, when he appears in the video game Muppet RaceMania, Spa'am is simply credited as 'Pig Chief'.


text: A sensitive skin is a thin or a fine-textured skin. It reacts quickly to both heat and cold; therefore, it sunburns and windburns easily. It is commonly dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions. Temperature changes, some detergents, cosmetics and alcohol (used on the skin) can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy, with visible surface veins.