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The mineral composition of water varies subtly, almost imperceptibly, from place to place. Variation in bedrock makes the effervescent springs at Vergeze, France, where Hannibal allegedly found a refreshing drink after crossing the Alps, different from the sulfuric liquid bubbling up out of the ground at Saratoga Springs, New York. Sulfates near Burton, England impart a distinctive minerality to the region's pale ales. And connoisseurs pay top dollar for these differences.
If you're serious about drinking water, you probably want to add CO2 to it—the bubbles of the gas add a sensory perk and light up some of the same receptors in our brains as mustard oil and wasabi. That done, move on to blowing everyone's mind by simulating the finest effervescent mineral waters in the confines of your own home, just as chemists have been doing for as long as artificial carbonation has been around.
In the Modern Bartenders Guide, or Fancy Drinks and How to Mix Them (1884), O.H. Byron explains Seltzer Water is "carbonate of soda, common salt, and carbonate of magnesia." His non-specific advice, the kind you'd expect from a discerning bartender or a water sommelier, should also serve as an instructive recipe for amateurs attempting to conjure up a mineral water: Please Experiment.
Licensed druggists once dispensed morphine and cocaine. These apothecaries soon became fertile breeding grounds for the lucrative ice cream soda fountain business. (These places sold all sorts of concoctions with purported medical benefits—Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, ginger ale, Moxie). Early druggists also dispensed bicarb soda. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it's just water and baking soda, a rough approximation of mineral water. James Cutbush's The American Artist's Manual (1814) describes one of the earliest known recipes: "Soda water is nothing more than four or more grains of soda, contained in a pint or more of water, and saturated with carbonic acid." That's 1/4 of a gram—or a little less than a 1/16 of a teaspoon—for every pint. If you've gone this far, it might be time to pick up a triple-beam or a digital scale to weigh out the minerals in your soda water. White lab coat totally optional.
(NOTE: Water is tied to place; it's also tied to time. Today, much of the world's water, including that in Cutbush's home in Philadelphia, has slightly acidified, so an alkaline solution like baking soda helps neutralize acid rain—in miniscule amounts. The shifting baseline means you also might want to add slightly more bicarb for a historically accurate taste.)
Once you've mastered the basic technique, discovered the optimal temperature and pressure for your home carbonation system, which are as important as the addition of minerals, it's time to amass a collection of salts. You'll want table salt (NaCl), sodium bicarb (NaHCO3) and Epsom salt (MgSO4) along with the slightly harder to find calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and milk of magnesia (Mg(OH)2). (Skip the bath salts, people, they're not even salt.) Martin Lersch of the blog Khymos has done the dirty work and you can download his mineral water calculator for Perrier, Gerolsteiner, and Vittel. Darcy O'Neil, in Fix the Pumps, also offers advice. With enough of the right calculations, you too can master the finest of European bottled waters, without every making a trip overseas.
I drink edible food quality diatomaceous earth with filter water. Oh, the taste is rather bland. It isn't bad, but it is not good either. I drink diatomaceious earth a table spoon a day is great for health reasons.
Just do not breathe the stuff. The dust is consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. To actually breath it is considered a health hazard.
Do you comment on every story?
Bruce Banner,
Are you feeling a little miff or disgruntled, because I do comment? I always encourage more people to comment. I think a great many people are shy to comment, because so many others ridicule them. I see your profile is a day old. I look forward to your comments and others! I know my own thoughts, so I am mostly bored. I get enjoyment from reading other peoples comments. Take care. ;)
Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.
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This Time Next Year
After 32 years of living with my family, I have finally learned how to manage a successful trip home:
Formula for a pleasant trip home...
1. Drink at least one adult beverage per day, beginning as early in the day as possible. After procuring sufficiently healthy and organic provisions at Whole Foods, I said "wait I need wine and champagne!" My husband cocked his head to the size in confusion at the checkout and then replied, "Oh. I forgot, we're in Ohio now."
2. Stay at a hotel. Fortunately my husband is a consultant and amasses hotel points easily. Being able to come and go and have a mini gym onsite was more important than I initially realized.
3. Do not (if at all possible) travel home when relatives are hosting a large event. This year we visited the week before Christmas in order to use miles, but serendipitously realized that it is better to forgo the gift exchange and herds of extended family for a few peaceful days with the immediate family.
Formula for satisfaction on the job
Fortunately, it only took one year in my current job (recently hit my one year anniversary) to put my finger on some criteria that could lead to vocational happiness. This may not be the same for you as if is for me, but I thought I'd share my own personal bulleted list anyway.
- Carve out time each week for things you like to do and things you are good at.,i.e., using your motivated skills. It seems so simple, but it is so easy to get bogged down with tasks that need to be accomplished yet are mentally taxing (i.e., burnout skills). My strongest motivated skill is unquestionably coaching, but more simply put - helping others. When I feel like I'm making a difference in someone's work or life, I am on cloud nine. Poring over spreadsheets and reports de-energizes me, so I try to minimize the time I spend there and do it at home with my music and sweatpants on!
- Ask for help before you need a life preserver. I learned that others view me as a relatively confident individual and that confidence often translates to competence in their minds. In a new job we often have to "fake it until we make it," which makes it imperative to actively seek out the support and coaching we need. I have to strike a balance between acting the part and disclosing my strengths and growth areas, but after a few small wins I feel more comfortable sharing my skill gaps with others. Fortunately helping others to minimize those gaps is a key function of my role, so at least in the words of Kouzes and Pozner in Leadership Challenge, I am "Modeling the Way."
- Know your next step. Keep reading...
I'd like to focus a little more on number three, which is perhaps the most nebulous of my three key learnings: why it is important to have an exit strategy. My organization recently reduced its workforce during which a number of individuals approached me to solicit advice on their networking and personal branding efforts. Fortunately, many of these folks had done an excellent job maintaining their network across the organization and were able to tap into some warm leads with the hope of finding something internally. Others had already been networking outside the organization to identify other corporate positions or consulting opportunities. In fact, in the best cases, these individuals had already developed business plans and identified potential partners so that they were well positioned to just execute upon their departure. However, and not surprisingly, I was also solicited for help by another group - those who had already departed and asked "can you help me find a job" or "can you share your network with me so I can find a job?" I could write multiple blog entries on the aforementioned "help me get a job" population, but my point in offering this anecdotal information is to stress the importance of having an exit strategy.
Many of you have this week off from work. While your mind is clear, set aside a few hours of uninterrupted time with some blank paper and your writing/coloring utensils of choice. Think about what you would do professionally or from an avocational standpoint if you didn't need the money. Let your mind wander and get the ideas on paper. Now, get out a new piece of paper and transfer the items from the previous list that would allow you to earn an income. Get a highlighter or a different color pen/marker/crayon. Circle the ones you would consider doing if your job disappeared sometime in the next year. Prioritize the top three items on the list. Now, write down 3-5 action steps (sequentially or non-sequentially) that you could take to make those three ideas a reality. Don't worry about the roadblocks right now (e.g., funds, technology skills, contacts, etc.) . Just write down the action steps. Put it away for 48 hours so that you can let it sink in. Then, revisit the list with a trusted friend or family member who can help you fine tune and narrow the list down to 1-2 ideas you could pursue. By New Years Day you could already have your exit strategy mapped out so that if/when it's time to move, you are ready. Whether you are ready to say "peace out" to your job or you are blissfully happy, having a plan for what's next if freeing and can provide you with a serious confidence boost!
What does your bulleted list look like?
No Time This Time
I will confess...I probably spent more time trying to find the right song title to accompany this entry than to actually compose the entry itself. I really liked the line from the Steve Miller Band's, "Fly Like an Eagle", "time keeps on slipping into the future," but then I watched part of the music video on YouTube and started thinking about movies like Half Baked and Dazed and Confused and that clearly isn't what we're going for here. Alas, I found fitting lyrics in an incredibly annoying song by the Police. Even though I could only handle listening to this punk-esque tune for about two minutes, the words, "If I could, I'd slow the whole world down," seemed apropos for this time management-themed entry.
Selfishly (hope you don't mind), I wanted to write about time management in advance of a prioritization-themed session I'm leading this week at work. This way, you can learn about a useful tool to help monitor how you spend your time and I can prepare for my presentation. Win-win!
If you have read Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you are probably familiar with the third habit, "put first things first." In a nutshell, this habit is all about executing around priorities. If you are like me, you probably have a good sense of what those priorities are in your head, (high visibility projects, long range or strategic planning, etc.) but back here on earth there are phone calls and emails to return and people who have "urgent" needs that in no way relate to your job.
Covey uses a metaphor (in this short video) with different sized rocks to demonstrate the concept of tackling the most important things first. You may be thinking to yourself, "well that's great that I know what to focus on, so what do I do now?"
Most of us probably start our week or day with a "things to do" list. I know I do, but how do you keep track of the most important things? I sometimes highlight, write them all in caps or use a red marker. That helps to an extent, but it isn't a clear visual reminding us of what the priorities are. Here's a short step-by-step process you can use to capitalize on one of Covey's tools:
1. The first step is to list all of your day-to-day activities - everything - checking your RSS feeds, Facebook, responding to calls from [insert annoying colleague name here], etc.
2. Now, add the things you know you should be working on, but haven't made the time for, e.g., your budget, strategic plan, publishing your memoirs, etc.
3. Go back to our calendar for the past week and add anything else you may have forgotten - regular meetings, doctor visits, etc.
4. Think about how you spend your leisure time...how many sitcoms do you watch regularly? This my weakness. How much time are you allocating to researching "important" things online? (learned about Facebook garage sale groups last night), reading, cooking, exercising, etc. There is no judgment here. Just write it down.
5. Now you should have a long list of activities that comprise your time and a list of activities to which you would like to allocate time.
Stay tuned for the remaining steps after this important message!
The following graphic is adapted from Covey's Urgent-Important Matrix, which has four quadrants you can use to categorize those activities you just listed. Let's work backward (sort of).
Quadrant Four (Urgent and Not Important) - These are referred to as distractions or "time wasters." They add little to no value and, if possible, should be removed from that list of activities. Activities may include: too much t.v. or channel/web surfing (for me this is looking people up on LinkedIn unnecessarily), reading or forwarding junk mail, and/or responding to requests that can be ignored or better dealt with in a more strategic way (i.e., requesting weekly vs. daily updates)
Quadrant Three (Urgent and Not Important) - These "time sucks" reflected by Covey as "poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part," should also be eliminated. A blog I read while preparing my presentation encapsulated quadrant three activities well with this example: email that you have to reply to right away or it loses value ("Do you want some donuts? I have some in my office!"). Guilty as charged when it comes to theater or symphony tickets that are being given away on a first come-first served basis. On a work-related note, these are often someone else's priorities and if we become known as someone who responds immediately to others' requests, then we can earn the reputation of a chameleon, changing on a dime to meet the needs of others (before our own). Worse yet, people will come to expect that you respond immediately to any concern and when you do not you could be perceived as someone who is non-responsive.
Quadrant One (Urgent and Important) - Items in this category are crises and problems. Per Covey, people tend to spend 90% of their time dealing with these fire drills. If you spend that much (or more) time in this quadrant you run the risk of burning out quickly and you may start viewing everything as a crisis. In my last job, these were students racing into my office the day of an important interview seeking career guidance. At first, I dropped everything I was doing and went into hyper speed coach mode, but then I got smart and used my time over the holidays to put some structure in place for the Accounting population so that they were prepared with their resumes and interview skills well in advance of job hunting season. If this is you, it's important to take advantage of your down time to better organize yourself and plan ahead with activities in the next quadrant...
Quadrant 2 (Not Urgent and Important) - Remember that example I just gave two seconds ago about restructuring the way I served students? While painful, it was exactly the sort of activity that falls into this category. Covey purports that working in this quadrant is "the heart of personal management." He includes examples such as building relationships, writing a personal mission statement, long-range planning, exercising, preventive maintenance, and preparation. I would add building your network and argue that, for the most part, these are the activities that do not happen if we don't carve out time for them (or management doesn't mandate that they occur).
So, now back to these steps...
6. After perusing those four categories, you should be ready to draw your own matrix. I like using the Smart Art in PowerPoint or Word, but all it takes is two lines on a piece of paper or four cells in a spreadsheet. Migrate yourself into quadrant 2 for a moment and map our your own matrix!
7. My coaching philosophy is that change is difficult without an accountability partner. After you map out a matrix for work (listing quadrant 4 activities judiciously of course), consider sharing it with your manager or a trusted colleague to see if you are on the right track. Also, ask your partner to check in with you periodically (maybe once a week) to see if you are adhering to the goals you set for quadrant 2.
8. This isn't a static tool. It's something you can change often as your work and personal priorities change. One of our new hires writes his matrix on the dry erase board in his cube and updates it weekly so that it is visible to his manager. It also helps guide their bi-weekly 1x1 discussions.
I hope you find this tool useful - please comment if you already use it and share your best practices! Wish me luck keeping 60+ leaders engaged and awake! Fortunately, they get to start by throwing these toys around the room to each other - shouting out the names of primary tasks, distractions, and curve balls in the process!
I've Got the Power
We went over the causeway and through the levee to see my brother in the suburbs of New Orleans this Thanksgiving. While in flight to the Big Easy, I read an article on the November issue of Harvard Business Review, which spoke to me. "A Campaign Strategy for Your Career" draws a connection between running a political campaign and managing your long-term career. While many of us get green around the gills when we think of office politics, according to author, Dorie Clark, if we "take the time to build authentic relationships, improve [our] work skills, and provide real value to others, it's possible to succeed at office politics with integrity."
In my last entry, I wrote about the importance of having a networking list or map. This Power Map tool can help you bring it to life, and like any other tool I encounter in the career coaching space, I decided to experiment on my family.
My brother, a pipeline engineer, elaborated on his interest in a Business Development (BD) role in his organization. I put my career coach and talent development manager hat on and inquired about the extent to which he is connected to individuals who are in BD roles, but perhaps more importantly, those who had transitioned from roles like his to those to which he aspires. The goals of which include leveraging those BD folks to identify critical technical/business skill gaps, educational hurdles, behavioral challenges to overcome, and relationships to develop. Fortunately, as we walked on the levee along Lake Pontchartrain (simultaneously cautiously watching for alligators), he spouted off the names of about five people he had developed relationships who could be spokes on his power map. All of these individuals are based in Houston, which adds a layer of regional complexity to keeping his name in consideration when opportunities arise. Fortunately, my brother shared that an eventual BD role is a part of his development plan (thus making it more visible to HR and future managers), but we spoke about the challenges associated with the fact that most of the members of his developmental network (i.e, Trusted individuals you seek out for advice and to explore professional options) reside in Houston and not all of them are aware of his future plans.
Regardless of where the folks on your Power Map are located, it is important to have some routines in place for how often you will check in with them. For instance, I suggested that my brother connect with each of these individuals in person whenever he visits the corporate mother ship in Houston, but also that he schedule calls with them once a quarter to check in. We talked about how he can share information or resources that his network might find valuable in between their more formal interactions to keep him top of mind, but also to let his contacts know how their advice was incorporated into his development (i.e., rewarding the network). I encouraged my brother to think about returning to Houston to ride in the 150 mile bike race his company sponsors (not only because my family could always use more exercise), but because he could do something he loves while reconnecting with old colleagues in the process.
So, what about this Power Map? Well, thanks to an exceedingly long face time conversation with our parents, we didn't have time to draw it in detail. However, before we parted for the New Orleans airport, my brother had a list of about 15 people who could comprise the Power Map and a discussion about how to make this hub/spoke structure work for him. Check out this description from HBR:
Source: Harvard Business Review, November 2012
You'll want to populate it with your own characters (i.e., the people who are or should in your network). If you aren't sure who these people are, this is an excellent conversation to have with a mentor inside your organization. It's not necessary to have such cute caricatures. The point is to get the names on there and start brainstorming about how to get better connected to them. It's not just about doing good work and getting noticed. You have to get yourself noticed by the right people while winning them over in the process (we'll save that for another entry, or check out this cheesy video I made in my MBA presentation class for the Accounting students I was coaching at the time).
Regardless of your political leanings, Clark claims that "you can model the behavior of the best politicians: Set clear goals, reach out to supporters, build and exercise influence, and then execute relentlessly to achieve your ambitions. In short, you can devise a campaign plan for your career." Couldn't have said it better myself. Break out some crayons and then make that power map a reality!
With a Little Help from my Friends
Tis the season for aspirational goal setting and for many, job hunting. Networking is a prerequisite for that process and the theme of this entry.
Once the daily grind slows down and the holiday party invitations start rolling in, we begin reconnecting with people we haven't seen in what seems like an eternity. When these individuals inquire about your employment situation, do you cringe (on the inside or the outside)? If so, this entry is for you. Put the pumpkin pie aside and get back to your laptop. You have work to do before those holiday parties and family gatherings!
My friend "C" recently invited me to speak about networking to a group of business students she advises at a local university. Knowing that this time of year is especially important for college job seekers, I decided to employ some of the strategies I use when coaching engineers in my day job - provide tools, an action plan, and hold them accountable. Most of what I shared with these students is applicable to any active or passive job seeker, so I decided to share the same toolkit with you. Here goes!
Tool #1 - Your Elevator Speech - I've written other blog entries about networking and how to compose an elevator speech, so I'll keep this one to a formula to get you started:
- PRESENT - What am I doing now
- PAST - Summary of past experiences and accomplishments
- FUTURE - What I'd like to do next/long-term
- ASK - What I want from the person I'm conversing with/writing to
Elevator Speech Best Practices:
- Have a few versions of your speech ready to go depending on who you intend to speak with/write to.
- Keep it to no more than a minute, 30 seconds is better
- Practice it with at least one person within 24 hours, keep practicing and always right before a networking event
- Check out this video or the one embedded below for more tips on preparing your speech:
Tool #2: LinkedIn Profile
- Relevant headline - Ideally a combination of degree and objective (if you are a student)
- Strong summary - Written version of your elevator speech
- Revised URL - Include your name and use on your email signature so that you won't have to "push" your resume on others. Make it easy for them to find you!
- Uploaded Resume - Experience listed in several short, but well thought out bullets that clearly describe what you did (even for someone who doesn't understand your work) and how you improved the organization
- Professional Photo - Face visible, dressed business casual or professional
What to do with LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is best used to identify "gatekeepers" individuals who can help you get connected to someone on the inside of an organization of interest. It's also a best practice to check out the profiles of individuals you plan to meet or interview with in advance so that you can prepare targeted questions and talking points (see this entry for more details). Another great use of LinkedIn is to view the online resumes of people in positions/companies of interest to get ideas on how to best tailor your resume, i.e., which jobs/internships/activities to highlight the transferable skills you bring to the table. Check out this blog entry for tips on using social media for your job search: People who Need People or the instructional LinkedIn videos I posted on YouTube.
Tool #3: Networking Map or List
I recently read an article that helped me better organize my own networking contacts. I shared it with the students and mentioned that each of their networking maps would be different , e.g., selecting a parent for one's operational network, while others may leverage parents as part of their developmental and/or strategic network. Same goes for friends, spouses, managers (if you have that sort of relationship with your boss), professional mentors, etc. Here's an overview of the three types of networks and who I include in mine:
Operational: People who help you to complete your day-to-day work (my assigned buddy, manager, HR business partners, business leaders, etc.)
Developmental: Trusted individuals you seek out for advice and to explore professional options (friends in related roles, former managers, my mom, my husband - #1)
Strategic: Sources who help you define what the future will bring and help you to prepare for and succeed in that future (former professors, contacts in professional associations, executive coaches I contract with in my role)
Source: "The Three Networks You Need" – Linda Hill & Kent Lineback
I recently heard a coach describe the concept of goal attainment in terms of hair maintenance: "lather, rinse, repeat." Use whatever mantra works for you - the point being that mastering the networking process is like developing any other skill - you prepare, practice, act, reflect and then do it all over again. You significantly increase your chances of success by leveraging an accountability partner, a friend, colleague, coach, or fellow job seeker who will help you make sure you stick to your action plan. Why do you think AA assigns each participant a sponsor?
Best of luck until next time. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving (for those of you in the U.S.)!
What's Your Dream?
I recently traveled to Ohio for my mom's 60th birthday. Returning home always prompts thoughts and conversation about my family members' career aspirations. Everyone's plans were fair game for on the spot career coaching this time around, including two close friends of mine from college who were part of the journey. When thinking about this topic, I recalled the final scene in the movie Pretty Woman. Check out this clip. If you don't want to break out the Kleenex, just fast forward to time code 1:40.
Although I was in suburban Cincinnati, not Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, all of my family members seemed to have some sort of dream. My petrol-engineering brother, nicknamed the "Petroleum Prince" by my east coast cousins, expressed a desire to move into a business-focused role. Given that I often work with high potential engineers transitioning into sales, marketing, or business development, I was all ears (maybe more mouth than ears if I am to be entirely honest with myself – but old family habits die hard, even in spite of professional training). My operations-focused brother quickly catapulted himself into a quality director role responsible for numerous manufacturing sites for his organization worldwide, on track for roles of increasing responsibility. He remained confidently casual about it, the consummate fraternity president, as my husband often refers to him.
My sisters-in-law are the smart ones though – already paving the way vocationally to be parents while simultaneously pursuing their passions. One of my sisters-in-law is moving into an account management role with a food distribution company, also focused on menu planning, her true passion and entrée into being an eventual working stay at home mom someday (planning meals for busy families in their area). My other sister-in-law has managed to carve out an ideal niche for herself, pursuing her passion of coaching basketball as the varsity coach at a local high school and managing four other coaches in the district. Between this role and the summer camps she coordinates and coaches for, she still gets to spend quality time with our super cute niece, pursue what she loves, and hone her management skills in the process.
This entry is not meant to be about balancing parenthood with a career. My point in bragging on my inherited family members is to illustrate the concept of "beginning with the end in mind" to quote the recently departed Stephen Covey with regard to his second of seven habits. My sisters-in-law know where they want to be in the long-term, or at least the foreseeable long-term. Perhaps more importantly, they are taking steps to get there.'
Seeing them in person reminded me to continue putting stakes in the ground to help me get closer to my own long-term career goal, becoming a sought after executive coach and adjunct faculty member at a university. I'm making progress with an executive coaching certification under my belt and a day job that involves developing leaders and high potentials. Fortunately, I've been recognized as an engaging training facilitator at work and a solid speaker by some of my former professors, with whom I am staying in touch. I am building up an arsenal of pragmatic content and cases that can first be deployed in a 3-hour leadership seminar and at some point a several credit hour course. I feel fortunate that helping others identify and pursue their career aspirations as a part of my job reminds me to focus on my own. What can you do to focus on yours once, once a month, or once a quarter?
To quote the late Covey again, "the best way to predict your future is to create it." What will you create?

subset: commoncrawl


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Singh's story is one of civic engagement. Singh's parents immigrated to Michigan from India in the 1960s for a better life and an opportunity for the American Dream. From an early age, Singh's parents taught him the value of giving back to the country that has given them so much. Singh took those lessons to heart, knowing how hard his parents worked to provide a good life for him and his brother.
Before serving in the Legislature, Singh was elected to the East Lansing City Council at age 24. During his 10 years on council and one term as mayor, Singh worked to strengthen ties with MSU, promote regional cooperation and support economic development. Singh also served as the president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association and, before being elected, worked on the New Economy Initiative, which supports moving Michigan to a knowledge-based economy with education and job training to ensure worker competitiveness, and helping new businesses and entrepreneurs create thousands of jobs. Singh is the first Indian-American state representative in Michigan. Singh and his wife, Kerry, live in East Lansing


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Dave's laptop dosn't support wifi.
This entry was posted on Saturday, July 2nd, 2005 at 2:45 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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Hexia From Home · Fagor S.Coop
- ID Magazine ServedProject Featured On:ID Magazine Served — 3/25/12
- HEXIA From Home.
A new Product Service System developed for FAGOR HOMETEK 2011. - Fagor Hexia is an interactive kitchen table which provides a complete shopping and nutrition service device. From it, you can manage your shoppings from home, saving a precious time to dedicate it to other atractive activities like prepare your favorite recipes.
- Fagor HEXIA Modes.
- HEXIA´s Shopping Management Software
Interactive, Intuitive and gestural - 1:1 Scale Model Developed for the public presentation of HEXIA,
and its Software´s advantages in Mondragon University . - A project developed by:
L.Mutio, E.Fernandez, J.Anakabe, E.Madariaga, O.Santamaria
Project carried out in the first course of the
Master in Design of Strategic Product and Associated Service of Mondragon University,
for FAGOR HOMETEK (2011)
All rights reserved.


text: On 10/13/07, Johannes Schindelin <email@example.com> wrote:Since no-one else has mentioned it, I -- and I suspect some others -- try to use the "beer round" model with FOSS. When I go out for drinks with people from work, I don't try and keep a precisely tally of who has bought a drink for me and so whom I shoud buy a drink, and worry about what how the accounting changes if me or someone goes home early. I generally take the view that all the imbalances will roughly balance out over the future. Sure you keep an eye out for complete freeloaders, but you don't get overexcited about a temporary imbalance. Likewise, I will sometimes make suggestions -- hopefully politely -- of various projects where my skills don't fit. (Eg, I'm not going to add non-trivial features to the git shell scripts because I just don't know non-trivial shell.) Hopefully some minor patch I've submitted somewhere has, possibly through helping someone else who's helped someone else.... , helped you some minuscule amount. I'm perfectly fine with someone politely saying "no developers are interested in this, so it won't happen if you don't implement it yourself", but when you accuse people who just bring up a possible feature of being free-loaders it makes them question whether other projects would be more productive places to spend one's time. It's the difference between being told "I suspect you'll have to do it yourself" and "how dare you even ask that! do it yourself!". -- cheers, dave tweed__________________________ email@example.com Rm 124, School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading. "we had no idea that when we added templates we were adding a Turing- complete compile-time language." -- C++ standardisation committee - To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe git" in the body of a message to firstname.lastname@example.com More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html


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Mecca & The Soul Brother: The 1992 CLASSIC jazzy soulful hip hop album from one of the best producers in hip hop! You get a whole 18 tracks ranging from laid back smooth molasses tracks to sing along party bouncers. How could ... read more Hip Hop (LP) 21.99 |


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The clouds have rolled in. I blame the boys from Cask Strength who arrived yesterday and surely brought the cold and fog with them.
After last night's pass out fest on the sofa, we were all up early (relatively) in order to arrive on time (relatively) to TWO (count them) two tastings: Bowmore at 11.30 and Kilchoman at high noon. After prepping another massive breakfast, Chef de mission Ben fired up the Malt Mobile for another high-speed tour through farm fields and past stretching coast line.
Tags: Feis Ile 2012, Islay Festival, whisky, peat, Bowmore, Kilchomen, Lagavulin, food, food matching, full, indigestion, Port Ellen, legends
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Dance Dance Revolution X openly celebrates the 10th anniversary of the title and features enhanced graphics, interactive gameplay, an incredible song selection and innovative new game modes. Among the game's described features include a new soundtrack with more than 70 songs, new continuous DJ mixes of multiple songs, a LAN battle mode for up to 8 players through LAN lines on the Playstation 2, a new Street Master mode details unique story lines for more than 10 characters in DDR X, DDR X allows for custom workout and fitness modes, new characters are introduced and Eye Toy support returns.
The Dance Dance Revolution DDR Ignition Super Sensitive Dance Pad Version 4.0 combines the best features of soft pads and hard pads, by incorporating ultra soft and durable materials for the the dance surface and non-slip grip bottoms for stability.
The Version 4.0 dance pad features the Super-Sensitive-No-More-Delay technology, which boosts the pad's responsiveness when you step on the pad, combined with eight super sensitive directional buttons and arcade sized circuitry, it will help you get the best score in the game.
The Version 4.0 dance pad includes one-inch foam inserts, which will eliminate stress from your feet, and let you play Dance Dance Revolution in comfort for hours. Therefore, the Dance Dance Revolution DDR Ignition Super Sensitive Dance Pad Version 4.0 is the DDR dance pad that you should definitely get! Look no further! Get it now!
Dance Pad Features:
Free Ground shipping only! - We will deduct the ground shipping charges when we process your order. Offer is valid within 48 states and does not apply to Canadian orders. Thanks!
We accept: Copyright © 2010 DDRAction.com. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. **Free Ground Shipping applies to shipments within 48 contiguous states only. Discount does not apply to shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or Canada. Price & Specification subject to change without notice. Secured Order by Yahoo Store.


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The reaction to Brett Favre's late interception against the Steelers was interesting. A lot of people blamed Favre, saying the ball was thrown too hard at close quarters. It fit neatly into the story line that Favre is an interception machine and is prone to the game-killing mistake.
I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder, but if you look at the video closely, it seems that Chester Taylor deserves the majority of the blame.
Take a look at the video and judge for yourself.
On the other hand, what about the "tackle" Favre attempted against Keyaron Fox on the return?
He appeared less than enthusiastic about the whole endeavor.
While we're reviewing tape, Sidney Rice's sideline catch was something to see.


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News, Business, Real Estate
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Comings & Goings: Pinkberry Debuts on Post Road East
Just in time for the coldest weather Westport has seen in three years, Pinkberry, a yogurt retailer, has opened at 111 Post Road East. Its website describes the franchise as "an innovative yogurt retailer that launched in West Hollywood, Calif. in 2005. Today, with more than 200 stores worldwide, Pinkberry is one of the world's fastest growing global retail brands and continues to lead the category." The Westport franchise owner is Jamie Karson, a former senior executive of the Steve Madden women's footwear company, who also owns Pinkberry stores in Fairfield and Greenwich and also plans to open one in New Haven, according to real estate broker Franco Fellah, who negotiated the lease. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
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Note: WestportNow Publisher Gordon F. Joseloff is also First Selectman of Westport


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From The Cutting Room Floor
0Jordan Baker, a Journalist at the Sunday Telegraph contacted us the other week about rise and popularity of Fetal Dopplers. Jordan had noticed that there was a trend in the United States of pregnant women using fetal Doppler's at home during their pregnancy.
Continue »Ugly Ted Easter Giveaway
1Ugly Ted Easter Giveaway Happy Harmony day! Visit http://www.harmony.gov.au/ for more details. Like Ugly Ted some of us feel like we don't fit it because we look different. We should embrace all our differences, and focus on our inner beauty, if only for one day, and make everyone feel like they belong. With the recent [...]
Continue »Michael Grose. Encouragement v Praise
0To encourage or to praise? That is the question. Is it a black and white issue, or are their shades of parenting grey? Read more.
Continue »Help ! I'm living in a house of Sleep Apnoiacs !!!
7Isn't genetics great? Well if you get the good traits handed down it is, but not so great if it's a sleep disorder.
For the benefit of those of you who haven't been following our journey. It first started with Kayla sleep, or should I say lack of sleep. Kayla has always had sleep issues, one being "rhythmic rocking motion sleep disorder", and about 2 years ago she was diagnosed with Moderate Sleep Apnoea. Since her diagnosis she has had her tonsils, and adenoids removed and are achieving a more restful sleep. She hasn't outgrown the body rocking, but other than her hair becoming matted in the morning, and that we won't be putting her in the top bunk as planned, I've been told not to be concerned. So I guess we'll be selling the bunk beds on eBay, and cutting all her hair off!
Continue »How will you be celebrating Valentine's Day?
0Do you remember when you were dating, and your partner would get you something amazing for Valentine's Day. And you would also get taken out on a date. I'm pretty sure most men hate Valentine's Day as it has become so commercialised and flowers are so expensive on the day.
Continue »Win a Christmas Pack valued over $160!
14Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with our families and we would love to know how you plan to spend it for a chance to win a wonderful Christmas pack valued over $160+
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Historic Atascadero City Hall
Grand Opening
The City of Atascadero is pleased to announce two special grand opening celebrations as the doors to the Historic Rotunda building are scheduled to officially re-open as the City Administration Building. This magnificent structure is a significant part of Atascadero's history. After sustaining significant damage in the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, it has now been completely restored and retrofitted, and is truly a historic masterpiece on California's Central Coast. The final detailing is being completed, and the doors will re-open to the public this August. The ceiling of the lower rotunda is just one example of the grandeur of this building – it is captivating, with the original ornamental ceiling now colorfully painted to create depth, enhance the details and add artistic charm to the space. The building is truly a masterpiece that the public is encouraged to visit once it is open.
Mayor Tom O'Malley states that the City has "literally built the foundation for the Centennial Celebration and is paving the way to a successful future for our City". He continues, "The rehabilitation of this truly beautiful and historic building, which is a tangible link to our past and the founding of this community, is something we're extremely proud of. On behalf of the entire council, I can state that we are very happy to be able to once again share it with the public that it was always intended to serve".
The first scheduled Grand Opening event is a very special preview, termed "An Elegant Evening at the Rotunda", which will take place the evening of Friday, August 2nd. The Elegant Evening is a unique opportunity for guests to experience the beautiful Historic City Hall before the furniture and City staff has moved back in. As guests embark on a special tour of each room of the building, they will participate in a progressive dinner, experiencing a different course in each wing of the building, with dessert in the upper rotunda. This is a semi-formal event with a special program, silent auction and dancing. Tickets are $100 per person with proceeds from this event benefitting the historic Fountain Restoration Project.
Quantities for tickets to the Elegant Evening are limited and may be purchased starting Wednesday, May 1st at the current City Hall located at 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
After the Elegant Evening Grand Opening Preview, City staff and services will begin the herculean task of moving back into the building. Once the furniture and staff are in place, the City Administration will officially open to the public with a daylong Grand Opening celebration on Tuesday, August 20th. This event will start off with a ribbon cutting and opening ceremony at 10 am. The public will be free to tour the building at their leisure; staff and docents will be available to answer questions about the history and restoration.
The Atascadero Historical Society will have items on permanent display in the Historic City Hall. Those community members that are not able to attend the Grand Opening on August 20th are encouraged to schedule a tour at a future time. The opening of this building is expected to revitalize a significant part of the City's downtown core. As tourism in this area continues to grow, the opening of the Historic Rotunda is also an opportunity for visitors to the area to experience a charming part of local history.
A few of the last historic elements yet to be restored are the outdoor fountains that grace the four corners of the building. Original to the structure, they were converted to planters decades ago. The goal of the Fountain Restoration Project is to return them to their original function as beautiful fountains once again. Donations will be accepted towards the fountain restoration project. Additionally, all funds received through June 1, from the City's ongoing "Buy a Brick" campaign go toward the Fountain Restoration Project.
It is an additional pleasure to announce that these celebrations are part of the Atascadero Centennial Celebration, marking 100 years since the Colony of Atascadero was founded by E.G. Lewis. For details on these special events, please call 805-461-5000 or visit www.atascadero.org.
Address: 6907 El Camino Real
Phone: (805) 461-5000
Fax: (805) 461-7612
Contact Page: www.atascadero.org/contactus
Address: 5505 El Camino Real
Phone: (805) 461-5051
Fax: (805) 461-3702
Website: www.atascadero.org/Police
Address: 6005 Lewis Ave
Phone: (805) 461-5070
Fax: (805) 466-2907
Website: www.atascadero.org/Fire
Address: 5599 Traffic Way
Phone: (805) 470-3360
Fax: (805) 461-7612
Website: www.atascadero.org/communitycenter
Address: 9315 Pismo Ave
Phone: (805) 461-5005
Fax: (805) 461-5026
Website: www.paviliononthelake.com
Address: 9305 Pismo Ave
Phone: (805) 461-5080
Fax: (805) 461-7625
Website: www.charlespaddockzoo.org
Address: 8005 Gabarda Rd
Phone: (805) 461-5000
Fax: (805) 461-5022
Website: www.atascadero.org/wwtp
6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 | Tel: (805) 461-5000 | Fax: (805) 461-7612 | © 2011 - City of Atascadero


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The Vice-Chair Erwin Ortiz (Bolivia) noted that if consensus can be achieved on the GM, other issues will be solved automatically. The Secretariat introduced the compilation text (A/AC.241/43), which is divided into three sections: delegates' statements at INCD-7 and subsequent submissions; an analysis of the relevant articles of the CCD with a matrix outlining arrangement by the types of Parties; and an appendix grouping possible functions of the GM. Delegates should bear in mind that: the compilation from statements and submissions do not cover the procedures of selecting the institution; the matrix is a summary and certain nuances in the Article may have been lost; the summaries are not substitutes for the articles; and an attempt is made to match each function with Article 21.
PROCEDURE OF WORK: The Vice-Chair suggested considering the functions of the GM contained in the Appendix and then defining what mandate to give to the host institution. Following several interventions the Group agreed to have informal discussions.
Costa Rica, on behalf of the G-77 and China, said the Group will set up a drafting group to present its views that could also be used at INCD-9. The UK suggested that the Working Group should first agree on the core functions of the GM and then identify secondary activities, based on the capacity of the selected host. Cameroon, on behalf of Africa, noted that the compilation text serves as a reference, not a working document. More information is needed from the institutions interested in hosting the GM before the Secretariat can prepare the working document. France supported the UK and Cameroon on the status of the document, but said care is needed in analyzing the needs of different Parties by taking into account what is done in other multilateral and bilateral institutions involved in combating desertification.
FUNCTIONS OF THE GLOBAL MECHANISM: Costa Rica, on behalf of the G-77 and China, said a detailed analysis of the roles, functions and mode of operations is needed. Cameroon noted that the GM should be operational. The GM's key role is to mobilize, not distribute resources, which responsibility is the COP's but this role is missing in the document. Colombia and Algeria said the scope of GM functions can still be broadened.
The US said there is need to explore the core functions of the GM. The ideas reflected in the reporting function, advisory function (a) sub-paragraph (iv) and the informal functions, with the exception of paragraph (e), are encompassed in Article 21. It is unclear whether the other proposals are core functions. Article 21.7 suggests that the first three years are a pilot phase. Switzerland agreed with Canada that the GM's role is promoting mobilization of resources, but mobilizing is the role of Parties.
Germany said in addition to comparing the proposals to the CCD, some questions include what is potentially available and disbursed, the greatest needs to be funded and the regions donors are interested in. Gambia said the idea is not to add to the main GM functions but to discuss how those functions can be achieved. Senegal said the "inter alia" in Article 21.5 does not exclude promoting actions and channeling resources. India, supported by China and Argentina, said mobilization and channeling are the key functions, but they are not adequately covered in the appendix. India added that facilitating and coordinating functions have many facets that the Appendix mentions only briefly.
HOST INSTITUTION: Costa Rica, on behalf of the G-77 and China, stated that UNDP and IFAD should be requested to submit a document on their respective arrangements to host the GM and how they could operate together. Sudan noted that combining the abilities of IFAD and UNDP would be implementing the CCD partnership approach.


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When it comes to the Internet, we're creatures of habit – Google for search, Hotmail for email, Twitter to stay in touch and maybe the BBC's website for news.
This means that we use only a handful of favourite sites, leaving the rest of the Internet unvisited. Let's put that right. By the time you've finished reading, we promise that your list of bookmarked sites will have ballooned and you'll be getting more from your surfing.
Software and tools
1. ThinkFree Office is a powerful suite of productivity apps that includes a robust word processor, spreadsheet and presentation tool. The suite has subtle touches such as an inline spell-checker, and you can work offline if the Internet goes down. There's also support for 11 languages and helpful PDF export capability. Most importantly, you can share documents with other users and work on files collaboratively. The suite is free if you can live with 1GB of storage, or upgrade for a nominal fee to a premium account.
2. Zoho is a highly useful web portal for being productive on the go. More than just a word processor and task manager, Zoho has a multitude of small web apps for taking notes, storing contact information and project management. There's even a web conferencing tool. APIs are available for the web services in Zoho's word processor and spreadsheet, too. There's also a slideshow creator so that you can make calls from another website – for example, an accounting site could read tables from a Zoho spreadsheet. The site is one of the first to support VB macros and the document mark-up language LaTeX.
3. It's time to ditch Microsoft Excel. EditGrid is powerful enough for basic number crunching without the extensive pivot table and worksheet functions. Its main strength, unsurprisingly, comes in how you can format cells, with image includes, JavaScript calls and a data exchange between spreadsheets and even between the spreadsheets hosted by other users. There's a plugin that reads Excel data, templates, mash-up features for integrating data from websites like Yahoo! Finance and plenty of text formatting options. Registration is quick and there are three pricing plans: one free account, a premium account for just a few dollars per month and a multi-user company plan. Unfortunately, it does not work in Internet Explorer 6.
4. Web project management has taken a beating these last few years, especially since tools like www.basecamphq.com stress simplicity over actual features. Clarizen is easy to use and runs fast on a 3Mbps connection on a 64-bit 3GHz Vista PC, but it also has deeper features. For example, you can update your task list by sending an email to the project inbox. (You can also request a daily task list by sending an email.)
5. The original idea for SlideShare came when co-founder Jonathan Boutelle was at a conference and saw how attendees were easily sharing large videos and photo collections online, but had to physically pass around USB keys to distribute sales presentations. He created SlideShare as a way to host and store PowerPoint files. It has became incredibly popular.
6. It may not have the flare and design of Microsoft Visio, but the online flow-charting program known as Gliffy certainly has an expansive set of features. There are icons for networking, office design and organisation charts to help you put some order around any idea. Line connectors automatically snap into place, or avoid certain shapes when you move them around the screen – a powerful programming trick, especially since the site does not use any plug-ins or require you to download any software.
for more,,,, : Techradar (http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/50-websites-you-ll-wonder-how-you-lived-without-477214)


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ExOfficio Give-N-Go® Boxer Brief
- 5 stars 93%
- 4 stars 4%
- 3 stars 2%
- 2 stars 0%
- 1 star 0%
- ExOfficio Men's Size Chart
- Underwear born to travel, the Give-N-Go® Boxer Brief just needs a quick sink wash and it's ready for another day of adventure.
- Form fit is snug, but not tight, for next-to-the-skin support.
- Stretch diamond-weave mesh fabric is highly breathable and dries quickly.
- Aegis® Microbe Shield™ treatment eliminates odor-causing bacteria
- Novelty elastic waist provides a comfortable fit.
- Functional fly.
- 94% nylon, 6% spandex.
- Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.
- Imported.
- View This Model's Measurements
- If you're not fully satisfied with your purchase, you are welcome to return any unworn and unwashed items with tags intact and original packaging included.
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ExOfficio clothing is completely geared and committed to all your outdoor needs, which is why the UV protection is so vital in choosing products. Not to mention that ExOfficio knows how much you move during your adventures, which is why the odor-resistant Give-N-Go stretch performance underwear is made of superfine mesh and can be worn and worn.
In 2003, ExOfficio was the first company to introduce insect repellent clothing to the country, this is a combination of innovative sun protection and insect repellent treatments resulting in the ultimate sun protection. Your clothing needs for outdoor, travel, fly-fishing and much more will be covered with ExOfficio and its promise to high quality and continued innovative products.
Customer Reviews
ExOfficio Give-N-Go® Boxer Brief
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I bought these boxer briefs to go on a 4 day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. I wanted something non-cotton that would hold up for the entire trip. Weight is a big issue so I didn't want to bring multiple pairs of underwear. They held up great! Very comfortable with extended use (I did wash them every day) and the material didn't hold moisture or bunch up like cotton does so I had no issues with friction, rashes, etc. I am a bigger guy (6' 270 lbs.) and these are the best underwear I've used for heavy physical activity. No cons, all pros. Plus I made the decision to buy them only two days before I left on the trip and Zappos had them to me the next day!
- Eric P - customer
- from Las Vegas, NV
- October 2, 2010
This is the best underwear that I have ever owned. It is quick drying and they protect my inner thigh from chafe (pardon the bluntness). I have been traveling around the Americas for over two years and I am quite happy with the original two pairs I own, just bought my third.
- LostWorld L - customer
- February 26, 2012
I have tried most of the high dollar underwear, 1-2 pair at a time. I am not a fan of low rise drawers. These do not ride up, and they do not stretch out. The sizing is very true. In my opinion they are the best of the best. I am now the proud owner of a dozen pair!
- Hershel C - customer
- from New Mexico
- February 22, 2012
The boxer brief is just as its described. Very nice fit and the material is very comfortable. I bought 2 pair and a few weeks later bought 2 more pair.
- Ray - customer
- from Charlotte, NC
- January 2, 2012
I think underwear fit is unique to different people. For the last 15 years I have worn nothing but Calvin Kleins three button flys as they fit me very well. I ordered one pair of these to test a new make and they fit great. I have since ordered several pair. They are comfortable, wash easily, and great during exercise.
- Anonymous - customer
- from Los Angeles, ca
- November 11, 2011


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The organisation that represents rank and file police officers has said it stands ready to help the new police and crime commissioners.
Elections for the new positions in England and Wales will be held today.
PCCs will replace the current system where police authorities have political control over 41 individual forces.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation for England and Wales, told Central Lobby, that the new commissioners "will be in place by Friday and we will work with them and try to ensure we can assist them with our experience".
"It is for government to decide how we should be held to account and they have gone down the route of PPCs," he said.
"It is important that the local federations engage with the PCCs at the earliest opportunity and assist them to form their view of the force, with the limited resources they will have.
"It is a huge role and they are going to need all the help they can get. They are going to have to set budgets and commission services.
"Some will be up to speed straight away and understand the dynamics of how we work. There will be others that will need a lot of help. We hope they will listen those of us who do understand the service and who understand policing."
Mr McKeever added:
"We try to be positive and look for the best, and faced with the reality of something that is coming, we have to make sure it works for the best possible way so that people get the best policing."
Prime minister David Cameron says the new PCCs will give people "their own law and order champion - one person who sets the budgets, sets the priorities; hires and fires the chief constable; bangs heads together to get things done".
"If you want more tough policing, you can get it," he said.
"If you want coppers who are on the beat, on your street, cracking down on antisocial behaviour, focusing on the things you care about, then don't just talk about it, get out on 15 November and vote for it."


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Government loses Equality Bill faith proposals
LONDON (Reuters) - The House of Lords has blocked elements of the government's Equality Bill which church groups said could have exposed them to legal challenges if they refused to hire homosexuals or transsexuals.
The government, under pressure to conform to a European Commission directive, denied it was changing the churches' special exemption status, saying it wanted to clarify the existing law.
Churches and faith groups said the proposed amendments lacked sufficient legal clarity, and made them vulnerable to lawsuits.
The Church of England called for a return to the status quo which allows it to reject candidates for senior lay or unordained posts such as senior youth workers or pastoral assistants if they cannot demonstrate an ability to "live a life consistent with the ethos of the religion, as well as sharing the faith."
The proposed changes, which would not have affected ministers or priests, were defeated in three successive votes in the upper house late on Monday.
The bill looks set to be debated further, but without the proposed religious amendments.
"We are pleased that the Lords appreciated the potential problems for churches," a spokesman for the CoE told Reuters.
The National Secular Society had warned before the debate that it would complain to the EC if the government "gave in to religious pressure."
The government Equalities Office said in a statement: "We're disappointed by the outcome of (the) vote in the Lords, and are considering next steps."
(Editing by Steve Addison)
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Užsakykite internetu arba skambinkite:
8800 31320 NEMOKAMAI iš fiksuotojo ryšio telefonoĮ skambučius atsiliepiama anglų ir rusų kalbomis. Anglų kalba: visą parą, kiekvieną dieną. Rusų kalba: nuo pirmadienio iki penktadienio, 08:00–17:00 žiemos laiku, 09:00–18:00 vasaros laiku
Gali būti taikomas papildomo asmens mokestis, kurio dydis priklauso nuo viešbučio taisyklių.
Registruojantis būtinas valstybės išduotas tapatybės dokumentas su nuotrauka ir kredito kortelė arba grynųjų pinigų įmoka nenumatytiems mokesčiams.
Jei yra, specialūs pageidavimai pateikiami registruojantis ir už juos gali būti taikomas papildomas mokestis. Specialių pageidavimų įgyvendinimas negarantuojamas.
Šis viešbutis nesiūlo jokių priemonių neįgaliesiems. Pasirinkite kitą viešbutį, jei norite užsisakyti kambarius su priemonėmis neįgaliesiems.
vietos restoranas – restoranas, kurio specializacija yra ant grotelių kepti patiekalai ir kuriame siūlomi pusryčiai, priešpiečiai, pietūs ir gėrimai. Svečiai gali mėgautis gėrimais bare. Svečiai gali mėgautis ypatingų kainų valandomis.
Svečiai gali mėgautis ypatingų kainų valandomis.
Svečiai gali mėgautis ypatingų kainų valandomis.
Svečiai gali mėgautis ypatingų kainų valandomis.
Svečiai gali mėgautis ypatingų kainų valandomis.
Galimas kambarių aptarnavimas visą parą.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness facility.
Gali būti taikomas papildomo asmens mokestis, kurio dydis priklauso nuo viešbučio taisyklių.
Registruojantis būtinas valstybės išduotas tapatybės dokumentas su nuotrauka ir kredito kortelė arba grynųjų pinigų įmoka nenumatytiems mokesčiams.
Jei yra, specialūs pageidavimai pateikiami registruojantis ir už juos gali būti taikomas papildomas mokestis. Specialių pageidavimų įgyvendinimas negarantuojamas.
"ok for the price..problems with bed selection"
Booked this hotel for myself and my partner as we were visiting my parents nearby..selected queen bed ( as opposed to twin beds) on hotels.com website. When we arrived in our room it had twin beds so rang reception and the young girl said that they had no rooms left with a double bed..she wasn't at all interested or apologetic, and when i asked how […] could we have chosen a double bed on the website if it wasn't actually available at the hotel..she just said she 'didn't know how hotels.com website works ?! For a budget hotel, it's nice,clean and worth the money but owners may want to invest in some customer service training for their staff and also look at links to booking websites which allow selection of bedrooms which are not available. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Shower was cold but the maintenance man arrived within minutes of our call to reception.Will definately stay at this hotel again, as I travel from Cornwall and have family in Leigh,Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Fantastic service"
ideal for our needs--great service & nice pub nearbyTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"sleepless nights"
the hotel is quite nice realy, but dont let this decieve you, every door bangs loudly, the sporting location means large groups of energetic teenagers are staying for sporting events and they dont sleep, they run up and down between each others rooms most of the night & while they dont sleep, You Dont Sleep, I can Only advise that you should not be […] tempted to stay here on business travel, If of course you are booking for a coach tour of sporty teenagers the place will provide a playground for you with exelent facilitys. thats just what they do here. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"perfect for legoland manchester and getting in/out"
Really good hotel - great value for money - stayed with a friend and our 4 children and have no complaints.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Park inn by Radisson Leigh"
A one night stay. Hotel easy to find good location . Pub supermarket and petrol station near by. Staff friendly . Rooms clean. Overall no complaints .Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Not as convenient to Manchester airport as thought"
Hotel was very modern and clean, no complaints at all.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"excellent hotel"
Myself and my husband stayed overnite our stay was excellentTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Great location and facilities"
Very clean and modern. Food was lovely. Great location. Plenty of free parking, which was nice. Service wasn't brilliant, but I put that down to a lack of staff as opposed to the actual staff themselves.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Great hotel!!"
Loved the stay. We stopped over here before reaching our final destination and the hotel staff were great. Hotel was clean and the gym was well equipt. Nice rooms.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Excellent value"
Stayed here for 2 nights so we could visit friends nearby. Very impressed with the ease of finding it, pleasant staff, tidy, clean and modern surroundings with comfortable rooms. Only ate breakfast there but the choice was excellent, albeit a bit busy and noisy as there were a few groups of children staying there whilst taking in nearby sporting events. […] Will certainly recommend the hotel to others and will be watching avidly for future offers. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Very enjoyable stayTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Good value hotel"
Clean, comfortable room. Good and quick room service. Good service. Only bad thing was very low shower pressure in the morning.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"conveniently located but..."
soulless with very uncomortable bed, but conveniently locatedTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Remand center"
The hotel was full of Teenagers visiting the adjacent sports village.Very rowdy at night.Did not feel safe.Hotel not very interestingTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"All good apart from the bed!!"
It was a clean modern spacious hotel with good parking. It shares its location with a Morrisons and Leigh Rugby Club. The breakfast was good. The downside was the matress. We spent the night clinging on to the side to stop us rolling into each other! One other unfortunite thing was that there was a coach full of teenage boys staying there. They were […] running up and down the corridors, shuting their rooms doors and shouting until the early hours. I accept this isn't the norm but along with the dodgy bed didn't leave us feeling refreshed next morning! Having said that considering the price paid I would stay again. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Close to my venue"
Excellent and comfortable. Nice clean rooms, every thing one wants fro a short stay.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Make sure you get a decent bed"
Lovely hotel and very clean, just one problem. The bed was awful, we rolled together and it had absolutely no support. We complained in the morning only to be told " that room shouldn't of been allocated to anyone as the mattress needs changing"! How very annoying. I sent an email to the hotel and they have offered us a room at half price, so we will […] be going again. Hopefully with a decent bed. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Reasonable Hotel For The Price"
Receptions was quick and polite. Room was clean & adequate. The bar area was nice and well laid out, and the restaurant was reasonably priced and the food was good. Nothing to make this hotel stand out - but nothing to knock it for either. Overall pretty good, I would and will stay again.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Still needs a little work on the finishing touches"
Upon arrival after a lenthy journey it was evident the receptionist was not the most welcoming, that said the hotel itself is very nice and the bar, restauraunt and morning reception staff were polite and professional. The room on the whole was tidy and nicely decorated however I booked a double room and ended up with a twin room (I could have changed […] I suspect but after a four hour journey I didnt want to lug everything back to reception and then off to another room. Sound proofing is generally ok - however I did suffer being next to the stair well with the fire doors slamming shut. This can however be easily rectified - hence the overall score of 4 rather than 3. Skaityti daugiauTikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"Great stopover point"
The hotel location was great for us. Very presentable and all areas very clean and tidy. Staff were very pleasant and helpful. The comfort of the bed was a little lacking, however in all other areas, a great place to stop.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Hotel was fine Bed a little bit uncomfortableTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Good place to stay"
I thought the hotel was very good, and would certainly stay again.Tikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"park inn"
Good hotel , very friendly staff .I would recommend this hotel .Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Nice clean hotel with comfy room, seemed to be short on staff but all were very friendly and helpfulTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"great staff, great service."
it was a lovely hotet, the staff were very accomodating. it was clean & had everything we requiredTikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"Good value hotel"
Arrived late and left early so can only comment on the room which was large and comfortable with enormous walk in shower. Small stain on the carpet in one spot but otherwise perfectly clean.Tikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"Curious menu"
The room was very comfortable and well-equipped. The shower was very powerful and the bed comfortable. The only downside was the evening menu which was not as advertised on the website. We were given a choice of five mains, two of which were fish, one burger, chicken with onion rings? and carbonnara. Most peoplpe chose the carbonnara which was well […] cooked but was mostly pasta and very little ham. The neighbouring table had steak but I asked and was told that I had to choose off the limited menu. I thought this odd and it spoiled my stay a little but I would be willing to give the hotel another go as evrything else was fine Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Excellent facilities"
Excellent facilities - much better than the Holiday Inn that I normally use in the area (and much better value for money). Will be using this hotel again!!Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"park inn plus points..."
A modern hotel which served us well... The room was very clean and comfortable with a great shower... and, after waiting two hours to get back after the Stone Roses gig at Heaton Park...a very welcome sight!Tikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"Extremely clean hotel"
Was shocked at how nice and clean a hotel it was. Would definitely stay there again. My only complaint was that we had an uncomfortable bed, but I think it was just an issue with the room we stayed in.Tikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
Staff were helpful but the staff member we spoke to about local buses did not have the level of knowledge expected from hotel staff, given that, she did try.Tikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
It's an amazing hotel, only thing negative I can say is that it rained that night and I was on the first floor and there was a shelter roof below my window, you could hear water dripping from the top somewhere on to this shelter and it was very loud, did not sleep a wink and the window was also shut tight therefore can't understand how the sound came […] through, I'd advise a room on second or 3rd floor other than that a great, clean and affordable hotel Skaityti daugiauTikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"My stay at the Park Inn in Leigh"
Bed was very soft and as a couple we just kept falling in the middle. The room staff were very generous and accommodating with the room cleaned and replenished each day despite the fact we left the room late in the morning or afternoon on one day. The food was quite expensive but adequate.Tikri "Expedia" svečių atsiliepimai
"Park Inn Leigh lancashire"
Very clean & tidy, staff helpful if sometimes a little unsure of their information. Drinks reasonable price. Breakfast a bit pricey.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"hotel leigh lans"
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Park Inn Leigh"
I stayed for one night for work so was a single female travellor. I was tired and so wanted evening room service which all arrived well cooked and presented etc. I had an early morning start for work on Sunday and so hung the breakfast in room card on the door and ticked the slot for 6.30 - 7am at 7.15am I telephoned reception as my breakfast had not […] arrived, I was told there had been problems with ovens however when my breakfast finally arrived I was told that the staff are not available on a Sunday so I should have been told my breakfast would be late. The breakfast also was incomplete with no museli and cold toast too so not a very good start to my Sunday. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Leigh Park Inn Radisson"
This hotel was great for our purpose of visiting family in the area. Clean, tidy and quite spacious for the three of us in one room. Though I would say for a brand new hotel some of the corridors had been battered a bit. Once the building developments in the area are completed this will be a great location. Though to be fair we had no disturbance […] from any plant vehicles or building noise whilst we were there. Room service was reasonabilly priced, good, quick and served piping hot. Car Parking was free which after spending a fortune at other hotels was a welcome relief. A short walk along the canel to the Country Park. Only a 5 minute drive into Leigh and the same down to the East Lancs (A580) to Manchester or Liverpool. Sports Stadium over the road for those wishing to watch the local events and supermarket being developed. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Park Inn Leigh Excellent"
Excellent accomodation for the price, staff very friendly. Brilliant location as behind hotel was a country park good for entertaining little ones.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šis svečias nekomentavoTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Good all rounder"
better than basic good decor,comfort,could do with more refreshments in room we asked for more and they were delivered straight away.so good service.Have stayed twice now and will stay again.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Park Inn, Leigh"
My first vacation in a Park Inn Hotel. A pleasant stay at a nice hotel with friendly staff.Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Pa\rk Inn, Leigh -"
I use this hotel fairly often and enjoy the stay. Friendly staff on reception and always a pleasant atmosphere. Through experience I now rarely eat in the hotel, having found service on the slow side and the food a little "fussy". I tend to take a ten minute walk for something to eat and a less expensive pint!Tikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
This was the fist time we had used this holtel, and found it suited our needs. The room was clean and spacious. The hotel is close to the East Lancs Road, and provides easy access to Liverpool, Manchester, and Bolton. We used the hotel as we were visiting relatives, and would definately stay here again, and hopefully stay in the same room, as the wet […] room shower was fabulous. Skaityti daugiauTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
"Will gladly stay again every time I visit my mum"
Fantastic hotel very clean bed comfy bathroom perfect cant complain about anything except the price of breakfast was but we went down the rd to Sainsbury 's where it was much more realistic but we will now always stay there when I visit my mum very central location very impressedTikras "Hotels.com" svečio atsiliepimas
Šioje svetainėje pateikiamos apžvalgos ir įvertinimai yra subjektyvi klientų ir paslaugų teikėjų nuomonė; tai neatspindi "Hotels.com" požiūrio. Nei "Hotels.com", nei apžvalgų turinį teikiančios šalys neatsako už jokią žalą, patirtą naudojant šias apžvalgas.


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Working K-9 military dogs are an incredible force multiplier. Simply put, they can do things that humans cannot. Besides being faster and more agile, they are amazing at tracking while remaining stealthy. More specifically, the Special Operation Forces working dogs are truly America's Tier One K9′s.
According to the Warrior Dog Foundation, each entity of SOF employs a Multi Purpose Canine program. These dogs train in nearly every aspect imaginable. The MPC's have the ability to sniff out IED's and other explosives as well as pick out the scent of an insurgent from several hundred meters away. These incredible animals are usually the ones helping us, but this time they need our help and this is where the Warrior Dog Foundation comes in.
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The MOF&G Online |
Editorials -- June 2005Passion, and PatienceIn the spring we are filled with optimism, and we tend to think that what we do will succeed, and last. Each time we plant a tree, we want it to grow and thrive. I know when I plant an apple or pear in my small orchard, I've thought about my daughters, and beyond, as potential eaters, long after I'm gone. With a tree, it's easy to visualize that long-term growth, and its potential use and impact. Yet it may be the small seeds we continually plant that really have the significant impact over time. This is true in the physical sense, in our farms and gardens, and perhaps even truer in the world of ideas. Here in Maine we have reached a point where organic, and local, are considered real and viable options for farmers across most of the state. This is the result of over 30 years of hard work by thousands of MOFGA members, and many thousands of the people who eat the food grown by these same farmers. But for those of you who are, like me, reaching the point in life when tangible results are greatly appreciated, sometimes it's hard to remain patient-particularly with issues such as genetic engineering and fossil fuel energy depletion. Consider genetic engineering (GE): For a decade, MOFGA has been advocating for labeling of GE foods, for a statewide moratorium on growing GE foods, for actions that would take Maine off this track where everyone is apparently supposed to grow and eat GE foods, whether they choose to or not. So far the only Legislative movement on this issue in Maine has been a law that requires sellers of GE seed to provide information to farmers to minimize cross-contamination, a law that the Department of Agriculture interprets more casually than we do. This year the department sent a letter to several communities saying that "GMO-Free" ordinances that the towns were considering would violate the state's Right to Farm Law. The department said explicitly that growing crops with GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is a "best management practice." Here's a place where progress is slow. The Department of Agriculture doesn't see the opportunities for a Maine that differs from the rest of the country, on genetic engineering or marketing strategies. Consider energy: Kamyar Enshayan, a long-ago MOFGA apprentice, recently wrote a short book (reviewed in this issue of The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener) about issues that will arise as fossil fuel energy becomes less available and less affordable. This is just the latest in a series of books and articles that flag energy as one essential building block for a sustainable society. Here's a place where MOFGA has been involved for decades, yet we know that here is an opportunity and a challenge, not just for agriculture, but for our entire society. Consider old, and new, farmers: Eventually, the decisions of thousands of farmers, and tens of thousands of Maine citizens, will shape our neighborhoods, our communities, and our state. My neighbor up the hill, Clyde Clough, kept fields open for decades when he could have sold his land. This fall I picked a few apples at the top of Clyde's field--apples that John Bunker identified after last fall's Apple Day as 'Danvers Early Winter Sweet' and 'Munson Sweet,' two cultivars that have fallen out of commercial availability. Clyde's father, and grandfather, planted these trees, and kept them growing for decades. They had no expectation that their trees might be the last of these trees in Maine-yet they kept them going. That continuity is a part of what we all hope for-and need to support and develop. Though Clyde died this winter, these apples can be propagated and distributed now - because of that family's persistence through more than a century. Two ridges to the west, in Fayette, my friend Andrew Weegar was busy restoring and rebuilding an old farm, bringing in cattle and pigs and turkeys, bringing new life to a farm that had started to fade. Andrew died in a tractor accident in April. Yet the fields are newly fenced, the barn has a new foundation, and the woods have been thinned. He sawed curly maple boards that will become furniture, and that furniture will last for decades to come. Sometimes energy and passion, not longevity, make things happen. Because it's spring, because we want to plant seeds and see them grow, we are in the position of using our energy and passion, while we hope for the persistence and long-term commitments that can never be absolutely assured. How can we make that happen? We really can't. All we can do is trust that the steps we take today will lead us in a good and right direction. I was struck a few years ago when I read that one planting of lilies of the valley was estimated to be 670 years old, as the clonal descendents of the original plants spread outward. That's the kind of long-term impact that happens when we keep working with passion-and patience.
--Russell Libby We Are the Consequences of Our ActionsIn at least one of his many books on the nature of life, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh writes of the "Five Remembrances." Number five is my favorite: "My actions are my only true belongings. I can not escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand." Though intended for everyone, these words have special significance for the farmer and gardener who is making compost, tilling soil, planting seeds, digging weeds, spreading mulch, harvesting crops. The plants know when those actions are skillful and well timed. And they know when they are not. The seed itself may possess the ultimate miracle within, but we as farmers and gardeners play a leading role. Without us there won't be much of a crop. Those of us who grow our own food are ourselves quite literally the consequences of our actions. What we grow --and how we grow it-- becomes us. How we raise the plants and livestock on our farms defines who we are in the most physical sense. But, this is not quite simply, "you are what you eat." This process begins many steps before making a selection from the supermarket shelf. This is not about one particular behavior, but about many. Those of us who raise trees or perennials or livestock get to see the remarkable results of past ventures expand like the rings of rippled water when the pebble is tossed. Whips become trees; calves become cows; a rooted cutting becomes an arbor of grapes; a few small crowns become a mass of flowers in spring or summer. Reminders of the consequences of actions I took decades ago are now sprinkled throughout our farm. It's rather mind-boggling to plant a tree half the thickness of a magic marker and then find yourself one day dangling high off the ground picking apples. All of us today are living with -and in many case enjoying-- the consequences of small decisions made by farmers generations ago. I wonder what my life would be like if Nathaniel Haskell had not discovered the wild seedling apple 215 years ago that came to be known as Black Oxford. Who would we be without the collective efforts of countless farmers over the millennia. Would we be eating wheat, rice, corn? Of course not all consequences are entirely pleasant. I'm still living with the consequences of the day I planted comfrey on my farm. And horseradish. And sometimes I cringe at pruning cuts I made way back when. I can remember standing with my pruning saw in front of one tree, immobilized with fear. As I look at it now, I wish I hadn't made that cut. (Well, it lived.) Someone many years ago planted autumn olive up on Turner Ridge. Everyone on this side of town is living with that one. Not to mention the farming practices that led to -among other things-- the "Dust Bowl." We all live downstream, as they say. But rather than use the Fifth Remembrance as another excuse to blame someone else, let the past serve as an inspiration. How we treat our own gardens and our own yards; how we support local farmers; how we plant and maintain MOFGA's Common Ground in Unity; how we steward our state: All these actions will have consequences themselves. This is where each of us makes a difference. What we do now will affect generations to come. Perhaps each of us as a farmer or gardener can be the model of Thich Nhat Hanh's Fifth Remembrance for the rest of the world. Each seed we poke into the soil can be like the pebble tossed into the pond.
--John Bunker, MOFGA president Let the Biological Revolution Bloom!A complex biological revolution is ready to blossom-and just in time, as the dinosaur, oil-fueled revolution approaches extinction. The flame kindled by cheap oil won't burn much longer, and its demise is actually a good thing, potentially saving us from global warming and pollution…not to mention war. At MOFGA's Spring Growth conference in March, Fred Kirschenmann described one aspect of the coming biological revolution: the mycorrhizal connections that thrive in a forest when we begin to understand nature, stand back, stop interfering, and let her grow. A 1997 article by S. W. Simord et al. in Nature (388), said Kirschenmann, showed that photosynthates from healthy forest trees growing in full sunlight at the edge of the forest travel via mycorrhizal fungal 'bridges' until they reach and nourish shaded, weaker trees within the forest-even trees of differing species; and a 1998 article by T. Helgason et al. in Nature (394) noted that these mycorrhizal bridges also grow about 60 km into the field-if plowing, fertilizing and fungicides don't stop them. Studying, understanding and enabling Nature's complex web of life to thrive will be one key to our survival. Not oversimplifying Nature as we gain the ability to manipulate her will be another. Some might consider that jockeying genes is a biological revolution, but doing something pretty crude and simplistic just because you can, or, worse, just for profit, doesn't always help us live and thrive in Nature. The biological revolution combined with the best of small-scale, local industry holds great promise. Consider the new tools for small-scale farmers and large-scale gardeners introduced by Johnny's Selected Seeds this year: a lightweight "tilther," powered by a rechargeable electric drill, that cultivates only 2 inches deep but 15 inches wide; a six-row seeder replacing an older, four-row one; a harvester for baby salad greens; a seed stick planter; and a wider, seven-tined broad fork. Some of these items had been brewing in Eliot Coleman's brain for years, waiting for the right technical help and some funding. Like mycorrhizal bridges, Coleman connected with two Maine-based, talented engineers-Jon Hill of Johnny's and Art Haines; he put up some of his own money to fund prototypes; and the team came up with the ergonomic greens harvester that will enable Coleman and others like him to keep thousands of dollars a year in profits that they previously spent for labor. These new tools will help former laborers and others become thriving, local growers themselves. Johnny's new tools are made in Maine-yet another bridge to a growing, local, sustainable economy. Change takes time, as Coleman, Hill and Haines' inventions show, but change can come faster if we believe in it; if it's properly supported (a more functional USDA would have made these guys U.S. Farmer-Laureates years ago and funded them fully); and if barriers to change (toxic chemicals, practices that harm the soil, wanton genetic engineering) are disabled. Molly Anderson, the U.S. Regional Program Manager for Oxfam America, also spoke at Spring Growth, where she told conference participants that they are part of a subculture that has a different food norm than that in most of the country. Her use of the term 'subculture' seemed to relate back to the mycorrhizal cultures that Kirschenmann described, and that's how I think of us now: as a well-nourished, ecologically-sound, biological farm and garden culture just waiting for barriers to be lifted so that our fungal-like threads of knowledge and philosophy are free to feed into other cultures.
--Jean English |


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April 1 Plano West running back Soso Jamabo picks up Texas offer for Class of 2015. Jamabo holds offers from Baylor, Oklahoma, Michigan and Ohio State. (Scroll for list of '15 offers last 10 days from Texas.) March 29 DeS More »
Arlington Grace Prep defensive lineman Justin Hollins was among 1,400 players to participate in the SPARQ Houston Football Combine, and he made it count. More »
Bryan Driskell, Sotonye Jamabo, Byron Bonds, Kyler Murray Tom Westerberg earn top individual honors More »
State playoff wins in Texas, California and Georgia shake up this week's rankings More »
Corbett Smith of The Dallas Morning News reports Fox's new UIL agreement will allow the telecast without a sellout More »
Manatee had held top spot in VYPE National Top 25 High School Football Rankings each week of the 2012 season. More »
Plano West's historic playoff run has been based on the run. More »
Two dual-threat quarterbacks and a stout Allen defense will be in the spotlight of this 5A Div. I, Region I final. More »
Fourth-round high school football playoff scores from across the state More »
The ranks tighten up as championships are won in some states, while playoffs continue for several highly ranked teams. More »
McKinney Boyd senior running back Bryan Driskell and Plano West quarterback Travis Korry have been named Co-MVPs of District 10-5A football in a vote of coaches. More »
Plano West and Lufkin bring contrasting offensive styles and postseason histories to their 5A Division II Region II regional playoff Saturday in Waco. More »
The Sportsgram Network will carry the live play-by-play broadcast of what is sure to be one of the most eagerly anticipated regional semifinal match ups in Texas. Bryan Sutcliffe will have the play-by-play call alongside color commentator Miles Dunklin. More »
McKinney Sports Report BOYS BASKETBALL Nov. 19 Frisco Wakeland 61, More »
Talented quarterbacks will be on display -- one a seasoned, proven senior, the other an impressive sophomore – but one of the area's underrated defenses could be the difference in this Class 5A Division I, Region II area round playoff game. More »


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True or False? Below you will see online hoaxes which can still fool even the most seasoned navigator. Think critically and carefully when evaluating information you find on the web. Check a site against the hoax verification sites below to confirm the credibility of spoofs, hoaxes, urban legends or myths you may encounter. Don't be fooled by bogus websites. |
Wednesday, June 19th, 2013


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Movie •••½ Picture •••½ Sound •••½ Extras ••• |
Director/cowriter Ryan Fleck has created a small film that has brains and subtlety. Half Nelson follows a gifted Brooklyn high school teacher as he battles against his own drug addiction and for the soul of one of his students. For his portrayal of the teacher, Ryan Gosling got a deserved Oscar nomination - it's a career-making performance, which the actor delivers effortlessly. As the student, Shareeka Epps is almost as impressive and powerful.
The transfer isn't faced with a lot of difficult technical challenges - the film is much more about the narrative - but the hardscrabble parts of Brooklyn look appropriately gritty and well-defined, even in the darker scenes. Likewise, the classroom sequences have good color saturation and image detail amidst some tough lighting.
Surround-channel effects are used only very occasionally, but there's a nice aural sense of movement on the urban streets and in the high school hallways, where voices bounce off stairwells and lockers and hit the listener with various degrees of delay. Sonically, the best part of this disc is its music soundtrack, performed by vaunted indie-rockers Broken Social Scene. Well recorded and mixed, it has plenty of presence, particularly when it swells to underline key emotional moments in the film.
Better-than-average extras include a commentary from Fleck and cowriter/editor Anna Boden (who are more erudite than most in discussing their project); a few minutes of deleted/extended scenes; an okay music video from the rapper Rhymefest; and a 10-minute outtake reel which reveals a very likable Gosling and cast. [R] Dolby Digital 5.1; letterboxed 1.78:1; dual layer.
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