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Credit score Suisse (CSGN.S) will certainly elevate about 4 billion Swiss francs ($ 4 billion) with a legal rights offering to reach European opponents on funding, abandoning strategies to drift a minority risk in its Swiss financial device.
" We anticipate the funding rise will certainly reinforce our pro forma look-through CET1 proportion to roughly 13.4 percent and also our pro forma look-through rate 1 take advantage of proportion to roughly 5.1 percent, based upon our end-1Q17risk-weighted properties and also take advantage of direct exposures," Zurich-based Credit score Suisse stated in a declaration on Wednesday.
Switzerland's second-biggest financial institution additionally reported internet earnings of 596 million francs for the very first 3 months of 2017, its greatest quarterly earnings because a sweeping restructuring by President Tidjane Thiam and also defeating the typical quote in a Reuters survey of experts.


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At India's Sri Angalaparameswariamman Temple, villagers hung up a sign soliciting for donations for remodeling. Incidentally, they accompanied this sign with a 15-foot-tall statute of the goddess Angalaamman tearing out a woman's organs and bandying around a miniature naked manikin.
These are the kind of in-your-face tactics you won't learn in namby-pamby business school. I've made up a new verb for this: "outglengarryglenross." As in, "This statue outglengarryglenrosses Glengarry Glen Ross."
[Via Asia Obscura]

subset: commoncrawl


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Building Healthier Desserts
Processors have been trying for nearly a generation to bridge the gulf between the reality of dessert and the concept of health.
While the successful merger that is a "healthy dessert" does occasionally occur — think of now-ubiquitous frozen yogurt — the bottom of the great divide is littered with failures that seemed so perfect when they made the jump (e.g., candy bars laced with concentrated polyphenols, high-fiber ice cream or flax-and-quinoa cookies).
The dessert items receiving the brunt of healthy treatments certainly would be baked goods, such as cakes and cookies. "For some people, the idea of a healthy dessert is a misnomer, but I think the incorporation of ingredients such as whole grains can readily make them healthier," says Aaron Clanton, baking curriculum manager at Manhattan, Kan.-based American Institute of Baking (AIB). "But these ingredients do change the baking aspects of products -- such as the mixing -- so processes and formulas need to be adjusted."
The challenge to adding whole grain ingredients to desserts is to keep the familiar texture. Ultragrain from ConAgra Mills, Omaha, Neb., is a "white" whole-grain flour from a proprietary variety of wheat specially grown to have a sweeter, milder taste and lighter color than conventional wheat and wheat flour products.
Via advanced milling technology, Ultragrain flour maintains a mild taste and creates its smooth texture while still preserving the content of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as vitamins and minerals typical of whole-wheat bran and germ. These nutritive components are not found in refined flours. The combination makes Ultragrain a whole grain product with the taste, look and texture properties of refined flour.
Including whole grains enhances the nutrient density of desserts as does increasing fiber content. Another ConAgra whole grain, Sustagrain Barley, relies on a unique macronutrient composition for its health "sell." More than half of its carbohydrate content is composed of dietary fiber, with 40 percent of that fiber content in the form of beta glucans. This form of fiber has a proven cholesterol-lowering effect. At around three times the total dietary and soluble fiber of conventional whole-grain flours, Sustagrain Barley has a low starch content and is designed for boosting the fiber of formulations rather than the bulk.
Lowering calories-per-weight has proven to be a good way of creating healthier desserts, and fiber is an effective medium. SunOpta Inc., Minnetonka, Minn., offers a family of insoluble fibers from sources such as oat, soy and pea as well as multi-fiber blends. "All of these fibers can be used to create healthier desserts such as cakes and brownies, or dessert components such as pie crust, granola or crumb toppings," says Cathy Peterson, group vice president of applications and technical services. "Some have a soft enough texture and small enough particle size to be used to increase dietary fiber levels in creamy formulations such as cheesecake or in fruit toppings."
Adding fiber and water reduces the caloric density of the dessert, allowing the consumer to indulge in the serving size she is accustomed to rather than accepting a reduced portion size to reduce calories. "Insoluble fibers are virtually calorie-free and are excellent ingredients for reducing calories," continues Peterson. "Incorporating Canadian Harvest or SunOpta fibers into a brownie formula, for example, can reduce the calories by 20 to 30 percent without sacrificing the indulgent characteristics of the brownie."
Typically the biggest risk in employing fiber-based low-fat or fat-free ingredients is losing the indulgent, creamy texture fat provides. SunOpta also makes Barley Balance, a concentrated form of barley beta glucan designed to create hearth-healthy products. It also can be used at lower levels — as little as 1 percent — to improve the texture and mouthfeel of reduced-fat baked goods and other desserts. The soft gel that is created by the Barley Balance mimics the structure of fat and can increase the moistness and creaminess of products.
Sweet and low
While sweeteners have always been a big trend in healthier desserts, a lot of them fall short in performance when it comes to baking formulations. Simply put, many low- and no-cal sweeteners just can't provide the bulk many baked goods need. Even a natural sweetener such as stevia is limited, in this case because at 300 times the flavor intensity of sugar, it can't replace sucrose ounce for ounce.
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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Yo. Been cosplaying forever it seems. After putting it off for a while, decided to finally get around to uploading my pics on here (though truth be told, it's only been a few months since I even had that option thanks to ACE, haha). Uh, can't really think of much else to say.
EDIT: Holy crap my friends are right, it is all homestuck on here lately. -_-
I need to put all my other costumes on here, I have a backlog. And am lazy.
Celestial Shortcut URL:
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- SeekingElegance says, "I still love that you did this costume. It makes me happy. "
- For Charles from Penny Arcade
- SeekingElegance says, "YOU MUST WEAR THIS AGAIN. I WILL WEAR MY SAE COSTUME. IT WILL BE GLORIOUS."
- For Aburatsubo from Mahou Tsukai Tai
- hildechan says, "yess, good."
- For Aburatsubo from Mahou Tsukai Tai
- anna-neko says, "OMg, i remember you tryin to walk down a bunch of staircases in that thing!"
- For Aburatsubo from Mahou Tsukai Tai
- theonlyangel77 says, "geeze i remember this skit! it was my favorite that year and one that deff made me want to start doing skits... lol.. i never knew that was u!"
- For Soma Cruz from Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow


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Person #2 - Ya, I had to kodiak bear it.
Person #2 - Ya, I had to kodiak bear it.
by Cody Acbear September 11, 2007
a large religion teacher who is interrupting in his long religiously obessesed speeches by students asking questions such as, "is it gay if u wear a condom?" Occasionally grunts like a kodiak bear.
The kodiak bear is part of the daycare zoo along with the aflac duck
by Howard Dean April 22, 2004
buy the domain for your pet blog


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2013 Lexus GX 460 Values
Select a 2013 Lexus GX 460 trim level
2013 model year changes
The GX 460 Carries over into 2013 virtually unchanged.
Competitive comparison
Rugged body-on-frame construction; towing ability; luxurious interior; comfortable seating; strong powertrain; available tech and safety features
Special features for 2013
The GX 460 is a truck, rather than a car-like crossover utility vehicle-- and it's closely related to the Toyota 4Runner--so it has body-on-frame construction, an asset for anyone who tows regularly. The GX otherwise stands out for being especially well-equipped with both luxury-car comforts as well as useful off-road aids and safety-tech features. It might also prove more maneuverable and manageable versus a full-size luxury SUV such as a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
Unchanged for 2013, the Lexus GX 460 is a mid-size luxury SUV powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that yields 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. 4WD is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission resulting in a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. Fuel consumption is heavy at an EPA estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Features include 18-inch alloy wheels, backup camera, intuitive park assist, HID headlamps, dynamic radar cruise control, hands-free phone capabilities, heated steering wheel, and heated/ventilated front seats. Safety is comprised of class leading ten interior airbags, lane departure alert, vehicle stability features (VSC), adaptive front lighting, and smart stop technology (SST). The GX 460 is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.


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Find Our Latest Video Reviews on YouTube!
If you want to stay on top of all of our video reviews of the latest tech, be sure to check out and subscribe to the Gear Live YouTube channel, hosted by Andru Edwards! It's free!
Thursday October 7, 2004 3:29 pm
Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller
Posted by Andru Edwards - Categories: Video Games
In what has got to be classified as truly weird, and probably downright non-functional, Nuby Tech is developing a new controller for the Nintendo Gamecube which is inspired by the upcoming Resident Evil 4. While special game-based controllers are nothing out of the ordinary, usually it is just a different color scheme with controller remaining pretty much the same. Not so here, as my standard Gamecube controller looks nothing like a chainsaw. While it may be nice for collector's, I don't see much gameplay ability here. Look for the controller in stores in January.
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Muscle Maker Grill, a chain of eateries that serves food prepared with your health in mind, announced it opened a new Edgewater, New Jersey, restaurant at 824 River Road. Located down the street from the previous Edgewater Muscle Maker Grill, which closed in 2011, the new restaurant marks the fast-growing chain's 64th location nationwide.
"We are very excited to bring our healthy options back to the community of Edgewater and surrounding area," says Rod Silva, founder of Muscle Maker Grill. "Since our original Edgewater location closed, we have received an outpouring of requests to bring our unique menu and healthy alternative concept back to the area. We are thrilled to once again serve these loyal customers."
Franchise owner Izzy Sanchez decided to open a Muscle Maker Grill because he strongly believed in the chain's unique concept.
"Consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious and are looking for ways to eat well while dining out, however, they don't want to sacrifice flavor," Sanchez says. "Muscle Maker Grill offers a way for people to maintain their healthy eating habits while still enjoying the foods they love."
Muscle Maker Grill was founded in 1995 by Silva with the goal of offering a nutritious alternative to fast food restaurants. The rapidly growing chain fills a void in the marketplace for quick, convenient, healthy meal options. Muscle Maker Grill serves lean, protein-based dishes and offers a variety of fruit smoothies in an assortment of flavors.
The five times weekly e-newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest industry news and additions to this website.


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HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Jessi Campos has signed a national letter of intent to play women's tennis and will also play women's soccer for the Cobras.
Campos was a five-sport athlete in soccer, tennis, track, cross country and basketball at St. James High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C. She was named the Most Outstanding Female Shark Athlete her senior season, capping several accolades won on the court and the pitch during her high school career.
Campos' tennis accomplishments include four all-region selections, three team MVP awards and two "Toast of the Coast" selections.
"We are looking forward to having Jessi as a part of our tennis program," said head tennis coach Tom Simpson. "She is an outstanding athlete and competitor. I can't wait to see how her tennis game will blossom as she narrows her attention to only two sports."
In soccer, Campos, a forward, earned three all-region selections and won two team MVP awards.
"We are very happy to have Jessi join our family here at Coker," said Dan Muns, head women's soccer coach. "She is a fantastic athlete and influences the game every moment she is on the field. Jessi can play anywhere in the spine of the team, and we are excited see the impact she makes right away."
Campos becomes the fifth member of Muns' team to sign on from St. James High School in this class, joining Sarina Way, Taylor Marsh, Tiffany Marsh and Caitlyn Kirby.
Jessi is the daughter of Patti Campos.
For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of athletics media relations, at 843-383-8018 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.


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Cheyney University Senior Represents PA as White House HBCU All-Star
February 12, 2014
The only Pennsylvanian selected, Cheyney University senior Ahn-yea Graham is now an ambassador of President Obama's White House Initiative on HBCU's
The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCU) selected its first class of HBCU All-Stars and Cheyney University senior Ahn-Yea Graham was the only student chosen from the state of Pennsylvania. As one of 75 students named as a 2014 HBCU All-Star, Graham beat out nearly 300 other students from around the country because of his accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. He and the other HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.
"Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness," said George Cooper, executive director of the WHIHBCUs. "It is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities, and we look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama's college completion goal."
Over the course of the next year, through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations, Graham and his cohorts will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. In addition, the All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the WHIHBCUs, other Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.
The 21-year-old Graham, a Chester, PA native, is overjoyed that he will serve as an ambassador
of the White House Initiative on HBCU's through January 2015. "It's very humbling to receive this award. It only reinforces the fundamental principle that hard work pays off," the student leader remarked.
Confident, driven and competent, Graham is highly involved on campus and in the community, while maintaining a competitive GPA, excelling in the Keystone Honors Academy and holding key leadership roles in various organizations. He is the President of PA's first Collegiate 100 chapter of 100 Black Men of America., Inc., which he helped bring to Cheyney University, and Vice President of the Brotherhood Mentoring Program. Last year, he served as president of Cheyney University's student government and received the Provost's Award for Leadership. This past summer, Graham served as an intern at the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs with the United States Department of Labor. He has helped many students get involved on campus and unlock leadership potential that they did not even know they possessed.
"I hope that this award and my hard work shows that no matter what your circumstances are, you can still rise to meet your expectations and rise above them."
Graham and the other All-Stars will participate in The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans (WHIEEAA) Summit Series on Improving Education for African American Children and Youth. Cosponsored by Ebony magazine, the summit series is being launched to identify ways to improve the academic achievement of African American students and better prepare them for college and career. The series will bring together leaders in education, business and other fields for conversations about what is needed to keep students engaged in school and supported in learning and development opportunities beginning at birth. The summits will also highlight individuals and organizations that are successfully supporting educational excellence for African Americans. A third goal is to focus on creating opportunities for parents, grandparents, guardians, and other caring adults in the community to increase the number African Americans who graduate from high school prepared for future success.
To accomplish President Obama's ambitious goal of America again having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, African American students have to be better prepared for college and career through raising standards for our nation's schools. In July 2012, President Obama launched the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans to help accelerate national efforts to support African American students.
After graduating from Cheyney in May, Graham will work in Philadelphia with City Year, an AmeriCorps non-profit program that is education-focused and unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service to keep students in school and on track to graduation. "I will be working in the classroom assisting students," he says. After that, he hopes to attend law school and pursue JD and MBA degrees.


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|Tom Mularz
|Alec Smight
|Original Airdate
|March 11, 2010
|Previous Episode: Unshockable
|Next Episode: The Panty Sniffer
Neverland is the fifteenth episode in season ten of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
When a 14-year-old boy is found murdered, the CSI's uncovers evidence that might link his death to an old murder case that had recently resurfaced.
An anonymous 911 call early in the morning from a payphone alerts the CSIs to the body of a boy dumped in the desert. Doc Robbins determines that the boy likely died 4 to 8 hours ago from a blow to the head and discovers blood underneath his fingernails.
Nick finds a compass, a pocket knife, a flashlight and a candy bar on the boy, as well as an ID lanyard from East Las Vegas High School which indicates that the boy, whose name is Will Sutter, was at least 14 years old. Will's tearful mother, Rebecca, tells Brass that she didn't check on Will when she got home from the club where she works the night before. She says Will's father isn't in his life, but she names two of Will's friends: Mason Ward and Steve Reppling.
Greg and Langston search the house for clues, finding no signs of forced entry, indicating Will left of his own accord. Greg opens his computer and finds recent online activity—the last thing he looked at was an article on tribal coming-of-age rituals. Nick and Sara speak with Will's two friends, Mason and Steve. Mason, the son of a police officer, tells Nick that Will wasn't fun anymore—he was still a child, while Mason and Steve were into more "grown up" things, like girls and working out.
Steve tells Sara that he last saw Will at school the day before, but Sara senses that something is off with the kid which is confirmed when Steve throws up and she smells tequila on him. Hodges tells Catherine he's identified two fibers from Will's body: one is from bedding, but the other is from the carpet of a 1970′s green Cadillac, likely from the vehicle's trunk.
Archie goes over Will's computer and discovers that Will was exchanging e-mails from a librarian from Henderson. Langston questions Craig Lifford, the librarian who tells him he met Will on a history forum on the internet. He admits to arranging to meet up with the boy to explore an old mine, but insists that the meeting never happened. Langston is skeptical, especially when he notices scratches on Craig's wrists. Wendy throws the CSIs a major curveball when she matches the blood under Will's fingernails to a man named Simon Rose, who was a suspect in a case Sara worked. He was convicted of murdering his wife, Samantha Rose and has been in prison for the last two-and-a-half years. Sara reviews the Rose case with the team, telling them that the police had been out to Simon's house on several domestic battery calls before Samantha was murdered. She's convinced Simon is guilty, and suspects his legal team of planting the blood on Will.
Simon's attorney, Lynn Stagner, immediately goes to the press and claims Simon was wrongly convicted and that someone else with identical DNA must have murdered Samantha Rose. She posits to Brass that one of Simon's many business enemies might have framed him. Langston goes to the prison to examine Simon Rose and gets a disconcerting "hello" from Nate Haskell via a fellow prisoner.
Langston examines Simon and takes note of a cut on his neck. Sara goes to the evidence warehouse and speaks with the guard, George Anderson. George shows her that no one has signed the Rose evidence out since the original trial, but Sara stops cold in her tracks when she discovers a green Cadillac in the parking lot. She asks George who the car belongs to, and is surprised when he answers that it's his. She gets him to open the trunk and finds a candy wrapper inside like the one found on Will.
Sara arrests George. George admits that he was on his rounds when he caught Will digging around in the Rose evidence. He startled Will, who fell and struck his head and died. Afraid that Will's intrusion would jeopardize his job, George put his body in the trunk of his car and dumped him away from the building, then called 911 to file an anonymous report. Nick and Langston examine the evidence locker, trying to figure out what Will was doing there.
Nick finds a piece of paper with the number of the Rose case on it, and an algebra equation on the back. Wondering if Simon Rose's attorney had paid Will off to tamper with the evidence, Catherine questions Mrs. Sutter about a recent $10,000 deposit into her bank account. She tells Catherine that Will's father got drunk and won some money and gave her some of it for child support. When he sobered up and wanted it back, she refused.
Trying to figure out how Will got into the evidence locker, Archie and Nick go over the surveillance videos and see a bloody couch being brought in as evidence. Recalling the bedding fibers on the boy, Nick and Langston head back to the locker and discover the couch covered in fish blood which was a decoy. The inside was hollowed out so that Will could hide inside while the bloody couch was transported into the evidence locker by officers believing it was covered in human blood.
After a call about the couch is traced to the station, Brass talks to Kenneth Ward, Mason's dad. Kenneth confirms that Mason was visiting him at the office that day, and recognizes the couch as one from his garage. Brass and Kenneth go to the Ward residence to speak to Mason and find him badly beaten on the floor of his room. Mason is taken to the hospital, while Greg and Nick scour his room.
Greg finds the algebra homework the piece of paper from the evidence locker was torn from, while Nick discovers the bat used to strike Mason—as well as attorney Lynn Stagner's card. Brass asks Lynn about the card, and she tells him that Mason came up to her trying to extort five thousand dollars to not claim that she paid Will to sneak into the Rose evidence locker. She gave Mason $200 for cab fare and sent him packing. Catherine matches the print on the bat used to strike Mason to prints found on a bong at a vacant home that was set on fire on Rose Street.
Recalling that Mason was in his father's office using the computer, Catherine believes that Mason was looking up information about the house on Rose Street because he and Steve had something to do with the fire and accidentally came up with the number for the Simon Rose case. Noticing an empty bottle of tequila was found at the scene, Sara immediately thinks of Steve Reppling.
The CSIs find Steve at the house on Rose Street, having set the house on fire. Sara and Langston rescue Steve, who admits that he and Mason were drinking and smoking up in the house. After the house caught on fire and the police came to get the evidence, the boys went to Will to retrieve it, fearing that their prints would incriminate them.
Mason looked up the evidence, but he got the wrong locker number and they sent Will in to retrieve it, which ended in Will's death. When Mason decided to try to extort money from Lynn and profit from Will's death, Steve attacked him, feeling as though he and Mason had let Will down.
Main Cast
- Laurence Fishburne as Raymond Langston
- Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows
- George Eads as Nick Stokes
- Eric Szmanda as Greg Sanders
- Robert David Hall as Dr. Al Robbins
- David Berman as David Phillips
- Wallace Langham as David Hodges
- Paul Guilfoyle as Jim Brass
Guest Cast
- Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle
- Archie Kao as Archie Johnson
- Faith Prince as Lynn Stagner
- James Keane as George Anderson
- Valerie Dillman as Rebecca Sutter
- Aidan Gould as Will Sutter (victim)
- Nathan Kress as Mason Ward
- Noah Gray-Cabey as Steve Reppling
- Eddie Jemison as Craig Lifford
- Jason Brooks as Simon Rose
- MarilyneRose Mari as Samantha Rose Davids (2006 victim)
- James Macdonald as Officer Kenneth Ward
- Edward Gusts as Trustee
- Gabriel Salvador as Corrections Officer
- Sara Sidle: Steve, you don't look so good. Are you feeling okay?
- Steve Reppling: Yeah, I'm fine.
- Sara Sidle: Look, I know what you mean about moving on to other things. When I was your age, I couldn't get there quick enough. I started to wish there was some magic potion I could swallow to make myself older, cooler - turned out there was. The down side was, the next day, I would feel awful: my mouth would be dry, my head would be pounding, and I could smell this sweet, sugary poison seeping out of my pores.
- Steve Reppling: (vomits watery liquid onto the floor)
- Sara Sidle: You're a tequila man, huh Steve?
See Also
- List of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episodes
- CSI:Crime Scene Investigation Season 10
- Category:Images from Neverland
|CSI:Las Vegas Season 10
|Family Affair • Ghost Town • Working Stiffs • Coup de Grace • Bloodsport • Death & The Maiden • The Lost Girls • Lover's Lanes • Appendicitement • Better Off Dead • Sin City Blue • Long Ball • Internal Combustion • Unshockable • Neverland • The Panty Sniffer • Irradiator • Field Mice • World's End • Take My Life, Please! • Lost & Found • Doctor Who • Meat Jekyll


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Bangalore, Dec 11: The new Nokia Asha 205 mobile phone now includes a bulit-in dedicated Facebook button.
It is the first Nokia phone that includes such a key, and is also the most affordable querty from the company, priced at Rs 3,499.
"Young consumers are increasingly using Facebook for communication, socialising and entertaining. The launch of the Nokia Asha 205 responds to this growing demand and gives a unique option for consumers at an affordable price point", Viral Oza, Director Marketing, Nokia India, told reporters here today.
Kevin D'Souza, Country Growth Manager, Facebook India, said Facebook has 65 million active users in this country.
Nokia has also included 'Slam' feature in Asha 205. Slam allows consumers to share multimedia content like photos, music and video with nearby friends almost instantly, Nokia officials said.
Slam works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones without the need to pair devices, and without the recipient needing to also have Slam, they said.
"In just a few clicks, people can 'Slam' their content to another device faster than Bluetooth alone and without consuming internet data", Nokia said.


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Features & Specs
Durable 304, 18/8 stainless steel for a lifetime of reliable use.
Double wall insulation helps keep your beverage warm and protected while on the go.
Elegant press-fit lid ensures that you won't spill a drop of your favorite beverage.
Welded handle for a secure grip
Major Dimension: 10 fl oz
Weight: 5.8 oz.
10 fl. oz. Double Wall Cup, Lid
Customer Reviews
Support & Warranty
WARNING: Hand wash with mild detergent in hot water after use. Always rinse cup before and after each use. Only use non-abrasive cloths and cleaners. Dishwashers may prematurely age components. Do not expose to bleach or cleansers containing bleach or ammonia. Flavor may be affected if used to store liquids for longer than three days continuously.
CAUTION: Not for stovetop, microwave or oven use. Do not freeze. Not for use with acidic substances. Contents may be very hot. Do not fill with carbonated or fermentable beverages. Always ensure that lid is closed securely before transport. Handle with care. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Hot liquids can burn.
All GSI Outdoors products purchased in North America are fully warrantied to the original owner against manufacturer's defects in materials and workmanship.
Normal wear and tear, which includes, but is not limited to, scuffs, dust, dirt, abrasion, etc., is not a valid reason for a warranty return. Repairs due to accident, improper care, or negligence will be performed at a reasonable charge.
Accessories & Parts


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COMMERCE CITY CO (Official Rapids Release) - The Colorado Rapids and Kroenke Sports Enterprises announced today that the Colorado-based Major League Soccer club has forged a club-to-club partnership with Club de Futbol Pachuca champions of the Primera Division de Mexico.
The establishment of the Pachuca Academy at Dick's Sporting Goods Park highlights the alliance which also includes a home-and-home annual series between the clubs and an exchange of best practices.
"We are very pleased to establish a relationship with a club that has built one of the leading brands in all of Latin American sports KSE Executive Vice President Paul Andrews said. "We are looking forward to a successful alliance that will help continue the expansion of our sport well into the future."
The Pachuca Academy will be the only one of its kind in the United States and will be administered in partnership with ProSport a sports consultancy headquartered in Mexico City and led in part by former Mexican national team legend Enrique Borja.
The Rapids and CF Pachuca also will conduct their respective preseason trainings at each other's home ground.
"This partnership with Pachuca a team that has recently won the Mexican Premier Division as well as the CONCACAF Champions' Cup is a major part of our continued effort to maintain a global presence Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush said. "We are delighted to be the only American club to partner with one of the most successful sports organizations in this hemisphere and truly the world."
CF Pachuca established in 1901 is the oldest club in Mexico and has recently become one of the most successful. The "Tuzos" have won five Mexican Premier Division titles in the last 10 years two CONCACAF Champions' Cups – winning the club championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean in 2002 and 2007 – and the Copa Sudamerica in 2006.
This is the second international club partnership forged by the Colorado Rapids in 2007 their 12th year of existence. The MLS side who are currently enjoying a banner year in their first season at their brand-new home in the state-of-the-art Dick's Sporting Goods Park complex announced their first club-to-club partnership with the English Premier League's Arsenal FC on February 9th of this year.


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The New Ofsted Framework for Teaching and Learning
The new framework completes the shift of attention in recent years away from the evaluation of teaching to the evaluation of the learning taking place.
The inspectors will be looking for evidence of the PROGRESS the pupils have made in the lesson (note that this makes it essential to include a good plenary, in which the pupils focus naturally on the learning outcomes). As well as the actual content of the lesson, inspectors will expect the teacher to have appropriately taken into account the pupils prior learning, and evidence of consistent achievement in the pupils exercise books a one-off spectacular will not secure a high level.
Levels are awarded 17 against four distinct elements:
1. Teaching: what the teacher is doing.
2. Learning: the activities and processes the children go through.
3. Achievement: how much theyve moved forward during the lesson.
4. Standards: the absolute standard of the class against the national average for the pupils age.
Note that it is much more important to succeed with elements 2 and 3 than to be good at 1. The teacher cannot do anything about element 4, and it is quite feasible that a brilliant lesson with a special needs class could score 1,1,1,6.
The inspector may also choose to award (or not award) levels against any or all of the following where evidence in the lesson justifies a comment:
Pupils attitudes, values and personal qualities
Guidance and support
though these are less about the quality of your lesson, than about gathering exemplar evidence for the quality of these things across the school.
Clear descriptors are provided for the 7 levels, as follows:
2 Very Good:
All pupils are engrossed in their work and make considerably better progress than might be expected. Achievement is very high. Teaching is stimulating, enthusiastic and consistently challenging, stemming from expert knowledge of the curriculum, how to teach it and how pupils learn. There are excellent relationships in the classroom. Teaching methods are well selected and time is used very productively for independent and collaborative work. Activities and demands are matched sensitively to pupils' needs. Well-directed teaching assistants, and paired or joint teaching, reinforce and strongly support learning. Non-classroom-based Key Stage 4 and sixth-form activities such as private study, research and work placements, develop competencies very effectively.
3 Good
Most pupils make good progress and achieve well. Teaching methods are imaginative and lead to a high level of interest from most pupils. Individual needs are well catered for, and teaching assistants are well deployed and make a significant contribution. Adults relate well to pupils and expect them to work hard, but the level of challenge is realistic and pupils are productive. Staff understand the next steps pupils need to take in their learning and they provide a wide range of activities to help . them learn. Homework is challenging and extended assignments, for example in the sixth form, effectively extend what is learned in lessons.
4 Satisfactory
Most pupils' learning and progress are at least satisfactory. Teaching is accurate; teachers have secure understanding of the curriculum and the teaching of key skills. They seek to make work interesting and varied, and they involve pupils productively. Pupils understand what they are expected to do, and tasks have sufficient challenge to keep them working well, independently or co-operatively. The school provides successfully for pupils who do not respond well to school or who have difficulties in learning. Relationships are constructive and there is sensitivity to the needs of individuals and groups. Support staff are adequately managed and soundly contribute to pupils' learning. Homework extends class learning well. Pupils are given scope to make choices and apply their own ideas.
Learning cannot be satisfactory if any of the following characteristics are evident:
5 Unsatisfactory
A significant proportion of pupils make limited progress and underachieve. Teaching is dull and fails to capture pupils' interest and enthusiasm. Activities are mundane and, because of limited tuning to individuals' needs, some pupils get little from them. Greater effort is exerted on managing behaviour than learning. Some pupils are easily distracted and lack the motivation to work. Staff have an incomplete understanding of subjects or courses, resulting in patchy coverage. Their sights may be set too low and they may accept pupils' efforts too readily. Support staff provide an extra pair of hands, but little effective support for learning.
6 Poor
Many pupils underachieve and make little or no progress. Teaching lacks challenge and little or no account is taken of what pupils already know. Groups of pupils may not be able to cope, and may disengage or misbehave. Inaccuracies in teaching show insecurity in the subject matter or in understanding how pupils learn. Many pupils are unwilling to work without supervision, and group work is unproductive. Support staff are poorly managed, lack knowledge and skills, and contribute little.
If you read the descriptors, you can see that the inspectors are looking at eight competencies:
1. Progress and achievement
2. Teaching
3. Pupil repsonse
4. Relationships
5. Challenge
6. Differentiation
7. Teaching assistants
8. Homework
I have split these up into a grid which you are welcome to download and use from www.greenfield.durham.sch.uk/Wordfiles/ofsted.doc. It will allow teachers to rate and improve their own teaching, and observers to evaluate the lesson.
It is not expected that a lesson will achieve at a consistent level throughout the hour inspectors will be looking to find the critical mass which puts a lesson at a certain level, rather than a purple patch of the lesson. Note that the inspectors are especially hoping to see interactivity in the learning, together with pace and differentiated challenge.
However, factual errors in the teaching disqualify, and staffs attention is drawn to the separator statement between level 4: satisfactory and level 5: unsatisfactory A lesson cannot be satisfactory if ANY of the following characteristics are evident.
Other points:
A school-accepted lesson plan is expected. We have this, and I feel it is still suitable.
The trigger for special measures is 10% lessons unsatisfactory or worse.


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Silverstone Fortress Review
SilverStone is a company that was founded in 2003, and prides itself on being one of the best in the computer components market, producing cases, power supplies, cooling supplies such as heat sinks and fans, storage devices, and other accessories. The company's focus is to deliver high quality products that are designed well, and satisfy the end user.
SilverStone Technology's philosophy is based on our recognition that merely having innovative expertise within the industry is not enough. Our objective is to ensure that our expertise is delivered to all products with consistency, in response to user's needs, and with maximum user satisfaction. SilverStone Technology thrives on challenges of rapid technological advancements and creating aesthetic standard for the industry.
The SilverStone Fortress FT01 is a new uni-body all-aluminum case redesigned from the highly popular Temjin TJ07. The new design is smaller, and aimed for the high-end Mid ATX market, with room for even large video cards – readily fitting 10.5" cards, and can accommodate 12" workstation cards with part of the hard drive rack being removed. Lined with sound-dampening foam, and cooled with large quiet fans - this case is great for the silence enthusiasts. The Fortress tested today is the windowed version.
Closer Look:
The case is packed inside a very glossy, beautiful box filled with details and features of the case, with pictures of the case at various angles are posed around – giving a good representation of what to expect inside. The box is held together with copper staples and tape, and received minor scrapes during shipping.
The case is well protected inside, being spaced far away from the sides of the shipping box with foam, and protected from scratches and dust with a plastic bag.
We shall see how well this case stands up to its name!


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GEF/Reference Documentation
Revision as of 09:00, 17 October 2013 by Alexander.nyssen.itemis.de (Talk | contribs)
Reference documentation for Draw2d and GEF (MVC) 3.x and Zest 1.x is provided in form of the GEF Developer Guide, which can be found in the Eclipse Help (Zest 1.x documentation is included since Kepler, see Bug 394137 for details). It contains the respective Programmer's Guides as well as the API References (Javadoc) for the three components. There is also some "unofficial" Draw2d/GEF (MVC) documentation provided by Régis Lemaigre ( Part 1 & Part 2).
Documentation about GEF4 can be found under the respective GEF4 components pages in this wiki.
There are also several Articles, Tutorials and Slides.
Additional Documentation Links
- New and Noteworthy
- Reference Documentation
- Examples
- Developer FAQ
- Troubleshooting Guide


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TUSCALOOSA | Teddy Keaton is always looking for an edge. Stillman College's head football coach has spent the offseason tweaking his football staff to bring in some fresh ideas and a couple of familiar faces.
TUSCALOOSA | Teddy Keaton is always looking for an edge. Stillman College's head football coach has spent the offseason tweaking his football staff to bring in some fresh ideas and a couple of familiar faces.
Keaton has promoted Steve Mares, quarterbacks coach for the Tigers, to offensive coordinator, allowing the head coach to give up play-calling responsibilities so he can better oversee the entire team operation. Mares played under current University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban in the early 2000s while Saban was at LSU.
"He's determined to be great," Keaton said of Mares. "I felt like it was time to turn it over to someone else. I know someone gave me an opportunity when I was a young coach and this was a chance for me to do the same thing.
"He understands what I want. He knows what we want to do offensively."
On the defensive side, Keaton brought Jo Nixon — a former assistant at Stillman — back to coach linebackers. Nixon coached most recently at Arkansas Tech. And Keaton has added Jerome Jennings, former head coach at Central High, to coach the defensive secondary.
"We're a young staff," Keaton said. "We're all fussers and yellers and you've got to have the one guy who has that leadership and the maturity thing and wisdom. He can go pat them on the back and say keep working hard, keep fighting. I was looking for somebody like that to be around as part of the staff."
The Tigers went 6-5 last season. Keaton is proud to see heavy participation in the offseason conditioning program. Players have worked in groups in football drills, which coaches cannot supervise in the summer due to NCAA rules.
"I've got a lot of positive feedback," Keaton said. "They've worked hard according to the people who tell me. They've done really well in the weight room and their 7-on-7s went well from what I've heard. This is a new team, a new season and a new attitude. I feel like a lot of the kids have devoted themselves and I'm really proud of them."
"Amazingly, we had 50-something players here for the summer. They've all gone home for their break now."
Stillman opens with Concordia of Selma at home on Sept. 7, then has three straight road games: at Clark Atlanta, at St. Augustine's in North Carolina and at Kentucky State.
"That road stretch kind of concerns me a little bit," Keaton said, "but I kind of start at the top of it and Concordia is our first game. We want to focus on that and focus on us and let's see what we do well."
The meat of Stillman's schedule comes after the road swing – home games against Lane, Benedict, Central State and Miles, with an Oct. 19 road trip to Tuskegee.
The highlight for Stillman supporters comes Nov. 28 on Thanksgiving in the Turkey Day Classic in Montgomery against Alabama State. The Hornets play at the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, with more scholarships and resources than Division II Stillman, but Keaton invites the challenge.
"That's a big game for our fans, for our team," Keaton said. "For everybody involved that's got to be the biggest game for our program in a long time, but we're going to approach it the same way we do any other game. We want to do well in it."
Reach Tommy Deas at firstname.lastname@example.com or at 205-722-0224.


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LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS are being denied access to treatment and healthcare because of their sexual orientation, a Ugandan bishop who campaigns for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community said.
Bishop Christopher Senyonjo said the number of LGBT people with HIV/AIDS in the east African country is on the increase and prejudice and ignorance mean they are often marginalised and forced into hiding.
"This is being reported by people working with HIV/AIDS … [who say infection rates] are rising and that there is fear," he told Thomson Reuters Foundation in a telephone interview from Uganda. "People need to understand that people don't need to be punished … for their sexual orientation."
Across sub-Saharan Africa, more and more people are being harassed, attacked and shunned because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, Amnesty International said in a report this week. Of the 78 countries in the world that criminalise homosexuality, 38 are in Africa.
Amnesty said Uganda was one of the most backward countries in terms of LGBT rights, mostly due to numerous attempts to pass an anti-homosexuality bill – known locally as the "kill the gays" bill. If passed into law, it would impose a death penalty on those caught engaging in same-sex sexual conduct three times, those engaging in same-sex sexual conduct while HIV positive and those having sex with a minor.
Senyonjo called the bill, which is awaiting debate in parliament, "draconian".
Senyonjo, a former Anglican bishop who has been working with the LGBT community in Uganda since 2001, heads the St.Paul's Reconciliation and Equality Centre in the capital Kampala, a community-based organisation that runs various programmes ranging from healthcare for HIV-positive people to women's empowerment and care for orphans.
Senyonjo takes the approach of a "straight-gay people alliance" in which straight and gay people work together to eliminate prejudice and discrimination.
"I think educated people are coming to understand more that LGBT people are also humans who should be respected," although there remains a good deal of fear among large segments of the population who are less well educated, he said.
Misinformation and ignorance breed prejudice, Senyonjo added: "Most people in Uganda are against LGBT people. They need a lot of sensitisation and this is what we are trying to do. If you give knowledge, I think you will change attitudes."
Anti-homosexual sentiment is rife in the conservative east African country where gays are often forced to live secretive lives and hide away to avoid harassment and persecution.
The anti-gay bill, which was introduced in 2009, caused a wave of persecution in Uganda, with media outlets publishing names and addresses of people believed to be homosexuals and calling for their execution, but the rise of the evangelical church has led to a further increase in anti-gay sentiment.
Activists accuse Ugandan-born pastors of spreading propaganda, including that homosexuals are "recruiting" young children and argue that the anti-homosexuality bill was introduced after a March 2009 conference in Kampala that hosted representatives from the U.S. "ex-gay" movement, which seeks to encourage people to refrain from same-sex behaviour, including evangelical pastor Scott Lively.
"They are evicted by their families and at school they are definitely mistreated," Senyonjo said of gay Ugandans.
The centre he founded helps those who have been estranged from their families by offering counselling and by reaching out to relatives in the hope of changing hearts and minds. But some people are so scared of repercussions that eventually they flee the country, he said.
Bishop Senyonjo has appeared in two documentaries about LGBTI people in Uganda, "Call me Kuchu" and "God Loves Uganda," the latter focusing on the campaign carried out by religious missionaries in Uganda to instil the values of right-wing American Christians.
Despite the fact the situation for gay people in Uganda remains "bleak", Senyonjo believes "there is hope for improvement as more and more educated people are becoming more and more understanding that homosexuality is not imported."
He rejected the often-used rhetoric that homosexuality is un-African, a perverted behaviour introduced during Western colonisation: "It's a human phenomenon … it has nothing to do with one choice or the other."
Senyonjo has encountered hostility because of his advocacy work and, in the early 2000s, the Church of Uganda revoked his religious titles. Despite this, he continued his work, convinced "the oppression and discrimination against [LGBT people] stems from misinformation and ignorance of the fact that human sexuality is both heterosexual and LGBT."
Last year, he was awarded the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his "visionary leadership" in the fight for human rights in Uganda.
"I do find misunderstandings and some hostility from some people, especially the leaders of my Church of Uganda," he said. "But this is gradually changing to understanding as I dialogue with them."
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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Several months ago, as chair of the ASIS Standards Committee, I invited all ASIS members to participate in the standards development process by reviewing NISO Z39.14 Writing Abstracts and helping the committee develop the comments and vote that ASIS would submit as a voting member of the National Information Standards Organization (NISO). Several members accepted my invitation, devoting a lot of time and energy to the process and providing committee members with valuable comments. We used those thoughts to develop the following paper that was submitted to NISO. I will keep the membership informed of the progression of this standard. In addition, I will once again solicit reviewers from the general membership on future votes when feasible.
At the conclusion of this article, I have provided a summary of all votes and actions that have been taken by NISO during the time I have served as chair of the ASIS Standards Committee.
If you are interested in serving on the Standards Committee, please contact me or Richard Hill at ASIS Headquarters with an indication of your interest.
ASIS is voting NO on Z39.14-199x with the following comments.
Major Comments:
"Print or on-line collections of abstracts accompanied by their bibliographic references that serve as alerting or retrospective access keys, or both, to original documents. Author abstracts are often used verbatim when they are well-written and where permitted by copyright. Otherwise, services either write original abstracts or revise the author's abstract to meet the needs of the service and on-line retrieval."[Note: in particular, delete the phrase "when the original one is inferior."]
In addition this section is very limiting. There are other purposes for having abstracts, such as to serve as an introductory overview for users who plan on reading a document, to facilitate free-text searching, to be used in abstracting and indexing databases, etc.
How about locating the abstract with the table of contents as an appropriate alternative in some cases? This is appropriate for some journals where the abstract at the beginning of the article would interfere with the style of presentation (e.g., Smithsonian Magazine). Since there is more electronic use of tables of content, the presence of the abstracts there obviously would enhance the value of such a listing.
For electronic abstracts some consideration should be given and mention made of delimiting them with standard tags or codes to facilitate the electronic handling of abstracts that are part of text files. Such delimiters would also facilitate locating abstracts, particularly in instances when the page format is nonexistent.
[Note: The use of "pamphlet" in the definition is puzzling. Also, there are forms of restricted distribution of government documents other than classification (e.g., limited distribution to non-US citizens); the statement should be broad enough to cover all such situations.]
This is one of the major flaws in the standard. It relegates all non-empirical documents to the indicative style, when, in fact, many historical, theoretical or philosophical writings would be better served by an informative abstract. This standard appears to disallow the writing of an informative abstract for any document other than one reporting on experimental work. Equal emphasis on the important elements of information to be included in an informative abstract of theoretical work should be provided.
Throughout Section 6, the standard presents "dos" and "don'ts" that are a matter of policy and should be determined by the purpose of the abstracts and how they are used. For example, in section 6.1.3 the priority list for what to do about too many results is subjective and should not be recommended universally.
The standard is unclear as to who its audience is. Although the standard states that it is intended for both abstractors who work for access services and authors, it may be unlikely that authors are familiar with many of the concepts (e.g., descriptors, identifiers) referred to. If the standard is indeed for use by authors those concepts should be explained as one cannot assume non-professionals are familiar with them.
In the last sentence, "in order" can be deleted.
Last paragraph. Amend 3rd sentence to "These statements may include essential background material and descriptions of the approaches used, aspects of the subject matter discussed or arguments presented in the text."
The second paragraph is very unclear. Here is a suggested rewriting of it:
"For the purposes of on-line retrieval, abstracts should have terminology that is (1) fully spelled out, (2) refers to the specifics of the document content, (3) places words directly adjacent to other words to represent concepts (e.g., 'middle class and working class' rather than 'middle and working class') and (4) avoids word adjacencies across punctuation that could lead to false retrieval (e.g., 'visibility through the periscope, detection of targets on sonar CRTs')."In addition an example should be provided of the standard practice of handling abbreviations the first time they are used - spell the term out the first time it is used followed by the abbreviation, then use abbreviations on subsequent uses.
Proposed reordering of the appendix:
Foreword: "Basic content must be quickly and accurately identifiable,. . ."
4.1: ". . . to identify the basic content of a document quickly and accurately; . . .
The idea of accurately portraying the content is surely implied.


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Image: Coffin Ray with its terminal meal
A Coffin Ray with its terminal meal, a Three-bar Porcupinefish. The fishes were washed up on Main Beach, Byron Bay, November 2005.
- Photographer:
- Lynda Clarke
- Rights:
- © Lynda Clarke
Last Updated:
Tags fishes, ichthyology, numbfish, Hypnos monopterygius, Hypnidae', Coffin Ray,


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A moonlit garden is enchanting, but sometimes the moon needs a little help shedding light on a garden's nighttime beauty. That's when it's time to turn to technology.>> read "Enchanted Evenings" #Design #Misc #Tech & Gadgets
Do you have a yard full of grass and a longing for fresh produce to feed your family? Why not install a kitchen garden? One that is easy to build and won't require much maintenance, where you can grow fresh veggies, small fruits, herbs, and maybe even some cut flowers.
Sound too good to be true? Follow these 5 simple steps and you will be growing in no time.
There was a time when I thought of water as a renewable resource. Deep down, I still want to believe this. Although our water supply is replenished (some years more than others), the distribution of water over my property varies. The gain doesn't always equal the loss though – some years we take more than nature gives.
Since I come from an area that receives an average of 44 inches of rain a year, you may be surprised to hear me touting waterwise garden design. Out West, this is a way of life. However, on the East Coast, we have experienced long periods of drought in recent years. If Raleigh's annual rainfall came as 1 inch every week, there would be little need for waterwise design. But it doesn't. Summers, in particular, can be hot and dry. It wasn't until we experienced the worst drought in 100 years, with outdoor watering restrictions and no major rain in sight, that I began to take note ...
Design tips for a beautiful garden at all levels
Each gardener, whether novice or experienced, begins a new garden full of fresh hopes and desires. Desires vary – one gardener may wish to grow fanciful flowers in a cutting garden; others may want a wildlife habitat with diverse plantings to feed birds, bees and butterflies. Another may want to grow a vegetable garden, with an added desire to make it as beautiful as it is functional.>> read "Short, Tall and In Between" #Advice #Design
Picture this: You are sitting by the fireplace in January and the stack of seed catalogs is next to you. You have a hot cup of cocoa and you are looking forward to digging into the catalogs. You have your Post-It Notes right there, too, because you are going to mark everything that you want to order and plant for the vegetable garden. You place all of your orders, and then all of sudden it's planting time and you can't quite figure out how you are going to fit all of those seeds (let alone the plants that you just picked up at the garden center) in your garden. Expanding the garden is not an option (at least that's what my husband keeps telling me every year but somehow it just gets bigger and bigger!).
Does this sound familiar? I used to be really bad at over purchasing seeds and plants. I figured that since I have room, it would be OK to just let the garden size creep another foot or two. Until this got out of control and I had an epiphany one summer a few years ago: A lot of the produce that I was planting was just going to waste. So I started planning my vegetable garden according to what we would consume ...
From plants to pathways, easy ways to handl tough sites
Many landscapes have at least some degree of slope. In certain situations, a slope can be a design asset, allowing you to create interesting features or place certain garden elements at eye level. But steep slopes can create mobility or erosion issues that sometimes require some type of landscaping solution. For walls higher than approximately 1 foot, UGA professor Paul Pugliese advises you seek the advice of a professional. But many slopes can be managed with simple, inexpensive approaches.>> read "Gardening on a Slope" #Design #Landscaping #Slopes
On a spring morning while visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens near Charleston, SC, I left the main pathways and walked onto a narrow trail that led among Spanish-moss draped magnolias and bald cypresses. The trail went past an open glade, wild in its tangle of wisteria vines and solitary azalea and camellia blossoms. It had an eerie and deserted look about it, and I was startled by a white figure standing in the far distance like a mirage. When I looked closer, I realized that it was a white marble statue of a woman. Suddenly this abandoned space came alive. It was inhabited by this lovely sculpture, and my eyes focused on the glistening figure standing evocatively among the tangled vegetation.>> read "Sculpture in the Garden" #Decorating #Design #Misc
Using texture for great garden theater
Thousands of opportunities to create real drama and beauty make designing a garden fun. But that can also be the rub: Things get overwhelming pretty quickly. A bit like staging a movie, how do you decide on the set and cast? Start by understanding what you need, why, and a good mental image of how that might look.>> read "Lights, Camera, Action!" #Design #Misc
Japanese gardens have weathered the test of time.
Principles originating centuries ago still guide and inspire garden designers in search of harmony and beauty. Japanese gardens are often described as beautiful, simple, serene and harmonious. For the aspiring designer, intimidating also comes to mind. Some design principles are consistent across all design disciplines, while others seem new and challenging to a Western-minded gardener. Let's explore the Japanese garden and discuss a few concepts that make this approach so enduring.
Using natural materials for your landscaping
More and more gardeners and landscapers are heading "back to the land." In addition to self-sufficiency, less pesticide use, growing heirloom vegetable varieties, urban homesteading, hardscaping using natural materials is also becoming more popular. This provides a wealth of natural materials for landscaping and design work.>> read "Natural Hardscaping" #Design #Hardscaping #Natives
Fences can fill a number of needs in the garden: They can enclose a space and define it, they can keep the dogs in or the neighbor's cats out, they often tell the gardener where to stop planting. But they can also become part of the planting and design scheme itself. That is, they can support plants and allow their form to be seen in their best light. Of course, the typical cottage garden picket fence does a great job – but construction is not always easy or cheap. There is an alternative though – a wood and wire fence.>> read "How to Build a Living Fence" #Design #Hardscaping #How to
Wind blowing, water flowing, grasses swaying and children playing – movement brings a garden to life.
It seems unimaginable for a garden to be still. Do you often find yourself looking at something moving from the corner of your eye, or do you look to a sound made by the moving wind? Movement engages you in the garden. Movement can be introduced with plants or personality; look around your garden to see how you can add more movement in your garden.
New from our Bloggers:
Gardening Through Generations
Generational gardening....
Jewels of the Spring Garden
Spring Garden Gems
Only Fifty Days to Go
Spring arrives March 20
Featured Books for Tennessee
Pamela Crawford
$ 19.95
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A complete guide to simple container gardening designed for anyone who has ever killed a plant. It includes illustrated instructions to create gorgeous, fool-proof container gardens that even you can't kill!
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Dorie Byers
$ 16.95
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>> more info
Enhance your health naturally with herbs from your own garden. Even if you've never gardened before, you can care for yourself and your family using time-tested herbal remedies harvested from your own medicinal herb garden. Master Gardener Dorie Byers offers simple growing instructions for more than 20 versatile medicinal herbs such as garlic, chamomile, and echinacea. You'll also find recipes and tips for using the herbs for first-aid and preventive health care.
>> more information


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EHS for Pharmaceutical Industry Companies (Environmental Management) in Guatemala
Need help finding the right suppliers? Try XPRT Sourcing. Let the XPRTs do the work for you
BUCHI is a leading solution provider in laboratory technology for R&D, quality control and production worldwide for more than 75 years. We serve a wide range of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food & beverage, feed, environmental analysis and academia. Determining pollutants in ...
Distributor in Guatemala, GUATEMALA.
We are a creative team of engineers, designers, technicians, and strategic thinkers who are passionate about water. We are determined to conceptualize, design, and deliver solutions that fit your unique needs. Aeration Industries International has the expertise and aeration equipment to provide a ...
Distributor in Guatemala, GUATEMALA.
Endress Hauser is leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. We offer comprehensive process solutions for flow, level, pressure, analysis, temperature, recording and digital communications across a wide range of industries, optimizing ...
Office in Guatemala, GUATEMALA.
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Montana senator's walkoff could kill key bills
A senator tries to speak as Democrats in the Montana Senate bang on their desks Friday afternoon at the state Capitol in Helena, Mont. Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune
Sen. Shannon Augare left a Friday session at the state Capitol to stop bills that could restrict voter access.
HELENA, Mont. -- Democrats in the Montana Senate are attempting to pull off a parliamentary procedure that could dramatically affect the remaining three weeks of the 2013 Legislative session.
Sen. Shannon Augare, D-Browning, left the Capitol Friday in order to set up a "Call of the Senate" procedure. According to the Associated Press, Republicans say Augare intentionally disappeared to force a stop to all business in the Senate on a critical deadline day for certain bills.
At issue are a pair of referenda the Senate passed on second reading Thursday that Democrats say could dramatically impact access to the ballot. Both measures, which are sponsored by Sen. Alan Olson, R-Roundup, must pass the Senate on third reading by the Saturday noon transmittal deadline or they are dead.
Sources say Democrats have deemed Senate Bill 405 and Senate Bill 408 so damaging to voter access – and Democrats' chances at the polls – that they're willing to risk the fate of key legislation – including Medicaid expansion, a state pension fix, education funding, etc. – to stop the measures from moving forward.
The first measure, SB405, would ask voters to eliminate same-day voter registration. The second bill, SB408 would put a referendum on the ballot that would create a "top two primary" system in which only the top two vote-getters would qualify for the November general election ballot.
As of 2:45 p.m. the Senate was officially in a caucus recess, and the House had not convened. Sources said leaders from the House and Senate were meeting in the Capitol to discuss the rules and try to figure out whether anything could be done to keep the Democrats from stopping action and killing the bills.
One question is whether either body had officially convened for business and thus started the clock ticking on the 71st legislative day. The Senate gaveled-in for the floor session at noon and Augare was absent. The Senate then broke into recess for caucus meetings.
It was then that news of the Democrats' plan to make a "Call of the Senate" motion began to circulate.
If all 50 members of the Senate aren't present, then either party can motion for a Call of the Senate, which means business cannot resume until all 50 members are present. It would take a two-thirds majority of the Senate to override the Call of the Senate. Republicans don't have two-thirds majority in the Senate.
Perennial Libertarian Candidate Mike Fellows was at the Capitol Friday. Fellows said he supported the Democrats' tactic.
"I think it's a good strategy," Fellows said. "When you look at states like Washington, when they passed (a top-two primary) in 2008, there hasn't been a third-party candidate on the ballot since. It's designed to destroy competition."
John S. Adams also reports for the Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune


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From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Meeting the press, again: The last -- and only other -- time President Obama conducted a primetime news conference was on Feb. 9, the very day he traveled to Indiana to sell his stimulus plan. Since that newser six weeks ago, the president signed that stimulus into law (2/17); announced he was redeploying 17,000 troops to Afghanistan (2/17); unveiled his $3.6 trillion budget (2/26); announced his plans to bring home troops from Iraq in 19 months (2/27); began facing the furor over the AIG bonuses (3/16); and went on the road to sell his budget (3/18). Indeed, tonight's news conference comes at a crucial time for Obama. While his poll ratings have held steady, the public's anger over bailouts and the AIG bonus mess in particular have created a volatile political environment. "The American public is rooting for him. They want him to succeed," Democratic pollster Peter Hart told NBC. "But against that, they want answers." Before the news conference, which begins at 8:01 pm ET, Obama meets in the morning with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Also today, the president calls the space station, and we might learn more about the administration's plan about the drug violence along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Video: President Obama is taking his economic message directly to the people with his second prime-time news conference since becoming president. NBC's Chuck Todd reports.
*** A lesson learned? The new polls out in the last few days all seem to agree on one thing: AIG has not hurt Obama personally. Instead, it has hurt Washington, Wall Street, and some views on the economic fixes -- but not the president. The lesson the White House will take from these polls? They aren't risking over-exposure; they probably believe that had the president NOT done this six-day media blitz, he would have been more singed on AIG than he was. But he was out there talking all week about it and wasn't hunkered down at the White House. Look back at this last week and realize this will be a lesson the Obama White House learns.
*** From Wall Street goat to genius? Six weeks ago, Treasury Secretary Geithner got panned after his first policy rollout -- and then pretty much every day after that. But after unveiling yesterday's toxic-asset plan, and with the Dow jumping up almost 500 points, Geithner has suddenly turned into a Wall Street hero, at least for now. As Jackie Calmes writes, "This time President Obama directed some of the stagecraft. This time … Geithner fleshed out the substance of their long-anticipated program to remove banks' toxic assets and revive the financial system. And this time the reaction was widely positive, giving the embattled Mr. Geithner a critically needed boost." But it's important to keep this in mind: While the press will continue to watch the market's daily reactions to the administration's policies, what truly matters is what the Dow and the economy in general look like come the summer and fall of 2010. And one other risk: Will some on Main Street look at Wall Street's reaction and wonder if this new banking plan is TOO pro-Wall Street?
*** Slowly but surely: One potential question that Obama might receive tonight -- on the dearth of high-level appointees at the Treasury Department -- might be a tad easier for him to answer now that he announced yesterday that he's filling three of the top four jobs underneath Geithner. The picks: Neal Wolin (deputy secretary), Lael Brainard (undersecretary for international affairs), and Bush appointee Stuart Levey (undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence), who will remain at the post he's held since 2004. These picks come as government expert Paul Light writes a New York Times op-ed arguing that Congress needs to do a better job speeding up the confirmation process. Light also makes this point: While the Senate has confirmed just one Treasury appointee, Geithner is hardly alone at Treasury. "He has an at-will chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, press officer, three special counselors and 50 at-will appointees working in his executive suite." Still, something needs to give on the confirmation process. The Senate Finance Committee is holding up the vetting process at an unprecedented rate.
*** Regulators, mount up: Speaking of the Treasury Department, Geithner and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will testify on AIG oversight before House Financial Services Committee beginning at 10:00 am ET. During his testimony, Geithner will urge Congress to pass legislation that would give the federal government new regulatory powers, including "resolution authority," to help ensure that key financial institutions that fail don't pose risk to the country's financial system. "We must ensure that our country never faces this situation again," Geithner is expected to say. "To achieve that goal, the administration and Congress have to work together to enact comprehensive regulatory reform and eliminate gaps in supervision. All institutions and markets that could pose systemic risk will be subject to strong oversight, including appropriate constraints on risk-taking. Regulators must apply standards, not just to protect the soundness of individual institutions, but to protect the stability of the system as a whole." This new agency could be a public way for the Treasury Department to appoint a secretary of AIG or an AIG czar. Keep this in mind: AIG has received more government guarantees than the annual budgets of State and Homeland Security COMBINED!!!
*** Global author: In advance of the upcoming G-20 meeting in Europe, the president has written an op-ed running in more than 30 countries (including the U.S.) that calls for bold international action to confront the global economic crisis. "Our leadership is grounded in a simple premise: We will act boldly to lift the American economy out of crisis and reform our regulatory structure, and these actions will be strengthened by complementary action abroad," he says. "Through our example, the United States can promote a global recovery and build confidence around the world; and if the London Summit helps galvanize collective action, we can forge a secure recovery, and future crises can be averted."
*** 2012 watch: Last night, DNC chair Tim Kaine announced he was appointing 37 members -- including Jim Clyburn and Claire McCaskill as co-chairs -- to look at the Democratic presidential primary calendar and nominating process. (Obama campaign manager David Plouffe also is a member of the commission.) Question here: Do we really think Obama's DNC is going to back any plan that costs Iowa or South Carolina its place in the calendar? For those folks in Michigan and Florida looking for a role early in the process, they may have to start asking for a rotation of some sort beginning in 2016 -- not 2012. Then again, the length of the primary process in 2008 could help sell some states and state party leaders that earlier isn't necessarily better. In fact, could this lead to a push to guarantee longer primary seasons? The quick end of the 2008 GOP primary campaign doomed McCain.
*** More 2012: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal headlines a fundraiser for the National Republican Congressional Committee, which takes place at the National Building Museum in DC at 7:00 pm ET. Remember the last time Jindal was the main GOP responder to an Obama event in primetime?
Countdown to NY-20 special: 7 days
Countdown to Obama's 100th day: 36 days
Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 70 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 77 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 224 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 588 days
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- MFLS Forums
Forums : MFLS Rules and Strategy Forum Thread : Line up strategy
from Glorydaze
on Fri 3/6 15:54 ET
Reply to This Message
I can't stand it any more. I've quit making changes. I'm going big on strikers. One non-starter. See above. from KNIGHTMARE
on Fri 3/6 20:46 ET
Reply to This Message
3 days ago I was very happy with my team...now I want to
scrap them all and start again.
I wonder if real Football GM's feel like that after week one?
Now the big question. which REAL GM will feel like that this
coming Monday?
from Stormin Union
on Wed 3/11 20:27 ET
Reply to This Message
I had a decent week and still managed to burn 6 transfers. As
a result I've begun a strict regimen of meditation and self
discipline that will end this transfer burning madness. New
strategy, limit of 4 transfers per month, use flex formation to
make the best of it for the rest of the month until the next
month's supply of 4 transfers, this will give me enough
transfers to last the season. Si Se Puede!
from Stormin Union
on Thu 3/12 20:09 ET
Reply to This Message
Resisted the urge to spend some transfers to get Kaka, damn
this s**t is actually working!
from F.C. Bayern Tampa
on Fri 3/13 15:39 ET
Reply to This Message
You will regret not getting Kaka : )
but you have guaranteed the rest of
us big points from him this week.
from Stormin Union
on Fri 3/13 18:21 ET
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I have Molino, Kaka's assist man, so I can still cash in if Kaka
scores. Should be a good match tonight.
from C�nicas AC
on Wed 3/18 17:06 ET
Reply to This Message
Dunno, I still Madrid's Kaka image in my mind. He was awful there.
The man is very talented, but I think talent and technical skills are
not enough anymore for fading stars to succeed in MLS. You need
work ethics and a desire to do something special. That is what set
apart guys like Henry, Keane, Schelotto, Villa or Di Vaio from the
likes of Denilson, Rafa M�rquez, and the remaining long list of stars
that failed in MLS. Hope that Kaka makes it but, again, that Real
Madrid stint... it was more than not being in top shape.
from F.C. Bayern Tampa
on Wed 3/18 19:31 ET
Reply to This Message
Luis. did you watch the game last weekend. Kaka was visibly pissed off about being subbed out. I think he still has a passion for the game and wants to succeed in Orlando.
I am convinced that he will do well. Not MVP well like some have predicted, but well.
from C�nicas AC
on Wed 3/18 20:42 ET
Reply to This Message
Well, that's one of the things in Madrid: he made very evident that
he thought he should be a starter, no matter what. But when he
came into the game he never did anything to prove he was. I really
hope to be wrong (apart from everything, he looks like a nice guy).
from Castle Hill Comets
on Thu 3/19 22:28 ET
Reply to This Message
Canicas: Never forget the most failed MLS foreign holidaymaker
of all: Oldfart Mattheus ...
from Stormin Union
on Fri 3/20 7:28 ET
Reply to This Message
I haven't burned any transfers in almost a week, god help you
from F.C. Bayern Tampa
on Sat 3/21 0:03 ET
Reply to This Message
Hey Preston, I choose to remember the Lothar Matthaus that played for Bayern and in 5 world cups (150 caps) for Germany. Not the guy who played (if you can call it that) for the Metrostars. His heart was never in it in NY.
It's a little early to compare Kaka to Matthaus.
from F.C. Bayern Tampa
on Sat 3/21 0:04 ET
Reply to This Message
Norm. They gave you an extra day, so you still have time to burn a few transfers. from Stormin Union
on Sat 3/21 7:27 ET
Reply to This Message
My transfer restraint is paying off Bob, this bodes well for me
and trouble for everyone else in this league. My fantasy
football and fantasy hockey trophy cases are looking good but
my fantasy soccer case has been growing cobwebs so need to
change that this season.
from F.C. Bayern Tampa
on Sat 3/21 13:02 ET
Reply to This Message
I won the Mugs in 2011 and MFLS Open Cup in 2010, but haven't done anything since. But I have dusted off the trophies and made room for a new this year.
Pages : First, 2, 3, Last


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Heat aim for homecourt throughout playoffs against Wiz
It's no secret the Miami Heat are arguably the best team in the NBA and it should come as no surprise they're one win away from capturing homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Heat will have to get through a tough Washington Wizards team that has been playing superb at home as of late, Wednesday from the Verizon Center.
Miami is also one victory shy of setting a franchise record in a single season and matched the 1996-97 squad with 61 wins Tuesday in a 94-83 decision over the Milwaukee Bucks. MVP candidate LeBron James had 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Norris Cole and Ray Allen scored 11 points apiece off the bench for the Heat, who are the East's top seed and have won three straight and five of six games since having a 27-game winning streak halted.
"We'll take it," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. "A lot of guys contributed. The second half was good. So, the train keeps on moving. We'll jump on a plane and do this again tomorrow night hopefully."
Dwyane Wade (ankle) and Chris Bosh (knee) did not play Tuesday and their status for the Wizards game is unknown.
The Southeast champion Heat, who have won three in a row on the road and are 27-12 as the guest, owns a 13-1 record on the second night of a back-to-back. They have also produced 38 double-digit victories this season.
In milestone news, James is eight points shy of 2,000 this season.
Washington has ripped off nine straight wins at home and faces a daunting task Wednesday with the division-rival Heat in town.
The Wizards lost their sixth straight game on the road with Tuesday's 120-99 shellacking at the hands of the red-hot New York Knicks. John Wall paced the Wizards with 33 points, while Cartier Martin contributed 16 points off the bench for Washington, which has lost five of eight games.
New York was led by Carmelo Anthony's 36 points and shot 56.3 percent from the floor. The Knicks buried 20-of-36 3-pointers.
"They shot the ball extremely well," Wizards coach Randy Wittman said of the Knicks. "They hit 20 threes, they spread the floor and they have guys that can take you off the dribble. When they're shooting like that, they're a tough team to beat."
Wall has recorded four 30-point games in his last nine for the Wizards, who are 22-17 at home and haven't lost in D.C. since March 1 versus New York. The Wizards will also welcome Philadelphia to town on this quick homestand.
Washington has lost two of three meetings with Miami this season and 14 of the previous 18 contests between the Southeast inhabitants. The Heat are 14-5 in the past 19 trips to the nation's capital.


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SSMINI Founder | President | Events Coordinator
About Me
- About Chili-S
- Real Name
- Ron Carignan
- Biography
- Born and raised in Tacoma until moving to Olympia in 1962. Linda and I married in 1971, one year to the day after four years in the Navy. We have two kids, Courtney and Chad. I have been involved in soccer, ballet (not a dancer), and marathons (not a runner). Almost all my cars have been foreign my first car was a Volvo PV-444, three Volkswagens, and even with my French heritage, I'm on my fourth British car (a TR-4A and 2 MGB roadsters).
- Location
- Olympia
- Interests
- MINIs and Soccer
- Occupation
- Retired as a Data Architect after 40 years working for State Government
- Zip Code
- 98513
- Ron
2004 CR/W MCS JCW (Chili-S)
2013 CR JCW Roadster (Rowan)
- Ron
Contact Info
- This Page
- http://ssmini.org/forum/member.php?u=5


text:
Happy Birthday!
Hey. Haven't seen you.
Hi Feather-
I'm so happy I found your thread. I would really like to be with all of you for the glowslosion. I have a few extra necklaces and such to contribute (not kandy, but glow). My Panda will be with me. Hope you've had a wonderful year. Mine has been exiting and scary so far.
Hey Feather! I'd love to be a part of the glowsplosion. Ill probably be with a friend, but i dont think ill be bringing tons of glowsticks. Thanks for setting this up! its a pretty awesome thing to do.
Just about that time again. :)
we did our best to hold the fort down. its nice to have you back on here.
see u later tonight!
get your ass back on here. pronto.
hi, Ma'am! so are you going to HARD? i have a ticket =) should i change my name to veraHARD? LOL
featherrr I met you at Coachella add meee
(your message didn't show up on my phone app, hmmm.....). Feather, still not sure about EDC, but Massive on Wednesday for sure and I'm going to both Hard Summer shows. My friend Nian has sort of changed her mind about EDC. She'll be w/ me @ Massive Attack. Maybe we can persuade her....
Coachella Junkie
old school


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May God bless you and your...
Godspeed Roger, and, "we'll see you at the movies."
Harry Simpson
June 23, 2017 | Buckeye, AZ
Post condolences for Roger Ebert.Read More
Not sure what to say?
Godspeed Roger, and, "we'll see you at the movies."
Harry Simpson
June 23, 2017 | Buckeye, AZ
EBERT, THE BEST CRITIC, I took one's reviews very seriously because one was spot on the money everytime. I miss your reviews its not the same since you been gone...PRAYERS and BLESSINGS to family and friends
Valenda Newell
June 27, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
I finally got here not to good with a computer. May u rest in peace and continue your work in Heaven.You will be known there too as a wonderful person. You are the greatest in the world.You will do the same in Heaven as u did here with your work. God and all the people will be all waiting to see what you write. u inspire me so much
Teri jo Miller
January 04, 2015 | Tamaqua, PA
To Roger Ebert,
You were a great movie critic for the program at the movies. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
March 31, 2014 | Brooklyn, NY
Roger was a neighbor on E. Washington St., Urbana. His mother--and several of his neighbors--and my mother were friends. He was a schoolmate. And he was the modern writer I most admired. We learned of his passing while we were in New York involved with last minute festivities associated with the wedding of our daughter to another actor. It seemed impossible because I always thought of Roger as someone who would somehow always be with us. In a way, he is. Chaz and family, I have thought of you...
Maurine Pacenta Taylor
September 24, 2013 | Knoxville, TN
His gift will not be forgotten. My prayers are with the family and this sad time. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
June 13, 2013 | Ellenwood, GA
kelly armstreet
April 25, 2013 | Hollis Center, ME
To Roger Ebert,
You were a great critic for the movies. My prayers go to you, your family, and friends. God Bless you Mr. Ebert for being a great movie critic. Great job! Well done. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
April 22, 2013 | Brooklyn, NY
Sending prayers and strength to Chaz and the Ebert family. Roger will be deeply missed. I always read his reviews. I miss those reviews. He was a strong courageous man, someone to be admired.
Heather Konner
April 21, 2013 | Sudbury, ON


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Tennis's Awesome Problem
Men's professional tennis has developed an awesomeness overload problem. Let me explain. For the past half decade, but especially in the last two or three years, there has been an astonishing amount of extraordinarily well-played tennis, in particular among the game's top four players—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray—and it's created a little bit of a frenzy to pile superlatives upon these matches, to the point where it's probably gotten overbaked and ridiculous. Lately, it has not been unusual to hear a men's tennis match described as a "classic" or at least "epic," the latter a descriptor that owes itself partly to the amazing physicality of today's modern players, but also to the fact that some of these matches carry on as long as a flight from New York to Iceland. A long, hard-fought match can leave both its participants and its audience woozy, and in the exhausted euphoria, there seems to be a rush to put the past in the rearview and declare historic spectacularity.
Among the recent or recent-ish matches I have described or heard described as all-time include the 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal; the 2012 Australian Open final between Nadal and Djokovic; the 2012 Australian semifinal between Djokovic and Murray; the 2011 French Open semi between Djokovic and Federer; Federer and Djokovic in the 2011 U.S. Open semis; Federer and Andy Roddick in the 2009 Wimbledon final. There are quite a few others (Federer and Del Potro's semi at the Olympics this summer? Nadal and Djokovic Madrid 2009?). Now some of these matches get called all-time because they are truly all-time (Federer-Nadal Wimbledon is indisputable—I will come to your house and chase you around the front yard with a Wilson T-2000 if you disagree), but we're all probably guilty of occasionally getting gushy. There is such exuberance among modern tennis fans about the routinely great tennis they witness that, after a while, a conversation about the state of the men's game becomes a giddy effort to parse greatness—i.e., distinguishing the plain great from the super-great and the profoundly great. It winds up sounding like Radiohead fans arguing about their favorite Radiohead songs.
Still, this is a nice problem to have. I would rather spend a month debating the accomplishments of Djokovic vs. Murray vs. Federer vs. Nadal than hear another breath dedicated to, say, the dull internal turmoil of the Los Angeles Lakers. But an odd side effect of all of the very great tennis is that now the merely good tennis winds up feeling like a weird kind of letdown. Sunday's Australian Open men's final in Melbourne between Djokovic and Murray fell into this space. The match started on an all-time pace—Murray took the first set in a tiebreak, and Djokovic did the same to win the second set, and it appeared we were on pace for five hours and another gooey rhapsody of praise. But Djokovic seized the match midway through the third set and then it skidded away from a classic into a coronation. Djokovic wound up winning, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2, taking his third straight Australian Open, which was a genuinely historic accomplishment unto itself, last done by the Aussie legend Roy Emerson, and never in tennis's Open era. Djokovic is 25 and now owns six Grand Slam titles, five of them taken since 2011, and if his body holds, it's hard to imagine him not pushing into double figures in the next few years. That would make him the third male player of this current generation to collect a 10th career Slam, an incredible accomplishment when you consider that…OK, I am starting to sound like a Radiohead fan.
But look at the winners of your last four men's Slams: Nadal in Paris, Federer at Wimbledon, Murray at the U.S. Open, and now Djokovic in Melbourne. That's enviably tidy distribution—a Slam each for the big four. And yet the men's game feels like it's in a transitional phase. Nadal has been out since last summer, taking months to rehabilitate from a knee injury and then removing himself from Australia, recuperating from a stomach bug. It's a significant loss—Nadal wasn't just one of the game's most beloved players, but also one of its chief stylists. If he's not peaking in Paris…it won't be Paris. Federer, meanwhile, is 31. And 31 is 31. After Federer's five-set semifinal loss to Murray, there were again the whispers (loud in 2011, abandoned after Wimbledon 2012) that Federer's Slam days are behind him. But I am going stick to my iron-tight policy on this prediction: Roger Federer will stop winning Grand Slams when Roger Federer stops playing Grand Slams. Any other guess feels premature.
The biggest change to the dynamic is the improvement of Sunday's loser, Andy Murray. It might sound unusual to rave over a runner-up, but Murray is a different player than he was just a short time ago—not necessarily in tactical approach, as the Journal's Carl Bialik noted in an excellent account the other day, but in taking that mental step to seize control of important matches. A choked-up Murray declared "I'm getting closer" after losing to Federer at Wimbledon last July, and his words were wise and true. Murray took a gold medal at the All England Club just weeks later and his first Slam in Queens in September. Nervy Andy has been replaced with a new aggression and confidence. It's no longer the Big Three plus one. Andy is in the sedan.
Meanwhile, Australia showed promising energy on the women's side. Last year brought the Summer of Serena, and Serena Williams is indisputably the world's best player when she's healthy, but she wasn't healthy in Australia, and she fell in the quarters to the 19-year-old Sloane Stephens. In the semis Stephens had a crack at extending eventual Open champ Victoria Azarenka to a third set when Azarenka took an extended injury break, which did not endear her to fans who thought she was engaging in some crafty gamesmanship. Stephens won't forget it, and this is a positive thing—rivalries and narratives will surely help.
To follow the Australian Open from the U.S. takes a certain amount of dedication, not to mention sleep deprivation—Sunday's call time for Djokovic-Murray was approximately 3:30 a.m. Eastern, and there's only so much DVR a sane tennis fan can manage without fast-forwarding. But the game itself is in the same good place it's been for a while. Sure, the tennis nuts sound like they're repeating themselves, all of the awesome and epic and classic. It's OK. Give us a break. Not every event can match the interplanetary thrill of the NFL draft. At least tennis fans are arguing about actual tennis.
Write to Jason Gay at email@example.com
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Apple, Google Lose Big Patent Cases To Trolls
from the but-of-course dept
Apple, of course, claims that it doesn't infringe, leading VirnetX's lawyer to make a truly bizarre statement:
"For years Apple refused to pay fair value for the VirnetX patents," Doug Cawley, a lawyer with McKool Smith in Dallas who represents VirnetX, said in closing arguments. "Apple says they don't infringe. But Apple developers testified that they didn't pay any attention to anyone's patents when developing their system."In a sane world, the fact that Apple clearly did not copy or rely on these patents for its offering should be enough proof to dump the case. Unfortunately, our broken patent system still refuses to recognize a true independent inventor defense -- leading lawyers to make statements like the one above, in which they gleefully cheer on the fact that they are blocking companies from innovating on their own. Shameful.
Of course, given Apple's own aggressive patent litigation strategy, many probably won't have much sympathy for the company here. And, indeed, there is a "live by stupid patent litigation, die by stupid patent litigation" schadenfreude in seeing this result. But, no matter what, it's another example of the patent system gone haywire.
The other verdict came out of Eastern Virginia, rather than Eastern Texas, which perhaps explains why the verdict, while silly, is not quite as silly. It involves Vringo, who was in a patent infringement case against Google, AOL, IAC and Gannett. The original patents were actually from a troll called Innovate/Protect Engine (I/P Engine), but somewhere along the way Vringo bought them. The ruling here did find infringement, but the award to Vringo was much lower than what it was asking for. In the tradition of crazy verdicts (like the one above) Vringo had asked for $696 million combined from the companies. However, the jury here awarded $30 million. Perhaps they should have filed in East Texas, since the juries there seem to have no connection to reality when it comes to the award numbers.
These cases are quite similar to pretty much every other patent troll case out there. Tragically, these kinds of stories are becoming so common that they barely feel like news any more, other than as a painful reminder of just how much money is being absolutely squandered on ridiculous lawsuits like this, where any award seems to go to non-productive operations, rather than companies who actually bring products to market.
Both cases will likely be appealed. In the Apple case, Apple has already filed for a motion for judgment as a matter of law, which is a way to effectively ask the district court judge to overrule the jury -- a tactic unlikely to get very far in this case. Either way, it's going to be a few years before the various appeals are sorted out in these cases.