text:
Breathe easy Redskins nation, Robert Griffin III's father told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that his son will start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns in a critical game for the Washington Redskins' playoff push.
The rookie quarterback's sprained right knee, suffered late in Sunday's overtime win against the Baltimore Ravens, has improved enough that the dynamic Redskins leader told his dad he intends to play in a bid to lead the Redskins to the postseason for the first time since 2007.
"He's doing great,'' Robert Griffin II told USA TODAY Sports. "He definitely said he plans to start. I haven't seen him (the last two days). But he told me (today) everything has gone well.''
Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that Griffin, whose leg bent back violently after colliding with 6-4, 350-pound defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, was not ruled out with what Shanahan termed a Grade 1, mild sprain. Now we know why.
Griffin, who sat out one play against the Ravens, then returned for four more until the pain proved too great, said the sprained right collateral ligament stiffened Sunday night. But after some mild swelling, the knee has responded.
"He's doing rehabilitation as far as the impact pain working with that,'' Griffin's dad said. "Monday he said he felt really good. Today he felt better. Every day he's getting better. Monday he had no problems and throughout the workout, he had no problems.''
Griffin's father laughed when told that he and his wife raised one tough quarterback.
"Hopefully, he'll let the running back do all the running,'' Griffin II said. "I was with him, so I knew he was OK. There was some immediate swelling. But they took care of the pain management.''


text:
How to do ANYTHING
- TRACK my recent order?
- Check My Account?
- RETURN an item.
- Update my PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Learn what SHIPPING RATES are?
Get reminded of my PASSWORD.
Enter email address you used to sign up at any Legacy Stores and we'll email your password to that address.
- Redeem or buy a GIFT CERTIFICATE
- Subscribe or Change Subscription to NEWSLETTERS
For more info, see Legacy Stores FAQs

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Once again it's that time when the kiddos are heading back to school. While school supply lists are no doubt extensive, it's interesting to compare today's requirements to just a few years ago. Students today, whether primary, secondary or college level, are expected to be decked out with more electronic gadgets that ever before. Heavy books? You may find some, but more and more are moving to digital copies on tablets and e-readers. No doubt, their backs will thank them. Taking notes? The need for paper and pen continues to dwindle. Notes are now taken on laptops, via virtual keyboards or with smart pens.
And while it may seem the kids are loading up on the cool toys, never fear. Many of these gadgets and gizmos are equally fun and intriguing for the adults. In this slideshow, we've pulled together 25 of the latest gadgets and gizmos – that while great for the back-to-school crowd – may be just what you've been looking for yourself.
Related Topics : In Their Own Words: The Four Dark Horses for the Third Major Mobile OS Speak, HTC, Mobile Search, 3G, Location-Based Services
Wearables are revolutionizing the workplace, with innovations that create a safer work environment or enhance the way professionals are able to go about their job. ... More >>
Here are the top 10 strategic technology trends that will impact most organizations in 2017. Strategic technology trends are defined as those with substantial disruptive potential or those reaching the tipping point over the next five years. ... More >>
Digital innovation is by far the biggest influencer, changing the way we do just about everything, from shopping to communication to running a business. ... More >>


text:
CCleaner (All Editions) 17.39.6399 + Crack
- Type:
- Applications > Windows
- Files:
- 2
- Size:
- Uploaded:
- Sep 14, 2018
- By:
- Baborikamo
Dear Internets! System Requirements: - 2 GB of RAM 4 GB recommended - 1024 x 768 display - 2 GB of available hard-disk space for program installation cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices My name is X.That was the only program I made. The rest are not mine, included for convenience and validation purposes. Any changes to this final version will only be made by Windows Update and Can be used for upgrading Vista & other 6 editions. Do not make money with this software... Nowadays a lot of TPB members abuse their TPB membership by intentionally posting fake comments & files. Their meaning is just trying to spread confusion and to frustrate TPB and it's users. Less downloaders = less seeders = less download speed etc = not good! Features of distribution: - Based on license; - Installation time: 1 to 10 minutes. Installation: About :: Installation Instructions 1) Unpack and install 2) Use the key generator to generate a valid serial 3) Please note that all other product's features have been removed. 4) Enjoy The Pirate Bay Don't Forget to buy the program


text:
Figure 268 Type D Short Spring Can
Permits adjustment of the hanger from the top. This type has a piece of tubing which passes through a hole in the top cap. Type D spring cans are especially adapted for use where the hanger is set above the supporting beams and pipe is suspended below. Being a short spring can design, it is intended for applications where little vertical travel will occur.
How to use hanger selection table: In order to choose a proper size hanger, it is necessary to know the actual load which the spring is to support and the amount and direction of the pipe line movement from the cold to the hot position. Find the actual load of the pipe in the load table. As it is desirable to support the actual weight of the pipe when the line is hot, the actual load is the hot load. To determine the cold load, read the spring scale, up or down, for the amount of expected movement. The chart must be read opposite from the direction of the pipe's movement. The load arrived at is the cold load. If the cold load falls outside of the working load range of the hanger selected, relocate the actual or hot load in the adjacent column and find the cold load. When the hot and cold loads are both within the working range of a hanger, the size number of that hanger will be found at the top of the column.
Should it be impossible to select a hanger in a particular series such that both loads occur within the working range, consideration should be given to a variable spring hanger with a wider working range or a constant support hanger. The cold load is calculated by adding (for up movement) or subtracting (for down movement) the product of spring rate times movement to or from the hot load.
Cold load = (hot load) ± (movement) x (spring rate) A key criteria in selecting the size and series of a variable spring is a factor known as variability. This is a measurement of the percentage change in supporting force between the hot and cold positions of a spring and is calculated from the formula:
Variability = (Movement) x (Spring Rate) / (Hot Load) If an allowable variability is not specified, good practice would be to use 25% as recommended by MSS-SP-58.
General rule for series selection use Fig. 82 for up to 1⁄2″ of movement, up to 1″ use Fig. B-268, up to 2″ use Fig. 98, up to 3″ use a Triple, up to 4″ use a Quadruple. Double check to assure desired variability is achieved.
The above drawings represent some common installations of the pipe support represented on this page. Installation types and configurations are not limited to the drawings above, but should always follow the manufacturers guidelines for application and installation.
The functional design of the pre-compressed variable spring hanger permits the incorporation of a two-piece travel stop that locks the hanger spring against upward or downward movement for temporary conditions of underload or overload. The complete travel stop, the up travel stop only for cold set purposes or the down travel stop only which may be employed during erection, hydrostatic test (Anvil permits a hydrostatic test load of 2 times the normal operating load for the spring hanger) or chemical cleanout will be furnished only when specified. The travel stop is painted red and is installed at the factory with a caution tag attached calling attention that the device must be removed before the pipe line is put in service. Permanently attached travel stops available upon request.
Once installed in the line; the hanger should be adjusted until the load indicator moves to the white button marked "C" (cold position). On inspection of the system, after a reasonable period of operation, the load indicator should be at the red button marked "H" (hot position). If it is not, the hanger should be readjusted to the hot position. No other adjustment is necessary.
Note: All material included on this page is informational only, and should not be used as one's sole source for design purposes. STS Industrial, Inc. and its affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this site, and retain no liability for the use or misuse of the information contained on this site.
Sources: Anvil International Pipe Hangers and Supports, Carpenter and Paterson Pipe Support Hardware


text:
On the Clock
Pictured (L-R): Chris O'Donnell (Special Agent G. Callen) and LL COOL J (Special Agent Sam Hanna). A former defendant of Deeks is targeted for discovering information that could dismantle a lucrative car shipping operation with links to a global terrorist ring. Meanwhile, the NCIS: LA team tackles the large-scale stolen car operation from the inside when Kensi goes undercover in an auto body shop. Photo: Michael Desmond/CBS ©2012 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Storage Solutions: Dressers in the Bathroom
If you're lucky enough to have a sizable bathroom, a dresser may be the perfect storage solution. It's especially great for renters, since it allows you to reuse a piece that may not work elsewhere in your new place and take it with you if you move again.
You could buy one new, but the chicest looks incorporate refurbished vintage dressers. You can paint one a bright cheery shade and use it in an otherwise neutral room, or go with the natural wood finish and pair it with some gorgeous wallpaper.
- A pretty secondhand dresser to store linens and towels from Young House Love.
- A luxe, antique dresser looks chic in an otherwise modern bathroom from Lonny.
- A grassy shade of green perks up a basement bathroom in Country Living.
- A refurbished dresser makes for a nice sink & vanity, as seen in Light Locations.
- A dresser with crystal knobs and lovely detailing pairs perfectly with a clawfoot tub. From Better Homes and Gardens.
(Images: as linked above)


text:
Public Consultations
Conwy Business Directory
Help during the Credit Crunch
Independent advice
The Council has set up a number of Facebook pages for a range of topics and services.
Below is an alphabetical list of Social Media pages maintained by our Council Services.
You can also follow us on Twitter by visiting http://twitter.com/ConwyCBC
How useful was this information?
Not sure
Not useful
How could we make this page better?
Did you find what you were looking for?
Just browsing
Was there a main service area that you were interested in today?
Please select...
Adult/further education
Council business
Council tax
Electoral register
Environmental health
Events information
Family history
Job vacancies
Leisure facilities
Rubbish and recycling
Social care
Transport and Buses
What was the main purpose of your visit to this site today?
Please select...
Make a payment
Make a booking
Report a problem
Request a service
Make an application
Find information
Just browsing
Renew / reserve library book
Which of the following applies to you? (tick all that apply)
I live in this area
I work in this area
I work for the council
I am planning to visit this area
I am planning to move to this area
I am a local councillor
I am looking for information for myself
I am looking for information related to my work
I am looking for information on behalf of someone else
If you had not come to the website for the above, how would you prefer to contact the Council?
Please select...
By telephone
By post
In person
By e-mail
In no other way
Don't know
How likely are you to return to this website in the future?
Please select...
Very likely
Not sure
Very unlikely
please explain why:
How did you find out about this site?
Please select...
Already knew site from previous visit
Search engine result
Council forms and leaflets
Other council advertising
Link from www.direct.gov.uk
Link from another website
Guessed the website address
Friends / family told me
Someone at the council told me
Through my local library
I work for the council
In the last 6 months, approximately how many times have you visited this website?
Please select...
Several times in month
Every few months
Very rarely
First time visitor
Your post code
Age range
Please select...
17 and under
18 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - 64
65 - 79
80 and over
Prefer not to say
Please select...
Prefer not to say
How would you describe your ethnic origin?
Please select...
White English
White Irish
White Northern Irish
White Scottish
White Welsh
Any other white background
Mixed - White and Black Caribbean
Mixed - White and Black African
Mixed - White and Asian
Any other mixed background
Asian – Indian
Asian – Pakistani
Asian – Bangladeshi
Any other Asian background
Black Caribbean
Black African
Any other Black background
Any other ethnic background
Prefer not to say
If your use of the internet is impeded by any of the following, please indicate how.
Vision impairment
Mobility difficulties
Cognitive or learning
Hearing impairment
None of these
Prefer not to say


text:
The past 20 years have seen significant progress towards gender ...
Mirova launches Mirova Eurofideme 3, a fund dedicated to renewable energy infrastructure projects in Europe
Mirova - the subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management dedicated to responsible investing - has launched Mirova Eurofideme 3, a fund focused on renewable energy infrastructure projects. The fund, which targets professional investors only, aims to raise 200 million euros and generate a net TRI of 10 to 11%.(1)
Renewable energy, a high potential market
Energy transition and the fight against climate change have fostered a particularly favourable environment for investment in renewable energy. Europe leads the global renewable energy market, which is further buoyed by public policies that are driving the growth of the industry. According to the targets set by European Union in 2008, by 2020 20% of our final energy consumption should be generated from renewable sources. The European commission pushed the boat even further, suggesting that 27% of total energy be renewable by 2030. In 2013, on a global scale, investment in assets producing renewable energy reached $149.2 billion(2) and for the first time in Europe, more electricity was produced from renewable sources than from coal or nuclear facilities(3).
However much investment is still needed: according to an EY Survey commissioned by Mirova(4), €236 billion (5) will need to be invested over the next 5 years in the on-shore wind, photovoltaic and biomass space in order to meet the 2020 European targets.
Long-term partnerships
Building on the success of the Fideme (2002) and Eurofideme 2 (2008)(6) funds, Mirova created Mirova Eurofideme 3 to offer European institutional investors access to project-companies that are developing renewable energy assets across Europe (mainly in the wind and photovoltaic space). The investment strategy is based on developing long-term partnerships with industrial companies by co-investing and providing support during the construction and operational stages. Once the infrastructure projects have been running for several years, the fund will exit the projects and sell them on to industrial or financial players.
Raphaël Lance, Head of Infrastructures Renewable Energies, Mirova, adds: "Renewable energy infrastructure provides an attractive, tangible asset class closely connected with the real economy and which addresses people's direct and concrete needs. It enables professional investors to diversify their portfolios through assets carrying moderate risk, in a fast growing and forward-looking sector. These investments aim to protect against inflation and market volatility, while generating regular returns".
Pioneering expertise in renewable energy
Mirova has over 10 years' experience investing in renewable energy projects and is one of the first European asset managers to launch a 3rd fund on this particular expertise. Mirova draws on a team of dedicated experts who manage a portfolio of high quality and diversified investments in France and in Europe. During the past 10 years, Mirova's Renewable Energy team has invested in 66 projects (including 31 wind farms) and has supported the construction of production facilities generating 700 megawatts of clean energy(7).
Key fund characteristics:
Legal stucture: FPCI (Fonds professionnel de Capital investissement)
Target size: €200 million
Duration of the fund: 10 years
Net target TRI (1): 10-11%
First closing: > EUR 75 millions
Investment period: 3 years
Minimum investment: EUR 5 million
(1) the target TRI is neither guaranteed, nor a contractual commitment
(2) Source: Mirova 31/12/2013
(3) Source: Survey conducted by Enerdata
(4) Mirova commissioned EY to conduct a survey on the potential for investing in renewable energy in Europe. The survey looked particularly at the financing needs in six target countries (Germany, France, UK, Sweden, Norway and Finland) in the on-shore wind, photovoltaic and biomass space over a timeframe ending 2020. It is based on analysis carried out by EY using current market data and taking into account European renewable energy targets for 2020.
(5) of which 71 billion euros in equity
(6) Fideme is a FCPI fund with €46 million under management. Eurofideme 2 is a FCPI fund with €94 million under management.
(7) Source: Mirova June 2014, of which 45 MW in the process of closing
A summary of the full survey can be found on Mirova's website: www.mirova.com
Biography of Raphaël Lance – Head of Renewable Energies, Mirova
Raphaël Lance, Head of Renewable Energies, Mirova
Raphaël Lance started his career at Crédit Lyonnais in project finance and asset finance before joining General Electric, where he worked for 12 years. He held M&A and finance positions at GE Oil & Gas and GE Healthcare and was later appointed head of origination for GE Energy Financial Services covering France, Spain and Italy (€350m invested in the renewable energy sector over the past 5 years). Raphaël joined Natixis in 2009 as Director of Fideme and Eurofideme 2. He currently serves as Head of Renewable Energies, Mirova. Raphaël Lance holds a Master's degree and a DESS in Finance from Paris IX Dauphine and attended the INSEAD International Executive Program.
Press contacts:
Andrea Pucnik
Tél. +33 (0)1 58 32 01 03
Fanny Galène
Tél. +33 (0)1 78 40 84 54
Note au lecteur
This fund is not subject to approval by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers and may employ investment rules derogating from those governing approved funds. These are provided in the Fund Regulation. The fund is currently not available for sale outside of France; consequently, the distribution, possession or handover of this document in or from certain jurisdictions may be limited or unauthorized from a legal point of view.
About Mirova
Mirova is a subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management dedicated to responsible investing. The company's pro-active approach aims to reconcile wealth creation and sustainable development. Mirova has developed a global approach to responsible investing covering equities, bonds, infrastructure, Impact investing (1), voting and engagement. Second European manager of open-ended SRI funds (2) and largest manager of socially responsible funds in France (3) and Europe (2), Mirova has AUM of €3.8 billion and provides voting and engagement services on assets worth €38.3 billion. Mirova employs around forty multi-disciplinary experts including thematic investment specialists, engineers, financial and ESG analysts (4), and project funding and socially responsible finance specialists. Distributed through Natixis Global Asset Management's global platform, Mirova's range of funds targets all investor types, both professional and retail.
(1) Impact investing: high social/environmental impact investing
(2) Source: Feri Lipper – 11/2013.
(3) Finansol Barometer 2012.
(4) ESG: Environmental, Social/Societal and Governance.
About Natixis Asset Management
With assets under management of €299 billion and 590 employees(1), Natixis Asset Management ranks among the leading European asset managers. Natixis Asset Management offers its clients (institutional investors, companies, private banks, retail banks and other distribution networks) tailored, innovative and efficient solutions organised into 6 investment divisions: Fixed income, European equities, Investment and client solutions, Structured and volatility (developed by Seeyond(2)), Global emerging, and Responsible investing (developed by Mirova(3)). Natixis Asset Management's offer is distributed through the global distribution platform of Natixis Global Asset Management, which offers access to the expertise of more than twenty management companies in the United States, Asia and Europe.
(1) Source: Natixis Asset Management – 31/03/2014.
(2) Seeyond is a brand of Natixis Asset Management.
(3) Mirova is a subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management.


text:
Visa Guidelines
Visa Guidelines
Attendees from countries that require visas are reminded that the process of obtaining a visa may take several months. You are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and begin the application process early. Visa applications should be submitted for processing as early as possible no later than 90 days prior to travel. More information about obtaining your visa can be found online at the U.S. Department of State website.
Please note that the event organizers do not have any influence over the issuance of a visa. The determination is at the sole discretion of the Embassy/Consulate. Should your application be denied, the event organizers cannot change the decision of the governmental agency.
Click HERE for additional Visa resources.
If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate Event Planner for your conference.
Visa Invitation Letter Request Forms are available here:


text:
Directions to Olin Library
Olin Library is located in the center of the Danforth campus; you cannot drive up and park in front of the building.
The Danforth campus is served by both the MetroLink Skinker and Big Bend stations, as well as by MetroBus stops. See the Metro website for schedule and fare information. The campus is bounded by Forsyth Boulevard on the south, Skinker Boulevard on the east, Forest Park Parkway on the north, and Big Bend Boulevard on the west.
Visitor parking is conveniently located in the Danforth University Center Garage. The charge is $1 per hour, with a maximum charge of $5 for the day. Payment is required upon exiting the garage; cash and credit cards are accepted. Visitors may also park at any parking meter. Parking in other campus parking lots requires the purchase of a daily, monthly, or yearly parking permit. Cars without a valid permit in these lots will be ticketed.
Olin Library is located west of Brookings Quadrangle, east of Graham Chapel, and northeast of Mallinckrodt Center/Edison Theater. It is building number 81 on the Danforth (formerly Hilltop) campus map (pdf).
Get Directions:


text:
Pedestrians tempt fate downtown
As a 24-year resident of Ashland I find myself visiting downtown Ashland less and less. The biggest reason is because in my opinion pedestrians in Ashland's downtown area seem to think that they have the right to walk in front of oncoming vehicle traffic without even slowing down or looking before stepping off the curb.
Several times over the past few years I was driving on one of the downtown streets, watching carefully for pedestrians walking off the sidewalk and into the street when, out of the corner of my eye, I caught one coming from the opposite direction and walking right in front of me. I have had to slam on the brakes several times this summer alone. I would truly hate to hit someone!
In my opinion the problem seems to be getting worse. I can almost understand when a person is busily texting or talking on their phone and they carelessly walk right into traffic without even looking, but it's the ones that aren't talking to their friend or texting that literally walk right into traffic without so much as a care in the world. Also, what's really concerning to me is that I have seen Ashland police either ignore or maybe miss this taking place well within their view. Maybe they too are so distracted with all the pedestrians in the street they just missed it.
Is it just me, or is blatantly walking in front of cars both dangerous to your own well-being as well as the many motorists on the roadway — and if it is not illegal, shouldn't it be? I think the Ashland police should start issuing warnings and/or citations to these folks and send a message to pedestrians that either find it amusing to play chicken with a motorist or are just plain suicidal. Natural selection used to keep these sorts of behavioral traits from perpetuating themselves, but not any more.
I will severely limit my time spent at the many shops and restaurants downtown for this reason. I feel it has just become to much of a liability to operate a car in such close proximity to such careless, reckless and unsafe individuals and I don't know how I could stand to live with myself if I accidentally hit one!
Todd Kemp


text:
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Rapper Dumbfoundead will be featured in a free concert at 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in Alumni Hall of the HUB-Robeson Center.
An Argentinian-born product of South Korean nationals naturalized in the United States, Dumbfoundead has evolved from a high school dropout to a performer who has gained a reputation as a charismatic storyteller.
Based in Los Angeles, he performs all over the world. The stop at Penn State comes a day before concerts in New York City and Philadelphia.
The free concert is hosted by the Korean Student Association, with sponsorship support from University Park Allocation Committee and the College of Communications.
Last Updated November 21, 2013


text:
Subject: Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices
Date: December 6, 2006
To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and National Bank Operating Subsidiaries, Department and Division Heads, and All Examining Personnel
Description: Interagency Guidance on CRE Concentration Risk Management
As of May 17, 2012, this guidance applies to federal savings associations in addition to national banks.*
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are jointly issuing the attached Interagency Guidance on Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices (guidance).
Strong risk management practices and appropriate levels of capital are essential elements of a sound Commercial Real Estate (CRE) lending program. Concentrations of CRE exposures add a dimension of risk that compounds the risk inherent in individual loans. The guidance sets forth sound risk management practices that an institution should employ when it has CRE concentration risk. Credit concentrations are broadly defined as groups or classes of credit exposures that share common risk characteristics or sensitivities to economic, financial, or business developments. For purposes of the guidance, CRE loans are loans with risk profiles sensitive to the condition of the general CRE market as defined in the guidance.
The guidance does not establish specific limits on CRE lending; rather, it describes sound risk management practices that will enable institutions to pursue CRE lending in a safe and sound manner. These practices include:
As part of their ongoing supervisory monitoring processes, the agencies will use certain criteria to identify institutions that are potentially exposed to significant CRE concentration risk. An institution that has experienced rapid growth in CRE lending, has notable exposure to a specific type of CRE, or is approaching or exceeds the following supervisory criteria may be identified for further supervisory analysis to assess the nature and risk posed by the concentration:
Emory W. Rushton
*References in this guidance to national banks or banks generally should be read to include federal savings associations (FSA). If statutes, regulations, or other OCC guidance is referenced herein, please consult those sources to determine applicability to FSAs. If you have questions about how to apply this guidance, please contact your OCC supervisory office.
Related Link


text:
Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley, who assumed her post after Adam Fogelson was ousted from the position last fall, has had her contract renewed through 2017.
Her role at the Comcast Corp.-owned studio is also expanding. Langley, who currently oversees Universal's production strategy and the studio's Focus Features division, will add international production and marketing, and domestic marketing to her portfolio.
Financial terms of Langley's deal were not disclosed.
ON LOCATION: Where the cameras roll
Among Hollywood's most powerful female film executives, Langley had previously been co-chairman of Universal Pictures from October 2009 until September, when a dramatic shakeup rearranged the hierarchy of film executives at the Universal City studio.
In addition to Fogelson's departure, Universal Studios President Ron Meyer was made vice chairman of the studio's parent company, NBCUniversal; and longtime Comcast executive Jeff Shell was named the top film executive within the Comcast fold as chairman of the newly created Universal Filmed Entertainment Group.
Langley, 45, who has been with Universal since 2001, reports to Shell.
PHOTOS: Celebrities by The Times
"During the past five months, I've gotten to know Donna and together we've found a great working rhythm that is both comfortable and complementary," Shell said in a statement. "She has terrific creative instincts and I'm continually impressed by the depth of her talent and filmmaker relationships, her experience and her work ethic. I'm thrilled to have her as my partner."
Universal had a strong 2013, finishing No. 3 in box-office market share after coming in fourth a year earlier, according to Box Office Mojo. The studio released hits including "Despicable Me 2," which has grossed $965 million worldwide, and "Fast & Furious 6," which took in $789 million globally.
However, the studio has hit rough patches over the last year, too, releasing high-profile flops "R.I.P.D." and "47 Ronin." The summer action-comedy "R.I.P.D.," which was budgeted at about $130 million, grossed $78 million worldwide. December's "47 Ronin," a Keanu Reeves-starring samurai epic, cost about $175 million to produce but took in $122 million globally.
PHOTOS: Box office top 10 of 2013
Universal also delayed the release of "Fast & Furious 7" by nine months to April 2015 after the death of star Paul Walker in a car accident late last year.
The studio's Kevin Hart- and Ice Cube-starring buddy comedy "Ride Along," released Jan. 17, has been a surprise hit, grossing $75 million domestically.
Among Universal's high-profile forthcoming films is an adaptation of the bestselling erotic novel "Fifty Shades of Grey," which will be released by the studio in February 2015.
Langley is credited with spearheading the acquisition of the E.L. James-written "Fifty Shades of Grey" series.
"Donna is one of the finest all around motion picture executives I've ever known and I'm delighted she is getting this well-deserved extension and expanding her duties as Chairman," Meyer said in a statement. "I'm confident that Donna and Jeff will continue to create long-term success for our film group and I'm looking forward to our ongoing collaboration."
Shake-up at NBCUniversal reflects foreign focus
'I, Frankenstein' stumbles as 'Ride Along' rolls to victory
TV ratings: Fox's 'Rake' premieres modestly after 'American Idol'
ON LOCATION: People and places behind what's onscreen
PHOTOS: Biggest box office flops of 2013
PHOTOS: Celebrity production companies


text:
Backstrom, Coyle help Wild overcome Harding injuryby Patrick Williams
WINNIPEG -- The Minnesota Wild survived an injury to goaltender Josh Harding' minutes before the opening faceoff of their game against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday afternoon, then overcame a third-period deficit to win 3-2 in a shootout.
Harding missed his scheduled start after sustaining a lower-body injury during warm-ups. The injury forced Niklas Backstrom into emergency duty. Backstrom, activated from injured reserve before the game, made 37 saves, and Charlie Coyle won it with a goal in the fourth round of the tiebreaker.
"You have to be ready all the time," Backstrom said. "You never know what's going to happen, so you have to find a way to be ready and be at your best. You don't really have that much time to think. You just go out there and play and get into the game."
Backstrom's play set up a late comeback for the Wild. Shorthanded and trailing 2-1 late in the third period, Zach Parise tied the score with 4:55 left in the third period when captain Mikko Koivu reached him with a pass on a 3-on-2 rush into the Winnipeg zone. Parise outmaneuvered Jets forward Bryan Little before one-timing Koivu's pass behind goaltender Ondrej Pavelec.
After Koivu and Little scored in the shootout, Coyle won it by beating Pavelec in the fourth round.
The Wild (15-5-4), who had played eight of their past 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents, began a run of five straight games facing Western Conference foes. With 34 points in their first 24 games, the Wild are off to the best start in franchise history and have won six of their past seven games and nine of their past 11.
The Jets (10-11-4), on an 0-2-2 slide, received goals from third-liners Michael Frolik and Matt Halischuk, and Pavelec stopped 33 shots. Nino Niederreiter's goal for Minnesota early in the third period made it 1-1 before Halischuk put Winnipeg ahead 2:14 later.
The Jets' five shorthanded goals against are the most in the League, and their 11 power-play goals are the third-fewest.
"I thought we played a pretty good game," Jets coach Claude Noel said. "I thought we for the most part we got a good effort from a lot of players, and as you can see, winning and losing is determined by a fine line for us."
The Wild were also without forward Mikael Granlund (upper body), whom the Wild learned earlier in the day would not be available. Granlund's absence forced the Wild to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
"It's not always easy to find your game through the course of the game," coach Mike Yeo said, "but I give our guys credit for that. I always believe that when things are at their most intense, that's when you revert back to your habits, and this is showing that we have good habits right now."
Yeo did not provide an update on Harding's health after the game. His 1.48 goals-against average ranks second in the NHL and he is tied for second in the League with 13 wins and two shutouts. His save percentage (.939) is among the top 10.
Backstrom played his first game since a collision with the Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri on Nov. 13. Backstrom, who practiced once since the injury, had a 1-1-2 record in seven games, a 3.30 GAA and an .874 save percentage.
"[Backstrom] was the difference in the game for us," Yeo said. "I mean, obviously, I give our players a great deal of credit for dealing with the adversity with what happened at the beginning of the game. But it's a little bit easier to deal with it when you see your goalie go out and play the way that he was."
Harding's injury caused the Wild to play the first period without a backup goaltender until Darcy Kuemper arrived at MTS Centre. The Wild managed to retrieve Kuemper, who was sitting on a plane at Winnipeg International Airport after Minnesota removed him from the roster and sent him to the Iowa Wild, the team's American Hockey League affiliate, a few hours before the game. Kuemper was added to the lineup as an emergency exemption.
"It was bizarre," Yeo said. "I spent a lot of time before the game figuring out line combinations and how to get [a player] back from the airport, but you've got to deal with that type of adversity, and our guys did."
Winnipeg had four shots on Backstrom in the opening 10 minutes before becoming more active in the Minnesota zone in the latter half of the first period. The hosts finished the first period with a 14-3 shots advantage.
"In the first period, we just weren't good enough by any stretch, and he kept us in it and gave us a chance to continue to find our game, and it's a real credit to [Backstrom]," Yeo said.
The Jets' third line cracked Backstrom 13:07 into the second period. Halischuk drove the Minnesota net off the right side and let go a rising shot that Backstrom failed to control. Frolik crashed the net and shoved the rebound under Backstrom.
The goalie held firm against the Jets over the first two periods and provided the Wild with time to settle down and find their game.
"If it weren't for Backstrom it really could have gotten out of control early," Parise said. "We could have been down 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 in the first period. He made some unbelievable saves. That wasn't the ideal start. We were lucky to get out of there."
The banged-up Winnipeg blue line received some relief with Mark Stuart's return after he missed 12 of the past 16 games with a hip injury, including a 10-game absence that dated to Oct. 27.
The Jets begin a six-game journey through the Eastern Conference during the next two weeks and will not play another home game until Dec. 10.
"It doesn't matter whether we're on the road or at home, I guess, you want to get to playing the right way and winning hockey games," captain Andrew Ladd said. "But at the same time, sometimes it's nice to get away from the noise here and just focus on hockey."


text:
Wedding Flash CMS Templates
We have a collection of 10 designs in this area!
Need a place to show off your wedding album? How about a gift for a couple of friends who have just recently been married? You have better things to worry about than worry about how to design a website, like going through wedding photos, sending wedding invitations, getting flowers, finding a wedding dress and suit, and the rest of the endless list of tasks that come with a wedding. Do yourself a favor, make use of these wedding flash cms templates.
Our Flash CMS templates enable users to edit Flash websites and Flash content by using a WYSIWYG editor and built-in image editor. With these wedding Flash CMS designs you can avoid having to use Adobe Flash editor to edit the source .fla files. You can update and save everything on-the-fly. Our Flash wedding content management system website templates are powered by FlashMoto CMS which is the most advanced Flash CMS available. All of the wedding Flash CMS designs we produce are exclusively made for FlashMoto and will perfectly fit the design requirements to working with this feature rich backend platform. Our premium Flash CMS templates are not only easy to work with, they are SEO friendly and allow deep linking.


text:
The next day we travelled up to Lake Eildon which has spent the last few years with less than 5% water capacity but is now back up to 98% capacity. It is really amazing to see all the water again and hard to believe when you drive over the bridge that there was no water there for years. We weren't the only tourists so hopefully all those businesses will get back to normal, especially with the summer season approaching.
So after two days 'in the wilderness' I was glad to arrive at our friend's place at Yarrawonga and again have access to phone and emails etc. While up this way, we have been exploring some of the food and history trails and on Saturday we went to Tocumwal on the Murray River where I was surprised to learn the town (first established in 1862) was the site of the largest aerodrome in the Southern Hemisphere during World War II. As well as Australians, the base also saw over 7,000 Americans and today it is hard to imagine all that activity and people. I found the photographs and other memorabilia at the Tocumwal Historic Aerodrome Museum fascinating and it is definitely worth the 'gold coin' entry donation.
For car and caravan buffs, Chrystie's Museum is worth a visit and I was particularly interested in the early caravans although there was a whole range of other memorabilia in display cases.
If you want the best strawberry pancakes ever then don't go past the Big Strawberry (yes I can add another 'Big' icon to my list of places visited). I don't think I have ever seen so many varieties of strawberry jam or wines and liquers for that matter. I settled on fig and ginger to take home.
But we are not up here just to see the sights and yesterday I spent talking to members of GMAGS (Goulburn Murray Association of Genealogical Societies). While most people were from local societies (within an hour's drive or so) I did meet one couple who had travelled down from Deniliquin. My three talks on mining ancestors, online newspapers and caring for family archives were all well received with plenty of time for questions after each talk. There was also lots of discussion over morning and afternoon tea and lunch.
As a surprise, I had bought along some lucky door prizes which included some copies of Inside History magazine (which is about to celebrate it's first anniversary) and also some copies of Australian Family Tree Connections and some genealogy journals from the Genealogical Society of Victoria and the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies. Jan Parker was the lucky recipient of a copy of the digital scrapbooking program My Memories. I know Jan is a keen scrapbooker so I will look forward to hearing what she thinks of digital scrapbooking.
When talking about genealogy seminars in rural areas, you simply also have to mention the catering. People brought along plates of food to share and there is nothing better than home cooked slices and cakes. Do it yourself ham or chicken salad rolls for lunch went well with plenty for everyone. There was a $10 charge by GMAGS for the day and this included lunch and the talks so great value.
I again highlighted the value of social media and especially blogging as a way of easily telling their family stories so it will be interesting to see how many explore this option. They started to see the possibilities when I explained the various family connections I have made after distant relatives found my blogs via Google.
I have one more talk at Cobram on Wednesday night - it's on military ancestors so I'm looking forward to that. We should also get the opportunity to explore some more local towns but haven't decided which ones yet. I still have those book reviews to do but its hard to sit here at the laptop when you know there is so much history out there, just waiting to be explored!


text:
Lady Antebellum 'Live' for Touring, Charles Kelley Insists
Along with the birth of Lady Antebellum's first band baby last summer came a lapse in touring while Hillary Scott adjusted to motherhood. But trio member Charles Kelley insists that the break doesn't equal indifference at all -- in fact, the band lives to bring music to their fans.
After Eisele was born, Dave Haywood and Kelley -- the other two members of the country music power group -- took a little time off too, and it was much-needed time, indeed.
"We had 6 or 7 months off the road comin' at us," Kelley tells Chicago Sun-Times. "But we had been [touring] hard for 7 or 8 years without more than two or three weeks off. So to have a few months off, I did stop and take a breath for a little while. I went to Italy with my wife, played some golf. Had a little life outside work."
But don't think that Kelley enjoyed hitting the greens more than hitting the stage.
"On the flip side, it made me realize how much I miss music and touring and how much I love it," says the singer. "It's just a crazy rush to be out on that stage again. We live for that feeling. We missed our fans so much."
That's why, after their short break, Kelley and Haywood immediately got back into the studio, with Scott following shortly after her maternity leave. That hard work turned into 'Golden Deluxe,' a special edition of Lady A's hit record 'Golden.'
The additional songs helped Lady A evolve into the show-stopping live band they are today, with contemporary hits like 'Compass' and 'And the Radio Played.'
"We've always been much more of a contemporary country band. This last album was much more organic and stripped down," Kelley explains. "We've done the heartbreak stuff a lot, so we want to show a different side of the band. But we needed that really fun, kickin' song for the live shows. So the show now is basically everybody up and on their feet the whole time. We've got the ballads but we've also got the really rockin' uptempo songs that get people excited and singing along."
Sounds like Scott, Kelley and Haywood will adore those huge singalongs just as much as the fans. In fact, the 'Downtown' singers love touring so much, they added an additional leg onto their Take Me Downtown Tour, which had originally been postponed due to their desire to make it the best experience possible ... also for their fans.
Lady A is already getting the ball rolling on their next album.


text:
Don't tell the youngsters sitting in front of large computer monitors with earphones clamped to their ears that they are engaged in something serious like problem solving. They are having too much fun composing music tracks in an IUPUI Music Academy summer class.
The children are creating six 33-bar tracks using the Garage Band software, which allows users to become composers, regardless of their knowledge of music.
"It's really fun," said 9-year-old Lilly. Cameron, 11, looked forward to showing his father his latest compositions. "I showed him what I had done (in a previous) class. He was kind of confused, but I helped him."
The children are among 35 youths from an all-day sports camp at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis who were enrolled in the weeklong Music Academy class, which meets for 90 minutes a day.
The IUPUI Music Academy is an independent community music school, operating under the auspices of the Department of Music and Arts Technology in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. It was established in 1996 as an outreach program for the communities surrounding the IUPUI campus.
In addition to engaging with the sports camp youngsters this summer, the Music Academy also worked with 74 TRIO Upward Bound first-generation college-bound students and 35 high school girls from across the country who participated in the School of Engineering and Technology's Preparing Outstanding Women for Engineering Roles program, sponsored by Rolls-Royce. The classes for the high school students have concluded.
Participants in Preparing Outstanding Women for Engineering Roles are invited to the program after expressing an interest in that field. The weeklong experience includes activities like a trip to the Honda auto plant, where the girls met with female engineers. It also includes sessions devoted to GarageBand.
GarageBand strikes a natural chord with younger people, said E.J. Choe, an assistant professor of music and director of the IUPUI Music Academy. "The Christmas wish list of this generation begins with products whose names begin with the letter 'I': iPad, iPhone, iPod.
"This marries an old art form with technology, which lures them into music, whether they play an instrument or not," she said. "Everyone wants to be a composer, and kids quickly learn how to use the software to do it."
There is a strong connection between engineering and music, said Terri Talbert-Hatch, assistant dean of student services. "Introducing them to GarageBand is a way to show them that technology can be fun. The name of the GarageBand class may not have the word engineering in it, but it's all about technology, solving problems and being creative."


text:
1. Pick and read the terms of the package you like.2. Check availability with us BEFORE you purchase. 3. Purchase and pay for your package if your dates are available.4. Follow the link in your purchase confirmation email from eBay to fill out our internet based reservation form immediately after your purchase. Allow up to three (3) full business days to have your request processed and confirmed. We will contact you if additional information may be needed before we can confirm your reservations. 5. We will email your confirmation to you.
Payments: We accept payment via PayPal or you can call our office at (423)245-8200 and pay by MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. If you pay via PayPal, we require you to place a credit card on file for your vacation. No Checks or Money Orders.
Availability: Dates are confirmed by an email confirmation letter with a confirmation number. To try to ensure your availability, submit your online reservation form as soon as possible after you purchase your package. Holidays fill up quickly.
CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS: Reschedules and cancellations must be requested by email with your your name and confirmation number (if applicable) before being completed.
QUESTIONS? Call (423)245-8200Mon-Sun 9:30a-5p EST


text:
Download by size:Handphone Tablet Desktop (Original Size)
You can get all the The Latest Solving Systems Of Equations By Substitution Worksheet Answers Images worksheets templates for free without any hidden fees. Please download and use for personal or non-commercial purposes. If this template worksheet does not suit your needs, you can make modifications or if you are lazy to do it you can look for it on another page because we still provide a lot of template worksheets which of course one of them definitely fits your needs.


text:
Turn this little Dell from a laptop into a tablet, but don't expect fast performance from its Celeron CPU
Fast, smart and portable - what more do you want from a Google Chromebook?
'latest 15.6-inch laptop'
'best laptop'
'There is nothing inherently wrong with the Dell Inspiron i1545-4583JBK .'
'My Dell Inspiron Laptop was great at first'
ReviewGist helps you find the best products to buy by making sense of online reviews.
We are currently aggregating 376,500 reviews
covering over 29,477 products.
© 2019 ReviewGist.com. All Rights Reserved.


text:
You are here
Our Top 8 Stability Ball Exercises
Klutziness and a frugal streak keep me from using much in the way of workout equipment, but a stability ball is my one exception. Once I (literally) stopped rolling off it at the start of each new move, I felt how awesome exercise balls are for developing balance and stability while making it easier to target specific trouble spots. Check out these top moves from the FITNESS video library.
Push-Up on a Ball
Your arms and shoulders are the first to take the brunt of what this see-saw-like move dishes out, but your chest and core will feel it as well.
Do it:
- Lie with your abdomen on an exercise ball and walk your hands forward on the floor until the ball rests under your thighs.
- Pull your navel in toward your spine, bending your elbows.
- Lower your upper body to the floor. Hold this position for three seconds, and then push up so your elbows are straight but not locked. Keep your head in line with your spine and your abs engaged.
- Start with 5 reps, working up to 15. Once you've mastered 15 reps, rest for one minute and then do a second set.
Squat with a Ball
Yes, this is an awesome thigh and butt toner. And indeed, I nearly knocked the TV off the wall in attempting this. (Find a larger wall space than you think you'll need before hiking up the ball to the wall.)
Do it:
- Place an exercise ball between the wall and the curve of your lower back.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees and lower 5 to 10 inches, keeping your shoulders level and your hips square. Hold this position for 3 seconds and then stand back up.
- Start with 5 reps and work up to 12. Rest for 30 seconds and do another set.
Overhead Squat with Ball
I am not the short-shorts type, but the burn I get through my quads and in the thickest part of my butt during this move makes me wonder if this is the season to reconsider.
Do it:
- Grab an exercise ball and stand with your legs hip-width apart.
- Raise the ball over your head, your arms extended and close to your ears.
- Now squat down, keeping the weight in your heels and your arms extended.
- Hold the squat for one count, then come back up.
- Keep your arms lifted as you do 12 to 15 squats.
Plank Pike-Up
There's some serious juvenile novelty to this balance-testing move, which is scarier looking than it actually is to do. Your abs and lower back are the main targets here, but your core will benefit, too.
Do it:
- Take an exercise ball and lie on top of it with your shins on the ball and your palms on the floor under your shoulders.
- Now use your abs and legs, rolling the ball to your middle, lifting your hips and keeping your head down between your arms. (Your body should be in an inverted "V" shape.)
- Hold here for 1 count and then roll back to the start.
- Do 10-12 reps. Be sure to pull your abs in and keep your head even with your spine as you move in and out of the "V".
Ball Pass
They call this "Ball Pass" because "Super-Simple-But-So-Deep Crunch You Barely Realize You're Doing It" is a mouthful.
Do it:
- Lie on your back holding an exercise ball and lift your feet so your shins are parallel to the floor.
- Lift your head, neck, and shoulders, and place the ball between your legs.
- Now lower your legs and reach your arms back.
- Come back up and grab the ball.
- Continue to pass the ball back and forth from your hands to your legs 10 to 12 times.
Weight Press
A low-impact way to tone your arms, chest, and shoulders, the weight press is a totally fine exercise for after work, when you can barely keep your head up but don't want to skip your workout.
Do it:
- Lie on your back with your heels on the exercise ball.
- Hold lightweight dumbbells just above your chest with your palms facing forward.
- Press the weights straight up over your shoulders as you exhale.
- Hold the position for three counts, then lower the weights.
- In the beginning, do this move three times, gradually working your way up to 12 reps. (Once you've mastered 12, hold this position for one minute, then repeat the set.
Photo by Susan Pittard
Standing Side-Splits with a Ball
This yoga-inspired move gives obliques a serious stretch. You can certainly do this exercise without the ball, but it offers a bit of leverage and additional support. And you deserve a treat.
Do it:
- Stand with feet together about a foot behind a stability ball.
- Bend from the hips, placing hands on ball.
- Keeping torso extended and abs and glutes tight, raise left leg behind you until it's parallel to the floor.
- Keep your foot flexed and your inner thigh facing the floor.
- Rotate your torso to the left and extend left arm overhead.
- Turn head to gaze at left hand.
- Hold for 3 counts.
- Lower and return to starting position.
- Repeat on opposite leg.
Photo by Chris Fanning
Frog Jump
I fell and laughed and worked the hell out of my quads and calves trying this move. Way fun.
Do it:
- Stand behind a stability ball on floor, legs slightly wider than hip-width apart, toes turned out.
- Squat all the way down, bending knees deeper than 90 degrees, and place hands on either side of ball.
- Press elbows into insides of thighs to deepen the stretch.
- Pushing off with your legs and glutes, jump as high as you can, pointing toes and straightening your legs while lifting ball overhead, arms extended.
- Repeat 5 to 8 times.
Photo by Chris Fanning
More Exercise Ball Know-How
So you've got the balance down and are ready for more stability ball help? Read on!
Originally published on FitnessMagazine.com, May 2008.
What's the Right Exercise Ball for My Height?
The Insider's Guide to Stability Balls
How to Buy Home Exercise Equipment
Video: Toning Stability Ball Workout
Try these moves all together with Nike Master Trainer Traci Copeland for a total-body toning stability ball workout.


text:
The Maryland football program tapped into Ohio this weekend for its latest 2014 commitment.
Andrew Gray of Chardon (Ohio) High, ranked the 47th-best tight end nationally and 76h-best recruit in Ohio by 247Sports, chose Maryland over offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Louisville, Ohio, Toledo and Western Michigan.
Gray is the fifth member of coach Randy Edsall's 2014 recruiting class. He joins quarterback Will Ulmer, running back Johnathan Thomas, offensive lineman Jared Cohen (McDonogh) and defensive lineman David Shaw.
Gray's decision is significant in that the 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end is Edsall's first commit from a Midwestern state. No player on the current roster, including the incoming 19-member 2013 recruiting class, hails from the Midwest.
With Maryland bolting the Atlantic Coast Conference for the Big Ten in 2014, Gray's commitment could be a sign of progress in heartland recruiting efforts for Edsall.
According to the News-Herald, Gray caught 12 passes for less than 200 yards in 12 games last season. Gray's coach at Chardon High, Mitch Hewitt, told the newspaper that Gray's blocking prowess garnered him the attention of college coaches.
"Why he's successful is because he's nasty and loves to compete." Hewitt told the News-Herald, adding that the Chardon offense will afford more passing opportunities in Gray's senior year. "As dominating as he was last season, he was slow and weak in my book. He is figuring out now that the sky is the limit for him. I don't know if he's even shaved yet. But the sky's the limit."


text:
Tomorrow will be terminal call for Gen Med. Last day of service, before I rotate into the medical ICU.
Will also be presenting at conference tomorrow morning.
Use of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with frequent COPD exacerbations.
I hope I don't get roasted tomorrow. I'm hoping nice pictures of Malaysia would distract the audience enough to not ask me questions I can't answer!


text:
Town Beach
Things To Do Mackay, Mackay, Queensland
Popular for its sensational sunrises, Town beach offers great views of Flat and Round Top Islands and Dalrymple Bay. Town Beach is very popular with locals and visitors for late afternoon walks, fishing and watching the impact of Mackay's huge tides which can go out for miles during peak times.
The south-easterly sea breeze makes this a popular location for kite boarding.
The beach is fringed by Iluka Park, with an all-abilities playground, picnic tables, public toilets and barbecues. The Bluewater Trail starts here, winding past grasslands and mangroves as it heads toward the Pioneer River.
Town Beach is only a five minute drive from Mackay's city heart.
Barbeque Beaches & Surf Camping Carpark Coach Parking Conference/Convention Facilities Fishing Picnic Area Public Toilet Swimming


text:
Two days after Simon & Schuster and Amazon announced a multi-year contract, David Gaughran wrote a great post about things Authors United can do next. He opined that while AU was ineffective in the Amazon/Hachette dispute, they did excel at getting media attention. Why not use that attention to address some real issues?
He's correct. But before they get to his excellent list, they still have one big thing they can help out with.
I gave my advice to Authors United a month ago. That advice is more applicable than ever before, now that S&S has proven that Amazon can be successfully negotiated with.
Some of my advice was:
1. Write an open letter to Hachette. You've stated, repeatedly, that you aren't taking sides. Prove it. Let Hachette know how unhappy you are with their negotiating tactics, and do so publicly. Which leads to:
2. Leverage Hachette. Hire lawyers to get out of your Hachette contracts. Proclaim you'll refuse to sign any more deals with them unless they fix this situation. They have failed you, so let them know.
3. Force Hachette to accept one of Amazon's offers to compensate authors during the negotiation period. Amazon has tried several times to take authors out of the line of fire, and you've dismissed this without good reason.
I know it has only been three days, but why hasn't Authors United announced its next move? I'm just one man, and I can compose and post a blog response within a few hours of breaking news. Certainly all of those prize-winning, bestselling authors that comprise Authors United could make some public statement. It's not like they're unable to get media attention.
But they haven't made a peep.
So once again I'll give AU some advice as to how to proceed.
1. Release a statement praising Amazon and S&S.
2. Openly ask Hachette why they can't reach an agreement.
3. Ask Hachette and Amazon to retroactively compensate all effected Hachette authors once an agreement has been reached.
I don't expect you to admit you were wrong. You can even continue to believe you were right this whole time, and that Amazon is a harmful, unreasonable monopoly that boycotts, sanctions, blah blah blah.
This isn't about saving face, or defending your previous position. Keep pride and ego out if it. This is about effecting change.
Contact your media lackeys. Get some inches and airtime. Demand that Hachette explain what is taking so long, since Amazon quite obviously has no trouble making deals with the Big 5. Reiterate that your goal has always been to protect authors.
If you can put some public onus on Hachette you'll be remembered as heroes, and make the publishing industry better for authors.
The wind changed direction. Go with it. You've gathered together a powerful group of authors, with a lot of access to media that's hungry to hear from you. Use that and get this situation buttoned up.
It's doubtful any journalists will ask you any difficult or uncomfortable questions, since none have before. But if some reporter with a bit of integrity sneaks a zinger into an interview, here are some examples of how to deflect.
Q: Didn't you previously take an anti-Amazon stance?
A: We've repeatedly stated we aren't taking sides. We're pro-author. We want authors to stop being harmed.
Q: Why didn't you approach Hachette at the beginning of this dispute?
A: Hachette wasn't the one making their books difficult to buy on Amazon. Amazon was doing that. Now that Amazon has shown it can negotiate in good faith, as evidenced by the Simon & Schuster deal, we want to make sure Hachette negotiates in good faith as well.
Q: You've repeatedly rejected Amazon's offers to compensate authors. Why have you changed your mind?
A: Amazon's offer to compensate authors during the negotiation period would have caused an ongoing financial strain on Hachette. We propose they settle their differences, and then each fund a pool that will compensate authors once there is a deal in place. Money, of course, would be great. Amazon also has the ability to promote books in the same way they can make books difficult to find. We'd love to see Amazon give Hachette authors some additional promotional consideration once an agreement is reached.
Q: Do you feel as if you've been wasting your time--and money--on this affair?
A: Not at all. We got involved in this because we care about authors, and we would like to think that all the attention we helped bring to the subject was one of the reasons the Amazon/S&S deal happened so quickly. We now impress upon Hachette and Amazon to agree to similar terms, ink a deal, and to do so quickly.
Joe sez: Do the right thing, Authors United. Use your power for good.
BTW, here are some wrong ways to proceed. I caution you against:
1. Releasing a statement saying Amazon/S&S has nothing to do with Hachette, and Amazon is still wrong.
2. Taking full credit for the Amazon/S&S deal.
3. Refusing to pressure Hachette to strike a deal.
4. Refusing to pressure both parties into compensating authors harmed during the negotiation.
5. Defending your past position, rather than evolving.
6. Going into hiding, hoping this whole thing will blow over.
If you did the right thing, as I've outlined above, I'd become an Authors United signatory if asked, and I'd use my blog to help spread your message.
We're all pro-author. We should all act like it.
You have the money. You have the power. You have the media contacts. Make a move.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
More and more websites and companies start to create their own API's so that users can build their own tools to interact with the websites/data. With this framework you can create your own API in no time. The framework is very easy to use and extend if you have PHP and OOP knowledge.
Tip: This API is also usable as backend for your Android and iPhone applications.
- Object oriented and structured code
- Modify URL request structure
- Create multiple versions of an API
- Use hooks to extend the API framework with extra functionality (6 example hooks included)
- Make a database table accessible with your API
- Use the included output types (XML, JSON, TXT, CSV, Print_r) or create your own
- Choose which request types are allowed for wich method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
Example Videos
- API Framework preview
- Implement an API key in your API Framework project to authorize requests (Hooks).
- Logging layer
- Create custom parser
- Installation and configuration
- Use logger class to debug your custom services
- Create a custom API service
Version 1.1 – 17/01/2011:
- Added fix for json_encode for PHP < 5.2
- Extra security for config and log files
- Updated documentation
- Added extra logging for BlockIp Hook


text:
Font Family: Whitney, Number of fonts: 58*OTF, Type Foundry: Hoefler & Co., Design date: 1996, 2009
Whitney: clear for signage, compact for print.
A type family originally developed for New York's Whitney Museum, Whitney contends with two different sets of demands: those of editorial typography, and those of public signage.
Typefaces for catalogs and brochures need to be narrow enough to work in crowded environments, yet energetic enough to encourage extended reading. But typefaces designed for wayfinding programs need to be open enough to be legible at a distance, and sturdy enough to withstand a variety of fabrication techniques: fonts destined for signage need to anticipate being cast in bronze, etched in glass, cut in vinyl, and rendered in pixels.
While American "gothics" such as News Gothic (1908) have long been a mainstay of editorial settings, and European "humanists" such as Frutiger (1975) have excelled in signage applications, Whitney bridges this divide in a single design. Its compact forms and broad x-height use space efficiently, and its ample counters and open shapes make it clear under any circumstances. And Whitney's extensive language support, covering more than 200 languages worldwide, has made it a mainstay of diversified brands that require localized typography.


text:
Atlanta, GA, USA (PRWEB UK) 22 July 2014
NetDimensions (AIM: NETD; OTCQX: NETDY), a global provider of performance, knowledge, and learning management systems, announced today that PeaceHealth has selected NetDimensions Learning as their centralised solution for learning and competency management for its over 16,000 caregivers.
PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Vancouver, Washington, with services located in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. PeaceHealth includes a large multi-specialty medical group in all three states, laboratories, a Medicaid health plan (Columbia United Providers), and 10 medical centres.
PeaceHealth was looking for a Learning Management System (LMS) to enable personalised training, eLearning, and orientation associated with the rollouts of EPIC Enterprise, and to efficiently manage both technical and clinical competencies for their employees called caregivers. In effect, the new LMS would have to support all quality initiatives and process changes related to healthcare reform, and do so in the most cost-effective and learner-centred way.
"In our selection process, which included both key stakeholders and technical experts, we spent significant time evaluating several products' functionality and interfacing capabilities," explained Jan Buhmann, Manager of Learning Technologies at PeaceHealth. "NetDimensions Talent Suite emerged as the leader because of its open APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), usability, integration of competencies and learning activities, and ultimately having the configurability to accommodate our EPIC implementation."
After a thorough six-month selection process, which included a robust RFP, detailed due diligence, and multiple scenario driven demonstrations, PeaceHealth's search committee chose NetDimensions Healthcare and NetDimensions Learning.
"We are looking forward to experiencing NetDimensions' implementation support to meet our project objectives," added Buhmann.
"Healthcare providers in the US are currently facing many new challenges in addressing federal regulations, increasing employee engagement, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and customer satisfaction. We are proud to be partnering with forward-thinking organisations like PeaceHealth, and helping them transform their business in this rapidly changing healthcare environment," said Ken Wright, President of NetDimensions Healthcare.
About PeaceHealth:
PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit health care system with medical centers, critical access hospitals, medical group clinics, and laboratories located in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, PeaceHealth has provided exceptional medicine and compassionate care to Northwest communities for more than a century. During the most recent fiscal year (2012), PeaceHealth provided patient care to these communities through more than 78,000 inpatient admissions and almost 743,000 outpatient registrations, and 1.2 million patient encounters with the medical groups. PeaceHealth consistently receives national recognition for innovations in patient-centered care, patient safety, health care technology, and cost efficiency. For more information, visit http://www.peacehealth.org.
About NetDimensions:
Established in 1999, NetDimensions (AIM: NETD; OTCQX: NETDY) is a global provider of performance, knowledge, and learning management solutions.
NetDimensions provides companies, government agencies, and other organisations with talent management solutions to personalize learning, share knowledge, enhance performance, foster collaboration, and manage compliance programs for employees, customers, partners, and suppliers.
Recognized as one of the talent management industry's top-rated technology suppliers, NetDimensions has been chosen by leading organisations worldwide, including ING, Cathay Pacific, Hunter Douglas, Chicago Police Department, Geely Automotive, Fugro Group, and Fresenius Medical Care.
NetDimensions is ISO 9001 certified and NetDimensions hosted services are ISO 27001 certified.
For more information, visit http://www.NetDimensions.com or follow @netdimensions on Twitter.


text:
Lady Gaga Shows Her Horns in Sydney – Pic of the Week
Forget the meat dress and or roach hat. Fashion queen Lady Gaga looked like a demonic horned ram while onstage in Sydney on June 19. The Mother Monster, known for outlandish, outrageous, out there and out of this world stage attire, wore an odd hybrid of a headpiece and a face mask, paired with a short, geometric white dress, while performing for little monsters down under.
The dress, with its poufy, cut out sleeves and rounded skirt, has a couture look. But that headpiece is sorta creepy. Gaga is known for being a warm and loving Mother Monster, opening her arms to all of her fans. But once she puts this particular costume piece on, all bets are off. It's intimidating , probably because you can't see her eyes, which often express warmth, light and empathy. The horns protruding through the top make Gaga look like she is about to charge. Look out!
Knowing Gaga, there is probably some deeper philosophical reason behind this particular fashion choice. She's an Aries, since her birthday is March 28, and that astrological sign is represented by the ram, so it's entirely plausible that her mask is a reference to her ram-like, Aries qualities.
Watch the Lady Gaga 'Marry the Night' Video


text:
hmmmm… is there anything in the world as sexy as a blackberry?
Currently Reading…
Word of the day
Random Quote:"I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do." — Frida Kahlo
Current Desktop Image…
- A Song of Ice and Fire
- Alternative Reel
- Atom Films
- Charles Bukowski
- Contrawise
- Details
- Dictionary.com
- Goodreads
- Grilled Cheese Samurai
- I Saw Lightning Fall
- IMDb
- Joe Hill
- Knuckle Deep
- LastFM
- Mod Blog
- Neil Gaiman
- Not A Blog
- Open Eye Photography
- Photobucket
- Post Secret
- Psychick Blah
- Signiture Illustration Blog
- Steve draws stuff
- Stuff no one told me
- The Best Page in the Universe
- The Book Mine Set
- What Culture
- Wired
- YouTube
2013 Reading ChallengeKitty has completed her goal of reading 36 books in 2013!hide
- Alien angst Animated Art badass! bizarre Book of the day Books BSG Bukowski Ciao Comics Dark Death dream existance fail Favorites Film Funny gadgets Gaiman Genius Godlike holiday Hot! idol Johnette List love Misc. movie of the day Murder Music Photo pimpish PJ Harvey Poet Quote random Remake Robots slacker Song of the Day Stuffs Swoon technical difficulties Uncategorized words wrath


text:
New Grocery Store Coming to Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS - A new grocery store is coming to Sioux Falls. KSFY television reports that Fareway Food Stores is preparing to open a 34,000-square-foot location on 41st Street.
The Boone, Iowa-based company has more than 100 stores in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska, but the new store will be its first location in the Dakotas.
Mark Glissendorf, a senior vice president with the advertising firm Lawrence & Schiller, says having more large grocers competing for business is exciting for the area and good for consumers. Sioux Falls is currently served by Hy-Vee and Sunshine Foods.
He says the new grocer will make other stores in the market to pay close attention to prices, as consumers compare costs.
The company has not yet announced an opening date for the new store.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Women's £99 - £149 Glasses
No results found
What can you do?
Try going back to the home page and looking for your product again or you could try going back to one of these pages to find what you were looking for:
If you still can't find what you're looking for or you end up back here again please contact us and one of our very friendly staff will be happy to help you.
We have a large range of women's glasses frames here at Direct Sight. From designer women's glasses to our own brand of women's spectacles, with our women's glasses online there is something for everyone.
Our women's designer glasses include glasses frames from Dior, Gucci, Ernest Hemingway, Ray Ban, Radley,
The ladies glasses here at Direct Sight consist of stunning feminine oval frames, classic women's rectangular frames and retro styles.
Whether you're looking for ladies prescription glasses or non-prescription ladies glasses there is a large range available with our ladies glasses online.
Shop the glasses for women range above.


text:
In a front-page story on Easter Sunday, the Los Angeles Times made some rather broad statements concerning President Barack Obama and religion.
Let's start right at the top:
President Obama stood before an audience of distinguished Christian clergy and lay leaders and took on the mantle of pastor in chief.
"I have to be careful," he joked at the White House's annual Easter prayer breakfast. "I am not going to stand up here and give a sermon. It's always a bad idea to give a sermon in front of professionals."
With that, he gave a sermon, telling the story of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane and his eventual crucifixion, a sacrifice that "puts in perspective our small problems relative to the big problems he was dealing with."
Few presidents have spoken about their religious faith as often, as deeply or as eloquently as Obama. "We worship an awesome God in the blue states," he declared at the 2004 Democratic convention, and he has sought since then to rebuild ties between the Democratic Party and the world of faith.
Yet no president has faced such sustained hostility over issues of faith, including Republican charges that he is waging a "war on religion," widespread suspicion about the sincerity of his Christian faith, and the persistent legend that he is a practicing Muslim.
That's certainly a compelling intro. And the piece definitely is timely given the ongoing discussion of the role of religion in politics and public life (see a related Washington Post story).
But concerning the L.A. Times story, do any journalistic questions strike anyone besides me?
For example, concerning the statement that "few presidents have spoken about their religious faith as often, as deeply or as eloquently as Obama," does anybody besides me desire some, um, attribution?
Who said that? What facts back up that claim? To put it most simply, where did the Times get that information? Without attribution (and the rest of the 1,200-word article fails to provide it), the statement sounds like editorializing. This is not rocket science. It's Journalism 101.
Similarly, the statement that "no president has faced such sustained hostility over issues of faith" rings hollow without any concrete information to judge the veracity of the claim. Again, the Times fails to provide any attribution at all.
The claims raised certainly are intriguing. I wish the Times had quoted presidential scholars and/or American religious historians who could have weighed in on the questions raised.
Alas, the piece takes an abrupt detour after painting such broad strokes in the lede, focusing mainly on religious issues in the political realm during Obama's presidency. Most of the ground covered will be familiar to those who have followed religious issues during the Obama administration (presumably, that would include most GetReligion readers).
Like the intro, the rest of the story suffers from broad labels (from "moderate groups" to "conservative critics") and sweeping statements mainly made without concrete attribution.
That said, the writer provides enlightening insight in a few sections, such as these quotes from an evangelical lobbyist:
"We're very, very concerned about that," said Galen Carey, vice president of government relations for the National Assn. of Evangelicals, which objected to the government deciding which religious groups qualified for an exemption from the rule.
At the same time, Carey expressed a nuanced view of Obama's record. "There are some things that President Obama has done that have been helpful," he said. "There are some policies that we definitely take exception to, but to say the president is hostile to religion, I think, would not be correct."
Obama gets generally high marks from faith organizations for maintaining, and in some ways strengthening, the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships begun by President George W. Bush. Obama faced pressure from secular liberals to scuttle the office, which was seen as blurring the line between church and state. Instead, he used it to reach out to faith groups across a broad spectrum of theology and politics.
Even in that last paragraph, however, I'd welcome more specific details on the "faith organizations" who are giving high marks as well as the "secular liberals" who are applying pressure.
Without such details, I can't help but ask: Where's the (journalistic) beef?


text:
And that is all I know about Ursula. But she is a very special ancestor for a very special reason. She got me interested in doing my family history research all over again. For years, I had wallowed in the frustrations of brickwall after brickwall. Yes, I made a few discoveries along the way. But they only seemed to lead towards more brickwalls.
And then along came Ursula. She is, in fact, my great great great great great great great great great great grandmother on my mother's side, and does not (at first glance) seem to have done anything out of the ordinary. Hopefully, however, the wait was worth the effort, because she has done something out of the ordinary for me, over four hundred years later. She has given me hope. Encouragement that I can discover more. Approval of what I have already achieved.
I love you, Ursula.
Once again, in honour of National Women's History Month, Lisa Alzo of The Accidental Genealogist blog presents Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women's History Month. I know this is really US-centric - but that's not going to stop me honouring my own Fearless Females...


text:
This Saturday, August 14th, Plimoth Plantation will re-enact the August 14, 1623 wedding of Governor William Bradford and Alice Carpenter Southworth. William's first wife, Dorothy May, drowned while the Mayflower was anchored in Provincetown Harbor in 1620. Alice came to Plymouth aboard the Anne in July 1623, following the death of her first husband, Edward Southworth. William and Alice are my 9th great grandparents.
More on the event can be found at the following links:
Plimoth Plantation to re-enact 1623 wedding of Governor Bradford
The Governor's Getting Married!


text:
In just a week, Amanda Hocking has sold over 10,000 ebooks.
Who is Amanda Hocking?
She's a self-published paranormal romance author. Check out her blog.
Not counting sales of Shaken, Afraid, or my Jack Daniels ebooks, I've sold about 2200 ebooks this week. And I've got about three times as many titles for sale as Amanda does.
Now, this isn't a competition, and writers should never compare their numbers, but I'm bringing Amanda's numbers up because I think it's indicative of a paradigm shift within the industry.
In the traditional publishing model, the most important factor in how many books sell is distribution.
A bestseller, by definition, has to sell a lot of books. In order to sell a lot of books, the book has to be available in a lot of places.
There's a chicken/egg thing happening here. Do authors become bestsellers, and then get huge distribution? Or is the huge distribution the reason they are bestsellers?
James Patterson is available in every airport, big box store, drugstore, supermarket, and non-bookstore outlet. Within the bookstores, his books get coop so they are available in mass quantities, for a discount.
Of course he sells a lot. If you're looking to read a thriller, often he's one of the only choices you have. The more places you are for sale, the more places you'll sell.
Some folks may say that Patterson sells well because he's an established brand. People know him, and that's why they buy him.
The multi-billion dollar advertising industry would like you to believe that it is essential to become a brand name, and for your product to become recognizable. Certainly Patterson has ad revenue behind him. He has TV commercials, for heaven's sake. It isn't difficult to draw a connection between how much he sells, and how well known he is, and advertising plays a part in how well known he is.
So let's get back to Ms. Hocking.
She has no name-recognition. If you look at her blog, she only has a few comments per post. She has no traditional publishing background, either.
Compare that to me, who has some name recognition, and a prior platform in the print world. I've been doing this longer than she has by years, have a large installed fanbase, have a blog that gets a million hits a year, and it's tough to find a discussion about self-pubbing or Kindle that doesn't mention me.
Yet Amanda is creaming me in sales.
So what's happening here?
What's happening, I believe, is a shift in how readers decide what to read.
The old distribution method of print books isn't valid in the ebook world. While Patterson can get into tens of thousands of retail locations with his books, his ebooks and Amanda's ebooks (and my ebooks) only have a few sales venues; Amazon, Apple, B&N, etc.
The playing field is even. On an even playing field, anyone can win.
While Patterson no doubt sells a good number of ebooks based on brand recognition, Hocking is a perfect reminder that a lot of things influence why people by things, not just a famous name.
Many items that aren't name brands can still sell very well. In fact, for every Sam Adams, there are dozens of popular microbrews who would perhaps give Sam a run for the money if they had wider distribution.
As ebooks take over as the dominant format for fiction, we're going to see a shift. Those who succeeded in the old print model will no doubt carry some of their fans along with them, but they'll see a drop in sales and profits, simply because their publishers price their books too high, give them too little in royalties, and because there is now a lot more choice for readers.
It's no longer a question of going to Walgreens and only having fifteen books to pick from.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, authors like Amanda Hocking, and Zoe Winters, and Karen McQuestion, and Selena Kitt, and Lorelei James, are making big money without the brand recognition, advertising, or distribution of James Patterson.
Years ago, publishers used to "grow" authors. They'd build them up, year after year, until they had a sizeable backlist, and then take a shot at the bestseller list by having a big print run and a big marketing campaign. Many of the authors you see on the NYT list got there through this method.
These days, authors can grow themselves. By writing good books with good covers, and pricing them low, readers can discover them.
No widespread distribution, advertising, coop, brand recognition, or famous name needed.
In the future, the bestseller lists won't be dominated by name authors.
They'll be dominated by good books.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Nintendo 3DS Augmented Reality Tattoo
More and more, we've been seeing the interplay between tattoos and technology, like scannable bar code tattoos and numeric control tattoo machines, particularly in art-driven projects looking to make socio-political statements. Then there are those tattoo projects driven by "Oh shit, that AR card would make a killer tattoo."
The Nintendo 3DS Augmented Reality tattoo was posted yesterday by "Cranberryzero" along with this video showing how his Mii (customizable player character) appears on the AR card tattooed on his arm when the 3DS camera is focused on it. Cranberryzero got the work -- tattooed by Colby of Blue Flame Tattoo in Raleigh, NC -- just one week after buying his 3DS. [It's best that impulse buys not be permanent, but then we'd be at a loss for blogger sarcasm.]
Yes, it's cool that it works, but as many of the tech/gaming blogs like Technabob have also been pointing out: "What will happen when the next generation of consoles comes out?"
Thanks to Matt and The Lizardman for the links.


text:
'Pacific Rim' Trailer: It's Nearly Time to Cancel the Apocalypse
Guillermo del Toro's 'Pacific Rim' looks like the fevered dreams of a kid who stayed up too late watching Japanese movies and cartoons, and we mean that as a compliment. The film is set to open in a little over two weeks, and now there's a new trailer that plays up the stakes.
Here we see Idris Elba lead the footage as his Stacker Pentecost (yes, that's his character's name) gives a speech to get the troops ready to go into battle with their giant robots (named Jaegers). Where the film's other trailers have been about set up and the spectacle, this sets a tone that the movie is going to play it mostly straight.
Though the film has screened for some critics (and early word is positive), it's hard to say if this is going to be more of a cult favorite or one of the summer's biggest blockbusters. Most of the biggest summer movies these days are sequels or are based on preexisting material (like comic books), while 'Pacific Rim' comes straight from the mind of del Toro. For that it's admirable -- and one of the riskier big films of the summer.
Here's the film's synopsis. 'Pacific Rim' opens July 12.
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.


text:
Helen Jon is a newcomer to the swimwear industry, having been launched by Gwyn Prentice and Missy Neville in 2012. Helen Jon is the result of the founders' globetrotting and observing the beauty of different cultures' art and outlook, providing swim fashions with a lifestyle approach. Their mission is to supply fashionable swimwear in gorgeous prints and solid colors to mix and match easily and attractively. One-piece swimsuits, swim tops and swim bottoms may be paired with board shorts and tunics in coordinating solids and patterns in a wide range of sizes, in the water or out. Whether you prefer the full coverage of a one piece style, or the sexy bareness of halter tie tops and side tie bikini bottoms, there's a Helen Jon look for your beach and pool needs.
Check back frequently to HerRoom.com for the new Helen Jon swimwwear collections. We think you'll be pleased!


text:
My way isn't necessarily better; it's just my preference. And if you load your spaghetti down with veggies, it feels like you're eating twice as much. Everything I've just written should be sufficient evidence to show that these Stuffed Shells Florentine are quite an about-face for me. Thank goodness I'm not too set in my ways. Making and eating them was an absolute pleasure.
The Roasted Red Pepper Sauce follows the usual method for making marina sauce, but the freshly roasted peppers and a few anchovy fillets give the red sauce an unexpected twist and an extra layer of flavor. Assembling stuffed shells is not too fussy a proposition for relaxing weekend cooking. Of course, I had to get a green vegetable in there somewhere, and the spinach stuffing only serves to make these more delicious and visually alluring (if you aren't a spinach lover, you might disagree).
If you have one of those days when you don't know what to cook, or nothing sounds good to you, try going out of your comfort zone. Stuffed shells are hardly an exotic food, but I rarely make that kind of dish in my own kitchen. What kinds of things do you rarely make?
Stuffed Shells Florentine
I glanced over a couple recipes for guidance, then put this together myself.
Serves 4 (this recipe is easy to double)
Salt and pepper, to taste
About half a pound large shell pasta (you will need 16 good shells)
1 tbs. olive oil
¼ c. finely chopped onion or shallot
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups spinach leaves, roughly chopped
1 ¼ c. ricotta cheese
pinch of nutmeg
1 egg white
¼ c. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for garnish
1 to 1 ½ c. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (or your red sauce of choice)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt and cook shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion or shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to one minute. Add the spinach, season with salt and pepper and cook until all the leaves are soft and wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, nutmeg, egg white and Parmigiano. Season with pepper and bit of salt (the cheese already provides some salt). Stir in the spinach mixture.
Coat the bottom of an 8x8 or similar size baking dish with a thin layer of sauce. Fill 16 shells with the ricotta mixture and nestle them into the baking dish. Spoon an ample amount of sauce over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle some Parmigiano over the top and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted (I skipped the extra cheese, but still baked it uncovered for 5 minutes). Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Adapted from 50 Great Pasta Sauces by Pamela Sheldon Johns
If you want to make this sauce vegetarian, leave out the anchovies.
Makes about 3 cups
2 large red bell peppers
2 tbs. olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
5 anchovy fillets from a jar or can
2 c. chicken broth
1-28 oz. can whole tomatoes (use a brand imported from Italy, if possible)
¼ c. chopped fresh parsley
Roast the bell peppers under your broiler or directly on the burner of a gas stovetop until skins are completely black. Cool, then peel off the skins. Remove the stems and seeds, chop the peppers and set aside until you are ready to make the sauce. This may be done up to one day ahead.
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the anchovies and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes and their juice, the chopped roasted peppers, and the parsley. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
Use a hand blender to puree the sauce, or do it in batches in a blender. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper, if desired. The sauce may be made and refrigerated up to 3 days ahead.


text:
Another Nail in the JFK Conspiracy
By Steven Novella via NeuroLogica Blog
Continue Reading at NeuroLogica Blog – – –
Also See: Photo Forensics: Is The Lee Harvey Oswald Photo A Fake? (iLLuMiNuTTi.com)
Anomaly Hunting and the Umbrella Man
by Steven Novella via NeuroLogica Blog
This is not a new story, but it is worth repeating. At the moment that bullets were being fired into JFK's motorcade, a man can be seen standing on the side of the road near the car holding an open black umbrella. It was a sunny day (although it had rained the night before) and no one else in Dallas was holding an umbrella.
This is exactly the kind of detail that sets a fire under conspiracy theorists. It is a genuine anomaly – something that sticks out like a sore thumb.
The event also defies our intuition about probability. Even if one could accept that somewhere on the streets of Dallas that morning one man decided to hold an open umbrella for some strange reason, what are the odds that this one man would be essentially standing right next to the president's car when the bullets began to fly?
Our evolved tendency for pattern recognition and looking for significance in events screams that this anomaly must have a compelling explanation, and since it is associated with the assassination of a president, it must be a sinister one.
When you delve into the details of any complex historical event, however, anomalies such as this are certain to surface. People are quirky individual beings with rich and complex histories and motivations. People do strange things for strange reasons. There is no way to account for all possible thought processes firing around in the brains of every person involved in an event.
Often the actions of others seem unfathomable to us. Our instinct is to try to explain the behavior of others as resulting from mostly internal forces. We tend to underestimate the influence of external factors. This is called the fundamental attribution error.
We also tend to assume that the actions of others are deliberate and planned, rather than random or accidental.
The common assumption underlying all of these various instincts is that there is a specific purpose to events, and especially the actions of others. We further instinctively fear that this purpose is sinister, or may be working against our own interests in some way. In this way, we all have a little conspiracy theorist inside us.
*Who Was the Umbrella Man?
By The New York Times via YouTube
Also See: Report of the Select Committee on Assassinations of the U.S. House of Representatives