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Unlike the gold eyeshadow we see last year, the color this year is more metallic with a bit of cool undertones. Below are two different ways to wear it as requested by Shellie.
Look #1: Gold + Silver = Cool Look
As spotted on the Chanel Spring 2007 runway, gold + silver eyes are oh-so-hot right now! To recreate the look, apply the silver color of Chanel Lumiere Dartifices ($75) on your entire upper eyelid and the gold color from the same palette on your lower eye. Alternatively, you try MAC Perverted Pearl eyeshadow and Jane Goldilocks.
As for the rest of your face, keep it as bare as possible. Use a tinted moisturizer and concealer to cover up all flaws and even out skin tone. Brush an eyebrow gel on your eyebrows. Draw a thin line along your upper lash line and apply several coats of black mascara. Finish the look with a slick of peachy pink lip color.
Look #2: Gold + Purple = Girly Look
For a more girly look, try pairing gold with purple just like MAC's about-to-be-released collection, Strange Hybrid. This combo has always been my favorite and will look good on anyone.
Simply sweep a gold eyeshadow like Rose Blanc from the collection on your upper eye followed by a dark purple eyeshadow like Fertile on your lower eye. Another way to do this is to apply the purple on your entire eyelid and the gold on your crease.
When using such colors, try to keep the rest of your face as understated as possible. A little baby pink blush and gloss with lots and lots of mascara will do.
To see how else you can wear gold eyeshadow, please refer to 2006 Makeup Trend Part II – Gold Eyeshadow.


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Welcome to the weekend, sweethearts. For those of you who are not familiar (and apologies for being boring to those that are): This is the most general Open Thread on the site. My hope is that it's active all weekend and a place where anyone should feel free to write openly about anything. If you're having trouble getting started, answer these:
- What's your favorite sweater that you've been wearing all winter long?
- Are you going to watch the Olympics?
- Did this week seem long or short to you?
- Are you still reeling from something that happened in the news days ago?
- Are your weekend plans based mainly around your pet's playdates and appointments?
- How often do you floss? And be honest (always the main rule of xoJane Open Threads). I floss only when I have something stuck in my teeth and no faster way to get it out.
Thanks always for being you. Have a great weekend. If you need me, you know where to find me (meaning: I'm here all weekend, pretty much).

subset: commoncrawl


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January 16, 2009
Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Living Resources
I have mentioned this before, but it's worth mentioning again. The Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation web site has some useful resources. Here are several.
This 32 page slide presentation is full of pictures, charts, and information about celiac disease. It was used by Dr. Fasano when I heard him speak several months ago, and is well worth the time you take to look through it. It might be a bit overwhelming and technical for someone newly diagnosed, but the rest of you should have a look.
The following two resources are great for newbies:
The Gluten-Free Diet Guide for Families is an eight page PDF color document. It includes information about getting started on a gluten-free diet and living a gluten-free life, a shopping guide, nutritional information, resources, and more.
Celiac Disease is a two page PDF document with basic information about celiac disease.
There is lots of information available to us on the Internet, but I think it's important that we find accurate, reliable information. I hope these links help you in doing just that.
Labels: celiac disease
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Exhibit opportunities are open only to organizations that are members in the Esri Partner Network.
Requested materials are due no later than April 17, 2015.
Apply to Sponsor or Exhibit ›
Carpeting is provided and must be maintained throughout the showcase. No color variations will be allowed. If padding is purchased, additional carpet matching the showcase must also be purchased to overlay the padding.
Shipping and drayage are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
See exhibit opportunities for Esri concurrent conferences:
Contact us or call 909-793-2853, ext. 1-2587. Also, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.


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One fortuitous day in Providence, Rhode Island, artists Lauren Carter Grimm and Joe Grimm decided to attend a talk by fermentation evangelist Sandor Katz, the author of Wild Fermentation. Though the DIY duo had never given much thought to the culture of fermentation, they were so inspired by Katz's talk that, soon after leaving, "we started fermenting everything," says Joe, a musician who has performed with the Dirty Projectors, 33.3 and solo as The Wind-Up Bird. "It was like, 'We can pickle that!'"
Soon, the twosome were dabbling in mead ("It was really bad," Lauren recalls), kvass, kombucha and hard cider, before gravitating toward beer. At first, the extract-based brews were pretty sad, the sort of beer you'd drink only if the fridge were empty. And perhaps the experiments would've ended there, the brew kettles put into a closet to gather dust if it were not for another serendipitous turn of events. While on tour in Brussels, Belgium, Grimm was introduced to dubbels, tripels, saisons, lambics. "People were feeding us all these wonderful Belgian beers," recalls Joe, who returned home with a renewed commitment to brewing.
The couple moved to Chicago, where they both attended the Art Institute of Chicago and refined their approach to fashioning saisons and Belgian ales flavored with herbs, spices and flowers. Seeking an outlet for their beer, they started a beer CSA. It failed. "No one wanted to pick up their beer," Lauren says. Unbowed, they started selling beer at art-gallery shows and continued refining their recipes. After Joe (2009) and Lauren (2010) graduated, the couple, who later married, watched as their friends flew the Windy City coop to New York City. They followed suit, landing in Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood with a plan to start a brewery called Grimm Artisanal Ales.
They met with lenders for funding, but quickly ran into a small problem. They had no sales record, much less experience working at a brewery. But Joe did toil at Double Windsor, and he and Lauren mined their local contacts and began making the rounds of New York bars to gin up interest. "People were like, 'That's really cute. Sure, we'll put the beer on.'" But first they needed to brew the beer. Without the funds to build their own facility, they decided to go the nomadic route, tenant brewers in the vein of fellow husband-wife brewers Pretty Things. They began calling breweries around the region. The no's stacked up like chips at a poker table.
At last, Holyoke, Massachusetts' Paper City Brewing Company said yes. Last month, Team Grimm traveled to the brewery and crafted From the Hip, a Belgian-style blonde ale (7 percent ABV) flavored with plenty of rose hips. It's floral and spicy, with a smooth mouthfeel and billowy head thanks to a healthy measure of wheat. Starting later this month, the beer will be available around town on draft and in 22-ounce bottles adorned with a delicate, gallery-worthy drawing depicting ladies with roses blooming from their bodies. "They're the sort of graphics you'd find on an ancient Greek vase," says Lauren, who notes that they're trying to combat the notion that beer should just be marketed to men.
While it is the inaugural release, From the Hip is not a flagship. In fact, Grimm's plan is to not to toss all their hops into one brew kettle. Instead, they're focusing on releasing limited-edition, seasonally focused beers with a Belgian bent. (Up next is a Trappist-style tripel made with honey called Bees in the Trappe.) Blink and you'll miss the chance to drink them. "We wanted to make very specific beers that we enjoy and grow the definition of craft beer," Joe says. "The world doesn't need us to make another IPA."
On July 18 at 5 p.m., From the Hip will debut at Jimmy's No. 43. On July 19 at 7 p.m., From the Hip will appear on tap The Double Windsor.


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Complete statistics and more, for any player. Enter as much of the player's name as you know. |
Find statistics for every player in a single organization and navigate the farm system for any organization. Start by selecting an organization. |
View the statistic leaders for every league, individual and team and check to see the scoreboard for each league. |
Daniel Norris, lhp, Tigers
Proper Name: Daniel David Norris Born: April 25, 1993 in Johnson City, Tenn. High School: Science Hill HS, Johnson City, Tenn. Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 195 Bats: L Throws: L |


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read reviews [2]
Serves 4
Lamb shoulder stands up well to the Spanish-influenced spice rub of garlic, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika in this recipe. Serve with crusty bread to sop up the buttery sauce.
Combine the garlic and 1 tsp. salt in a small mortar and grind to a smooth paste with the pestle. Add the oregano, cumin, and 1/2 tsp. of the pimentón; work with the pestle to combine. Stir in the olive oil to make a smooth paste. Pat the lamb chops dry and rub the paste evenly over all of them. Let sit at room temperature for about an hour. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the butter, shallot, piquillo pepper, vinegar, and the remaining 1/8 tsp. pimentón. Season to taste with salt and set aside. Heat two 10- to 12-inch heavy-duty skillets over medium-high heat. Arrange two chops in each skillet and cook until browned on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Flip and sear on the second side for another minute. Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook the chops until the internal temperature registers 125°F for medium rare, 4 to 6 minutes more. (If you nick the thick part of a chop to peek inside, it should be rosy but not bloody.) For medium doneness, cook to 135°F, 6 to 8 minutes more. Transfer the chops to a large platter or 4 dinner plates and immediately smear each with some of the butter. The heat of the chops should melt just enough of the butter to lightly sauce the meat. Let the chops rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
The lamb chops can be rubbed with their spice paste, covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Let come to room temperature before cooking.
nutrition information (per serving): Calories (kcal): 500, Fat (kcal): 40, Fat Calories (g): 360, Saturated Fat (g): 18, Protein (g): 30, Monounsaturated Fat (g): 16, Carbohydrates (mg): 2, Polyunsaturated Fat (mg): 2.5, Sodium (g): 400, Cholesterol (g): 150, Fiber (g): 1,
Photo: Scott Phillips


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Working Age Population in China and Japan, Actual and Forecast
*The Chinese National Statistical Office indicated that the working-age population actually declined starting in 2012 when the definition of working-age population was revised to ages 15–59 from ages 15–64.
Source: Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, World Population Prospects.
Chart from The Escape from Balance Sheet Recession and the QE Trap: A Hazardous Road for the World Economy


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Raindrop Turkish House was at SXSWedu Expo, promoted education services.The 2015 SXSWedu Education Expo is a free and open to the public event celebrating the Central Texas community's hunger and passion for lifelong learning, from cradle to career and beyond. The Education Expo brought more than 4,500 Central Texas students, parents and educators to the Austin Convention Center.
Raindrop Turkish House offers language classes, cooking classes, water marbling art class and calligraphy art class through Austin Community College.
Our Umbrella organization TCAE (Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians) cordially invites you to join us in the annual 2015 Nowruz Festival which will be held Saturday, March 21st through Sunday March 22nd, 2015 at the Turquoise Center (located 9301 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, Texas, 77031) between 11:00am and 8:00pm! You can watch our introduction video of the upcoming Nowruz Festival at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjEBbJBkcM0&sns=tw. Samples of traditional cuisine will be featured from different Eurasian countries which include Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Bosnia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Traditional live shows and cultural performances, fun games for kids, live music, traditional folk dances, and soccer games will be arranged as part of the festival! The Nowruz Festival is one that aims to celebrate the coming of spring as well as unite the people of the world!Nowruz has been observed for more than 3,000 years and has been mostly celebrated on the day of the spring equinox, which is the term used to explain the day when sun shines directly to the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal all over the world. Before Nowruz gained universal recognition, its geography was vast yet mostly limited to Central Asia and the Middle East. Nowruz is now a deeply rooted traditional celebration amongst the entire Turkic world.
Raindrop Turkish House abounded with women from all over Austin In the evening of March 6th, Friday.Austin Ladies Coffee Night was the motivation for all of them to get together with old friends, make new connections , learn and enjoy the dinner and other attractions of the evening.There was a ribbon art booth and 2 guest foundations booths at the event. The first one was Gloabal Austin Foundation and second was Casa da Marianela. Our guests visited those booths and learn more about them.Our dear friend Liza Pazenza was the emcee of evening.
We cordially invite you to Ladies' Coffee Night on Thursday March 12th, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Turquoise Center 9301 West Bellfort Ave. Houston,Texas 7703.
The topic of the Month will be Empowering Women Through Honey Bee Farming. The keynote speaker will be Crystal Montanez Baylor, Executive Director of Hashoo Foundation USA.
As always, distinguished guests, delicious food from Turkish cuisine, great hospitality, fun activities, games and more….
See her presentation from Ted Talk!
Please RSVP from the following link:
Bridal Hope Chest a Turkish Tradition- Arlington Raindrop Women Association February Coffee Night. At this coffee night the theme was preparation bridal hope chest at Turkish culture before wedding ceremony. Turkish ladies exhibited their art crafts from their own dowry.All attandees liked demonstrated Turkish art crafts. Guests enjoyed food and competitions. Winners got gifts from bridal hope chest.(Arlington February 13th,2015)


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From Spanking Art
Veralsi is the webmaster of Veralsi's World of OTK Spanking Art, a highly popular collection of spanking artwork galleries from all genres and styles, contributed by the public. The repository has shifted homes several times, including a lengthy stint as an MSN group. It currently (as of April 2006) resides at WorldGroups.
Veralsi has recently opened Veralsi's Spanking Showcase, a spanking art pay site. Membership costs $ 14,95 per month.
- Veralsi's World of OTK Spanking Art Link Broken as of December 2015
- Veralsi's Spanking Showcase


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Yanira Garza
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Some thoughts.... Run flats only help with tread punctures. Sidewall issues can leave you stranded with run flats, just the chance of getting stranded is less. Watch out for the goo. It coats the inside of the tire, and if I were to track my car, I'd never use a tire that had been fixed with it for high speed driving, that's for sure. One local performance shop won't do a good patch repair on tires that have had the goo used. Also, if you don't drive a lot with the goo in the tire right after you put it it, it can puddle and throw off the balance. I use a AAA card and a cell phone..... There are lots of good tire choices out there for high speed driving that are less than some quoted here. The Yoko ES-100 is a very cheap good high speed tire. The Goodyear F1 GS3D is an excellent tire that is less than the F1 Assymetric and has some of the best wet traction numbers around if you live where roads are damp. Lots like the Toyo Proxis T1s and T1r, but tire rack doesn't carry them. Whatever you do, make sure that the tire is matched to your driving style and location. I live where there is fog and I'm in hills that have damp turns no matter the weather, so wet traction is a must. But I don't get any snow here, so I can live with (and always buy) tires that don't stick at all on snow. Maybe you live in a different climate and have different needs. Check this out for sure before making your purchase. Yes the stock suspensions are "tuned" for the stock tires, but changing to a non runflat isn't going to screw the handling. And no there is nothing the dealer can do to change the tunining of the stock suspension unless you have really fancy multi-adjustment suspension from the factory. But remember, any factory suspension is a bit of a compramize anyway, you're just shifting the compramise to a little bit softer. With wide low profile tires this isn't going to be a ton more body lean or anything. And you can run the tire pressures a bit higher if you like to get them to act stiffer. There is tons of suspension tuning you can do with tire pressures. The sidewall blister is from a separation between two of the layers of the tire when it is pinched. This will happen on runflats and non-runflats alike. Blow-outs are very rare, and while it's impossible to know for sure, it's really unlikely that you would have had a blowout had you hit the pothole in non-runlfats. There is more than just the cost savings that is driving the trend to non-runflats. There's weight and space. To go back to a spare tire configuration you're talking about adding 50 lbs or so, and loosing some trunk space. PErsonally, I don't care if there is no spare. Drive the crap out of the run-flats, ditch them and use your favorite back up plan (cell, or goo kit, whatever). Run flats are getting better and better. But to me, I like the stickyness of high performance conventional tires. While they don't last as long, that 100 square inches of contact patch is everything that keeps you out of the ditch, and gives you the feel of the road. I'm happy to sacrafice some tire life to improve braking and tractioin limits. It safety, not just performance. (At least that's what I tell my wife....) Anyway, if you live where there is good cell reception, living without run flats or goo kit isn't that much of a hassle. Matt
Rotation of Potenza RFT Tires BTW - My BMW Service Center Service manager recommended NOT rotating the tires when I suggested this a few days ago. I then decided to contact Bridgestone. This all came about when my 18" Potenzas started making a lot noise almost overnight at the 15k mark. They still have a lot of tread left. I rotated my own tires last night, but the engineer indicated it may take at least a thousand miles to reverse the "feathering" wear pattern. I did not notice any negative effect on handling which I was concerned about. I find it interesting that Bridgestone recomennds rotation from side to side but BMW has never suggested it. I plan on taking this matter up with my Service Center. Please see the message from Bridgestone below: ( I have deleted the engineer's name) Your email was forwarded to me for response. From your description of the situation you are experiencing with your BMW tires I would conclude that your tires have an irregular wear phenomenon we call "heel-and-toe" wear. Excessive heel-and-toe wear can lead to the noise you mentioned. Irregular wear can happen when tires are not rotated and the direction the tires turn is not reversed periodically. Tires that are not rotated tend to wear more rapidly on one edge of each tire element or "button" causing a saw tooth type wear pattern. As tires are rotated, wear evens out. The tires on your BMW are Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT ultra high performance runflat tires developed specifically for BMW. These tires use an asymmetric tread pattern to provide the wet and dry grip required by BMW. Asymmetric tread patterns have one side that should always be mounted outside (identified by the 'OUTSIDE' marking on the tire sidewall), but still allow rotation. Also, your tires are different size front and rear, so the recommended rotation pattern is to cross the tires on an axle (i.e. Left Front to Right Front; Right Front to Left Front; and the same for the rear axle). This will reverse the direction of rotation and even out the heel-and-toe (saw tooth) wear. Our experience is that it may take a couple of thousand miles to completely even out the irregular wear, but that you should start hearing a difference within a couple of hundred miles. Further, by way of prevention, I would recommend rotating any new set of tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This will catch that irregular wear earlier in the process and eliminate it building to a noise issue. Director, Consumer Products Sales Engineering Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire
I love how everyone bashes BMW for using rft's when they only did what our gov. told them to do. RFT's were supposed to be federally mandated for all cars manufactured by the end of 2006. Smaller manufactures complained that R&D costs would get too high too fast to implement such a requirement, so the GOV. has moved the deadline to 2009 as of last notice that I saw. BMW, already having TPM/FTM systems in place for models currently being produced they just made it standard right away and had no R&D/production delays. And lets not forget that the whole reason for this whole situation is b/c Ford tried to compensate for SUV Explorer rollover tendency by recommending a lower tire pressure that was too low for the tires they put on the car (firestones) causing high speed blowouts. It was Ford's fault, not BMW's. If you want to bitch at someone call you local gov. rep. and bitch. Don't call BMWNA.
Are you sure we're talking about the same mandate? I could not find your reference only the mandate for tire pressure monitoring. Also came across an article about a year ago via Consumer Reports which follows: A punctured run-flat tire may provide extended mobility, but with routine run-flat tire ranges of just 50 to 100 miles, it's far more limiting than having a conventional spare tire. One person had to spend an extra night at a town in New Mexico to get a tire from a local dealer the next morning. Another letter was more direct: "...50 miles is completely worthless..." (referring to run-flat tire capability). "I would not put my wife and kids on run-flats." Limited availability and accessibility were common concerns, but the high cost of replacement of a run-flat was a common comment. Additionally, a few letters noted that not only did people have to replace the flat run-flat tire, but that the wheel was damaged and had to be replaced, too. Underwhelming tread wear life was noted by a few, with a few harsh words about tires lasting just 18,000 to 20,000 miles. Plus, the high replacement cost rankled many. Interestingly, some run-flat tire makers do not recommend repairing a run- flat tire given its uncertain condition after running flat even for a short period of time. This rubbed a few readers raw, and some noted that standard conventional tire punctures can often be repaired. One reader noted that he was not informed of the limitation of run-flat tires by his new-car salesperson. He claims to have only been told about this after he had a tire problem with the new vehicle. Apparently, the dealership discourages buyers from purchasing that model car with the run-flat package. But the horse was already out of the barn. Undoubtedly the letters will continue, and we look forward to reading them and post in our Tire Talk forum (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers). Few readers/subscribers ever write to us about the positive aspects of a product, but we'd be interested in hearing from those folks, as well. Run-flat tire technology may be sound, but readers are clearly saying there is much room for improvement. Will run-flat tires succeed in the market place, or go the way of Oldsmobile, Plymouth, and DeLorean? So far, the jury's out. --Gene Petersen[/I][/I]
Five years from now we'll be reflecting on how bad those 'first generation' run flats were. The truth is they are bad. I work at a dealership and have to listen to the constant harping from customers about the cost of replacement run flats. We aren't allowed to patch run flat tires so they must be replaced. We sell a lot of them for this reason. We do have customers that have replaced their run flats with normal construction tires and they're always happy with the swap. I've driven these cars and have to say they do ride much better. One customer has a 2006 Z4 and installed 19" BBS rims with Toyo tires and that car rides awesome. I noticed it while driving around the block and then got out and looked at the tires. BMW says the suspension on run flat cars has been calibrated for the stiffer sidewall tires, but, they sure ride better with regular tires. As for longevity, if you get 20k miles out of those Bridgestone's, and can stand the noise, you'll be lucky. They're usually noisy at 10k miles especially on the E90 3 series. I'd venture to say they even wear quicker, and get noisier sooner, on the Sport Package cars. I just leased a 2008 Z4 with Sport Package and the infamous Bridgestone's and the ride is pretty stiff. Makes me want to buy a set of 19" rims with normal tires and use them for the next two years. Might do that too. Paul
RFT follow up You're right in the fact that we are stuck with trying out a newer technology whether we want to or not. I do have the E90 w/sports pack that you menrtoned is especially prone to problems with the RFT 18" Bridgestones. 17k on them now with lots of tread, but also with lots of noise. Dealer is replacing them this week with Michelin RFTS this week at 50% cost. They will not replace them with conventional tires. It also took several weeks of haggling between the dealer and BMWNA to get this deal done. Interesting that BMW will not repair RFTs, but Bridgestone itself says they can be repaired just as conv. tires. Repair shop has to consider how long they were driven at low to zero pressure, but they are definietly repairable. If you were to stick with the OEM rims and tire sizes what non RFT would you recommend for an E90 ? I was leaning towards the Conti 3s. Your thoughts? Thanks for you input.
I generally like Conti's but the soft compound versions are usually all in by 15k miles and noisy at 10k miles. I guess it depends upon you priorities, tire longevity or the performance aspect (sticky). There is really no middle ground with the sports tires. If you want a compromise tire that wears well and performs equally well I think the Michelin Pilot's are a good tire. My least favorite tires are the Dunlop's that come on the 5's. We have replaced a lot of those on Sport Package 545's with BMWs blessing so there were problems. When it comes to giving tire advice it's sort of like telling someone which audio speakers sound the best. Everyone has different ears and everyone has different expectations for their tires. I lean towards what's cheap and gets the job done. On my 92 525iT (M3 engine, M5 suspension & wheels) I use Kumho ASX's because the cost was reasonable, they have a high wear index, are all season, aren't directional, and perform up to my needs. The only down side to the Kumho's is they take a couple of miles to get them round after sitting overnight. I see a lot of customers use the Toyo's and they do seem to wear evenly across the width of the tread. I'll probably try them next. You'd really be suprised how many Sport Package cars, with wider back rims than the fronts, come in with the wrong wheels on the wrong end or the wrong tires mounted on the wrong rims. Seems like tire stores just aren't careful when mounting new tires and owners often aren't aware of the differences either. Paul
I too would be interested in what you'd replace with. Many who lease remove tires and rims, store and re-mount at lease expire time. I recall hearing Michelin Pilot PSD 2 plus a "mobility" kit (glue in an aerosol can) in lieu of a spare. If you have to throw away the tire at that point, better it's a conventional and not the pricy RFT. All of what I hear does not speak too well of BMW. My local dealer seems to agree but argues eventually all cars will have RFT's. Given the hard ride let alone cost and road hazzard vunerability, it's hard to figure out where's its going. Meanwhile, I'm holding up buying new or newer model.
Saga of RFT - 2006 E90 Yes they do what they're supposed to do when the tread on the left rear of my E90 2006 with sprt pkg wore out prematurely-it got me home with only 5 psi left in the tire the tire warning lit up on the dash and knew I was in trouble Observations 53 K got E 90 with 19 k - BMW Certif car Boston winters take their toll - pot holes galore I actually used my Blizak snows for 6 mo last year So maybe I have 30 k total on these tires lost 1 rear tire yesterday looks like premature wear on the inside edge now the other tire looks bad as well $ 300+ for 1 installed 1. Tires are noisy - especially after some wear 2. They do work 3. Ride is rougher after some wear Spoke to the dealer - he says they are all noisy Some people swtich the Cont;l version - claiming they are quieter 4. Maybe I have R end alignment issue or is the wearing out- just that bad ? 5. I had to change to one of my mounted snows to get to the tire dealer today 6. No spare -means no tire tools and no jack 7. I couldn't change the tire myself good thing I have AAA - to change the tire for me 8. What choice do I have- replace 1 - maybe 2 tires ? 9. Front tires look good after 53 k- maybe only 30 k - with other miles on snows 10. Best to have 4 mounted snows it saved me a lot so far 11. Hopefully when I get a 2nd new rear tire and check the alignment - the noise will quiet down maybe the ride will improve a little 12. Ride ok - but not great - softer pressures do help I tend to run them on the hi side for better gas mi E 90- 215 HP - 24-28 everyday 28-35 long trips 13. The ride is much better than my last car Nissan Maxima 2001 with sport suspension and Bridgestones it was a ROUGH riding car - my wife hated it 14. Are we all stuck with this RFT issue ? hate to rely on no spare with reg tires depend on goo and pump ? on RFT ?
Part 2 RFT Saga Saw dealer - today no help except for sugg 4 wheel align No longer the Ultimate driving machine RFT don't last more than 10k under hard driving I guess I should be lucky to get 26 k now have to buy 4 tires total - upon close inspection since fronts are also worn down to wear bars 2nd rear will also shred itself soon never again -for RFT will go for donut spare and 4 reg tires next time and lose trunk storage looks like RFT mandated tires - since Firestone-Exployer debacle have made driving : **an awful expensive experience ** hard riding ** poor wear ** lose trunk space since - if you choose to have reg spare or donut since there is no space under the floor ** you can't change tire yourself no spare - means no tools included in trunk no jack or wheel lug wrench is supplied ** So if you do get a flat with RFT - you ARE out of luck you should be able to limp home - but that's it ** :But -They do work in case of a blow out or sudden loss of air
No longer the Ultimate driving machine due to run flats I'm an ' 02E39 owner with cash in pocket searching for a new or newer model. The ' 04 5 design eliminated that series for me. Gag, what a way to ruin an experience complete with toyota camery headlights. After test driving a new "larger" 3 series, experiencing and then reading all the problem posts about run flats, I tried a G35 and came away even more disappointed. While recent bimmers may have suffered, it's still the Ultimate driving machine in my view providing one solves the RFT delima. I'm still trying to rationalize buying either a 328/335 coupe or a Z4 but unwilling to forego having a spare and trunk tools as golf clubs or luggage space isn't a necessity. Has anyone solved size and type of spare tire & rim? How is it secured so it doesn't decapitate the driver in an accident? Aside from tools, do the newer models have adequate tool bearing frame surfaces to support tire changing oneself or AAA hackers?
So a bit of advice for anyone looking for tires. Let me say i have enjoyed working with the tire rack, their customer service department is EXTREMELY helpful. I had ordered the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S for my 328xiTouring to replace the Turanza run flats. On the way home from my BMW dealership after the install, the initial impression was amazing, the tires took bumps in the road very smoothly. What i hadnt been told when ordering them however was that i was "upgrading" to a Z rated tire, while i should have ordered an H or a V rated tire. This became a reality once i hit 60mph on the highway and my vehicle became LOUD and shook violently in the steering wheel, dash, and floorboards. Im waiting a call back from Tire Rack this morning, it sounds promising that they are going to take care of my situation and replace these tires with something more appropriate for my vehicle. A "Z" rated tire is probably terrific for you guys with the M3's out there, not so good for us family guys with wagons... UPDATED UPDATED UPDATED I just got an email back from the Tire Rack. They have spoke to Michelin on my behalf and have agreed to take the tires back, and credit me $20 per tire for installation (i originally paid $35 but whatever, close enough). They are moving me into a H rated tire, the Michelin Exalto A/S. Hopefully this will be a much much better ride. The tire rack had no responsibility to take these back, but they have proven extremely honorable. I highly recommend them to anyone out there. UPDATED UPDATED UPDATED I now have the Pilot Exalto A/S on my vehicle and they are like heaven. Soft touring ride like I wanted, amazing in the rain, and they take corners like a Z rated tire. I would highly recommend this tire to anyone looking to soften up the ride of a vehicle with the sport pkg and run flats.
OK, but why are the alternatives better for you? My first BMW is a 2007 335 with run flats. Like most things in life there are facts, opinions and religion, and I have neither so I am trying to sort out what is best and cost effective. There are many discussion I have read that say BMW knows what is best for the vehilce and what it was designed to use. I read that not using their recommended tires affects handling I am asking totally out of ignorance, are there any imperical studies or road tests on the differences, if so where thanks Alan
The run flat tires produce a harsh ride over bumps, they are loud, and expensive to replace at about $250 installed for the size for my vehicles. Instead, i was able to put on regular tires which last 2-4x as long, buy a spare BMW wheel and 5th tire, and still have money to spare. The downside is that when we take road trips part of the cargo area is taken up by a spare. The upside is the ride is incredible. The tires suck up the road bumps, the handling is not compromised 1 iota, and in my opinion the wet traction is MUCH safer in the aftermkt tires we went for. There are people who will agree, and some who will disagree, but i think most would agree that BMWs decision to put run flats on their vehicles was a poor one.
With your change from run flat to the goodyear tires was the wheel replacement required or just desired? Are the stock 335 sport wheels compatible with standard tires (non run flat) thanks, I am just a newbie on all of this and my 2007 335 coupe (Dinan Stage 2) is my first BMW I am trying to do the research now so I can make an informed choice See I thought the hard ride was normal for this type of vehicle, but you attribute it to the stock run flat tires tell me more Alan
Rft Did you read the Nov 2005 Road and Track tire technology test? More recent studies may have found different results, but this article found that with RFT's "it was more a matter of enhanced communication, rather than increased noise or harshness." You may find the empirical data you are looking for here.
Thanks you, I read the Road and Track article, but that was over 2 years ago, and according to Consumer Reports these tires are getting better (I have no idea what that means) I guess that the real issue I am dealing with is that I purchased this vehicle from a dealer, as it was coming off a 2 year lease. I knew original owner/driver so it made sense to buy something I knew, especially since the owner added the Dinan chip and exhaust. The dealer's finance manager did a hard sell to have me purchase a 3 year extended warranty that covers wheels and tires for road damage, road side assistance and towing to the nearest BMW dealer when using the RF tires ($600+ contract). This contract has a 60 day cancellation that provides me a full refund. With 15K on the original tires I assume it will not be long before they need replacement. The $600 will almost purchase a full set of non run flats. I have a friend with a 2006 M6 and it did not come with run flats. He said non of the M cars use run flats (I do know know if this is accurate), if so there must be a good reason BMW did not put them on that class of car With this being my first BMW, first experience with RF and no clue what I am doing, at least I can ask the questions to a group of experienced individuals as yourself. Thanks again for your assistance Alan


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Kansas City, Mo. There was a time when sports fans in Kansas City were considered among the best in sports, when Kauffman Stadium was the place to be during the sweltering summer months and tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium a rite of crisp autumn days.
Lately, the perception of Royals and Chiefs fans has taken a hit.
The latest and most volatile flashpoint occurred Sunday, when burly offensive tackle Eric Winston laid into the small percentage of Chiefs fans who cheered when embattled quarterback Matt Cassel sustained a concussion in the fourth quarter of a 9-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
During a post-game diatribe that quickly went viral, Winston called the cheering "sickening" and said he'd never been more embarrassed to play pro football. Winston has since clarified his statement to say not all Chiefs fans were cheering the injury, but he's otherwise stood by his comments.
Words that have been dissected by people all over the country.
Former Chiefs quarterback Ron Jaworski, now an ESPN analyst, asked "Where's the civility?" ''Good Morning America" and "Inside Edition" hosts chimed in, Donny Deutsch on the "Today" show bemoaned a "thug culture" in society and Star Jones opined, "We cheer bad behavior now."
Not exactly what people have come to expect of the heartland.
Right or wrong, Kansas City's reputation for fans who are devoted to their downtrodden franchises has been replaced with one of callousness — in some quarters, at least — no better than those Cleveland Browns fans who cheered when QB Tim Couch got hurt in 2002, or those Oakland Raiders fans who got into fistfights in the stands during a game against San Diego in 1999, or those Philadelphia Eagles fans who booed Santa Claus way back in 1968.
"I think it's a misperception, or a bad perception," said Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City. "That's not Kansas City fans. They're loyal, they're dedicated, they're hard-working people. ... That's just not how we do it here in Kansas City."
Indeed, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index last year listed the city among the "happiest" metropolitan areas in the country. Its downhome charm and Midwestern sensibility are big reasons why people continue to flock to what's been called the Paris of the Plains.
Winston said Monday he didn't think his comments would gain such traction, but they've become the impetus for a discussion of what's considered uncouth behavior in ballparks and stadiums.
The line of demarcation is blurry at best.
Royals fans earlier this summer mercilessly booed the Yankees' Robinson Cano when, as captain of the American League for the Home Run Derby, he went back on his word to choose a Royals player to participate. Cano was clearly shaken by the non-stop booing, and the reigning champion failed to hit a single home run as he was eliminated from the competition.
Folks across the country eviscerated Royals fans for what they deemed boorish behavior, while those in Kansas City argue they were merely showing their passion for their own guy.
Just last week, they point out, they gave the Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera a standing ovation for becoming the first player in 45 years to achieve the Triple Crown.
The angst toward their own teams has been simmering for years.
The Royals were once a model small-market club, regularly contending for championships. But following the death of beloved owner Ewing M. Kauffman in 1993, and the purchase of the franchise by David Glass, a period of mediocrity — or worse — set in that continues to this day.
The Royals haven't been back to the playoffs since winning the 1985 World Series, the longest drought in one of America's four major professional sports.
The Chiefs once sold out Arrowhead Stadium every game, and owner Lamar Hunt's folksy charm endeared him to fans. But even before his death in 2006, the franchise had fallen into hard times, and it's continued under the leadership of his son, Clark Hunt, and general manager Scott Pioli.
The Chiefs are currently 1-4, and they haven't won a playoff game since 1993, a longer drought than every NFL team but Cincinnati and Detroit.
"This town just wants a winner. We just want to be relevant," said Eric Crandall, a fan from Independence, Mo., who's been attending Chiefs games for more than two decades. "The coasts refer to us as 'flyover country.' This being the town of Truman, we want the buck to stop here."
Dr. Don Forsyth, an expert in group behavior, leadership and moral judgment in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at Richmond University, said he's not surprised by the fan backlash.
"There's a breaking point. That's the key," Forsyth said. "Fans think they're part of the team, and that's why they take wins and losses so seriously. Then when they see the administration or the leaders as the out-group, they'll engage in some pretty negative behaviors."
There are similarities in the two organizations besides win-loss records.
Both have owners who rarely speak publicly, giving them a perceived aloofness. Both franchises have been accused of being miserly, and both have made embarrassing public gaffes over the years.
In response to one angry fan, an anonymous Chiefs employee tweeted on the team's official account a few weeks ago, "Would help if you had your facts straight. Your choice to be a fan. cc get a clue." The tweet was taken down and an apology issued by the Chiefs moments later.
"You would think a team doing this poorly would try and generate some sort of goodwill with the fans," Crandall said.
The anger felt by fans was on display Sunday long before Cassel got hurt.
On one of the access roads leading into the stadium, tailgaters hung a bed sheet carrying a painted message calling the Chiefs an "embarrassment." Fans cobbled together enough money to hire an airplane to tow a banner over the stadium asking for Cassel to be benched and Pioli to be fired.
Cassel has been the source of frustration for years. He was booed lustily during a celebrity softball game this summer, and fans have been calling for his job since the start of the season.
That's part of the reason some cheered when he was hurt.
In their eyes, it was the only way the Chiefs would give backup Brady Quinn a chance.
"You never, ever, as a true fan want to see a player get injured," said Ty Rowton, also known as Chiefs super-fan X-Factor, who attended his 234th straight game at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
"I didn't hear any fans cheering that Cassel was hurt," Rowton said. "When he got up and started walking from the field, the fans gave a very loud cheer, thanking him for sacrificing himself.
"There was an even bigger cheer when it was announced that Brady Quinn was going in."


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Does staying at a Wyoming State Park for free sound appealing? The Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is currently looking for campground hosts.
In exchange for 20 hours per week of serving as a campground host, a person, couple or family can stay fee-free in a campsite with water and electrical hook-ups.
Opportunities are available at Boysen, Curt Gowdy, Seminoe and Keyhole state parks. Also, maintenance and grounds-keeping assistance is currently needed at Hot Springs State Park.
These are great opportunities to enjoy Wyoming's State Parks free of charge while interacting with visitors from throughout the region and country.
For more information about these campground host opportunities, please contact Shelly Morrell.


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Say what you will about modern capitalism,* but the advent of department stores like Wal-mart and Target has brought with it new and exciting possibilities for a select group of Man-children I like to call "me" and "my friends" to make other people feel incredibly awkward. The possibilities to which I refer involve exploiting a circumstance unique to the last 20 or so years (I realize that department stores have been around longer, but were never as ubiquitous as they have recently been), in which one can do all of his shopping at precisely one store, in one location. Desperately need both a new tire and a fresh rutabaga in the next 30 minutes? No problem. Hankering for an ornamental ficus and in need of a refill on your Sciatica medication? Done. Can't stand the thought of not having five gallons of Ricotta Cheese, a Cowboy Hat, and a Han Solo action figure? Please, give us a real challenge. Anyway, the realization of this unprecedented confluence of supply, demand, and batshit insane over-indulgence provoked in us a challenge: How weird does the combination of stuff we buy have to get before anyone actually registers any sort of reaction? Below are a few of our thoughts, the images we hope to create in the minds of unsuspecting cashiers, and our planned excuses in case we are actually called out on our purchases. If only we had a little more disposable income, we might be able to try out more of these ourselves, but hey, maybe we'll inspire someone else to come along and try it for us.
Items: Binoculars, K-Y Jelly, assorted snacks
The Image: You, fapping, with your binoculars trained on someone's bedroom window. A single tear rolls down your face, mixing with the Dorito dust on your cheek.
The Excuse: "I'm going birdwatching, and the K-Y helps keep my binoculars nice and shiny. Also, I'm hungry."
The Cult Leader
Items: Several gallons of antifreeze, paper cups
The Image: You, standing with a sinister grin behind a table of "refreshments" in back of a church gathering, stocked with cups of blue "Kool-Aid."
The Excuse: "I'm on my way to a party where I had promised to bring the paper cups, but they just called to say that a freak ice storm has frozen their doors and windows shut and that they need lots of antifreeze."
The "Batter up!"
Items: Wiffle Ball bat, K-Y Jelly
The Image: I don't think I need or want to spell this one out.
The Excuse: "I'm off to a wiffle ball game, and I like to throw spitballs, but everyone else thinks that's gross for some reason, so I just rub K-Y on the ball instead."
The Klansman
Items: two two-by-four planks of wood, Hammer, nails, matches, lighter fluid, white sheet
The Image: You, dancing around a burning cross while wearing a white sheet, on the front lawn of a horrified Black family. Alternately if you are, in fact, Black, the cashier will be unable to form a mental image due to the fact that his brain just exploded.
The Excuse: "We're having a cookout. A Halloween cookout. And I need to fix the deck."
The Murderer
Items: A Shovel, Tarp, Rope, and Duct tape.
The Image: You, burying a decidedly body-shaped object in the middle of a stormy night, guided only by intermittent lighting and ominous orchestral music.
The Excuse: "I'm building a tree house... for my dog... underground..."
The Mother's Nightmare
Items: A small scale, plastic bags, razor blades, a hand-held mirror, and lollipops.
The Image: You, enticing kids to come to the back of your van where you offer them lollipops and a special kind of candy you sniff up your nose.
The Excuse: "Well, it's a funny story actually, you see I'm building a... ummm, or rather testing my new... errr - Look! It's Jesus! - runs away -"
That's all for now, but please feel free to come up with your own combinations. For starters, you'll note that two of the above suggestions use the awkward-ness inducing power of K-Y jelly. Nearly anything can be purchased along with K-Y for comic effect, but my advice is to keep it believable and yet ridiculous. Purchasing, say, a basketball and a tube of K-Y jelly is indeed ridiculous, but it's not really believable that you could have nefarious intentions for something that large and unwieldy. Keep it large or weird enough to be ridiculous, but just small enough for an outside observer to doubt his natural inclination to come up with a benign explanation so that he doesn't have to think of all the horrible things you could be doing. An object like, say, a gerbil.
* Actually, please don't.
Disclaimer: The above is not meant to be taken seriously. Don't do this. TWAJS, etc.
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text:
Toby Carvery Bruntcliffe
Bruntcliffe Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 0LY
Bruntcliffe Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 0LY
If you want to share Toby Carvery's family-friendly goodness with the people you love, why not treat them to a gift card to enjoy here at Toby Carvery Bruntcliffe in Leeds?
There's lots of choice - and we don't just mean our roasts, veg and fantastic puddings. Our carvery vouchers are perfect for any occasion - and you can buy them online or in person.
Just click on one of the options below to buy a Toby gift card of your choice.
Gift cards received via email, which can be printed or shown on smartphones, can be loaded with a value of up to £100.
Gift cards received and redeemed by text message can be loaded with a value of up to £100.


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Hi, and welcome from Alabama.
This is a discussion on New guy in PA within the New Members Introduce Yourself forums, part of the Welcome To DefensiveCarry.com category; Mag44Laf...
Semper Fi
Hi, and welcome from Alabama.
It's not what you go thru in life, but how well you go thru it.
Welcome from Michigan's U.P.
Les Baer 45
Sig Man
N.R.A. Patron Life Member
Even more, if late, Pennsylvania greetings .......
Chris - P95
NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member.
"To own a gun and assume that you are armed
is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!."
http://www.rkba-2a.com/ - a portal for 2A links, articles and some videos.
Welcome from Western Colorado.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference, the MARINES don't have that problem." Pres. Ronald Reagan.
Remember your abilities AND disabilities can become Possibilities!
Semper Fi!
Welcome -
"To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them."
George Mason
"Gun control is a job-safety program for criminals."
John R. Lott


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Which shoe lasts are well-suited for narrow heels?
Even if I get the length right, a roomy heel area causes slippage for me.
Vass F U K and Peter/New Peter are quite narrow heeled. I believe the heel stiffener is leather, so it should mold over time which may help.


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In it, but not of it. TPM DC
Pelosi Squeezes House GOP On Taxes After Senate Victory
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) vowed to pass legislation next week to extend all the Bush-era tax rates. He indicated that the House won't bring up the Senate Democrats' bill on constitutional grounds, but he left the door open to permitting a similar measure as an amendment.
"We'll give the Democrats an opportunity to vote for the president's small business tax hike, and if they do, I think the American people will hold them accountable," Boehner said Thursday.
That sets up a showdown between the two parties that's unlikely to be resolved until the election, raising the stakes for the presidential race. With President Obama and Mitt Romney holding their parties' mantle on taxes, the winner gains a compelling reason to demand that their position carry the day.
But the Senate's 51-48 vote Wednesday, which also shot down the GOP's plan to extend all the Bush-era rates, handed Democrats a critical and unexpected bit of leverage to press their argument. Boehner will not be able to argue, as he often does, that the GOP-led House has acted while the Democratic-led Senate has remained idle.
This article has been updated.


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If you asked most guys what do they prefer loose fitting or tight fitting panties I would hazard a guess they would nearly all say tight fitting; there is noting better than a little cameltoe to brighten your day. I would normally agree however I wouldn't mind passing the owner of these panties as she sunbathed on the grass.
This image belongs to a female (obviously) sunbathing in her back garden, it was sent in by her boyfriend, I cropped out the top half and yes she was topless and yes she was a hot and I don't mean from the sunshine. How some guys are fortunate enough to have a woman or a partner in their life who is not just fit looking, they have one who loves to tease and please.
I fail to understand why so many women cannot grasp the simple fact that men like looking at them in sexy panties. We all hate big granny style panties, we don't care if they are comfortable. Well those women cannot complain if us guys start looking for a bit of naughty fun away from home, I know of a great place as well: www.discreetdate.co.uk.
The site offers basic free membership to all guys and premium upgraded membership to all the ladies that join, this keeps a decent balance between male and female members. As the name suggests, the emphasis is on no strings attached hook-ups. Many of the women are married, some are single and they just want to have naughty fun with anyone ready and willing.
Anyway, take a look for yourself, if you don't fancy a no strings shag date there are lots of local women on the site who have uploaded both naughty images of the naked variety and in their panties as they place themselves into the shop window so to speak.
Cute Tight Cameltoe
Most cameltoe panties often look very sleazy, however I don't believe these ones do, they have a kind of innocence about them. I usually prefer seeing a little more material but I have to say; this has to be one of the cutest yet skimpy pair of panties I have seen in a long time. If they are this tight and skimpy at the front you can only imagine what they must look like from the rear. Another fine example proving why you need to keep everything nice and neat down there ladies, I know some prefer au naturale but there are times when smooth and clean are a must.
More Tight Panties
Another nice find and once again it is the tightness and the close fitting of these panties that appeals the most to me. Proof again that it doesn't always require a thong panty to create a perfect cameltoe, you do however need a smooth pussy to create the perfect bulge around the vulva.
I also love the angle of this image , looking right up as if she was straddling above you and I do like white panties. For me seeing a swollen set of lips like this spells fertility, it screams out of a female who is sexually active and seeking a partner
Boyshort Cameltoe Panties
A pair of ladies boyshort style panties, fitting nice and tight against the vulva. Look at the waist band and in particular the hips area, no overhang of flesh, no elastic cutting into the skin, evidence that this is not a pair of panties that are a size too small being worn purposely to create a false porn star cameltoe look. These panties are the perfect fit for the female wearing them, she just has a nice trimmed pussy and obviously enjoys the feel of the cotton pressing and rubbing against her clit. Actually, I wouldn't mind betting that the cotton seem running down the middle runs right over her love bean, giving her a sensation with each step that she takes.
I love a bulging cameltoe under a pair of tight panties like this. For me it hits the spot so much better than when you see the same cameltoe but hanging out each side of a skimpy thong. The perfect cameltoe has to be a fully covered one, it leaves far more to the imagination and visually I feel it is far more of a turn on.
I would love to have an inspection and a look inside this pair when they are removed for the wash basket, a horny looking teen (18+) wearing a tight pair of panties that are sticking right up tight into her crack, you just know that she is going to be creaming these panties through the day.


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I have been searching for an ideal private messaging gem in the lat couple of days and tried out a fwe gems. It seems like the only gem seems to be working for rails 4 is mailboxer.
Is there any suggestions you could make?
1- I would like to enable messaging between two models. Teacher-Student
2- Student tshould be able to attach files into messages and vice versa.
What is the best way to accomplish it? I feel like ı should create a Message model and then go away with it?


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June 30, 2010
Bittman's list of 101 fast grilling recipes.
... but you don't need a plate on top with a can weighing down the plate and you don't need to flip it and do the other side if you have a panini grill. (Here!
that's the panini grill we use. But if I were buying something today, I'd get this — because we eat a lot of pancakes at Meadehouse. Note: Making a purchase at either of those links will automatically and without additional cost to you help support my work on this blog.)
34 comments:
- Synova said...
I've been meaning to get a panini press. I tried to make Cubanos in the oven but anything meant to weight them down slid off the baguettes. It was sort of a lost cause.
- lemondog said...
re: video, great crunch at the end.
wv: atica - prison striped sandwich - 6/30/10, 11:35 AM
- rhhardin said...
Microwave for everything.
Lower the power level for grilled cheese. - 6/30/10, 11:47 AM
- rhhardin said...
Lard is best, if the NYT says olive oil.
It's an automatic substitution. - 6/30/10, 11:48 AM
- Chip Ahoy said...
Too pristine. Try smoking a turkey on your panini grill and let us know how that works. Of course you can always buy one already smoked, but where's the fun in that?
Even Hank Hill eventually came around to the joy and wonder of love coals.
I can bring the BGE to 800° in minutes and bake sourdough bread using wood coal. So, naner naner naner. [This is on my mind presently because I bought a BGE handler off eBay and attached it to the nest last night. Went without a hitch. Now I can move its bulk around easily. Schwing schwing, the Ninja Griller] - 6/30/10, 11:56 AM
- ricpic said...
I agree with rh that our elites overdue the olive oil thing. Peanut oil is where it's at.
- Beth said...
Sure you can "grill" inside, but you lose the flavor smoke brings to the party. One of the suggestions Bittman makes is to grill some fennel and a slice of orange, and use the juice from that orange as a dressing for the fennel over some greens. Heating an orange isn't the point; flavoring the orange with smoke, is.
I'm on temporary grilling hiatus, due to the current heatwave (today is an exception, but tropical rains and winds aren't grilling-friendly, either) but I'll be back at it as soon as the daily high drops below 95. - 6/30/10, 12:01 PM
- David said...
A 30 year old cast iron pan works great--except in NY.
- Synova said...
I'm on a temporary grilling hiatus on account of I haven't cleaned the fire extinguisher residue off the grill yet.
- Ann Althouse said...
"Too pristine. Try smoking a turkey on your panini grill and let us know how that works. Of course you can always buy one already smoked, but where's the fun in that? "
Yeah, it's worth firing up the big grill for something big, but did you look at those 101 recipes? A lot are just oiled slices of zucchini or jicama or whatever.
It's silly when we're talking about "fast" to involve the big grill.
And what about global warming, by the way? We're supposed to use fluorescent lightbulbs, but he gets to fire up a big old grill to make a sandwich or a veggie slice. You could grill something on the heat of my anger at their hypocrisy. - 6/30/10, 12:10 PM
- MadisonMan said...
Butter > Olive Oil.
- PHenry said...
I have the cuisinart pannini/griddle and it is great. The best kitchen appliance I have gotten in years. It replaced my too small George Foreman grill, as well as converting to a griddle for bacon and eggs.
- Sigivald said...
Panini grill?
For a grilled cheese, just a hot cast iron pan works perfectly - and the sandwich, as far as I can tell, was never traditionally cooked on an actual grill.
(In fact, I'd prefer to avoid a grill or Panini press, on the grounds that even browning is far preferable to grill marks, for a grilled cheese.)
(Also, olive oil? Please. Butter. A grilled cheese sandwich should never get so hot that the smoke point is an issue.) - 6/30/10, 12:50 PM
- Beth said...
I can't solve the light bulb unfairness, but I do recommend you grill anyway. You can just fire up a small part of the grill. You don't have to fill the whole thing to use it. Get a chimney, fill it about halfway with charcoal, and work on a small area. Or get a small Weber for enjoying quick projects. If you use hardwood charcoal, and close the vents when you're done, the heat dies quickly and you'll be able to reuse the charcoal that's left. That's green enough for me.
- Beth said...
But yeah, grilled cheese - cast iron pan, in butter. That's a classic.
- Beth said...
Fire extinguisher residue? Okay, maybe not everyone needs to grill. - 6/30/10, 12:56 PM
- Synova said...
Which reminds me... I need to replace the fire extinguisher.
It's on account of we started grilling a whole lot of preformed hamburgers, which I generally never do. (The things done to ground up meat to make it stay together suspended on a grate are not pretty.) I've never had a problem with that much grease building up before. (And I pre-cook chicken and finish it on the grill so most of the chicken fat is already gone.)
When the flames and burning grease started moving down and the drip pan started on fire we considered the propane tank sitting there right under it and got out the extinguisher.
I don't even like gas grills. I'd much rather grill over charcoal. - 6/30/10, 1:13 PM
- Jennifer said...
Neither our waffle maker or Foreman grill (are we calling these panini grills?) work here in Europe, so we've resigned to buying each. Similar to your desired panini grill/griddle, I found a panini grill/waffle iron today that I'm thoroughly excited about. I can't just plunk down € 100 without research, but I'll be back for it.
- Beth said...
It ain't a party till something breaks, or burns down. Party on. - 6/30/10, 1:27 PM
- LordSomber said...
Why do they have tofu "steaks" at #3? Do people actually grill tofu?
I wonder how grilled Hot Pockets would taste? - 6/30/10, 1:27 PM
- MadisonMan said...
The best kitchen appliance I have gotten in years.
That would be my rice cooker. - 6/30/10, 1:39 PM
- Fred4Pres said...
The Food Network/Diners-Driveins-Dives did a great show on grilled cheese. I can't remember the episode but it might be comfort food.
- Beth said...
Best appliance? My KitchenAid mixer. But best investment? $10 each for a no-name stick blender and mandoline. I've used both for almost 20 years now. They're plastic, lightweight and just won't break or dull. I love making up a soup and blending it right in the pot. (Take out the bay leaves first. You'll never forget that twice.)
- MadisonMan said...
Beth, I also really really like my KitchenAid mixer -- in fact, we're on our second, the motor on the first burned out during a bread-making frenzy a couple years ago, but I use my rice cooker a lot more often.
- Cedarford said...
Bittman's list is quite good for making you think.
It was years and years and years before we tried grilling fruit and the results were amazing. Peaches, lemon, apples, oranges, mangos, pinapple (the well known one from old teriyaki days). They carmelize on the grill and are well-liked by kids, go with ice cream or a meat dish. The oils driven off orange and lemon rind by the BBQ heat also infuse seafood being grilled with extra flavor.
This year he had me thinking about avocados and fire-grilled salsa components. Hmmmm!
Not mentioned but also fun - Things wrapped in pizza dough and put on the grill. Muffins and pre-made chocolate chip pancakes heated to warm and melty on the side of the grill.
Our old 1980s standby of slow-grilled beer butt chicken. Take 3-4 cans of beer. Drink half each can. Insert spices like garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, oregano in 3-4 small chickens. (Or right into the beer cans). Salt and pepper the birds inside and out or use dry rub. Stand chickens on beer cans. Grill with grill covered about an hour. - 6/30/10, 2:39 PM
- d-day said...
I love my Griddler
I love my kitchen aid stand mixer and cuisinart food processor.
I love my no-name 15 year-old cheap plastic mandoline and the free toaster I got in exchange for poptarts UPC codes.
As for the electric skillet, electric wok, 2 coffee makers, acrylic french press, crockpot, a toaster that poaches eggs and heats sausage at the same time, the ice cream maker, the blender, the chocolate fountain, the rice cooker, the hand mixer, and the stick blender - please come to my garage sale. - 6/30/10, 3:35 PM
- Ann Althouse said...
I have a mandoline but I never use it. Say something that would make me use it.
- bagoh20 said...
All I need is a toaster oven, microwave and the Magic Bullet for my life. Everything else I have is an obstacle to my satisfaction in the kitchen.
Three ingredients is my max. More than that and mistakes are made. - 6/30/10, 9:09 PM
- bagoh20 said...
Nothing says creamy hippie love chick like singing to Meade accompanied by your mandoline. The stringed ONE or the other.
- Beth said...
I have a mandoline but I never use it. Say something that would make me use it.
Thinly shaved fennel and parmigiano-regiano tossed with arugula and citrus.
Thin sticks of jicama to dress up a fruit salad. Thin sticks of daikon and carrot to quick pickle and put on a sandwich.
Slices of potato that crisp perfectly together because they are the same thickness.
And it cleans up lickity-split. - 7/1/10, 12:28 AM
- d-day said...
My mandoline lives for summertime - it's a veggie-only item. For BBQ, I thick slice big piles of veggies to throw on the grill. It also makes those pretty perfect big round slices of tomato that are perfect for a burger and takes .1 seconds to cut them. I like to thin slice zucchini the long way to layer in lasagna - tricking my family into thinking they're eating pasta. I also use it with the shredder attachment for carrots - throw down a huge bowl of pad thai and a platter of shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts . . . SO GOOD. The speed of the mandoline makes it easier to prepare more different veggies - everyone can make their own plate/salad/pasta/omelet/leftovers the way they want it.
The kicker: if you throw the mandoline over the top of the serving bowl, there are no other dishes to clean. The mandoline itself gets a quick wipe with a soapy sponge, a rinse, a shake, and back in the drawer.
I've used it for cheese, cold turkey breast, lots of things - it doesn't do a great job and it's too tough to clean for that stuff. - 7/1/10, 2:21 AM
- d-day said...
mmmm Beth I'm coming to your house for dinner. I'll bring scalloped potatoes, apple and pear tart. . . .
Yay mandolines! - 7/1/10, 2:24 AM
- ALP said...
I want to add some love for the pressure cooker. Good ones are expensive - our Kuhn Rikon was $250. But if you like to make soup stock and cook with beans - the time savings is incredible. Plus the pressure cooker seems to drive the flavor deeper INTO the food. Worth every cent.
- Beth said...
Yay, indeed. d-day, I'm going to pick up on some of your suggestions, too.


text: Finally, here are the first clear spyshots of the Mahindra XUV 500 facelift. The pictures seem to have been taken at Mahindra's stockyard hinting that the car might be launched soon. The majority of the changes can be seen at the front of the car. The fascia features new headlamps and


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New Restaurant in North Miami with Castle Front and Lousy Everything.
Painting Stripes on Alton Road Clogging Traffic at Monday Morning Rush Hour ...
People Unfriendly Capital Improvement Projects that Never End.
The Dream Lifter a Whale of an Aircraft sits Conspicuous by the Road on the approach to MIA.
Another Concrete Anchorage Signals More Visual Pollution On I-95.
Gotta Love This in the Age of Signage.
Not Exactly BlueChip Street Art Near MidTown.
Another Cement Truck Lumbers by Traffic Congestion near MidTown.
Just Ma Job Mang. Spraying Poison on the Cobblestones of MidTown.
Over Designed District Open Space Fabulous and Idle.
A Message from Dade County All Trees Must Die Department.
From the Guys that Saved My Ass, Another Ugly Giant Billboard.
More Stupid Street Bumps, Humps, Curbs for the Public Good.
Luxury Cars and Happy Faces Plastered on a Metro Bus, a Calloused Insult for People Who Must Wait for the Next Bus.
Shame About That Graffiti Thing.
Metal Scrappers Wait Their Turn at the Weigh Station near Little Haiti.
Luxury Mc-Mansion Sits Unfinished 6 years and Counting.
People First, Unless you're in a Hurry.
... and Proud of It.
Boys and Their Toys, LFO's Trap Speeders and Whomever They Want Around the Corner Near You.
Another Petty Bureaucrat with a Nice Car.
No Mans Land, Zombie Central at McArthur Causeway.
An Elevated Road Under Construction Over the River of Grass...


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text:
One of the first panels at Reality Rocks 2011 was a round-table discussion with "American Idol" Season 9 alumni Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban and Paige Miles.
The group is very obviously close – they were laughing and joking with each other. The sense of camaraderie was palpable as they spoke about their experiences on the show.
Here are a few highlights:
Big Mike, on seeing the judges for the first time in auditions: "I remember thinking Simon was pretty. He was so pretty. They were like cartoon characters, they were all so pretty."
Didi, on keeping her inclusion in hte Top 24 a secret: "The only people that knew were my brother and my mom before the show aired. My dad didn't know, he can't keep a secret."
Katie, on how hard it is when the judges are contradictory: "Simon's like, 'You should be country,' and Kara's like, 'You should be pop,' and Ellen's like, "I don't care what you do." [laughs]
Big Mike's advice for aspiring stars: "Be nice to everybody. This business is so small."
Katie's advice: "Be yourself, Go in there and be yourself. I tried to please everybody and you're not gonna please anybody if you don't please yourself first."
Didi's advice: "There are no such things as mistakes, there are only life lessons and you learn from all of them."
Tim's advice: "If you walk off the stage and you feel good … then that's all you can really do."
Paige's quip advice: "You will not please 30 million people. If you do, let me know how you did it." [laughs]


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"Someone from the chamber's on line one," one of the front office folks here at the paper said over the intercom in my office. "She wants to talk to you."
No stranger to getting an earful following harsh editorials, I picked up the phone figuring my latest anti-payroll tax diatribe in which I chastised the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce for its lack of an opinion on the issue had resulted in the paper being booted from the chamber.
Instead of an angry voice, I heard a rather pleasant one telling me I was nominated to be on the group's board of directors.
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Howard Schultz sent a very clear message today and this is my take on the memo from today….
Dear Partners,
For 40 years, Starbucks has been the world's leading purveyor of premium coffee and premium coffee innovation. But at no point in our history has our innovation pipeline produced and introduced more successful, breakthrough products for multiple coffee occasions and in multiple form factors than it has during the past few years. Today, Starbucks provides the world's finest coffee in virtually every format, including single-serve, to more than 50 million visitors to our stores and to millions more through nearly every retail and consumer channel in 54 counties around the world--every week.
Hedgeye - SBUX is sending a very clear message to Green Mountain "you are not in our league." The company is completely capable of developing its own innovative products to dominate every segment of the coffee market.
On Tuesday we announced that starting this fall we will also be bringing premium Starbucks Coffee offerings in a single-portion format to guests in 500,000 luxury and premium hotel rooms across the U.S. as part of a new partnership with Courtesy Products, the acknowledged leader in hotel room amenities. But because of the speculation swirling in the marketplace around Starbucks larger plans for single-serve in the U.S. and internationally, I wanted to take a moment to let you know what our intentions for single-serve are...because they are very bold.
Hedgeye - There are many channels of distribution and Starbucks will align itself with the partner that brings it the most economic value.
At the outset, let me share that while it is currently a $4 billion segment growing faster than any other segment of the global coffee industry, the single-serve coffee category in the U.S., and in much of the world for that matter, is in its very early stages of development.
Hedgeye – GMCR's market cap of $5.7 billion accounts for more than 100% of its current addressable market. There is still plenty of room within the single-serve coffee category for new market players and for product innovation.
And at this nascent stage there are numerous contenders but no demonstrated, long-term winners related to any format, geography or machine. Let me give you a few examples to illustrate this point: In Germany, where single-serve coffee has been around for some time and almost 40% of households own a single-serve brewer (compared to only 6% in the U.S.) the long-time industry leader is an open system (meaning any coffee roaster can have access to the platform) that has virtually zero presence in the U.S., the largest consumer market in the world. On the other hand, the U.S. industry leader, the Keurig K-cup, is a closed system with U.S. patents set to expire next year--and virtually no presence anywhere in the world outside of the U.S. and Canada. This global market dynamic will change.
Hedgeye - Starbucks is one of the strongest brands in the coffee segment and will shape the single-serve segment globally. None of the single-serve brewing systems currently available to the market are good enough to be tied to the Starbucks name.
Now consider that approximately 80% of Starbucks customers do not yet own a single-serve coffee machine in their homes. This fact alone suggests that we are, again, at the very early stage of adoption and that Starbucks has a fantastic opportunity to introduce and deliver new single-serve coffee innovations to our customers.
Hedgeye – Starbucks wants to own the category and will work to revolutionize the single-serve coffee brewing platform. Below I outline my prediction of what the new Starbucks machine will be like (if not at first, then with later versions: 2.0, 3.0 etc.). While some of these attributes seem fanciful, they all have founding in both Starbucks' quest for control and the overall direction of the category (possibly run using Android):
- The design of the machine will evoke the design and feel of the Starbucks store and experience. I would think black and green, as well as the Siren logo. (experiences)
- The name will also likely evoke the store. "My Barista", "The Siren", or other names along those lines are likely. (experiences)
- The experience will be customizable, perhaps a touch screen or another user interface that allows the user to provide the machine with specific instructions as to the composition of the coffee they would like. (customization)
- A "menu" (like a playlist in iTunes), where one can save a recipe or style of coffee for repetitive use and save it with a name like, "Jim – morning coffee". (customization)
- Connection to the internet via home computer system to allow the sharing of "menus" and reception of coffee ideas from Starbucks and fellow machine-owners. This also allows a direct tap into social networking for the new machine. (community)
We began our journey into the single-serve market with Starbucks VIA, introducing consumers to a delicious cup of coffee in an instant, soluble format. With Starbucks VIA, we also introduced them to a brand platform designed and built to facilitate an ever-evolving pipeline of new products. And Starbucks VIA's success is undeniable: more than $180 million in system-wide sales in its first year. This remarkable achievement for a new product was due not just to the premium quality and taste of Starbucks VIA.
It was also due to the successful implementation of a new business model where we bring the assets of the Starbucks brand--our coffee knowledge, our broad retail footprint, the passion of our store partners and our ability to reach and personally connect with millions of people--to create trial, sampling and awareness on a scale that very few, if any, retail companies can accomplish. With Starbucks VIA, we showed how we can now migrate products through our growing presence in grocery, drug, mass, club and online channels to drive the expansion and globalization of the single-serve segment of the coffee industry.
Hedgeye - VIA was a good start, but Starbucks still needs and plans to take it to the next level. VIA proves that the company can develop its own product and successfully market it globally.
There are many single-serve systems and solutions and even more in late-stage development. We are committed to supporting and participating in those that enable us to better and more conveniently serve our global customers, wherever they are and however and whenever they want our coffee.
Finally, let me touch on a subject we are increasingly asked about: Green Mountain Coffee's Keurig K-cup system. With specialty distribution arrangements and some aspects of its cartridge technology protected by patents for the next 18 months or so, Green Mountain has done a very fine job introducing single-serve brewer technology to the U.S. market. And as a result it has emerged as an early leader. But as I have said, these are very early days, and history has demonstrated time and again that patents alone do not determine market winners--deep customer engagement, best-in-class experiences and quality do.
Hedgeye - This was the sucker punch. CEO Howard Schultz typically uses colorful adjectives to describe the success of the Starbucks business (e.g. exceptional, unequivocal, solid). The fact that he said GMCR has done a "fine job" was a clear signal to me that he is not a handshake away from partnering with the company. The GMCR storytelling is getting out of hand. GMCR's announcement on its last conference call that it has a double secret new machine was purely a defensive move because they are desperate to work with SBUX.
The single-serve segment of the coffee industry is poised for a sea change of innovation. We will win by delivering quality in the cup, every time, and by capturing the hearts and minds of millions of loyal customers, in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Hedgeye - Take it from someone who knows firsthand - don't bet against Howard Schultz!
Thank you for defining and delivering our Starbucks Experience to our customers, every day. I have no doubt that we will continue to reinvent this category and provide customers with yet another premium coffee experience.
Hedgeye - Our 2010 coffee strategy continues to be positive on SBUX and PEET and cautious on GMCR.
Howard Penney
Managing Director
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As we hit on in a note yesterday titled "Who is Germany's New Bundesbank President?", the departure of Axel Weber throws a kink in the race to replace ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet in October, not only due to his experience and gravitas, but also his firm hawkish stance on monetary and fiscal policy.
Below we lay out the main candidates in the running for Trichet's seat. Sifting through the candidates, it's clear that each one has a fault of some sort, be it their nationality, past work experience or affiliations. If Weber was the heavily favored candidate before his departure late last week, now Italy's CB governor Mario Draghi is the favorite, however in our opinion he seems like the best of the rest and we're critical of his dovish, "Trichet-puppet" posture.
Given that Europe continues to be in the thick of a sovereign debt crisis, which we believe has a 3-5 year tail, especially considering that European leaders appear unwilling to let member states default on their debt, the stakes for ECB succession are even further elevated. We're of the camp that a more hawkish stance from the next ECB president would benefit the region given rising inflationary pressures and the need to impose fiscal restraint (including penalties for abuses) on countries that overstep debt and deficit limits.
So without further ado, here are the profiles of the main candidates:
Mario Draghi (Italy)
Position 1: Bank of Italy Governor since 2006, Draghi, 63, appears to be the front runner to replace Trichet. As chairman of the Financial Stability Board, Draghi has been at the core of international efforts to rewrite the rules of global finance following the credit crisis, experience that should win him the favor of Trichet, who is chair of Europe's new risk watchdog. Draghi is viewed as a dovish candidate in the spirit of Trichet.
- 1976: Economics doctorate from the MIT.
- 1: Executive Director of the World Bank.
- 1: Official in the Italian Treasury. He worked on Group of Seven meetings and led the privatization of $105 billion worth of Italian companies.
- 2002-05: Employed by Goldman Sachs, in which he arranged currency swaps that helped Greece hide the extent of its budget deficit.
- Draghi has the backing of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, which should count against him given Berlusconi's numerous political and sexual scandals over the last years, included a pending trial; the severe debt leverage on Italian balance sheets should serve as a further detractor, symbolic of southern Europe's fiscal irresponsibility.
- Draghi's 3-year stint as a vice chairman of Goldman Sachs reflects poorly against a European populous that blames investment bankers for the region's credit crisis.
- His selection would leave two southern Europeans atop the ECB, with Portugal's Vitor Constancio as ECB vice president. A third, Jose Barroso of Portugal, runs the European Commission.
Yves Mersch (Luxembourg)
Position 2: Luxembourg Central Bank Governor Mersch, 61, ranks as a German-style inflation hawk, with the ability to speak German, French, and English. A lawyer by training who helped negotiate the 1991 Maastricht Treaty that created the euro, Mersch has sat on the ECB's council since its inception.
1: Director of the Treasury
Since 1998: Govern of Luxembourg Central Bank
-Previous posts include: IMF and World Bank alternate Governor; European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) alternative Governor; European Investment Bank (EIB) board member; and Development Bank of the Council of Europe board member.
Hang-ups: The appointment of Mersch might force Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, Europe's longest-serving government head, to give up his role as the chairman of the monthly meetings of euro-area finance ministers.
Erkki Liikanen (Finland)
Position 3: Liikanen, 60, has run Finland's central bank since 2004. As Finland's finance minister in the late 1980s, he oversaw the boom of the Nordic economy before growth slumped. After negotiating Finland's 1995 accession to the EU, he served as European budget and business-promotion commissioner. Liikanen is viewed as a more acceptable candidate than Draghi by Germany, although not known as an inflation hawk, and as a positive sale to Merkel as a northern European.
Hang-ups: Fellow countryman Olli Rehn is now EU commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. As is so often the case, European leaders do not want to be seen favoring one country for top leadership positions, and all things being equal Finland represents a small percentage of the Eurozone GDP to have two high profile leaders.
Klaus Regling (Germany)
Position 4: Klaus Regling is currently head of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).
- Critics suggest he's at a disadvantage because of his lack of monetary policy experience, despite the years he spent working in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the German Finance Ministry, and private industry.
- Regling has different plans for the future and has already indicated to German government representatives that he would like to be president of the new European Stability Mechanism (ESM), which will replace the current bailout fund starting in 2013. The European Commission envisions the new facility, which is designed to permanently combat crises in the euro zone, becoming a powerful institution almost as important as the ECB.
- Given Merkel's appoint of Jens Weidmann as the new Bundesbank President this week, it is unlikely, due to timing, that Merkel could push through another high-profile countryman.
Juergen Stark (Germany)
Position 5: Juergen Stark, the ECB's German chief economist, could have been a candidate, but he would not be able to complete a full eight-year term because he has already served on the ECB council for more than four years.
Athanasios Orphanides (Cyprus)
Position 6: A long-shot contender, and the youngest, Orphanides, 48, who heads Cyprus's central bank and has worked 17 years as a Federal Reserve economist. He was the first ECB official to argue in favor of 0% interest rates amid the global downturn. He was born in communist-ruled Czechoslovakia and studied at MIT.
The next weeks will be telling to see if Draghi loses his top pole position. While the top candidates come with impressive credentials, there's a fierce battle brewing over nationality, namely northern versus southern representation. The Germans have largely voted against Draghi in favor of a northern candidate, and the initial read-though would suggest that Draghi is more dovish leaning than Mersch or Liikanen. Clearly the French under Trichet will also have considerable pull, and Trichet looks to be signaling his vote for Draghi.
There's speculation that the ECB would like to firm up a decision on the next ECB president by March, perhaps to coincide with the European Summit that takes place on March 24-25, the catalyst for the release of the framework for the new European Stability Mechanism.
Tick tock,
Matthew Hedrick
It's not often that we comment on personnel changes, but the addition of Allen Questrom to Foot Locker's board is worth noting. For most who have been following the retail sector for more than a few years, you're probably familiar with Questrom's successful and widely praised turnaround of JC Penney ('00-'04). If you go back even further the list includes Neiman Marcus, Federated, and Barney's. For those less familiar, Questrom is pretty much a legend of retail turnarounds, known as "The Master of the Turnaround" and "Mr. Fix It".
While Questrom has had his fair share of success over the course of his 40+ years in retailing, his strength is deeply rooted in cultural change. He thrives in extracting talent from people within organizations whose culture may not have allowed or afforded them the opportunity to excel. Additionally, he has no problem looking for talent outside of an organization, even if this means hiring an "enemy" who may be THE best person for the job. This sounds silly for sure, especially if you're solely focused on the quantitative aspects of the FL opportunity. However, Foot Locker up until just one year ago was managed by essentially the same team with the same processes for a decade. The cultural shift from defense to offense for the world's largest athletic footwear retailer is necessary for this multi-year process to continue.
There's still plenty of work to be done, but the reunion of Allen Questrom with Ken Hicks is noteworthy and one that should only add to the merchandising, marketing, and brand segmentation strategies already underway.
Eric Levine
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text:
I have never bothered to write reviews on hotels before, but this one deserves the extra effort. We stayed at this hotel because every other available hotel would have cost us almost 3 times as much. I expected very basic accommodations, but was very pleasantly surprised throughout from the courteous service when we checked in, to the clean, spacious room with a very comfortable bed. I can usually find something that needs improving, but, in this case, I'd like them to keep things just the way they are.
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- This new Holiday Inn & Suites located on the border of Surrey, White Rock & Langley, features a heated indoor pool and spacious guest rooms with tea and coffee making facilities. The Surrey Museum, Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino and Cloverdale Fairgrounds are all within 2 km.Free Wi-Fi, Free parking and a 32-inch flat-screen TV with large selection of HDTV channels are provided in every room at Holiday Inn & Suites Surrey East – Cloverdale. A lounge chair and a work desk are also provided.Rockwell's Bar & Grill, located on the ground floor, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy a drink in the lounge. Room service is available.Both a fitness centre and a business centre are available complimentary for guest use. Holiday Inn & Suites Surrey East - Cloverdale also offers on-site guest laundry, vending machines and ice machines.Cloverdale Athletic Park, Cloverdale Baseball Park, Cloverdale Curling Rink & Cloverdale Rec Centre are all located within 1 km of the hotel. Northview Golf & Country Club and 5 more golf courses are within 5km of the hotel and Vancouver International Airport & Abbotsford International Airport are located 40km from the hotel. A shopping centre featuring multiple restaurants and stores is located across the street and we are in close proximity to all major Hwys (1, 10, 15, 99, 91) BC Ferries and USA Border Crossings ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with IHG, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Priceline so you can book your Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Surrey East - Cloverdale reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


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4 out of 5 stars Perlane
So Far So Good. No Regrets and I Could See Improvement Right Away. - Alexandria, VA
She is my regular dermatologist and is excellent. She was very informative before hand when I was curious about fillers and we talked which would be better and why but left the final decision up to me since one cost a bit more than the other. No hard sell, but good facts and very nice to work with.
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