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Yesterday - Easy Piano
|Classic Rock
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By The Beatles. For voice and easy piano. Easy Piano. Classic Rock, Britpop and Psychedelic Rock. Difficulty: easy-medium. Single. Vocal melody, piano accompaniment, lyrics and chord names. 2 pages. Published by Hal Leonard
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Moderators: Zahru II, Natalya, RedRover
ikensall wrote:Maus tank:
Empire of Luchardsko WIP wiki pageBrikWars 2010 Rules wrote:BrikWars ... stands in pretty direct opposition to many fundamental elements of the LEGO® philosophy, such as "Not Teaching Kids How Funny It Is to Set People on Fire."
Falk wrote:Very nice. It fits a minifig, right?
Zupponn wrote:Aww... at first I thought it was going to be a flying shark...
Theblackdog wrote:You could make it launch flying sharks. There's probably room for two or three under each wing if you use the POOP ones.
stubby wrote:omg noob, balrogs are maiars too, don't you know anything
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Polar Cursor Theme is a smooth and simple cursor set created primarily
in Inkscape. There are three cursor sets included in this package:
1) PolarCursorTheme (default): has orange busy cursors
2) PolarCursorTheme-Blue: blue variant
3) PolarCursorTheme-Green: green variant
Maintained by: Petar Petrov
Keywords: polar-cursor-themes,polar,cursor
ChangeLog: polar-cursor-themes
Download SlackBuild:
polar-cursor-themes.tar.gz.asc (FAQ)
(the SlackBuild does not include the source)
|Individual Files:
| polar-cursor-themes.SlackBuild
| polar-cursor-themes.info
| slack-desc
© 2006-2018 SlackBuilds.org Project. All rights reserved.
Slackware® is a registered trademark of Patrick Volkerding
Linux® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds
Web Design by WebSight Designs | Managed Hosting by OnyxLight Communications


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Jgolds11 needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 86 designs submitted by 27 freelance designers.
Attorney Directory and lead system to help lawyers achieve more web visibility.
Very simple.
See here: http://lawyers.attorneysdelivered.com/redesign/
ignore the mention of "real estate". This is the template that the logo will be placed on.
See here: http://www.realtorsdelivered.com/
We want you to TRY to reuse that envelope and incorporate something for the lawyer site. If you cannot, you can make a
brand new logo. . . but please try first.
Here is the blank envelope for you:
We are using the IDENTICAL template with a change of colors.
We have no idea what colors we will use yet.
Try tan, blue, red, etc... in the logo and that will help us decide what colors to use in the template.
OK. Everyone, Please use the girl OR the guy OR just the envelope located here:
simply TWEAK the logo so it is good for the Attorney Lead Generation site theme.
Use the SAME font and font size but you can change the color
- Try different colors to help us adjust the color scheme. We will use this template- http://lawyers.attorneysdelivered.c…design/but want to change the colors
*** Please put it on the design so we can see what it will look like ON the design. Thanks!
- Item 1...
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Used 2007 BMW 3 Series Review
Edmunds expert review
Fully deserving of its popularity, the 2007 BMW 3 Series sets the standard for overall driving enjoyment, luxury and refinement in an entry-level luxury car. Only its high price will give you pause.
What's new for 2007
Vehicle overview
If you're thinking about buying an entry-level luxury car this year, your attention will undoubtedly turn to the 2007 BMW 3 Series, which we consider the top candidate in this class by a significant margin. Whether your priority is an engaging driving experience, an elegant cabin environment or simply curbside prestige, this car delivers in spades.
The sedan and wagon were completely redesigned for 2006, and this year the coupe and convertible get the same ground-up makeover. The coupe is longer and lower than the previous-generation two-door, and with its tidier tail design, it's arguably more attractive than the sedan. Much the same can be said of the late-arriving convertible, as its retractable hardtop gives it much the same look as the coupe with the top raised. With the top down, the 3 Series convertible offers clean, uninterrupted lines. The hardtop itself is comprised of three folding steel panels which, mechanisms and all, pad on an additional 450 pounds over the 3 Series coupe. In order to maintain optimal front-to-rear weight distribution in the pudgier convertible, plastic quarter panels are used up front. According to BMW, these new panels are not only 50 percent lighter than equivalent steel versions, they're also dent-resistant.
The other major development for 2007 is the arrival of a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine -- it's the first turbocharged gasoline BMW engine in decades. Standard on the top-line 335i convertible, coupe and sedan (which supersede last year's 330 models), this force-fed 3.0-liter inline-6 foregos the aluminum-magnesium block found in the normally aspirated version in favor of an all-aluminum block. It also uses the latest direct-fuel-injection technology, which improves efficiency and performance by contributing to a cooler intake charge, thus allowing a high 10.2:1 compression ratio. Turbo lag is essentially nonexistent, giving the new engine the feel of a much larger normally aspirated engine. Meanwhile, last year's 325 models give way to the 328i and 328xi, which still have a 3.0-liter engine but are now rated for 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is a new option on the coupe, and unlike last year, buyers have the option of getting a rear-drive wagon.
With its extensive array of body styles and drivetrain configurations, the 2007 BMW 3 Series will accommodate just about anybody's tastes. Want a sport sedan or sport coupe? Go with the twin-turbo engine, a manual gearbox and the optional sport suspension. Or, you can play up the luxury angle by adding the Premium Package and an automatic transmission. Choose all-wheel drive and the compact Bimmer becomes a capable snowbelt car. The major knock against the 3 Series has always been its high price of admission, as comparably equipped versions of the Acura TL, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS, Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70/S40/V50 can all be had for less money -- in some cases, substantially less. These cars are all worth considering if you're mainly looking for a luxury experience, but for those who put driving dynamics above all other concerns, none will satisfy like the BMW 3 Series.
Trim levels & features
A compact entry-level luxury car, the 2007 BMW 3 Series is available in convertible, coupe, sedan and wagon body styles. All body styles come in a rear-wheel-drive 328i trim level, while the coupe, sedan and wagon also come in all-wheel-drive 328xi trim. In addition, the convertible, coupe and sedan are available as the rear-drive 335i, and the sedan alone is available as the all-wheel-drive 335xi.
Standard equipment on the 328 models includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a moonroof, leatherette upholstery, real walnut wood trim, automatic climate control, a 10-speaker CD stereo with an input jack for MP3 players, and rain-sensing wipers. Coupe and convertible versions of the 328 come with slightly more equipment, including 17-inch wheels and xenon headlamps; the coupe also has a sport-tuned suspension while the convertible has a power-retractable hardtop. In addition to their more powerful engine, the 335 models have power front seats and a premium Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system.
Most 3 Series cars you encounter on dealer lots will be equipped with the Premium Package, and many will have both the Premium and Sport Packages. The Premium Package provides leather upholstery, a full set of auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, BMW Assist telematics, and on 328 models, power seats. The Sport Package specifies a firmer suspension on convertibles, sedans and wagons, along with larger wheels, performance tires, sport seats and a higher top-speed limiter. Stand-alone extras include an iDrive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, active steering, adaptive cruise control, keyless startup (known as Comfort Access), three-stage heated seats and satellite radio. You can also replace the standard walnut interior accents with either light poplar or aluminum trim at no additional cost.
Performance & mpg
All 328i and 328xi models come with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The 335i and 335xi models come with a heavily modified version of this engine equipped with twin turbochargers and direct injection. Output is an impressive 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the board, and a six-speed automatic with a manual mode is optional on all 3 Series models. Fuel economy is above average, as rear-drive Bimmers return about 20 mpg in the city and close to 30 on the highway.
Standard safety equipment on the 2007 BMW 3 Series includes antilock disc brakes, dynamic brake control, stability control, run-flat tires, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The 3 Series convertible lacks the side curtains but has a rollover protection system. The stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors when the windshield wipers are in use (wet brakes don't stop too well) and snugging the pads to the rotors when the driver lifts off the throttle, which increases brake responsiveness. Rear parking sensors are optional on all 3 Series cars.
In NHTSA crash tests, the four-door cars earned four out of five stars for frontal-impact safety and five stars for side-impact safety. In IIHS tests, the four-doors earned a "Good" rating (the best possible) for their protection of occupants in frontal-offset and side-impact crashes.
There's no going wrong with either of the engines available in the 2007 BMW 3 Series. The standard, normally aspirated engine is a little light on low-end torque, but it moves the car around smartly and provides slightly better mileage. The new twin-turbo engine provides the kind of acceleration formerly associated with the high-performance M3, launching the 335i coupe and sedan to 60 mph in close to 5 seconds flat. No matter which model you choose, the 3 Series' world-class suspension, steering and brakes will provide hours of entertainment on twisty two-lane highways. Beyond simply feeling rock-solid when hustled around turns, this car communicates with the driver in a manner that inspires confidence no matter what kind of driving you're doing. At the same time, the 3 Series is an ideal long-distance cruiser, delivering both a comfortably controlled ride and a quiet cabin environment.
The 3 Series interiors provide a restrained show of luxury. The emphasis, through items such as supportive seats and clean analog gauges, is on driver comfort and involvement. Materials are high in quality and build quality is exceptional; indeed, even the standard leatherette upholstery looks and feels better than one would expect. The front seats have enough firm support to ward off fatigue during a day's worth of driving, while the rear seats are adequately roomy for adults on shorter trips and plenty accommodating for children. Trunk space is average in sedans and coupes, while the wagon offers a maximum cargo capacity of 61 cubic feet. The convertible offers a reasonable cargo hold when the hardtop is up, but it shrinks considerably when the top is lowered.
Edmunds expert review process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
related vehicle information
2007 BMW 3 Series Information
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Build and Price TMV®
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Incentives & Rebates
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Features & Specs
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Pictures
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Review
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Dealer Price Quotes
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Used For Sale Near Me
- 2007 BMW 3 Series Ownership Costs


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Warriors shake off slow start to beat Hornets 98-88, move closer to clinching playoff berth
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OAKLAND, Calif. – David Lee had 23 points and 16 rebounds, Stephen Curry added 20 points and nine assists, and the Golden State Warriors shook off a slow start to ease past the New Orleans Hornets 98-88 on Wednesday night.
Reserve Jarrett Jack finished with 19 points and eight assists against his former team to keep the Warriors in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff chase. Golden State (43-32) remains one game ahead of Houston (42-33), which won 112-102 at Sacramento.
The Rockets own the tiebreaker after going 3-1 against the Warriors this season.
Eric Gordon scored 21 points and Robin Lopez had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Hornets, who were swept 4-0 by the Warriors this season. New Orleans led by 11 points in the second quarter before the Warriors surged ahead for good.


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Send Andrew Driver to the MLS All-Star game this summer. Driver has three goals and an assist so far in his first MLS season. Not bad for the new guy, eh? Dynamo fans can help him get to the MLS All-Star game by voting in two different ways.
1) Online at MLSSoccer.com
2) Via text message. Text "Driver" to 22442
The 2013 MLS All-Star Game begins at 8 p.m. CT at Sporting Park in Kansas City on July 31. Fan voting ends at 2 p.m. CT on July 2. Check out Driver's highlights from this season below.


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New Bern aldermen will set a public hearing March 26 to define family when it comes to multiple people living in a single-family residence.
New Bern aldermen will set a public hearing March 26 to define family when it comes to multiple people living in a single-family residence.
At its March 5, 2013, regular meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously voted to recommend approval of the city�s request for a Land Use Ordinance text amendment to Article II Definitions �Family.� The purpose of the amendment is to clarify the definition of �family� when property owners rent a single-family dwelling or portions of a dwelling to individuals who are not related by blood, adoption or marriage.
City staff have encountered several enforcement situations where property owners have partitioned off or leased multiple areas in a single-family dwelling in violation of the zoning ordinance, city staff reports show.
Property owners will claim the tenants are �family,� although evidence often indicates the residents actually function as multiple independent households within a single-family dwelling, according to the reports.
Aldermen will consider adopting the CDBG Required Fair Housing, Section 3, and Equal Employment and Procurement Plans.
Community Development Block Grant regulations require local governments to adopt certain policies and procedures for its program. When adopted, these plans will be applicable for the period of March 12, through March 12, 2018. The city has adopted similar policies and procedures in the past, but needs to update those and extend the time in which they are applicable, according to staff reports.
An amendment to the Adopt-A-Block Program will be considered for a Middle Street project.
The Middle Street Adopt-A-Block project has been approved and includes improvements to the property on the Middle Street side of the Clark Building and the Centenary United Methodist Church. Total material cost for the project is $13,430, which will include the purchase of concrete, sod, trees, asphalt and lighting. These funds will be contributed by project participants, and the city will provide in-kind labor services, reports show.
The Fire Department has received three grants: Assistance to Firefighters grant; a Local Giving Program grant; and a Smoke Alarm Program grant.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant which is administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency and has an award amount of $84,735 with a city match of $9,415. The match is provided for in the budget. The grant funds will be used to purchase exercise equipment, provide certification as physical trainers to key fire personnel and purchase textbooks and other supplies necessary to monitor the fitness program.
The Local Giving Program was awarded by Walmart in the amount of $1,500. This has no city match. Funds will be used for purchasing uniforms and accessories for the Color Guard, uniform maintenance and flags to present to family members at funerals.
The Smoke Alarm Program grant, $3,000 that does not require a city match, was awarded by Norfolk Southern Corp. The funds will be used to purchase 125 dual-sensor smoke alarms for elderly communities.
Three grants the Police Department had anticipated receiving in 2012-13, did not come to fruition. They included a 2012 Governor�s Highway Safety Program grant of $69,450 that would have required a $23,150 city match; a 2012 Eastern Regional Information Center grant of $170,000, and a 911 Public System Answering Point grant of $192,870, staff reports show.
Those three grants were budgeted for 2012-13 and were based on estimated spending during the prior fiscal year. Changes in expenditure budgets will be offset by a change in revenues. Those changes include an increase in appropriations of $8 to the 2011 Justice Assistance Grant; an increase in appropriations of $8,185 to the 209 Justice Assistance Grant; and a decrease in appropriations of $8,416 to the 2011 Eastern Regional Information Center (ERIC) grant, reports show.
Aldermen will consider an amendment to the Emergency Telephone System Fund.
The N.C. 911 Board approved a request to reconsider the funding amount proposed by them, which has resulted in a 50 percent increase in revenues to the city�s E911 fund. As a result, the 2012-13 operating budget should be amended to recognize $12,991 in additional revenue, reports show.
Another amendment will be considered for the Sewer Fund.
The budget for 2012-13 included $750,000 for a sewer main lining project. This was to be funded with installment purchase proceeds. But it is determined the project will not occur in this fiscal year and the project needs to be remove operating budget.
An amendment to the Electric Fund budget will also be considered.
The Board adopted a budget amendment Aug. 14, 2012 to appropriate fund balance to make up for outstanding 2012 purchase orders. Included in the amendment was the purchase of a Derrick Digger truck in the amount of $182,380. It was to be funded with installment purchase proceeds. But the amendment will identify the funding source for the purchase as debt proceeds by increasing proceeds from installment purchases and decreasing the fund balance appropriated, reports show.
A resolution to award a contract to Hudson Brothers Construction for the South Front Street Streetscape improvements will be considered.
A pre-bid meeting for the streetscape improvements for the 200-400 blocks of South Front Street was held in February. Bids were opened, and the low bidder was Hudson Brothers Construction Co. with a bid of $391,612.87, staff reports show.
A budget ordinance will also have to be adopted if passed for the Streetscape project.
The requested budget for the project is $515,315. That includes the $391,613 contract bid; electric materials,$94,656; and $29,046 in contingency. The project will be funded by a transfer of $50,000 from the MSD fund balance and $465,315 from proceeds from borrowing, reports show.


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Renee Diehl Honored with the American Physical Society Woman Physicist of the Month Award
Main Content
Renee Diehl, a professor of physics at Penn State University, has been honored with the Woman Physicist of the Month award by the American Physical Society. The award recognizes "female physicists who have positively impacted other individuals' lives and careers."
Diehl studies the fundamental structure and dynamics of surfaces. Much of her early work concentrated on the properties of simple atoms, such as xenon or potassium, on the surfaces of single crystals. She and her research group performed the first experiments to determine the locations of such atoms on certain metal surfaces, such as copper and platinum. Before these experiments, the rule of thumb was that atoms on surfaces typically sit in hollows between surface atoms, much like a second layer of billiard balls stacks on the first. Diehl's group established that this arrangement is not always the case, and that atoms often sit in locations that originally were believed to be extremely unlikely, such as directly on top of another atom. These findings, which demonstrated that interactions at surfaces are not as simple as once supposed, have provided an important stimulus for the development of new theoretical techniques that will provide a deeper understanding of surface phenomena. More recently, she has extended her research to more complex materials such as quasicrystals, whose structures are geometrically fascinating and which offer intriguing possibilities for practical use in applications ranging from cell-phone electronics to frying-pan coatings.
Diehl's previous awards include a Fulbright Fellowship in 2006. As part of her fellowship, Diehl spent six months at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, where she focused on the use of high-energy-resolution atomic-beam scattering to study the fundamental properties of new materials. Diehl also received a Juniata College Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Science Alumni Award in 2007, an Outstanding Service Award from the Women in the Sciences and Engineering (WISE) Institute at Penn State in 2006, and a Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Research in 2004. She was named an honorary member of Sigma Delta Epsilon National Association for Graduate Women in Science in 2001 and was elected Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1999. She received a Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Physics Teachers in 1999 and the Provost's Collaborative and Curricular Innovations Award in 1997.
Diehl is the current associate department head for equity and diversity in the Department of Physics at Penn State and the director of the CarbonEARTH project, which trains graduate students in science and engineering to communicate with diverse audiences. In addition, she serves on the executive committee of the American Physical Society Forum on Education and the American Physical Society Committee on Education. She has served on the executive board of the Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter and she was elected a Fellow of the United Kingdom Institute of Physics in 2003.
Diehl joined Penn State in 1990 and was named full professor in 1998. She earned a doctoral degree in physics at the University of Washington in 1982, a bachelor's degree in physics at Juniata College in 1976, and she graduated from Shippensburg High School in 1973.


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I struggled with this for a Month !
Make sure the URL in your Favorites starts with https:// and not http://
I think that https live link to E-S above beginning with neptronix saying "My suspicion" should read http but it's been rewritten by phpbb.neptronix wrote: ↑Nov 21 2017 9:56pmMy suspicion is that you have a bookmark for https://endless-sphere.com or something.Harold in CR wrote: ↑Nov 21 2017 2:15pmStill always requires login even though I have the remember password box checked [...]
https:// and http:// are considered different sites by cookies.
neptronix wrote: ↑Nov 29 2017 10:44amIf you still have problems with suddenly being logged out, you are clicking a link from http:// instead of https://. The only way to retain your login status is to change these bookmarks to https:// ( certain browsers consider http:// and https:// to be separate sites and lose cookies if you switch back/forth. )
Unfortunately we'll be seeing this issue until 2018 when our SSL certificate provider finally allows wildcard certificates so that i can force forward all traffic to https://, which should fix this issue.
Yeah, I'd try doing that. You can press the "Delete all board cookies" link at the bottom of this webpage.jonescg wrote: ↑Jan 08 2018 2:05amMight be time to clear cookies and start again with https://endless-sphere.com/forums ?
Crud. I have that delegated to Samson for now. We can finally get security certificates that fix this http/https and www./no www. issue now, but our provider has yet to actually give instructions on how to install them ( yeah, thanks guys.. )
A lot of people have requested this. I don't like it for security and complexity reasons.. but i think i might have to budge on this one.
that would be AWESOME! reading the forum on a mobile device's broswer is a PITA compared to tapatalk. the app itself becomes worse and worse, adds more unneeded sh*t like a central hub, recommendations that noone needs and other stuff, but for pure reading you can't beat it.
Might be you're experiencing a bug in the forum software.
https://tracker.phpbb.com/browse/PHPBB3-14754 wrote:Description
In 3.2 it is possible to be choose to be notified only by email (see PHPBB3-11967)
When choosing to be notified only by email, subscribing to a topic sends an email for every single reply to that topic. This is far too much email spam and contradicts what the email says it will do.
When choosing to be notified by both email and board notification, you will receive an email and won't receive a new email until you visit the topic.
The notification email says:
"You are receiving this notification because you are watching the topic "Test" at "forumname.com". This topic has received a reply by TestUser123 since your last visit. No more notifications will be sent until you visit the topic."
The ideal solution in my mind would be to have the same behaviour when users choose to be notified only by email.


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10:30 pm
Mexico -- One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless "Chorizo Made Easy" Chorizo, the succulent pork sausage seasoned with chiles, spices and a touch of vinegar, is the "bacon of Mexico" - the perfect accompaniment for eggs and, like bacon, a versatile ingredient for cooking that can give any dish a serious head start on flavor. At his neighborhood Mexican grocery in Chicago, Rick shows us fresh-made chorizo sold at the butcher counter and talks about how it is made. Buying a batch of the sausage to take home, he quickly turns it into a Caramelized Onion and Chorizo to use for a taco filling. D
11:00 pm
Caprial and John's Kitchen: Cooking for Family and Friends "Forget What You Know About Brussels Sprouts" Caprial and John offer a new perspective on this vegetable. They fix Brussels sprouts with grain mustard and Brussels sprouts sauteed with bacon and onions.G
11:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Naples and Pompeii" Rick finds Naples is Italy in the extreme. He prowls backstreet fish markets, dodges fast-moving Vespas, and dines on pizza where it was invented. He climbs to the top of nearby Mount Vesuvius, then wanders through the ruins of Pompeii.G


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(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
Contact us for information about using this image.
Laundry was the worst job in the weekly domestic drudgery. This wooden washing machine, found in a Deerfield, Massachusetts, home, is a product of the effort to improve on that drudgery. There were an enormous number of patents for domestic labor-saving devices earned in the 19th century. Clearly there was a demand for such artifacts and a sense among inventors that they could make a fortune if they succeeded. Most of them did not. What they seemed to be doing was trying to more easily mechanize the motions of the hand, and in this case, that of the washboard. This often resulted in rougher action on the clothes, which caused them to wear out more quickly. Other problems included the rust from the metal parts, which stained the clothes.
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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
It's not too late to play the most natural course around at Beaver Island State Park ... and get a great deal.
Now through Nov. 6, everyone is entitled to senior rates ($12 for 18 holes and $7 for nine holes), when playing from opening until 3 p.m. Carts are just $18 for 18 holes (based on double occupancy).
The hours of the course are as follows:
For reservations, call 716-773-2010.


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Top 10 Superhero Movies We Want To See
- Ryan Duncan TheFish.com Editor
- 2012 30 Apr
For over a decade Marvel studios has been hinting at the promise of a live action Avengers movie. With the release of each new film, fans would find themselves sitting restlessly through a mountain of movie credits just to glimpse the ten second teaser at the very end. This went on through Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, and finally ended with Captain America as the last Avenger to be (pardon the pun) assembled. With the new movie now on our doorstep (Marvel's The Avengers releases wide in theaters on Friday, May 4, 2012) and our geek-o-meter at an all time high, we thought we'd take a moment to compile a list of ten superhero movies we're still holding out for.
Here are ten super movies we would pay to see.
10. The Flash (DC Comics)
While he may not be the most popular superhero out there, there's no denying The Flash is still one of a kind. As a member of the Justice League, this crimson crusader has become one of the most recognized faces in DC history, and while other comic brands have attempted to replicate their own versions of the character, there's just no replacing this wise-cracking super-speedster with a heart of gold.
9. Dr. Strange (Marvel Comics)
Dr. Strange is Marvel Comic's master of all things magical. When he's not performing spells to save fallen heroes or giving advice to The Avengers, this former surgeon passes the time battling monsters from the dark dimension. As if Strange's magical powers weren't already enough, he also carries an impressive arsenal of mystic and weirdly named weapons like the "Eye of Agamotto" and the "Wand of Watoomb". Plus his enchanted lair is called the Sanctum Sanctorum, how cool is that?
8. Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
Long before Superman and Captain America became the poster boys for comics everywhere, there was one hero who dominated the pages of super-lore. Known as the world's "mightiest mortal" Captain Marvel possesses the Strength of Hercules, the Wisdom of Solomon, and the Speed of Mercury. So what's the catch? Captain Marvel is actually a ten year old boy who transforms after saying a magical incantation. Not only does this make grounding him a huge pain, it also leaves the fate of the world in the hands of someone who just graduated 5th grade. Still, it makes for a good movie dynamic, so why not give it a shot?
7. Black Panther (Marvel Comics)
Black Panther has often been coined "The Batman" of Marvel Comics, and it's easy to see why. He's the warrior king of Wakanda, a secret, technologically advanced Nation in Africa, he's one of the smartest characters in the Marvel Universe, and he's also one of the first African characters ever syndicated in comics. Throughout his career as a superhero, Black Panther has been a member of The Avengers, and was recently married to popular X-Men member, Storm. If that's not a good enough reason to get this guy his own movie, we don't know what is.
6. Robin (DC Comics)
Ok, so maybe Batman's junior partner isn't exciting enough for his own movie, that doesn't mean his absence on the big screen hasn't gone unnoticed. Christopher Nolan revolutionized the world of Batman with his films Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and while we certainly aren't complaining, there's always been a small part of us that hoped the boy wonder would eventually make an appearance. After all, the role of sidekick probably wouldn't exist today if not for Robin, that surely must count for something.
5. Madam Mirage (Top Cow/Image Comics)
With DC and Marvel constantly dominating the market, it's rare for another brand to introduce a hero (or heroine) that can actually get your attention. Madame Mirage hails from a world where superpowers were achieved thanks to advanced technology and a little genetic engineering. When things got out of hand though, the government banned all use of super-tech and sentenced everyone in possession of it to prison. The heroes did the noble thing and turned themselves in, while the villains did the smart thing and traded their spandex for the world of big business, a move that didn't sit well with the good Madame. One part master thief, one part vigilant, this cool crime fighter would be right at home on the silver screen.
4. The Runaways (Marvel Comics)
Marvel's team of super delinquents aren't a very popular bunch, but their origin story is still one of the most entertaining, and one that we can probably see coming to theaters one day. While trying to endure another of their parent's boring parties, six teenagers accidentally discover their parent's are members of The Pride, a secret, super villain organization that rules Los Angeles. With the police squarely in The Pride's pocket and the Fantastic Four not answering their calls, the kids decide there's only one thing to do, steal every piece of super gear that isn't nailed down and make for the hills. These kids are not your average team of superheroes, which of course is what makes them so likable.
3. Aquaman (DC Comics)
Poor Aquaman, his fishy powers have forever doomed him as the butt of superhero jokes everywhere. It's too bad really, because even the casual DC reader knows there's more to Aquaman than his ability to chat-up a pod of dolphins. For starters, this aquatic superhero is a regular member of the Justice League, and if that's not enough he's also the Trident-Wielding-Tail-Kicking-Monarch of the Seven Seas! With the recent launch of DC's New 52 storyline, Aquaman's popularity has been soaring (or, um, swimming) to greater heights than ever before. So now bout we finally give the orange guy a break and get him a movie of his own?
2. Wonder Woman (DC Comics)
Both Batman and Superman have been getting a steady stream of movies for over a decade now, so it's about time the First Lady of DC Comics got her turn in the spotlight. To the uneducated reader Wonder Woman may seem like nothing more than a cheap clone of Superman, but the truth is another matter. Raised by warriors and empowered by the Greek gods, Wonder Woman is a major powerhouse in the DC Universe and one of the first super-heroines ever created. And yeah, her wardrobe does look like something stolen off a parade float, but we're willing to let that slide.
1. The Justice League (DC Comics)
As thrilled as we are to have an Avengers movie, there's no denying Marvel's team of misfits has always played second fiddle to DC's Justice League. If anything, the new movie has us wondering why a big screen adaption of the famous super team isn't already in the works. The Justice League has been commanding the loyalty of comic nerds everywhere since the days it was still called "The Super Friends", and while the team did receive a few cameo spots on the CW's Smallville it was nothing compared to what could still be possible. So here's to the Justice League, our fingers are crossed and our ears craned for news of a movie. Who knows, with a little luck they may just swoop in to save the day sometime soon.
*This Article First Published 4/30/2012


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The Spanish Giants and the Style/Efficiency Conundrum
So, Real Madrid are Spanish champions, Barcelona; the bloody-nosed, de-throned people's champions.
On the surface this suggests that whilst Barca supporters may have spent their summer wallowing in their all-conquering side's end of season collapse, the Madrid faithful will have rode a wave of delirium since managing to grind their ancient rivals' stylish juggernaut to a halt. Delve beneath the surface though, and it becomes apparent that this is a more complex issue than it may first appear. In Spanish football, and within this rivalry in particular, there is a fairly generally-shared common value – that style and manner of victory is fundamental, and may carry almost as much importance as winning itself.
With this in mind, it must be pondered:- Did Madridista's fully embrace Jose Mourinho's uber-organised and direct, whilst frighteningly ruthless style of play?; Were they willing to approve of, and support, a managerial approach that was often publicly abrasive, defamatory and insulting?
Let's face it, Madrid managed to amass a points total of 100 in La Liga, scoring an incredible 121 goals in the process of lifting the Primera Division trophy and denying arguably the world's best ever club side a fourth consecutive league championship. Supporters of Real Madrid would be forgiven for simply rejoicing in such an achievement, which undeniably many of them have. There remains however, an element within the support that cannot be fully supportive of a team and management that displays a machine-like efficiency, often at the sacrifice of the free-flowing, expansive style of play synonymous with the traditions and history of the club.
Make no mistake, winning at all costs is Mourinho's sole objective, and you almost sense that the mischief created and upset caused along the way, are seen by the man himself as a form of 'icing-on-the-cake', rather than a natural by-product of his approach.
So what next for the new Spanish champions? It seems certain that the old mantra, 'if it's not broken, don't fix it' will be adhered to. As undoubtedly one of the world's best coaches, with the credentials to support, Mourinho approaches the game in a holistic and almost scientific manner, looking to control as many aspects of his team's play—not to mention the workings of the club generally—as is humanly possible. Sure, by leaving such little to chance, logic would suggest a more likely positive outcome, but may it prove counter-productive to to inhibit or stifle the natural and innovative instincts of the world-class attackers he has at his disposal?
Of course, it is extremely difficult to criticise a campaign in which Madrid's La Liga achievements were truly outstanding and whilst this continues to be so, the doubters and critics must hold their peace. Should the balance of power shift towards Catalonia though, Mourinho may find the knife-sharpening cynics and critics circling once more.
And perhaps thats is the essence of the argument as far as Madrid are concerned, their current strategy and style will be tolerated, if not revered, for as long as they eclipse Barcelona.
In the world of football management, a feat which probably only Mourinho could achieve.
Barcelona on the other hand have an entirely different concern in their quest to regain national and continental dominance. Villanova's men must somehow try to match the formidable domestic consistency shown by their rivals from the capital last season. Let's not forget, Los Cules racked up an impressive points total of 91,which in most seasons, in most country's, would comfortably seal a domestic championship.
Not last season though, not in Spain.
Barcelona found Madrid's ruthless efficiency and unparalleled consistency impossible to replicate and their "written in the stars" elimination to Chelsea in the Champions League, proved to be a disappointing and anti-climactic end to the reign of their history-shattering coach, Pep Guardiola.
So how might football's answer to the Harlem Globetrotters address last season's failures under their new and untested replacement to Guardiola? The defining factor of present-day F.C. Barcelona is their footballing philosophy and style of play. With regard to their aesthetic appeal, they have in recent years, and most likely will continue in the future, to enthral and entertain their audience. Such breathtaking displays, last season however, could not abate the disappointment in the eventual and somewhat feeble relinquishment of their Spanish and European titles.
And there-in lies the problem. Barcelona are unquestionably the world's most attractive and skillful football team. But what about when skill and beauty is not enough? What if the conditions are not conducive to Barcelona's style? What if the opposition find a fix to counteract Barca's fluent style? What if Messi and co. are simply having a rare off-day? It's at this point, where Barcelona begin to look lost and predictable.
I don't believe any football purist, or any real football fan – put more bluntly – would champion a drastic overhaul of Barca's principles and strategy such is their entertainment value, but there is a growing acceptance that this side must arm themselves with a 'plan B', at the very least, to counter the aforementioned awkward occasions. Regardless of the opposition, too often this side's overwhelming superiority, in terms of control and possession, is not reflected in the scoreline. This is an element of the game in which Barca are vastly inferior to their arch-enemies from Madrid.
If we cast our mind's back to Barca's Champions League round of 16 tie with Arsenal in March 2011 for example, Barca enjoyed almost complete dominance over their English opponents, home and away, but despite such dominance left London with a 2-1 deficit to overturn at home, which they managed to do......but only just. At home Barca set about carefully carving Arsene Wenger's side apart at Camp Nou, in the process displaying one of the most scintillating exhibitions of attacking football seen in modern times, only to jeopardise their 3-1 lead and consequent entry to the quarter finals, by serving up a gilt-edged chance for Nicklas Bendtner to steal the tie for Arsenal at the expense of the Catalans. Bendtner missed and history showed that Barcelona won the tie 4-3 on aggregate to progress, but surely this episode was all too close for comfort?
To any reader who did not witness this tie it is difficult to sufficiently convey the extent of Barca's dominance over the two legs, it is an understatement to say though that it certainly does not correspond with the aggregate scoreline. On that occasion Barcelona escaped but in La Liga, last year specifically, there were a number of matches in which Barcelona, controlled, dominated, dropped points. By contrast Madrid very often were underwhelming as a spectacle but continually churned out victories by defending stoutly and rigidly and finishing ruthlessly, with sometimes little else noteworthy occurring in between.
This is not a criticism of Madrid, on the contrary. The fact that they can be so effective without being at their best is a quality that Villanova would do well to incorporate into the new, post-Pep, Villanova Barcelona. To achieve this perhaps Barcelona should sacrifice a little beauty for a little more brute force, particularly in the striking department. Perhaps the opportunity for wingers to cross from the bye-line with an aerial target, for example, is a viable alternative tactic – not to change their fundamental system of course but to simply provide another option when their usual game is adequately suppressed by the opposition (i.e. Inter Milan (2010), Chelsea (2012) – both Champions League fixtures) The key point being that Barcelona, whist utterly devastating, are predictable. Their level of play is such that despite this predictability, almost all other teams find them impossible to resist. The presence of another option may make them an all the more mesmerising puzzle for opponents to solve.
Should there exist a style/efficiency spectrum then I would suggest that Barcelona (style) and Real Madrid (efficiency) find themselves at opposing ends. This of course is not to say that Barcelona are not efficient and that Madrid are not stylish, but that perhaps each side individually may be stronger if they had a little more of each others' qualities. This may seem a little unfair on Mourinho in particular, who has done a wonderful job in Madrid. But Madrid play as all Mourinho sides do and with a vociferous media and support that follow Real, he might find his own manner and his team's style of play come under attack should he not replicate and build upon last season's successes. Barcelona on the other could profit from subtle adjustments that result in increased variety in terms of playing styles, more ruthless performances and consequently the results that their regular dominance warrants.
So, can the machine from Madrid be more entertaining this season, whilst being successful in the process? Can Barcelona's artisans once again reign in Spain and Europe without being slightly more mechanical? The styles of the respective teams' will be an interesting sub-plot to a La Liga season that promises to be as exciting as ever, but which philosophy will prevail – science or art? Perhaps the very contradiction is what makes this contest the most thrilling in world football.


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At Lehigh, real-world readiness begins with a rich undergraduate experience that provides a broad base of learning and research opportunities. CEE students receive rigorous training in the physical sciences, mathematics, and scientific methods, coupled with complementary studies in the humanities and social sciences. They learn to think critically, develop their powers of analysis and design, communicate effectively, and work on a team. And they graduate with sound technical knowledge and a strong sense of how to apply it in a globalized society.
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Reviewed By Jerod M (Ostrander, OH) Reviewed for a 2010 Acura TSX —7/6/2016 7:17 AM
The Typhoon purrs like a kitten when I'm driving "normal", but as soon as I give the TSX some juice, the Typhoon wakes up and sounds like it's ready rip someone's face off. I like it. You will too. Buy it.


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An outbreak of fungal meningitis has been linked to steroid shots for back pain. The medication, made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts, has been recalled.
Latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Illnesses: 170
Deaths: 14
States: 11; Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia.
CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/outbreaks/meningitis.html


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A digital voice processor for amateur radio operators. It uses prepared wav-files for transmission. If necessary you can use simple circuit for PTT-control. It has a lot macros for transmitting. It can interface with AALog logger and can be used via COM-interface to work with other compatible programs.
Platform: Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8
A working sound card is required. Program is delivered with a minimum kit of sound files in \SOUND directory. The other sound files that you may need can be recorded in wav format by means of any software programs (for example the Sound recorder from Windows 9x/NT/XP kit).
Push to Talk (PTT) is handled with an interface on one of the COM-ports.
The program uses the AAVOICE.INI configuration file (in the working directory).
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The Movie:
A Korean slasher film directed by In Soo Kim in 2000, aspects of Bloody Beach feel a bit dated nine years since it was made, but the film is still a fun watch that'll appeal to fans of horrordom's most beloved sub-genre.
When the movie begins, a group of internet friends who have been hanging out in the same chat room for ages but who have never actually met in person decide it's time to meet face to face. They plan a group camping weekend out at the beach, conveniently away from civilization, where they figure they'll get to know one another better and generally just hang out and have some good fun. Things start off well enough, with everyone getting along and seemingly in a good mood - one couple even heads to a car for a little conjugal alone time after having flirted with one another online for awhile, but soon things turn sour. A homicidal maniac is on the loose and starts picking off our campers one at a time.
With their ranks quickly dwindling, those who haven't been hacked to death quickly pool their resources to try and figure out not only how to escape from the killer, but who this person is and what their motive could possibly be - and therein lies the twist to what is otherwise a by-the-numbers affair.
Throwing in the whole 'these people know one another from a chat room' angle was probably a pretty unique idea nine years ago but by now, internet horror has been done to death and generally quite poorly at that. Let's face it - while there are plenty of loonies out there willing to mess with people online, which can unfortunately sometimes manifest into a real life problem for some, the internet itself isn't actually scary. Once you realize that, the film starts to feel devoid of tension and scares. Thankfully, director In Soo Kim seems to have realized that at just the right time, wisely throwing in a little bit of sex and a whole lot of violence, the latter of which is Bloody Beach's saving grace.
Bloody Beach has a very definite eighties feel to it, and that encapsulates both the good and the bad of the era. The good? The kill scenes. There are a few doozies in here and the filmmaker's aren't afraid to use their arterial spray effects budget wisely. Yes, some of the kills are maybe a bit too familiar for their own good (in one scene a victim has their fingers cut off by garden shears that might as well have once belonged to the killer in The Burning) but they're done well and feel more like tributes than actual rip offs. The film moves along at a good pace and doesn't waste time with... much of anything, though sadly that also means character development gets the shaft. Like so many of its predecessors, a large portion of the characters that populate this film are nothing more than knife fodder for our villain to hack his/her way through.
When it's all said and done, Bloody Beach isn't aiming to be high art. There are a few inspired and moderately artistic flourishes in terms of the camerawork and the lighting and the score, but for the most part you get the idea that those involved where more interested in delivering a few fun scares and some good old fashioned gore. On that level, the picture definitely works. The computer jargon used to set it up feels stale and unoriginal at this point and there are plot holes large enough to drive a Jeep through that the ending can't be bothered to even try to sort out, but when the movie is fun and entertaining in some cases you can overlook those flaws. This is one of those cases and if mindless teen slashers like this are your thing, give the film a shot. It's disposable and probably little more than a genre footnote, but as mindless entertainment it succeeds.
Bloody Beach arrives on DVD in an unimpressive 1.78.1 non-anamorphic interlaced transfer that shows some mild smeariness and periodic compression artifacts. Color reproduction is sufficient if unremarkable as are skin tones but there doesn't seem to have been a whole lot of effort into this presentation and the lack of anamorphic enhancement is definitely a big strike against the disc. The film is watchable enough, but there's definitely been some serious room left for improvement here.
The Korean language Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track on this disc is of decent quality and the optional English subtitles are clear and easy to read even if they do contain the occasional awkward phrasing. There aren't any problems with hiss or distortion to report and while channel separation is never particularly inspired, at least the levels are properly balanced. This isn't anything to write home about but there aren't any problems with it.
The Extras:
Extras on this disc are limited to a trailer, menus and chapter stops as well as promos for other Pathfinder Pictures releases.
Bloody Beach won't win any awards for originality, but then again it isn't trying to. This is a film that wears its influences plainly on its sleeves, borrowing from some better known American classics and putting its own odd spin on it. It's a fun movie that worth a watch, but the DVD from Pathfinder is a pretty uninspired effort. Rent it.
Ian lives in NYC with his wife where he writes for DVD Talk, runs Rock! Shock! Pop!. He likes NYC a lot, even if it is expensive and loud.


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The name of the town sings out from a plain green road sign on Route 248 in Moore Township. For the thirsty, it could be Florence or Mecca.
Beersville. One mile ahead.
No giant stone pretzels or statues shaped like suds-filled steins mark the entrance to Northampton County's town that shares its name with the golden nectar of the gods. Instead, the signs on Route 248 stop saying Beersville and start mentioning Klecknersville. Did you miss it? Were you craving liquid-refreshment so badly you had visions of an entire town full of beer?


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Wedding season is still going strong. Do you know your social media wedding etiquette? Whether it's how you handle the invitation or the way you behave at the ceremony, many guests may be putting their social media needs ahead of the bride and groom's.
"There are a lot of people who are addicted to their social media and ... this is causing a lot of headaches for some brides," said Kristin Koch, senior editor for weddingchannel.com.
While tweeting your invitation or posting the event on Facebook might seem like a natural thing to do to share your enthusiasm, it's not a good idea, Koch said.
"When you post it in a social way and make it public, you are letting the cat out of the bag, and it's going to become very clear to some (that) they weren't invited," she said. "This can cause hurt feelings."
Koch said more and more brides are inviting people to weddings through their own wedding websites because "an electronic RSVP makes life easier for couples."
"They're more eco-friendly and less expensive," she added. "Plus, it provides a place to for comments that is private, so you don't have to deal with miffed friends and co-workers on social media."
Here are some other wedding tips for social media users, and for the bride and groom:
For guests: Don't become the wedding photographer.
"We did an informal poll and found that 40 percent of brides weren't happy about what people were posting of the wedding — either with pictures or maybe a video that was unflattering," Koch said. "Think about how much time somebody has put into planning their wedding. They want to be sure that the images that are shared are ones where they look their best. We advise sending the pictures to the couple directly and they can do what they want with them. Don't post any pictures of the bride without permission."
For guests: Resist the urge to give a play-by-play of the ceremony.
"Unless you are asked to do this by the bride or groom, don't be tweeting during the ceremony," she said. "This is a special moment and they want you to pay attention in the moment or listen to the vows, rather than have you checking your phone."
For the bride and groom: Manage your expectations.
"There is no way to keep a wedding ceremony completely off Facebook unless you send a note to your guests not to post anything," she said. "Just be ready to field questions about the guest list and be honest from the beginning. Say you're going to have a smaller wedding or maybe it's a destination wedding and that you want to keep it smaller. I think people would appreciate and understand that if you're up front about it early on."
For the bride and groom: Consider a photo booth.
"There are companies that offer photo booths or video booths with a social media component, so you can take photos in the booth and instantly post them or tweet them," she said. "This is a controlled setting for social media, and some brides and grooms prefer this."
Twitter: @jenweigel


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New Car Review
2013 Mazda CX-5: Looking for Luxury
Having recently ditched my '05 Lexus RX 330 for our long-term 2013 Mazda CX-5, the differences between a used luxury vehicle and a brand-new, non-luxury SUV are becoming more obvious.
It's All About Connection
Before I even left the parking garage to head home on my first day with the car, I paired my iPhone to the Bluetooth-capable Mazda -- a task that was much easier than I anticipated. Less than a minute later, I was calling my husband to tell him I was on my way home. The audio was crystal clear -- something I cannot say for my Lexus. In fact, I turned off my Bluetooth connection in the Lexus because it always sounded like the person on the other end of the line was swimming in the Atlantic. Is this a result of the car being eight years old? Maybe. But I bought it as a certified pre-owned vehicle in '07, and I honestly can't remember ever having a good connection in there. When I pulled into my garage and turned off the engine of the Mazda, I was very happy to see that the call transitioned to my handset without missing a beat. When I got back into the car later that night, it remembered me immediately. Love that. So, while Mazda isn't exactly known for being a luxe brand, easy-to-use and fully functioning in-car technology is one luxury this girl really appreciates.
Power Hungry
As far as power goes, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is slightly lacking. Confession: Until recently, I had never thought twice about a car's performance. I don't think I could have told you what kind of engine my Lexus has, at least not until I realized the Mazda has a significantly less powerful one, and started asking questions around the office. I have to be much more aware of how hard I'm pressing on the gas in the Mazda, specifically when I'm passing other cars or merging onto the highway. To be perfectly honest, it's kind of annoying. So, apparently I like powerful cars -- who knew? I think I took it for granted, since most luxury cars come standard with a pretty powerful engine. If you're like me, you may want to pay a little more attention to this when buying your next car, luxury or not. You'll notice it more than you might think.


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Dave's Rating:
Soaring Actor, Crashing Movie
Denzel Washington has two Academy Awards. And he probably would not object to receiving a third Academy Award. This doesn't really count as greed, really; it's more like wishing for another giant slice of cake. Cake is awesome. Nobody will think any less of you for liking it that much. And who deserves cake more than Denzel?
Robert Zemeckis has an Academy Award, too. He got it for Forrest Gump, the movie that gave Tom Hanks his own second Academy Award. And now Zemeckis is directing Washington in a film that exists for what feels like practically no other reason than to assist in making extra Oscars a reality for both parties. Because if it were a film about the mundane, yet also devastating, effects of alcohol and drug addiction on the everyday lives of everyday people (like Washington's heroic pilot character) or if it were about the potentially life-threatening effects of an already unregulated airline industry, it would be a different sort of movie than it is.
Washington's pilot saves an out-of-control passenger jet from a devastating crash thanks to quick thinking and a skill set that, according to the story, outshines most other people in his line of work. After turning it upside down, then righting it before "gently" crashing it in a field and losing only six of the over one hundred people on board, it's discovered that he accomplished this feat while not only drunk but also high on cocaine. An investigation ensues. Could he have saved more if he had been sober? Are those deaths his responsibility? Or is it all the fault of a stripped bolt?
Zemeckis doesn't care which answer is true. His intent is to tell you a story you know and to tell it in a way you've seen before, to safely deliver his anti-hero into the arms of hitting bottom and third act catharsis. Ham-fisted, slick and confident in his own important storytelling prowess in a way that few A-list Hollywood filmmakers know how to be without causing audiences to crack up laughing, the director keeps his movie from crashing thanks to his ability to coax a truly memorable, magnetic, showboating movie star turn out of his movie star. Washington is in almost every scene that doesn't involve other drug addicts shooting up heroin to Velvet Underground songs ("Sweet Jane," for the record, covered by Cowboy Junkies for added underline-y emphasis, but why not just smash that hammer down directly on the nail and let "Heroin" ring out from the soundtrack? Too much? Is there such a thing?) and he's almost always on point as a man falling apart. He's a great performance in search of a decent film.
It's that time of year again, when the multiplex clogs with movies that can't help themselves from yammering on about how beautiful every last breath of life is (someone says something very close to that at one point during this one). So when Washington attends his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with his struggling-to-stay-sober girlfriend (Kelly Reilly, she of the Velvet Underground moment) and you watch him get up and walk right out the door as the speaker at the podium talks about how "my lies would have walked me right out that door," the effect is disorienting. A tangle of feelings rises to the surface: admiration for the look of grim, walls-closing-in determination on Washington's face, the tension of knowing he'll be back at that kind of meeting again someday whether he likes it or not, the exhausted wish that Oscar-grubbing product like this would stop insulting your intelligence for even sixty seconds at a time, and about how much you could go for a drink right now yourself.
76 out of 100 Metascore®
Read other critic reviews
You can fly. Eventually.
Songs about butts.
Death to the patriarchy.
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New software will help the Food Project's food donation model spread to other cities around the nation, according to board President John Javna.
Two-dozen cities already have started their own Food Projects in which neighborhood coordinators gather food set out in bags by their neighbors six times a year.
The Food Project, which started in Ashland three years ago, enlisted the help of Phoenix resident Mica Cardillo and Southern Oregon University student Matthew Swindle to create software that makes it easier for organizers and neighborhood coordinators to perform their tasks.
Other cities will be able to put the software to use, Javna said.
"This is the instrument by which we'll export this. People in Jackson County have made this happen," he said.
Going through a demonstration of the software, Javna pointed out how it can show dots on a map to reveal the homes of neighborhood coordinators and donors.
Neighborhood coordinators can rearrange lists of names and addresses of donors in their neighborhoods to plan out efficient routes, then print out the lists for pickup day.
The software can be used to send out welcome emails to new donors, add their names and addresses to a database and locate the nearest neighborhood coordinator. All the information in the database can be edited and updated.
"This will make it easier for the neighborhood coordinators. They already love doing it," Javna said.
The Medford Food Project is using the software. Other branches in Jackson County will begin using it after Oct. 13, which is the next pickup date, Javna said.
The Food Project regularly fields queries from other cities that want to start their own efforts using Jackson County's model.
Javna said he hopes the model will spread from 24 to 60 cities next year, and to at least 150 cities the following year.
"The goal is to make this available to as many people as possible around the country," he said.
The benefit of the Food Project model is that it gathers a steady supply of food throughout the year for food banks and other distribution points.
Traditionally, food banks get a surge of donations during the holidays and from occasional food drives, but see supplies dwindle at other times of the year.
Reach Ashland Daily Tidings reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-479-8199 or email@example.com.
Donation method grows through cyberspace
New software will help the Food Project's food donation model spread to other cities around the nation, according to board President John Javna.


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Dolphin Music Education: Web Site Updated
The Education Pages of the Dolphin Music Website will be replaced with a new format offering education pricing, helpful advice and information, system profiles and buying guides. The development of these pages will be ongoing as new products and content are added. Again, we invite you to contribute to what we hope will become a very valuable resource for our education customers. Systems profiles, accounts of your projects and good practice, teaching materials, new products or ideas for using music technology in creative and fun ways would all be welcome. We would love to read your submissions and will include the best either in the newsletter and/or on the education web pages at www.dolphinmusic.co.uk. Each submission we use will be entered into the monthly prize draw where we offer gift vouchers or promotional items to the winners.
Help us to support you, our education customers, by letting us know your views and suggestions about how we can improve our service and the Dolphin Music Education Web Pages.


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"You get a real one," the nice lady remarked as she handed me the glittering crown. "There is a restroom right down the hall if you need a mirror."
"You get a real one," the nice lady remarked as she handed me the glittering crown. "There is a restroom right down the hall if you need a mirror."
Me? A crown? But I followed the lady's directions to the mirror and carefully, so carefully, placed the shimmering crown on my head.
As I stepped out of the restroom with the crown perched precisely in place, another lady stopped me with a question. "Is this the first time you ever wore a crown?"
I am definitely not a former beauty queen. In fact, I am a former short, chubby girl, certainly not the beauty queen type. But actually, there was this one time. I looked at my mother for support.
"Well," I began to answer, "I guess I did wear a crown once years ago. I was a senior in high school." Again, I looked at my mother. Even now it seemed farfetched that I could have been any kind of queen. I needed my mother to vouch for me. "If I remember right, I was crowned Christmas Queen my senior year in high school."
My mother must have read my mind because she immediately corroborated my story. "That's right," my mother echoed. "I remember when you were the Christmas Queen at school."
I was glad that she had remembered. I was also glad that my picture was taken and put in my senior yearbook with the crown on my head. Otherwise, I may not have even believed it myself.
The truth is, there is a long, sad story behind that smiling royal picture. I can't remember all the details, but I do know that I had been selected to represent somebody, maybe the Beta Club, to be on the Christmas Queen's court. The queen was to be selected from the girls who had been chosen to the court and would be crowned at the school Christmas dance.
The voting had occurred earlier in the week and on the crowning night, each member of the queen's court would be presented with her escort right before the actual queen was announced. But there is one detail about the whole sordid ordeal that I did remember vividly. I needed an escort, and I didn't have one.
I didn't have a steady boyfriend at the time. Neither did I have a close male friend who I could ask to escort me. My brothers were too young and besides, all the other girls would have football players or somebody special to escort them. I almost made myself sick dreading the night of the dance.
Finally I had moaned and groaned to one of my friends so much that she offered to "loan" me her boyfriend for the night. He was a cute football player, just the type of guy I would have wanted to escort me.
He even agreed to do it. At first I didn't think I could go through with it. But as the dance quickly approached with still no escort in sight, I took my friend up on her offer. I was humiliated.
On the night of the dance I sat in the corner and smiled my fake wallflower smile until halfway through the dance when the queen's court was called to the center of the dance floor. Immediately, my pretend escort was at my side, walking me out on the floor as they introduced me and the other girls to the crowd. Then came the announcement that everyone had been waiting for. "And the Christmas Queen of East Davidson High School for the 1974-75 school year is …" Me. That's right. I almost fainted when I heard the announcer call my name.
Suddenly the music blared and my pretend escort was nowhere in sight. He had been pushed to the side after the announcement. Suddenly there was a line of would-be escorts, all waiting to dance with the newly crowned queen. I started to wonder where all those boys were when I was looking for an escort, or during the first half of the dance for that matter, but I quickly pushed those thoughts out of my head. I was the queen for the night and, at least for this one night, I was going to enjoy it.
I shook the old memories out of my head as I reached up to make sure my crown was still on straight. It had been more than 35 years since a crown had sat on this head, and I was a little unsteady, but again, I heard my name announced and knew it was time for me to move up to the podium. I had been asked to speak at a women's event at New Testament Baptist Church in Lexington. The theme was "Queens for a Day, Heirs to His Throne." Thus, the crown.
It was a wonderful day of praise and worship. I spoke about an unlikely queen, an orphan girl named Esther who listened to wise counsel, prayed and fasted, obeyed and honored God, and ultimately helped save the lives of a whole race of people.
As I spoke, I thought about the glittering crown on my head. Even before the day came to an end, I knew that the crown would again be put away, just like the crown that I had worn so long ago. But I also knew that I was more than a "queen for a day," an earthly queen who reigned once every 35 years or so. I am a real queen. Not because of outward beauty or a shimmering crown and certainly not because of anything I do or say. No, it is because I have a relationship with the King. King Jesus, that is.
I guess that is why the words spoken to Esther by her cousin, Mordecai, still echo in my heart as I am sure they echoed in her heart so long ago. "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
Yes, for such a time as this. A royal position. An heir to his throne.
Crown or no crown. A queen.
Donna Tobin Smith is pianist and Sunday school teacher at Bethel United Methodist Church in Thomasville.