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haha..same here..ive worked at a haunted house for the past 3 years..and i hate getting scared..im going to one on friday..hopefully i dont look dumb
Hey all...I was thinkin....am I a hypocrite...I work at a haunted house, I'm darn good at what I do....and I've never even been through a haunted attraction....I dont even believe i could get through it.....but I want to try without looking like a total moron...any tips bruddahs?
haha..same here..ive worked at a haunted house for the past 3 years..and i hate getting scared..im going to one on friday..hopefully i dont look dumb
What!? Wha-what!? You've never....Oh come on! That sickens me!
Nah, just kidding.
I haven't walked through a haunted attraction as "the customer" in a good many years. Which is kinda ironic considering I've been taking part in the haunt scene since 2005. The main reason I haven't gone out and experienced other attractions is, well, simply because I'm so busy with the one I'm in now. "Wanna check out Dixie Caverns' haunt and get scared?" "Nope, can't, I'm doing some scaring of my own."
Hopefully, I'll find the time to get out and visit a couple haunts this October. The idea of even getting spooked in one, especially now, has always sorta bugged me. I mean, I work in a haunt! Scaring people is my forte! But then I look at it this way: If what they're delivering is enough to scare me, then they're doing something right. Good job to them I say.
So no, I wouldn't call you a hypocrite. I'd say the situation is a bit ironic....Okay, perhaps more than a bit. But it's really nothing to be ashamed of.
Last edited by Smiley; 09-25-2008 at 04:10 AM.
I know a few people who dress up as the thing that they are almost phobic/scared of!?
They just have to stay away from those mirrors or it's all over for them!
Maybe by assuming the costume's idenity they think they are buying a pass from the monster itself scaring them?
They are in effect joining the monster's "club"?
"They won't think to scare one of their own kind."
Sort of monster camoflauge, become one and vanish within their ranks, finding safety with these powerful forces?
Yes, maybe reading this someone has guessed my costume and what I am afraid of?
I am afraid of people who wear clothes!
They do seem to do the majority of the crime, don't they?
When someone is dressed,..they are capable of a n y t h i n g !!!
There is a new phobia for someone to worry about.
Not in my eyes, you're not. I'm a scarer, but make a lousy scare-ee...
Last time I was in a haunted house (that I didn't have some hand in) I freaked out and threw a friend's brother (who was a teenager and an actor in the house) up against a mirrored maze and seriously hurt him. I was about 11 at the time. I'm now almost 40.
Here's my theory. I'm a chickenshit at heart. So are my kids. But our "level of control" is making props. We've started them out young, and while I love me some zombie movies and other horror type flicks, if I were to see it in real life, I'd certainly need a change of under garments.
If I'm in creation mode, I'm good to go. I can think up and create the goriest of scenes without blinking an eye. And my kids are even better at the brainstorming and creating than I am (They're 8 and 11 year old girls. My oldest daughter is my avatar).
I was a tourist in an active haunt run by others was maybe 32 years ago.
I didn't get "scared" but I did get pissed off!
The room was in the low-ceiling of an old two-story house, a small room.
There were three haunt/actors in the room and three in my group of JC's from just 8 miles away from this place, we were checking out their haunt, all friendly, not really competitive at all.
This was The Mad doctor's scene, they all had on masks and strange baggy clothing. One actor was standing maybe 8 to 9 feet away from me when all the lights went out in that room (as they planned it)
"Whump!" the lights were restored. There sticking into the wall next to my head was the same ax the "Doctor" had just been playing with a second before the room went dark!
Gee! No margin for error in this prank now was there?
What if I had moved after the room went dark? I would only have had to moved slightly to then recieve my reward of an ax hitting my head rather solidly .
The smell of beer was overpowering, in the room and coming from out of their masks, a little basketball was happening too, bobbing and weaving.
The next year they no longer had the use of this house, the basement was filled with empty beer cans and nobody wanted to clean it up.
The bulldozer got that job.
I did get my revenge, I farted in the middle of their dark maze not long after the Mad Doctor room, it was extremely terrible, an eye-burner smell! (Maybe THAT was why the house was torn down?)
Or maybe my gas ate the nails in the entire house up. Causing prematurely rusting excessively?
Last edited by Jim Warfield; 09-25-2008 at 11:58 PM.
Personally, I like going to other haunts to learn.
You can learn what works and more importantly what does NOT work.
For instance you may think that in a scene when someone gets hacked up if you had a water gun hidden and give the guests a little spray to make them think it is blood will scare them. Well from a setup point of view you may think that is a great idea.
Now expereince that as a guest and you will be like "dude that was lame, it is cold and now I am wet. Jerk!"
Plus you will see how others do their lighting, sound, acting, story archs, etc. You can then use some things to add to your haunt/acting, or take away if you see they are really lame.
To be the best you have to learn from the best.
i assume it would be best to go through my haunt first. I mean, I built that place, i know where every little thing is in that house...if I can't make it through that everything else is out of the question right? lol
I dont think I've been through a haunted house/trail in 7 years!..since I started acting in the one i'm at now. I really dont think I could make it through one! They freak me out but they are great to work in! =]]
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Las Brisas, Peggy Lewis and Icicle Arts: Great Shows Great Art
Well, the week past was, and, the week ahead promises to be, quite the art filled week for us in the valley and beyond. Last week was the intake of artwork for the juried art show out at Peggy Lewis Gallery in Yakima. For that event I accompanied Martha Flores out to Yakima and was pleasantly surprised to meet other members of the Two Rivers Gallery there bringing their artwork as well.
Over the weekend I made a point of bringing my camera along with me when I went to Leavenworth to do a second of two days of bicycle riding up the Icicle River Rd. I had stopped by the Icicle Arts Gallery with my riding buddy after our ride on Saturday and a pleasant stop at O'Grady's Pantry. At O'Grady's we had coffee and were pleased to see that the Recycled Art piece by Martha Flores and yours truly from last year's Recycled Art Show is still on display out in the patio area. That was fun to see and to show off to my riding buddy. However, when we went on over to the Icicle Arts Gallery I really wished I had brought my camera with me as I found that Bryan Miller had already put up all or most of the artwork for this year's Icicle Prize Recycled Art Show.So, I made a point of bringing the camera the next day. It being Sunday and Father's day to boot, I didn't expect that the Icicle Arts Gallery would be open, so I made a plan to get some sneak preview photos of the show shot through the windows. When I arrived, I was surprised to find that Ann the lovely docent of the Upper Valley Museum was there and that I could therefore go on in and get all the photos I needed. I was stilled interested in my 'through the windows' idea and did take a few pics that way… some of which I thought were pretty interesting.
I have to say there are really some great looking pieces in this year's show; I still have hope though that our Giant Bird pieces may do well in the eyes of the judges. We shall see.
This week is busy as all get out. Wednesday is the Art Guild of Soap lake Area 'Third Wednesday' presentation at the Las Brisas Arts Center at 6:30pm in of course Soap lake. We are looking forward to seeing our good friends Rose and Allen Lundberg and the other artist and art lovers in Soap Lake. This month's presentation will be by Ellensberg Photographer Douglas MacAuthur known for his Kittitas Valley Barns and Mark Peters a local wildlife photographer from Ephrata. I'm really looking forward to those presentations
Then on Thursday is the opening reception for the 45th Annual Juried Art Exhibit at the Peggy Lewis Gallery put on by the Allied Arts of Yakima. We are really looking forward to that event not only to see the art of Martha Flores and other Two Rivers Gallery members but the whole spectrum of wonderful art that we got only a glimpse of as the first pieces were coming in last week when we were there. It's a long drive there and back but it should be well worth the time and effort. Sadly we learned this week that Sam Martinez will no longer be working full time at the Peggy Lewis Gallery, but she is planning to continue volunteering there so it is not a total loss.
Then this Friday comes the big local opening that we have really been waiting for, that being the 4th Annual Icicle Prize Recycled Art Show.It's really a two day event with the opening reception on Friday the 22nd from 5-7, then music by Beth Whitney Fishburn and Aaron Fishburn at Icicle Brewing Company from 7-9, and Music at South from 8-10. Saturday June 23 they will have their fabulous hip hop dance workshop with members of 'Cruz Control' at 12:30 for anyone ages 13 and up for $20 at Snow Creek Yoga (space is limited). Then the "Trash to Fash" runway show is at 7:30, featuring again, the 'Cruz Control' hip hop dancers, and local models as well as a dancers from 'Edelweiss Dance Academie', all followed by a Dj'd after party. Anyone interested can reserve tickets for the hip hop workshop and "Trash to Fash" on brownpapertickets.com, or call 509-548-2278.
We are really looking forward to getting to as any of these events as we can. I have to say I really like how that giant eagle looks out there on the upper balcony of the Icicle Arts Gallery / Upper Valley Museum building there at the Barn Beach Reserve.
Well enough for now and have a very artful day here in the valley and beyond.

subset: commoncrawl


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From | "Dag H. Wanvik (JIRA)" <j...@apache.org> |
Subject | [jira] Commented: (DERBY-4578) Documentation: Developer's Guide topic on double-booting is mostly obsolete |
Date | Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:43:27 GMT |
[ https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/DERBY-4578?page=com.atlassian.jira.plugin.system.issuetabpanels:comment-tabpanel&focusedCommentId=12843233#action_12843233 ] Dag H. Wanvik commented on DERBY-4578: -------------------------------------- Thanks for improving this, Kim! Just a small detail: > You can allow multiple Derby instances that need to access that database to connect to > the server. That would be "applications on multiple JVMs" that need access to that database, not "Derby instances". The server would host the (single) Derby instance allowed to boot the database. > Documentation: Developer's Guide topic on double-booting is mostly obsolete > --------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Key: DERBY-4578 > URL: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/DERBY-4578 > Project: Derby > Issue Type: Bug > Components: Documentation > Affects Versions: 10.5.3.0 > Reporter: Kim Haase > Assignee: Kim Haase > Priority: Minor > Attachments: cdevdvlp20458.html, DERBY-4578.diff > > > The topic "Double-booting system behavior", http://db.apache.org/derby/docs/dev/devguide/cdevdvlp20458.html, mostly describes issues that come up if you use a JDK earlier than 1.4. Since such JDKs are no longer supported for Derby, the info about these issues should be removed. What needs to remain is that with the embedded driver, Derby DOES prevent two instances of Derby from booting the same file-system database. > The problem doesn't exist with in-memory databases -- the db doesn't exist outside the JVM, so multiple Derby instances could refer to an in-memory db with the same name, but they wouldn't be the same db. That needs to be said too. > The last paragraph, to the effect that if more than one Derby instance needs to access the same database you should use the Network Server, can remain (with some edits). -- This message is automatically generated by JIRA. - You can reply to this email to add a comment to the issue online. | |
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Cambridge Family Microsoccer: Links
Microsoccer Rules of the Road is a brief guide to how Microsoccer is structured, organized, and administered, and contains a small number of operational rules. [If you have trouble with this link, please try the HANDOUTS page]
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Discount coupon for all Microsoccer families, entitling them to a 15% discount on Modell's sporting goods through September 29, 2016. Just download it, print it, and give it to the cashier, or if you can download it or show it on your phone that works too. [If you have trouble with this link, please try the HANDOUTS page]
Registration Information
For registration go to the "REGISTRATION & NEWS" section.
If you successfully register, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. If you have technical problems, try at least once or two more before giving up. If you give up, then send us an e-mail explaining exactly what problem you experienced and what browser and version you are using.
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For children who are too old for Microsoccer, you should check out Cambridge Youth Soccer, which is a separate organization, not affiliated with Cambridge Family Microsoccer.
Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Allows you to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, which in turn will allow you to download PDF files from the HANDOUTS section of this site.
What does the Commissioner do for his Other Day Job?


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All prices are in All prices are in USD
If you're looking for a more sophisticated candle, look no further than Root's Veriglass candle. This stunning sleek glass container holds our premium Legacy beeswax. Veriglass means a "thin coating of ice" and was the inspiration to creating this classic candle. An all-natural beeswax blend burns longer than other premium candles and the addition of pure essential oils in each of our fragrances produce a rich, lasting sensory experience. Root's Veriglass candles feature an all-natural cotton (lead free) wick for a clean, long-lasting candle burning experience. The Large 10.5 oz. Veriglass candle comes in 42 luxurious fragrances and a wide variety of trending designer colors. Made in USA.
Posted by Unknown on 13th Dec 2015
The scent is so fresh and delicate...smells slightly of apples but does such a good job of masking other cooking odors. It doesn't compete with them, just replaces them. I always make sure I have one or two in my cabinet!
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It smells like it's fresh from the apple orchard! Scrumptious!!


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Missourians will be the first state in the nation to vote on a Constitutional Amendment next Tuesday to determine whether only a man and woman can legally be married in the state. We say "Vote Yes" to clearly define marriage as Biblically described and traditionally observed. A "yes" vote casts a vote against same-sex marriage.
To date, at least 39 states, including Missouri, have specifically rejected by statute the recognition
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Planning a Tioman trip? Book your Mersing - Tioman ferry tickets online, realtime, safely and securely! Or call our Singapore Support Desk at +65 900 79345 - Over 180.000+ tickets sold! |
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Jesus effin christ!!! Happyfor you man!!! Must feel amazing! !!!!
Sheeeeeeit! That is flipping awesome!
I'll take the infraction ding. I just had to say exactly what I said to myself when I saw the picture.
Really, that is too cool of Thomas. What a helluva guy. Enjoy those beauties!
Last edited by Thomas W; 06-29-2012 at 08:55 AM. Reason: You know
Jesus effin christ!!! Happyfor you man!!! Must feel amazing! !!!!
Such a wonderful reward for doing the right thing. Sometimes life really does work out. Thomas IS the man!
Man, what a haul! Very generous of KAI/Thomas. Getting to see stuff like this is one of the biggest reasons its so much fun to deal this these great companies over this format.
Score. I logged in just to see the goodies. Looks like he did you better than right. Awesome.
i need 2 find some proto 2!
Very cool on both fronts. Congrats!
Wow! Even more reasons to love ZT/Kershaw. I just purchased a ZT 0550 and have been blown away by the precision and craftsmanship. Now, I'll be looking out for a 0560. I'll give ZT/Kershaw a lot more of my business because of their customer service. Cheers, Thomas!
Thats really really really awesome, and makes happier than ever that I support Kershaw/ZT with my business. Wonderful that the right stuff runs in a company that makes knives I love.
I like using knives.
Looking for: Users, 3"- 6" in 3V, 4V, M4, 10V, S90V, S125V etc. Fixed blades, or folders.
..... My jaw dropped so fast it hit the table and shattered... now i need surgery :/
I am hereby naming Thomas... BRO OF THE YEAR
enjoy your new knives Solid... lucky bastard
Wow, that's awesome!
one more reason Kershaw gets my hard earned $$.
Nice haul! Thomas's generosity never ceases to amaze...
Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, Service
- Taylor
And they say honesty is its own reward! I think this proves that saying wrong. Congrats solidorange! And Thomas, that must have been one very valuable proto. Very nice reward.
Last edited by PG5768; 06-29-2012 at 10:19 PM. Reason: der forgot "say"
Arctic Light Infantry
WOW! best deal ever..
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Soldak Entertainment now offers new patches to update the Windows and OS X editions of Drox Operative to beta version 0.932. Here's the change log and here's an overview on what this does to the sci-fi action/RPG: "This patch adds ceasefires, revamps some of the components like missile defense and ballistics, and fixes a bunch of minor issues."
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Registration for the Galax Old Fiddlers' Convention has decreased for the second time in five years, and the second year in a row.
Contestants dropped from 1,909 last year to 1,833 for the contest that begins today, Monday. Last year, registration dropped from 2,004 contestants in 2010, the event's 75th anniversary.
The registration figures were released by the Galax Moose Lodge #733, organizers of the 77-year-old event.
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Proteins are organic compounds made of amino acids arranged in a linear chain and folded into a globular form. The amino acids in a polymer are joined together by the peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of adjacent amino acid residues. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is defined by the sequence of a gene, which is encoded in the genetic code.
Learn more about quantum dots from the many resources on this site, listed below. More information on Proteins can be found here.
Carbon Dioxide Gating in Silk Cocoon
21 Aug 2012 | Papers | Contributor(s): sunil kumar meena
Silk is the generic name given to the fibrous proteins spun by a number of arthropods. During metamorphosis, the larva of the silk producing arthropods excrete silk-fiber from its mouth and spun...
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Carlo Montemagno presented a research seminar to the BioEnegineering and MEMS programs at the University of Louisville on February 16, 2011. The talk is available as steaming video...
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Computational Nanoscience, Lecture 27: Simulating Water and Examples in Computational Biology
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Nanomaterials, such as block copolymeric membranes and nanodiamonds, can be engineered for a broad range of applications in energy and medicine. This presentation will highlight the relevance...
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The past century has seen tremendous progress in determining the biochemical and biophysical processes that constitute life. One exciting consequence of this understanding is the possibility of...
Madhanagopal B
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text:
Last year ended with such promise for Kurt Busch and his new Furniture Row Racing team.
They posted top-10 finishes in their final three races, sparking a great deal of optimism entering 2013.
But this year hasn't begun the way they envisioned.
The struggles continued Sunday for Busch, a native Las Vegan, and his team. He finished 20th in the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
That follows finishes of 28th at Daytona and 27th at Phoenix for the No. 78 Chevrolet.
"It was a battle all day, but we kept fighting, hoping to find the setup that could get us going," Busch said. "We haven't had a lot to show in the first three races of the season, but we'll get better. I am looking forward to Bristol (Tenn.) next week."
Maybe that will be the start of better days. Bristol has been a good track for Busch. He has five wins and six top-five finishes at the half-mile oval.
With qualifying in Las Vegas rained out Friday, Busch started 24th based on owner points from last season. He was never a factor, and was lapped on No. 52.
"We just never got up to speed," Busch said. "The Furniture Row/Serta Chevrolet was loose, then it was snug, and no matter what adjustments were made we never could find the right balance for this track. We needed one more caution at the end to get back on the lead lap, which would have given us a good opportunity to pick up additional positions. It wasn't our day."
■ DOMINANT WEEKEND — No team had a better weekend than Joe Gibbs Racing.
Three of the team's drivers finished in the top five in Saturday's Nationwide Series Sam's Town 300. Then on Sunday, Matt Kenseth won the Sprint Cup race and Las Vegan Kyle Busch finished fourth.
"I think it says we're on the right track with some things," said Gibbs, the team owner and three-time Super Bowl-winning coach of the Washington Redskins.
"In sports, you're never satisfied. I'm already worried about next week and all the things that you have to sweat out. But I do think I'm really confident in our drivers, our teams, our crew chiefs, and so I feel very good about that."
■ SEEING THE SIGHTS — Kenseth didn't have any big victory/birthday celebrations planned.
He turned 41 on Sunday, and winning the race was plenty enough.
Besides, he and his family already had taken time to enjoy themselves. After last week's race at Phoenix, they stayed in Arizona to visit Sedona, the Grand Canyon and a zoo in Flagstaff.
"We've been gone a fair amount of time, and we're all ready to get home," Kenseth said.
■ FINAL KICK — Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski battled Kyle Busch for the third spot and wound up taking it.
"Never give up," Keselowski said. "This team doesn't, and we didn't today. You get a good run like we did, and that is a product of that effort. I thought we had some really good speed there at the end."
The finish fired up Keselowski so much, he wanted to try his chances against Kenseth and second-place finisher Kasey Kahne.
"We were so close," Keselowski said.
■ FADING FAST — Clint Bowyer started in the second spot, but he had trouble almost from the beginning and pitted on lap 16 to get his No. 15 Toyota checked out for what he thought was a flat tire.
The stop put him down two laps, and the day didn't get much better. Bowyer finished 27th.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@review journal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.


text:
Clippers Suspend Blake Griffin 4 Games Without Pay For PunchThe Los Angeles Clippers have suspended Blake Griffin four games without pay for punching a team staff member. His salary will be withheld for an additional game because he broke his shooting hand.
Changes May Follow Clippers' Collapse
Funniest Storylines From the Western Conference
Keith Brooks and Carmichael Dave Show - August 19th, 2014
Sale Of Clippers To Ballmer Complete
Keith Brooks and Carmichael Dave Show - July 29th, 2014
Michael McCann: Donald Sterling Not Done Yet
Ballmer Brings Cheer, Competitiveness To ClippersFor decades, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was the technology giant's biggest cheerleader. His booming voice and energetic high-fives are famous around Seattle. Now that he's agreed to buy the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion, Ballmer is expected to bring that boosterism to the hardwood down south.
Keith Brooks and Carmichael Dave Show - June 2nd, 2014
Keidel: Billions for BigotsIf Donald Sterling will indeed be swept under the rug of memory, his Jim Crow ideology and Bull Connor comments along with him, then ... what have we learned from Donald Sterling?
Ex-Microsoft CEO To Buy Clippers For $2B
Group That Tried To Steal Kings Remains Focused On NBA The investor who attempted to purchase the Sacramento Kings and move them to Seattle says his investment group is solely focused on pursuing the NBA and is not interested in owning an NHL franchise.


text: These Strats are built with a harder edge Blacktop look and powerful over the top tone. The Blacktop Stratocaster HH from Fender provides raw humbucking power. Sleek and supercharged, it utilizes dual over-wound alnico humbucking pickups, with other distinctive touches including skirted black amp knobs and a synchronized tremolo bridge. Other features include an alder body, maple neck, 9.5 inch radius fingerboard, 22 medium jumbo frets, gloss polyester finish and chrome hardware. Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH Features


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There's another update to my little utility to script a SQL Server's configuration. I use this for two purposes. First, I use it to keep my database mirroring servers up to date. Second, I capture the output in a version control system and keep that for historical reference.
In release 3.0.9 I made the following changes:
It still doesn't support SQL Server 2012. I think that's the next feature to add though.
Print | posted on Tuesday, October 09, 2012 5:59 PM | Filed Under [ Utilities ]
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Social Wine Discovery
Date: Oct 22, 2010 to Oct 24, 2010
Location: Vienna (Austria)
Address: Schloß Schönbrunn 1130 Wien (map)
Added by gabriellaopaz
Description: The 2010 European Wine Bloggers Conference will take place on October 22-24, 2010 in Vienna, Austria. Wine bloggers, journalists, wine industry professionals and social media innovators will join together to discuss the convergence between the culture of wine and the internet.
The... (more)
Attending (33) | |
Not Attending (1) |


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Tyrone Productions was founded in 1987 by John McColgan and Moya Doherty. In the years since then it has gone on to become one of Ireland's premier production companies with offices in Dublin and Belfast. While entertainment productions have always formed the bedrock of Tyrone Production's output, the company has evolved into a successful producer of programmes across a wide range of genres, from drama to lifestyle, daytime to documentary.
Tyrone Productions Ltd.
Gateway House, 133 Capel Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 8894900 Fax: +353 (0)1 8894992
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Tyrone Productions (UK) Ltd.
Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
Phone: +44 2890 918240 Fax: +44 2890 918201
Producer: Patricia Moore E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Top techs to represent Pittsburgh area in National Automotive Tech Competition
April 10, 2014 5:00 AMAfter qualifying on a rigorous written examination, and scoring highest on a hands on competition to find bugs placed in vehicles by a team of test proctors, two students from Clarion County are heading off to New York City to represent the Pittsburgh area in the National Automotive Technology Competition this month.
Auto tech students Rodney Jones and Nathan Johnson and their instructor Brent Johnson of the Clarion County Career Center will compete against other top auto tech teams from around the country as a part of the competition that takes place on April 22 and 23 during the New York International Auto Show.
They will be pitted against automotive tech teams from across the country in a test of skill, a measure of knowledge, and a race against the clock – all rolled into one. It features hundreds of the nation's best high school automotive education students from across the country, competing for the title of The Nation's Best High School Automotive Technician.
"In addition to representing the Greater Pittsburgh area at the Nationals, we also gave each of these students a scholarship for a $2,500 scholarship to further their education," says John Putzier, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, which sponsored the contest. "If they choose to attend the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), which offers an excellent automotive tech program, they will get an additional $1,000 scholarship from them as well.
"I'd really like to thank Karl Watson and his team at CCAC. We supported the competition, but CCAC really did all the legwork. They brought in the vehicles, they placed the bugs and they developed all the tests. They really did a great job."
Jones and Johnson scored highest on the hands-on portion of the competition, which took place on March 12, beating out two other finalist teams from Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center who placed second and third. The finalists had to find bugs placed in either a Mustang, a Challenger or a Camaro. In New York City, Jones and Johnson will be asked to find bugs placed in a Mazda CX-5.
Dennis Baglier of Baglier Buick GMC Mazda in Butler County, who is also president of the GPADA, is letting the students use his facility to train with his Mazda Master Technicians to prepare for the event. Baglier is also a contributor to the GPADA's scholarship fund.
"One of the things the GPADA is working on this year is to build up our scholarship program," said Baglier. "That way we can help build future automotive technicians who will help support our business."


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Finding the Cash in Due Diligence
Before you can land a loan, an investment, an acquisition offer, or an agreement with an investment banker to take you public, you'll need to prove you have a solid business. This is where the due diligence (DD) process comes in. Despite being ridiculously time-consuming, you have to use it to demonstrate your worthiness—it's simply required if you want to raise cash. But good DD prep enables a company to extract more cash with less dilution. Here's how to make the process work for you.
The DD Mind Game
You are on one side of the table, eager to close the deal. Across from you is the funding source, who has at least as many reasons to nix the deal as to ink it. This is why DD is key. With adequate preparation, you'll be able to simultaneously reduce your source's fear and increase their greed for gain.
First, be open and cooperative, as the funding source will note your reactions—both what you say and your body language (see BusinessWeek.com, 2/7/07, "It's Not Your Mouth That Speaks Volumes")—to their requests for information. Assign one person to be the contact during the DD process. Choose a detail-oriented staffer, such as someone in finance or operations. Do not assign someone from sales or marketing.
Some funding sources will obsess over every area of your business; others will focus only on the potential deal breakers. The entire DD process generally will take three to 12 weeks, depending on the transaction, with the least amount of time for a loan and the most for an acquisition. The process for investments from venture capitalists or angel investors usually lands in the middle of this time frame.
Phase I: Pre-Due Diligence Prep
Before you formally begin the process, the funding source will need the basics: executive summary, business plan, financing pitch (see BusinessWeek.com, 2/20/07, "Make Your Financing Pitch Sizzle"), financial model, and current balance sheet. Next they'll want résumés and contact information for your founding team and key executives, an organizational chart, and customer references. They'll need Social Security numbers because they'll be doing background checks, looking for criminal records, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and any personal or financial trouble patterns that might predict a problem in the future.
Now it's time to understand ownership, so pull out the capitalization table and shareholder roster (Are your shareholders investors? If so, are they accredited or qualified? If the majority are neither, funding sources will be concerned); stock-option grants and vesting schedule (a red flag flies if the source sees that the stock of key executives or founders has mostly been vested—the thinking goes they won't stick around without another grant, which will likely dilute everyone involved); and contact information for directors, shareholders, your attorney, and your accountant. If you're outsourcing Web development, engineering, manufacturing, or any significant aspect of product or service creation, funding sources will want to make sure your company owns all the intellectual property before they dive in further.
Phase II: Scrutinizing Your Business
Let's say you've made it through the preliminary due diligence above. You're developing trust and rapport with the funding source, and the process is moving along nicely. Now it's time for further business details. Have the answers to the following questions handy. Yes, they are in your executive summary and business plan. No, the source may not have read it or retained the info.
1. Who is the customer? Where is the pain or problem? How severe is it? (If your company is a "pleasure play," what is the pain beneath the pleasure? For example, the pain beneath social networking plays is isolation, feeling invisible, not feeling connected to others.)
How does the customer make a decision to buy your product or service? How long does the decision-making process take? Why would they pick you over a competitor?
3. How is the product sold? Direct? Indirect? What is the likelihood of significant market adoption? How would you achieve this? In what period of time?
4. How is the product or service priced? What are the cost of goods sold (COGS)? How healthy are the margins?
5. How will the business reach the identified customer segments? (Please don't say "It'll be viral!" because it's unclear what that means. A while back, I met a CEO who said his social networking site would have 5 million registered users within its first year. But he had no plan for how he'd achieve this. Hey, I'm all for "virality," but let's be real. Maybe you'll be like one startup I worked with who signed up several dozen "community builders" by giving each one 200 shares of fully vested stock and a list of performance expectations. The community builders were chartered with bringing both content and friends to the site over the first year (or longer, if they wanted). They were recruited because they were influencers, connectors, mavens, enthusiasts. It worked—the startup hit its first million registered users in the first year of this program. And for a few thousand shares—such a deal.
6. How much will it cost in time and resources to acquire a customer? How much does it cost to support a customer? How easy is it to retain a customer?
7. How are you with milestones? Show us your past performance and specify future milestones. Then tell us when you'll achieve them and boost our confidence with your track record.
8. What's your exit strategy? We'll be paying attention to see if the executive team agrees on this.
Phase III: Searching for Show Stoppers
Right on! You've made it through Phase II. Everyone's feeling good, but now is not the time to get cocky. This is precisely when the naysayers try to kill the deal. Prevent this from happening by eliminating the following risks:
1. Harmful pre-existing agreements. The funding source needs to know what has been promised to whom, as they'll have to help deliver it. Be straight with them. If they're on board, they may be able to untangle some messy contracts.
2. Unsettled management team issues. Nothing kills a deal faster. If the team isn't cohesive, the funding source won't want to clean up the mess. Handle this before you seek out a source.
3. Disruptive or complex shareholder issues: I recently looked at a deal ("Company X") for about five minutes—then I ran screaming. The problem: 73% of ownership was in the hands of a silent foreign investor. Silent? Maybe. Able to sway any stock class vote? Absolutely. The company wanted VC or angel funding to clean up their capital structure—but a VC or angel wouldn't invest in it as is—it's too messy.
4. Inadequate intellectual-property protection or ownership issues: Back to the Company X example above: The IP (which would comprise the entire product line) was set to be acquired via the anticipated financing round. But would the financing happen, only to have the still silent and the majority shareholder nix the IP acquisition? Wait a sec—what exactly was a financier supposed to invest in? A shell company that had big dreams? Yep. The startup needed to hire a boutique investment bank to do the initial fundraising (which really was a leveraged buyout), clean up the shareholder and IP issues, then seek VCs or angels.
5. Excessive current liabilities. Been spending too much? Funding sources will be gone. They want to finance the future, not pay for your past.
6. Inappropriate use of proceeds: Be realistic about where you'll spend the money. Tell your investor, then stick to the plan, or seek out advice if the plan changes.
7. Regulatory issues: Anything scary or requiring excessive bureaucracy? Does your company require FDA approval? Special licenses to operate? How hard are these to get?
If you get through the above, you'll be well on your way to securing a fabulous financing. I'll dive into the heads of financiers in future columns, where I'll talk about the key people, finance, sales/marketing, and technology risks of funding a company.


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Witkowski, Luke
NHL Game Night: 4-11-15 Bruins at Lightning
Submitted by pete on April 11, 2015 - 21:53A brief moment of sweet schadenfreude before the bullets fly for real next week.
Ben Bishop allowed 2 goals on 38 shots and stopped all 3 shooters in the penalty shot session for the SO victory. He was sharp as a samurai sword tonight. That's good to see heading into the playoffs.
First Period
Second Period
5:08 TB Marchessault (1), (unassisted)
6:00 BOS Eriksson (22), (Kelly, Seidenberg)
Third Period
5:12 TB Nesterov (3), (Carle, Marchessault)
18:54 BOS Marchand (24), (Krug, Krejci)
TB- Hedman
Jonathan Marchessault, Bishop, and Nikita Nesterov were the game's three stars.
Boston played the bulk of this game very desperate and very hungry, and the Lightning held back a lot of their injured players to rest with a view toward the playoffs starting next week. The shot deficit (38-25) and possession advantage Boston had reflects that they were the team that had more to play for (up until halfway through the Third Period when Pittsburgh put the last shovel-full of dirt on their graves). With that said, I give credit to the Lightning for matching Boston's intensity level and physicality, even though they didn't have the same urgency stalking them. They hustled. They scrapped. They got sticks and bodies in passing and shooting lanes. They manufactured a win. They'll have to do that a few times when they don't have their A-game in the playoffs coming up.
Tampa Bay gets Detroit in the First Round. I'm not scared of the matchup. If the Lightning play their game, they can beat Detroit. Handily. Time to start burying the memories of last April.
Marchessault had 1 goal and 1 assist and was +2 with 2 shots and 3 hits in 11:20. His goal was a beauty of a shot from the RW faceoff circle, and he was dangerous offensively in his TOI. He had at least one issue hanging in physically to get a puck out at his own blueline, but more good than bad. He's in a rough spot given how deep this organization is, but he's definitely knocking on the door of being an NHLer.
Luke Witkowski was -1 with 2 penalty minutes, 1 shot, 8 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 18:14. He was one of the tone setters physically, and he darn near sawed McQuaid in half on one hit in this game. He even had a pretty fancy rush late in the game to nearly get the winner. Thought we were looking at Luke Witk-Orr for a minute. I suspect he'll head back to Syracuse now with Marchessault and bolster the Crunch's division title and playoff hopes.
Nesterov had a goal and was +1 with 2 penalty minutes, 3 shots, 1 hit, and 1 blocked shot in 19:39. NBCSN's broadcasters gushed about Nesterov's offensive assertiveness all game, and rightfully so. He's a classic pace-pushing offensive defenseman who comes out ahead on the ledger because he helps create way more chances than he surrenders. Yes, he got beat physically out of the corner by Marchand on one play in the First Period and had to take a minor. Yes, there's a turnover here and there. But, he comes out way ahead on the ledger, overall. Garrison, Sustr, and Coburn are all slated to return at some point in the opening round against Detroit. I'm not sure Nesterov sits, though. I think he may have earned a look-see in playoff action, a la Paquette last year, and maybe a guy like Barberio or Sustr sits instead.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
P.S. Kick rocks, Jack Edwards.
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NHL Game Night: 4-9-15 Devils at Lightning
Submitted by pete on April 9, 2015 - 21:48Down to the wire.
Ben Bishop allowed 3 goals on 24 shots for the OT victory. The stat line was ugly, but the Devils got some puck luck in this game, and Ben made the toe save of the game on Cammalleri late in the Third to keep the Lightning alive.
First Period
5:06 NJ Bernier (15), (Henrique, Gomez)(PP)
6:26 TB Johnson (28), (Kucherov, Palat)
9:13 TB Nesterov (2), (Johnson, Kucherov)(PP)
Second Period
10:17 NJ Elias (13), (Gionta)
17:42 TB Stamkos (43), (Palat, Hedman)(PP)
17:58 NJ Bernier (16), (Henrique, Gomez)
Third Period
1:22 TB Johnson (29), (Kucherov, Palat)(PP)
Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat were the game's first and third stars.
Honestly, I wasn't that upset with the effort, even though it took OT for the Lightning to dispose of New Jersey. The Devils got some favorable bounces on blocked shots, etc., but for the most part the Lightning controlled this game, outshooting their opponent 31-24. My only disappointment was the mental let downs after goals scored, but that's correctable. The bright side was that the power play went 3-for-8 and continues to pile up some goals over the last couple of weeks. If the Lightning can muster a power play in the playoffs, they may be unbeatable. That's a big if, mind you.
Unfortunately, Montreal beat Detroit in OT, so Montreal would have to lose in regulation in their finale against Toronto for the Lightning to have a chance to take the Atlantic Division. If they win the division, they could face Ottawa, Pittsburgh, or the Islanders in the first round. Should Tampa Bay stay in the Atlantic second seed spot, which is more likely, they'll probably get Detroit, although Ottawa could still nudge past the Wings at the tape.
The Lightning's finale is a tantalizing opportunity to give a team they've traditionally had difficulty with an early trip to the golf course. Boston lost to Florida tonight, so they cannot get into the Atlantic three seed, and any type of loss, regulation or OT, and Boston is done like dinner. My 2 cents: the Lightning should relish this opportunity to put Boston away now rather than potentially having to do it in some sort of 7 game series somewhere down the line. Put them into an early grave, I say.
Luke Witkowski was -1 with 1 shot, 3 hits, and 2 blocked shots. He looks ticketed for a return to Syracuse with Andrej Sustr on track to possibly return for the Boston tilt. I'm thinking Luke's experience from this callup will allow him to focus his offseason attention on sharpening up some aspects of his game like handling and distributing the puck that he could get even more efficient at in order to become a regular NHLer. He's not quite there yet, but he's not a glaring liability, either. That next step's got to come, and I think it comes in the form of being a little bit less of a "hot potato" guy on the puck.
Nikita Nesterov had a goal and was -1 with 2 penalty minutes, 2 shots, 1 hit, and 1 blocked shot in 19:06. He changes the complexion of the Lightning's second PP unit with his shoot-first mentality, and the experience he's gained with the Lightning's injury issues will only benefit the squad in the form of reliable depth when other injuries happen in the playoffs. It's nice to know Nesterov can step up and play some quality minutes if necessary.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
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NHL Game Night: 4-4-15 Lightning at Panthers
Submitted by pete on April 4, 2015 - 20:57Satisfying.
Ben Bishop stopped all 34 shots he faced for the shutout win. That's some U of Maine Justice right there for the Panthers. I think he's been off a little mechanically the past couple of games, either due to being banged up or being fatigued, but he's a battler and he battled his way to getting the goose egg tonight.
First Period
Second Period
6:10 TB Stamkos (41), (Johnson, Nesterov)(PP)
11:19 TB Stamkos (42), (Callahan)
Third Period
1:03 TB Callahan (24), (Stamkos)
18:13 TB Johnson (27), (Drouin)
Steven Stamkos, Ryan Callahan, and Bishop were the game's three stars.
There's so much good wrapped in this game, it's hard to make sure you hit all the high notes. From an in-game standpoint, the Lightning had 4 regular defensemen out of the lineup going against what should've been a desperate Panthers squad, and they managed to shut them out. Kudos to the young defensemen, and kudos to Coach Zettler and the staff in Syracuse. It's been fantastic to watch the sharp progress this season by Nesterov and the steady progress of the likes of Witkowski, Koekkoek, Blujus, and Dotchin. It's a really hard act following a guy who is arguably an all-time great AHL coach like Jon Cooper, but Zettler has shown some developmental mojo with these young defensemen and it makes you excited to see what he can accomplish working with a prospect like Anthony DeAngelo.
The Lightning also got a power play goal for the fourth straight game and Steven Stamkos snapped out of his funk with a vintage PP goal and a laser beam from the right wing faceoff dot. Stamkos needs to be Stamkos if the Lightning are going to do anything in the playoffs, and if he were to find his PP mojo, that alone could win the Lightning a playoff series or two they might not otherwise deserve.
From a standings standpoint, the Lightning clinched home ice in the first round of the playoffs and tied Montreal in the standings with the Habs holding a game in hand. The Lightning have the ROW tiebreaker, so all the pressure is on Montreal right now. The Lightning get 4 days to rest and heal now while Montreal has to keep getting points if they want to maintain control of their own destiny in the division title pursuit. If they lose a game, the Lightning may be able to get Hedman, Sustr, and Killorn back on the ice for the final 2 games at home with the real prospect of earning a banner in the balance.
Oh, and the Lightning eliminate the Panthers from playoff contention. It's never a bad thing to kick dirt on their grave, is it?
Slater Koekkoek was +1 with 2 penalty minutes, 1 shot, and 1 hit in 16:19. This wasn't quite the same effort for Slater as against Ottawa, IMO, but it was still a solid performance for the rookie. If I was a Syracuse fan, I'd be very excited to see him in the playoffs because he's going to go back to the Crunch with a ton of confidence.
Luke Witkowski had 2 penalty minutes and 1 hit in 15:34. Quiet is good.
Nikita Nesterov had a helper and was +2 with 4 shots, 2 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 21:18. There was a lot of gushing about Nesterov tonight and rightfully so. He ate big minutes and he changes the complexion of the Lightning power play with his shoot first mentality and ability to get pucks through and on net. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I think he's essentially running Barberio out of town for next season. They're similar players, but Nesterov's ceiling seems so much higher and he's already shown himself to be just as good, if not better, in his own third.
Vladislav Namestnikov played 11:36. He had one memorable rush where he slithered into the Panthers zone, but it was a quiet night for Namestnikov with Tyler Johnson returning and pushing him down off the line with Palat and Kucherov. Tonight was Namestnikov's 41st game of the season, so he graduated from prospect status on the website. Congratulations, Baby Faced Killer.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
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NHL Game Night: 4-2-15 Lightning at Senators
Submitted by pete on April 2, 2015 - 21:52Lightning nearly steal both points.
Ben Bishop allowed 2 goals on 34 shots for the OT loss. His rebound control wasn't all that great tonight, but he was sparkling on first shots, which was nearly good enough to complete the larceny.
First Period
5:03 OTT Stone (20), (Turris, MacArthur)
16:53 TB Drouin (4), (Stralman, Filppula)(PP)
Second Period
Third Period
4:43 OTT Wiercioch (3), (Stone, Turris)
Bishop was the game's third star.
Most of the Lightning's injured players actually participated in the morning skate today, which signals to me that if tonight's game had been a priority some of them would have gone. As it was, it was clear that getting rest and getting healthy was deemed more important than still pursuing the division title. Fair enough, under the circumstances, and it reflected in a pretty flat First Period by the team. However, as the game wore on, I think the Lightning realized there were points to be stolen on the table and their intensity improved as the game went on. They got 1 point to keep pace with Montreal tonight, but couldn't thieve the 2nd. Still, it's more than I would've expected from the body language I saw in the First Period. They trail Montreal by 1 point with the Habs holding a game in hand and the Lightning having 3 games left on the slate. They would hold the ROW tiebreaker, which looms large if they can get some help and Montreal stubs their toe a couple of times in their last 4 games.
One other point of interest, pun intended, is the Lightning got their 12th point tonight in this 10 game segment. In other words, the Lightning hit 12 points in every 10 game segment of the season but 1, and the miss was an 11 point segment. They may not be consistent game to game, but their frighteningly consistent segment to segment, which is very good compared to last season when they had about 3 misses, as I recall, along the way. Maturation.
Slater Koekkoek had 3 shots, 1 hit, and 3 blocked shots in 17:55. He was a stud tonight. He was active in all three zones and particularly in clearing out his front porch. You saw the total package of what Koekkoek can do and he nearly had an OT winner jumping into the play, to boot. Very impressive.
Luke Witkowski had 1 shot, 3 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 18:19 to go with 2 PIMs. He didn't play a perfect game, but he played a good one. I think, in particular, when the game got chippy in the Second Period it got right into Luke's wheelhouse and he started to really come alive.
Nikita Nesterov was -2 with 4 shots, 5 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 19:38. The IT tells you the coaching staff appreciates what he's doing, but he's had some hard luck where his good two-way play hasn't paid off with pluses with the Lightning forwards struggling to pot goals.
Vladislav Namestnikov had 1 hit and was 55% on 11 draws in 9:50. IT was down tonight, and it was hard to tell if he got dinged or if it was a coach's decision. Vladdy is at 40 NHL games this season, which means his next appearance will mark his graduation from prospect status on the website.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
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NHL Game Night: 3-31-15 Lightning at Maple Leafs
Submitted by pete on March 31, 2015 - 21:19The needle hits E in Toronto.
Andrei Vasilevskiy allowed 3 goals on 28 shots for the loss. He wasn't the reason the team lost, but one or two semi-soft goals definitely made the sledding a lot more comfortable for Toronto. In a game like this, the Lightning really needed Andrei to be flawless.
First Period
8:53 TOR Kadri (17), (Lindstrom, Brennan)(PP)
12:03 TOR Booth (7), (unassisted)
18:04 TB Callahan (23), (Palat, Kucherov)(PP)
Second Period
Third Period
0:24 TOR Rielly (8), (Kadri, Gardiner)
Shots were 41-28 Lightning, so I'm not going to say the Lightning were somehow dogging it or that they had a let down in a trap game. I just think they almost emptied out the tank against Montreal, so they simply couldn't muster the same intensity level and didn't have the extra gear against Toronto. Not with all the injuries they are trying to work through, anyway. And, the Leafs got a great performance from Reimer, which compounded things.
I hate to see the Lightning's division title hopes in peril like this, on the one hand. On the other, I don't want to see this team dead dragging tired going into the opening round of the playoffs, either. It's a boon to be able to get Bishop some rest like he did tonight, and it might also be a silver lining if circumstances allow them to take their foot off the gas the last couple of games of the year and give guys like Palat and Paquette a little more time off to get right for the postseason, on top of all the guys who are already on the shelf.
Slater Koekkoek was -1 with 2 shots in 15:31. Didn't look horribly out of place, and the old Joe Reekie number looks good on him. Thought he showed as advertised. I feel like he'll challenge for a roster spot in the Fall, and his progress will be very important for the success of the team next year. You figure he'll either make the squad or be the first call up from Syracuse if he doesn't make it.
Luke Witkowski had 2 shots, 6 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 16:50. 3 giveaways is a little bit of an ugly number, but all in all he handled the extra workload reasonably well.
Nikita Nesterov was -1 with 5 shots and 2 hits in 22:11. The minutes don't lie. He's the guy the coaching staff turned to in order to fill the gap, and I suspect they're not at all displeased.
Vladislav Namestnikov had 1 shot and 1 hit in 15:12 and was 56% on draws. He's 2 games from graduation from prospect status on the site.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
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NHL Game Night: 3-30-15 Lightning at Canadiens
Submitted by pete on March 30, 2015 - 21:57The most dangerous animal is a wounded animal.
Ben Bishop allowed 3 goals on 28 shots for the victory. The percentage wasn't nice, but the degree of difficulty was high on many of Bishop's denials. Considering he was playing behind Anton Stralman and some road cones by the end of the night, it was a masterful performance.
First Period
Second Period
1:24 TB Namestnikov (8), (Stamkos, Bishop)
4:24 MTL Pacioretty (37), (Plekanec, Markov)(SH)
4:57 TB Drouin (3), (Stralman, Bishop)(PP)
18:07 TB Kucherov (28), (Namestnikov, Palat)
Third Period
0:23 MTL Petry (5), (Eller)
6:21 TB Namestnikov (9), (Palat)
16:10 MTL Subban (14), (Beaulieu, Desharnais)(PP)
19:03 TB Stralman (9), (Boyle)(EN)
Vladislav Namestnikov and Ondrej Palat were the game's first and second stars.
Let's recap, shall we? The Lightning entered this game down 3 regular defensemen (Coburn, Garrison, and Sustr) and an all-star centerman (Johnson). By the end of the game, they lost Victor Hedman to an undisclosed injury that led him to skate just 1 shift in the Third Period. By all rights, the Lightning could have just folded. Montreal, having not won against Tampa Bay all season and seeing an opportunity to jump out to a potential 3 point lead in the division at home with precious few games left to go, had everything to play for. Everything in the stew was against the Lightning. Right?
Wrong. The Lightning just rolled over Montreal like a conquering, unstoppable army to complete a 5-0-0 sweep against the Habs this season. They outshot them 44-28 and outplayed them so badly the Canadiens were booed off their home ice at the end of the Second Period. That wasn't a game. That was the Lightning reaching into Montreal's chest cavity, pulling their heart out, and then feeding it to them. That was a team that outworked Montreal by such a wide margin that it was irrelevant who was back on defense, because for much of the night Montreal simply could not get the puck long enough to put any pressure on the precocious children wearing white Tampa Bay jerseys for it to matter an iota. I've never seen a team that unbelievably undermanned outplay a playoff caliber team by such an unbelievably wide margin. It was majestic. I have no clue who the Lightning will have left to play defense by the time they roll into Toronto tomorrow night. They might have to pull the first kid out of the stands with a Stamkos jersey on and give him a pair of skates at this rate. It doesn't matter, though. I just want to spend the next 18 hours or so basking in the unmistakable power of what this Lightning team is capable of when it truly decides it wants to do something. The last time I felt this good was one of the Lightning's ECF wins in the 7 game series against Boston.
Also, I'd like to say Cedric Paquette is the baddest man on the planet. Dump Truck truly is made of steel. 1 shot, 7 hits, and 1 blocked shot. He had an axle bent at an unnatural angle against the goal post in Detroit and looked absolutely done for the season. And yet, there he is, taking the first shifts and the last shifts of a win in his home province against Montreal. That's a tough man. That's the living embodiment of Lightning want-to.
The Lightning closed back to within 1 point of Montreal for the division lead with both teams having 5 games left to play on the schedule. The Lightning win clinches a playoff spot (foregone conclusion) and puts them at triple-digit points for the season at 101. I have no clue if the Lightning, given how many guys are injured, can finish off this division title run and grab hold of the banner. I do know, unequivocally though, the Lightning are a better team than Montreal. The tape of these 5 games doesn't lie.
Luke Witkowski was +2 with 2 penalty minutes, 1 shot, 2 hits, and 3 blocked shots in 13:09. He did what we've come to expect of Witkowski. Move it quickly and don't put yourself in peril. Show snarl when called for. Simple. Efficient.
Nikita Nesterov was +2 with 3 shots, 3 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 15:03. He showed a lot of hustle and jam in his own third of the rink tonight to go along with the usual acumen he has in the offensive third. This was a really good rebound game after the rust he showed against Detroit.
Namestnikov had 2 goals, 3 points, and was +3 with 2 shots and 1 hit in 13:57. He was also 64% on 11 draws. He stepped into Tyler Johnson's spot alongside Kucherov and Palat and played every bit like an all star. Close your eyes and imagine the Lightning lineup with Namestnikov and Drouin with 1 more year of seasoning at this time next season. Glorious, isn't it? Baby Faced Killer is now 3 games away from graduation from prospect status on the website.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
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NHL Game Day: 3-28-15 Lightning at Red Wings
Submitted by pete on March 28, 2015 - 15:57When things go completely pear shaped...
Ben Bishop allowed 3 goals on 22 shots for the loss. He was fairly sharp, although he seemed to let his focus waver a bit on the third goal, in which Nyquist beat out an icing call to one hand the puck on net.
First Period
Second Period
5:25 DET Andersson (2), (Quincey, Weiss)
7:19 DET Abdelkader (23), (Nyquist)
9:19 DET Nyquist (24), (Quincey)
Third Period
18:21 DET Glendening (11), (unassisted)(EN)
The game today was almost inconsequential. Jason Garrison was lost at 3:43 of the First Period after being boarded by Justin Abdelkader. At best, it appeared that Garrison might have a sprained shoulder. At worst, you might have some more severe damage to that shoulder or to the collar bone, etc. Looked like weeks to me. Compounding the issue, Cedric Paquette severely hurt his left leg bounding into the post to break up an EN attempt by Abdelkader at the close of the game. That looked like end of season, to me. It's really a shame, too, because I though Dump Truck was one of the few bright spots in today's contest. As it is, best case scenario, the Lightning are going to limp through the final games of the regular season and hope that they get Coburn and Garrison back for the postseason. Worst case, neither will be ready. And Paquette? Let's just say it's a very good think Namestnikov has come on the way he has, because I'm not sure the Lightning will be getting Ceddy back until the Fall.
The Lightning's division title hopes may have taken a mortal hit with the day's injuries, and their viability as a club that can have staying power in the playoffs has also potentially taken a nasty hit. Namestnikov will no doubt just slide into Paquette's roster spot, but there will likely need to be an emergency recall for Garrison while that situation sorts itself out. Garrison's a left sider, so while Luke Witkowski has gotten a look earlier this season, I'm left to wonder if perhaps Slater Koekkoek will get his first taste of the NHL now.
As for the game, it was one of those contests where the circumstances that unfolded seemed to just suck the life right out of the Lightning. It didn't help that the officiating was awful. Abdelkader probably should've gotten 5 and the gate for the hit on Garrison, and there were several other boarding calls on Detroit that went completely uncalled in the First Period. The Lightning survived that, but never found their legs and eventually saw the game snowball against them in the Second Period as the Wings managed to get a couple of goals off delflections and that one-hander that aren't normal goals. I wouldn't call them fluky, but they're just not things you see often, and that has a way of knocking the wind out of your sails, too.
Nikita Nesterov was -2 with 2 shots in 15:41. It was looking like he might be earmarked for a return to Syracuse at some point. Now, it's looking like he's going to be a regular in the team's top six the rest of the way in the regular season. His turnover led to Detroit's second goal, and he showed some signs of rust today, in my opinion. He had a harder time with the pace after being out of the lineup for so long. Hopefully, he catches back up quickly.
Vladislav Namestnikov was -1 in 10:11. Like everyone in white not named "Paquette" or "Morrow", his energy was off tonight. The Lightning announced they were burning one of their last two full callups before the game to keep Vladdy on the roster the rest of the year. Wonder if they can get a "take-back" with what happened to Paquette.
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NHL Game Night: 2-17-15 Lightning at Kings
Submitted by pete on February 17, 2015 - 01:19Lightning PP undermines them again.
Andrei Vasilevskiy allowed 3 goals on 28 shots for the loss. He kept the game close and gave the Lightning a chance, particularly in the Second Period, but the team had no chance when he couldn't maintain contact by keeping out the third goal.
First Period
12:11 TB Nesterov (1), (Palat)
Second Period
7:04 LA Kopitar (12), (Lewis, McNabb)
Third Period
3:36 LA Nolan (4), (King, Shore)
13:59 LA Carter (16), (Doughty, King)
19:23 TB Johnson (21), (Kucherov, Hedman)
The Lightning power play, which has been around 12% for the past couple of months, is evidently < 3% on the backside of back-to-back games. < 3%? It's hard to imagine a professional power play that bad (sans, of course, Syracuse's). The power play is so bad right now, it actually generates momentum for the other team. It's inexcusably bad, in fact.
One night after stepping up and starting to take the bull by the horns, Steven Stamkos gets the puck taken off of him high in the offensive zone on the play that ended up transitioning into the Kings' lead goal. I don't mean to unfairly single anyone out, but he's got to be better.
Luke Witkowski was -2 with 1 shot, 2 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 10:25. One night after his best performance of his young NHL career, he got crumpled behind his net in the First Period and subsequently co-donned the goat horns by backing down too much in the face of the rush on the Kings' lead goal.
Nikita Nesterov had his first NHL goal and was +1 with 4 penalty minutes, 2 shots, and 2 hits. It was a mixed bag of good and bad. Overall, you have to praise the assertiveness and whatever mistakes he made were mistakes of commission rather than tentative mistakes.
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NHL Game Night: 2-15-15 Lightning at Sharks
Submitted by pete on February 15, 2015 - 22:47The biggest win of the season thus far.
Ben Bishop sparkled, allowing just 2 goals on 35 shots for the victory. He chose a good night to uncork a bottle of '13-'14 Bishop: an excellent vintage, for sure.
First Period
19:44 TB Stamkos (30), (Stralman, Filppula)
Second Period
7:12 TB Killorn (12), (Callahan, Stamkos)
10:27 SJ Couture (21), (Nieto, Irwin)
Third Period
0:10 TB Palat (12), (unassisted)
11:38 SJ Burns (15), (Marleau, Thornton)(PP)
16:19 TB Paquette (12), (Filppula, Garrison)
17:40 TB Callahan (17), (unassisted)(EN)
Victor Hedman, Steven Stamkos, and Ryan Callahan were the game's three stars. Remember what I wrote after the Blues game debacle? The part about the Lightning needing Hedman and Stamkos to step up and be the team's best players? Remember how I also said that when Stamkos is on his game, he makes Ryan Callahan so much better? Case it point: tonight. It wasn't the complete game from either player, but it was a good game from both Hedman and Stamkos, with Stamkos playing an integral role in manufacturing the Lightning's initial 2-0 lead and setting the tone for success. Along with Bishop playing well, you saw the triumvirate that could take the Lightning deep in the playoffs. If those three play well, the Lightning are almost impossible to beat, because it takes pressure off the d-corps and allows the ThatDisputedName/Triplets/AnotherLoveTKO line (I'm not getting into the middle of that mess) to be in a position where they just need to chip in 1 goal instead of carrying the bulk of the scoring load for the Lightning to win.
Beyond those top two lines, you also got a key insurance goal from Cedric Paquette and Jonathan Drouin looking incredibly dangerous all game long, including ringing a post that nearly put the Lightning up 3-0.
Luke Witkowski had 1 shot, 3 hits, and 1 blocked shot in 18:52. To go through a game against the Sharks and play nearly 19 minutes and stay pretty unblemished is solid. It portends good things. Witkowski could be this Lightning team's Nolan Pratt. That's the type of guy you need if you want to win championships: a bottom pair guy who can go up and play second pair minutes when pressed into service and give you some grit, hustle, and steadiness.
Nikita Nesterov was +1 with 2 shots and 1 blocked shot in 15:28. He got stone cold robbed of his first NHL goal by Niemi in the First Period.
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NHL Game Night: 2-12-15 Blues at Lightning
Submitted by pete on February 12, 2015 - 22:50We need to talk...
Ben Bishop allowed 5 goals on 34 shots for the loss. He didn't stand on his head, and it would've taken one of those kind of nights for him to make good on the slop in front of him tonight.
First Period
1:50 STL Oshie (15), (Steen)
4:47 STL Jaskin (8), (Steen)(PP)
Second Period
8:03 TB Johnson (20), (Kucherov, Stralman)(PP)
12:15 STL Steen (19), (Backes)
14:11 STL Backes (19), (Oshie, Pietrangelo)
15:23 STL Stastny (11), (Berglund, Cole)
17:28 TB Connolly (11), (Filppula)
Third Period
6:31 TB Stamkos (29), (Killorn, Stralman)
18:55 STL Tarasenko (29), (unassisted)(EN)
Let's talk again about effort, because apparently it didn't sink in after the First Period of the Kings game. Let's talk about getting whipped 6-3 on the scoreboard and giving up 44 shots on goal in the game. Let's talk about a team, defensively, putting up about as much resistance as a straw house before the big bad wolf. What would the Lightning call that particular defensive system? The Pamplona Lock? The Turnstyle Trap? I'm not one of these guys who jumps up and down screaming that the defense needs to be a bunch of maulers and that the Lightning need 6 Scott Stevens' out their mashing the bones of their opponents into paste. But, my goodness, how about the defense TRYING win puck battles? How about forwards TRYING to pick up late men cutting into the circles and slot? The team looked allergic to competition tonight, with a complete reticence to even attempt to win 50/50 pucks. This wasn't about getting outmuscled. This was about not even being willing to make the attempt.
It's time for core players to be core players in Tampa Bay, and I'm looking at two guys right now. Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman both wore some pretty big goat horns in this game, and I expect so much better from the two guys who should be the franchise cornerstones.
Stamkos made one of the more horrific turnovers you'll see trying to carry the puck through the high slot of his own zone with the game still very much in play with his team trailing just 2-1. The captain can't make that mistake. Can't do it. And, he can't compound the mistake by allowing himself the luxury of dragging his way through the rest of the period. The effort level was uneven, and when you wear the "C" and you're supposed to be arguably the best player in the league you can't do that. And, as much as I hate to say it, uneven effort's been a theme for Stamkos this season, which is why he hasn't even been the most valuable forward in the Lightning locker room, let alone the best player in the NHL. It's time for Steven Stamkos to play like the player he is. Stow the excuses about the broken leg. If he wants to give in to excuses or drag around feeling sorry for himself or playing tentative, hand in the "C". He's better than what he's showing, and I think he misses Marty St. Louis pushing him, quite frankly. Time to be more of a self-starter and time to be the player the team can follow through the gates of hell.
Equally uneven has been the play of Victor Hedman. The other day I thought he did an amazing job setting the tone against the Ducks by setting up the opening goal. Those types of offensive efforts have been sporadic at best, though, and Hedman's play in his own end have steadily been sliding into dumpster fire territory. Tonight he played like a 6'6" marshmellow. There's no way to put lipstick on it, and the bummy effort he made on Tarasenko's EN goal was absolutely embarrassing. That's just a complete lack of pride, right there. Can't have it. You've got so many young defensemen on this team: Sustr, Barberio, Nesterov, Witkowski. I expect Andrej Sustr to struggle and have moments where he's playing tentative or lacking confidence. You accept that with a guy who has played just under 100 games. Victor Hedman's sitting on 370 games and is probably the best player, athletically, on the Tampa Bay Lightning. There's no excuse. Time to be more of a self-starter and time to be the player this defensive corps can follow through the gates of hell.
Both these guys have it in them, but they've had the luxury to this point of not having to be the alpha dogs because of the depth of talent the Lightning have on the roster. And, yes, I get that Steven Stamkos is sitting on 29 goals and both these guys have good numbers. Great. That doesn't equal championships, though. For the Lightning to reach their full potential and hang banners, they're going to have to push themselves and their teammates to do more and to apply the same level of effort every minute of every practice and every game. The standards for these two guys have to be higher. They're two of the three cornerstones along with Bishop. Efforts like tonight aren't going to cut it down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. The apprenticeship time is over. Time to pay the cost and play like a boss.
Luke Witkowski was +1 with 1 hit and 2 blocked shots in 18:38. The coaching staff fed him some more ice time, and he showed himself to be responsible and willing to engage physically. God bless him for it, too. Someone on the defensive corps had to.
Vladislav Namestnikov had 1 shot and 1 hit in 9:51. He got called up to replace the injured Paquette and promptly got nicked up in the First Period and was ultimately a non-factor in the game.
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Hotel Style Classique Traditionnel, rustique Contemporain, design Lieu de séjour, lieu de vacances Fusion Hotel Category Grand luxe Luxe décontracté Chic, de charme |
Villa Mangiacane, Toscane |
Via Faltignano, 4, 50026, San Casciano, Florence, Toscane, ITALIE. |
Description: Villa MangiacaneVilla Mangiacane is a magnificant 16th century villa that bears the unmistakable hand of the Renaisance master, Michelangelo.In the heart of the famed winemaking region of Chianti Classico, Villa Mangiacane is set amongst acres of vineyard, olive grove and majestic Tuscan forest and overlooks the poignant Arno Valley with the city of Florence only a mere twelve kilometers away. Description des chambres: Villa Mangiacane3 Classic Rooms9 Deluxe Rooms 3 Superior Rooms 1 Two Bedroom Suite 4 Terrace Suites 6 Junior Suites 1 Machiavelli Suite 1 Royal Suite All room categories are intended for double occupancy. Précisions et informations supplementaires: Villa MangiacaneAll rooms feature generously sized marble bathrooms with in-room heating, plasma flatscreen TV with satellite channels, minibar, Internet access, IDSL lines, and individual room safetey deposit boxes. Rooms and suites offer either breathtaking panoramic views over the city of Florence, or the surrounding vineyards, olive groves and forests. Suites look out beyond the Villa's private gardens to the enchanting Tuscan landscape. Some rooms have a whirlpool/Jacuzzi. Pets are allowed in some rooms. The restaurant and some rooms have handicapped facilities. Facilities and services include: an exclusive restaurant, 2 swimming pools, pool bar, a fitness centre as well as the newly opened Nadushka Spa! Dining: all meals are prepared by the private executive chef. Lunches are served al fresco - generally featuring salads and light Tuscan specialties, which can be enjoyed overlooking the Chianti Countryside or lazing around the pool in the summer! Meals range from three to seven courses and are best described as Italian cuisine with particular emphasis on Tuscan produce with an international twist. Meals are served in the dining room, the Vinoteque cellar and during winter, simply around the fire in the Olive Oil Kitchen. In-room and private garden dining can also be arranged upon request. Meetings and Special Events: The Main Villa and beautiful garden surroundings are an ideal backdrop for hosting special functions. They can provide a personalised menu prepared by special chefs and a fully-staffed function. The Frescoed Terrace can seat 60 people, the Diningroom - 16, Vinoteque Cellar - 20, Top terrace - 40, Herb Garden and Vineyard Villa Restaurant - 60, Mangiacane Barrique Cellar 80, and the Italian Garden with a marquee tent structure. The main loggias as well as the outdoor locations are weather dependent and measured seating capacity is based on round tables of approximately 10 people. Children age 4 and under stay free in the room. |
Informations basiques:
Nombre de chambres: 28
Catégorie officielle: 5 stars.
Dates de fermeture de l'hôtel: Closed from 28 Nov. 2010 - 16 Mar. 2011.
Langues: Italian, German, French, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Dutch, Greek.
Zone fumeurs: this is a non-smoking property.Cartes de crédit acceptées: American Express, Visa, Mastercard. Coordonnées GPS: 43° 41' 2.81'' N 11° 11' 40.89'' E Aèroport plus prochain: Florence 25 km., 20 min. - Pisa 75 km., 60 min.
Installations et services:


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You are here
Charleston's winters may have nothing on our Northern neighbors', but hey, all those oyster roasts and outdoor fêtes can get downright chilly without the right attire. To keep you toasty, we rounded up some of the city's best knit hats.
1. "Exhibition" acrylic hat in Fair Isle pattern, $32 at Goorin Bros.
2. "St. Germain" acrylic beanie dusted with sequins, $38 at Anthropologie
3. Multicolor cap in a loose-knit wool blend, $34.50 at United Colors of Benetton
4. "Zion" hat made of virgin wool by Howlin' by Morrison, $58 at Indigo + Cotton
5. "Short Dog" beanie with leather Volcom logo on cuff, $22 at Parrot Surf & Skate
6. Cable-knit hat made of cashmere and wool, $128 at Brooks Brothers
7. Cable-knit beanie in a cotton blend with pink pom-pom, $38 at C. Wonder
PHOTOGRAPHs by (4) Mac Kilduff & (2) Caroline Martin & Courtesy of (Anthropologie) the retailer


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Nashville Superspeedway is destined for another season of silence, a somber symbol of the state of auto racing in Middle Tennessee.
No area has a richer heritage – cars were racing in Nashville before they were racing at Indianapolis or Daytona – but that era appears gone forever.
The superspeedway, located on the Wilson County and Rutherford County line, was supposed to be the bridge between the old and the new, ushering Middle Tennessee into a bright modern age of motorsports.
But the bridge collapsed.
The track was closed following the 2011 season. It ran no races last year, and owner Dover Motorsports has no plans to run any this season. Dover would sell the track if it could, but who wants to buy a used racetrack that doesn't work?
The superspeedway opened with high hopes in 2001, but warning lights immediately flickered when the inaugural race failed to sell out. Dover dismantled some of the 50,000 seats – not a good omen – but even with a reduced capacity the track couldn't sell out.
After a decade of anemic attendance Dover finally pulled the plug. The question now is, will anyone ever plug it back in?
"It won't be easy," said Gary Baker, who once operated Nashville and Bristol speedways and had a piece of Atlanta Speedway. "Part of the problem is the design of the superspeedway. Dover tried to build a track that would accommodate open-wheel racing and stock car racing, and ended up with a track that wasn't particularly good for either."
If he had the track, Dover said the first thing he would do is redesign it, which would be a huge investment on top of the reported $100 million Dover has already sunk into the project.
"With the economy in the shape it's in, that would be hard to do," Baker said. "When I talk about what the economy has done to racing, I speak from experience."
Baker last year was forced to close the Nashville-based Baker Curb Racing team he founded with partner Mike Curb.
The team lost its sponsor, and with the cost of running a NASCAR Nationwide Series season hovering at around $3 million, they couldn't keep going.
Meanwhile Baker's old track, Fairgrounds Speedway, continues to wobble along, running on fumes and prayers. Promoter Tony Formosa Jr. plans to run a handful of local races this season – a somber shadow of the track's glory days when Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Darrell Waltrip and other legends raced there.
That golden era died in 1984 when Fairgrounds Speedway, the Wrigley Field of racetracks, lost its two annual Winston Cup races. It has no chance of ever getting them back. The track is too old, too small, too landlocked, too hamstrung by mismanagement to ever again host big-league races.
The area's racing hopes rested squarely on the superspeedway. It would hold Indy Car races and second- and third-tier NASCAR races while Dover lobbied for a magical Cup race somewhere down the road.
But Indy bailed out, fans failed to support NASCAR's minor league races, and gradually the turnstiles rusted. And so it sits.
A racetrack is supposed to be a place of sound and fury, vibrating with thundering engines and roaring with rambunctious fans.
But at the superspeedway, meadowlarks whistle forlornly in the weedy infield and wind moans through vacant grandstands.
At least it's an impressive tombstone.


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Financial Planning strategies for securing your future with Arthur Stein
Financial Planning
Planning Your Financial Future Starts with ASF
Financial planning goes far beyond investments and protecting yourself and your family with adequate insurance. It's about building a solid foundation that allows you to enjoy life today, while growing wealth for your family's tomorrow. Arthur Stein Financial, LLC (ASF) develops strategies based on wealth management, asset protection and income replacement. ASF relies on 21 years of experience to help you plan for these life events and more:
Welcoming a new member into the family
Death of a loved one
Buying a home
Purchasing or starting a business
Saving money for college
We also help plan for the unthinkable: divorce, disability, critical illness or death.
Arthur Stein Financial, LLC can create a goal-based financial strategy that helps you:
- Identify realistic short and long-term goals
- Make cost effective financial decisions
- Create and sustain wealth with an investment plan that offers financial freedom, security and peace of mind
- Select-cost effective financial products and services
- Uncover potential roadblocks to your financial future
- Monitor your financial plan to ensure it meets your changing needs
Financial plans are broad, general guidelines designed to assess current financial situations and assist in decision-making. Financial plans and suggested courses of action are based on the information provided. There is no guarantee that any assumed rates or return will actually be achieved and past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Any decisions about tax, financial, investment and cash flow strategies are yours to make. Before making any decisions, you should consult with your attorney and tax professional regarding the legal and tax implications. The plan should be used only in conjunction with tax, legal, and accounting advice from qualified specialists.
The future cannot be forecast with any certainty and your financial goals, personal circumstances and various laws and market conditions likely will change over time. Consequently, actual results will deviate from the hypothetical illustrations contained in a plan. Because of these constant changes, periodic reviews (at least annually) are important to fine-tune your personal financial plan.


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China Cracks Down on Bad Drugs with "Illegal, Psychedelic or Poisonous Ingredients"
byChina's knows it has got a big problem with fake and harmful drugs. The country's latest crackdown shows how the Chinese Internet has given a new, unfortunate, boost to the illicit trade.
China's headache with bad drugs certainly isn't new. Way back in July 2007, China's top food and drug regulator Zheng Xiaoyu was executed for corruption. His crime: taking bribes for safety approvals of substandard drugs, causing at least 10 deaths, China's media reported at the time.
Earlier this year, Beijing created a newly strengthened China Food and Drug Safety Administration, "marking a more powerful watchdog to address the country's accumulating food safety concerns," announced Xinhua in March.
The latest crackdown, launched in June, sounds successful. It also illustrates just how serious the problem has become, with purveyors of dodgy pharmaceuticals rampant on China's Web.
Police announced on Saturday that they had arrested over 1,300 people suspected of illegal drug sales over the Internet in the last six months. Public security officials from 29 provincial regions across China shut down 140 unlicensed websites and online drug stores.
All told, more than nine tons of raw materials used in fake pharmaceuticals were seized, reported government website China.org on Dec. 15. And while a main ingredient of the fake drugs was starch or spoiled materials, some "contained illegal, psychedelic or poisonous ingredients that may harm user's health," said the report.


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Archives: Banished Words 1990
Alcoholic "We have workaholic, spendaholic, shopaholic, chocoholic, foodaholic popular psychobabble that should be buried alongside the arrogant intellectuals who revel in its use." David O'Connor, Willoughby, Ohio
All Except "Entirety can't have a minus"
Almost Exactly Quoted from Gentlemen's Quarterly, September, 1989. Bill Gould, Gladwin, Michigan
Best Kept Secret What has happened to confidentiality? It seems that all over the country, important secrets are being revealed; from the West Virginia official state highway map Americas best-kept secret; from a Columbia University brochure Columbia Universitys best kept secret(s) are the great job opportunities at Columbia Dining Services. Or one of snowmobilings best kept secrets: Marquette, Michigan. Are we really hearing confessions of previously incompetent advertising? Or desperate attempts to create new categories for the Guinness Book of Records? Or what? (Ed.: Were not sure, folks. The answer must be another one of those best kept secrets. Jim, Linda, David and Karen Belote Duluth, Minnesota
Climb Down Climb is up. Down is descend. Ben Szczesny, Muskegon, Michigan.
Drug Czar How about anti-drug czar. Ruth Hood, Warren, Michigan.
Estates in the Names for Mobile Home Parks Refinery View Mobile Home Estates.
Ethics Bill Congressional expression for pay raise. Jerry Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Exact Same Exactly. (Editor: As in She is the exact same size as I am, large petite. This phrase was noted in our 1981 list under Redundancy Alert. Exact Same now gets a red alert and an appropriate banishment.) Ben Szczesny, Muskegon, Michigan.
Fax - New verb I hate to hear some one ask , Fax me a copy, will ya? (Editor: sounds like what Jack Webb was always seeking on Dragnet. Just the fax, maam. Will some company develop a faster fax, a super fax? A fax tax? A mad fax? OK, Max.) Ronald R. Watcke, Detroit, Michigan.
Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience added 1983*, added 1987*, added 1990*) The alternative is a bit grisly. Ruth A. Hood, Warren, Michigan.
From the Desk of Note pads with this vanity caption. I have seen a lot of desks never one that can write a note. From the hand of: David OConnor, Willoughby, Ohio.
Grandfather We can grandfather those items in the labor agreement.
Impact (The most nominations) The effect of a sledge hammer has on a brick wall, or a car on a utility pole. Those who use it otherwise probably dont know the difference between effect and affect. (Ed.: Too many times were subjected to a radio or television news reader saying something like: Well soon know how were to be impacted by the rising costs of groceries. Perhaps the impact of a good slap in the head would curtail such irritating misuse of language.) Dave Summers, Holly, Michigan.
Large Size Petites If you can have a large size small items, can you have small size large items? Beverly J. Welch, Holly, Michigan.
Liposuction Ugly, ugly word; often mispronounced visions of four lips stuck together, or an infected lip being treated, or having verbal influence, pull in high places. Nadine Clark, Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Maximum Leader Nice try, General Noriega. Its a dictator. Name Withheld By Request, New York, New York.
Messenger Sorry, but you cannot messenger anything, anywhere. Messenger is a noun. Why not use a simple verb, send or deliver? Carolyn P. Beeker, Charlotte, North Carolina.
A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste (several nominations) A mind is not a terrible thing; however, it is a terrible thing to waste a mind. Maryann McKie, Troy, Idaho.
Minor Emergency Clinic Either something is an emergency, or it isnt. Carol A. McClendon, Fort Worth, Texas.
The More You Buy, The More You Save Well, honey, how much should I buy? Gee, I dont know sugarplum. Just keep buying until you think you have saved enough. Rick Duerson, Escanaba, Michigan.
Mute Point Should be MOOT. (Ed.: Unless youre a mime using a pencil, or a bird-hunting dog.) Bill Ziegler, Troy, Michigan.
Myself Boofy, Weenie and myself saw another flying saucer last night. Incorrect Use . (Ed.: You should check the dictionary for yourself.) Helen Larson, Creighton, Nebraska
Outstate Michigan This seemingly-innocuous word (OUTSTATE) grates on my sensibilities like fingernails across a blackboard . . . The implication being that Detroit IS Michigan and the rest of the Michigan land mass is out of the state . . . Whats Detroit? Instate? . . . Big city newspapers and downstate legislators are the worst offenders . . . even the Governor is guilty! Its time us UP-STATERS band together and put OUT-STATE in its final resting place. Buried forever! (OUT OF STATE) Yvonne Carlson, Ludington, Michigan
These Ones "makes me cringe . . . Why not say what you mean? These socks, these knees, or just plain these." Nell Gaball, Marquette, Michigan
Thus "And its feeble first cousin "thusly." Eliminate this useless, pretentious stall word and all of its thoughtless cousins such as "and what not" and all readers and listeners will be spared hundreds of hours of wasted time." David J. Yarington, Orono, Maine
Vis-a-Vis "used inappropriately by those who don't use English properly, let alone French." Larry McConnell, Sturgis, Michigan
Wanted: Part-Time Person "what is the person the rest of the time?" (A part time squid?) Fanet K. Brice, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Yo "As in 'YO DUDE'" (Ed.: Remains correct when repeated, yo-yo)


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It seems in 2012 so far, movie audiences are choosing grim fare. "The Devil Inside," "Contraband," "Underworld: Awakening" and "The Grey" all topped the box office, with "Safe House" coming in a close second last weekend. But if you're looking for something lighter on your next trip to the multiplex, "Wanderlust" should fit the bill.
Set to open next weekend, Universal has dumped a plethora of goodies including two clips and a new red band trailer along with a healthy batch of images, and all this to say, the movie looks like the kind of fun we'd expect from a Judd Apatow produced, David Wain directed, Paul Rudd starring joint. Co-written by frequent Wain collaborator Ken Marino, the film centers on a married couple (Jennifer Aniston, Rudd) who attempt to escape fast-paced modern, big city life by moving from New York to a commune. Of course, their hangups are put to the test by the free wheeling, free loving hippies. So yeah, it's your typical fish-out-water-scenario but frankly, that's Rudd's speciality in trade and we can pretty much watch him do that in anything. And add to that a pretty decent supporting roster including Malin Akerman, Ray Liotta, Alan Alda, Justin Theroux, Joe Lo Truglio and yes, Marino as well, and we're game.
"Wanderlust" opens on February 24th. Check out everything below. [Break/Funny Or Die/Popsugar]
Wanderlust Redband Trailer – Watch More Funny Videos