text:
Toronto International Film Festival 2005 - UPDATE #8
The Shore
Directed by Dionysius Zervos
The Shore is purportedly the first installment in an already-written trilogy, which surely does not bode well for future film festivals. The movie is riddled with problems; there's an unmistakable feeling of amateurishness that permeates every aspect of the production, from the melodramatic screenplay to the lackluster performances to the bland visual style. It's fairly surprising, really, given the potentially electrifying subject matter - a young girl disappears during a trip to the beach, forcing her family to cope in different ways - but writer/director Dionysius Zervos imbues the movie with all the realism of a soap opera. Zervos' overly glossy and distinctly self-indulgent directorial choices effectively prevent the film from achieving any sense of authenticity. The filmmaker's curious obsession with slow-motion eventually becomes laughable, and his use of other equally needless tricks affords The Shore a vibe of tediousness almost immediately. The performances - despite the presence of veterans such as Ben Gazzara and Lesley Ann Warren in the film's cast - come off as either competent (barely) or flat-out terrible, although (to be fair) the actors aren't given a whole lot to work with (ie Warren's character has blocked out the disappearance to such an extent that she freaks out after spotting the little girl on a "missing" poster, which hardly even seems possible). The Shore is a mess, plain and simple (and though the movie ends with a cliffhanger, one can't help but hope that further installments are not forthcoming).
out of
Featuring one of the most effective performances of Philip Seymour Hoffman's career, Capote revolves around the famed author's trials and tribulations while writing his masterwork In Cold Blood. Along with friend Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), Capote begins investigating the brutal murder of a family of four - which leads him to charismatic murderer Perry Smith (Clifton Collins Jr). The film essentially plays out like a typical Hollywood biopic, as director Bennett Miller imbues the film with an austere, visually inert sense of style (except in one pivotal sequence towards the end, where he inexplicably breaks out the old shaky-cam). And while it's never boring, Capote never quite becomes the fascinating portrait one imagines it's supposed to be - although Hoffman's meticulous performance goes a long way towards keeping things interesting throughout. Fortunately, however, things start to pick up with Capote finds himself conflicted by his camaraderie with Smith and his need to finish writing the book (which, obviously, can't happen until Smith is executed). In the end, Capote is an effective look at an exceedingly complicated man - yet it's hard not to wish the movie had been as spellbinding as Hoffman's performance.
Everything is Illuminated marks the directorial debut of actor Liev Schrieber (who doesn't actually appear in the film), and there's no doubt that the movie is one of the most impressive first efforts to come along in a while. Based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything is Illuminated casts Elijah Wood as Foer - a quirky young man who decides to track down the woman responsible for saving his grandfather's life during the Second World War. Assisting him on the quest are Alex Jr (Eugene Hutz) and Alex Sr (Boris Leskin), a pair of native Ukrainians who act as - respectively - Foer's translator and driver. The most striking aspect of Schrieber's directorial choices involves his occasional willingness to allow the visuals to tell the story; there are long stretches here without any dialogue, an effective choice that's assisted by Matthew Libatique impressive cinematography. It's also interesting to note that the film's stark shift in tone - the first half is light and breezy, while the second half is surprisingly dark and dramatic - doesn't feel jarring or off-putting, thanks to Schrieber's seemingly effortless sense of style. That Wood delivers a subtle, thoroughly compelling performance doesn't hurt, while newcomer Hutz comes off as exceedingly likable and charismatic. Everything is Illuminated would appear to mark the arrival of a talented new filmmaker, although one can't help but hope that Schrieber doesn't abandon acting completely.
The best way to describe Angel is as a slice-of-life film in the truest sense of the term; the movie follows two characters - a troubled street youth named Angel (Jonan Everett) and Nicole (Rachel Griffiths), a compassionate social worker - over a short period of time that isn't particularly eventful, and ends as abruptly as it started. What the film does have going for it, then, are a pair of exceedingly intriguing performances - as both Griffiths and Everett effectively transform themselves into these incredibly flawed characters. Director Jim McKay imbues the movie with the jittery look of a documentary, a choice that captures the almost mundane reality of his screenplay. In that respect, though, the filmmaker occasionally goes a tad overboard (there are two sequences in which we watch characters literally stand around and eat). Still, there's a palpable feeling of authenticity at work here that prevents the movie from becoming a flat-out bore (there's no denying, though, that Angel has been designed to appeal to a very specific - and very patient - audience).
Visually audacious, Citizen Dog is set in a world where corpses drive taxicabs, fingers are easily detachable, and teddy bears walk, talk, and drink heavily. Director Wisit Sasanatieng is clearly going for a vibe of unabashed fantasy, and on that level, the filmmaker certainly succeeds. The story revolves around Pod (Mahasmut Bunyaraksh), a "country bumpkin" who arrives in Bangkok and finds himself falling for a woman named Jin (Sanftong Ket-U-Tong). Sasanatieng, along with cinematographer Rewat Prelert, imbues Citizen Dog with a bright and colorful sense of style that effectively carries the film through some of the more uneven sections of Sasanatieng's screenplay. And while it's clear that Citizen Dog won't appeal to everyone, Sasanatieng does a nice job of keeping the tone consistent - ensuring that, at the very least, the movie's never boring.
That The Myth eventually turns into an almost interminable experience is a shame, given the light-hearted and genuinely entertaining vibe of the film's opening hour. Jackie Chan stars as two characters - an Indiana Jones-esque archeologist and a faithful soldier in the Chinese Royal Guard. Director Stanley Tong makes the astonishingly misguided decision to keep the two timelines separate by having all the scenes in the past look slightly squished, a distracting choice that's entirely unnecessary (even the most moronic viewer would be able to tell the two time periods apart without this silly visual trick). Fortunately, The Myth contains several expectedly impressive action sequences - with a fight set within a rat paper factory an obvious highlight - although it's not long before such moments wear out their welcome. This is particularly true of an unbelievably tedious plot development towards the end, which finds all of the film's central characters forced to duke it out inside some kind of an infinite, gravity-defying mausoleum (!) Chan is reportedly looking to get away from some of the sillier films he's been churning out as of late, but The Myth certainly does not mark a step in the right direction (even some of Chan's mediocre Hollywood product, ie The Medallion, is more effective than this).


text:
Athlete food for thought
Teens on the road without parents are not normally fixated on healthy food choices, but as members of the Mammoth Mountain Ski and Snowboard Teams learned recently, they ought to be.
The reason might be critical to a race, such as the 2010 Olympic Men's Downhill, in which a mere two seconds separated the gold medal winner and the 28th-place finisher.
With that sobering fact in mind, team members gathered at the Mammoth Mountain Inn on Feb. 24 to get food religion from Tim Tollefson of the Mammoth S.P.O.R.T. Center, along with some related coaching advice from Team Performance Director Pete Korfiatis.
"Do your research," Tollefson told the athletes.
"Find out what foods are available at the destination. Plan ahead. Pack snacks in your carry-on for the flight and useful foods like nutrition bars and peanut butter in your bags that you know safely fuel your body."
Tollefson's lecture on nutrition was emblematic of an ongoing effort to further link the ski teams to the S.P.O.R.T. Center, which is situated adjacent to Mammoth Hospital.
Korfiatis, obviously, has a big stake in the partnership, given his role in building the ski and snowboard teams.
With five years of U.S. Ski Team coaching under his belt, Korfiatis knows a thing or two about the care and feeding of top athletes. He said he is counting on S.P.O.R.T to provide rehabilitation and injury prevention programs, physical testing, and education to the teams.
Tollefson is no slouch, either. Currently a physical therapist and exercise physiologist, the Minnesota native was a star runner in college at Chico State.
He was a three-time CCAA steeplechase champion and five-time NCAA Cross Country qualifier who finished just one place short of All-American three times.
His finish in the 2011 California International Marathon earned him a spot at the Olympic Trials.
Tollefson's success story offered the racers food for thought.
"I had a horrendous diet in college," he said, adding that he broke through in athletics in his late twenties because of nutritional awareness.
"High quality fuel is an integral component to athletic success and can reduce the risk of injury and fatigue," he said.
After asking the athletes carrying water bottles to stand and be applauded, Tollefson said fluids are the most important aspect of the athlete's diet, especially at altitude.
Staying hydrated is vital before, during, and after competition, he told the athletes, advising them to sip 16 ounces an hour of an electrolyte-based sports drink the night before a race, and continue to sip throughout race and recovery.
Asked about swallowing the snow for hydration, Tollefson advised against potential "possible contamination" and said that tap water was a better choice, especially when traveling at away races.
"The best athletes fuel instead of feed," Tollefson said.
It's planning healthy meals instead of grabbing convenience food. Tollefson suggested that the athletes shop the perimeters of the supermarket for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and not the center aisles.
"Stay away from food with a shelf life of 30 years," he said, half-joking, half-serious.
To illustrate the need for hydration and moderation, Tollefson showed the kids a clip from "The Office" in which actor Steve Carell gorged on pasta the night before a 5k and refused to drink water during the race, resulting in pain and sickness.
"Everything in moderation," Tollefson iterated although he acknowledged that it is perfectly fine to be human on occasion.
"When you are an athlete, though, these 'occasions' should only be once a month or so."
When asked about certain pro athletes who seem to excel even though the camera just caught them eating candy right before the big game, Tollefson said that there are always those exceptional athletes who seem to defy logic.
"But just think how much better that athlete would be with a healthy diet," he said.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thursday was a day off for the Lakers, a time to recover from an 0-3 trip after returning to Los Angeles early in the morning from Memphis.
But it was a very busy day for Mike D'Antoni.
The Lakers' coach was given a vote of confidence during a face-to-face meeting with Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Executive Vice President Jim Buss, The Times has learned.
Despite a shaky start with the Lakers, D'Antoni was told to do whatever he wanted with the lineup. Buss and Kupchak support him.
He was told to do whatever was best for the offense. Buss and Kupchak support him.
They discussed team personnel and morale and were unanimous in their thinking: The Lakers can still make an impact in this league. And, yes, make the playoffs.


text:
Mission Statement
We believe in bringing more awareness to the Niagara University campus environment around issues concerning diversity. We believe in bringing appropriate change to our campus, but more importantly to ourselves as individuals. We believe in breaking barriers and exposing stereotypes for what they are. We believe in extending the awareness of our differences in order to see our similarities. We believe in you!
Core Values
- Equality
- Respect
- Acceptance
- Fellowship
- Understanding


text:
Snoop Dogg, the 41-year-old artist who recently reinvented himself as reggae artist Snoop Lion, has kind words for Miley Cyrus, who is going through a transformation of her own.
"She's one of the greatest musicians and personalities of all time," he told MTV at the MTV Movie Awards Sunday night. "People just expect so much from her because they've been watching her whole life from a kid. She's just ready to be an adult and have fun and express herself, and I support her."
Get More: 2013 MTV Movie Awards, Latest Movie News
In recent years, Cyrus has worked hard to shed her public persona as the adorable tween queen of Disney's "Hannah Montana," cutting her hair into a blonde pixie cut, getting tattoos and sporting more alternative styles.
Snoop told E! News that he saw himself in her transformation.
"We both believe in the same things," he said. "She's going through transformation and change right now, just like myself."
Snoop collaborated with the 20-year-old singer on their new track, "Ashtrays and Heartbreaks," off his upcoming album, "Reincarnated," which drops April 23.


text:
Clio is a 100% web-based legal practice management program that is optimized to meet the needs of solos and small firms. Web-based, secure and easy-to-use, Clio overcomes many of the technical hurdles offered by conventional practice management solutions. With Clio, lawyers can spend their time building their practice and let Clio handle the rest.
White Papers
This white paper is written by internationally respected legal technology expert Brett Burney. The paper covers the myriad of issues that arise when law firms debate whether to migrate their practice to a cloud-based environment.
This white paper was published by ILTA, and is written Clio's co-founder and President, Jack Newton.
Case Management list | Texas Legal Vendors Home | Get Listed


text:
The artist; gift of the artist to the MFA. (Accession date: September 22, 2010)
Credit Line
Arnold Scaasi Collection-Gift of Arnold Scaasi Made possible through the generous support of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf, anonymous donors, Penny and Jeff Vinik, Lynne and Mark Rickabaugh, Jane and Robert Burke, Carol Wall, Mrs. I. W. Colburn, Megan O'Block, Lorraine Bressler, and Daria Petrilli-Eckert
© Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
American, Fall 1969
- Arnold Scaasi, American, born in 1930
Object Place
New York, New York, United States
Height x width: 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)
Accession Number
Medium or Technique
Ink, pencil, or paint on paper; fabric


text:
Oath of Allegiance in Virginia, 1862-1865
The Oath of Allegiance, also called a Loyalty Oath, was a document signed by persons during and after the Civil War to pledge loyalty and allegiance to the Union. Initially intended for employees of the Federal government and military personnel, the oath soon took several different forms and eventually extended to the state level. Employment and business ownership were then dependent on signed oaths.
The database is a list of approximately 1,200 persons, many of whom were residents of Alexandria, who signed the Oath of Allegiance. The first and second columns provide a surname and then the given name, respectively. Then there are three columns for the person's age, noted as however many years, months and days had passed from the time of their birth to the date when they signed the oath. The next entry is the person's residence, followed by occupation. When four dashes ( ---- ) appear in the database, no information was provided in that particular entry. When four pound signs ( #### ) appear, the original text is illegible.
For accuracy and convenience, this web site offers two separate databases. One is a direct transcription from the microfilm. The other is a re-ordered alphabetical listing of names.
The following text appears at the beginning of the microfilmed index: "A register of persons who have taken and subscribed to the ##### scribed by "an Ordinance for the Reorganization of the State Government ##### Wheeling, Virginia. June 19th 1861. and to the United States #####" and "County court register of persons who have taken the Oath of Allegiance May 1862-1865".
Click on the links to view different oaths: Oath of Allegiance (1); Oath of Allegiance (2); Union Loyalty Oath; Oath of Obligation Not to Bear Arms.
Note: This photograph is of the Alexandria Courthouse on the 300 block of North Columbus (date unknown). It was designed by architect Robert Mills in 1888 and demolished in 1903. The Alexandria Courthouse building is similar to the one in which the persons listed in this database signed the Oath of Allegiance. This photograph is displayed at the Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections.
Note: The microfilm from which this database was created is at the Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections.
Related Resources
Microfilm #548 Box 2018A Arlington County - County Clerk of the Circuit Court County Court Register of Persons who have taken the Oath of Allegiance May 1862-1865
Current, Richard N. ed. Encyclopedia of the Confederacy. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. (VA REF 973.713 Enc Vols. 1-4)
Hyman, Harold Melvin. Era of the Oath: Northern Loyalty Tests During the Civil War and Reconstruction. New York: Octagon Books, 1978. (VA REF 973.78 Hym)
Leech, Margaret. Reveille in Washington 1860-1865. New York: Harper, 1941. (VA REF 973.7 Lee)
Munden, Kenneth W. and Henry Putney Beers. Guide to Federal Archives Relating to the Civil War. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Service, 1962. (VA REF 016.9737 Mun)
Netherton, Ross. In the Path of History: Virginia Between the Rappahannock and the Potomac: An Historical Portrait. Falls Church, VA: Higher Education Publications, 2004. (VA REF 975.52 Net)
Waldenmaier, Nellie Protsman. Some of the Earliest Oaths of Allegiance to the United States of America. Privately printed, 1944 (VA REF 973.31 Wal)
Weitz, Mark A. "Preparing for the Prodigal Sons: The Development of the Union Desertion Policy During the Civil War." Civil War History: A Journal of the Middle Period Vol. XLV No. 2 (June 1999) 99-125. (Periodicals)


text:
A weekly nuclear weapons protest at the Y-12 National Security Complex is expected to be fenced farther away from the entrance by next weekend.
A weekly nuclear weapons protest at the Y-12 National Security Complex is expected to be fenced farther away from the entrance by next weekend.
Protesters gathered Sunday on a grassy strip in front of the plant — some with tape over their mouths.
Protest signs reportedly read "Y-12 Bombs Free Speech" and "Danger First Amendment Under Attack."
At the Sunday event, protesters hunted Easter eggs and hung "peace wings" on a fence.
Last month, a bicyclist was charged with misdemeanor trespassing and a 71-year-old man was detained, but not charged, during his weekly "peace vigil" at the plant.
Of course, this all occurred after three older protesters, including an 82-year-old nun, broke into the plant property on July 28, 2012.
In a release last week, the National Nuclear Security Administration announced plans to extend the boundary fence at Y-12 along Scarboro Road.
"The fence is being erected primarily to restrict public access to U.S. Government property in front of the entrance sign and along the side of New Hope Center," the NNSA stated.
"Events of the past several months have shown that there is a greater threat of trespassing on the site, and the costs for responding to this threat are increasing.
"Y-12 is taking conservatives and appropriate measures to make such illegal actions more difficult."
The Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance has held vigils each Sunday for more than 13 years on the site.
"By definition that makes this space a public forum which enjoys particular protections under the Constitution," said Ralph Hutchison, coordinator of the alliance.
Larry Osborne, who teaches at Carson-Newman University, said the fence will push protesters back to the road.
"I'm concerned that our problems in Iran and North Korea are in part because this place (Y-12) creates an incentive for instability," Osborne said.
Although New Hope Center will also be behind the fence, public access will continue during normal working hours, and public use will still be permitted by groups following Y-12's policies and guidelines, the NNSA stated.
"The NNSA recognizes these changes will create some inconveniences for the public," the release said. "However, NNSA and B&W Y-12 are responsible for maintaining the most secure environment possible to ensure the continued protection of Y-12.
"The additional fencing being installed is in addition to other measures completed in recent months to improve security at Y-12."
The fence that will be erected by this Thursday will be a temporary fence, and a permanent fence is planned for a later date.
Y-12 supports the U.S. nuclear security enterprise through uranium storage, processing and manufacturing operations. Y-12 is operated by B&W Y-12 LLC for NNSA.
Darrell Richardson can be contacted at email@example.com or by calling (865) 220-5510.


text:
The fallout of Wicked Weed's sale to Anheuser-Busch/In Bev included the brewery having to drop its popular Funkatorium beer festival in North Carolina because so many breweries dropped out.
Now, two of those breweries, Springdale Barrel Room of Jack's Abby and Night Shift Brewing together have joined together to bring the We're Funk'd – A Weekend Celebration of Sour and Wild Beer.
The two day event will be held the same weekend as the Funkatorium was scheduled for, July 8 and July 9. And, like the Funkatorium, the event will support charities, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Easter Seals Massachusetts.
The event will be split into two days – pub crawls on July 8 and a festival on July 9.
On July 8, participating businesses will donate a portion of their sales to an organization of their choice. No tickets are needed and participants will pay as they go for food and beer.
The crawl will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Cambridge and will go through 3 p.m. Crawlers will go to Cambridge Brewing Company, Lord Hobo and the Meadhall.
The crawl then moves to neighboring Somerville, with a crawl through Davis Square between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The stops are Five Horses Tavern, the Rosebud, Foundry on Elm and Redbones.
The We're Funk'd Festival wil then be held on July 9 at the Boylstone Schul-Verein in Walpole from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is accessible by public transportation. Along with the beer, there will be live music and local food trucks.
Participating breweries are:
4 Hands Brewing Company
Allagash Brewing Company
Almanac Brewing Company
Avery Brewing Company
Barreled Souls Brewing Company
Burley Oak Brewing Company
Cambridge Brewing Company
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Cascade Brewing
Cascade Brewing Company
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
Destihl Brewery
Finback Brewery
Four Quarters Brewing Company
Hermit Thrush Brewery
J. Wakefield Brewing
Nectar Creek
Night Shift Brewing
Paradox Beer Company
Plan Bee Farm Brewery
Port Brewing Co./The Lost Abbey
Oxbow Brewing Company
Springdale Beer
Transient Artisan Ales
Transmitter Brewing
TRVE Brewing
Two Roads Brewing Company
Upland Brewing Company
Tickets are $40 and will get attendees unlimited samples of beer. Tickets are available by clicking here.


text:
Razer's Project Fiona is Officially Dubbed the Edge - Starts at $999
Posted: 03:23PM
Author: bp9801
Last CES, Razer introduced the world to Project Fiona, a PC gaming tablet with attached controllers. Over the year Project Fiona became a reality and Razer took to asking its fans what they wanted to see in it. An initial line of specifications was hammered out, with an estimated price between $1,299 and $1,499. Now, right about one year later, Razer has shown off its PC gaming tablet again but this time as the Edge. The Razer Edge comes in a standard and Pro flavor, with the Edge starting at $999 and the Edge Pro at $1,299. Each one has a 10.1" touchscreen with a 1366x768 resolution, an Intel Core processor, NVIDIA graphics, and Windows 8.
The Edge features a Core i5 dual-core at 1.7GHz with a 2.6GHz Turbo clock and Hyper Threading support, 4GB DDR3-1600, a 64GB SSD, and a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE. The Edge Pro ups the processor to a Core i7 dual-core at 1.9GHz and a 3.0GHz Turbo with Hyper Threading, 8GB DDR3-1600, a 128 or 256GB SSD, and a 2GB NVIDIA GT 640M LE. Both have 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, stereo speakers, HD webcam (two megapixels front-facing), array microphones, Dolby Home Theater v4, one USB 3.0 port, and audio in/out.
What sets the Razer Edge apart from other tablets is the Gamepad Controller. The Edge docks into the Gamepad and gives users total control over their games with dual analog sticks and backlit directional pad and face buttons. There are two bumpers and a trigger on the back of each controller as well, plus there's an optional extended battery for prolonged mobile gaming. Razer has designed it to be compatible with the "hottest Games for Windows PC titles," so it looks like gaming on the go just received a huge boost.
If you're more of a tradtional mouse and keyboard gamer, Razer has you covered there with the Keyboard Dock. It has a fairly truncated shape with no trackpad, so you'll either need to connect a mouse or just use the Edge's touchscreen. An acoustic chamber on the Keyboard Dock directs the Edge's speakers through it to enhance the audio experience, plus there's an option for an extended battery with it.
Razer also has the big screen gaming crowd covered with a Docking Station able to connect to a computer monitor or TV. It adds three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI out, and audio in/out to the Edge, so you can use your own mouse and keyboard with it at your desk. Connect it to a TV through HDMI though, and you can play games through Steam's Big Picture and some regular controllers. The Docking Station also charges your Razer Edge so you won't have to worry about running down the battery.
The Razer Edge and Edge Pro are available to pre-order through Razer's store, but there isn't an announced release date just yet. The Keyboard Dock, Docking Station, Gamepad Controller are all sold separately, for $199.99, $99.99, and $249.99, respectively.


text:
Ian Hakuryu Forsberg (b. November 10, 1957) is a Soto Zen priest and Dharma heir of Vanja Palmers. He was ordained by his late teacher, Kobun Chino Otogawa. Ian was fortunate to meet Kobun during his late teens, through a family friend, one of Kobun's elder students. He began zazen practice and was ordained by Kobun at Haiku Zendo in 1977. Ian practiced with Kobun and the Sangha at Haiku Zendo, Hidden Villa Ranch and later at Jikoji in California.
During the past twenty-two years in Taos he has led and attended sesshins, organized and implemented projects at Hokoji, as well as working and raising a family. Along with many of Kobun's students, he has embraced the commitment of ordinations, family, and zazen as an open and natural practice. Ian is also a member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association of North America.
Website: http://www.hokojitaos.org/
SZ: How did you become involved with Zen practice?
IF: Well, the short answer would be to escape suffering—to find a way out of suffering. I was nineteen at the time and one of Kobun'sstudents was Maria Wallace, who was a good friend of my mother. She was someone that I knew had practiced Zen—I'd been aware of her practice since I was about fourteen or so. We'd never discussed Zen or practiced together but, when I was nineteen (in 1976), I started reading books at the bookstore on Buddhism. Most of the literature at that time was either Tibetan or Rinzai style. One of the things that appealed to me about the latter was that your intellect could not pass through these problems (koans). It just stirred something up—it was very intuitive. So, I called Maria and said I'd like to sit. She wanted to introduce me to her teacher (Kobun), though he was out of town at the time. Anyway, a few weeks went by and with her introduction I finally sat with Kobun-roshi at Haiku Zendo in Los Altos, California. I just took to it—I connected with zazen the first time and I knew I was at the right place.
And with Kobun, there was a very spacious and all-encompassing kind of feeling—you know, there wasn't any pretension there. He just allowed everything to happen. For instance, the first sesshin I went to I just couldn't complete the whole thing physically. So I left, though someone called him to talk to me before I left and he said, "We'll be here, just come back anytime." (Laughs) I think it was that kind of openness that allowed many people to connect to Buddhist practice, some of whom went on to become longtime practitioners. He allowed everyone to just be who they are. He never rejected anyone or their circumstances—he was always accommodating. Everybody was sitting in different kinds of clothes, you know? Mostly a jeans and t-shirt type of thing.
SZ: Jeans may not be the most conducive for meditation purposes!
IF: (Laughs) Well, they may not be the best clothes.
SZ: So in 1977 you were ordained as a novice priest, is that right?
IF: Well, what we would call lay ordination, I guess. I received a rakusu and my Dharma name.
SZ: I wanted to of course discuss Kobun-roshi with you today. What are some of your memories of him?
IF: Well, one of the things one should know about Kobun was that there never was any hierarchy with him. He gave us the essential form that we needed to practice zazen and the emphasis was on sitting. Zazen was our foundation, though it's much more complex than that. We'd have zazen practice and oryoki and then a simple service where we would chant the Heart Sutra—that was essentially it. Practice in the zendo was a kind of stripped down monastic model. I think Kobun really wanted to see our own cultural overlay develop. Sure, there were certainly Japanese forms because he was Japanese—but he didn't emphasize that too much.
When he came to New Mexico he declared he was going on retreat, though many of us living with him here spent a lot of time together with him. In Taos we all lived together a bit communally. We had the space at the zendo and then separately there were houses on the mountainside. Kobun saw the whole mountainside as the temple—an invisible temple, not tangible physically. The way that we all lived together here was family style. It was not monastic style. We sat together a lot as a group. Like we do today, we had four to five sesshins a year and a daily sitting in-between those once a month. We all ate together initially…though that dissipated somewhat after a couple of years. Then there was a bit more space between us practitioners. But we'd still all get together by the campfire and have tea. A lot of Kobun's teaching was done there, actually—around the campfire. Those gatherings were very informal—very organic and natural.
SZ: On Kobun, when I first approached you for an interview, I sensed hesitation. I know that Kobun never gave out interviews and wondered if your hesitation may have stemmed from that.
IF: Your perception is correct. It was in part because that was Kobun's way. But, the other part is that I have elders. I'm one of the younger senior students if you will. So I was also holding back in a sense out of deference to Bob Watkins, Stan White, Angie Boissevain, and Mike Newhall. I knew that you had interviewed Jean Leyshon and Carolyn Atkinson. But, I decided it was ok to do this because I wanted to express my gratitude for Kobun's teachings and have the opportunity to perhaps relate to others the way in which he taught.
SZ: On the Hokoji website it states, "Vanja Palmers, of Switzerland, has been accepted by Kobun's students as his Dharma Heir." I found the phrasing of that a little different. Was that ever in doubt, given the sudden nature of Kobun-roshi's death?
IF: No, I don't think so. My understanding is that Vanja is the garambo Dharma heir, responsible for the overall sangha; he finished five other students in the United States. These were Angie Boissevain, Carolyn Atkinson, Jean Leyshon, Michael Newhall and I. But Kobun never emphasized that—naming Dharma heirs. In fact, he seemingly shied away from that. There is also Bob Watkins, who is on par with Vanja in a sense, though he didn't want to take on that role. Then there is also Stan Bu'Tan White…
SZ: And he is an heir of Vanja, as well?
IF: Yeah, you'd have to ask Stan about that. Often this stuff was not public at all and was kept very quiet, mostly a very private matter.
SZ: Okay, going back a bit, was there a priest ordination that happened somewhere between your lay ordination in 1977 and Dharma transmission from Vanja?
IF: Yes.
SZ: Ok, and when did you know you might want to become a priest? It is something someone obviously must accept.
IF: Well, when I ordained as a priest I had already been living in that way. I had moved to New Mexico at Kobun's request maybe a year after he had come here. He'd invited me to come to some of the early Hokoji gatherings—sesshins and the zendo opening. He'd also invited others, and each comprised the core group of people, the way I was describing earlier. We all lived and practiced together. At that time I was living in a retreat cabin and received a book from the Minnesota Zen Center which I'd ordered to learn how to sew an okesa (by Tomoe Katagiri). The book is particularly about nyohō-e—the sewing from rags (pamsula). After reading this book I walked outside my cabin to a little storage shed and inside there were these shelves full of cotton cloths that had been chewed on by mice. This felt like some sort of karmic wind blowing. So I took some of the rags and sewed them in to an okesa in the privacy of my retreat and told Kobun that my okesa was nearly done. He said we'll have a ceremony to present it to me. So that is how I was ordained as a priest.
But, I was already doing all the things that a priest would probably do anyway.
SZ: Sounds a bit like Angie Boissevain and her time at Jikoji. She'd been serving as teacher there for a number of years and the ceremony wherein which he acknowledges her was very informal. Is that kind of how yours had gone as well?
IF: No, mine was actually very formal. I had my head shaved and received the koromo, okesa, kechimyaku, and oryoki.
SZ: And what year was this?
IF: Oh that was in 1987. Also, in terms of my history, some time later (and I don't remember the date) I was also shuso at Hokoji. That, again, was very formal. It was amongst dharma friends, you know. But it was formal. The other thing I would say, as you commented on Angie's ordination being shall we say after the fact, is that during my very first ordination Kobun explained to me that in Japan people were ordained as Buddhists and received precepts and then later grew in to it…maybe. (Laughs) But, in America, he said the way was to first discover it and then an ordination ceremony would follow to acknowledge or celebrate that. So, that was Kobun's way; I don't know about the entirety of our Western Buddhist community. In other words, first you wake up to it.
SZ: My next questions may sound strange, though I'm pretty sure it isn't the first time you've heard of this. I recently spoke to someone very close to Kobun who described Kobun as (for lack of a better word) telepathic. Did you ever experience anything like that with him? Had you heard anything like that suggested before?
IF: Yes. (Laughs) Uh, well…a few things. My wife is very psychic, or intuitive. Now, she told me that she and Kobun would sometimes dream together. She would wake up and that morning she would go to Kobun and say, you know, "did you…(laughs)." So, whatever it was. And they would acknowledge each other. But, telepathic is not the word I would use. I just think it would be better stated that he was very intuitive. Or you could say psychic even, though sometimes that word is misused and misunderstood. Not like Nostradamus! He was just deeply connected to other ways of giving and receiving information is how I might put it. As you know, there are many ways of learning outside of the intellect.
For me, much of my relationship with Kobun was experienced through the use of a minimal amount of words. He was very intuitive and a lot of times he would instruct by example…but it was more than that. I would feel him and look and I would see what he was doing and he was looking at me to show me. Looking at me to watch this or to experience this, something like that. It wasn't like sitting down and being told , "first you do this, then you do that." You had to just pick it up.
SZ: Kind of like working in a kitchen, you just jump in the mix.
IF: Yeah. Well, I remember a simple example of what we're talking about here. During that first sesshin I went to, the bell rang for kinhin and I stood up and, as I saw other people doing, I started fluffing my zafu in to shape. I felt this burning on the back of my head and I turned and Kobun was looking straight at me. He looked down at his zafu and it wasn't fluffed up at all, it was still in the same form having gotten up from sitting on it. He was ready to do kinhin. That is how he taught me. When we came back to our zafu from walking we then adjusted it back to a round shape to sit again. That's just a very simple example of how he would do things like that. I also had another experience where I had been sitting, after that first ordination, and I had gone back east to furniture making school. I would only see Kobun in the summer for about a four year period. Each summer he would say, "You should go to Japan sometime." And I would say I'd like to do that someday. The third summer he said this I responded, I'd like to go to Japan but why did he want me to go? He yelled at me. At the top of his voice he said, "Don't ask why! Just go!" And I thought, "Oh my God! All this time he's been telling me to go to Japan without question, you know. I shouldn't have questioned it. I should have just gone." I realized later that when your master says do something, you do it. The student does it without question. That's one of the reasons I ended up in New Mexico. We were walking down the road near Hokoji and he said, "You could have a nice life here in the mountains." So, I sighed and just moved to New Mexico. But the first time I didn't get it for a while and I think there were some who never got it. That was just his way. He was very quiet and not demanding. He had and manifested a lot of patience.
SZ: Well, from the pictures that I have seen, he actually looks like kind of a physically meek character, almost. Sort of physically unassuming.
IF: Um, I wouldn't say that. I mean when you got in his presence it was kind of like you were drawn in. Meek just isn't the right word. There was a lot of energy there and a lot of his dwelling in that absolute.
SZ: I guess I was just making a purely physical observation. He looked like a gentle guy…
IF: Oh yeah, very gentle.
SZ: Now I read that Chogyam Trungpa and he were very close.
IF: Yes, they were very close. Now I wasn't so privy to that because I was usually at Hokoji, though once in a while I went up to Rocky Mountain Dharma Center (now Rocky Mountain Shambhala Center). He was also very close with Shibata Sensei, the Imperial bowmaker in Japan. Kobun studied with Shibata Sensei in Kyoto, studying kyudo. So, I believe Kobun told Trungpa Rimpoche about Shibata sensei and somehow some relationship then formed around Trungpa Rimpoche and Shibata Sensei. Shibata Sensei came and moved to the United States and was intimately involved with the whole Shambhala practice and group and there was a very strong kyudo practice. Also Kobun taught oryoki and brought all the bowls—I think he was a little concerned because one of the things that is transmitted through ordination is the bowl. However, he presented that to Trungpa Rimpoche's group for their seminaries, in particular. They did Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana and it was a three month program. That is something which he brought to them at Trungpa Rimpoche's request. To this day there is still a strong affinity between many of Trungpa Rimpoche's students and many of Kobun's students.
SZ: He actually became a Shambhala instructor for a while there, didn't he?
IF: Yeah he did, at Naropa.
SZ: Yeah, actually the photo I have up of him in his biography here is of him giving calligraphy classes to students there. He was pretty well known for his calligraphy, is that right?
IF: He was an excellent calligrapher.
SZ: Did he teach many of his own students that art?
IF: No, here in New Mexico not so much. If somebody had asked him perhaps it would have been different. But, we were pretty focused on zazen practice and sesshin.
SZ: Is Hokoji still set up somewhat communally today, or do you all have your own houses and such now? Does it still have that old communal feeling?
IF: Um, like I said there is more space now between families physically, than there was in the beginning, where people have their own homes in and around the area. You know it's very much a householder's practice. We all have to support ourselves and also Hokoji, as well.
SZ: Hokoji looks architecturally to be a very interesting building. I wondered who may have built it.
IF: Actually, it was, for lack of a better word, one of the early hippie homes here in Taos. There was a couple, Sally and Rick, who built the house and what is now the zendo was then a workshop. Some conversions were made to it to make it in to a zendo. For instance, it previously had a dirt floor. So it was fixed up and various things were done. Currently, since this last summer, we've done a lot of work on the grounds and I've been working on remodeling the kitchen (many people have joined in to help).
SZ: How remote is Hokoji? I know you've said there are houses around in the area but, where the actual zendo is, is there a lot of acreage kind of surrounding it?
IF: Not so much. It is rural agricultural land, but there are a fair amount of homes around. The zendo, Hokoji itself, is on about an acre and a half or so. There are houses every couple of acres I'd say. There are strips of land that are undeveloped which are just pastures or forests. It's about 10 miles from the town of Taos. It's rural, but it's not so remote. But, in the old days people had trouble finding it just because we were all on retreat, so to speak. There wasn't a lot of publicity.
SZ: I take it there was no big sign announcing what was there.
IF: Right. And we didn't publicize it.
SZ: And actually, I've noticed that your website—while I wouldn't say it is uninformative, it doesn't seem to be aiming to draw in a lot of new people. That was my perception, anyway.
IF: Well, that isn't particularly true. We would love to have new and interested people and we've often wondered how to do that really. But, one of the things is that we've always had to be self-reliant here. The other thing is that there is no stairway to accomplishment here, really. So, while I'm not sure, I think in some ways people are looking for something. They might think if they sit for three years this or that will happen. I'll be ordained or I'll—I don't know, I mean I'm not really sure.
SZ: Ah, the climbers. Yes.
IF: Yeah, exactly. That's one of the things Kobun said is that there was no hierarchy. What he said was that you have to create your own authority. He wasn't going to do that for you. He said he wanted to be at the bottom of the pyramid—and inverted pyramid, the point at the bottom. We were all on top. By the same token you know, there are some people who are expressing interest in taking refuge and receiving precepts. It's nice actually. It's a very quiet, deep place.
SZ: Yeah. And, again, I'm going mostly off of your website, but from all the photographs and impressions I took away it just looks like a very, well, peaceful place.
IF: Absolutely, and a lot of people use it as a sanctuary. The zendo is always open and this summer Jack Smith and myself were both up there frequently doing our own projects and we were amazed at how many people would show up and use the place. Many of them aren't necessarily Zen students but they would come and meditate. And then other people would come and just have their lunch by the pond. So we're a quiet sanctuary in that way as well. It's a great place to come sit sesshin because we have a lot of sincere practitioners and many years of strong sitting which you can just feel.
SZ: Being in New Mexico, I wondered if you have made any connections with some of the native people of the area? Are there any reservations nearby?
IF: Well, there is the Taos Pueblo, which is a very powerful spot. And we are immediately adjacent to the outer boundary of the Pueblo. We do have affinity but we don't get together and practice together, if that was your question. The practices are different. Bob Watkins actually has a very deep connection with the Pueblo. He's had many years of connection with the Pueblo people so he would be a good person to talk with about that. Kobun was very much in to connecting with the indigenous people, both Hispanic and Native American. A local Spanish farmer, one of the families, had lived immediately down the hill from Hokoji. He really liked Kobun and Kobun was allowed to cross his land from the house we were living in to the house he was building—you know, he had permission to make a cross over. He'd actually made a path for him.
SZ: Permission to pass through without getting shot. (Laughs)
IF: Yeah, exactly! (Laughs)
SZ: I wonder if you might have a favorite "Zen story" you might share with us?
IF: Well, one that comes to mind was one time after sesshins we had come back to the house and there was usually a kind of open house, you know. Various people would come and there would be some food. I was sitting on a bench and kind of spaced out after having sat all week, just sitting there kind of smiling to myself. Kobun walked down through the door and sat down on the bench next to me and said, "You think Zen is easy. Give it ten more years." Then he walked away.
The main thing is that my wife and I lived with Kobun in the same house for about nine years. Now he would travel, so he wasn't there 100% of the time. But, the thing that I learned from that is… well, a couple of things: we were taught, again this is that kind of intuitive teaching, that zazen is a foundational practice. You may get up from your zazen but you do not move your mind. You start in to your activities but the whole thing was practicing for Kobun. That's what I learned. There was no break from, now we're practicing and now we stop. It's continuous practice. I almost don't even like that word—practice. It is more like actualizing, I guess you could say. Where does the break come?
The other thing Kobun taught me, regarding, the first year I was here and I was living in a little retreat cabin, he pulled me out of there for a couple of reasons: he said, "You can't stay in retreat forever. Don't forget them." And he pointed out to town.
SZ: I take it you have a tendency toward seclusion?
IF: I do, yes. That would be easy for me. Being in the midst of daily activity with family and work and all, that was much more difficult. But, what I've learned in these recent years is that for me taking refuge in the Sangha has been the hardest. Buddha and Dharma sound pretty glorious and Sangha is not as glorious with all the day-to-day interactions. But I realized that Kobun's way was that, well, we're practicing with everyone. The whole world is our Sangha. And even within that immediate group of people you revolve around, in the zendo practice part, these people are not necessarily more enlightened than the rest of the world. He didn't…look at it that way, as sangha exclusive; it's everyone together, is practicing (whether they know it or not). (Laughs)
SZ: That reminds me of a story. I think it involved Zen master Seung Sahn where someone asked him, "I'm the only person in my family that is practicing and it is difficult. What do I do?" And, this is from memory, but he replied something like, "If you are practicing that is enough. You are practicing for everyone." I always thought that was a nice way of putting it.
IF: Yeah.
SZ: I wanted to talk a bit about Kobun and his daughter Maya's drowning deaths and how that affected your sangha. Obviously that was probably a very sad time for everyone. What was that time after like?
IF: I would say that it brought us all together. All our petty differences were set aside or smoothed over through our sudden realization of impermanence. I think we saw those things as no longer important…just simple stuff, you know—mostly personality differences. Everyone came together and we sat for 49 days. It wasn't a full 49 day sesshin but we rotated so that someone was always sitting in the zendo. We also did a lot of work around the place, clearing some of the underbrush and created a memorial site with Kobun and Maya's ashes. Maya's death was extremely difficult, as well. It was a shock, an unexpected and sudden death.
The other thing was, and I don't know about others but for myself, there was a sense of, "Wow, I spent all of these years with Kobun and he's given so much to me. As one of the sangha members and one of his students, I need to step forward and take responsibility now." He had been pushing me to do more. I was already organizing and leading sesshins but he wanted me to do more, like give talks and other things. I would kind of push away from those ideas and say, "No, no. You're here." But, suddenly he was gone and it was like a rebound. I had to step forward.
SZ: Now do you think that might be similar to what many of his other more senior students might have went through, as well?
IF: I think so. I think that certainly some people were already doing it, like Carolyn Atkinson and Angie Boissevain.
SZ: I would think having that focus helps everyone through the grieving process some, because really what everyone had just been through was traumatic. It was a trauma really. Now, Kobun had a son too, is that right?
IF: Yeah, he has a son. Well, he has two older children, Taido is his eldest son and Yoshiko is his eldest daughter from his first marriage. Then he had three younger children with Katrin, Tatsuko, Maya, and Alyosha.
SZ: Now, as I understand it, Kobun was an athletic outdoorsman kind of guy. Is that right?
IF: Yeah he was. He loved to ski and was an avid kyudo practitioner.
SZ: Now do you know if he knew how to swim? I would presume not…
IF: That question was asked after the drowning accident and the answer I had heard was that he did know how to swim.
SZ: So maybe his drowning resulted from panicking, like, "Where is my daughter????"
IF: Uh, there is a lot of speculation about why he drowned. It could very well have been from grief. The pond itself was a landscaped pond; it was only 6 feet deep. There was some speculation that perhaps he went with her after her.
SZ: Now were there other people there at the time? Was it a family event, a sangha event?
IF: Yes, it was a sangha event. I think most of the other people who were there were in the house. The kids were down by the pond. Vanja Palmers was there, he might have more details on that day. Everything that I know I heard through Vanja.
SZ: Ok, thank you. Ian, it was a pleasure to have this opportunity to talk with you today. You might have noticed that my last question is always the same in these interviews. What book or books would you recommend to someone interested in Zen practice?
IF: Yeah I wrote a couple things down actually because I knew you'd ask that. (Laughter) For someone who is just beginning I would say, as many people have, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. I also like What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. It's a very basic book, but it's a good explanatory starting point for most people. And then there is this book that I think is put out by the Soto-shu called Shikantaza: Introduction to Zazen (edited and translated by Shohaku Okumura ). The book talks about all the protocol of zendo etiquette and how to sit in proper form, but then it has increasingly deep excerpts from many of the ancient masters, both Japanese and Chinese. Also the Platform Sutra of the 6th Patriarch Hui Neng, and most translations I would recommend. I especially liked Red Pine's translation. And, lastly, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa is a great book.


text:
To work in the field with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), every applicant must meet the following general requirements:
- At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
For physicians (excluding surgeons, ob-gyns, and anesthesia providers), completion of residency satisfies this requirement. Nurses are required to have three years professional experience.
- Availability for a minimum of 9 to 12 months
With the exception of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and ob-gyns who may be accepted for shorter assignments of six to eight weeks.
Because of the degree of responsibility MSF aid workers are expected to assume, the time needed to acclimatize to a project and context, and the need for continuity among field staff for the benefit of both our locally hired staff and patients, MSF requires a nine to 12 month time commitment for most profiles. Due to the nature of their workload while in the field, a shorter time commitment is required of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and ob-gyns.
- Relevant travel
Since MSF works mostly in developing countries, experience working, volunteering, living, and/or traveling abroad is preferred. We are most interested in instances where you have worked or travelled outside your comfort zone.
- Experience as a supervisor, manager, teacher, and/or trainer
Every MSF aid worker will be in a supervisory or management position in the field and will often spend more of their time overseeing and training others than doing hands-on work themselves. Prior experience supervising, managing, teaching, and/or training others is required of any applicant to MSF.
- Ability to work and live with a diverse group of professionals
An MSF team is made up of medical and non-medical professionals from an array of nationalities and cultural backgrounds. While the rewards are rich, it can be a challenge to work, live, and communicate with individuals whose language or customs are different from your own. Your ability and willingness to engage with this diversity is essential.
- Flexibility and adaptability
To reflect changing needs in the field, activities can shift quickly and job descriptions change accordingly. Working environments, security protocols, and team size/composition may also change during assignments. Your ability to be flexible and adaptable—both personally and professionally—is critical to your success on an MSF mission.
- Computer skills
All MSF aid workers write and submit reports, and many are involved in data collection. To apply to MSF you must have basic computer skills and must be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). While not required, prior experience using any database software is an asset.
- Commitment to MSF's principles
MSF operates independently of any political, military, or religious agenda, observes neutrality, and provides impartial care delivered on the basis of need alone. These principles of action are described in MSF's founding charter, and should resonate with anyone thinking of applying to MSF. MSF-USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and actively strives for diverse team members. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Learn more about our behavioral commitments, and about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The following are not required, but are highly valued. If accepted into our pool of aid workers, individuals with these assets will be eligible for more positions and will usually be placed more quickly:
- Language skills (mainly French)
A significant number of MSF's missions are in Francophone (French-speaking) countries, and therefore French language skills are highly desirable as they allow for more opportunities for placement. Fluency is valuable but not essential—a competent level of spoken French is more important. While less urgently needed, skills in other languages, such as Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian are also assets in the field.


text:
Perplexed by Facebook's new format? Timeline only appears intimidating! In fact, it offers truly fabulous features that will enhance your cyber presence.
Perplexed by Facebook's new format? Timeline only appears intimidating! In fact, it offers truly fabulous features that will enhance your cyber presence.
Timeline's new "cover photo" allows stronger branding capabilities — akin to opening an attractive coffee-table book that beckons the reader to look further. Facebook's former template provided five thumbnail photos across the top. Timeline's generous pixel space allows for a spacious visual "welcome mat" when your cyber visitor comes calling.
Its key advantage is its ability to build your Facebook page in a website-style format with several large (111-by-74 pixel) visible graphic buttons directly under your company's opening cover photo. The additional navigation buttons below those photos that link them to "customized pages" — or apps — can enrich the promotion of your business.
In a world of nanosecond gratification, keeping the reader's fleeting interest is essential. With engaging interactive information about your business immediately on the "table," Timeline provides a real potential for growing your following of Facebook fans and customers.
Timeline's format allows you to keep content where you want it to stay and to stand out. "Pin" a post, and it won't slip down the page as you continue to add other content during the next seven days. This application is perfect for offers, contests and welcome videos. A graphic included with your company's "signature" is another bonus.
Unlike Facebook's old format, Timeline allows you to "highlight" a post, expanding it across your column, thus drawing attention to the most pertinent content. One caveat: It does not permit you to "pin" and "highlight" at the same time — so be sure to place your "VIC" (Very Important Content) on your Timeline accordingly.
Timeline allows you to create a business "Milestone," featuring your company or organization through text and images. It's a great way to introduce new products or market an upcoming event directly to your visitors.
Rather than bogging down your presence with hordes of information to surf through, you can be in direct contact and establish immediate rapport with a potential customer. It's "viral" marketing without the headache.
The right approach — appealing but upfront, informative without aggrandizing — you can maximize your marketplace for a reasonable price.
Facebook's new format may also hasten the end of traditional B-to-B contact with potential customers, since Timeline provides private Facebook messaging, eliminating the need for traditional email.
With all the exclamatory excitement about Timeline's features, its primary function is to increase search engine optimization and draw in new fans. Here's the skinny on improving your Facebook visibility:
Your business name must be at the top of your Timeline page. Customize your URL to your business name. Pin important posts so they stay put. Take advantage of the "About" page by providing eye-catching content, incorporating target keywords and postings that will link back to your website whenever possible.
Pressed for time to tweak your Timeline? Make the investment in an exciting e-marketplace that costs little but offers much in return. Facebook's new look and enhanced applications will improve your branding and marketing efforts, maximize your business and give you the opportunity to reach a wider audience. In time, you'll wonder how you ever lived without Timeline.
Allan Ross is founder and president of AJ Ross Creative Media in Chester. For more information, call 800-723-4644, email email@example.com or go to www.ajross.com.


text: Dolls House Bathroom Furniture Products White Bathroom cupboard A Superb Bathroom Cupboard Filled With Towels, Toilet Roll, Lotion Bottle, Brass Tray Of Perfumes And Lotions And Tissue Box. White Bathroom cupboard Price: £9.95 More Info & Buy Mahogany Cabinet Quality Mahogany Cabinet With Opening Door Ideal For 12th Scale Miniature Shop, Bedroom Or Office Room Setting Mahogany Cabinet Price: £3.75 More Info & Buy White Wire Arched Shelf Unit A Delightful White Wire Arched Shelving Unit. White Wire Arched Shelf Unit Price: £3.85 More Info & Buy White Wire Shelf Unit A Delightful White Wire Shelving Unit. White Wire Shelf Unit Price: £4.65 More Info & Buy Displaying 1 to 4 (of 4 products) 1


text:
Save over $235 when you order six photography packages! Photo shoots are good for up to three years, so stock up now and save.
Includes 6 Packages of:
Choose one add-on for only $50 per 6-pack ordered!
Outstanding images don't have
to cost an arm and a leg. Our
Slideshow Package is perfect for
smaller homes and apartments.
Our Economy Package
effectively captures your small-to-
medium-sized property
Our most popular photography
package. Great for smaller homes
with unique features or a standard
3-4 bedroom home.
This hugely popular package
gives you extra panoramic and
still images. Ideal for higher-end,
unique, or larger-sized properties.
The perfect photo package for unique,
high-end properties.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) images
make your property look vibrant and
Whether you have a rental property,
care center, restaurant or office space,
we have the perfect photo package for
your commercial property.
From individual agents to the biggest brokerages in the industry, we've helped real estate companies of all sizes achieve their marketing goals. Best of all? Our pricing is oh-so-pleasantly affordable.


text:
Cardinal O'Malley celebrates thanksgiving Mass
Cardinal O'Malley celebrates thanksgiving Mass
Boston's Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley has been named as a possible candidate for pope.
When asked about becoming pope, he said, "I don't think that it's anything that I would aspire to."
The cardinal (right) described the papal role as "a very lonely position."
"It's a very diffcult task, but we're there as cardinals to pray and encourage each other, knowing that someone needs to do it and hopefully we will be able to serve what God's will is," he said.
About 200 people attended the Feb. 22 Mass in Braintree at which O'Malley presided.
O'Malley is expected to travel to Rome soon for the conclave.


text: On October 30, 2002, New York Jets head coach Herman Edwards took the podium for his usual mid-week press conference with the media, perhaps unaware that he was about to unleash the soundbite that would forever define him. Edwards' team was in a bad way, a season was going down the drain, and it was up to the coach to deliver a message. Boy, did he ever. "You PLAY to WIN the GAME" would define Edwards more than anything else -- more than a 10-year career as a defensive back that included a Super Bowl appearance and the fumble recovery that sparked the "Miracle at the Meadowlands," more than a combined eight years as the head coach of the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, and more than his current position as an analyst for ESPN. "It was said and intended this way, and it wasn't intended for a commercial," Edwards told a Houston radio station in February about the meaning of the phrase. "You have an obligation as a player -- as an athlete at any level -- and it doesn't matter what sport it is. When you sign on, you sign on. You prepare that week to go win. I don't care about your schedule, or how many people got hurt -- it doesn't matter. You owe it to the people in the building and guys in the huddle to prepare yourself to win. That's the most important thing that week. My dad was in the service for 27 years. He used to tell me, 'It's not about tomorrow -- it's about today. What are you going to do today a little bit better than what you did yesterday?' "Don't tell me about tomorrow! I don't want to hear about tomorrow!" Edwards' voice rose in volume and inflection, just as it did at the podium that day a decade ago. Judy Battista of the New York Times was the reporter whose question prompted Herm's most famous soundbite. 10 years ago, Battista was a determined sports reporter for the Times. She's now the NFL writer for the paper, and she remembered that day as if it just happened. "The Jets were 2-5 at the time, and they had just lost to Cleveland. I mean, it was bad. And it was the Wednesday after that game, during his regular press conference. We were asking questions, and my question that sort of set him off was, 'Do you have to talk to your team about not giving up on the season?' And he took it from there," she recalled with a laugh. "I have always wondered, and I've never talked to Herm about this, but how much of it was spontaneous, and how much of it did he come into the room knowing he was going to deliver a message to the team? I don't know how much of that was sort of measured and contemplated before, and how much of it was spontaneously reacting to the question." I asked Battista if this was similar to what former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel did when he delivered his famous " shoving my chips to the center of the table " speech, and she concurred. Fassel said that in November of 2000, and the Giants went to the Super Bowl that year. "Exactly -- where it was clear that he was coming in with a predetermined message. I assume that he knew he had to deliver some sort of message, and he was waiting for an opening." The quote didn't seem like a big deal at the time -- at least not to the reporters on duty. It was just one more day with a highly quotable coach. "We were just sitting there, and I was a regular beat writer then, so he was interacting with all of us, as he always did. Herm's press conferences were not just Herm standing up there, delivering the address --they were pretty interactive. Honestly, I don't even remember what the next question was; I just remember that the press conference wound up, and we all said, 'Okay -- I guess we have our story today!'" Interestingly enough, Battista didn't even use the famous quote in her story , which ran the next day -- "You PLAY to WIN the GAME!!!" didn't really catch fire until it hit the airwaves, What Battista caught, however, was a coach very much compelled to tell his players that they were not out of the race, no matter how dismal things may have looked at the time.


text:
Our Addresses
Danby Products Limited
5070 Whitelaw Rd
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 6Z9, Canada
Danby Products Inc.
P.O. Box 669
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Register Your Danby Purchase
Welcome to the Family
If you're welcoming a new Danby Product into your home or entertainment space of choice, it's an honor for us to welcome you into the Danby family.While our products and our promises are made to last, we strongly encourage that you register your appliance at the time of purchase to ensure that you experience the same consistent care your product was designed and constructed with.
The Reason to Register
Safety First
Registering your product allows us to reach you instantly, in the very unlikely event a safety notice were ever to be issued. You and your product's safety is paramount.
Accelerated Assistance
Prompt warranty service, in the rare event of an issue, will be provided to you if you've registered your product and filled out the form.
Keep in mind, warranty service can only be provided with your bill of sale as proof of purchase.
Ownership Support
If you were to ever experience an unfortunate occurrence (fire, flood, theft, etc.) your registration would helpfully serve as proof for an insurance loss claim.
Lookup Your Warranty
If you have not yet registered your product and received a warranty code, please register now.
Buy Parts
For replacement parts not covered under manufactures warranty please visit https://www.danbyapplianceparts.com/ to buy online.
See your owner's manual for details.


text:
Olympic slopestyle course designs released
The International Ski Federation (FIS) released the first public design schematics Wednesday of the 2014 Olympic freeskiing and snowboarding slopestyle course. The designs detail a layout featuring three rail-feature sections and three jumps.
Sweden's Anders Forsell will oversee the construction of the slopestyle course, located at the base of Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort in the western Caucacus range. Forsell, 36, is the former terrain park manager at Åre, one of the premier freestyle resorts in the world, and owner of Snowpark Consulting, a boutique park-and-pipe construction company based in Forsell's hometown of Östersund.
According to a news release from FIS, the course will be built by a team of groomers provided by the Russian organizing committee and Rosa Khutor staff "under the direction of Forsell."
FIS and the Russian organizing committee had intended to assess the course design last February during the Olympic test events in Sochi, but the World Cup freeski and snowboard slopestyle competitions were canceled due to warm, rainy conditions that turned the resort base into a quagmire and did not allow for a suitable course to be built.
Sochi 2014 Slopestyle course designs
Overview: Sochi Slopestyle course
The International Ski Federation (FIS) released its official designs for the 2014 Winter Olympic freeski and snowboard slopestyle course on Wednesday. The following gallery contains detailed images of the course, from every angle.
Jib/Rail section No. 2
Final jib section
Detail: Final jib section
For the nerds
Extreme Park overview
Rhosa Khutor
Rhosa Khutor
Slopestyle courses are different from standardized Olympic venues such as figure-skating rinks, in that each design is unique. The number and size of jumps, as well as the number and shape of rail components -- and the order in which the features appear -- varies from one contest to the next.
In general, the distance between takeoffs and landings on jumps at major contests range from 30 to 80 feet, with competitors usually preferring larger gaps to enable more difficult tricks.
According to competitors, FIS-sanctioned events have had a history of undersized courses in which the jumps sometimes limit the tricks the athletes are able perform.
At the world championships in Stoneham, Quebec, last January, Mark McMorris, a favorite to podium in Sochi, voiced his displeasure with the course in an interview with The Star.
"I want to do this triple cork at the Olympics and all, but right now it hasn't been set up that well," he said. "Every Olympic qualifier I've been at, the jumps have been really small and not even close to being big enough for a triple cork."
After a Freeski World Cup event in Switzerland last February, winner Tiril Sjåstad Christiansen of Norway criticized the slopestyle course's flat landings and smaller jumps. "FIS is still struggling to build courses with good jumps and good landings," she told ESPN. "They need to step it up a bit."
Forsell promises those issues won't be repeated in Sochi, weather permitting.
FIS snowboard assistant race director Roberto Moresi, a longtime snowboarder who is helping Forsell with the Olympic slopestyle course design, told ESPN last winter in Sochi that organizers intend to build jumps with more than 60 feet between the takeoff and landing -- a distance that competitors have said allows them to perform the most progressive maneuvers, including variations of the vaunted triple cork.
"They will be big enough," Forsell said of the jumps. "I don't know if I can give you the number, but they will be like X Games for sure. That's our goal. The exact size in meters will depend on the snow situation."
Forsell and Moresi have also stated in separate interviews with ESPN that competitors will be consulted on the course features' size and design leading up to the competition.
With snow shortages a serious concern in Russia recently, resort officials stored snow halfway up the mountain last winter in case it's needed to build the Olympic courses in February.
"It's on my mind for sure," Forsell said, "but we calculate that and try to organize for that. We're working on maybe not only an A and B plan, it's more A, B, C and D plan. We try to prepare for all conditions."
The appointment of Forsell to build the Olympic course marks the Swede's biggest job in his 20-year career as a snow-shaper.
Forsell, who likely will be on the ground in Sochi by mid-January to start construction, called it a "great honor" to build the Olympic course.
Others who expressed early interest building the course included Snow Park Technologies president Chris "Gunny" Gunnarson, a shaper who has built all the X Games slopestyle courses, as well as courses for the Winter Dew Tour, snowboarding's U.S. Open, and private resorts across North America and Europe.
"I did go over to Sochi last spring and met with the resort folks and some of the master planning people at Rosa Khutor," Gunnarson said. "I was definitely impressed with the mountain, and we did get asked to submit an initial bid, but never got a response to any of the emails that we submitted with the bid."
Citing Rule 46.1 of the IOC Charter, FIS Freestyle Skiing Coordinator Joe Fitzgerald pointed out that the sport's governing body, in this case FIS, is entirely responsible for selecting the course designer, not the host resort or local Russian organizing committee.
"I want to see the Olympics be the best possible stage for these athletes in the first year," Gunnarson said. "I hope they can pull that off. ... I hope nothing but the best."
Rain, sleet or variable snow conditions notwithstanding, the lone guarantee regarding the Olympic slopestyle course is that it will be the same for everyone. And in that sense, Moresi said, it will be like every competition before it and after.
"You still have to prove on that course, on that day, that you're the best," Moresi said. "I would like to say that we really are keen on giving the riders what they want, making them feel comfortable. Because what makes a good event is the show they deliver."
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more


text:
| USA India Yellowpages
| Tickets
Write Articles
| Business Services
| Contact us
Do you wish to reach our readers?
your guest column
Copyright and Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and not of this
website. The author is solely responsible for the contents of this
article. This website does not represent or endorse the accuracy,
completeness or reliability of any opinion, statement, appeal, advice or
any other information in the article. Our readers are free to forward this
page URL to anyone. This column may NOT be transmitted or distributed by
others in any manner whatsoever (other than forwarding or weblisting page
URL) without the prior permission from
us and the author.
Previous articles by:
Hari Sud
India on Roll, but China West"s Darling
Crush Present Day Jihadi by Throttling Money..
Diamonds & Jewelry, India in the Lead
Perfect Storm – Last 2 years of Bush Preside..
WTO & India
India, China - Primary Manufacturers of Worl...
Next India-Pakistan War will be over...
Western media thrives on Indian poverty
N-Deal: Plan B if the Deal Fails
Vanishing Poverty and Slums in India
US Legislative Process: Indo-US N-Deal
N-deal: Economic, Political and Techno...
Clash of Two Aggressive Religions
Shangri-la At the Foot of Himalayas
Russia, Upcoming World Power
All articles by:
Hari Sud
Visit iVarta.com for
a rich experience - "#1 Information Resource about India and the Indian
Comprehensive Collection of
India News, Articles, Columns, Analysis and Research Papers. Facts about India,
Indian History, Culture, Business, Politics, and Terrorism. Religions of India,
Mystery and Diversity of India. Rich information resource on India, Indians and
Asia. Expert Guide, Comments, New, Views and Analysis. Indus Valley Culture,
Religious life of Indians, Beliefs and Practices. Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.
History of Indian Invasion, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam. Jammu and Kashmir:
Facts, History and Politics. Terrorism in J&K, History about terrorism in India.
India's international relations with USA, Russia, UK, Pakistan, China....and


text:
jpo wrote:Hi guys, I'm the developer of this mapping app. Thanks for all the kind words and for sharing your maps -- your ride networks are inspiring! Just for some variety, here's my map in the northeast USA, where spring is turning into summer and our riding season is kicking into high gear.
Take care and ride lots.
- Jonathan
Jonathan did an interview for the blog that will be up later today.
Thanks Jonathan for taking the time to answer some questions.


text:
Email Notification of new messages
This board can notify you when a new reply is added to a topic. Many users find this useful to keep up to date on topics without the need to view the board to check for new messages.
To do this, simply click on the 'Track This Topic' link found at the top and bottom of any topic. When you click this link, the topic will be added to your subscriptions that are managed from your control panel.
Please note that to avoid multiple emails being sent to your email address, you will only get notified once per day of new replies.
Hosted for free by zIFBoards* (Terms of Use: Updated 2/10/2010) | Powered by Invision Power Board v1.3 Final © 2003 IPS, Inc.
Page creation time: 0.0443 seconds · Archive
055 .


text:
Ulster County
Denning: Watson Hollow Road; Peekamoose Road; Oliverea Road bridge closed between Route 28 and the county line
Ellenville: Clinton Avenue bridge closed
Esopus: Route 213, between Dashville Road and Church Hill Road
Gardiner: Sparkling Ridge Road by Box 118, long-term closure
Hardenburgh: Dry Brook Road Bridge collapse
Hurley: Hurley Mountain Road between Route 28 and Wyncoop; Schoolhouse Lane between Russell Road and Main Street (closure through Sept. 23)
Lloyd: River Road
Marbletown: Old Clove Road
Plattekill: Route 44/55 between Picnic Woods Road and South; Old Unionville closed long-term from Box 81 and 71.
Rosendale: James Street between Keator Avenue and Parkcrest Drive
Saugerties: Glasco Turnpike between Phillips Road and Fred Short; Drummond Falls Road bridge out; Manorville Road bridge out at Ralph Vedder Road
Shandaken: Oliveria Road; Alpine Road; Burnham Hollow Road; Eagle Mountain Road; Maben Hollow Road; Lower Birch Creek Road; Peck Hollow Road bridge closed, McKinley Hollow Road closed for the last mile
Wawarsing: Ulster Heights from Village Line to Marcus Road
Orange County
Chester: Kings Highway at the railroad tracks
Cornwall: Pleasant Hill Road from Juenger Road to the Taylor Road bridge
Harriman: The bridge at River Road
Monroe: Lakes Road at Windridge Mews
Mount Hope: Tally-Ho Road from Reservoir Road to Route 211
New Windsor: Forge Hill Road from Butterhill Road to the Route 9W bridge
Tuxedo: Kanawauke Road from Route 17 to the traffic circle; Route 17 between Tuxedo Police Station and Valero gas station one lane in both directions. Motorists attempting to make a left from Route 17 northbound onto Orange Turnpike should stay on the Thruway to Exit 16 and drive south on 17, or take Route 17A to Benjamin Meadow Road to Bramertown Road.
Warwick: Edenville Road, West Street to Route 94
Woodbury: Highland Road from Route 32 to Ridge Road
Road closings


text:
Current Publication:
Quintessence International
September 2000
31 , Issue
Minimal intervention: Early lesions
Graham J. Mount, AM BDS, DDSc, FRACDS/Hien Ngo, BDS, MDS
First time users activate
your account.
Subscribers receive full access to the
online version of Quintessence International.
Single back issues of Quintessence International are
available at a price of $23.00 per issue. You will need
to know the volume, issue number, and year of the journal
you wish to purchase.
Nonsubscribers can purchse single articles
from Quintessence International for $25.00 per article.
Home | Subscription
Services | Books
| Journals
| Multimedia
| Events
| Blog
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | About
Us | Contact
Us | Advertising | Help | Sitemap | Catalog


text:
A vanishing worldposted by Chet at 5:53 AM UTC
A dead hedgehog in the lane in front of the house, Erinaceus europaeus. A bit of a surprise. Haven't seen a hedgehog hereabouts for twenty years. Thirty years ago they were common. Readers of Honey From Stone may recall my midnight encounter with a hedgehog on the high road from Dingle:
It comes scuttling out of the ditch, a small, tottering shadow, and stops dead just at my feet...I snap on my flashlight and get down upon my knees. The hedgehog, sensing my attention, curls up into a ball. It is the size of my closed fist, more like a sea urchin than a mammal. I examine it it in my light...using my flashlight as a prod. It rolls onto its spines, as ridge as a cradle, the moist snout snugly pressed against the fleshy belly. The soft pads of the paws are as bright as opals. The hedgehogs eyes are closed...I know that if the eyes open they well be overbrimming with terror, spilling over with an inarticulate prayer...The hedgehog lives all its life in a crown of thorns.So where did they go? The hedgehog's natural predators are the badger and the fox. We still see a very occasional fox, but the badgers are gone. I suspect the automobile is now the hedgehog's chief enemy; the number of cars in West Kerry has increased by a hundredfold in the past twenty years. A more likely cause of the hedgehog's decline is the scarity of its own prey -- insects, slugs, earthworms, snails. The hedgehogs began disappearing at about the time local farmers turned to monoculture, grubbing out hedgerows, leaving no fields fallow, soaking the ground with nitrates. The wild food chain collapsed from the bottom up.
We caught the former way of life just at the end. Thirty years ago, our lane was a dirt track, with a rare automobile. Farmers rotated crops and animals from field to field, and harvested hay with a scythe and pike, fueled with a flask of hot tea in the shade of a hedgerow. We listened for the sound of the corncrake and the cuckoo. Stoats darted from ditch to ditch and badgers scared us out of our wits when they suddenly appeared in the dark bothareen as we trudged up the hill from the pub at night. The road and the garden teemed with slugs and snails. Foxes were sometimes bold enough to stare in the window. And hedgehogs, shuffling and snuffing in the midnight lanes. Gone now, mostly gone. Which is why that poor smushed creature in the road gave a sort of melancholy joy.
(The hedgehog linocut is by my friend Bob O'Cathail.)


text:
Please note you will require 2 bearings for every wheel whether Skates, Skateboard, Longboard or Scooter!
Bones REDS™ are manufactured in China to our Bones Skate Rated™ specifications in a manufacturing facility dedicated to producing the highest quality skate bearings in China. They are inspected twice before being shipped to skaters and offer the greatest combination of performance, durability and low cost in the industry. Because they offer near Bones Swiss performance at a fraction of the cost, they have become the best selling bearing brand in the U.S.A.


text:
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Mon 7th Mar 2011 19:31 UTC, submitted by Debjit
I have to admit I've been struggling with this one for a while, most importantly because I haven't used GNOME 3 yet; I'm setting up my own little company right now, so time's a little short. As such, all I can do here is cover the arguments given - which, in my book, have both their strong as well as their weak points. Yes, GNOME 3 will not have buttons for minimising or maximising windows.


text:
This product is currently sold out.
You can obtain status and/or reserve this item by contacting us. We can also be reached by calling toll free 1-866-326-9377 (Dialing from outside the US +01 314 772 3566) between 10AM and 6PM CST (-6 GMT).
The BlueBuck underwear brand is commited to nature by rendering its garments in top grade organic cotton that wears well and lasts longer. This decidedly masculine label limits its production to three well-executed styles of BlueBuck underwear. The BlueBuck Ben Cohen Brief is made of durable 95% Organic Cotton and 5% Elastane for stretch. This BlueBuck Brief consists of a contoured pouch with rugged stitching and a sturdy elasticized waistband for a no slip fit.
*This Special Edition Brief benefits the anti-bullying work of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation.
95% Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane.
Machine wash on cold. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. If needed, iron on low temperature.
|29-31 in 74-79 cm
|32-33 in 81-84 cm
|34-36 in 86-91 cm
|Extra Large
|37-39 in 94-99 cm


text:
|OUMNH Number:
|Name and quarry location:
|Verde di Prato, from Prato, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
|Geological description:
|Serpentinisied peridotite with pyroxenitic vein or band.
|This appears to be typical verde di Prato. It is highly unlikely that rocks so similar had come from Carrara. Does Corsi mean another from Carrara, or simply another common serpentine? Verde di Prato was extensively used in the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the San Giovanni Baptistry in Florence, as well as the Cathedral of San Stefano in Prato itself. Although the stone had been quarried extensively from medieval times through to the 16th century, at the time Corsi was writing, little stone was being extracted. Major working recommenced around 1860 to supply stone for repair work and continued until the mid 20th century.
|Bastogi (2004); Bonney (1879); Giusti (n.d.); Jervis (1889) 309-310; Price (2007) 178; Watson (1916) 429-430
|Further information:
|Corsi's classification:
|Class 7. Serpentines; ii. Common serpentines
|Corsi's text:
|147.6 Altra varietà [Nefrite di Carrara]


text:
NEW YORK - Traditional media companies trying to stem the flow of advertising dollars to Google and other large Internet companies are increasingly building ad networks of their own, anchored by their brands.
The latest, Forbes Inc., announced Monday that it will start selling ads this spring for about 400 financial blogs. In recent months, Conde Nast, Viacom Inc., CBS Corp. and other major media companies also have unveiled topic-specific ad networks to lure advertisers that want to buy more ads than any single site can sell.
If newspapers, magazines and broadcasters cannot expand online ad inventory, they are "under threat of becoming less and less relevant to the advertiser," said Russ Fradin, chief executive of Adify Corp., whose technology runs ad networks for Forbes and others.
But these media networks - some linking fewer than a dozen hand-picked Web sites - may have a tough time competing with the larger networks of thousands assembled by Google Inc., Yahoo Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Time Warner Inc.'s AOL.
Those companies have been expanding, too, spending at least $11 billion collectively to buy smaller ad networks and technologies - and in Microsoft's case, also bidding more than $40 billion for Yahoo.
"As our technology has continued to advance, we've gotten better and better," said Lynda Clarizio, president of AOL's emerging Platform A advertising unit. "We can handle a lot of demand from advertisers."
The expansion drive by both sides comes as Internet users increasingly divide their time across scores of sites large and small. Advertisers would rather not deal with thousands of individual Web sites. Media companies and Internet portals alike are promoting networks as a way to reach larger audiences with "one-stop" ad buys.
So far, the portal ad networks have largely succeeded in selling their affiliates' leftover ad inventory at discounted rates and sharing revenue.
Now, by employing targeting techniques such as matching ads to visitors' surfing habits, those large networks also are stepping up their bid for higher-value ads - the ones that have traditionally gone to sites run by the media companies.
Accustomed to selling ads on their own in offline channels, many traditional media companies have been resisting overtures to join the larger networks.
"One of the big ones said to us, 'You guys are really good at creating content and we're really good at selling advertising. It would be perfect,"' said Sarah Chubb, president of Conde Nast's online division, CondeNet, which has signed up a handful of blogs on fashion and technology. "We're pretty good at selling advertising, too."
Smaller networks can offer advertisers a consistent audience on pre-approved sites, while giving those sites individualized attention.
"The folks at Forbes really understood our business," said Steve Woit, publisher of Xconomy, a blog joining the Forbes network. "A larger network, whether it's Google or others, has to deal with every industry and large consumer sites."
Rather than join the large networks, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. figures it is better off recruiting one or two dozen leading lifestyles sites that meet its editorial standards and selling higher-priced ads to Macy's, Ace Hardware and other brands. Martha's Circle launched in November.
"Publishers are brand stewards," said Wenda Harris Millard, the company's president for media. "The folks�.�.�.�who are assembling these massive networks, most come out of the technology sector. Some of them are good business models, but they are not about protecting brands."
Viacom's MTV and Nickelodeon have ad partnerships with independent parenting sites and are launching groups this spring around music and men's lifestyles. CBS announced last week several local ad networks around CBS-owned stations.
Other media companies are forming networks among themselves. In February, Gannett Co. and Tribune Co., the nation's two largest newspaper publishers, joined Hearst Corp. and The New York Times Co. to form QuadrantOne to collectively sell some online ads. On Thursday, QuadrantOne said another 26 newspaper companies have joined.
Operators of the larger networks, however, say smaller networks can never produce on the scale advertisers are seeking.
Todd Teresi, a Yahoo senior vice president, said the media companies' efforts are a "valid path to go, a first step."
But even if a media company can assemble 10 or 20 like-minded blogs, he said, overall traffic wouldn't be growing as much compared with what a large Internet company can offer.
In fact, Forbes is initially looking to increase business by just 10 percent to 15 percent, even with hundreds of bloggers.
And in mid-March, The Washington Post Co. ended its 16-month-old ad network because many advertisers had cheaper options through the large portals and blog-specific networks like Blogads.
"We were holding out for value but there was too much inventory," said Jeff Burkett, director of ad innovation with the Post's interactive unit.
Instead, the Post hopes to increase ad opportunities by boosting traffic. For starters, it plans to start carrying items from the PaidContent blog and will likely share ad revenue.
Yet the media companies are finding their own networks hard to resist, even if they join the larger efforts. MSNBC.com, a joint venture between General Electric Co.'s NBC and Microsoft, uses Microsoft's ad technology and sales teams but also recently formed networks around politics and the female-heavy "Today" show.
"We can't match what Microsoft does, ... but they represent a lot of different products," said Kyoo Kim, vice president of sales with MSNBC.com. "We want to make sure we protect our brand and be in charge of our own destiny as well."
Traditional media companies form ad networks to challenge reach of larger portals
NEW YORK - Traditional media companies trying to stem the flow of advertising dollars to Google and other large Internet companies are increasingly building ad networks of their own, anchored by their brands.


text:
Style # 204060
Bold, beautiful and ready for anything! This bebe dress features geometric seam detailing, V-neckline and body-contouring fit. Offers a medium-weight stretch that holds you full lined interior and hidden zipper. Take it to work in a blazer and then for cocktails in a pair of embellished heels.
- 66% rayon, 30% nylon, 4% spandex.
- Center back to hem: 33" (84 cm).
- Dry clean.
- Imported.
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S.
Marielle Geometric Dress - PETITES is rated out of 5 by 1.
Rated 5 out of 5 by underagebebeaddict from #imafan Love this latest purchase! Tried it on at the store with my boyfriend and he fell in love with it before I did! So simple, yet so flattering. Can be done up or down. Hugs your curves in all the right spots with just a hint of cleavage. This one is a classic!
Date published: 2012-10-24


text:
Constantine P. Cavafy
Constantine P. Cavafy (29 April 1863 – 29 April 1933 / Alexandria)
» Click to list general statistics » OR, select a date :
Things Ended
Engulfed by fear and suspicion,
mind agitated, eyes alarmed,
we try desperately to invent ways out,
plan how to avoid
the obvious danger that threatens us so terribly.
read more >>
- Hits: Number of visitors who read the poem on the given date.
- Posts: Number of visitors who posted the poem to a friend (via e-mail) on the given date.
- Dates that have "0" hits may not be shown on the list.
- Dates, poems and poets that have "0" hits may not be shown on the list. Statistics are generated daily.


text:
Your shopping cart is empty!
Protect your hearing from loud noises
Our self-adhesive masking products are very easy to install and remove, all you need is a retractable knife or a pair of scissors! Each film adhesion level has been carefully measured and adjusted for each different application, 'install and removal without leaving sticky residue!'.
We at Protective Film only supply quality plastic film products so you can be sure that your timber floors, carpets, tiles, painted surface, melamine or whatever you are protecting, is well looked after! Please contact us for more info "click here"


text:
BMS, Food City Expand Relationship As Long-Time Race Sponsor Becomes First Corporate Partner For Battle At Bristol
On the heels of a recent five-year race entitlement extension, Bristol Motor Speedway and Food City officials today announced a new level to their partnership of more than two decades.
In addition to sponsoring the spring NASCAR Sprint Cup race and August Nationwide event at BMS, Food City now is a presenting partner of the Battle at Bristol, the college football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech to be played Sept. 10, 2016 in the infield of the famed speedway.
"When we announced this game last October, Steve Smith and several members of his Food City team were front and center," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of BMS. "Practically before the confetti stopped falling Steve said 'we want to be a part of this.' Now he and his team are the first ones on board."
Announced, appropriately enough, prior to today's Food City 500 in the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway, Caldwell and Smith were joined by Tennessee's Butch Jones and Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech, coaches for the two programs and co-grand marshals for race.
"The footprint of the location of our stores lays right over the area of the hottest support for these two programs," said Smith, CEO of Food City. "Shoot, many of our 13,000 associates already are drawing lines in the sand with each other over bragging rights.
"This game, between these two teams at this facility, has been talked about for 17 years. If the five months since the announcement are any indication, the talk is not going to stop until September 2016 and we are thrilled to be a part of it."
The agreement between BMS and Food City fills one of the three major sponsorship opportunities for the game expected to set the all-time NCAA College Football attendance record. One other presenting sponsorship and the title sponsorship to the matchup expected to draw more than 150,000 fans, are in negotiations.
Just last month officials unveiled a five-year agreement taking Food City's sponsorship of Bristol races beyond the 25-year mark.
Tickets for the Battle at Bristol currently are available to Bristol Motor Speedway season ticket holders as well as supporters of each program through the universities.
Fans interested in how to acquire tickets may call (855) 580-5525 or visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.