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|Wishing you a passionate year...
Dear Reader,
It's the last day of 2013.
I was just telling my daughter that 1995 seems as if it were just 10 years ago. She looked at me oddly and said, "What do you mean, Mom?"
I confess I lost a decade somewhere. I was writing poetry, or raising a daughter, or writing a book, cleaning the house, editing, or mountain biking and I somehow misplaced about ten years.
In certain ways, ten years feels as if it were such a long time ago. When I think that my first book, Small Knots, came out in 2004, I can hardly remember it.
But I'm also realizing my best poet friends have been my friends for over a decade now. I've lived in the same house for 17 years. Things I thought were choices (such as my daily breakfast of coffee and raisin bran) are actually habits.
Which makes me consider my life, and my life passing: Am I living deliberately or what I think are choices are actually habits? Am I paying attention to what matters to me?
Or more visually, like the photo above-- Am I being kissed or am I the onlooker?
I confess, I am a Capricorn, so I make lists--To Do lists, books to read lists, goal lists, shopping lists, and of course, resolutions falls in this category.
So today's Confessions are less confessions and more of my resolutions for 2014... And this is just a guide for living my life, not an instruction manual I need to follow perfectly. I'm nowhere near perfect, so I tend not to worry too much if I'm not hitting every resolution, not eating organic, not always exercising. I enjoy my vices actually.
So maybe these are more guidelines for 2014, or suggestions I hope to incorporate into my life.
What I want to do is this year is: to continue to live fully with experiences, with others, with poetry and writing, deepen relationships, push boundaries, share generously, be compassionate, extend love, support others, write with an openness, a vulnerability, and continue to stretch myself as a writer.
What I don't want to do: feel pressured to participate in things I don't want to, show up out of obligation and not want, let others control my time, feel judged.
Either way, this is what I'm thinking about on the last day of 2013 as I clean up my office, toss out the old and make room for the new--
2014 Guidelines (aka "Resolutions")
1) Read more longer content, less shorter content
(Basically less Facebooks, more book-books).
2) Consider the opposite. Question more.
Be wary of what the media and people are trying to sell me.
3) Read email less. Write more paper letters.
4) Always discover the beauty.
5) Find myself on more balconies.
6) More walks with Buddy Holly.
7) Less work, more play, less work.
8) ___________________________ (always include space for spontaneity)
9) Say yes to experiences I feel would add to my life as an writer and artist.
Say no to things and people that don't.
10) Be a little more Anais Nin:
I don't really want to become normal, average, standard. I want merely to gain in strength, in the courage to live out my life more fully, enjoy more, experience more. I want to develop even more original and more unconventional traits.
I confess, mostly I want to make sure I am participating fully, actively, and passionately in my life.
"Never miss a party...good for the nerves--like celery."
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
~ Kells
~ Don't Miss a Post ~ Subscribe to Book of Kells by Email


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The new year begins a new opportunity for students to realize their higher educational dreams as Texas A&M International University holds Spring 2003 Registration on Friday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. in the Student Center.
"The Spring semester presents a great opportunity for students to begin their degree programs through numerous courses offered in 55 undergraduate or graduate degrees. Also, we encourage students to take advantage of the financial aid we have available on campus," said Maria Rosillo, director of the University's Office of Admissions.
Rosillo explained that an additional resource includes the Mexican Tuition Waiver, which allows students from Mexico to pay in-state tuition, and the expanded TEXAS Grant, awarded to students with financial need.
Spring course schedules are direct mailed to Laredo and surrounding area households. Course schedules are also available online at the University's Home Page, http:///www.tamiu.edu.
For additional information, please contact the University's Office of the Registrar at 326-2250. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday and 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
University offices are closed for the holidays Dec. 20- Jan.. 1. Offices reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 13. Late registration continues through Jan. 17.

subset: commoncrawl


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We launch ridiculous things.
So far we've published a book full of grey shades, faked a marathon, cured Infant Beardlessness, and solved the Cody Crisis. Now we're making a calendar for people who forgot to buy a calendar.
Stay tuned for more ridiculousness. We're just getting started.
Have a question about this project?Ask a question


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College bound small town teenagers part their seperate ways. Bella has to find her ex and tell him about his baby. But will she ever get the courage? What about when he comes home for christmas?
1. 1
Rating 0/5 Word Count 1226 Review this Chapter
( Bella's POV)
" Bella, I'll always love you. I'll see you at christmas.", My boyfriend Edward Cullen kissed me goodbye and left in his Volvo.
My name is Isabella Marie Swan. My family consists of my father, Charlie Swan. My mother, Renee Swan. My older twin brother, Emmett, and myself. Emmett is older than me by twenty minutes. Usually twins are closer together in age, but mom had problems with my birth. My chord was wrapped around my neck and I came out backwords, not to mention I had to share a womb with Emmett. Emmett was a ten pound baby, compared to my little five pounds. And we were two weeks early. Emmett's all muscle, I'm, well I'm the klutz of the family.
Two months after Edward left I kept getting sick. I didn't know why. Emmett kept trying to convince me to go to the doctor, but I'm stubbern. I don't listen to people, and I hate doctors, well needles to be more exact.
" I'm taking you to the doctor Isabella! Don't even try to fight it, you keep getting sick, we need to find out what's wrong.", My mother yelled after the fifth time I threw up today. She got me dressed and we headed to the hospital. They took blood and we waited an hour for the results. Fianally the doctor walked in.
" Hello Miss and Mrs. Swan. I'm doctor Gerandy. Well Isabella, All your bloodwork came out perfectly normal. But there is something you should know.", the doctor seriously added.
" What?", my mom said in a shaky voice.
" Congradulations, you are eight weeks pregnant Isabella. I assume Edward Cullen is the father and I correct?", the doctor smiled. My mouth was wide open and my mother was stunned into silence. We were carefull, how could I be pregnant? How was I going to tell my nineteen year old boyfriend he was going to be a father. He was out having fun at NYU right now. His family was in town. Edward had a brother and two sisters. Jasper was sixteen, Rosalie was fifteen, and Alice was six. The nurse brought in a sonagram machine. She put the jelly stuff on my stomach and then smeared it with the wand thing.
" That right there is your baby. From the looks of it, you are around ten weeks pregnant. I'll print up some pictures and give you a minute.", The nurse left the room. I was still in shock.
" I thought you were being careful isabella.", my mom mutterd.
" I was! Well, except ten weeks ago at our graduation party. How am I going to tell Edward? He's at NYU! He shouldn't have to be held back because of me.", I had tears pouring down my cheeks.
" Are you planning on... keeping the baby?", my mom asked.
" Yes, it's my baby. I already love it.", I stated and touched my belly. The nurse walked in and handed me the images. She muttered her congradulations and sent us on our way. My mom and I were silent the whole way home. We got home and I knew they would immediatly ask how it went. The worst part? Edward's parents heard I was sick and were at the house checking up on me.
" Hi Carlisle, Hi Esme. Thank you for coming to check on me but I'm fine.", I gave them a small smile.
" You look like you've been crying, are you sure your all right?", Esme asked worridly. I nodded and decided just to get it out there. I looked at my mom and she gave me an incouraging smile.
" So, I went to the doctor, they said everything was normal, but in seven months, I'm going to be having a baby.", I felt the tears slide from my eyes. Everyones mouths were agape except for mine and my mother's.
" D-does Edward know?", Carlisle asked.
" Not yet, I don't know how to tell him. I don't want him to worry or give up his dream of going to NYU because of me. You know he would too. So Maybe at christmas, I'll tell him.", I said. Christmas was two months away. I would be four months pregnant.
Those two months passed quickly. Before I knew it, the day had come when Edward arrived in town. I had a doctor's appointment, and found out what the sex of the baby was. I decided I would tell Edward after dinner then tell the family the sex of my baby.
I put on a shirt that concealed most of my baby bump. Everyone already knew I was pregnant, except Edward. Alice had nicknamed the baby pumpkin patch. She was excited to be an aunt. Before I knew it, dinner time was here. I knew Edward was downstairs, but I didn't know how to face him.
" Where's Bella?", I heard him ask. I walked down the stairs and smiled at him. A eye creasing grin lit up his face. He hugged me tightly to his chest, and our baby decided to make it's presence known, and kicked, right where my stomach was touching his stomach.
" What the hell was that!", He jumped back in surprise.
" That Edward, was your daughter.", Everyone but Edward smiled. I saw a tear fall onto his cheek.
" W-when did you find out? How long have you been pregnant? Why didn't you tell me?", He said in a rush.
" I found out two months ago. I'm four months and a half months pregnant. I didn't want your college experience to be ruined with me having a baby.", I felt tears prick into my eyes.
" Ya, you're having a baby, my baby! Our baby! I should have been the first person you told! Instead I'm the last! Our daughter is in there, I don't care about where I go to college. I care about you, about our daughter, our family! I love you, I would do anything for you! Who- who was there when you found out?", He had red rings around his eyes.
" My mom, then I told the family when I got home. I was scared- I still am scared. Edward, we're nineteen and having a baby.", I started getting emotional.
" I'm transfering here to washington. I want to be with you. I want to go to doctor's appointments, and be there for the birth and wake up at two AM to take care of our child. I want to be a family, not just some nineteen year old boy, who leaves his girlfriend and child to go to the party college. I didn't even want to go to New york in the first place. So, I'll be here, by next month.", He took my face in his hands and kissed me softly.
" So, It's a girl?", he asked excitedly.
" Yes, the doctor confirmed it this morning. She's a girl.", I smiled as his eyes lit up.
" She's going to be my little princess.", He state dtouching my tummy.
" Her name is Pumpkin patch! Not princess!", Alice huffed. We all laughed, and hugged her.
* my cousin wanted to name his little sister pumpkin patch. Just thought it would be cute to put in there.*


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Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I did a double degree in Human Resources and International Studies at the University of Technology, Sydney. It took five years to complete, but it was worth it because I had the opportunity to complete a university exchange in France for a year. I joined EMC in late 2011 – I remember handing in my last essay on the Friday, and then I started with EMC the following week!
What is your current role? Please tell us a little bit about your responsibilities and your team.
I am the Senior Talent Acquisition Coordinator for the Australia New Zealand (ANZ) team. I help schedule interviews, and I'm usually the first point of contact for all candidates. I help with recruiting for graduates (recruiting campaign, screening CV's, and conducting phone/face-to-face interviews). Also, I manage the TA operations – trying to make everything run smoothly for the team, hiring managers, and candidates. The ANZ TA team consists of me, one Senior TA Manager and two Senior Recruiters. We work very hard in finding the best candidates and champion diversity hiring, but we also remember to laugh and have fun!
Did you participate in any internships before you were hired? If so, tell us about your experience.
I completed a three month internship at EMC as it was a requirement of my university degree. I supported the wider ANZ HR team. I was able to learn about real-world HR policies and processes, as well as how a corporation is run and operates.
What made you choose this role over others?
I wanted to work for a large, global company, and I also got to know the team and company's culture before I started my internship.
What makes this a great place to work?
My team, culture, benefits and flexibility.
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Soundcloud's New 'Here's The Drop (TM)' Feature
NOT an April Fool then. To clarify, the 'unpredictable' 'surprising' drop in anything from Bach to Brodinski is now neutered and surprise-free thanks to a stultifying dumbfounding corporate frat-boy slogan plastered over the top? And the reason for this is so you know exactly when to 'get a snack' or otherwise 'get in the space' to 'break it down' ??
'The drop in a track can be unpredictable and surprising. Some of you have even told us that you find it unsettling, not knowing when to expect that sense of overwhelming euphoria....
The Dropometer is designed to help you prepare yourself for the big moment, whether that means getting in the mental space where you can really break it down, or fixing yourself a fortifying snack.'
- GoatmeatMF, styrofoamboots, and mug_mug_mug this'd this
Oh is it?
*crawls back to bed*
- justanothersheeldz, StormJH, and werk this'd this
that was weird
every time I refreshed the stream it resent the tweet so it tweeted about 20 times over the course of a couple of hours
- fuck_this_band this'd this
do hate how they show the waveform though, does take some of the surprises out of it. long intro? skip.heartworms this'd this
they rolled it out in the middle of Sundayjustanothersheeldz this'd this


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Algoa Bay Hope Spot
Algoa Bay Conservation
Algoa Bay is one of the largest bays in South Africa. At the conjuncture of two oceanic systems; the Cape Agulhas and the upwelling current of the Benguela, Algoa Bay presents climate and oceanic conditions favourable for species from two different ecosystems. The islands located within this bay are the eastern most islands of South Africa, representing the last territory accessible by the large numbers of endemic species of the Benguela Upwelling system, one of the richest systems on earth. READ MORE
If you would like to be involved in the Algoa Bay Hope Spot initiative please contact Dr Lorien Pichegru.


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Eyecatcher! Trend Vintage-Glasses
Top Offers
Featured Content
Corporate Productions
We create 360° video and full computer generated VR experiences with a focus on storytelling, craft and quality. We deliver your business photography and video-documentation of events, fairs and congresses. Implementing an exclusive Content Management Systems is our business.
2018 action press gmbh & co. kg | all rights reserved


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For face and body.
Cream with high-quality skin caring substances (phosphatidylcholine, shea butter, ceramide, squalane, natural moisturizers), without emulsifiers.
Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Squalane
White, easily spreading and fast penetrating cream, revitalizing the skin without leaving oil shine.
When the skin care is just being adapted from preparations containing mineral oils and emulsifiers to DMS® products the skin may possibly feel dry at first which then is followed by a feeling of a pleasantly soft and fine-porous skin surface. Up to 6 ml (2ml) of active agent concentrates can be added to the 44 ml (13 ml) dispensers.


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- AltCar Auto Show
- Beijing Auto Show
- CES Auto Show
- Chicago Auto Show
- DC Auto Show
- Detroit Auto Show
- Frankfurt Auto Show
- Geneva Auto Show
- LA Auto Show
- NAIAS Auto Show
- New York Auto Show
- Paris Auto Show
- Philadelphia Auto Show
- SEMA Auto Show
- San Diego Auto Show
- Shanghai Auto Show
- St. Louis Auto Show
- Tokyo Auto Show
Auto Show: 2013 New York Auto Show
2015 Audi S3: New York Auto Show
What is it?
The 2015 Audi S3 is a high-performance version of the Audi A3 that also debuted at the New York Auto Show. While the new A3 offers a maximum of 180 horsepower, the S3's 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder produces a muscular 300 hp. It also produces 280 lb-ft of torque, which helps zoom from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all S3 models, as is a 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. We're not sure if a hatchback model, like the current A3, is in the cards for the new A3 and S3 in the U.S.
How much?
Audi hasn't announced official pricing, but we'd expect the S3 to start in the low-$40,000 range.
When can you get it?
The 2015 Audi S4 should arrive in Audi showrooms in spring 2015.
Add it to your shopping list because...
The 2015 Audi S3 skips out on the "bigger is better" game that's so common among today's automakers. That's good news for enthusiasts, since the S3's smaller size is sure to make more nimble and involving to drive. Plus, with 300 horsepower, it's almost as powerful -- and as quick -- as the larger, more expensive S4. Our only gripe is that there won't be a manual transmission, which seems like a no-brainer on a car like this. Still, standard all-wheel drive and an attractive price tag will make that quickly forgotten.
Other cars to consider:
BMW 135i: The 135i is only offered as a coupe. So if four doors are essential, don't consider it. But with the same power as an S3 - plus rear-wheel drive and an available manual - the 135i is hard to overlook. That's especially true considering its comparable base price of around $41,000.
Mercedes CLA45 AMG: Also unveiled in New York, the CLA45 AMG is the S3's closest competitor. Like the S3, the CLA45 AMG based on an all-new, entry-level luxury model. It's also all-wheel drive. But the CLA45 will offer 350 horsepower and, we think, a higher price to go with the higher performance.
Used Audi S4: Those who like the Audi badge but want more power should consider a certified pre-owned S4. The current model came out in 2010. It produces 333 horsepower and offers a slightly larger interior than the S3. Best of all, it's available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Used Mercedes C63 AMG: If the S3 isn't quite big enough, you can always consider a slightly larger used or certified model with a few more miles on the odometer. A top choice is the Mercedes C63 AMG, which offers a whopping 451 horsepower and is now available well under $50,000.
See all New York Auto Show news.
Are you ready for a high-performance compact luxury sedan like the Audi S3? Tell us in the comments below.


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Beaumont/Port Arthur
Carnival of the Arts … A virtual delight for the senses, REcreate is a vibrant creative cultural event staged in historic downtown Beaumont that was first held last year, and by the looks of last Saturday night, doubled in size this year.
So many runners … The City of Beaumont hosted the first Calder Twilight 5K Run/Walk this past weekend with more than 700 participants taking part in this family fun event. The course circled the Historic District ending in front of Rao's Bakery. First-place male Drew Bean and firstplace female Jordan Wellborn were thrilled with the terrific times and trophies.
With honors … Sixteen students from St. Anne Catholic School competed with more than 1,000 students from across Texas in the 2012 Private Schools Interscholastic Association Academic State Meet AA Division held April 28 at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. The St. Anne's academic team proudly received 13th place out of 121 schools at the state meet, earning the highest ranking of any other elementary AA division team in Southeast Texas.
All aflutter … Last week, Go Red for Women 2012 Circle of Red members paid tribute to one of their most beloved, Janey Phelan, at the Hearts Aflutter luncheon held at the Beaumont Country Club.
Highlights of the NRF … After King Neches LXIV Bill Benning arrived at the dock of the Beaumont Country Club and James McNicholas was named NRF Citizen of the Year at the MCM
All hail the king… Congrats to longtime Knight of the Neches Bill Benning, who was unmasked at the Beaumont Country Club as King Neches LXIV this past Tuesday afternoon, April 17.
An Enchanted Evening … Lamar University's Friends of the Arts hosted the 2012 Le Grand Bal supporting the College of Fine Arts and Communication with Sandra Clark and Nell McCallum Morris co-chairing this fantastic and successful soiree March 24.
Enchanting … One of the favored parties of the year, Le Grand Bal: "Some Enchanted Evening" promises to transport guests to another time and place where romance reigns supreme and cares are washed away by the gentle winds of the South Pacific. Presented by Lamar University's Friends of the Arts, Le Grand Bal is the major annual fundraiser for the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
So tasty … The annual Saint Joseph's Day spaghetti lunch at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica Center will be Friday, March 16. At 10 a.m. is the blessing of the food on the Saint Joseph Table, and then from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dine-in and to-go lunches will be available. All of this delicious food can be yours for a donation of $10 per meal, with drive-through service behind the Cathedral Basilica on the corner of Forsythe and Archie.
While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us "that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas," we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We're of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.
For this week's New York Times crossword puzzle, pick up a copy of this week's The Examiner on newsstands now.


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Finding Culture: Books, Videos, Music
The content intended for this page is still being written, but this is a rather central topic that is discussed passim in other pages. You might therefore look at pages on education , people writing together , and social events . More appropriate to this topic is Doug Wilson's look at how a video store might help its customers find the videos they are most likely to enjoy. This was originally written as a metaphor for the whole approach of using numerical methods and combinatorial optimization in human society, but the basic ideas on that page are applicable in all cultural areas.
The CASA Proposal also contains information on this topic.
New: Social Technology through Diagrams
New: Social Techs novel online
New: Social Technology Blog
New: Social Technology Wiki
The main Social Technology page.
Find Compatibles , the key page, with the real solution to all other problems explained
Technological Fantasies , a page about future technology
Social Tech a page about Social Technology, technology for social purposes. I think I was the first person to use this phrase on the Internet, quite a long time ago.
Roughly corresponding to these web pages are the following blogs :
Social Technology the main blog, hosted on this site, with posts imported from the following blogger.com blogs, which still exist and are useable.
Find Compatibles devoted to matching people with friends, lovers, jobs, places to live and so on, but doing so in ways that will actually work, using good math, good algorithms, good analysis.
Technological Fantasies devoted to future stuff, new ideas, things that might be invented or might happen, such as what is listed above and below.
Sex-Politics-Religion is a blog about these important topics, which I have been told should never be mentioned in polite conversation. Alright that advice does seem a bit dated, but many people are still told not to bring up these subjects around the dinner table.
I believe I was the first person on the Internet to use the phrase Social Technology -- years before the Web existed.
Those were the good old days, when the number of people using the net exceeed the amount of content on it, so that it was easy to start a discussion about such an upopular topic. Now things are different. There are so many web pages that the chances of anyone finding this page are low, even with good search engines like Google. Oh, well.
By Social Technology I mean the technology for organizing and maintaining human society. The example I had most firmly in mind is the subject of Find Compatibles , what I consider to be the key page, the one with the real solution to all other problems explained.
As I explained on my early mailing lists and later webpages, I find that social technology has hardly improved at all over the years. We still use representative democracy, exactly the same as it was used in the 18th century. By contrast, horse and buggy transporation has been replaced by automobiles and airplanes, enormous changes.
In the picture below you will see some 18th century technology, such as the ox-plow in the middle of the picture. How things have changed since then in agricultural technology. But we still use chance encounters, engagements and marriages to organize our home life and the raising of children.
I claim that great advances in social technology are not only possible but inevitable. I have written three novels about this, one preposterously long, 5000 pages, another merely very very long, 1500 pages. The third is short enough at 340 pages to be published some day. Maybe. The topic is still not interesting to most people. I will excerpt small parts of these novels on the web sometime, maybe even post the raw text for the larger two.
This site includes many pages dating from 1997 to 2008 which are quite out of date. They are included here partly to show the development of these ideas and partly to cover things the newer pages do not. There will be broken links where these pages referenced external sites. I've tried to fix up or maiintain all internal links, but some will probably have been missed. One may wish to look at an earlier version of this page , rather longer, and at an overview of most parts of what can be called a bigger project.
Type in this address to e-mail me. The image is interesting. See Status of Social Technology
Copyright © 2007, 2008, 2009, Douglas Pardoe Wilson
I have used a series of e-mail address over the years, each of which eventually became out of date because of a change of Internet services or became almost useless because of spam. Eventually I stuck with a Yahoo address, but my inbox still fills up with spam and their spam filter still removes messages I wanted to see. So I have switched to a new e-mail service. Web spiders should not be able to find it, since it is hidden in a jpeg picture. I have also made it difficult to reach me. The picture is not a clickable link. To send me e-mail you must want to do so badly enough to type this address in. That is a nuisance, for which I do apologize, but I just don't want a lot of mail from people who do not care about what I have to say.


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If I bought a house and found out someone had done what yours has had done, you would be having a lawsuit coming your way.
I personally think most people are overly paranoid about Hg anyway.
Where and how does one buy sulfur powder? Does it stink by itself, or does that only happen when it's dissolved in water? I suppose I could sweep it around on both contaminated floors. That might help if any of my future relatives lick the floor. I wouldn't put it past them.
Mitch Andre Garcia's Chemical Forums 2003-Present.
Page created in 0.21 seconds with 24 queries.


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Dec 28 2017 – Dec 28 2018 all-day
12:00 am
Various dates throughout the year- see the website The walks starts at the top of the 199 steps outside St. Mary's church or another pre-arranged place. Bookings for groups and individuals are currently available. Minimum … Continue reading Whitby Ghost Walk (Throughout the Year)


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Skip to content. | Skip to navigation
Personal tools
A small well protected port on la Gomera's south coast. There are shops and restaurants in the small town, and Gomera's airport is on the hill above the port.
Position 28° 01'38"N, 17° 11'46"W (harbour entrance)
Most of the inner harbour is occupied by fishing boats but in calm conditions and with the permission of the security guard it is possible to lie alongside the break water. Alternatively go alongside the main quay, past the large fenders marking the area used by the regular jet-foil. There is some space to come alongside on the inner quay by the travel-lift pen.
In strong east and southeast winds surge is a problem and if berthed alongside the quay, hold off with the help of an anchor.
Anchoring in the harbour is prohibited.
There is an anchorage in 6m to the northeast of the short stone pier. Holding is good over sand and stones. Dinghies can be left on the beach or near the steps at the end of the harbour.
Last updated: October 2018
Anchoring is possible off Playa de Medio and Playa de Chinguarime. Both are about one mile north east of the harbour. We spent one night in light wind at Chinguarime.
Gran Canaria is a miniature continent
where centuries of rich history meet
natural spots of great beauty.
The premier location for nautical activities
in the Canary Islands.
Over 200 boats and 1200 people take part in the ARC every year
2700 NM across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia
A rally for everyone; families, racers, couples, big boats and modest boats
Two weeks of pre-departure activities in Las Palmas
Welcomed in Saint Lucia with a rum punch and a chilled beer
Fantastic achievement - crossing an ocean on a small sailboat
Antigua: A New Sailing Rally between The Canary Islands and Antigua (12 Nov 2018)
Canaries, Lanzarote, Arrecife: Theft - February 2018 (20 Feb 2018)
Tenerife: Latest Facilities for Yachts (30 Nov 2017)
Santa Cruz de la Palma: Reports from Cruisers (29 Oct 2017)
Atlantic Islands (15 May 2017)
On Passage from Canary Islands to Cape Verdes: Attempted Boarding off W Sahara - November 2016 (16 Nov 2016)
EU VAT Update: Information Affecting Non-EU Boats Visiting Europe (03 Sep 2016)
Updates on availability of Gas in the Canaries (25 May 2016)
Spanish Taxes applied to Foreign Registered Boats (14 Jan 2015)
Lanzarote, Arrecife: Preparing for an Atlantic Crossing at Marina Lanzarote (07 Jan 2015)
North Sails: How their new sailcloth Radian can work for cruisers (01 Sep 2013)
Taxes Levied by Marinas in Tenerife and La Gomera - Updated (13 Feb 2013)
Canary Islands: Abandoned Yacht last seen 700 miles WSW of the Canary Islands (31 Dec 2012)
Tenerife, San Miguel Marina: Detailed Review (10 Dec 2012)
Canaries:The ARC Forest Grows (19 Nov 2012)
Shipping Packages to the Canary Islands - New Information (30 Jul 2012)
Marina de Isla Graciosa - Further Comment on Berthing (04 Jun 2012)
Tenerife: San Miguel Update (26 Jan 2012)
Gran Canaria: Las Palmas Marina (26 Jan 2012)
Canary Islands, La Gomera: San Sebastian Marina - Dinghy Stolen (31 Oct 2011)
Tenerife: Las Galletas Update (11 Sep 2011)
Excellent Service From Seilas Marine, Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria (10 Feb 2011)
Plastimo Liferaft Certification: Gran Canaria (10 Dec 2010)
Marina Santa Cruz de la Palma (27 Sep 2010)
Spanish for Cruisers - 2nd Edition (03 Jun 2010)
A Cruise to the Eastern Islands from Gran Canaria (03 May 2010)
Las Palmas - Problems for Cruisers (07 Jan 2010)
La Graciosa, Canary Islands (02 Dec 2009)
Operation of commercial boats in the Canary Islands (17 Jun 2009)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Burglary (21 Jan 2009)
My First Atlantic Crossing (10 Jul 2008)
Update On Canary Islands Lighthouse Tax (28 Jul 2007)
Photos of Puerto de la Luz Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (06 Feb 2007)
More Information On Spanish Port Fees (05 Jan 2007)
Cruising Report On Morocco & Atlantic Islands September 2005 - January 2006 (08 Sep 2006)
Tazacorte Hardstanding Facilities (09 Feb 2006)
Canary Islands: The Atlantic Rally For Cruisers 2018 Gets Underway (11 Nov 2018)
Canary Islands, Grand Canaria: Be aware of WACS if anchoring south of Las Palmas (08 Nov 2018)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas: 33rd Atlantic Rally for Cruisers prepares to set sail (31 Oct 2018)
Cruising Gib to Canaries: Industrial fishing off Morocco is a hazard for yachts (01 Aug 2018)
New route option launched for ARC - November 2018 (25 Jul 2018)
St Lucia: An emotional finale to ARC 2017 (20 Dec 2017)
Keel Failure off the Canary Islands (19 Dec 2017)
Planned 4 year circumnavigation ends in the Atlantic when Skipper lost overboard (30 Nov 2017)
Crossing the Atlantic with ARC 2017: Settling in to life at sea (27 Nov 2017)
Into the Atlantic: ARC 2017 Sets Sail from Gran Canaria (19 Nov 2017)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Parade of Nations at the ARC Opening Ceremony (12 Nov 2017)
ARC+ Cape Verde sets sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (05 Nov 2017)
32nd Atlantic Rally for Cruisers prepares to set sail (23 Oct 2017)
ARC 2016 comes to a close in Saint Lucia (18 Dec 2016)
ARC: Record-Breaking Rambler 88 arrives in Saint Lucia (29 Nov 2016)
Atlantic Crossing: Evacuation of five crew from ARC yacht NOAH (25 Nov 2016)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: A Classic Start for ARC 2016 (20 Nov 2016)
Canaries, Las Palmas: An International Parade officially opens the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (14 Nov 2016)
Atlantic Crossing: ARC+ Cape Verde sets sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (07 Nov 2016)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 31st Atlantic Rally for Cruisers prepares to set sail (25 Oct 2016)
ARC 2015 Final Prize Giving (20 Dec 2015)
Team Brunel sail in to Saint Lucia to set a new ARC Course Record (30 Nov 2015)
Rocking and rolling to Saint Lucia: The 30th Edition of the ARC starts in spectacular style (22 Nov 2015)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 30th ARC Officially Opens (15 Nov 2015)
ARC+ Cape Verde sets sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (08 Nov 2015)
Gran Canaria: 30th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers prepares to set sail (03 Nov 2015)
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers awarded the Medalla de Oro by the City of Las Palmas (25 Jun 2015)
Spanish Maritime & Navigation rates affecting cruisers in the Canaries - revised for 2015 - updated (19 Jan 2015)
The 29th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers wraps up in Saint Lucia (22 Dec 2014)
ARC+ 2014: Beach Party Wraps Up ARC+ for another year (12 Dec 2014)
Atlantic Crossing: ARC Course Record broken for 2nd year running (03 Dec 2014)
Atlantic Rally: ARC+ 2014 first arrival reaches Saint Lucia (01 Dec 2014)
ARC 2014 Opening Ceremony: Flags and Bands One week to the start (16 Nov 2014)
ARC+ Cape Verde sets sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (09 Nov 2014)
29th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sets sail in November (05 Nov 2014)
Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Arrecife: Marina Lanzarote is officially open (21 Oct 2014)
ARC 2014: Exceptional interest for the world's most popular rally (25 Jun 2014)
Saint Lucia, Rodney Bay: The first edition of ARC+ comes to a close (13 Dec 2013)
ARC Course Record Broken: New New fastest crossing time from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia by SY Caro (06 Dec 2013)
Cape Verdes to Saint Lucia: The first ARC+ arrivals make landfall (04 Dec 2013)
The 28th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sets sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (25 Nov 2013)
ARC 2013 Official Opening Ceremony: Flags and Bands (18 Nov 2013)
ARC 2013: Club Racing Across the Atlantic (15 Nov 2013)
TransAtlantic Rally: The first ARC+ sets sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (12 Nov 2013)
Canaries, Lanzarote: Women & Cruising Forum at Puerto Calero (08 Nov 2013)
ARC 2013 - Rally Preview (05 Nov 2013)
Mediterranean Anchoring Restrictions (22 Jul 2013)
ARC Boats Leave Green Wake with Environmental Projects (25 Jun 2013)
New Cape Verdes Route Proves Popular with ARC Sailors (14 May 2013)
Atlantic: Jimmy Cornell launches new transatlantic rally (07 May 2013)
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Announces Second Start Date and Stopover in Cape Verdes for 2013 rally (06 May 2013)
Rescued at sea for the second time in four months (27 Mar 2013)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: New Marina Boatyard (25 Mar 2013)
2013 set to be the biggest year ever for the ARC (31 Jan 2013)
ARC 2012 - Draws to a close with prize winners announced (22 Dec 2012)
ARC 2012 - 40 foot boat is first arrival after 12 day crossing (07 Dec 2012)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: ARC Cruising Boats Start (29 Nov 2012)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: ARC 2012 Start Delayed for Cruising Fleet (27 Nov 2012)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: ARC 2012 - Race boats start, cruisers remain in port (27 Nov 2012)
Canary Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Celebration of the Official Opening of ARC 2012 (20 Nov 2012)
27th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sets sail this month (05 Nov 2012)
Spain and the Canary Islands: Anchoring Restrictions (11 Oct 2012)
ARC 2012 Now Full (26 Mar 2012)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Dia Triste - Pedro Texaco Retires (06 Feb 2012)
ARC2011: First Yacht Arrives in Saint Lucia after an 11 Day Crossing (02 Dec 2011)
ARC2011: First Arrivals Expected Today (01 Dec 2011)
ARC 2011 Starts (20 Nov 2011)
Gran Canaria: ARC 2011 - Flags and bands celebrate the official opening of the 26th ARC (16 Nov 2011)
Canary Islands: New Subsea Volcanic Eruption Occurs Near El Hierro (16 Oct 2011)
Canary Islands: Las Palmas Marina Boatyard now Closed (20 Apr 2011)
First Sailing Yacht Finishes in ARC 2010 (06 Dec 2010)
ARC 2010 Starts - 233 Yachts Cross the Line in Sunshine (21 Nov 2010)
ARC Rally: One week to go before the start! (14 Nov 2010)
Wood Logs - Navigation Hazard (27 May 2010)
Calling All ARC'86 Children! (12 May 2010)
The 25th ARC set to be the most popular rally yet as World Cruising Club signs up the 200th entry (03 Mar 2010)
ARC 2010 On Course as World Cruising Club signs up the 150th entry (17 Feb 2010)
Oil Spill in Las Palmas Harbour - Canary Islands (26 Nov 2009)
Rudder loss on ARC Racing Yacht (24 Nov 2009)
Light Winds for Start of ARC 2009 (22 Nov 2009)
Countdown to the Start of ARC2009 (19 Nov 2009)
A truly international ARC fleet gear up for departure later this month (09 Nov 2009)
First ARC Arrivals at Rodney Bay after a slow crossing (08 Dec 2008)


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Walker remains atop Mariners' updated Top 20 list
With the passing of the Draft signing deadline, teams have had a recent influx of talent into their farm systems, and with that, we've updated the Top 20 Prospects lists of all 30 teams.
To be on a list, a player must have rookie eligibility. To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service.
With the passing of the Draft signing deadline, teams have had a recent influx of talent into their farm systems, and with that, we've updated the Top 20 Prospects lists of all 30 teams.
To be on a list, a player must have rookie eligibility. To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player limit period, excluding time on the disabled list or in military service.
Players are graded on a 20-80 scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.
Check out all 30 team Top 20 lists and the Top 100 on Prospect Watch.
1.Taijuan Walker, RHP
Preseason rank: 1
MLB Top 100 rank: 8 (Preseason: 6)
Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 65
A year after being the youngest pitcher in the Southern League, Walker returned to Double-A Jackson to start 2013. Walker fared much better the second time around, pitching his way to Seattle in August for his Major League debut.
Walker came late to pitching after playing mostly shortstop and basketball in high school, and he is still developing from a thrower into a pitcher. That is especially apparent in his command, which he will need to tighten to reach his lofty potential. Walker gets easy velocity on his fastball, throwing it in the mid-to-upper 90s. Walker also throws a changeup, a curveball and a slider that often moves like a cutter. All of his offspeed pitches have the potential to be above-average offerings.
Walker's youth, athleticism, size and stuff all give him the chance to develop into a front-line Major League starter, though shoulder soreness in 2014 slowed his progress in that direction.
2. Alex Jackson, C/OF
Preseason rank: None (2014 Draft)
MLB Top 100 rank: 39 (Preseason: NA)
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 60
The top high school bat in the 2014 Draft class, Jackson became the fifth first-round pick out of Rancho Bernardo (Calif.) High School in suburban San Diego in the past two decades when the Mariners took him with the sixth overall selection.
Jackson's standout tool is his right-handed power, which he generates with bat speed and strength. Jackson has enough feel for hitting that he could hit for average in the Major Leagues, though he'll have to be sure to curb a tendency for his swing to get long at times -- which causes him to miss hittable fastballs.
Jackson's arm gives him a third future plus tool. A catcher in high school who also played elsewhere, Jackson was drafted as an outfielder, meaning his days behind the plate were over. His arm and athleticism fit well in right field, and the move should allow Jackson's bat to move through the system faster.
3. D.J. Peterson, 3B/1B
Preseason rank: 2
MLB Top 100 rank: 55 (Preseason: 88)
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Arm: 60 | Field: 40 | Overall: 55
The Mariners drafted Peterson out of high school in the 33rd round in 2010, but he chose to attend New Mexico instead. It proved to be a fruitful decision, as Peterson established himself as one of the premium college hitters in the 2013 Draft class. The Mariners didn't miss a second chance at him, selecting Peterson 12th overall.
Peterson has a quick swing and an advanced approach at the plate. He showed off his impressive power as a professional, hitting 13 home runs in 55 games after signing.
Peterson played third base in college, but his future may be across the diamond. He has a good arm and moves better than his size would suggest, but his defense is adequate at best at third base. Peterson's bat will play anywhere, and it should help him move quickly toward Seattle.
4. James Paxton, LHP
Preseason rank: 3
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45 | Overall: 55
Paxton has been an intriguing yet enigmatic lefty with electric stuff, since his pro debut in 2011. His brief big league debut in 2013 had some thinking he was ready to put it all together, though a lat strain forced him out of action for most of the first half of '14.
The former Futures Game participant has many things going for him, including two above-average or better pitchers in his fastball and curveball -- all coming downhill from a 6-foot-4 frame. Since Paxton can touch 95 mph from the left side to go along with that solid breaking ball, having a below-average changeup that might only be good enough for him to show occasionally might be enough. When Paxton got to the big leagues, he showed a more relaxed and refined delivery, which in turn led to better command.
If Paxton can continue to find the strike zone, a future as a starter awaits, with the Mariners knowing he has the power stuff to succeed in the bullpen if needed.
5. Chris Taylor, SS
Preseason rank: 7
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 35 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Seattle was very familiar with Taylor, having seen him multiple times while scouting Danny Hultzen in 2011. The club was happy to get Taylor a year later.
Like has often happened with Virginia position players, Taylor has hit better than expected once out of the unfriendly confines of his college home park. He's shown a knack for being patient and he is using all areas of the field. Taylor has gotten a bit stronger, though power is never going to be a big part of his game. He has excellent baserunning instincts, and he has the range and the hands to play shortstop. Some feel his arm might be better at second or for moving around the infield.
The Mariners aren't giving up on Taylor as an everyday guy just yet, pointing to Kyle Seager as an example of a player many felt was destined to a utility career who has now settled in as a starter.
6. Gabriel Guerrero, OF
Preseason rank: 10
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 70 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Depending on when you see him, Vladimir Guerrero's nephew either looks like a special outfielder who could become as good as his uncle or just an ordinary young kid trying to find his way.
There's no question Guerrero has a very high ceiling. He has very good raw tools, including the ability to hit for average and power, though the latter hasn't shown up in games consistently yet. Guerrero is an aggressive hitter, but like his uncle, he tends to make contact more than you think he should -- though some refinement would allow him to tap into that power more. Guerrero runs fairly well, and he has about as strong an outfield arm as you'll find in the Minor Leagues.
All of Guerrero's skills give him the potential to be the prototypical right fielder when all is said and done, but first he has to show he can use those considerable tools consistently on the field.
7. Austin Wilson, OF
Preseason rank: 13
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Since his high school days, Wilson has teased with his tools and his athleticism, but he hasn't always been a consistent performer. The Mariners are hoping he can put it together in their organization.
Wilson is a physical specimen, and he is the kind of player who "looks the part." He has big-time raw power, can run and he has the arm for right field. At the plate, Wilson can be a little bit of a feast-or-famine-type player, and he'll need to make more consistent contact so he can tap into that power more regularly. In the final month of his pro debut in the Northwest League in 2013, Wilson had a .973 OPS, and he continued to build on that during his first full season.
Now healthy after dealing with injuries during his junior year at Stanford, Wilson has the raw tools to fit the right-field profile to a tee.
8. Edwin Diaz, RHP
Preseason rank: 4
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
When Seattle selected Diaz out of Puerto Rico in the 2012 Draft, the club figured it had a project on its hands. It seems, though, that the right-hander is developing more quickly than expected.
Some of Diaz's development has been physical. Diaz has put on around 25 pounds of good weight since his high school days. His fastball and slider are his best offerings, and there might be more in the tank with the heater as he continues to progress. Diaz has improved his fastball command considerably, and his breaking ball is much better than it was, leading to low walk totals and plenty of missed bats. His changeup lags behind, but there is confidence Diaz will master that as well.
With Diaz's stuff and willingness to be a student of the game, he might have as much upside as anyone in the system.
9. Patrick Kivlehan, 3B
Preseason rank: 19
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 45 | Field: 45 | Overall: 50
It hasn't been the most direct career path for this Rutgers product, but Kivlehan has an intriguing set of tools he's just learning how to use consistently.
A football player in college, Kivlehan didn't return to baseball until his senior year, where he promptly had a huge season and moved up Draft boards in a hurry. Kivlehan has the tools to be a run-producing third baseman with the ability to hit for average and plenty of power. He runs well for a guy his size, and he brings a football mentality to his game on a daily basis.
Kivlehan had some rough edges due to his time away from the game, but he started to smooth them out in 2013. More reps will help, and the end result could be Kivlehan becoming an everyday corner infielder.
10. Gareth Morgan, LHP
Preseason rank: None (2014 CB)
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 35 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
The Mariners clearly were going after power potential in the early rounds of the 2014 Draft, nabbing Jackson in the first round, then giving Morgan $2 million as the No. 74 overall pick.
Strong and toolsy, Morgan's raw power is undeniable. He has put on shows in showcase batting practices in the past, and he has the ability to hit the ball out of any ballpark. There are some questions about Morgan's ability to hit enough to tap into that power consistently. He is a solid outfielder with a strong arm, giving him a good profile for right field.
The Mariners clearly believed enough in Morgan's bat, and those who dream on him might see a future Giancarlo Stanton type in the future.
11. Ketel Marte, SS
Preseason rank: 16
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 30 | Run: 65 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45
Pushed aggressively, Marte reached the Class A Advanced California League in 2013 at age 19. The Mariners think he can develop into a top-of-the-order catalyst in the future.
Marte's best tool is his speed, and he has more than enough to be a threat on the basepaths and to give him range up the middle. The Dominican switch-hitter's actions and his arm are good enough for shortstop, but he's also seen time at second base thus far in his pro career. Marte has no power to speak of, relying on making contact and using his speed for his offense. Some added strength and improvement of his on-base skills will certainly help him down the road.
If the bat can come along, Marte has the chance to be an everyday shortstop, though a career as a speedy and dynamic utility type is nothing to sneeze at.
12. Luiz Gohara, LHP
Preseason rank: 5
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45
If everything clicks for this young Brazilian lefty, Gohara has the chance to be something special, even if Seattle seems a long way off.
Gohara has everything you want from a southpaw. He has a fastball that reaches up to 93-94 mph, and he has a good curveball to go along with it. Marte also throws a slider, which isn't as good as his other breaking ball, and he shows a really good feel for a changeup. The one thing of concern is that Gohara put on a lot of weight, and it is not the good kind. It's clear he's going to have to work hard on his conditioning to continue his progress.
Gohara is only 17 years old. If he can get in shape, he has the stuff to be a top-flight left-handed pitching prospect.
13. Tyler Marlette, C
Preseason rank: 8
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 30 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Marlette capped his trip through the showcase circuit in the summer of 2010 with an MVP performance in the Aflac All-America Game at Petco Park. After a slow start to his professional career, he advanced to full-season ball for the first time in 2013.
Marlette's power is his best tool. He creates good bat speed and he can drive the ball to all areas of the field. Marlette is a below-average runner, but he takes advantage of opportunities to be aggressive on the basepaths.
Marlette made big strides on defense in 2013. Combined with his strong arm and his good makeup, the improvements Marlette made to his receiving give him a chance to be at least an average defender. With his power, that would make Marlette an all-around threat.
14. Victor Sanchez, RHP
Preseason rank:6
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45
The Mariners have never been shy about being aggressive in the international market, and they weren't when they gave Sanchez seven figures to sign out of Venezuela.
Unlike some of the hard throwers in the system, Sanchez relies more on command and control. His fastball sits in the low 90s, at best, and he couples it with solid yet unspectacular secondary stuff in his curve and his changeup. Sanchez is a serious strike-thrower, though, keeping the ball down in the zone consistently, which allows his stuff to play up. At 6-foot-0 and 255 pounds, there's no projection here.
Still only a teenager, Sanchez's pitchabilty could allow him to move quickly, even if his ceiling maxes out as a No. 4-type starter.
15. Tyler Pike, LHP
Preseason rank: 9
Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 40 | Overall: 45
A combination of a feel for three pitches, deception and athleticism gives Pike the chance to be a solid big league starter, assuming he can find the strike zone more consistently.
Pike built off of a very solid full-season debut as a teenager in the Midwest League in 2013. He'll throw his fastball in the 89-92 mph range, and he has shown an advanced feel for his changeup already. Pike's breaking stuff isn't quite as good, but he has the chance to give him a third solid offering in the future. While hitters have a tough time picking the ball up coming from Pike's hand, he is going to have to improve his fastball command considerably to continue having that kind of success at the higher levels.
The jump up to a higher level should be a good challenge for Pike, with a ceiling as a mid-rotation starter being a possibility.
16. Danny Hultzen, LHP
Preseason rank: 14
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45
Taken No. 2 overall in the 2011 Draft, Hultzen was supposed to be an advanced college lefty who would get to the big leagues quickly. He was headed in that direction when shoulder troubles derailed his career.
While Hultzen did have command issues during his first full year in 2012, he did reach Triple-A. But his 2013 season really never got going, as he was shut down twice and he eventually had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff -- which will keep him out for the '14 season. When healthy, Hultzen has a very good three-pitch mix in his fastball, changeup and slider, and he's shown the ability to command all three in the past.
For now, it's all about Hultzen getting healthy and back on the mound, then it will be time to reassess just what kind of pitcher he can become.
17. Carson Smith, RHP
Preseason rank: 11
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45
Relievers who throw from an unorthodox arm angle are often dismissed as being successful because of trickery. When they strike out nearly 12 batters per nine innings, it's time to take notice.
Smith isn't just a guy who throws from a low three-quarters angle. From that slot, he can crank his fastball up into the mid 90s, sitting in the 91-93 mph range. Smith's heater has plus sink to generate a ton of ground-ball outs. He has one of the best breaking balls in the system, a sweeping slider with early break. Smith is especially tough on right-handed hitters, and he went more than a month at the end of 2013 without giving up a run. Because of his arm angle and especially that slider, he reminds some of former reliever Jeff Nelson.
Smith profiles as a seventh-inning or setup-type guy, but he's one who should contribute to the big league bullpen soon.
18. Tyler O'Neil, OF
Preseason rank: 20
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45
A catcher during his amateur days in Canada, O'Neill has made the move to the outfield, with the chance to be a power-hitting corner guy in the future.
O'Neill brings a ton of natural strength to the plate, which should allow him to continue to hit for power. With excellent bat speed, he should be able to hit for average as well. Too big to stay behind the plate, Seattle moved O'Neill to left field during his summer debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League, and that's where he'll stay for the time being. O'Neil will need to work on his defensive play. A move to first isn't out of the question, but in the end, it's his bat that will carry him up the organizational ladder.
The adage goes that if you can hit, you'll find your way to the big leagues. The Mariners hope that is the case with O'Neill as well.
19. Xavier Avery, LHP
Preseason rank: None
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Arm: 45 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
When Avery was drafted by the Orioles back in 2008, the question was always about whether the onetime Georgia football recruit could translate his raw tools and athleticism into performance. He made it to the big leagues in 2012, but the Orioles sent him to the Mariners in the Michael Morse deal in August '13.
Avery still has intriguing tools, starting with his outstanding speed that allows him to be a basestealing threat and to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. If his bat can continue to develop, the left-handed hitter could be a top-of-the-order type. Avery will need to make more consistent contact and improve his on-base skills to truly profile as a leadoff hitter.
Avery has the ability to play all three outfield positions, something he's done over the past few seasons after mainly playing center early on his career. A future as a fourth outfielder might be in the cards.
20. Julio Morban, OF
Preseason rank: 17
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45
Injuries have proven to be the main stumbling block for Morban, who originally signed for more than $1 million back in 2008. Despite that, he's shown enough to earn a spot on the Mariners' 40-man roster, and he could be knocking on the door soon.
Morban was having a solid 2013 season, his first above Class A ball, when he broke his leg in August. Morban has yet to log more than 400 at-bats in one season, but he's shown some ability to hit for average to go along with some extra-base pop. He's played all over the outfield, mostly in right in 2013, but he probably profiles best defensively in left. Morban does have the hitting profile that teams like to see in corner guys.
The biggest thing is for Morban to turn in a healthy season. That could lead to his first trip to Seattle.
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLBPipeline.com and writes a blog, B3. Follow @JonathanMayoB3 on Twitter.


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Actress Evan Rachel Wood has reportedly rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Jamie Bell, five years after they parted ways.
The Wrestler star dated Bell in 2006 after they played onscreen lovers in the music video for Green Day's track Wake Me Up When September Ends.
And they even got matching tattoos to declare their love for each other, with Wood saying at the time, "We had matching tattoos because we knew our love would last for ever. Trouble is, it didn't, things happened, we split. But I don't regret the tattoo. It reminds me of a great, great period in my life."
Wood then started an on/off relationship with shock rocker Marilyn Manson, who she split from for good last year.
And now it seems the actress has found love again with the Billy Elliot star, after the pair was spotted walking hand-in-hand on a romantic day out in New York on Thursday.
Wood and Bell were snapped strolling through Manhattan with their arms around each other, wearing matching trilby hats.


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Asus talks up turbo-charged thin'n'light laptops
A 33 per cent boost at the flick of a switch
Asus has outlined the main benefits of Turbo 33 - an overclocking technology it has installed on its new UL netbook series.
Each of the seven less-than-an-inch-thick 12in to 15in UL laptops are based on Intel CULV processors. However, Asus has claimed that its proprietary Turbo 33 technology provides performance-related benefits over and above those capable by CULV alone.
Each Asus UL series netbook features Turbo 33 to boost performance
Turbo 33's core feature, according to Asus, is its ability to provide an average 33 per cent boost in operating performance across the board.
It's technically possible for Turbo 33 to boost a UL's Celeron, Core 2 Solo or Core 2 Duo processor performance by up to 77 per cent, Asus boasted. But Asus stressed that such a high boost impacts system performance – specifically notably battery life - and so the company opted to play it safe with a 33 per cent improvement.
Turbo 33 can significantly shorten file format conversion times, Asus claimed. In a demo of the technology given to Register Hardware today, the firm showed how a Turbo 33-enabled UL laptop could convert a 555MB MPEG 4 to WVM in 4596 seconds, compared to 6160 seconds on similar spec machine without the technology.
The company has also used Turbo 33 to shorten the boot-up time of a Windows 7 PC from 35 seconds to just 16 seconds.
UL 80: Air aspirations?
All UL series notebooks have battery lives of up to 12 hours. But with Turbo 33 switched off each machine would offer a slightly longer running time - although the company wouldn't commit to a figure.
If Turbo 33 sounds appealing to you, then Asus' 13.3in and 15.6in models are now available in the UK. Further 12in and 14in models are expected to arrive in Blighty before Christmas. More information is available online. ®


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Miami's decision to ban itself from postseason football this season may have a few bowl executives squirming. With the Hurricanes out of the picture, there are now 61 bowl eligible teams - and 70 available spots in the 35 bowls. A handful of teams still have a chance to reach six wins and join the list of qualifiers, but there may not be enough when it's all said and done.
Before the season, the NCAA announced contingency plans for exactly this type of scenario. There's even a way for 5-7 teams to be selected - it's tied to academic performance - if other alternatives have been exhausted.
The list of 61 eligible teams does not include Georgia Tech, which is 6-5 but could end up 6-7 if it loses this weekend and again in the ACC title game. However, if there aren't enough teams at .500 or better to fill all the bowls, Georgia Tech at 6-7 would have priority over any 5-7 teams.
Meanwhile, here are the 16 teams still on the bubble and what they need to do to become bowl eligible:
Baylor (5-5) must win at home against Texas Tech OR at home against Oklahoma State.
Central Michigan (5-6) must win at Massachusetts.
Connecticut (4-6) must win at Louisville AND at home against Cincinnati.
Georgia Tech (6-5) must win at Georgia OR in the ACC title game against Florida State.
Marshall (5-6) must win at East Carolina.
Michigan State (5-6) must win at Minnesota.
Mississippi (5-6) must win at home against Mississippi State.
Missouri (5-6) must win at Texas A&M.
Pittsburgh (4-6) must win at home against Rutgers AND at South Florida.
Purdue (5-6) must win at home against Indiana.
Rice (5-6) must win at UTEP.
SMU (5-6) must win at home against Tulsa.
Troy (5-6) must win at Middle Tennessee.
Virginia Tech (5-6) must win at home against Virginia.
Wake Forest (5-6) must win at home against Vanderbilt.
West Virginia (5-5) must win at Iowa State OR at home against Kansas.


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Report: Minnesota Vikings Sign QB Matt Cassel
Reports out of the Twin Cities say the Minnesota Vikings have a new Quarterback on their roster, former Kansas City starter Matt Cassell.
NFL.com is citing a story from Fox Sports Insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer that the Vikings have agreed to terms on a deal with Cassel., who, according to NFL.com's Albert Bree, picked Minnesota over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 30-year old Cassel, has a 29-33 career record as a starter with 82 touchdowns, 57 interceptions and a passer rating of 80.4.
He spent the last four seasons with the Chiefs, after backing up Tom Brady in New England. Cassel was cut by Kansas City after they traded for former 49ers Quarterback Alex Smith.


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Can conservation lift people out of poverty? 'Absolutely'
10 September 2012 | News story
The answer to the question posed in tonight's World Leaders Dialogue: can conservation lift people out of poverty was a resounding yes as long as certain conditions are met.
People everywhere depend directly or indirectly on nature for their well-being. But the benefits we get from Nature are not equally shared. Richer countries often reap the benefits while poorer nations bear the cost of biodiversity loss and see little advantage.
Some recurring themes emerged from the discussion on how to strike a better balance: Focus on the people who depend on nature; involve them in decisions; seek their advice, and generate the political will at higher levels.
Ms. Victoria Tauli-corpu, Executive Director of Tebtebba Foundation said very often indigenous people know what to do - traditional knowledge is holistic. "We need to use bottom-up approaches if we want conservation to help lift people from poverty," she said.
H.E. Mr. Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification enforced the need to conserve soil and restore degraded areas to protect incomes and build resilience.
We have all the institutions we need, it's all about leadership and forming 'coalitions of the willing' - people who are simply willing to 'do it' – restore the oceans, coral reefs and so on, said H.E. Mr. Erik Solheim Former Minister of Environment and International Development, Norway.
There are severe trade-offs between conservation and poverty reduction said H.E. Dr. Suk-Chae Lee, Chairman & CEO, Korea Telecom, but we must continue with our efforts. He cited examples from Korea which took practical steps such as reforestation, land reform to give every farmer a parcel of land, and providing cheap fuel as an alternative to wood.
Examples from the Pacific were also cited, by H.E. Colonel Samuela A. Saumatua, Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment in Fiji. By creating marine protected areas, local communities are seeing increases in fish numbers and associated increase in incomes.
"There are a huge numbers of examples, we must mobilise political will." Some countries are combining environment and development such as Brazil, he said.
Mr. Richard Samans Executive Director of the Global Green Growth Institute said we need to move forward to a 'transformational' level of progress; put conservation at the core of national economic strategies and take natural capital into account in national statistics.
A steady stream of questions and suggestions came from the audience and from views watching the debate online. These included investing more in payments for ecosystem services, creating greater synergy across the United Nations environment conventions and paying more attention to migration from rural areas to cities.


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The Government Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed six Government Performance and Results Act pilot projects where agencies had taken steps to align their employee performance management systems with their organizational missions and goals. They looked at:
The GAO report entitled Performance Management: Aligning Employee Performance with Agency Goals at Six Results Act Pilots provides information on the primary approaches taken and the issues and challenges commonly confronted while developing and implementing these alignments.
The projects' employee performance management approaches were intended to support their missions and goals and to address particular circumstances or needs. The pilot projects' approaches varied in significant ways:
Four of the pilots (AAA, ARL, NOAA, SBA) focused on managers rather than on staff at other levels because they felt that managers hold key responsibility for the business of the organization and for implementing change among its employees. A common factor among these pilots was their traditional approach: managers' accountability for results was carried out through a system of expectation-setting and evaluation by their superiors.
For example, NOAA officials made "strategic plan support" a critical element in the performance plans of its Senior Executive Service (SES). This allowed the agency to simultaneously monitor program and individual managers' progress. The executives prepared self-assessments based on the accomplishment of annual goals. In addition, the senior executives' supervisors rated them using a five-level scale. The self-assessments and the ratings were forwarded to NOAA's Performance Review Board to determine awards. While the SES performance-bonus allocation was calculated based on 3 percent of the total SES payroll, the agency decided in 1997 to withhold 10 percent of that money to give to senior executives who had contributed the most to achieving NOAA's strategic goals. NOAA plans to eventually include strategic goals in the performance plans of the GS-15 and GS-14 office directors.
In contrast, the other two pilots (VA-NYRO, FETC) focused their approaches on all employees, relying on Total Quality Management (TQM) principles as a guide and organizing employees into self-directed work teams. For example, at FETC, a team-based performance management approach was introduced to enhance teamwork, improve productivity and quality, and help the center accomplish its performance goals. This team- based approach included: (1) a 360-degree feedback system; (2) formally appraising performance at two levels (i.e., meets or exceeds expectations/fails to meet expectations) to help eliminate barriers to communications between supervisors and employees; and (3) a team awards approach that supports organizational performance. Employee performance plans emphasized the competencies and behaviors considered necessary to support the team's efforts to meet the agency's strategic goals.
The link to organizational goals seemed less explicit for the pilot projects using a team-based approach than for the projects focusing on managers. In the projects focusing on teams, the expectation was that employees would contribute to achieving organizational goals by contributing to the performance of their teams. In contrast, the pilot projects that focused on managers made a direct link between organizational strategic plans and managers' performance plans.
All six pilot projects found sufficient flexibilities available to them in the current human resource regulations to take at least some steps toward aligning their performance management programs with their missions and goals. Nonetheless, the pilots found it challenging to include appropriate and meaningful goals and performance measures in their performance management approaches. For example, most of the pilot projects that focused on managers took almost the same approach: assigning responsibility for organizational goals to managers in their performance plans. But these pilots varied widely in their efforts to "cascade" organizational goals and measures to employees at lower levels. Officials from all the pilot projects mentioned that developing results-oriented goals and measures was a continuing challenge.
Another challenge faced by each pilot was the need to redirect its culture toward a new understanding of the organization's mission or way of doing business and to secure employee buy-in. In addition, pilot officials encountered unintended consequences as a result of using new employee performance management approaches. Officials noted that in establishing new goals and measures or new appraisal programs for their employees, they had encountered cases in which employees were "gaming" the system, that is, manipulating the performance measures to make their performance look better than it might actually have been. Also, some employees perceived a lack of fairness in the approaches' implementation.
None of the six pilots reported having formally evaluated its performance management approach, but all reported possible benefits, including:
In addition, all six pilots considered their approaches worth pursuing further and have continued to refine or expand their efforts to align performance management with organizational missions and goals after their participation as pilot projects ended.
GAO noted that successful performance management systems depend, in part, on agencies putting in place a framework of clearly defined organizational mission statements, goals, and performance measures that can serve as the basis for setting employees' performance expectations and evaluating their performance.
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Yeah, can't wait to see their next experiment at that location. I tend to love them all. Lime, BTW, Spring Chicken, whatever.
The sandwich from Spring Chicken found a permanent home at Yardbird. And it's even better there anyway. So no loss there. At least one of the servers from BTW also found a new home at Yardbird.
Since I started this thread, Yardhouse introduced a Nashville fried chicken with waffles entree. And then after a few months of me begging them for a Nashville chicken sandwich, the introduced that too. I guess I wasn't the only one begging.
The new spicy chicken sandwich at Shake Shack is entirely decent.


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Charleston is busy with a variety of festivals throughout the year, but none really can compare to the magnitude of the international Spoleto Festival USA and the local and regional Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
These giants bring the city to life like nothing else.
For 17 days, the Charleston area turns into a performing arts mecca. And everyone wants to see it all, which is, of course, impossible.
Nevertheless, the energetic, art-loving people that we are, we all definitely put forth a valiant effort to be in as many places as humanly possible. From cocktail receptions to operas and ballets, from the fine artists set up in Marion Square to firework displays, get your outfits ready. It's always a fun ride.
Since there are hundreds of events taking place, we're going to have to leave it up to you to comb the special section insert and brochures to fill your calendars, but we did get a chance to chat with some of the folks involved with the festivals about what they're most excited to check out.
Spoleto Festival USA features works that are known on an international level. That being said, you should expect to see some top-notch performing arts.
Spoleto General Director Nigel Redden is particularly excited about the American premiere of award-winning director Tom Morris' puppetry twist on the Shakespearean classic "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Morris is directing in association with South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company.
The production will include more than 20 handcrafted puppets in a performance that has been described as "future primitive"; think of a magical place that is futuristic but at the same time forgotten.
Redden said the performance exceeded his expectations when he first saw it.
"Puppets and actors work seamlessly together to bring life to the puppets and expand the emotion and physical possibilities of the actors. Puck, for example, is a collection of what seems like odds and ends that are manipulated by three actors so that his shape shifts constantly," Redden said.
With 19 performances throughout the course of the festival, this is supposed to be one of this year's hits. There also will be a talk with Morris at noon Saturday at the Charleston Library Society, 164 King St.
Another "not to miss" American premiere is Nottingham Theatre Company's "Oedipus."
Sophocles' classic Greek tragedy has been adapted for contemporary audiences by actor-director Steven Berkoff. You may recognize him from "Octopussy," "Rambo: First Blood Part II" and "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
The physical theater genre is always an impressive one, and Le Grand C looks like it's going to wow people. The title refers to le grand chapiteau, or the big top, but this is definitely not your typical circus. This is more about powerful physicality and expressive movement. They will have you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding, hoping no one gets hurt.
For more information, go to www.spoletousa.org.
People often confuse Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto, but Piccolo is all about local people. Piccolo also is about making sure there are plenty of events that are affordable or, even better, free.
The artists in Marion Square and nearby Wragg Square are always crowd-pleasers.
With more than 90 artists in Marion Square alone, this is a massive display of fine art and a great way to get to meet the artists first-hand. They'll be out there every day, and they love meeting new people and talking about their work.
Another gem in the same vicinity is the collaborative "Artist on Fire" show at Citadel Square Baptist Church.
Each year, creators Alex and Sara Radin pick a different theme, and this year's is "Sweet!"
" 'Sweet!' applauds childhood memories, true love, the mystery of youth, special moments, and pays homage to the splendor of creation, the night sky and heavenly spaces," said Alex Radin.
This year will be Scott Watson's first year experiencing Piccolo Spoleto as the director of the city of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, which organizes the event.
"As much as I look forward to the work I'll be seeing on stage, in galleries and in public spaces throughout the city, I'm particularly excited that I'll be able to spend time with fellow festival-goers, enjoy the festival energy and be a part of the conversation as our collective audience of locals and visitors shares their reaction and response to the art being presented," he said.
"With that in mind, I'm particularly excited to attend my first Sunset Serenade, presented as a free public concert at the U.S. Customhouse on Sunday evening, May 26. Yuriy Bekker will lead the CSO joined by guest soloists Melissa Batalles (soprano), Jennifer Luiken (mezzo-soprano) and Eric Margiore (tenor) in a wonderful program featuring highlights from 'West Side Story.' Sunset Serenade is a signature of Piccolo Spoleto, and I am delighted I will be in attendance as we raise the curtain for the 2013 festival."
Watson went on to say: "At the heart of Piccolo Spoleto is the cultural vitality Charleston embraces year-round, and the festival brings the creativity of our local arts community center stage. The festival program also includes a number of visiting artists and ensembles, and one that I'm especially pleased to see on our calendar of events is a visiting production from Italy that presents the story of 'Pinocchio' as a dramatic monologue directed and performed by the remarkable Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, accentuated by music and dance on stage. Performed in Italian with English supertitles, the performance offers a humanistic and resonant reading of the classic children's story that begs the question, 'Was the original author's intended audience children, or perhaps the adults reading the story to them?' "
There will only be two performances of this show on June 2 at the Footlight Theatre, 20 Queen St.
Go to www.piccolospoleto.org for more.
We are seeing and holding and reading books less and less. They are quickly being replaced with computers, smartphones and tablets.
The current exhibit at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art speaks to this fascinating and sad evolution. "Rebound: Dissections and Excavations in Book Art" also was chosen as the official visual arts selection of Spoleto Festival USA.
Curated by Halsey Assistant Director Karen Ann Myers, the collaborative exhibit consists of works by "five mixed-media artists from around the world who, using books as a point of departure, sculpt, scrape, bend and carve to create astonishing compositions. Doug Beube, Long-Bin Chen, Brian Dettmer, Guy Laramee and Francesca Pastine transform various types of literature and/or printed books through sculptural intervention," Myers said.
We've all grown up with books as part of our lives. It's a huge, strange thought to think of them no longer existing.
"Because of the confusion and sense of loss that emerge from this state, the artists in this exhibition have created their own responses," Myers went on to say. "Some, like Laramee and Chen, directly address the parallels between the disappearance of natural spaces and books as an outdated mode of expression; as a result, they carve landscapes from the pages and bindings. Deep crevasses, hidden caves and awe-inspiring phenomena and landscapes emerge from chiseled pages. Alternately, some artists, like Beube, Pastine and Dettmer, seek to find a place for books in the future, by digitizing or technologizing them.
"Here, images are created that are reminiscent of topographical maps, weather maps, readings from seismographs, or cross sections of the 'bodies' of the books. These works are treated as surgeries or dissections; scalpels and needles are used to carve away the books' exteriors."
There will be a special gallery walk-through with the artists 5-6 p.m. Thursday, followed immediately by an opening reception 6-8 p.m. at the Halsey, 161 Calhoun St.
Call 953-HICA (4422) or go to www.halsey.cofc.edu.
Contemporary American artist Andrea Stanislav uses taxidermied animals, glitter and mirrors in sculpture, video and public art instillations. For her current exhibit, "Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted," at Redux Contemporary Art Center, she is concerned with messages of good vs. evil and morality.
"Reflection is a key word in Stanislav's lexicon, as it serves to indicate both the means and the ends of her artistic endeavor," said Stacy Huggins, executive director of Redux. "In her work, the viewer is not simply invited, but compelled by use of reflective surfaces to interrogate their own position in relation to the artwork and, by extension, to history and culture.
"She is known for monumental work and unexpected visual manifestations that speak to sublime beauty and American exceptionalism. From an explosion of mirrored obelisks on the Bonneville Salt Flats to a public video installation of a white horse running down the Mississippi River at night, her work takes on a scale appropriate to its subjects — revealing the truest of artistic dimensions: beauty," Huggins added.
There will be an opening reception 6-8:30 p.m. Friday and an artist's talk at 2 p.m. Saturday at Redux, 136 St. Philip St.
Call 722-0697 or go to www.reduxstudios.org.


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