text:
By Jay Tilles
DJ Snake's album Encore dropped last Friday, August 5, and within hours, the French DJ/producer had the No. 1 download on iTunes with his Justin Bieber collaboration, "Let Me Love You."
But the Bieber track isn't even a single he or his record label is promoting at the moment. DJ Snake, known better to friends as William Grigahcine, or simply, Will, was in the midst of enjoying the success of the album's debut single, "Middle," when his Bieber track took over the airwaves this weekend.
Based on the shear number of big names and catchy tunes on Encore, the album could be delivering singles through Christmas. From club bangers to straight-up hip-hop tracks to radio-friendly smashes, DJ Snake better hold on tight because this bucking bronco is about to break free from the stable.
Radio.com caught up with Will during a tour stop in New York.
With electronic songs and hip-hop tracks, how did the album become so diverse?
I think that's just who I am. I grew up with hip-hop and fell in love with electronic music. We have a big scene in France where I grew up, with Daft Punk, Justice and all these artists. It's just me—one hundred percent. This is who I am. This is what I'm about. I love to make pop records so I think the balance is about who I am. I'm really happy about the album.
How has the album been received by fans?
It's only been a few days [since the album's release] and the fans are going crazy during the shows. I was a little stressed but now I'm the happiest man in the world.
How stressed were you just before the record came out?
Oh my God, so bad man. I've been working for almost two years on the album and finally it's out and the reaction, the feedback, is all super positive.
From the meta data on an early copy of the album we could see that some of the songs had gone trough dozens of changes. One track had track noted it was "version 16.4 [5]." Did the songs really go through that many changes?
Oh yeah, for sure. Having worked on the album for almost two years, you have no idea how many versions I have on my laptop—even with different artists that didn't make the cut.
How do you choose with version to use?
Sometimes I would decide not to work on the record for a few months. Then I would play it again and if it felt good to me—and fresh—that's how I know the record is timeless or not. If I get tired of the record in two months it doesn't make the cut. I want to make timeless music.
Do you have friends or family that you lean on to help you decide songs for the album?
Of course. You always have real friends around you that you really trust and I have a bunch of them and I'm always asking for advice and feedback… you have to.
What's the story behind the cover art.
It's a mix of my background—because my parents are African, from North Africa—and the Persian metro train station. It was a mix of the two sides of my life, between Africa and Paris, France.
Is there a story behind the Discovery Space Shuttle audio in the album's intro?
That was a real song—a long song with vocals. I just felt like the vocal was not good enough—it didn't match and the piano could stand by itself. It felt very deep and personal. It still gives me goosebumps so I felt it was a good way to start the album.
"Middle" features Bipolar Sunshine on vocals. Is this the first time you've worked with him and if so, how did you link up?
It's kind of a funny story. I was in London and I heard one of his records playing over the speakers in a little shop and I was like, "Who is this?" So, I started Shazaming the song and I found out more about him on Soundcloud. I listened to as much of his music as I could find. I became a fan. So, it turned out that we had a common friend so I asked about his schedule. I was on the road and he was on the road too. He was really hard to catch so I asked him if he had any vocal a capellas that I could work on because I really wanted to make something with him. I told him, "Your voice and my music could make something magic." So he sent me a bunch of unfinished a capellas, and I just picked this one amazing hook and I made the beat around it and the rest is history. I'm so proud of this record!
So this totally was totally organic? You just found him on your own…
All I care about is making great music no matter who you are. You could be the biggest pop star or a young kid trying to make it. I'm just trying to great music. Bipolar was special. His voice was amazing and I'm so glad I was able to make two songs with him.
Colin Tilley, the director of "Middle" did such a great job with the video.
Yeah, it's one of my favorites that I've ever made.
Were you on set the whole time?
No, I was there for a few hours, vibed with the team and Josh [Hutcherson] and did my little cameo.
On "Sahara," which parts are yours and which are Skrillex?
Skrillex is one of the best—maybe the best—in this game. He may be the best DJ in the world. He's a good friend of mine and he's such a unique person… and he's a genius. So, to do a song with him was such an honor and I've learned a lot from him. He's one of the DJs that I look up to. You can definitely feel his vibe in the record.
Is that his synthesized voice that we hear in the chorus?
No, that's mine. [laughs]
How and why did you end up remixing George Maples' song "Talk?"
When the record came out—she's a really good friend of mind from Australia—she asked me to do a remix. I wasn't able to get the remix done on time. I didn't respect the deadline. So, a few months later I did a version randomly while I was in Miami and it was just too late to put it out because she was already promoting another single. I was in love with my version so I asked her, "What can we do with this version?" And she said, "If you want to use it for your album, I don't mind." My version was so different than hers. I think I've given a second life to the record.
Young Thug, Jeremih, Swizz Beatz, what an all-star cast on "Half." What's the story behind this collaboration?
I wanted to do a fun rap record for the clubs and Young Thug is one of my favorite rap artists right now. Jeremih, one of the dopest R&B singers in the game. Swizz Beatz, iconic legend. I met Swizz four or five years ago in Cannes—before I was poppin'. I was just a random club DJ and he used to come rock with me on the mic. Such a good dude and one of my heroes. When I was younger I was one of the biggest Swizz Beatz fans. His beats for DMX was like the hottest stuff in the streets so to have him on the album is such an honor. And, the kids are responding to the song on social media. You know what, I played it for the first time last night in this random club in New York and it went off.
People are already calling "Let Me Love You" the song of the summer. How did the collaboration come together?
We actually have some common friends who told me "Justin keeps playing your songs, 'Middle,' 'Talk,' 'Lean on Me,' he's a big fan, loves your stuff," blah blah blah. So I had this concept for a song, and my friends played it for Justin and they said he really loves it and asked me if I'm down to do it. And I said yes of course. His last album was one of the best albums of the year. So, yeah, let's do it. He loves my stuff. I love his. It kinda made sense. I sent it to him. It was really fast. I wasn't expecting it because Justin's very busy, always on the road. And he's super popular right now. And he killed it straight away—sent it back and made it onto the album. And, after only a few hours it's already No. 1 all around the world! That's crazy.
Did the song have a title when you sent it to him of did he come up with it?
The name of the instrumental was already named "Let Me Love You."
Word is that Selena Gomez also did a version of the song. True?
Ahh, I cannot talk about this. Sorry. But something is coming.
Had you worked with Mr. Hudson before recording "Here Comes The Night?"
It's funny. I was on vacation playing some Kanye West, some Jay Z, and one song comes up and there was a feature with Mr. Hudson. I was like, "Wow, Hudson has such an amazing voice." He's incredible. So I started following him on Twitter and a few days later he started following me back. And, he sent me a direct message saying he loves my stuff and wants to work on something together. Send me some stuff. I did my thing and "Here Comes The Night" is now on the album and I think it's going to be my closing song for summer… for all my shows.
Would you consider recording or producing a full hip-hop album for someone if asked?
Why not? Of course. It's a challenge and I like challenges. I'm a hip-hop head so it would be fun. It's more about the timing. I'm always on the road. I don't have that much time. That's why it took me almost two years to finish the album. But I wold definitely be down for it in the future.
Are there any Easter eggs hidden in the album—sound effects that we'd not otherwise know about?
You know, a lot of the sounds that I use for the drops—most of the time—that's my voice that I pitch. So, I don't really use synths, I use my voice for the drops and that's kinda like my style, my signature… my touch. People recognize me because they hear some weird noises in my music and most of the time that's just my voice.
Your fans would probably love to hear those vocal recordings before you altered them.
[laughs] No, they wouldn't. Trust me, they sound horrible before I start touching and working on them.
DJ Snake's album Encore is available now. Catch him during his residency at XS Nightclub, coincidentally at the Encore in Las Vegas. Check the club's schedule here.


text:
So, in your opinion, which is better? Having tons of kids, or just a few? What has influenced your decision for your family size?
DH (dear husband) and I had decided before getting married 8 years ago that we would have 2 kids of our own and if we ever wanted anymore we would either adopt or foster children. This seems like a PERFECT family size for us.
I just can't see myself with 5 kids, having to run them all over the place. This one to soccer, this one to dance class, that one to the tutor, this one here etc etc PLUS working and going to school myself.
I think my main factor in deciding my family size is my want to work and go to school myself. I never got to go to college because after my mother's unexpected death in 2001, I had to take over the care of my father who is severely disabled and has Lupus to boot. Once the boys are in school, I can start school myself and hopefully get MY career started (sure I can do at-home schooling or online schooling, but it's just NOT the same as a classroom setting. If I could afford it I would be a full-time student!).
I always thought I could do the SAHM (stay-at-home mom) thing full time, but I just don't see being able to give up my wants for a career for the next 18 years. I've already given up 8 years of my life to taking care of other people, I really am looking forward to taking care of MYSELF for once.
What are your reasons for your desire for a small or large family?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Clearly Jerry Carlson has changed his views on things in the intervening years. But I still admire this letter from 2000.
It applies to 2013 as well.
The Parcel Tax is going to be defeated. Jerry, I agree with you: "The proponents of [the parcel tax] would lead you to believe that services will have to be curtailed and the town will be in danger of dire consequences, but nothing could be further from the truth."
Full text of Jerry Carlson's letter below.
Jerome W. Carlson
95 Mt. Vernon Lane
Atherton, CA 94027
February 12, 2000
Re: Why I am Voting NO on Measure "C" [Parcel Tax]
The continuation of the parcel tax should be deferred until the town council has considered other alternatives, including a) implementing cost cutting recommendations of acting City Manager Ralph Freedman; b) implementing an effective system of internal controls to avoid past errors in fund expenditures; c) implementing other potential revenue sources; d) implementing a program to encourage broader community "volunteerism" in various town functions; and e) continuing to build on the acting city manager's "openness" with the town's citizens.
The Council needs to follow-up on the City Manager's recommendations for cost cutting and improved program efficiencies as presented at the last budget review meeting. The town council needs to commit to its citizens that it understands and accepts its responsibility for ensuring there is an adequate system of internal controls. It has the responsibility of "setting the tone" for the type of internal control environment the town adopts. The council needs to demonstrate it is listening and heeding the comments and recommendations made by the town's outside accountants, consultants and citizens who have presented detailed findings of significant internal control weaknesses. During the past year significant tax dollars were spent to "fix" problems created by control weaknesses, including deficient hiring procurement practices and policies.
The City Manager has suggested possible additional revenue sources to fund current community services, including charging for "free" security alarm monitoring service. Some maintain the original parcel tax enactment was to cover such "free service". If so, this benefit has been used by half the house holds. The non-using households are basically subsidizing the users for a substantial benefit not normally offered by other community police services. A commercial monitoring service is charging my home $37 per month. This additional level of optional police service should be charged to users based on market rates and not subsidized by the rest of the community. The combination of recommended cost savings and revenue enhancements would allow those community services benefiting all the town's citizens could be maintained without a parcel tax.
Encouraging active involvement in helping to serve the community through volunteer efforts would not only enrich the lives of the participants, but also help to accomplish some much-needed tasks for the community. The former City Manager discouraged such volunteerism because of his concern about potential town liability. Since many other towns encourage active citizens to volunteer, they most certainly have found a way to address this issue satisfactorily.
Credibility in the town's governing process has suffered during the past couple of years and needs time to be restored. The City Manager's program of reaching out to the citizens to hear their concerns it to be commended. His willingness to share information and to confront tough issues head-on is commendable. Since there is no "guarantee" that the interim city manager's replacement or the town council will be of the same mind set, if the parcel tax is approved, the only leverage citizens have is to defer its approval.
If, at a future time, the town leaders have demonstrated to the citizens their implementation of the above measures, the community should seriously address the enactment of a parcel tax for use solely for capital improvements in the town's infrastructure (roads, streets, drainage, etc.). The parcel tax should be used as an "investment" in the city's future and not as a source to augment general on-going operations.
The proponents of Measure "C" would lead you to believe that services will have to be curtailed and the town will be in danger of dire consequences, but nothing could be further from the truth. Fortunately, will [sic] have an interim city manager who has a credible plan for keeping Atherton a special community for all of us to live in, but the town's council must confront the issues that are still unresolved and implement needed reforms in the governance proces.s
Jerry Carlson


text:
Team pokes fun at Sveum's hunting accident
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
MESA, Ariz. -- About halfway through Cubs manager Dale Sveum's speech prior to the first full squad workout on Sunday, the players started to take off their jackets to reveal bright orange hunting gear tops. Then, they put on the orange caps.
"Of course, they gave me one with a target on it," Sveum said, chuckling.
The quick clothing change was a humorous response to Sveum being accidentally shot by Hall of Famer Robin Yount while the two were quail hunting in Arizona before the Winter Meetings. Sveum was hit in the ear and back.
Cubs pitcher Matt Garza thought the orange crush helped ease things on the first day.
"Guys laughed it off and Skip laughed it off," Garza said. "I think it was a good icebreaker for a bunch of guys. I think it loosened the tone in there, loosened the feeling going on. Everybody's first meeting, they're a little nervous. Good one, whoever did it."
It helped that Sveum took it well.
"He was laughing," Garza said. "That's always good. When the person who gets it is laughing, it's good. If you get a mean face, it's probably not the move you want to make."
"It was actually funny," Sveum said of the players. "All of a sudden, people are taking their jackets off, and it was like, OK, cool."
Sveum has yet to find out the instigator. The players were more interested in hearing details about the story.
"I was like -- 'Get out of the way,'" Garza said of his first response when he heard about the freak accident. "[Sveum] said it was a weird situation. I've never been quail hunting before, so I don't know. I go for big game."
The rest of Sveum's message was similar to what he delivered one year ago before his first season as Cubs manager.
"It was basically the same message that the organization wants to get through and what I want to get through to every player who comes through here, which is accountability and work ethic and preparation and that things aren't maybe accepted here as much as other places sometimes," he said. "I talked about a lot of the positives that came out of last year, because there were."
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts also addressed the players, and discussed some of the renovations to be made at Wrigley Field. The team also will move into a new Spring Training facility in west Mesa in 2014.
"A year ago, we knew we were getting a Spring Training facility and nobody knew we were getting a new clubhouse at that time, so there are a lot of things going on with the rennovations and what the Ricketts family has done for this organization in a short amount of time and that will always continue," Sveum said. "These players have to realize how much change has gone in an organization in one year."
Extra Bases
• Cubs manager Dale Sveum spent some time with young shortstop Javier Baez during infield drills on Sunday, working on his mechanics.
"Sometimes you have to explain to them why things happen, because they really don't know why a ball can take off and sink," Sveum said. "Derek Lowe throws his sinker, and that's why those guys throw good sinkers, because their mechanics allow them to, but we as infielders don't want those kind of mechanics because that creates the depth on a ball.
"There are going to be little things like that to let these guys correct themselves," Sveum said. "A lot of young players don't know why things happen."
• Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, James Russell and Hector Rondon are among the pitchers scheduled to throw live batting practice on Monday. Rondon was acquired in the Rule 5 Draft, and was late getting to Spring Training because of visa problems. So far, he's impressed Sveum with his athleticism in the drills.
• The Cubs will play five-inning intrasquad games on Thursday and Friday at HoHoKam Stadium. The games were expected to begin at 1 p.m. Mountain time and will be open to the public.
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Pitch in death roll as fate toys with skipper's men
The first Western sailors to find Sri Lanka called it the Isle of Serendipity. Serendipity is the faculty for making happy discoveries by accident. Australia's encounter with Sri Lanka here has been marked by accident and incident, and still they have in their grasp victory that would be more blissful than most, and might even cause Hobart to arch an eyebrow.
But a grinding and enervating day lies ahead, and beyond that, many more for selectors and medics as they try to patch together a team for the next two Tests, and the myriad tests to follow. The bowling merry-go-ground has become like arthritis, a pain to live with, but Monday's preview of an unsettled batting order without Michael Clarke as its bedrock was chilling.
Each Test match is played in a range of tempers and temperatures. On Monday, some sort of fever, cricket's equivalent of a 24-hour flu, passed over this one. Well after noon, Australia were in a classic position of comfortable control. As openers, David Warner and Ed Cowan are complementary. This day, they drew on each other, Warner on Cowan's patience, Cowan on Warner's boldness, and without alarm raised 132. Australia's lead was 246.
Seemingly, the innings would be Clarke's to declare, weighing variables of time, weather and bowling stocks. The pitch was placid, and meditative serenity reigned.
Then the morning's rolling wore off the pitch, and the rocking kicked in. Australia sought to up the tempo. Warner played a remarkable backhand swat at spinner Rangana Herath and gained four, notionally through point, in that instant square leg. Warner might change the game; at very least, he is reorienting it. His downfall was to cut conventionally at a Herath slider. A little more than 30 overs later, Australia were all out bar the stranded Mike Hussey and the hamstrung Clarke. By then, Australia were in such chaos that Hussey waited, not knowing if Clarke would rejoin him.
Mishap, misjudgment and malfeasance abounded. Cowan, when bowled, looked at the pitch as he would a rearing snake. Watson was stumped without leaving his crease, or so he thought. Matt Wade, mysteriously promoted to No.5, was caught at the longest of ons, but such a pox was upon the day that ABC veteran Jim Maxwell, in a Norman May moment, announced him as bowled. Fortunately, he has robust sense of humour.
There were other manifestations of madness. Sri Lanka burned referrals the way the Inquisition did books, having baulked at one that would have gained them a wicket the previous day. Herath, introduced peculiarly late, then bowling unchanged, suddenly took five wickets. He is, as a finger spinner must be, a clever bowler with a simple theme but many subtle variations on it and mastery of them all. He is again the leading wicket-taker in the world this year.
But the true man of accidents was Clarke. He is in such rare form that even when stabbing down on yorkers, he times the ball as others do only in their dreams.
Once he mis-hit to the boundary, and another time almost as far, from what can only be called an educated toe. Elsewhere, the ball sped from his bat as if from a slingshot. Where others poked at Herath from the crease suspiciously, Clarke waltzed to the pitch and took away to leg repeatedly. In less than an hour, he had another 50.
Then misfortune struck in the form of a pinch in his hamstring, and he retired hurt. At the MCG, this would have prompted a hush. Here, it prompted continuation of a hush. Clarke's form is once-in-a-lifetime vintage; it would be a shame for him and Australia if it were to be clamped off now.
As Australia redeployed, Ben Hilfenhaus batted but did not appear on the field, and Clarke stopped batting but did field. Still, the eccentricity was not done. Shane Watson, with a leg-cutter, got Tillakaratne Dilshan first ball; that is always an accident. Mitchell Starc forgot his manners when pinging a throw at Dimuth Karunaratne, then remembered his method to york him. Starc is Mitchell Johnson without the agonies. Clarke, fielding slip to Nathan Lyon, dropped Kumar Sangakkara, betraying consciousness of his soreness.
Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, put it at the nearest shelter until stumps. But the pitch is dying so quickly some rigor mortis is already evident. This is how it should be; pitches, unlike Christmas puppies, are not forever. Weather permitting, and in the absence of Faf du Plessis, Australia should have their first win of the summer.
Get the Morning Edition
Sign up for our daily wrap of the news you need to start your day.


text:
Seat fixing brackets
Brackets adaptable for on board fixing of Sparco, OMP, Simoni seats
IMPORTANT: you will need to order one set of brackets for each seat. Even if your exact car model is quoted, modifications and adjustments such as new holes on the chassis may be necessary during installation.
Exhaust ending Fiat Grande Punto
from € 24.59
Sparco pedal set Reflex BMW - Mercedes - Mini
from € 32.30
T-3 Diagonal exhaust pipe
from € 9.50
Replacement shocks Bistein B4
from € 140.00


text:
We got the VIP line hop and got to go second round on the Goggle Bar--first round went to Oakley riders JP Walker and Danny Kass, creator of the nights favorite drink, the aptly named the Dantini. The goggle bar is more of a buffet really, but unless you're Danbo or JP you only get one trip through so you really gotta make it happen. First you choose your frame, you got A Frames and Crowbars, each offered up in a rainbow of colorways. For the Crowbar's you even get to go as far as customizing out the little flair pieces oneither side one at a time. Then you choose from a slew of different straps, and then different lens options--the possibilities are endless. Well they're not really endless but they're are a S-load of them.
After we'd properly quenched our thirsts at the Goggle Bar it was off to the "Other Bar"--what the other bar lacked in goggles it more than made up for in adult-style beverages. After a sweet demonstration in Oakley's full-size theater about optics and impact resistance (you can fully shoot these goggles right in the lens with a BB gun or stab them with a metal spike and they totally won't break) the night slowly faded away. Big thanks to Chris, Matty, Liam and everyone else at Oakley for having us up and putting on a sweet event.
Photo gallery llinked on the left.


text:
BNP clergy face disciplinary action
Clergy who support or join the British National Party or National Front will face disciplinary proceedings under a new resolution passed by the Church of England.
Church of England bishops have backed a declaration stating that the policies, activities and objectives of the two far-right parties are "incompatible" with Christian teaching on racial equality.
The move means that a complaint of misconduct can be brought under the Clergy Discipline Measure against any cleric who is a member of, promotes or expresses support for the two parties.
The General Synod, or national assembly of the Church of England, will have an opportunity to debate and give formal approval to the declaration when it meets in York next month. If there is no debate, the declaration will automatically come into force at the start of the meeting.
The effective proscribing by the bishops of the two political parties comes after the General Synod gave final approval in 2012 to legislation m aking it ''unbecoming'' or ''inappropriate'' conduct for clergy to be members of a political party with policies and activities declared ''incompatible'' with Church teaching on race equality.
The Church of England bishops were given the power to make a declaration on parties or organisations deemed incompatible with Christian teaching.
Where a political party is deemed to have changed its views, the ban could be lifted by a simple majority vote by the bishops.
The move was first proposed by Vasantha Gnanadoss, a Metropolitan Police civilian worker and General Synod member. She had the backing of the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
The British National Party, speaking at the time the move was given final approval by the General Synod, accused the Church of England of being "stuck in the 1970s".
" We are a modern, forward-thinking and progressive nationalist party," a spokesman said.
''We are non-discriminatory and we have a constitution to match.''
He added: ''It is high time that was put out there. The Church of England has to keep up to date - they are stuck in the 1970s.''
A BNP spokesman said today: "This is indicative of the way that the Church of England is being politicised. What is written in the Bible and scripture is clearly of secondary importance to the politically-correct option that these people adhere to.
"Where is it going to end? Are BNP members going to be allowed to be buried any more in churches? Is that where it is going to end? It makes you wonder. It is very sad to see the Church go along with this."


text: I am planning to replace the rear disc brake disc on my 96 R1100RT. It was suggested by the person I bought the disc from that I should replace all the bolts with new ones when I did that. The manuals I have, including the BMW one, don't seem to indicate that both replacement is necessary. Are they stretch bolts as used on parts of the clutch assembly? What's the general consensus on the idea of complete bolt replacement for the disc?


text: I have to separate programs. Usually they would be located on different computers and communicate between themselves using the CSocket class. My question is for testing purposes, can I run the two programs on 1 computer and then have one send data to a port A and the other one read data from port A. Would that work. Thanks


text:
She was born Sept. 20, 1932, in Beaumont, Texas, to the Rev. Rufus Ford and Dorothy Elizabeth Tally Sorrells.
She was a retired school teacher from the Hope School District, a member of the First Methodist Church in Russellville and formerly in Hope where she taught Sunday school.
She was a published author of the book "Stepping Stones for Today's Christian."
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Dottie Sorrells.
Survivors include her husband, James R. Robertson; two sons, Robert and Becky Robertson of Camden and Mark and Niccole Robertson of Hope; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Rest Haven Memorial Park officiated by the Rev. Roy Smith.
Burial will be by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.
The family will receive friends from 5-6:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
Paid obituary


text:
Scrum Sevens
All aboard the Robinson rollercoaster
Tom Hamilton
November 29, 2012
Andy Robinson celebrates with Dan Parks following their win over Ireland in 2010 © Getty Images
Andy Robinson's recent announcement that he was stepping down as Scotland boss brought to an end a mixed tenure including memorable wins over southern hemisphere giants but also poor performances closer to home. With this in mind, this week's Scrum Sevens looks back at a selection of seminal moments in Robinson's reign.
Robinson swaps club for country - June 2009
Following Frank Hadden's decision to step down following a disappointing 2009 Six Nations - which saw the men in blue record just one win against Italy at Murrayfield - Robinson was the obvious choice to replace him. Prior to his unveiling as the new Scotland boss he had worked wonders at Edinburgh. In his first season in charge he guided his unfancied side to a fourth place finish in the league, despite a torrid pre-season that saw the projected signing of Stephen Larkham fall through.
In his second season at Edinburgh, he pushed them up to second with his team scoring the most points with the second-most tries in the league. While they failed to make a dent on the European scene, Robinson's reputation was at an all-time high. He would make a promising start to his tenure in charge of Scotland guiding them to a memorable win over Australia in November 2009 in what were dreadful conditions, a week after they had downed Fiji in Robinson's first game. But the autumn ended on a sour note with a 9-6 loss to the Pumas.
Snaring the Pumas - June 2010
In Robinson's first Six Nations as Scotland coach, the team experienced mixed fortunes as they opened with three consecutive losses - to France, Wales and worst of all, Italy - but they bounced back with a draw at home to England and finished it off with a memorable 23-20 triumph over Ireland in Croke Park. But that battle for northern hemisphere supremacy marked the end of Robinson's honeymoon period. He then had to back up all the off-field promises of improvement with results. And they did just that on the summer tour of Argentina.
Wins in Argentina are not to be sniffed at. It is an immensely hard place to go but Scotland managed to silence the Pumas' passionate home support on not one, but two occasions on successive weekends. The first of their two Tests ended in a 24-16 triumph in Tucuman - with Dan Parks slotting all 24 points - and this was backed up with a 13-9 victory a week later. This was a Pumas team packed with stars and Robinson's settled side prevailed.
Bagging the Boks' scalp - November 2010
Robinson suffered his heaviest loss in charge of Scotland in the first of their three autumn internationals in 2010. They came up against the All Blacks - a team that a year later would be celebrating their second World Cup win - and were blown away 49-3. It was a reality check for Robinson and his team.
But credit to the Scots, rather than being rabbit in the headlamps when they faced South Africa the week later, they re-grouped and won 21-17. Parks was once again their hero as he kicked all of their 21 points and despite Willem Alberts - the scourge of England - going over late on, the Scots held firm and recorded a hugely impressive victory.
This was backed up with a win over Samoa in Aberdeen a week later and Robinson's team went into the 2011 Six Nations hoping to break out of the bottom two that had become their usual home.
A World Cup of woe - October 2011
Scotland's Nathan Hines shows his emotion at their early World Cup exit © PA Photos
Following on from an awful Six Nations campaign - which saw Scotland record just win, against rivals Wooden Spoon rivals Italy - not much was expected from them heading into the 2011 World Cup. But they warmed up for the competition with a win - against Ireland and then another over Italy - which raised some hope that Scotland would continue their record of having qualified for the knockout stages at every World Cup. But after unconvincing wins over Romania and Georgia, they fell to Argentina by a point and had to beat England to progress. But they failed to overcome Martin Johnson's side, a team who were preoccupied with their own off-field strife - and had to take an early plane home.
Robinson's future came into question after the World Cup but the SRU stuck by him. The coach said at the time: "There are a lot of positives I'm going to take out of the tournament and for the squad it's important now we're able to start the planning now for the Six Nations."
The damning Wooden Spoon - March 2012
After their pair of fifth-place finishes under Robinson, the Scottish faithful were hopeful that the 2012 Six Nations would mark a resurgence by that crop of players. Their first match of the tournament saw them come up against a new-look England who were taking their first tentative steps under Stuart Lancaster. In what were horrendous conditions, debutant Owen Farrell - alongside a charge-down try from Charlie Hodgson - guided England to a 13-6 victory at Murrayfield.
And it got worse for Scotland. They fell to Wales (despite ending a run of four games without a try), France and Ireland to set-up a Wooden Spoon shootout against fellow strugglers Italy. It was the Azzurri who prevailed 13-6 and Robinson was once again facing questions about his future.
The SRU once again backed him and Robinson held on to his job. But what was perhaps most remarkable about the whole tournament, from a Scotland point-of-view, was the case of Dan Parks. He was handed the fly-half berth for their first match of the competition against England, despite the impressive form of Greig Laidlaw, and played a key role in their defeat with his kick leading to Hodgson's score. He announced his retirement from Test rugby just three days later - a remarkable turnaround and one that must have upset the apple cart for Robinson and his charges.
Taming the southern hemisphere - June 2012
With the sorrowful showing in the Six Nations still ringing in Robinson's ears, his next assignment was to take his side to the southern hemisphere. They started their three-Test tour with a win over Australia in Newcastle. As seems to be the case with Scotland's wins over the big southern hemisphere three, the victory came in atrocious conditions but Robinson's side played the match to perfection and came away with a 9-6 victory.
Next came Fiji in Lautoka with Scotland prevailing 37-25 - a match which saw Tim Visser's debut in the blue of Scotland - and they finished off their trip south with a 17-16 win over Samoa. It was a morale-boosting tour and put them in good stead ahead of the November Tests.
Andy Robinson cuts a lonely figure after their loss to Tonga © Getty Images
The nadir - November 2012
In an autumn where all the northern hemisphere sides - apart from France - struggled against their southern hemisphere neighbours, Scotland emerged without a win to their name, and also coachless. 'Valiant' defeats against New Zealand - where the men in blue managed to score three tries - and South Africa were followed by their nadir.
Scotland went into their match with Tonga full of hope. While they had failed to record wins against the All Blacks and the Boks, they had showed plenty of promise. But against Tonga they were woeful. They fell to a 21-15 defeat, in front of unfamiliar surroundings in Aberdeen. The spotlight was once again back on the coach, and Robinson said in the aftermath of the Tonga defeat: "That was a totally unacceptable performance we've witnessed today. From my side I'm very angry. There will be consequences because of this performance."
The "consequences" resulted in him surrendering his position as Scotland coach. He departed his role at the SRU with a record of 10 defeats in his last 13 games but can hold on to the memories of impressive wins over South Africa and Australia.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Tom Hamilton is the Assistant Editor of ESPNscrum.
Communication error please reload the page.


text:
Options 1, 2, and 3 did not work for me.
The only thing that worked was to uninstall KB951748; worked with on-line DSL help from telephone company to set up a new connection; temporary fix at best.
Had telephone company DSL serviceman out and he had to change the IP address of the modem, plus a lot of other things.
Still have not reinstalled Hotfix from Microsoft.
Operating System:Windows XP Pro
Product Name:ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite


text:
We live in a dry climate and don't have much use for fenders except on rare occasions. But back when I rode road bikes in any weather (over three decades ago), I had a dedicated bike for wet riding with full-wrap ESGE fenders front and rear. That was because at that time, removing fenders required unscrewing the fender wires from the dropout eyelets and removing the brakes. The bike was so slow due to the fenders, though, that I was only willing to ride it if I was sure it would be wet.
Things are much different now. I'm sure that those of you living in Portland and other rainy areas are already intimately familiar with every fender option there is. But new fender options were revelations for me on many days of wet riding I did last year during and after Eurobike, and I'm enthusiastic to discover since some of the quick-attach options now available from SKS (the company who bought ESGE).
On the first leg of a three-day ride from Eurobike to Lugano, Switzerland with two good friends, it was pouring on us the entire afternoon/evening from Friedrichshafen, Germany to Vaduz, Liechtenstein. With the weather threatening during our morning ride in to the show, we had picked up some of the new SKS S-Blade fenders at the show that strap onto the seatpost in seconds.
The S-Blade is the new and narrower version of the X-tra-Dry 3 fender. They adjust down close to the tire simply by rotating them at an articulated joint at the clamp that clicks into position and holds it. It was amazing the difference they made in the downpour and through the numerous puddles on the way along the Rhine River to Liechtenstein.
SKS USA president Mark Burgener is fond of saying, "We change a ride from 'no' to 'go.'" While I had planned to ride from Eurobike to Lugano for too long to abort over a simple deluge, fender or not, I was glad I was able to stay drier, and under those conditions in most circumstances my ride would have been a "no." For $19, 116 grams of added weight, and a couple of seconds for installation, the S-Blade is a bargain I no longer go without in my bike travel case.
On the prior show days, I had gotten rained on either on my ride in to the show or on my ride back to the hotel after the show, and I already had relied on another fender. Selle San Marco was giving out samples of its simple "Ass Saver" fender at Eurobike, and I was very glad for it. It is a lot less effective than the S-Blade and thus not nearly as good for a multi-hour ride in the rain, but it's light and easy to fit in a pocket or pack. It clips under the seat rails, and you can trim the nose down to the proper length to fit your saddle undercarriage.
The Ass Saver only weighs 12 grams, yet it makes a big difference to the dryness of one's butt. I used it on a number of muddy days of cyclocross training this winter, and it was perfect for that. My butt was considerably less muddy than those of my buddies without fenders, and the fender is so flexible that it just bends out of the way if you accidentally hit it with your leg when jumping back on the saddle after a dismount. I would race with this thing; it weighs next to nothing and can't interfere with anything on the bike no matter how you bang it around.
For those commuting in the rain regularly, neither of these is a realistic solution, but SKS has the solution for that, even if a rider doesn't have a dedicated rain bike: full-wrap front and rear fenders that snap on and off in seconds. You simply slide little sheet-steel tabs onto your skewers and brake center bolts and tighten them on with the quick release or the brake nut. The $55 RaceBlade Long full fenders snap onto these tabs and snap off with thumb-release buttons. For those who want to keep their feet completely dry and leave the fenders on their bike, the $50 chromoplastic Longboards are even longer and attach to traditional fender mounts.
For mountain bikes, the new $27 X-Blade rear and Shockblade front fenders come in 26-inch/650B and 29-inch wheel-size versions. The X-Blade mounts to the seatpost with the same strap fastening system as the S-Blade, and the Shockblade clips in and out of a mount attached under the fork crown. These are updated versions of the dependable $25 Dashblade and $20 Dashboard.
Finally, for fat bikes, the super-wide $35 Grand M.O.M. rear and $30 Grand D.A.D. front clip-on fenders mount the same way as the Shockblade and X-Blade. The Grand D.A.D. also fits Magura double-arch forks.
As Burgener says, "Fenders extend the riding season. They make it so people can ride more." That's commendable. SKS was founded in 1921, and in 1932 it originated the mini-pump for bicycles. Since that time, it has only produced bicycle-related products, and all production (except for Asian production of some soft goods) is done in Germany with the assistance of 600 employees there. In addition to fenders, SKS produces a fast array of pumps, tools, and small bike bags.


text:
Martlesham Heath: Legal challenge against council's blueprint for 2,000 homes near BT's Adastral Park
PUBLISHED: 15:35 17 January 2014 | UPDATED: 15:35 17 January 2014
A district council failed to properly investigate the impact on the River Deben of 2,000 proposed new homes near BT's Adastral Park, a High Court hearing has been told.
The campaign group opposed to the plans began its legal challenge yesterday against Suffolk Coastal District Council's blueprint for growth in the area.
No Adastral New Town (NANT) says the council failed in its legal obligations to consider the effect on the Deben estuary, when it approved the site at nearby Martlesham Heath for the extensive development.
NANT – which maintains the development will have an "irretrievable negative impact" on the area – is asking Mrs Justice Patterson to quash the allocation for 2,000 homes.
Any such decision would force the council to go back to the drawing board on its future housing plans for the district – set out in the Core Strategy of its Local Development Framework.
Opening the case on behalf of NANT, a leading environmental lawyer, Richard Buxton, said that it was a "rather complex story" and that the proceedings involved a huge amount of evidence.
He said: "The problem we have here stems from the fact of the proximity of the Deben Estuary not being investigated at an early stage. That is what has caused us to be in court today.
"It is about the council not investigating what it should have done when it should. It ignored an essential piece of background to its plan when it should have thought about its implications from day one."
He argued that the council did not have the "good grace" to accept that it made "a number of highly regrettable errors", which he said included the "serious error not to consider the highly protected status of the Deben Estuary when it started out in 2006".
He alleged that this was a failure to meet the council's obligations under the European Habitats Directive and that, in additional breach of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, it went down the route of its preferred option without making a "sustainability appraisal".
He continued: "Crucially, in the mean-time, it reached a final decision in July 2008 without consideration of the Devon Special Protection Area (SPA)."
That July 2008 decision, he said was "vitiated for various reasons", including the failure to take into account the special status of the internationally recognised SPA.
He claimed that the council compounded the situation in September 2008 by increasing the allocation of houses from 1,050 to 2,000 "without any consideration of the alternatives for the extra 950 houses" and without explaining it in a lawful way to the public.
Lawyers representing the council are vigorously defending the Core Strategy at the two day hearing. The judge is likely to reserve her decision in the complex action, and to give a written ruling later this year.
The hearing continues.


text:
Also, I promised certain artistic friends that I would post a new art challenge in The Queue when I was given the reins, in the same vein in which Alex posted his paladin bubble art thing, which turned out to be exceedingly awesome. So, here's mine: Rossi and I are totally DPS warrior bro's Horde-side now, raiding together and generally topping charts and taking names. You should totally draw Rossi's male Tauren warrior and my female Blood Elf warrior doing their best bro-fist.
Skozz asked:
Will I be able to transmogrify my head piece into the Chef's Hat? It's blue and looks like it gives an armor bonus, but it has no specific type (Cloth, Leather, Mail, Plate).
Probably not. Chef's Hat would fall under two of the exceptions/rules for transmogrification. First, you can only transmog gear that has stats on it over just armor. Second, many "funny" or "silly" items have been excluded from transmog, including fish daggers, fishing poles, and most likely the Chef's Hat. Sad, I know.


text:
Peninsular Ranges > Palomar Mountain > Climber's Log
Palomar Mountain Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|70 Peaks In 30 Days
Date Climbed: Apr 1, 2017
|This was part of a month long solo peakbagging trip in which I hiked every day and got 70 peaks in 30 days. Why is the road closed every time I'm in CA? I hiked the 13 mile route in 3.5 hours round-trip (plus another half hour of non-moving time). There was a fresh burn at the top which looked like a controlled burn.
For numerous photos and brief route descriptions see the trip report.
|Posted May 5, 2017 1:53 pm
|Observatory is well-worth it
Date Climbed: Jun 2, 2016
|Heard but never saw any rattlesnakes. The observatory was very cool.
|Posted Oct 25, 2016 10:00 pm
|Palomar Divide Road
Date Climbed: Oct 2, 2015
|Drove up to the last gate, which was closed, and hiked from there. No one in the lookout tower. Got some great photos at sunrise.
|Posted Oct 7, 2015 12:24 am
|Ted Bauer
|Crying Baby
Date Climbed: Nov 1, 1998
|Drove to the top. My youngest son fell on the steps of the observatory and wailed for about 30 minutes and most of the way down.
|Posted Nov 13, 2014 4:17 pm
Date Climbed: Nov 9, 2013
|Drove to the top.
|Posted Nov 9, 2013 6:49 pm
|23 degrees and sleet
Date Climbed: Dec 26, 2012
|Did the hike to High Point from the Oak Grove Fire Station. Nice climb, but we encountered sleet, 40 mph winds and 23 degrees with the wind chill at the tower.
|Posted Mar 14, 2013 3:22 pm
|Great view
Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2005
|I live in VC with an incredible view of Palomar Mountain. Been to the top many times!
|Posted Feb 7, 2013 3:33 am
|high point from Palomar Divide Road
Date Climbed: Dec 21, 2008
|Knocked around a lot on Palomar, including the short hike to the high point from the Palomar Divide Rd.
|Posted May 20, 2012 1:02 pm
Date Climbed: Feb 4, 2012
|A nice long hike from the Fire Station at the base. There are Giant Sequoias on top, how awesome is that?!?!
|Posted Feb 11, 2012 5:11 pm
|Palomar Divide Road
Date Climbed: Nov 22, 2011
|My wife and I drove to the gated service road just beneath the summit. There was one other car at this location and we hiked with them 200 vertical feet to the summit tower. The road was muddy in spots and would be problematic for a 2wd when wet as it is mostly wide enough for one car.
|Posted Nov 30, 2011 10:39 am
|High Point
Date Climbed: Apr 2, 2011
|After climbing Eagle Crag in the morning. Long drive up and back on the dirt road.
|Posted Apr 4, 2011 10:35 am
Date Climbed: Feb 3, 2011
|Great hiking opportunities at the top.
|Posted Mar 22, 2011 8:15 pm
|Iron Hiker
|Hiked up from Oak Grove
Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2011
|Climbed from Oak Grove up the trail to Oak Grove Rd, thence to the Divide Road, then followed to High Point. A coating of snow near the top was very nice to see. Saw nobody the entire day.
|Posted Feb 2, 2011 4:03 am
|High Point!
Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2010
|Part of an SDC peak roundup day - drove up Palomar at night after hiking Combs. Loooong dirt road, 2hrs RT driving time from the 79. Insane wind at the top scared me off the tower haha.
|Posted Nov 22, 2010 6:23 pm
|Nice mountain
Date Climbed: Feb 25, 2007
|Nice mountain, great observatory on top. Nice hikes around.
|Posted Dec 26, 2009 10:45 pm
|Beautiful Day
Date Climbed: Nov 1, 2009
|Spent a wonderful afternoon hiking. Did the Boucher hill/Scott's cabin loop. Still a good bit of fall color. Ran in to some mule deer (Not literally). I was not typically San Diego terrain (That's a Good thing). Lots of poison oak! Great hiking/great place!
|Posted Nov 4, 2009 9:23 am
|Quick Drive
Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2004
|A drive to the summit and a visit of the observatory makes for a wonderful winter day trip.
|Posted May 7, 2009 1:51 pm
|Crappy road
Date Climbed: Jun 2, 2008
|Drove the crappy dirt road to the summit. 16 miles of about the worst road I've ever driven.
|Posted Jan 28, 2009 12:53 am
|Up Palomar Divide Road
Date Climbed: Aug 17, 2008
|The road from the north in Aguanga was closed as was the road from Oak Grove, so we drove up the Palomar Divide Road. It went well. Drive up took about an hour, then a hike of about 45 minutes, then a slow drive down. All in all, not too bad. But I got lucky: the next day my timing belt in my truck went out! I shudder to think the tow cost if it had blown while up on this narrow road.
|Posted Aug 20, 2008 4:25 pm
|Alex Wood
|Fun Hike
|I have done this hike many times over the years. But I have kept it legal, not too interested in getting in trouble for hiking up a couple hundred more feet to the highpoint. Go in the fall, it is amazing!
|Posted Aug 11, 2008 2:36 pm


text:
Some people crack videogames' copy protections in order to pirate them. Others
simply like to avoid the hassle of inserting a CD. One company used a crack to quell its customers' growing outrage.
Ubisoft, it seems, used a piracy 'Scene'-released No-CD crack
to wish
away certain support issues, like the lag time between patches available for
the commercially-released and Direct2Drive versions of its hit PC game, Rainbow
Six: Vegas 2.
Some further explanation is needed: Direct2Drive is a legitimate
videogame-download service owned by IGN Entertainment. Users pay retail-ish
prices to download videogames straight to their hard drive, in order to avoid
the hassle of picking a game up at a store. The lack of physical discs in this
kind of system makes anti-piracy enforcement difficult, so Direct2Drive uses an
online activation system that works by wrapping itself around the game code to
ensure the game's legitimacy.
As a side effect of this system, games sold via Direct2Drive
oftentimes cannot be used with patches released for equivalent retail versions,
as Direct2Drive needs to publish the patch in a way that's compatible with its
system; usually this results in a lag time for Direct2Drive users lasting a
couple of weeks.
Returning to the topic of Rainbow Six, it appears that
Direct2Drive users waiting patiently for version 1.03 –
released last March, according to TorrentFreak
– have understandably grown restless, as a Direct2Drive version of this patch has yet to
appear. Compounding this frustration is the fact that 1.03 adds desirable new
features, including a handful of new play modes. Users, ever impatient, worked
out solutions on their own and created a mess of third-party hacks and
unofficial fixes.
As a result of the commotion, it appears that an Ubisoft
employee found a fix of his or her own, and uploaded a small patch to Ubisoft's
support site. But here's the catch: the "solution" provided was a small no-CD
crack – the same one released by warez group RELOADED some time earlier.
The fact was confirmed by screenshots of the patch file
loaded into a hex editor, where users located RELOADED's signature embedded within
the program.
Particularly puzzling is the fact that as Rainbow Six: Vegas
2's publisher, Ubisoft has access to the original program code. Why lift
something from the scene instead?
Ubisoft community manager Ubi.Vigil had little to say to
address users – many of which seem to dither between amused and "righteous"
fury – beyond implying the aforementioned:
"We're looking into
this further as this was not the UK Support team that posted this, however if
it is an executable that does not need the disc I doubt it has come from an
external source. There'd be very little point doing so when we already own the original
unprotected executable."
Since then, the patch has been pulled from Ubisoft's support
site and, for most purposes, has disappeared from the 'net. Worse, an official
version 1.03 patch for Direct2Drive customers does not yet appear to be
The official company line is that "copy protection
circumvention methods … [are] in direct conflict with Ubisoft's policies," and
I'm sure that a support person in Ubisoft-land is, sadly, now out of a job.


text:
SharkBite® Flexible Water Heater Connectors
These stainless steel braided connectors make fast work of water heater hot and cold supply line hook-up. The ability to rotate the SharkBite connector after it is pushed onto the pipe and the flexibility of the braided hose allow connections in tight spaces and without additional fittings.
The SharkBite Flexible Water Heater Connectors are tested and listed to the SMEA112.8.6 standards.
- Part #: U3068FLEX24LF
- Category: Fitting
- Brand: Sharkbite
- Weight: 3.0000


text:
Coonelly fields questions in chat
Pirates president interacts with fans in monthly online forum
By /
Frank Coonelly: Good afternoon, Bucco fans, and thanks for joining me today. Let's get started.
jm_bucsfan: Which prospects might we see in Pittsburgh soon - Andrew McCutchen, Brad Lincoln, Neil Walker?
Coonelly: jm_bucsfan, given his development at Indianapolis, it would be very surprising if McCutchen is not in Pittsburgh at some point this season. Andrew is starting to put up numbers at Triple-A that are approaching the type of numbers that reflect a player dominating his level of play. Brad Lincoln has also been dominant at Double-A Altoona, particularly of late. It is more likely that Brad will be promoted to Indianapolis in the near future. It is too early to tell whether Brad's progression will lead to Pittsburgh this year, but we are extremely excited about his performance and the way he is commanding the strike zone with his fastball, curveball and now changeup. Neil Walker has been coming on of late after a slow start, at least from a batting-average perspective. Neil has continued to show power, leading Indianapolis in home runs and doubles, and second behind Garrett Jones in RBIs with 32. Neil has also shown greater plate discipline this year and, of course, has continued to play an outstanding third base. Like Lincoln, however, it is too early to make predictions as to whether Neil will earn a promotion to Pittsburgh in 2009.
khalifa13: What's the No. 1 for priority for the organization in 2009? Is the focus on the big league club -- building roster continuity, keeping the core together, or will resources be concentrated on developing the farm system?
Coonelly: khalifa13, the No. 1 priority for our organization is, and will continue to be, the acquisition of, and development of, players who can win championships in Pittsburgh. The focus is always on the club in Pittsburgh, but our acquisition and development of talent in the Minor League system will result in championship clubs in Pittsburgh. As a result, we don't see a difference between focusing on developing a farm system and building roster continuity in Pittsburgh. We are focused both on our Minor League system and on retaining core talent on the Major League club.
bucs2008: Hi, Frank. With all three outfielders producing with the Pirates, where does that leave McCutchen since he seems just about ready for the big leagues?
Coonelly: bucs2008, as I indicated in my earlier answer, we agree that Andrew is beginning to demonstrate that he is ready to make his Major League debut, and he is starting to force that issue. You are also correct, however, that we have received good production from Nate McLouth, Nyjer Morgan and Brandon Moss. We are therefore facing the type of difficult decisions that talented clubs confront. I can assure you that Andrew McCutchen has not been, and will not be, forgotten.
swesker: With the recent success of the other professional teams in Pittsburgh, do you feel that puts more pressure on you guys to do just as well?
Coonelly: swesker, excellent question, one that I answered in part in today's Trib Review. No, we don't feel extra pressure by the success of the Steelers and Penguins, but we well understand that their success raises expectation levels of our fans. We relish the opportunity to meet the challenge of meeting those high expectations. We also applaud the outstanding work of the management and players of the Steelers and the Penguins. We look forward to joining them with our own championship run.
denbuc10: Tell us what you think of our young prospects in the Minors so far this season (Chase D'Arnaud, Robbie Grossman, etc.)? Are you satisfied with their performances?
Coonelly: denbuc10, we were confident that we had an outstanding Draft in 2008. Certainly the play in 2009 of that Draft class has reinforced our view. After a slow start and some frustration from the fact that opposing pitchers refused to throw him strikes, Pedro Alvarez has produced impressive power numbers at Lynchburg. As you also note, Robbie Grossman and Chase D'Arnaud are having very strong seasons in West Virginia. Grossman, in particular, has been impressive given that he is right out of high school. Other 2008 Draft class members Jeremy Farrell, Matt Hague, and Calvin Anderson are also off to impressive starts. We are very encouraged by the way that each of these players goes about his business and is working to maximize his potential.
tylerrc: Huge Pirates fan and I think you got it going in the right direction. How are we going to approach this Draft and the Latin Prospect period?
Coonelly: tylerrc, the Draft and international free-agent market are both critical to our success and therefore we are approaching both aggressively. Contrary to some suggestions in the media, however, we have no intention of attempting to save money in the Draft so we can apply it to one or more high profile international players. We intend to acquire premier talent through both avenues of player acquisition. Our new training facility in the Dominican and the outstanding work of International Scouting Director Rene Gayo have certainly opened some doors for us in the international market that had been previously been closed. We intend to aggressively pursue talent in the Dominican and elsewhere, but we will not divert resources from our Draft budget to do so.
EATM: On the upcoming Draft, is there a player that could make a immediate impact on the Buccos?
Coonelly: EATM, there is one player who potentially could make an immediate impact on our Major League club, but we do not believe that Stephen Strassburg will be available when we select fourth in the country. It is indeed extraordinarily rare for a player selected in the Draft to have an immediate impact at the MLB level. Certainly beyond Mr. Strassburg, we do not see any other players who would have that type of immediate impact. In fact, beyond Strassburg, the very top of the Draft this year is not nearly as strong as the first 10 selections in the 2008 Draft. Fortunately for us, however, the 2009 Draft is probably deeper than last year's Draft, and is particularly deep in pitching talent. While we will continue to select the best player available each round that we make a selection, we are certainly looking forward to adding substantial pitching talent to our system this year.
ArtBrut: How important is the signing of Miguel Sano to our reputation/future success in Latin America?
Coonelly: ArtBrut, great question, and it raises an issue that I think has been greatly exaggerated. First, we very much like Miguel Angel Sano as a player and intend to make a strong effort to sign him. We have spent time with Miguel and his family and have come to learn that, in addition to being a very good, young baseball player, Miguel is a fine young man who comes from a strong family. But, Miguel is a 16-year-old who is, like any other 16-year-old, nowhere near a sure thing. If Miguel decides that he has an offer that is superior to the one that we present to him, we will continue to have a strong presence in the Dominican, we will, I'm confident, continue to attract and sign premier players there. In other words, I do not subscribe to the notion that if, despite very aggressive efforts, we are unable to sign Sano, we will be damaged in any way in Latin America.
corsairs0920: I am concerned about John Russell's intensity. He never seems to get fired up about bad calls or appear to back his players in those situations. Does that concern you?
Coonelly: corsairs0920, I hope you were watching last night's game when John followed Nyjer's animated disagreement with first-base umpire Tim McClelland's call with an equally heated exchange with Mr. McClelland. But, no, I am not concerned that JR typically does not find it necessary to kick dirt, throw bases or other tactics. JR is fiercely competitive and disciplined. He commands respect in the clubhouse and in the league. Most importantly, he and his staff do an outstanding job of putting our players in a position to win on a nightly basis. The players, in turn, have a strong passion to play hard for John and his coaches.
Coonelly: Thanks again, everyone, for joining me this month. Thanks for your passion and I look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
International Internships
Searching for international internships can easily seem like a daunting task, however with our help, we hope to make this experience less intimidating. Below you will find helpful, reliable, and most importantly, informative websites to aid you in your search.
As always, if you cannot find an internship that best suits you and your interests, please feel free to email [email protected] to schedule an appointment! Remember, once you have obtained your international internship, be sure to visit, Registering for International Internships.
Going Global provides world-wide job and internship opportunities. This website it updated daily and can be particularly useful if you choose to study abroad while also interested in completing an internship for credit abroad.
Summer Global Internship Program - The Summer Global Internship Program (SGIP), open to current students and graduating seniors, provides international experiential learning programs featuring internships in business and non-profit organizations, academic/scientific research projects, teaching experiences and more
Other Opportunities Abroad - While many CSB/SJU students choose to go abroad for a semester or for a short-term, there are other types of international experiences as well. You may discover that your personal, professional and academic goals are pushing you towards a different type of international experience. This page provides some resources for that exploration.


text:
Jamaica Water Street land owners denied buy-out by FEMA
JAMAICA -- The four previous homeowners on Water Street have been notified that the proposals for land buy-outs have been denied by FEMA.
"They turned us down," said Selectboard Chairwoman Alexa Clark. "We still have a time frame before we do an appeal or go through the Windham Regional Commission."
A couple of weeks ago, the property owners gathered at a special Selectboard meeting and were told that they may not be eligible for potential buy-outs. During the Selectboard meeting, the previous home owners were made aware that the proposals had a likelihood of being denied.
Other possibilities for recompensation were discussed at the meeting, one being sending another proposal for reconsideration and another, applying for Community Development Block Grants Disaster Recovery funds through the WRC.
The four homes on Water Street were destroyed during Tropical Storm Irene, but happened to be outside a FEMA flood zone map for the town.
On Tuesday, David Kaneshiro, one of the property owners, opened an e-mail from Paul Fraser, a town representative whose been submitting the applications for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds from FEMA.
Kaneshiro received official word that the buy-outs had been denied.
"I'm just kind of disappointed with the federal government," he said. "But what are you going to do? We'll see how things go with this other approach that they're working on."
Kaneshiro told the Reformer that the process keeps getting delayed.
"Whatever happens, it will take more time. It's not a real bright future, but it's a future. It's a matter of patience now. I can't change the federal government's decisions."
After the special Selectboard meeting, he had been prepared for the application for HMGP funds to be denied, but the Selectboard hasn't given up on the Water Street buy-outs from FEMA just yet.
"What we're doing is taking one more try at it," said Clark.
The state has received eight other cases of ineligibility for HMGP funding.
"This is not welcome news to anyone after such a long wait. It's extremely frustrating," said Irene Recovery Officer Sue Minter, who was the deputy secretary for the Agency of Transportation until last January when the governor appointed her to the position as recovery officer. "As the state, we're not just going to give up and leave the homeowners hanging."
She told the Reformer that the state was going to see if there was any other information that could be provided to FEMA and then it would assemble a state committee to see if there were any appeals that could be made to change the determination made by FEMA.
It will also see if a task force of different entities could join together that could help these property owners. Banks who may be willing to forgive mortgages or portions of mortgages and nonprofits such as the Stratton Foundation and opportunities from the CDBG funds would be looked at as alternative methods to help these land owners.
"This isn't the end of the road," Minter said. "The state's going to regroup to see how it can be helpful."
The Jamaica Selectboard will send FEMA a benefit-cost analyses, which is an application for reconsideration rather than an appeal. It will contain a history of the town of Jamaica, especially of Water Street, where flooding has occurred in storms throughout the century.
The board has 60 days to get the documents to FEMA.
"We're preparing to send that up before we decide on what the appeal entails," said Clark. "That way, they can turn their 'no' into a 'yes.'"
The analysis contains an affidavit from a 94-year-old resident from Jamaica, in which she describes all the floods she's seen in the town throughout the years. It will also include several pictures of past floods on Water Street.
"It's more historical and what's been happening with each event we've had here, so they can see damage has been done here before and it's been significant. And hopefully they'll reconsider us and grant us funds," said Clark.
The Selectboard and property owners won't know the decision until after the holidays.
Clark also mentioned the process' cost to the town, which requires gathering new data and submitting new proposals again.
"We need to thoroughly think about what we do next and do the right thing for the town."
Chris Mays can be reached at 802-254-2311, ext. 273, or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow Chris on Twitter @CMaysReformer.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text:
The seven Big East schools that don't play major college football are separating from the conference many of them founded so they can build a league focused on basketball.
The presidents of the seven schools made the announcement Saturday, two days after their intentions were first reported.
"Earlier today we voted unanimously to pursue an orderly evolution to a foundation of basketball schools that honors the history and tradition on which the Big East was established," a statement said. "Under the context of conference realignment, we believe pursuing a new basketball framework that builds on this tradition of excellence and competition is the best way forward."
The seven schools venturing out on their own are: Georgetown, St. John's, Villanova, DePaul, Marquette, Seton Hall and Providence.
"The institutions that have been committed to men's basketball have made a decision that they are going to continue to stay committed to men's basketball," Marquette coach Buzz Williams said after the Warriors beat Savannah State in Milwaukee.
Georgetown, St. John's, Seton Hall and Providence helped form the Big East, which started playing basketball in 1979. Villanova joined in 1980, and Marquette and DePaul in 2005. The Big East began playing football in 1991.
The basketball schools gave no details about their plans, such as when they want to depart and whether they will attempt to keep the name Big East.
"St. John's would love to keep the Big East name," said the Rev. Donald J. Harrington, the president of St. John's, who emphasized he was speaking only for his school. "I would like to hear what the football schools think and then try to make a compromise."
Big East bylaws require departing members give the conference 27 months' notice, but the league has negotiated early departures with Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia over the past year. Those schools all had to pay exit fees. Big East rules do allow schools to leave as a group without being obligated to pay exit fees.
"I think what the statement basically says is within the structure of the Big East conference we have the opportunity as a group to exercise a right to, in an orderly fashion, separate from the conference," Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed said after the Hoyas played in Washington. "The details of all the questions that you're thinking about, those things have been considered, but now is certainly not the time to discuss those in a public setting."
There also are millions of dollars in NCAA basketball tournament money and exit fees collected recently that will need to be divvied up.
The latest hit to the Big East leaves Connecticut, also a founding member, Cincinnati, Temple and South Florida — the four current members with FBS football programs — as the only schools currently in the Big East that are scheduled to be there beyond the 2013-14 school year.
"The basketball institutions have notified us that they plan to withdraw from the Big East," Commissioner Mike Aresco said in a statement.
The Big East is still lined up to have a 12-team football conference next season with six new members, including Boise State and San Diego State for football only. Rutgers and Louisville, which both announced intentions to leave the Big East last month, are scheduled to compete in the conference next year.
Notre Dame, which is moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference, also is expected to continue competing in the Big East next season in all sports but football and hockey.
Also joining the Big East next season are Memphis, Central Florida, Houston and SMU for all sports.
Big East: Seven Vote to Depart to Form Basketball League
The seven Big East schools that don't play major college football are separating from the conference many of them founded so they can build a league focused on basketball.


text:
The Pope-Yell County Single Parent Scholarship Fund will conduct its 16th annual fundraiser dinner from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, with food catered by Fish House, at the Hughes Community Center located at 1000 E. Parkway. A prize will be given away after a drawing at the end of the evening. The winner doesn't need to be present to win.
The all-you-can-eat dinner is the main fundraiser for the scholarship fund, which has given 660 scholarships worth more than $398,000 to low-income single parents going to college in the 21 years of its existence. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 7-10. Children under 6 are free with paid adult.
To purchase tickets online, go to their webpage at pycspsf.org, or call Lisa Cochran at (479) 857-7037. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
The organization is seeking corporate sponsors for in exchange for free advertising and free tickets. All proceeds benefit the Pope-Yell County SPSF.
For more information on sponsorship opportunity levels and the free advertising and tickets that comes with a major donation, please call Cochran at 857-7037. To make a donation online, visit the webpage at pycspsf.org.
Lake Dardanelle State Park Annual Cultural Celebration
Lake Dardanelle State Park will celebrate the many aspects of our history that gives this area its unique culture on Aug. 24. There will be a Dutch Oven Cooking 101, games, crafts, and many other programs throughout the day. There will be a $2 fee for the Dutch oven cooking and the fiber weaving. Please preregister for these two activities by August 22. For a detailed schedule or to register for activities you can come by the visitor center or call (479) 967-5516.
The Early Arkansaw Reenactors will also be at the park for the day with their circa 1800 keel boat. These boats were a primary source of travel in the area for a time. This is your opportunity to take a step into the past and see what life on a river boat might have been like. Come out and join us in exploring the heritage of the area.
For more information about any park events contact the park at (479) 967-5516 or visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com or www.AdventureStateParks.com.
Two Rivers school senior pictures
Two Rivers High School senior pictures will be taken at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the Two Rivers Cafeteria.
FEMA class Wednesday at ATU
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) will host a workshop on assessing earthquake-damaged buildings from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Arkansas Tech University's Lake Point Conference Center.
ADEM and ATC-20, Post-earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings, provides training on rapid and detailed evaluation procedures for evaluating earthquake-damaged buildings and posting them as inspected (apparently safe, green placard), limited entry (yellow placard), or unsafe (red placard). Examples are provided to allow attendees to evaluate building damage conditions, assess the overall risk from the damage, and recommend which of the three placards should be posted on the building. For more information, visit ADEM online at www.adem.arkansas.gov, click the preparedness tab, earthquakes, and training.


text:
Q. Hello,
A group of friends and I are travelling to Prague to see Coldplay play this Sunday evening. The tickets that we have bought say that Synot Tip Arena, but your website says Slavia Eden....just to be sure: is it the same stadium? :) Wouldn't want to be in the wrong place at the right time!
Thanks Oracle!
Don't worry, Helen - you're going to the right place at the right time. The Eden Arena was formerly known as Synot Tip Arena so it is one and the same.


text:
Catching Up with ...Matt Redman
- Christa Banister Copyright Christianity Today International
- 2007 5 Feb
Where are you from originally?
Watford, England.
Favorite place you've traveled to?
Cape Town, South Africa.
Best meal you prepare?
I am hopeless in the kitchen. Probably salad!
Pet peeve?
Spam email.
Your most annoying habit?
Constantly changing the TV channel, hoping for a better option.
What makes you laugh?
Being on tour with my friends Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio.
Your favorite web site?
www.bbc.co.uk —I like the news coverage.
Last good book you read?
I'm just reading This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin—interesting stuff.
Last good movie you saw?
The Queen
Band/artist you're listening to the most right now?
Duke Special—he's a musician from Ireland.
Band/artist that comes closest to your sound?
My fellow Brit and close friend, Tim Hughes.
Age you became a Christian?
Age 10, at a Luis Palau event.
Your favorite Bible verse?
John 1:14
Last lesson God taught you?
Through the calm and the storm, He never lets go.


text:
Maloney Announces Cap-Free MBL Natural Disaster Bill
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, announced at this week's credit union regulatory burden hearing she plans to introduce a bill that would exempt loans from the credit union member business lending cap that are made after federally declared natural disasters.
In a release, the congresswoman said the move would inject much-needed funds into local communities when they need it most.
"We all know Superstorm Sandy caused enormous destruction throughout the Northeast, and wildfires, hurricanes and tornados have wreaked similar havoc across the country," Maloney said after the hearing on Wednesday.
"Federal disaster assistance that flows after each declaration of a disaster is essential but not sufficient to get a region back on its feet. I've heard from many small businesses about their struggle to recover from Sandy," Maloney said.
The bill would exempt member business loans from the 12.25% of assets cap for a period of up to five years after a natural disaster declaration.
"Exempting these loans will open up a new source of credit for struggling small businesses and untie the hands of credit unions that want to provide that assistance," she said.
"Credit unions are key members of the communities they serve and want to be there for small businesses who need assistance recovering from natural disasters. This bill will provide businesses a source of capital to help them rebuild and recover," the New York Democrat said.


text:
DETROIT - The family of an 82-year-old Detroit grandfather says it's been living through a car repair nightmare that's gone from bad to worse.
The family's experience lea to an unexpected discovery that could affect your next trip to an auto repair shop.
James Fails, of Detroit, brought his 2003 Lincoln Town Car to the repair shop at 9900 Greenfield Road in Detroit a few days before Thanksgiving.
He had had his car serviced there before, but this time things did not go as expected.
"We trusted them like we usually do in the past, and they let us down," his granddaughter told Ruth to the Rescue.
The family's now filed suit against the repair shop, trying to force the owner to pay to replace the engine.
A lapsed license
The Fails family also filed a complaint with the Secretary of State's Office. That investigation found the facility known as Domestic & Import Auto is operating without a license -- something the owner admitted to Ruth to the Rescue when we confronted him at the repair shop.
"I have 14 more days to get my license," owner Ali Beydoun said.
He told Ruth to the Rescue he would be heading to the Secretary of State's office himself to get his license.
Protecting your car
Going to an unlicensed mechanic is something that could happen to anyone. Melanie Duquesnel, the CEO of the Better Business Bureau, said it's easy to spot an unlicensed mechanic if you know where to look.
"Should be licenses on the wall with the names of the people that are going to be touching your car," Duquesnel said.
However, many people don't check to see if their mechanic has those licenses. The Secretary of State's Office told Ruth to the Rescue Domestic & Import Auto had a license, but it was allowed to expire in April 2013.
A customer in the parking lot of Domestic & Import Auto had no idea the facility was unlicensed. But he said knowing they didn't have one may not make a difference to him.
"I don't know. I just know that they do a very good job on my cars, so I've been coming here for years," said Dr. Stanley Ngeyi.
Not having a license hasn't stopped this garage from doing business. The Secretary of State's Office told Ruth to the Rescue it can only suspend or revoke a facility's license. It does not have the power to raid a garage or make arrests, which means customers have to make sure the mechanic they choose is licensed.
"I just shake my head to still see them open," said Fails' granddaughter. "He's my granddad, and he's a senior and should no senior citizen get done this way."
Fails' vehicle remains at a dealership and in need of repairs, prompting this response from the owner he's suing.
"What I'm saying is -- if the dealership says that the engine went out because of me, I'm willing to put an engine in it. I don't have any problem with that," said Beydoun.
Beydoun made that offer a few times during his conversation with Ruth to the Rescue. However, the Fails family said they don't trust him to make the repairs and they're taking him to court.
The Secretary of State's Office is monitoring the situation and said that facilities that continue to operate without a license will be referred to the county Prosecutor's Office.
Further, the agency said customers who have had work done at an unlicensed garage are entitled to have the cost of the work refunded.
Other auto repair guidelines
If this story makes you nervous about your next trip to an auto repair shop, keep these guidelines in mind:
- A licensed shop should have that certification on display, as well as licenses for the mechanics working at that garage. You should be able to see the paperwork posted in the shop.
- You can go to the website of the Secretary of State's Office to make sure a business is licensed.
- You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the facility has had previous complaints and how they were handled.
- For repairs that cost more than $20, you are always entitled to a written estimate that will spell out the cost of parts and estimate the time of repair and cost of labor.
- Once given a target time for completion, you should check on the status of your car before that time arrives. Most reputable garages will call you, but you should check the progress, and the repairs can take unexpected turns and you may need to authorize further expenses.
- When in doubt, ask around and visit a garage that has glowing references from more than one person.
- You are entitled to see parts that are removed and replaced on your car.
Copyright 2014 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
April 2, 2013 - submitted by Trinidad, Argentina
Q. Hi Oracle, well I've a simple question, I love Christmas Lights, but I don't know from what cd is (I have all the cd's from Coldplay, and it isn't in no one). So, it's in a EP?
The Oracle replies:
Christmas Lights was released as a digital download only so is not available on any physical release.


text:
2011 All Chevy Supernationals - Web Exclusive
Open to All Vehicles Manufactured by Chevrolet and GM, Both Cars and Trucks
Show promoter Charlie Cobble is well known for his great events, thanks to almost three decades worth of experience in the car show hobby. After talking to Chevy enthusiasts around the country and teaming up with show sponsor, LMC Trucks, Charlie decided to bring back the All Chevy Supernationals, an event that he originated many years ago. Last year was the inaugural show and this year followed the same format. The Thursday through Saturday get-together saw a return to the new Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Lot with its spacious display spaces and convenient River Walk immediately adjacent to the show field. Shade trees, a running stream, and picnic tables offered the perfect alternative to the warm Tennessee sun. But the 80-degree temperatures did not slow down the enthusiastic crowd of drivers and spectators who spent the weekend examining the 371 vehicles on display.
In addition to the custom cars and trucks, manufacturers had lots of items for that restoration project back home, food vendors kept your personal fuel tank on full, and DJ Gary and his mobile sound machine entertained everyone with '50s music and trivia. Carnival Cruise Lines was an unexpected bonus, not only displaying their NASCAR vehicle in their booth but also selecting a lucky cruise winner every day of the event. In addition to the show itself, the Pigeon Forge location has options for the whole family. While the guys were engaged in car talk and visiting old friends, some of the moms and kids headed to town to enjoy all the shopping opportunities and attractions that have made Pigeon Forge one of Tennessee's favorite resort locations.
As the event came to a close, the team from Showoff Promotions wrapped up the judging and handled the awards presentation, sending 145 drivers home with new additions to their trophy collections. Winning Best of Show Trailered, Best Engine, and the Truckin' Editor's Choice award was Shawn Sammons, thrilled to finally have his beautiful 1967 GMC Sierra on the road. A nine-year project that began in 2001, the truck was completed just in time to be on display at SEMA, 2010. A team effort between Shawn, his grandfather, George McNaughton, and Silver Star Customs in Horn Lake, MS, the GMC Fleetside was loaded with detail that included a new 2 x 4 steel chassis, Ride Tech 4-link, and an Accuair air suspension, BAD 20 and 22 inch rims, and a high-performance 327 V-8 under the hood.
If you'd like to learn more about this event and maybe pick up a trophy or two yourself, check out the web site, . www.allchevysupernationals.com.


text:
Kingsgate Eyes 2013 Launch of Delayed Thai IPO
Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd. is continuing to work on plans for an initial public offering of its Thailand operations, with its hopes now on a possible listing from June next year.
The Australian precious metals miner has been looking to list its local subsidiary, Akara Mining Ltd., on the Thai bourse for several years, but the proposal has been held up by issues including legal action by a Thai investor. Earlier this year,Kingsgate Chief Executive Gavin Thomas said the company had now decided to wait for exploration licenses near its Chatree mine in central Thailand to be granted, as this would give the listing more "sizzle" in the market.
Continue reading on Deal Journal Australia.


text:
Vermont Jazz Center welcomes harmonica master Grégoire Maret
BRATTLEBORO -- On Saturday at 8 p.m., the Vermont Jazz Center will present a concert led by Grégoire Maret, one of the greatest jazz chromatic harmonica players in the world.
A dedicated collaborator, Maret, is an A-list musician who can be found on recordings by Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn, Charlie Hunter, George Benson, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lionel Loueke and many others. He will perform with his working quartet that includes his longtime collaborator/pianist Federico Gonzalez Peña, Ben Williams on bass (winner of the 2009 Thelonious Monk Competition) and Clarence Penn on the drums.
Maret receives accolades from everyone with whom he makes music. Herbie Hancock, his former boss, stated: "Gregoire is an amazing player ... there's no one else out there that comes close on the harmonica and he rivals the best on any instrument."
In 2005, Maret worked with Pat Metheny, recording the Grammy-award winning album, "The Way Up." Metheny commented: "Gregoire has the special communicative spirit that is rare and absolutely essential to jazz itself and yet within that spectrum he is able to find a timeless quality that speaks to any kind of listener and attracts just about every kind of musician to his playing."
Maret was nurtured by his father (a professional jazz musician) and many other mentors, including harmonica master Toots Thielemans who took Maret under his wing when he was 17 years old. Maret also holds a degree in jazz studies from the New School. Yet Maret's music is influenced by the various rhythms and songs he has heard on his journeys around the world.
Maret's compositions are "episodic" journeys. He often composes with his musical partner, the pianist in the group, Federico Peña. Together they create lush, complex pieces that evolve with numerous sections that build slowly, gradually opening up using careful-paced structures. The listener experiences a sense of development that is almost like Western classical musical in concept.
Pianist Peña was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. After moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina, he studied classical piano intensely until age 17. He traveled to the U.S., and after attending Berklee, moved to Washington D.C. where he met Me'shell N'Degeocello -- they have worked together for more than 20 years. Peña has also worked with Angela Boffill, Rare Essence, Pieces of a Dream, Digable Planets, Roy Hargrove, Chaka Khan, Cassandra Wilson, Marcus Miller, SMV (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten) and many others.
The band's bassist is Ben Williams, who has been honored by the Fish Middleton Scholarship Competition, International Society of Bassists, Steans Music Institute, Duke Ellington Jazz Society, International Association of Jazz Educators and others. In 2009, he was the winner of the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition. Williams received a master's degree from the Juilliard School in 2009.
He has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Paquito D'Rivera, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Golson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Hargrove and many others. He has also recorded and performed regularly as a member of bands led by saxophonist Marcus Strickland, pianist Jacky Terrasson and vibraphonist Stefon Harris.
The group's drummer is Clarence Penn. A graduate of Interlochen, Penn headed to Virginia Commonwealth to attend grad school at the suggestion of Wynton Marsalis, whose father Ellis, was a faculty member. In 1990, Penn accompanied Ellis and Wynton Marsalis to Japan, where he was recommended to Betty Carter. Penn was hired and remained with Carter for several years and then went on to play with Stanley Clarke.
Since then, he has toured, performed and recorded with Christian McBride, Michael Brecker, Dizzy Gillespie, Gary Burton, Joshua Redman, Charlie Haden, Makoto Ozone and many others.
The concert is made possible by William Schutt of Matcor Inc. as well as ongoing support of the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, The Hampton Inn of Brattleboro and VPR and WFCR.
Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for students with ID. Tickets are available at In the Moment Record Store, 143 Main St., online at www.vtjazz.org or by calling the Vermont Jazz Center ticket line at 802-254-9088, ext. 1.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text:
saddle Bar Stools $170 or More
No items match your search. Please, try different filters.
Saddle Bar Stools
Saddle on up to the bar! A saddle bar stool is a simple and elegant look for your eat-in kitchen island or games room bar area. The slightly scooped seat creates a comfortable place to perch while eating dinner, enjoying a beverage or watching the big game. Since they are low profile and backless, a saddle bar stool can tuck neatly away under a counter overhang.
Read More
The neutral design of the saddle bar stool is easy to pair with any style of home décor. Try adding a chunky black saddle bar stool to your kitchen for a funky look that has a slightly Asian appeal. A saddle bar stool in distressed rustic oak will look right at home in your modern country kitchen. Warm cherry adds a note of sophistication while oak is the perfect choice for a sunny family kitchen or bar area.
Like all bar stools, saddle bar stools are commonly available in two heights. For an island or kitchen eating area that is the same height as your kitchen counter, a counter height saddle bar stool is the right choice. If you have a raised bar area, be sure to choose a bar height counter stool. For added comfort, some saddle bar stools are available with an upholstered seat. Choose faux leather upholstery barstool for a durable finish that is perfect for family living.
Barstools for All Budgets
Cymax is a leader in the world of discount furniture for the home and office. We carry a wonderful selection of leading brand furniture from top-rated names such as Homelegance and Crosley Furniture. In addition to low prices, Cymax also offers free shipping on most items and no sales tax (some exceptions apply). Take a look through our entire catalog of great deals and find the perfect piece for your home today.