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Here's the audio from Dr. William Tsutsui's panel, "Beyond the Man In The Rubber Suit: Godzilla in the 21st Century".
In September, I coordinated the RPG games at a con in my home city, Spa Con. This blog post is a quick recap of the weekend with lots of pictures from the con. Enjoy!
The incredible Spa Con program.
Day 1 – Registration
The Black Lodge Photo Booth
Friday night was interesting, as most of the con activities had not started yet. RPGs were also split across two rooms so initially I was worried that our turnout might not be that great. Boy was I ever wrong! The first picture below looks sparse but within an hour 2 tables in that room were full of gamers playing RPGs. A great start to the weekend.
Tomb of Horrors – Game 1
Delve Playtest
& Delta Green
So much gaming!
More gaming!
Tcho Tchos?
Yes, Tcho Tchos!
Saturday was our biggest day. From the RPG panel to 2 sessions of RPG games, this was by far the busiest time for both the RPG rooms as well as the con.
Discos & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons
Beginner Game
Tomb of Horrors
GURPS Transformers G1
Star Wars RPG
Room 103
Sadly I was so busy I didn't get any pictures of the RPG games but I was able to attend Professor William Tsutsui's panel on Godzilla! It was one of the best panels I've ever been to on any subject. I'll be uploading the audio from that panel in a separate post.
Dr. William Tsutsui.
The Spacademy Awards Ceremony
Somehow I managed to get both
Robert J. Schwalb and Stephen
Radney Mac-Farland on my radio show!
The con organizers gave me a
Medal of Honor for my work on the
RPG room.
Goodbye Spa Con! See you in 2018!
Embrace the Playground
In the April 13th episode of Dragon Talk, the official Dungeons & Dragons podcast, Mike Mearls gives some of the best Dungeon Mastering advice ever. The discussion is about the differences between adventure design concepts over the editions and how that has change from AD&D to 5th edition. He's asked what advice he would give for Dungeon Masters who are picking up Tales from the Yawning Portal and want to run it for their group. Here's what he said:
"Embrace the idea that these are environments that you are supposed to change and modify in reaction to what your group does. I think some people read this style of adventure and they look at it and they just don't like it at all. Its like its just a room with monsters and another room with monsters and so on. But what they miss…what I think makes these adventures fun, is that this as a Dungeon Master is your playground.
Part of is what you have to bring to the table is that performance element of really playing the role of the monsters and being as creative as the players can be. So rather than just say you see two orcs standing in the room and you fight them and they sit there and wait for you or whatever, do the thing like have the orcs run away. Have them try to plan an ambush and things like that. Don't fall into the trap of running each room one after the other because I can guarantee if you do that – run the text strictly as written and don't bring any creativity to it – you're going to be bored because that's not Dungeon Mastering. That's just "I'm moderating a game" – I may as well be playing a video game."
That last line rings so true with what Dungeon Mastering is all about. As the Dungeon Master, you don't moderate the game. You bring it to life. You give the monsters, NPCs and areas life. You are what brings those things to the characters not as static events or individuals. You are what brings those things to life in a way that affects the PCs and their goals.
I love video games. I've been playing them since the Atari 2600 first hit the shelves and I've dumped enough quarters into arcade machines to finance a second home and a spare car. Having said that, video games have their place in storytelling. They do this by describing the characters, places and monsters you meet in ways that look, sound and feel (via that wonderful Rumble feature) like things you can identify with and remember. Before playing the new Mass Effect game, you had no idea what the characters and their stories would be like but once you started playing how they were introduced, how they spoke, acted and reacted began to give you memories of who or what they are. Take that concept and apply it improvisationally as you run your games. Change encounters as you play. Don't make NPCs static or follow a specified course of action if you feel its not a good scenario for the game at hand. Don't be afraid to change things, as these NPCs, monsters and areas are your tools to use as you see fit.
I'm currently running a group through the Sunless Citadel. This isn't my first time running the adventure but this time through is radically different from my previous games. I've created 3 factions for the players (goblins, kobolds and the evil druid) and soon they're going to have to make a decision which one or ones they are most loyal to. The others will then either become their enemy or pay fealty to the party if they feel the party is more powerful than they are. None of this is in the published adventure as I made it up on the fly as a reaction to the party wanting to just rush onwards through the dungeon. I saw that they needed a reason to fight and explore. By the time we're done, I have no idea which faction they'll choose but its going to be fun seeing them have to give up the other two.
Gygax said it best when he said the secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules. This is the key to having fun both as a Dungeon Master as well as for a successful Dungeons & Dragons game – as the DM you let the dungeon & monsters be your tools to having fun with the game and the group, and in no way are you limited to what the rules say, what the adventure text says, or what other people think you should do with your game. You aren't a moderator of text – You are the Dungeon Master!
Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures – Initial Impressions
Today I stopped by my Friendly Local Game Store and picked up 3 blister packs of the new unpainted miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons from Wiz Kids. Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures are a brand new line of iconic monsters and heroes from Dungeons & Dragons lore. The name of the miniature line comes from the magic item "Nolzur's Marvelous Pigments". I picked up 3 packs:
Kobolds – Each had different weapons, with 1 wielding a shortsword, another with a bow and the third carrying some sort of 2 handed spear or polearm.
Gnolls. Both were wielding 2 handed axes:
and Mind Flayers, 1 of which was holding a staff:
All 3 blisters retailed for $3.99 and included bases for each miniature.
I am very impressed with all 3 releases. One of the nice features for these miniatures was that the entire line is pre-primed with Vallejo primer:
The size of the miniatures is surprising considering the amount of detail on the sculpts. I have yet to see this level of detail in an unpainted plastic miniature.
U.S. Penny included for size comparison. The bases that came with the Kobolds are the smaller size whereas the Gnolls and Mind Flayers had the larger bases included.
Each blister comes with bases that are of great quality but a bit thin in comparison to most standard bases. The bases are solid and lack the usual lip that most plastic bases have. I have yet to paint or glue any of these miniatures to the bases but I think this is going to be a "good thing" in that their thickness and solid construction will give the miniature less chance to fall over, a common problem with plastic miniatures on the slotta bases that are not completely solid in construction.
The only con I could find with the miniatures was that they did still have mold lines on them. This is standard fare for all cast miniatures but do remember to reapply primer to any areas that you remove mold lines from.
You can see the mold lines on the Gnoll's right arm and the head of its axe.
I'll post more pictures once I paint a few of these but for now I am very impressed and look forward to using these miniatures in one of my games soon!
D&D Beyond – Initial Thoughts
Wizards of the Coast and Curse gaming recently announced their new project, D&D Beyond.
From the official page:
"We are excited to announce development of D&D Beyond, an official digital toolset for use with the Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition rules. We have partnered with Curse to take D&D players beyond pen and paper, providing a rules compendium, character builder, digital character sheets, and more—all populated with official D&D content. D&D Beyond aims to make game management easier for both players and Dungeon Masters by providing high-quality tools available on any device, empowering beginners and veterans alike!
Today was the first day of the open beta and so far the basic rules compendium rules material is available for use. I've played with it for a few minutes now and here's my initial thoughts:
- The search function is very good. Very, very good in fact. Wildcards aren't necessary as the search function returns any results containing your search parameter. As shown in the screenshot, when I searched for "Goblin", it returned both "Goblin" and "Hobgoblin". That was really nice as I often forget to use wildcards when searching and that can lead to me missing related information.
- Sorting works extremely well for search results.
- Filters are great for when you need a monster for a particular challenge rating, size or environment. I was able to quickly make a list of Arctic monsters then sort them by challenge rating. This will be extremely helpful for when you need to make an encounter quickly.
- Item results being color coded based on rarity is a direct port from World of Warcraft and a fantastic move! I'm an ex-WoW player so I admit bias here but it was nice to quickly see how rare an item is when I was searching for random items.
- The Compendium is excellent but sorely lacking a search feature.
That's all for now. More as I use the program over the coming weeks. Overall this looks to be a fantastic tool for players and DMs alike. If the mobile apps work as well as the web version, this is going to be an incredible resource for the game!
Appendix N
The original Dungeon Master's Guide had numerous appendices but perhaps the most well known is the legendary Appendix N. Gary Gygax was a voracious reader, his father having filled his childhood with numerous stories and tales told to him & his siblings. Gary felt that this was one of the strongest sources of inspiration for Dungeons & Dragons, so when writing the Dungeon Masters Guide he included a list of authors who helped build his love of fantasy and science fiction.
I believe it is important for every DM to have his/her own list of books that inspire them and help them in their work as masters of the game. Here's my own version of that list. Some of these are directly related to running the game while others are just good stories that fill me with ideas.
Robin's Laws of Good Game Mastering by Robin Laws
Role-Playing Mastery by Gary Gygax
Master of the Game by Gary Gygax
Dungeon Masters Guide from Advanced Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeon Master's Guide 2 from Dungeons & Dragons 4rth Edition
The Elric Series by Michael Moorcock
The Conan the Barbarian series by Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague De Camp and Lin Carter
The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski.
What books are on your Appendix N? Share your list in the comments.
Delta Green
My campaign launches this weekend. My players are already missing key points on things they're seeing. Ok, I'll be nice and say maybe they're just not talking about them but I'm more leaning towards the latter. This is a great thing, as Delta Green often bombards players with information and they have a short period of time to sort out what's real, what's not real and what will help them keep alive.
It should be a lot of fun. Delta Green is my #1 favorite RPG of all time and this will be the first time I've run something longer than 1 shot. The new version of the game has a lot of really awesome mechanics for representing the players and their struggle to stay sane while combating cosmic horrors. Bonds are a particular area I'm excited about that. More on those later. For now, its all about the buildup to the first session.
I'm using all manner of tools to make this game go far past the table. From social networks to real life locations and people, the players are going to see and experience a whole different kind of roleplaying game.
So far, the players are going to be connected and receiving information that's relative to the game in these mediums:
-?? via phone number (Yet to be revealed but they had to provide me a phone number)
-?? via email (Yet to be revealed but they had to provide me an email address)
I have a full schedule of fun things planned for the players for this whole week. We're only on day 2 and things are just now starting to ramp up. Tomorrow is going to have twice as much as today did. (That's my tease for any of my players who might be reading this).
Do you mind if I do this thing?
One of the most common questions I get asked when I'm running games at my local gaming store is "Do you mind if I do ________?" I like it when players ask this question as it shows me they are thinking of things they want to try. That part I am 100% supportive of and encourage people to keep doing.
The part I'm not supportive of is the asking of my permission.
Dungeons & Dragons is a game. Its something people play for fun. I've been playing this game for a long time and I've seen people experience all manner of emotions over it. Laughing, crying, happy, sad, scared, anxious, worried and even depressed – no emotion is safe from Dungeons & Dragons touch.
A big part of playing in a game is investment. Buy-in. Active participation. Whatever you want to call it, games need players to be involved else they stop being games and either end or become expositions for the other players.
When a player asks me, "Do you mind if I do ________?", my response is usually something along the lines of "This is your game. Your character. Not mine." I don't want to kill that spark of imagination when a player dreams of something they want their character to do. A huge part of roleplaying is being someone or something you're not. Most of the time that persona is something you could never be in your own life so you tend to do things that you would never do when you're not at the table. So once that process of breaking down psychological barriers begins and a player dreams of something they want to do, then #1 easiest way to hinder or kill that urge is to tell them, "No the rules won't let you".
Granted, this doesn't mean players can do whatever they want however they want it. You start by not telling them "No" and then help them find how the rules of the game can be used to fit the mental picture they have of what they want their character to do. This, to me, is one of the most fundamental parts of being a Dungeon Master. I never have liked the term "referee" when referring to Dungeon Masters/Game Masters of any game system. I don't feel its the Dungeon Master's job to watch the game and make sure the rules are being enforced "correctly" but I see the job as more of an interpreter for the rules. The players know what they want to say – you just help them say it in the language of the game.
As a DM, I feel we need to encourage players' imaginations. We are all in the game together so (with due apologies to families who do play together) we're not in a parental/child role when it comes to the Dungeon Master/Player interactions. We're a team of equals who work together to find a solutions on how to bring imaginations into the game and have fun together.
Recent articles worth your time
DuIn keeping with the original intent of the site (helping new DMs) as well as the upcoming workshop I'm helping run, here are two recent articles that I feel are essential reading for DMs new and old alike.
Mike Shea, better known as Sly Flourish to the Dungeons & Dragons blogosphere, wrote a fantastic article recently about the importance of "Make" versus "Let". Mike consistently puts out quality articles but in my opinion this one stood out for Dungeon Masters. Knowing when to push or pull the dynamics of a game and/or game group is one of the most useful skills a Dungeon Master can have and Mike gives some great suggestions on both when to push and when to pull.
DM David recently updated one of my favorite articles from his website, his photo guide to Dungeon Master tools. He originally wrote this back in the days of 4rth edition Dungeons & Dragons and I have referenced it many times for my own DM's repertoire of tools. Not much to say about this other than once again I feel he has published the definitive list of what tools a Dungeon Master should use.


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"We're gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Amanda Margulies and Paul Charney…they've learned that falling in love with one another has been like the exploration of a place that is wild, surprising and liberating—like Yosemite National Park or the dollar rack at Target."
That's how Paul and Amanda's irreverent and laughter-filled wedding ceremony began on a sunny day at Tabor Ranch in Esparto, California (about 40 miles from Davis). The officiant, Jon Wolanske, is a Killing My Lobster alum (Paul is a co-founder of the comedy sketch group), and he delivered an unforgettable service.
"We're especially blessed to find ourselves in such a glorious setting for the celebration. A wedding site that's apropos, given the couple's own upbringing in that desolate little prairie town called Manhattan."
Both grew up in New York City, but they didn't meet until they both were studying theater at Brown University. There, they became friends who went their separate ways after graduation: she returned to NYC, he headed to San Francisco. Several years later, after a night out with Brown alums in SF, Amanda decided the friendship was over. "Paul and I were sitting at a bar, and I suddenly thought: 'I like Paul,'" she says. "And that was all there was to it."
"There's very little formality to today's proceedings. We're standing in the middle of an almond farm, you don't see any veils, and no one is wearing a tux. There will be no rice-throwing, in keeping with the couple's preferred burrito style—without rice, por favor."
In short order, Amanda moved to San Francisco, the couple got engaged and the wedding planning got underway. Amanda started looking for a dress. "I didn't want a dress that looked like someone else's idea of what a wedding dress should be," she says.
After searching unsuccessfully, a co-worker at Berkeley Repertory Theatre showed her a gown online made by Melissa Blackburn, a dressmaker in Provo, Utah. "The creation of my dress became a weird and wonderful adventure," says Amanda. "She usually makes dresses with long sleeves for Mormon weddings, but when my mom and I flew out there and met her, we had so many shared interests, I knew I wanted one of her gowns."
The result is a short dress that Amanda describes as "channeling Joan Holloway from Mad Men."
"We hope the lack of formality encourages you to be as you are; to relax and enjoy, to laugh loudly, to eat and drink a little too much, to shake it provocatively on the dance floor…"
After the ceremony, Amanda kicked off her satin heels and the couple led guests to a red barn for a dinner and reception. Cris Logan, one of Paul's co-workers at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, created illustrations of film scenes (mostly 80's hits like Ghostbusters, Working Girl, Risky Business and Sixteen Candles) that decorated the menus on long, rustic tables set under the starry sky and glowing market lights. "Each table was named after a movie we love and watch over and over again," says Amanda.
During the cocktail hour and after dinner, several guest relaxed on picnic blankets spread on the grassy lawn near the barn.
"Paul and Amanda, given that the theme for the weekend is "movies," I've done some thinking, and I thought I'd offer some life lessons I've learned from the movies that would be helpful to you. 1. Never go to bed angry. It's not healthy; and that's what Freddy Krueger wants."
Inside the barn, the couple cut a cake topped by action figures of Trinity and Wolfman. "I was really anti-cake," says the bride, who chose pie for the dessert menu. "But it turned out that my mother had strong feelings about cake. We added the actions figures for some fun. Trinity is mine; I've loved her since The Matrix came out."
During the reception, a caricature artist drew pictures of the guests. "It seemed like a fun thing to do, and it reminded us of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs we attended in the 80s," Amanda says.
"I charge each of you to do all you can to support this great couple. If you will encourage Amanda and Paul in their union, laugh with them in joyful times, provide comfort in tough times, and understand why they're running late, please say 'we will.'"
After dinner and before dancing, people stood up and gave toasts. Like the ceremony, many were funny; others were poignant and sweet. "You could feel the love in the room," says Amanda. "There were many moments in the wedding where I would just swoon."
"It's often said the ring is a circle—a shape constantly born and reborn with no area of weakness—to symbolize the unending love pledge by the couple's marriage vows. I like to say that the ring is a circle because that's the shape that fits the finger best."
Planning and design: Alyssa Brown of AE Planning + Design
Wedding venue: Taber Ranch
Dress: Melissa Blackburn
Catering: Alex's Catering
Photography: Lovebird Photography
Ceremony and cocktail music: Craig Ventresco
Floral Designer: Natalie Bowen
Hair and Make-up: Winc Artistry

subset: commoncrawl


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A sneak peek at Wild & Scenic films coming soon to Nevada County (first of four reviews)
December 19, 2013
Editor's Note: This is the first in a four part series of reviews for films in the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, set for Jan. 9-12, in Nevada City and Grass Valley.
Hemp is marijuana. No it isn't. That's pretty much the debate in a nutshell, and the closest the "hemp is marijuana" side can get to the facts is an entrenched guilt by association.
We're talking industrial hemp. Marijuana drips with psycho-active THC. If a drug dealer sold industrial hemp, he'd trash his drug dealer reputation (20 percent THC for getting high; 3/10 of 1 percent in industrial hemp).
The film "Bringing It Home" carries a well-crafted "Hemp is hope" message. It reveals seriously silly obstacles to the profound contributions industrial hemp could make to America's future if it were legal to grow it. We can and do legally import hemp products.
Debate legalizing marijuana elsewhere. We're talking industrial hemp.
We're talking jobs for farmers. We're talking a range of American jobs in clothing and accessories, rope and paper, building materials and insulation. We're talking foods – foods high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp products include oils, soaps, lotions.
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Growing hemp doesn't demand pesticides the way other crops (seem to) need to. Wearing hemp and building with it doesn't involve toxic chemicals the way other materials (seem to) need to.
The list of possibilities is compelling. The film "Bringing It Home" engages with far more than list making. For instance, a father concerned about his autistic and illness-prone daughter talks about "canary kids," kids with more delicate, sensitive, and indicative needs that tell us something about everybody's vulnerability.
Hemp is also a canary in the politics mine. If we can't shake off reefer madness about industrial hemp, what chance do we have with more complicated issues for the future of our children?
Distilled from conversation with "Bringing It Home" director Linda Booker
Chuck Jaffee: Can we get past the "reefer madness" obstacle to legalizing industrial hemp in America?
Linda Booker: Though 20 states have passed or introduced legislation, federal law that lumps it with marijuana trumps state law. After close to 12 years of trying, it looks like federal law may change in two to five years.
CJ: Do you have favorite hemp products that are now routinely part of your life?
LB: I use oils, nuts, powders for the nutritional value. I prefer plant protein, and hemp is high in omega 3 fatty acids. I feed my dog hemp. It's getting on super-food top 10 lists. Whole Foods says the market for hemp products is growing fast. Dr. Oz promotes it.
CJ: Your film talks about hemp contributing to a more sustainable world. Is "green" where the traction is for industrial hemp, or is it just good economics?
LB: It's both; a huge part is the environmental and health benefits. The building sector is very excited about the potential for removing carbon emissions. This and the benefits of working with hemp materials is a main motivation.
CJ: Tell us one of the things you learned making "Bringing It Home."
LB: Making documentaries, you ask what do I want a film to do. With a topical film, you ask how do I reach beyond people who are already into the issue. I wasn't a hemp activist. I was skeptical. I had to be convinced beyond the hype. Working on this film made me more of an optimist.
Growing Cities
More than 150 years ago, Abraham Lincoln said, "Before long the most valuable of all arts, will be deriving subsistence from the smallest area of the soil. No community whose every member possesses this art can ever be the victim of oppression." I may not have as much quote cred as old Abe, but I say, "America needs a million new farmers fast – and they have to stick with it – for us to have any chance at a better future."
The film "Growing Cities" starts with the Lincoln quote. In the realm of smart farming for the future, this film covers familiar territory, but we need a perennial diet of good films like this. The filmmakers visit Will Allen, an exemplar of spirit and commitment. He posits 50 million new farmers.
Numbers aside, the point of the travelog "Growing Cities" is that people across the country are delving into myriad ways to plant the seeds of a sustainable farming future, especially in cities. In cities, where 80 percent of the people live, there are vacant lots, empty warehouses, rooftops, lawns, balconies. Bring on the compost.
The best community efforts, especially in disadvantaged areas, cultivate attitude. Through inclusion and mentoring, people occupy a better time and place that reaps not only healthy food, but healthier connections, including connections to a bigger picture.
"Growing Cities" wonders whether young urban dwellers will become farmers, whether they'll stick with farming. It connects us well to a needed sensibility by the thousands that hungers to germinate by the millions.
"I do care, but I'm ignoring that I care." In the film "GMO OMG," a mother buckles some under the weight of finding her kids worry-free foods. This isn't just any mother. This is the wife of the filmmaker.
Jeremy Seifert is trying to educate his wife, kids … everyone … about genetically modified organisms. He laments that "everyone was getting tired of my obsession with GMOs." When Seifert tells a health-oriented, very veggie interviewee that 97 percent of soy is GMO, you get yet another flash of the "Oh My God" factor in this film.
Seifert's son has a fairly adorable obsession with seeds, and this is one of many ways the film maintains a personable keel. Monsanto – a worldwide leader in corporate evil – also has an obsession with seeds. They brilliantly engineer plants that don't produce seeds for farmers to grow more plants, besides forcing farmers to buy Monsanto seeds.
Harm from genetically modified foods is hardly settled controversy, but efforts like $45,000,000 to defeat a California proposition to label such foods as GMO causes Seifert to pose the question, "Aren't they proud of their products?"
Can't corporations do the marketing thing they're so good at, boastfully promoting their Gene-tampering Modus Operandi, then watch sales soar? Shouldn't corporations want extensive peer reviewed research on GMOs so they can better tout their commitment to healthful, world-feeding mega-profits?
If you're familiar with the issue and especially if you aren't, look up a flagship term of the century, the "precautionary principle" and see the film "GMO OMG." You'll have plenty of time left over to ignore how much you should care.
Chuck Jaffee of Nevada City likes to plug people into the spirit of independent filmmakers. Find his other articles for The Union at http://www.startlets.com
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What financial tools are available to make managing my rural cash flow easier?
Last Updated: 16 Sep 2016
DairyNZ has several tools and budget templates available to help make managing cash flow easier. Cloud-based software such as Xero and Figured are also very useful because you and your advisers can work from a single ledger that has accurate and up-to-date numbers.
Also, an ASB Rural Manager can talk to you about cash management tools like a rural overdraft or business credit card which can help you to manage cash flow. For more information, take a look at our guide on managing rural cashflow.
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i was on vacation last week and even though I packed my running shoes and 2 sets of running clothes, I didn't run at all (but I did walk a lot) then early this week it was VERY hot and humid so again, no running. But Wednesday was nice so I went out for an easy 3 mile run. it felt good. I was cruising along enjoying the run and the day. Then 1 minute from home, I tripped and fell! Uggh I got up and immediately looked around, of course there were two people nearby who looked shocked. I laughed said "I'm OK" rubbed off the blood and continued on my way. hopefully the huge screed on my knee and elbow will heal soon! Im headed out again in the morning — wish me luck
A Minor Misstep
July 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment


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I heard about this chalk paint (Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint) from a decorator in my weekly painting group. She told me how she had tried it and that -most importantly- NO stripping, sanding, or priming of the old finish. This set is really old and has been stained more than once. I decided to go for it. What's the worst that could happen, other than completely ruining an antique dining set? I wasn't happy with it the way it was, so I figured it was worth the possibility of having to strip it down to bare wood if it didn't work out! I looked online at many blog posts about people using it and it seemed to be pretty popular already.
I had ordered 2 cans of the paint and the soft wax used to seal it. The paint is pricey ($35 per quart) but goes a long way. I used the same quart of Aubusson Blue to paint the whole dining room- that's a table, 6 chairs, china cabinet, AND a buffet. All with one tiny quart and I actually have a little left in the can. All that, and a soap and water clean up!
I started out by trying it on my dark wood wine racks- using Old White. I quickly realized how much I liked the paint, and was brave enough to move on to the larger furniture pieces. The painting was easy, and then you just brush on some of the soft wax and buff it off. I did buy the Annie Sloan wax even though I had read that Johnson's paste wax worked just as well. I have to say that I used both waxes and the Johnson's was less soft, but also worked.
I definitely will be using this paint again. I have some wicker patio chairs just calling out to be painted- and a pint of Old White ready to go.


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At the Alcohol Summit Sept. 12, Kim Dude, speaking to about 100 Columbia and higher education leaders, challenged instructors to take action. "Faculty have a tremendous amount of power to lower the drinking" of university students, said Dude, director of MU's Wellness Resource Center.
The context was student drinking Thursday night. A solution might be for faculty to increase the number of Friday-morning classes.
Scheduling more Friday classes was just one topic broached at the Alcohol Summit, held at Hampton Inn and Suites in Columbia. Besides MU faculty and administrators, among those in attendance were leaders of Stephens College and Columbia College, local bar owners and landlords, law enforcement, and heads of community organizations.
The purpose of the first Alcohol Summit April 17, 2014, was to develop a strategic plan to reduce high-risk drinking among college students. The Sept. 12 summit was spent reviewing the strategic plan to curb high-risk student drinking. The five-year plan includes a timeline and priorities.
Student Drinking
Of the more than 34,000 students enrolled during 2013 at the University of Missouri, 86 percent drank alcohol regularly, according to the Missouri College Health Behavior Survey. The study sampled 3,341 MU undergraduates.
Even so, almost no students ran afoul with campus administrators or were arrested by police for public intoxication. Only 1 percent was arrested for DUI.
But concerns remain. There are 54 bars and clubs within walking distance of MU, Stephens College and Columbia College, and they generally are packed Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with students, some of whom are underage.
Thirty-eight percent of underage students drink to get drunk, according to the 2013 survey. Sixty-eight percent of Greek Life students binge drink (consuming five or more drinks within two hours for men and four for women), a dangerous practice that on rare occasions causes alcohol poisoning.
Three goals were discussed at the summit:
• Decrease underage drinking in Columbia
Among the topics: increasing police presence, more DUI checkpoints, improve the consistency of enforcement of alcohol laws in residence halls
• Decrease high-risk drinking
Topics: Recommend to City Council that drink specials be regulated, restrict number of downtown bars; hold more Friday classes, provide better nighttime bus transportation downtown, have landlords impose three-strikes-and-out policy on irresponsible student renters
• Provide more services for students in alcohol recovery
Topics: Provide a location to display resources at MU, Columbia College and Stephens College for students in recovery, train staff and faculty to better understand addiction and how they can support students in recovery
More Friday Classes
Summit participants hope to achieve a 5 percent reduction in underage drinking, a 3 percent decrease in high-risk drinking, and a 10 percent increase in students from MU, Columbia College and Stephens College taking part in recovery.
Before summit attendees broke into four groups — each assigned a topic of enforcement, education, policy or communication — the most talked about topic was Thursday-night drinking.
A 2007 study by the MU site of the Midwest Alcoholism Research Center in the Department of Psychological Sciences found that students with no Friday-morning classes drank twice as much (2.5 drinks) Thursday night than those who had morning classes. "The prospect of having to attend class the next morning has sufficient inhibitory influence to suppress drinking on Thursday," the report said. "That is, attendance at an early-morning class is incompatible with a hangover or other adverse consequences of a night of drinking."
Kenneth J. Sher, an MU professor of psychology who specializes in examining the effects of alcohol on behavior and was a co-author of the 2007 study, told Mizzou Weekly in June that in recent years higher education institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Georgia and the University of Iowa have implemented more Friday early-morning classes to curb Thursday alcohol consumption.
Joan Masters, senior coordinator of the wellness center's Partners in Prevention, a substance abuse consortium, asked at the summit if students have too much flexibility creating course schedules. For example, many students schedule no classes before 11 a.m. and no Friday classes, perhaps to nurse hangovers.
On Sept. 16, after hearing a report on the Alcohol Summit, Faculty Council Chair Craig Roberts said that council members need to address the issue of Friday morning classes.
The next summit will be in April 2015, though subcommittees plan to meet in the interim.


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Subscribe on Twitter @rtlsdr4everyone for future updates (blue button on the left).
Many thanks for all who made this guide possible.
An RTL-SDR is an affordable ($10 for unbranded, $30 for premium models)
SDRuno is the "software" in SDR, and compatible with RTL-SDR dongles.
Why bother with SDRuno? Because it has the best receive audio I've ever heard.
Previously known as Studio1, used to be expensive software for high-end SDRs, then SDRPlay acquired Studio 1.
SDRuno is completely free and compatible with RTL-SDRs.
Download link for Windows here, detailed installation walkthrough below.
Official cookbook is also available, or visit SDRuno's official forum.
CompatibilityWindows 7 used.
Tested and worked with the following dongles:
- Generic chinese R820T2, you get a similar dongle for less than $10,
- RTL-SDR.com previous v.2 and latest v.3,
- Nooelec dongles: SMArt, Mini, Mini Al+, Mini 2 Plus, Nano, Nano 2, Nano 2+, Nano-P,
- FlightAware ProStick and Pro Stick Plus,
- Soft66RTL3,
- Terratec R820T (representing older generics with R820T).
Image and list above covers most RTL-SDR dongles on the market, and even if your RTL-SDR based receiver is not shown, but specifications say "RTL 2832U" and "R820T" or "R820T2", 99.9% chance it will work with SDRUno.
You still need Zadig
Use if new to RTL-SDR dongles, skip this part if dongle is working fine with SDRSharp or other SDR software.
Zadig tells the computer that an RTL-SDR dongle is not a TV tuner.
First-timers: download and run Zadig in administrator mode (link for download), select all devices, select Bulk 0 from drop-down menu, Install driver.
SDRUno Software Installation Step-By-Step
Go to http://www.sdrplay.com/windl2.php, click into square, turns into green checkmark, then click on Download:
Download will save an 8.2 MB file onto your computer:
Double-click downloaded file to start installation, accept the agreement, "Next" becomes available to click on:
Default installation folder is under Program Files, change this if a different folder is desired - I left it alone:
Additonal software might be also installed - I missed this step when upgrading.
After a while, installer finishes with the following screen, uncheck box (DO NOT START SDRuno).
Press Finish.
SDRuno requires a particular file to be placed into My Documents.
This file is available by clicking here, save file into My Documents. Alternatively, visit http://www.hdsdr.de/hardware.html, then download the EXTIO DLL:
Starting SDRuno
Nearly finished, but to make life easier, create a shortcut of SDRUno.EXTIO Application file - this starts the main software, doing this step and placing the shortcut on Desktop saves time.
Regular file without EXTIO is for SDRPlay users, if you try it, you'll get the following error message:
Connect RTL-SDR dongle, then start SDRuno. You get the following error message without a connected dongle:
Uno will start without a dongle present, but will use soundcard as input. If you see the error message above, it's too late, close, then start SDRuno again.
This may not affect you, but was annoying for me.
SDRuno uses a central menu - which is a fixed size, so on a full HD (1920x1080) screen, text and buttons will be hard to read and operate.
Really small text is not good for you.
See image how much space Menu and Receiver control occupies at different screen resolutions.
Unlike SDR#, changing text size in Control Panel has no effect on this. Adjusting screen resolution to a lower setting improves readability, so I went down to 1366x768 to learn where's what.
On a 15.6" laptop, this is the native resolution anyway.
Gain adjustment and MSPS
Again, ExtIo file must be in "Documents" folder, then connect dongle to an USB port (should be the same USB port each time, or needs Zadig driver reinstallation), then start SDRUno from the Start Menu or via desktop icon.
Three windows come up, click into the smallest called Main, then press letter "h" on keyboard for instant access, or with a mouse:
Press on OPT (top left corner),
- then move cursor over "Select Input" (top of list),
- then click on "Generic RTL2832U OEM" (yellow square with dot in it).
Keyboard shortcut again: press letter "h" for instant access to settings screen.
Sample rate (left hand side, third from top) will be 2.4 Msps by default, and cannot be changed. That's the maximum any dongle can reliably do, more than enough.
Correcting offset and drift
Frequency Correction can be also set here, if value is known - not an issue with TCXO dongles, will be a constant value after warm-up with regular dongles.
PPM setup needs to be done only once. Omitting this makes no difference to reception, but displayed frequency will not be accurate.
1. Tune to a known and always-on frequency, such as local airport ATIS.
2. Wait 10-15 minutes for dongle to warm up, time depends on dongle.
3. Check signal on SP1 window, peak of signal should intersect red line.
If not, adjust with Up and Down arrows between "0" and "ppm".
Recent generic chinese dongles are pretty good with a maximum of plus/minus 20 ppm, older dongles can be 70-80 ppm off - this depends and varies from dongle to dongle.
Finished, but leave this window open, as proper gain setting is crucial to good reception (detailed later on).
Gain settings screen will stay on top of any other open window.
No hot-swapping
A.k.a stopping software, then replacing dongle with a different one, will give the following error screen, requires restart:
Grouping Taskbar buttons
Separate windows can take up too much space on Taskbar, if this is not to your liking, right-click an empty space on taskbar, click on Properties (bottom one on list), then adjust settings.
Closing SDRUno Main with the X in the top right corner closes all daughter windows.
Change mouse wheel behavior
By default, mouse wheel behavior is the exact opposite from SDRSharp, rolling down changes to a higher number.
All the numbers
Signals have a number, written in either kHz or MHz. This number is the frequency of the signal. SDRUno displays the whole number/frequency.
The small k, short for kilo, means multiply by one hundred, so 198 kHz equals 198,000 Hertz - the Hz abbreviation is used to honor physicist Heinrich Hertz (Wiki link).
The M in MHz means mega: multiply by million, 14 MHz means 14,000,000 Hertz.
7255 kHz is the same as 7.255 MHz, this is just a custom in the radio world.
7255 kHz is the same as 7.255 MHz, this is just a custom in the radio world.
Adjusting sliders - example: adjusting sound volume level
- check mute next to slider (should be white text on blue background as in image above).
Resize and move SDRUno windows
Start SDRuno
Press SP1 (Main Spectrum window) and RX (Control), then press the Play button in SDRUno Main, starts reception.
Every window has a SETT button (top left corner), controls that particular window's appearance.
SP1 - Main spectrum below, adjust Spectrum Base (orange in image, height of waves from bottom of screen) if you can't see any visible signal.
Eye candy: spectrum and waterfall can be combined into one window, also try various checkboxes to adjust for personal preferences.
With a bit of tinkering, display(s) will make a CIA station chief happy.
Dwelve into SETT options, checkboxes and sliders: SDRUno rewards with a great visual experience.
Don't forget to save your creation - remember Ctrl and two clicks after reading the next paragraph.
Eye candy: spectrum and waterfall can be combined into one window, also try various checkboxes to adjust for personal preferences.
With a bit of tinkering, display(s) will make a CIA station chief happy.
Dwelve into SETT options, checkboxes and sliders: SDRUno rewards with a great visual experience.
Don't forget to save your creation - remember Ctrl and two clicks after reading the next paragraph.
Workspace management
One of the coolest feature of SDRuno: set up different environments for different tasks, then save them. For example, have a separate appearance and windows for shortwave and broadcast listening, accessible with just one click.
Nine individual workplaces are possible.
Simple description: workspace name is at the bottom of Main window, change name with Right-click, Enter to accept. Set up workspace. Hold Ctrl, then click on workspace name and click again to select slot.
Detailed description:
1. On the main screen, find the text "Default Workspace" under the green bars.
2. Left-click on it once, jump-up window comes up with available workspaces. In the images, I use Workspace 5.
3. Left-click on Workspace 5. This step selects it as the actual workspace.
4. Right-click on Workspace 5, becomes blue, means you can change the workspace name.
Enter a name, I use Demonstration in the image.
Saving a workspace:
5. Move windows around, set up workspace to your liking.
6. Hold (push down and and keep it pressed) the Ctrl button on the keyboard (bottom left), then left-click name visible under the green bars in the Main window, THEN LEFT-CLICK AGAIN on the workspace slot you want to use. Used windows and their position is saved now.
That's two clicks, once on the workspace name and once on the slot name.
(Took a while to figure this out... . Anyone emailing that description above is excessive will be jinxed to compulsively watch reruns of early Friends episodes.)
Tuning to a frequency - Direct entry
Long number in the middle is frequency: left-click with mouse, changes to zero.
Default entry in kHz, three zeros after entered number. For example, to get BBC at 198 kHz, enter 198 and press / click Enter.
Onscreen keyboard has the same number layout as a traditional keyboard, numbers in yellow. Bottom right Enter in blue has same effect as Enter on a keyboard.
Dots every three digit make life and frequency identification easier.
Amateur Bands quick access
White numbers on onscreen frequency entry keyboard refer to amateur radio bands - pressing the button No 5 (yellow) / 20 (white) will tune to the bottom of the 20-meter band.
Amateur "meter band" direct click only works if direct frequency entry is not enabled - should be one long number / tuned frequency in receiver control, not just one zero.
Browsing the spectrum - move cursor over number
Change one unit at a time: in receiver control or Main SP display, arrow changes to a hand and yellow line appears above number.
Move mouse wheel up or down to change number.
Received signal is centered under red vertical (up and down) line, how much received each side is called bandwidth, shown as grey area left and right from red line. This is the same in SDRSharp, but it's possible to move bandwidth directly in SDR# - not in SDRUno.
To do the same, open SP2 from Main menu (rectangle where you click Play to start software).
SP2 looks like the child of Spectrum/Waterfall, smaller area, adjust bandwidth there by dragging grey area edges - main Spectrum/Waterfall grey area will also change.
Bandwidth in numbers is also displayed on top of this smaller window.
Tuning a juicy signal - using Zoom.
Click on the signal, either in Spectrum or Waterfall, then click on Zoom. This will increase the center area of Spectrum/Waterfall, but if the signall falls outside of the enlarged range, move to the number area below, then left-click and hold (grab) to move displayed frequency range.
Setting up COMBO is great, zoom and frequency is closer, less mouse movement required.
Automatic Frequency Control (AFC)
Tunes to maximum signal strength nearby - if the signal looks like a mountain, it will move the red line to the top of the mountain.
From Receiver control, left-click on EXV (left of SDRuno sign), then left-click on AFC (bottom left corner, turns white).
It's a great feature for casual broadcast FM listening.
Won't work if there's no steady signal, so for example, if you're monitoring airplane to airport conversations, takes a few minutes to move to the maximum signal.
Using an upconverter (example for shortwave listening)
An upconverter is called an "up-converter" because it adds a number to the received frequency; for instance, a Ham It Up v1.3 adds 125 MHz to the received frequency number.
Frequencies usually in kHz for shortwave broadcasts, signals below 30 MHz and specific amateur radio channels.
Vatican Radio used for the image below on 15595 kHz will be heard on 125+15.595 = 140.595 MHz with an upconverter.
For other upconverters, the principle is the same, e.g. a 100MHz upconverter adds 100 MHz to received signal.
Offset for external converters can be set under Main => Sett => Offset => Ext Converter Offset when SDRuno is NOT running.
Example above for Ham It Up v1.3 which - like many upconverters - uses a 125 MHz oscillator. Enter 125000000 (that's six zeros), press on the - sign, then click on OFFS1 right next to it (rightmost arrow in image), becomes white. Now you can start SDRuno.
Automatic station tuning for SWLing is detailed in the official cookbook from Page 18 onwards.
Gain control
Same values available as in SDRSharp Cogwheel setting, but instead of left and right, slider moves Up (more gain) and Down (less gain).
Less overall gain is required for me with SDRUno, e.g. same station sounds better with 20.7 dB in Uno than with 28.0 dB in SDR#.
Using preamps / LNAs on really strong signals e.g. broadcast FM overloaded with SDRuno even with 0dB gain, whereas in SDR# same station was fine. Turn down preamp gain if you can - this happened with Janilab's preamp which has this feature.
Selecting proper mode according to signal
Pushbuttons below direct frequency entry for a particular mode - which one to use depends on frequency.
Selected mode turns white as in image:
Mode settings above the red line determine mode used: NFM, MFM, WFM, SWFM are only subsets of FM mode, clicking WFM will not change the "boss" mode to FM.
Adjusting Waterfall Palette
Main waterfall display color scheme can be changed to your liking, click on SETT in top left corner:
Also play with FFT AVG, right next to this drop-down menu.
Routing output to external software
Such as for weather satellite images, AIS etc.
Click on SETT (top left) in RX panel, OUT tab, select Cable Input / your solution.
Access official help
Main Menu, top left "OPT" button, second from bottom will be User Manual, also found in installation folder.
Opens pdf document in separate window, requires Adobe Acrobat reader (download link).
The official cookbook is also a good read if you get stuck.
Closing thoughts
The SDRUno has great audio. Even on commercial FM stations, the output sounds better, airplane band is clearer, and it's easier to tell how much coffee the taxi driver had that evening.


text:
Your shopping cart is empty
Lightweight design flattens and rolls neatly to stow in packs or pockets.
No spill, flip-top lid only dispenses when you want it to.
Multi-layer, BPA-Free laminate bottle includes rewritable date bar on front and rear to record name and fill date.
Convenient graduations printed on the bottle.
Holds 1 liter.
Available In Red, Green or Blue


text:
Boyle to Put In 127 Hours
Danny Boyle will follow 'Slumdog Millionaire' with a movie about that mountain climber who amputated his own arm.
As anticipated, Danny Boyle will follow last year's Slumdog Millionaire with a movie about Aron Raltson, the mountain climber who amputated his own arm with a dull knife in 2003 after it became pinned under a boulder for five days. The film will reunite Boyle with Slumdog's creative team (Simon Beaufoy is in talks to write the script, Christian Colson will produce) and may star Ryan Gosling, though nothing's been made official. The working title is 127 Hours, but we suspect Fox Searchlight will ask him to edit it down to two. [BFDealMemo/Variety]


text:
The organic Chickpea puff, HIPPEAS, was launched in the United States. This brand has come to shake the world of snacks. HIPPEAS delivers high-quality meals at the most affordable price with a strong offering. The snacks are made of organic compounds, low-calorie Kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO. This new range has three grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein in a single-serve. It comes with one ounce per bag.
HIPPEAS chickpea puffs come in a variety of flavors. They include smoked sea salt, Pepper Power, Far out Fajita, and onion. They also come if herb flavors including Thyme, Rosemary, and Oregno. They are the most delicious of all snacks. Moreover, they are made with the highest standards of quality and health nutrients.
The CEO of Green Park Brands, Livio Bisterzo, reckons that the company has all it takes to produce the best snacks in the world. They have acquired the services from the best nutritional firms in the United States to ensure they produce high-end snacks. Green Park Brands (www.greenparkbrands.com), and their staff, believes that their new products have all it takes to keep up with the trends in the world of snacks. While they ensure production of sweet snacks, they use the latest technology in providing nutrition. They are the story of the young generation in the world.
HIPPEAS brand is now partnering with most charity organizations in the world that fight poverty and hunger. The company is focusing on endeavors that bring wealth to rural areas. Farm Africa is one of the many organization working with the enterprise to ensure poverty eradication is made possible in the continent. For every single pack sold, HIPPEAS donates a fraction of the proceeds to support chickpea farmers in Africa through their charity organization.
This brand has a lot to give back to the community. For this reason, they are the best brand in the world of snacks. Chickpea plants are there to release nitrogen to the earth. They are important because they grow in areas that contain healthy soil.
HIPPEAS was conceived by Livio Bisteroz. Livio is also the CEO and founder of Green Park Brands. This company values nutrition and health. Because of this, they are specializing in nutrition and health to provide the most efficient snacks in the market. For only seven years, Livio Bisterzo started working with a nutrition company to produce the high-end snacks in 2015. While investing plenty of money into the ordeal, his proficient team of marketers and entrepreneurs have landed on their firs product.
Keep Reading: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/hippeas-line-organic-chickpea-puffs-133000971.html


text:
New York City summer apartment exchange? (Paris)
Hi everyone,
(1) I would like to attempt an apartment swap for the summer. My ideal dates are 24 July-18 August, but I am flexible. Your apartment in France for mine during August.
I have a studio apartment in Midtown West, which is: 4 blocks from Central Park, 4 blocks from MoMa and in the middle of the Theatre District and Restaurant Row. It is close to every subway line, no exaggeration. Please have a look at my listing: Protected content
The apartment has a nice, new sofa bed and a loft bed, which can comfortably house a couple, and, at the most, 3 people.
(2) If you would just like to sublet my studio, it is $ Protected content month, not including utilities.
Please get in touch, if interested!


text:
Excerpts from the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
Section 178
The property of a bankrupty divisible among his creditors shall not comprise
(1) An order of discharge does not release the bankrupt from
any fine, penalty, restitution order or other order similar in nature to a fine, penalty or restitution order, imposed by a court in respect of an offence, or any debt arising out of a recognizance or bail;
a.1 any award of damage by a court in civil proceedings in respect of
(i) bodily harm intentionally inflicted, or sexual assault, or
(ii) wrongful death resulting therefrom;
any debt or liability for alimony;
any debt or liability under a support, maintenance or affiliation order or under an agreement for maintenance and support of a spouse or child living apart from the bankrupt;
any debt or liability arising out of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity;
any debt or liability for obtaining property by false pretenses or fraudulent misrepresentation;
liability for the dividend that a creditor would have been entitled to receive on any provable claim not disclosed to the trustee, unless the creditor had notice or knowledge of the bankruptcy and failed to take reasonable action to prove his claim, or
any debt or obligation in respect of a loan made under the Canada Student Loans Act, the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act or any enactment of a province that provides for loans or guarantees of loans to students where the date of bankruptcy of the bankrupt occurred
(i) before the date on which the bankrupt ceased to be a full- or part-time student, as the case may be, under the applicable Act or enactment, or
(ii) within ten years after the date on which the bankrupt ceased to be a full- or part-time student; or
any debt for interest owed in relation to an amount referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (g).
(1.1) At any time after ten years after a bankrupt who has a debt referred to in paragraph (1)(g) ceases to be a full- or part-time student, as the case may be, under the applicable Act or enactment, the court may, on application, order that subsection (1) does not apply to the debt if the court is satisfied that
the bankrupt has acted in good faith in connection with the bankrupt's liabilities under the loan; and
the bankrupt has and will continue to experience financial difficulty to such an extent that the bankrupt will be unable to pay the liabilities under the loan.
Subject to subsection (1), an order of discharge releases the bankrupt from all claims provable in bankruptcy.
© 2011 Grant Thornton Limited All rights reserved


text: If you want to perform better, you need to recover better. Elite competitors, serious athletes, and those of us active and over 40 face a similar problem; we're often doing more than our bodies can handle. You may or may not actually feel sore; but you're likely starting each day with a recovery deficit, and that's a major problem. When you're not fresh your performance suffers, if you don't fully recover your training gains are compromised, and overuse and fatigue cause the majority of injuries. Using Marc Pro after any training session or activity will greatly improve your recovery allowing you to feel better, perform better, and reduce the chance of injury. Moreover, if you're dealing with pain beyond soreness, the Marc Pro Plus can provide significant, lasting, drug-free pain relief.


text:
What's New
January 14, 2016
Magic Precision Inc. Continued Expansion
Latest Magic Precision Inc. News
January 14, 2016
Magic Precision Inc.'s New 18,000 sq. ft Warehouse Goes in Operation in Jan 2016
Magic Precision Inc. announced today that its new, 18,000 sq. ft warehouse near its headquarters in Taichung, Taiwan, goes into operation. The company purchased the land in September 2013 and immediately started planning for the build-out of a warehouse. This will allow Magic Precision to better manage logistics for the ever-increasing die casting and other metal parts orders it's received.
October 1, 2012
Magic Precision Inc. Continued Expansion with New Land Purchase
Magic Precision Inc. announced today that it has purchased a 18,000 sq. ft. lot of prime industrial real estate in the vicinity of its headquaters. Its use is being planned at press time.
April 26, 2010
Magic Precision Inc. Expansion
Magic Precision Inc. announced today that it has purchased a 39,000 sq. ft. lot of prime industrial real estate in the prestigious Taichung Industrial Park for use as its new headquarters, which is part of its ongoing expansion in die casting and other manufacturing operations in both Taiwan and China, which mainly service international customers, especially from USA and EU countries,
The new headquarters' location already has a 3-story modern building, totaling 37,800 sq. ft. of floor space. The company plans to build out another 2-floor, 10,800 sq. ft. floor space shortly, bringing the total floor space at the new headquarters to 48,000 sq. ft. Company plans to use the new headquarters for project management & warehousing. It also plans to move the more sophisticated die casting and CNC machining operations here. The current headquarters at Shatian Rd. will continue to be used for regular die casting operations, which is at a neighborhood where most of Magic Precision's stable production crew live (many of whom have been with Magic Precision for over a decade, since its founding in 1998).
September 25, 2009
Company announced new expansion in Qingdao, China.
Continuing its expansion by setting up operations in strategic locations in China, Magic Precision Inc. today announced a new venture, together with Xing Wang of Taiwan, to establish a new machining operation in Qingdao, China. This new operation will further expand Magic Precision Inc.'s complementary manufacturing servics to its core die casting services. This is in addition to an earlier expansion in Zhejiang, China, and continues Magic Precision Inc.'s aggressive expansion to better serve its growing customer base.
May 2009
Magic Precision Inc. to attend Subcon 2009 trade show in Brimingham, UK, June 9 - 11. Please come visit us at the show.
Die Casting News from China and Taiwan
News Archives
Magic Precision is proficient in all NADCA standards for die casting.


text:
The biggest ship ever to navigate the Thames: Giant cargo vessel leaves British waters bound for Singapore... operated by a crew of just 13
Mon, 20 October 2014
The biggest ship to sail up the Thames has left the London Gateway port in Essex and is sailing for its next destination Singapore via the Suez Canal at a steady speed of 23 knots.
The huge cargo ship docked at London Gateway before sunrise yesterday morning, guided in by three Port of London Authority tugs.
Edith Maersk was serviced in number two berth by five of the port's cranes - the largest in the country.
Thanks to London Gateway, gargantuan E-class ships can be accommodated at three ports in England - Felixstowe and Southampton being the others
Edith Mærsk is 430yds (397m) long and can carry 13,500 20ft and 40ft containers. It is believed that it was carrying a cargo of clothes and electronic goods when it arrived in England.
The vessel, the second largest container ship in the world, was launched in 2007 and can navigate the Thames following the opening of London Gateway port in the Thames Estuary.
The Gateway cost £1.5bn to build and was opened last year. It is located on the former 1,500-acre Shell Haven site, which closed in 1999.
Edith Mærsk is more than 50 per cent longer than Titanic and four times the length of a football pitch.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2799212/biggest-ship-navigate-thames-s-twice-length-titanic-longer-four-football-pitches-squeezes-london-gateway-dock.html#ixzz3Gfz3kCVf


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DRAMA CLUB: Kill Me, Heal Me Episode 2
Welcome back, k-drama fans, to another exciting episode of Kill Me, Heal Me. Fasten your seat belts as the heat and the mystery get turned up. Who will you be rooting for--the resident bad boy Se Gi, the kind Do Hyun, or one of the other personalities who are yet to be disclosed?
Wendilynn: We didn't mention this in episode one, but have you noticed that when a new personality takes over, there is an eye color flash/change? Not that we get to see the new color beyond the change, but Se Gi is blue, Do Hyun is white and Perry, at the end, came in with a yellow color.
Cici: Hmmm, I hadn't noticed the color change, just the flash that crosses his eyes. That and the hand clenching and the disappearing/reappearing red dragon tattoo made me think of Bruce Banner. It is true, you wouldn't like Se Gi when he gets angry.
Amy: I kind of do like it when Se Gi gets angry. Well, when he gets angry at the bad guys anyway. I don't care for him beating up people just because. It was pretty awesome and funny when he got hit on the head and just sprang right back up and hit the guy back!
Cici: I have to admit that was my first laugh-out-loud moment in this drama. I saw him toppling over, and then poof! he was back up. How did he even do that?
Wendilynn: That's what prop people are for. hehehe.. that fight did rock. Not a good way to keep ones cover though if you don't want to blow your weakness to the bad guys. I found it a little funny when the Cousin was talking about him shedding his fur in a sexy way. lol
Amy: Hee hee hee! His cousin was right. The fur was shed in a very sexy way. I don't think Dr. Oh knew how to feel about Se Gi though.
Cici: That scene in the hospital room, where she tells him to take off his clothes so she can examine his wounds---I about died. I mean, why did she get so upset when he complied? lol
Wendilynn: She's a psychiatrist. I have a hard time believing that he was the first stripped patient she's ever seen. All that screaming she was doing was a bit much. Although, considering Se Gi kept talking about playing with her, he probably liked it. lol
Amy: He definitely liked it! Ha ha ha! He told her that he was tired of playing pets and wanted to do something else so why not strip down? Hee hee! I think he was looking for that kind of reaction.
Cici: I thought it was also funny that her colleagues were all gathered outside the door, and even when she screamed, they thought it sounded like she liked it. The side characters in this drama are pretty entertaining.
Cici: It was also pretty cute when she kept commenting on how the genre kept changing. I love it when the characters in a drama refer to what's going on like it's a drama.
Wendilynn: That's most likely an effect of her brother being an author. There were two moments at the hospital that I thought were telling. When she asked him if he was from prison and he commented how where he's from is harder than prison to escape from.
Wendilynn: AND when he realized she was a psychiatrist and very dryly states, "We might be a poor match." YOU THINK?!! lol
Cici: I love that he keeps pursuing her even though he fears being discovered. Or maybe he doesn't actually fear it--maybe he hopes to be discovered so he can become the dominant personality. It certainly seemed that way in the other doctor's office.
Amy: He may want Dr. Oh to get attached to him because he knows that Do Hyun is seeking treatment and Se Gi doesn't want to leave. He might be hoping she'll fight for him.
Wendilynn: It would not surprise me if Se Gi sees potential in having Dr. Oh help him get rid of Do Hyun. He had that whole speech about how anyone else with his face was fake and that she should pay attention to his eyes. Of course, that eye lock just about did me in. I shivered from the intensity on that one. He was so drop dead sexy at that moment. I'm sure ovaries were bursting all over the place. lol
Cici: Agreed. That is one intense guy. Although he may have carried his intense desire to be the "owner" a little far when he was in Seok Ho Pil's office. He nearly strangled the poor guy. I was actually amazed at how well he took it. I'd have been, "Session over--don't come back!"
Amy: Seok Ho Pil doesn't seem like the type that is shaken easily. He even made a joke about his nickname being Toad Neck! I think it will be good for Do Hyun to have a strong presence in his psychiatric care. Seok Ho Pil seems like someone who won't back down.
Wendilynn: Except that he asked Secretary Ahn to find him a secret doctor. From the previews of this show, I think Dr. Oh eventually takes that spot. I was a little startled with how completely Do Hyun re-did his house till it became almost a vault.
Cici: He did make a brief reference to Jekyl and Hyde--so it's not too surprising that he's effectively built a cage to contain the other personalities, especially Se Gi's. I don't see how he hopes to control them all when he's out in public, though. It's not like he can stay in that condo forever.
Amy: I don't think he can control them unless he keeps himself really calm but you can't control what other people do. If he gets hit for example, Se Gi might make a visit.
Wendilynn: The personality that worries me is the 17yr old suicide nut. Se Gi kept talking about giving him a blade if Do Hyun succeeds in reintegrating any of them. I have to wonder, it sounds like Se Gi is fully aware of the others and what goes on with Do Hyun.
Cici: The way he is aware and able to influence them all almost made me wonder if he's actually the owner. It doesn't make sense that he would have that much more power than Do Hyun. And if he really does, that would certainly be terrifying for Do Hyun. Se Gi's highjacking his life.
Amy: I was beginning to wonder if Se Gi is actually the owner since he does know so much and seems to be directing Do Hyun's life. That would definitely be interesting!
Wendilynn: I don't think he's the owner. There's always a personality who is the protector. Se Gi knows the trauma, it's why he's the angry one. I find it interesting that we got those flashes of a child being thrown into a room and beaten. And getting hit usually brings Se Gi out. But clearly Se Gi has a plan and is determined to make things happen.
Cici: Wasn't it interesting that Do Hyun assumed that Se Gi's first was Han Chae-Yeon, rather than the psychiatrist? He has no idea where Se Gi is actually heading. And Han Chae-Yon tipped her hand a little more in this episode. She's engaged to his cousin, but she's still playing with Do Hyun. She is not the sweet innocent young lady Do Hyun seems to think she is.
Amy: No she isn't. Han Chae Yon even said Do Hyun would find her sexier since she is playing the field. Not the innocent type at all, unlike Dr. Oh. Even Dr. Oh's relationship with her family is wholesome and adorably funny.
Wendilynn: Her family is adorable. I understood how Dr. Oh could be such an over-reactor once I saw her mom. And her Dad thinking that the leather jacket was for him. Yeah, you need a drug filled biker jacket, doesn't everyone? lol
Cici: It made me wonder if her father's condition--adorable as it was--might have been the reason she chose to go into psychiatry. But hey, if you've got to have a nut in the family, that's the kind that you'd want! And her mom is both sweet and funny about her family. I really like how much love clearly dictates these relationships.
Amy: I liked the brother and sister interactions too. It was fun to watch them tease each other but also support one another in their own way.
Cici: That scene where Dr. Oh "diagnoses" her brother with D.I.D. was so funny. But it did make me wonder if Do Hyun isn't the only one with that condition, lol.
Amy: Dr. Oh's brother is hiding something about Do Hyun from her for some reason though. I wonder what that is all about.
Wendilynn: Finding out he was the one collecting all those stories from the beginning of episode 1 was a bit of a trip for me. Just what obsession does he have?
Cici: How did I miss that? I saw him trying to hide the poster of Do Hyun on his wall, but some how I didn't put that together with the bulletin board with all the articles. Interesting.
Amy: Don't feel bad Cici. I didn't catch that either. That IS very interesting though. I wonder if Dr. Oh's brother has been using those clippings to write his mystery novels.
Cici: Whoa. I bet you're right. And with seven different personalities to choose from, he has a nearly inexhaustible supply of material.
Wendilynn: Now there's an idea. We may end up with an unusual love triangle of sorts. lol. However, they will need to rescue Dr. Oh first and I'm not sure how Perry is going to handle that since he showed up instead of Se Gi. I'm curious to see what Perry does though because he gets described in episode 1 as a bomb maker.
Cici: So the next episode should be...a blast?
Amy: That physically hurt me Cici...no.
So which explosive personality do you think will save the day? Be sure to join us next week for the next exciting episode of Kill Me, Heal Me. And while you're waiting, share your reactions to this episode in the comments below!
For more from your drama club check out:
Wendilynn: As the Kimchi Turns |Facebook |Google+ | DF video drama club |Dear Mom | The King's Face
Amy: Blog | Twitter| Blade Man | The Greatest Marriage / Healer
Cici:@cicikdrama | Triangle | Discovery of Romance | The Face Reader | Tomorrow's Cantabile | Mr. Baek
For past DC episodes of Kill Me Heal Me:


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week 11
Why I need Volleyball in my Life
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden. She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming. See what your baby looks like this week. (info found at http://www.babycenter.com/)
|Me! 11 weeks with a bump!!
But finally. Yes, finally... I had to play volleyball. Our fall season started in Eden Prairie last night. I was nervous knowing at the moment I'm totally not limber. But I stretched a little and before I knew it I was hitting and serving and jumping...and digging!!!! Every minute that went by I felt more and more like myself. And by the end of the match, I wanted more. I was bouncing everywhere. I haven't felt that good in a long time!!!!!!!! I felt the energy and good vibes racing through my blood.
My legs felt like Jell-O. My back was already sore. I swore I stretched my stomach muscles. But I felt so awesome. By the time I crawled into bed, I was feeling pain but I don't care. I felt like meeeeeeeeee!!! Then I woke up this morning and felt totally like me again!!! I treasure feeling this way. Ahhh. I hope it's here to stay! I love volleyball!!! It's my cure!
"God puts each morning, each new chance of life into our hands as a gift to see what we will do with it."


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is back-ordered. We will ship it separately in 10 to 15 days.
The original RBCO shirt now comes in an purple tie dye!
State pride in a nutshell.. what comes to mind? Maybe it's the Ravens, Boh, Crabs, or our very own Orioles. Show your state pride with this shirt that simply expresses your passion for all things Maryland. Let's go!


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Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a small heavy saucepan, adding the pod also. Add the sugar, water, ginger, and zest and bring to a boil to make a syrup. Place diced sweet potatoes in a medium skillet, pour syrup over top, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until just tender. Alternatively, place diced sweet potato in a casserole dish, drizzle syrup over, and cook in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 5 minutes, or until just tender. Set aside and keep warm.
Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar and cook very gently until onions are golden brown. Add chicken stock, a little at a time, to deglaze pan, and continue cooking until most of the liquid is evaporated and the onions are tender. Set aside and keep warm.
In another nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until edges start to become golden brown. Set aside and keep warm.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add venison and sear meat on all sides until golden brown. Add 1 tablespoon butter and continue to cook until meat is medium-rare. Remove meat from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut each piece into 3 slices.
To the skillet, add the bacon, sweet potato, and pearl onions, and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat until warmed through. Scatter parsley over top. Plate by placing a small pile of potato mixture just off-center on each of 4 plates. Fan venison slices across plate and drizzle any leftover pan juices on top of the meat.
This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional. It has not been tested for home use.
Recipe courtesy of Craig Hopson, Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia, PA
Check Out Our
Get a sneak-peek of the new Food Network recipe page and give us your feedback.See it Now!


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Sea Change
Places culture at the heart of regenerating England's seaside resorts by investing in arts, public space, cultural assets and heritage projects.
Sea Change aims to drive cultural and creative regeneration and economic growth in seaside resorts by funding inspiring, creative and innovative projects, bringing a sense of pride, enjoyment and celebration.
Sea Change is an initiative that CABE can be proud of. A three-year scheme, funded by £45 million from the Department For Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), it has been devoted to helping seaside resorts regenerate themselves by improving their public spaces, cultural facilities and architectural heritage. As such, it represents the creative use of relatively small amounts of public money to socially useful and aesthetically imaginative ends
Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph
Sea Change is now closed for new applications. Three waves of funded capital projects were awarded between 2008 and 2010.
More about Sea Change
Background to Sea Change
Investment in cultural projects can radically enhance the regeneration of historic seaside resorts.
How Sea Change works
Information about how much funding is available, the aims and objectives of the project and the definitions that are used for both "seaside resort" and "culture".
Sea Change grants awarded
See which projects were awarded large grants and open grants in each wave of Sea Change funding.
Example projects
Examples of projects funded by Sea Change which explain why cultural regeneration was necessary and how the funding will be used.
Coastcards (videos)
Three films which were commissioned by Animate Projects as part of Sea Change.
Folkestone Triennial
Folkestone is at the start of a regeneration programme which combines cultural, commercial and educational initiatives, led and inspired by two privately funded trusts who are working closely with the local authorities.


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Olafsen, Ellen
Program Coordinator, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
World Bank
Ellen Olafsen is the Global Product Specialist on Growth Entrepreneurship of the Trade & Competitiveness Practice of the World Bank Group. She has been working in the field of entrepreneurship for over a decade, and has had wide geographic exposure ranging from Sub-Saharan Africa to Middle East and North Africa, Central and South Asia and Central America. She overseas programs on digital and agribusiness entrepreneurship, both programs started under her leadership. This year, Ellen is initiating a World Bank Flagship study on growth entrepreneurship intended to inform the design of World Bank projects to promote entrepreneurship in developing economies. Before joining the Innovation and Entrepreneurship unit (infoDev) of the World Bank in 2006, Ellen worked for the Grassroots Business Department in IFC (now Grassroots Business Fund), the Development Gateway at the World Bank, and Citizens Energy International in Angola. Ellen holds an MBA in International Finance and an MA in International Affairs, focused on Sub-Saharan Africa.


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6:00 pm
Cuisine Culture "Jeff and Chris Galvin, London" Jeff and Chris Galvin have started a food movement in London. From garnering Michelin stars to opening up what has been noted as the best French restaurant in the UK, viewers get to cook and dine with the masters. Sumptuous meals are presented, such as Lasagna of Dorset Sole served with Veloute of Girolles and a main course of Poached Landaise Chicken with Summer Vegetables & Rosemary Butter Sauce. D
6:30 pm
Pati's Mexican Table "Lip-Smacking Mexican Meal" By adding a few key Mexican ingredients to what you'd normally find in an all-American pantry and fridge, you get these to-die-for, lip-smacking dishes. Chicken a la Trash; Everyday Green Salad; Impossible Chocoflan. D
7:00 pm
The Woodwright's Shop "Elizabethan Joint Stool with Peter Follansbee" The master joiner of Plimoth Plantation shows us how to make this traditional treat for the tired Tudor tush. D
7:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Sevilla" In the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan, Rick finds that bullfighting is still politically correct and little girls dream of growing up to become flamenco dancers. He finds the city's soul in its lacy Moorish palace, massive cathedral, lavish royal tombs, labyrinthine Jewish Quarter and the people-filled streets.G
8:00 pm
Burt Wolf: Travels & Traditions "Great Hotels of the World" For over 30 years Burt has been living in hotels around the world. And many times he has stayed in some of the greatest hotels in the world. Each of these famous hotels bases its success on different elements and yet there is a common approach to attending to the needs of each quest. D
8:30 pm
Jacques Pepin: More Fast Food My Way "Perfect Presentations" Lobster roll medallions on spinach salad show off Jacques' new presentation of a summer seafood favorite. Jacques satisfies a craving for hearty food quickly by cooking vegetables separately and combining themG
9:00 pm
America's Test Kitchen from Cook's Illustrated "Rise and Shine Breakfast" Host Christopher Kimball discusses the science behind scrambled eggs with science expert Guy Crosby. Then, test cook Becky Hays uncovers the secrets to perfect Scrambled Eggs. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews the best toaster ovens in the Equipment Corner. D
9:30 pm
Coastal Cooking with John Shields "The Coastal Melting Pot" Critically acclaimed Caribbean celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein lets viewers into her kitchen with the secret for Mojo Marinated Game Hens with Apple Stuffing. Other recipes include Haitian style flounder. Kitchen Goddess shares tips on making the perfect Cuban Mojito. D
10:00 pm
Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence "Journey to Italy" Joanne shares her memories of Italy with her student Barbra recreating some of the dishes form her travels. She starts with a simple salad of fig and prosciutto, then slowly adds just enough red wine for a faro risotto, and finally ends the meal with a dessert of strawberry, port, and black pepper. Recipes: Fig And Blueberry Salad With Creme Fraiche, Mint and Prosciutto di Parma, Farro Risotto with Red Wine and Grana Padano, Strawberry with Port and Black Pepper, and an Aperol Champagne Cocktail. D
10:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Sevilla" In the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan, Rick finds that bullfighting is still politically correct and little girls dream of growing up to become flamenco dancers. He finds the city's soul in its lacy Moorish palace, massive cathedral, lavish royal tombs, labyrinthine Jewish Quarter and the people-filled streets.G
11:00 pm
Great Conversations "Arthur Levitt and Jane Bryant Quinn" In a 2002 interview, Arthur Levitt, former Chairman of the American Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission, sits down with Jane Bryant Quinn, financial columnist for Newsweek. D


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Five Star Occupational Medicine Services
Five Star Occ Med offers quick and convenient occupational medicine services, at affordable rates, to
ensure the health and safety of your employees. Open 7 days a week, with no appointment needed and
extended hours for evenings and weekends, our walk-in clinics are equipped to provide an occupational
medicine program that is tailored to the unique needs of your organization.
Organizations do not need a services agreement in place prior to obtaining occupational medicine
services for employees. We do encourage companies to establish service agreements with us as they
help to delineate what services your employees need, as well as streamline communication for billing
and reporting. With a service agreement in place, Five Star Occ Med can provide follow-up care for
Workers' Compensation cases. For walk-in occ med patients whose employer does not have a service
agreement, payment is required at the time of service.
Please contact us (Email: firstname.lastname@example.com – Phone: (315) 415-2343) to
discuss youroccupational medicine needs.


text:
Write a Technical Report
Budget $30-250 USD
Writing a technical report for PHP , MYSQL
Awarded to:
35 freelancers are bidding on average $119 for this job
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My body is starting to come to terms with my return to FMA training. Slowly, old muscle memories are being recalled. What surprised me is that I've retained so much of the core skills such as the footwork, basic strikes and drills. All these just clicked back into place the moment I took my first swing with the sticks. It's amazing to see all of these reflexes still there, just waiting for me to use.
What I do have to get used to is my longer recovery time. Back then, a hard training session would barely make itself felt the next day. Now there's lingering soreness and some dull aches here and there 2 days after the last session. Not good. Maybe some of it is also because my body is slowly waking up to the harsh reality of Pekiti Tirsia training. Of course I also chalk it up to plain old age. But I mustn't let my age got to me that much; the last thing I need is to start convincing myself that I'm over the hill.
The familiar blistering on my palms are not as bad as when I first started Pekiti Tirsia and maybe it's because I'm either not holding the stick in a death grip anymore or maybe we're no longer doing the 500 strikes like we used to do back then. My shoulders are no longer feeling tight and my arms and wrists are starting to loosen up as well. Now, if only my gut will start shrinking..
I've also been adding some weekday session on my own, until our group can find a new venue for weekday classes. Nothing too bad, just a few hundred basics strikes with footwork. Until my brother gets good at contradas, I'll have to practice solo for now.
Overall, it's not been too bad. Just have to hang in there and wake up more of those dormant warrior skills.


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Avalanche Bay Splash Package
Need to get your splash on? Well Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark is the place for you! At 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay is Michigan's LARGEST indoor waterpark featuring all new The Big Couloir, Michigan's first ProSlide SuperLOOP with the steepest drop in the industry, tons of rides, kids pools, lazy river, indoor surfing wave, and SO much more! The Splash package provides lodging and endless waterpark access during your stay. Perfect for the family wanting the best waterpark value, and ready to take on the 800 gallon water avalanche of Avalanche Bay's Splasherhorn Mountain.
Package Includes
- Overnight accommodations at Boyne Mountain Resort
- Unlimited waterpark access during your stay (beginning at 4pm the day of arrival)
- Kids ages 5 and under sleep and eat breakfast FREE when accompanied by a paying adult
- Kids 2 and under splash FREE at Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
Starting rate is per night based on two adults and two children plus tax and resort fees. Restrictions may apply. Waterpark hours vary. Please check the schedule as some midweeks may be closed or have limited hours.


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The S.C. High School League released playoff pairings for Classes 3-A, 2-A and 1-A on Saturday in Columbia and there was good news for Hilton Head Island High School.
The Seahawks (5-5), the fourth seed in Region 8-AAA, are in the playoffs and will travel to Strom Thurmond (9-1) on Friday.
"I knew last night we would be in," first-year Seahawks head coach B.J. Payne said. "I just didn't know if they would move the No. 4 seeds around, and they didn't."
The Seahawks were 4-7 last season, losing in the first round of the playoffs.
"It feels good," Payne said. "The kids have worked hard, and we expect a lot of them. The seniors deserve a chance in the playoffs and it gives our young guys at least one more game and a week of practice to get better, which is very valuable."
A year after going 1-9, Battery Creek won 5 of its final 7 games this season to finish 5-5 and earn a No. 6 seed and a home game against 11th-seeded Waccamaw (3-7) in the Class 2-A Division I playoffs.
No. 12 seed Ridgeland-Hardeeville (4-6) will travel to No. 5 Edisto (4-6) in the Class 2-A Division I playoffs. The Jaguars made the postseason in the first season since the two Jasper County high schools were consolidated.
In Class 1-A Division I, seventh-seeded Whale Branch (6-3) draws a rapid rematch with second-seeded and Region 5-A champion Allendale-Fairfax (9-1), which defeated the Warriors 14-7 on Friday.
Friday's area playoff games
Class 3-A
Hilton Head Island at Strom Thurmond, 7:30 p.m.
Class 2-A
Ridgeland-Hardeeville at Edisto
Waccamaw at Battery Creek
Class 1-A
Whale Branch at Allendale-Fairfax
SCISAA Class 2-A
Calhoun Academy at Hilton Head Christian
Oakbrook Prep at Thomas Heyward


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"Now that new car time is upon us, gosh knows, we hate to be the ones to spoil all the fun. After all, what's more fun than taking the family down to see the shiny new models or to hear the fast-talking salesman, or maybe even to pick up a free balloon?
It's just that during all that hoopla and razzle-dazzle, you may not want to pick up one of those exciting new cars.
For the unpleasant fact of the matter is that junkyards throughout the country are doing a thriving business on automobiles that seemingly just yesterday were showroom stars.
Which is why we suggest a trip to the junkyard before you decide to put a new car in your own yard.
And why we suggest that the new car be a Volkswagen.
For while we can't promise you how long one will last, we can tell you that over a million Volkswagens are still on the road.
And when one drops out, even then it's not always destined to be dropped in a pile, for old Volkswagens have a habit of becoming other things, like new dune buggys. All in all we owe it all to a decision we made 24 years ago.
To spend very little time making our car look better. And a great deal of time making it work better.
So far, that one decision has kept us out of a lot of trouble."
Found on http://carrosantigos.wordpress.com/


text: 3 Great Tips from 3 Farm Women December 5, 2013 09:49 AM Tweet Farmers Daphne Holterman from Watertown, Wis.; April Hemmes from Hampton, Iowa; and Michelle Stewart from Sheridan, Ill., share advice and their experiences during a panel at the 2013 Top Producer Executive Women in Agriculture conference. © Pam Fretwell TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Sara Schafer Top Producer Editor Email With grain prices sinking and margins tightening now is the time to hone in on business tips and solid advice from successful producers. Three such farmers shared personal stories and advice from their farming careers today during a panel discussion at Top Producer's Executive Women in Agriculture conference. Here are three tips any farmer should hear. Network outside of the ag industry. Daphne Holterman farms near Watertown, Wis., with her husband and two young unrelated partners. They have 900 dairy cows and farm 1,500 acres of alfalfa and corn silage. She says while she loves people in the ag industry and attends many farm meetings she makes a point to meet successful people in industries beyond agriculture. "Sometimes I learn more from talking to my plumber and learning about his small business," she says. Make marketing a priority and learn from others. April Hemmes, of Rafter H. Farms, farms in Hampton, Iowa and was Monsanto America's Farmers 2011 Farm Mom of the Year. She is the farmer in her family, not her husband. As she got more involved in her operation, she knew her time was best spent focusing on marketing. "I had to teach my dad and grandpa that an hour spent going to a marketing meeting was more important than an hour in the tractor," she says. Hemmes is a member of an all-women marketing club that meets once a month, from November through March. "We talk options, grain contracts and learn the different ways you can sell a crop," she says. "Learning what other people are doing is key." Understand you can't do it all. With her husband, Michelle Stewart runs a manure spreading business and farms near Sheridan, Ill. They are both first generation farmers. "My husband had a small manure spreading operation and was farming 100 acres when I met him and I had a business degree," she says. "We combined our skills and have grown our operation. We are now farming 15,000 acres in Illinois and some in Mississippi." In addition to their businesses, the couple has three young daughters. So, achieving that coveted work-life balance is difficult. Stewart's advice is to recognize that some tensions will always be there. "You need to take time for yourself and explain to your kids why you need to do it," she says. "Don't make yourself feel guilty. Just like farming, there are seasons to play and seasons to work." For More Information See full coverage of Top Producer's 2013 Executive Women in Agriculture event. Follow the event on Twitter: #EWA13. Back to news


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BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Amjad Halawi had been taking a nap, and he apologized for the delay in meeting visitors. After nearly seven years on the run from the Israelis, he was tired.
Halawi's hair, grown long while he was a fugitive, was tied in a ponytail, his face obscured by a scraggly beard. In a white T-shirt, jeans and sandals, he sat in an office of the local headquarters of the Palestinian Preventive Security Service on Sunday, a day after coming out of hiding.


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A prank wherein a person farts into an empty pillow case or bag, then unexpectedly places this bag over another person's head, then punches them in the stomach, forcing them to frantically gasp for air and inhale the nasty fart. Best practiced with a team of three, two of whom hold the victim in place, while the lucky third does the farting/punching.
"Fred was being a total douche, so we all got together and gave him the Shanghai Shroud. You should have seen his face when we farted in a pillow case and then placed it over his head, then punched him in the stomach. He inhaled that fart like a champ."
by ShanghaiMaster August 01, 2009
buy the domain for your foodie blog


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Colin's List Of Worldwide Israeli Dancing Events
Sunday, 17 February 2019
12 Adar 5779
Camp Shelanu
Sunday, 17 February 2019
Import this event into your Outlook calendar
Beyond EXCITED to finally ANNOUNCE Camp SheLAnu- a dance camp in LA at the amazing Brandeis Bardin Institute, directed by me and 2 of my closest friends!
February 15-18, 2019 and GET READY for a guaranteed ELECTRIFYING weekend you won't forget!
Mark your calendar NOW!!
To add your event to this calender use the +_ buttons see the day your events starts You can always email the details
Last updated on: 16/08/2018 at 11:36
Licensed To:
Untitled Document


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WILLIAMSPORT - The annual Veterans Day service sponsored by the Williamsport American Legion Post 202 will be today at 11 a.m. at 400 S. Conococheague St.
The ceremony will include a performance by the Springfield Middle School Band and a memorial wreath-laying.
Several officials of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion will speak.
Wreaths will be placed near the monument on Memorial Boulevard near Rose Hill Cemetery on Saturday. The monument is dedicated to all veterans of wars.
A wreath will be placed by Hagerstown City Councilwoman Penny M. Nigh at 9 a.m. At noon, Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II and AFSCME 1540 will place wreaths.
Morris Frock American Legion Post 42 and the post's auxiliary will sponsor its annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring all veterans Saturday at 11 a.m. in front of the Washington County Courthouse


text: ShareBuilder selects Coremetrics Published on April 14, 2004. Burlingame, Calif.--Online brokerage ShareBuilder Securities Corp. has selected Coremetrics to provide analysis of online customer behavior. ShareBuilder will use Coremetricsâ Web analytics software to understand how different types of online content impact conversion ratios and overall Web site usability. Most Popular In this article: BtoB