text:
"We always rely on Fujitsu hardware because high levels of quality and durability are important to us. With the new ESPRIMO X PCs with Windows 8 and the modern solutions provided by ekom21, we will be able to carry out office procedures much more quickly and easily"
Detlef Erdmann, Head of Information Technology for Department 24, Regierungspräsidium Kassel
The German federal state of Hesse is split into three administrative regions. The northern-most and largest of these in terms of area is Kassel, covering the area from Hesse's northern border to the city of Fulda. The authority responsible for this area is the Regierungspräsidium Kassel, which acts as an intermediary between Hesse's state government in Wiesbaden and the northern and eastern regions of Hesse. It provides a link between the state ministries as well as the administrative districts, cities and communities. The Regierungspräsidium Kassel is responsible for implementing state policies in the region, as well as providing control and advisory functions for the subsidiary authorities in its area.
Public administrations and authorities are under high cost pressures, just like companies in the private sector. It was because of this that the Regierungspräsidium Kassel was looking for a solution to save time for both its employees and local residents. It also wanted to improve collaboration in terms of covering holiday and sickness and to make processes more visible.
As one of Fujitsu's strategic partners, ekom21 develops software especially for communities and public authorities. The Regierungspräsidium Kassel relies on this partnership and chose to introduce the civento21.fm solution. The letters 'fm' in the solution's title stand for community Fallmanagement [case management]. It allows community employees to process documents electronically and efficiently. The authority is also using owi21 for the electronic management of administrative offences. For its hardware base, Department 24 of the Regierungspräsidium Kassel chose the ESPRIMO X913-T from Fujitsu. These have an adjustable 23-inch display with touch functionality.
The Regierungspräsidium Kassel is gradually introducing this new community case management system into its different departments. It began with the Zentrale Bußgeldstelle [Central Fines Office, ZBS], whose 180 employees can now collaborate faster and more efficiently. Detlef Erdmann, Head of Information Technology for the ZBS, sees the simplification of communication as one of the main benefits of this solution, which has also saved time and money when it comes to business travel: "As a ZBS employee, I'm constantly out and about in Hesse," Erdmann says. "Until now I've had to book hire cars or train tickets over the phone or in person via the relevant offices. By using civento21.fm, everything is sent electronically in a single process and notifies me about a reserved car or my booked train ticket. It even updates my Outlook calendar automatically."
civento21.fm also shows its strengths when it comes to hand-overs when employees take leave. As all processes are carried out electronically via the ekom21 solution, every authorized employee can access their colleagues' processes from their own computer with a mouse click or by just a tap on the Windows 8 app. They no longer need to move paper documents around the building.
"This is especially practical if a colleague is absent due to illness, meaning no hand-over can take place," says Erdmann. The manager can now authorize someone to cover their processes in the blink of an eye." And thanks to the excellent overview on the civento21 interface, the colleague knows immediately what is already under way and what tasks still remain. "The manager always has the same level of information as the employee and can access it if needed," explains the Head of IT. "By managing documents electronically, these processes are made noticeably faster and simpler."
For its core competencies, the ZBS in Kassel operates its own data center, which consists of four PRIMERGY RX300 S6 servers and two NetApp FAS3140 storage systems with a total storage capacity of 15 terabytes. This infrastructure is needed to manage the 1.33 million notices that were received by the ZBS in 2012. The authority was able to use the system to bring in 67.68 million euro to the Hesse state budget. owi21 also provides a special solution that displays speed analyses from the police and accelerates data exchange between different authorities.
The main attraction of the ekom21 solutions has to be the fair pricing system. "The basic price is calculated according to the amount of residents in each community," explains Detlef Erdmann. "When you consider that new modules are constantly being added, I get an ever-increasing benefit for the same price." This means that the communities can plan their costs. They do not have to set aside money for new modules as these are included in the fixed price.
It was so pleased with the ekom21 solutions and how they combined with Fujitsu hardware, Regierungspräsidium Kassel is planning a further roll-out to its other departments, meaning that all 1,200 employees will benefit from increased efficiency. This in turn will benefit the area's 1.22 million residents, who will be able to keep track of the administration processes more easily. Detlef Erdmann has nothing but praise for this, and is already planning his next steps towards simplifying operations:
"It was very beneficial for us as a customer that ekom21 and Fujitsu worked together from the start. It means we can be sure that the systems are well-suited to work with each other. Thanks to the ESPRIMO X PCs with Windows 8 and touch displays, we can use ekom21's Windows 8 apps much better than we could on traditional PCs. The future of administration starts here."
Download the Regierungspräsidium Kassel casestudy (417 KB/A4, 2 pages)
Del denne side


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Equipment' started by wayno, Jun 13, 2008.
Wow, nice idea .. and only $4.99 ... eyeballing the jesse's for mounting locations as we speak
You may find welding rod tubes in a couple of sizes at many farm stores, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Similar tube with o-ring seal for under $10.
Great idea and if it was made by Touratech or BMW it would cost about $100.
Keep us posted on the mounting.
Direct LINK to get the $4.99 tube.
That just may be the best one I've seen yet.
Nice find... Much easier than trying to cobble up all the PVC bits... I just ordered one before all you fookers make a run on them and clean this place out. $4.99 + $7 to ship to CA.... I'm sure it'll mount right up on the inside of my left Motech rack frame...
Says they have over 2000 in stock! Let us know if the mount might work w/o bag mounts
Got mine today......... Now to find a way to mount on Dirt Bagz
If you find a way to mount on the dirtbagz mount, let me know. :) :) :)
Here's mine.
Tube is for holding welding rods.
$25 CDN each at Home Depot.
those aren't tubes..
these are tubes
If my tube makes me happy and your tube makes you happy whats
the deal?????
(admires waynos tube)
Tis very very good though, upseting they aren't available here, i'll be looking out for them though
Wayno better watch out for that Brit Wanker!
Priceless! I ordered the tractor tube two days ago and got a telephone call this morning. There was something wrong with my billing/shipping address.
The country gal from the tractor store couldn't help it and finally asked me:
"Well sir, we've been selling them manual containers like hot bread this week. May I ask what tractor that container is for?"
Me: "Mam, I don't own a tractor, I just need the tube".
Tractor lady: "Why is everybody buying them tractor manual containers if they don't own equipment?"
If finally explained that somebody posted a link on a motorcycle forum, and everybody thought those tubes would come in handy for storing tools. Just hope they don't raise prices now...
Taken from site. Looks like they know about ADV
Sturdy plastic
Keeps your equipment's manual out of the weather
11-1/2" long x 3" diameter
Large screw-on cap
5/16" mounting holes on 10-1/2" center
Can also be used as small tool holder for motorcycles and bicycles
Just ordered mine. W00t
Did you figure a way to mount? Something like P clamps would work if we can find
small enough.
Classic. I was wondering if they were suddenly flying off the shelves.
Mine arrived this morning.
Same sitch here... I ordered on Sunday and got three calls and an email from a sweet southern lady, Beatrice, that there was an issue with my card... I fooked up and gave my wrong billing address for the card... They were more than sweet following up with me, and another person even called my cell once the problem was fixed just to check up.... These fookers should really get into the moto bizness!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
But Obama-supporting lobby group is not interested in real threats like GMOs
Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
September 19, 2012
In a move that will undoubtedly annoy those who feel the Obama administration has become smothering in its nanny state efforts to control people's diets, ex-military leaders have been enlisted to declare war on junk food by declaring it a "national security threat."
With one in four military age males in the United States deemed too fat to join the Army, retired generals and admirals are coming together under the banner of Mission: Readiness [1], a "nonpartisan national security organization" run by the Council for a Strong America, which recently received half a million dollars [2] in funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Council for a Strong America is primarily a lobbying group that has previously donated [3] to the Obama campaign.
Mission: Readiness is set to hold a press conference on September 25th which will include speakers such as Richard B. Myers, General, US Air Force (Retired), Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, James M. Loy, Admiral, US Coast Guard (Retired), along with Former Commandant of US Coast Guard & Former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Norman R. Seip, Lieutenant General, US Air Force (Retired).
"Calling childhood obesity a threat to national security, retired US Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2001 to 2005, will join other retired generals and admirals who are members of the national security organization Mission: Readiness in issuing a new report on improving the quality of food served in schools," states the group's press release. [4]
There's no doubt that eating a healthy diet and avoiding too much junk food is more important today then ever before, especially given the increasing amount of artificial additives in food that have been linked with obesity and other diseases.
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
However, conservatives who think the government, along with Obama-supporting lobby groups, have no business telling people what to eat have become increasingly wary in recent years over the Obama administration's efforts to dictate to people how they should manage their diets.
This propaganda campaign encouraging kids to eat healthy food (which in many cases isn't even healthy) has infested the schooling system to the point where in places like North Carolina, elementary school officials are searching kids' lunch boxes in order to ensure their parents have packed food which reaches nutritional standards.
As the Carolina Journal reported [5]earlier this year, "A preschooler at West Hoke Elementary School ate three chicken nuggets for lunch Jan. 30 because a state employee told her the lunch her mother packed was not nutritious."
This nanny-state mentality has been received badly in many quarters, not least because both Barack Obama and FIrst Lady Michelle Obama are routinely pictured eating junk food as part of photo-ops [6] while lecturing others about their culinary choices.
Indeed, President Obama has been seen eating junk food so often that the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine launched a formal petition earlier this year [7] to ask that Obama stop doing so in public.
This rage against the nanny state has perhaps most prominently manifested itself in New York, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg has moved to outlaw sugary drinks [8], forcing people to instead choose diet drinks which in fact contain more harmful toxins like aspartame [9]and as a result are more damaging to people's health.
Michelle Obama subsequently praised Bloomberg's approach [10], applauding a measure which treats Americans like children in using the state to make decisions for them and in turn denigrating the free market.
The First Lady has even launched her own supermarket shopping guide [11], and yet the guide contains no information whatsoever on some of the real dangers posed by artificial sweeteners, MSG, genetically-modified organisms, meat preservatives and other toxins in food.
A new GMO food study released today [12] reveals that genetically modified corn and trace levels of Monsanto's Roundup chemical fertilizer "caused rats to develop horrifying tumors, widespread organ damage, and premature death."
The Obama administration has gone to great lengths to staff the FDA with former Monsanto executives [13], people like former Monsanto lobbyist Michael Taylor, who was responsible for allowing genetically modified organisms into the U.S. food supply without proper safety testing.
Paul Joseph Watson is the editor and writer for Prison Planet.com [14]. He is the author of Order Out Of Chaos. Watson is also a regular fill-in host for The Alex Jones Show and Infowars Nightly News.


text:
Favorites: Fontecolle
Aldo "Duccio" Pompili
Fontecolle, a four-hectare farm in Montefalco's dedicated wine region, is not the typical tourist destination winery. And Aldo "Duccio" Pompili is not a typical vintner. He lives on the estate, which has been owned by his family for more than 30 years, and Fontecolle is his life's work. It produces just two wines: Sololoro, a Montefalco Rosso, and Ducciochi, made entirely with the local Sagrantino grape. Duccio tends to the fields himself (using no chemicals) and harvests the plants largely on his own, then presses, vinifies and transforms the grapes into truly remarkable wines. He bottles his entire annual production of about 10,000 bottles using a small machine that fills four bottles at once, corking and sealing them individually. The finished product is testament to his intimate connection to the land and his unflagging dedication to his craft.
Your Italy Hosts
As informal ambassadors of Umbria and its many splendors, Bill and Suzy have access to the very best Italian food and experiences.
Get to know them
Our Amazing Italian Artisans
Learn more about the people, the techniques and the rich traditions behind the incredible diversity of authentic Deruta ceramics we feature.
Explore our Artisans
Strictly Local Umbrian Wines
Rejoice in the Italian culture by shopping for Italian wines. Buy your choice of select wines now.


text:
- Russell Wilson – I think this guy (former Badgers' QB, in the draft this year) could be a pretty good NFL QB. I've said this before but simply want to say it again. He doesn't throw the most amazing passes and he's not very big. But he very much reminds me of a player who has turned out to be the second best QB in the NFL behind Aaron Rodgers – Drew Brees. They are both a bit on the short side, but both stand tall in the pocket, don't get rattled easily and are way more mature than their ages. Wilson still stands as the most poised college player I have ever watched. He is unflappable as a player and he delivered several times down the stretch in impressive fashion. He just doesn't get rattled. He even dealt with losing in a professional, far-more-mature-than-22-years-old way. While his arm is probably considered average, his mobility is definitely better than most QBs – he could be a dangerous running QB. He makes very good decisions – he rarely makes boneheaded mistakes. He also won't have any issues grasping complicated NFL offenses. While Paul Chryst's offenses at Wisconsin weren't super complicated, Wilson picked it up no problem from the get-go this past year. Don't be surprised to see him sneak up draft boards, get on a team somewhere and get a crack at playing when the starter goes down. He will impress when he has his opportunity. (He apparently just had what some scouts are calling the most impressive pro day by a QB they have ever seen – completing 62 of his 65 passes – making all sorts of different throws.)
- It was interesting for me to see Peyton Manning so emotional at his press conference. I liked seeing that side of him and importantly, I THINK THIS WHOLE THING WILL MAKE HIM BETTER. Peyton Manning needed to be knocked down a peg or two. This whole getting released thing despite being cleared to play, has been difficult for him to take. Even though some believe that the Colts were essentially showing mercy for Manning by cutting him from what might be a terrible team, I don't think Manning sees it that way. I really believe he wanted to finish up a Colt. But the bottom line is that this whole thing has brought him back down to earth a bit. Manning had become WAY too comfortable there in Indy – to the point where he felt just fine yelling at his players and frankly, being a wanker on the field. Remind you of someone? Dan Marino? Guys like this won't win the big game too often because they are too self-focused in a team sport. Peyton Manning has won 1 Super Bowl – but for the number of times the Colts have gotten into the playoffs, that's actually not too good. Teams rally around QBs that are more connected to the team – and Manning has always seemed to place more importance on his own image. Don't get me wrong. I think Peyton Manning is one of the best QBs to ever play the game. And winning the number of games he's won as a QB is remarkable – even if he's only won 1 Super Bowl. And his career stats are amazing. And I think if his neck is truly OK, teams with even decent QBs would be crazy not to try to bring him in. He will make whatever team he goes to instantly better. But I would submit that the whole exercise of having to join a new team, make new friends and earn their respect as a leader will bring him back to a place mentally that will be healthier for him. And this again, could make him an even better player over the next couple years. I think Manning's best fit would be in Arizona. They play on turf, indoors, good coach with a reasonable ego, have Larry Fitzgerald and a couple other decent WRs (Early Doucet), the path to the playoffs may not be too tough, and I just see that as a place that would be a good fit. That said, I still think Miami is the most likely destination with Seattle close behind.
Russell Wilson, Peyton Manning
8 Responses to "Russell Wilson, Peyton Manning"
56Coop Says:
March 8, 2012 at 11:58 am |
I totally agree with the AZ take and watch out if Reggie Wayne comes with him. Does it say anything about Matt Flynn that both the Dolphins & the Seahawks,the two teams which have close ties with Flynn, are so agressive in going after Peyton? I understand that they both want to win now but I would think that if Flynn is all he's cracked up to be that at least one of them woiuld be thinking long term. Then again, since Peton is saying he wants to decide within a week I suppose they'll still have their shot at Flynn should they not land Manning.
Dave in Tucson Says:
March 8, 2012 at 9:52 pm |
One reason P.Manning might not want to come to the Cardinals: their o-line kinda sucks. A lot. One of the things I saw quite often was Kolb and Skelton running for their lives from various pass rushers.
The Cardinals gave up a combined 54 sacks, which is really not good. Of course, Manning is (presumably) a lot quicker than Kolb or Skelton at reading coverages and finding an open guy, but I would think a guy who is coming off multiple neck surgeries would think twice about the idea of lining up behind that line…
Joe Says:
March 9, 2012 at 12:08 pm |
I disagree that Manning over Flynn is a no brainer. We don't even know if Manning can actually play this year or ever or if he plays whether he will be the same guy (arm strength; accuracy;etc). Or how soon he'll be back on the sidelines with his 5th serious neck injury. Flynn offers lots of upside but the sample is really small 2 and half games is not a lot to go on.
As i see it it is a weighing of unknowns.
Dave in Tucson Says:
March 9, 2012 at 2:42 pm |
Another reason teams might not want Manning–even if he is healthy, and can throw, he's going to be 36 in just a couple of days. Best-case scenario, he's healthy and as a Favrian late-career resurgence and plays 4 or 5 more seasons at a reasonably high level.
There's a lot of scenarios (many that seem to me more likely) that aren't so rosy: maybe he gets hurt again, or maybe he just doesn't have the stamina to make it through a 16 game regular season + 3 or 4 playoff games. Is it worth it to sign him if he can only play one or two more seasons?
- Dave in Tucson Says:


text:
Anyone can tell you if a trailer "looks good" or not. But Drew Magary, who spent over a decade working in advertising, is here to tell you whether or not a trailer WORKS. This week's trailer? "Rock of Ages".
Ever since we got that first official photo of Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx for the movie "Rock of Ages," we've been curious as to what the final product is gonna look like. Because let's face it: the idea of Cruise starring in a musical that turns him into a rock icon is pretty much an invitation to parody. This movie will either suck, or it will suck so hard that it somehow ends up being fantastic. There's no in between. This is not a movie that's going to just come and go quietly. It's going to be NOTICED. The question is whether or not it will be noticed for the right or wrong reasons. Am I wrong to hope that it's a spectacularly bad film? Because that IS what I'm praying for. Let's take a look at the first official trailer and answer a few questions.
Does the trailer let us know what the movie's about? No. But to be fair to the trailer, I think it's pretty clear that this movie isn't going to be about much of anything. Apparently, Alec Baldwin (with long hair!) is running a hot rock club that's in danger of being shut down by Catherine Zeta-Jones' Tipper Gore character. The only thing that will save him? You guessed it: ROCK GOD TOMMY CRUISE. That looks to be the extent of the plot. The rest of the movie looks like one big run of 80s nostalgia porn, like "200 Cigarettes" and a million other average movies. Because Lord knows VH1 didn't ruin my appetite for 80s nostalgia porn.
Does Cruise sing in this trailer? No! What a rip.
Does Cruise rock Axl's headband in this trailer? He does! And he looks almost as silly in it as Axl did.
Does everyone go around talking about how sexy and awesome Cruise is in the trailer? Of course. That's standard in any Cruise movie at this point. Does the movie make Tom look daring and adored? If the answer is YES, then you've got yourself a green light.
But wait! Is Cruise even the star of this movie? It sure doesn't look to be that way. It looks like your stars are Diego Somebody and the girl from Footloose, who has apparently cornered the market on recycled 80s material.
Is there all sorts of inspirational talk about the magic of music? Will "That stage is a pedestal" work for you? It will? Good.
Is there a dueling medley sequence using "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "We Built This City"? There is, and it's every bit as awful as it sounds. This is where the trailer lost me. I mean... really? That's what you're selling me? Dee Snider versus Starship? And the good guys are the ones singing the Starship song? Does anything about that make sense to you? Every snippet of music you hear in the movie is essentially a "Glee"-ified version of a classic hair band song. It's clear that some studio exec looked at "Glee" two years ago and was like, "Gimme a movie like that!" And then the movie got made just as America began to realize that "Glee" is awful, and now this is what we're stuck with.
Is there any hope? Paul Giamatti plays a scumbag! That might help!
Is Russell Brand in this pile somewhere? You know he is.
What classic bands get ripped off in this movie? Def Leppard, Poison, Foreigner, Journey, REO Speedwagon, and Twisted Sister. And Starship. Because Starship was so rocking, I guess.
Does this trailer work? No. It's a recycled movie made from a recycled musical with a recycled plot using recycled songs. Why would I plunk down $10 to listen to "Sister Christian" when I can listen to it at home? Or used to more dramatic effect in a film like "Boogie Nights"? The only reason to see "Rock of Ages" is for the novelty of hearing Cruise sing, but the trailer can't even promise that. All it can promise is that it's yet another movie designed specifically to make Tom Cruise look good.
Trailer Park: Rock of Ages!
Anyone can tell you if a trailer "looks good" or not. But Drew Magary, who spent over a decade working in advertising, is here to tell you whether or not a trailer WORKS. This week's trailer? "Rock of Ages".


text:
You are using an older, unsupported browser. Please visit this link to contact us.
At Hawthorn Senior Living we care about people and because our residents deserve the best, we are looking for employees who understand caring and compassionate customer service. Working in our retirement communities, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our seniors every day. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and a great work environment.


text:
(written from a Production point of view)
Madlyn Rhue (3 October 1935 – 16 December 2003; age 68), born Madeline Solomon, was a prolific character actress who played Lieutenant Marla McGivers in the Star Trek: The Original Series first season episode "Space Seed". She filmed her scenes between Friday 16 December 1966 and Thursday 22 December 1966 at Desilu Stage 9 and Stage 10.
Rhue made over a hundred appearances on television. Besides her one-time guest spot on Star Trek, she appeared on such programs as Have Gun – Will Travel, The Untouchables, Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible (which, like Star Trek, was produced by Desilu but was on CBS), Kolchak: The Night Stalker (featuring John Fiedler), and Starsky and Hutch (starring David Soul), among many others. She was also a regular on the short-lived soap opera Executive Suite, on which she co-starred with fellow Star Trek alumni Sharon Acker, Richard Cox, Leigh J. McCloskey, Paul Lambert, Percy Rodriguez, Mitch Ryan, and William Smithers.
In a 1960 episode of Bonanza Rhue played the wife of her "Space Seed" co-star, Ricardo Montalban. TOS actor Anthony Caruso also appeared in that episode. After Star Trek, Rhue and Montalban reunited a second time for an episode of Montalban's Fantasy Island.
She also appeared in a number of films, including the 1959 war comedy Operation Petticoat (co-starring Robert Gist), 1961's A Majority of One (with George Takei), the 1963 comedy classic It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, the 1964 western He Rides Tall (with George Murdock), and 1972's Stand Up and Be Counted (with Gary Lockwood and Michael Ansara).
Sadly, Rhue was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977 and was soon confined to using a cane, then crutches, and finally a wheelchair. This is, according to Harve Bennett, what kept McGivers from appearing in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. When Bennett discovered Rhue's condition, he wrote McGivers out of the film, feeling it would be unfair to recast the role. (Set Phasers to Stun: 50 Years of Star Trek; [1])
Despite her disability, Rhue continued to perform on television, albeit in roles that did not require her to stand up or walk. During this period, she appeared in such shows as Quincy, M.E. (with Robert Ito and Garry Walberg), CHiPs (with Michael Dorn), and the aforementioned Fantasy Island. She even accepted regular roles in the soap operas Days of Our Lives and Fame, the latter of which ran from 1982 through 1987 and co-starred Eric Pierpoint, Graham Jarvis, and Dick Miller. When that series wrapped up, she moved on to a series called Houston Knights, which only lasted one season (1987-1988). She went on to have a recurring role on the mystery series Murder, She Wrote, on which she made her final on-screen appearance in 1996, although her health had already forced her to retire three years earlier.
Madlyn Rhue passed away on December 16th, 2003, due to her multiple sclerosis coupled with pneumonia and heart failure. She was 68 years old. Her remains were cremated.


text:
NO matter how you cut it, three days, 329 miles and 7,292 meters of climbing will be tough. In 2011, 2,300 athletes attempted one, two or the full three days. Only 230 finished the entire tour. 2012 saw 1,697 conquer the twisting roads of Wessex and 368 finished the three days.
It would be easy to break it down in to the three days with tales of legs getting more and more fatigued as the long Jubilee weekend went on. However, it was the climb on the third day from Porlock Toll road above Minehead in Exmoor National Park that made the event. The twisting climb was a new edition to the Tour of Wessex and was a raving success.
Tired bedraggled riders limped in through the gantry on Bank Holiday Monday with nothing more to talk about than this magical climb. One rider described it as an out-of-body experience through a mouth full of bacon sandwich. Many fussing that is was a climb like on the Continent. Four and a half miles in distance, the road built in 1840 pulls out of forested canopy to hair-pin on to the exposed coast. Vistas of the sea and rugged coast below took the breath of many more than the gradient of the climb. With a feed station only miles on it provided the fire in the belly to ride the final 55 miles back to Somerton. This change in route left organiser Nick Bourne pleased. The route change gave favourable feedback and will be staying for 2013.
Miles of blooming lanes…
Other notable climbs were the spectacular Cheddar Gorge. The first challenge on day one where many pushed too hard and paid for it later on was only 50 kilometres in. The climb twisted up past the caving and tourist attractions before almost going vertical past rock climbing enthusiasts. You know it's steep when you are grinding past rock climbers on similar plains. The sun beat down and made it a real challenge, showing what the Tour of Wessex was all about – it ain't no cake ride.
The gorge of cheese was nothing in comparison to King Alfred's Tower, which was to follow. Having rode the course many years before I had an epiphany moments before the road snaked up through the farm land. Like lightening the images came back and I knew what was to come. I stuck the brain in to determined and focused on keeping a smooth revolution going. This theory seemed to work as I passed many grinding their cleats down walking on the side of the road and got to the tower at the top. This was no small feat and I wasn't the most lady like as I grunted to get the extra push needed. There were other climbs of the day but these two marred the mind so much that the others were merely blips.
The second day was forecast for the usual rain that tests the three day entrants stickablity. Only 50 per cent of our group donned the rain cape and headed out; the rest relinquished to Sunday newspapers, wellies and cream teas. The rain gods were favourable to the cyclists and held off from the torrential downpours that washed down on the Jubilee flotilla parade in London.
Good weather and beautiful countryside
Being the longest day of the three, it was an appreciated blessing. The route traversed down to the south coast past Sherbourne Castle and the phallic Cerne Abbas Giant. Puddletown was puddleless and lead to the climb for the vista of the sea. Idyllic villages were decorated with Jubilee flags and Queen images. A few had gone as far as having a Jubilee nativity set in the front garden. The view out to the coast signalled halfway and a head wind home – for 68 miles. If you weren't in a group it was a test of your mental strength.
The sun shone through the cloud by mid morning on the third day; not that many noticed. Fatigue and the hardest day of climbing meant the determined few left were just focusing on the next patch of tarmac and nothing more. The chocolate covered flapjack and fig biscuits were certainly consumed in gigantic proportions in order to power up the steep farm roads.
The route headed into and through Exmoor National Park. The winds were weak and the hedgerows protected most. The signs for the finish were not frequent enough as everyone started to do the bum shuffle on their saddles, three days taking toll. Coffee, Rotary cakes and soup were consumed in a haze as the three-day warriors lay on the grass at the finish. Funny how pain and suffering fades so quickly; many bets on next year's times were placed over a few Jubilee drinks that same night. Always held on the last May Bank Holiday weekend, this is a cycling challenge that should be on everyone's bucket list.
Stage Stats
Stage 1: Somerset and Wiltshire
Date: Saturday 2nd June 2012
Distance: 169 km (106 miles)
Ascent: 2,290 m (7,512ft)
Stage 2: Somerset and Dorset
Date: Sunday 3rd June 2012
Distance: 187 km (117 miles)
Ascent: 2,239 m (7,346 ft)
Stage 3: Somerset
Date: Monday 4th June 2012
Distance: 171 km (106 miles)
Ascent: 2,763 m (9,066 ft)
Sportive sound bites
George Karolemeas
3 days – 23h 40m
Lives: London
I'd done big rides before, but never on consecutive days. I wasn't sure what would happen to my legs, but the anticipated fatigue and deterioration didn't appear and, in fact, I felt as strong at the end of the third day as I did on the first.
The highlight has to be on the third day climbing up to and past the Porlock Toll road above Minehead with alpine like bends and great views over the Bristol Channel, but the low came not long after when I stopped a little too long for lunch and had a dark hour of riding during which my legs were useless and a friendly chap let me sit on his back wheel until I recovered.
I'll be back next year, but with more domestiques to drag me round; you know who you are!
Aaron Burby
3 days – 20h 48m
Lives: London
The ride was great with beautiful vistas and a wide range of terrain, which made it really enjoyable. Going through all the small towns and villages was good as was the surprisingly smooth road surface. Not getting really rained on day two as predicted was a bonus. The climbs were challenging, yet the coastal climb through the hair-pins on day three was really cool as we went through tree cover and then looked down to the coast. It was easily the best route ridden in England. The only down side was the pain in my legs after the event and a few narrow lanes to navigate. The three days was topped off as one to remember when I was pulling a group home on the last 26 miles and ran over a red squirrel. It was my club mate that finished him off though.
Eleanor Brewer
3 days – 18h 37m
Lives: London
The scenery was amazing. The whole event was very well organised and the routes well sign posted, much needed after three demanding days.
The most difficult part of the event was the enormity of the three-days, it is a big event, your legs certainly feel it by the end. The most euphoric moment of the entire event was cresting a hill and seeing the sea! I was very relieved to know I had reached half way, both on day two and of the whole event.
Riders enjoying the rolling roads
Web: Tour of Wessex


text:
At 73 years old, Harrison Ford stands to make at least $34 million for reprising the role of Han Solo. Ford was paid $25 million up front, and given a 0.5% share of the movie's earnings, meaning when the film hits $2 billion worldwide (it made over $500 million on its opening weekend), he'll get another $9 million. Meanwhile, Carrie Fisher only got $1.5 million to bring back General Organa.
Even that's a considerable bit more than what the film's two new stars, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, received; they each only got $450,000 (but do receive a share of the profits once it earns $1 billion globally). If you're keeping track, that means Ford is making 56 times what they are, and 17 times what Carrie Fisher got.
Han Solo is a pretty big deal, but that's still pretty ridiculous. I guess it's a little bit of back-pay for the measly $10,000 he received for the original film.


text:
Lady Gaga Angers Thai Official for Use of National Flag During Concert
The Born This Way Ball tour might be delighting tons of little monsters overseas, but there are others who aren't so happy with Lady Gaga's latest stage show. According to WENN, an official at Thailand's Culture Ministry has berated Lady Gaga over her use of Thailand's national flag during a performance in Bangkok last month.
During her song 'Heavy Metal Lover,' Gaga transforms into the motocycle that appears on the cover of 'Born This Way.' Whilst performing the Top Gaga Song at the Born This Way Ball stop in Bangkok, Mother Monster tied Thailand's flag to the back of the human motorbike and rode around the stage. And in usual Gaga form, she was wearing next-to-nothing as the flag waved behind her.
Speaking to the Associated Press, the official at Thailand's Culture Ministry said that Gaga's use of the nation's flag was "not appropriate and hurt the feelings of the Thai people." You can see a video of her waving the Thai flag during 'Heavy Metal Lover' below.
While we aren't shocked by Gaga's behavior one bit, we'd advise her to check out the cultural no-no's of a country before doing anything drastic or that could be seen as offensive.
Gaga's Born This Way Ball has come under lots of fire during the Asian leg of the tour. This news follows the cancellation of her gig in Indonesia and her upsetting the people of Thailand by tweeting about purchasing an illegal watch in the streets of the country.
Watch Lady Gaga Perform 'Heavy Metal Lover' in Bangkok With Thailand's Flag


text:
Chinese Pro-Life Activist Calls for Reform, International Attention
Chen Guangcheng calls China's one-child policy 'a sin, because life is sacred.'
NEW YORK — The deteriorating human rights situation in China should inspire action on the part of the Chinese government and people, as well as the international community, said pro-life advocate Chen Guangcheng.
"Unfortunately, the human rights situation in China is in fact getting worse," the blind activist warned.
"This has to garner more attention from the world," he said. "And the United States, in particular, as a beacon of freedom, needs to play a leading role."
In a video recorded several days before World Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, Chen detailed the human rights abuses that are still regularly occurring in his home country.
"The violence in maintaining China's 'one-child policy' still extensively exists," he said, speaking in Chinese. "It is a sin, because life is sacred."
Chen — a self-taught human rights lawyer — made international headlines in April when he escaped from house arrest and was taken in by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.
He has been blind since his youth, and spent years in prison after angering Chinese government officials by exposing brutal practices such as forced abortions and sterilizations tied to the nation's one-child policy.
Chen said that he and his family had been beaten and refused medical attention during that time. He agreed to leave the U.S. Embassy only after the Chinese government promised that he would be safe and treated humanely.
However, shortly after being transported to a Beijing hospital on May 2, the pro-life activist voiced concerns that China was not keeping its promises.
After several days of heightened international attention, Chen and his immediate family were allowed to travel to the United States, where he was offered a fellowship to study law and learn English at New York University's law school.
Latest Video
In his latest video, Chen thanked everyone who has helped him, while also calling for increased efforts to bring real change to China.
"Today, I am standing here because I am in a free world," he said. "Yet my family in China, as well as tens of thousands of my fellow countrymen, are still in an authoritarian regime. They are not free."
"Citizens of the world, let your voice be heard in support of justice," he said, calling on nations to "shift their focus from trade to human rights."
Chen reported that the Chinese government has "enacted revenge" on his family members and friends remaining in the country.
He pointed to his nephew, Chen Kegui, who was recently sentenced to three months in jail, as well as others who have been harassed, illegally detained or have disappeared.
"The Communist Party officials at every level continue to act against the state law and humanity," he said, adding that "no one is safe."
Chen spoke directly to the Communist leader of China, saying, "Mr. Xi Jinping, the whole nation is watching you." He warned Xi that his decision on whether to reform the government or simply protect the interests of the party will determine if China transforms peacefully or violently.
"Do not send out the wrong signals to party officials that they can continue acting without any restraint," he said, urging an end to the government's abuse of power and the release of prisoners of conscience.
Chen also spoke to the people of his countrymen, telling them that they can and should "join together to work for our own rights."
"God helps them who help themselves," he emphasized, calling the people of China to stand up for "a fair and just social system."
'Unjust Policy'
Advocates of life and liberty in China called on world leaders to heed Chen's message. Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid, said the ongoing human rights abuses should put the international community "on alert that it is time to set a new course for human rights and trade with China."
Reggie Littlejohn, president of Women's Rights without Frontiers, said that the one-child policy causes "deep social unrest" in society and "is perhaps the most hated of all the official policies in China."
"No policy this unjust can last forever," Littlejohn said. "The leaders of the United States should join Chen in calling for a peaceful transition away from policies that are oppressing and terrorizing the people of China, who are one fifth of the population of the earth."


text:
Artist Ting Cheng lends a new meaning to the term "Moon Walk." In her photo series, she takes her very own miniature moon out on the town. I just hope that thing is housebroken. No one wants to clean regolith out of the carpet.
Moon Walk [Ting Cheng via Neatorama]
G/O Media may get a commission


text:
Sold Out
or make 4 interest-free payments of
$39.75 AUD fortnightly with
More info
or make 4 interest-free payments of $39.75 AUD fortnightly with More info
Crystal with Green Lens
Designed in Bondi Beach and named after the iconic beach-front boulevard, Campbell Parade, the Campbell is a classic unisex D frame shape. The frame features a signature keyhole nose bridge and 5 joint rivet hinges. The frame is hand polished and hand assembled and features a gloss acetate finish.
Each pair comes with free carry case, microfiber cloth and maintenance and cleaning kit.
At the heart of Pacifico Optical is our pride and commitment to producing eyewear of the finest quality.
•ACETATE: The frames are hand crafted from cellulose acetate sourced from Italian supplier Mazzucchelli.
•HINGES: The frames are held together by Italian engineered 5-joint nickel silver rivet hinges from manufacturer Visottica to ensure quality and precision - built to withstand the knocks and bumps of a true adventure.
•LENSES: Sourced from Carl Zeiss Vision, the lenses are made from Polyamide – a plastic polymer which is shatterproof and light weight. The lenses are class 3, provide UV6 400 protection and are suitable for driving, meeting international standards including Australian AS/NZS 1067.1:2016, American ANSI Z80.3-2010 and European EN1836:2005.
•COATINGS: The interior of each lens is coated with a multilayer anti-reflective coating to reduce glare, whilst the exterior is hard-coated to prevent scratching.
•HORIZON LINKS: Our signature horizon links at the tips of the temple arms will connect to our glasses cords as a convenient retainer and to prevent losing the frames from your head, overboard or overland!
•The size 49 frame is a small to medium fit.
•The total frame width is 141mm.
•Please take advantage of free shipping and free returns to try on the frames at home. Free returns currently only in Australia.
•If you are not 100% satisfied, use our easy Reply Paid service in Australia to return them free of charge for a full refund!
Please see our shipping information page for more information.


text:
Hung Kei Shiu (b. 1962) is known for his tiny marks that are often a small hatched line segment, miniscule circle, or a short block of color. His unassuming marks accumulate, alter size subtly, and are assembled into stunning abstractions and transformations of specific objects. With his natural ability to layer paint, Shiu patiently builds fields of delicate color around and within his marks until the finished artwork echoes with a deep sense of space.
Originally one of the first artists at Creativity Explored, Hung Kei Shiu pursued other activities for a number of years, and then re-joined the studio in 2006. Shiu's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally (See below) and has been used by CB2 for both a rug and a pillow.
See more of Shiu's work on Artsy.
on paper
Half of the proceeds from each art sale go directly to the studio artist.
Price includes domestic shipping.


text:
Click the button below to add the Harbinger 27 - Lidda, Halfling Rogue to your wish list.
Lidda, Halfling Rogue Dungeons & Dragons miniature from Harbinger set.
We promise to never spam you, and just use your email address to identify you as a valid customer.
This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!
All prices are in USD. © 2020 Beholder The Bargains | Sitemap
Powered by BigCommerce


text:
From mechanisms at the gut level and the micro flora to the spinal cord and brain our understanding to the functional disorders has grown tremendously over the past 5 years. In these videos Emeran Mayer, MD and Lin Chang, MD, both from UCLA, and Brooks Cash, MD from Bethesda, Maryland explain some of these advances.
On one end new techniques allow us to probe the living human brain to understand its structure, activity, and receptor systems. On the other end we are just beginning to view the universe of our gut micro flora and the cross-talk taking place between it and the brain.
Growing understanding of the ways in which many systems within the body interact has implications for various disorders such as pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, gastroparesis, and others. Like a jigsaw puzzle, many pieces are beginning to emerge.
But at the same time, resources that have been funding new and established research is drying up. We need to help ourselves. Every bit helps – donate now to IFFGD.
Research Advances: Understanding Functional Disorders
Emeran Mayer, MD, Director of the Center for Neurovisceral Sciences & Women's Health at UCLA talks about recent advances in our understanding of functional disorders.
Research Advances: Understanding in Treatment Approaches
CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor) is a peptide that interacts with many areas in the brain and the gut including those involved with digestive function, emotions, and autonomic nervous system activity. Dr. Mayer talks about our emerging understanding of CRF, which may have important applications for future treatments.
- Lin Chang, MD talks about their importance. Dr. Chang is Co-Director of the Center of Neurovisceral Sciences & Women's Health at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.
Clinical Advances: Diagnosis and Treatment
Advances in research ultimately lead to advances in clinical interactions. Brooks Cash, MD, USN, is Chief, Gastroenterology Division and Colon Health Initiative; and Associate Professor of Medicine, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Dr. Cash speaks about improvements in diagnosing functional GI disorders. He also talks about challenges to finding better treatments and looks ahead to newer therapies that are being developed.
There is hope in research
Find out more about IFFGD efforts to support research.


text:
Live fully and don't get caught up in the rat race, speaker Dianne Portfleet encouraged the graduating Class of 2007 during Hope College's Commencement on Sunday, May 6.
Live fully and don't get caught up in the rat race, speaker Dianne Portfleet encouraged the graduating Class of 2007 during Hope College's Commencement on Sunday, May 6.
"The father of an author I enjoy reading once wrote her a postcard. And there was only one short line on the postcard. And on it he said, 'Never forget, even if you win at the rat race of life, you are still a rat,'" said Portfleet, an adjunct associate professor of English in her address "The Battle to Become Human."
"And my advice to each of you today - and anybody who has had me in class will know what I'm going to say--is 'get a life," she said. "Get a real life, not the artificial life, the rat race life, but get a real life."
Nearly 720 graduating seniors participated in the college's 142nd Commencement exercises, held at Holland Municipal Stadium. The class consisted of students from throughout the United States as well as Albania, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Kenya, Nepal, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland.
Portfleet called on the graduates to reject focusing on the trappings of success and instead to live on a deeper level. "You are the only person who has sole custody of your life, your unique personality; and only you can fight your individual battle to live a real life, to become the most human you can be, to live the joyful, abundant life that Christ has offered to each of us."
It's the kind of language the graduates won't be likely to find in common usage, she said.
"People in our culture don't talk about the soul very much. It's so much easier to study, to work at our careers, or to stay busy than it is to craft a human soul," she said. "But the best career in the world, the highest paying job, the biggest house are cold comforts on days in your life's journey when everything seems dark and dreary, or when you are depressed, or when you're lonely, or when you've gotten back the medical test results, and they're not good, or when you've gotten that phone call that someone you love dearly has just died."
Portfleet shared perspective she gained through health struggles of her own. "When I was diagnosed with cancer, something really happened to me 11 years ago - a deep sense of how fragile life is entered my consciousness, and a few years later when my husband of 40 years was diagnosed also with cancer, this sense of the fragility of life surfaced again," she said.
Accordingly, as one route to authentic living she urged the graduates to cherish the time they have and the people with whom they share it.
"It is so easy to exist instead of to live," she said. "I hope that I learned to live many years ago and am still learning each day. And I urge you to treasure your friends, your family, the breath of air you inhale every moment, treasure this moment."
In the same way, Portfleet said, each day should be approached with a sense of wonder.
"Each time you look at your diploma, I want you to stop and remember that you are still a student and always will be a student - still learning how to love God, to love others, to live fully," she said. "Always maintain a childlike amazement at and openness to life."
"I want you to go out from graduation this day and face life deliberately," Portfleet said. "Find the true life and embrace it. Don't come to die and suddenly realize you have never truly lived."
Earlier in the day the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, delivered the Baccalaureate sermon, titled "Hope Does Not Disappoint Us." Kobia was also participating in the day's activities as a parent - his son Mutua was a member of the graduating class.
He based his text on Zechariah 9:12, "Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double," and Romans 5:5, "...and hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."
Such hope, Kobia said, contrasts with the fear that both leads to despair concerning the challenges facing the world and provokes destruction itself.
"Why is there such wide-spread malaise about the future? It may be intensified by particular issues and events - like the tragic shootings on the campus of Virginia Tech last month, like the proliferation of poverty, like climate change, like HIV and AIDS, or unrelenting conflict in such places as Darfur in Sudan, Zimbabwe, northern Uganda, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. "But at its base, the pessimistic view of many people grows out of a loss of faith, of belief in the possibility of positive outcomes in this world or indeed in the next."
Hope in God, Kobia said, offers with it the occasion to look beyond the challenges and issues of the day with optimism.
"Hope, like faith and love, is the human response to the gift of divine grace, to intimations that tragedy and severe affliction need not deter nor dishearten us as we move into our common future, to spiritually discerned evidence that human relationships, and the world itself, may be transformed for the better," he said. "Hope consists of a positive attitude toward the future - the immediate future, the long future, our ultimate future."
Equipped themselves with that hope and with lessons of their years in the community of Hope, he called on the graduates to act as agents of change in the world beyond campus.
"My hope is that you will each take that experience of growth and fellowship, that pattern of Hope, you will take it with you in coming days as you make your transition into other and new contexts," he said. "Class of 2007: take the best of Hope with you, and build an even broader community of hope wherever life may lead you."


text:
Convertibles sell better in Britain than in much of the Mediterranean. That might make it sound like the inhabitants of this damp island are stupid. A kinder explanation is that they just enjoy the sunshine when it comes – an impression that will have struck anyone who's attended a pop festival in the UK with the force of a stage diver. The tales of the rains that swallowed tents at Glastonbury in 2005 and turned 2008's Bestival into a treacherous mudbath rapidly acquired legendary proportions. When the sun shines and the right band are onstage, people tell fewer stories, but the smiles are as broad as they come. And Green Man, which has had its share of blissful warmth and endless drizzle, is the pick of the festive crop.
Sat between Abergavenny and the Brecon Beacons, its estate location feels classically picturesque, but hills including the iconic Sugar Loaf rear around the site, giving that touch of the wilderness. Its capacity (10,000 at last count) is big enough to bestow a sense of occasion but small enough to mean you might manage to find your tent and friends, which will prove a relief to anyone who's spent hours trekking Glastonbury's acres. There's no big branding here, and the staff spend more time helping you out than telling you what you can't do – even the toilets are decidedly bearable. Green Man also manages the neat trick of being family- and hedonist-friendly – the DJ tent booms through the witching hours, but kids will enjoy the stalls, gardens and children's parades.
Indeed, while many festivals that try to be all things to all people end up tying themselves in knots, Green Man pulls out some crackers. There aren't many stadium headliners here, but the intriguing assortment of folk veterans, psychedelic hipsters and bluesy rockers have been picked by organisers who care deeply about their music. They've seen Animal Collective get the crowd frugging to swelling math-rock, Richard Thompson play nimble songs of love and loss, Bon Iver bring his Vermont laments to a sunny Saturday and Spiritualized rock out in the downpour. Worth the risk of rain? You bet.
Green Man takes place every year, generally in late August. See www.greenman.net for more details.
For hundreds more ultimate travel experiences, get Rough Guides' Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth
Top image: Aerial view of the summit of the Sugar Loaf mountain © Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock


text:
PLEASE NOTE: PaTTAN has implemented a single-sign-on system for both the new website and our online registration system for events. If you already have a user name and password to register for trainings, use those same credentials here to login.
The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through
main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through
sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the
site rather than go through menu items.
Thursday November 01, 2018Friday November 30, 2018
This online course is made up of 9 modules. Each module contains a videotaped presentation which may be viewed in either captioned or uncaptioned format. Accompanying each segment are both Learning Activities and Study Questions. Any participant wishing to complete the course for credit must complete and submit written answers to all study questions.
Participants will be able to:
Target Audience
Early Intervention Service Coordinators, early childhood teachers and providers, and parents
Mary E. Koch, M.A.,
Linda Rhine
Anne Gaspich
Registration is available until the 25th of the month prior to each offering. Registration for each offering is only available in the month immediately proceeding the start date.


text:
Get it girl! A black woman for Louis Vuitton....YEAH!!!! Love the colors of the campaign
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Miss Campbell for LV
Posted by Doe Cheese at 9:09 PM 0 comments
Labels: naomi campbell
Coke Whore! Mischa joins the Club!
Welcome to the club of the elite. Mishca gets a DUI. Sound familar...........La Lohan, Nicole and Paris! It's a Hollywood thang ya'll!
Posted by Doe Cheese at 8:57 PM 0 comments
Labels: cokeWhores
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Update your password regularly to keep your account safe.
Elite Status Progress
Lifetime Diamond
With Lifetime Diamond, there is no expiration and no re-qualifying for your status - ever again!
Skip brand navigation
skip form
Where do you want to go?
City, Airport, Address, Attraction, Hotel
No search results found.
results were found. Press up and down key to select.
Use flexible dates
Promotion/Offer Code:
Group Code:
Corporate Account:
Use Points
Travel Agent
AAA Rate *
AARP Rate *
Senior Rate *
Government / Military Rates *
* ID required at check-in
Skip secondary navigation
Find where we are located
Book the Texas-Sized Savings package and enjoy a daily hotel credit up to $25 and exclusive offers at top local attractions.
Through our destination guides, discover Houston and all the unique experiences that await you there.
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center via two indoor skywalks. Our AAA Four-diamond hotel is just steps away from a range of attractions such as Discovery Green Park, Toyota Center, BBVA Compass Stadium and Minute Maid Park. Looking for fun for the whole family? GreenStreet premier dining and entertainment center is also close by.
Upgrade to a suite and enjoy a separate living area. Our Executive Rooms feature key access to the exclusive R24 Executive Rooftop Lounge serving complimentary beverages and both savory and sweet snacks. We now feature PURE® Wellness accommodations, which are nearly 99.9% allergen-free, an experience that enhances your well-being so you can sleep better and be at your best.
Our hotel is located in Houston's bustling downtown area just steps from Toyota Center, Discovery Green Park, Minute Maid Park and BBVA Compass Stadium. Looking for Houston attractions? The Bayou Place entertainment district includes the Bayou Music Center, Alley Theater, Jones Hall and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
Stay connected to all of the events going on in Houston from newly announced concerts to the biggest sports games of the season. Stay informed on all that's going on downtown.
Houston Events
Looking for a little more? Enjoy higher floors, great views and access to the R24 Executive Rooftop Lounge. Our lounge offers continental breakfast, beverages and chilled and hot snacks in the evenings.
View Executive Rooms
The Skyline Spa and Health Club offers a range of treatments, including massages, body wraps, skin and nail care.
Learn More
The Skyline Spa & Health Club is located on the 23rd floor of the hotel and as well as relaxing beauty treatments and fitness equipment, offers stunning views of the city. Our infinity lap pool is perfect for a relaxing swim, or you can take a dip in the whirlpool.
Hilton Americas-Houston has a range of dining options. 1600 Bar + Grille features delicious locally sourced, seasonal fresh produce, certified Angus Beef and Gulf seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lobby Lounge is the perfect setting for meeting friends or business associates, offering cocktails, beers, and an extensive wine list.
Hosting a corporate meeting or event? Our Houston hotel features 1,207 guest rooms and 90,397 sq. ft. of meeting space. The Hilton Americas-Houston is also connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center by sky bridges on two levels and is only half an hour from Houston Intercontinental Airport.


text: First-world problems don't get much bigger than having to pick out a chair in which you can sit comfortably all day while you're using your computer. But such is our existence, filled with fancy seating devices, often costing thousands of dollars. Believe it or not, finding the right one isn't easy, often because fit is so subjective. What may be a perfectly comfortable chair for one user may be a back-killer for another. I'm a particularly difficult case -- 6'4" and 175 pounds -- meaning smallish chairs can be too shallow for my legs, while large ones are too wide for my torso. The answer to that dilemma is adjustability, and the perfect chair should, in theory, be tweakable enough for anyone to use. Ergonomists will tell you this is a relatively simple five-step process. Adjust the seat height: Sitting upright in the chair, your feet should be flat on the floor, with your thighs at a 90 degree angle to your calves. Adjust the seat depth: You should be able to fit 2 or 3 fingers between the back of your legs and the front edge of the seat. Adjust the back rest: Lumbar support should flow naturally with the curvature of the back. Adjust armrests (you'll probably tweak these the most during your work day): They should never be higher than the position of your elbows when your arms are bent and at rest. If available, adjust the head rest: It should cradle the base of your head naturally. Other adjustments primarily involve fine-tuning the above. Once you set up your chair, the work isn't done. Ergonomic pros will tell you that you should keep moving throughout the day, so having a chair that can easily adjust to a variety of positions is key. (Steelcase says it identified nine modern working positions and built its latest chair to account for them, including "the smart lean" and "the strunch.") A gentle recline while typing is now generally recommended. To that end, I tranced, cocooned, and strunched my way through the following six task chairs, using each in a typical desk environment for at least a full workday, often longer. Here's how these seats shake out.Steelcase Gesture As noted previously, Steelcase designed this chair with an eye toward modern seating styles -- and with that, it reinvented a lot about the way task seating works. Notably, all of the controls are located on the right side of the seat -- two dials and several levers connected to them. Figuring out what does what isn't tough, but it does take a bit of retraining if you're used to the typical control map that most other chairs have standardized upon. The Gesture is a small, sturdy, stout, and heavy chair -- all hallmarks of the Steelcase brand. Certain aspects of the design are real standouts, most notably the swiveling arms that get really close and tight on the body, but also swing out wide when you want them away from you. Unfortunately, great arms do not a perfect chair make, and the Gesture was ultimately my least favorite chair to sit in for long periods of time. First, the seat gets uncomfortably hot -- a problem I didn't experience on other chairs -- though that could be partly caused by the fabric Steelcase selected for this review model. While the arms are great, I had a bigger issue with the armrests. The hard material and their overall design caused my wrists to constantly slip off to the outside of the chair, a problem that gets worse the closer you swivel the arms in to your body. The Gesture is not at all a bad chair, and its pricing ($979 as tested) is on target, but I just didn't find it as comfortable as I'd hoped, no matter how hard I strunched. WIRED Sturdy and tough, definitely a good choice for more brutal environments. Swiveling arm design is best-in-class. TIRED Angular design aesthetic is homely. No adjustable lumbar support, and after a day you notice its absence. Rating: 5 out of 10Herman Miller Embody The high, narrow back and visible "skeleton" of the Embody immediately make it look unlike the other chairs in this roundup, but appearances are deceiving: The overall size of this chair is actually about the same as most. And, despite the strange looks, it's surprisingly comfortable. Controls are minimal, and at first, a bit strange. But they're easy enough to figure out. Consider the seat height adjustment: Rather than a paddle you lift, there's a large bulb with a small nozzle-like appendage sticking out from it. It looks like something you'd blow into to inflate, but simply pulling the nozzle up causes the seat to rise or fall. Adjusting the seat depth requires an even stranger process. Just reach down with both hands to the visible handles on the sides of the seat and pull. You can actually see the seat fabric rolling out over the edge of the seat as it expands in size. Arms move both up and down and can be pushed in and out to the proper width. This lets you get cozy in the Embody, or choose to keep the arms well out of the way. The Embody also features adjustable lumbar support and tilt limiting controls, but its best feature is how intuitive and natural all of this is. It's also quite comfortable: Like a firm mattress, the Embody offers support and keeps you feeling good for the long haul, whether you're sitting upright or kicking back. Starts at $1,199, same as tested. WIRED Comfortable and supportive, and more compact than it looks. Easy-access, intuitive controls. A great choice if you like Herman Miller's approach but want a firmer seating solution than its other chairs. TIRED Hard seat in comparison to the Mirra. Arm width adjustment can be difficult, usually requiring using both hands on each side. Sides of armrests can uncomfortably dig into your ribs if you sit askew. Rating: 8 out of 10Herman Miller Mirra 2 One of the most iconic task chairs ever made, Herman Miller's impossibly successful Aeron chair needs no introduction. The Mirra, released in the late 1990s, was a lower-cost follow-up to the Aeron and features a very similar -- but more casual -- appearance. Now that design has been refreshed, in the form of the revamped Mirra 2. (Shipping this summer starting at $879, I tested a final prototype of the chair. This is the first published review.) Those familiar with either the Mirra or the Aeron should find this chair familiar and navigable. If you aren't a former Mirra user, you'll need to study up. There are ten different adjustment systems and there can be a learning curve on mastering a few of them. Once adjusted, the Mirra 2 offers a good balance of comfort and support. The mesh material that comprises the seat and back is more supportive than it looks -- if you've sat in an Aeron, you know what I mean -- and the small size makes it very lightweight, quite maneuverable, and relatively unobtrusive. That said, it does lack some of the features of more full-featured (and expensive) chairs, including a half-assed seat depth adjustment system that involves merely bending down the front lip of the seat to make it smaller. Overall, short of a trip to IKEA, this is one of the most affordable ways to get a refined and workable task chair. The fact that it's comfortable enough for the long haul makes it all the more worthwhile. WIRED Easy to service; disassembles with no tools. 25 percent smaller carbon footprint than original Mirra. Price is hard to beat. TIRED Tall users may experience fit issues. Seat depth adjustment and lumbar height adjustment are insufficient. Arm height adjustment is awkward. Rating: 8 out of 10Knoll Generation With its expansive, open-mesh back, the Knoll Generation looks like it would be more at home on a soccer pitch than in the boardroom. And sure enough, it's got the loosest fit of any of the chairs in this roundup. This is a big, squishy chair, and smaller sitters will be gobbled up by it. The arms don't swivel in nearly enough for me, and the seat feels like I could fit two people on it. At least it's simple. Arms aside, there are only three controls to deal with, the most notable absence being the lack of any recline controls. In lieu of complicated dials and switches, Knoll imbues the Generation with "dynamic suspension control," which is supposed to make reclining "smooth and effortless." Leaning back is indeed smooth, but it also feels a bit like you're sitting in a hammock when you do so (even on the most rigid setting). Go back far enough and you'll feel like you're about to tip over. With no significant lumbar support, this is a chair that's more fanciful than serious. Look elsewhere if you need something for intensive work. Starts at $711; $984 as tested. WIRED Lightweight, easy to maneuver. Big seat gives you lots of options on how to sit. Perfect for the sideways worker or stop-and-chats. TIRED Considerably lacking in support for extended work, particularly for the back. Feels (and looks) a little cheap. Rating: 4 out of 10Humanscale Freedom Headrest An imposing seating system, the Humanscale Freedom Headrest makes a statement whether you're sitting in it or not. Starting at $1,200 (my review unit costs $2,060), the chair is clearly designed and priced for the executive suite. The Freedom minimizes manual controls (there are only six), presumably under the expectation that the busy CEO sitting in it just won't have the time or patience to muck about with a bunch of knobs and levers. What's there is relatively intuitive -- though the seat depth lever is so small and recessed, you might easily miss it. This is the only chair in the roundup to include a headrest (just yank it up and down to adjust), and it really changes the way you use the chair. Want to kick back and watch a video or play a game? The Freedom lets you relax -- with support -- in a way that none of these other chairs can. Are the extra controls missed? The main absence is the ability to limit or otherwise control its recline. With the Freedom, any time you push back, the recline is there, with nothing to stop it. Humanscale says this is intentional: It wants to encourage you to recline throughout the day. Can't argue with that. WIRED Synchronous armrests move in tandem, eliminating lopsided elbow issues. Grandeur to spare. Fits in with the leather-and-wood set. TIRED Armrests don't fit perfectly for me -- neither high enough nor close enough to the body. Very firm seat, almost hard. Stretched-tight leather can be slippery. Rating: 7 out of 10Haworth Zody Executive Judging purely on looks, the Haworth Zody Executive is arguably the most attractive chair in this group, thanks in part to the fancy leather covers the company applied to the seat and back on my review model. However, the leather upgrades also elevate this chair to the most expensive model we tested. Even the base price of $1,599 is nearly double that of the Mirra 2, and my tester was spec'd up to $2,414. For your investment, you get a very capable and comfortable chair that offers ample adjustability. While compact, it's surprisingly spacious and allows for plenty of motion throughout the day -- although as I experienced with several of these chairs, I had trouble getting the seat pan set back deep enough for comfort. One of the most unique aspects of the chair is its asymmetric lumbar support feature. While the strength of this support isn't as noticeable as it is with many other chairs, it does let you increase or decrease support on the right and left side of your back independently -- potentially useful if you're sitting cross-legged, or if your newly-emptied wallet causes you to sit lopsided. Don't be misled by this chair's small size (and heavy frame). This is a an attractive and worthwhile seating option that will work well in any upscale environment. WIRED Exceptional good looks without being ostentatious. Accommodates a wide variety of body sizes in a compact package. Tilt tension hand-crank is gloriously old school. TIRED Several controls can be difficult to manipulate. Seat depth adjustment is quite tricky. Armrests tend to swish around, moving back and forth with too little effort if you lean against them. Expensive… and Haworth calls this a "mid-priced" chair! Rating: 7 out of 10All photos: Ariel Zambelich/Wired


text:
Due to current health and safety measures, all wineries are accepting visitors by appointment only
Swanson Vineyards is a family-owned winery established in 1985, and produces 25,000 cases annually. Production is focused on three wines: Pinot Grigio, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon.
Swanson is also known for producing smaller quantities of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Rosato, Zinfandel and a selection of Sweet Wines.
Plan a trip to Swanson Vineyards on our interactive winery map:
An intimate, intensely decorated room with coal-colored walls adorned by seventeen coloful paintings by noted Bay Area figurative artist, Ira Yeager. "Every tasting is like a little cocktail pary held in each guest's honor." Catering to the traveler looking for the less attainable.Music in Tasting Room: On most weekends during the summer you'll find the handsome Michel Michelis serenading you in our courtyard as you enjoy your tasting. He plays a traditional barrel organ while he sings French classics.
Wine clubs are a great way to stay connected to your favorite wineries.
To join the wine club, visit www.swansonvineyards.com or call 707-754-4018.
Swanson Vineyards' Wine Club offers ways to obtain Swanson wines, including winery-only wines, a 20% bottle discount, complimentary Salon tastings for you & a guest plus invitations to special winery events and parties.
The offer listed below is valid for all Napa Valley residents age 21 and over.
10% discount to local residents on purchases of core wines.
The Napa Green program is supported by a wide variety of groups including the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, and the University of California. The Napa Valley Vintners, along with Fish Friendly Farming, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, the Napa County Farm Bureau and others developed the Napa Green program. Learn more about the program at napagreen.org.
Swanson Vineyards is certified under the Napa Green Winery Program by the Napa County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Association of Bay Area Government's (ABAG) Green Business Program and completed all the regulatory components needed for environmental sustainability. These components included developing water and energy conservation methods, preventing pollution, and reducing solid waste. In addition to developing sustainable winery practices, this program is set to become the standard for the state of California.
Swanson Vineyards is certified under the Napa Green Certified Land Program. Swanson Vineyards has created and implemented a customized farm plan with measured results that addressed all aspects of its property, vineyard land as well as non-farmed land, including practicing soil conservation, water conservation, stable drainage, riparian corridor enhancement, fisheries and wildlife habitat enhancement and long-term improvement and sustainability.
Certification - certification is granted by the Napa County Agricultural Commissioners Office of Pesticide Regulation, the Regional Water Quality Control board, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Once a year the rarest new Napa Valley wines become available under one roof at Premiere Napa Valley. Wineries throughout the Napa Valley are given one task to participate: create a one-of-a-kind wine for this event to be purchased by one lucky bidder. This event is only open to select members of the wine trade and the successful bidder is the sole owner of this unique wine.
Swanson Vineyards
Cases: 5
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2017
Release Date: January - 2020
Appellation: Napa Valley
To purchase this wine or check on availability contact:
Orlando FL


text:
Flycaptain Winter Escape Cancun
Flycaptain Winter Escape Cancun, Flyboard ® picture Zapata-Racing 1178. by: DAMONER, DAMONE RIPPY, Flyboard ®, Rider(s): DAMONE RIPPY Tricks: Spot: Flyboard Mexico Date: 2015-02-19 16:22:24. Flycaptain has settled for 2 weeks in Cancun, Mexico, with pro Flyboard Riders Jake Orel and Damone Rippy. Long periods of training in often ideal conditions for the Flyboard and some Hoverboard by ZR. A great oportunity to meet the Flyboard Mexico team and Flygirls. Many videos and pictures of this trip have been used to supply the various parts of the site.
Achieve your ultimate dreams of flight in one extreme experience! Discover the FLYPARK® a unique place to enjoy hydrosports such as the Flyboard®, Hoverboard®, JetPacks, JetBoards during your visit on the French Riviera with professional and official Instructors and the world best riders. Swim, dive like a dolphin and fly like a super hero! Click here. Check out the Black Organic Round Neck T-shirt SOLID + iPhone case or FLYPAD - Floating Platform for Yachts Watersports rentals Hydrosport


text:
Note : Your request will be directed to Crystek Corporation.
The CVCO55BE-0325-0775 from Crystek Corporation is a Voltage Controlled Oscillator with Frequency 325 to 775 MHz, Power 10 mW, Tuning Sensitivity 45 MHz/V, Tuning Voltage 0 to 12 V, Pulling DC to 5 MHz. Tags: Surface Mount. More details for CVCO55BE-0325-0775 can be seen below.
4000 MHz Voltage Controlled Resonator Oscillator
2400 MHz Surface-Mount Voltage Controlled Oscillator
Low Phase Noise VCO from 2400 to 2485 MHz
Voltage Controlled Oscillator from 10 to 20 GHz
You can now find similar products from multiple companies on everything RF.
Let us know what you need, we can help find products that meet your requirement.
Copyright 2015 © everything RF All Rights Reseverd  |
Stay updated with the RF & Microwave Industry.
By signing up for our newsletter you agree to our Terms of Service and acknowledge receipt of our Privacy Policy.
By creating an account with us you agree to our Terms of Service and acknowledge receipt of our Privacy Policy.
Content submitted here will be sent to our editorial team who will review and consider it for publication on the website. you will be emailed if this content is published on everything RF.
Note: File Size should be less than 5MB.


text:
Explainer: Most memorable companies no longer with us
Remember E.F. Hutton? General Foods? TWA? They were once household names, but not anymore. Take a walk down memory lane as we reminisce about some companies that made a big name for themselves, but didn't stand the test of time.
Here are our picks for the 15 most memorable companies that no longer exist.
Once upon a time, there was a computer brand called Compaq. It was one of the largest sellers of PCs in the entire world in the 1980s and 1990s. Then 2002 comes and Hewlett-Packard Corp. merges with the company. The end. Well, sounds like a short-lived story, and in actuality, it was. Compaq existed for only 20 years (1982-2002) before being gobbled up by then-CEO Carly Fiorina of HP to make HP's market share as large as possible.
E.F. Hutton
"When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen," claimed the well-known slogan from the respected broker's ubiquitous ads in the 1970s and 1980s. Well, it seems the stock market crash of 1987, bad press from money laundering and fraud scandals along with the firm's deep debt had people stopped listening. In 1987, Hutton agreed to be acquired by Shearson Lehman Brothers. Several mergers later what remains of the once proud firm is now part of Citigroup Inc.
More from Walletpop.com: 12 famous companies' surprising beginnings
PaineWebber was never the biggest brokerage on Wall Street, but it was part of the solid middle. It was founded in 1880 by William Alfred Paine and Wallace G. Webber. It survived a securities fraud scandal in the late 1930s, and by 1980 it had 161 branch offices in 42 states and six offices in Asia and Europe. In 2000, it merged with UBS AG, to become UBS PaineWebber, but in 2003, "PaineWebber" was dropped and replaced with UBS Wealth Management USA.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Merry-Go-Round was the darling of Wall Street and the suburbs where teens sold $70 rayon shirts for minimum wage plus commission. Its 536 stores comprised Merry-Go-Round, Dejaiz, Cignal and Chess King. Sadly, the mid-'90s teen did not want to wear v-neck sweater vests, mesh, or paisley rayon blouses. The business was so overtly trendy it tipped over the edge. Merry-Go-Round filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1994, but couldn't stay afloat and liquidated all its assets in 1996.
MCI WorldCom
Starting as Long Distance Discount Services in 1983, it changed its name to WorldCom in 1995. A series of mega-mergers transformed the company. It was rechristened MCI WorldCom in 1998. Then the telecom industry started a prolonged downturn. Management resorted to accounting tricks to try to keep the stock afloat. By 2002, an elaborate accounting fraud was revealed. In bankruptcy, it changed its name back to MCI. In 2006 Verizon purchased MCI, and most of its operations became what is now called Verizon Business.
Eastern Airlines
Eastern began as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in the mid-1920s, but through acquisition and expansion came to dominate much of the domestic travel industry along the profitable East Coast corridor by the 1950s. The airline thrived into the 1970s, when it was one of the "big four" major U.S. airlines. However, the carrier struggled after the Air Transportation Deregulation Act of 1978. Deteriorating labor relations forced it into bankruptcy in 1989, at the time the largest airline bankruptcy in U.S. history. It ceased operations in 1991.
Has there ever been a company that had such a spectacular rise and fall as this Houston-based energy company? Enron had 22,000 employees and claimed revenues of $111 billion in 2000 before its massive accounting fraud came to light. It is now the symbol of corporate fraud and corruption and its 2001 bankruptcy is the largest in U.S. history.
Founded in 1879, Woolworth's became the model for five-and-dimes throughout the U.S. As the era of the enclosed shopping mall arose, Woolworth's responded by acquisition and expansion, buying such specialty shops as Kinney Shoes, Champs Sports and Foot Locker. But rapid expansion proved to be the company's undoing. By 1997 all Woolworth's shops had closed. In 2001, the company changed its name to Foot Locker.
Pan Am
Pan American World Airways, or Pan Am, was an international airline that was in business from 1927 through 1991, when it ceased its operations after over a decade of mounting financial losses and declared bankruptcy. The company, despite being defunct for 17 years, is still well remembered in pop culture. The blue circular logo has made such an impression that it is put on designer travel bags to signify traveling in luxury today.
Standard Oil
Standard Oil (1870-1911) was the dominant oil company in the world until it was felled by the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890. In 1911, the Supreme Court ruled that Standard Oil had violated the Act through its tactics of using low prices to wipe out competitors. The result was a breakup of the company into what is now Chevron, Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips.
The Pullman Co.
George Pullman founded the Pullman Palace Car Co. in Illinois in 1867. The company had a long and illustrious business cycle that spanned more than a century. Just when things were in high gear, the government intervened. In the interest of antitrust laws, Pullman Inc. was ordered to divest itself of either the Pullman Company (operating) or the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Co. (manufacturing). After three years of negotiation, the Pullman Co. was sold to a railroad consortium for approximately $40 million.
Arthur Andersen
Arthur Andersen (1913-2002) spent decades as a leading accounting and consulting firm. Founded in 1913, it was once a member of the "Big 8" accounting firms, which later became the "Big 5." Andersen's downfall was its role as Enron's auditor. It used its credibility to bless Enron's special purpose entities and a whole host of illegal accounting. In 2002, the firm voluntarily surrendered its licenses to practice as CPAs after being found guilty of criminal charges, resulting in the loss of 85,000 jobs.
General Foods Corp.
Among General Foods' many product offerings were Sanka decaffeinated coffee and Tang. General Foods also continued to make acquisitions, including the makers of Kool-Aid, the Burger Chef restaurant chain and Oscar Mayer. But late in 1985, General Foods was itself acquired by Philip Morris (which later became Altria Group). When Philip Morris acquired Kraft in 1988, the two food companies were merged. In 2007, Altria spun off Kraft Foods.
Founded in 1930, TWA peaked in the early 1980s. But deregulation and a lack of investment in new aircraft hit the airline hard, and it was acquired by Carl Icahn in 1985 in a hostile takeover. Icahn took the company private in 1988, pocketing nearly $500 million for himself while saddling the company with $540 million in debt. Four years later, stripped of its most valuable assets and struggling with massive debt payments, TWA declared bankruptcy. Finally, American Airlines bought TWA in 2001.
DeLorean Motor Co.
Many of us remember the car used in the "Back to the Future" films, which was the trademark stainless steel DeLorean. The DeLorean Motor Co. was formed in 1975 by auto executive John DeLorean, whose gull-wing door sports car model became the image for the entire company. Unfortunately, the DMC-12 sports car suffered from lack of actual demand, even with the huge amount of publicity. In 1982, DeLorean Motor went into receivership and bankruptcy as a result.
These five companies also shared the same fate as the ones above, and landed a spot on our Honorable Mentions list:
- Lionel Corp.
- Adelphia
- Pets.com
- Bear Stearns
- Beatrice Food Products
© 2012 AOL Inc. All rights reserved.
Data: Latest rates in the US
|Mortgage rates
|View rates in your area
|Mortgage type
|30 yr fixed mtg
|15 yr fixed mtg
|30 yr fixed jumbo mtg
|Auto rates
|View rates in your area
|Auto type
|48 month new car loan
|36 month used car loan
|36 month new car loan
|Home equity rates
|View rates in your area
|Home equity type
|$30K home equity loan FICO
|$75K home equity loan FICO
|Credit card rates
|View more rates
|Card type
|Last Week
|Low Interest Cards
|Cash Back Cards
|Rewards Cards
|Savings rates
|View rates in your area
|Savings type
|Money market account
|$10K Money market account
|6 month CD


text:
Old World Trader
Treasures abound at Rolla's most unique store
Jim McCarty
Old World Trader
Treasures abound at Rolla's most unique store
Jim McCarty
Old World Trader
Treasures abound at Rolla's most unique store
Jim McCarty
Jim McCarty
Maybe you are in
the market for a nice human skull to go on your mantel. Or perhaps
your taste leans more toward a mounted and framed snake skeleton or
a piece of 4,000-year-old Chinese pottery. What's a collector
to do?
Chances are the local
flea market isn't going to have what
you need. But a trip to The Old World Trader, Rolla's most unusual
store, is sure to turn up something interesting (although the skull won't
be real).
Owner Doyle McClellan
probably wishes something similar existed when he caught the collecting
bug years ago. "I started off collecting
rare books and manuscripts basically as soon as I could afford them," he
says. "And
before I could afford them I just collected old stuff."
You could say
Doyle was born to collect old things. His grandfather and his father had
huge collections, composed mostly of southwestern Indian artifacts. "Grandfather
had bins and bins full of artifacts, great big display cases and that sort
of thing," the Intercounty Electric Co-op member says.
The decision
to turn collecting into a business came after Doyle grew bored with a successful
software company he founded. "It did real well but it was
not something I particularly enjoyed," he says. "So I sold
that off after about a year and started thinking about what I could do
that would be a bit different."
His original plan
was to wholesale rare manuscripts and maps to frame shops. With this
in mind he began gathering maps, prints and rare books. Once his collecting
reached critical mass he decided to eliminate the middleman and take
his wares directly to the public.
"If you have a storefront, it
lends credibility," says Doyle. "When
I opened I forgot the original plan, which was to wholesale. You really
have to go one way or another."
At first the business was exclusively devoted to rare maps and manuscripts.
To add variety Doyle went for broke and put his personal collection,
including many of the artifacts from the family collection, up for
"I didn't want to think later if I had gone all out
it would have made it," Doyle says. "So I've had some
really prized pieces that I've loved for years that I sold when
I opened."
For Doyle the pain of parting with something he had lovingly collected
and cared for was tempered by the opportunity to touch pieces of history
he would never have enjoyed without the store. One example is the exquisite
Roman glassware for sale at the store.
"For years
I wanted a piece of Roman glass but I couldn't justify
buying it for myself. But now at the store I get them and I've
had them for awhile. I can really appreciate them for what they
are. When that is gone I realize there is something else I am going
to get that I am going to enjoy even more," Doyle says.
the store has taken off and done so well is in part due to the
service of Doyle's father, Vance. While Vance runs the
store day to day, Doyle stays behind the scenes and deals with
the frustration of buying things from people who often don't
speak English well.
Until the store's
profits grow, Doyle continues to work in a completely unrelated field
during the day. He teaches computer network administration at the Rolla
Technical Institute.
Back at the store,
Vance serves as more of a tour guide or docent than salesman, giving
the store's customers
a running commentary that is part history, geography and sociology
lecture with just a touch of religion thrown in. Sometimes his banter
is qualified with comments like "my son cringes when I say
this, but . . ."
Like the young Indiana
Jones and his father, Doyle and Vance spar occasionally.
"Dad has been crucial," Doyle admits. "He loves to talk. He
jokes around. People love him for who he is — but,
of course, as his kid, I just don't get it."
a recent move to new quarters inside a frame shop on
Highway 63, The Old World Trader is home to a wide variety of antiquities
and gifts from other cultures. Among the many items for
sale are dozens of chess sets.
Just inside the doorway
is a shelf that holds what appear to be three actual human skulls.
Instead, they are models cast from the real things. Stacked around
the skulls are fossils ranging from hand-sized trilobites to much-larger
fossilized sea creatures that came from the Atlas Mountains
of Morocco.
Hanging from the
wall, a pair of magnificent mounted butterflies rest in a wooden frame.
Vance points to the butterflies and asks what the wing tips resemble.
After a closer look it becomes apparent that nature designed them to
look like the heads of spitting cobras.
Inside a glass case
where Vance holds court are the delicate Roman glass bottles, rows
of coins and brass rings from the Middle East. He shows customers exquisite
boxes from Russia that an artist inlaid with designs made from pieces
of straw.
Impossible to miss
are the shelves holding Chinese pottery. One of the more unusual pieces,
Vance is quick to point out, is a Chinese pot that looks just like
the vegetable steamers we use today.
Other pieces of pottery,
he says, are much newer — only about 700 to 800
years old.
On another wall are rows of books on historical
subjects ranging from Diderot's "Encyclopédie" to
tomes on the Vietnam War. Richly detailed Greek
painted icons and Egyptian art printed on papyrus appeal to art lovers.Vance
can't resist hauling out a tiny object made from clay and handing
it to anyone who walks past. The object is
an oil lamp, of the same type the Apostle Matthew referred to in the Bible story
of the handmaidens who were urged to be on watch, lest their lanterns burn out.
story never meant much to me until I saw how small these are," Vance
says. "They probably only hold 2 or
3 tablespoons of oil."
Vance points
out that the store has no signs that say "You
break it, you buy it." In fact, customers
are encouraged to hold 4,000-year-old Chinese
pots or to touch the fingerprint an artist
left in another ancient vessel.
like holding something that's been
held by people long, long before," Doyle
says. "You can go to a museum and
look at a piece but often there are things
you never really understand until you
pick it up and really examine it. That's
what I really want to do with these things — let
people appreciate them."
Doyle has
loaned artifacts to teachers and ministers
and, in one case, to a student who
needed props for a history presentation. So
far, few objects have been broken,
and Vance admits he's more likely to damage the pieces than the
Doyle says his favorite
piece changes from day to day, but currently it is a small Byzantine
cross that once hung around an early Christian's neck.
What makes it special is the extreme
wear on the hanger, which indicates to Doyle that it was highly prized
by its owner.
These are the kinds
of things Doyle likes to bring to the store. His wares
tend to be common items from everyday
life, whether it's an ancient pot or a
modern piece of African art carved
from ebony. Everything he sells comes with a certificate of authenticity.
And they are all legally acquired.
From time to time
a customer will question whether items for sale at
the store should be in a museum instead
of for sale. Doyle tells them:
"I think you have to strike a
balance," he says. "There has
to be museums with collections
where very important pieces are amassed and where lots of people
can appreciate them. At the same time, we have to remember that the
same thing that allows them to make them visible to the masses also
takes them away. In a museum, it's three feet behind the glass
and all you can do is look at them."
You can find The Old World Trader at 410 South Bishop Ave. (Highway
63) in Rolla inside the Frame Shop Gallery. For information call (573)
e-mail email@example.com.


text: New to the forum but owner of a Storm 9530 for about 5 months now. I have been reading thru the postings and I am ready the plunge and convert it over to a better faster operating system. I would first like to know what would be the best system to upgrade to and also how to do it. Please keep in mind I am new to this so I could really use the help in upgrading my phone to a better phone. If there is some step by step instructions, starting from the very beginning and taking me all the way to the end it would be greatly appreciated.


text:
This page provides a basic introduction to WHDLoad for ordinary users. For more technical information about WHDLoad, see the Advanced WHDLoad FAQ.
WHDLoad (www.whdload.de) is a tool which allows you to install and run your Amiga games from your hard disk.
The easiest way is to simply download pre-installed WHDLoad games from here.
Alternatively if you wish you can install your games yourself using a WHDLoad installer - see the Advanced WHDLoad FAQ for more information.
Bert Jahn is the author of WHDLoad itself and also writes some installers. Dedicated patchers such as Bored Seal only write installers.
There is a one-time payment of 20 Euros, £15 or $20 to register WHDLoad. This goes to Bert Jahn to help run the website and continue development of WHDLoad. The patchers write slaves for free (and usually as a hobby or interest). If not registered, a nag message will be displayed before the game starts. There is an online registration form.
WHDLoad is a shareware program, designed to run on real Amigas. It isn't about emulators.


text:
ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools and the District 279 Foundation gratefully accept financial and in-kind contributions.
To donate to the school district or a specific school
Please contact the Superintendent's office (contact information at right) to make arrangements to donate to an individual school or the school district.
You can also make contributions through GiveMN.org. You can donate to the district overall, which benefits all schools, or choose an individual school.
To donate to the District 279 Foundation
Visit the Foundation website.


text:
Photo of teenage princess-to-be Diana with young friend set for New Hampshire auction
AMHERST, N.H. (AP) � A photo of a teenage Diana Spencer before she became Princess of Wales, with a young friend seated beside her, will be featured in an auction later this month in Amherst, N.H.
RR Auction says the photograph, which is marked "not to be published" and may never have been seen publicly until now, is stamped February 1981 on the back. The auction is scheduled for Jan. 17-24.
The photo was taken around the time Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer ended months of speculation with the announcement they were to be married. The wedding took place on July 29, 1981.
The photo comes from the Caren Archive, a private collection of rare newspapers and other publications, and was purchased seven years ago from the Daily Mirror newspaper.