text:
... and because all of my promises are mere "drawings" ... and because Christmas is my favorite holiday... and because I have had an awesome one. I always get emotional when it comes to writing about Christmas (as seen in my post last year). While most of us are with our families feasting on a sweet ham, there are some who "sleep on it".
December 24, 2009: ticket-giving at the compound. I do not have a photo of the ticket-giving outside our house, but the people were twice as much.
Time: 7:00AM but a lot were already in line as early as 2:00AM.
My heart is just so full of joy because every year the number of people increases. Our family has been doing this since 1988. This year (aside from the employees) there are more baranggay tanods that helped us out, but still there was a semi-stampede. No one was hurt--thank God!
These wonderful photos are from my cousin Clara, the epitome of awesome.
I will continue soon.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
... and because all of my promises are mere "drawings" ... and because Christmas is my favorite holiday... and because I have had an awesome one. I always get emotional when it comes to writing about Christmas (as seen in my post last year). While most of us are with our families feasting on a sweet ham, there are some who "sleep on it".
Posted by Trizia Lim at 12:57:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I am now in Quezon with the family, or at least half of them. The ones that are here are enjoying unlimited food, baked garlic shrimp, baked macaroni, pansit, steamed maya-maya, beef salpicao, and suman from our helper Tess, who lives here in Mauban, and a whole lot more! I am not gonna talk about dessert because I have not tasted it because I am allergic to mangoes. Yes. While most of you have tasted heaven (referring to the mangoes), I cringe even at the sight of it. So, 2 days in Quezon and I am as stuffed as a piñata.
I miss Harley and my brother Franco who are still in Manila doing last minute Christmas shopping and sleeping endlessly, stated respectively. I am quite worried for Harley and his travel here in Quezon.I took him for a drive last week. Bad idea. He was in the passenger's seat and I, behind the wheel. I ended up petting him and hushing him to sleep. He woke up when I belted out a Plastiscines song. Sorry.
So there (two words that my dean hates--I don't know. I bet he feels that anyone who uses these words in one sentence can be put to death row). But hey, I am on break and I can say whatever I want. Last Saturday (the day before I leave for a week in Quezon), I did last minute shopping--the best part is shopping for the people you love. I had one hour to shop for myself. I did not know where all my money went and how these new clothes got into my closet here in Quezon. Also, this is the first Christmas that I have not gotten a pair of new shoes--normally, I would spend a whole lot on shoes, starting from when I was 3. This year is different, maybe it would bring me luck? Lol. So, I am excited for when I get back to Manila. New shoes and a Blackberry, I am getting the white version, people have been calling it Whiteberry? Is this true? Zia and I cramped our time for shopping into looking at phones and we have decided, we are getting new ones. So excited!
Happy Holidays!
I wrote this in one blow. Excuse me, I may have grammatical errors. Tee hee.
Posted by Trizia Lim at 1:31:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I know the title is odd. It is just that I have been singing this song non-stop. It can be described as a major fail because I only sing the first two lines and then I go on singing another song.
Yes, I have been out of the loop here. But still so excited because the break has officially begun, at least halfway if you count my RM class tomorrow.
I am psyched to share these photos from last Saturday's party, the annual BC party. The photos, I stole from my friends, of course.
I got a new neon-rainbow-colored-peek-a-boo dress from Denise. Someone got a bottle of water. And one got a can of liver spread. I do not know which one of them is better off. Let me think. This photo makes my heart melt. BC parties are fantastic. I also love the theme.
This is me with Sacha and Toni. The dress that I am wearing will be out on the second collection of NeverForget Clothing.
I do not know what to think of this photo. It just shows how much of a whack my friends are. I love them to death.
Of course, there had to be a Badet series.
These are the BC girls. Two missing!
L-R: Karla, Diane, Den, Me, and Bea. <3
This would make a great finale. Everyone was so weirded out with the dedication. Diane was cramming the card she was gonna attach to the gift (I did not put any). Isn't she lucky? She got Jesus! If she sees this post, she will probably blame the Jack!
That is it for now. And tomorrow, I will blog some more because I have good news about NeverForget Clothing!
Posted by Trizia Lim at 2:53:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, December 06, 2009
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND POP! I had so much fun with the family. This photo made this day extra special.
Posted by Trizia Lim at 10:40:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Friday, December 04, 2009
What a week is all I can say and the week has not even ended! I'm still onto having the same routine every night, bordering on morning and breakfast morning. I'm an owl and I don't sleep until the sun is up regardless of having 12 hours of sleep or not. Now, I have the urge to post a quick entry because of something really shallow, that no one could even care less about. I'm completely torn with what to watch. Yes, it is shallow. I just wanna share that I'm more than excited to watch my download in progress, "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs."
And oh, I tried rapping along to Jay-Z's Empire State Of Mind, sing along to Mozella's Hurry Up And Choose, and rock to The Plastiscines' Bitch. i failed miserably.
Posted by Trizia Lim at 2:58:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post


text:
Bathroom Tiles
When you think of bathroom tiles, many people think of the wall tiles.However floor tiles are now very popular in bathrooms too.Tiledealer offers tiles in lots of different sizes for the wall and the floor.We have bathroom tiles for any size room. Mosaic tiles are very popular too.Adding features to the bathroom walls and livening up the smallest rooms.
We can't find products matching the selection.
Categories: Bathroom Tiles
Shop By
Now Shopping by
- Colours Green Remove This Item
- Tile Texture - Remove This Item
Compare Products
You have no items to compare.
My Wish List
Last Added Items
You have no items in your wish list.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
News & Notes: Game 127
Follow the Herd:
Listen to the Game Live: CLICK HERE!
Bisons Baseball Network: CLICK HERE!
Email the Broadcast Team: CLICK HERE!
Everything about the Herd: CLICK HERE!
Get to a Bisons Game: CLICK HERE!
TODAY'S GAME: This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in the second game of a four-game series at PNC Field (7:05 p.m.). The Yanks struck first with a 1-0 victory last night. Today's game is part of a season-long nine-game roadtrip for the Herd. After this series, the Bisons will play two in Pawtucket before a three-game series against the Red Wings in Rochester.
vs. THE YANKS: The Bisons are 3-8 against the Yankees this year. After the Yanks swept a four-game series at Coca-Cola Field from April 13-16, the two clubs have split three straight two-game sets. The Bisons and Yanks still have two more games to play in Buffalo, NY on September 2-3.
NOT SO PETTY: LHP Adam Pettyjohn is making his fifth start with the Bisons today and sixth overall appearance since joining the team on July 27. The southpaw dominated his last time out, hurling seven innings of shutout baseball on Tuesday in Syracuse. In that outing, Pettyjohn needed just 83 pitches to get through seven innings, with three strikeouts and only five hits allowed. In his three road starts this year, Pettyjohn is 1-1 with a 2.14ERA.
ONE OFF THE TOP: OF Jesus Feliciano has six hits in his last 12 at-bats. His single last night was his 132nd hit of the season. That total is just one shy of the International League lead, held by Gwinnett's Barbaro Cannizares and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's Austin Jackson. Feliciano's .303 batting average is also tied for 7th in the IL. The outfielder also leads the Bisons in runs (51), doubles (28) and stolen bases (12).
IN LIKE A LAMB: INF Mike Lamb is hitting .313 (26-83) in the month of August. The veteran has eight doubles, a home run, 14RBI and 13 runs scored in only 23 games this month. On the season, the veteran has averaged .330 (31-90) with runners in scoring position.
BULLY FOR THE PEN: RHP Jim Ed Warden has been a great addition tot he Bisons bullpen. Since his promotion on August 3, the hurler is 1-0 with a 1.59ERA and a save. He's come in and retired the first batter in all seven of his outings and has amassed 18 strikeouts in only 11.1 innings of work.


text:
Seeking out support is one of the most important steps you can take to come to terms with the feelings of loss and grief that are part of caring for a person. However, building and nurturing relationships takes time and energy- two things that caregivers often have in short supply. While providing care may have become the primary focus of your life, supportive relationships can make a positive difference throughout the caregiving experience and as you prepare for the person's end of life.
Try to take some time to rebuild and maintain the connections that are important to you. Your circle of support may go beyond your biological family. It's important to reach out to individuals in your life who are your psychological family, a term that means the people you naturally turn to in times of crisis and celebration. Identify the people in your life who are there for you in good times and bad. These are individuals who may be able to understand the losses and grief you experience, acknowledge your remarkable efforts and successes, and give vital support. Your psychological family can be a diverse group. It might include friends, neighbours, co-workers, and those family members who understand you. The staff at an adult day program or care home, a geriatrician, or a family doctor can also become part of your circle of support. You don't have to be alone and, as busy as you may be now providing care to the person with dementia, some of these individuals may become even more important to you when the person passes away.
Suggestions for maintaining supportive relationships
- Set up a schedule with a friend for a phone chat and make this a routine for yourself by writing it in your calendar.
- Set up regular lunch meetings with a couple of friends.
- Participate in social outings such as a community nature walk or movie night with a group of friends.
- Invite friends for an informal gathering, such as a pot luck dinner.
- Join online discussion forums.
- Contact and join support groups in your local area.
- Look for volunteer opportunities. Not only will you be contributing to your community, but you can also help others who are in need.
- Pursue activities that you enjoy and inspire you. Start a new hobby.
- Join local groups with similar interests such as walking, reading, sports, singing, knitting, etc. Find out what's available through your local community centre.
- Count your blessings everyday no matter how small. Keep a journal to write them down.
- Show appreciation to your friends. It can be as simple as saying thank you or sending them a greeting card.
- Demonstrate your support to other family members by being a good listener. Take the time to really hear what they are saying.
- Use social media or cell phone apps to keep in touch with friends or simply send them an email.
- Don't be afraid to reach out to people. People often want to help but don't know how.
Next section: Supporting children and teens


text:
The Choice for Oklahoma Conference Facilities...
For over 150 years, the Wichita Mountains have been an historic meeting place... from the Apache and Comanche, to the Cheyenne and Arapaho. Now these mountains are home to a new premier meeting place - Quartz Mountain Resort. Nestled in the heart of rugged, granite boulders overlooking the pristine water of Lake Altus-Lugert, it's Oklahoma 's newest meeting and retreat treasure. We invite you to experience the magic of our mountain.
- Over 15,500 square feet of flexible meeting space
- A 25,200 sq ft performance hall
- Experienced catering staff
- High speed internet access
- Business center
- Audio Visual Services
- Full Catering Available
- 18-hole Golf Course
- Nature trails, fishing, and lake access


text:
Lobos Improve to 4-0 in Mountain West
No. 15 New Mexico showed signs of its most complete game, leading by 22 points with less than 12 minutes to play in the second half, but Colorado State cut the Lobos' lead to 3 with 8 seconds left on the clock.
Then, Tony Snell buried two free-throws, giving him a game-high 23 points and the Lobos beat the Rams 66-61, improving to 4-0 in conference play for the first time since the 1991-92 season when UNM was a member of the WAC.
UNM forward Chad Adams pitched in 13 points and a team-high 6 rebounds.
Colorado State won the rebounding battle 42-28, but the Lobos countered by shooting 80 percent from the free-throw line.
The Lobos are 17-2 overall for the first time since the 1977-78 season.
UNM will play its next two games on the road starting with San Diego State on Saturday.


text:
South Side, CHICAGO (December 3, 2012) – Nationally-renowned political commentator and community advocate Lenny McAllister announced today that he will run for the seat in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District currently vacant after the resignation of Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. McAllister calls for the people of the district to look beyond career politicians and accept a candidate who can reach across the aisle for bipartisan accountability and accessibility.
"The Second Congressional District – like much of America – finds itself at a set of critical crossroads. In this time of economic crisis, political upheaval, community endangerment, and partisan gridlock, the constituents need leadership beyond limiting labels," said McAllister.
McAllister is a noted public speaker and activist that is well known for being outspoken against both political parties on key issues over recent years on local, state, national, and international platforms. Known throughout grassroots circles in the Chicagoland and throughout the nation, McAllister has been instrumental in efforts that included shaping laws with local leaders that further protect domestic violence victims and standing along with the NAACP to oppose recent discriminatory voter laws, including the Pennsylvania mandate that was overturned before the 2012 presidential election.
McAllister, who is finishing up post-election meetings in Washington, DC before returning to Chicago, recently provided analysis on the 2012 elections for multiple local, national and international outlets over the past four months including WBEZ in Chicago, Vocalo Radio, WGN, BET, CNN, HLN, Radio New Zealand, Canadian Broadcast Corporation, and Sun News Network (in Canada). He was also featured on a bus tour with liberal-leaning Politic365 throughout Florida and North Carolina to talk with college students about the 2012 election. He finished up the election season touring the swing state of Virginia.
The McAllister family resided along the 2nd District border in Hyde Park during their time in Chicago, and will likely move closer into the district.
"I enjoy being within the pulse of the south side, so I am quite attached to this area and regularly walking the streets and riding CTA with my neighbors and friends throughout the northern part of the district," McAllister said. "However, being more centralized provides value, too, so I'll talk to my wife and we'll make a family decision that allows me to have a presence throughout the district as well."
Lenny McAllister on announcing his candidacy for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District:
"The Second Congressional District – like much of America – finds itself at a set of critical crossroads. In this time of economic crisis, political upheaval, community endangerment, and partisan gridlock, the constituents of the Second Congressional District need leadership beyond limiting labels.
The diverse people of the Second Congressional District, from conservative Kankakee County to the proud people of the South Side of Chicago that I regularly called family as a member of WVON, demand and deserve a true statesman that connects with and serves the full diversity within the district, not more career politicians that will only pander to their special interests and machine agendas. These hard-working Americans require a representative that has a record at the local, national, and international levels of advocating for justice, holding all sides accountable for the sake of improving communities within the Second District and America across our rich diversity, even when it is unpopular, uncomfortable, or unwise from a selfish perspective. After all, justice, prosperity, and advancement are selfless and have no partisan labels or no permanent allies. They only have permanent goals for a better future for us all. Therefore, it's time for bipartisan accountability and accessibility. It's finally time for well-rounded results for the constituents of the district moving forward.
"That is why, as the only candidate capable of uniting and serving the full diversity of the Second Congressional District as "One Big Team" (our campaign slogan), I announce my candidacy to become the next Congressman to represent the fine people of the Second Congressional District of Illinois. With my diverse team of community members, talented professionals, and political veterans already on-board for this campaign, we stand ready to serve the people of the Second Congressional District in a manner that befits the best of our aspirations as Americans in the 21st century.
"You know me. I am one of you. I have shared regularly how much I love you all as a child of God, a Black man in America, and a proud citizen of these United States. I have spoken up for those that often do not have a voice in America regardless of their demographic backgrounds, even when politics as usual remained silent or toxic.
Today, I am humbled and show my love through potentially serving my fellow Americans in Congress. Like you and like America, I understand the need for the people of the Second Congressional District to get through a difficult first act in this century, one marred by the aftermath of September 11, political divisiveness, and the Great Recession. Like you, I know that once we collectively move past this first act, the Second Act for us all promises prosperity, safety, and advancement inclusively.
"I assure you: the Democratic Machine is willing to say and do anything to win this seat in the special election, a seat they inaccurately believe belongs to them. However, because I love the people of this district and Americans across our rich diversity, at this unique time in our nation's political history, I am willing to go through anything that they will do in order to preserve a seat that we rightfully know belongs to you. You, the people of the Second Congressional District in Illinois, are hard-working, passionate Americans. You simply seek to succeed moving forward in a Second Act of prosperity that leads us past the prior act of economic upheaval, community instability, and professional and personal disappointments we encountered during past and current turbulent times. It is time to work together, succeed together, and improve our communities together."
Lenny for Congress
Ameerah Palacios, Publicist: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: (773) 492-0509
On Twitter:
#OneBigTeam – Lenny for Congress campaign hashtag
On Facebook:


text: CEDAR FALLS—Seth Tuttle scored 19 points with seven assists and seven rebounds as Northern Iowa crushed Southern Illinois 73-54 on Wednesday night.Matt Bohannon added 17 points for the Panthers (15-14, 9-8 Missouri Valley Conference). Jeremy Morgan scored 15 and Marvin Singleton had eight.The Panthers hit 49 percent from the field, 78.6 percent from the line and outrebounded the Salukis 35-24.Northern Iowa jumped to an early lead and led 32-25 at halftime. They went 14-8 to start the second half and Bohannon sank five 3-pointers in the period – including the final bucket of the game – to help the Panthers build an insurmountable lead.Northern Iowa has won four of its last five games and is now tied with Missouri State and Illinois State for third in the MVC.Anthony Beane led the Salukis (12-18, 8-9) with 17 points. Sean O'Brien added 11.


text:
Goals, Goals, Goals -- Yup, I've got them, but I've been to busy to write them down......
But this is where I change that!
Goal #1
CPC Kids Summer Camp! As Camp Director my goal is to make June 16 - 18 the BEST days of the kids summer! We've got a TON planned including an insane slip-n-slide that my husband made and my 2 girls LOVED (which I forgot to take pics of them on it.....epic fail), super messy games that the kids will remember forever, and some secret thoughts that only my team and I know about..... It's going to be awesome ... that's what we secretly call the camp anyway... Camp Awesome. BUT my goal is to have everything finished by Monday of next week! We shall see......
GIANT BUBBLES!!!! Must try this before camp next weekend...... must.
My inner child is begging with all it's heart! :)
Photobooth fun -- gonna blow this up REALLY BIG -- well technically I am having my BFF paint it on Super Large sheets of butcher paper, then cut out the windows and have the kids take their pics in the windows.... how cool it that? .... very....
Can't have a photobooth without these..... just sayin.
Yes..... happening
Some decor thoughts..... I love them
Our Camp shirt.... IN LOVE with the paprika ...
Get the Hello Ladies world back in rotation. We've all been going full force with a
gazillion different projects, but hopefully SOON, we can get back to the swing of things.
There are SO many projects we want to accomplish!!
Going on vacation with my husband and best friends in September..... YES!!!!! We didn't get to go last year, and the year before that we were in our vacation spot one day before we got news that one of our youth students at church (our best friends are the Youth Pastors) had been tragically killed in an accident. It was a solemn vacation and we cut it short to get back in time for the services. Needless to say, we are ready for a trip with laughter and reconnections.
Those are my goals for the ssssuuuummmmmmmmmeeerrr. Not much, but ... it's what I got.
Hope you have a great day!


text:
A collection of scholarly works about individual liberty and free markets. A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.
The Intellectual Portrait Series: A Conversation with Anthony de Jasay (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2000). https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/959,
|Available in the following formats:
|MP3 Audio for your computer or iPod.
|MP4A Audio for your computer or iPod.
|MP3 mono
|MP3 Audio in mono format for smaller file size.
The relationship of the individual and the state is the central theme of Anthony de Jasay's distinguished career. Here he discusses the concepts of power, politics, and freedom that led to such seminal works as The State.
The copyright to this edition, in both print and electronic forms, is held by Liberty Fund, Inc.
This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.


text:
Playing video on an Android device can sometimes be a bit of a chore. The platform's native media framework has very limited support for mainstream formats and can really only play H.264 video that is in an MP4 or 3GP container. If you are using an mkv container or your video is encoded with wmv or xvid, it isn't going to play unless you reencode it or use a third-party video player that doesn't rely on Android's media framework.
After testing a number of third-party players, I finally found one called RockPlayer that performs relatively well and handles a broad enough selection of formats to satisfy my needs. Created by Chinese mobile software vendor Redirect Intelligence, it uses the excellent open source FFmpeg library to handle video decoding.
The free version of the program is fully-functional, but ad-supported. The advertisements will only show up when the playback controls are active. This means that you will sometimes see ads at the bottom of the screen when you are seeking, for example, but not while you are simply watching a video. It will also display a little red RockPlayer logo in the top left-hand corner at all times, including during regular playback. Users can remove the ads and the persistent logo if they pay $9.99 to upgrade to the full version.
When you launch RockPlayer, the program will show you a simple file manager interface that you can use to navigate to the video files that you have stored on your device's SD card. When you select a video in the built-in file manager, it will start playing.
You can tap the screen to toggle the visibility of the playback controls, which include a play/pause button, a seek slider, fast-forward and rewind buttons, a button that will optionally stretch the video to fill the screen, and a button to display information about the file that is currently playing. When the controls are visible, the current time and the percentage of remaining battery life will show up in the top right-hand corner.
RockPlayer is simple and predictable. It will handle pretty much anything that is supported by FFmpeg and it offers reasonable playback performance on standard-definition content, without the stuttering that I have experienced in some of the alternatives. It didn't fare particularly well with a 1080p clip, however. The $9.99 asking price for full activation is a little bit too much, but I'm pretty satisfied to use the free version with the logo. One free alternative that looks promising is arcMedia, but it's not quite as mature yet. For now, I think that RockPlayer is best choice for xvid and mkv support.


text:
Procolour Pencils 034 Spectrum Blue
The Procolour range of coloured pencils feature a strong pencil core with a smooth formulation and highly pigmented color laydown. Suitable for a wide range of pencil techniques including blending, layering and cross-hatching. These pencils offer increased bendability while maintaining a very strong core and are designed with a clean no-dust formula.
- 928544
- Weight:
- .15Kg
- Price:
- $4.50
Select from
- 005 Gold $4.50
- 007 Yellow Ochre $4.50
- 010 Spectrum Orange $4.50
- 016 Flesh Pink $4.50
- 053 Bronze $4.50
- 055 Burnt Umber $4.50
- 057 Copper Beach $4.50
- 059 Brown Ochre $4.50
- 060 Burnt Yellow Ochre $4.50
- 061 Sunset Gold $4.50
- 066 Burnt Carmine $4.50
How to buy
Note: we do not deliver outside New Zealand.
Enter the quantity and click "add to cart". When you are ready to pay for your order proceed to checkout. Payment is made by credit card on a secure server using Paypal or Payment Express. Alternatively you may pay by "bank deposit" or by phone on 09 489 7213.
Delivery Rates
Our delivery rates are:
- Prepaid A4 Satchel (nationwide): $5 per order †
- Local (Auckland): $5.50 per order *
- Local Towns (within 150kms): $7.50 per order *
- Rest of North Island: $9.30 per order *
- South Island and Great Barrier: $10.40 per order *
† Prepaid Satchel is available for some smaller items that will fit into an A4 envelope. Please do not select the satchel option if your goods are breakable, easily damaged or flammable.
* Oversized items may be charged an additional amount - once you have selected the items you need proceed to checkout to see the exact costs.
Rural delivery fee $3.30 per order
For privacy, returns and security policies please read our policies page.
About Takapuna Art Supplies
Located in downtown Takapuna Beach on the North Shore, our store has been serving the local art community for more than twenty years. We are owned and operated by working, professional artists and have become the place where like minded creatives choose to gather, share and inspire.
We are the only art supply store in the greater Auckland area that has a working artists' studio on premises. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are always happy, willing and able to demonstrate techniques and share tips on the use of various artist materials.
Our focus is to encourage the pursuit of personal artistic expression and to share our expertise and love for the visual arts.
- Jim Auckland & Sandy Collins


text:
We ship internationally with Fedex. International flat rate shipping $13/R250 // FREE shipping for orders over R500 in South Africa. Dismiss
No products in the cart.
Showing 145–180 of 249 results
Racing Green Mini Sleeve
Gunmetal Square Wallet
Smoke Blue Notebook Organiser
Smoke Blue Slim Wallet
Flame Square Wallet
Flame Mini Sleeve
Wrist Strap (Vegan)
Bicycles Laptop Sleeve
Turquoise Dots & Squares Travel Folder (Limited Edition)
Wata White Travel Folder (Limited Edition)
Cama White Travel Folder (Limited Edition)
Dots & Squares Turquoise Slim Wallet (Limited Edition)
Bicycles Slim Wallet (Limited Edition)
Wata Green & Purple Slim Wallet (Limited Edition)
Dots & Squares Turquoise Notebook Organiser (Limited Edition)
WATA Purple Paper Travel Bag
CAMA Orange Paper Travel Bag
ARA Green Paper Travel Bag
Black Notebook Organiser
Fern 8 Polysticum Slim Wallet
Black Travel Folder
Fern 5 Elaphoglossum iPad & Tablet Sleeve
Aloe Hill Mini Sleeve
Black Leather Wrist Strap
City Bikes Travel Folder (Limited Edition)
Sharpie Pack: Metallic (Pack of 3 Markers)
Sharpie Pack: Classic (Pack of 2 Black Markers)
Black Paper Travel Bag
Racing Green Paper Tub
Silver Paper Tub
Flame Paper Tub
Gunmetal Luggage Tag
Flame Luggage Tag
Smoke Blue Luggage Tag
Racing Green Luggage Tag
White Luggage Tag
Username or email address *
Password *
Remember me
Log in
Lost your password?
Username *
Email address *
Password *
Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.
Wholesale Registration


text:
How to Boost Your Wifi Signal Without Spending a Dime
If you're like us, you're home for the holidays. If your parents are like our parents, they have an vintage router from 1996, and Netflix spends more time buffering than actually delivering. If ancient technology is getting in the way of your only source of Christmas Eve entertainment, we've got your solution.
We love life-hacks, especially when they're free, and especially when a pretty girl is telling us about them. With all of the beer cans lying around during our family Christmas, this hack is 100% free, and this girl is 100% a babe, so enjoy. Pound a beer while you wait for this video to load and then use the can -- we promise the next one won't take quite as long.


text:
Welcome to the M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Welcome to one of the most unique graduate programs in the Northeast—the self-designed, Interdisciplinary Studies Master's Degree Program in Education. Students in the program represent a variety of professions including higher education administration, public school education, law enforcement, social and human services, business, military, health care, non-profits, etc.
What all these students have in common is that they see themselves as educators in the broadest sense of the term. They coach, train, workshop, lecture, teach, write, advise, mentor, guide, administer, lead, and inspire. They also realize that educators are at their best when they are interdisciplinarians—when they can draw from several of the academic and professional disciplines in order to deepen, enlarge, and enrich their theory and practice. They understand that educational professionals live and work in an interdisciplinary world, and few, if any, problems get solved by a single academic discipline.
Check out our blog!
Click here to visit the blog for our program.
Faculty Publications
Click here to learn more about what the faculty in our program are publishing.
Read our student testimonials.
Click here to hear what our students are saying about the program.


text:
Unveiled: New bosses revealed for Gravity space
The popular Gravity Lounge is gone, but the acoustic/indie-friendly space remains and will continue as a musical venue under the management of a duo who met working at Gravity last year. When they heard the space might be available, Andy Gems and Lauren McRaven jumped on it.
Gems also has worked at another defunct music venue, the Satellite Ballrooom, and McRaven is the proprietress of downtown creperie The Flat who last year planned a menu for Gravity.
"It just didn't work out," says McRaven, declining to reveal what cuisine will be offered at the space that was long run by Bill Baldwin. "It's what can be done in a minimal kitchen."
The new establishment will not be called Gravity Lounge. "That belongs to Bill," explains Gems, and the partners say they are still working on a new name.
The other biggest difference: "Having a cafe and bar that's open regular hours regardless of what's going on in the venue," says Gems. The space is actually two separate buildings and addresses. "We plan to use that more," explains Gems. "We'll close the space off so we can have a bar scene going on."
While Gravity has always seemed like a spacious venue, its nooks and crannies held an abundance of odds and ends that were left when landlord Ludwig Kuttner changed the locks following two years of alleged nonpayment of rent capped by fire marshal safety violations.
Boxes now cram the space waiting for dispersal. Gems predicts a late June, early July opening.
15 comments
The Flat has been a great addition to town. I appreciate the creativity and quality that goes into their crepes. If you want a crepe in 3 minutes go to McDonalds.
I hope this pairing is able to bring creative and delicious food, good music, a fun atmosphere, and wild nights back to 1st street.
What exactly is a "classy sports bar?" That seems about as impossible as a classy tractor pull. I guess you're hoping for Irish food too? That's another oxymoron.
How about a classy whorehouse?!?! Now,that is something I could get behind (yes, pun intended!) having downtown!
My hunch is that the new Gravity (whatever it's called) will keep the music venue and continue to get good bands (local, regional, national) and install taps and a good bar. My bet is they'll separate the music part from bar part, but also opening the space up a bit. I don't see why they can't do a decent business!
But new gravity = bar + music venue
That guy looks like the guy in "sideways" and the flat's food is a poor excuse for crepes. I hope this doesn't turn into another loud bar where the musicians aren't heard.
Excellent! I just hope they have good taste in music and bring in some nice national acts.
My opinion: cutting edge indie rock/folk = good. Nostalgia acts/local acts of questionable talent = bad.
I'm looking forward to this, but I sure hope the slow semi-incompetent service that you have to put up with to get a crepe at the Flat doesn't move to the new space. That will be the kiss of death for sure. It's kind of cute and "indie" in the small space, but just isn't going to fly at a bigger venue. The crepe are great though. Hope to see the menu expanded.
I have always thought that if the music is good and the beer is cold that the rest of it will work itself out. I can remember going to place like this that sold passable food and they did fine. If the food is just OK I will be happy, if not I just eat before I go to the show.
Good Luck and let me know when it's open
I guess you guys have forgotten that there was just a failed business in that very same spot. They had cold beer and music that quite a number of people seemed to think was good. Seems it isn't enough to just let the rest work itself out.
I'm not so sure about the sports bar thing, but ndt brings up an important point. I used to live in one of the apartments upstairs, and the construction of the building is such that sound travels incredibly well -- so much so, in fact, that the property manager warned me about it during my very first tour of the place, long before I moved in. Occasionally, the sound of people talking at moderate volume in an apartment across the hall would be loud enough to wake me up in the morning even after bouncing through the vents.
I remember hearing a long time ago that a couple residents had complained about noise from some of the louder Gravity shows. I never noticed it myself, but that may just be because so many of the shows were acoustic and I lived on the third floor. If the new management is envisioning a louder and later scene for the new version of the space, this might prove to be one of their biggest challenges.
please, please, please... make this into a classy sports bar. Put 30 flat screens in, expand the bar, make it dark, full of oak, and irish. You cant play music loudly in this room after midnight anyway, so a true music venue for "relevant acts" wont work. This was an acoustic venue at best.
Close the main doors and expand your kitchen and bar. Hang an old irish pub sign under the side door and make that your entrance. There are no good sports bars downtown. None.
Why don't they just brew some of their own beer.
any thoughts??
Probably no room to.
I've never had a crepe other then from The Flat so I don't know what you mean but I think they're pretty damn good. is there anywhere else in C-ville that offers crepes?
Also have you had the hot & sour soup from Marco and Luca's? Out of all the places in town they have the best one IMHO.
This has disaster written all over it.
You can't get a good crepe in this country. Jump on a plane to Paris.
Who cares about the food??? Just bring in relevant acts and serve cold beer, preferably from a tap.


text:
2016 Golden Opportunities Coupon Books Now Available
The Animal Welfare League is pleased to particiapte in the fundraising efforts of selling 2016 Golden Opportunities Coupon Books to raise money for its homeless animals.
Purchase your 2016 Golden Opportunities Coupon Book: Chicagoland South Suburban Edition available for just $25 each at our Chicago Ridge location!
Golden Opportunities is the LOCAL coupon book everybody is looking to purchase - offering customers incredible 50% Off and 2 for 1 discounts at their favorite LOCAL restaurants, movies, groceries, sporting events and much more! Also, Golden Opportunities is the only coupon book that offers coupons that are VALID ONCE A MONTH! A single coupon can offerr a customer hundreds of dollars in savings!


text:
Watch this piece of shit, and puke
In preview of special, CNN host allowed Beck to repeat comparison of global warming consensus to Hitler eugenics
On the May 2 edition of CNN Newsroom, while previewing his May 2 special, "Exposed: The Climate of Fear," CNN Headline News host Glenn Beck told host Don Lemon that he is doing the special because "the scientific consensus in Europe in the 1920s and '30s was that eugenics was a good idea," adding: "I'm glad that a few people stood against eugenics." Those comments recall remarks Beck made on the April 30 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio program, in which he likened former Vice President Al Gore's fight against global warming to Adolf Hitler's use of eugenics as justification for exterminating 6 million European Jews. On that program, Beck stated: "Al Gore's not going to be rounding up Jews and exterminating them. It is the same tactic, however. The goal is different. The goal is globalization. The goal is global carbon tax. The goal is the United Nations running the world. That is the goal. Back in the 1930s, the goal was get rid of all of the Jews and have one global government."
Beck continued: "You got to have an enemy to fight. And when you have an enemy to fight, then you can unite the entire world behind you, and you seize power. That was Hitler's plan. His enemy: the Jew. Al Gore's enemy, the U.N.'s enemy: global warming." He added: "Then you get the scientists -- eugenics. You get the scientists -- global warming. Then you have to discredit the scientists who say, 'That's not right.' And you must silence all dissenting voices. That's what Hitler did."
Later in the interview, Beck addressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who called Beck "CNN's chief corporate fascism advocate." In response, Beck said: "[P]eople who question global warming, they're called Nazis. They're put right up next to Holocaust deniers." However, Lemon did not note Beck's own invocation of Hitler to describe Gore's global warming campaign. In addition to his April 30 comments, as Media Matters for America noted, on the March 22 edition of Glenn Beck, Beck likened Gore to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels for Gore's statement, during his testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, that he would initiate a "mass persuasion campaign" to urge Congress to act on climate change.
Further, on the June 7, 2006, broadcast of his radio program, Beck compared Gore's documentary film, An Inconvenient Truth (Paramount Classics, May 2006), to Nazi propaganda. Beck dismissed many of the conclusions drawn from the documentary, stating, "[W]hen you take a little bit of truth and then you mix it with untruth, or your theory, that's where you get people to believe. ... It's like Hitler. Hitler said a little bit of truth, and then he mixed in 'and it's the Jews' fault.' That's where things get a little troublesome, and that's exactly what's happening" in An Inconvenient Truth.
From the 1 p.m. ET hour of the May 2 edition of CNN Newsroom:
LEMON: Glenn Beck -- boy, are you asking for it. He joins me now from New York. Listen, I got to start right out. If the scientific consensus says, Glenn, that global warming is a reality and we need to move past the debate into action, why even do this hour-long special? Why are you asking for it?
BECK: There's a couple of reasons: First of all, the scientific consensus in Europe in the 1920s and '30s was that eugenics was a good idea. I'm glad that a few people stood against eugenics. The global consensus is fractured in several different areas. Some people believe that global warming is happening. It's pretty easy to tell, you know, all you have to do is check the thermometer. Then there are those who say, yes, but man caused it; others say man didn't. Those who say either way, yes on that one, then you have to say, how do we solve it? And it is fractured all across, and we're talking trillions of dollars.
I am doing this special mainly because it frightens me that we that live in a world where I'm called by RFK Jr. a fascist, and when The Washington Post asked him, "Why did you call Glenn Beck a fascist?" he said because I heard him question global warming a couple of weeks ago.
LEMON: But Glenn, do you think that that is a general consensus, that one person said it, not everyone is saying or calling you a fascist in all of this.
BECK: No, no, no. You could -- has RFK Jr. called you a fascist? There are people that call global warming deniers -- that's an interesting quote, because I don't even deny global warming is happening -- but people who question global warming, they're called Nazis. They're put right up next to Holocaust deniers.
LEMON: And then -- but there are people, Glenn, who are going to say you're not denying that global warming is happening. There is not one consensus about why it's happening -- some people say it's greenhouse gases and all the pollutants we're putting in the air -- but Glenn, wouldn't you agree that it takes people a lot to change?
BECK: Sure.
LEMON: Don't we have to scare people a little bit that maybe you shouldn't drive, you know, your SUV so much? Maybe you should take the train or take public transportation --
BECK: No, I think we should --
LEMON: -- or use a hairspray so much? Don't you think that we need to scare people a little bit so that we do get back on track with the earth?
BECK: You know what? I got to tell you something: The world is a scary enough place with just the truth. I think we should start telling people the truth. You know, I'm perfectly willing -- I watched the Al Gore movie, and I looked at it and I said, "You know what? If these things are true, then we do need to change. I'll drive a Prius gladly. I just want to know what the truth is. And that's all we're looking for.
You know what? This is a bookend to the Al Gore movie. On the website at cnn.com, where it talks about the special, we've provided the link to the Al Gore movie. You should watch both sides. When have we said, ever in America, ever in the world, that we should only have one side of an argument? We should listen to all of them.
LEMON: So, you believe folks should watch that, but you're not saying it's necessarily they should take that as whole. They should look at the other side, correct?
BECK: It's one side.
LEMON: And just -- you know you mentioned the Al Gore movie. Did you hear about the removal of Bibles from this one hotel?
BECK: I think this is the most appropriate thing --
LEMON: What do you think of that? They're putting Al Gore's book over the Bible?
BECK: Science has become religion for some people, and it is amazing -- many politicians -- Al Gore is one of them, the U.N. is another -- we should just have them get out of the suits and put a collar on -- a priest's collar on -- because I think we are entering the Dark Ages where these new priests are saying, "Science cannot question -- no one can question what the current belief is today."
LEMON: Yeah, and I think some people would say -- and I think there is a general consensus on this, that we've gone too far when we think that science is bad, because science actually has made major influences and has helped diseases and cured all kinds of things.
BECK: There's -- science is great.
LEMON: Yeah.
BECK: We just have to keep in perspective they're the butter is bad, butter is good people.
LEMON: Yes. Sometimes, there's nothing wrong with preservatives, sometimes. It helps you keep the -- all right. Glenn Beck, always a pleasure to have you.
BECK: Thank you, sir.


text:
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wordless Wednesday - Valentines and more valentines
We decided to go all out with the school valentines and made special picture book themed Olivia the Pig heart pocket valentines. My daughter wrote out by hand all of her classmates names. And I bought candy, put some in the pockets and taped the cards shut. (Last year for preschool I didn't send candy...I didn't understand the new protocol. No one gave out candy when I was little, just valentines. Times change, apparently.)
Directions for the pocket valentines here: http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2010/02/quarter-fold-heart-pocket-valentines.html
The Olivia printable is from the Nick Jr. website: http://www.nickjr.com/printables/olivia-valentine-stickers.jhtml
We made handprint valentines for the grandparents after I saw them shown on Silly Eagle Books. We also made one for my daughter's teacher and wrote, "You're Hands Down the Best Teacher Around!"
Yes, we love crafting valentines!
Find more of this week's Wordless Wednesday (or Wordful) posts at 5 Minutes for Mom or Seven Clown Circus.
32 comments:
- Marissa said...
I love these! Crafting Valentine's is such a fun activity.
- February 9, 2010 at 11:26 PM
- Michelle @Flying Giggles said...
What a cute idea! We are working on ours as well. My daughter (3) wants to fill them out, so we are doing a few each day, hopefully she will be done by Friday.
- February 10, 2010 at 12:58 AM
- XmasDolly said...
What a cool idea! I'm sure the grandparents are going to be thrilled.
- February 10, 2010 at 1:28 AM
- Night Owl Mama said...
Very sweet Its a super cute IDea
- February 10, 2010 at 1:42 AM
- Cecily R said...
Way cute! All these fabulous Valentine posts are making me realize how painfully behind I am on this project...we haven't even thought about it at our house and parties are on Friday!
- February 10, 2010 at 2:04 AM
- Run DMT said...
Another Valetine card WW post reminding me that I'm a slacker mom who needs to get cracking on my kiddos' classmates Valentines. :-P
- February 10, 2010 at 2:52 AM
- Kat @ For the Love of Chaos said...
Those are GREAT!!! I'm a total failure at these holidays LOL I need to get a jump on my kids' stuff. FOUR classes to buy for. Whew.
- February 10, 2010 at 6:21 AM
- Kristie said...
Very fun! I bet the grandparents are going to love their handmade Valentines! (And the classmates too!) :-)
- February 10, 2010 at 6:39 AM
- annies home said...
love all the super cute valentines
- February 10, 2010 at 6:44 AM
- TheAtticGirl said...
Those are great ideas! I miss those days of doing Valentines. My son is in his first year of middle school and they don't do that anymore.
- February 10, 2010 at 7:32 AM
- Secret Mom Thoughts said...
Great ideas. I'm going to steal them.
- February 10, 2010 at 7:45 AM
- tiarastantrums said...
look how awesome those are! You have inspired me!
- February 10, 2010 at 9:05 AM
- If I Could Escape . . . said...
What an awesome idea! My oldest sons are so not in to making their Valentine's anymore, but the wee one and I may have a crack at that for Grandma! Thanks for sharing! Happy WW!
PS I used Picnik for my photo! Love it!
- February 10, 2010 at 9:09 AM
- Dee said...
That is fantastic! They look great!
- February 10, 2010 at 9:17 AM
- Wendy said...
I love the Hand craft! What fun!
- February 10, 2010 at 11:21 AM
- Veronica said...
Those are great valentine's! Love them!
Happy WW!
- February 10, 2010 at 11:59 AM
- Stefany said...
Those are so cute!
- February 10, 2010 at 12:24 PM
- Susie said...
Those are great Valentines projects!
- February 10, 2010 at 12:38 PM
- Jeannie, Jane, Angel, Mommy, etc.. said...
Great ideas!!!
- February 10, 2010 at 12:44 PM
- Shelly said...
What great ideas, I will have to try them!
Happy WW
- February 10, 2010 at 12:55 PM
- Cascia Talbert said...
Cute Valentines!
- February 10, 2010 at 1:06 PM
- Puna said...
Isn't Valentine's Day great? It's one of my favorite "holidays"
- February 10, 2010 at 2:10 PM
- Brenda said...
Those are fun, especially the handprint ones.
- February 10, 2010 at 3:08 PM
- Upstatemamma said...
Those are cute!!
- February 10, 2010 at 4:18 PM
- Staci A said...
Those are very cute and so creative!
- February 10, 2010 at 7:42 PM
- Muthering Heights said...
Those are such cute ideas!
- February 10, 2010 at 8:36 PM
- CanCan said...
Those are adorable! I'm so sad the school I work for doesn't allow me to "do" Valentines with my 3K class.
- February 10, 2010 at 8:39 PM
- Shari@aPsychMommy said...
What great ideas for Valentine's Day!
- February 10, 2010 at 10:03 PM
- Anonymous said...
Thanks for sharing!
- February 11, 2010 at 2:46 AM
- Amy said...
Hello, I see a ton of cute Valentines on here. I hope you come and share them tomorrow on my Round Robin. I love Olivia she is so cute..
- February 11, 2010 at 3:32 PM
- Jenny said...
I love all of these Valentine's! So cute!
- February 11, 2010 at 10:33 PM
- Anonymous said...
Hope you had a wonderful Love Day!
- February 15, 2010 at 4:38 AM


text:
Currently I'm implementing a PRNG for an embedded system. Using the RFC 4086 I've decided to use the X9.17 - to be more specific the successor X9.31- standard to implement my PRNG. X9.17 uses DES, but X9.31 uses AES!
Now I need to specify the value of the AES key for X9.31. I know that at least my AES key must be unpredictable to an adversary. Because of this I want to use the RSA private key of the certificate which belongs to my embedded device. (This value is currently the only one that from my point of view that is unpredictable.)
My idea how to generate the AES key from the RSA private key:
AES_key= SHA1(RSA private key || date)
But is it OK to (ab)use a RSA signing key as a symmetric AES key, to encrypt the seed and finally generate random values? Is there any serious security weakness?


text:
Legislation that would create a single-payer healthcare system in Delaware was stricken this week after opponents misinterpreted the intent behind the filing of the legislation.When House Bill 392 was filed earlier this month, lead sponsor Rep. John Kowalko said that he had no intention of moving forward with the legislation, but simply wanted to start a public dialogue on the issue. Opponents believed that the bill was being rushed through the General Assembly, even after House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf – who helps set the agenda – stated publicly that the bill would not be worked this year. To quell these concerns, Rep. Kowalko struck HB 392, which means that the legislation no longer exists and cannot be revisited. The legislative session ends on June 30, at which point no new legislation can be introduced.Part of the "public dialogue" that Representatives Kowalko and Earl Jaques, along with Insurance Commissioner candidate Mitch Crane were so interested in having did not go quite as planned.
Jaques was embarrassed when he could not produce the calculations to prove that the bill's funding mechanism would actually raise the necessary funds, and there is still an outstanding FOIA request to the Secretary of Finance to see if Kowalko and Jaques ever actually had a feasibility study done. There was also the point that Jaques immediately started backtracking by assuring his senior constituents that he would let them keep their own insurance.
Kowalko wasn't happy about the fact that he was called on the fact that this was really a very old bill recycled for grandstanding purposes, as well as his use of an identical tactic to help elect Karen Weldin Stewart in 2008, and became so intemperate with critics that he started referring to them as "inbreds."
Meanwhile, Mitch Crane, the only person to support the bill who is actually running for office with real opponents, first supported HB 392, then within a day said he wasn't even sure that Delaware was large enough to support a standalone system, or that we should even attempt such a plan before seeing what Vermont does in 2014 or 2017.
With the striking of the bill, Mitch has now conveniently scrubbed his candidate website of all references to single-payer health insurance in Delaware.
It's almost as if the whole mess never happened, isn't it? Or, alternatively, it's almost as if this was an abortive attempt to give Mitch Crane something to run on . . . .
A final point worth remembering: it was Libertarians this time around, not the GOPers who had barely even read the bill, who set this chain of events into motion.


text:
William and Kate will join the Queen for a visit to Nottingham on Wednesday as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour of the country. Huge numbers of people are expected to welcome the Royal party. Nottingham City Council Leader, Councillor Jon Collins said
'As the Capital of the East Midlands, it's great Nottingham's playing host to this Royal visit. I'm sure that local people will give the Royal party a warm welcome and will be excited about getting to see The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as part of the Jubilee celebrations'.
|Rebecca Curtis/My Nottingham Facebook
For those of you wishing to follow the visit live via televised coverage or planning to see the Royals in person, the itinerary is as follows
10.05 a.m. The Queen will arrive by train at Nottingham Train Station where they will be met by William and Kate. Both parties will travel by car to the Old Market Square.
10.10 a.m. The Royals are expected to arrive in the Old Market Square and will spend time greeting the crowds, before going into the Council House to meet the Lord Lieutenants of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and invited guests.
11.00 a.m. The Royals will arrive at Vernon Park for a rededication of Vernon Park under the auspices of the QE2 Fields in Trust Organisation, of which William is patron. Her Majesty will then unveil a plaque to mark the park's new status and the Royals will enjoy sporting and musical performances.
A look at Nottingham city centre.
It looks like it's going to be a very exciting visit. I should have a post ready as soon as photos emerge :)
Meanwhile, Kate is reportedly busy planning to throw William a 30th birthday party 'fit for a King'. She is thought to be discussing ideas with William's closest friends. Kate chose to celebrate her 30th with a low key family dinner. It will be interesting to see plans for William's come to fruition.
|Hello! Magazine


text:
AC/DC is finally releasing its music digitally on iTunes.
Columbia Records and Apple announced Monday that the classic rock band's music will be available at the iTunes Store worldwide.
Sixteen studio albums will be released, including "High Voltage" and "Back in Black," which is already in the Top 30 on iTunes' top albums chart. Two of the group's albums are also in the Top 100 and seven of the Australian band's songs are in the Top 200.
AC/DC was one of the few acts that would not release music through the digital outlet. Two years ago Apple struck a deal with The Beatles' record label, EMI Group, and management company, and began selling the group's music. Kid Rock, who had also been against selling his music through the digital retailer, is releasing a new album, "Rebel Soul," on Monday and it's available on iTunes. Country star Garth Brooks, however, has yet to release his music on iTunes.
Four of AC/DC's live albums and three compilation records are also available. The statement said the songs have been mastered for iTunes "with increased audio fidelity."
The group's first live album in 20 years, "Live at River Plate," is out Tuesday.


text:
A Connecticut novelty toy company is selling a "tanorexic" action figure based on the New Jersey mother accused of taking her 6-year-old daughter into a tanning booth.
Patricia Krentcil, 44, pleaded not guilty last week to child endangerment after police accused her exposing her child to potentially harmful ultraviolent rays.
The case has drawn international attention because of Krentcil's suntanned complexion, which appears unnaturally bronzed, with its brownish-orange pigment. The mother claims her daughter got sunburned outdoors.
HeroBuilders, a company in Oxford, Conn., is now trying to replicate Krentcil's look with its action figure, priced at 29.95 on its website.
The president of Oxford-based HeroBuilders told the Associated Press that everyone has friends into heavy tanning. "We thought it was a funny thing to do," Emil Vicale told AP.


text:
Mark Gray is a software development engineer working at Intel on Real-Time embedded systems for Telephony. Julien Carreno is a software architect and senior software developer at specializing in embedded Real-time applications on Linux
In Part 1 of this article, we summarized some of the performance tools available to Linux developers on Intel architecture. In Part 2, we cover a set of standard performance profiling and analysis goals and scenarios that demonstrate what tool or combination of tools to select for each scenario. In some scenarios, the depth of analysis is also a determining factor in selecting the tool required. With increasingly deeper levels of investigation, we need to change tools to get the increased level of detail and focus from them. This is similar to using a microscope with different magnification lenses. We start from the smallest magnification and gradually increase magnification as we focus on a specific area.
In any performance analysis or profiling exercise, it is the authors' experience that there are two critical pieces of information that need to be present from the start:
- What is my expected system behavior? In other words, how do I expect the system to behave under normal conditions? In a structured project environment, this translates to a very clearly-defined set of requirements at a system level as well as, possibly, at an individual component or application level.
- What is my problem statement? Simplistically, this can be one of two possibilities:
- My system is not behaving according to expectations.
- My system is behaving as expected, but I want to know what "makes it tick". I want to be able to answer questions such as: "Where are my CPU cycles being spent?", "How much memory am I really using?" This information can be used to understand any inefficiencies in my algorithm or problem areas. This information may also be used to accurately predict how the system will scale to support higher workloads.
When items 1 and 2 above are clear, you have effectively determined "where you are" and "where you want to be". For the purposes of this article, we focus on scenarios in which the system is not behaving according to specifications rather than measurement on a working system.
From experience, it is critical to apply a structured method at the start of any performance analysis since any activity with an inappropriate tool can be a complete waste of time. Performance can be broadly affected by issues in three distinct areas: CPU occupancy, memory usage and IO. As a first step, it is absolutely essential to determine which area your problem is coming from since the tools mainly focus on one of these three areas to provide any kind of detailed data. Hence, the first step is always to use general tools that provide a high-level view of all three areas simultaneously. Once, this has been done, the developer can delve deeper into a specific area using tools with an increasing level of detail and potentially more and more invasiveness. It is advised not to make any assumptions regarding the category the investigated problem falls under and skipping the first high-level analysis. Assumptions such as these have proven in the past to be counter-productive on numerous occasions.
When doing performance analysis on a working system to understand what makes it tick, it is important to take into account a number of things. Avoid any over-kill. For example, if only a simple CPU performance measurement of a working system is required, it may be sufficient to use a non-invasive high-level analysis tool such as ps. The depth of analysis should be determined "a priori" by all interested parties.
Start at the 10,000 ft View
As stated earlier, the starting point of any analysis should be a set of system-level measurements meant to provide an indication of the system state, most notably:
- CPU occupancy, total and per logical core
- Memory usage, snapshot and evolution over time
- IO, CPU IO waits
For our purposes here, it is assumed that we are dealing with finding a single problem area at a time during our analysis, figuring out what that area is that brings us here. Scenarios covering analysis of a system with both CPU occupancy and memory usage problems, for example, is not covered here.
Using some of the examples above, having already applied our methodology of performing a high-level analysis that includes CPU, I/O, and memory performance for all the scenarios below, we can see in Figure 1 that our CPU usage is approximately 90%. Our main problem here is CPU occupancy as the vast majority of cycles are being spent in user space. Our next step should be to examine more closely the applications running on the system. Using ps, in Figure 5, we can see that we have a number of applications running concurrently on the system and that our VoIPapp is by far the biggest CPU user. We should examine our VoIPapp in more detail, see "CPU Bottlenecks".
In Figure 2, we can see that our overall CPU occupancy is just under 50%, however we are using 99% of one core and virtually nothing of the second available core. We should examine our threading model, see "Optimizing a Complete System" and "CPU Bottlenecks".
We can see between Part 1, Figure 7 and Figure 4 that, over time, our memory usage is increasing, further measurements may indicate that we have a memory leak that is affecting system behaviour, see "Investigating a Memory Issue". From Figure 5, we can see that the CPU is spending an inordinate amount of processing time waiting on IO. We should investigate the reason for the high number of IO waits, see "IO Bottleneck Issue". Optionally, we can use iostat to assess the loading of the block devices in the system to quickly determine if they are a factor in the bottleneck. For instance, in Figure 6, it is apparent that during the file copy, the bottleneck is the block device which is highly loaded.


text:
|Classifieds Buy, Sell, Trade - Private sales only
|Thread Tools
|October 2nd, 2015, 02:09 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Pacific Grove, CA
Posts: 926
Sumitomo HTR Z III 285/30/ZR18 $200
Bought these Sumitomo HTR Z III 285/30/ZR18" tires last year from Tire Rack for my Boxster and just won a set of Michelins so these must go. Tires are one of Tire Racks best sellers and retail there for $143.44 each plus $25 shipping. Tires were manufactured in 17th week of 2014 and have 2000 miles on them with no flats or curbs. Tires show even wear with the penny test showing about 7/32" left out of 10/32." Lots of miles left and a savings of $68.44 per tire. $200 for the pair. Cash preferred and local pick up only. Can take Paypal with 3% addition. Will not ship so please don't ask..
Email me for pics as I could not get this site to post my pics it kept saying they were too large no matter how small I made them.
Ron Breeze
Last edited by offshore; October 26th, 2015 at 12:51 PM.


text:
- Font:
- +
- -
The number of smart phone owners who use Google's Android OS in the U.S. is almost as great as those who use Apple's iPhone, following a massive Android sales jump, according to tracking firm comScore.
In the three months ending in October, the share of Android users had risen sharply from 17 to 23.5 percent, says the report. Meanwhile, iPhone share couldn't even rise a single percent, going from 23.8 to 24.6 percent.
Neck and neck a month ago, Android will presumably pass iPhone in the current quarter, which includes the bulk of holiday sales. However, if, as expected, Apple introduces a Verizon-flavored iPhone in January, the tables could turn.
Meanwhile, RIM's fortunes fell again, as the BlackBerry lost 3.5 percent share. It is, nevertheless, still in the lead: 35.8 percent of smart phones in use in the U.S are BlackBerrys.
© 2013 msnbc.com Reprints


text:
It's May, and that's a good time for you and your sweetie to stop everything else and simply appreciate one another. Drive just over an hour from Houston to Blisswood and you will be in another world, where you can have a romantic Texas getaway. Book your reservation prior to May 31 and take advantage of our Earthday Back to the Country Special Package: you'll receive a bottle of organic wine, a recyclable tote filled with "Save Your World" products (1 product=1 acre of rainforest saved for one year!), a CFL light bulb, organic lip balm, organic cotton cap, biodegradable water bottle. You will also receive a FREE year's subscription to Organic Gardening. Finally, you will receive a $50 rebate on your lodging if you arrive in a hybrid vehicle. Be sure to mention this offer when making your reservations to qualify, and you will have a green getaway as well as a romantic getaway in Texas.
There are miles of peaceful trails and country roads to explore on your bicycle. Rent a rowboat and spend a morning lazing on the water. Blisswood is the perfect place to come for your romantic getaways in Texas, especially if you and your sweetie enjoy being active in the outdoors.
Blisswood has lots of wide open space for you to explore on foot, as well. Or go for something even more romantic: a horseback ride. Roam through nearly 650 acres of meadows and oak forests, across creeks, and past soothing ponds. See Blisswood Activities for more details about our guided rides.
What could be a better way to woo your sweetheart than a romantic ride in a hot air balloon? Plan your trip through Texas Air Adventures, and spend an afternoon gliding over the scenic landscape of South Central Texas. Then have a delicious candlelit dinner at Carol's at Cat Springs restaurant.
At Blisswood Bed and Breakfast, even sitting on your porch is relaxing and romantic. So take a break from the daily grind and have a romantic few days here. You may even decide this is the place for your upcoming Texas wedding; if so, don't hesitate to speak with us about arrangements. We enjoy hosting weddings in Texas.


text:
STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2012 - Regulatory News:
- Simeprevir achieved SVR12 rates (viral cure) of 79% to 81% in the three pivotal phase III trials QUEST-1, QUEST-2 and PROMISE in genotype 1 hepatitis C patients.
- The overall results demonstrate that simeprevir is safe and well tolerated with a safety profile of the simeprevir treatment arms similar to the placebo control.
- A majority of the patients, 85-93%, were able to stop all treatment after 24 weeks.
Results from the QUEST-1 and QUEST-2 trials found that 80% and 81% of treatment-naive patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C infection who were treated with simeprevir achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the planned end of treatment (SVR12). Results from the PROMISE trial found that 79% of prior relapsed patients treated with simeprevir achieved SVR12. All three studies utilized response-guided treatment (RGT) criteria and 85%, 91% and 93 % of the patients, respectively, were eligible to stop all treatments after 24 weeks.
The overall safety, tolerability and efficacy results from these studies were consistent with those previously obtained in phase II studies.
Final analysis of the phase III trials is ongoing and the full data set from these studies will be submitted for presentation at future scientific conferences.
"We are extremely happy about the data from these phase III studies, which robustly demonstrate high cure rates in both treatment-experienced, so called relapsers, and treatment-naïve patient groups, both including patients with severe liver disease. Together with the very good safety profile and the fact that a large proportion of the patients were eligible to end all treatments in a shorter time frame as compared to current standard of care, should provide new hope for large patient groups with this disease", said Charlotte Edenius, EVP of Research and Development, Medivir AB. "We look forward to seeking regulatory approvals to bring simeprevir forward to help treat people living with chronic hepatitis C."
QUEST-1 (C208), QUEST-2 (C216) and PROMISE (C3007)
In the global QUEST-1 and QUEST-2 trials, 394 and 391 respectively, treatment-naïve patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C were randomized to receive either 150 mg of once-daily simeprevir for 12 weeks plus pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks based upon response guided treatment criteria (simeprevir group) or pegylated interferon and ribavirin alone for 48 weeks (control group).
In the PROMISE study, 393 patients, who had previous relapse after completing HCV treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, were randomized to receive either 150 mg of once-daily simeprevir for 12 weeks plus pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks based on response guided treatment criteria (simeprevir group) or pegylated interferon and ribavirin alone for 48 weeks (control group).
Summary Table
Click To Enlarge
Click To Enlarge
q.d.: once daily; PR: pegIFNalpha and ribavirin;
SVR12: patients with undetectable HCV RNA (<25 IU/mL Undetectable) 12 weeks after planned EoT.
|All simeprevir (TMC435) groups: p<0.001 vs placebo.
|Prior Relapser: undetectable HCV RNA at EoT and detectable within 12/24 weeks of follow-up
|RGT: Response Guided Treatment: HCV RNA < 25 IU/mL (detectable or undetectable) at Week 4 and undetectable
|HCV RNA (< 25 IU/mL undetectable) at Week 12 (all other patients continued Peg-IFN/RBV up to W48)
Simeprevir was generally safe and well tolerated and overall incidence of adverse events (AEs), including rash and anemia was similar to the placebo control and consistent with prior simeprevir phase II studies.
In all three phase III studies, AEs leading to permanent discontinuation were lower in the simeprevir treated subjects compared to the placebo control (pegylated interferon and ribavirin).
Mild and reversible increases in bilirubin (total, direct and indirect) were observed in simeprevir dose groups. There were no meaningful differences between treatment groups for any of the other laboratory parameters. There were no clinically significant findings on vital signs. Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased in all simeprevir treatment groups.
Conference call Today, 20 December, at 14.00 (CET)
Phone numbers for participants from:
Sweden 0200 89 63 77
Europe +44 (0)20 3003 2666
The conference call will also be streamed live via a link on the website: www.medivir.com
About Simeprevir (TMC435)
Simeprevir, a potent investigational NS3/4A protease inhibitor jointly developed by Janssen and Medivir, is currently in phase III studies as a one pill once-daily treatment taken in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of genotypes 1 and 4 chronic hepatitis C infection.
Global phase III studies of simeprevir include QUEST-1 and QUEST-2 in treatment-naïve patients, PROMISE in patients who have relapsed after prior interferon-based treatment, ATTAIN in prior null-responder patients and studies in Japanese HCV genotype 1 patients. In parallel to these trials, phase III studies for simeprevir are ongoing in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced HIV-HCV co-infected patients and in HCV genotype 4 patients.
Simeprevir is also being studied in phase II interferon-free trials both with and without ribavirin:
- Simeprevir in combination with Gilead Sciences' sofosbuvir (GS7977) in hepatitis C genotype 1 treatment-naïve or prior null responder patients.
- Simeprevir in combination with BMS's, daclatasvir in hepatitis C genotype 1 treatment-naïve or prior null responder patients
- Simeprevir in combination with Janssen's TMC647055 and low dose ritonavir in hepatitis C genotype 1 treatment-naïve, prior relapser or null responder patients
- Simeprevir in combination with Vertex's VX-135 in hepatitis C genotype 1 treatment-naïve patients to commence in 2013
About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease of the liver and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver transplants. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 170 million people worldwide, approximately 3% of the world's population, are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has reported that more than three million people in the United States are chronically infected with HCV.
About Medivir
Medivir is an emerging research-based pharmaceutical company focused on infectious diseases.
Medivir has world class expertise in polymerase and protease drug targets and drug development which has resulted in a strong infectious disease R&D portfolio. The Company's key pipeline asset is simeprevir (TMC435), a novel protease inhibitor in phase III clinical development for hepatitis C that is being developed in collaboration with Janssen R&D Ireland.
In June 2011, Medivir acquired the specialty pharmaceutical company BioPhausia and today Medivir has a broad product portfolio with prescription pharmaceuticals in the Nordics.
For more information about Medivir, please visit the Company's website: www.medivir.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com


text: Read this entry & other old blog posts by purchasing my 1st blog book (as an eBook) right here: https://www.blurb.co.uk/b/8620500-thoughts?ebook=659280 It also available in iBooks. A signed limited number of physical copies are available. Please contact me via my website if interested 🙂 This book is expensive to print and send. You can get the eBookContinue reading "Charlie Hebdo & Blasphemy."


text:
These classic small clip earrings are created from ceramic beads on a gold plated hypoallergenic backing. Kazuri jewellery is hand made in Kenya by local women, making each one individually unique. They are then kiln fired and hand glazed, giving a beautiful glossy finish.
- Colour – Romantic Blue
- Bead Size – 1.8cm x 1.9cm
- Gold Plated clip backing
- Hypoallergenic
- Fair Trade
- Hand made in Kenya
Availability: In Stock
If you have any problems or queries please don't hesitate to Contact Us


text:
James, Bucs' running game stout vs. Seattle
The Tampa Tribune
, published 4 November 2013
After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ran for a season-high 205 yards Sunday, rookie Mike James and the men who carved open the holes for his career day took turns complimenting each other. James gashed the Seahawks for 158 yards in only his second NFL start, running with conviction and reaching the second level often as Tampa Bay's interior offensive line had its way.
"It was phenomenal the way our guys up front got on guys and finished their blocks,'' said James, a sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Miami who is thriving while Doug Martin recuperates from a shoulder injury suffered in Atlanta two weeks ago. "It's fun to run behind blocking like that.''
Center Jeremy Zuttah and guards Davin Joseph and Jamon Meredith took turns dominating up front and James kept knifing through mammoth running lanes as Tampa Bay grabbed a 21-7 halftime lead against a 16-point favorite. "Mike James played a heck of a game — he's growing up right in front of our eyes,'' said Meredith, who stood out at left guard in his first start of the season. "We're going to keep pushing until we turn this thing around.''
The Bucs topped the 100-yard rushing mark for only the third time this season and James wasn't complaining after lugging the ball 28 times. James averaged 5.6 yards per carry as Tampa Bay displayed far more offensive balance, with Mike Glennon throwing only 23 times. "We started fast, but we didn't finish,'' Zuttah said. "We had a couple of chances to finish this game off and we didn't. End of story. Mike finishes off his runs in style ... he's the kind of back you want to block for.''
Meredith became the fifth different Bucs starter at left guard this season. He fit in seamlessly with a group that helped Tampa Bay almost double Seattle's possession time in the opening half. "Mike runs his tail off and he sparked us today,'' right tackle Demar Dotson said. "The kid works hard all week and it's showing.''
Joseph has struggled to regain his Pro Bowl form after missing the entire 2012 season with a knee injury that required surgery, but he was aggressive and powerful Sunday. "To see guys play so hard is encouraging, to see coaches coaching so hard is encouraging,'' Joseph said. "We got better today. Not good enough for a win yet, but better. Everyone in this room realizes our hard work isn't going for nothing.''


text:
This May 24, 2010, file photo provided by the Wake County (N.C.) Bureau of Identification shows Ann Pettway, who snatched a newborn baby from a New York hospital more than two decades ago.
Updated 4:35 p.m. ET: A woman who snatched a newborn baby from a New York City hospital more than two decades ago and raised her as her own was sentenced in a Manhattan federal courtroom to 12 years in prison Monday.
Ann Pettway, 51, received less than the life sentence she was facing and the 23 years the mother of the kidnapped girl requested.
White's father, Carl Tyson, expressed his disappointment, saying, "I'm not really satisfied with the sentencing." He added that Pettway "put a scar on me."
Pettway pleaded guilty to a kidnapping charge in February.
For more, visit NBCNewYork.com
During her court appearance then, she offered few details of the 1987 kidnapping. She said she took a train from her Connecticut home to Harlem Hospital, where she scooped up 3-week-old Carlina White, who had been brought to the emergency room by her parents.
"I went to the hospital. I took a child. It was wrong," she told the court.
But she offered no explanation for her action.
As part of Pettway's plea bargain, prosecutors recommended that she be sentenced to between 10 and 12½ years in prison.
Carlina's birth mother, Joy White, wept during the February proceedings. "I've lost 23 years of being with my daughter," she said, adding that those decades were filled with pain and heartache.
White said she encountered Pettway at the hospital on the day her daughter disappeared, dressed like a nurse. "She came up to me and said to me, 'Don't cry. Your daughter is going to be OK.'"
The case was solved by Carlina herself.
Woman pleads guilty in 1987 newborn kidnapping case
As she grew up in Connecticut under another name, the girl became increasingly suspicious of her own identity. Pettway told her she had been given away by a drug addict.
Carlina White said she browsed the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for clues to her identity. After matching a photo of herself with one on the site, she tracked down her true mother and they reunited in January of 2011. A DNA test confirmed they were mother and child.
Today, they speak every day, Joy White said.
"I love my daughter. She's a beautiful girl," she said, adding that she had kept a picture of her missing baby at her bedside for 23 years.
More content from NBCNews.com:
- Family: Mom wounded in Aurora suffers miscarriage
- Sources: Kidnap victim found tied up in detective's garage
- 3 killed in Pa.; suspect fled with daughter, 4
- Video: 'Full of life' -- Colo. victims mourned
- 'Feathers and blood': Bird hits boy in face on rollercoaster
Follow US News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook


text:
Following is a sample of what might be said in general terms about shows in a given decade: The decade of the *1990s* was a decade of consolidation, change, and high quality shows. The Phoenix Theatre in Burwood was the main venue, with some interesting programming included in this decade with The Beauty Stone and The Emerald Isle and The Rose of Persia.
How to use these Decade Summaries.
The decade summaries in the Archive are offered as an at-a-glance ready reckoner which are searchable and printable.
You can search the currently displayed summary for information contained in that summary. To do so, enter your search criteria and press "Enter". For more information about a show, click the Link to Archive column.
You can Print all or part of a summary using your browser Print facility. You can also print out the results of a search.
Each decade summary will include an introduction to the decade by someone who has an interest in or knowledge of the work of the Society in that decade. Those currently available are samples produced by the Administrator and are not necessarily a true reflection of the Society's work in that decade. This is a work-in-progress.
Would you like to contribute an introduction to one of these summaries? The Administrators would love to hear from you.
Are there any gaps, or corrections to the data that you can help us fill? Please let us know.


text:
Yesterday I shared some of my favorite books to read in 2013 (many of which I reviewed). Today, I want to share a few of my favorite books to review.
(And no, this isn't a case of "I just liked so many books I couldn't limit the list," as you'll see in a minute.)
These are not all books I enjoyed, nor are they all books I'd recommend you read yourself. But all were books that challenged me in some way as I tried to figure out how to best review them, whether because of disagreements with the content or because the genre was something I'd never tackled before. Simply, they were some of the books that let me exercise my critical thinking skills.
So, with that in mind, here are the reviews I most enjoyed writing in 2013:
A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans
Why'd it make the list? Being familiar with Evans' work, I knew I wasn't likely to agree with her conclusions in the book from the get-to. But the challenge here was finding ways to articulate my disagreement in a way that would be helpful and appreciate the good points of the book.
One of my concluding lines was "On some points, A Year of Biblical Womanhood offers some extremely helpful insights. On others, though, it comes across as petty and juvenile," so I'm not sure how well I succeeded there.
Mapping the Origins Debate by Gerald Rau
Why'd it make the list? While the book is a bit stuffy in its writing style (it skews academic), its subject matter is too important not to give careful consideration. I've seen attempt to present a balanced view of the major positions on human origins. Rau did a very good job of this, as well as pointing out the often overlooked role of our presuppositions in interpreting scientific data.
Clear Winter Nights by Trevin Wax
Why'd it make the list? Trevin's book is one of the first serious attempts I've made at reviewing a work of fiction. In fact, it might actually be the first fiction book I've reviewed. And any time I need to start a review writing, "Clear Winter Nights is not an ugly book," I think it means I had some thinking to do.
Does God Listen to Rap? by Curtis Allen
Why'd it make the list? Because controversial subjects require a lot of thought. Allen clearly worked hard to address the concerns about Christian rap from a biblical perspective and his arguments require careful consideration.
God's Good Design by Claire Smith
Why'd it make the list? This book had almost the opposite problem of A Year of Biblical Womanhood. Because I'm in agreement with the arguments made by the author, I still needed to figure out how to think through these with a degree of objectiveness. Again, not sure how well I succeeded there, so you'll have to be the judge.
The Boy and the Ocean by Max Lucado
Why'd it make the list? Mostly because reviewing a book geared toward children is incredibly challenging. At the risk of being obvious, writing a book for kids isn't the same as writing for adults. There's more nuance you can include in a book for big people that doesn't work well with little ones. Nevertheless, I think I stand by my conclusion: "A gospel-driven book, this is not; but it is an opening to a gospel conversation with your kids. And if that's what Lucado set out to do, then he's succeeded admirably."
A Call to Resurgence by Mark Driscoll
Why'd it make the list? This was, far and away, the most challenging review I wrote all year for me personally. I found myself with a large list of concerns, as well as a number of things I appreciated about the book—which, in hindsight, actually were some of my concerns!
So those were a few of my favorite books to review. Although a number of them are books I'd probably recommend you not read, hopefully checking out the reviews will help you understand why I like the process of reviewing so much.


text:
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10 from 10,362 votes
Release: 2010 / Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
Genre: Action, Animation, Family
Stars: Brian Bloom, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Eric Loomis, Rick D. Wasserman
Synopsis: Watch Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes online free. In Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Putlocker Full Episodes, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is an American animated television series by Marvel Animation in cooperation with Film Roman, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The show debuted both on Disney XD and online in the fall of 2010, starting with a 20-part micro-series. Marvel Entertainment, LLC and Disney XD announced a "new Marvel Universe" programming block, named Marvel Universe, which began broadcasting in April 2012 and included the second season of Earth's Mightiest Heroes! and the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man. The series initially features a team based on the roster for the original Avengers, composed of Iron Man, Giant-Man, Hulk, Thor, and Wasp. The team is later joined by Captain America, Black Panther, and Hawkeye in the first season, and Ms. Marvel and Vision in the second season. In terms of overall tone and style, the series is based principally on the original stories by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. However, it also tends to utilize material from all eras of the comic's run as well as other sources, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series was replaced by Marvel's Avengers Assemble, which premiered on July 7, 2013.


text:
Interviews With Dallas Green, Gary "Sarge" Matthews and Virginia Ventura Marina
Today I had the opportunity to speak with two former Phillies stars and, as an added bonus, I spoke with one of the players from the former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Dallas Green is a former Phillies pitcher, former Phillies manager and currently holds a position as Senior Advisor to the General Manager with the Phillies.
He is probably best known for being the manager of the Phillies 1980 World Series team. With a career that ran from 1960-1967 as a player and 1979-1996 as a baseball manager, Green has an amazing history. Here is our conversation:
Jenn: Name one thing people need to know about you?
Dallas: Well the obvious thing is I am the only manager in 100 years that won a World Series for the Philadelphia Phillies and that Charlie Manuel has joined me. But there are only two of us around and I am still going.
Jenn: How would you compare your managerial style with that of Charlie Manuel?
Dallas: Much different. I mean, we had a different ball club too and there were different circumstance. My style was (pause), some of the players didn't like my style but we won a Championship and that's all they remember now.
Jenn: There has been a real cultural change among players since the time you played. Players did not usually socialize but today, they are out during batting practice, chatting and being friendly. How do you feel about that?
Dallas: Well I'm still old school. You know, I think the other team used to be respected but be left alone. Even though what has happened in baseball is that with free agency everybody has become friends, and the union has been part of that, and the change of teams. We never used to change teams. We sign with the Phillies, we play with the Phillies most of our career, so that kind of stuff has changed considerably.
Jenn: You were born in Delaware and attended the University of Delaware…
Dallas: Born and raised in Newport.
Jenn: Were you a Phillies fan growing up?
Dallas: Oh yeah I went to the old Blue Rocks stadium in Wilmington, Delaware and saw Robin Roberts first game there. Obviously at the University of Delaware, Mr. Carpenter was a very big part of the Delaware sports program and I went to school on a scholarship that he provided so it was natural that I would sign with the Phillies. (Editors note: Bob Carpenter owned the Phillies for nearly 3 decades)
Jenn: You actually played with Robin Roberts…
Dallas: Well besides being a wonderful pitcher, he was a great man. And all of us that were touched by him remember him that way. He was a very special pitcher and unbelievable Hall of Fame statistics that are mind-boggling in today's baseball. But he'll be remembered more as a great man.
Jenn: What is your favorite memory of Robin Roberts?
Dallas: Well, I think the first time we met was probably the best time. We became very good friends. He kind of befriended me my first Spring Training in a Phillies uniform and of course he was a veteran at that time and had already won a lot of baseball games. So for him to befriend me at the beginning of my time, I always appreciated that.
Jenn: What is the strangest thing a fan has ever said to you or asked you?
Dallas: Probably this one. (laughs) I can't recall that.
***I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Mr. Green for his time and generosity.
I also spoke with Gary "Sarge" Matthews who played for the Phillies from 1981-1983. He is currently on staff as a TV and radio color announcer.
In his 16-year playing career, Sarge played left field and ended with a lifetime .281 batting average and 234 home runs. Here is our conversation:
Jenn: Yesterday I heard from Scott Franzke that you were into wood whittling. What is that about?
Sarge: Well, I mean for the baby (Franzke's newborn son, August) what I did, I knew some people in Florida. It's the Yoder's company. They do a lot of different, special baby-type things and instead of having the full name "August" I decided to go with "Gus." It (wooden train) has a caboose on it, engine and everything so, quite appropriate for today (National Train Day).
Jenn: There has been a real cultural change among players since the time you played. Players did not usually socialize but today, they are out during batting practice, chatting and being friendly. How do you feel about that?
Sarge: Well, me personally I don't particularly care for it but you got to realize too that, you know, things have changed so much that this is what they do now. I mean, they are friendly with each other. We were friendly but it was after the game not during the game. So, you know they still give a solid effort in being friends with somebody but it would have been hard, difficult for me to. But this has been going on for about the last ten to twelve years or so that they've been pretty friendly. It's just the time of the age.
Jenn: How did you get into broadcasting?
Sarge: Well, believe it or not I had when I finished playing, I had a radio show called The Major League Baseball Network and it was a syndicated show all over so that kind of got me involved with it. Then I did some things with the Toronto Blue Jays on television and radio. So, I mean if you know the game it's still difficult because there are things you haven't learned that you got to learn in school. But at least the hard part is you know the game now you have to work on delivery and being able to convey your thoughts to the fans in a special kind of time. So, you learn to do it. Our job is not as difficult as the product on the field. We don't have as much stress win, lose or draw and then we reap the benefits like these two rings. (Sarge shows me both his 2008 World Series ring and 2009 National League pennant ring, one on each hand)
Jenn: What was your most embarrassing moment as a player?
Sarge: Well, I mean obviously everybody has missed balls, things like that. You know really back when we were playing it was really more no-nonsense. And if it was an embarrassing thing like missing a ball, or I missed some fly ball or whatever before, it is not talked about very much. Especially if you lose because you know we didn't play a lot of jokes or laugh a lot. We'd play jokes for instance, Ryne Sandberg used to always tape on my directors chairs the little mechanisms, the sticks, and would just put them flush on there and every time I'd come in there I would fall right on the ground if sitting. We would play more practical jokes then get on each other about embarrassing moments.
Jenn: What is something that most people do not know about you that you might like to share?
Sarge: Well I don't know how many people know that I get my nails done. And when on the road, if at all possible, I always get some fresh Gardenias and put them all over the room because I love flowers.
***Thank you to Sarge for his time and sincerity. Sarge is a great big teddy bear…easy to talk to and always entertaining.
My final conversation was with Virginia Ventura Marina; she played first base for the Rockford Peaches in the former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
The AAGPBL is the women's league that the 1992 movie, "A League of Their Own" was based on.
Jenn: You played for the Rockford Peaches…
Virginia: I played for the Rockford Peaches in 1951 and 1953. In 1952 I had a medical problem and then I played with the Chicago softball league down in Florida.
Jenn: How old were you when you started?
Virginia: I was fifteen.
Jenn: You were allowed to play at fifteen?
Virginia: Well, my father allowed me to come out here because my friend, Joan, played also for Rockford. She was two years older than me. But I had to finish my school year before I was allowed to come out. I went to Peoria in 1951 in the spring. I was fifteen and we went to a two week try-out and I got a contract.
Jenn: How did you get interested in baseball to begin with?
Virginia: Well, my girlfriend, Joan Kneble, also played for Berger. Her father started a team in our home town, Garfield, New Jersey because there was nothing for girls. I met Joan at the YMCA. They gave us a ½ day for swimming; that was it. We started a team and from that, it spiraled and about 5 or 6 of us from our regional team made the Peaches.
Jenn: Did you follow baseball growing up and if so, did you have a favorite team?
Virginia: Yeah, you know I liked the Brooklyn Dodgers then they moved out of town. I used to go see the Yankees and the Giants because they used to take us (to the games) on buses.
Jenn: Do you still follow baseball today?
Virginia: I do, but not as close as I would like to. I am too busy running around.
Jenn: How did you feel about the league being dissolved?
Virginia: Well, I didn't return in '54 because there were rumors going around that it was going to dissolve. You know, it was a great experience for me and I would have loved to go back. But being that they would dissolve them, my father wouldn't sign the contract. You had to be 21 at that time and they did have a team that toured around the country.
Jenn: What did you think of the movie "A League of Their Own?"
Virginia: Those girls were the originals. They started in '43. Great movie. I mean it's a little Hollywood, but good.
Jenn: What keeps you busy these days?
Virginia: Well, I am retired. I'd been selling real estate for almost 30 years. I'm not doing that now right now. I'm going to be 75. I run around with my daughter and my grandson, things like that.
***I would also like to thank Virginia for her time as well. It was a true honor to meet her; she was a pleasure to talk to.
Thank you as well to the staff of Philadelphia's National Train Day for inviting me to speak with these honored guests. It is very much appreciated. :O)