text: Now, I'm not talking about characters that were bad in themselves, just bad together. 1. Worf & Jadzia. One of the things I really appreciated about Riker and Troi is that there were short moment here and there about them but it never became too much of a melodrama and they never got involved with each other again in TNG series proper. IDK what it is about Worf, but the ST writers kept trying to pair him more than anybody else. First with a Klingon that was cynical about anything Klingon (but way cooler than Torres could ever hope to be), but unfortunately that pairing spawned a fully obnoxious kid (that became a decent adult in DS9). Then with Troi (WTF ) but Jadzia was the worst. At least in TNG it was contained to a few eps and then the show could go on. Jadzia the Klingophile. I think it was just the constant fighting, so much soap opera that the writers felt that they had to spill it into Ezri at the end of s7. Eh, DS9 was the most pairing focused show of the bunch unfortunately and it showed, because whatever problems Worf had with Jadzia, he would probably eventually have had with the more feminine Troi as well but TNG was smart enought to kick that premise in the nuts before it blossomed. This pairing is different than say, Keiko and O'Brien, because Keiko never bought out the worst in O'Brien. Keiko was just a bad character, period. And Gul Dukat and Kai Winn were entertaining together. 2. Jadzia and Curzon. It seems as time moved on, she became more and more Curzon. Maybe Sisko calling her Old Man all the time didn't help. She was so accomplished in her own right (multiple degrees) that it was really questionable what the symbiont added to her life besides some questionable obsessions. Ezri really felt like a Jadzia 2.0 in some ways, and her struggles to break away from Jadzia's life was palpable. You really have to wonder how long symbionts live and after how many lifetimes they just start consuming their hosts altogether under the sheer weight of previous experiences. It made me question the Trill obsession with symbionts isn't just some type of child abuse to farm children out to a leach type monster.


text:
Three thoughts about the Melky Cabrera suspension:
1) It's good news for the Dodgers. However, it hardly ensures that they will make the playoffs – or that, as some have written, they should. One player doesn't decide a season – and that's without even knowing what will happen to other players in the remaining 44 games.
2) I've seen it written where you could tell from Cabrera's dramatic improvement compared with 2010 that something nefarious was up. Yes, that looks as neat and tidy as a bow … until you consider him alongside Matt Kemp, who is six weeks younger than Cabrera. Look at these OPS stats:
Player 2006-10 2011-12 Change Cabrera .709 .849 19.7% Kemp .808 1.009 20.0%
My point, I hope it's clear, is not to accuse Kemp of anything untoward (nor is it to imply at all that OPS is a definitive stat), but merely to illustrate that the revelation about Cabrera doesn't justify making assumptions about every ballplayer who shows dramatic improvement.
3) Some people can't understand how people can be dumb enough to violate the MLB drug policy when they know they're going to be tested. The explanation is that laws are broken every day, sometimes by stupid people, sometimes by smart people, sometimes rationally, sometimes not.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(via UNM Biology)
(via UNM Biology)
madtom1999 says
Is this a new cruel sport? Whatever next: lobster baiting?
jnorris says
Tonight's seafood dinner special is…
Gregory in Seattle says
The crab's last thought: "This is NOT the nautilus I ordered from the fitess store!"
Glen Davidson says
You may now enter my chamber, the gastric one.
F [disappearing] says
Tonight's seafood dinner special is…
What's a word as stupid as turducken for a nautilus with a crab in it? Nauticrab?
michaeld says
the word is Om Nom Nom Nom NOM can`t talk now eating seafood.
gravityisjustatheory says
I must be reading too much Polity. My first thought was "Sniper fighting a Prador".
Grumpy Cat says
Grump cat says: wish i wur da crab
Grumpy Cat says
Grumpy Cat says: i cahnt even git my own namz rite…blogpostfail
Anthony K says
Nautili eat crabs, do they? That's excellent news!
Do I have to go into the ocean, or can I just shove a few into my ginch?
F [disappearing] says
That'll work, but i was looking for stupid. Asking in the wrong community, I expect.
coozoe says
Is that my iPhone?
sparks says
It's a bit of an assumption isn't it? That the nautilus is eating the crab.
Perhaps they are just close friends. Real close. Not that there's anything wrong……….
michaeld says
Sowwy V.V *goes back to nomming*
Sili says
Nautili eat crabs, do they?
It's nautilodes, you nincomshite.
natashatasha says
I … I didn't know nautilodes … I just assumed … *goes and sits in her corner*
Ichthyic says
Do I have to go into the ocean, or can I just shove a few into my ginch?
you must wear really baggy pants.
I've eaten crabs, I've eaten squid, octopus, lobster, even cuttlefish (*not the poet*)… I wonder if somewhere nautilus are on the menu?
*runs off to googlesearch*
Ichthyic says
ONLY reference I could find:
is used as a food source by the people on Negros Island, Philippines.
they are not uncommon within their range, so I find it interesting that given many rarer seafood items end up in popular cuisine, that nautilus appear to have been mostly ignored.
Karen Locke says
A fellow crab lover! And it doesn't even have to take it home from the grocery store, clean it, and separate the meat out from the shell. I'm jealous, especially since Husband doesn't like crab, so on the rare occasions when I fix it I fix it just for me — and it seems like a lot of work.
Artor says
I came across this link & immediately thought of PZ. Hey Meyers! This one's for you!
Anthony K says
Anthony K says
If I told you I really like fast cars, how many of you would view me as a reckless, penis compensating, selfish, asshole?
Are you doing so in yet another thread about large numbers of people being mowed down by a Porsche driver, because that's a thing that happens with some regularity?
I would.
Anthony K says


text:
1 Like
"Weibersbrunn" is located in "Bavarian" in the district of "Aschaffenburg" near the highway A3. Founded in 1706th as a establishment of the "Kurmainzischen" mirror factory. "Weibersbrunn" is famous for the manufacture of baroque cups and semi-circular plate glass (crown glass).
Nikon D5000 | Nikkor 18-135 | Panoramic Tripod Head homemade | 38 Pictures | ISO 200 | 1/250 sec. | F8 | 18mm | PTGui | PaintShop Pro
Wikipedia: Franconia (German: Franken) is a region of Germany comprising the northern parts of the modern state of Bavaria, a small part of southern Thuringia, and a region in northeastern Baden-Württemberg called Heilbronn-Franken. The Bavarian part is made up of the administrative regions of Lower Franconia (Unterfranken), Middle Franconia (Mittelfranken), and Upper Franconia (Oberfranken).Franconia (like France) is named after the Germanic tribe of the Franks. This tribe played a major role after the breakdown of the Roman Empire and colonised large parts of medieval Europe.Modern day Franconia comprises only a very tiny and rather remote part of the settlement area of the ancient Franks. In German, Franken is used for both modern day Franconians and the historic Franks, which leads to some confusion. The historic Frankish Empire, Francia, is actually the common precursor of the Low Countries, France and Germany. In 843 the Treaty of Verdun led to the partition of Francia into West Francia (modern day France), Middle Francia (from the Low Countries along the Rhine valley to northern Italy) and East Francia (modern day Germany). Frankreich, the German word for "France", and Frankrijk, the Dutch word for "France"; literally mean "the Frankish Empire".


text:
Silver-plated promotional key tag holds home and office keys on one side, car keys on the other.
This Acrylic Illuminating Truck Custom Logo Keychain will help you speed past your competitors.
Drive your business into success with any of our wide variety of car and truck themed products! Car shaped imprinted key chains are a great way to ensure your company is on your client's mind every time they go for a ride. Truck shaped promotional stress balls make great trade show giveaways at any automotive industry event. Get your next promotion in gear with car and truck themed products from ePromos!


text:
From UFO Updates August 5, 2003
US Presidential Candidate On UFOs
From: Charlette LeFevre <email@example.com> Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2003 00:47:23 -0700 Fwd Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2003 08:13:56 -0400 Subject: US Presidential Candidate On UFOs Congressman Dennis Kucinich - Pres. Candidate in Seattle on UFOs by Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson Kingdom Underground Newsletter Editorial Seattle UFO/Paranormal Group The Candidate with a history of disclosure. Dennis Kucinich had just arrived at the Elliott Bay Bookstore in the quaint historic Pioneer District of Seattle from the University of Washington July 19th to talk to a small conversation club. The bookstore overlooks the blue waters of Puget Sound - the location where Seattle s founding fathers first set up shop in the gold rush days. Over the years the bookstore has hosted prominent politicians and authors including Jimmy Carter so it was not surprising when word got out that Congressman and Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) would be arriving at the bookstore. Kucinich - a short dark haired smiling man dressed casual walked comforatably through the small crowd at the cafe, past the espresso line and the grinning faces of Hillary Clinton adorning the cover of her new book. Kucinich took the wooden stage and spoke for a few minutes before eagerly answering questions. There were questions regarding the Iraq war and relations with Canada but there was one interesting question posed to Kucinich. The question was framed with comments that trust and security are a huge factor with our government and asked in the same vein that Bill Clinton said he would look into the Kennedy assassination and the question of UFOs before his presidency, if he himself would look into these areas if he was elected president. Surprisingly without hesitating Kucinich said that he indeed felt a great loss with Kennedy and he honestly didn't know if he could ever find the answers to those questions. He then questioned the intelligent life in Washington D.C. which elicited agreeable laughter from the audience but Kucinich then stated in a serious tone we would be arrogant to think we are alone in this universe. On disclosure, does Kucinich have the fortitude to ask the tough questions and follow through? At least in several instances it seems Kucinich has the background. Kucinich on disclosure used a rare House procedure known as a 'Resolution of Inquiry' to force the current Administration to provide Congress with a copy of the 12,000 page Iraqi declaration sent to the United Nations. People can now view the classified Iraqi document at: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh10_kucinich/030311doc.htm Kucinich then went on in to say we should not be dominating other nations, that we need to be strong and focus on repairing this nation. Dennis then finished with We are all connected". Standing up for people and standing up to corporations has been Kucinch's trademark and indeed he has been a person who has walked the walk having marched with Seattle City Councilman Nick Licata in Seattle s1999 WTO protests. A candidate with foresight? Kucinich introduced the 'Space Preservation Act of 2001' (HR 2977), which calls for the banning of all weapons in space and would outlaw all research and development for space-based weapons. Interesting, a candidate that refuses to sell out to corporations, marches with protestors defending humanity and encourages peace and cooperation. Is it any wonder that Kucinich has the endorsement from Mahatma Gandhi's grandson s? Keep your eyes on the stars and a watch on this guy. The Seattle UFO/Paranoramal Group makes no endorsements and is an independant lecture group not affiliated or governed by any outside political agencies or organizations. www.seattlechatclub.org


text:
My recent post on the pastor who scrawled on her meal receipt an ungracious note to the server in an Applebee's restaurant resulted in an interesting discussion in the comments on whether the server was justified in putting a photo of the receipt on the web with the name of the customer visible but other information (the name of the restaurant, the date, and the credit card number) omitted.
This raises an interesting issue of when we have a right to expect that the things we say and do are to be kept private. For the moment let us leave aside whether the Applebee's management was justified in firing the server and focus on whether the server violated a reasonable expectation of privacy on the part of the customer. We should also ignore for the purposes of this discussion the fact that we have no secrets from the government, which routinely collects and stores all our communications. What I want to focus on is the question of reasonable expectations of privacy in everyday life.
Apart from private communications via telephone where there are laws that govern when they can be recorded, I think we can all agree that public figures have no expectation of privacy for whatever they may say or do in public venues. There also seems to be a consensus that public figures who speak at private occasions have no expectations of privacy either, unless they explicitly request right up front that their comments be kept confidential or off the record and are confident that those conditions will be followed or enforced. A public figure who addresses a large gathering of people whom he does not know or are not bound by professional ethics to not reveal the remarks, would be a fool to think that his or her plea for confidentiality will be honored.
When Mitt Romney infamously spoke disparagingly of the 47% at a private fundraiser that was closed to the press, there was no outrage that his remarks had been secretly recorded and released. Instead the consensus seemed to be that he was stupid not to have realized that this could happen. The same with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's casual remark to a fellow guest at a private party, which was overheard by a journalist who reported it.
But what about private individuals? Here the issue seems to hinge on whether the remarks were made in the private sphere or the public sphere. If I, a private figure, make a comment at an event that is public or semi-public where there are people I do not know, then I don't think I can expect that it be kept private. But if I tell a friend something privately, even if I don't explicitly tell him or her that it should be kept confidential, or if someone visits my home and happens to glance at some of my documents or other items, I think I can be justifiably aggrieved if he or she reveals it to the world without my permission. It all seems to hinge on whether one is in the private sphere or the public sphere. At the extremes the distinction seems pretty clear cut but there is a grey area in between.
So now the question boils down to whether the pastor thought she was acting in the private or public sphere and whether she had a reasonable expectation of privacy. I am inclined to the view that in this case she did not. When one writes a note to a stranger and hands it over to them, then one cannot complain if the contents of that note become public. As I said, that is a different question from whether the restaurant had just cause to fire the server for either violating company policy (and there are mixed views on that) or creating unwelcome publicity for them.
Another case that came to light recently took place in the classroom where a high school psychology teacher and head football coach went on a rant about Michelle Obama and gays. A student recorded the outburst and sent the link to the audio to the district's superintendent and it has now become public, along with the teacher's name and school. (It surprises me that people still don't appreciate the ubiquity of recording devices and are not more circumspect about what they say and to whom.)
The teacher now says that he "misspoke" and that "I have no hatred toward anyone or any group. People that know my heart, they know that." Ah yes, that well-known barrier between heart and mouth that people often stumble over. You can listen to the audio and judge for yourself.
In this case, did the teacher have a reasonable expectation of privacy that has been violated? I don't think so. Although I see the classroom as belonging to the private sphere, I adopted the habit long before such recordings became possible that I would not say anything in the classroom, or indeed any venue, that I would not be willing to say publicly, except in obviously confidential situations. Though I personally would protect the confidentiality of anything that a student says in the classroom, we do not adopt a formal policy on this and if a student happened to reveal something that a fellow student or I say in class, I think there would be no grounds for complaint.
It may be that we have an exaggerated sense of the amount of privacy that we are entitled to because most of the time nobody cares what we say and don't bother to repeat it to others. The growing realization of the ubiquity of recording devices may change that.


text:
Making its debut in the U.S. market, The Vero Stone emerges as the top Italian stone provider in North America, representing world-renowned brands like Vaselli, Dedalo, Arredo Dipietra, and Ranieri, with plans to add more designer brands later this year.
Exclusive product galleries at The Vero Stone website showcase elegant pieces hand chiseled from natural Italian stone, including solid travertine, marble, and pietra lavica (lava stone) from Italy's most renowned quarries in Rapolano Terme, Carrara, and Mt. Vesuvius.
Select boutique showrooms from San Francisco to New York will partner with The Vero Stone to carry pieces made for bath, kitchen, outdoor, and recreational use. Introducing the luxury of hand chiseled natural stone pieces to residential, urban, and professional clients across the country, The Vero Stone translates the beauty of Italian stone and design to modern American applications.


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, July 22, 2013, 6:46 PM
Town Square
Labor leaders accuse BART negotiator of hardball tactics
Original post made on Jul 23, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, July 22, 2013, 6:46 PM
Comments (2)
a resident of Danville
on Jul 23, 2013 at 8:11 am
Union leaders accusing the other side of hardball tactics?
Whasamatter? Can't take a little of what you dish out all the time?
Fire these thugs.
a resident of Danville
on Jul 24, 2013 at 2:25 pm
Waaah! Waah! (Baby crying sound...)
Imagine that. So the unions (who have already called one strike, and are threatening a follow-up) think BART's lead negotiator is "unfair"?
BART should begin hiring and training replacement workers now. Some jobs at BART obviously benefit from long-standing experience on the job, but many do not. There are MANY in the area who would love to have a job at the terms that management has already offered to the union(s).
Unless non-trivial numbers of BART employees have been quitting their jobs, due to insufficient pay and benefits (and I am sure that is NOT the case), then BART's pay and benefits structure are demonstrably sufficient to hire and retain employees.
At some point BART employees need to realize that they have been living in a sort of dream-world, totally disconnected from reality.
(I would also add that this is not just applicable to the unionized positions, but applies to BART management employees as well....)
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 24 comments | 694 views
Time for new collaboration between city and school district
By Tim Hunt | 2 comments | 500 views


text:
I'm trying to make a very simple program that declares a new type of class, that contains a vector. The idea is that I will be able to make objects of this class for different chat bots, that are just a name, and then a list of numbers.
Anyway, after scouring numerous forums I've been able to figure out how to declare the vector. But I can't figure out how to do anything with it. Based on my code (below), can someone give me some example code for how to:
1. put stuff into the vector inside the class.
2. access that stuff?
3. if I used a list of these objects, would I access them the same way?
None of the tutorials I've seen deal with using vectors inside a class, so I would really appreciate any help. Thanks.
Code:#include <iostream> #include <vector> using namespace std; class cretin { public: cretin() : d_v(3) {}; private: std::vector<int> d_v; vector<int>::iterator Iter; }; int main() { return 0; }


text:
limited to two speakers only
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
I purchased this product for the two speakers to expand my existing bose speakers system from 5 to 7 channels. it was disappointing when i saw the subwoofer is limited to two speakers only. i was lucky that was able to sell the subwoofer separately. it'd be nice to allow the subwoofer be expandable. but bose loves to confine everything to its limited functionality. we're in 2015 where 5 channel system became obsolete at the end of the 20th century. but bose continues to make home theater systems limited to 5 channel/speakers, and the price on them is crazy high.
Pros: sound quality
Cons: limited expansion.


text:
In a mysterious new video posted at their website, OneRepublic gives fans a preview of their new album. Sort of.
The old-timey clip gives a glimpse into the studio with the band as they track the string section for a new song. Frontman Ryan Tedder stays behind the camera and winds through the studio to show off as much of the action and surroundings as possible.But just as it seems he's going to give up the skinny on his band's third album, the video just ends. See for yourself below and to hear a snippet of new music.
For those who feel jipped, maybe a trip to Vegas to hang out with the band would do the trick? Starting this week, fans of Tedder and company have a chance to bid on a Vegas weekend with the band. The OneRepublic Dream Weekend is from June 1-3 and includes a chance at joining a 20-person dinner with the guys followed by an intimate acoustic performance. Time out there will also feature a wine tasting, a 2-night stay at a luxury hotel and a limo service at your disposal to see Sin City in style.Check out their website for more on the auction, but do it soon! Last chance to bid is May 6 at 4 PM EST.
– Shannon Carlin, CBS Local


text:
Order & Send Premium Flowers Today. Best Prices!
Same Day Flower Delivery - Satisfaction Commitment
Five Star Rated Shopper Approved
See Our Ratings & Awards!
TODAY'S SALE! Offers Valid ONLINE ONLY. Save up to 45% OFF*+FREE DELIVERY+EXTRA 10% OFF [Code: AVAS346] [ENDS: 29min]
Avas Flowers prides itself on offering a wonderful array of fine floral arrangements, gift baskets, blooming plants and vase arrangements for same day delivery anywhere in White House, Tennessee. We are a family owned and operated professional Florist offering flower delivery in White House and offer same day flower delivery anywhere in Robertson County, Tennessee
So whether it's a mesmerizing bouquet of elegant roses or a caring funeral arrangement for that special someone, have will the best White House florist make you and your loved one's day as special as possible. Avas Flowers offers the best flowers at the best prices in White House.
Browse our huge selection of floral arrangements online or let a White House florist create an arrangement just for you. With hundreds of flowers to choose to send for flower delivery in White House, the possibilities for an unforgettable arrangement, bouquet or sympathy vase are limitless.
We accept orders 24 hours a day through our website and after hours flower service for all of Robertson County, TN. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get all of the latest Avas Flowers related news and article information.
Click here to view a map of White House, TN
Get Well Baby Boy & Baby Girl Arrangements
Funeral Arrangements, Funeral Sprays, & Fruit Baskets
212 Highway 76
Daily Delivery of Floral Arrangements to Nursing Homes
We offer flower delivery in Robertson County, TN to the following zip codes in an award winning gift box and through our affiliated local florists in and around White House, Tennessee :
We contact local florists if need be and check on these abilities if a specific floral delivery need is required. Some of the florists that we may or may not choose for your order are listed below. This is not a complete list nor does it indicate that we recommend, endorse, are affiliated with or we will actually use any of these florists.
More Robertson Florists
Great customer service and delivery.


text:
Muncie, Ind.-based Industrial Centre Federal Credit Union didn't have to look far for its new leader.
Brett Rinker, who has served as chief operating officer for some 17 years at the $47 million credit union has been promoted to president/CEO.
"Industrial Centre FCU has always prided itself on putting the member first and I look forward to the opportunity to lead the credit union as we continue our journey of helping our members improve their financial well-being," said Rinker.
A graduate of CUNA Management School and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, Rinker is currently president of the White River Valley Credit Union Chapter. He is also active in the community volunteering with the Yorktown JAA and he previously served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County, including two years as president.


text:
Sara Groen's Paris proposal
Conditions couldn't have been better, although slightly predictable, when Seven's popular weather presenter Sara Groen heard those four magic words last week: will you marry me?
Groen's long-time beau Clark Kirby, the director of corporate strategy at Village Roadshow, got down on bended knee in Paris to pop the question during a romantic two-week European jaunt.
"After 10 years, I've learnt to know when Clark is hiding something ... and a trip to the most romantic city in the world dropped a few hints," Groen said, admitting she is still "on cloud nine".
"We were walking across the Ponte des Artes, a beautiful walking bridge across the Seine with the Notre Dame in the background, when Clark got down on his knee in front of many amused onlookers last Thursday around sunset.
"He had brought a lovely bottle of champagne, which we enjoyed on the bridge before heading to an incredible dinner at Pierre Gagnaire and an impromptu engagement party with strangers at Hotel Costes." While there were no tears of joy or fist-pumps into the air, Groen admits she got the giggles watching Clark - who she met as a student in her uni days - "fumble around in his pocket" for the sparkler. It's lovely to see the sun shining on Groen, who returns to our screens tomorrow night, after a more than challenging year on the home front, with the loss of her brother. But there are only blue skies forecast for January next year, when a "relaxed and intimate" wedding is set to take place. The only question that remains is whether the girl at the centre of "hairgate" will keep her much-hyped do long or short.
Get the Morning Edition
Sign up for our daily wrap of the news you need to start your day.


text:
Ask John
Cruden and East Africa
John Griffiths
September 26, 2012
Aaron Cruden is yet to be on the losing side at Test level © Getty Images
Welcome to the latest edition of Ask John where renowned rugby historian John Griffiths will answer any rugby-related query you have!
So, if there's something you've always wanted to know about the game we love but didn't know who to ask, or you think you can stump our expert - then get involved by sending us a question.
In this edition, John looks at Aaron Cruden's winning Test career, the most drawn Test appearances, MJK Smith's last rugby match, New Zealand dropped-goals and East Africa's matches against tourists.
Aaron Cruden has now won his first 14 Test matches. What is the record for most Test wins from debut before not winning a game? Nick, New Zealand
Aaron Cruden is one of only four players with a 100% career record among those with ten or more Test caps (as at September 26 2012). The four are:
Among those who had a run of 14 wins before drawing or losing their first Test are Ruben Kruger of South Africa and Cruden's compatriots Isaia Toeava and Sione Lauaki. Nick Evans (NZ 2004-07), Flynn (NZ 2003-11) and Conrad Smith (NZ 2004-08) each won their first fifteen Tests for the All Blacks. Gurthro Steenkamp also won his first 15 Tests for South Africa (2004-08).
Ahead of them are "Rassie" Erasmus of South Africa, whose Test career began with 16 straight wins (1997-98), while England's Trevor Woodman enjoyed a run of 17 Test wins (1999-2004) before experiencing his first setback.
Who has appeared in most drawn Tests? Chris Jones, England
The top twelve to date are as follows:
M J K Smith is the last man to play Test Rugby and Test cricket for England. Did his rugby career end before his cricket Test career began? Peter Smith, England
MJK (Mike) Smith was Oxford's full-back in the 1954 Varsity Match and played fly-half (as Onllwyn Brace's partner) in their 9-5 victory the following year.
His performances that December day sealed his selection for England's opening match of the 1956 Five Nations Championship the month later when he played with Dickie Jeeps in an 8-3 defeat by Wales at Twickenham.
That was his sole England cap at rugby union, but many felt he was a better player after making his international debut. A long-striding fly-half, he was a regular for Leicestershire in the then-thriving English county championship competition.
After Oxford he played club rugby for Hinckley until mid-January 1961, his last match being a 6-0 away defeat by Burton.
He had become a Test cricketer in 1958 (against New Zealand) and at the time he gave up rugby was captain and assistant secretary to the Warwickshire County Cricket club. He later captained England in a distinguished career in the summer game.
Shortly after giving up rugby he maintained his interest in the sport as a journalist, reporting rugby for the Sunday Telegraph when it launched in February 1961.
Has any New Zealander dropped goals with both feet in the same Test? Paul Edgar, New Zealand
This is one New Zealand kicking record that Daniel Carter does not dominate.
Surprisingly only three All Blacks have dropped a pair of goals in a Test: Doug Bruce (against Ireland in 1978), Frano Botica (against France in 1986) and Andrew Mehrtens (against Australia in 1995).
Bruce landed his two goals with his left foot. Mehrtens kicked his pair with the right boot and Botica also landed both of his goals with the same foot
The East African Rugby Team is to be revived after a 30-year hiatus. I know that East Africa played the '55 & '62 Lions teams and the Welsh in '64. Did either side award caps for these matches? Did East Africa play any other official Tests? Paul Johns, New Zealand
There were four matches played by east Africa against international sides between 1955 and 1964. None of them was classified as a cap-match.
The four games were as follows:
The East African sides drew on British ex-pats, among them a wing named Eric Weaver who was a Welshman serving with the RAF. He had been on Swindon Town's books as a professional soccer player before joining the Forces and gave Wales a few headaches in their 1964 game.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Communication error please reload the page.


text:
Tuesday, September 06, 2011 - Danek and Dima
Latest Sets at MaleFeet4U.com
Our previews from malefeet4u.com today are two great looking guys, David Kadera and Danny. You can see their full shoots at www.malefeet4u.com.
Also, thanks for the photo and video suggestions for foot fetish shoots. Please keep them coming by writing email@example.com
|David Kadera
Open David Kadera MaleFeet4U.com Set
More about David Kadera - MaleFeet4U.com ...
Open Danny MaleFeet4U.com Set
More about Danny - MaleFeet4U.com ...
The End of William Higgins Newsletter


text:
- #SSDMV SPONSOR https://t.co/QkKb5HD7OR
- #SSDMV SPONSOR https://t.co/6V2BgNwr6s
- #SSDMV SPONSOR https://t.co/XYHa4hQaLU
- #SSDMV SPONSOR https://t.co/9DoFpN8UjK
- #SSDMV SPONSOR https://t.co/I0tiekdiId
- https://t.co/OEzrDGgSvm https://t.co/aUvzuRljfG
- WHO YOU GOT? #SSDMV #PGDMV REBEL @410Rebel VS JMORR (who has his social?) Get Famliar w/ their Battles:… https://t.co/zBuRUh9BCG
- https://t.co/WXV4SQcha5 https://t.co/NxJzMsN20G
HIPHOPDX | Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine Reportedly Receiving Senior Positions At Apple
Dr. Dre's lawsuit against Death Row Records rejected. The rapper/producer and Jimmy Iovine will reportedly not buy the Clippers for $1 billion.
Following news of Apple's reported acquisition of Beats Electronics, added details have been revealed in regards to the alleged detail between Apple and Beats Electronics founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.
In addition to possibly purchasing Beats Electronics and their newly-launched music streaming service for $3.2 billion, XXLMag.com reports that Apple is also willing to shell out high-ranking positions to both Dr. Dre and Iovine at Apple.
It is unclear what the pair's specific jobs will be, but it has been reported that they will work directly with Apple CEO, Tim Cook.
Although Dre could stand to make millions if a deal between Beats Electronics and Apple is solidified, the noted rapper/producer will not see any money from the $3 million lawsuit he filed against Death Row Records earlier this year.
According to HotNewHipHop.com, Dre's lawsuit against his former label home has been thrown out. As part of the lawsuit, he was reportedly seeking "mechanical royalties, artist-producer royalties, digital sales, and bonus pay" from the currently bankrupt label.
Among the monies Dre says he was owed was $1,200,386.57 in unpaid artist-producer royalties, $1,179,913 from digital sales, and $676,444.44 for unpaid mechanical royalties.
A past lawsuit against Death Row Records, which proved successful for Dr. Dre, was one reason a judge threw out his most recent lawsuit against the label.
In other Dr. Dre news, HotNewHipHop.com reports that Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine are not purchasing the Los Angeles Clippers for one billion dollars. Rumors of a deal between the pair and Clippers owner Donald Sterling began to spread following the release of a fake news story on CreamBMP.com.
Although Dre and Iovine will not be purchasing the Clippers for one billion dollars, Dre did express interest in purchasing the team while speaking with TMZ last month.
"Absolutely. Thinking about it," he said, when asked about possibly purchasing the team.


text:
CLARKSVILLE - As the mandated Benchmark exam expands each year for Arkansas' public schools, teachers scramble to squeeze in an adequate amount of instruction in math and literacy, the two main subject areas evaluated by the exams.
And although science won't be implemented as an official part of the Benchmark exams for another year, teachers at Kraus Middle School are already preparing their future students for the additional workload.
"Right now, science is not a part of the Benchmark," sixth-grade teacher Amy Blackard said. "But they're piloting it next year, and the following year, the kids' scores in science will count.
"The way it is right now, there isn't a big focus on science because the Benchmark focused so much on math and literacy. But that's going to change."
One way the teachers are preparing students to study science more in-depth is by hosting a science camp for fourth graders June 6-10.
About 40 students will participate in the camp, which will be held at the middle school and the Two Ponds Nature Trail on the school grounds.
"We wanted to get them interested in science since they haven't had it very often," Blackard said. "We knew with the test coming in, they're going to have to be ready."
Tammy Vire, a sixth-grade teacher who organized the camp along with Blackard, said as soon as the information was sent out to the fourth-grade students, applications began coming in.
"We had 30 kids pretty much right off," Vire said. "But a lot of the kids thought it was going to be a pencil-and-paper setup. So when we went back and told them what we were actually going to do, we had an overflow. More and more kids wanted to come."
The camp is designed to offer students a variety of hands-on experiments that increase their knowledge and understanding of science, Blackard said.
"The campers will be divided into three or four groups and will do different activities," she said. "Then, they'll rotate through the stations so everyone will get to do every activity."
Each day, activities will center around a different branch of science - life, physical, earth and environmental.
Life science activities will include a study of animal tracks, microscopes and mini-beasts and homemade slime. Students will make a plaster cast of an animal track, look under microscopes and make slime.
Magnets, spikes on a string and Lego pulleys are the physical science activities the students will participate in the second day of camp. They will also do an "Eye-spy" activity with taffy.
Blair Griffin, Johnson County extension agent, will serve as a guest instructor on the third and fourth days of camp as the students study earth and environmental science. Earth science activities will include a study of orienteering using compasses and an activity using foam shapes and cartesian divers.
Environmental science activities will include a study of global positioning units, led by Griffin, and a treasure hunt, led by Joyce Carson and Marvel Anderson of the Johnson County Natural Resources Conservation. The students will also participate in an enviroscape and trail activity.
The last day of camp, the campers and instructors will travel to Mt. Magazine State Park for an all-day study of the natural and cultural history of the park and surrounding areas.
The field trip will feature visits to exhibits of cultural and natural history, a slide presentation and introduction of butterfly biology and a butterflies hike that will provide the campers with a view of the butterfly habitat.
Because the camp is funded through grants from the Johnson County Community Foundation, the Johnson County Education Foundation and Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Vire said the teachers were able to offer it to students free of charge. Each student will also receive a T-shirt for attending.
Sixth-grade teacher Rosanna Taylor and fifth-grade teacher Susan Eichenberger will also serve as instructors during the camp.
Besides Griffin, Carson and Marvel, the teachers will have the help of a group of junior high students who are members of the GirlS.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math and Real-world Technology) Club, along with adviser Misty Talley.
"Tammy and I have been playing with the idea of this camp for a long time," Blackard said. "This year, we finally got through the grant writing and organizing and planning, and it's exciting to see it all coming together."


text:
BRATTLEBORO -- Occidental Gypsy will perform at the Hooker-Dunham Theater, 139 Main St., on Friday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m.
Occidental Gypsy is pioneering the sound of Gypsy pop. Their sound is a mélange of up-tempo, high-energy rhythms of Gypsy and the catchy melodic hooks of pop. The name Occidental Gypsy (Western gypsy) embodies the concept behind Gypsy Pop. The group has taken the Gypsy sound that originated in Eastern Europe and blended it with contemporary American music. Interestingly, Gypsy Swing was created by taking American jazz to the East and blending it with the Gypsy Folk tradition. Now almost a century later Occidental Gypsy is bringing the music back home.
After a well-received national tour last year, Occidental Gypsy is introducing some new music, and will be playing original favorites and covers of classics. This is the band David Bromberg says has "Great singing, fantastic guitar and violin work, with high energy originals that leave the crowd crazy."
Tickets are $12. For reservations, call 802-254-9276.
For more about the band, visit www.occidentalgypsy.com or find it on Facebook.
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:
Is Tesla's Gigafactory a Gigablunder for Panasonic?
27 comments
TOKYO — Panasonic outperformed the forecasts of most analysts and reported on July 31 a 28 percent increase in operating profit for the latest April-June quarter. The Japanese company, on the same day, announced that it has signed a deal with Tesla on a large-scale battery plant in the United States, known as the Gigafactory.
The announcement comes as no surprise to the automotive industry, since Elon Musk had been publicly courting Panasonic -- which already supplies batteries to Tesla -- to join Tesla in building a lithium-ion battery factory.
One glaring omission in a joint press release prepared by the two companies, however, is exactly how much Panasonic is prepared to shell out in its Gigafactory investment.
Tesla previously said that it will invest up to $5 billion in the factory by 2020, with plans to churn out enough lithium-ion batteries each year to power 500,000 electric vehicles.
Under the agreement, Tesla will pay for land, buildings and utilities. Panasonic will only have to foot the bill for the machinery needed to make the battery cells. Still under discussion are details on implementation, including sales, operations and investment, according to the press release.
The joint press release also noted:
The Gigafactory will produce cells, modules and packs for Tesla's electric vehicles and for the stationary storage market. Plans call for the Gigafactory to produce 35GWh of cells and 50GWh of packs per year by 2020. Tesla projects that the Gigafactory will employ about 6,500 people by 2020.
Tesla appears to believe that the Gigafactory won't be able to produce enough batteries to meet the projected demand for cells. Tesla, according to the press release, will continue to purchase battery cells produced in Panasonic's factories in Japan.
All eyes are now on Panasonic, awaiting its next move.
The question both inside and outside the Japanese company is this: how big an albatross might the Gigafactory become for Panasonic — in short, medium and long terms.
Some Japanese electronics industry sources question the wisdom of going all in with Tesla. As sexy as this partnership might sound, Tesla, in Japanese eyes, is no Toyota.
Next page: Déjà vu?


text:
More than 300 players recently participated in the third annual Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament, which raised more than $150,000 for Joel's Ongoing Inclusion Network (JOIN).
JOIN is an endowment fund that supports inclusion programming at Reena, a non-profit social-service agency that helps people with developmental disabilities. To date, the tournament has raised more than $400,000.
The March 10 event, held at Chesswood Arena in Toronto, was created in honour of Joel Schwartz, a Reena client who passed away in 2009 at the age of 25.
Diagnosed with Asperger syndrome early in his life, Schwartz faced many challenges but persevered with support. Just two months before he died, he participated in a CIE Birthright Israel trip with the help of a Reena volunteer.
Schwartz's brother, Jonathan, founded the annual hockey tournament with friends Zack Belzberg and Jesse Abrams. Jonathan said the endowment fund has "already committed capital to three inclusion-focused programs with the ability to support these programs in perpetuity."
The programs include the Reena Birthright Shadow Program, which covers half the cost of a shadow for each trip; subsidizing community-centre memberships for residents of the new Reena housing complex on the Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan, Ont., and funding various inclusion-oriented programs co-ordinated by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's Community Connect team.
Jonathan said he knows his brother would be "honoured to have initiated a charity for others like him to grow and develop into mature adults while finding their places in the world."
Belzberg said Joel loved to watch Jonathan's hockey games and would be "so happy" to see everyone united through the sport in his honour.
He said he hopes the evening allowed people to develop "a more informed understanding of Joel, why it's important to preserve his legacy, and how they have contributed to an initiative that is helping so many people just like him."
Through the creation of the endowment, "we now have the ability to connect our players and volunteers to the cause we are supporting. Our players are not only participating for the great hockey, but also to learn about and support those living with developmental disabilities."
Belzberg said the event was such a success because of many generous donations, tournament sponsors, a dedicated committee and 20 participating hockey teams. With the support of our community, the tournament has "experienced incredible growth and will continue to do so in the future."
For more information about the Joel Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament, visit www.jsmht.org.


text:
Control is my strong suit. I've been fortunate to come into games and locate my fastball and my slider. My control makes me feel like I can throw my best pitches in any count. When you can jump ahead of hitters, you can put them on the defensive.
I can throw the ball in the mid 90s but my control is what tells me more about how I'm pitching than a radar gun. I'm throwing the ball well when I have good movement, yet it is still going where I want it to go.
Some of the best pitchers in baseball don't throw any more than 85 or 86 mph. Look at guys like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux and see what they've done in their careers. When you locate the ball, you can get batters out without throwing more than 87 or 88 mph.
When I was a starter earlier in my pro career, my changeup was a pitch I used with a lot of success. But I don't rely on the change as much as a reliever. It's a contact pitch, and pretty often when you come in with runners on base, you'd rather go with a slider or a fastball, something a batter is more likely to swing through. My changeup is still there and I still have confidence in it. I just don't use it as much.
Last year, I appeared in 85 games with the Pirates. Some guys who throw that often have a rubber arm. I can tell you that my arm is not rubber. I know that for a fact. Still, I have been fortunate enough to stay healthy, and when they call upon me, I'm ready. I do my best to stay in shape.
I've closed games in the Minors and I believe I have the ability to close games someday. But right now Solomon Torres has that job and I'm happy to be in a setup role. If the opportunity presents itself sometime in the future, I'll try to take it and run with it.
So far this season, I've had some pretty good days. I feel good and I feel healthy, which is the most important thing. Plus, our defense has been unbelievable behind me. I expect the best from myself and I think my teammates have the right to expect that, too. My goal every day is to go out on the mound and perform to the best of my capabilities.
Third-year reliever Matt Capps issued his first walk of the season on Sunday in his 11th appearance for the Pirates. Last year, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound right-hander from Douglasville, Ga., walked just 12 batters over 85 games (the most appearances among all rookies) as he went 9-1 for the Pirates. This year, Capps is 1-0 with a 0.87 ERA and five strikeouts over 10 1/3 innings.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Please let 2016 be an awesome year for Canada basketball
- Raptors deep playoff run
- Raptors get all-star game
- Canada medals in olympics
- Durant signs with Raptors in offseason (lol)
Please let 2016 be an awesome year for Canada basketball
- Raptors deep playoff run
- Raptors get all-star game
- Canada medals in olympics
- Durant signs with Raptors in offseason (lol)
Link for tonight's game:
Last edited by stretch; Mon Aug 26th, 2013 at 05:30 PM.
What does this have to do with the Raptors?
It was the intern...
Another loss tonight 77-70 against Brazil. Hope they pull it together against Jamaica on Friday and Puerto Rico on Saturday when it counts.
I hope its just the case of Canada feeling out the other teams by not putting forward their best rosters. Can't show your hand in friendlies.. although on the other hand losing can't be good for morale either.
The thread title says it all. nba.com makes an honest mistake.
The Canadian roster is set now with Carl Landry's injury and Kris Joseph leaving to play in China.
The first round schedule:
Friday, August 30 Jamaica 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 31 Puerto Rico 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 1 Brazil 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 3 Uruguay 1:00 p.m.
Its the Americas Tournament.....everyone in it is American. Hense the name.
I have a Brazilian friend too. She would just refer to them as "from the United States" or "United States Americans"
They're obviously American too but to just say that you're American is weird considering how large America is. Why do people get confused with this? Its like a Pakistani and a Chinese kid both saying to you "oh Im Asian" which doesn't help you much because Asia is so damn huge....or think of it the other way, if my Brazilian friend said "oh Im American" - that would screw you up right? well she isn't wrong and thats why she hates when people from the US say im American as if that only means the United States.
And yes, people refer to Brazilians as South Americans all the time just as Canadians are referred to as North American all the time.
lol,,, I can't believe people getting all technical about South/North America and we're all "Americans". What are y'all suggesting? That the entire world should stop referring to citizens of the USA as Americans and start using "United States of Americans" to satisfy a Brazilian hissy fit or two?
I suggest Brazilians stop representing themselves as such, and call themselves "Brazil of South Americans" from now on. This Brazilian thing is messed up and confusing. After all, there's a Brazil, Indiana,,,, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago,,,, Brazil Lake, Nova Scotia. Them Brazilians gotta get their shit together and be clear about just what kind of Brazilians they are.
Maybe NBA.com staffers need to watch more "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" reruns...
Heir, Prince of Cambridge
They got confused, they think team Canada is made up of a bunch of white guys who suck bad so all of the sudden 4 players who are black and who play in the NBA are included. It will take some time to change this popular belief on team Canada:
If Your Uncle Jack Helped You Off An Elephant, Would You Help Your Uncle Jack Off An Elephant?
Sometimes, I like to buy a book on CD and listen to it, while reading music.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


text:
9.691629, 122.40881
The province of Negros Occidental, Philippines will be celebrating its 21st Provincial Environment Week (PEW) in June 2013 pursuant to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 152, series of 1993. "An Ordinance declaring the 4th week of June as the Provincial Environment Week". The weeklong activity is meant to raise the environmental awareness and consciousness of the communities on the importance of the different ecosystem as basic life support system. Anchored on the Ridge to Reef approach, the provinces will also conduct several environment-related activities in collaboration with the 31 Local Government Units (LGUs) of the province.
In line with this, the Provincial Environment Management Office will launch and conduct a SCUBAsurero: Reef and Coastal Cleanup on June 22, 2013 in the three (3) identified Local Government Units (LGUs) that include the City of Sipalay, City of Sagay and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. SCUBAsurero means a group of divers or individual who voluntarily join and participate in the reef and coastal cleanup. SCUBAsurero which is a synchronized coastal and underwater cleanup in the 3 LGUs will definitely heighten the awareness and consciousness of the community, encourage community attention and action on current environmental issues and concerns and promote behavioural change towards sustainable development.
In view of the foregoing, we are cordially inviting all divers to join in the SCUBAsurero on June 22, 2013. You can choose from which LGU you would like to join. Let us continue to DO OUR SHARE for ONE EARTH... ONE CHANCE ... ONE CHOICE!


text: On Tue, 3 Apr 2007, Gerry Creager wrote: > Finally, complete documentation would have to be generated, and rgb or one of > his clones has not stepped forward to offer such assistance. As he (or one > of his clones) usually anticipates major innovations in technology and > pre-writes said documentation, this casts a pall on the potential viability > of the concept. Not so. In fact, my bots finished the documentation six years ago in anticipation of this day. However, the documentation is not being >>released<< because very soon now the idea of sewer based transit will be revived (making the water-pipe idea obsolete) as you forgot one key factor. You see, we are about to discover how to encode data on DNA, which (as a direct molecular encoding) is extremely efficient -- multiple terabytes of data can be stored in a gram of pure DNA. You may not be aware of it, but excrement is about 30% dead bacteria. There is a top-secret team working hard on a special (somewhat invasive) "interface" that will reach right into your bowel and perform recombinant DNA activity in real-time to place messages right into the DNA of e.g. E. Coli. Once encoded and packetized, the message will be placed into a data buffer using traditional methods and flushed through into the fat pipe that leads to the data consumer. The consumer, in turn, will have to process the message to extract the highly redundant bacterial packets, use little-bitty shears to cut the base pairs in just the right places to extract the message while throwing away the irrelevant message headers that (we can imagine) comprise the bacteria's "time to live" data, PCR up the packet contents and decode the slightly compressed base 4 packet contents. A bit of packet resequencing and the full message can easily be reconstructed, hopefully without a handshake. As an incidental bonus, java is well known to stimulate an increase in message production! Once the message is digested, the process >>can<< be repeated the other way -- full duplex communications are certainly possible although at the moment I don't think the protocols for message collisions have been properly defined. The protocol is still a bit messy, in other words, and it isn't clear what one has to do if the message collides with a propeller-based bridging device that is designed to keep one's data flow moving (already being called "the fan" by the data teams working on the routing and retransmission of packetized messages). Another problem these teams are dealing with is the nontrivial risk that viruses can be transmitted along with the message, but antiviral solutions are readily available over the counter for a few dollars. One of the primary advantages being touted for the protocol is that it should once and for all solve the problem of SPAM. Bacteria won't eat it. Overall, the protocol is a great favorite of the "green" crowd as all packets are ultimately biodegradable and recylable, although they do result in an unfortunate co-production of methane, a well-known greenhouse gas. Anyway, these remaining issues are doubtless easy to resolve, and what the protocol lacks in latency it will make up in bandwidth. I can definitely think of several groups whose attitude toward the world could only be improved by giving them their very own messaging interface as a permanent insertion. Consumers (especially government consumers) are standing by eager to adopt the new technology. Although sending messages will require a significant infrastructure investments running network conduit from office to office and installing appropriate interface hardware in all of the office workstation chairs, the messages thus sent within, say, the Pentagon, will be extremely secure -- Islamic terrorists, for example, won't be able to touch them. Congress likes the idea because the introduction of a new (already patented, sorry) technology like this clearly benefits US hardware manufacturers hitherto ignored in the general technology boom and will doubtless require immense amounts of highly sophisticated and proprietary software that only one company in the world is in a position to write. I understand that Microsoft is working hard on building the software tools to encourage the spreading of the technology within certain fertile fields of human endeavor, and there is a rumor that they have a plan already in place to smear existing networking protocols to where nobody will want to handle them any more. I just hope that it isn't a case of Microsoft being willing to "eat its own dog-FUD" here -- I think that the ASPCA will have something to say about any attempt to use canines in place of data tech workers and interface units. Finally, although it is currently top-secret (and I only know about it because of the transluminal nature of the offspring of the GEEZER daemon and rgbbot that is actually typing this message, rgb being away on vacation and absolutely not responsible for its contents as he can easily prove -- he has long since washed his hands of the entire discussion), certain unspecified but VERY highly ranked members of our government wish to use it as a secured channel for discussing the war in Iraq. They >>will<< have a bit of difficulty with the interface insertion as I believe they are currently using the requisite socket for their head nodes, but I'm sure that this technical difficulty will soon be resolved, if necessary by increasing the width of the data path in some way. And now I <ahem> I mean my bots, must stop. rgb > > gerry > >> On 4/1/07, *Douglas Eadline* <deadline at clustermonkey.net >> <mailto:deadline at clustermonkey.net>> wrote: >> >> >> I just posted some interesting news on Cluster Monkey. >> >> http://www.clustermonkey.net//content/view/192/1/ >> >> >> -- >> Doug >> _______________________________________________ >> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org <mailto:Beowulf at beowulf.org> >> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit >> http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org >> To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit >> http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf > > -- Robert G. Brown http://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/ Duke University Dept. of Physics, Box 90305 Durham, N.C. 27708-0305 Phone: 1-919-660-2567 Fax: 919-660-2525 email:rgb at phy.duke.edu


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, September 16, 2013, 7:53 AM
Town Square
Pleasanton Assemblywoman's teacher-firing bill passes Legislature
Original post made on Sep 16, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Monday, September 16, 2013, 7:53 AM
Comments (14)
a resident of Birdland
on Sep 16, 2013 at 10:35 am
Her bill was a bunch of BS. It watered down most of the language that school boards and parents wanted. It was exactly what the teachers and their union wanted, it was not about the children.
a resident of Livermore
on Sep 16, 2013 at 12:59 pm
I'm grateful that there is a union to represent teachers!
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Sep 16, 2013 at 3:21 pm
" . . . and said district already have ways . . ."
Meanwhile, the basics are ignored.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 16, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Yes Mike, yesterday I read the bill has as much bad as good. Buchanan HAD to do tokens to save 'herself', after her ignoring and defending union teachers for abusing students ...disgusting. Along with these tiny tokens, there are new UNION goodies and protections written into this bill...NO surprise there!!! All legislators owned by CTA and Ca Fed of Teacher UNIONS were quick to sign! They're part of the reasons our CA kids are not ready to attend college...must less be prepared for jobs. They've been running CA education for much too long.
a resident of Birdland
on Sep 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm
It is a basic fact that the CTA does not care about education or the students. Their job is to represent the teachers. Each time the CTA gets involved in legislation you can be sure it is not on behalf of the students. The CTA pays the big bucks to the legislature in order to control legislation. If you go to the website follow-the-money (followthemoney.org) you will see the CTA from 2003 to 2012 has contributed $150,971,672 to influence politicians. That certainly puts things in perspective if you give $100 and the CTA gives $151,000,000. Who is the politician going to listen to?
I would love to see the day when campaigns can only be financed by individual contributors. Until then, it is just an illusion that the politicians represent the average person.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 16, 2013 at 6:26 pm
Sadly, local is right, unions own our elected 'representatives' to represent them, NOT us! That is why 'citizens united' just gave
companies the right to contribute, LIKE UNIONS have been allowed to do for DECADES !! ...good for the goose. Now unions want another 'one up', SO....
Because of the $151 BILLION unions have spent to buy politicians, ALF-CIO announced last week they will allow non-union workers to be part of their union. DUH!!!! ALL OUTSIDE WORKERS have to do is PAY union DUES $$$$. No surprise there !! Just pay dues, anybody can send their political "DONATIONS" IN !!!! They're finally admitting, their dues collected are for the primary purpose of buying & owning politicians with union political contributions.....not for members programs.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 16, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Unions raking in money from anybody who'll send it in, is admitting it's all about union leaders wanting to continue to OWN and control our state and our country. Otherwise Gov Brown would protect the public, riders, and taxpayers....instead of the greedy BART union.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 17, 2013 at 8:08 am
The unions (and Cholo) defend abusive teachers, as long as they continue to pay their dues. Where are your priorities? What about the children? Disgusting..........
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 17, 2013 at 2:15 pm
Just remember this when Buchanan runs for DeSalinier's state senate seat in a couple of years!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 17, 2013 at 10:32 pm
This legislation has nothing to do with what's "good for the children", and everything to do with what's good for the teachers union (CTA). The teachers union = 1, California students and education = 0. Thats the current score based on this sham legislation.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Sep 18, 2013 at 8:18 am
My mother is a teacher. Most of you have NO idea what you are talking about. Yes, children need protection- given.
I will back the teachers any day of the year. Walk three feet in a teacher's shoes and you will be crying in agony.
I support the unions, the teachers, and my mother.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Sep 18, 2013 at 9:08 am
Elizabeth, broaden your horizons and do some objective research on the millions of 'other' teachers. There are two sides to the story. How lucky you are if you're never had or known of a bad, incompetent, or abusive teacher, that should not be with children in classroom, yet are kept there year after year because of unions. Pity those children that are ruined for life.
a resident of Birdland
on Sep 18, 2013 at 10:52 am
I would think that good teachers would want a good system in place to handle the teachers who are bad. When the system protects all teachers, whether they are good or bad, or abusive, it makes all teachers look bad. Teachers are professionals and I assume would want the 'bad apples' removed. If you are a 8th grade math teacher and the 7th grade math teacher is incompetent, if makes your job a lot harder and sometimes impossible to get the student back on grade.
I believe most teachers are good. The good teachers should not have to deal with others in their profession that are incompetent or abusive and can not be removed. We all know of some bad teachers that have tenure and they keep 'teaching' our kids, either in the same school or pushed to another school in the district who has to deal with the issues.
a resident of Ridgeview Commons
on Sep 13, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 26 comments | 803 views
Holiday Fund raises $70,000 for 12 Tri-Valley nonprofits
By Jeb Bing | 0 comments | 142 views


text:
Dodge-Cummins Diesel Fuel Injectors remanufactured by Bostech have been stripped and cleaned. All O-Rings, Pintels, etc. are replaced. The fuel flow on all of our injectors is rigorously tested prior to our factory certification.
Each Bostech Fuel Injector includes both the Injector and the Seal Kit. Click Here for Installation Instructions.
Bostech factory certifications meet or exceed industry standards for fuel flow, and come with a 1-Year, Unlimited Mile Warranty.
Questions? Call 1-877-558-0996
List Price:
Our Price:
You Save:
Core Fee:
If you're getting raw fuel to exhaust pipe:
If you're getting raw fuel to exhaust pipe:
To find the fuel leak:
To find the fuel leak:


text:
Discussion in 'Health & Fitness' started by brokenRPM, Sep 22, 2013.
Asics shoes are much better for knees
So is not playing tennis.
What kind of knee issues are you talking about.
knee pain and inflammation. nothing major but i've been using babolat and etc for years and they always get me in the knee. not asics. if u all have some knee issues/ankle issues, try asics out.
I wear Nike and Adidas exclusively, zero knee issues here.
then keep using them. i had major problems with babolat, adidas, and etc. Nike was still ok. personally, i like the way adidas shoes look. very slick.
I've also used random running shoes and have had zero problems. Once in a while I wore jeans and Timberland boots on impromptu hits.
I generally don't blame a lack of health/fitness on equipment.
Check your foot for instability. Do you have an over pronated foot or under pronated foot?
I.e. when you stand do your feet tend to roll in or roll out?
If you feet rolls it can cause Achilles tendon or knee problems. You might need to get arch support. Some shoes come with a default insole that has good arch support. But if you switch it out for your own insole than it doesn't matter what brand you get.
Different experience
I had some knee trouble which was not helped by my Babolat shoes. I bought a pair of Babolat Propulse 3 shoes and these were part of my knee problem. By using orthotics wiht them the problem slowly went away. They had less sole cushioning and that was probably part of the issue although these things are always hard to be certain about.
On the other hand I have had no problems at all since switching to Babolat SFX which have more cushioning and thicker soles. Seems to have been more bout the specifics of the shoe than the brand.
The OP is describing the basis of superstition -- making broad generalizations from one experience that may be completely atypical.
I would say there are still differences from shoe to shoe in stability, and the shape (support) of the footbed.
Yes, there are differences between the models of brands. But I would agree that Asics generally make a quality product.
Allthough I have changed to a more minimalistic approach.
Basis superstition? I thought it was the basis of ignorance based on a small sample size and unlikely connections. Or what we scientists call, stupidity.
I agree that if you are super fit and super strong, you can play with anything. but if I can pay 120 bucks and fix a problem so I can play tennis? I would do it in a heart beat. That's all.
i agree that this is no scientific at all. u switch one shoe to another and the ankles don't roll and knees are fine. that's all.
So you've invalidated yourself by agreeing that fitness/health has more to do with certain (negative) responses of your lower extremities than, your initial proposed source (brands of shoe).
And that, the fix is as magical (or random) as finding that one pair that fits you as an individual. Meanwhile, your "problematic" shoes illicit anywhere from neutral to positive reactions.
So, what's the point of this thread again?
A salmon was killed by a fisherman in 1968.
The following year the U.S. finally got some
astronauts on the moon.
The U.S. was finally able to accomplish this goal
because a man living on the west coast decided to
stop wearing his Asics tennis shoes and decided
instead to go barefoot and killed a salmon. Also,
his knee and foot pain disappeared after he stopped
wearing Asics and going barefoot instead. His bare
feet provide more cushioning.
This is not scientific either...
TW, some of these people on the BBS need help.
They provide more stability.
I never looked back after I switched to Asics. Much more comfortable than Nike and Adidas.
I never looked back after I switched to Nikes. Much more comfortable than Asics and Adidas.
Good for you, I hope Timberland boots are working well for you.
Oh they're awesome for when I walk in slush/snow after a day of snowboarding. Those things do a good job at keeping my feet dry.
Separate names with a comma.


text:
It looks like a male Stetoda Grossa, but the markings and abdomen shape are a little odd so I could be wrong.
Best wishes Lewis
Thanks for the reply Lewis.
So, is this a false widow spider then? And how can you tell its a male?
Hello there. Yes, it is one of the False Widows but Steatoda noblis is the one making all the headlines. Steatoda grossa also known as the Cupboard Spider tends to be found inside houses and sheds whereas S.noblis tends to prefer higher slightly more exposed positions to build its web. Here are some stock images of the male and female S.grossa and you can see there's quite a difference between the sexes.
Oh yeah I see what you mean.
Shudder. lol
Thanks again


text:
Stults solid, but Samardzija limits Padres
SAN DIEGO -- Momentum, the old adage says, is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher.
A day after the Padres equaled their largest come-from-behind win at Petco Park, Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija made sure the Friars' momentum did not extend any further.Full Game Coverage
SAN DIEGO -- Momentum, the old adage says, is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher.
A day after the Padres equaled their largest come-from-behind win at Petco Park, Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija made sure the Friars' momentum did not extend any further.Full Game Coverage
He was one step ahead of Padres hitters all night, tossing eight innings of two-run ball, as the Cubs won the second game of the three-game series, 3-2.
Trailing by two in the eighth, the Padres loaded the bases off Samardzija with no outs but mustered only one run, and Kevin Gregg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to seal the victory for the Cubs.
"[Samardzija] wobbled a little bit there in the eighth, but he hung in there," Padres manager Bud Black said. "He threw strikes. He got away with the one pitch to Jedd [Gyorko]."
That one pitch was a splitter that Samardzija left up in the zone on a 1-2 count. Gyorko, one of the club's hottest hitters, missed by an inch, hitting a harmless, mile-high popup to left.
After a passed ball and an intentional walk, Samardzija fanned Logan Forsythe with the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position.
"Being efficient early in the game allows you to have that cushion of pitches to work through some of that stuff," said Samardzija, who threw 106 pitches -- 21 coming in the fateful eighth inning. "To get out of that felt really good."
San Diego lefty Eric Stults was solid, but he could not contain Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney, who knocked in the Cubs' first two runs and scored the third.
Barney put the Cubs ahead in the top of the fifth inning with a solo home run. Stults left an 0-2 changeup over the middle of the plate, and Barney lined it into the first row of seats in left field.
"That was a changeup inside, and I haven't thrown too many of them this year," said Stults, who allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. "So it was probably not the right pitch selection. He cheated to a fastball the pitch before, so we thought maybe we'd get him thinking fastball-in. He'd seen fastball-in. But it just kind of leaked out over the plate a little bit."
Will Venable evened the score an inning later when he crushed a hanging slider into the right-field seats for his team-leading 19th home run of the season.
There are not many hitters in baseball hotter than Venable is these days. The right fielder is batting .375 with eight home runs since the All-Star break, and his last three long balls have tied the game or given the Padres a lead.
Venable has been shredding opposing pitching for about a month and a half, blurring the line between a simple hot streak and a breakout season.
"Let's see," Black said. "But it's nice to watch that he's swinging the bat well and getting his hits. You'd like to think so -- that this can be sustained. He's confident; he's got momentum; he's repeating his swing. He's doing a lot of great things."
Barney made sure the game was not tied for long, however. Two batters after Darnell McDonald walked to open the seventh, Barney roped a double to left, ending Stults' night.
"That leadoff walk was what killed me -- especially after I had him down, 0-2," Stults said. "Then I just didn't make a very good pitch to Barney there. But other than that, I felt like stuff was good, but I just came out on the short end."
On Barney's double, shortstop Logan Forsythe airmailed his relay throw into the second row behind the Padres' on-deck circle, negating what might have been a close play at the plate. Reliever Nick Vincent then allowed a two-out RBI single to Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, scoring Barney.
That run proved to be the difference as Samardzija worked his way in and out of trouble in the eighth. The Padres appeared to be in business when Alexi Amarista laid down what Cubs manager Dale Sveum called "the most perfect bunt" to load the bases. The ball danced back and forth between the cut of the infield grass and the foul line, finally coming to a rest between the two in fair territory.
But Samardzija followed that with two flyouts, an intentional walk and a strikeout, ending the Padres' best chance of the night.
AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com Follow him on Twitter @ajcassavell.


text:
As AM 1200 WCHB reported yesterday, Magic Johnson planned to make an announcement in Detroit that he teased on his twitter that would create jobs for his home state of Michigan. Click here to see Johnson's tweets about Detroit!
Follow AM 1200 WCHB News Detroit on Facebook for the updates on his investment to Detroit!
Related: Young energy bringing back Detroit [VIDEO]
Related: Unemployment Rises Again
Related: Magic Johnson Brings Urban Entrepreneurs Together With Investors
This just in from WXYZ
DETROIT (WXYZ) – Magic Johnson has announced that he is partnering with a local company and will invest millions of dollars to give back to the city of Detroit.
In a news conference Thursday morning at Quicken Loans headquarters, Magic announced that he is making good on a promise he made to Detroit Mayor Dave Bing to invest in the city.
Detroit Venture Partners is a company that is dedicating resources, support and business strategy in order to help rebuild and empower the city.
Magic says he is grateful for the opportunity to put people back to work and keep good talent in Michigan.
"I'm hoping that I will have a little "Magic" to create job opportunities for people who live here," Magic says.
Detroit Venture Partners seeks to invest in entrepeneurs and the brightest talent from the Detroit area who are looking for capital and support for their Detroit ventures.
On the company's website , they describe their mission:
"We love Detroit so much that we are devoting our careers to rebuilding this incredible city. We believe that entrepreneurship can drive meaningful social change – creating jobs, wealth, and hope. Where others see the remains of a time gone by, we see enormous opportunity."


text:
Title of your Story: Quelques ans après-A few years later
Author Name: (If you'd like it on the banner)Kinnu (in small font please...)
Catch phrase: (Only if youd like one, of course)Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!
Overall look of the banner: (i.e. colors, images)No Pinks or dark colours or Christmas Decorations. A warm family type banner please! Probably slightly bright colours...A fireplace or some light falling would do.
Fonts: (i.e. specific name of font or a general idea) Anything that doesn't look like it's from a typewriter. Cursive or happy fonts are good.
Characters: (Specific Characters in the banner? If so, would you like movie characters or images of your choosing or my choosing) Big pictures: Draco(Tom Felton), Hermione(Emma Watson) Small Pictures: Lucius Malfoy(Jason Isaacs), Narcissa Malfoy(Helen McCrory), Harry Potter(Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley(Rupert Grint), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright)
Story Summary: (So we can get a feel of your story, a link would be peachy as well)Hermione disappears after the war. No one knows where she was or where she went. She then comes back and who's better to accompany her than our favourite Slytherin and her husband,Draco Malfoy. How does everyone find out? How will everyone react? Lucius and Narcissa niceness.
Banner size: (So it fits in with the rest of your signature; may not exceed 300x500px) Just go along and see what looks good. 300x500 will do just fine though...
Have You Requested This Banner Before?: No
Anything else? Make Harry, Ginny and Ron look slightly put out, Hermione halfway through happy and anxious, Draco Malfoy downright smug and Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy in their nicest expressions...


text:
Silly Billyz Bandana Bib - Camo Olive
All day style solution - the Bandana Bib!
Our Design Bandana bibs are super cute, reversible and still have our waterproof backing to keep your little one clean & dry from dribbles & spills. Made from cotton and soft towel fabric.
Three snap closure allows for easy fixing on and off, and allows you to adjust neck size and smaller size means cute outfits aren't completely covered.
Suggested age: Newborn to 2 years+
Measures: 15cm (H) x 20cm (W)


text:
Thanks for helping us sort this video!
Thanks for helping us associate the correct Pornstars to this video!
Help Us: Do these Pornstars appear in this video?
Pornstar Name:
Holy fucking shit...
oh yeah im gonna fack you all
ya...once i gotta fucked my room mate in the same way....
i want to be the gymnast
I wish I was claire right now... oO
That BJ looks so HOT! I would give up my left testikal to get a blowjob by her
My pussy is moist after this. I want to enter these competitions.
I'd let Claire beat me. I'd also let Wenona beat me. How can you beat that?
Your not suppose to beat that because u lose and get fucked tk heaven
The thing I like about this video is that claire totally looks like a girl I know which is hot as hell (like claire, she has blue eyes, huge boobs etc.) anyway this is AWESOME
De maiss
wenonas pointy tits....yeahhhhhh....winners
I cant believe that you can comment on videos
Aside from Royal Madness, this one between Wenona and Claire is my fav. Wenona fucks Claire's sexy ass good.
My favorite too; I just downloaded the full fight. Can't wait!
Que gostosa vcs
Wenona almost kills claire's fat, I thought it was going to die claire
i wanna fuck clair
Damn I want some!!!
sa donne envie
This was the fight that got me into Ultimate Surrender to begin with. Believe me when I say that watching the full fight is worth it. Claire gets butt fucked into next week, WHEW!
Damn, she sounds hot.
i have to say this is quite a show it looks like Claire was trying to get her ass whooped so she can get fucked WITH A STRAP ON
who wants to fuck me in the ass right now ?
the sound is always a tiny bit off on these videos
cand men join to gang bang the loser
where the hell do you enter this? i wanna purposely lose to fucked ;)
look at those boob swing when she gets fucked
i wouldnt fight it..i want someone to shove their fingers up this pussy
Wenona fucks like a men >:D
Just on the moves alone makes this better then the UFC then you add in the nudity and sex that just blows everything else away.
claire doesnt seem to be fighting at all....i bet....she's enjoying it.......
Some errors occurred, please try again later
Sign up for a free account and make YouPorn yours!
Subscribe to your favorite pornstars, channels, and collections


text:
Learning how to be patient can be a difficult skill to acquire -- as many parents of young children can attest! Recommended for ages 3-6, the new picturebook Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan with delightful watercolor illustrations by Stephane Jorisch, humorously portrays Betty Bunny's efforts to tame her desire for instant gratification and perfectly captures this battle of the will that so many of us (younger and older alike) struggle with!
Betty Bunny is a handful we learn right from the start. She also is the youngest of four siblings and their playfully teasing interactions are pitch-perfect. But their wise advice and witty comments do not help Betty Bunny have patience -- or control her temper. Denied the cake she so desperately craves because she was not willing to eat a healthy dinner first, Betty Bunny storms off to her room. At bedtime, her mother consoles her with the thought that her piece of cake is waiting for her in the refrigerator. Before Betty Bunny leaves for school the next day, she says goodbye to the cake, and ... puts it in her pocket!
Does Betty Bunny eat the cake at school? Does her mother teach her how to do her own laundry? Does Betty Bunny ever learn what it means to be patient? Well, I don't want to give away the delicious ending, you'll just have to be patient and find out for yourself! (Let me just say that the conclusion is as satisfying as a slice of chocolate cake!)


text: If my memory serve right, there is a law in Federation / Starfleet that banned Cloaking device. Well, I don't object if the reason is understandable. But what I can't stand is that they banned it just because of idealistic decision (what a stupid approach from the writers) I think it is more logical or acceptable if the cloaking technology is actually bad for human body for a long run, so they bans the technology to protect the user, rather than what we have in Star Trek TNG now.


text: Joe Landman wrote: > > > Richard Walsh wrote: > >> We simply come to rest on a idea so that we can proceed to >> act/compute/design/think >> etc. ... but we must always be aware of the potential for >> overreaching. Perhaps the >> most basic axiom is that of the notion of identity (one cannot count >> without it), but >> we all know that in fact no two things are identical. > > :) > > Do we really? I expect an electron looks like every other electron > (but never having seen one, this is of course a guess). A foundation > of our observational sciences include being able to discern between > different and identical things. They are spatially distinct. Perfect identities always reduce to singularities--the universe is singular until we chose to divide it (and make it countable). The distinction/difference in this case is slight indeed, and there is much that can be done with their assumed indentity without overreaching. But back to ... clusters ... please ... rbw


text:
Giants proud to have front-row seat to no-no
Sanchez's historical feat a wonder to behold for his teammates
By Andrew Pentis / MLB.com
"Nothing changes. Guys are doing the same thing ... sitting in the same place. They're all superstitious," manager Bruce Bochy said after Sanchez's no-hitter and the Giants' 8-0 win over the Padres. "Everybody was pulling for him."
Sanchez became the fourth Giants pitcher this season to take a no-hitter into the seventh inning -- ace Tim Lincecum did it on Thursday -- but he was the first to leave the frame unscathed. Only marred by a Juan Uribe eighth-inning fielding error, he completed his no-hitter.
Lincecum said it's standard for teammates in the dugout to leave a starting pitcher alone during a game, no-hitter or not. But that's not to say Lincecum and Co. didn't keep some extra space between them and the history maker.
"He just made a Major League team look silly," Lincecum said. "It's hard enough to complete a game, nonethlesss, [throw] a no-hitter. He showed us what he's got.
"To be a part of it is cool."
After a path was cleared to the clubhouse, Sanchez found his teammates.
"Everybody was waiting inside for me, to pour beer on me," Sanchez said.
Amid the celebration, the 26-year-old pitcher certainly toasted Pablo Sandoval, whose fifth-inning three-run home run gave Sanchez a 7-0 lead with which to work.
"I feel excited for him," Sandoval said. "I'm happy I did something for him in his start."
Sanchez also had his outfielders to thank -- a group that collected 11 flyouts.
Starting left fielder John Bowker, who was roommates with Sanchez in his first year of professional baseball at Class A Salem-Keizer in 2004, played eight innings before giving way to defensive specialist Andres Torres. He had no qualms about not being on the field for the last out.
"Just to be a part of the game is cool," Bowker said. "It's hard to explain; it's an unbelievable feeling."
Aside from recording a three-hit, three-RBI game, Aaron Rowand contributed a highlight-reel grab for the 26th out, though Rowand wanted to discuss Sanchez, deflecting attention from his defensive gem at every opportunity.
"Nobody's surprised that he threw a no-hitter, because he's had the stuff all along," Rowand said. "This is a moment I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Just like catcher Eli Whiteside, who got the start because Bengie Molina left the team to be at his wife's side during the birth of the couple's child, Nate Schierholtz wasn't even supposed to play in Friday's game -- scheduled to take the night off to clear a lineup spot for Bowker. But Randy Winn fouled a ball off his foot in his first-inning at-bat (suffering a contusion, he's considered day-to-day), and Bochy called on Schierholtz.
The right fielder, who played Minor League ball with Sanchez at Double-A Connecticut and Triple-A Fresno, said he realized what was at stake in the fifth.
"It was just an amazing game to be a part of," Schierholtz said. "I wasn't supposed to play tonight, but Randy went down, and I got to be in there for eight innings.
"[Sanchez] was lights-out. He dominated and just located everything. I'm just happy for John. To see a teammate do something like that, it's just so special."
Pitching coach Dave Righetti, who as a Yankee in 1983 tossed his own no-hit gem, declined to be interviewed following the game, but he was certainly a part of the throng that engulfed Sanchez as he walked off the mound.
Andrew Pentis is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Monday, December 10, 2012
Trust me - I run a pyramid marketing scheme
And now my review:
Multi-level marketing schemes are a highly profitable business for those running them. If you manage to get two to twenty thousand people selling things to their friends and giving you a cut you are going to get rich.
The road to those riches are laced with the dreams of all the people who hold tupperware or candle parties or even worse - sell weight loss schemes or insurance.
Listed multi-level marketing schemes (such as Nu-Skin) are a really strange investment. The basic proposition is that they offer investors is the claim they have a really profitable businesses conning people out of their money and getting them to cash in their friendships.
The pitch summarises: I am a crook but you can trust me. I am your crook.
That is a surprisingly common pitch in financial markets. Chinese property developers listed in Hong Kong make the same pitch - but in their case the pitch is that I am a guy with lots of guanxi. I can get a property forcibly acquired from peasants at a deflated price and have it rezoned high rise. And I can thus make a profit. But I don't have the money to develop it - so you - dear Hong Kong investor can help me out. You see I am a crook - but you can trust me. I am your crook.
It rarely ends well. The last person they always screw is the bag-holder with the equity.
Shorting multi-level marketing schemes or for that matter Hong Kong property developers however is an exercise in painful endurance. Stalingrad gets mentioned.
You can even get a real one - one that does distribute some of the loot to shareholders and can survive a long time (Avon, Tupperware). Some of the products even become respectable. [I used to share house with a lesbian Avon lady who was the best sales woman in Australia. And was surprisingly respectable to boot. And she never tried to sell me make-up.]
Spectrum: At one end there is Avon. Cosmetics are a product that overtly sell a dream and it is hard to argue anyone is defrauded.
At the other there is insurance and weight loss products.
Roddy takes us through ViSalus - the best weight-loss product MLM I have ever seen. And there are a lot of them. And he shows us some over-the-top sales techniques with sales people who look like models and party like rock stars.
And it is a good story - but I keep coming back to Mediolanum (an Italian insurance company). Nobody has ever beaten the sales culture of that place. I met Ennio Doris (the CEO) once with his not one but two beautiful translators. Life is good at the top of a sales machine.
This video is funny. But it is really funny when you realize that this is the boss of an insurance company trying (successfully) to excite a bunch of insurance salesmen. [If you have a higher resolution copy of this video please send...]
If this video is a guide then ViSalus could go for a very long time.
16 comments:
- James Krieger said...
Would love to hear your comments some time on CDH Investments pulling out of the FMCN deal
- December 11, 2012 at 1:27 AM
- James Krieger said...
Would love to hear your comments some time on CDH investments pulling out of the FMCN deal
- December 11, 2012 at 1:28 AM
- CC said...
Nevertheless to say, Mediolanum's second-largest shareholder is Berlusconi.
- December 11, 2012 at 5:56 AM
- John said...
My wife uses some tupperware products. I'm really impressed by the quality of their products and their service (they have life-time warranty and we replaced some broken parts a few times with no question asked).
I personally just can't reconcile MLM with a legit business with respectable products...
- December 11, 2012 at 8:43 AM
- Matthew Robertson said...
The video is scarier than it is funny, John. You knew that.
- December 11, 2012 at 12:34 PM
John - great piece.
This reminds me of the Belgian court decision regarding Herbalife, which basically surmised that it was generating the majority of its revenue by signing up new distributors, rather than being a supplier to consumers. ie. there is no true customer, just distributors who try to sign up other distributors - and the cycle spins on.
- December 11, 2012 at 12:49 PM
My first thought on seeing this is Mussolini.
- December 11, 2012 at 2:08 PM
- Kris Tuttle said...
Reminds me of the oration skills often noted in leaders like Hitler.
Insurance does seem like a great business for this type of organization. It's only a disaster if you pay for a policy and they have no intention of honoring it. If the insurance is legit then finding a way to sell it to people who tend to resist it is a good way to make money.
Worst case scenario seems to be that people end up with too much insurance.
If the product is legit then MLM seems like it can work depending on efficiency, compensation and margins. In other words if the product is desirable, a good value and subject to repeat purchase then MLM can be okay.
- December 11, 2012 at 6:41 PM
- David said...
Fascinating. Whether frightened or laughing out loud I can't shake the feeling of deceiving myself in ways I am yet to understand. If ever.
- December 11, 2012 at 8:27 PM
I had forgotten just how much I dislike Doris.
- December 11, 2012 at 9:49 PM
confessions of a tubby trader !
"Roddy takes us through ViSalus - the best weight-loss product MLM I have ever seen"
- December 12, 2012 at 6:44 AM
- Moderator said...
FMCN deal is near complete despite CDH withdrawal?
There goes my Jan puts.... :(
- December 12, 2012 at 3:26 PM
- James Krieger said...
That news is not showing up on any US newswires. Wondering if it's more smoke and mirrors
- December 13, 2012 at 2:58 AM
Moderator, there is no "despite" in that title; it reads "Focus privatization transaction nearing completion [space] CDH withdraws."
There is no new information in the article, just an unsourced claim that CDH withdrew for internal reasons and that the other participants will pick up the slack.
Still wouldn't necessarily be hanging my hat on a January timeline though.
- December 13, 2012 at 3:22 AM
I don't know that I understand the problem with MLM in general. I understand that all sales orginizations are heirachical. So, what is more fair letting your ability to recuit, training and sell dictate your ability to succeed or some managers view on your ability. Absolutly MLM exploits people's delusions of their own abilities against reality, but so does just about every other money making opportunity. I personally wouldn't waste my time on selling something again unless I'm the low cost producer or have a unqiue selling proposition even then there's huge risk of failure.
- January 11, 2013 at 3:03 AM
Wealth management stockbrokering - Merril, MS, Met Life etc - has a lot in common with These MLM cos - both get people to pray on friends and family usually to buy an inferior or overpriced product.
- January 13, 2013 at 4:26 PM


text:
Fire up your upcoming giveaways with fire hydrant custom stress balls imprinted with your logo on the front.
Don't play with fire when it comes to your giveaways! Great for fire departments, these fireman helmet customized stress balls make your logo the focal point.
Fire prevention is important to every member of your community. Let children and adults know what to do in the case of an emergency by distributing informative prevention products and giveaways. Choose from coloring activity books, stickers and fun fire helmets. Many items can be customized with your logo or own message.


text:
The city is the largest town and the capital of Bihar state. Patna is one of the fast growing cities in India. It is located at the banks of the Ganges river. Patna is one of
Airports Serving Pu'er :
Airports Serving Patna
Popular Airlines:
Payment : ATM | SMS | Online banking | Cash | Credit card
Member of:
Follow Us
Support & Help
Don't miss our exclusive offers
copyright ® 2018 nusatrip. all rights reserved.