text:
How do you review blandly bad productions of plays? Or, decent productions of plays that simply don't speak to you?
Haven't a clue, but we'll give it a shot…
Review: Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. Produced by Seattle Shakespeare Company. Directed by George Mount. Fight Choreography by Peter Dylan O'Connor. Music Composed by Pete Remine and Robertson Witmer. Costume Design by Doris Black. Set Design by Craig B. Wollam. Lighting Design by Roberta Russell. Sound Design by Erik Siegling and Robertson Witmer. Properties Design by Robin Macartney. Video Design by MJ Sieber. With Allan Armstrong, Chantal DeGroat, Sunam Ellis, Bradford Farwell. Macall Gordon, Reginald Andre Jackson, Bridget McKevitt, Jaime Nicole Riggs, Lorenzo Roberts, David Rock, Brian Simmons, Arlando Smith, Tyler Trerise, Annie Yim, Dylan Zucati and Peter Crook as Caesar. Now through October 1, 2017 at Cornish Playhouse.
First up is Seattle Shakespeare Company's really, really not interesting take on Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR, their opening production for their 2017/18 indoor season. Since Seattle Shakes and Book-It Rep mostly share the Center House/Armory theater space, when one of them has control of that space, the other has to seek alternate homes when they have shows in production at the same time. While Book-It stages its mostly excellent I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, the Shakes' crew has migrated a few hundred feet west to take over the Cornish/former Intiman theater which is considerably larger than the Armory, a detail which really doesn't work to the Shakes' advantage. It's easy to not only make the 200 seat-ish Armory space look full but the stage as well…it's a helluva lot tougher to fill both the house and the stage at Cornish's massive home.
Julius Caesar is probably one of the most misnamed of Shakespeare's plays since it's really about Cassius and Brutus, the Roman nobles who plot to kill Caesar…in reality, this play should be called "The Assassination of Julius Caesar" since the play focuses far more on the killers than on Caesar himself. And, we come to one of the first problems with Seattle Shakes' production: Caesar is played by Peter Crook in a very funny and sly performance but it's really a supporting role (albeit a vital one) and the actors playing Cassius and Brutus aren't nearly as much fun which is partly their fault, I suppose, but also has a lot to do with the bland direction by George Mount, the artistic director of Seattle Shakespeare.
Bradford Farwell is basically fine as Cassius, the chief instigator in the assassination plot. Mr. Farwell is a good actor but he's just in "Shakespeare Actor Mode" here; it's a competent performance but it never really lifts. Meanwhile, another good actor, Reginald Andre Jackson as the more reticent Brutus, just seems under enthused and under energized. I don't know if his severe underplaying was a deliberate choice on the part of the actor and the director or maybe the actor was battling a cold or physical ailment but it wasn't a very inspiring performance. Since Cassius and Brutus are the driving forces of the drama, the lack of spark in these castings/performances is already problematic.
Since the director is supposedly the one in charge of it all, we're gonna j'accuse Mr. Mount of being the perpetrator in the many crimes of this dull Julius Caesar which suffers from more than misdirected main actors. The entire production feels off center, under populated and vague in purpose and tone. This production is set in "modern" times and the actors are in contemporary clothing and the production design features several large video monitors that feature constantly scrolling news ala CNN and while it's a clever touch, it never really adds anything of value to the proceedings; it's mostly distracting. In fact, when I was bored by the actors on stage, my eyes tended to wander to the videos (well edited by MJ Sieber and featuring actual news footage with newly created footage featuring Mr. Crook as Caesar). But, the videos really aren't integrated into the story…they're just set dressing. Why not actually play a scene or two IN video footage to better incorporate the video/modern aspects into the story?
And, in the second half of the play when war is declared among all the various factions of the story, the modern dress is mostly discarded and the various factions are in a mish mash of different "Roman" battle armors with mismatching sandals and swords. They've mostly dropped any semblance of being "modern". There's also the issue of it all feeling underpopulated…Cornish/Intiman has a big thrust stage and Julius Caesar is all about the Roman Mob yet this mob has about 8 people in it. If Seattle Shakes can't afford to snag another 5 or 6 interns from Cornish College of the Arts (most productions at Seattle Shakes feature 2 or 3 student interns) then at least STAGE the crowd scenes to look more…CROWDED! Use set pieces and lighting to create a sense of a thrashing enraged crowd seething with a mob mentality! Instead we have fewer than a dozen actors vainly trying to create that sense of "crowd" and failing through no fault of their own. The same is true in the boring battle scenes as the same handful of actors clamor about trying to seem impressive in awkward attire. It just doesn't work.
What does work: Mr. Crook as Caesar who charms as the oily, rather insincere Caesar complete with obvious toupee. The scenes with Caesar (and that wonderful wig) are the best bits of acting and direction in the entire production. Too bad the whole show couldn't follow this tone.
Also good: Tyler Trerise in multiple roles as the Soothsayer ("Beware the Ides of March!!") and Octavius bringing his usual sense of energy and urgency. And, Chantal DeGroat in a gender switched Casca bringing some fresh, contemporary grit and humor to her role.
But, a funny wig and a handful of energized performances cannot save this Caesar.
Review: Why We Have A Body by Claire Chafee. Produced by Strawberry Theatre Workshop. Directed by Rhonda J. Soikowski. Costume Design by Margaret Toomey. Scenic/Properties Design by Robin Macartney. Lighting Design by Levi Plumb. Sound Design by Brian Murphy. With Amy Fleetwood, Alyssa Keene, Katya Landau, Mahria Zook. Now through October 14, 2017 at 12th Avenue Arts.
Strawberry Theatre Workshop has been on a roll so far this year with a strong production of Proof in January and an exceptional production of Lydia this summer. Their fall production is an odd little drama, WHY WE HAVE A BODY and while it's nicely directed, acted and designed, I haven't much to say about it because while the play has its charms, it's such a slight piece of drama that it almost wafts out the front door at 12th Avenue Arts to gently toss and flutter in any wayward breeze. It's one of those pieces of dramatic literature that you're either going to embrace or else shrug and give a wan smile and say, "Not really my cup of tea, dear…."
WWHAB concerns a quirky little family consisting of Eleanor, an odd mom off exploring the harder to access parts of Latin America and her two daughters, Lily, an odd but somewhat practical lesbian private detective, and Mary, the very odd younger sister who seems to have some emotional issues; Mary enjoys robbing convenience stores "for fun". The play really centers mostly on Lily and her relationship with Mary but also her romantic pursuit of Renee, a seemingly heterosexual married scientist who has a lot of doubts about her heterosexuality. Over the course of the short one act play, we see Lily pursue and develop a relationship with Renee while trying to steer Lily into dealing with her many issues. Once in awhile, Mom checks in with some pithy words of wisdom while trekking through Brazil. The End.
It's a thin slice of cake, but Why We Have A Body is a rich, fruity confection. It's nutty and ripe and very precisely crafted, like a short story by your favorite writer in The New Yorker and playwright Claire Chaffee has done a fine job of creating these uniquely fey characters and giving them body and soul. The relationships are interesting, though the mother character seems a bit too disconnected from the rest of the story. It's very much what it is: a quirky mood play from 1993 and Rhonda J. Soikowski has done a fine job of staging it. It's a trifle of a play and probably best enjoyed by people who enjoy literary theater and/or plots involving women characters. All four actresses are nicely cast and do strong work here with the main standout being Katya Landau as the convenience store robbing Mary; she does a great job of giving depth to such an airy character.
I liked the modest smallness of Why We Have A Body but it's wispy charms won't be for everyone.
It all depends on what kind of tea you like.
2 Replies to "Reviews: The Bland & The Odd"
WTF sort of search term tag is "Women's Arts," Seattle Gay Scene? Is this the 1950s? Is this a MAGA publication? Do you have a "Men's Arts" equivalent?


text:
When many people think of Christianity and Hollywood, they think of protests, pickets, boycotts and "curse-counter" reviews. They think of Hollywood's longtime reputation of being worldly and scandalous, and the subsequent reluctance for Christians to have much to do with it.
But where Hollywood can feel alien and "other" to many Christians around the world, for Biolans, it is much closer to home. Situated just 25 miles from Biola's La Mirada campus, Hollywood is the defining industry of Los Angeles and the reason why many people flock to the Golden State in the first place. And it's in Biola's backyard.
Biola's proximity to the global center of the entertainment industry has not been seen as a liability, but rather an opportunity. The cinema and media arts (CMA) department at Biola has become home to one of the most sought-after majors at Biola and one of the most prestigious film programs of any Christian university. It's a program that is committed to working in and with Hollywood, making alliances and establishing a reputation of excellence and partnership rather than mediocrity and protest.
Flashback: The Early Days
Classes in film and television were first offered at Biola in 1971. In the early days, film production classes used the stage in Sutherland Hall as a soundstage, with a makeshift editing room in one of the closet-like rooms off the stage. Everything had to be struck down and cleared away after each class.
But in spite of this crude setup, pioneer department chair Tom Nash grew the program and helped solidify crucial relationships with Hollywood industry professionals who would serve as connections, mentors and financial backers for the program over the course of its development. In the early '90s, Nash developed the Studio Task Force, seeking out Hollywood professionals to invest their time, expertise and resources into students.
"Tom was never pushy, but he would always try to set up a meeting, set up a breakfast," said longtime faculty member Mike Gonzales. "He and Rick Bee (founding member of the Studio Task Force) would go out diligently and talk to a lot of people."
A coup for the task force came with the involvement of TV producer Michael Warren (Family Matters, Step By Step), who served as the first Studio Task Force chairman and whose personal and financial support was instrumental in the success of the program. With the help of early supporters like Warren, Biola was able to build its first real production center. Today, the facility has been newly renovated into a state-of-the-art, 10,256-square-foot complex complete with two sound stages, a control room, 11 editing bays, an equipment room and a convergent journalism newsroom.
A Rising Star
In 2003, upon Nash's retirement, Craig Detweiler became chair of the new mass communication department and expanded the program by doubling the existing faculty and revamping the curriculum. Under his tenure, enrollment surged and Biola gained a reputation as a premier film school among Christian universities.
Meanwhile, the department's "Biola Media Conference," which had brought Studio Task Force members to speak on campus since the mid-'90s, grew in scope and influence. In 2008, under the guidance of co-directors Peggy Rupple and Kathleen Cooke, the conference moved to the CBS Studio Center in the heart of Hollywood.
That same year, with the new name of "Cinema & Media Arts" the department hired its current chair, Jack Hafer, whose vision is to make the department even more industry focused, potentially with a facility in the heart of Hollywood or downtown L.A.
In addition to its growing popularity as a major at Biola, CMA is increasingly making a name for itself nationally and internationally through its innovative programs and industry connections. On top of the Biola Media Conference, a thriving internship program and a program at the Sundance Film Festival, Biola film students have the unique opportunity to travel overseas to create short films. Over the last several years, professor Dean Yamada has led interterm groups of students to Tokyo and Berlin to make short films. One of them, 2009's Jitensha, was screened at more than a dozen film festivals around the world and picked up several awards.
A Bright Future
Though the relationship between Christians and Hollywood has sometimes been tenuous, the CMA program seeks to be part of a movement toward a more collaborative interaction between the worlds of faith and film.
"When I first moved here in '91, there was really nothing in the industry for Christians," said Cooke. "But now, Christians are connecting and good films are being made by Christians. We've used the model of Christians working in the mission field, where you don't protest the culture as much as you learn about their culture, work with them, love them and pray for them. I think now we are starting to see the fruit of this model."
Part of the posture of Biola's CMA department toward Hollywood has included an insistence on humility, service and representing Christ, which has helped Biola gain a great reputation in the industry, adds Cooke.
"Every time one of our students' films has to go out into the city and use it as a location, we leave a good witness," said Cooke. "We always remind our students that it's bigger than them and that they are representing Christ."
Starring Attractions
An inside look at some of the features that make Biola's cinema and media arts program unique
Studio Task Force
In existence for more than 20 years, the Studio Task Force is a group of over 250 Christian professionals working in the entertainment industry who meet quarterly at CBS Studio Center in support of Biola's cinema and media arts department. The task force has become a bridge to the industry for CMA students, with each member providing instruction, inspiration or internships to prepare students to pursue their ambitions. Prominent members include Mark Zoradi (former president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group), Ralph Winter (producer, X-Men, Fantastic Four), Ken Wales (producer, Amazing Grace) and Scott Derrickson (writer/director of The Day the Earth Stood Still).
"With the Studio Task Force we model that when you get to a certain level in your career, you need to start giving back," said Rupple. "It's investing in the kingdom of God through visual media."
Biola Media Conference
Since its inception 16 years ago as the "Christian & Media Conference," the Biola Media Conference has been the marquee event for the CMA program. With the desire to gather the collective wisdom of people of faith successfully working in Hollywood and impart that wisdom to the next generation, the conference has annually connected students, faculty members, churches and aspiring filmmakers with a who's-who roster of notable Christians in the entertainment industry.
For the past three years, the conference has been held in the heart of Hollywood, "on the lot" at CBS Studios. Attendance has grown to more than 750 attendees, representing 19 states and four countries. The 2011 conference will take place on April 30 at CBS Studios, with keynote speaker Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired magazine, headlining the speaker roster. For more information or to register, visit www.biolamedia.com.
Biola Sundance
During the January interterm each year, more than 20 Biolans make the trek to Park City, Utah, for the annual Sundance Film Festival, one of the most important independent film festivals in the world. During the festival, Biola students and faculty watch films and dialogue with filmmakers as part of the Windrider Forum, a faith-based organization seeking to spark meaningful engagement with films and filmmakers.
Biola Sundance provides an immersive plunge into the art and commerce of the entertainment industry, giving students a taste of the independent film market and the realities of the distribution process. But it also inspires students to more thoughtfully process the themes of film through the lens of their faith, said Rupple, which in turn benefits the filmmakers, who may not have encountered this perspective on their film before.
Internship Programs
One of the most valuable assets of Biola's proximity to Los Angeles is also the CMA department's most important academic asset: internships. Many CMA students have gained real-world practical experience by landing internships at places like Fox, Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, Disney Studios and National Geographic Channel.
Internship program coordinator Kathleen Cooke notes that these experiences provide invaluable practical experience for students, but also help get Biola's name out there in the industry in a way that is associated with quality.
"I had a student who did an internship at Pixar last summer and did a glowing, amazing job," said Cooke. "One of the questions on the evaluation form for the employers was, 'What can this student do to improve for the future to get a job?' and the answer was, 'Just apply!'"
Online Extra: Student Films
Biola student films have won numerous awards in recent years. Among them:
- Henry Riady ('10) co-wrote, directed and produced Sepuluh, which received a nationwide release in Indonesia in 2009.
- Daniel Parris ('09) led a national campaign to raise funds to film a documentary called Give A Damn? to showcase what extreme poverty is really like as they experienced it on $1.25-a-day. Their work received national coverage when the plane they used to capture aerial footage of the slums of Nairobi crashed, killing the pilot.
- Taylor Rae ('11) won second place at the 2009 Damah Film Festival in Seattle, Wash., for his film The Old Man and the Ceiling.
- The 2009 Biola student film, The Dropout, tied for Best Short Film and earned a $1,500 cash prize from the Icicle Fund. The Dropout was also chosen as a semi finalist at the renowned Angelus Student Film Festival, an international competition that boasted 556 entries from 28 countries this year.
- Jed Saba and Zach King won first place as the Hewlett-Packard brand winners in a contest by Mofilm earning them a trip for two to the Times British Film Institute 53rd London Film Festival, $3,000 in spending money and $5,000 in HP products.
- Kevin Ulrich's Chaisson: Rise of the Zerad won best animated short at the Orlando Film Festival.
- Professor Dean Yamada led the 2009 Japan Interterm film class to Tokyo to shoot a short narrative film called Jitensha. This film has been chosen as an "official selection" at over 20 of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Jitensha continues to garner top film festival awards and pave the way for future filmmakers at Biola.
- Written by Josh Prichard and produced by Matthew Jones and Christa Lenk, the 2009 short "A Quiet Fire" won the Sirocco Award at the Action On Film International Film Festival.
- Matthew Jones won Best African-American Filmmaker in 2006 at the Directors Guild of America Student Film Awards for Be the Man. Part of the award was a prize of $2,500.
- Written and directed by Dean Yamada, Mujo No Kaze was filmed in Japan as part of an Interterm Biola film class. In 2008, the short won a first place award at The Inigo Film Festival in Australia.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The two biggest battles in hospitality: How will Marriott compete?
It's winner-take-all for China and the homesharing business this year. A Marriott spokesperson shares her insights
Marriott International is determined to win the hospitality race by ensuring it covers all the bases. The hotel giant made two important launches in the first quarter – its joint venture with Alibaba and Tribute Portfolio Homes.
These significant investments aim to propel Marriott's growth to gain a lead against its competition. The hotel group had a fairly strong first quarter, with net income up 7% to $398 million compared to same period in 2017. Adjusted net income was up by 30% to $487 million from last year's first quarter.
Conquering China
After announcing its joint venture with Alibaba in August 2017 aiming to take a piece of the profitable Chinese market, the hotel giant launched an exclusive booking portal to enable Chinese tourists to book any of Marriott's 600 properties in Asia and the Pacific. The platform will act as its flagship store and will be accessible through Alibaba's travel platform, Fliggy.
However, this is just a start. It is expected that the group's 6,500 properties in 127 countries will be accessible through the booking platform in the future.
China is an important market for Marriott and other travel-related companies. According to the China Tourism Academy, the number of Chinese tourists that travelled abroad rose by 7% to 130 million in 2017. These tourists also spent US$115.3 billion during their trips.
"The largest international hotel company in China"
"We have operated in Greater China for nearly 30 years and it continues to be an important growth market for us. With 310 properties open and 303 in our signed development pipeline, we are the largest international hotel company in China based on rooms," Marriott International's spokesperson exclusively told me.
"In 2017, we announced our joint venture with China-based Alibaba, which is designed to reach Alibaba's more than 500 million mobile monthly active users across its platforms. We look forward to continued growth and collaboration with our business partners in China," the spokesperson added.
Using the 500 million registered users as a boost, Marriott's joint venture with Alibaba goes beyond pure bookings. The group also utilizes Alipay, China's most widely used mobile payment system. The hotel giant is set to accept mobile payments in 1,500 hotels by the end of June, which is already available in 90% of Marriott's portfolio in China.
Marriott hopes that the adoption of Alipay will encourage Chinese users travelling overseas to choose Marriott because of its convenience and ease of payment. Increasing the number of hotels accepting Alipay transactions will only for the advantage and growth of the group.
China is a market of its own. They say you win Asia if you win China. Moreover, this partnership with Alibaba opens a myriad of possibilities to Marriott such as personalizing the hotel experience of each guest, which the hotel chain yearns for.
Like Airbnb – only better
Experts once said that the homesharing industry is stealing business from hotels by offering a wide range of options to budget-conscious travellers. Now, hotels are penetrating the homesharing business by affixing their brands to homes.
Marriott is testing the homesharing waters with its new platfrom Tribute Portfolio Homes. However, CEO Arne Sorenson is confident that the hotel giant will succeed in a market dominated by Airbnb and Homeaway when he announced the status of the new business venture in the conglomerate's first quarter earnings call.
Marriott paired with Hostmaker, Europe's leading homesharing management company, to manage the carefully selected, ritzy listings.
I asked how Marriott will resolve some of the pressing problems in the homesharing business, such as fraud, false advertising and security. One of the common complaints about Airbnb listings is the photos and the actual appearance of the home does not match, leaving guests disappointed. Moreover, the lack of security has been a consistent issue.
"Compliance with safety and security features… and 24/7 support"
"We are being very discerning about the homes that will be a part of the Tribute Portfolio Homes offering. Every property within Tribute Portfolio Homes has been carefully reviewed and selected by hospitality experts based on exacting design standards. The portfolio will only offer full-unit homes. We have a partnership with property management expert, Hostmaker, who is required to ensure compliance with safety and security features and provide 24/7 support to our guests during their stay." The hotel's spokesperson told me via email.
Marriott's addition of homesharing in its portfolio of more than 6,500 hotels worldwide is due to its desire to provide more options to customers when it comes to lodging and accommodation.
Intense competition
Marriott is not alone making significant moves in the aforementioned markets. Its rivals AccorHotels, Hyatt, and Wyndham are among the big hotel chains that are moving in on homesharing start-ups.
AccorHotels, the largest hotel group in Europe, acquired luxury homesharing platform Onefinestay, while Hyatt acquired US-based homesaring start-up Oasis. Wyndham will not be left out as it has invested into Love Home Swap, a platform that allows people to swap homes with other members in exchange of an annual fee.
Airbnb is not raising the white flag and has since launched Airbnb Plus, which is a collection of posh homes that cater to high-end clientele.
Hotel groups are also making significant moves to get a piece of the Chinese market. AccorHotels partnered with online travel company Ctrip to enhance services for the Chinese company's 300 million registered users.
Hyatt also teams up with Ctrip in opening its flagship store, while acquiring more properties in different parts of the country. Hyatt boasted that it currently has 19,000 rooms, which they aim to double in the next five years.
By the end of 2017, the Wyndham Hotel Group was operating 1400 hotels in China, with the number of guest rooms reaching 138,787. The group has been steadily expanding brands.
Branding is key
Marriott is not the first one to invest in the Chinese market and the homesharing business. As a matter of fact, the strategies discussed are common, but Marriott seems to have tricks up its sleeve on how it will single itself from the competition using its brand that delivers credibility and touch of luxuriousness.
As more hotel companies dive into the homesharing space, competition has become fierce. There is a major difference between running hotels and managing home rentals. The key to success is properly defining what hotel chains can offer that Airbnb or Homeaways can't.
Marriott's addition of homesharing to its portfolio of more than 6,500 hotels worldwide is due to its desire to provide more options to customers when it comes to lodging and accommodation.
"Tribute Portfolio Homes allows our guests to earn points with Marriott Rewards or SPG"
"We also strive to make travel easy and stress-free for our guests by offering 24-hour in-person check-in; high-speed wi-fi; premium bed linens and fluffy white towels – all expertly laundered; full-sized bath amenities; cooking essentials; and child-friendly items, such as high chairs and travel cribs. Additionally, staying with Tribute Portfolio Homes allows our guests to earn points with Marriott Rewards or SPG and soon, redeem points from these programs for stays at one of these exceptional properties," the Marriott spokesperson told me.
Another edge of Marriott is banking on its loyalty program that it implements in its properties, including the Tribute Portfolio Homes. Marriott has a combined membership of 110 million.
"We think there's a strong loyalty connection, which obviously can be helpful here. The homesharing business skews overwhelmingly to leisure travel, not to business travel. The loyalty space obviously, particularly around redemptions, but it could be around point earning as well is, we think, an advantage we've got that should bode as well in the space," Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson said.


text:
Every Saturday
From 9am to 2pm
Fresh fruit and vegetables plus second hand products
Bars, Restaurants and traditional feel
Central Arrecife
Arrecife Tourist Market
Central traditional market in Arrecife.
Hand made crafts from artisan work shops open everyday. On Saturdays the market has its busiest day. Additional stalls selling local produce, fruit, vegetables plus second hand goods. Some bargains to be had in this historic market place. Plenty of places to sit, eat and drink nearby.


text:
SEZs – From Setup To Operations
SEZs are unique zones that required specialist attention in their day-to-day operations to run effectively and efficiently. There are a variety of SEZs setup across the country to promote FDI and globalisation in the economy, including Free Trade Zones, Export Processing Zones, Free Zones and others, India was in fact one of the first Asian countries to set up an EPZ and in 2000, the Indian government announced the SEZs policy to attract larger foreign investment to the country. With such developments, it is easy to see the need for mechanisms and solutions built specifically for SEZs.
We offer advice and support to build and design SEZs. Our architects and engineers carry out the entire construction process. We also provide expert consultation on running these SEZs for maximum profitability. Our aim is to increase operational efficiency and improve the overall business model for higher FDI and more employment. We work with the KPIs unique to SEZs and offer tailor-made solutions oriented towards these.


text:
Search This Blog
crafts. projects. sewing. diy. a little vintage and handmade mixed in, too. xoxo
- Get link
- Other Apps
lol too cute. My 4 year old loves his little army men too.ReplyDelete
ahhh yes, flying guys all over the house!ReplyDelete
I love four.ReplyDelete
what an awesome picture! i love thee movement of the one soldier that is falling. :)ReplyDelete
GREAT picture! And I always love seeing all the color in your header!ReplyDelete
Love it!! Reminds me of Home Alone where he's using the BB gun to shoot army men down the laundry shoot. Very cute and great picture!ReplyDelete
This looks awfully familiar... :)ReplyDelete
Happy Sunday to you too. :)ReplyDelete
Such an adorable picture!ReplyDelete


text:
Tag: human rights
A Brief History
Today's post asks questions about the uncomfortable relationship between eugenics and feminism, historically and today. Continue reading
'A dangerous woman gone mad'
Ashley Orr recounts the career of Nellie Bly, 19th century "stunt journalist" who wrote of "women whose stories might otherwise have remained invisible". Continue reading
Amanda Gouws examines the collective action led by young activists against rape and rape culture in South African universities. Continue reading
"I would be thrilled to be called a dangerous woman."
"I would be thrilled to be called a dangerous woman." In today's post, we spend some time with American critical theorist and feminist, Nancy Fraser. Continue reading
Véronique Desnain examines the legacy of 1600s philosopher Gabrielle Suchon, who believed women had a natural aptitude for 'Freedom, Science & Authority'. Continue reading
Nation of brothers with late arriving sisters
Did you know women in Switzerland were only granted the vote in 1971? Before that, women's suffrage was considered a dangerous idea, as Stefanie Kurt explains. Continue reading
A dangerous woman?
Leigh Denton looks back to Victorian times when Josephine Butler challenged the brutal treatment of sex workers and those suspected of being sex workers. Continue reading
Elaine Gallagher responds to the Dangerous Women Project question with a poetic agenda, because 'difference is deliberate, disorderly, dangerous…' Continue reading
Ildiko Nova gives an artistic response to the project question, focusing on the perception of Roma women in Europe and beyond. Continue reading


text:
SBH UK & IRELAND Winners Weekend 2012 TOP STORE MANAGER MANAGER OF THE YEAR - £10,000 PRIZE
This years events have been coming in thick and fast as well as going equally as quick, our feet haven't touched the ground!
We started this year with a few low keyed events than what we are blogging about for the likes of the NHS for their Nursing & Midwifery Conference 2012 to Honda UK's, Dealer Conference…
All our events are pushed to the limits using the latest technologies that are available. We pride ourselves on delivery of the best solutions for our clients. Our excitement is taking the clients concept and developing the reality.
This years SBH UK & Ireland's Annual Awards Ceremony was no different in it's structure, or that was what we thought from the outset… We were challenged with taking the event away from the UK to the Channel Islands and what seemed a simple logistics operation was rapidly becoming a full time project. In-conjunction with the hotel solutions company we were tasked with not only the travel for our 35 crew, but the shipping of the AV equipment, sets, client equipment as well as any third party equipment, all this on top of the main reason for going, the 250 SBH delegates & SBH event team. I'm not one to blow our own trumpet, but the logistics were seamless!
Of course we had our own challenges to make it all work but as we were working with like minded professionals who know what their how to cater for this kind of event it was made even more simple. I would like to thank personally the Hotel De France in Jersey for their constant professionalism and help throughout our stay and a recommendation for anyone traveling to Jersey in the future.
So moving on to our stay however short felt like a whirl wind with the best blank canvas to work with to date, with limited restrictions. Our set was designed in 3D by the Show Producer Glyn Allen (Please see the concept images attached to this post). The concept was pitched to the client with very few tweaks and requests and was designed to be flexible especially when budgets changed. The space with which we worked allowed us to accurately produce the reality of the three dimensional concept design, again shown the finished creation is shown in the attached images. The icing on the cake for us was when the guest walked in, the gasp's and stopping to take photo's causing a bottle neck in to the great hall. We got it right!
Topping this all off with a high class host, BBC Radio 1′s Reggie Yates and an up and coming act the Loveable Rogues who are signed to Simon Cowell's, SYCO MUSIC label all made for a first class awards ceremony.
Please check out the video if you haven't already and gives us some feed back of what you think? Remember if you do need a company to facilitate your event why not drop us a line…


text:
Yesterday, in a surprise move, the people of the UK voted to leave the European Union, and Prime Minister Cameron was more-or-less forced to resign. Markets around the world had been rising for the last few weeks, as it looked to most observers like the vote would go the other way.
Major stock markets opened down, and drifted further down all day, as traders, politicians, and pundits all searched for clues as to what could come next. The venerable English "newspaper" The Economist offered their thoughts on "how to minimise the damage", both political and economic. And The Guardian reported that Europe's political leadership wants to force the UK's departure as quickly as possible, since "Leave means leave". CNBC, meanwhile, offered a list of eleven ways that the Brexit could impact the world's economies — not just in the short-term, but in the longer term as well.
Our take? We believe that today's market sell-off is a short-term reaction to the surprising news. We decided not to do any trading today on behalf of our clients, in the belief that today's extraordinary volatility would make getting good prices for securities more difficult, and could lead to costly errors. Instead, we want to wait and see what conclusions we all can come to over this weekend, and how the markets behave early in the coming week. Generally speaking, we agree with Bob Doll of Nuveen Asset Management, who argued today that the global economy is still overall strong, and the US economy perhaps stronger than most — and that this market turbulence may provide us an opportunity to review once more our long-term investment commitments.
Please let us know if you have concerns about your portfolio, and the way it's structured, in light of this week's events.


text:
Revees Surname Ancestry Results
Our indexes 1000-1999 include entries for the spelling 'revees'. In the period you have requested, we have the following 1 record (displaying 1 to 1):
Try these...
revai reval revald revaliere revalonu' revan revans revars revast revathi revato revatto revaus reve revealy revear reveby reved revee reveell revegill reveham reveillaud reveille reveillon reveingham reveirs reveirs-hopkins reveis reveky revel revel' revel-busquet revelaky revelay revele reveley revelhone revell revell'
These sample scans are from the original record. You will get scans of the full pages or articles where the surname you searched for has been found.
Your web browser may prevent the sample windows from opening; in this case please change your browser settings to allow pop-up windows from this site.
Research your ancestry, family history, genealogy and one-name study by direct access to original records and archives indexed by surname.


text:
Don't let the City Council ignore the dangerous and cruel carriage industry. The horse carriages cause crashes, injuries, and damage while forcing the horses to live and work in inhumane conditions.
It's time for the City Council to take the blinders off. Take action to make the streets of New York safer now.
3,147 signatures


text:
Quiet Christmas week, but still plenty to comment on. Starting with the positives, Petrel Resources (PET) is turning out to be the top performing AIM share of the year. This was highlighted as a favourite many times in the blog around 1p. It's now 19.5p, up 1,850%. There's another one with similar potential in the current issue of the private blog for those who are interested.
UK Oil & Gas (UKOG) announced a HH-1 and HH-2z extended well test update. HH-2z achieved initial rates of up to 1,087 barrels of fluids per day and oil cuts of up to 60%.
HH-1 Kimmeridge oil flow was resumed thereafter with an average daily rate of 301 barrels of oil per day. UKOG now aims to shut off formation water ingress in HH-2z and conduct an extended test on both wells simultaneously and try to surpass the psychologically important production number of 1,000 barrels of oil per day. Thereafter, the plan would be to drill up to four more horizontal wells and achieve the maximum production number allowed under the current planning permission of 3,500 barrels of oil per day.
88 Energy (88E) announced all is on track to drill Charlie-1 in the first quarter of 2020 and Empyrean Energy (EME) is progressing its objective to drill its first well in China during 2020. The latter also announced that a £10 million equity placement facility has been secured, but however you dress these things up they're death spirals, so I'd say that for the time being, EME is best avoided.
Reabold Resources (RBD) also issued news, but since it's the festive season I'll refrain from commenting on this, since I don't want to spend the rest of the day dealing with tweets from angry shills and shareholders. Normal coverage of Reabold will resume in the New Year and for those who say I'm wrong about this company, it's now standing at less than 42% of its year high.
What I'll certainly comment on though is Anglo African Oil & Gas (AAOG), where even its most ardent supporters have now accepted that I was right all along. Latest is that it wants to sell off 80% of its Congo subsidiary to Zenith Energy (ZEN) for £500,000 cash to be paid in six equal monthly instalments, which nicely and conveniently enables the Sefton appointed board members to keep their full salaries until at least mid-2020. (For the sake of completeness, there's also a further £500,000 of eventually to be worthless ZEN shares with sale restrictions.)
Under this deal, ZEN get 80% of the SNPC debt due to AAOG, which currently stands at $5.3 million (c. £4 million), so that's a return to ZEN of £3.2 million cash for an initial payment of c. £83,000 cash (and a total over 6 months of £500,000, if they pay the rest of it). The justification for this deal is that SNPC won't pay AAOG to whom the money is actually owed, but for some strange, unexplained reason will pay it to ZEN. If AAOG shareholders are stupid enough to believe this and approve the deal (and they may well be), then Sefton, Berwick and the Board get away with it all scot free.
Align Research have an alternative proposal to put to the shareholders: dismiss the Sefton nominees on the Board, appoint Alexander MacDonald (the previous CEO), pursue monies owed to AAOG by Sefton and Berwick's company, ATOG, and carry out a full forensic examination of all the funds spent/transferred out of AAOG by Sefton and Berwick.
I'm not a shareholder, but after the shafting delivered by the existing Board, why continue to vote as they want you to. ZEN and the AAOG Board, who are responsible for this disaster, certainly aren't going get you your money back. All this deal does is get Sefton, Berwick and the AAOG Board off the hook in return for them handing over the last few million pounds of Anglo African shareholders' funds to Zenith.
Now, if you're interested in knowing my trading ideas and want to read a more critical assessment of some of these and other companies, then subscribe to the private blog at https://oilnewslondon.com/oilman-jim I receive a lot of enquiries from people interested in subscribing asking whether there is a minimum subscription term. To clarify this point, there is no minimum term and you can unsubscribe at any time. There's also a first month's trial subscription at 25% of the usual monthly cost, so why not give it a go.
For those who are not familiar with me, I focus exclusively on small cap oil and gas companies and I know this sector inside out. I have been involved in the stock markets (both UK and US) since the early 1980s and understand exactly how the finance and promotion game works. I also have many years' operational and corporate experience in the oil business, which enables me to see very quickly whether or not these companies are telling the truth. It's not investment advice that I offer and if you want that, you should speak with a financial advisor. I share my take on companies and the markets and, as those who follow me know, I'm rarely wrong about these matters.
I'll be back next weekend with a full blog and podcast. In the meantime, I wish everyone all the very best for the New Year 2020.
Contact me on Twitter @Oilman_Jim
Click "SUBSCRIBE" to receive posts by email
The author holds one or more investments in one or more of the companies mentioned so this post cannot be viewed as independent research. This post does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell and may be incorrect or outdated.


text:
This section contains 341 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Chapter 22 Summary
The news of the discovery of Rebecca's boat and her body is all over the newspapers. A formal inquest is set to be held in the next town. A jury will hear the evidence and rule over the cause of her death. Mrs. de Winter comes with Maxim and Frank to the inquiry however when they arrive, she decides to wait in the car. After awhile she decides to walk around and a police officer, recognizing her, leads her to a small waiting room. The police officer tells her that she could enter the proceedings without being seen, it was almost over and Maxim had already spoken.
She enters the proceedings and finds a seat in the back. James Tabb, the man who refurbished the boat for Rebecca was the last one to give his testimony. He testifies that the vessel is seaworthy...
(read more from the Chapter 22 Summary)
This section contains 341 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)


text:
Cortney Cahill, MSOD
Executive Coach, Senior Consultant, Master Facilitator
Cortney Cahill is an organization development coach and consultant focused on developing leaders and their teams to drive business results through organizational alignment and strategic initiatives. Coaching and consulting to leaders since 1997, Cortney's clients range across professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, federal government, NGO, and non-‐profit organizations. Clients include, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey, L'Oreal, Starwood Hotel, Group, Transport Canada, Heifer International, and Ernst and Young among others.
Cortney specializes in working with established leaders to develop their emotional intelligence around all aspects of business performance. Working with Cortney, leaders examine the patterns that support or hinder their ability to realize their full potential. Cortney's expertise is focused on providing leaders an opportunity to understand their impact on their immediate and market environments and thus, make more intentional decisions about how to optimize their influence on all factors affecting business results. Coaching clients often talk about the transformational nature of the work. Her style builds on client's individual strengths while also providing a supportive and clear platform for the exploration of key areas for development.
Cortney holds a Masters in Organization Development from American University, and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Colorado. Cortney has completed her Professional Coaching Certification (PCC) and will be credentialed through the International Coaching Federation (pending review). She is also faculty in the International Organization System Development Program, faculty in National Training Lab's Diversity Leadership Certificate Program, and faculty in the MBA program at Champlain College. Additionally, she has completed training through the Gestalt International Study Center, Gestalt OSD Center, Teleos Leadership Institute, Korn Ferry International, CENTACS, and has a certification in Emotional Intelligence through Case Western Reserve University.
The Science Behind Our Practice
Our work is grounded in established methodologies and models of human and organizational behavior, including, but not limited to the following:
Emotional Intelligence
The competencies of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management) account for an individual's ability to understand their own and others' emotions and use that information to guide decision-making and action. Research has shown that leaders who master the competencies of emotional intelligence have a distinct advantage.
Positivity & Resilience
The incredible developments in neuroscience research over the last several decades have enabled a greater understanding of how practices that promote positivity and resilience—both individually and organizationally—have a significant and lasting impact on our capacity for creative thinking, productivity, efficiency, empathy, focus and more.
Intentional Change
Developed by Richard Boyatzis, the Intentional Change Model underpins successful leadership development programs by supporting an individual or group in intentionally moving through five stages of change that close the gap between a current "real" self and a clearly articulated "ideal" self.
Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative Inquiry, developed by David Cooper Rider, is a strengths-based model of analysis, decision-making and strategic change that clarifies the assets and motivations that are an organization's strengths in order to build or rebuild an organization based on what is working rather than trying to fix what doesn't.
Resistance and Cycle of Change
People are at their most creative in their resistance. The Gestalt cycle of change maps the critical stages of change that all members of a group must experience in order to optimize success and minimize resistance. Disruption of the cycle manifests in very specific levels of resistance that can be effectively mitigated through intentional responses.
Mindfulness is the awareness that one develops through paying attention to the present moment through your five senses without judgment. In addition to relieving stress and building resilience, even a simple mindfulness practice can significantly expand your range of options in any given moment. Incorporating mindfulness into any process of change or development supports an individual or group by rewiring the brain for more intentional responses and behaviors.
Dynamic Inquiry
Dynamic Inquiry, developed by Annie McKee and the Teleos Leadership Institute, is a method of discovery that uncovers an organization's emotional reality–what people care about, what is working well, and what's getting in the way. The purpose of the inquiry is twofold: 1) to identify underlying issues related to culture and leadership that are helping or hindering implementation of a strategy; and 2) to build ownership and commitment to the mission, vision, strategy, ideal culture and leadership framework among key stakeholders.


text:
Faculty and students at Stanford argue for increased study of games and interactive media
Faculty, staff and students are pushing the Stanford community to embrace and pursue the study of games and interactive media, an interdisciplinary, applicable and socially relevant topic.
Three years ago, a group of Stanford faculty and staff came together to discuss the scholarly value of games and interactive media. These discussions resulted in the weekly Interactive Media and Games Seminar Series, which is open to students, the Stanford community and the public. Led by Ingmar Riedel-Kruse, an assistant professor of bioengineering, and Henry Lowood, curator for History of Science and Technology and Film and Media Collections at Stanford University Libraries, these seminars provide a perspective on the academic, societal, artistic, technical and economic impact of these media.
"People often think of games as wonders of reward – let's teach kids math by giving them a chance to blow things up and get points. There is some merit to this 'games à la casino' approach, but it underestimates the great power of good games," said Daniel Schwartz, dean of the Graduate School of Education. "The best games are a wonder of discovery and rich experience."
The seminar features presentations by independent artists, industry professionals and academics – including speakers from five of Stanford's seven schools. This quarter alone, they will discuss how Dungeons & Dragons survives in an age of online trolls; learn about game play from Dennis Fong, the first professional gamer; and get insights from the beginnings of the video game industry shared by Allan Alcorn, the design engineer of Atari Pong. Through a partnership with Martha Russell, executive director of MediaX at Stanford, all seminar presentations are posted online.
Academic studies and cultural impact
Interactive media, which describes any form of software-based product that responds to a user, is a massive category that includes video games, computer games, virtual reality and websites. There is a substantial history of studying these media, particularly in terms of game theory and human behavior. Likewise, research about interactive media can provide incredible insight into behavior and society.
"Consider social media platforms and how they create bubbles or spread fake news," said Paul Wallace, a graduate fellow in the Modern Thought and Literature Program and former presenter in the seminar. "Can we look at these platforms to better understand how rule-based participatory systems operate? How do the rules work for different groups? Races? Genders? These are questions that come out of the study of interactive media and games that are immediately applicable to our current political moment."
Even the simplest smartphone game could tell us about the nature of addiction, agency and pleasure, explained Wallace. His own research examines spatial storytelling within video games, immersive theater, installation art and virtual reality, as well as the history of rule-based systems such as Cold War-era simulations. Wallace also co-leads the Critical Gaming Workshop with two other graduate fellows, Natalie Deam from the French Department and Douglas Eacho from Theater and Performance Studies. Before coming to Stanford, he was a filmmaker, sculptor and video game trailer producer.
Wallace believes that explorable interactive media and games are exceptional tools for emotional storytelling, on par with writing and art. Riedel-Kruse agrees.
"If you look at the cultural or economic significance of video games or games in general and compare this to film or literature, you can say it is equivalent by now," Riedel-Kruse said.
In winter quarter, Alan Meades, a principal lecturer from Canterbury Christ Church University, spoke at the seminar about his research on the social history of arcades. He studies video game culture using ethnographic methods and his arcade research materials included Ira Nowinski's documentary photographs of Bay Area arcades in the early '80s, a collection held by the Stanford Libraries.
Learning and research through games
Games and interactive media also affect education, a research interest of both Schwartz and Riedel-Kruse.
"A good game prepares students to learn explanations, which is the mainstay of formal education," Schwartz said. "When I think about designing a learning game, I try not to put explanations into the games, because that is jarring to the experience. Rather, I try to anticipate the kinds of explanations that students will receive in school, and create games that will provide experiences that make those explanations meaningful."
Schwartz's lab integrates cognitive science, classroom experience and programming expertise to develop educational technologies with emphasis on the power of spatial cognition, or how people acquire knowledge about their environment. They've made educational games for smartphones and computers and other interactive teaching technologies.
Riedel-Kruse focuses his research on interactive biotechnologies, including game-like explorations of science. His lab has developed a smartphone microscope, an interactive cloud lab and a DIY robotics kit that people can use to play and experiment with and learn about biology. This blend of science and games, he explained, has a foundation in their shared sense of play.
"We say that play is the opposite of work, and that play is for children and work is for adults. That's not entirely true, I think everyone has a relation to play somehow," he said. "In labs, we're exploring things, trying things out and enjoying it. That also has many playful aspects."
A rising interest
Stanford is filled with scholars who study and develop interactive technologies, software and design thinking and is located at the center of the game and interactive media development world.
The people who run the Interactive Media and Games Seminar Series want to build on this wealth of knowledge and opportunity, while inspiring students to take advantage of what's around them, even in the absence of an established academic track for games.
"Having a series helps us expose the students who are participating to as many different perspectives on games as possible and they can use it to figure out how to pull together the different topics they're studying," Lowood said. "It could also encourage students to agitate a little more for a program to address what they're interested in."
"Many of our students love games," Riedel-Kruse said. "And games provide attractive opportunities to holistically learn about arts, digital literacy, humanities, engineering, history and more."
Riedel-Kruse and others are already working on a potential lineup for the fall. They are hoping to collaborate with Stanford alumni Tom Wang (BS, MS '07) and Stephen Lim (BS '00) of Riot Games to cover various areas of the video game industry, including lectures from experts in game design, art, engineering and business.
Seminars are Tuesdays at noon in Science Teaching Learning Center Room 114 and are open to everyone.


text:
And other than it honors a great woman the gun would drive Bloomberg and Watts batshit.
Pelosi Condemns Antifa ViolenceI agree. Anitifa are are the modern version of reconstruction era night riders, masks and all.
A gun
accidentallywas fired Wednesday in a dressing room at Lenox Square, Atlanta police said.
A .22-caliber gun was found by a 10-year-old boy in the Adidas store under a bench, police spokeswoman Stephanie Brown said.
The mother took the gun from her son and said she pulled the trigger to see if it was real, Brown said. A single shot was fired.
No injuries were reported.
Gun Range Ends Ladies' Night After Man Threatens Legal Action for DiscriminationThe idea is to build our numbers not get butt hurt over the thought that someone else might be getting something you aren't.
Yelling 'Wolf' in a Crowded Theater? Nancy Pelosi Flunks Constitutional Law
'Kicking and Screaming' D.C. Attorney Asks En Banc Review of CCW CaseThat pretty much describes it. The elected trash and appointed bureaucrats of DC will resist reasonable gun control with their last breath. The problem is they will probably get what they want. The DC Court of Appeals is stacked with Obama appointees. Then we will have to hope the Court decides to hear an appeal.
The ACLU's Twitter account gets a lesson in political correctnessYes Dear, people really are that stupid.
UPDATE: or "WHEN THE GOING GETS STUPID, THE STUPID TURN PRO"
Houston man charged with trying to plant bomb at Confederate statue in Hermann ParkI'd like to place this fool in the lap of ANTIFA but I think, in truth, he's probably nuts and just likes to blow shit up. Then again...
Christopher Columbus monument vandalized in Baltimore
R.I.P. Comedian Jerry LewisI grew up watching his movies on television. I liked his collaborations with Dean Martin most. As a kid I loved the silliness of his solo projects. As an adult, not so much. Rest in peace, sir. Rest in peace.
'Historians will weep and rage': The Left is NOT happy about the committee Trump just disbandedAnother campaign promise kept. Unusual for a politician. Mostly they forget what they said once they step into office. However much I might dislike Trump, he didn't.
And from the post...
Now that Trump has done this, the United States will surely go dark on Monday afternoon.
BLM Storms New Orleans' Jackson Monument, Demands Removal
Confederate re-enactors pepper sprayed during parade in NC, man charged
Don't overthink this, because it's quite simple, really. When Democrats' national position depended on unwavering support from "the Solid South," we got lots of pro-Southern propaganda: the Lost Cause, Gone With The Wind, Disneyfied Uncle Remus, etc. As a vital Democrat constituency group, southerners, even practical neo-Confederates, were absolved of all sins as long as they stayed in line.
Now the South isn't "solid" anymore — or, more accurate, it's becoming pretty solidly Republican — so rather than receiving cultural dispensations, it now gets targeted for cultural warfare.
That's all that's going on here. It has nothing to do with morality or decency, any more than it did a half-century or more ago when the national cultural machine took a different position. It's just politics by other means. The rest is just noise.
Is this analysis highly cynical? Yes. But still probably not cynical enough.
The VA State Police basically called Gov. Terry McAuliffe a liar
Chicago pastor: It's time to take George Washington's name off of public parks
Ending 'White Supremacy' Requires Erasure of Washington and Jefferson, Says Antifa Supporter
Let's Get Rid Of Mount Rushmore
Black Lives Matter Activists Float Criminalization of Confederate Imagery
Can't Both Sides Lose?I'm damn well tired of the Left telling me I must except culpability for the actions of a few racist assholes while they refuse to except responsibility for their own racist assholes. I'm part of neither.
Piers Morgan: Time to Limit Second and First Amendments
And no, to whom it may concern, a region not wanting their past or their regional heroes erased to appease a vocal minority does NOT make them white supremacists. This idiotic changing of names, removing of statues and erasing people from history is NOT the work of a free society. It is wholly Stalinist and is letting the rest of the world know you by your fruits as it were. I have nothing invested in the ACW, except for having studied it enough to know it was more complex than most people think, and I'm only "southern" by fiat of my friends, but even I get outraged at the erasing of the past of the region. And you know damn well they're coming for Jefferson and Washington next. At which point they'll have to go through me. It's the left's old bullshit of removing the giants of the past so their diminutive stature looks tall. Pfui - Sarah Hoyt
Everytown Calls for More Gun Control Following Charlottesville Car Attack
You can't stop some crazy guy who came here from Ohio and used his car as a weapon. He is a terrorist. - Governor Terry McAuliffeWould he have used his car as a weapon if the police had done their job and stepped in before the violence broke out? Here's another thought. McAuliffe knew this event was planned. Based on the Left's response in the recent past to such, why the hell didn't he have more police and/or National Guardsmen standing by? Do you think maybe he was looking for his own Reichstag moment. It's not like the Left hasn't been trying to use mass shootings for that purpose for years. Just saying...
Now, as to Nazis and Antifa/Communists fighting it out? Can't say I care one bit as long innocent bystanders don't get caught up in it.
I'm just going to say it. #NRA & @DLoesch are quickly becoming domestic security threats under President Trump. We can't ignore that.— Kathleen Rice (@RepKathleenRice) August 11, 2017
Number of #NRA gatherings that have had to be broken up by riot police this decade: 0. https://t.co/BOnN0zjbkd— Tamara K. (@TamSlick) August 11, 2017
Written in the sprit of a Heinlein juvenile, this tells the story of several teenagers involved in a internet show based on the moon who have to find a way to survive during a solar flare. It's good and your kids will probably enjoy it. Recommended.
FREAK OUT: Walmart Hangs 'Back-to-School' Banner Near Gun DisplayObviously, there is no relation between the sign and the firearms below it. Wal-Mart isn't trying to sell guns to school age children but until stores like Wal-Mart start telling the perpetually offended to bugger off these sorts of antics will continue. Enough already.
Federal Bill Seeks To Block Sales Of Pistols Lacking Microstamping TechnologyDead on arrival.
Two good Samaritans suffered stab wounds on Sunday when they tried to come to a woman's aid in a Publix parking lot in Seminole. That's when Pinellas County deputies say a third good Samaritan with a gun stepped in and put an end to the struggle without firing a shot.
JUST IN: Google has fired an employee who wrote a memo blasting the web company's diversity policies https://t.co/5gm8BTOdID pic.twitter.com/OnxRAMddN6— Bloomberg (@business) August 8, 2017
New @Google logo. pic.twitter.com/ij18LYVHgX— Mr Мaitra (@MrMaitra) August 8, 2017
Break-in suspect shot, man in home charged
"Smart guns" and SAGA. The Second Amendment fight drags on
This is the latest in Anderson's Destroyermen series. There hasn't been a bad or midlin' one yet. Capt. Reddy and his companions continue the war against the Grik, Kurokawa, and the Dominion. Good stuff. Always highly recommended.
Texas woman shoots, kills home intruder
Robert A. Heinlein: The Man Who Loved WomenI stopped caring about what anyone on the Left thought about Heinlein years ago. Most purposely misinterpret his works to make him into what he wasn't. Best just to ignore them.
Katie Couric is out of a $10 million-per-year job at Yahoo NewsHeh. That's gotta hurt.
Fresno Bee: Mayor who Opposes Concealed Carry Bill Carries His Concealed Handgun on the JobHypocrite.


text:
The plan is simple. The Need Money Blog 30 Day Challenge is for me to:
- Pick a domain name (Done. www.nightmaremortgage.com).
- Set up a hosting account (Done. GoDaddy).
- Set up a website. (In progress. Will have more on that tomorrow!).
- Make money online!
Had a few technical glitches but we are underway! The SS Make Money Online is now boarding!
Need Money! 30 Day Challenge.... pt 2
Posted by JD at Tuesday, September 04, 2007
1 comment:
Thanks for the great insight!
Here's something that your readers can probably use:
Get a Free Download For
An Amazing Report ($17 Value) Now While It's Still
Available: "The 7 Hidden Principles Of Super Affiliate Marketing!"
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
In 2019, after the release of her widely-lauded album "Norman Fucking Rockwell!," Lana Del Rey got an unexpected bad review. Actually, it wasn't a bad review at all: it was a thoughtful, insightful deep-dive that contained a few harsh sentences. Nethertheless, Del Rey sicced her Twitter followers on the reviewer, NPR's Ann Powers, who was then sent death threats for daring to do her job.
"Here's a little sidenote on your piece," Del Rey replied to the Powers on Twitter. "I don't even relate to one observation you made about the music. There's nothing uncooked about me. To write about me is nothing like it is to be with me. Never had a persona. Never needed one. Never will."
This is just one of many recent examples of artists reacting badly to critics. After a so-so Pitchfork review earlier in 2019, Lizzo said that "people who 'review' albums and don't make music themselves should be unemployed." And the artist Halsey got into some trouble last year for calling for Pitchfork's offices to be destroyed after the blog published a mediocre review of her latest album. (Pitchfork is indeed headquartered in One World Trade Center, so it's a bit, uh, tonedeaf to ask for its destruction.)
Unsurprisingly, critics don't like being told that they should lose their jobs or sent death threats by a horde of angry fans. But while it's not okay to wish harm upon someone for their opinion of the art you created, and it's even more consequential to do so if you have millions of Twitter "stans" at your disposal. Even the harshest critics would probably agree: it just sucks when someone doesn't like something you made!
We Play Ourselves the debut novel by Jen Silverman, is, in part, an exploration of an artist's gut reaction to a piece of criticism—and how this criticism can sometimes seem unfair and divisive, aimed at cultivating unproductive jealousy among people who just want to be liked by the New York Times.
The narrator in this book, Cass, is a young playwright who recently opened her first off-Broadway show to great anticipation, having just won an award which put her in the company of other young playwrights who went to Yale and Juilliard only to harden her imposter syndrome (she didn't go to Yale or Juilliard).
When the novel starts, Cass has just fled New York for Los Angeles after a scandal, the details of which we learn more about as she recounts her story. The book goes back and forth from the present in L.A. to the past in New York, sometimes within the span of only a couple of pages, and Cass' backstory accordingly clears up slowly.
Silverman uses suspense to good effect here, compelling readers to flip pages quickly, desperate to know what happened; what's the big thing Cass did to ruin her life? Did she kill someone? Did she have an affair?
She didn't kill someone. She did have an affair, but that's not why Cass was cancelled. Finally, in the middle of the book, after much anticipation, we find out what happened: Cass, hurt by a New York Times review that "questioned the right of [her] play to exist," poked someone's eye out.
It's a pretty funny thing to get cancelled for.
The eye in question belongs to a young Yale graduate named Tara-Jean Slater, a source of Cass' inferiority complex. Tara-Jean Slater (who is always referred to by her full name) is the talk of the theatre town, having just written an experimental play about sexual trauma that received a glowing review in the Times, and opportunities are unfolding all around her, ones that Cass should be getting too, except she didn't receive a glowing review, and now her life is over.
Meanwhile, as the New York part of the story unfolds, Cass lives the L.A. part. She seeks refuge with an old friend named Dylan, who's going through problems of his own, and her new neighbor is a vapid documentary filmmaker, named Caroline, who is a Los Angeles caricature, obsessed with recognition and doesn't even get Cass' name right: she calls her "Cath" for the entirety of their relationship.
Cass –– or "Cath" –– and Caroline take on a documentary project that Cass thinks could take her now-ruined career as a playwright in a new direction. The film is centered on a group of teenage girls who have formed a feminine "fight club," described as a "feminist reinterpretation of masculine values" and is destined to win awards.
Cass finds out that this "documentary" is heavily staged, the teenage girls at the center of it exploited for artistic purposes, but she's so desperate for approval she almost doesn't care. She distracts herself with this new project, becoming acquainted with a group of troubled teenage girls, while constantly thinking about what's going on in New York and trying to get in touch with her agent, who ghosted her after she almost poked out a fellow playwright's eye.
Silverman handles these overlapping stories well. There is a lot going on in the plot, however, and not enough time to spend with each of Cass' relationships. The teenage girl fight club documentary plotline is less interesting than it could be because the reader's ear is always to the wall, waiting to find out more about what happened with New York and Tara-Jean Slater.
While Cass' relationship with her new housemates appears dynamic, there still isn't enough room to explore these relationships in depth, leaving some character arcs feeling a little like reading off a list of names.
The back cover description of "We Play Ourselves" centers one of the teenage girls, B.B., going missing as its driving plotpoint, and it seems almost like it's going to be a thriller. This does happen, but the drama of that event isn't what readers will be left thinking about. The plot grabs you in more subtle ways.
As Cass continues working on this documentary project, growing increasingly doubtful of its merits, she realizes that her worst nightmare has come true. Tara-Jean Slater, with her eye patched up, has moved to Los Angeles, the exact place Cass went to avoid her.
But when they bump into each other, Tara-Jean isn't mad, despite Cass having temporarily rendered her half-blind. Tara-Jean invites her to hang out at her huge Airbnb that she's renting out while she explores her career options, as the constant praise she garners –– that Cass is so desperate for –– allows for such success.
Still, Cass credits the New York Times review as an important impetus for Tara-Jean's success: "I can tell she's special, but why? It takes one powerful person to anoint you. After you've been anointed, other people can get on board without having to determine your value for themselves."
But despite that success, and the glowing review in the Times, Tara-Jean Slater seems miserable. Her art, after all, is about how she was sexually abused as a child by her father. Cass, as a queer woman, has faced some hardship for her identity, but not nearly enough, she thinks, to capitalize off of her own trauma. And in her jealousy of how good Tara-Jean Slater's art is, she ignores how difficult Tara-Jean's life is because of that abuse, or is even sickenly envious of that trauma.
It's an excellent dynamic that Silverman does a great job exploring, inviting readers to sympathize with Cass' jealousy but realize, even as she talks from the first-person perspective, she's missing something important.
The last section of the book has Cass leaving L.A., her documentary falling apart and nowhere else to go ("I have used it up, my allotment of next steps") to stay with her parents in Connecticut. She sleeps a lot, gets a job at CVS and eventually is roped into writing and directing an Easter play at her mother's church.
The book ends with Cass performing a puppet show for children at a church. And it's beautiful, her most highly-lauded project yet, and she is happy. It's a brilliant ending, far more satisfying than if she'd returned to New York and finally won the heart of the New York Times reviewer.
So, to the Lana Del Reys and Halseys in the world, who are rich and widely beloved and get a lot of good reviews but feel their hearts break when they get a bad one: do something small, something that people will really appreciate. Sing for kids at a church. You might get something more out of it.
We Play Ourselves
By Jen Silverman
Random House
Published February 09, 2021


text:
Discovering custom shirting and high-quality craft retail from around the country is wonderful, but everyone needs a couple of solid go-to local stores to turn to for some of the basics. For me, Charles Tyrwhitt fits the bill, which is why it was nice to see the company choose DC as its second U.S. location following New York. Here's a look inside and some impressions, updated to reflect feedback received from Charles Tyrwhitt following Modern Fellows' January 4 post:
Charles Tyrwhitt opened its DC storefront in the newly-constructed 1000 Connecticut Ave. on Farragut Square in April 2012. Several visits suggest they keep their lower-end, more-affordable shirts, ties and suits on hand rather than showcasing their top-tier, England and Italian-made wares. I didn't see any of their luxury, Made-in-England suit line available in the store; those in the DC shop were their entry and mid-line suits made in China and Tunisia. I also had to special-order a couple of their higher-end neckties, including this handmade grey and navy wool stripe tie, from London.
Their model is the frequent sale — much of their inventory is often discounted by 50 percent or more from their "regular" prices, with even better deals, like an extra 10 percent off, available on occasion through their mailing list.
Be sure to read the fine print though. Charles Tyrwhitt boasts of a "six month guarantee" which permits a full refund, "no matter what condition the item's in…no questions asked." Yet sale items are exempted from this generous return policy, and face a much more stringent — 14-day "no quibble" guarantee. A review of www.ctshirts.com on January 4 indicates that all of the dress shirts and suits available through their main navigation portal were on sale, which means all are subject to the 14 day guarantee. That's not necessary a deal-breaker though, as a general matter, in my personal opinion, a business ought to be willing to stand behind its products for longer than 14 days and a bifurcated return policy has the potential to sow confusion among consumers about the length of the guarantee. It is something to be aware of walking into the store.
In response, a representative from Charles Tyrwhitt wrote back:
"The aim [of the sale guarantee] is simply to encourage quick returns. The sooner we receive returned Sale stock, the sooner we can repackage it and put it back on the shelves. That's important for customers who might otherwise miss out. If customers do want to return stock outside of the 14-day return period, our staff (in store or in our customer service centre) are usually able to help. We're not in business to give customers a bad shopping experience, and we pride ourselves on doing things right for each and every person who shops with Charles Tyrwhitt. In our stores in particular delivering flawless, knowledgeable one-to-one service is a key focus for all of our people … Don't hesitate to put us to the test."
For me, Charles Tyrwhitt's extra slim fit – formerly known as trim fit – shirts fit reasonably well off the rack and, aside from a few odd color combinations, I appreciate their style and the physical, snail-mail catalogs they send. It's nice to have them around the corner from the office. Here's a look inside:
Photos taken with permission.
About JakeJake is passionate about exploring entrepreneurs' global journeys. He founded Modern Fellows in 2012 to get to know the entrepreneurs behind the innovative brands helping men dress sharp in the digital age. Jake has written about entrepreneurship, international business and/or fashion for outlets including Business Week, Forbes, Inc., Details Style Syndicate and Primer Magazine, and has provided analysis on international business for BBC Radio, NBC News, CNN and Time Magazine.
Other cool stuff:* Get $25 off your first experience with Wantable, an amazing online personal styling option for men and women.
* For comfortable Athleisure clothing for women and men, try these 25 alternatives to lululemon.
* Find 21 Alternatives to Warby Parker that also let you try on prescription eyeglasses at home.
* The Essential List: These 125 innovative menswear startup brands will transform your wardrobe
* Upgrade your business casual wardrobe with comfortable yet professional-looking workleisure clothing made from stretchy performance fabrics.
* Get $50 off your first suit at Black Lapel, one of my favorite online custom tailors.
* Discover the best places to buy colorful socks online.


text:
Our approach to POS training will get you up to speed quickly and give you the confidence to use your point of sale efficiently. Our training workshop takes a consultative approach as your pharmacy partner to help you run optimally.
Access our extensive library of instructional videos, user guides, and frequently asked questions.
We want your Emporos POS installation to be a success. In conjunction with your project team, the Emporos Implementation Specialist team creates a training plan to best meet your needs. This plan provides training for all stakeholders. It begins with Administrators and Level 1 Support personnel, performing the User Acceptance Testing, and training Pharmacy and other Users. The teams decide whether to schedule on-site or remote delivery, and whether Emporos trainers will conduct all the classes, or employ a train-the-trainer approach.
To build confidence, and relieve stress during your Go Live, Emporos sends a Go-Live team to provide elbow-to-elbow support as you settle into new workflows.
After becoming more familiar with the routine tasks of your new POS, you can extend your knowledge with refresher training, supplemental reporting features, or the use of additional modules.
Administrators Course: For Emporos administrators, pharmacy stakeholders, and Emporos support personnel. The course includes setting Group Permissions, User Maintenance, and review of common configuration settings
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): An Emporos trainer guides the testing resources through a variety of scenarios to validate common pharmacy and retail workflows. Once testing completes, it's time for Pharmacy User training.
Pharmacy Users: Following the training plan, Emporos trainers complete train-the-trainer or end-user training focusing on typical pharmacy and retail workflows.
Other Stakeholders: Additional Emporos module training provides an in-depth look at reporting for cash management or finance departments, Accounts Receivable, and Over the Counter item management. Depending on your installation, we include additional feature training.
Emporos Support: Aimed at those who support the Emporos installation, training focuses on common hardware and software issues, troubleshooting connectivity issues, employee maintenance, and permissions.


text:
I'm currently training clients at Endeavor Sports Performance in Pitman, NJ. If you're in the mid-Atlantic area and are interested in training at Endeavor, click this link to visit Endeavor's site and get more information: Endeavor Sports Performance
Customized Training Program Design includes:
Commitment: 3-Month Minimum
Cost: 1st Month:
$397 $347; Subsequent Months: $347/month $297/month
Ready to get started?
Send me an email with the following information:
I may not be the right fit for your needs. Before contacting me to express an interest, I encourage you to click here to read what colleagues and previous clients have said about their experience working with me.
Still interested? Click here to send me an email and we'll get the ball rolling!
Over the last 5 years, our training programs have developed a reputation for helping our clients and athletes make significant improvements in their performance and body composition, while simultaneously addressing injuries that have nagged them in the past. We've been successful in training a wide range of clients ranging from professional athletes with hip labral tears to adult clients with a history of back pain.
I am excited to offer additional manual therapy services to compliment our unique training approach.
Similar to my training system, my approach to manual and corrective therapy follows a very simple process:
This four-step process of isolating the underlying cause of dysfunction and systematically addressing it is more effective than traditional "protocol" based programs. Each individual presents as a unique case, and deserves a unique approach to treatment.
The initial visit takes about an hour, and includes a comprehensive assessment using tests from the Postural Restoration Institute, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, and Functional Movement Screen, and a combination of the most current and effective manual therapy and corrective techniques. Follow up visits are typically 30 minutes and build on progress made during the initial visit.
Simply, the goal is to use an individualized approach to help you make progress as quickly as possible. While this unique approach is extremely effective for the overwhelming majority of the population, I'm also aware of my limitations and will be upfront and honest in conveying them to you. If I'm not able to help you, I will refer you to the most competent professional in the area that can. This collaborative, client-centered approach revolves around your progress, and ensures that your needs are met.
Once I receive a form, I'll follow up with you about scheduling your first appointment. I look forward to working with you!
Kevin has rapidly established himself as a leader in the field of physical preparation and sports science for ice hockey. He is currently the Head Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins, where he oversees all aspects of designing and implementing the team's performance training program, as well as monitoring the players' performance, workload and recovery. Prior to Boston, Kevin spent 2 years as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks after serving as the Director of Performance at Endeavor Sports Performance in Pitman, NJ. He also spent 5 years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with USA Hockey's Women's Olympic Hockey Team, and has been an invited speaker at conferences hosted by the NHL, NSCA, and USA Hockey.


text:
Not sure what accessibility changes will have the most benefit to your existing software? Are you in the build process and need to make sure accessibility has been appropriately considered? Use this checklist as a starting point.
Welcome to Volume 49 of the best internet finds o' the week: Found Friday. This week we have: a zombie Easter bunny (not overly design-related, but it's Easter soon and the zombie bunny is just too awesome); an app that sends the websites you're reading to your Kindle; an in-depth article on taking credit card payments on the web; an ingenious wallet for guitarists; and a good read on CSS data tables. Read on!
Alright, so this is a very loose-to-non-existent connection to design, but like I said – it's almost Easter. How can you pass up a zombie chocolate Easter bunny? Another gem from ThinkGeek.
This app is smart & straightforward: it sends the websites you're reading to your Kindle. Developed right here in Edmonton too!
Taking credit card payments through a website can be a daunting task. This article from Smashing Magazine breaks it all down for ya.
I've been known to carry a guitar pick in my wallet's change section. Also, my wallets have been known to have change sections. Anyway, this Picker's Wallet is a great design solution: a little pick pocket!
When used properly – ie. not for design/layout – tables are a great way to present tabular data. This article has a bunch of CSS techniques you can use to make your tables shine!
See you next week!


text:
Implanted Sensor Could Provide Clues to Brain Chemistry
Over the last decade, deep brain stimulation, in which an implanted electrode delivers targeted jolts of electricity, has given surgeons an entirely new way to treat challenging neurological diseases. More than 75,000 people have undergone the procedure for Parkinson's and other disorders. But despite its success, scientists and surgeons know little about its actual effect on the brain or exactly why it works.
An implantable sensor designed to detect vital chemical signals in the brain, currently being tested in animals, could help scientists measure the impact of electrical stimulation and perhaps provide a way to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. "For a long time in neurosurgery we've been dealing with the brain from purely an electrical perspective," says Nader Pouratian, a neurosurgeon at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not directly involved in the research. "This allows us to look at the brain as an electrochemical organ and understand the effect of interventions such as deep brain stimulation."
During the conventional deep brain stimulation procedure, neurosurgeons insert a small electrode into the brain. The patient is awake during the surgery so that the surgeon can find the optimal location and level of stimulation to reduce the patient's symptoms. In Parkinson's patients, for example, muscle tremors are often immediately and visibly reduced with the appropriate stimulation.
However, the actual mechanisms behind its therapeutic effect are hotly debated. Recording the release of the brain's signaling chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, could help to resolve the question, allowing neurosurgeons to better optimize the procedure.
The device consists of a custom-designed sensor electrode that is implanted along with the stimulating electrode, a microprocessor, a Bluetooth module to send data to a computer, and a battery. "It allows us to record dopamine and serotonin wirelessly in real time," says Kendall Lee, a neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, who helped develop the device. "That means we have tremendous control over the chemistry of the brain."
To detect neurotransmitters, researchers apply a low voltage across the electrode. That oxidizes dopamine molecules near the electrode, triggering current flow at the electrode. "The amount of current flow gives a relative indication of concentration," says Kevin Bennet, chairman of the division of engineering at the Mayo Clinic and one of Lee's collaborators.
Preliminary research in pigs using the new system has shown that deep brain stimulation of the area targeted in Parkinson's patients triggers release of dopamine. Researchers now aim to repeat these experiments in pigs that have some of the symptoms of the disease. For example, the sensors could detect whether certain patterns of dopamine correspond to improvements or worsening of Parkinson's symptoms.
"We have to get more nuanced understanding of how electricity impacts brain chemistry at the microscopic circuit level," says Helen Mayberg, a physician and neuroscientist at Emory University, in Atlanta, who was not involved in the research. "This type of technology gives us the opportunity to look precisely at very local changes in the chemical mix. As the technology is expanded to be able to detect an even wider range of neurochemical systems, it's going to really catapult what we can learn about the mechanisms of brain stimulation and the diseases we treat with it."
In addition to detecting dopamine, preliminary research shows the technology can also detect serotonin, a brain chemical implicated in depression. (Serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac target this neurotransmitter.) Deep brain stimulation is currently approved to treat Parkinson's, the movement disorder dystonia, and severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, and is under study for epilepsy, depression, anorexia, and other disorders.
Lee says his team has now been granted approval to test the system in a patient, which they aim to do in the next few months. Initially, it will be tested only during the implantation surgery to determine how moving the electrode alters the level of dopamine released. But the ultimate goal is to incorporate the sensor into the deep brain stimulation system. Researchers are currently developing new sensor electrodes that function effectively over the long term, as well as shrinking the device so that it can be packaged and implanted onto the skull. Once researchers better understand the link between deep brain stimulation and neurochemistry, the accompanying chemical data may help neurosurgeons to better place the electrode.
But some say this step may be premature. "The technology is very intriguing, but we need a lot more research before it can be applied in humans," says Ali Rezai, a neurosurgeon at Ohio State University, who was not directly involved with the research. He says that researchers need to show that using this technology alongside deep brain stimulation in animals with symptoms of Parkinson's disease improves outcomes.
In the long term, Lee and his collaborators want to develop a so-called closed loop system, allowing the stimulation device to detect the chemical changes in the brain and adjust its response accordingly. This approach is analogous to cardiac pacemakers, which stimulate the heart only when the instrument detects an abnormality. While abnormalities in heart rhythms are fairly straightforward to detect, "in the brain, it's much more complicated," says Rezai.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
DeepMind's cofounder: Generative AI is just a phase. What's next is interactive AI.
"This is a profound moment in the history of technology," says Mustafa Suleyman.
What to know about this autumn's covid vaccines
New variants will pose a challenge, but early signs suggest the shots will still boost antibody responses.
Human-plus-AI solutions mitigate security threats
With the right human oversight, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help keep business and customer data secure
Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
From million-dollar slide shows to Steve Jobs's introduction of the iPhone, a bit of show business never hurt plain old business.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.


text:
In case you haven't heard, Macy's is now offering products from a new line entitled "Heart of Haiti".
The Heart of Haiti collection is an array of handmade products for the home such as quilts, metalwork, ceramics, paintings, vases, picture frames, necklaces, clutch purses and more, which typically fall within the $25-$60 range. Each item is designed by a Haitian master artisan and produced by hand in Haiti from recycled materials.
Through the sale of Heart of Haiti products, artisans are able to earn life-changing income for themselves, their families, and their communities. The initiative is enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees, and feed and clothe their families. The income also allows them to have access to better nutrition, improved education and healthcare.
The Heart of Haiti collection has already led to employment of 350 artists in Haiti and has provided some financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country.
The collection is truly helping the people of Haiti rebuild their lives and communities through commerce and culture.
You can view the Heart of Haiti products on the Macy's site: http://bit.ly/heartofhaiti
Disclaimer: I am sharing this information about Heart of Haiti through a Mom Bloggers Club member program and may receive a Heart of Haiti pendant as a thank you.


text:
This game took a lot of heart by Michigan. They rallied from a 13 point deficit in the second half to tie Kansas with under a minute to go in the game.
In overtime Kansas regained control after Michigan hit a big three to take the lead and never looked back.
Two men for Kansas had a double-double. Marcus Morris lead Kansas with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Markleff Morris has 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has 19 points and seven rebounds for Michigan. He had help from Darius Morris, who had 16 points and four rebounds and Zack Novak who had 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Overall the rebounding battle was dead even at 41. Offensive rebounds were also dead even at 12.
You could look at this game in one of two ways. Either Michigan is really improved or Kansas really isn't all they are cracked up to be, at number three in the nation.
I think it may be a little of both. To me, over the course of this year, I have not seen the Kansas team that everyone sees. I believe they are only number three because 1) They are Kansas, and well you know, much like UNC, they are always good and 2) They are still undefeated.
I think Kansas will be exposed further down the line. It's a shame that Michigan couldn't get it done today.
Michigan is improving. I do see improvement for Michigan. If you can hang tough with a top ranked team on a rebuilding year, you must be doing alright.


text:
'Caretaker' named to fill Williams's Senate term
| Trenton, N.J.
Gov. Thomas H. Kean appointed Republican Nicholas F. Brady to the Senate to fill out the term of Democrat Harrison A. Williams Jr., who resigned after his Abscam conviction. Mr. Brady, expected to be a strong booster of President Reagan, said he will serve as a caretaker senator through the November election, but made it clear ''I am not, nor will I be, a candidate in the Senate race.'' Brady is managing director of the New York investment banking firm of Dillon Read & Co. and chairman of Purolator Inc.


text:
Printing Your Own Business Cards
Professional business cards can help you make a more formal presentation of your credentials, as well as allowing someone to immediately lay their hands on your name, title, company affiliation, address and phone number. If you currently work at home, you may question the necessity of having business cards, but you could be surprised at how often they can really come in handy as a medium for contact.
Business cards take up little space, and with today's newest computer publishing programs, you can easily make up your own business cards, saving money and exercising your creative muscles in the process.
Having your own business card makes it easy to exchange information with a potential client or networking colleague. You can begin your own file of business cards, separating them into your home vs. work. Business cards help you remember other people's names, and let them remember yours as well. We live in such an incredibly busy world that it is all too easy for a name to completely slip your mind right when you realize you need it.
Business cards present a very professional impression of you and your business, as well as telling others about yourself and your work. An attractive business card represents your business in your absences so you need to think long and hard about the first impression your card will leave.
Making Your Own
Making your own business cards allow you to be creative and express yourself in a variety of ways. You can buy clean-edge business cards which come ten to a sheet at most office supply store. Avery is a popular brand, and you can either purchase a heavier weight ivory card, or a normal-weight card which comes in white or ivory. The clean-edge cards are easy to separate once printed, and it is virtually impossible to tell that you made them up yourself-if that's a consideration. You will be able to print both back and front, or only one side, and have a virtually unlimited amount of colors, fonts, style and size for your business card. There are lots of images you can download for your business card, or you can even use photographs from your own computer photos.
You can find several free programs online for making your business cards, or can use your Microsoft Word program, or even a purchased publishing program such as Print Artist or Adobe Print shop. If you are only planning to make cards for yourself, and won't be making very elaborate ones, then you can probably easily get by with Microsoft's business card template.
If you are using Microsoft Publisher, you can either print the cards yourself, or send them to a commercial printer in your area, although the new inkjet desktop printers give almost as good a finished product as a commercial printer. The only advantage of commercially printed cards would be in the availability of specialty paper rather than color printing on white or ivory cards.
What Goes on My Card?
You will want your company name and/or logo, as well as your name and title with the company. Your mailing address, phone, fax numbers, e-mail address and website are all crucial components of a good business card. Your challenge will be to squeeze all of this information on the front of a business card yet making it easy to read. The back side of your business card is a good place to add any additional information your potential clients might be interested in, such as a map to your business, driving directions, coupons for money off a service or product, a special referral discount, company motto, product list or photograph of your product.
Test your design on plain paper to see how you like it once it's printed before printing an entire sheet of cards, as they can look different than they do on your computer screen. Printing your own business cards can be fun and easy to do, giving you a sense of accomplishment when you see the final product.