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Beat the Streak Report: Wednesday, May 11
Challenge: If Stephen Colbert can make more correct Beat the Streak picks than the BTS Report in a Monday-Sunday period, he gets to run the official Twitter account of Major League Baseball — @MLB — for 24 hours.
Someone call stadium security, because we've got a streaker on the loose.
Oh, and that streaker is us. Yeah, kiddies, Albert Pujols banged out four hits yesterday against the Cubs, meaning that the Report is officially 2-0 in the Colbert Challenge.
Did we drop trou and go for a celebratory au naturel jaunt around the neighborhood after Big Al's first-inning single off Carlos Zambrano? Well, that's for us to know, and you to find out … possibly from the crime notes of our local newspaper.
As for Mr. Colbert, he continues to sit idle. Like many a college student on summer vacation, he impassively surveys the fun and games below from his perch atop the lifeguard chair. Only the occasional whistle twirl signals any life at all behind the aviators. Is he just bored, or does he think he actually belongs up there above the fray? Take the plunge, Stephen — the water couldn't be nicer.
Well, we guess it could be if you weren't already down 2-0.
BTS Report Wednesday pick: Ichiro Suzuki
BTS Report record: 2-0
Stephen Colbert record: 0-0
Wednesday's picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there …
Nick Markakis: .464 (13-for-28) since '06 vs. Mariners starter Felix Hernandez
Mark Teixeira: .545 (6-for-11) since '06 vs. Royals starter Bruce Chen
Adrian Beltre: .438 (7-for-16) since '06 vs. A's starter Gio Gonzalez
Adam Lind: .556 (10-for-18) since '06 vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
Kelly Johnson: .571 (8-for-14) since '06 vs. Giants starter Jonathan Sanchez
Todd Helton: .462 (6-for-13) since '06 vs. Mets starter Jon Niese
Yunel Escobar: .571 (4-for-7) since '06 vs. Red Sox starter John Lackey
Feeling kinda spicy?
Alex Gonzalez: .600 (6-for-10) since '06 vs. Nationals starter John Lannan
John Buck: .421 (8-for-19) since '06 vs. Phillies starter Cliff Lee
You'll thank me later …
Kevin Youkilis: .154 (2-for-13) since '06 vs. Blue Jays starter Jesse Litsch
Jay Bruce: .050 (1-for-20) since '06 vs. Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez
Hunter Pence: .176 (3-for-17) since '06 vs. Reds starter Edinson Volquez
Alex Gordon: .133 (2-for-15) since '06 vs. Yankees starter A.J. Burnett
Shane Victorino: .174 (4-for-23) since '06 vs. Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco
Leaderboard time!
Ethier, Ethier, Ethier. We're a little tired of Andre the Giant, but Streakland apparently is not. More than 16 percent of you — and six of the leaderboard's top eight — rolled with him last night and were rewarded with a 2-for-5. Current leaders emmanuel and thesantos26 sit at 26 games a.k.a. 46.6 percent of the way to $5.6 million. It's like you already have $2.6 in your pocket already, except not at all.
Top MLB streakers
Jacoby Ellsbury: 19 games
Hunter Pence: 14 games
Shane Victorino: 13 games
Marlon Byrd: 11 games
(Make a BTS pick)
60 Comments
Dave, too bad Colbert didn't take you on. These past 2 days have been easy pickings & he might have thought this contest is one for children. One would have had to try hard to not find a good hitter that didn't get a hit.
Will today be as easy as the last two? Tomorrow could be interesting with only 7 games, but many of Streakland's favorites are playing: LAD, NYY, STL & Ichiro
Lind is out with a bad back. I had Ichiro pencilled in but am considering Ellsbury.
RotoWorld said Lind is probably heading to the DL soon, but they are waiting for his MRI results before making an official decision.
This is a great time to stock up on Adam Lind picks if you have a long streak going.
Well I guess Lind's outlook has improved dramatically.
Now RotoWorld has him back in the lineup on Friday.
Very few options today. I almost went with Helton, but Denver is a wintry mess today. I'm going with Ellsbury for the first time this season.
Game is now postponed. Change your pick, as needed, if you want to play today
The NYM/COL game that is now PPD was moved to tomorrow. So we have 8 games tomorrow instead of 7, so far.
Weather doesn't look much better in Denver tomorrow!
I went with Derek Jeter to get to 16. Yesterday was a SUSGD.
Highest no selection is on page 4 with a streak of 17, now going back to 0.
Hopefully you did a bit of research? Jeter will face Mazzaro who is pitching 1st time this year. Last year righties hit just 246 off of him and Jeter is 2-for-7 lifetime against him. If you weren't aware of the above, you may get lucky tonight. If you were aware, a bit gutsy.
Chen is pitching against the Yanks tonight either. Mazzaro is making the start from off the DL. I hope you all have good days today.
Chen isn't pitching I meant to say. Sorry about that.
I noticed that I took Jeter based on his 3 game multi-hit streak.
Just to add some clarity, Mazzaro did not come off the DL to make this start.
He had 5 starts I think in AAA before tonight.
Can someone shed some light as to why Ichiro is so heavily picked today, even by our blog master Dave? Is it just a gut feeling, blind faith, or something else? Otherwise, I want what they are having 😉
Some stats that caught my curiosity…
Ichiro vs Tillman – no ABs lifetime. Vs Righties – 280 for season. AVG this month: 222
Tillman – granted not a great pitcher, but holding lefties to a 269 AVG
Not many other good picks today? Lots of jump-start picks? I doubt the majority of streakers put as much thought into their picks as we do.
Obviously I'm not the leader, so my logic doesn't always pan out either. But I like to look at the numbers vs. the "pick good hitter against bad team/pitcher" method. From the stats below, you can see Wandy has good #s vs. lefties, but Votto's #s vs. lefties & his other #s, I felt, neutralized Wandy's #s; Votto is my pick for today.
Votto – vs Lefties: 464, away: 357, day: 383, vs W.Rodriguez: 333
Wandy – vs Lefties: 237, home: 304, day: 323, avgs 1 hit per inning
Oh, right–Tillman. He stopped my longest streak this season and it looks like he might kill my second longest. Oh well, if I go down I'm taking a bunch of folks with me.
LaV's List
Wednesday's Top Picks of the current Top2500,
161 Batters picked overall
Batter, Times Picked, Percentage
Ichiro Suzuki 391 15.8 (3RD)
Mark Teixeira 295 11.92
Adam Lind 151 6.1
Jacoby Ellsbury 105 4.24
Joey Votto 102 4.12
Andre Ethier 84 3.39 (3RD)
Adrian Gonzalez 82 3.31
Troy Tulowitzki 68 2.75
Robinson Cano 57 2.3
Derek Jeter 56 2.26 (1RST)
Matt Kemp 46 1.86
Miguel Cabrera 46 1.86
Carl Crawford 44 1.78
Highest "No Selection" 😛 pg# 4 with streak of 17 back to zero.
Yesterday's Top2500 Reset rate was % with Curtis Granderson reseting the most.
I'm at a trainging course today so I'll do the pinched and reset rate when I'm done here. And I missed NO SELECTIONS.
Bloggers Group Top2500
UserName, Streak, Page#, Rank, Pick
yanksgiantsdevils33, 15, pg 6, 138, Derek Jeter (PICKED 56X)
gurpsing, 14, pg 11, 201, Ichiro (PICKED 391X)
tolvar, 13, pg 14, 315, Derek Jeter (PICKED 56X)
forcook, 13, pg 15, 315, Joey Votto (PICKED 102X)
BLACKHAWKS, 9, pg 46, 1082, Starlin Castro (PICKED 22X)
Bloggers Reset Yesterday
GL to all
Mark, yesterday's reset rate was 0%? Wow 🙂
Oh, I see you will update that later. Oops.
Yesterday's Top2500 Reset rate was 11.36% with Curtis Granderson reseting the most.
Got Pinched OR 1 AB Wonders
TOP2500 saved or reset by PHA (going to include any pinch hitters and/or double switch, 1 AB or More)
J Damon TB, 10, BB
J Varitek BOS, RESET 4,
K Shoppach TB, SAVED 4, (came in def, 2AB)
P Alvarez PIT, RESET 1, (came in def, 2AB)
H Kendrick LAA, 6 Pinch Runner for Posey
what type of training were you getting?
Shit, that should be Darren Ford, not Howie Kendrick. OOPS
lol, the chat filter lets that s word goes through, but blocks w-h-o-p-p-i-n-g?
What the hell?
For those that had players in the OAK/TEX game, you will remain idle. The game was not suspended, but postponed to some future date.
how far did they get before cancelling?
I think they were in bottom of 4th but not 100% positive
Is anyone else having trouble with MLB.com Gameday?
I am noticing that the scores/innings displayed on the top are 1-2 innings behind what is actually happening.
Yeah, really annoying too. Like everything is delayed by minutes!
ESPN's Gamecast is running normally.
You might want to check that out.
I'm switching over to ESPN's GameCast. It appears to be 'live'.
Ichiro just singled in the 5th
Yep, too bad :). Ethier hit also. Jeter & Teixeira still reset potential.
So close, Teixeira pickers lucked out. Royals with just 2 hits in the game tie game in the 8th and Tex gets his hit in extras.
Bottom of the 9th is not really extras!
You are correct. Guess I was so frustrated at the luck. Looked ahead and wrote extras.
Raul Ibanez just doubled for me in the 7th to push my streak to 4 games.
Though it looked like a foul ball based on ESPN's Gamecast!
I was getting worried when it was taking a little bit of time for a pitch to be thrown to the next batter.
I thought they might overturn the call.
Phew. Zobrist just homered to move me to my season high of 4. Wooooo.
@champ, I had confined space yesterday and then H2S today. Both are refresher courses as my tickets are only good for 3 yrs. Watse of 2 days but I cant complain since I was scheduled to work so I get paid for my reg hours.
Confined space and H2S sound like flying courses.
Is that correct?
Nope. I'm a wastewater treatment operator. They're both industry standard safety training courses.
Anyone know what is going on in Cleveland?
They have been in an "injury delay" for 10 minutes now.
No sports sites are updating for me at the moment. Not ESPN, MLB, Yahoo, NBC Sports, nothing. This is making me angry.
ESPN seems to be working now
Usually what happens is there are some outages which prevent the signals from getting to all the online sources.
ESPN was actually working fine for most of MLB.com's delay, outside of the Rays game.
That type of delay for one source, but fine for the other, is actually quite rare.
It does. Now if Ellsbury can work and get me a hit. That would be great!
OK, I guess it's not gonna happen. I had Ellsbury, quickly switched to Adrian Gonzalez and then back to Ellsbury. See? It backfired on me this time. Should have stuck with Gonzalez.
Well as long as Swish doesn't do anythin here Jeter will be due up 4 next I inning. Fingers crossed for you Yanks.
You're too nice. I want Jeter 0-fer. If that happens, one of the leaders fall. I always pull for the leader's pick to fall. Sometimes even when the leader and I pick the same hitter!
Even if Jeter gets a hit. Holliday removed from the game and takes down 2 towards the top of the leader board
No hit. He just grounded out. Unless a run comes across and they bat around again Jeter is done.
May not have reset a ton today, but some quality resets did happen. Ellsbury took out a 20 & 23-gamer, Holliday took out two 23-gamers and Jeter took out one of the 26-game leaders
About time the Cubbies had a good breakout game. 2 triples in the 5th and slamming the Cards. Almost afraid to feel good thinking the unthinkable may happen — a loss.
Makes me feel alot more comfortable about taking someone from STL tomorrow. And I have Castro in fantasy so it's nice to see him hitting again.
Tomorrow? Me and 'bout a ton of others will be taking Andre the Giant (Dave's nickname for him, not mine)
Granderson just retied the game at 3.
Onto the 11th.
And KC just scored in the top half. Think game is over this inning, but who will win I'll wait and see
Royals win 4-3 in 11 innings Jeter went O fer 6 taking me back to 0. You wouldn't believe that Jeter had a 7 game hit streak and a 3 game 2+ hits streak. None of his outs in this game were hard hit balls (3 groundouts, a strikeout, soft flyout and a bunt popout) and he is the only Yankee player to lead to a reset. I will not forget this loss if Jeter gets on another hit streak. Jeter was my favorite Yankee for many years growing up before I started to like A-Rod and Cano and Teixeira came along. But the days to rely on Jeter as one of my BTS picks is unfortunately in the past. 😦
if it makes you feel any better, Alexei Ramirez pickers were all but lost with an 0 for 5 and a 2-run deficit in the 9th inning.
The White Sox rallied to tie and Ramirez singled in the 10th to go 1 for 6!
Lol. How would that make him feel any better? Alexei hit, Jeter didn't.


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The Entertainer (1902, piano roll) by Scott Joplin
Album Description
Ragtime's upbeat style is perfect as a happy and inspiring backdrop for playtime!
This collection focuses on ragtime, an American music style from more than 100 years ago, a long time before the invention of CDs and iPods. Back then, sound was recorded into things like wax, resin, paper and metal. The paper recordings were played by machine instruments. The most popular was called a player piano, and most songs here are recorded from player pianos.
The selections in this release were recorded from cylinders, 78 rpm records and player pianos by tomrjim and Jonathan Aizen. Zachary Brewster-Geisz recorded "Maple Leaf Rag" using orchestra software.
more info, cover art, and a make-it-yourself paper piano model
Ragtime originated in African American musical communities, in the late 19th century, and descended from the jigs and marches played by bands in Northern cities with black populations. By the start of the 20th century it became widely popular throughout North America and was listened and danced to, performed, and written by people of many different cultures. A distinctly American musical style, ragtime may be considered a blend of African rhythms and European classical music.
» VIEW ALL"The Entertainer (1902, piano roll)" Fans
Track Info
"Documentary" by shaundes
"Comedic" by RadioFilmSchool
"Piano" by alfabetadigital
"Old Timey" by HalfPastPasta
The Entertainer (1902, piano roll) by Scott Joplin is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.

subset: commoncrawl


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Washington, DC: Refined Burgers at Bourbon Steak
Editor's note: Please welcome Brian Oh to A Hamburger Today! You may recognize his name (and beautiful photography) from Washington, D.C.-related posts on Serious Eats—he joined us back in May—but this is his first burger review. If you have burger recommendations, let him know in the comments!
Bourbon Steak
2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 (map); 202-944-2026, bourbonsteakdc.com/the-lounge
Cooking Method: Wood grilled
Short Order: A simple, but expertly crafted burger that is as familiar as a Big Mac, but is as sophisticated as McDonald's is not
Want Fries with That? Not included, but definitely worth an order. Twice cooked and twice as delicious
Price: Oak-Fired Prime Steak Burger, $19; duck fat fries, $6
Notes: Burger only available in the lounge
For a restaurant of the caliber of Georgetown's Bourbon Steak, it's not really a surprise that of the five burgers on the bar's menu, only one is a beef burger. The other options include veggie, turkey, lamb, and salmon, but when it comes to the standard, chef Adam Sobel is confident enough in his Oak-Fired Prime Steak Burger ($19) to let it stand on its own without diluting the menu. There's no fussing over extraneous toppings or seasonings. Just an expertly crafted burger that is better for its simplicity.
The eight-ounce patty, served medium rare unless otherwise requested (but don't request otherwise), is made of high quality dry aged beef—a 75/25 blend that includes brisket, short rib, and chuck, freshly ground everyday. The meat is cooked over a wood burning grill and brushed with red wine butter to achieve a nice charring. The sesame seed bun is also toasted on the grill and brushed with mustard butter. The burger is topped with Cabot white cheddar, red wine braised shallots, and shredded lettuce, then served skewered with a homemade spicy pickle. Oh, and let's not forget the Secret Sauce. The presentation is meticulous, understated, and assuages some of the buyer's remorse you might be feeling for ordering a nearly $20 burger.
Make no mistake, it's an expensive burger (you're in the Four Seasons, after all), but after your first bite, that buyer's remorse is gone. The patty is well formed, but your teeth will cut through it effortlessly. The meat is tender and very juicy (aided by the 25 percent fat content). A very light char contributes a subtle smokiness and, with the shredded lettuce, an added crisp to the texture. The cheddar is noticeable but not overwhelming, and it complements the saltiness of the beef. And that Secret Sauce? It's the familiar ketchup-and-mayo Thousand Island dressing flavor (though being secret, I can't say for sure) of classic fast food burgers.
What's New On Serious Eats
It also bears mentioning that, as juicy as the meat is, the bun holds up surprisingly well. In spite of the torrent of juice that's released with each successive bite, the bun retained most of its consistency until the end of my beef binge. And yet, admirably, it's also light and airy. Take a look at the cross section shot—the cleanness of the cut and non-smashed form of the half is attributable to the tenderness of both the patty and bun. It required very little force to slice the burger in half and, unless my knife was unusually keen, is testament to the delicate, yet robust texture.
Unfortunately, the burger doesn't come with anything (even fries) except its skewer mates. The good news, however, is that the duck fat fries are superb and well worth the extra $6. Twice cooked and served with a trio of flavors and sauces, the fries are a worthy companion. If you're inexplicably still meat-hungry after the Prime Steak Burger, let's not forget that Bourbon Steak is also home to the pork cupcake!
At Bourbon Steak, I'd be more surprised if the burger were subpar than if it were excellent. The burden of high expectations. Hell, Forbes named Bourbon Steak's burger the best in the country. Luckily, the pros at Bourbon Steak are well versed in the bovine arts and the Oak-Fired Prime Steak Burger does not disappoint.
Love hamburgers? Then you'll Like AHT on Facebook! And go follow us on Twitter while you're at it!
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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|Stefan Hajnoczi
|[Qemu-devel] [PATCH 11/15] trace: always use the "nop" backend on events with the "disable" keyword
|Thu, 1 Sep 2011 09:06:22 +0100
From: Lluís <address@hidden> Any event with the keyword/property "disable" generates an empty trace event using the "nop" backend, regardless of the current backend. Signed-off-by: Lluís Vilanova <address@hidden> --- docs/tracing.txt | 25 +++++++++++++++---------- scripts/tracetool | 15 ++------------- 2 files changed, 17 insertions(+), 23 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/tracing.txt b/docs/tracing.txt index 455da37..85793cf 100644 --- a/docs/tracing.txt +++ b/docs/tracing.txt @@ -12,15 +12,11 @@ for debugging, profiling, and observing execution. ./configure --trace-backend=simple make -2. Enable trace events you are interested in: - - $EDITOR trace-events # remove "disable" from events you want - -3. Run the virtual machine to produce a trace file: +2. Run the virtual machine to produce a trace file: qemu ... # your normal QEMU invocation -4. Pretty-print the binary trace file: +3. Pretty-print the binary trace file: ./simpletrace.py trace-events trace-* @@ -103,10 +99,11 @@ portability macros, ensure they are preceded and followed by double quotes: 4. Name trace events after their function. If there are multiple trace events in one function, append a unique distinguisher at the end of the name. -5. Declare trace events with the "disable" property. Some trace events can - produce a lot of output and users are typically only interested in a subset - of trace events. Marking trace events disabled by default saves the user - from having to manually disable noisy trace events. +5. If specific trace events are going to be called a huge number of times, this + might have a noticeable performance impact even when the trace events are + programmatically disabled. In this case you should declare the trace event + with the "disable" property, which will effectively disable it at compile + time (using the "nop" backend). == Generic interface and monitor commands == @@ -165,6 +162,9 @@ The "nop" backend generates empty trace event functions so that the compiler can optimize out trace events completely. This is the default and imposes no performance penalty. +Note that regardless of the selected trace backend, events with the "disable" +property will be generated with the "nop" backend. + === Stderr === The "stderr" backend sends trace events directly to standard error. This @@ -173,6 +173,11 @@ effectively turns trace events into debug printfs. This is the simplest backend and can be used together with existing code that uses DPRINTF(). +Note that with this backend trace events cannot be programmatically +enabled/disabled. Thus, in order to trim down the amount of output and the +performance impact of tracing, you might want to add the "disable" property in +the "trace-events" file for those events you are not interested in. + === Simpletrace === The "simple" backend supports common use cases and comes as part of the QEMU diff --git a/scripts/tracetool b/scripts/tracetool index e649a5b..e2cf117 100755 --- a/scripts/tracetool +++ b/scripts/tracetool @@ -506,21 +506,10 @@ convert() # Skip comments and empty lines test -z "${str%%#*}" && continue + echo # Process the line. The nop backend handles disabled lines. - disable="0" if has_property "$str" "disable"; then - disable="1" - fi - echo - if [ "$disable" = "1" ]; then - # Pass the disabled state as an arg for the simple - # or DTrace backends which handle it dynamically. - # For all other backends, call lineto$1_nop() - if [ $backend = "simple" -o "$backend" = "dtrace" ]; then - "$process_line" "$str" - else - "lineto$1_nop" "${str##disable }" - fi + "lineto$1_nop" "$str" else "$process_line" "$str" fi -- 188.8.131.52
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National Muscle Car Association - NMCA's Nostalgia Super Stock
Who Says You Can't Go Back Again?
Mopar Muscle's focus has been, and will always be, the era of Chrysler's ground-pounding machines of the 1960s and '70s. These were the cars that gave true meaning to the words "performance era." While some may argue that the Pentastar troops lacked innovative styling in the earliest days of the Max Wedge, there was no denying that when the flag came down, the horsepower told the story. Indeed, while Pontiac's GTO and Ford's Mustang may have gotten kinder accolades in the automotive press, no one ever denied that when it came to blistering tires and reaching the finish line first, these cars had no equal.
Even today, Chrysler's barely-streetable packages rule the upper echelons of the quarter-mile. Only the advent of recently-"discovered" Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette combinations have allowed anything but Mopars to run in the upper realms of the Stock and Super Stock divisions. To field a class-legal car in NHRA, and, to a lesser extent, IHRA, requires that the owner spend a great deal of money. Due to the attention to detail needed to find even miniscule amounts of horsepower, thousands upon thousands of dollars can be spent on finding the right set of heads or carburetors, and blueprinting that equipment to the most exact tolerances is a given. Once at the track, especially in Super Stock, the Max Wedge or Hemi racer may find himself or herself up against a late-model car whose scienced-out replacement suspension and digital engine controls give the newer vehicle inherent advantages. It isn't futile to race older cars in these classes, it's just not as fun as it used to be.
The advent of the National Muscle Car Association and other venues brought another racing option to owners of classics '60s-era package cars. This was through a new division known as Nostalgia Super Stock. Unlike the rules in traditional class racing, where vehicles are classed by combination, cars in the NSS division run off of set time indexes. For example, NSS/A is run off of a 10.00 index, with no breakout allowed. Therefore, it's no longer as critical to be able to run optimum times as it is to run consistent times. To keep qualifying level between packages, positions in the field are based on reaction time rather than elapsed time. The breakout rule remains in effect even for heads-up battles; if you run quicker than the index, you're out (unless the guy in the other lane was even quicker).
Moreover, the rules allow you to move around in the division as needed. For example, if you find that the car is having a hard time running NSS/B, the sanctioning body allows moving down (or up, if that's the case) even after qualifying has begun. In fact, as long as the tower is aware of your change, you can change anytime until the end of Saturday's final session.
In terms of combinations, the rules are fairly straightforward. The body must be one that was created between 1959 and 1969 by an American manufacturer. For Chrysler products, that includes Hemi and wedge motors in A-Bodies and B-Bodies, so long as the car was available from the factory with that particular engine. Hood scoops replicate original equipment, no high-tech monster scoops, while any fiberglass must exactly replace the stock steel panels. Engines are required to run gasoline (AFX machines can run methanol) and can displace as many cubic inches as you wish, so long as the engine is configured like the era-correct OE equipment (in other words, no Pro Stock motors). Weight has no minimum, while safety requirements identical to NHRA's make up the bulk of the remaining regulations. While single four-barrel combinations are allowed, multiple carbs are the norm.
The end result is a field of cars much closer to what would have raced each other in the heyday of the factory supercar. It is not all Mopars; Ford Thunderbolts, 409 Chevys, Super Duty Pontiacs and even AMXs create the picture, but, just as in the old days, the Mopars are by far the most abundant. A handful are factory-built Max Wedge and Hemi machines, while the remainder are well-done clones. This is beneficial for a number of reasons, but the most important is that the drivers can really drive these cars. This means wheelstands plus up-to-date rollcages and engine plates that don't harm a relic from the past.
The NMCA is an organization devoted to street-car performance. The evolution of the upper divisions has made some entries closer to IHRA Pro Modifieds than boulevard bruisers, but most of the nostalgia entries could be street driven if needed (just like the factory packages from the old days could).
At the season-ending NMCA World Finals in Atlanta, we had a chance to catch up with some of the players in the Nostalgia Super Stock ranks. Here are a few of them.


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Leading Global Entertainment and Media Company Relies on Aspera to Deliver Comedy Programming to its Distribution Partners
Brown Bag FilmsAspera enables real-time global collaboration and a 24/7 post-production workflow
Top global animation studio deploys Aspera Sync software to manage increasing big data requirements and enable a faster, more efficient global pipeline
BTBT launches new service to revolutionize transfer of film & tv content
Film and television producers will be able to send hours of footage, including high-definition movies, in a matter of minutes
BT SportHigh-speed transfers and automation support BT Sport's new production hub
BT Sport selects Aspera to drive high-performance file transfer at BT Sport's new production hub in StratfordCase Study
Burrows CGIReal-time data synchronization
Burrows CGI deploys Aspera's high-speed synchronization software to collaborate on projects across the globe
Channel 4Speeding on demand workflows with Aspera's cloud-ready file transfer solution
Channel 4 selects Aspera On Demand for its popular 4oD serviceCase Study
ChillibeanSpicing up file transfers
London-based solutions provider to the media industry reduces transfer times from several days to a couple of hours.
Christian CinemaPowering the aggregation of Christian movies on a custom VOD platform
Christian Cinema selects Aspera On Demand for cloud-based film uploadsCase Study
CinedigmCinedigm powers global distribution service with Aspera
The largest worldwide aggregator of independent digital content has deployed solutions from Aspera to achieve high-speed deliveries to its distribution partners.Case Study
Cinema CloudHigh-speed Digital Cinema Content Distribution with Aspera On Demand
Transferring multi-gigabyte digital cinema files between globally dispersed suppliers, distributors and customersCase Study
CinePostproductionSpeeding delivery of Digital Cinema Packages for theatre release using hybrid cloud model
CinePostproduction Speeds SHARC Digital Cinema Distribution with Aspera High-speed Transfer via Hybrid CloudCase Study
CivolutionAutomated watermarking
Aspera and Civolution integrate NexGuard watermarking with Orchestrator workflow automation
CJ PowercastAspera Drives Next-Generation Media Asset Management Systems
CJ Powercast has deployed solutions from Aspera for worldwide file transfers, management, and automation
CodemastersRapid, predictable, mobile upload for content creators
Top game developer taps leading high-speed file transfer company to speed global exchange of game content.Case Study
CourthouseDirect.comMoving legal documents faster to improve accuracy of public records
CourthouseDirect selects Aspera to speed up the transfer of large sets of digitized legal records between courthouses, customers and external vendorsCase Study
Crossroads Systems, Inc.Enabling offsite replication for disaster recovery applications
Crossroads embeds Aspera Sync to enable data transfers at full bandwidth capacity
DatabiologyDatabiology selects Aspera to move life sciences data through the cloud
Life Sciences Information Management Platform Uses Aspera's High-Speed Data Transfer To Accelerate Critical Scientific Research
DefiniensDefiniens Selects Aspera to Ensure Reliable Delivery of Tissue Images
Improves Medical Image and Data Set Transfers 14x for Analytics ProcessingCase Study
Deluxe Digital StudiosExpanding digital content ingest and delivery capacity to meet growing global demand for post services
Deluxe Digital Studios deploys Aspera software to increase capacity, shorten production cycles, and improve service levels
Deutsche WelleDelivering and Receiving Time-critical News Content Anywhere
Reliably exchange large, time-sensitive content globally, typically 10GB up to 1TB over Internet, with partner stations and postproduction companies.Case Study
Digital WorkshopHigh-speed, automated distribution of feature films and other media assets across South Africa
Digital Workshop uses Aspera to maximize throughput of diverse media contentCase Study
DIRECTV Latin AmericaHigh-speed file transfers reduce need for tapes
DirectTV Latin America deploys Aspera software to streamline post-production and distribution of HD content
EFILMUnprecedented turnaround times for worldwide services
Pioneering digital laboratory selects Aspera software to enhance its services offering with high-speed file transfer capabilities.
EMBLEnabling Molecular Biology Research with High-speed Data Transfer
EMBL Deploys Aspera to Support Collaborative Research Effort with High-speed File ExchangeCase Study
Encompass Digital Media AsiaEnabling content management and distribution
Aspera provides workflow automation and high-speed transfers for mission-critical media services
Encore InflightReliable Aspera delivery saves time, reduces costs and eliminates challenges of physical shipments
Hong Kong-based Encore Inflight replaces courier delivery with reliable digital delivery via Aspera faspex
ESAC, Inc.Advancing cancer research with fast transfer of large Proteomic data
ESAC relies on Aspera's high-speed transfer software to move large proteomic data sets to and from Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) Data Coordinating Center (DCC)Case Study
European Space AgencyThe European Space Agency Selects Aspera to Distribute Astronomical Data Captured by the Gaia Mission
High-speed Aspera FASP® transfers Enable Collaboration Between Geographically Dispersed Data Processing TeamsCase Study
FilmTrackFilmTrack selects Aspera as high-speed direct-to-cloud file transfer platform
New Service To Launch at NAB Following Successful Beta
Fios, Inc.High-speed secure transfers accelerate coast-to-coast eDiscovery
Using Aspera to overcome the challenges of slow and unreliable SFTP transfersCase Study
FOX Sports at FIFA World CupFOX Sports Revolutionizes Delivery of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Aspera
Aspera makes remote production of live events possible, enabling FOX Sports to deliver incredible viewer experiences at greatly reduced costCase Study
FOX Sports AustraliaFOX Sports Australia Selects Aspera for Seamless Delivery of Sports Content
FOX Sport uses Aspera Shares and Aspera Point-to-Point to simplify and accelerate file transfers
FOXTELBreakthrough workflow automation platform
FOXTEL implements the Aspera Orchestrator as the core of its new contribution file delivery systemCase Study
France TélévisionsEfficient content contribution and distribution
France Télévisions selects Aspera to accelerate delivery of high-quality TV programming to international and domestic audiencesCase Study
Fuel VFXCompleting the transition to file-based workflows with high-speed faspex™ digital delivery
Fuel VFX selects Aspera to transport data around the world securely and reliably
Gener8Fast transfers enable collaboration for leading 3D conversion house
Gener8 uses Aspera for speedy collaboration with 3rd party vendorsCase Study
GenoSpaceScaling large genomic data transfers
Leveraging the cloud to further genomic researchCase Study
GigaScienceFast Transfers Improve Research Data Accessibility for Life Sciences Community
GigaScience publishes big data biological and biomedical sciences studies with high-speed transport from AsperaCase Study
Global BankHigh-speed secure file sharing for 10,000+ global bankers
A leading global bank embeds Aspera FASPStream software to provide fast global file sharing, significantly improving banker productivityCase Study
Global Law FirmAccelerating global eDiscovery and litigation support
Geographically dispersed legal teams rely on Aspera to collect and securely share large sets of case files at record speedCase Study
Groupe ABGroupe AB Accelerates and Scales Content Delivery with Aspera
Reliably and Quickly Transfers Up to Five TB Per MonthCase Study
Infinite StudiosScalable file transfer and exchange with overseas clients and partners
Infinite Studios expands production with secure content delivery and exchange from Aspera
Institute for Genomic Sciences (IGS)Connecting genomic researchers
Aspera software allows researchers to share terabytes of genomic sequencing dataCase Study
Interface VideoSpeeding the exchange of large video files throughout Asia Pacific and overseas
Hong Kong-based Interface selected Aspera to send and receive large full feature film packages daily
iROKOHigh-Speed Distribution of Nollywood Films and TV Series Across AWS Cloud
iROKO Acheives High-Speed Video Transfers Globally with AsperaCase Study
iTunesHigh-performance content contribution
Apple's ubiquitous online store standardizes high-speed video uploads with Aspera transport
JabilPowering Global Manufacturing Services with High-performance Transfers
Jabil selects Aspera to enable exchange of high-value design files between team members, customers and partnersCase Study
James Cameron's AvatarMoving massive visual effects across the world
Aspera software maximizes data transfer efficiency for the production of James Cameron's record-breaking epic
KobacoHigh-speed delivery of commercials to broadcasters with Aspera
Kobaco leverages the speed and security of Aspera to deliver commercials online, eliminating the need for private lines.
Leica BiosystemsEliminating the time and costs associated with expert collaboration
Aspera fasp™ powers high-speed transfers of eSlides within the Aperio ePathology Cloud Solution
M-NetHigh-speed Ingest and Delivery of premium entertainment across Africa
Moving large film & TV video through the digital supply chain, from content submission to final distributionCase Study
MediaCorpHigh-speed content transfer and management
MediaCorp uses Aspera to quickly and efficiently transfer real-time news stories and content throughout its global media distribution network
MLB Advanced MediaStreamlining a growing multi-platform video distribution business
MLB Advanced Media deploys Aspera Files for video distribution
MSG VarsityCommunity programming at maximum speed
MSG Varsity uses Aspera technology to shorten turnaround timesCase Study
MTV3Enabling instant news gathering
Aspera Mobile Client Application allows reporters to send content from mobile devices to MTV3's news desk with ease
National Institute of GeneticsDNA sequencing and large-scale data analysis
NIG uses Aspera's Connect Server for international collaboration
National InstrumentsEmpowering Global Software Development with High-speed Data Transfers
Shortens Build Process from Four Days to Four HoursCase Study
NefelusEnabling Innovation in Electronic Chip Design
Nefelus Selects Aspera, an IBM Company, to Accelerate the Transfer of Big Data to Speed Computer Chip DesignCase Study
NetAppNetApp Customer Success Services Deploys Aspera for High-Speed Global Transfers
Aspera technology moves customers' large core files and other support related data from around the world to the NetApp central ingest site ensuring timely analysis and speedy resolution.Case Study
NetflixLarge scale content delivery in the cloud
High-speed transfers direct to Amazon Web Services S3 Storage
Network TenPowering transfers from the South African jungle to Sydney, Australia for hit show
Network Ten leverages Aspera On Demand for cloud-based delivery of promo clips for I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!Case Study
Ovation DataEnabling Data Management for Oil and Gas with High-Speed Seismic Data Transfers
Ovation Data selects Aspera to transfer large oil and gas data setsCase Study
PACECOFast image file transfer over unreliable wireless
Leading manufacturer of container handling equipment implements breakthrough tracking system with image capture and fast transmission via Aspera softwareCase Study
PBSPowering cross-country video distribution to online streaming platforms
Fast, reliable transfers make large video files available to broadcasters' growing online audienceCase Study
PERFORMWorkflow Automation for Digital Content Management
PERFORM Deploys Aspera to Automate Workflows in Digital Content ManagementCase Study
Phoenix TVLeveraging the cloud
Collaboration between Phoenix and Aspera has astonishing resultsCase Study
PolsatAccelerating Content Delivery from Local Content Providers and Global News Correspondents
Telewizja Polsat Deploys Aspera Solutions to Improve Content Gathering for BroadcastCase Study
Rainmaker EntertainmentRainmaker Entertainment selects Aspera for fast transfers to and from clients
Leading computer animation and design company facilitates collaboration with Aspera
Random HouseAutomated, global production workflow for audiobook publishing
Using Aspera software to power global audiobook production, Random House successfully shortens production cycles
RDSIRDSI initiative uses Aspera for science DMZ data mover
RDSI, the Australian Government Initiative that aims to support data-intensive research with data storage and collaboration infrastructure, has selected Aspera for high-speed data movement
ROSEN GroupSpeeding Data Transfers for Energy Infrastructure Inspections
Transfers of large files and data sets increased 300 percent, greatly increased the predictability of data transfers leading to time and cost savingsCase Study
RovioReliable delivery of entertainment content
Rovio chooses Aspera for high-speed transfer of its world-famous Angry Birds animation series
SBSGuaranteed high-speed data transmission and delivery under extreme conditions
Bridging networks and storage platforms with Aspera ensures that mission-critical data can be transferred at high-speed with uncompromising security
SendtoNewsSolution for newsroom content delivery
Rapid, predictable mobile uploads for content creatorsCase Study
ServientExpediting eDiscovery with maximum speed data transfers
Servient selected software from Aspera to shorten the end-to-end workflow from the point of data receipt to the return of production data sets to clients.Case Study
SES Platform ServicesFast and reliable transfers for playout services and delivery to VOD platforms worldwide
SES Platform Services Implements Aspera for Fast Upload and Delivery of Media Materials to VOD and OTT providersCase Study
Ship-to-ShoreHigh Speed Transfer Solution for Deep Marine Services
Aspera replaces expensive helicopter and other physical data movement to and from vessels with high speed and reliable network transferCase Study
Sky ItaliaSky Italia optimizes its broadcast supply chain
Game-changing IT infrastructure achieves new efficiencies and dynamic workflow improvementsCase Study
Sky Production ServicesSky Selects Aspera for High-speed Delivery of News and Programming
Aspera FASP® Transfers Speed Up Content Ingest and Delivery For Sky Production Services (SPS)
SportradarSportradar Selects Aspera to Ensure Reliable Distribution of Live Streams Globally
Reduces end-to-end delay to less than five seconds with no buffering with Aspera FASPStreamCase Study
SpuulEnabling high-speed ingest of premium video to the cloud
Spuul selects Aspera, an IBM Company, to speed the transfer of big dataCase Study
TelstraTelstra and Aspera team up to bolster Telstra's digital video network (DVN) with high-speed file transfers & file sharing
Leading Australian Telecommunications Company Selects Aspera's Patented FASP Technology to Enable Secure, High Performance File Sharing for its Broadcast and Media Customers
Thai News AgencyDelivering speed and reliability for global news content contribution
Thai News Agency deploys Aspera Mobile for remote news gathering via wireless networks
The MillCollaborating in real-time on multi-GB files across global facilities
The speed benefits provided by Aspera software give The Mill more time to work on visual FX
The Weather ChannelWorld-class media distribution platform
The weather channel implements Aspera for media distribution and automation
Trailer ParkEnabling marketing clients to submit project materials at maximum speed
Improving security and performance with Aspera technologyCase Study
Trinity FellowshipDelivering time-sensitive video sermons on time with high-speed transfers
On-time delivery of video sermons with time-sensitive messaging from main campus to multiple satellite locations.Case Study
UEFA Euro2012High-speed video transfers deliver tournament clips to sports fans worldwide
UEFA chose Aspera to power transfers of match promos, highlights, interviews, player and host city profiles from event sites in Eastern Europe to broadcasters worldwideCase Study
UFCDistributing promotional web content to martial arts fans around the world
UFC uses Aspera to move content in and out of the cloudCase Study
Universal PicturesEnabling global collaboration for major movie production
Aspera faspex™ helps Universal Pictures meet their short deployment timelines, scalability, high security and ease-of-use standardsCase Study
VHXEnabling high-speed ingest of premium video to the cloud
VHX relies on high-speed transfer from Aspera to quickly and securely ingest videos from filmmakers directly into S3Case Study
ViaplayFast media file transfers for accelerated streaming
Viaplay chooses Aspera to accelerate ingest of files for its streaming service
VikiSpeeding media delivery to an international audience
Viki Partners with Aspera, an IBM Company, to Deliver International Video Content to an Expanding Global Fan BaseCase Study
Wazee DigitalHigh speed digital asset management and distribution
Wazee Digital speeds global multimedia workflows with AsperaCase Study
WDR mediagroupPowering Complex Digital Media Workflows
Leading German media service provider deploys complete suite of Aspera high-speed file transfer, automation & collaboration solutionsCase Study
Weta DigitalEnabling global digital visual effects workflows
Aspera transforms digital workflows for four-time Academy Award® winning visual effects facility
YapkuEnabling clients across Europe, Asia and Australia to access Yapku's services with high-speed file transfers
Hong Kong-based Yapku embeds Aspera On Demand into its pop! file delivery service
ZencoderEnabling Video Transcoding in the Cloud with Aspera On Demand
Moving large video files in and out of the Amazon Web Services cloudCase Study
Quick Links
"Aspera의 전송 기술은 대부분의 당사 미디어 파트너 사이에서 새로운 표준으로 부상하고 있습니다." Martin Brannigan, Sky Italia 브로드캐스트 운영 책임자


text:
Planned work: redbus-sov.core.enta.netPosted: Monday, January 18th, 2010 at 13:32 by Steve Lalonde
Tuesday 26th Jan 2010, 04:00hrs – 04:30hrs
During the maintenance window above the IOS on the router will be upgraded to resolve some configuration issues. This software upgrade will require a reboot of the router which should take approx 10 minutes to complete, during which all directly connected customers will lose connectivity.
Traffic that would normally be routed through this equipment will route via alternate paths.
Tags: IOS, London, Planned, Redbus-sov


text: The Dracut C Pop Warner Football Team wrapped up their winning season with a party at the Sports Zone. All the players were presented photos and DVDs with highlights from their successful year including action from their Eastern MA playoff run. Head Coach John Hall thanked his players for their effort and hard work during an enjoyable and unforgettable fun-filled season. Special thanks to Mickey Pilato and all the staff at the Sports Zone for their help!


text:
Posted By Master 50 on 06/04/2014 09:55 PM I read more and more how the US government is more an oligarchy than a democracy. IE the government does the bidding of the wealthiest people. the less than 1%ers. The financial influence of lobbyists, special interest groups, the NRA comes to mind. Then the soft well paid board positions after they retire from office all create corruption of the system.
Posted By stronzo nonfumare on 06/05/2014 05:18 PM If I could come up with one pivotal change that would make our system work more like the way it was intended it would be term limits. Get the re-election incentive out of the govt and you'll remove all the bozos who are attracted to poilitics as a career. They become relatively immune from the special interests contributing to their re-election campaign (cause there aint gonna be no re-election) and they can make decisions based on merit not on how it will get them more votes. Maybe increase the term of service a little. But you get one term and one term only.


text:
"Tropic Thunder" is a fun flick, one that's proven worthy of repeat viewings since its 2008 release. But the Ben Stiller-Jack Black-Robert Downey Jr. comedy peaks early – near the beginning, in fact, during the fake-trailer sequences (remember "Simple Jack" and "The Fatties?").
Stiller is betting wisely that there's more humor to be mined from parody previews. Deadline reports the actor/filmmaker's Red Hour Digital is enlisting talent that includes Thomas Lennon and Ben Garant ("Reno 911!," "Night at the Museum") and Amy Heckerling ("Clueless," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") to create a dozen fake trailers for a new web series.
"Tropic Thunder" aside, the Internet is the natural home of the fake-preview genre, whether it's DIY efforts by movie fans (the recent video lampooning the trailer for Adam Sandler's upcoming "Jack and Jill" is a meta mini-masterpiece) or slicker productions by better-known folks (we're still laughing over last month's NFL lockout spoof, "Field of Dreams 2," starring Taylor Lautner and other familiar faces). Short, funny – and delivered in a familiar form – works well on the Internet, helping make bogus trailers one of our favorite time sucks.
We've been getting a kick out lately of a new batch, including Jimmy Kimmel's promo for a sequel to "An Inconvenient Truth," based on Al Gore's expletive-laden speech last week decrying global warming deniers. The latest "Seinfeld"-inspired trailer – a corporate-revenge drama called, "Vandelay Industries," in which old clips are re-edited to show George out for blood, debuted on YouTube this week. Eight faux previews are packed into one minute, 42 seconds in a new Funny or Die video featuring remakes of classic testosterone-fueled films with women in the starring roles (Among the movies: "The Godmother," "Dirty Mary," and, our favorite, "Scarf Face").
It's only a matter of time before a fake trailer gets turned into a real movie. Meanwhile, check out some fun recent offerings below:
U.S. & World
Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NYCity News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is the former City Editor of the New York Daily News, where he started as a reporter in 1992.


text:
Snapped some pics while we were at the ball diamond yesterday havin some fun in the sun
sheeba was gettin some tummy rubs
iluvk9 wrote:Such fluffy coats! Do you have one of those rolling-sticky things to keep the fur off of you?
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text:
February 2, 2012
The bitter cold continues in Pristina, and the snow has returned, though so far just flurries, no new drifts. I did face the elements long enough to get a haircut (which, alas, didn't take long) and to buy more time for my local cell phone.
The rest of my day took place inside, where I continue to enjoy preparing for my American lit class. As I prepared a background lecture on psychoanalytic theory as a critical preface to Faulkner's "Barn Burning," I pondered several parallels between Faulkner's 1938 tale and the current situation in Kosova. Though independent just four years, Kosova has always been cultural hub, not just in the old Yugoslavia but also in the ancient Balkans, a land where blood feuds have always continued because patriots on all sides, like Faulkner's Abner Snopes, had and have a "ferocious conviction in the rightness of [their] own actions." Of course, Snopes lays no claim to patriotism, having 'served'—as a horse-thief—both the Federals and Confederates in the American Civil War. Still, Snopes feels justified in burning barns of rich white men like Major de Spain because his "wolflike independence" tells him that he has been unfairly labeled 'trash' and barred from wealth and power, the 'phallus' of American culture.
Unfortunately for pre-adolescent Sarty, his father Abner's strong character yields only destruction and therefore only fear for the boy, a fear as strong as the smell of cheese that fills the store where Abner, at the beginning of the story, stands trial, again, for burning a barn. A good Jungian, Sarty understands "the old fierce pull of blood" and the myth of fire that informs his clan's survival; he therefore will lie if he must to defend his father. Sarty will also fight men twice his size who shout "barn burner" at his father as they leave the courtroom store, with Abner free again, owing to lack of evidence, to burn more barns, more symbols of the phallic power he has always lacked.
Yet Sarty, just like many Kosovarans, longs to escape the cycle of violence, longs for his father's reformation, so that he can love him without fear. Suspecting Sarty's disloyalty, Snopes beats his son, teaching him that being a man means sticking "to your own blood," not cow-towing (as Freud might say) to his "superego," the internalized values of justice that make Sarty hope his father can "change…from what maybe he couldn't help but be."
But Snopes, indeed, cannot change, as he proves when he sets out to burn the barn of his new employer, Major de Spain. When Sarty breaks free from his mother's restraining arms, he knows that he must betray his father to de Spain, that he must betray him to save him. After the betrayal, as he runs away, Sarty hears repeated shots in the distance, knowing then that his intent has back-fired, that he has enabled the killing of "Pap…Pap…Father."
Such names underscore Sarty's love for his father, a man who he still believes fought in the cavalry under Colonel Sartoris. Yet he does his mourning on the run and does not "look back," knowing the direction of freedom and peace.
While it may seem a stretch to make a Balkans allegory out of Faulkner's post-Civil War story, the parallels seem compelling, at least as I sit here in Kosova, where fidelity to blood has assured its continued spilling. Yet an equally important difference stands out: Sarty did not look back; the Balkans must.


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Align image stack
align_image_stack is a command-line tool available in the development version of hugin to align overlapping images to facilitate HDR creation, Exposure blending, extended Depth of Field, and Stereoscopic images.
For example, align_image_stack is useful in aligning stacked images. The newly created, stacked inages might then be focus stacked using a tool like enfuse.
align_image_stack [options] input_files
Options: modes of operation
-p file
Output .pto file. (Useful for debugging, or further refinement.)
-a prefix
Align images, output as prefix_xxxx.tif.
-o output
Merge images to HDR, generate output.hdr.
Options: modifiers
Verbose, print progress messages.
Assume input images are full frame fish eye (default: rectilinear).
-t num
Remove all control points with an error higher than num pixels (default: 3).
Correlation threshold for identifying control points (default: 0.9).
-f HFOV
Approximate horizontal field of view of input images. Use if EXIF info not complete.
Optimize field of view for all images, except for first. Useful for aligning focus stacks with slightly different magnification.
Optimize radial distortion for all images, except for first.
Optimize image center shift for all images, except for first.
Optimize X coordinate of the camera position.
Optimize Y coordinate of the camera position.
Optimize Z coordinate of the camera position. Useful for aligning more distorted images.
Assume stereo images - allow horizontal shift of control points. Adds all control points as "horizontal lines".
Align stereo window - assumes -S. Adds one "normal" control point that is the nearest point, so that everything will appear behind the display plane.
Align stereo window with pop-out effect - assumes -S. Adds one "normal" control point that is the nearest point from the border areas, so that the center of the image may appear in front of the display plane.
Auto crop the image to the area covered by all images.
-c num
Number of control points (per grid, see option -g) to create between adjacent images (default: 8).
Assume linear input files.
-s scale
Scale down image by 2scale (default: 1 [2x downsampling]). Scaling down images will improve speed at the cost of accuracy.
-g gsize
Break image into a rectangular grid (gsize x gsize) and attempt to find num control points in each section (default: 5 [5x5 grid] )
Try to load distortion information from lens database.
Use the image order as given from command line. (By default images will be sorted by exposure values as found in EXIF data.)
Use GPU for remapping.
Display help.


text:
The folowing are a few thought provoking responses to a very good Opinion article about 'the class war' waged between Republicans and Democrats and fires stoked by Sarah Palin, written by David Brooks, published in Today's New York Times:
Re "The Class War Before Palin," by David Brooks (column, Oct. 10):
Far worse than the prospect of class warfare is to suddenly wake up to the fact that we've been involved in class warfare for most of the last 40 years, and we've been losing decisively.
Can there be any doubt, when virtually all of the economic gains have flowed to those at the very top, while real wages have been stagnant since 1969?
Tax cuts that overwhelmingly favored the rich have led to wealth and income being more unequally distributed than at any time since 1929.
It is the Republican right that has pursued class warfare relentlessly since the days of Ronald Reagan. It is time that we recognize this and begin to claw back some of the losses we have sustained.
Terence Stoeckert
Hoboken, N.J., Oct. 10, 2008
The writer is an affiliate professor of economics and finance at Stevens Institute of Technology.
To the Editor:
David Brooks is right. The anti-intellectualism of the Republicans is astounding.
Average Joes and Janes want ideas from people smarter than we are, whether they come from the left or the right. With the recent collapse of our economy, the Bush administration didn't ask "Joe Sixpack" for advice, but instead asked the best and the brightest — I hope.
Let's stop the dumbing down of this country.
Elaine Gallinaro
Devon, Pa., Oct. 10, 2008
To the Editor:
David Brooks seems to acknowledge the blatant failures of the Republican Party — a party that favors fear-mongering and ignorance, and habitually supports candidates with limited education and worldviews.
This has led Republicans and this nation to ruin, and attracts the type of people who yell "kill" and "terrorist" and racial slurs at campaign rallies. They want a nation that disdains education and frowns on the educated.
We call the Navy Seals and Army Rangers "elite." Shouldn't we have someone who is elite, in terms of intellect and judgment, command them?
Robert Rundbaken
Ossining, N.Y., Oct. 10, 2008
Filed under: Tennessee | Tagged: American fear of Arabs, American fear of Islamists, Barack Obama, class war, class war before palin, class warfare, david brooks, economic crisis, Election 2008, evolution of Republicanism, free speech, ignorance, life, McCain, middle class, Obama, Opinions, Palin hatred innuendos, Politics, racism at Republican rallies, racism in America, Republican party of Lincoln, Republicans brand Obama Islamist, republicans pray ofon fears, sad day for Republicans, Sarah Palin, slander, stock market crash | 1 Comment »


text:
Entertainment One (eOne) has bolstered its executive team with the hire of two acquisition managers, Jessica Watson and Justina Hemeprek.
Watson is a former acquisitions specialist at Canadian kids broadcaster Teletoon, where she spent five years acquiring series and movies for both kid and adult audiences for five specialty channels. She previously worked for organizations such as Red Varden Studios and Base Camp Films.
Based in Toronto, she will be responsible for acquiring television product for distribution to all media outlets around the world for eOne.
Hemeprek previously worked for ITV Studios Global Entertainment where she served as the acquisitions manager, acquiring titles such as Come Dine With Me, Four Weddings, The Audience River Monsters, and Wild Things With Dominic Monaghan.
Earlier in her career, Hemeprek worked at All3Media International across all genres as well RDF Rights, which acquired Undercover Boss, Wife Swap, Rude Tube and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
In Hemperek's new role at eOne, she will acquire all factual programming from the UK and Europe from the London office.
"Justina and Jessica will play an integral role in the ramp up on sourcing new content and the redefining of our offerings to clients worldwide. They will focus on quality not quantity and will be actively looking for new brands for us to embrace and build on a global level," said Prentiss Fraser, senior vice president of worldwide sales and acquisitions.
The new hires follow eOne's promotion of Laura Clunie to vice president of creative affairs last week, relocating from London to the company's Toronto headquarters this March. Clunie will oversee the acquisition and development of eOne Family content.
eOne Television International has successfully sold eOne's original and third-party productions to over 500 broadcasters in 150 countries, including the major US networks and international pay TV channels.


text:
God Builds David's House
God always keeps His promises, which means Jesus had to rise again. The Lord promised David a righteous son who would rule forever, and the only way that the Messiah could atone for sin and rule forever was if He ...Read More
God Assumes the Covenant Curse
Abraham's descendants—the people of Israel—failed to uphold their covenant obligations. All they deserved was death and the consequences of failing the covenant. However, God showed Himself willing to take on the curse Abraham's descendants deserved, thereby upholding divine justice even ...Read More
God's Promise to Noah
Romans 13:1–7 tells us that God puts the sword in the hands of the state in order to punish evildoers. Ultimately, this is for the stability of society so that the church can do its work of calling people to ...Read More
God's Covenant With Adam
God demanded obedience of Adam, and He demands obedience of us. However, our obedience as sinners is not what secures for us the new covenant blessing of eternal life. Instead, the obedience of Christ on our behalf is why we ...Read More
The Disciples' Hardness
Simply being in the presence of Jesus is not enough to guarantee faith. Instead, God must grant us ears to hear and hearts to believe His Word. We must not only attend to the preaching and reading of Scripture, but ...Read More
The Leaven of the Pharisees and the Leaven of Herod
When we harden our hearts even just a little bit and refuse to obey God on what we might consider a minor matter, we introduce leaven into our lives that can spread to other areas. It is imperative, therefore, that ...Read More
Feeding Four Thousand
Sometimes we find ourselves doubting the Lord's concern for us and His ability to meet our needs. If we were to remember what He has done for us, particularly in rescuing us from sin when we were hopelessly lost, we ...Read More
The Crowd's Response to Jesus
Although the people of the Decapolis should have obeyed the Lord, they were certainly correct that Jesus does all things well. We witness to this truth every time we thank the Lord for His good gifts and enjoy His creation. ...Read More
Healing a Deaf Man
The Gospels do not always give all the reasons why Jesus acted in the way that He did, but we do not need to know all of that information in order to trust Christ. It is enough for us to ...Read More
The Faith of a Gentile Woman
In today's passage, the Syrophoenician woman is happy to get the "crumbs of the kingdom." Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary Mark: "The good news is that in the overflow of mercy and grace that comes to us ...Read More


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CARSON, Calif. -- For MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League, dealing with highly defensive opponents is part of the game and the LA Galaxy expect it to be no different when they host Salvadoran club Isidro Metapán on Thursday at The Home Depot Center.
Although Metapán are considered to be one of the most dynamic offensive clubs in their native land, even the most offensive clubs often opt for a defense first approach or "bunkering" when playing in MLS or Mexican opposition in CCL play. Expected to drop as many as ten players back, the Salvadorans will likely look to clog the midfield and limit the Galaxy from creating scoring chances due to their added numbers in the back. This approach places the onus on forwards Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane as well as the Galaxy midfield to break a group that is expected to be highly compact and organized in front of goal.
Below are thoughts from Keane and Donovan on facing a Metapán side expected to be highly defensive on Thursday:
KEANE: "I certainly think that probably will be the case tomorrow, but its a good test for the players, because we're going to come up against teams like that also in the league. It's good that we know how to deal with that, how to break teams down."
DONOVAN: "That would be the expectation. If that changes, we will be surprised I think, but we deal with that a lot here and having to break teams down, and tomorrow will be the same."


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Filming on the fourth Mad Max film, Mad Max: Fury Road, has been underway for a couple months now, but Kennedy Miller Mitchell Productions have now released an announcement that principal photography has begun. These production start announcements usually don't mean much except they usually contain the first synopsis for the movie, and this press release is no different. We'll also give the release a pass since Mad Max: Fury Road looked like it might never happen since it was constantly delayed, and the production hit a serious snag when their original location was hit with flooding and turned into an oasis, which doesn't really lend itself to a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Shooting is now taking place in Africa.
Hit the jump for the press release, which contains the synopsis along with the names of all the major roles (and there are some great character names). Mad Max: Fury Road stars Tom Hardy as the new Mad Max, and also stars Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hugh Keays-Byrne, and Nathan Jones.
Here's the press release (I've highlighted the synopsis):
Principal photography began 9 July on the dystopian action adventure "Mad Max: Fury Road," a Kennedy Miller Mitchell production written and directed by "Mad Max" creator and Academy Award(R) winner George Miller ("Happy Feet"). The film will be presented by Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Village Roadshow Pictures. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
"Mad Max: Fury Road"–the fourth in the franchise's history–stars Tom Hardy ("The Dark Knight Rises") in the title role of Max Rockatansky, alongside Oscar(R) winner Charlize Theron ("Monster", "Prometheus") as Imperator Furiosa.
According to Miller, "Mad Max is caught up with a group of people fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by the Imperator Furiosa. This movie is an account of the Road War which follows. It is based on the Word Burgers of the History Men and eyewitness accounts of those who survived."
"Mad Max: Fury Road" also stars Nicholas Hoult ("X-Men: First Class") as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne ("Mad Max," "Sleeping Beauty") as Immortan Joe; and Nathan Jones ("Conan the Barbarian") as Rictus Erectus. Collectively known as The Wives, Zoe Kravitz ("X-Men: First Class") plays Toast, Riley Keough ("Magic Mike") is Capable, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley ("Transformers: Dark of the Moon") is Splendid. They are joined by supermodel Abbey Lee Kershaw as The Dag and Courtney Eaton as Fragile, both of whom are making their big screen debuts. Also featured in the movie are Josh Helman as Slit, Jennifer Hagan as Miss Giddy, and singer/songwriter/performer iOTA as Coma-Doof Warrior.
The cast is rounded out by well-known Australian actors John Howard, Richard Carter, supermodel Megan Gale, Angus Sampson, Joy Smithers, Gillian Jones, Melissa Jaffer and Melita Jurisic.
Miller is directing the film from a screenplay he wrote with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Miller also produces the film, along with longtime producing partner, Oscar(R) nominee Doug Mitchell ("Babe," "Happy Feet"), and P.J. Voeten. Iain Smith, Graham Burke and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes Academy Award(R)-winning director of photography John Seale ("The English Patient"); action unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris ("Australia"); editor Margaret Sixel ("Happy Feet"); production designer Colin Gibson ("Babe"); Oscar(R)-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan ("A Room with a View"); and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt ("Knowing").
Shooting on "Mad Max: Fury Road" is taking place in Africa with the support of the Australian government. Originally slated to be shot in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, the production was forced to relocate due to severe flooding, rendering the Australian landscape unsuitable for the film. The rain turned the area into an oasis instead of the post-apocalyptic terrain that is the setting for Max's world.


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Training workshop on vaccine safety for Member States, building on the experience obtained in the ECDC vaccine safety project VAESCOArchived
ECDC organised a workshop aimed at the Member States not participating in the ECDC Vaccine safety network.
Understanding the association between narcolepsy and one of the 2009 adjuvanted influenza A (H1N1) vaccines
This meeting was designed to offer a place to exchange the latest information on into the development of narcolepsy following vaccination with one of the 2009 adjuvanted influenza A(H1N1) vaccines.
ECDC – VAESCO investigation into narcolepsyArchived
This initiative was taken following the indication of a potential association between the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) monvalent vaccine and the occurrence of narcolepsy following reports, especially in children from Finland and Sweden.
Reports of cases of narcolepsy and cataplexy in children and adolescents in Finland, Iceland, and SwedenArchived
In February 2011, ECDC published a report concerning a rise in narcolepsy in children and adolescents in some northern countries.
Swedish MPA publishes interim results of a cohort study assessing the risk of narcolepsy after vaccination with Pandemic influenza vaccine Pandemrix®Archived
A four-fold increased incidence of narcolepsy in vaccinated children/adolescents compared to unvaccinated children was observed in this register-based cohort study.
Narcolepsy following pandemic influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccination - ECDC update: the European Medicines Agency interim measures for PandemrixArchived
In late March, 2011 ECDC reported that the Swedish Medical Product Agency published preliminary results from an on-going cohort study involving 5.3 million people, where 67% of children and adolescents and 51.0% of adults were vaccinated with Pandemrix.
European Medicines Agency (EMA) 2009 Influenza Pandemic EvaluationArchived
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) was key in the Europe during the 2009 pandemic concerning the authorisation and the benefit – risk assessment of the novel pandemic vaccines.
The real issues in vaccine safetyArchived
This article comments on the importance of improving surveillance and doing quickly research on vaccine safety to maintain public trust.
Case inventory study from Sweden concerning association of Pandemrix vaccination and reports of narcolepsy with cataplexy in children and adolescentsArchived
ECDC has previously summarised information concerning the appearance of narcolepsy following the use of a specific pandemic vaccine (Pandemrix®) in children and adolescents in three European Countries.
No association found between pandemic influenza vaccination and Guillain-Barre Syndrome in EuropeArchived
Due to an association that was observed in the United States between a swine-flu based human influenza vaccine developed in 1976 and the disease acute polyneuropathy Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (1,2), GBS was one of the adverse events that was monitored in Europe and North America (3) following the 2009 influenza pandemic vaccination campaigns.


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Meeting Alex Pettyfer in his hotel suite, you can't help but fall a little bit in love. Not with the young heartthrob who is being heralded as the next Robert Pattinson with this week's release of "I am Number Four," but with Oliver, his adorable seal-grey puppy recently adopted from the rescue organization, Barks 'n' Bitches.
"I got him two weeks ago," Pettyfer says in the British accent he suppressed while filming his starring role as John Smith, one of nine aliens infants sent to hide on Earth after their home planet is destroyed. Assigned a guardian and an order, they can only be killed in the sequence of their numbers. Following the murders of Numbers One, Two, and Three, Number Four (Pettyfer), is living on high alert in Paradise, Ohio, disguised as an American high school student, when he falls in love (with his real-life sweetheart, "Glee" star Dianna Agron) and realizes he has something to fight for.
Sporting a simple band on his wedding ring finger—which went uncommented on despite rumors he and Agron are engaged—Pettyfer told Popcorn Biz that he appreciates comparisons to tween phenomenons like Pattison and "Twilight," but felt the buzz was premature.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
"I hope we have the success of 'Twilight' by half or even a quarter," the 20-year-old began. "Obviously, you've got that central story of falling in love with something different and that's comparable between 'Twilight' and 'I am Number Four,' but I don't think we're anything like them. We're a lot less serious. I think people are looking for the next 'Harry Potter' or 'Twilight' as they're coming to an end, and hopefully we can fill that gap."
With Michael Bay, "the king of action" according to Pettyfer, and Steven Spielberg, "the godfather of film," producing, "…Number Four" is expected to easily inherit that mantle.
Since the film is all about gaining powers, we wondered what innate human ability Pettyfer would give up if he had to.
"Taste," he replied easily. "I don't really enjoy food. I'm not a big eater. I only eat certain things, [like] In 'n' Out Burger, pasta, pizza. I think sight is the most important."
Considering the media maelstrom surrounding the film, replete with screaming, crying fans at Hot Topic signings, it's odd to discover that Pettyfer hasn't been concerned with losing his anonymity just yet.
"I haven't been witness to it; I've been holed up in hotel rooms {promoting the movie] for the last five weeks. Maybe in five weeks, after the film comes out, it will be."
Pettyfer, who says he'd like to emulate the career of Gary Oldman, "an actor who challenged himself and took the bar to a whole new level," has the added blessing/curse of being Tiger Beat-friendly. A former model, we wondered if there's such a thing as being too handsome, especially when you idolize a chameleon like Oldman.
"I don't see myself as attractive or ugly. I think attraction is in the eye of the beholder," Pettyfer says. "If I put Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt up, fifty percent of the women would go for Brad Pitt and fifty percent would say Johnny Depp." So who would Pettyfer choose?
"Johnny Depp! All the way."
"I am Number Four" opens Friday.


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As Safe As Houses
This story appears in the April 2000 issue of HomeOfficeMag.com. Subscribe »
For homebased businesses that employ other at-home workers, word in January that (OSHA) was charging into teleworkers' home offices was like Big Brother threatening to ransack your digs.
After all, the "letter of interpretation" issued by OSHA was quite clear: Employers must ensure that their teleworking employees' home offices are safe workplaces. For some 19 million teleworkers whose employers allow them to occasionally work from home, the letter-which was formally retracted the day after the news broke in early January-could have posed a serious threat to the increasingly popular alternative work arrangement.
Enter Rep. J.D. Hayworth, the Republican congressman from Maricopa County, Arizona.
To Hayworth, the policy was a burdensome governmental intrusion that could have stalled the growth of teleworking. Benefits of teleworking include reduced auto pollution, lower real estate and infrastructure costs for employers, and higher satisfaction-and productivity-from employees. For some homebased employers, it may be the only legal or logistical way to hire employees because of local zoning restrictions or space constrictions.
"We wanted to make sure this new kind of working relationship between employer and employee wasn't stifled," says Larry Telford, Hayworth's press secretary.
In late February, Hayworth introduced the "Home Office Protection Enhancement Act" (H.R. 3539). Its goal is to amend the OSHA Act of 1970 so that the act doesn't apply to employment performed in a workplace located in the employee's residence. (The bill applies only to teleworking scenarios, since OSHA doesn't cover the homebased businesses of entrepreneurs.)
While the bill has merit, it could be too far-reaching-and possibly backfire, says Gil Gordon, president of Gil Gordon Associates, a Monmouth Junction, New Jersey-based homebased teleworking consulting firm. If the act passes, OSHA will no longer have the responsibility-or legal jurisdiction-to investigate the admittedly unlikely scenarios of home-office related injuries or deaths, he suspects.
"I think it's counterproductive to tie up OSHA this way," Gordon says. "Given what we know about the growth in home offices and work-at-home [employees], I don't believe any government agency should be completely prevented from including the home work site in their jurisdiction as long as some reasonable tests and limits are applied."
The bill, which is currently in review in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, has 14 Republican and Independent sponsors, and has received bipartisan support, Telford says. "This isn't a partisan issue," says Telford. "Both sides agree that something has to be done to ensure this [potential for intrusion] doesn't happen again."
Journalist and author Jeff Zbar has worked from home since the 1980s. He writes about home business, teleworking, marketing, communications and other SOHO issues.


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Users self-tagged with football, page 1
pztrn pztrn World Wide Web :) But my physical body located somewhere in Yekaterinburg, Russia https://pztrn.name/
LoadAverage is a social network, courtesy of xrevan86, saintfury, pztrn. It runs on GNU social, version 2.0.0-dev, available under the GNU Affero General Public License.
All LoadAverage content and data are available under the CC-BY-3.0 license.


text:
There will be another original star having another slice of "American Pie."
Actor Chris Klein, who played Chris "Oz" Ostreicher, in the first two movies of the franchise will return for "American Reunion," People reported.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood: Then & Now
U.S. & World
The actor's rep told the mag that Chris is "very excited to reunite with the original cast."
The 32-year-old actor will join Seann William Scott, Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy and Alyson Hannigan for the comedy.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Wimps To Pimps
Original cast members Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Mena Suvari and Jennifer Coolidge are also in negotiations to star in the project.
"American Reunion" is slated to begin filming on May 24.
Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood Heartthrobs!
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood Starlets!
PLAY IT NOW: Access Hollywood Live: Nico Evers-Swindell & Camilla Luddington On Playing Lifetime's 'William & Kate'
PLAY IT NOW: Kate Hudson's Pregnancy Update: Is It A Boy Or A Girl?
More from Access: [ Chris Klein Tara Reid Seann William Scott ]


text:
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Greatest Gift
13 comments:
- Gracie Beth said...
Your children look precious in their Christmas attire! Merry Christmas!
- December 17, 2008 at 11:20 AM
- Sandra said...
I always look forward to your posts, Sebi! And this one did not disappoint. You have such a gift for writing AND sharing your Christian faith. I hope someday you will consider submitting some of your writing to a Christian publication. Merry, Merry!! xoxo
- December 17, 2008 at 11:51 AM
- Sandra said...
. . . especially your post about Pearls :) xoxo to you and yours! What does hubby think about our new Vols Football Coach ????
- December 17, 2008 at 11:52 AM
- lizziefitz said...
- December 17, 2008 at 2:00 PM
- GrannySmithGreen said...
Wouldn't it be the best Christmas ever if we could all feel the love of God our Father, holding us like a parent holding their newborn! What love!
Do I even need to say, your posts are THE BEST!!!
- December 17, 2008 at 5:02 PM
- Jodee said...
I love this post and it is oh so very true! I love the Christmas pictures with the kids. You are sooo blessed!
- December 17, 2008 at 6:26 PM
- nest of posies said...
how cute are those babies!!!
my, how ashton has already grown. i know that grandmother was just so thankful that her path had crossed yours that day. i am sure she loved all over your beautiful babies, and YOU for allowing her to do so. i know you made her day & week allowing her to hold ashton.
- December 17, 2008 at 9:24 PM
- 3 Peanuts said...
What a fabulous post. You are so kind and intuitive to hand Ashton over to that woman.
- December 17, 2008 at 10:38 PM
- The 5 Bickies said...
Such inspiration! And of course, tears. I am so moved thinking of the dear Grandmother missing her grandchildren. You are so sweet to share your little love with her for a just a bit.
All the best to you!
- December 17, 2008 at 10:49 PM
- Amanda said...
sebi, where is ashton's little outfit from? my chrsitian needs this precious little ensaamble.
- December 18, 2008 at 8:39 AM
- lindsey said...
Thank you for this blog...is was a blessing to read. Have a very happy Christmas!
- December 19, 2008 at 1:37 PM
- Lauren @ Adventures of a Southern Newlywed said...
Merry Christmas to you! I think the pictures of your children are precious. Just to have them sitting in one place is a feat in itself!
My heart breaks for that poor grandmother. What a sad situation.
- December 24, 2008 at 8:43 AM
- Pinkpoodle said...
Oh Honey,your post is beautiful. The tears are flowing as I think about the blessing your sweet ones gave to me this Christmas. You are so wise to see the need and let Ashton fill it for this grandmother. Love to you and all Mom
- December 24, 2008 at 4:09 PM


text:
Job Summary This position provides patients with menu and/or patient meal service, receives and forwards patient requests and communication to Dietetic Technicians and Dietitians when appropriate. Provides patient meal assembly according to correct quantities. This position strives to provide patient satisfaction regarding food and nutrition services.
Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications High school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge. Requires reading, writing and mathematical skills. Skills and knowledge of nutrition services as typically gained through 1 - 2 years of related experience. The work requires the ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines for working with cleaning chemicals, as well as the ability to learn and work with business computer software and point of sale systems. Requires the ability to learn food handling regulations and pass certification tests as required. Must have demonstrated effective customer service skills. Preferred Qualifications Understanding of nutrition services, common modified diets, and portion measures. Additional skills and knowledge in health care nutrition services preferred. Bilingual skills preferred in some assignments. Additional related education and/or experience preferred.


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Others have better caught the smooth vocal sweetness and the tonal purity of the Valli sound, but the emotionally complex Scaglione, who comes from Jersey himself and has a pleasantly scrunched-up face with prominent ears, looks as though he's always slightly in pain, which is the way the real Valli looks. And the high notes don't just float out of Scaglione's mouth, they pop with the staccato of machine-gun fire. Perfect.
The only flaw in Scaglione's performance comes in "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," the most crucial number in the show. This is an unforgiving assignment because Frankie's microphone levels are cheated down before it begins and cranked up high once it starts -- the shrewd director Des McAnuff, whose inspired staging of this cheerfully irreverent history is full of brilliant tricks such as this, knows how to manipulate the fervor of the audience. On Thursday, Scaglione started out well, but he was straying from his notes toward the end, revealing an Achilles' heel that could surely be fixed with more work.
"Jersey Boys" is the biographical story of Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi and the rise of one of America's most influential singing groups to the top of the pop-music charts. The Chicago production, which the dedicated stage manager Larry Baker has kept in tiptop shape, also has a new Gaudio in Shonn Wiley, another very skillful young actor who also deftly captures a key paradox: Gaudio came out of the same neighborhood but never subscribed to its value system, and thus he could keep the band moving forward. Wiley, an excellent singer, has that cultural separation down, which contrasts nicely with the sentimentality of the authorized book.
"Jersey Boys" doesn't whip the audience into quite the same kind of fervor these days. But that's not because of any problems onstage, but because most of the core fans of this music have already seen the show, which first opened in the Loop in fall 2007. Looking around at the rather sedate crowd Thursday, I missed that excitement. But the performers -- including Michael Cunio as a new DeVito and the Massi mainstay, Michael Ingersoll, who just gets better and better -- are still reaching deep into themselves for the music. Good for them. Good for us.
- - -
Shonn Wiley as Bob Gaudio in Chicago since Jan. '09
Experience: On Broadway in "Dracula" (2004) and "42nd Street" revival (2001). In 2009 Disney movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic."
Michael Cunio as Tommy DeVito in Chicago since April '09
Experience: Lead singer of the alternative band Reckless Place. Starred in 2001 indie film "The Fluffer." Appeared on "The West Wing."
Dominic Scaglione Jr. as Frankie Valli in Chicago since April '09
Experience: Played Valli in the Vegas Company of "Jersey Boys" and on Broadway.
Michael Ingersoll as Nick Massi in Chicago since the production opened in Oct. '07
Experience: From Chicago; in Pegasus Players' "tick, tick ... BOOM!"
- - -
When: Open run
Where: Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.
Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Tickets: $30-$110 at 312-902-1400 and broadwayinchicago.com


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PersonZentrale Hochschulverwaltung
Division 1.3 - Central Examination Office
Templergraben 57
52062 Aachen
- workPhone
- Phone: +49 241 80 90710
Office Hours
- Monday and Wednesday 1pm to 3:45pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 12:30pm
- Friday by appointment between 10am and 12noon
- ZPA Office: Monday to Friday 8am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm (Attention: ZPA Office closes from 11am to 1pm on the first Monday of the month)
Waiting Times
Please note: You can expect longer waiting times at the beginning and ending of office hours and on Wednesday afternoon in general. We thank you for your understanding.
Availability by Phone
We are hard to reach by phone during office hours, since they are helping students in person. We recommend calling us outside of office hours.
Advising By Appointment
For more complex matters, it is also possible to make an appointment with the relevant staff member outside of office hours. As a rule, the time slot for appointments is Fridays between 10pm and 12noon.
To make an appointment, please get in touch with the relevant member of staff early on, so that the appointment can be confirmed at least one day in advance. Please understand that sending an e-mail informing us about your intention to come to the office at a certain time is not sufficient. Also, asking for a short-term appointment on the same day is not possible.
Submission and Collection of Documents
Between 8am and 11am and between 1pm and 4pm, you can submit documents such as medical certificates or final theses at the ZPA Office, Room 229, in the SuperC building. By appointment with the relevant staff member, you can also come to the office to collect your documents.
Furthermore, you can deposit your documents, such as medical certificates or notices of withdrawal, in one of the ZPA mailboxes on the 2nd or 3rd floors of the Super C. This does not apply, however, for final theses. The mailboxes are emptied twice a day. If there is a deadline for the submission of your document, please use the after-hours mailbox ("Fristenkasten").


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Cities inspired lot of authors. Many novels deal with growing cities ruled by velocity. Not going deeper in that subject, I'll let nevertheless some references here.
To begin with these first posts, I choose "Le ravissement de Britney Spears" ("Britney Spears' Rapture") which takes mostly place in Los Angeles. However, as I've never been to L.A., I'll give informations delivered by the narrator who is for that matter the only character to share his vision. I really enjoin the ones who know L.A. to add their point of view about the places the author describes, and how you find it cliché or out of step, for example.
In chapter three, the narrator introduces his arrival in Los Angeles as a joke because of the name of the mission "Poisson d'avril" (tradition occurring during April's Fool day). The day before, he was watching "Mulholland Drive", a movie exploring the limits between dreams and reality. It could be seen as an introduction to the whole purpose of his exploration, over dreams and reality between the L.A., seen through paparazzi shots or movies, and the real L.A. of the day to day workers, especially of the ones who don't have cars and take public transports. In addition, it's an introduction to his "feet-movie" all over L.A. which yet begins with a run by taxi, by night, along barely lighted roads, lined with building which programs are focused on animal cares and comfort. The run ends with the ski jump of Santa Monica Boulevard, flowing into Sunset Boulevard, until the motel he's staying at, "The end".
The following day begins his first approach by foot. Car parks, shopping centers, the south parking of the Sunset Plaza shopping center seems to be the most attractive place he found to listen to bird songs in a relative silence before the sunrise he observes from the intersection of Sunset and La Cienega. A peaceful view over Downtown towers, if avoiding the rise of the city background noise...
Here a sweet video, dawn in L.A. with bird songs and city rumour on the background.
// Below some novels taking place in L.A. :
"Ask the Dust" by Jon Fante, 1939;
"Chump Change" and "Short Dog" by Dan Fante (seen from a cab driver experience);
"Oath of Fealty" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, 1982 ("Set in the near future, it involves an arcology, a large inhabited structure, called Todos Santos, which rises above a crime-ridden Los Angeles, California, but has little beyond casual contact with the city.";
"The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler, 1939.
// Novel about velocity : "Fantomas" by Pierre Souvestre, Marcel Allain
// Track enclosed : The Mole - For the lost.
(for more tracks, here is my facebook page "Onward")View full entry
I'll introduce you some writings or news related to some extent to architecture, enclosing some tracks, as regularly as possible. The first one I'll introduce here will be a novel of Jean Rolin, a French author who spent months in Los Angeles with no driving license. The author is very closed to... View full entry
Graduated in Architecture, following classes of French Modern Literature, I'll explore all kinds of writings related to some extend to architecture.


text:
Online literature contains the most current information available.
For attachment of thin sheets to plastics, common casting materials and other similar base materials. Also available in micro sizes, which are ideal for compact electronics.
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Secure sheets to common magnesium die casting materials such as AZ91D. Also appropriate for attaching panels to plastics such as ABS.
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