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While the folks in the northeastern United States endured a February mega-snowstorm, bird lovers on coastal Georgia have been treated to a different type of snow event - no shovels needed. Just bring your binoculars, camera or spotting scope.
The saga began in early December, when observers on Sea Island spotted a large white bird hanging out on the roof of a condo. When it was positively identified as a snowy owl, birdwatchers from everywhere began flocking in to see it, aided by Sea Island naturalist Kristen Morris.
A week later, the owl obligingly moved to a more public location on St. Simons Island.
While many of my friends saw the bird in December, I missed it. Jokingly, I remarked to my My Wild Birds Unlimited co-worker Nicole, "I don't have time to go traipsing down the coast again. That snowy owl needs to come to Tybee."
On Feb. 4, I was helping a friend hang a painting of a snowy owl on the wall of her apartment when my cellphone rang. Nicole stated matter-of-factly: "Your wish has been granted."
Puzzled, I waited for more.
Nicole continued: "The snowy owl is on Tybee. A woman saw it from her third-floor balcony on Strand Avenue and wanted you to know."
"Oh, no," I moaned. "I have to give a talk tonight. Please don't let it leave until tomorrow."
The next morning I got up before dawn and drove to Tybee's commercial district. As I approached the Pier, I glanced to my left and, miraculously, saw a large white owl perched atop a red peak of a condo.
As I brought up my camera, the bird flew across to the front of the condo. I watched it briefly, and then it disappeared. After more than an hour of driving around looking at lots of plastic brown owls, I was about to give up. Then several other seekers and I spied something large and white flying toward us. It landed atop a nearby condo.
Eureka! We had found it!
Standing 24 inches tall with a 52-inch wingspan and startling yellow eyes, this snowy owl is an awe-inspiring sight.
Because these owls get used to the extended daylight of far-northern summers, they are more diurnal than our other owls.
When I was in Alaska last summer, I saw them hanging out on the tundra.
Researchers there told us lemmings were in short supply, and the owls were eating a lot of shorebirds and ducks. Generally, it is food shortages that drive the owls south in the winter.
On Sea Island, Kristen was able to recover one of this owl's pellets. It contained bones from at least three different small song and shorebirds. Based on numerous reports from December and now February, this bird's habit seems to be to hunt at night around our beaches, marshes and mudflats. It returns just before dawn to lounge atop area condominiums.
Not all the locals are happy with the new critter on the block. One morning, the owl flew in and vanished on top of a condo covered with air-conditioning units. We knew it was there because several crows were diving and cawing above it. Eventually, the owl flew, returning to its condo of choice followed by several squawking crows.
As a wise person once commented, "Be careful what you ask for; you might get it!" Now that the snowy owl is on Tybee, I have to keep tabs on it, reporting its presence or absence to other eager birders. Oh well, what's a little sleep deprivation compared to the opportunity to hang out with this spectacular bird?
Special thanks go to Julie Dillon, who had her eyes open to the beauty around her, and to Pittsburgh visitors Tom and Dick Lobaugh. Though non-birders, they have caught snowy fever, offering the hospitality of their balcony for better views.
I'll take this kind of snow over that cold, wet stuff any day! Good birding!
Bird enthusiast Diana Churchill can be reached via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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March 22, 2008
Box Score - Game One
Box Score - Game Two
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Junior David Nole supplied MIT with its second walk-off hit in as many days as the Engineers rallied to defeat Babson, 13-12, in 13 innings, to complete a wild nightcap in Saturday's NEWMAC baseball doubleheader. The Beavers were dominant in a 10-1 victory over the Engineers in the opener.
Freshman Andrew Aizenstadt paced Babson's (6-4, 1-1) big game-one win with a tremendous performance on the hill. Despite scattering four hits and three walks over six innings on the mound, the rookie surrendered just one run while striking out five. Aizenstadt stranded four MIT (3-2, 1-1) base runners through the first two innings while the Babson attacked slowly expanded its lead.
Sophomore Brian Scanlon plated two Babson runners in the first with a two-run single to right field while the Beavers added two runs in each of the next two innings including RBI singles by sophomore Dave Ahern and senior Andrew Nodine.
Ben Bersanti scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth to account for MIT's lone run, but Babson responded with four more runs in the top of the sixth to pull away. Brian Evans, Ahern, and Jeff Wojnar connected on run-producing hits during the frame while sophomore Chris Wood delivered a sacrifice fly to cap the scoring.
Freshman Ryan Munoz endured the loss for MIT although Erik Fiegel made his college debut, pitching 1.2 innings without surrendering a hit. Pete Bizinkauskas pitched a scoreless seventh for Babson.
In game two, the Engineers responded to the sluggish offensive start by scoring in four of the first five innings. MIT jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second behind two-run singles by Paul Groudas and David Nole. In the third, Groudas picked up a third RBI while Bersanti's run-scoring double down the left-field line moved MIT in front, 6-0.
Babson erased the sizeable advantage with six runs in the top of the fourth. Two MIT errors proved costly during the stanza while rookie Corey Highfield, Nodine and senior Steve Tahmoush provided the offense with run-scoring hits.
MIT answered with two more runs in the bottom of the fourth and added another run in the fifth off Stewart Park's single to left field. Park set up one of MIT's runs in the fourth with one of his three stolen bases in the game.
Down three, senior Matt Delaney homered to left center to lead off the Babson sixth. Reducing the lead to two, the Beavers tied the game in the seventh with a single to left field by Tahmoush.
After an explosive first nine, the offense disappeared on both sides for the next three frames. In the top of the 11th, Babson made a significant push to win the game. Nodine's RBI double to left field put the Beavers ahead by one. Delaney plated Nodine with a single two batters later and Peter O'Toole doubled to left center to drive home Babson's third run.
Rookie Williams Blackman single down the third-base line to lead off the bottom half of the 11th for MIT. A walk and a wild pitch put the Engineers in scoring position. Freshman Dan Hyatt singled to left field to reduce the deficit to 12-10, while freshman Brian Doyle scored on a passed ball to trim the advantage to one. During the ensuing at bat, fellow rookie Ryne Barry's single to right field led to a miscue along the line that enabled Steven Nunez to race home from second and tie the game.
MIT finally secured the winning run in the bottom of the 13th. Barry singled to center with two outs despite a diving stop by Ahern. Park followed with a single to right that moved Barry to third before Nole singled over the head of the Babson third baseman for the bench-clearing hit.
MIT utilized all of its hitters during the tilt while Doyle finished 5-for-6 with a walk and three runs to pace the attack. Nole finished 3-for-7 and four RBI.
Delaney was 3-for-4 with three walks, three runs and two RBI to lead Babson. Tahmoush finished 4-for-8 with two RBI while Nodine drove home two runs as well on three hits.
Each team received an outstanding relief effort from its bullpen early in extra innings. Babson's Matt Barton pitched 5.1 scoreless innings, scattering five hits and striking out six. MIT's Mike Vasquez set an Institute record with his 43rd career appearance and made it a good one as he hurled three innings, allowing just one run and three hits. Matt Loper threw the final 1.2 innings without yielding a run to gain the win for the Engineers.
While the Engineers are celebrating 60 years of baseball in 2008, today's first game marked Babson's 1000th career game in its 40th season. The Beavers are 505-495-1 all-time.

subset: commoncrawl


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Install wireless zd1211
This will describe how to set-up your wireless network connexion using a zd1211 network adapter. It's describing the method for a debian distribution, but the steps should remain the same for other distributions (only the way to install some applications will change). The ZD1211 network adapter is natively supported since kernel 2.6.18. (Wireless driver support which do not require wrappers to proprietary firmwares are currently quite rare. Other wireless chipsets with Free Software drivers are discussed on the talk page.) To find what to buy to get a zd1211 chip, check the list here. I've done my test with a MSI US54SE adapter (Easy to find in France).
Install a kernel supporting wireless stuff and zd1211 module
You can just install this kernel for the kurobox HG : http://www.kurobox.com/sylver/debian/kernel-126.96.36.199-mh7_kurobox_hg-20061103.tar.gz (compatible with loader.o and u-boot methods). The .config files used to compile the kernel is included (/boot/.config) if you want to check used options.
Install the zd1211 firmwares
Download the driver file from one of the mirrors on http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=129083 Untar the file so you'll have the firmware files in /lib/firmware/zd1211 . Now, you're ready to plug your USB adapted on your kurobox ! When done, you should see this in the output of dmesg :
KURO-BOX:~# dmesg [...] ieee80211_crypt: registered algorithm 'NULL' ieee80211: 802.11 data/management/control stack, git-1.1.13 ieee80211: Copyright (C) 2004-2005 Intel Corporation <email@example.com> zd1211rw 1-1:1.0: firmware version 4725 zd1211rw 1-1:1.0: zd1211b chip 0ace:1215 v4810 high 00-02-72 AL2230_RF pa0 g-- zd1211rw 1-1:1.0: eth1 [...]
Warning : Due to a bug in the zd1211rw module, it sometimes happen that the USB adapter is not correctly detected after a reboot. You can apply this patch (for kernel 188.8.131.52) File:Zd1211rw reboot.patch.txt to correct the problem ...
Configuring your network connection
First of all, you should install standard wireless tools :
apt-get install wireless-tools
Now, you can configure your network according to the encryption method of your wireless network.
Network with no security
Network with WEP encryption
Network with WPA/WPA2 encryption
To support WPA/WPA2 encryption, you need the "wpa supplicant" tool, just install it this way :
apt-get install wpasupplicant
Now configure it, use :
nano /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf
to create the configuration file and fill it with
ctrl_interface=/var/run/wpa_supplicant ctrl_interface_group=0 network={ ssid="your network SSID" psk="your wpa key (up to 63 characters)" proto=WPA priority=5 }
If you are running a WPA2 network, replace "proto=WPA" with "proto=WPA2"
Now edit your /etc/network/interfaces file to add the new network interface. You have to put this before the eth0 configuration or the kurobox will keep trying to use eth0 (wired ethernet link) for all your network communications. Your file may looks like this (if using DHCP configuration) :
nano /etc/network/interfaces
auto lo iface lo inet loopback auto eth1 iface eth1 inet dhcp pre-up wpa_supplicant -Bw -ieth1 -c/etc/wpa_supplicant.conf -Dwext post-down killall -q wpa_supplicant auto eth0 iface eth0 inet dhcp hostname `hostname`
Now you can test your network parameters by running :
ifup eth1
In your dmesg output, you should have this :
SoftMAC: Open Authentication completed with xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx ADDRCONF(NETDEV_CHANGE): eth1: link becomes ready ieee80211_crypt: registered algorithm 'CCMP' eth1: no IPv6 routers present
You can check your wireless connexion details :
KURO-BOX:~# iwconfig eth1 802.11g zd1211 ESSID:"xxxxxxxxxxxx" Mode:Managed Frequency:2.462 GHz Access Point: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx Bit Rate:11 Mb/s Encryption key:XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX Security mode:open Link Quality=100/100 Signal level=100/100 Rx invalid nwid:0 Rx invalid crypt:0 Rx invalid frag:0 Tx excessive retries:0 Invalid misc:0 Missed beacon:0
Note that the driver currently doesn't (yet) support automatic rate adjustment, so it'll connect at 11mbps speed. You can change this by running this command :
iwconfig eth1 rate 54M fixed
You should add this line in /etc/init.d/networking if you want your adapter to always use 54mbps speed.
Now just shutdown and restart your kurobox (reboot often fails to detect the wireless adapter because of a bug in the driver, so a complete shutdown and restart is better ...) and your kurobox will be on the network even with the ethernet cable unplugged . With this configuration, the wireless adapter (eth1) will be used if plugged and detected, elseway eth0 (wired ethernet) will be used.
Known bugs/restrictions
The zd1211rw module has limitations/bugs. Limitations are described here For kernel 2.6.22, these limitations are :
- No ad-hoc mode
- No access point mode
- No 802.11a support
- No Hardware encryption (using software encryption instead)
- Largepacket + TX-burst not supported
- No Automatic rate selection/management
- No Automatic TX power calibration (using a fixed power for now)
- Add description for "no encryption" and "WEP encryption" networks
- Add description to configure the zd1211 chip as an access point (when available in the zd1211rw module)


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Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (UK - DVD R2)
Marcus is wicked not bothered about this action flick but he's still smiling...
With word of a murdered priest reaching the MacManus brothers (Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus) who are hiding out in Ireland, the Boston boys give themselves a shave and a haircut and head back to their hometown to see who's stirring things up.
Joined by their new Mexican sidekick Romeo (Clifton Collins Jr.), and pursued by FBI agent Eunice Bloom (Julie Benz) the Boondock Saints get back into the thick of it and soon discover this series of events links back deep into their own father's (Billy Connolly) past.
I've seen bits of the original 'cult classic' Boondock Saints and have friends who sing its praises, but beyond a little glimmer of internet hype, this sequel didn't really register on my radar as a must see. Sitting down to watch it for my review I was baffled by just how goofily this movie was put together. The opening scenes, showing the bearded brothers hiding out in Ireland, and their shave and shower scenes getting prepped for their new calling, were just plain ridiculous and weirdly this all seemed intentional.
Meeting the rest of the cast led to more weirdness, with the trio of Boston cops apparently enjoying themselves in their own comedy sketches separate from the actual movie they're in, Judd Nelson camping it up doing his best Al Pacino impression (but it coming off more like Paul McCartney in the ' Let It Be' era) and the bizarre comedy sensibilities continue with things like the five foot five killer and one of the bad guys' fascination with massages and sun beds (oh, and big hair).
At the centre of all this chaos are the MacManus Brothers. I don't really know what else Reedus has done but I've been a fan of Flanery since his Young Indiana days and his fine turn in Powder, but here, he's almost unrecognisable and looks a little like a swollen eyed Ed Norton. Together they somehow have a presence as a force to be reckoned with in their Boston turf but there must be something I've missed, because they just come off as a couple of goofs who essentially slide their way through a gunfight (by pointing their guns out straight and shooting repeatedly) and finish up by saying a prayer before shooting someone in the head.
The whole movie comes loaded with WTF moments (there are soooo many) and the plot is so loose and largely incoherent in regards to detail that I'm still not 100% sure what bad Italian accented Peter Fonda was trying to achieve by the end but—and this is a really big BUT—this somehow remained entertaining throughout.
I don't know if any of its intentional but Boondock Saints II is so loosely stylized, so half assed, so sloppy and so...s o... so bloody stupid that somehow it may be one of those movies that surpasses awful and somehow manages to have charm. I mean, on sheer fun levels alone Julie Benz deserves a shout out. She's eating her scenes alive and throwing out awkward comedy gold. The shoot outs are so badly sticky taped together that you can't help enjoying the fact the brothers' guns haven't moved, but people are falling down dead everywhere (hell, most of time I didn't even feel like the brothers and their targets were even in the same location) and the little throw away dialogue moments between clunky plot discussions are just so damn goofy that I couldn't help enjoy them. Oh, and why was pretty much every discussed situation rounded up with a 'getting something in the ass' description?
With the visuals here more akin to a TV show than a movie, Boondock Saints II does a pretty solid job at looking good. The transfer is clean, full of warm colour presentation, and generally does a passable job. Nothing really pops but this is probably to do with the budget more than anything else. As I said, the movie generally looks and feels like a TV show and the cheapness of the sets aren't hidden here at all.
Black levels are a little washy and the image is a bit soft in places but it still looks a lot better than most movies of the same ilk do and despite director Troy Duffy having no real sense of pacing with his action scenes (slow motion, loud music and lots of debris flying about seems to be his way) he still knows how to make his lead characters look relatively cool within them (if not 'wicked' clichéd).
Pretty much everything lives in the front speakers and if anything shows off the low budget of this sequel it's the audio.
Action scenes are flaccid and un-engaging as they all consist of terrible dance music with really hushed gunshots and little else. Dialogue is presented well enough but that's really all this mix cares about because everything else just feels thrown in to add some semblance of what's expected from the action genre as opposed to thought out. Whooshes and funky camera move sound effects are so half assed and the track is essentially a confined try hard that is so painfully generic that other than the odd peak it really does nothing to sell itself.
The two commentaries (one with writer/director Troy Duffy and actors Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and Billy Connolly, the other with Duffy again and Willem Dafoe) are both pretty heavily Duffy based. They're fairly informative and reasonably interesting, especially for a newbie to the franchise but there's a fair few quiet moments and I got a little bored of both of them way before they ended.
There are a couple of deleted scenes (02:40) and 'Unprecedented Access: Behind the Scenes' (24.47), which is the usual raw behind the scenes footage intercut with talking heads interviews. It's pretty generic stuff but captures a sense of a group of friends getting back together for another bite of the apple and having fun doing so.
'Billy Connolly and Troy Duffy: Unedited' (09:00) is the actor and the director laughing up their time together and bigging up the movie (often a little too much) and 'Merchandise and Games' is a still image of the soundtrack, T-shirts and other stuff you can buy from the movie.
Lastly there are trailers for 'Blu-ray is High Definition', 2012, Zombieland, The Stepfather and Defendor.
With very little evidence to argue that Boondocks Saints II: All Saints Day is anything but a bad movie, I'm still willing to fight its corner as a guilty pleasure. I laughed at more than a handful of the badly presented jokes and even more so at the unintentional ones and the drama is so heavy handed and melodramatic that I couldn't help taking plenty of comedy value from it.
The disc looks okay and despite the confined audio it does just enough to sell the (badly handled) action scenes and with a good set of extras for Boondock fans, the release has got its targets fixed at the right crowd. In all seriousness, if I'd sat down to watch this movie in a lesser mood my guilty enjoyment of it may very well have been non-existent, so if you are going thinking about rejoining the Saints, go in open minded.
Review by Marcus Doidge
Existing Posts
I really enjoyed the movie, but I do concur that Duffy isn't the greatest director and he needs to be a better writer
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over
Disc Details
Release Date: 3rd May 2010
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Single side, dual layer
RCE: No
Video: PAL
Aspect: 2.35:1
Anamorphic: Yes
Colour: Yes
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 5.1 Italian
Subtitles: English, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Extras: Writer/Director and Cast Commentaries, Unprecedented Access: Behind the Scenes Featurette, Billy Connolly and Troy Duffy: Unedited, Merchandise, Deleted Scenes, Trailers
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Troy Duffy
Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Billy Connolly, Clifton Collins Jr., Julie Benz
Genre: Action, Comedy and Drama
Length: 112 minutes
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Tag Archives: Richard Pelham
Creative Economies Coaching 2012 Successful Applicants
Some of you reading this will have attended our 1st Birthday Anniversary party at Rumwell Hall. You will have seen some of our successful artists who exhibited for the event. Im delighted to tell you that I can announce our … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Creative Economy Tagged Amanda Graham, Emmaline Maxwell, Fiona Winning, Glastonbury Stained Glass, Hayley Barker, John Crabb, John Crabb Wildlife Images, Paul Smith, Pippa Hill, Richard Pelham, Somerset Graduate Dancers, Somerset Youth Theatre, Tom Lindsey, Tom Lindsey Photography, word gets around Comments Off on Creative Economies Coaching 2012 Successful Applicants


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Community Sing
When: 6:30 p.m. today
Where: Frissell House at Penn Center, St. Helena Island
Description: Local choirs will sing traditional spirituals in a community sing-along.
OLLI Lecture: Dan Huff
When: 1-3 p.m. Tuesday
Where: University of South Carolina Beaufort auditorium, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort campus
Description: Dan Huff, musician and music historian, will offer "African American Contributions to Music" - a presentation on the gospel, jazz, and blues roots of African American culture which has contributed to our rich American musical heritage. Huff has played in numerous symphonies and orchestras in major cities, and has played his brass instruments for many. He is an accomplished musician and presenter for OLLI on Gullah history and music.
Business Expo
When: EXPO After Hours 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday; noon-5 p.m.; EXPO After Hours 5-7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Two Grasslawn Ave., Hilton Head
Description: Business EXPO, presented by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, covers the full spectrum of the regional business community from emerging entrepreneurs to the region's largest employers. Interactive strategy specialist Sloane Kelley will present Business EXPO's social media seminar Wednesday. The national speaker and co-founder of interactive conference Geekend will show how to navigate the social media world with ease, create compelling content that's right for business and the best practices in social media management.
Details: There is no cost to attend EXPO during the day. Cost is $10 to attend EXPO After Hours. For more information or booth registration go to hiltonheadchamber.org or call the chamber at 341-8379.
Hilton Head for Peace
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: All Saints Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 3001 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island
Description: "The Church and Nonviolence" Four Hilton Head clergymen - the Rev. John Miller, Rick Lindsay, Ed Alston and Manuel Holland - will address the significance of nonviolence in their ministries and how it relates to issues of peace and justice in their churches. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Details: Call 603-264-6102.
OLLI Lecture: Bob Masteller
When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday
Where: University of South Carolina Beaufort auditorium, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort
Description: Bob Masteller, jazz historian and performer, has performed swing and jazz throughout the Lowcountry since 1973. This lecture, accompanied by award-winning pianist and composer Martin Lesch, offers an educational and story-telling journey through jazz history from early New Orleans Jazz and Ragtime through the Evolution of Blues, Big Band, Hot Music, and the Swing era up to the beginnings of Modern Day Jazz in 1960. It will include live demonstrations based on the great and influential jazz artists of the early 1900s; Masteller's interpretation of influential figures in jazz history; stories about legendary artists who have performed at The Jazz Corner; humorous anecdotes of experiences in the business; and a look at the future of jazz.
Travis Tritt
When: Wednesday-Thursday
Where: Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry
Description: Travis Tritt is an American country music legend with more than forty hits on the Hot Country Songs charts, including five number ones - "Help Me Hold On," "Anymore," "Can I Trust You with My Heart," "Foolish Pride" and "Best of Intentions" - and fifteen additional top ten singles. Tritt's musical style is defined by mainstream country and Southern rock influences.
Details: For tickets or further information, call (803) 276-6264 or go to www.newberryoperahouse.com.
OLLI Lecture: William House
When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday
Where: University of South Carolina Beaufort Sandstone Bldg., Room 124, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort
Description: William House, Ph.D., is Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Professor of Psychology, Professor of Music, University of South Carolina Aiken. Bill House lives in Beaufort, has been a principal orchestral clarinetist, and has published articles and offered presentations in the fields of psychology and music. "Music as Totem" will examine how music comes to represent cultural groups, subgroups and political movements. We will explore how music can create affiliation or "in" groups, as well as alien or "out" groups, and examine how music has often been used to control or influence individual or national thought, attitude, and behavior.
When: 3:45-4:45 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bluffton Public Library Description: Let a Reference Librarian show you the very first step in learning about computers - how to operate a computer mouse. This class is for the very beginner only, and will include hands-on experience. Registration begins Jan. 3 for this and other free classes.
Details: Call 255-6490.
OLLI Lecture: Chris Jones
When: 1-3 p.m. Friday
Where: University of South Carolina Beaufort auditorium, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort
Description: by Chris Jones Chris Jones is a South Carolina native who performs over 300 shows annually as a solo artist as well as fronting the rockabilly group "The Blue Dots." Jones is widely known as a phenomenal finger style guitarist as well as a ground-breaking forerunner in the world of live-phrase sampling and guitar design and technology. "Advanced Guitar Performance and Technology" will showcase the latest in guitar technology while providing an overview of the evolution of guitar. Jones will perform many styles on several instruments, including his signature double neck guitar, while demonstrating the advanced techniques he uses on stage to create a truly unique sound. Jones will cover a wide spectrum of musical genres in this session.
Certified Barbeque Judging class
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Meeting hall of the First Baptist Church, 141 St. James Ave., Goose Creek.
Description: The S.C. Barbeque Association will hold a class to train new barbeque judges. The day-long seminar is designed to start a person on the path to becoming a full-fledged Certified Barbeque Judge.
Details: To register, contact Lake High, president of the SCBA, at firstname.lastname@example.com or 803-782-9595. The $45 fee includes a BBQ lunch and membership in the association. Go to www.scbarbeque.com.
'Appalachian stories and songs'
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St.
Description: John Fowler was born and raised in upstate South Carolina, with family ties to the western North Carolina mountains. These Appalachian family ties run deep, which in turn creates his enlightened and friendly personality. John is a storyteller and musician with years of entertaining and teaching experience. His stories and old-time songs are geared for all audiences. He specializes in folk tales, Jack tales, mountain stories and songs and traditional Carolina yarns. His stories are simple stepping stones of history and southern culture. Along with his great storytelling John plays banjo, guitar, washboard, lap dulcimer, banjo-uke, spoons and many more Appalachian folk instruments.
Vein screening
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Weniger Plastic Surgery, 25 Clarks Summit Drive, Suite 104, Bluffton
Description: Poor circulation is a health issue. Weniger Plastic Surgery is conducting a free Vein Screening Event.
Details: To RSVP call 757-0123.
Blue Mudd in Concert
When: 3 p.m. Jan. 22
Where: ArtWorks, 2127 Boundary St., Beaufort
Description: Digging deep down into their Lowcountry roots, Blue Mudd explores a diverse repertoire of Americana. The band features Beek Webb's mandolin and fiddle and Vic Varner's smooth voice accompanied by acoustic rhythm guitar.
Details: No admission charge. Donations encouraged.
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
When: 2-4 p.m. Jan. 23, 25 and 27
Where: Bluffton Public Library
Description: A Microsoft-savvy instructor will show students the basics of using this popular spreadsheet software in three consecutive sessions. (Students attend all three sessions.)
Details: Call 255-6490.
Pennsylvania retired educators
When: 11:30 Jan. 23
Where: Montana's Restaurant, Kitties Landing, Bluffton
Description: The Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Lowcountry Chapter will have a luncheon meeting. Guest speakers will be Sandra Chavez and Phyllis Doyle from United Way. All former employees of a Pennsylvania public or private school and those who were once employed in a Pennsylvania state related college or university are invited to attend. Spouses and guests are also welcome. The Service Project Chairs will be collecting food items for Bluffton Self Help. Please bring non-perishable food items to the meeting.
Details: RSVP deadline is Friday. Contact Terri Cammerata at 705-1019 to reserve a seat.
Searching the Internet"
When: 5-7 p.m. Jan. 24; 3:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 26.
Where: Bluffton Public Library
Description: Do you find what you're looking for online? Search engines are amazing tools, as long as you know a few tricks. Understanding the features of Internet Explorer will assist in this task. (Students attend both sessions.) Open Lab: Your Computer Questions Answered When: 3-4:30 p.m. Jan. 28 Description: Bring your general computer questions and our experienced computer guru will help. Lab is an open-discussion format. No question is too silly.
Details: Call 255-6490.
'Sounds of Barbershop'
When: Noon-1 p.m. Jan. 25
Where: Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort Campus, 921 Ribaut Road
Description: Learn about the origins and evolution of barbership singing with Tidal Fource, a quartet from the Beaufort Harbormasters.
Johnny Cash
When: 3 p.m. Jan. 26
Where: Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St.
Description: "Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music" - In the 1969 documentary, the "Man in Black" is captured at his peak, the first of many in a looming roller-coaster career. Fresh on the heels of his Folsom Prison album, Cash reveals the dark intensity and raw talent that made him a country music star and cultural icon. Director Robert Elfstrom got closer than any other filmmaker to Cash, who is seen performing with his new bride June Carter Cash, in a rare duet with Bob Dylan, and behind the scenes with friends, family and aspiring young musicians. Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music paints an unforgettable portrait that endures beyond the singer's 2003 death.
Flag retirement ceremony
When: 9 a.m. Jan. 28
Where: Bluffton High School. 12 H. E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton
Description: The Bluffton High School JROTC will conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony. This moving and impressive ceremony will include several units of the school's award-winning JROTC cadets. There will be a formal ceremony for the retirement of the first flag followed by a respectful burning of remaining flags. Anyone wishing to retire a worn or damaged American flag may drop the flag at Bluffton High School or bring it the morning of the ceremony.
Details: Call 706-8800.
'Lazurus Cane' book signing
When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 28
Where: Books N Brew, Okatie Village, Bluffton.
Description: Local author Jeremy Kline will sign copies of his debut novel, "Lazarus Cane." Copies of his Dark Fantasy novel will be available at the event.
Details: Call Books N Brew at 705-9797 or look up Lazarus Cane on Facebook.
Tunes and Tales with Irene Goodnight and Bob Guinn
When: 2 p.m. Jan. 28
Where: Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St.
Description: This is an energetic show with singer/songwriter Irene Goodnight and steel drum player Bob Guinn performing classic and original tunes sprinkled with tall tales of the Lowcountry. This is an afternoon of family fun for all ages with an opportunity to play rhythm instruments and participate with the band.
January Oyster Roast
When: 5-8 p.m. Jan. 28
Where: Bluffton Oyster Factory Park on Wharf Street in Old Town Bluffton
Description: Rotary Club of Bluffton will hold its annual event with salty, steamed, freshly picked May River oysters; chili to warm the soul; tasty steamed hot dogs and brats; and the famous, homemade Rotary French Fries. The Spike Ivory Band will be rockin' out this annual party under the Town of Bluffton's newly constructed covered entertainment area.
Details: Advance tickets are $25 per person, $30 day of the event. Children 12 and younger free with a paying adult. Sodas, beer and wine are an additional charge. Call 540-9022 or go to www.blufftonrotary.org.
Mardi Gras 2012
When: 7-11 p.m. Jan. 28
Where: The Shed on Paris Avenue in Old Village Port Royal
Description: The Mardi Gras gala features live music from the fiery Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers direct from New Orleans, in their third year of fueling this dance party with flaming accordion and a mean washboard. Dress festively and warm up their dancing muscles for a night of conga lines, boogeying, stompin' and generally putting on the ritz. The event also includes a silent auction, a cash bar, a parade of beady delights, and food by Berry Island Café - jambalaya and white chocolate bread pudding, the signature New Orleans dessert. Kings and Queens will be chosen.
Details: $60 until Dec. 15, and $75 after. Call 379-2787 or go to www.artworksinbeaufort.org.
Visitor from the Past
When: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 29
Where: Church of the Palms UMC, 1425 Okatie Highway at
Cherry Point intersection of U.S. 170 and Argent Road.
Description: Luella Krieger on will portray Lydia, the Seller of Purple, the first convert in Philippi and leader in the early Christian church.
Details: Attendance is free. A love offering will be taken. Call 379-1888 for further information.
Drink Small
When: 3 p.m. Jan. 29
Where: ArtWorks, 2127 Boundary St., Beaufort
Description: Drink Small (his real name) was born in 1933 in Bishopville. Known worldwide as "The Blues Doctor," he plays virtuoso blues guitar, two-fisted piano and sings in an inimitable basso profundo voice. Drink is a recipient of the S.C. Folk Heritage Award, a member of the S.C. Hall of Fame, and has spent his life touring, recording and playing a spectrum of Southern roots music. He has performed at some of the nation's top music festivals - Chicago Blues Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, King Biscuit Blues Festival, Smithsonian-Folklife Festival, Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, Lincoln Center and Central Park concert series (NYC), and every major blues festival in the Southeast.
Details: No admission charge. Donations encouraged.
How to Find Your Next Favorite Book
When: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Jan. 30
Where: Bluffton Public Library
Description: Love to read? Let a Reference Librarian show you online resources as a means to find your next favorite novel, including a subscription database available through the Beaufort County Library system. Students will also learn how to organize books through their online library accounts.
Details: Call 255-6490.
Coast Guard Auxiliary
When: 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month
Where: BJWSA Community Room, S.C. 170 and Snake Road/Callawassie Drive, Okatie.
Description: Beaufort-Jasper Flotilla 070-10-01 welcomes new members. Learn how to help keep the waters safe by assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in various inspections, courses and search and rescue missions.
Details: Call Tom Sellers at 705-7174, email firstname.lastname@example.com or go to http://a0701001.wow.uscgaux.info.
Bereavement Group
When: 5 p.m. every Tuesday
Where: Summit Place of Beaufort, 1119 Pick Pocket Plantation Drive, Beaufort
Description: Tidewater Hospice and Summit Place have joined together to offer a weekly bereavement group. This free forum will provide help to people who have experienced a loss and would like support and information associated with grief and bereavement.
Details: Call Marie James, MA, Tidewater Hospice, at 757-9388.
Old Town Dispensary
When: 8-11 p.m., every Friday
Where: Calhoun Street, Bluffton.
Description: J. Howard Duff performs his brand of Lowcountry blues and rock 'n' roll.
Bluffton Relax-and-Create Meetup Group
When: 10:30 a.m., on first Saturdays
Where: Each Other's Muse Studios, 19 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Bluffton.
Description: Join for creative, art-orientated, no-pressure fun. Go to www.meetup.com/Bluffton-Relax-and-Create/.
Second Fridays Music at noon
When: Noon Friday
Where: St. Luke's Church, 50 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head
Description: A recital given by members of the Low Country Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Details: The performance is free and open to the public. Contact firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Wind power and air transport are being helped to coexist through a decision by air traffic controllers that opens the door to an expansion of green energy.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has agreed to modify two radar systems so that they are free from any potential interference from wind farm turbines. The contract for the work with Raytheon has just been announced and NATS intends the project to be complete within two years.
"The timing is quite interesting," notes ATDI managing director Peter Paul. "Mindful that the original discussions about this took place in 2008, there are voices in the industry who have suggested that the modifications should already be operational. But, I am aware that NATS has only recently found a funding source for the work.
"The most important aspect, though, is that NATS' willingness to undertake these modifications removes another stumbling block to the growth of wind farms and that is something ATDI has felt strongly about since our first involvement with the green energy sector many years ago."
ATDI has worked extensively with wind farm developers to ensure proposed new turbines pass smoothly through the local planning process. Objectors regularly cite the fact that the rotation of the turbine tips can make nearby radars show a false position for aircraft through the generation of clutter. ATDI's work has involved planning and modelling the proposed wind farms to establish whether they do actually have a potential to cause interference. If the farm does not have an impact, ATDI's definitive statement of the fact has been valuable to developers in their discussions with planning officials; if the new development could have an effect on radar systems, ATDI has presented a range of mitigation techniques.
"The modification of the affected radars is one option that is always available to obviate problems," Peter comments. "Clearly, NATS feels that is worth doing to pave the way for the next generation of green energy."
The contract to complete the modifications follows last month's agreement between NATS and developers SSE and Vattenfall to fund the work; NATS estimates the modifications will unlock up to 2.2GW of potential new wind energy across the UK.
Andy Sage, NATS head of information, says: "Once we secured the funding for the work, we wanted to move as soon as possible to delivery because we know how important this is to the wind industry and in helping the UK meet its renewable energy targets."


text:
The New York Aquarium plans to reopen in late spring, nearly eight months after surging seas from Hurricane Sandy flooded the tourist attraction, killing some invertebrates and freshwater fish while sparing the mammals and most sea creatures.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, owner of the aquarium in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, estimated damage at $65 million and announced the reopening on Tuesday, declining to be more specific about the exact reopening date.
Sandy made landfall on October 29, killing more than 130 people with a record storm surge that destroyed low-lying coastal areas of New York and New Jersey. Coney Island fronts the Atlantic Ocean.
The aquarium, which said it attracts 750,000 visitors a year, is seeking private donations. Public officials called the aquarium's recovery an important for the revitalization of South Brooklyn and a marker for storm recovery.
Atlantic water surged over and under the Coney Island Boardwalk to completely or partially flood all the buildings at the 14-acre (5.7-hectare) park, destroying or damaging infrastructure including aquatic life support systems, the aquarium said.
"Losses in the collection were minimal and limited to fish and invertebrates housed in a few tanks," the aquarium said in a statement.
Most of the sea creatures remained safe in their tanks, although a baby walrus named Mitik was happily swimming through storm surge waters on the first floor and a 3-foot (1-metre) American eel was found alive in a staff shower stall, The New York Times reported.
Source: REUTERS
{Matzav.com Newscenter}


text:
John *.?-!.* cub owner wrote:An old song "give 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around" comes to mind. Congratulations on the new truck, but good luck finding parking spots.
Beautiful truck, but John is sure right! I would love to have a dually flatbed for hauling, but a regular pickup for day to day driving......even my half ton pickup can be a pain to park at wally world and other such places....
I bet it will flat-out pull a load though!!


text:
Here at Fisher & Co. Real Estate Services, we take pride in offering outstanding Property Management, Condominium Association Management and Real Estate Investment services to our clients. At Fisher and & Co. we have a team of professionals who are devoted to providing customer service that exceeds the needs of our clients. Our passion for Real Estate and knowledge of the St. Louis market greatly contributes to our success.
Catherine Fisher, president and owner, is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), the Community Associations Institute (CAI), and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). Catherine worksclosely with her team of licensed employees to handle all of the company operations. Fisher & Co. currently manages over 40 properties and 400 units around the St. Louis metro area.


text:
|2010-07-01, 17:27
|Link #1
Not an expert on things
Join Date: Jun 2007
Strike Witches?
If I dropped Sora no Woto after the first episode and thought the first season of K-On! dragged on after the first 4-or-so episodes [I haven't seen the second season yet, but I'm planning to], is it a good idea for me to watch Strike Witches?
Rather, what should I expect from Strike Witches. I know it has fanservice and focuses on character interactions, but...
|2010-07-01, 17:41
|Link #2
Join Date: Mar 2007
Ahaha, I know most people go into it expecting fanservice, but I think the amount of fanservice that does appear surprises even them. In fact, the three things I remember most about the show was panty-less lolis, large breasts, and cat ears. Boy do they love their cat ears. Oh, and the yuri subtext. Plenty of that.
The plot? What plot? Nah, that's an overexaggeration . Anyway, it's mostly a feel-good plot with some seriousness, but not too much.
|2010-07-01, 18:06
|Link #3
Le fou, c'est moi
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Age: 29
Though I think you're being too fast with Sora no Woto. The show actually touches a very diverse range of emotions, much more than just moe. There are comedy/slice of life moments and there are serious moments, and remarkably enough (miraculous in fact given the horrible track record of 13 episodes anime series and original anime series), it does both well. To be sure it was never going to become an epic war show but the post-war setting isn't just a throwaway gimmick just to get K-On girls into uniform.
So yeah.
|2010-07-01, 18:25
|Link #4
Not an expert on things
Join Date: Jun 2007
But, just in case there's a misunderstanding, I didn't stop liking K-On because of moe. I stopped liking it because of the poor gags [which were repeated, which made it worse] and the flanderization of the characters, all in my opinion of course. How does K-On compare with Strike Witches?
|2010-07-01, 18:56
|Link #5
Le fou, c'est moi
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Age: 29
It's...hm, I guess you could say that its comedy is less gag-oriented and more suited to anime form and the characters didn't suffer anything close to a flanderization -- in fact it's quite the opposite, the characters get fleshed out throughout the series and you get a sense of why they are who they are.
As for Strike Witches, I actually find it somewhat difficult to compare to K-On! directly. It's a lot more fanservice-oriented, for one (K-On! at least didn't try to strip its characters of their pants and use creepy camera angles to reinforce the fact), and there are action scenes and stuff. I still wouldn't recommend it to someone who dislike K-On! jokes though: I didn't find it very funny either, and dropped it early on while I stuck through the entire first season of the K-On!
All this, of course, is marked with a big IMO.
|2010-07-02, 10:13
|Link #6
blinded by blood
Watch Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha. It's the only thing close to a "moe" series with a serious plot and a metric ass-ton of action.
The fanservice is rather surprisingly low, and gets lower as the series goes on.
|2010-07-02, 19:22
|Link #7
Not an expert on things
Join Date: Jun 2007
I've already seen Nanoha. Thanks for the suggestion though, since it really is something people should go watch if they haven't.
I guess I definitely need to check out Sora no Woto again. As for Strike Witches, I'm attracted to the idea of a yuri subtext, and fanservice isn't terrible either. I guess I'm going to try it out. Thanks for the replies.
|2010-07-03, 05:26
|Link #8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
I think Funimation summed up SW pretty well with one of their ads:
It's a bird...
It's a plane...
It's... a girl with no pants!?
There's some real plot in here, and some messages, but it seems like these were just an excuse to make a full series where most in nations' cultures a young woman's typical outfit consisted of panties, shirt, and nothing else. And to take these pantless girls and make them move around alot so that they can show them in interesting positions/angles. That, and all the girls get kemonomimi for participating.
Don't get me wrong, I loved this series. It's not a major classic, but it is very, very funny.
|2010-07-03, 06:20
|Link #9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Its all about expectations. If you go to the theater to see Ninja Assassin and expect a movie with a strong plot and well developed characters, its not surprising if you don't like it. If you go and watch it for what it really is (a cheesy movie that just gives you an excuse to watch badass ninjas fight with a very thin plot and totally unexplained supernatural elements--it becomes much more fun and enjoyable. That is Strike Witches. If you want a show that doesn't have a super overbearing plot, want some fan service--although its thrown in your face enough for it to become a nonfactor IMO--just sort of blends into the background), want some action, its a really good show.
I think now more than ever, people are constantly comparing shows to the ABSOLUTE BEST of the anime world. You can't expect every show released to be the next Aria, Planetes, Moribito, etc. If you do, everything becomes stupid.
|2010-07-04, 22:52
|Link #10
blinded by blood
Since when is Aria considered "the best?"
I tried to watch Strike Witches, but the ridiculousness of flying half loli, half WW2-era fighter planes without pants just made me feel so goddamned silly I had to stop. And that's saying a lot since I'm such a loli whore.
|2010-07-05, 00:01
|Link #11
Pretentious moe scholar
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Age: 31
As for Sora no Woto, it felt like a K-On ripoff to me for the first few episodes but I felt it got a lot better after that.
|Thread Tools


text:
During the preseason the game between Knox County and Schuyler County it looked like there would be more on the line than clinching the No. 6 spot in the district standings.
Both teams entered with expectations of playing for a home district game, however the Eagles have battled injuries and defensive struggles on the way to a 2-5 record. Schuyler County was unable to recover from a early season slate that saw them play three ranked teams in a row, that set the Rams back to a 1-6 start.
"Schuyler County's record is not one of the top ones in the conference, but they have played arguably one of the toughest schedules in 1-A football, " said Knox County head coach Alex VanDelft.
Being separated by just a single game in the standings, a win by KC would give them a two game lead on Schuyler with only a game to play. VanDelft doesn't feel there is much of a difference in being the fifth seed or the seventh seed.
"We just want a win this week. We feel the top four teams in the district are all very good football teams so it doesn't matter if we are the seven seed or the five seed, the first round match up will be tough," said VanDelft.
With two wins the Eagles could possibly move as high as No. 5, which at this point would set them up with a third meeting against Scotland County. The Eagles are 0-2 vs. the Tigers this season, but one of those losses came on a last second interception. KC will play winless North Shelby to close out the regular season.
For Schuyler, two wins would likely tie them with KC, but give them the tiebreaker. SC will face Scotland County to close out the season. More importantly for SC, a win in the final two weeks would assure them of at least the No. 7 seed, and avoid No. 1 Westran in the first round.
As for the game on Friday night, for all of the Eagles struggles they still possess one of the best offenses in the conference and should be able to score points on the Rams like they have on everyone else this season.
"Knox has a lot of great athletes that's for sure so we are going to have to win the battle up front with our lines and not let their athletes get started. They have the ability to make a big play at anytime," said Schuyler County head coach Nick Wooldrick
For Schuyler County, having success again will likely come down to the play of running back Zach Schmitter.
"Even against the competition they have played, Schmitter has gained a lot of yards. We are going to have to play four quarters of solid defense or he will be able to run for a lot of yards on us," said VanDelft.
This will be the Eagles final home game of the season as they kickoff against SC at 7 p.m.


text:
At Open Book Publishers we are changing the nature of the traditional academic book. Our books are published in hardback, paperback, pdf and ebook editions, but they also include a free online edition that can be read via our website, downloaded, reused or embedded anywhere. We are proud to say that our free online books are currently being accessed worldwide by over 20,000 readers each month.
blog post). We are creating interactive books, and works that incorporate moving images, links and sound into the fabric of the text. More traditional titles are equipped with digital resources freely available on our website, including extra chapters, reviews, links and image galleries these can be found on the individual product page for each book.
Open Book Publishers, founded in 2008, is already the biggest open access academic publisher of monographs in the UK and amongst the leaders in the English-speaking world. We are now the hub of choice for a rapidly increasing international network of scholars who believe that it is time for academic publishing to become fairer, faster and more accessible.
We are a UK registered Social Enterprise and Community Interest Company (CIC), company registration 6707027, and our Annual Accounts are available from UK Companies House. We have a 9/10 Impact Measurement Score on the Natwest SE100 Index, tracking data from all the top social enterprises.
For more information about Open Access publishing, see our Open Access Guide for Academics.
|Our Team
We are a small group of dedicated and academically-oriented individuals, working with a distinguished editorial board to make research available to everyone in the world. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our aim is shared.


text:
The Perfect Piko Short Sleeve V-Neck Tunic-Dazzling Blue
Product details
One of the softest tops we've ever felt and a fit that looks great on anyone. You are sure to love these Piko tops. The extra length on this one makes it great to pair with your favorite leggings.
Bamboo- Spandex Oversize Tunic Top.
Small 0-5/6, Medium 8-10 Large 10-12
NOTE: Depending on your height this item can be worn as a shirt or a dress. This is meant to be tight on your arms and loose everywhere else.


text:
Neckflash (verb): To neckflash, is to be in such a hysterical laughter fit that you lift your head back and flash your neck to the world. The average neckflash only lasts for about 5 seconds, however the world record is at about 6 seconds.
Yesterday while I was talking to Eugene, I neckflashed like 13 times.
by raisindisliker December 13, 2010
buy the domain for your pet vlog


text:
Why benchmarks are so important for your company
Posted 7/15/2013
Updated 5 yearss ago
One of the things that each and every business needs is a systematic way of evaluating their performance. Without quantifiable benchmarks, a firm has no idea if they are swimming ahead of the pack or just treading water.
Unfortunately, too many businesses use only last year or last month as their benchmark. Your own historical performance, however, just does not give sufficient perspective to objectively evaluate how your business is doing.
One entrepreneur I was helping had been growing his business over the last 20 years. In that time, he had been very successful in so many ways, but his revenues had recently stalled out. He knew he needed to grow but was struggling to make that happen.
When I asked the entrepreneur how he was doing compared to the industry, he just did not know. Next, I asked him if the industry was expanding, and he responded that he thought it was but was not sure.
I explained that being aware of how the industry is performing is necessary for him to truly understand how well his business is doing. For instance, if the industry is declining, his steady revenues are tolerable and actually pretty good by comparison. On the other hand, if revenues are increasing for his industry contemporaries, he is not doing very well at all.
After our discussions, he did some research and found that revenues across the industry were growing at a rate of 10 percent where his rate of growth was completely flat. After seeing that data, it was clear that his performance needed much improvement.
When I ask entrepreneurs why they do not use any benchmarks or comparables, the most common response I hear is that their firm is unique and there are not any other firms or industries out there that they can match up with. Additionally, they say that it does not make sense to compare their local performance against national data because their location is so different.
The fact is you are never going to find a perfect comparison. The data you glean, however, can give you a rough idea of how other firms are performing.
Benchmarking only provides an indication of how you are performing relative to the field. From there, you need to dig much deeper to determine why your firm is underperforming. For example, if revenues in the industry are growing at a rate of 12 percent and your firm is at 2 percent, you know that you will need to do some thorough analysis to find out why your numbers are so far below the industry –taking your own operating area into account, of course.
Now go out and make sure you have some benchmarking standards in place to help you measure the performance of your company.
You can do this!
|Other small business advice columns from Dr. Osteryoung are here. Note: Articles older than 30 days require registration (it's quick and free).
Jerry Osteryoung is a consultant to businesses - he has directly assisted over 3,000 firms. He is the Jim Moran Professor of Entrepreneurship (Emeritus) and Professor of Finance (Emeritus) at Florida State University. He was the founding Executive Director of The Jim Moran Institute and served in that position from 1995 through 2008. His newest book co-authored with Tim O'Brien, "If You Have Employees, You Really Need This Book," is an Amazon.com bestseller. He can be reached by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Thunderball (US - BD)
Gabe prefers the original title: "Let's Go Swimming for Nuclear Weapons, Bond"
In the process of pointing to one's favourite Bond movie, it's popular to name Goldfinger, traditionalist to name From Russia with Love, maverick to name On Her Majesty's Secret Service, clever to name License to Kill, insane to name Die Another Day, and revolutionist (or short-term memory-ist) to name Casino Royale (the Daniel Craig one). I, rather boringly, usually pick the second or third safest pick in Thunderball (still the number one grossing Bond film by a reasonably wide margin when adjusted for inflation). To me, the passing fan, Thunderball represents the Bond brand teetering on the edge of the kind of daft behaviour that would follow this 'golden age' of the four original films.
The scope and scale of the film is epic from a sense of both visuals and story. Every set and action scene is immense, and often director Terence Young slows his editing and steadies his camera to further convey the 'weight' of the visuals (though there are still plenty of literally sped up action bits). This slightly slowed and steadied gigantism is supported by a script filled with iconic bits of Bondian mythology, which keeps the film in mind while watching the following Connery films. Thunderball also features a sizable military presence, which creates the feeling of Bond's world growing, and puts the character in a more tangible context, yet unlike some of the later larger than life Bond films, which I often don't like all that much, Thunderball has a charm in its little touches, such as Bond grabbing a single grape on his way out of a hot hotel room.
Arguments against Thunderball are easy to come up with, including the occasionally creeping pace, long periods of time without Bond on screen, and a generally much weaker villain than Red Grant, Rosa Klebb, Odd Job, or Goldfinger. The film's grand, cinemascope aspirations eventually lead to the 'more is more' mentality of the Bond series, which ended up critically injuring the films several times throughout the decades. Though I think it mostly works in this case, the whole thing can be a bit exhausting, especially the seemingly endless underwater scenes. And let's not forget that Thunderball did lead to the dismal, out of canon remake Never Say Never Again, which should count as a few points against it.
In a continuing attempt at scale Thunderball was the first Bond film shot anamorphically, and the first Blu-ray in this six disc initial set that I'm watching in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The final effect of this particular high definition transfer is slightly less dynamic than Dr. No or From Russia with Love, but still very impressive overall.
Outdoor daylight scenes are basically perfectly balanced, glowing with Technicolor glory, especially the resort scenes. The underwater footage is a bit murky and inconsistent, likely due to the quality of underwater filmmaking at the time, but when it works the blues are really gorgeous. Indoor and night-time sequences are a little rougher, still glowing with bright hues throughout, but details are obviously obscured comparatively, and the black bits of the frame are a bit overpowering. In fact, overall the print is pretty dark, and some of the deeper edges are a perhaps too hard. Concerning artefacts and print damage there are some minor film skips in transition shots and wipes, but the overall print is well cleaned, and features nary a single obvious compression artefact.
Originally I was planning on reviewing all six Bond Blu-rays as one big write-up, mostly because I'm having trouble thinking up new ways to describe the same audio revamp over and over. Basically Thunderball is exactly the same as the other Blu-ray releases in its quality of DTS-HD revamping. Once again, the soundscape is surprisingly large for a revamped Mono mix. The surround sound enhancements, especially John Barry's score, are almost unnaturally natural and rounded. There's warmth to the entire track that equates the sound of brand new, digitally mastered motion pictures, and the vocals are clean, rather than tinny, as is usually associated with older tracks. The additional LFE elements help increase the clarity of the track by offering sharp and crisp bass to everything from gunshots to underwater ambiance.
The extras once again begin with two solid group commentary tracks, one with director Terrance Young and various cast and crew members, and the other with editor Peter Hunt, writer John Hopkins, and other crew members. Both tracks run out of steam a bit quicker than the previous tracks, and feature generally more empty space, but our moderator has a few tricks up his sleeve that ensure a generally informative and fun experience. The second track, which is the better track, switches to French for a bit around the forty minute mark. I suppose I could just switch to French track if I wanted to watch Thunderball dubbed, but the gimmick is a pretty clever way of filling commentary space.
This time around the MI6 Vault features no fewer than six items of antique interest, including a fifty minute made for TV featurette called 'The Wonderful World of James Bond' from 1965 (which includes footage that found its way into the more meaty docs about Dr. No, From Russia with Love and Thunderball), a cute bit of Ford promotional work from 1965 called 'A Child's Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car', 'On Location with Ken Adam', 'Bill Suitor: The Rocket Man Movies' (concerning the real life rocket pack that was used in the film), and two extended advertisements, ' Thunderball[i] Boat Show Reel', and 'Selling Bonds'.
These Bond Blu-ray discs are pretty fickle when played on my Profile 1.0 player, and [i]Thunderball proved to be one of the worst offenders. Besides the hell of a time I had getting the movie to play in the first place (I had to go to the scene selection screen and hit enter on chapter one, rather than simply hitting play), I couldn't get the 'The Making of [hunderball', 'The Thunderball Phenomenon', or 'The Secret History of Thunderball' to play for me at all. It's been a long time since I sat down with the original special edition DVDs (I never owned them), but I recall from memory that 'The Making of Thunderball' was a worthy edition to all the hour long docs that adorn each of those original discs (and so far all the Blu-ray discs). I have no memory of the other two featurettes.
The disc is finished up with a collection of trailers and TV spots, an interactive guide to the film, and image galleries.
So what's your favourite Bond film, fans and non-fans alike. Have I failed choosing Thunderball as the ne plus ultra? I'm sure you'd let me know even if I didn't ask. The Profile 1.0 issues I had with Thunderball were frustrating, but I was able to get the film to play, just in case any other 1.0 owners had heard otherwise. The hi-def video quality is not quite as earth-shatteringly incredible as some of the other Bond Blu-ray releases, but still very obviously the best the film has looked since its original release.
* Note: The above images are taken from the Blu-ray release and resized for the page.
Review by Gabriel Powers
jmcclane 88 Member Join Date: September 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 466
I quite agree Gabe, Thunderball is probably my favourite Connery Bond film. Not that I don't love his others, but TB just has tons of style and a great villian. And don't get me started on Fiona Volpe.
I'd be interested to find out if they corrected the colouring issues with Thunderball, particularly on the europe releases. On my UE dvd when the guy gets fed to the sharks the water remains blue, it should turn red. There are other issues with some of the other Bond films aswell.
I'd be interested to find out if they corrected the colouring issues with Thunderball, particularly on the europe releases. On my UE dvd when the guy gets fed to the sharks the water remains blue, it should turn red. There are other issues with some of the other Bond films aswell.
bondfool Member Join Date: November 2005 Location: United States Posts: 120
From Russia With Love is my favorite of the Connerys, and I just have a soft spot in my heart for Live and Let Die.
triply Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: India Posts: 330
Earlier this year, after buying the entire Bond series, I started watching them choronologically. Thunderball was the first film after watching which I wanted to go back and watch it again immediately. I just loved the movie. It was one of the few I hadn't seen earlier, so seeing it for the first time this year was a real joy.
wnicholas76 Member Join Date: June 2008 Location: United States Posts: 281
I'll take Thunderball any day of the week over the 1983 "unofficial" Thunderball remake, Never Say Never Again (save for the simple fact that Kim Basinger is in said remake)!
coconutphone Member Join Date: August 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 28
My fave is an unconventional one based largely on having seen it a lot as a kid and loving it.
"The Spy Who Loved Me". For me this is vintage Bond and perfected at that. Has my fave Bond (Moore), fave Bond Girl, fave storyline and fave Bond Theme.
"The Spy Who Loved Me". For me this is vintage Bond and perfected at that. Has my fave Bond (Moore), fave Bond Girl, fave storyline and fave Bond Theme.
Samuel Member Join Date: July 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 145
One of the weaker Bond films. Connery's worst after Diamonds Are Forever.
I'm still unsure over this issue of red water, some places say that it was a mistake whilst others say that it wasn't. To me it makes sense having the water dyed red due to the blood.
I'm still unsure over this issue of red water, some places say that it was a mistake whilst others say that it wasn't. To me it makes sense having the water dyed red due to the blood.
Worst Nightmare Senior Member Join Date: July 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 6,716
Great reviews Gabe - bring them on!
This is one of my favourites of the Bond empire...
This is one of my favourites of the Bond empire...
Some material may not be suitable for children
Disc Details
Release Date: 21st October 2008
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Blu-ray Disc
RCE: No
Video: 1080p
Aspect: 2.35:1
Anamorphic: No
Colour: Yes
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, Dolby Digital Mono English, Dolby Digital Mono Spanish, Dolby Digital Mono French
Subtitles: English, French and Spanish
Extras: Director/Cast/Crew Commentary, Writer/Editor/Crew Commentary, 'The Wonderful World of James Bond', 'A Child's Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car', 'On Location With Ken Adam', 'Bill Suitor: The Rocket Man Movies', 'Boat Show Reel', Selling Bonds', 'The Making of Thunderball', 'The Thunderball Phenomenon', or 'The Secret History of Thunderball', Trailers, TV Spots, Image Galleries, Interactive Guide
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Terence Young
Cast: Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi, Luciana Paluzzi
Genre: Action and Adventure
Length: 125 minutes
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After a year of idiocy with new rules designed the speed up college football games in order to accommodate television schedules it appears the most damaging rules changes will be going by the wayside. The NCAA Rules Committee is recommending the elimination of the two worst rules changes that polluted college football last season.
The first is the rule that started the clock the moment the back was booted on kickoffs. The other rule started the clock once the ball was ready for play after changes of possession.
College football coaches were almost unanimous in their condemnation f the rules changes. First, on average the rules eliminated 14 plays per game. Secondly, the changes made it much more difficult for teams to come from behind late in games.
What Was Wrong with the Rules
Let's look at each of the rules and their unintended impact. Starting the clock once the ball is kicked basically took away clock time when nothing could possibly happen. That is so anti-competitive it defies explanation. Additionally it allowed a team (Wisconsin) to kick out the clock, intentionally going so far offside on the kick it was impossible to return. 10 seconds or so run off and they re-kicked. Again, the end result of the rule changes was anti-competition.
The other rule just took plays away. Again, football competition was sacrificed for television programming convenience. I've been to quick football games and long ones, and I couldn't really tell you which I enjoyed more. I've been the great games and lousy games and I have no problem telling you which is more entertaining.Fans go to games and often pay exorbitant prices for the privilege. To take game action away from them so coach potatoes don't have to re-program their TIVO was wrong from day one and has been proven so with the implementation of these changes. The reversal of those moves will be good for college football.
New Speed-Up Suggestions Make Some Sense
The committee did come up with several proposals that could eliminate some of the down time during games and appear rather innocuous as to the impact on the competition nature of the games. One would shorten the play clock from 25 to 15 seconds after time outs. This makes perfect sense. You have the whole time out to call a play, so let's snap the stinkin' ball! Add up all the time outs for scores, TV and the line you get at least 20 a game, probably more. At ten seconds per that more than three minutes without affecting the number of plays at all.
The second suggestion would shorten team time outs from 65 to 30 seconds. Again, you could have up to a dozen of these a game so that could be six or seven minutes each contest. A third one would move kickoffs back to the 30-yard line and that makes sense. Kickoff returns are much more entertaining than touchbacks, and would also speed up the game. That's a clear win-win proposition.
The committee also suggested limiting replay reviews to 2:00 but I think that's absurd. You don't want such decisions made while sand is pouring through the hourglass. It would be better to monitor replay officials and train them better to get the job done more quickly.
These changes look likely to save at least to ten minutes a game without taking a single play away from the competition itself. Since last year's changes saved an average of 14 minutes a game, let's split the four minutes and call it a day, can't we?
The rule changes won't be official until March 12th when the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel (and you thought Congress was a bureaucratic mess!) votes on the Rules Committee's recommendations. All indications are the changes will go through and college football fans will be the biggest winners.


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Now available. Reserve your Roma Pass when you book or ask for availability directly in Hotel!
Price per unit: € 36,00
Roma Pass, which is sponsored by Rome City Council and the Ministry for the Arts and Cultural activities, in collaboration with ATAC, the public transport company, is the capital's special tourist-cultural card that enables both tourists and interested local residents, the opportunity to benefit from various discounts and services that make it easier and cheaper to enjoy the splendours of Rome.
- Free entry to the first 2 visited museums and / or archaeological sites of your choice. Free admission includes the exhibition held in the museum.
- Concessionary ticket to all other museums and / or archaeological sites visited thereafter. The concessionary ticket includes the exhibition held in the museum.
- Free admission to the following museums: Accademia Nazionale di San Luca, Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina, Museo Bilotti a Villa Borghese, Museo Canonica, Museo delle Mura, Museo Napoleonico and Villa di Massenzio (during Roma Pass validity period and in addition to the 2 free admissions).
- Free use of the city's public transport network. Valid until midnight of the third day inclusive that of the first validation for ATAC public transport (bus, metro and railway lines Roma -Lido, Roma Flaminio Piazza del Popolo-Viterbo, Roma-Giardinetti), within the territory of the Municipality of Rome. All special connections tpl Atac, the railway lines Trenitalia FR, the connection Tiburtina/Termini/Fiumicino airport, the connection Trenitalia "No stop" Roma Termini-Fiumicino Aeroporto (Leonardo Express) and all connections to and from Fiumicino and Ciampino Aeroporto are not included.
- Discounted tickets to exhibitions, events and other collaborating operators and businesses (Roma Pass Guide).
- Tourist cultural services Roma Passè.
At the Coliseum a reserved turnstile is available for Roma Pass holders to get direct access to the monument
In the kit:
- The Roma Pass card: the card used to visit museums / archaeological sites and on the public transport system as described above.
- Roma MAP: A map featuring all the Tourist Information Points, Metro stations, museums and other sites of interest (complete with addresses, tel. no's opening times and nearest bus stops and metro stations);
- Roma Pass Guide: the list of under agreement museums/sites, and the list of all the partners of the Roma Pass which offer discounts to card holders;
- Roma Passè: the card with the App activation code to download the best of the city.
How to use it:
- The overleaf form must be filled with name, surname and validation date
- the card is valid for three days and is activated at the time of the first entry to the museums/sites, and/or at the first journey on public transport, up until midnight of the third day, including the day of the activation
- It is validated on the first visited site/museum and/or the first journey on the city's public transport network
- Direct access for the first 2 sites. From the 3rd site onwards please apply to the ticket office for concession;
- It must be produced along with your identity papers when required by the staff in charge
When purchasing the card, please ensure that you ask about further discounts/free services that may be available for people of a certain age and/or nationality and/or place of residence and/or profession.
Please note that most museums generally are closed on Mondays (with the exception of the Colosseum and the Baths of Caracalla). Almost all the museums normally are closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1 too. We advise you to check in advance.


text:
Wonderful Wallpaper: 25 Warm, Beautiful Patterns
You thought we were done with wallpaper? Not so. Earlier this month, I shared the best cool-toned papers I could find. Today it's all about adding warmth and vitality with the ROY end of the ROYGBIV rainbow spectrum.
Okay, here we go:
1. Peaks and Valleys in Afternoon by Flat Vernacular
2. Porter's Grass Weave in Red Spice
3. Hope Gardens from Marthe Armitage Designs, courtesy of Hamilton Weston
4. Tucker, from Sister Parish Designs
5. Albert Hadley's classic Fireworks pattern, from Hinson & Co., via House Beautiful
6. Ana Spiro's Rosey Posey Trellis in Pink Ginger
7. Thibault's Guadelupe in Pink
8. Skater wallpaper by Six Hands, in Watermelon
9. Woodlands, by Sian Zeng, in pink and brown
10. Kreme Life's Giraffe Silhouettes
11. Schumacher's Kadari Ikat in Terra Cotta
12. Cavern Home's Talisman in orange
13. Lavaliers in Atomic, from Little Greene
14. Apricot Diamonds by Galbraith & Paul
15. Harlequin's People wallpaper, from its Momentum Collection, Volume 2
16. Blooming Forest pattern from Studio Lilesadi
17. Woodstock wallpaper by Rachel Powell
18. Dwell Studio's Twist Citrine wallpaper
19. Albert in Gold, from Sister Parish Design
20. Dan Funderburg's Secret Garden in Pearl Gold
21. Peacocks from Minakani Lab
22. Siz Hands's Eden English Rose
23. Hygge Cooperative's Lush wallpaper
24. Anthropologie's Blazing Poppies
25. Dimensions, also from Studio Lilesadi
(images: as linked above)


text: Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - EF Bandung, Solo, Yogya Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today! Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in EF Bandung, Solo, Yogya Goto page Previous 1, 2 Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Indonesia View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message WinmarJoined: 11 Feb 2003Posts: 125Location: Melbourne Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:07 pm Post subject: Finally, someone to back up what I've been saying about EF Bandung for the last year or so! Glad to hear you've enjoyed yourself mate....I thought you would. Are you at Banda or Cipaganti? Good to see the salary's gone up! It was 5m when I started, then 5.5m when I left for a first year. You started in January last year, didn't you? I'd finished my contract then, but was still doing emergency teaching there to raise some dosh. Was one of your contracts a six-month one or something? Which teachers are working there now? Is Nigel still there? Actually you might want to reply to some of these questions in a private message. Thanks for the EF Bdg link - I'll check it from time to time. How long before the other links on it are active? It was funny seeing a couple of my old students on it. I'm starting to yearn for life in Bandung again actually. Might consider doing the irresponsible thing and leave my stable public service position late next year, if EF will have me back. I've been imagining playing tennis and swimming before work, and picking up cheap heavy metal cassettes again. Certainly would beat my current cold bike ride into the city at 8:40am, but would have to miss out on the odd Swedish death metal tour we get here. My Sundanese wife might enjoy being with her family again though. Anyway, time to stop rambling and dreaming, and go to bed. Hi to all at EF! Back to top AsiaTravellerJoined: 24 May 2004Posts: 908Location: Singapore, Mumbai, Penang, Denpasar, Berkeley Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:23 pm Post subject: gugelhopf, "Tuan-tuan and puan-puan" is pure Malaysian. In Indonesian, you can find sort of an equivalent in the following: "Ibu-ibu dan bapak-bapak sekalian." Back to top gugelhupfJoined: 24 Jan 2004Posts: 575Location: Jabotabek Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:51 pm Post subject: That's hardly surprising AsiaT - I learned Bahasa in Johor. Thanks for the translation. I've already guessed that "bule" is the equivalent of "matsalleh" and I'll have to harden up my words ending in -a and roll my R's like a true Javanese! Back to top AsiaTravellerJoined: 24 May 2004Posts: 908Location: Singapore, Mumbai, Penang, Denpasar, Berkeley Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 3:52 am Post subject: You'll also have to learn how to make your Ds and Ts retroflex like a true Javanese can -- even in your English! Back to top everybody_loves_chandlerJoined: 22 Nov 2004Posts: 6 Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 3:15 am Post subject: EF Money willy wrote: JUST TO SET THINGS RIGHT, YOU SAID YOUR MAKING 10,000,000. A MONTH? AND YOURE WORKING AT EF? I HAVE NEVER OF ANY ONE GETTING MORE THAN 7,000,000. Sure. As usual every year with EF entitiles you to a pay rise buts its still too low. If you are concerned with money, DoS'ing is the way to go. The DoS in Palembang gets more than 7. Willy, you have to remember that a lot of these individual franchises are up for negotiation. Especially if your proven u can do the job well. Its not inconceivable to ask for 12 mill to dos the EF Palembang franchise. Though if I was to negotiate a 3rd contract in Palembang, I would ask to be in a fixed US or NZ currency. The way the rupiah is going, its the only way to stay ahead since most of us have student loans, car payments, mortages and so on. With the high turn over of staff, its easier to negotiate for 2nd or 3rd contacts. At the end of the day, they know we can find something else better, so its in their interests to keep us around as long as possible. Remember, with the bules, EF would become like any other local language school (no more 800,000 a month fees). DoC Back to top guruengerishJoined: 28 Mar 2004Posts: 424Location: Australia Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:48 am Post subject: it depends... I think you need also to look at what else is offered, over and above the salary. EF Kebon Jeruk supplied a 2 bedroom unit, a maid who washed and ironed and cleaned twice a week, paid the rates, the garbage and the local security. It was a pretty fair deal. However, other EF schools pay nothing more than the base salary, will not help with housing or anything, so you need to read the contract quite carefully, and see what they will and won't provide. When EF Semarang advertised about four years ago, they offered around Rp2.5 million. I wrote and said that was a very fair weekly salary. Of course, it was a monthly rate. The same for their other schools in Central Java and DIY. It rose by Rp600.000 a couple of years ago, and I believe another incredible Rp200.000 per month has been added to that. No housing, etc. Promised increases for experience are not honoured. Sorry if I keep getting on my soapbox here about this, but newbies need to be warned. Back to top GuruStipJoined: 24 Jun 2004Posts: 47 Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:26 am Post subject: Too right... If you're coming out to Indo you have to realise that there are massive variations everywhere you go. It is possible to live the idyllic life and be easy, or you can end up with the most stressful year of your life... Obviously, you have to be adapable - middle-aged sex pests should stay put- jakarta is alraedy full to capacity. Also, the stuents are noisy, fun and demanding, so be ready to activate your imagination. If you're boring, go to Germany. Be careful what you apply for - you just might get it - don't overstretch the first time, or you'll get your ring stretched. If you have a skill, flaunt it, but be wary that most schools are not really schools, more money-makers, and they'll hire a first-timer over more expensive experienced teachers. It's a tough market here, but the culture and the life are more than worth the effort, so stay on it!!! Back to top Mr_GeoffJoined: 07 Dec 2004Posts: 2Location: Medan Indonesia Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 6:48 am Post subject: EF Bandung Email Does anyone have the email for EF Bandung? Please send to my email at [email protected] kindest Regards Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Indonesia All times are GMTGoto page Previous 1, 2 Page 2 of 2 Jump to: Select a forum Where to Begin----------------General DiscussionNewbie ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumOnline Teaching Forum Africa Forums----------------General Africa Forum Asia Forums----------------CambodiaChina (Job-related Posts Only)China (Off-Topic)Hong KongIndiaIndonesiaJapanMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeTaiwanThailandGeneral Asia ForumVietnam Caribbean Forums----------------General Caribbean Forum Europe Forums----------------Czech RepublicFranceGermanyGreeceItalyMacedonia and the BalkansPolandRomaniaRussia & C.I.S.SpainTurkeyUkraineUnited KingdomGeneral Europe Forum Latin America Forums----------------ArgentinaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaMexicoMexico (off-topic)PeruGeneral Latin America Forum The Middle East Forums----------------BahrainEgyptIsraelKuwaitOmanQatarSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesGeneral Middle East Forum North America Forums----------------General North America Forum Oceania----------------Australia/New Zealand You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. 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All Comments (71)
finde sie wahnsinnig sexy
Sexy, good finnpussy..
Perfection like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I enjoyed watching these two fuck even though it wasn't the way I would have done it with my bf, still nice.
looks like shes not feeling anything ;D my boyfriend does it waaaaaay better ;)
poor girl has to get herself off
this is crap he could of let me do the girl and make her feel 10x better
He cums good....nice juicy cum.
needs a big aussie cock that 'll teach that pussy a leason
what iv'e seen of aussie cocks have been pathetic, they think their so matcho but when the cocks out of their shorts it's LOL. Give me a british cock any day, big hard and full of promise
Very good can you make a video were you both kid for the whole video
Name please
i would of done a better job
she's a cutie and she'll need another shower after that cum bath
Yeah , the guy is not treating her right, she needs a man who knows how to use his cock to satisfy her lovely body
:D suomalaisii
hi french kisses
i want it
So many comments here saying the guy did a bad job, what about the girl? she can't suck cock to save her life
She needs a proper man, big hard cock with plenty of cum. I am available weekdays from 2.O'clock
Man I as Shot gun everywhere so hot
Natural and not offensive .
Did you know that girls reach their sexual prime at 25 and guys at 19. This makes for a perfect fuck
im 25 my bf is 19... no wonder he can't let go of me! cuz yes it is true. age does make a bid difference when it comes to sex.
Better than nice, wish that cum had been sucked out of his cock
sexy girl, nice melons
Three years extra experience is the great differance between an amateur and a profesional fuck
nice 1
when i was 19yr old i fucked a 22yr old girl and the 3yr extra experience was fantastic, she was so good
ni siquiera esta caliente la vieja es para que le saques mas provecho esta muy buena para ser desperdiciada
if i were the cameraman on the shoot, i would stop rolling when he entered her. CUT! "You....out...you didn't even kiss her." I'll take over from here. I'm afraid you'll have to finish off yourself
Claire you are right. British is best.
Oh come on i want something like this.just great
what a gorgeous guy, wish i could have a shower with him and taste his cum, wow!
fucking guy looks like Andy Samberg
fucker shit
ya il give it a try sure im doin nothing else honey
ya il give it a try
no sound only action...
what is the name of that girl?
this guy is fuckin maniac
i like the boy fuck fast hope my bf do that to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yeah, finnish pussy, they are kind of quiet, but they're into it..... :D
speechless ah..
for my taste, she has perfect tits
i used to fuck my girl that way...and we found it boring. now it's a new (and better) way...
Hyva Suomi Finland! Beautifull natural Finnish young girl! Kylla lahtee!
this guy sucks. First, the fingering thing, obviously, the girl is not happy with it. 2nd thing, the guy doesn't know how to use his penis!! the girl, never had her satisfaction. Men, lend me ur girlfriend for a day, i'll let her feel true kind of sex with Respect. :>
where the hell is that? the coutry
"looks like shes not feeling anything" He is typical finlandia woman, they arent that noisy..! And its kinda sexy. Good girl & wow like those breasts :)
What an absolute shame, she doesn't enjoy that at all particularly at the endgame wants to hurl more than come!!!
You can tell by the look on her face that when he came she didn't like it, seems like she wants to puke
i like......
Wow... his performance was horrible... she didn't even try to fake it and she shldn't.
looked grossed out with the cum
French are the best fuckers! Try it.
this guy could do better
this guy sucks hard, instead he should have fucked her hard
she is so lovely but the guy realy has no clue how to use his cock
perfect body, she's awesome
i like yours but the first no becuase you are only tasting boy penis i like your puberty sex
i wish my cock was that big i only have one ball an im jewish
anonomous ur sad man bite her pussy yuk (hopefully it wont be mine)
lend ur gf 1 day ......... then c'll never search u 4 fingering ........ i wan to fuck her 4 24 hrs vthout gap ..... then c'll never comes to u ....... i won leave her to wear dress ....... i'll keep on biting her pussy until blood streams ...
one finnish girl again
She doesnt make any noises. No moans of pleasure
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DIY Decor Trend: Coiled Bowls, Vases, Baskets & Other Vessels
I have a feeling that making coiled vessels is like potato chips and tattoos; once you've tried it, there's no stopping at just one. Which is no terrible thing, because these are endlessly handy and cute. What can't you throw in them? Cotton balls, fruit, laundry, pencils, keys... you can also vary things up a little with different techniques and materials.
Here are a few folks that have tried the project, and shared their process and finished products.
1. Learn to hand stitch rope coil vessels with this how-to from the Red Thread.
2. If you like a more more rustic or organic look, check out Ceci Bean's for inspiration.
3. Kate did a color blocked version for Design Sponge, using an on-trend neon pink thread.
4. The Work is Getting to Me shows more baskets, also in neon, but also experiments with interesting shapes.
5. Lucy of Craftberry Bush was inspired by an Anthropologie product and wrapped rope to some very similarly colorful ones.
(Images: as linked above)


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Bacon Cheddar Potato Wedges are back on the menu at Jack in the Box. The savory spuds returned to the menu thanks to an effective online campaign waged by fervent fans who took to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to lament the loss of their favorite side item.
"Each of our products has a loyal following, but we'll occasionally remove something to make room for a new item," says Peter Tremblay, division vice president of menu for Jack in the Box. "We usually hear from a few disappointed guests, but we have never heard from so many people after a product deletion. Jack's Facebook fans posted hundreds of comments and started an online petition. We've already shared the good news with our online fans. We're thrilled to know that so many people crave our Bacon Cheddar Potato Wedges and are excited to announce that they're back on the menu."
Bacon Cheddar Potato Wedges, which are topped with melted cheddar cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced bacon pieces, were first introduced by Jack in the Box in 1995.
The five times weekly e-newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest industry news and additions to this website.


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One of the area's most unique celebrations took place over the weekend as First Christian Church presented the 22nd annual Bethlehem Revisited. The event, free to all guests, offers an interactive village complete with in character workers and Roman soldiers.
One of the area's most unique celebrations took place over the weekend as First Christian Church presented the 22nd annual Bethlehem Revisited. The event, free to all guests, offers an interactive village complete with in character workers and Roman soldiers.
Several shops with attendants working inside were offered as guests made their way through the village. The workers stayed in character as they went about their daily business in their respective locations, which ranged from a bakery to a basket weaving shop to a fish house.
Props used in the production were authentic, and real meat was roasting throughout the village to add to the whole experience of Bethlehem. Also, incense was burning in several locations to give visitors the feel of being in Bethlehem. Real fish hung from the hooks at the fish market and real animals were scattered throughout. Several donkeys were in place for kids to pet and became the focal point for most of the younger guests during the event.
One of the hot spots on the circuit was the Inn, where several men were enjoying a night out of fellowship while their wives sat along the side wall, complaining they had been in the Inn too long. The characters at the table interacted with guests as they walked by and added a humorous tone to the event.
Also adding to the atmosphere was a beggar, cloaked in burlap from head to toe claiming to be a blind man, played by Art Saunders. Saunders' wife, Connie, is one of the original members of the Sunday School class that began Bethlehem Revisited in 1990. She was also available during the night to assist with details of the event.
Several times throughout the night, a scene would break out. In one scene, a prophet, played by Jim Whetstone, stood atop a stump and started preaching to the crowd only to be escorted away by Roman soldiers, who were portrayed by White County Sheriff Doug Maier, State's Attorney Denton Aud and Jonathan Heern. Also, Steve McClure, senior minister at First Christian Church, and Sean Cribbs, associate minister of music, provided short stories and teachings for the guests. In all, more than 200 members of the congregation took part in the event to bring an authentic look at the time Jesus was born.
To help celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, a real baby was in place in the manger. Sixteen-day-old Isabella Stone represented the baby in the barn portion of the display. She was accompanied by her mother, Kelli Stone, who played Mary, and Scott Conner, who played Joseph.
At the conclusion of the village, all guests were treated to hot chocolate. The entire event, which spans over three evenings, draws crowds in excess of several thousand visitors who travel from several hours one way to experience the event. Three shifts of workers are used during the performance to keep the village lively and full of action for Bethlehem Revisited.
Due to strong downpours Sunday, the final session was canceled, but the first two evenings of operation were a huge success. McClure said a total of 1,010 people entered the village Friday and Saturday and enjoyed the experience.