text:
The Coterie Room
- Address:
2137 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121Neighborhood:
- Cuisine:
Contemporary AmericanPrice: $30 and under
The Coterie Room
- Dining Style: Casual Elegant
- Website: http://www.thecoterieroom.com/
- Phone: 2069568000
- Hours of Operation:
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm.
Friday-Saturday: 5:00pm- midnight
Weekend Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm.
- Payment Options: AMEX,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Contemporary American
- Executive Chef: Brian McCracken & Dana Tough
- Dress Code: Casual Dress
- Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
- Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
- Private Party Facilities: The Coterie Room is available for private daytime and evening events for groups of up to 70 people for a seated event and 125 for a cocktail party. Contact Anne Magoon for information and reservations.
- Private Party Contact: Anne Magoon 8779207149
- Entertainment: Live Music Thursday-Saturday Nights
A word from The Coterie Room
The restaurant concept brought to you by Brian McCracken and Dana Tough, the creative minds behind Spur Gastropub and Tavern Law.Continued
Foodspotting photosSee all photos
The Coterie Room reviews from OpenTable diners
- Sunday FundayChampsallDAYVIPDined on 9/22/2013We had a GREAT Sunday Brunch experience. The food was amazing a combination of savory or sweet whatever your taste buds want to explore. I had the Smoked Dungeoness Crab and my guest enjoyed the chicken and waffles. Everything was tasty and the sauces superb. We had an amazing server she was knowledgeable invited us to come back to check out Hearts of Thugs performance that evening a real treat in Capitol Hill. It made our trip memorable.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Delicious and differentDocHawkDined on 9/20/2013I have been to The Coterie Room three times and each time was it quite good. I especially recommend anything with duck confit in it, and the beet salad with candied pistachios. It isn't inexpensive, and you will have no problem finishing your plate, but hey... if you want a bucket of slop that only costs a few Lincolns, go to Applebee's!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Ambience and Creatively DeliciousAmbienceSeekerDined on 8/31/2013You know that perfect lighting and atmosphere you desire for a date, a quiet dinner with friends, or an upscale business dinner without feeling too stuffy, this is the place. The chef is a genius. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. High ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, dim lighting, candles, and a touch of elegance create a dining experience to remember. The food was to be savored. We had a party of 3. None of us had dined here before and could not say enough good things about this restaurant. I will definitely return!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Although the food was excellentEnnaDined on 8/17/2013Although the food was excellent the service was lacking and had an overall unfriendly appeal. The architectural ambience was very pleasant and could have been very romantic with sophistication and posh had the poor choice in "hip" music not ruined it. It was not the kind of elegant background music that you would have expected in such a place. Our service was not spectacular either; unwelcoming and unorganized. That being said, I'm glad it tried it out but I will not be returning.Special Features:
- Best Comfort Food in the CityGarlicVIPDined on 8/9/2013The fried chicken is amazing, trout and other entrees were best wonderful as well. Well worth a visit.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Kind of oddDeliciousDined on 7/23/2013We ate at The Coterie Room on a Tuesday evening at 7:30 and we were the only party in the place. We left at 9:30 and we were still the only ones! We started with a cheese plate and a salami plate with a bottle of wine then ordered entrees of Steak Tartare, mussels, and the Sockeye salmon special and another bottle of wine, though the wine took so long to get there that we were well into our entrees before it came. The food was tasty and well-presented. Though we like a nice quiet meal, the solitary nature of the meal was a little odd. As far as a recommendation to a friend, I'd do so cautiously with the above explanation. I hope business picks up.I would recommend this to a friend.
- Excellent food. Unique preparationsOpenTable Diner Since 2008VIPDined on 7/12/2013Excellent food. Unique preparations. The cracklings are a must. When full the restaurant is very loud but food makes up it.Special Features:
- Overpromised but underdeliveredJBusinessDined on 7/7/2013The room, while quite attractive, was 90% empty, but we were still without food after an hour. One of our entrees was wrong, and an appetizer only showed up after asking again for it once all the entrees showed up. The staff were all very nice, but just didn't do enough to justify $20-$30+ plates. Once the food arrived, it was just okay. The ham cracklins (pork rinds) were tasty, but we weren't in love with anything else. Nothing was completely bad, but at this price point expectations are somewhat higher. Maybe it was just an off day, but I likely won't be back to find out.
- Love this restaurant but...anniebDined on 7/6/2013We've been here before and loved it, so maybe this was an off-night for the waitstaff. The food was excellent, from the cheese course we shared to the fresh, flavorful fish entrees (trout, salmon) to the indulgent desserts. The service was inexcusably bad for a restaurant of this caliber. The restaurant was virtually empty (on a Saturday night in summer - who would have guessed?) so we know she wasn't busy. Unfortunately this was the restaurant we took our out of town guests to show off Seattle's foodie scene. Oops. Next time (and there will be a next time because the food is that good) we'll come alone.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- We have dined at this restaurantdatenightloverDined on 6/25/2013We have dined at this restaurant twice and thoroughly enjoyed the food both times! It's definitely on the gourmet side, but without the pretentious feel. The ambience is really nice with the large windows facing the street & it's gorgeous décor. Our only complaint is that both times we found the service slow. Our food took longer to arrive than would be typical and our waiter was a bit too busy to be of great service. However, this won't stop us from returning and we're hopeful they'll get enough of this kind of feedback to improve their service.Special Features:
- Perfection!OpenTable Diner Since 2008Dined on 6/23/2013Been 3 times and every time is perfection. The poutine is to good to be true. Great service and a wonderful atmosphere.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- A Seattle FavoriteOpenTable Diner Since 2011Dined on 6/23/2013We love this restaurant for its food and versatility. It can be great for a small get together, but intimate enough for a special night. The staff is always amazing and the environment is very fun and welcoming.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Delicious breakfastLavenderTrinVIPDined on 6/23/2013We had the pork loin with a marvelous potato cake , unlike any others we have ever had before. The food was delicious for brunch, so we will have to try it here for a dinner sometime.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Disappointing serviceOpenTable Diner Since 2008VIPDined on 6/21/2013Maybe the server was new, but she had very little grasp of the menu. No personality and disappeared for extended periods of time. The good thing is that the chef kept his eye on table and took very good care of us. Food was great....last time food was terrible and service was great. Worth another try to see if they have corrected the inconsistency.Special Features:
- tasty, pricy, minimum servicefishccyVIPDined on 6/21/2013Food was tasty, but pricy given the small portions. Waitstaff had minimum interaction with us. We were handed the check without being asked whether we wanted dessert (I was considering dessert before we got the check!).Special Features:
- Brunch by Day, Bar by NightOpenTable Diner Since 2011Dined on 6/16/2013The first time I visited was for dinner for my birthday. It was a fun dinner with wonderful food and perfect cocktails. The 2nd visit was for brunch with dad for Fathers Day. The place took on a whole different vibe, with families and groups of friends gathered to enjoy the wonderful food and bottomless mimosas. I would highly recommend this place.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- outstanding servicesuziDined on 6/16/2013Our family came here for Father's Day brunch, my daughter had asked if they had hot cocoa as it was not on the menu; there was not, so our waiter had gone next door to a store to buys some for her to heat up.....this was above and beyond. and very thoughtful.Special Features:
- Great Happy Hour prices. FoodFoodieDined on 6/14/2013Great Happy Hour prices. Food was very good and $8 valet parking was s bonus.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Interesting, fresh menu andmattymattDined on 6/14/2013Interesting, fresh menu and fun hip atmosphere. Room gets a little loud with background noise for my taste for conversation. Overall, fun and enjoyable dining experience.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- They treat their staff byOpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 6/9/2013They treat their staff by putting an option on the menu to buy drinks for the cooks. So cool.Special Features:
- DisappointedTommyVIPDined on 6/8/2013The place was empty, yet the service was dead slow. We have had many food experiences here, but man was it mediocre Saturday night. I hope it's not a trend.Special Features:
- Fantastic food and great vibe!ChrisDined on 6/7/2013The food was amazing and the bar tender made some great drinks from scratch. I highly recommend this for a special occasion or if you're looking to spice up your evening a bit.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Perfect for a Splurge EveningOpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 6/1/2013Everything was outstanding and we felt very welcomed. We felt the extraordinary special treatment that seemed to be executed with easy. We've eaten at some pretty amazing places such as Bazaar in Beverly Hills, No. 9 Park in Boston, Robuchon in Vegas to name a few. This place was right at the same level. Perfectly execute and very affordable comparing to other places we've been. Thank you Coterie Room for the great evening.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- dinner reviewhappydinerVIPDined on 5/31/2013Although the service was very good and very attentive, my chicken and dumplings was a disappointment. The chicken was cooked nicely and was delicious but the dumplings were completely raw. My husbands pasta entree looked more like a stater or smaller shared plate portion. The wine was good and apparently they prefer to make their money from serving it; as it was 50% of the bill. The food seemed like an after thought and from the looks of the room that evening, there were few guests there to dine.
- Interesting BrunchDaveinKirklandVIPDined on 5/26/2013Have been here a few times for brunch and this last time was the first "ok" meal we had. We had the Dungness Crab breakfast which just a potato pancake with a 2 oz of crab on it for $186. No eggs. Nothing else with it. We also ordered the waffle with fried chicken for $18. The waffle good but the fried chicken was greasy dark meat - and just 3 very tiny boneless "fingers." I know the menu changes so be careful what you order - we walked out hungry.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Service issues still.SeattlefoodheavenVIPDined on 5/23/2013Service was slow and disjointed. Both the bartender and the receptionist were doing double duty as wait staff even though there were only a few tables with customers. Prices are too high for this type of service. The overall experience suffers because of it.Special Features:
- yum!fancypantsandcandyDined on 5/18/2013The food was excellent! I could eat the smoked dungeness crab with hollandaise any day of the weekSpecial Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Average "Fancy"ConstableDined on 5/4/2013This is not a terrible restaurant. The style of cuisine is very refined but the quality of the dishes falls short. The classic combination of asparagus with Hollandaise would be fine, except that the sauce was not Hollandaise, or was a failed Hollandaise. Duck confit had a good texture but was over-salted (when this occurs I wonder if the Chef is a smoker). The "chicken with dumplings" was okay but also over-salted. And the dumplings would be better described as "cheese balls." They seemed to be made mostly of Riccotta. They weren't bad.But they weren't delicious. The decor was a bit stark and the acoustics too live to allow for conversation when the place got busy. Great cuisine is never easy.
- Overpriced, and Poor ServiceOpenTable Diner Since 2003VIPDined on 5/2/2013Came here with my husband and another couple on our first night in Seattle. For the prices being charged, we expected far better food and service. Both, however, were sadly lacking. Our waitress brought us mismatched glasses for our prosecco, never returned to refill our glasses, and left the empty bottle on the table long after it was finished. Plus we waited at least 10 minutes after ordering the bottle before it was served. Then the waitress brought the wrong bottle of white wine, and didn't seem at all fussed when it was pointed out to her. The worst part of the meal was that my $32 smoked dungeness crab entree tasted like a bland tater tot.
- Tasty Food & Pleasant AmbianceOpenTable Diner Since 2005Dined on 4/26/2013We started at the bar - waiting for friends - and the bartender was exceptionally nice, patient, and attentive. Then we moved to our table, and our leisurely dinner pace may have thrown the server off a bit, because she wasn't fully attentive. But, the food - options and flavors - made up for it. It was Delicious!!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- What a beautiful place! IOpenTable Diner Since 2013Dined on 4/21/2013What a beautiful place! I had an early weekend brunch and the food and staff were fantastic. Try the Belgian waffle with rhubarb compote - delilcious. I'll definetely be back.Special Features:
- Enjoyed a fabulous meal atOpenTable Diner Since 2011Dined on 4/20/2013Enjoyed a fabulous meal at The Coterie Room. Highly recommend the duck confit!Special Features:
- Great good. Great service.DigitiDined on 4/20/2013Great good. Great service. What more could you want!Special Features:
- Servers were friendly andOpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 4/17/2013Servers were friendly and responsive but slow. Food was salty. Not a home run.
- Food = Amazing, Service = OKMegaVIPDined on 4/17/2013We attended during Restaurant Week and arrived rather early for our reservation, at 5:45pm. We had a couple of beverages and ordered only from the Restaurant Week menu. The food was amazing, and the service was attentive but slow with the food. We waited quite awhile between courses, especially the last course. We joked that perhaps they had not yet made the desserts and were rushing to freeze the ice cream. The restaurant was empty when we arrived, and completely full by the time we left. We noticed others who had arrived after us, and ordered from the same menu, were leaving at the same time as us. I would definitely go here again for the food but not if I'm in a rush.Special Features:
- We have been many times toBelltownResident2021VIPDined on 4/16/2013We have been many times to Coterie, and will continue to do so. Love the food!Special Features:
- I went with a couple of friendsOpenTable Diner Since 2010Dined on 4/10/2013I went with a couple of friends for restaurant week. The quality of the food was good and the preparation was as well - my only real complaint is that both my salad and my entrée were way too salty - and I love salt. The dessert was awesome.Special Features:
- Very French: petite, yet satisfyingOpenTable Diner Since 2013Dined on 4/9/2013Very French: petite, yet satisfying. I enjoyed the Seattle Restaurant Week three course selections.Special Features:
- Went for restaurant week soYummyDined on 4/7/2013Went for restaurant week so this is only based on six dishes. My dishes were great. It was a pork cheek dish. My partner had a dish that was just so so. It was a veg. ravioli dish pretty bland, but OK. That's why the rating isn't excellent. The servers were very nice--could be dressed a little better. We plan to go back.Special Features:
- Went for Easter brunch withdes315Dined on 3/31/2013Went for Easter brunch with my family ranging from 12 to 83. There was something for everyone on the menu, and all with a creative twist. The entire staff was attentive and kind. My brother remarked upon leaving "good service really makes a difference, doesn't it?" Lovely all in all.Special Features:


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Definition of landmass in English:
landmassSyllabification: land·mass
Pronunciation: /ˈlandmas /
(also land mass)
A continent or other large body of land.
More example sentences
- It contains one fifth the land mass of the entire continental U.S.
- The force of a monsoon is driven by the continental land mass being hotter than the surrounding oceans.
- This stress was to lead to the break-up of the land mass, first appearing in the vicinity of the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean.
Definition of landmass in:
- The British & World English dictionary
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Word of the day bouffant
Pronunciation: bo͞oˈfänt
styled to puff out in a rounded shape...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A few weeks back, I was working on a customer issue wherein they were observing database performance that dropped through the floor (to the point of an outage) roughly every 4 weeks or so. Nothing special about the environment, the hardware, or the queries; really, the majority of the database was a single table with […]
Edge-case behavior of INSERT…ODKU
InnoDB's gap locks
One of the most important features of InnoDB is the row level locking. This feature provides better concurrency under heavy write load but needs additional precautions to avoid phantom reads and to get a consistent Statement based replication. To accomplish that, row level locking databases also acquire gap locks. What is a Phantom Read A […]
How FLUSH TABLES WITH READ LOCK works with Innodb Tables
Many backup tools including Percona Xtrabackup, MyLVMBackup and others use FLUSH TABLES WITH READ LOCK to temporary make MySQL read only. In many cases the period for which server has to be made read only is very short, just few seconds, yet the impact of FLUSH TABLES WITH READ LOCK can be quite large because […]
Hijacking Innodb Foreign Keys
I guess I'm first to post in 2012 so Happy New Year all blog readers ! Now back to HardCore MySQL business – foreign Keys. MySQL supported Foreign Keys for Innodb for many years, yet rudimentary support initially added in MySQL 3.23.44 have not been improved in new releases as much as I'd like. We […]
Avoiding auto-increment holes on InnoDB with INSERT IGNORE
Are you using InnoDB tables on MySQL version 5.1.22 or newer? If so, you probably have gaps in your auto-increment columns. A simple INSERT IGNORE query creates gaps for every ignored insert, but this is undocumented behaviour. This documentation bug is already submitted. Firstly, we will start with a simple question. Why do we have […]
Improved InnoDB fast index creation
One of the serious limitations in the fast index creation feature introduced in the InnoDB plugin is that it only works when indexes are explicitly created using ALTER TABLE or CREATE INDEX. Peter has already blogged about it before, here I'll just briefly reiterate other cases that might benefit from that feature: when ALTER TABLE […]
Tuning InnoDB Concurrency Tickets
InnoDB has an oft-unused parameter innodb_concurrency_tickets that seems widely misunderstood. From the docs: "The number of threads that can enter InnoDB concurrently is determined by the innodb_thread_concurrency variable. A thread is placed in a queue when it tries to enter InnoDB if the number of threads has already reached the concurrency limit. When a thread […]
Index lock and adaptive search – next two biggest InnoDB problems
Running many benchmarks on fast storage (FusionIO, SSDs) and multi-cores CPUs system I constantly face two contention problems. So I suspect it's going to be next biggest issues to make InnoDB scaling on high-end system. This is also reason why in benchmarks I posted previously CPU usage is only about 50%, leaving other 50% in […]
InnoDB: look after fragmentation
One problem made me puzzled for couple hours, but it was really interesting to figure out what's going on. So let me introduce problem at first. The table is
CREATE TABLE `c` (
`tracker_id` int(10) unsigned NOT NULL,
`username` char(20) character set latin1 collate latin1_bin NOT NULL,
`time_id` date NOT NULL,
`block_id` int(10) unsigned default NULL,
PRIMARY KEY (`tracker_id`,`username`,`time_id`),
KEY `block_id` (`block_id`)
) ENGINE=InnoDB
Table has 11864696 rows and takes Data_length: 698,351,616 bytes on disk The problem is that after restoring table from mysqldump, the query that scans data […]
Faster MySQL failover with SELECT mirroring
One of my favorite MySQL configurations for high availability is master-master replication, which is just like normal master-slave replication except that you can fail over in both directions. Aside from MySQL Cluster, which is more special-purpose, this is probably the best general-purpose way to get fast failover and a bunch of other benefits (non-blocking ALTER […]


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youngaustrianempire started following you!
Her harsh gaze softened when she saw the young boy. "Who're you?" Pants asked as she blinked, crouching down in front of him.
posted 5:36 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012 with 15 notestags » #shes a pirate #in modern day #m!a'd #youngaustrianempire
- poodlesliketodoodlenoodles reblogged this from youngaustrianempire and added:
"Es hat mich eine ganze Weile, um sie alle zu lernen."
- youngaustrianempire reblogged this from poodlesliketodoodlenoodles and added:
"Wow! Das sind eine Menge von Sprachen…"


text:
that quote is amazing, I wrote it down and put it over my desk. It's perfect for me right now
and I like how it makes your song look, all official like :)
"Don't be deceived when they tell you things are better now. Even if there's no poverty to be seen because the poverty's been hidden. Even if you ever got more wages and could afford to buy more of these new and useless goods which industries foist on you and even if it seems to you that you never had so much, that is only the slogan of those who still have much more than you. Don't be taken in when they paternally pat you on the shoulder and say that there's no inequality worth speaking of and no more reason to fight because if you believe them they will be completely in charge in their marble homes and granite banks from which they rob the people of the world under the pretence of bringing them culture. Watch out, for as soon as it pleases them they'll send you out to protect their gold in wars whose weapons, rapidly developed by servile scientists, will become more and more deadly until they can with a flick of the finger tear a million of you to pieces."
i really hate that he is right.. this guy wrote this in the late 1800's"—Jean-Paul Marat.
in the song, I kind of like it in a non creepy just miss you is all way :) and I almost love the song as much as I love you! Its kinda cool comparing it to other things you've sent me, they all have the same sort of style.
what the fuck is that picture lol I look like I'm turtleing :( and are we naked? We both look naked… either way I'm so sorry you have to see that face hah
lovee you
man im super happy we are able to write to eachother now !! i think this will become much better now that we can comment on each post and what not.
steps for makign a new link….
log in,
go to the bottom of the pannel that comes out,
find "pages" ,
click it,
create new,
or edit.
and make ssure the SHOW LINK TO THIS PAGE box is clicked.
looove you and cant wait to see you
you need to teach me how you did that link thing then I'll teach you how to upload other pictures :)
I forgive you for leaving harry potter early even thought nothing in moderation IS our rule, but only because you excel at licking the nipple
I already feel amazing about us, you seriously have no idea how happy you make me, love you so much


text:
The Post-Bulletin
1,000 - 5,000 downloadsAdd this app to your lists
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+ By Verve Wireless, Inc.
The best and most complete source for Rochester Area news, weather, sports and deals is now available for Android devices. The Post-Bulletin and PostBulletin.com are already THE source for everything local, now we're offering a digital experience customized for your mobile device!
Tags: post bulletin.
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Comments and ratings for The Post-Bulletin
(32 stars)
Lame. It sends you to print edition for many articles. Off paid users do not get all content just forget it.


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Featured Properties
339 Willow Drive, Pottsboro Texas
January 5, 2012 by Lainie · Leave a Comment
339 Willow Drive is located in the great Simmons Shores neighborhood in Pottsboro Texas. Just a few of the features of the area are a community pool, boat launch and dock.
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text:
Written by:
Happiness is what you'll feel
Are you not feeling bliss?
Pack all your misery and throw them away
Put all your worries aside
Is your past full of sadness?
Never remember all those sorrows
Everything concerning should bring you joyfulness
So have fun
Since you're full of HAPPINESS


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Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations
Foods C'Est Bon, Limited 17-Aug-01
Public Health Service
New Orleans District
Southeast Region
6800 Plaza Drive, Suite 400
New Orleans, Louisiana 70127
Telephone: 504-253-4519
Facsimile: 504-253-4520
Mr. Jack Hines, President
Foods C?Est Bon Limited
825 Oxley Street
Kemer, Louisiana 70062
Dear Mr. Hines:
A representative of the State of Louisiana acting on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA), inspected your firm, located at 825 Oxley Street Kenner, Louisiana on My 4,2001, and found that you have serious deviations from the Seafood HACCP regulation Title 21, Code ,Part 123(21 CFR 123). These deviation some of which were previously brought to your attention cause your seafood products to be in violation of Section 402(a)(4)of the Federal Food & Drug and Cosmetic Act. You can find this Act and the seafood HACCP regulations through links in FDA?s home page at www.fda.gov.
The deviations were as follows:
You must have a HACCP plan that lists the critical control points to comply with 21 CFR 123.6(c)(2). However, your firm?s HACCP plan for bacon wrapped shrimp does not list the critical control point of labeling for controlling the food safety hazard of tilting agents. Your failure to address the control of sulfites in a shrimp product HACCP plan was previously brought to your attention in our untitled letter dated June 22, 1999.
You must implement the monitoring procedures listed in your HACCP plan to comply with 21 CFR 123.6(b). However, your firm did not follow your HACCP plan monitoring Procedure that shrimp are not to exceed [redacted] during processing.
You must retain all mandatory records for official review to comply with 21 CFR 123.9. However, your firm does not maintain records of official calibration of either the hand-held or the freezer/cooler entrance thermometers.
During the inspection the Louisiana State inspector documented insanitary conditions that also cause the products you manufacture to be adulterated within the meaning of Section402(a)(4) of the Act as follows:
1. The inspector documented conditions which facilitate unsanitary operation which are associated with unclean food contact surfaces. For example, mushrooms and celery were sliced on a table where beef had previously been processed.
2.The inspector documented conditions that facilitate unsanitary operations, which are associated with cross-contamination from insanitary objects to food. For example, during processing employees wore watches, hanging earrings and other jewelry.
3. The inspector documented conditions that facilitate unsanitary operations, which are associated with pests in the food plant. For example, your Operational Sanitation Report does not include monitoring of the exclusion of pests from the food plant. A fly was observed to land on your food produce and small insect droppings were present in a storage area.
4. The inspector documented a condition that facilitates unsanitary operation which are associated with the lack of control of employee health conditions. For example, your Operational Sanitation Report does not include monitoring control of employee health conditions.
We may take furher action if you do not promptly correct these violations. For instance, we may take further action to seize your product(s) and/or enjoin your firm from operating.
We are aware that you made a verbal commitment to correct the violations observed at your firm. However, you must respond in writing within three (3) weeks from your receipt of this letter. Your response should outline the specific things you are doing to comet these deviations. You may wish to include with your response documentation such as your corrected HACCP plan thermometer calibrations modified Operational Sanitation Report or other useful information that would assist us in evaluating your corrections. If you cannot complete all corrections before you respond we expect that you will explain the reason for your delay and state when you will correct any remaining deviations.
This letter may not list all the deviations at your facility. You are responsible for ensuring that your processing plant operates in compliance with the Act the Seafood HACCP regulations and the Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (21 CFR 110). You also have a responsibility to use procedures to prevent further violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and all applicable regulations.
Please send your reply to the Food and Drug Administration Attention Nicole F. Hardin Compliance Officer at the above address. If you have questions regarding any issue in this letter, please contact Ms. Hardin at (504) 253-4519.
Carl E. Draper
District Director
New Orleans District
FOI Homepage | Warning Letters
FDA Home Page | Search | A-Z Index | Site Map | Contact FDA
Web page created by god August 2001


text:
If I choose to leave my current employer, will this affect my visa status in process?
The E, H, L, TN and O nonimmigrant visas are employer-specific. Therefore, if you leave your current employer and wish to remain in the U.S., you will need to immediately find another U.S. employer who will sponsor you. The permanent residence process requires that you intend to work with the petitioning employer on a permanent at-will basis. Nonetheless, a permanent resident application can become "portable" to another employer six months after filing the adjustment of status application if any new employment is substantially similar to the labor certification/visa petition employment.
What Can I file to Protect my Status?
You have the option of filing a change of status to B-2 visitor, for F-1 Student. If your spouse as an employment visa, (H-1B or L-1), you can change to a dependent visa. You can also file to change employers if you are an H-1B, and if there are H-1B visas available with a new employer you can change from L-1 or E-2 status to that new employer. Consult a qualified and experienced immigration lawyer before taking any steps, however, to ensure that you maintain your legal status.


text: Buddha Hudson of Shackleton's exploration team in 1915 holding 2 empirer penguins with a bridge or pea coat on. Behind him is the Nimrod ship, a wooden craft that fatefully crushed under the pressures of the Antartic leaving over 27 men to fend for themselves in -10C conditions… thankfully the majority came back alive. Respect.


text:
Published by Scala Publishers Ltd. in association with Historic Royal Palaces
Publication: March 2012
Charles II's reign was a period of revolutionary experimentation: in science, art and sexual etiquette.
For the first time in British history, Royal mistresses - such as Nell Gwyn - played an active, public role in court life. Women sensed new possibilities and freedoms, appearing on stage, managing their own financial, matrimonial - and extra-marital - affairs. Encouraged by a licentious King, 'being beautiful' could get you what you wanted. But if beauty was admired and revered, praised by poets and idealised by artists, it was also distrusted and feared, pursued and possessed.
Beautiful women were chased and abused, pilloried as whores. This equivocal nature of beauty explains the lives of some of the most charismatic and controversial men and women in British history - those Restoration mistresses and degenerate libertines who lived, loved and died amidst the bespangled luxury of the late Stuart Court.
This beautiful book, published to accompany an exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, traces the rise and fall of the 'beautiful revolution' from the Restoration of Charles II to the death of Queen Anne in 1714. It is also a book about beauty itself: its ambiguity, its authority and its transience. This is a timeless tale about our continuing obsession with beauty, celebrity, power and love.
Buy from our online shop >
Publication: March 2012
Descriptive, informative, authoritative - this superb official guidebook is the best guide to your visit to Kensington Palace and is a very enjoyable read bursting with information.
This souvenir guidebook contains all the highlights and best things to see and do at Kensington Palace, including the state apartments, the Victoria Revealed exhibition and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. This new and updated Kensington Palace guidebook also contains tours of the four new palace routes and includes some fascinating features on subjects as diverse as death at the palace and the intriguing relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough.
Packed with riveting history and lavishly illustrated with colour photographs, it's the essential guide to a future visit to the palace or a fantastic memento of a wonderful day.
Publication: March 2012
Kids' Kensington: Incredible tales from Kensington Palace by Natasha Narayan takes a light-hearted look at Kensington's history. This lively, fun-filled guide, aimed at 7-9 year-olds reveals the stories of some of Kensington's more colourful characters including grumpy kings, clever queens, naughty princesses, savage beasts, wild boys and ferocious rat-killers! The stories are brought to life with the brilliant and quirky illustrations of Mark Beech.
Buy from our online shop >
Published by Walker Books Ltd. in association with Historic Royal Palaces
Publication: June 2012
This unique three-dimensional guide features beautiful illustrations and short histories of the most famous of the London royal residences including the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews, the Banqueting House, St James's Palace, Hampton Court, Kew Palace and Windsor Castle. Presented in a slipcase, the guide unfolds to a length of 1.5 metres and is a brilliant way to remember a trip to London. For readers aged: 5+.
Published: March 2012
Published to accompany the new permanent exhibition at Kensington Palace, Victoria Revealed does just what it says! This fully-illustrated book uncovers intimate secrets about Victoria, and her close family; her joys and sorrows. You'll be shocked by the scandals and Victorian society at its worst (freak shows, child labour, grim poverty), yet inspired by the artists and engineers, scientists and social reformers who all helped shape the way we live today.
Buy from our online shop >
All book titles available online
A full list of titles including our range of guidebooks, children's books and illustrated histories are available at our online shop.
Historic Royal Palaces online shop »


text:
The Leading Source for Indie RPGs
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Other comments left for this publisher:
Apparition Class Starship, Multirole Deep Intruder
Shane B.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 07/04/2013 10:42:53
I'm addicted to starship supplements, especially those with deck plans. I am running a sci fi tabletop RPG and started out looking for some neat ship designs to fit into my campaign. Very soon I had far more than I needed, but I kept acquiring them with the idea that I'd end up using the best of what I had in the game. I point this out to explain that I have perused, purchased and poured over many, many, many supplements much like the Apparition Class from Avalon Game Company.
This one my friends is one of the best. The book is full of useful information, cool maps, some in-game commentary on development and use of the ships of this class and so on. The ship very much feels like you could park one on a football field, walk in and fly away in it. (I think we all wish we could do this...)
So Bravo to Avalon, and to Noah J. Ternullo, the author. Noah has created something that is best in class in a crowded field. The only products I've seen that are as good are the Future Armada Series by Ryan Wolfe. (His company was formerly Ki Ryn Studios and is now I believe "0 hr." Any of his products are well worth your time if you're in the market for neat ships. It is my sincerest hope that this team puts out many more excellent ship supplements.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Diaspora Phoenix, Traveller Fiction
Keith C.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 05/25/2013 03:50:26
Overall I liked this book, and I would buy the sequels (when written).
There aren't many Traveller novels out there, and now that Traveller 5
is out, I find I really want to read more Traveller fiction. There are
quite a few battle scenes, and sometimes you get the sense that
someone just had a bad, bad dice roll.
The interplay between the characters feels better written in the
beginning half of the book. In the first half I felt like the
characters had to make tough choices and were forced to fight.
In the second half, more new characters are introduced, and I started
to loose focus on them all. The story seemed to wander about too. In
the second half, the characters seemed more to choose to fight and I
wasn't really convinced about how intelligent those decisions were.
Also, I really would have liked to see a sector map, like in Paul
Brunette's The Death of Wisdom novel.
[3 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
Avalon Design Elements, Sci-Fi Set 1
Stephen Y.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 05/07/2013 02:47:47
The Sci-Fi elements PDF is 6 pages long, with 3 pages being the actual product.
Pages 3, 4 & 5, contain the graphic elements; page 5 (which looks like metal deck plating), could be used for a small battle map, especially if a few pages are printed off.
Pages 3 & 4, look like pieces of metal framing.
Page 1 (the front cover), gives you an idea of how to use the product.
It's not bad, but it's not fantastic; but there could also have been some more included.
It looks like the kind of thing a person with decent graphic software and experience could do themselves.
At £0.64 pence you get what you pay for.
[3 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
Arrows of Indra
Thorin T.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 03/18/2013 09:08:36
Arrows of Indra is one of the very few mythic India RPGs on the market today. In fact, the only other ones I know of are d20 supplement Sahasra and the upcoming mythic India game, Against the Dark Yogi. (Full disclosure: The author of this review is affiliated with this later game.)
Arrows of Indra sells itself as an Old School Renaissance (OSR) game set in ancient india. And that's exactly what it is, which in my opinion could be either a good or a bad thing, depending on what you're looking for in the game. The real distinction lies in whether you're looking for an India game foremost that happens to be OSR, or an OSR game that happens to be set in India.
Looking at the meat of the game, like many OSR games, Arrows of Indra is basically a recreation of 0e D&D with some of the kinks worked out. This includes a random cavern generator, random encounter tables where you can roll up encounters such as "Asura Demon, Class B," and random loot tables with D&D-style magic items and coins listed in gold, silver and copper pieces. All of these elements do a very good job of keeping with the old school D&D feel of the game.
Where the game falls flat is in emulating the sort of stories and feel found in Indian myth. A starting character in Arrows of Indra is very much a 1st level old school D&D character. They may have a fine and deadly time crawling through India-themed dungeons, but they're not going to be even remotely comparable to the characters featured in Vedic myths. And this will remain true even with many levels under their belts.
Another way in which Arrows of Indra fails to emulate Indian myth is when it comes to having rules to support some of the amazing feats performed by Indian heroes. Heroes in Vedic myth build bridges by shooting arrows, leap miles and rip up trees to use as improvised weapons. Nothing remotely on this level of power is supported in Arrows of Indra.
The OSR part of the design also shows up in the rules for siddhis (magic powers). These are represented in the game as special skills, that once purchased, may be used once per day in much the same way as D&D spells.
The classes in the game are basically the D&D classes with an Indian-themed veneer applied to them. The siddhi is the wizard, the thuggee is the assassin, the priest is the cleric, the fighter is the fighter, the thief is the thief, the yogi is the monk.
That said, Arrows of Indra does have a fairly extensive bestiary, featuring most of the creatures one would expect from an India-themed game, as well as a odd variety of D&D-esque monsters that made it into the game as well.
The writing for the game is clear, the editing is decent and the game also has a very crisp layout that is both simple and visually appealing. The cover art is very nice, but the interior art is… well… it's on par with 0e D&D art. That is to say it lacks the quality I am used to seeing in modern games, but perhaps it fits the OSR feel of the game well.
Overall, I would recommend this game to anyone looking for a specifically OSR game. I might recommend this game for someone looking for a specifically Indian game, but with some reservations on what to expect in terms of genre emulation.
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Dungeon Tiles and Walls
Ricardo N.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 03/17/2013 12:26:01
This is a great set for the creation of dungeon environments with modular pieces. The textures look great when printed and are consistent with each other.
I would like to stress the fact that the pieces are easy to build. Seriously, each pillar or wall section takes only a couple of minutes to cut and fold. I enjoyed cutting the pieces and building some test rooms to see how they fit together, and the results look good. The assembly system for the pillars and walls is simple and the built-in tolerances mean that you do not have to be super precise when cutting. All pieces can be stored flat, which means that they do not have to take a lot of space when not in use. Just be sure of printing in thick cardstock, so that your pieces can endure the folding and unfolding.
It is possible to use this set to build completely flat maps, using the provided tiles and connectors. Since the connectors are used to create passages between rooms, you do not need a lot of different versions. Need an L-shaped corridor? Use two straight sections linked with an elbow connector. Going up one step, it is possible to add some stand-alone doors to mark passageways, common doors and gates. Once again, the slottable doors allow variation without having to build lots of pieces. To fully utilize the set, one can build pillars and walls to have a completely three-dimensional dungeon model.
I hope that expansions are added to this product line, including different types of stairs, dungeon props and different wall and floor textures.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
Arrows of Indra
Curt M.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 03/12/2013 22:58:26
I come to this game both as a veteran tabletop rpger and as a practicing Vaishnava, so Arrows of Indra is effectively the closest thing game-wise to Green Ronin's famed Testament for me. The previous two reviews do a great job of summarizing the book. I particularly like the author's approach to the caste system and to "magic" in the game [totally not Vancian]. The yogi class doesn't work for me as written because it's basically the AD&D monk. Yogis in the source texts aren't combatants. I do really like the inclusion of celestial weapons, but though there is a charioteering skill, there are not chariot fighting rules, nor are there rules for the Vimanas, a real missed opportunity. There's really a lot to like here, but I have one major beef: Krishna is never discussed as human in the source texts. He's either identified as the original personality of Godhead or as the completely realized avatar of Vishnu. Rama, on the other hand, is Krishna-Vishnu playing as the perfect human being. Also Hanuman was never king of the vanaras. He was assistant to Sugriva. Thanks to the RPG Pundit for putting this out there. Good Gaming, and Hare Krishna!
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Arrows of Indra
Joseph B.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 03/12/2013 12:13:49
Arrows of Indra, written by the RPGPundit and published by Bedrock Games, takes the "standard" 0E rules and uses them as the basis for a game of heroic action set in Vedic India. I confess I've been looking forward to this game since I first heard about it as an adjunct for my own Greyhawk campaign, and (full disclosure) was happy to receive a reviewer copy of the pdf.
Shortest version: I like this game so much that I'll happily plunk down the money for the hard copy version when it becomes available in a few weeks.
There's much here in terms of mechanics that players used to 0E or its descendants will find familiar; there are character classes (priest, priest-shaman, fighter, virakshatriya (a sort of paladin), scout (a sort of ranger), siddhi (magic-user), thief, thugee (assassin), and yogi), character races (the normal fantasy Europe races are not to be found, but we have barbarians, monkey-men, serpent-men, bird-men, and mountain-spirits) with nice bits of Vedic Indian folklore as their bases, and alignment (holy, neutral, and unholy). Nothing feels like a retread of the older material so much as a re-imagining of it because of the new mythological basis, and all is written in a very clear style.
There are new pieces to characters as well, the most significant being caste. It should be unsurprising that caste plays a large role in a game set in a mythological Indian setting, and there are both mechanical (dalits get +1 to CON and -1 to CHA, for instance) and in-game social impacts for each caste; brahmins run the risk of imperiling their family's status if they pursue a career as a warrior, for instance. The importance of family in the setting is strong, and rules for generating one's family are provided to give more background.
Combat is somewhat different than the 0E system, much more in line with modern sensibilities; the basic system is roll+modifiers must beat armor class to hit. There is an extensive section of skills which are linked to each character class; the magical effects of priests and siddhis are treated like the skills of any other class, which certainly makes for a quick, consistent, and easy system for new players.
There are the expected sections of monsters and magic items (both either taken from Indian mythology or Indian-ized versions of familiar D&D examples), but what really sets this work apart is the setting of The Bharata Kingdoms, which is a very gameified and mythologized version of ancient India. For someone like me, whose knowledge of this culture is extremely limited, the presentation of the setting was terrific, familiar enough that I could hang my hat on some things, while at the same time being exotic enough to have a very different feel from most fantasy campaigns. The sections on the Patala Underworld, a sort of cross between the underdark and outer planes, was especially thought-provoking. Rob Conley did the maps, which serve their purpose well and should be easy enough to use during play.
All this is accomplished with what was, for me anyway, just the right amount of foreign terminology and jargon. Too many settings seem to operate under the impression that all it takes to make an exotic setting is to use hundreds of weird names, but that ends up being nothing more than an exercise in frustration for all but the half-dozen die-hard fans who are willing to memorize the glossary. Arrows of Indra avoids that pitfall; a mace is still a mace.
All in all, this is a fantastic game, and it's a terrific introduction to a lively mythological setting that most people who are used to either Medieval Europe or China/Japan as their default fantasy setting would be well-served to explore.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
How to Spice Up Your Game
Matthew T.
[Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 03/11/2013 14:17:49
This PDF is presented in clear easy text, with simple layout and pleasing but minimal decorations. The writing is also clear and concise with only a few grammatical errors to break the flow.
"How to Spice up your Game" consists of 6 techniques GM may use to shake up their games. Each technique is fully explained with tips for incorporating it and examples of its use.
The techniques themselves range from the useful (using restricted PC knowledge to foster surprise) to the tricky (giving players control of the story -- including voting on story elements!) to the kinda obvious (miniatures -- but even here, there is some useful information). Other techniques include using riddles and puzzles to challenge the players over the characters, and using mini-games during an RPG to simulate in-game activities. Some of these ideas are not fully developed and others will radically alter gameplay. All of them will require careful thought, and some of them will require group discuss, extra GM work and/or some experimentation before they can be usefully incorporated into a game.
All told, "How to Spice up your Game" is a thoughtful little book with some intrigue ideas that GMs -- particularly new GMs or GMs that find their games becoming routine -- will find a useful starting point for trying some new things at the table.
[3 of 5 Stars!]
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Arrows of Indra
Robert F. M.
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 03/11/2013 13:21:15
Once upon a time, a young DM of the old school bought a book called Deities & Demigods. Among its dizzying array of the mythos he expected and "knew" (Greek, Norse, Arthurian), there were also sections on ones he'd barely heard of. And his favorite of the Asian selections was the Indian mythos, with its many-armed gods and ascetic pacifists with real spiritual power. Wouldn't it be great, he mused, to make a campaign based on that?
Fast forward an embarrassing number of years, and the now-seasoned DM of many editions began to draw up notes for his very own homebrew Indian setting. He hit the interwebs searching for what others had done (because like any good DM, he is an inveterate cannibal), and lo, he stumbled upon Arrows Of Indra. It seemed to be everything he needed, complete with Indian races & classes, rules for caste systems, and even detailed benefits of "enlightenment."
The author of Arrows Of Indra states that his goal was to create an old-school roleplaying game based on Indian mythology that is at once exotic enough to be intriguing and familiar enough to be instantly recognizable to fans of old-school gaming. He meets the goal spectacularly.
The races are all interesting, and the classes seem to be re-skinned standard old school archetypes (the fighter, the thief, the scout, etc., are all here; the paladin is now called the virakshatriya, mages are sidhis, and so forth). This is the part that's instantly-recognizable, so much so that a reader could be forgiven for thinking at first that there's not much new here.
But read on past the char-gen and combat rules, and you get to the part where Arrows Of Indra really shines. There are some early hints in the skills section for priests and sidhis, and the enlightenment powers, and it all blossoms in the chapters on the Petala Underworld (talk about the ultimate mega-dungeon!), the Guide to the Bharata Kingdoms, and the Gods & Religion section. In these places, you really get the feel of Vedic India, and it's clear the author really knows his source material intimately. Everything a newbie needs to know about these subjects is located in one place, and there's no "homework" required.
I can to Arrows Of Indra hoping to find a source to cannibalize for my own campaign. I now find myself wanting to play the game as-is, or at least adapting its rules to my homebrew, rather than sticking to my standard of the last few years, and trying to cobble the setting together from multiple sourcebooks.
In all, Arrows Of Indra is an excellent product, and the perfect introduction to a mythology and culture than few RPGs have ever even tried to do right. Miss it at your own risk.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Heroes Weekly, Vol 2, Issue #4, Crime Unlimited
Megan R.
[Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 02/24/2013 11:05:12
Whilst the idea of a 'Supervillain supermarket' is not new, this is a good presentation of the concept that has been thought through in some detail.
The basic concept is simple. Supervillians do not operate independently, at leas, not all of the time. They need hirelings, they need items you cannot buy off the shelf and so on. So they have to go to an organisation that will supply their needs, no questions asked, cash on the nail, thank you very much.
Novel features of Crime Unlimited include its mobile nature. They prefer to operate out of a club or bar, but shift location every few weeks. It's almost a status symbol amongst the supervillain community to know where they are this month. Once accepted as a customer, you can literally get just about anything that you need - but don't cross them: they don't like that and tend to react forcefully, indeed terminally.
Adventure seeds around them are provided for both Hero and Villain games. For example, you don't always have to pay cash for that weapons grade plutonium you need to fuel your death ray, if it suits them they'll have you owe a favour instead. But they might sell that favour on to someone else... Or ask you to do something you really don't want to do.
Plenty here for you to weave into your adventures, complete with main characters statted up for Heroes Unlimited. If you play a different super-powered game, it shouldn't be too hard to re-stat them, and the concepts will, of course, hold good.
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
How to Spice Up Your Game
Alexander L.
[Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 02/13/2013 06:59:00
Originally published at: http://diehardgamefan.com/2013/02/13/tabletop-review-how-to--
How To Spice Up Your Game is a short book about using techniques to better play tabletop role-playing games. If that sounds horribly dumb and dry to you, trust me it's not, this is actually quite a good little book. I did not expect much from the title, to be honest. It's not professionally produced or anything, but it is nicely laid out, has a nice background, and lots of illustrations of dice. This book is focused on material for game masters, and if you are looking for more material like that check out a few of the other books I've reviewed in this area:
The GM's Field Guide To Players
Never Unprepared: The Complete Game Master's Guide to Session Prep
This book is very straightforward in its approach; there is no foreword or lengthy sections explaining things about game mastering, there is only a brief introduction and then six techniques of spiciness. Each technique is a different chapter and contains smaller sections explaining the concept, the effect on gameplay, ways to implement the concept, tips, and examples. Each chapter makes up about three pages.
The first chapter, for example, is about the concept of "restricted knowledge" which is a pretty common and well-known tool with GMs (if not always well-implemented). This really needs no explanation as it is exactly what you think it is: essentially keeping players from playing the game from the meta level instead of the character level by letting individual characters have knowledge instead of the entire table. Some other concepts need more explaining, like the next chapter which is entitled "Explore the World". You really need to read this chapter through to figure out what the author means by this and how it affects play, as the title is too opaque and the implementation not obvious enough for someone to grasp it immediately.
Overall, I was really impressed with this book. Though small, there are a lot of really great ideas that are well explained and presented here. Each concept is presented in such a way that you can read it and find yourself nodding your head, instantly thinking about your gaming group or a game you have run and where you could have used these concepts. The chapter on "representation", where you help your players visualize the game world by using real world analogs or other helpful correlations, happened to hit home for me regarding a game I am running right now, and how I could help the players visualize the place they are in right now and involve them more in the space. The author offers variants and shallower or deeper levels of all of the techniques, so that a GM can play around with using these ideas and see if they need to really focus on them or if they can keep them in the background. The cost does seem a bit prohibitive, but I have no qualms about saying this is worth the six bucks being asked. It's a bit steep for a short, non-professional book on GMing, but this is really good stuff and I will be printing out a copy of this to keep on hand. Now that is saying something!
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Game Geek #37
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 01/08/2013 09:34:37
A well made and complete product. Thanks. How about a subscription?
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
Heroes Weekly, Vol 1, Issue #22, The Professor
Megan R.
[Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 01/07/2013 05:06:20
This issue presents a neat minor-league supervillain called The Professor. His backstory is quite amusing, a wonderful two-bit villain who has kept his day job and so can only pursue his nefarious plots at the weekends, or maybe the odd evening after work as long as he doesn't stay out too late!
The poor fellow has been a bit of a failure in life - both career-wise and socially - and to be honest he seems set fair to make as little impact on the 'Super' scene as he has in real life. It's difficult not to feel a bit sorry for him.
Several ideas for incorporating him into your adventures are provided, rather neatly divided so that he can be a villain or a hero - or at least, try to be - as best suits your campaign needs. He's really supposed to be a vilain so the option is given of him trying his hand at being a superhero after his attempts at supervillainry have proved so uttlerly unsuccessful - a nice touch!
A full character sheet, complete with colour illustration, as well as paper 'standee' miniatures of The Professor and four generic SWAT team members (why? Oh well, they'll probably come in useful..) round this issue out.
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
Kitbag 2, Sidearms
Megan R.
[Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 01/05/2013 09:13:39
I have not yet met a Traveller player who is not fascinated by his character's weapons! Here is a neat selection of sidearms that any Traveller character should be delighted to have about his person... or indeed, in his kitbag!
It opens with a brief yet scholarly introduction as to what constitutes a 'sidearm' - basically a small offensive weapon designed primarily for self-defence, capable of being carried more or less constantly without getting in the way, yet able to be brought to bear whenever the need arises.
This is followed by a selection of such weapons, each with the sort of loving description that the average gun-bunny can drool over yet clear enough for those for whom weapons are mere tools to understand just what it is that they are purchasing. For those who like to see what they are getting, there are clear diagrammatic line illustrations (in colour, of course).
The real joy is in making them sound interesting and realistic. Pull out your Tactical ShotSystems Intimidator next time you venture down a dark alley, perhaps. Far better than just grabbing a snub pistol....
The one thing I miss is a handy chart of the relevant game mechanics. They're all there, but embedded in the text. As the text is a delight to read, that's no hardship... but the chart is useful once the bullets start to fly.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
Kitbag 1: Universal Weapon Systems
Verified Purchaser
Date Added: 01/05/2013 04:09:36
Overall I liked this booklet. I'm not fond of "modular weapons" where by switching accessories one weapon does everything. For the most part, however, this booklet made it believable and I'll be using some of these in my games.
The drawings were well done. I will be looking for the rest in this series.
[4 of 5 Stars!]
Click to show product description
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Imaginext Super Friends Batcave Playset
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Help Batman and Robin take on the villains with the awesome Imaginext Super Friends Batcave Playset.
The Batcave features 3 red 'activation discs' and when you turn them using the Batman and Robin figures - cool things happen. One makes the Batcomputer open while the walkways extend, another moves the Batwing to launch position, and the final one opens the jail and the large garage doors.
There is also a Batpole for easy access between floors, a launcher that fires real projectiles and a Batcycle. They'll have hours of fun discovering everything the Batcave has to offer, and they'll get to use their imaginations as they create adventures for the Dark Knight and his faithful sidekick.
Useful info:
- Suitable for ages 3+
- Includes Batman and Robin figures.
- Comes withBatwing, Batcycle and 3 projectiles
- Activation discs make objects move
- Lots of interactivity
- Imaginext Super Friends Batcave Playset
Warning: Not suitable for children under three years.
A complete redesign to Batman's most iconic vehicle is sure to drive right off the shelf in 2013.
With the press of a button the Batmobile will drive into action with motorized wheels and cool sound effects. After 3 feet of motion the Batmobile will stop and launch its spy drone to get a bird's eye view of the villians in Gotham before it speeds off again. The included Batman figure will fit in the cockpit of the vehicle. This set includes: Batmobile, Batman figure and 2 drone flyers. Age from 3 years.
Warning: Not suitable for children under three years.
Imaginext Superman Playset.
This Superman Playset is modelled after the new fortress of solitude. It features a disk activation that will open the armory and reveal Superman's suit and cape, he will need this to fight General Zod who is coming to steal the "codex key" which holds an important secret. They are able to battle in the front section where the figures will fly at each other when you clip them in then press down on one of the two disks. The set also contains a projectile launcher to use against Zod as he approaches. Age from 3 years.
Warning. Not suitable for children under three years.
Imaginext Dinosaur Deluxe - Yellow
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Dinosaur deluxe yellow, includes dinosaur figure and accessories. Age from 3 years.
Imaginext Dinosaur Deluxe - Blue
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Dinosaur deluxe blue, includes dinosaur figure and accessories. Age from 3 years.
For your little space explorer, Tentaclor is the ultimate alien enemy in the battle between humans and aliens!
Place figures in his tentacles and he'll hold them in his grip. Squeeze the handle on his back to watch him whip the figures back and forth and hit them with his fly-swatter. His giant eyeball moves back and forth, following the action! Push down on Tentaclor's brain to open his mouth. Place figures in his mouth to hear his 'chomping' sound effects.
Requires 2 x AA batteries (not included).
Age from 3 years.
Imaginext Mega Apatosaurus
- In Stock
2 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
The Imaginext Mega Apatosaurus takes the Dino-Tech line to a whole new level with motorized action, sound effects, armor transformation, and a removable gear for classic play! With the press of a button, the Apatosaurus comes to life with a roar as it steps into action. The dinosaur will pause after a few steps as his armor extends into attack mode while you hear transformation sound effects. The Imaginext figure sits in the cockpit of the Dino's gear behind a heads up display and is equipped with clear armor. Requires 4 x AA batteries (included). Age from 3 - 8 years.
Imaginext Castle Wizard Tower
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- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
The Castle Wizard Tower is where all the Wizard's medieval action and magic come to life. With a turn of the disc, you can reveal the magic dragon inside the chamber featured by special lights that make his fluorescent colouring stand out, plus exciting sound effects!
Take the dragon out and push the button on his back to flap his wings and also bring the magic of Action Tech to play as the Wizard Tower will recognise the dragon as well as other Castle Action Tech sold separately.
Age range from 3 years.
Enter the Lions Den Castle if you dare!
Its eyes light up. It makes ferocious roaring sounds. And when young knights start turning disks, it comes to life and all sorts of exciting actions happen!
In defence mode, kids can close the mane on both sides of the lion's jaw entrance, release a lion, bring a giant lion claw to life and more! Or they can launch one of the six disks from the crossbow to weaken the castle's defences. Hit the centre shield to open the lion's jaw, and release his mane. Hit the right shield to activate the jail cell trap door. Or hit the left shield to bring the tower tumbling down!
Turn three different disks to bring the castle to life close the mane and lion's jaw, activate the lion's claw and more! Lion's eyes light up! Roaring sound effects! Fire disks to hit the castle shields and open the lion's jaw, release his mane, activate the jail cell trap door or collapse the tower!
Includes two guards; one dragon knight figure; helmets, axes and shields for the guards; a throne, a king's crown, a lion figure and a disk-firing crossbow with six disks.
Requires 2 x AA batteries (included).
Age from 3 years.
The Alpha Walker is here to help your little space adventurer 'stomp out' invading aliens!
Put the space trooper figure in the 'crow nest' on the Walker to lead the charge! Turn the disc to get the Alpha Walker walking and his head moving side to side, all with realistic mechanical sound effects! Under attack? Fire discs at the aliens and use the crane to capture them
This mighty warrior even responds with cool sound effects and phrases when other Imaginext ships fire at him! (Other ships sold separately).
Requires 4 x AA batteries, which are included.
Age from 3 years.


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It's happening. The Fifty Shades of Grey baby boom we here at The Stir predicted months ago is very much a "thing." Moms are announcing right and left that Christian Grey got them pregnant (with a little help from a real live man).
But ladies, some of y'all seem to be taking this obsession just a wee bit too far. Can we just talk about the Fifty Shades baby paraphernalia? It's here. And it's kind of creepy!
Take the onesie that reads "I'm a Fifty Shades baby." It might sound all sweet and innocent, but let's fast forward about, oh, 10 years. Your 10-year-old is paging through the family album and asks "What's Fifty Shades, Mommy?"
Will you be ready to answer that one? Especially when the follow up question is "OK, but what does that kinky sex book have to do with ME?" Face. Palm.
Same goes for the "Generation Grey" onesies. That will be an odd one to explain, won't it?
There's more out there that's not so blatant. I noticed a onesie that simply reads "Fifty Shades of Cute." It's more of a pop culture nod, less an announcement that you like it rough, but still. I'm sure any little booger who gets to wear that will be all kinds of cute ... but now everyone who is looking at that little innocent child is going to be thinking "spank me, no whip me, no .... CHRISTIAN!" Really? On a baby?
I'm all for celebrating ourselves as sexual beings and happy fun when you're babymaking, but maybe you can rein it in where the actual baby is concerned. There's plenty of OTHER insanely cute stuff out there for baby already. How about you just keep your Fifty Shades of kinky in the bedroom where you can work on a sibling for that little cutie?
Would you allow your baby to wear or carry anything with a 50 Shades reference?
Image via duvdesigns
I was not impressed with the 50shades books.. After the first book I skipped passed all the "kinky fuckery". And I see all over pinterest people saying they bluch every time they hear the word vanilla, seriously? My husband wouldnt have sex/make love/kinky fuckery or what have you til after I was done with the books for over a week because he wanted to make sure I was doing it with him and not Grey. I told him there was no chance that I was imagining an overbearing, jealous whiny brat creep over him
Yeah uh no i wouldn't put 50 shades apparel on my child..I don't think it would be appropriate in my opinion.
Lol, Heather. That's funny. My husband thinks the books are as dumb as I do. I'm glad we agree that these books are overrated.
personally think the books are 50 shades past over rated
Translation - Conceived During Bondage. Cute.
All I've heard about the book is that's it's soft porn...advertising it on a onesie is creepy.


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Bubbles Funny Bunny - *SOLD*
Very popular fleece design. This Bunny is made very sturdy for babies to play with. Tuft of light Pink fluffy yarn hair. No glue, paint, or Velcro used in the construction of this Bunny. 10" tall with ear span of 6-1/2". *machine wash & dry*
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Most users have no idea that reading electronic information from a data storage medium like a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) is plagued with read errors. For this reason error correction codes (ECC) are used to fix the random bit errors that arise during the reading process before the incorrect data is returned to the user. But the error correction codes can only handle so many errors at one time. If data errors exceed the ECC limits, the data goes uncorrected and is lost forever. More recent ECC algorithms like the LSI SHIELD error correction technology go a lot farther to protect user data than prior solutions.
What happens to the data when the ECC fails?
If the ECC fails, only a backup protection mechanism will recover the data. There are three alternatives. First, users should always back up their critical data since ECC failure and other threats can destroy data or render it inaccessible such as natural disasters (earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding etc.) that cause heavy damage to buildings and their contents, lightning overloading that can burn up a computer without adequate electrical protection, and of course computer theft. Any backup system should be either automated or at least run consistently if it is manual. Industry reports cite that less than 10% of computer users back up their data. That is not very comforting.
The second solution is to employ a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) array that uses multiple storage devices with one or more of the drives acting as a parity device to provide redundancy. That way if one drive fails, the redundant drive provides enough parity information to restore the original data. This type of system is very common in enterprise environments—a work computer—but hardly used in home systems or laptop PC.
Is the third solution simple, automatic, and operable in a single-drive environment?
Yes. Yes. And Yes. LSI® SandForce® flash and SSD controllers have a feature called RAISE™ data protection that meets all of these needs. Introduced in 2009 with the first SandForce controller, RAISE technology stands for Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements. It sounds like RAID, and acts something like RAID, but protects data using a single drive. With RAISE technology, the individual flash die act like the drives in a RAID array. The original RAISE level 1 technology protects against single page and block failures in the flash. These types of failures are beyond the protection of the ECC, but RAISE technology can recover the data.
With the introduction of the SF3700 this month, RAISE technology now offers more flexibility to deliver greater data protection. With the original RAISE level 1, the space of a full flash die had to be allocated solely to protect user data. In small-capacity configurations, like 64GB, RAISE level 1 required too much over provisioning and therefore had to be disabled or, with RAISE left on, its available capacity reduced to 60GB or 55GB. With a new enhancement to the SF3700, no such tradeoff is necessary. The new Fractional RAISE option for this first level of protection uses only a small portion of a die to protect user data in even the smallest configurations and preserve over provisioning (OP). This is important because, as I explained in my blog titled Gassing up your SSD, the more space you allocate for OP, the lower the write amplification, which translates to higher performance during writes and longer endurance of the flash memory.
Stronger data protection with RAISE level 2
A new RAISE level 2 capability offers even stronger data protection, safeguarding against multiple, simultaneous page and block failures, as well as a full die failure. If a die fails, the SandForce controller recovers the user data. RAISE level 2 includes Auto-Reallocation that can be set up to automatically redistribute and protect user data in the event of a subsequent die failure. Because the option to protect against a second die failure would reduce the available OP area, the RAISE level 2 feature can be set up to simply drop back to RAISE level 1 protection without sacrificing any OP space. .
Another new capability is an additional (9th) flash channel that enables the manufacturer to populate an extra flash package with one die that enables full RAISE level 1 protection while maintaining maximum user data capacity such as 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, etc. Without the 9th channel option, the SSD capacity would be forced to sacrifice a few GBs of capacity (reducing available user capacity to 60GB, 120GB, 240GB, respectively) because RAISE requires extra storage space.
Although all these new features cannot protect against the would-be thief or catastrophic drive failures from electrical surges or natural disasters, the probability of those events is much lower than a simple ECC failure. That's why you would be best suited to have an SSD with RAISE technology to automatically protect against the more common ECC failures and then make a backup copy of your system at least periodically to protect your data against those far more serious events.
Tags: backup, controller, ECC, flash, flash controller, flash memory, RAID, RAISE, SandForce, SF3700, SHIELD, solid state drive, SSD
Views: (1209)
Each new generation of NAND flash memory reduces the fabrication geometry – the dimension of the smallest part of an integrated circuit used to build up the components inside the chip. That means there are fewer electrons storing the data, leading to increased errors and a shorter life for the flash memory. No need to worry. Today's flash memory depends upon the intelligence and capabilities of the solid state drive (SSD) controller to help keep errors in check and get the longest life possible from flash memory, making it usable in compute environments like laptop computers and enterprise datacenters.
Today's volume NAND flash memory uses a 20nm and 19nm manufacturing process, but the next generation will be in the 16nm range. Some experts speculate that today's controllers will struggle to work with this next generation of flash memory to support the high number of write cycles required in datacenters. Also, the current multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory is transitioning to triple-level cell (TLC), which has an even shorter life expectancy and higher error rates.
Can sub-20nm flash survive in the datacenter?
Yes, but it will take a flash memory controller with smarts the industry has never seen before. How intelligent? Sub-20nm flash will need to stretch the life of the flash memory beyond the flash manufacturer's specifications and correct far more errors than ever before, while still maintaining high throughput and very low latency. And to protect against periodic error correction algorithm failures, the flash will need some kind of redundancy (backup) of the data inside the SSD itself.
When will such a controller materialize?
LSI this week introduced the third generation of its flagship SSD and flash memory controller, called the SandForce SF3700. The controller is newly engineered and architected to solve the lifespan, performance, and reliability challenges of deploying sub-20nm flash memory in today's performance-hungry enterprise datacenters. The SandForce SF3700 also enables longer periods between battery recharges for power-sipping client laptop and ultrabook systems. It all happens in a single ASIC package. The SandForce SF3700 is the first SSD controller to include both PCIe and SATA host interfaces natively in one chip to give customers of SSD manufacturers an easy migration path as more of them move to the faster PCIe host interface.
How does the SandForce SF3700 controller make sub-20nm flash excel in the datacenter?
Our new controller builds on the award-winning capabilities of the current SandForce SSD and flash controllers. We've refined our DuraWrite™ data reduction technology to streamline the way it picks blocks, collects garbage and reduces the write count. You'll like the result: longer flash endurance and higher read and write speeds.
The SandForce SF3700 includes SHIELD™ error correction, which applies LDPC and DSP technology in unique ways to correct the higher error rates from the new generations of flash memory. SHIELD technology uses a multi-level error correction schema to optimize the time to get the correct data. Also, with its exclusive Adaptive Code Rate feature, SHIELD leverages DuraWrite technology's ability to span internal NAND flash boundaries between the user data space and the flash manufacturer's dedicated ECC field. Other controllers only use one size of ECC code rate for flash memory – the one largest size designed to support the end of the flash's life. Early in the flash life, a much smaller size ECC is required, and SHIELD technology scales down the ECC accordingly, diverting the remaining free space as additional over provisioning. SHIELD partially increases the ECC size over time as the flash ages to correct the increasing failures, but does not use the largest ECC size until the flash is nearly at the end of its life.
Why is this good? Greater over provisioning over the life of the SSD improves performance and increases the endurance. SHIELD also allows the ECC field to grow even larger after it reaches its specified end of life. The big takeaway: All of these SHIELD capabilities increase flash write endurance many times beyond the manufacturer's specification. In fact at the 2013 Flash Memory Summit exposition in Santa Clara, CA, SHIELD was shown to extend the endurance of a particular Micron NAND flash by nearly six times.
That's not all. The SandForce SF3700 controller's RAISE™ data reliability feature now offers stronger protection, including full die failure and more options for protecting data on SSDs with low (e.g., 32GB & 64GB) and binary (256GB vs. 240GB) capacities.
So what about end user systems?
The beauty of all SandForce flash and SSD controllers is its onboard firmware, which takes the one common hardware component – the ASIC – and adapts it to the user's storage environment. For example, in client applications the firmware helps the controller preserve SSD power to enable users of laptop and ultrabook systems to remain unplugged longer between battery recharges. In contrast, enterprise environments require the highest possible performance and lowest latency. This higher performance draws more power, a tradeoff the enterprise is willing to make for the fastest time-to-data. The firmware makes other similar tradeoffs based on which storage environment it is serving.
Although most people consider the enterprise and client storage needs are very diverse, we think the new SandForce SF3700 Flash and SSD controller showcases the perfect balance of power and performance that any user hanging ten can appreciate.
Tags: AIS, controller, DuraWrite, flash, flash controller, flash memory, LDPC, RAISE, SandForce, SF3700, SHIELD, solid state drive, SSD
Views: (857)
For the uninitiated, low-density parity-check (LDPC) code is an error correction code (ECC) that is used to both detect and correct errors on data that is transmitted from one point to another. All ECC types include correction data, so when information is transmitted with errors, the receiver has enough information to fix the errors without having to ask the source for the data again.
This enables transmitted data to maintain a constant speed as is required with digital television signals. What you don't want is for the image to freeze repeatedly while waiting for correction data to be sent multiple times.
LDPC code was first presented to the world by Robert G. Gallager at MIT in 1960. It was very advanced for its time and, as it turned out, required a fantastic amount of computation to use real-time. The problem was that back in 1960, vacuum tube computers of that period performed about 100 times less work than the microprocessor-powered computers of today. In 1960, you would need a computer the size of a 2,000-square-foot house to process the LDPC correction information in real-time. This was hardly economical, so LDPC was mostly lost for nearly 40 years, as other simpler codes took its place over that period.
What was old is new again
In the mid-1990s, engineers working on satellite transmissions for digital television dusted off the LDPC codes and started using them for real-time operations. By then, computer processing had seen dramatic reductions in size and costs. Fast-forward to the past 5 years: we have seen a major increase in LDPC development and use because it appears to be the best solution for high-speed data transmissions, especially those subject to heavy levels of electrical noise that induce higher error rates. Also, the processing power of target devices like WiFi receivers and HDDs has grown even stronger and faster than some of the main CPUs of a few years ago. This enables LDPC to be deployed for little additional cost with the advantage of real-time data correction superior to correction offered by simpler codes.
If you have seen one LDPC solution, have you seen them all?
Nothing could be further from the truth. For example, an LDPC solution designed for satellite communication cannot be used for HDDs since there is no direct porting of the code, though there are distinct advantages to the two engineering teams sharing their knowledge and experience through their development efforts. Take, for example, the LDPC code that LSI has been shipping in its TrueStore® HDD read channel solutions for 3 years now. When LSI acquired SandForce and started work on SHIELD™ error correction code (based on LDPC) for flash controllers, there was no direct porting of that HDD code to support SSDs. However, the HDD development team's knowledge and experience from creating the HDD code greatly improved the SSD team's ability to more quickly bring SHIELD technology to the next-generation SandForce flash controller.
How do LDPC solutions for SSDs differ?
Many LDPC providers claim that their offerings rival the capabilities of competitive solutions, though often they aren't telling the whole story. All LDPC solutions start with what is called hard-decision LDPC – a digital correction algorithm that operates at line rate on all data passing through the correction engine. The algorithm uses the meta-data generated from the user and system data stored on the flash memory, and helps recreate the user data when the flash memory returns it with errors. Hard-decision LDPC catches most errors from the flash memory, though sometimes it can be overwhelmed by an inordinate number of errors. That is where soft-decision LDPC – a more analog-based correction algorithm – comes into play.
Can a soft-decision be strong enough for my data?
Soft-decision LDPC is an error correction method that looks at other information beyond the actual ECC data. Soft-decision, in a sense, looks at the meta-data of the meta-data. The simplest form of soft-decision LDPC may just re-read the data at a different reference voltage, as if asking a person "can you say that again?" More complex soft-decision might be compared to listening to a man with a heavy French accent speaking English. You know he just said something in English, but you could not clearly grasp what he said. You ask some questions and, from his answers, soon realize what he originally said and are now back on track. While this might seem more like guessing at the answer, soft-decision LDPC uses statistics to help ensure the answers are not false positive results. As a result, soft-decision LDPC uncovers a new set of engineering problems that need to be solved, opening new opportunities for flash controller manufacturers to create powerful intellectual property (IP). For that reason, you're likely to learn very little about how a given company's soft-decision LDPC works.
At the 2013 Flash Memory Summit in Santa Clara, California, LSI demonstrated its SHIELD Advanced Error Correction Technology. SHIELD technology includes hard and soft-decision LDPC with digital signal processing (DSP) and a number of other unique features designed to optimize future NAND flash memory operation in compute environments. One feature, called Adaptive Code Rate, works with other LSI features to enable the spare area in flash memory reserved for ECC data to occupy less space than the manufacturer allocation and then dynamically grow to accommodate inevitable increases in flash error rates. The soft-decision LDPC capability offers multiple strengths of correction, with each activating only as necessary to ensure the lowest possible real-time latency.
So it's clear that all LDPC solutions are far from the same. When evaluating LDPC solutions, be sure to understand how they manage data correction when it exceeds the ability of the hard-decision LDPC. Also, make sure the algorithms are actually in use in a product. Otherwise, the product might turn out to be a science experiment that never works.
Tags: Adaptive Code Rate, ECC, error correction, flash controllers, flash memory, Flash Memory Summit, LDPC, NAND flash, Robert Gallager, SandForce, SHIELD, solid state drive, SSD, TrueStore
Views: (1758)


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Today in Richmond: lunch at Lulu's in Shockoe Bottom and an evening event at Gallery 5. We're hosting the event, but I'm more excited about the Skull Appreciation Day exhibit and perhaps getting a skull of my own to take back to Jersey City. Because you can never have too many.
posted 13 July, 2011by thetravelbelle
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Scaffold theme by Mike Harding.


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Home > Regions > Region 4 > Region 4 News Release > Region 4 2011 News Releases > News Release
News Release
Officer Steven Douglas
Public Information Officers
Kentucky State Police
CVE Region 4
PO Box 2413
Click here to e-mail Officer Steven Douglas
Taser Deployed At Vehicle Accident Scene
Date of News Release: 12/28/2011
(London, KY) -- On Tuesday December 27th 2011 around 8PM Officer Mike Hamblin with the Kentucky State Police-Vehicle Enforcement responded to a single vehicle accident located four miles east of London on the Hal Rogers Parkway.
Upon arrival, Hamblin learned that the operator, 41 yr old John E. Nolan of Richmond, was still seat belted in the vehicle when officers arrived on scene. While attempting to assist Nolan out of the vehicle, Hamblin detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Nolan's person.
When asked to perform sobriety test, Nolan spit at and grabbed officer Hamblin where a brief struggle took place. Hamblin deployed (2) cycles from his issued Taser at which time Nolan became compliant with officer commands.
Nolan was charged with: Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Container, Menacing, resisting arrest, failure to produce insurance card, driving on DUI suspended license, DUI 4th offense and was served with 2 outstand bench warrants.
Assisting at the scene: Kentucky State Police Trooper Mike King and The Laurel Co Fire Department. Hamblin continues the investigation.