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CS2November 16, 2005
I made the decision a while ago that I'd be skipping the upgrade to Adobe's CS2 suite. It just didn't look like it had enough new to entice me. Or at least, enough to justify the price tag.
But the little things that don't make it into the initial marketing push are adding up. Case in point, Smart Objects:
…now you can place a photo in Photoshop and make it a "Smart Object", just select the layer of the photo and go to the "Layer menu" and choose "group into New Smart Object".
When you do this it is linked to the embedded high-resolution original. So now when you resize it's still crystal clear even if you scale it a dozen times.
On one hand, it's great to have that ability in Photoshop, and I'd be using it all the time. On the other hand, it's about time. Illustrator and InDesign have done it for ages, with the "Place" command. It's more an obvious catch-up feature than anything new, which is indicative of my overall problem with this recent upgrade: it feels more like a functionality service pack than a must-have set of new features.
I think I'll continue holding off for CS3, which ought to be around a year from now given a roughly 18 month release cycle. By then, with the new features it offers, we might be approaching something resembling a must-have upgrade.
CS2 doesn't seem to have any new killer features, and the only thing I miss in CS is that it can't read my Nikon D50 raw files. I'm also not too interested in depending on any pro apps that require product activation. I guess that means my future buying Adobe products isn't too bright.
Also, am I the only one who thinks the whole Photoshop interface and workflow needs a re-think? The other day, as I clicked through the 6 (yes, 6) clicks and alert boxes required to save an existing PNG graphic, I realized that usability is really crap in this program.
Heh, the only reason I like Adobe CS upgrades at all is that they push down the prices of older secondhand versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which are more than sufficient for my needs as a designer. I haven't needed any new features on Photoshop since version 6.
Smart Objects and RAW editing are nice (along with the dozen or so other features they mention that sound useful), but the two or three times I would use it doesn't justify the upgrade in my eyes.
I hope CS3 makes some substantial changes, so the price tag doesn't seem so outrageous.
I still use Photoshop 7 and am content. One thing that keeps me from upgrading is the crapy licensing and activation processes.
I agree with Paulo. Version 6 was the last really significant upgrade. I fear that the guys at Adobe are starting to run out of ideas.
Now that I've used them for a while, I couldn't live without smartobjects.
They are perfect for mocking up things, when you don't know what size the final is going to be. I used to keep an unscaled version in a separate layer so I could always go back to the source. But smartobjects do that for me.
They aren't a complete implementation IMHO though: layermasks of smartobjects cannot be locked to the smartobject, they have to be moved/scaled separately. Also, smartobjects are rasterized in ImageReady.
The next release of Photoshop will no doubt be after the Macromedia engulfing, but I'm guessing they're not going to mess with it too much. If you were talking about holding out on upgrading Freehand till the next release I'd be a bit more worried…
I skipped the CS release and had still been using Photoshop 7 until a few weeks ago when I made the plunge into CS2 (mainly because Photoshop 7 barfed on a CS document sent to me by a client). Having been working with it for a few weeks, I feel CS2's a mixed bag.
I love the new transform tools (especially Mesh Transform), nested folders (which may have been in CS), and being able to select multiple layers at once to move up or down in the Layers Palette or around on the stage, regardless of whether they are actually grouped or linked together. The new typing system (and color preview) is pretty good too – more like Illustrator.
I think some aspects of Smart Objects are good, but there are others I can't stand, such as trying to mask one. Also, Photoshop CS2 is a hog. I have a gig of RAM on my WinXP machine running a P4 @ 2.4GHz and it crawls, hangs and even crashes on occasion.
There are also a few weird bugs such as the odd one which makes all of the layers in the Layers Palette (which I keep tucked in the well) hidden. I freaked out the first time that happened, but I eventually figured out that creating a new layer in the palette makes them all come back. It's a lame workaround, but at least it works.
So I have mixed feelings about the upgrade, but there are definately a few features which make me glad I did it.
I'm currently sticking with CS, also…I downloaded the trial of CS2 to check it out and it was terribly slow. My system's the same as Aaron's, and CS2 absolutely crawled. Did the same on my Athlon64 3400+ also. So I quickly went back to CS.
I would have to agree with you about some of the new features FINALLY being available that should've been part of the package long ago, such as the red-eye correction. However, I disagree with regard to the new features. Some are pretty slick (like warp, and vanishing point), albeit not likely to be heavily used.
As for the resizing issue… Photoshop was never intended to be a vector-based graphics program, as Illustrator was. Comparing the two isn't a very fair assessment, since their capabilities and purposes (up until this release at least) have been vastly different.
One word of warning with the "linking…" of smart objects. I learned this at the MacDesign Conference via Deke McClelland – they are NOT linked, they are EMBEDDED documents inside your Photoshop document. The good thing is that you're never missing your original documents. When you double-click on a Smart Object, it ACTS like you're opening a separate file into Illustrator, but you are actually opening a vector piece of your Photoshop document into the Illustrator workspace.
The main reason this matters? File size. Also, I have no idea what happens when you place a Smart Object that itself has linked graphics in it into a Photoshop file.
If there's a preference where you can toggle this behavior, please someone let me know.
I'll leave "Smart Objects" to the design professionals. I've still no reason to upgrade from PS7.
I got Photoshop 6 (full version) fairly cheap about the time version 7 was released, so this confirms Paulo's statement above about newer version lowering prices of older ones.
I've had thought about getting a digital SLR in the next few months (maybe at an after Christmas sale), and am eyeing the Nikon D50 (great post on that subject, by the way!), and understand that newer versions of Photoshop are able to work with camera RAW files…Could someone tell me the the earliest version of Photoshop that is capable of working with RAW files? I don't know if Photoshop 6 can do that…
I have been considering upgrading to a newer version of Photoshop, or even the suite (CS2). Apparently there's an upgrade version that can upgrade just from Photoshop, and not a whole suite.
I am holding off till CS3 as well. I not only feel that CS2 is merely a "service pack" but there are also rumors that CS3 will support Intel Macs. I'd really like to get an Intel Powerbook after the Rev. A kinks are all worked out, and waiting until CS3 comes out just happens to coincide with new hardware. I also have to use Dreamweaver at work, and I'm going to wait to see what happens to it since the whole Adobe/Macromeida thing will certainly change the development of those products (though I hope not).
But for now my current powerbook and Photoshop CS (along with the whole CS suite) work just great and I'm willing to wait a year.
@Rock Norris, it's indeed not physically linked to a file outside your document, however it is 'linked' (or how would you describe this) to the original source file, this way you get flexibility if you need to transform over and over again. For instance you can scale a small thumb up to the size it was when you just placed the image.
@all: There are a lot of features I like about CS2, like selecting multiple layers, Bridge, snippets, vanishing point, warp effect on an object, layer or selection…. Problem is people often don't dig enough… me included, but I try to change this ;-) That's why I post about this stuff now and then. I still have some more up my sleeve. Still, I understand that a lot of people use Photoshop not at its full power and then it might get expensive to upgrade each time.
"CS2 doesn't seem to have any new killer features"
– True
"product activation"
– Lets face it, photoshop is probably the #1 most pirated piece of software in recent history
"I still use Photoshop 7 and am content."
– Even though I have bought CS2 I still have approximately 37 copies of Photoshop 7 knocking about between my place and the places I go when my home pc gets a virus.
"I fear that the guys at Adobe are starting to run out of ideas."
– Which would be very sad.
In 2001 I wrote a veerryyy lengthy list of things I wish I could do with photoshop, to date the only items on my list that became reality are:
Nested Folders/Groups,
Smart Objects,
selecting multiple layers
Layering of filter effects in the filter gallery
(not exactly what I wanted but close),
Vanishing Point
(not up to my expectations),
Enhancements to the brushes
(still missings LOTS of useful stuff available in Painter, PaintShopPro, DeepPaint, and ZBRUSH!!!),
Warp (not up to my expectations),
"Photoshop was never intended to be a vector-based …Comparing the two isn't a very fair … and purposes"
– My purpose for buying the suite was to Create Quickly, intuitively, and efficiently. And I like creating things that involve a lot of photography and vector art. I see no reason beneficial to users why we can't have photoshop's pen tool work exactly like illustrators or have Illustrator's pathfinder pallette in photoshop.
Honestly, if you already have PS7 or CS1 and are looking for something to enhance or inspire your creativity, just go buy ZBrush!
"Also, am I the only one who thinks the whole Photoshop interface and workflow needs a re-think?"
– You are not alone. I believe both photoshop and especially Illustrator have a lot they could learn from InDesign, Flash, Maya, and ZBrush!
Imagine, being able to take any menu item and drop it on a custom toolbar for when you have a lot of repetitive things to do that don't justify making an action.
Imagine a new user being able to hold down the ctrl button and anything he mouses over pops up a large, lengthy description of what that thing does.
Imagine trying to paint on a locked layer and being told "Could not use the brush because the layer is locked" AS WELL AS having the layers pallette pop open and a large red line being drown from the error message to the lock layer button.
Imagine painting with the pattern stamp and having the texture bend and warp to conform to the direction your mouse or stylus is moving.
Imagine using the pattern stamp and having it wrap seamlessly to the other side of the canvass instead of having to use filter-offset.
The more I imagine the more it pisses me off.
I do use the newest version and am happy with it. Why? Well my company did pay for it and with cs2 my workflow did improve much.
The ability to select layers with control and shift is really good.
And Camera Lens Filters are at the site of the SmartObjects very nice to use.
BUT, I also use Illustrator and InDesign and just don't get it, why these three programs can't be put into one programm.
I mean everytime I use one of these tools, I miss a certain feature from the other two!
Really stupid that is.
I believe that the next suite will include both Macromedia and Adobe applications.
That is something I am looking forward to. :)
I upgraded from Photoshop 7, Illustrator 10 and InDesign 2 to the whole CS2 suite and it is definitely a mixed bag, one full of bug, annoying ones at that. In photoshop I get quite annoyed that it never remembers my previous workspace settings, often putting my toolbar palette in the middle of my screen (Win XP). Another big annoyance is when using the polygon marquee too I will be working away and all of a sudden the whole app screen decides to completely redraw. I find Bridge cool, but very slow.
On the plus side of things, smart objects are wonderful. InDesign CS2 is great, the new layout has saved me heaps of time, really like the palettes being able to collapse to edges. The feature I love most is Illustrator's Live Trace and Live Paint, what a time saver.
Wish they'd hurry up with patching all the bugs though.
@Veerle Pieters: i think the problem here is adobe playing loosely with the term "link." seriously, every other adobe app, when referring to "linked" documents, is referring to documents OUTISDE of the one you are currently in. this is definitely NOT the case in photoshop cs2. whether you want to use verbiage like "contain" or "embed" or whatever, the fact remains that, if you place an illustrator document as a smart object into a photoshop document named "file.psd," then put that file, all by itself, on a cd, and mail said cd to guam, and someone on the other end opens that solitary file on their end, they will have access to and be able to edit that placed smart object. maybe they don't CALL it embedded, but it's what we've all come to know of as "embedded" from using, well, every other app under the sun.
Grant, Photoshop's Raw support is on a camera-by-camera basis. I think CS was the first version to have widespread Raw support, but the D50 is only supported in CS2 with the latest Raw plug-ins installed, as far as I can tell.
At any rate, when Aperture comes out, I probably won't need Photoshop for much photography work. :)
I'm also in a holding pattern on CS, waiting for CS3.
I just wish that they'd get a solid, consistent interface across Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. There are too many little irritations in the differences that really should have been ironed out many versions ago. The most notable one for me is the flyout palettes of InDesign, which I find handy, don't exist in the other two apps.
Aside from that, the next thing I want is bloat reduction. All 3 applications feel too sluggish at times, and I can't help but wonder how much old, innefficient and antiquated code still lurks in their bowels from much earlier versions.
Perhaps one day we'll get a more modular system that blurs the lines between the three apps. But then again, perhaps with the acquisition of Macromedia, we'll see Adobe pull an "Internet Explorer" where they pwn the market, stop development and the apps stagnate for 5 years.
Being the idiot that I am, the live spell check in InDesign CS 2 frequently finds my typos. Plus, the layer toggling of PSD files in ID CS2 is the awesome. That is well worth the price of admission.
I still can't stand Illustrator though.
Nikon View comes with a Photoshop RAW plugin that works in versions as old as 6 (I think). I forget which version off the top of my head supports the D50, but you might as well get the latest (6.2.5). It's slower than Camera Raw but you get what you pay for I guess.
You might also want to try Nikon Capture for RAW files which is only $99 (download the demo and try it).
Paul D, Dave: Thanks for the tips on Nikon D50 and Photoshop. I think I'll sit on the Photoshop upgrade for a while - may as well get tte camera first - and see what happens int he way of CS3. I'm intrigued by what might happen with Adobe's suites now that it has bought Macromedia…might be nice to get Photoshop and Dreamweaver in one package!
I might be the only one that seems to love Photoshop CS2. To be honest, and this might sound crazy, I think its the best Photoshop since 5.5. I really didn't see the big deal with any of the 'new' features found in Illustrator or InDesign. I still just have not gotten adjusted to Illustrator CS even to this date. I must be getting old.
I agree with you I did not get it for the same reasons and the fact the everything Adobe seems over priced.
I too will be waiting for the next release, with the money that adobe charges there ought to be an insurance program that says if you don't even use half the features by the time a new version is out, you only pay half price for the next one, or get one free or something…
Adobe Bridge is awesome and has totally changed the way i work with my files. for me, CS2 is worth it just for Adobe Bridge. i love it.
Sorta like Studio MX vs Studio MX 2004… not enough to justify the price.
Perhaps Adobe ought to go the way of Microsoft with their Visual Studio.
Back with Visual Studio 6, each IDE had its own program (Visual Basic was separate from Visual C++ and Visual Interface, for example).
But with Visual Studio 7 (aka ".NET 2002") they decided to use a single IDE environment, each "language" was simply a set of modules and handlers that the IDE loaded.
I can see this working for Adobe, if they create a single program "Creative Studio", where Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc are all just modules for the environment.
This would solve numerous issues, numero uno being the inconsistent user-interfaces inside each different CS product. But also it should help reduce bloat, since it would be of modular design.
What does everyone else think of that?
I agree. Having a modular design, with all the apps wrapped in one basic framework would save time and space, and give all of the apps the official, final Adobe interface (whatever that may be).
My company bought CS2 for me. I wouldn't have paid for the upgrade myself, but I do find some of the new features handy. Live trace/paint, Bridge, smart objects, and the layering system in PS being updated. FINALLY!
I'm hoping for a more substantial update in CS3, but what I'd really like to see more than feature addons is for someone at Adobe to just sit down and develop a user workflow and usability standard.
As much as I hate Microsoft, I've got to give them an A for effort on Office 12. Anyone who reads Jensen Harris' blog will tell you that they're working hard on making a product that's easy to use, scaleable and modular.
Who knows, whith the Adobromedia conglomerate we might see some innovation.
Flashastrator? Fireshop? GoWeaver?
I recently decided to freelance full time, so I went legit on all of my software.
Adobe actually let me upgrade to Creative Suite 2 with a serial number from and educational version of PS3 :)
I love the multiple layer slection. It's definitlely something that should have been in there ages ago, however.
They really should rethink the interface. Watching the Aperture demos, it's pretty clear that PhotoShop's handling of RAW images is pretty crude.
FYI - I recently filled out a survey for Adobe. One of the questions was something along the lines of: "If you upgrade your computer in the near future and you would have to repurchase Photoshop, would you:
a.buy something else
b.not buy anything
c.pay for it?"
I, of course, took this as: "If you go out and buy a pentium based mac, you will have to buy Photoshop again."
Maybe I'm just paranoid.
For those saying that Photoshop CS2 doesn't have any new features, you need to stop looking at it through a web design filter. For digital photography, it's much improved over CS and earlier versions.
CS2 supports the latest ACR (Adobe Camera RAW) which not only adds more recent digital SLR compatibility, it's an overal big improvement over previous versions with new features and more capabilities. CS doesn't support the new ACR.
CS2 adds Adobe Bridge, which, while not perfect, is a big improvement over the old viewer. It's a great improvement to the digital workflow.
the last comment hits it for me. I dont do much photo manipulation any more, I make web sites. My photo manipulation consists of ctrl+L, ctrl+M, rotate and crop. ok, ctrl+U for singletone stuff and the occasional gaussian blur. that's it.
I'm really hoping they go VERY modular with the macrobe stuff. I really want a web aware visual design package. stupid things make me crazy everyday. like, the color picker doesn't include a # before the hex value. Some real styles support. I dont mean css styles (but why not!). I'm talking pagemaker 2 font and object styles. PS's 'tool presets' just isn't cutting it for me. when I place a photo in a mockup, I want to be able to add x-pixels of padding to it, and then a border. css 101 stuff. a new layer for border-top? come on. I'm not expecting photoshop to understand floats, just basic css. I mean, it can figure out tables!
In fact, I dont want any of this in 'photo'shop. photoshop is (orta be)for photos. My little dream is that all the smart folks at this new company will just create a new web creation module on top of a slim adobe engine. they pretty much abandoned pagemaker and made a great layout program. I really think if they decide to, they can do the same for the web design.
ADOBE: I HAVEN'T DONE A PRINT JOB IN OVER A YEAR. This whole suite of applications is stuck in print with extras here and there for web design. I need a package that does the reverse. so do about 2083443253 other people.
The only thing I wish from Adobe, would be to lower the price of the software to something reasonable.
I won't be upgrading from CS any time soon if it means I have to take out a second mortgage.
In keeping the prices higher, they've also cut out alot of businness.
Version Cue, how come that has not been mentioned? Is it the biggest and best kept secret here?
At my workplace the designers (and developers) have been pushing for CS2 for Version Cue alone. I'm sure many - if not most - will realize the value of a versioning system. CVS, Subversion, Perforce… you can't get away with developing a serious software system without one of those or their equivalents. Now, how have the designers dealt with mockups and graphics? 'homepage_good_june12_final.psd' or 'homepage_v1.2.34_approved.psd' or worse 'homepage_v1.3_final.psd.psd'. Not much fun is it?
In comes Version Cue, not only does it provide an embed versioning system that is not only dsimplimpl for designers and developers to learn and use, it also saves on disk space*.
* Sure, disk space is considered cheap, but when a 10MB mockup is multipled by 5 revisions and then by 30 templates and then by tens or hundreds of projects. We're talking terabytes here. Version Cue is intelligent in marking changes which effectively drops disk usage substantially.
@will: 'Some real styles support.' From what I see, there is some pretty slick style support in CS2.
@DD: 'I believe that the next suite will include Macromedia and Adobe applications' IMO this would be silly for them to do. Both have their own purpose and own followers. Sure there is GoLive vs Dreamweaver and ImageReady vs Fireworks, but besides those apps I don't see a LOT of natural overlap.
JordonW: 'Who knows, whith the Adobromedia conglomerate we might see some innovation.' If anything, I would expect less innovation as the competition dissipates.
This upgrade justifies the price tag at least for web design, with smart guides, smart objects, more reversibility in general which makes my workflow better.
You probably will earn in that costs pretty fast with the faster workflow CS2 provides.
What is not good is that it is even more heavy, so you have to have a pretty good computer if you are on a mac at least g5 for professional print work.
CS2 is CS refined with all the stuff the CS lacked. CS2 is more professional and more web design centric. Even if it is slower it seems more stable and built better.
People not feeling Livetrace? I consistently get sent jpg's that are needed as vectors (from clients) and the Livetrace feature looks (on the face of things) worth the upgrade price alone.
The new Photoshop cloning with perspective also look boss.
"llustrator and InDesign have done it for ages, with the "Place" command. It's more an obvious catch-up feature than anything new"
You're right, and they don't even try to hide it. When you scale a smart object using the transform tool and then select a different tool, PS presents you with a confirmation box where the options are "Place" and "Don't Place."
The nice thing about Adobe, at least, is that they don't assume we're idiots.
SmartObjects rock. And suck.
That I can't link a mask to a SmartObject and move them together… I can't think of any good reason for this, so I'm just assuming it's a bug. But what really annoys, what really makes me think "damn guys, it *could* have been perfect" is the fact that once you've placed a SmartObject, for example an Illustrator file, you can't update it automatically if you change it in Illustrator. There also doesn't seem to be any sensible reason why not. I'm happy with SmartObjects, but I'd be ecstatic if I could do this stuff. Maybe I take my job too serioulsy?
Perhaps I was scrolling too fast, but I didn't see any mention of the much improved Version Cue v.2 which ships with CS2. For anyone who is interested in being able to collaborate on projects, over the internet or on a local network, and doesn't like having to sift through folder upon folder of recent or past versions of a project, image, or file, Version Cue is a great solution. (I think, Hummph!)
I am an architecture student and had to produce a lengthy research publication this semester which involved gathering and organizing tons of information from about thirty structural case studies. Adobe Bridge (also shipping with CS2) allowed us to organize the media using "snippets," a cross-component media format which allows you to drag any media format directly from a window, into the bridge window and then back into another Adobe program with just a few clicks. The enhanced story editor in Indesign CS2 is quite nice and allows for a more speedy and efficient styling of text.
Version Cue 2 was the real engine behind the project though. I could assign chapters or sections to a group member, simply connect to their project, sync the file and presto! Not only did I have the current version but all previous versions as well. Also, I could work with their files offline, when their laptops were not at my apartment, save a version, and let them apply the changes in conjunction to any work they may have done while away. When it came time to print the book, simply adding page number variables to master pages, and adding them to a book file was the extent of the pain. Printing is a dream. When installed and running, the Version Cue server allows you to browse VC projects from any Adobe program, from a toggled OS/VC browser. Too easy.
I think that Adobe may be focusing more on how to integrate media across their different components, without messy or lossy imports (which I would argue is significantly more important than adding nebulous features to the components), while progressing in the direction of releasing a suite suitable for true collaboration on any scale project.
Version Cue does rock. I can't tell you how many times I've had to create multiple versions of a file, only to be stuck with five enormous files, each with creative (and sometimes indecipherable) suffixes.
Live trace is a huge time saver, as is live paint, especially when it comes to quickly reproducing a logo that has to be blown up for an ad.
And InDesign. I can't even begin to describe how amazingly awesome InDesign is compared to Quark! Transparency and PSD support? I know that Quark 7 supposedly will have these features, but why get that when we already own InDesign?
As far as bugs, I haven't noticed any. I'm running a dual 1.8 G5 with 768 MB of RAM (soon to be 2.5 Gigs) and no problems.
Now, there is room for improvement, but CS2 is certainly worth the upgrade if you use all applications.


text:
Grizzlies, Timberwolves set for battle
The Memphis Grizzlies hope to make up some ground in the Western Conference standings when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday from the Target Center.
The Grizzlies are fifth in the West and sit one-half game behind the Los Angeles Clippers and a full game in back of the idle Denver Nuggets. The Clippers are in Houston Saturday and Denver doesn't play again until April 3.
Memphis had dropped two in a row and three of four games until Friday's 103-94 victory over the Rockets. Zach Randolph collected 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who scored 61 points in the first half and received 21 points from Marc Gasol.
"Everybody was helping each other, talking communicating," said Gasol, who has returned from an abdominal tear. "Offensively, I think we did a good job."
Mike Conley had 15 points and 10 assists in the win.
The Grizzlies, who are second in opponents' scoring at 90.0 ppg, have a tough matchup ahead with San Antonio on Monday, but must not overlook a Timberwolves team that just disposed of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Minnesota has alternated wins and losses over its last six games and moved to 1-1 on a four-game homestand with Friday's 101-93 victory over the Thunder. Nikola Pekovic recorded a double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds, while Ricky Rubio added 17 points and seven assists to help the Wolves rebound from a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
"I'm proud of the way our guys played," Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said. "It was a solid win against one of the best teams in the league."
The Wolves will close out the homestand Monday versus Boston and are 17-18 in the Twin Cities this season.
Adelman's unit will find it tough to score against Memphis' defense, but has notched 100-plus points in three straight games. The Grizzlies have beaten Minnesota twice already this season and are unbeaten in 10 straight meetings.
The Grizzlies are 13-1 in the past 14 games against the Wolves, losers of four in a row as the host in this series.

subset: commoncrawl


text: I was provided the ekSel Oven, BBQ & Baking Mats and Gloves, to try and give my personal opinion after trying them in my home. I have used a non-stick mats in the past, but never this large. I was excited to try the larger size. I use these mats for baking all kinds of things, cookies, biscuits and is […] EkSel BBQ Huge Grill #ekselgrillmat Baking Mats and BBQ#coolgloves4 Nov, 2015 in All / Kitchen tools tagged Cast-iron cookware / Cooking / Cookware and bakeware / Dutch Oven / Fahrenheit / Non-stick pan / Non-stick surface / Oven / Parchment paper (baking) by Karren Haller


text:
Assignment #4: Reds
This assignment takes a slightly different approach. Instead of a particular kind of subject, we're challenging you to come up with photographs that feature the color red. A sunrise or sunset, rocks in the southwest, leaves...these are just some of the possibilities. Be creative. I'm eager to see what you come up with.


text:
Everett Dawkins departed Florida State with a degree in hand and NFL dreams intact, but the education for the former Byrnes star was really just beginning.
The gregarious defensive lineman found an awaiting schedule far more regimented than even the precarious time management of a big-time student-athlete as he started full-time preparations toward what he hopes will be a successful NFL career.
The 22-year-old is currently at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis where he'll undergo a battery of on and off the field tests, interviews and medical checkups along with roughly 300 others from every position. Dawkins will undergo his main workouts Monday with the defensive linemen and linebackers.
"The combine is a just a great way for all of us to be able to showcase all of our skills, but at the end of the day you still have to be able to play football at a high level," Dawkins said. "It was great to be invited and this is all about business."
It's been nothing but football-related activities around the clock recently for Dawkins, who has been working out at the highly-regarded IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He's been working alongside such top draft hopefuls as former FSU line-mate Bjoern Werner, LSU defensive back Eric Reid, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith.
The daily routine begins at 6 a.m. and encompasses everything from strength and agility training, film work and position-dominant skills improvement to learning how to better handle interviews and eat like a highly-tuned NFL player.
"It's very difficult training and just a lot of stuff that is draining at the end of the day, but it's definitely helped out a lot," Dawkins said. "It's honestly been great getting the chance to focus fully on football and not having to really worry about anything else. It's just like preparing for a big job interview here and you have to give it the best that you can.
"You work on basically the whole package on and off the field because you want to make improvements everywhere. I'd been in Tallahassee since 2008 so this has all been kind of different for me being in a new environment and having to adjust."
Dawkins morphed from being a 240-pound defensive end when he arrived at Florida State to becoming a 300-pound tackle by the end of his career (being named second-team All-ACC as a senior). He could likely see time at either position depending on his ultimate NFL destination where he's predicted to go somewhere around Round 5.
But for now Dawkins has put all those projections and prognostications behind him. There was a time over the winter when he was admittedly an Internet junkie in combing over his computer for anybody willing to offer up analysis and opinions of how he stacked up.
Now it's all about self-awareness and simply doing all he can to better himself.
"At one point I was going on the computer a lot, going on there every week to see what was being said about me, but it's to the point now where I've just got to handle my business," Dawkins said. "I can't be worrying about where people are saying I'm ranked or predict where I'll be drafted. Nine out of 10 times when you look at the draft those rankings end up wrong. There's a few players everybody knows are top-10 guys, but after that nobody really knows what's going to happen so I can't worry about it."
Another thing Dawkins isn't remotely worried about is the all-important interview sessions with various NFL personnel from every interested team. As Dawkins pointed out, once you get past the few elite guys at each position athletically, personality and intelligence become telling factors in one's draft status.
Former Dorman star Ryan Sims made an unexpected late surge on draft day all the way up to being selected by Kansas City at No. 6 overall and speculation was a good bit had to do with his brains and demeanor.
"Honestly I've been prepping for that part of it since I got to college," Dawkins said. "We've had a connection with IMG since I got to Tallahassee and they've sent people to come speak to us about how things are supposed to go. I believe the interviews will be one of my strong points. I just feel I know how to talk and how to get in that interview room and show them I'm that guy they know they can count on as far as just being out there on the field and in the world, somebody who never gets in trouble."
Besides, what is there to worry about when you're touting yourself to people you've long-admired with the beginnings of your life-long dream just around the corner.
"This is a huge position to be in and I've been just kind of taking it all in," Dawkins said. "Not everybody gets to sit in a room with NFL general managers and head coaches, the same head coaches I was a fan of growing up. It's just an amazing feeling having the chance to sell myself to a team. I've felt right at home getting ready for the NFL and I've been waiting for this for a long time."
Byrnes product Dawkins focuses on his NFL future
Everett Dawkins departed Florida State with a degree in hand and NFL dreams intact, but the education for the former Byrnes star was really just beginning.


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Style # 199151
Sculpt a lean nautical-chic look with this bebe midi skirt. Made from lightweight knit that hugs your curves. Slit at back. Try it with a brightly hued top and a statement necklace. Center back to hem: 28".
- 90% nylon, 10% spandex
- Hand wash
- Made in USA
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
- pencil skirt, bodycon
Midi Stripe Knit Skirt is rated out of 5 by 3.
Rated 5 out of 5 by bebefanaticTx from Fits like a glove Can't wait to wear on date night. I am 5'4, 150 lbs & I ordered a small.
Date published: 2012-11-14
Rated 4 out of 5 by StephiB from Cuter in person Im short (5'2") so I'm always wary of "midi" skirts. I made this skirt much more high waisted, wore with a looser black blouse, put on some super high nude pumps and Voila! A sexy, yet family party appropriate outfit! Wore it to my sisters engagement party! Good price on sale.
Date published: 2012-11-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by daisy_3 from Love Love Love "I LOVE this skirt! So gorgeous, so comfy and sooooo hot! it's perfect length, very nice material, and last but not least looove the stripe. Thank bebe. This is now my everyday skirt :)"
Date published: 2012-04-17


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Now that its been out for a while, anyone enjoying it? Besides of the ending (personnally it wasnt as bad as people make it out to be) how`d you enjoy the single player? How bout the multiplayer? I`m actually enjoying the multiplayer although it does kind of feel tacked on. Thought I`d see if anyone else thought it was an okay game, although I wouldn`t say it`s anywhere near the previous ME games.
If anyone wants to play the multiplayer add me (Gamertag: Nuclear Life), always up to a match. I mainly play Bronze and Silver.
Also try to keep it SPOILER FREE. No reason to ruin it for other players.
Henshin A Go-Go Baby!
Its a good game for the most part..i just hate the ending. Your right in saying its not as good as the previous games..but still worth getting.
My only gripe was that there was no epilogue or explanation after the ending.
That being said, it's awesome. It's the journey that counts, right?
You watched it past the credits, right Exia66?
Your right in saying its not as good as the previous games.
I loved it. Personally, I liked the ending, it was pretty cool. Could have done with a bit more to it, but for what it was, it was a fine end.
The gameplay was great. ME2 is in my top 3 games of all time, and the combat was basically the same. It found most of it to be pretty much GOW, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Also, the multiplayer is a hell of a lot of fun. Especially as a level 20 Sentinel, where you can basically biotic the shit out of everything!
Youtube channel! www.youtube.com/idioticbiotic
My only gripe was that there was no epilogue or explanation after the ending.
I loved the game to bits and when I finished I was hungry for more! Not that I was disappointed with the ending like many fans were, I actually didn't mind how things played out. The single player campaign was engaging and I was really blown back about how my descisions in the previous titles affected how well my story went in ME3. I knew that this would happen, I don't live under a rock but once you see the depth and the effort that has been put into the production of this game it is really staggering. I look forward to any new installments to the series with bated breath but for now I shall save the galaxy for a second time...
I'm sah tired x_x
In my opinion, Mass Effect 3 was better than the first two in pretty much every way.
I felt the story was bigger and more epic. The story also hit me emotionally more than most other games ever have.
The ending was good in my opinion, sure there was room they could expand, but in terms of how things played out I was happy.
The game-play was improved.
Although there were some bugs, overall I felt like the game was extremely polished.
One of my favorite parts is how much of the books I was seeing tied into the game.
The multiplayer is beyond fantastic. I can't stop playing it. The variety of characters, the customization, the abilities, the weapons, the N7 rating all adds to an extremely re-playable design.
Oh and the musical score: one of the most emotionally powerful scores I have ever heard in video games.
I know that the world disagrees with me, but honestly this is one of the few games I feel actually deserves a 10/10 rating.
I haven't touched the storyline I am very fond of the online gameplay for it though.
Troll me once haha good luck with that shit
Storyline is awesome... I love how they let us choose how to end it... Wish Halo had something similar to that... The campaign itself has immense replay value...
I don't need no f***ing status meesage or mottos...
I enjoyed my first play-through but when I started my second about months ago the damn downloadable content status kept on loading but didn't actually load.
the ending ruined the game for me..
I wasn't a fan of the ending (Extended Cut...kind of helped with that) but overall I liked the game (that says a lot in and of itself because I LOVED the first 2)


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KABUL, Afghanistan A Taliban suicide bomber detonated a truck full of explosives Friday in eastern Afghanistan, killing three Afghan civilians and wounding more than 90 people, including several Afghan and NATO troops, officials said.
The early morning explosion in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Wardak province, also destroyed or damaged several government offices and a local prison, said provincial spokesman Shahidullah Shahid.
The blast occurred in an area that is home to government offices, the provincial governor's office, police headquarters, a prison and a coordination center used by international and Afghan security forces.
Shahid said two men and a woman were killed and 90 people — 75 men, 11 women and four children — were wounded.
U.S. Army Maj. Adam Wojack, a spokesman for the international military coalition, said a half-dozen NATO soldiers also received minor injuries in the explosion.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying in a statement to media that it was in response to the recent execution of four Taliban detainees at the Afghan government's main detention center in Kabul.
The men were convicted and sentenced to death in Afghan courts for a variety of crimes, including murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery and cruelty against children. The Taliban condemned the hangings, saying the detainees were prisoners of war who were unjustly jailed.


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Blogs About Reading
Sound It Out
Dr. Joanne Meier
Along with her background as a professor, researcher, writer, and teacher, Joanne Meier is a mom. Join Joanne every week as she shares her experiences raising her own young readers, and guides parents and teachers on the best practices in reading.
February 9, 2012
February 1, 2012
January 26, 2012
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Dog Bites Lawyers in Iowa
More Personal Injury Areas
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By County
Showing attorneys 1–15 out of 500 attorneys available for your search query.
Guy R. Cook515-245-4300
Guy R. Cook is a Des Moines, Iowa, native. He has been practicing law more than 30 years. He is a board certified trial lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Guy has served as counsel in more than 1000 litigated mat... » Read more
National Board of Trial Advocacy
Guy R. Cook
Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Advocacy
Robert G Rehkemper III515-226-0500
Mr. Rehkemper was selected to Super Lawyers 2013, and has repeatedly been named Avvo's Client Choice and Top Attorney for DUI defense with a Superb rating of 10.0 out of a possible 10.0.Mr. Rehkemper is the State of Iowa De... » Read more
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Robert G Rehkemper III
Founding Member
Matthew Thomas Lindholm515-226-0500
Mr. Lindholm was selected to Super Lawyers 2013, and is currently rated as "Superb" receiving a 10.0 out of 10.0 on Avvo's attorney rating system. Mr. Lindholm is also a member of the National College of Drunk Driving... » Read more
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Matthew Thomas Lindholm
Founding Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Matthew Thomas Lindholm
National College for DUI Defense
Matthew Thomas Lindholm
General Member
Nicholas Arthur Sarcone515-224-7446
Nick was born and raised on Des Moines' south side and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2000. In 2004, Nick graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and ... » Read more
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Nicholas Arthur Sarcone
Brian S. Rhoten712-256-7575
My efforts focus on criminal defense and workers' compensation because I want to help people who are fighting for their rights against powerful organizations. Whether you are contending with the State and their prosecutoria... » Read more
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Brian S. Rhoten
Legal Committee
Harley C. Erbe515-281-1460
FIRM OVERVIEW Erbe Law Firm prides itself on being a small firm that provides personalized attention while delivering large firm results. We have stood side-by-side with our clients since 2005 and faced the largest law firms ... » Read more
John Rausch319-233-3557
Attorney John J. Rausch has been practicing law and serving clients in Waterloo, Iowa for over 21 years. If you need help with a serious Personal Injury or Workers' Compensation issue, contact Attorney John J. Rausch for a co... » Read more
Nicholas C Rowley563-382-5071
Nicholas C. Rowley is an attorney in Decorah, IA. The firm is focused on helping families and victims of Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Wrongful Death, Serious Injury Accidents, Nursing Home Negligence, Insurance Bad Fai... » Read more
John G Martens515-233-2135
My law firm has been in business serving clients in the Ames, Iowa area for 18 years. Services have been provided in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, family law, OWI defense, employment issues, and admi... » Read more
Steve Lombardi515-222-1110
Attorney Steve Lombardi has been practicing law and serving clients in Des Moines, Louisiana for many years. If you need assistance with a Personal Injury related case, do not hesitate to contact Attorney Steve Lombardi for a... » Read more
George Jones641-784-6970
Attorney George Jones has been practicing law and serving clients in Lamoni, Iowa for several years. If you need assistance with a Criminal Defense or Personal Injury related case, do not hesitate to contact Attorney George B... » Read more
Ann E. Brown319-826-2250
Law firm representing injured people in personal injury claims and employees in employment law claims. Focus on auto accidents, malpractice, child injury cases, sexual harrasment and wage discrimination.
Jonathan D. Schmidt319-774-6078
Jonathan D. Schmidt, specializes in family law, criminal defense, business law, and personal injury. Jonathan is admitted to practice in Iowa, Ohio, United States District Court, Northern District of Iowa and the United State... » Read more
Justin A. Teitle563-345-4100
Attorney Justin A. Teitle is an attorney in Bettendoft, IA. After law school, Justin joined his father Morton Teitle, whose practice was widely known for expertise in handling divorce and family matters. Since that time Just... » Read more
Daniel E O'Brien319-364-1530
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Daniel E O'Brien
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There may be more brown than green on the Norway Spruce standing in the center of Big Spring Park, but that didn't stop the City of Neosho from continuing on with a longstanding Christmas tradition.
There may be more brown than green on the Norway Spruce standing in the center of Big Spring Park, but that didn't stop the City of Neosho from continuing on with a longstanding Christmas tradition.
On Thursday evening, Christmas lights and a large crowd of area residents surrounded the 40-foot tree, as it lit up the park for its final Christmas season.
The tree was damaged by the summer drought and the city plans to remove it sometime after the holidays.
However, Troy Royer, Neosho city manager, said that doesn't mean the holiday tradition has to end.
"It's been a tradition for years, it will continue every year," Royer said.
He said the city plans to speak with Jon Skinner, a forester from the Missouri Department of Conservation, to determine the best replacement for the tree.
He even joked that the city would light up an artificial tree next year if necessary.
"There will be something," he said.
Per tradition, Jeff and Debbie Werneke, the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the year, flipped the switch that lit up the tree and decorations across the park.
"We're honored to do it, it's kind of a shame that this tree is going to be going by the wayside but it was an honor to do it for the last time," Jeff Werneke said. "Next year somebody will get to light the new one. And of course, being citizen of the year with my wife is an honor itself, it's just icing on the cake really."
The city also added a new element to the annual Christmas tree lighting.
For the past year, the city has recognized an employee of the quarter, and on Thursday, honored one of those four as the city's employee of the year.
That title went to John Harrington, code enforcement officer, who has been with the city for nearly six years.
"John, out of the ones we picked so far, has shown the most outstanding qualities of teamwork and just going above and beyond," Royer said. "He never complains, always does everything no matter whether it's in his job description or not and does it immediately. He always has a good attitude and is just a pleasure to be around."
Royer said the city plans to turn the employee recognition into a new tradition, and include each year's honoree in the
lighting ceremony along with the citizen of the year.
"It's just a great honor to be recognized for everything that I've done and being a part of the Neosho team," Harrington said.
While the Christmas tree was the center of Thursday night's festivities, the tree lighting ceremony had much more to offer.
Third and fourth grade students from South Elementary School serenaded the crowd with Christmas favorites, including "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Following the carols, the children gathered around the podium, where Richard Davidson, Neosho mayor, read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
Willie the Wildcat was also on hand Thursday, representing the Neosho R-5 School District. He handed out candy canes to the children in attendance, while Clifford the Big Red Dog distributed children's books from Scholastic.


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Department of Vertebrate Zoology
Vertebrate Zoology is the study of animals with backbones. Research in the department covers fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The department holds the largest collection of vertebrate specimens in the world, including historically important collections from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Research in the department provides a solid foundation of understanding for government agencies, conservation organizations, and individuals involved in fish and wildlife management.
Zoologists from two other federal agencies work so closely with colleagues and specimens at the Museum that they are permanently stationed in the building. Specialists from the National Marine Fisheries Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce focus primarily on commercially important fishes, while those from the Biological Survey Unit of the U.S. Department of the Interior (USGS) focus on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The Biological Survey Unit provides key inventory, curatorial, and research services (Biological Survey Unit at a Glance).
Since 1972, the department has also included the Marine Mammal Program, which focuses on whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. Working closely with federal, state, and local governments, Museum staff study stranded animals as well as those taken by commercial fisheries. These observations help shed new light on the population sizes, distributions, eating habits, and reproductive patterns of these rare animals.


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Strategic Network Grants (SNG) Program is to increase research/training in targeted areas that could strongly enhance Canada's economy, society and/or environment within the next 10 years. The Strategic Network Grants program is a targeted program. Please check the target area descriptions on NSERC's website.
Strategic Network Grants fund large-scale, multi-disciplinary research projects in targeted research areas that require a network approach and that involve collaboration between academic researchers and Canadian-based organizations. The applicant should be an established researcher with a solid track record in collaborative research, student training and grant management, and who demonstrates the leadership and other skills necessary for managing a complex, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project.
Strategic Networks may be local, regional or national. NSERC has two application categories?A and B.
Program A.The proposed network will investigate a new collection of research objectives that do not build on previous network-scale activities and that have never been funded through the NSERC Strategic Network Grants Program, a Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) grant, or other federal or provincial network-scale granting programs. Program B:The proposed network will build upon a collection of research objectives that have been previously funded
firstname.lastname@example.com ALBERT STREETOTTAWA, Ontario, Canada613 995 4273


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At Hockeygiant.com we strive to maintain a wide selection of products online for consumers to purchase at the best possible prices. We also offer customers in Anaheim CA, San Jose CA, Cherry Hill NJ, Sterling VA, Albany NY, Buffalo NY, Plano TX, Norristown PA, and Monona, WI the opportunity to shop with us in one of our Giant Superstores. However, the products listed online may not be available in-store as we utilize many warehouse locations for our website inventory. Pricing on the site may also vary from the store prices/promos. We are not able to match online prices to the stores or store prices to online prices.
We want to make the return process as convenient for you as possible. You are welcome to take an item back to a retail store for a credit or exchange. Internet returns may take 24-72 Hours to process through Retail stores. You will need to provide a copy of your Order Confirmation email. If you need a copy please contact Customer Service.
Our inventory changes on a daily basis and in order to provide you the most up to date selection we don't offer a printed catalog at this time. For an accurate view of stock and pricing please visit our website at www.Hockeygiant.com.
There are several ways you may use to contact customer service if you can't find the answer you are looking for in our Help Section.
Our Corporate address is:
SportsGiant LLC
89 Cross Street
Holliston, MA 01746
Please see our Hockey Giant Superstore Page for a list of retail store locations.
HockeyGiant.com has become the largest online specialty retailer of hockey equipment and merchandise in the United States, carrying a very broad selection of the latest products at competitive prices, with a strong emphasis on customer service and satisfaction. HockeyGiant is a part of the Town Sports Group family of companies, a multi-channel sports specialty retailer.


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DUBAI -- It is with absolute disappointment and dismay I am writing this note with a hope that some change is forthcoming from your organization in terms of training your staff and also to provide your clients a sense of dignity. I travelled from Toronto to Dubai on EK242 on 23 Jan 2013. The flight arrived late and therefore departed 2 hours behind schedule. It landed in Dubai at 21.10 and my connecting flight was at 21.55. I was stopped immediately after disembarking and asked to follow an agent to a counter because I will NOT be able to take the connection even though the connection happens to leave the same terminal A where I landed.
Me and a group of passengers went through a harrowing experience. No hotel accommodation was provided. The wait was for the next flight 24 hours later. Absolutely NO consideration was made even though the missed transfer was on account of Emirates not arriving on time.
The agent/s were very inconsiderate even with passengers with children. They made passengers feel unwanted and we were made to feel like it was our 'privilege' to even spend time at the "beautiful airport" in Dubai. One of the agents quipped "we did not force you to travel by emirates. You came on your own accord" I believe he meant that Emirates is too large to expect business from us.
Even though I could have taken the connection, my boarding pass issued in Toronto for the connection was torn off and was issued a fresh boarding pass for a flight leaving after 24 hours. I was then directed to stand in another line to pick up my "food voucher". When I reached the agent at the 'Food voucher' counter, I was shocked to be issued a food voucher for 1 meal for the entire 24-hour period. The agent then stamped on my boarding pass "Food Voucher Issued". When asked if residents of UAE are entitled for one meal a day, the agent was quick to reply that it is "FREE".
He then went on to say that I can come back and stand in line for the next voucher at the time of the next meal. I then asked him why he stamped "Food voucher Issued" on my boarding pass and the next agent would certainly not issue me another voucher for which he quipped "It is up to the agent". I have therefore decided not to use the food voucher Emirates has issued, would like to return it with thanks as a sign of protest.
It is my understanding that Emirates is a full-service airline and I have a boarding pass from Toronto all the way to Cochin. It is also my understanding that being a full-service airline, you are responsible for the safe and comfortable transport from the point of check-in till the destination. Essentially you have let me feel so humiliated and in addition to that caused me additional expense and more importantly you have destroyed my entire 24 hours and I was forced to exist for 24 hours in a very hostile environment.
A brief background about myself: I used to fly with Emirates earlier and moved to Etihad. I am an Etihad Gold member and I recently (about 4 months back) moved back to Emirates because a friend of mine suggested I use Emirates due to the radical change over the years and within months I have attained the silver status and heading out to become a gold member, however incidents like this does not help.
The quality of an airline is known only when they show their concern in handling a difficult situation. I happened to read online an article titled "Maurice Flanagan's Emirates Airline: Flying High and Treating Customers like Sheikhs". Not sure if the author knows the meaning of Treating clients like Sheikhs.
It is understandable that such attitudes are expected from a country where passports of expat workers from the third world are seized by the employer and the employee is deprived of the freedom to travel freely in and out of the country. However, Emirates must understand that airline passengers are paying and travelling and is exactly the opposite of employers paying their employees. I am not drawing parallels or justifying the seizure of passports of expat employees.
There is no contact information provided on the Emirates website and a communication to the Emirates board was returned to me undelivered. I will therefore post this online and I hope this correspondence reaches the right people and hope action is taken to correct situation like this. I am certainly expecting a response from the airline. I don't think I deserve the treatment meted out to me today by your team. I am still waiting at the Dubai airport, I have killed 7 hours this far, and 17 to go.
It was my first time travelling on Emirates and in fact the first and only unpleasant experience in my 20 over years of air travel, using a wide variety of other airlines including many which did not make wonderful advertisement claims as this airplane.
The flight EK432 was supposedly depart from Malta airport at 2.45pm on 23 Nov. It did not as the pilot informed the passengers on board that there would be a delay of few minutes. That few minutes next evolved into 30 minutes and the next announcement was that it would take one to one and a half hours to sort out a technical document with Dubai.
We waited patiently and understandingly only to be told to get out of the plane after past 6.30pm. It is not an acceptable practice. If the engineers sensed that whatever technical fault that grounded the plane was serious enough, the flight should have been cancelled and early intervention to arrange alternate flight should have kicked in as early as possible and not waited till the plane was fully boarded. The indecisive decision has led to all customers on that flight wasted their time and suffered a considerable amount of discomfort for nearly four hours.
While I accept that the fact that airplanes do break down from time to time - especially for airlines that lack a sense of proactive maintenance - what was not acceptable, was the way airline handled standard crisis in such unplanned manner and staff having indifferent attitude in service standard.
What happened next was even more shocking. Instead of realising that the cancelling of the flight would definitely require extra manpower to manage the stranded passengers, only two staff were seen on site, in the terminal and there was no clear direction or instruction as to what we should do except to be told to wait for next possible flight, after nearly another half an hour of wondering and in search of news. Some of us form a line queueing up at a possible counter hoping that we could start the process of registration for the next flight diverted from London - EK 08030 - for those of us heading to Dubai.
But it was not until past 8pm that the process began. So it was an hour of standing, like a student being published for coming to class late. What was more insulting was the so-called food coupon which has a limit of up to Euro 8 and as we soon found out. And many of us were made to paid extra for a reasonable cheap meal from the small cafe (again the direction to go "upstairs" was unclear and many of us went to the wrong place).
For me, I forked out Euro 0.80 more for one pack of (two remaining) sandwich and one small bottle of fruit juice! It is not a big sum of difference that I should really bother to mention but I could not help again finding this bad taste, treating already unhappy customers with insult.
The flight between Malta and Dubai was almost flawless I must say. But again, little information was conveyed to all us who by now have missed our connecting flights to Australia, China, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, etc, etc. I wonder did it not occur to the management that we deserved to be told about our onward journey, esp using the same airline which it should have better control. Nothing was mentioned about arrangement being made, including procedures that we have to follow - such as do we need to go and pick out our check-in luggage and check-in again upon arriving Dubai or where to arrange for a new boarding pass, etc etc.
It is not an acceptable standard in today IT stage that such arrangements could not have been done before landing and during the six hours of flight. Even upon reaching the gate, no one was there to guide those who needed to quickly reconnect their flights out of Dubai.
It was pure luck that I made it in time on the next possible flight (EK404) back to Singapore, arriving 9.20pm (not to mention that it was one hour late due to the plane waited for late customers and airport's poor management of landing and taking off - the plane waited more than 15 minutes in the runway for taking off!). By which time, I have wasted nearly ten hours as I was originally scheduled to land at 1.30pm. And the airline has a statement on TIMELY DEPARTURES, which now I realize is only one way: Only the clients are expected to be on time, but never mind the planes.
Before departing Malta, the airline issued each passenger standard "Dear Sir or Madam" letter expressing "apologizes for any inconvenienced caused". To me it is not a sincere apology as the staff have not tried their best to ease the distress, physical abuse to an acceptable level, at least not have been seen to do so. Needless to say, the airline lost one customer for good and probably more as many more angry clients like me started sharing their bad experience rooted from bad management and handling of customers. But I suppose the airline would not bother either as its website has no such feedback mechanism.
SAN FRANCISCO, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- I bought a return economy class ticket Addis Ababa - San Francisco last April. The first leg of my journey through Dubai was quite good. The validity of my ticket was four months, and I was booked on 1 August for my return flight. I was also informed that If I could not use the ticket before or on first August I would be charged fifty Dollars penalty to which I agreed. I am now booked on 22 August to return to Addis. I was surprised to learn from your customer consultant (lady) on 11 August that the charge is now 700.0 dollars instead of 50.0 as agreed before.
That was not the only problem, the lady could not run the credit card through when it came to payment. The process had to take 3 days for she was telling me that my account did not have sufficient funds to cover the cost. So I had to go back to my bank (Bank of America) to check if what the lady was saying was true. But the bank could not find any problem for I could draw up to 15,000.0 dollars on my credit card. On the third day 13 April, this time a gentleman came along and cleared the problem and also kindly emailed the confirmation of my ticket.
I may also have to tell you that the lady consultant did tell me on 12 April while she was having difficulties with the processing of my credit card that Emirates usually don't accept credit cards of passengers of African origin. Strange as that may be, I just could not understand how you could employ someone of that capacity. If you hope to make any headway in the aviation industry, I think you should give serious consideration to such matters. As for me I am not sure if I or my children who live here and also in London will ever chose to fly Emirates.
I would also like to assure you that I will not take this lying down. Instead I would like to bring it to the attention of the general public in Ethiopia. Perhaps I may have to tell you that I am not new to the aviation Industry, for I have worked for Ethiopian Airlines for some years.
NEW YORK -- We purchased returned tickets from Emirates Airline to travel from Philadelphia to New Delhi, India on Jan 14 Dec. 2006. From Philadelphia to JFK was a connecting flight by Delta. We left home 3 pm and arrived at Phila Airport and checked in around 5.30 pm for 7.54 flight to JFK. We were told flight will be delayed for about an hour but we will be at JFK on time. Around 8.00 PM Delta informed all passengers that due to mechanical failure, the flight is cancelled. Delta put us in taxis around 8.30 in order to catch Emirates flight. Delta paid for the taxis.
Taxi driver drove very fast and arrived at the check in counter at 10.30 PM for 11.15 pm Emirates flight. All passengers in front of us were checked in. But Emirates refused to check us in and were very rude and did not provide any assistance and pretended that it was Delta's problem. Emirates manager came stated that he cannot delay the plane.
We could not find any Delta's staff member at this late of night. Someone advised us not to go out of the airport because he was robbed outside. We (my wife has disability) had to spend the whole night sitting on steel benches in cold without any food. Next morning we were checked in Emirates flight to be departed around 10.30 am. We contacted the Emirates personnel and showed him the ticket. He said "Emirates should have taken care of you last night as it was Emirates ticket not Delta. But in Dubai, Emirates will put you in the hotel."
After our arrival in Dubai, again Emirates staff refused to provide us the accommodation but after lots of arguments, finally we were given the hotel room. This flight was late by an hour. On our return journey, my wife requested for a glass of water for her medicine. Hostess told her to get water herself as they are short of staff. This was the only request we made during the whole trip. During our fifty or so years travel, we never encountered this type of ridiculous behavior. We decided not to travel anymore with Emirates or in fact any foreign airlines.
From USA to Dubai, airlines have to abide with USA regulations that is bigger seats and cleanliness but onward connection, plane are filthy with much smaller seats as given to prisoners. We are wondering when our Congressmen will wake up to look for American's interest.
Cabin Appearance: Clean, extremely spacious so much so that you feel awkward! No amenity packs of any kind by the way for Business Class passengers even though it was an early morning flight and a measly Toothbrush would have helped. Service at departure airport: Pathetic!!! Boarding was late with no exclusive arrangements for Business Class Passengers being informed about it or even given priority while boarding!! Seats: OK / Felt the width of seat was disproportionate with the length. Meals: Dinner meal of chicken with rice inedible! Tasteless, Bland! My son didn't even touch his child meal due to its drabby and colorless appearance!!
In-Flight Entertainment: Good but not great! Why do they have a huge collection of 2-hour movies for a 1.50-hour flight & only 3 short length TV show to choose from!?! Pilot episodes of sooo many series could be made a part of the selection available for short haul flights.
Cabin Staff: Attitude was fine but efficiency left a lot to be desired! Although it's clearly mentioned how many kids are traveling in a flight but had no fun packs or activity bags for my child and to think I booked Business to avoid being ignored!! Summary: A truly miserable experience from start to finish with nothing exclusive for Business Class Passengers except the fare of course!! So save your money for the Duty-Free. Two thumbs down!!
BAHRAIN -- I am an Emirates Skywards frequent flier member residing in Bahrain. A week ago I decided to take a short vacation in Muscat, with my wife & 3-year-old son. We booked our return tickets via Skywards online booking, redeeming my reward points. Our outbound flight from Bahrain to Muscat was uneventful. However, when we tried to check-in for our return journey we were informed that no reservation existed in our names in the system. We tried to show them the print-out of the booking confirmation that we had received by e-mail, but all to no avail.
Finally we were forced to purchase fresh tickets at cut-throat last minute rates, and wait endlessly in the airport till our next flight which was 8 hours away. All this drama happened in the wee hours of the morning, from 2.00am - 10.00am. We were two sleep deprived, exhausted adults, accompanied by an exhausted 3-year-old toddler. We are currently trying to get an explanation for this weird incident and get a refund for the money we spent buying extra tickets. Could someone please tell me who exactly I could address my complaint to, to get fast and responsible action? Thank You.
I am writing regarding my family's recent experience attempting to go on holiday. Our family holiday that we had been planning for over 5 months was completely ruined by the negligence of Emirates and incorrect advice given to me by the travel agent.
A few weeks after booking and paying for our holiday tickets and some accommodation (approximately mid-April) we went to the travel agent that we used and asked about visas required for our trip, we advised that we were planning to travel overland from Thailand to Malaysia and then to Singapore and then again returning to Bangkok. We were advised that no visas were required for my wife as she was on a Fiji passport, we specifically asked about my Wife's passport. As we did visit the agency some weeks later and we also asked (about the visas required), we took it for granted that their advice was correct.
I also phoned Emirates and asked their advice regarding a Visa to Thailand, and was told it was not necessary on a Fiji passport for a visa for Thailand. I also phoned EMIRATES before our departure and faxed through our passport copies, we were told this was normal procedure, EMIRATES had knowledge that my wife was traveling on a Fiji passport for many months. I asked EMIRATES if my wife needed a visa, and I was told no visa required. We had booked accommodation, paid for some of it. We had paid for transfers, airline tickets, train tickets, changed currency and purchased travel insurance.
On our departure I checked in online and a question regarding Advanced Passenger Screening came up, I entered the passport details and thought that everything was fine. I know what APS is, it is when the carriers must check that the person entering the country must have the correct documentation. So when we checked in at Emirates Auckland Airport and nothing was mentioned by check in staff, I actually thought everything was fine. If we had been denied boarding I would have understood.
We had a very good flight over, and we must say that the service on the flight from AKL - SYD was exceptional. The food was excellent, the range of drinks offered good. I did not find the cabin cramped or seats any narrower than Air NZ (whom we travel frequently on). The ICE system was excellent and the crew were all friendly and helpful.
Things went wrong when we arrived in Bangkok, the immigration girl said we "need visa for Fiji passport" and "no come Thailand", I said that the travel agent said we did not need visa. We were taken to the immigration section and I explained that we were here for a holiday and showed them out tickets to Malaysia and Singapore. We asked if we could apply for a visa now we were here. We were given no answer. We were taken to the immigration supervisor (I think) and processed with a Chinese passport holder. We explained our planned trip and showed the tickets (again) and asked if we could apply for a visa. We were told to wait for Emirates staff.
I THOUGHT THAT AS WE WERE CUSTOMERS OF EMIRATES THAT THE STAFF WOULD BE OF ASSISTANCE TO US, but NO. As the staff entered the office they greeted the immigration supervisor and completely ignored us. They told us that my wife was to be returned and I informed them as we had a baby with us we would not be separated. As a customer of Emirates we THOUGHT that they would be there to assist us, they were no help at all, they would not interpret to the immigration person when I asked, when I requested that the supervisor see me, he refused.
Only when I asked "who shall I sue?" did the supervisor speak to me over the phone, distancing EMIRATES from my problem, saying it was the problem only of the Auckland EMIRATES staff and that he could do nothing for me. On board the aircraft the announcements referred to Emirates Award Winning Service, there was no service for us on the ground at Bangkok. The Chinese national was seen by the Air China representative and given entry into Thailand, we were not given entry. The EMIRATES staff in Bangkok were of no assistance to us at all, saying it was all Auckland's problem and not their problem.
I explained to them that it is the same company and it is their problem. I am disgusted with the ground service in Bangkok on EMIRATES, all ground staff were completely useless and unhelpful, with the exception of 2 members. The first one being a young boy who was on the international transfer desk that day, he was as helpful and apologized about our bag loss, he was genuinely helpful. The other girl who was mildly helpful was the girl who apologized for losing our pram, but not for the predicament that the airline put us in.
My wife was detained, we were not offered to be put up in the Airport hotel, this was only offered after I confirmed it with a staff member in Auckland, and by that time we had spent over 9 hours in the Airport. We had an immigration and security personal with us constantly. We were treated like common criminals when in fact we were genuine tourists that wanted to contribute to the local economy.
Our bags were searched at the cabin bag screening point. When I had asked EMIRATES staff to check them in for me, I was accused of being a THIEF as we were given 2 packs of baby amenity kits and we had put them in our suitcase and our suitcase was brought to the hand luggage screening point, then I lost my "rag" as the screening people called the EMIRATES staff to check my suitcase, I then explained - with voice raised, that EMIRATES had checked my wife in without checking her documentation and we had been in detention, and now on top of everything we were being accused of being thiefs, because we took what the airline had given us.
Even when the airline staff came over to the screening point the screener tried to accuse us of stealing airline "property". It was only when our guard stepped in and explained our side of the story to EMIRATES staff that they waived us through.
We were waiting for our bags to go onto the aircraft at the gate, the EMIRATES staff did not do anything until I insisted that the bags be stowed in the hold, then I had to check the tag receipt numbers were correct. Because we had not had any sleep in about 42 hours, I did not check the tag destination, only that the numbers matched. If I had not done that we may have never seen those bags again. On arrival in Auckland our bags were missing. Also lost from AKL - BKK was our baby pram. My Wife and I had to carry our child everywhere in Bangkok Airport.
We were frog-marched through the Airport in front of our peers, with deportation papers stapled to the outside of a large A4 envelope for everyone to see. We were absolutely HUMILIATED in front of everyone. In Sydney we were assisted and guarded every step of the way by staff - like a criminal. Why did this happen? Because we were given wrong advice regarding visas by the travel agent and EMIRATES. EMIRATES should have denied us boarding at Auckland, but due to their negligence we have lost out on our holiday.
We were not offered an upgrade on the return flight, even though we asked. We were offered 4 seats across the middle all the way to Auckland - BUT GUESS WHAT?? When we got back on the Aircraft at Sydney, there was someone sitting in one of the seats in that row. DISGRACEFUL! We were even paged when we got back to Auckland. The cabin crew did not have the discretion to look up the passenger list to find us, they just called out our names. DISGRACEFUL.
We have NEVER EVER been so ABSOLUTELY HUMILIATED in our lives. Even when my wife and I were accused of have a marriage of convenience by the New Zealand Immigration Service 11 years ago, they did it with some form of dignity and we were never treated this badly. We are truly disappointed, distressed and humiliated regarding the way we were treated by EMIRATES staff with the exception of 1 person in Auckland. Our long haul trip and last planned long haul holiday for some years has been COMPLETELY RUINED by the negligence of EMIRATES check in staff and advise given us.
What we expected from EMIRATES is full compensation for what we had lost. If we were denied boarding in Auckland I would have changed the flight dates by a few days (costing $100NZD per change per ticket) and we would have applied to the Thailand Embassy in Wellington for a Visa. The $100 per ticket is what I am prepared to concede. EMIRATES have accepted that they were wrong to let my wife board the aircraft to fly to Bangkok. This they have accepted as they have had to pay a 20,000 baht fine. EMIRATES and their check-in staff are liable for costs incurred by us.
Our complaint to EMIRATES took 7 weeks to process and they offered us nothing. They are disgraceful. If I treated my guests as these people treat their customers I would be out of business within 6 months. I must add that the travel agent has helped us, but I feel that EMIRATES is liable as we should have been denied boarding. They are shocking.
On my last trip to India from US, I have traveled on Emirates Airlines. I had purchased my tickets 4 months in advance. After going to India, I called them again to reconfirm the return flight date and times. My return flight scheduled departure time was 4.15 am, so I have made sure to report at the airport 3 hrs in advance as required for international travel. There were very long queues at the Emirates counter. By the time I got to the counter after waiting in line for more than one hour, they told me flight is full and they have to look for seats on next flight which leaves in 4 hours, with 12 hours waiting in Dubai or they can book tickets on the next day for the same flight.
First when I listened this, I was completely shocked and furious. In most cases when the flights are overbooked, airlines would request and adjust passengers who are traveling short distances. I had to take 4 flights to get to my destination. I am traveling with my wife and one-year-old child. Not willing to wait for 12 hours in Dubai, I choose to travel next day.
As a compensation, they offered me traveling vouchers for future travel between Europe and India, which are valid for one year. When I express my concern that I am a resident of US and doesn't travel to India within a year, they told me not to worry about that. As long as I send them a request before they expire, they would renew for another year term. So I believed that story and accepted the vouchers.
Recently before one-year period, I wrote to them asking for renewal of the vouchers for another year. They responded by saying I have only option to extend for just 2 more months by paying additional $200 per voucher. After that, if the vouchers are not used, they will expire. I felt like I was cheated 2nd time by Emirates. Name of the guy who lied to me at HYD airport is **. I just want readers be aware of Emirates voucher (cheating/lies) business practices.
SYDNEY AUSTRALIA -- In April this year my mother and I travelled to Europe and Morocco by United Arab Emirates Airlines. My mother who has previously travelled Singapore Airlines had heard that Emirates Airlines provided high-quality service and additional leg-room and so was very keen to try Emirates. My mother flew home from Italy to Sydney by herself as I was heading off to Morocco. My mother and I both went to Rome Airport together as my flight to Casablanca was an hour after her flight.
Two days prior to my mother's return flight she came down with the flu and was very ill. I was very worried about her flight back to Australia as it was a 33-hour trip with some 8-hour stop at Dubai (see attached copy of my mother's E-Ticket). At Fiumicino Airport I spoke to staff from Emirates airlines about my mother's illness and her need for some care on the flight home particularly her very lengthy stop at Dubai.
The Emirates staff member who I spoke to offered to have my mother collected from the plane by wheelchair at Dubai airport. She advised that if she was collected by wheelchair she would be taken to a room where it would be quiet and comfortable and staff would attend to her needs.
I was horrified to learn that no one came to care for my mother – no one showed up with a wheelchair, no one gave her any assistance and indeed, she spent hours coughing on the plane from Italy to Dubai and again from Dubai to Bangkok and at no stage did anyone come to her aid in any manner. My mother was so ill she sat in the one chair at Dubai airport with no food and no drink for 8 hours!
On the flight from Bangkok to Sydney, one of the airline stewards came to my mother who was continuing to cough and cough and cough as she had done on the flight to Dubai and from Dubai to Bangkok and gave her drinks and aspirin. This member of staff enquired as to how long my mother had been ill, where my mother had travelled from and what assistance she had been given. My mother told this airline steward that I had made arrangements for her to be cared for and that this had not happened. The airline steward was horrified, and with concern, said that this had happened before.
I am truly appalled at the neglect of staff from United Arab Emirates airlines of an 80-year-old woman who was very clearly very sick. And the neglect was widespread over many hours – not only did she not get collected at Dubai airport as I was promised she would be, but she was completely ignored during her flights to Dubai and then again to Bangkok. I wrote to the airline who replied that she shouldn't have travelled alone and that wheelchairs are only available when booked. NEVER TRAVEL EMIRATES.


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Irene & Evan's Welcoming Whimsy
Name: Irene and Evan Lovett, plus their dogs Bams and Nora
Location: Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California
Size: 2,076 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years; own
Irene and Evan enjoy a brightly decorated, spacious home in the valley, complete with orange and lemon trees out back. Irene is an interior designer and decorator who has fully enjoyed owning a home where she can have fun exploring her ever-evolving style. You can tell that this is the home of two people who love color and texture, and aren't afraid to decorate with a little bit of whimsy.
This home has a somewhat unexpected floor plan, with a sunroom that's been added to the back of the house, accessible from the master bedroom or dining room. Besides that, there are other quirky elements, like all the fun patterns and painted walls, that make the space especially inviting. Irene says the most significant thing in their home is artwork. "While we were house hunting, I discovered some art in my mother-in-law's attic painted by my husband's great aunt. We have four of her pieces hanging in our house — they are as cool as they are meaningful. I wish I could've met her."
It's fun to meet homeowners who really care about the decorating process. I often find that these people and their homes have a similar personality. Irene agrees: to her the most essential part of designing a home lies in "Incorporating one's personality. Your home should reflect you."
Living in Southern California has given Irene and Evan the ability to enjoy both their front and and back yards, as well as the sunroom. The sunroom has become a family/tv room, and also a little sitting area for guests and cocktails. "LA and Southern California are casual by nature; my design aesthetic definitely fits that mold. It's sunny and laidback here, and although I'm obsessive compulsive about where and how I place my furniture and accessories, they still read, okay, this girl isn't afraid to have fun."
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Fun and colorful with splashes of vintage quirk.
Inspiration: Color.
Favorite Element: We get quite a bit of natural light, and it forces me to wake up on time.
Biggest Challenge: Patience. When you don't have a large budget, decorating takes time. I wish I could buy amazing pieces all at once, but buying amazing items at an affordable price takes time and research. It's slowly started to feel more collected.
What Friends Say: What did you move around this time? Is this new?
Biggest Embarrassment: These pink drapes I bought for our sunroom. I wanted so much to like them and kept trying to convince myself I did. Any time anyone came over I felt I needed to explain them. The shade of pink was just too bubblegum. I even washed them to fade the color. Not only did they not really fade, they shrunk. Then I had overly wrinkled and flooding drapes. Now they're in my trunk waiting to be donated.
Proudest DIY: Decorating on a budget.
Biggest Indulgence: Our coffee table. It's one of the only pricey items in our house. I paid $700 for it, which I thought was a lot, but it was actually marked down from $1400.
Best Advice: Decorate for yourself, not for what you think people are expecting to see when they visit. Be surprising. Be different.
Dream Sources: Um, 1st dibs. Holy hot tamales, every time I check that site I feel life isn't fair.
Resources of Note:
- • Dunn Edwards - Bison Beige in living Room and Dining Room
• Dunn Edwards - Nocturnal Sea in Sunroom
• Dunn Edwards - Walrus in Bedroom
• Dunn Edwards - Frosty Mint in Office
• Dunn Edwards - Prime Pink in Laundry Room
• (I guess you can say I have a crush on this Dunn Edwards guy.)
- • Wallpaper - Stroheim and Romann Mica and Ivory
• Flamingo Print - Aaron Brothers, custom frame
- • Flea market chairs reupholsterd in green ikat fabric from Calico Corners
• IKEA black and white rug
• Home Goods Ralph Lauren ginger jar lamps.
• Daybed was bartered with a friend. I then had it painted and reupholstered the matress.
• Elephant stool is from the Mexican market, Vallarta.
• Faux ostrich coffee table is from a local store that is no longer in business.
• Thrifted dresser repurposed as sideboard.
- • Dining Table is from a local shop, again, no longer in business.
• American Rag white cane dining chairs.
• Amazon area rug
• Amazon tripod dining chair
• Craigslist bench with IKEA sheepskin
• Light fixture from the Sherman Oaks Antque Mall
• roman shade in zebra ikat from Calico Corners
• Ebay sunburst mirrors
• Ivy and Wine cowhide pillow I won on a blog.
- • Thrifted white vanity/nightstand
• Vanity stool from the Sherman Oaks Antique Mall
• World Market vanity mirror
• DVF bedding from One Kings Lane
• Home Goods Lamps
• Arianna Belle leopard print pillow
• Home Goods lamps
• West Elm pillow shams
• Artwork from neighborhood yard sale
• World Market wood nightstand
• Rugs USA rug I also won on a blog.
- • Shand Kydd wallpaper
• Artwork is from an estate sale
• West Elm "L" towel
• Rose Bowl flea market mirror
• Urban Outfitters turquoise bookcase
- • IKEA drapes
• World Market wicker chairs
• TJ MAXX poufs
• Home Goods pink rug
• Thrifted coffee table painted white and gold
Thanks, Irene and Evan!
(Images: Bethany Nauert)
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Simultaneously coding computer programs while making enchaladas
heading out of the office, then working from coworkers home while she simultaneously codes & slaves to make me enchiladas....ill be online after I pick up my dog (she loves enchiladas). we'll be titaning through the evening.
by labythan July 11, 2014
buy the domain for your art blog


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'Caps tangle with 'Quakes at Buck Shaw
Santa Clara, CA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC will attempt to snap a two-match losing skid on Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium when the club visits the San Jose Earthquakes.
After starting the season with back-to-back home wins, Vancouver has dropped successive 2-1 contests on the road, first losing at Houston before faltering at Chivas USA last weekend.
On Saturday the Whitecaps will finish up their three-game road trip, and will be hoping to head back home with at least one point from their travels.
"It's frustrating that we've ended up coming out of that with a negative scoreline," Vancouver head coach Martin Rennie said after the defeat to Chivas," because that's two weeks in a row where we certainly had a chance to win the game."
Despite taking no points from its two away contests this season, Vancouver midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has still managed to find positives from the last two weeks.
"The important thing and the positive is, we're creating chances away from home, and we're playing well away from home," Reo-Coker said. "It could be a different situation if we're not playing well away from home and not creating chances."
San Jose is welcoming back a few key members of the team that captured the Supporters' Shield last term, and it should provide a boost to a 'Quakes team that has yet to really fire on all cylinders this season.
Forward Alan Gordon returned from offseason surgery last week, and Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop believes that he will have the services of forward Steven Lenhart for the first time this season on Saturday.
Lenhart netted 10 goals in 26 games for the 'Quakes last year, and his return, along with Gordon, will offer some much-needed help for leading scorer Chris Wondolowski, who has scored twice in five games so far this season.
San Jose has managed to claim seven points from its first five fixtures despite a rash of key injuries, which goalkeeper Jon Busch feels is due to the work of Yallop and general manager John Doyle, who have provided the club with enough depth to handle this kind of situation.
The club may be getting back another important player in Lenhart this weekend, but regulars Steven Beitashour, Mehdi Ballouchy and Marvin Chavez remain on the sidelines.