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When Communications Really Matter
Guest Post by Contributing Author Chintan Patel
Chintan Patel is currently the Head of Business Development in Cisco's Collaboration Business based in the UK. His background in Engineering and Economics gives him a unique perspective in bridging the business and technology worlds, as does his experience on the buy and sell side of transformational technology.
Over the coming months an organization the size of a Fortune 100 company will be assembled and dissembled to deliver the 2012 Olympiad. Being given the chance to host the greatest show on earth is no simple task. According to LOCOG, the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, around 200,000 people will be working on the Games at Games time, supporting those who visit using the 11 million tickets that have been made available.
Whilst the vast numbers of visitors and workers is impressive, I found the more detailed aspects of organizing the games more interesting. 1,069,034 zips for all those games maker uniforms, 25,000 loafs of bread as part of the 14 million meals that will be served, and 2,500 tent units that would be enough to cover all of Hong Kong. These are just some things that the organizers have had to source and ensure will be available at the right time and in the right place. Clearly a monumental effort has been undertaken.
Back in Time
The last time the Olympics were held in the UK was in 1948. Sit back for a minute and think about how such a global event was put together back then without the technologies we take for granted in our everyday lives today. Communications technologies were in their infancy with the rotary phone and there was no Internet that would perhaps have helped productivity. Fast forward a few decades and when it when it came to technology, workers in a 1960's office could only avail themselves of typewriters and telephones (both operated largely by the secretarial pool)—which were basically all they had in the way of productivity enhancing tools. Employees attended perhaps one or two meetings a day; work began when people arrived at the office, and stopped when they went home, there was no concept of being always connected like we are today.
When we think about how we work today, we get more done over breakfast or during the morning commute than our 1960s predecessors accomplished in an entire day. Thanks to the range of technology innovations flooding into the workplace— everything from tablets to social networking to video- conferencing systems such as TelePresence—employees can work almost anywhere and anytime they need to. In fact, the modern workplace may differ from its 1960s counterpart most dramatically in terms of the lack of actual people; showing up at the office is less and less necessary and already with a congested London, many companies are looking at ways for employees to access work resources remotely.
Most Connected Games
How does this all relate back to the 2012 Olympics? Well simply put, around four billion people around the world are expected to watch the London 2012 games. The big change comes in how any one of these individuals will actually watch the games and how they will interact with the games. Every photograph, sports report and the millions of calls, emails, videos and texts will race across global networks in a digitized manner at tremendous speed.
Many considered the Beijing 2008 Games to be the first digital Olympics due to both the availability and use of technology at the Games. As can be expected the Beijing Games were the most-watched Games in history, thanks in no small part to YouTube, which generated millions of views through the International Olympic Committees Digital YouTube Channel.
However, rapid changes in technology mean that in the last four years, we have seen tremendous changes in both technology adoption but also major shifts in traditional ways of working. The increasing availability of broadband and in particular mobile data connectivity has made it easier to get online from anywhere.
People now spend more time on websites like Facebook than any other website, 900 million users and growing, we also consume more video and especially from non-PC devices. According to Cisco's Visual Networking Index in 2011, 22 percent of IP traffic originated with non-PC devices, but by 2016 the non-PC share of IP traffic will grow to 31 percent. We spend more time connected via mobile devices than ever before – Traffic from wireless devices will exceed traffic from wired devices by 2016, and at the same time wired devices will account for 39 percent of IP traffic, while Wi-Fi and mobile devices will account for 61 percent of IP traffic
Interestingly, smartphones and tablets are now outselling desktop and laptop computers, over 800 million unique visitors visit YouTube each month, 3 billion hours of video is being watched each month, and over 72 hours of video is uploaded every minute to YouTube. One big trend emerging is the fact that traffic from mobile devices to sites like YouTube has tripled since 2011 and at least 3 hours of video is uploaded per minute from mobiles devices.
All these fundamental changes will surely make London 2012 not only the most connected games but also the most digital and mobile.
As the official network infrastructure supporter for London 2012, we're helping to make it more than just the most connected Games ever. This includes providing network security appliances, routing and switching equipment, wireless access points and controllers, IP telephony handsets and the Communications system via our Hosted Unified Collaboration Service (from BT). To put a perspective on things, over, 16,500 IP Phones will be installed across the 94 sites, with 1,800 Wireless Access Points.
This means that Cisco's network infrastructure will underpin the delivery of the voice, video and data traffic for London 2012 that will be carried over BT's communications services network to the thousands of people officiating, reporting, competing in or enjoying the Games.
Moments that Matter
When a race is won, a medal is presented, or a record is broken; visitors will take videos, press will write headlines, and games makers will want to ensure that the information reaches all the right places.
With our partners we will be working hard to make sure that everyone's photos, videos, emails, tweets, posts and calls will all make it to their destination, because communications matters when sharing life's important moments.
And of course, if one of the Games makers needs that extra loaf of bread he or she will be able to quickly get in touch with the right person to find it! We hope to see you in London for the most digital, mobile and connected games ever.
To find out more about how Cisco are helping to deliver the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games visit: www.cisco.co.uk/london2012
You can also join in the conversation now #CSL2012
In an effort to keep conversations fresh, Cisco Blogs closes comments after 60 days. Please visit the Cisco Blogs hub page for the latest content.


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Macular degeneration may be on the decline
A disabling eye condition that typically strikes in older age may be less common than in the past, suggests a large new study.
Researchers estimate that macular degeneration — which involves damage to the center of the retina, making it difficult to see fine details — affects less than seven percent of the U.S. population aged 40 and older.
A study from the early 1990s had put that number at more than nine percent.
"Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe visual impairment in persons over 65 years of age, a group that is growing in numbers because of increased life expectancy," lead researcher Dr. Ronald Klein of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, told Reuters Health in an e-mail.
To gauge AMD's current impact, Klein and his colleagues looked at high-resolution pictures of the eyes of 5,553 U.S. adults, aged 40 or older, who participated in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Based on the digital photographs taken of both eyes, the researchers found that 6.5 percent of the participants had signs of some level of AMD, including tiny yellow or white deposits in the retina, pigment changes and deterioration of the retina and surrounding tissue.
Less than one percent had late disease, the advanced stage in which eyesight is more severely affected.
These figures translate to an estimate of 7.2 million people in the U.S. having any degree of AMD and 890,000 of those with advanced disease, report the researchers in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
In contrast, the 1988-1994 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 9.4 percent of people in this same age group had some level of AMD.
If that rate was correct and remained unchanged, it would mean some 18 million Americans should be showing signs of AMD today. The new estimates therefore represent a reduction of more than 30 percent in rates of AMD, the authors note.
The reason for the apparent decline is not completely clear.
"It may reflect changes over time in smoking behavior, diet, the use of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, and other factors associated with AMD," Klein said.
The researchers did find that current rates of the condition increased with age and also differed by race, with African Americans at a lower risk for AMD than whites.
These racial differences, too, are not well understood. However, the authors point to the potential influence of harmful and protective genes that are more or less common in different racial and ethnic groups. Rates of smoking, high blood pressure, exercise and other relevant risk factors also vary in different populations.
A better understanding of why AMD's frequency is falling in the older population, and doing so differentially, he said, could help inform new prevention strategies that could lead to further reductions.
It may also clarify whether current public health programs designed to increase awareness of the relationships between exposures and the disease are working.
"While AMD prevalence is declining, it is still a common condition in the population," Klein added.
SOURCE: bit.ly/efhIAP Archives of Ophthalmology, online January 10, 2011.
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From a March 2007 visit these pictures show a monument that has been erected north of the Konak area, at what I think is called Alsancak. I took many pictures to show it from all sides.
For any use: see my Profile. NOTE: Many of my pictures are in sub-galleries (some within another, their name is in bold print)!


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Crystal model
Crystal model. Curious Science has a wide range of period Antique Curiosities specimens for hire as props to the tv and film industry. We have many Antique Curiosities examples available which are not on view on our web site. Please contact us on 0208 961 3113.
Prop No: 415


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As is often the case, the patrolling McNabb (-1) had his physical efforts highlighted by a solid open-ice pop, this time on Jordan Mayer in the second period.
He also showed discipline in the later stages, clearly peeling off an opportunity to label a guy knowing that he couldn't risk being penalized. Offensively he was somewhat limited in the contest despite the ICE's seven power play opportunities.
The 6'4 defender finishes the extended 82-game year (including the Memorial Cup) with a line of 24-78-102. It's expected that he'll play in the AHL next season, as his size and offensive skills are good to go but his feet look like they'll need a little grooming before fully developing into a top-four blueliner.
Mississauga forward Gregg Sutch left midway through the first period and did not return after laying a hit on the ICE's Jagger Dirk.
After the game, Majors coach Dave Cameron said he suffered a shoulder injury and is currently a longshot for Sunday's title tilt versus the Saint John Sea Dogs. (EDIT: it appears that Sutch actually broke his wrist on the play).
If Sutch is somehow able to play, it will mark the third straight year a Sabres prospect gets to play in the Memorial Cup Championship game. Kelowna's Tyler Myers was unable to capture the title in 2009, while Zack Kassian hoisted the Cup after Windsor's dominating run a year ago.


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Scouring your house for a D battery, for the uh, toys, can be such a pain in the ass, but it always seems like there is an abundance of AA batteries around. This little, $5 gadget can solve that problem and ensure you never have to go through the embarrassment of actually buying D batteries. Be noted that these smaller, weaker AA won't give quite as much juice as the D, but it would be sufficient for a quickie.
Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]


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Production planning: Show 'em you can do it
This guest blog post is provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency who is responsible for creating opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada.
Regardless of which industry you are in, your business plan is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your thorough grasp of how to manage business operations in a cost-effective manner. The production planning part of your business plan is a good place to include details about:
1. Your facilities and assets, such as:
- The location and size of your facility, including floor plans
- Your facility's capacity for materials and equipment, percentage being used and how long that will last
- Whether you lease or own the facility and equipment
- Your proximity to suppliers, if applicable
- The quality of your machinery and equipment
- Your access to transportation
- Any future considerations for expansion or moving
- Any renovation considerations and associated costs
2. Your materials and supplies, such as:
- The number and reliability of your suppliers
- Whether you have adequate storage facilities for materials
- Any regulations or permits for supplies / materials
- Any risks associated with materials and supplies, i.e. customs regulations, transportation concerns, environmental issues
3. Your personnel, such as:
- Your number of employees, including past, present and future projections
- An organizational chart showing how your staff is organized
- The skills, training and experience required of your employees, including the cost of training
- What compensation and benefits you provide each position, including all salaries, wages, overtime, and/or fringe benefits
4. Your operations, such as:
- The industry standards for production, such as ISO requirements, environmental, and health and safety standards
- Any relevant government regulations, such as environmental safety, hazardous material handling and insurance
- If you are starting a new business, how long it will take to acquire facilities, equipment and personnel before setting up your operations and completing your first production run
Spelling out the details of your business operations in your business plan can go a long way in showing potential investors you have what it takes to succeed.
Stay tuned for more on this topic: All in the numbers: financials for your business plan
See related blog articles: Getting started with your business plan | Executive Summaries: a key part of your business plan
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- Refurbished EOS Interchangeable Lens Cameras\
- EOS Rebel T4i 18-135mm IS STM Lens Kit Refurbished
EOS Rebel T4i 18-135mm IS STM Lens Kit Refurbished
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Inspiration on Demand
Canon is proud to introduce its most sophisticated Rebel ever - the EOS Rebel T4i DSLR! Built to make advanced photography simple and fun, the new Rebel T4i delivers phenomenal image quality, high performance, and fast, intuitive operation. This EOS Rebel amps up the speed with the powerful DIGIC 5 Image Processor that helps make high-speed continuous shooting of up to 5.0 fps possible-great for capturing fast action. An 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor ensures that every image is shot in superb, high resolution; and an extended ISO range of 100-12800 gives photographers the opportunities to take the Rebel T4i into more shooting situations than ever before. A 9-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision dual cross f/2.8 center point) delivers improved autofocus performance, and a new Hybrid CMOS AF System increases autofocus speed when shooting photos and video in Live View. For users interested in creating impressive videos, the Rebel T4i is ready to help you create your next masterpiece. Movie Servo AF provides continuous focus of moving subjects, so you never miss a moment. A built-in stereo microphone and manual audio level adjustment helps ensure that your audio will match the stunning quality of your video. First ever for an EOS Rebel, the Rebel T4i features a Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II, which allows fast and intuitive camera operation. Add compatibility with Canon's proven EF and EF-S lenses and a slew of EOS accessories, the Rebel T4i is an incredibly versatile tool for creating the images and videos you envision.
The EOS Rebel T4i features Canon's amazing 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Perfect for enlargements or for cropping detailed portions of the composition, the EOS Rebel T4i's sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range. This first-class sensor features many of the same new technologies used by professional Canon cameras to maximize each pixel's light-gathering efficiency and has center pixels that aid in the EOS Rebel T4i's accurate AF performance. This APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view.
14-bit A/D Conversion
With 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, the EOS Rebel T4i captures and records images with remarkable gradations and detail in subtle tones and colors, resulting in more realistic and detailed images.
Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor
The Rebel T4i is the first Rebel to feature Canon's DIGIC 5 Image Processor. The DIGIC 5 Image Processor works with the camera's CMOS sensor to deliver images with incredible detail in more situations, without the need for artificial light sources. Thanks to its new DIGIC 5 Image Processor, the EOS Rebel T4i features an expanded ISO range of ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) that makes shooting possible in situations previously unthinkable without flash.
High-speed Continuous Shooting
A Rebel first, the EOS Rebel T4i can shoot up to 5.0 frames per second, continuously. Thanks to improvements in the shutter mechanism, the mirror drive and the camera's sensor, the EOS Rebel T4i is ready for action.
Improved Autofocus Performance and New Hybrid CMOS AF
When shooting through the viewfinder, the EOS Rebel T4i has improved autofocus with a new 9-point, all cross-type AF system (including high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 center point) for accurate focus. A new AI Servo AF system achieves and maintains consistent focus with an exceptional degree of reliability. The EOS Rebel T4i features Canon's amazing new Hybrid CMOS AF System, perfect for shooting photos and video in Live View.
Enhanced EOS Full HD Movie Mode with Movie Servo AF
Capable of shooting in a number of recording sizes and frame rates the Rebel T4i sets a whole new standard for performance, quality and simplicity. The Rebel T4i enables easy manual control of exposure, focus and Live View features, even in-camera editing! New Movie Servo AF allows continuous autofocus tracking of moving subjects while recording video. When shooting video with one of Canon's new STM lenses, Movie Servo AF takes advantage of the lens' stepping motor for smooth and quiet continuous AF. With an STM lens attached, the EOS Rebel T4i sets a new standard for SLR moviemaking performance!
New Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II with multi-touch operation and Touch AF
The EOS Rebel T4i comes with a newly engineered, Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II. Using the same capacitive technology as today's popular mobile devices, this new screen is touch-sensitive and delivers intuitive touch panel operation. Two finger touch gestures (multi-touch) can be used for zooming or changing images, menu and quick control settings can be accessed, and focus point and shutter release can be activated with the touch of a fingertip. Displaying fine detail (at approximately 1.04 million dots), this screen is perfect for composing and reviewing images. Thanks to a new, solid construction between the monitor's resin-coated cover and the liquid crystal display, reflections are minimized, and the display can be viewed, without glare, from any number of angles. The LCD's surface is treated with a smudge-resistant coating to minimize fingerprints and maintain a bright, clear image display.
Digital, AF/AE single-lens reflex, camera with built-in flash
Recording Media
SD card, SDHC card, SDXC memory card
* Compatible with Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) and Eye-Fi Cards.
Image Format
22.3 x 14.9 mm (APS-C size)
Compatible Lenses
Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses
(35mm-equivalent focal length is approx.1.6x the lens focal length)
Lens Mount
Canon EF mount
Image Sensor
CMOS Sensor
Effective pixels: Approx. 18.0 megapixels
Pixel Unit
4.3 µm square
Total Pixels
Total pixels: Approx. 18.50 megapixels
Aspect Ratio
3:2 (Horizontal : Vertical)
Color Filter System
RGB primary color filters
Low Pass Filter
Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Dust Deletion Feature
(1) Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
- Removes dust adhering to the low-pass filter.
- Self-cleaning executed automatically (taking approx. 2 sec.) when power is turned on or off. Manual execution also possible (taking approx. 5 sec.).
- The coordinates of the dust adhering to the low-pass filter are detected by a test shot and appended to subsequent images.
- The dust coordinate data appended to the image is used by the provided software to automatically erase the dust spots.
Recording System
Recording Format
Complies with Design rule for Camera File system 2.0 and Exif 2.30
File Size
(1) Large: Approx. 17.90 Megapixels (5,184 x 3,456)
(2) Medium: Approx. 8.00 Megapixels (3,456 x 2,304)
(3) Small 1: Approx. 4.50 Megapixels (2,592 x 1,728)
(4) Small 2: Approx. 2.50 Megapixels (1920 x 1280)
(5) Small 3: Approx. 350,000 Pixels (720 x 480)
(6) RAW: Approx. 17.90 Megapixels (5,184 x 3,456)
Backup Recording
File Numbering
The following three types of file numbering method can be set:
(1) Continuous numbering
* The numbering of captured images will continue even after you replace the camera's card.
(2) Auto reset
* When you replace the camera's card, the numbering will be reset to start from 0001. If the new card already contains images, the numbering will continue from the last recorded image in the card.
(3) Manual reset
* Resets the file number to 0001, and creates a new folder automatically.
RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording
Large RAW and JPEG images are recorded simultaneously
Color Space
sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Style
Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined 1-3
White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy (Twilight and Sunset), Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom (Custom White Balance: Approx. 2,000° - 10,000° K)
Auto White Balance
Auto white balance with the image sensor
Color Temperature Compensation
White balance correction:
- Blue/amber bias: ±9 levels
- Magenta/green bias: ±9 levels
Color Temperature Information Transmission
Eye-level SLR (with fixed pentamirror)
Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95%
Approx. 0.85x / 23.8°
Eye Point
Approx. 19 mm (At -1m-1 from the eyepiece lens center)
Dioptric Adjustment Correction
-3.0 to +1.0 m-1 (dpt)
Focusing Screen
Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60)
Viewfinder Information
1) AF information (AF points and focus confirmation light)
2) Exposure information (Shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed (always displayed), AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle, exposure warning)
3) Flash information (Flash ready, flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, FE lock, red-eye reduction light)
4) Image information (Highlight tone priority (D+), monochrome shooting, maximum burst (1-digit display), white balance correction, SD card information)
Depth Of Field Preview
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points
9 points (All AF points are cross-type at f/5.6., Center AF point is diagonal cross-type at f/2.8.)
AF Working Range
EV -0.5 - 18 (at 23°C/73°F and ISO 100, based on Canon's testing standards)
Focusing Modes
(1) Autofocus
- One-Shot AF
- Predictive AI Servo AF
- AI Focus AF (*Switches between One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF)
AF Point Selection
(1) Manual selection
(2) Auto selection
* Automatically set in Basic Zone modes.
Selected AF Point Display
Indicated by superimposed display in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor
AF Assist Beam
(1) Intermittent firing of built-in flash
(2) Effective range: Approx. 13.1 ft./4 m. at center, approx. 11.5 ft /3.5 m. at periphery
* With an EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite's AF-assist beam is emitted instead.
* Compatible with assist-beam (intermittent firing) of 270EX II, 320EX, and 270EX flashes.
Exposure Control
Metering Modes
Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor
Evaluative metering, partial metering (center: approx. 9% of viewfinder), spot metering (center: approx. 4% of viewfinder), center-weighted average metering
* AE lock possible. The active metering time can be changed.
Metering Range
EV 1.0 - EV 20.0 (at 73°F/23°C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control Systems
Creative Zone
(1) Program AE (shiftable)
(2) Shutter-priority AE
(3) Aperture-priority AE
(4) Manual exposure (including bulb)
(1) Scene Intelligent Auto (Program AE / non-shiftable)
(2) Flash Off
(3) Creative Auto
(4) Portrait
(5) Landscape
(6) Close-up
(7) Sports
(8) Night Portrait
(9) Handheld Night Scene mode
(10) HDR Backlight Control mode
ISO Speed Range
For Stills:
1. Manual setting range of ISO 100-12800, expansion to ISO 25600
2. Auto, ISO 100-6400 (in whole-stop increments)
- In Creative Zone modes, the maximum ISO speed (ISO 400, 800, 1600, 3200, or 6400) for ISO Auto can be set.
- With C.Fn-6-1 (Highlight tone priority), ISO 200 or higher will be set.
|Shooting Mode
|ISO Settings
|Scene Intelligent Auto, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, HDR Backlight Control mode
|Handheld Night Scene mode
|ISO 100 fixed∗1
|P, TV, Av, M*2
|With flash
|ISO 400 fixed∗4,5
Exposure Compensation
Manual: ±5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (AEB ±2 stops)
AEB : ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
* If the exposure compensation exceeds ±2 stops, the left or right icon appears in the viewfinder.
* Manual exposure compensation and AEB can be set in combination.
* AEB is set in the following sequence: Standard exposure, decreased exposure, and increased exposure.
* If AEB is used with the self-timer, the three bracketed shots will be taken in succession after the 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay.
AE Lock
(1) Auto AE lock
* In the One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering, AE lock takes effect when focus is achieved.
(2) Manual AE lock
* In the P, Tv, Av, and M modes, enabled with the AE lock button. (Press again to update.)
* Enabled in all metering modes.
Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically-controlled
Shutter Speeds
1/4000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec. (Scene Intelligent Auto)
1/4000 to 30 sec., bulb, X-sync at 1/200 sec. (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.)
* Settable in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments.
Shutter Release
Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self Timer
10-sec. or 2-sec. delay
Shutter Lag Time
(1) During SW-1 ON, time lag between SW-2 ON and start of exposure: Approx. 0.075 sec.
(2) Time lag between simultaneous SW-1/SW-2 ON and start of exposure: Approx. 0.150 sec.
* Time lag with the aperture stopped down by 3 stops or less. Excludes AF operation time.
Remote Control
Compatible with Remote Controller RC-6, RC-1, and RC-5
Remote control mode (via menu) for video shooting provided
* You can start or stop video shooting immediately with the wireless remote control's 2-sec. delay mode (operates as immediate start/stop).
* Still photo shooting is possible with the wireless remote control's immediate shutter-release mode.
Built in Flash
Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentamirror
Flash Metering System
E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative flash metering and average flash metering), FE lock
Guide Number
Approx. 13/43 (at ISO 100 in meters/feet)
Recycling Time
Approx. 3 sec.
Flash Ready Indicator
Flash-ready icon lights in viewfinder
Flash Coverage
Up to 17mm focal length (equivalent to approx. 28mm in 135 format)
FE Lock
Flash Exposure Compensation
Up to ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
- Flash exposure compensation for built-in flash and Speedlite can be set with the camera.
External Speedlite
Flash Metering
E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative flash metering and average flash metering), FE Lock
Flash Exposure Compensation
±2 stops in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop increments
FE Lock
PC Terminal
Not Provided
Drive System
Drive Modes
Single, Continuous, 10-sec. self-timer/Remote control, 2-sec. self-timer, Continuous shooting after 10-sec. self-timer (2 to 10 shots)
Continuous Shooting Speed
Max. approx. 5.0 fps (with One-Shot AF or AI SERVO AF)
* Same as with Battery Grip BG-E8 loaded with size-AA/LR6 alkaline batteries.
Maximum Burst
Based on 8GB memory Card:
JPEG Large/Fine: Approx. 22 Shots
RAW: Approx. 6 Shots
RAW+JPEG Large/Fine: 3 Shots
Based on UHS-I memory card:
JPEG Large/Fine: Approx. 30 Shots
RAW: Approx. 6 Shots
RAW + JPEG Large/Fine: 3 Shots
Live View Functions
Shooting Modes
Still photo shooting and video shooting
(1) Autofocus
- Face Detection + Tracking AF
- FlexiZone - Multi (31 zones, AF at the touched Zone)
- FlexiZone - Single
- Quick Mode AF
(2) Manual focusing
*Magnify the image by 5x or 10x and focus manually.
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering, partial metering, spot metering, center-weighted average metering
Metering Range
EV 0 to EV 20 (At 23°C/73°F, 50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)
Grid Display
Provided (Two-type grid displays)
Exposure Simulation
Silent Shooting
Not provided
Video Shooting
File Format
MOV (Image data: H.264; audio: Linear PCM (Stereo))
File Size
Recording Size:
1920 x 1080: 330 MB/min.
1280 x 720: 330 MB/min.
640 x 480: 82.5 MB/min.
Frame Rates
1920 x 1080 (Full HD): 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p
1280 x 720 (HD): 60p (59.94) / 50p
640 x 480 (SD): 30p (29.97) / 25p
Continuous Shooting Time
[1920 x 1080]
30 fps: Approx. 22 min.
25 fps: Approx. 22 min.
24 fps: Approx. 22 min.
60 fps: 22 min.
50 fps: 22 min. [640 x 480]
30 fps: 1 hr. 32 min.
25 fps: 1 hr. 32 min.
(1) Autofocus
1. Face Detection + Tracking AF
2. FlexiZone - Multi (31 zones, AF at the touched zone)
3. FlexiZone - Single
(2) Manual focus
1. Magnify the image by approx. 5x or approx. 10x and focus manually.
2. Magnified view is not possible during video shooting.
Auto ISO range: ISO 100-6400
Manual ISO range: ISO 100-6400, H12800
*If highlight tone priority is set, automatically set within ISO 200 or higher.
Exposure Control
(1) Program AE for video shooting
* In Basic Zone modes, P, Av, and Tv modes
* Shutter speed 1/30 - 1/4000 sec. (Signal accumulation time), aperture, and ISO speed automatically set.
(2) Manual exposure
* For manual exposure.
* Shutter speed (signal accumulation time), aperture, and ISO speed (auto/manual) manually set. The shutter speed (signal accumulation time) is limited to 1/4000 sec. at the maximum and to 1/30 sec. at the minimum for 24/25/30 fps or 1/60 sec. or higher for 50/60 fps.
Exposure Compensation
Provided (±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments)
* For video, exposure compensation will not be applied beyond ±3 stops even if the exposure compensation has been set beyond ±3 stops.
LCD Monitor
TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor with Touch Panel LCD (capacitive type)
Monitor Size
3.0 in. (Screen aspect ratio of 3:2)
Approx. 1,040,000 dots
Viewing Angle: 170° (vertically and horizontally)
Brightness Control
Auto: Brightness adjusted automatically by the light sensor, Manual: 7 levels provided
Anti-smudge coating
Interface Languages
25 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Display Format
(1) Single image display
- Single image, basic information, detailed information, histogram display
- 4-image index and 9-image index.
- 1/10/100 images, shooting date, by folder, movies, stills, rating
Highlight Alert
On the detailed information and histogram displays, highlight areas with no image data will blink.
Quick Control Function
When you press the Quick Control function button under the following conditions, you can set the functions below:
*The settable functions depend on the shooting mode
Shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, exposure compensation, AEB, flash exposure compensation, Picture Style, white balance, Auto Lighting Optimizer, built-in flash func. setting, AF mode, drive mode, metering mode, and image recording quality. (2) With Live View shooting:
AF mode, drive mode, white balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, image-recording quality, and built-in flash func. setting. (3) With video shooting:
AF mode, white balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, image recording quality (stills), video-recording size, and video snapshot.
Image Protection and Erase
Erase protection can be applied/canceled for a single image, all images in a folder, or all images in the card.
Erase single image, erase selected images, erase all images on folder, erase all images in a card, or erase only unprotected images.
Direct Printing
Compatible Printers
PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable Images
JPEG images complying to Design rule for Camera File System
- RAW images printable.
- Video cannot be printed.
DPOF: Digital Print Order Format
DPOF print ordering provided (Complies to DPOF Version 1.1)
* If both Standard and Index are set, only Standard will take effect for printing.
Direct Image Transfer
Compatible Images
Not Provided
Custom Functions
Eight Custom Functions with 24 settings settable with the camera
Custom Controls
Not Provided
My Menu Registration
Up to six top-tier menu options and Custom Function settings can be registered
USB Terminal
For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed)
Video Out Terminal
(1) Video OUT terminal: NTSC/PAL selectable
(2) mini-HDMI OUT terminal
Extension System Terminal
Not Provided
Power Source
One Battery Pack LP-E8
* With the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8, AC power is possible.
* With BG-E8, two battery packs (LP-E8) can be used. Or six size-AA/LR6 batteries can be used.
Battery Life
1) Camera body only
|Shooting Method
|Shooting Conditions
|Viewfinder Shooting
|At 73°F/ 23°C
|Approx. 550 shots
|Approx. 440 shots
|At 32°F/ 0°C
|Approx. 470 shots
|Approx. 400 shots
|Live View shooting
|At 73°F /23°C
|Approx. 200 shots
|Approx. 180 shots
|At 32°F/ 0°C
|Approx. 170 shots
|Approx. 150 shots
2) With Battery Grip BG-E8
|Shooting Method
|Shooting Conditions (Approx.)
|Viewfinder Shooting
|LP-E8 x 1
|Same as (1)
|LP-E8 x 2
|At 73°F/ 23°C
|Approx. 1100 shots
|Approx. 880 shots
|At 32°F/ 0°C
|Approx. 940 shots
|Approx. 800 shots
|Size AA/LR6 Alkaline Batteries
|At 73°F/ 23°C
|Approx. 470 shots
|Approx. 270 shots
|At 32°F/ 0°C
|Approx. 130 shots
|Approx. 80 shots
|Live View shooting
|LP-E8 x 1
|Same as (1)
|LP-E8 x 2
|At 73°F/ 23°C
|Approx. 400 shots
|Approx. 360 shots
|At 32°F/ 0°C
|Approx. 340 shots
|Approx. 300 shots
|Size AA/LR6 Alkaline Batteries
|At 73°F/ 23°C
|Approx. 180 shots
|Approx. 150 shots
|At 32°F/ 0°C
|Approx. 30 shots
|Approx. 30 shots
Battery Check
Automatic battery level check when power is turned ON.
Battery level indicated in one of four levels on LCD monitor.
Power Saving
Power turns off after the set time of non-operation elapses
* [Auto power off] settable to 30 sec., 1 min., 2 min., 4 min., 8 min., 15 min. or disable
Date/Time Battery
Built-in secondary battery. When fully-charged, the date/time can be maintained for about three months.
Start-up Time
Approx. 0.1 sec. (Based on CIPA testing standards)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.1 in./ 133.1 x 99.8 x 78.8 mm
Approx. 18.3 oz. / 520 g (body only)
Approx. 20.3 oz. / 575 g (CIPA Guidelines)
Operating Environment
Working Temperature Range
Working Humidity Range
85% or less
If a problem occurs with a non-Canon lens attached to the camera, consult the lens maker.
Canon, DIGIC and EOS Rebel are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in the United States and may also be registered trademarks or trademarks in other countries. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Mac is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are registered trademarks or trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other products and brand names are registered trademarks, trademarks or service marks of their respective owners in the United States and/or other countries.
|EOS Rebel T4i Body Kit Refurbished Contents


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Ok, so I registered on the Google AI forum yesterday but still haven't got my activation e-mail, and the #aichallenge channel isn't very alive to help me.
I have tested both of the CL starter packs and I can't get them to run locally - the bots just crash. If you entered the contest, please post how (if) you got your bot to run and the code you used. I just added "python LispBot'MyBot.lisp" to the play_one_game.cmd file.
I use Windows with SBCL (v 1.0.40 and 50). (and Clisp)


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Looking for an easy way to change the recommended items in League of Legends? You're in the right place. Enigma's Recommended Item Changer is the perfect tool to customize the store's recommended items to fit your ideal Champion build. It uses an official API provided by Riot Games so you can be sure it's safe to use with no risk of getting banned.
- Support for the Season 3 shop update
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- Create and save multiple item sets for each game mode (Classic, Dominion, and All-mid)
- Powerful item filtering and searching
- Complete item stats and tooltips
- Automatically searches for the League of Legends folder, no need to input it on the first use
- Supports custom links to provide one-click importing from a webpage
- Automatic updates


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The Mississippi College Office of Human Resources is responsible for:
- seeking to employ and retain staff and administrators who are equally dedicated to supporting excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.
- coordinating services and administration of employment and employee benefits.
- ensuring the welfare of all Mississippi College employees and will assist with work-related problems to promote excellent employee-employer relations.
- Payroll processing
- Time and attendance information
- Benefit information
- Flex pay plan administration
- MC retirement plan
- New employment orientation
Please contact us if you have any questions about these services.


text:
- About
- Venue
- Events
- Gallery
- Resources
- Reservation Request
- Stay Informed
- Online Calendar
- Photos
- Campus Use
Corvallis offers a variety of housing options in addition to the OSU Conference Center's headquarter hotel. The Hilton Garden Inn Conference attendees can select facilities ranging from deluxe hotel accommodations to traditional dormitory housing.
Corvallis offers a number of hotels with local style and charm all within a short drive to the Oregon State University campus. Situated along the Willamette River close to downtown Corvallis, the Holiday Inn Express offers guests friendly service, scenic suites and full hot breakfast for all appetites.
For a complete list of hotels in the Corvallis area, visit the Corvallis Tourism website.
University Housing & Dining Services provides on-campus housing accommodations and/or food service for conference groups primarily during the summer term. The University Housing & Dining Services staff will work closely with you to create a comfortable and convenient learning atmosphere that best suits your conference and attendees.
For more information about on-campus housing for conferences, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Logwatch Fix on Ubuntu 8.10
Logwatch Error
Logwatch is a program that will parse your logs and send you an email every day about what has taken place on your server, a very friendly program.
Installation is simple:
apt-get install logwatch
Edit the config file in /usr/share/logwatch/default.conf/logwatch.conf
Basically all you have to do is change the:
mailto = your_email_address
With Ubuntu I kept getting this error, though I checked, I could not find a solution so, as it looked like it was missing a location /var/cache/logwatch, I created one and it worked perfectly.
# logwatch
/var/cache/logwatch No such file or directory at /usr/sbin/logwatch line 632.
sudo mkdir /var/cache/logwatch
Now run the program as root with:
or run in debug mode to get more information.
logwatch –debug 6
That will provide a lot of info.


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It was requested of me in the Scrap swap thread to make a tutorial for this block. I posted it there, but thought I would post here as well. It is 6 1/2" block, so cute and great for scraps or leftovers. I just hurried and did this so you could have instructions, so don't look to close at my work, my points are a mess.
All seams are 1/4 " You need a strip 1 1/4" by the width of fabric of 2 colors. Or if you have scraps you can cut those into 1 1/4 inch strips.
Sew the two strips along the length, and press open.
Use triangle ruler to cut pieces as shown, you need 16, (8 of each direction)
lay pieces out as shown. You can put the dark in the middle or the light. ( I like to make two sets and do one of each)
I show how it looks both ways in pics.
Then just sew as shown in pics. Make sure to press seams as you go. I hope this is enough instructions for you to understand. Enjoy!


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Best Of :: Bars & Clubs
On any given Wednesday, Low End Theory drops genre-warping jams that destroy the envelope, not push it. Low End Theory, housed in Lincoln Heights' eclectic club Airliner, often gleans cut-up, sonic-patchwork hip-hop production techniques. But the comparison usually ends here, as Low End Theory transmogrifies the genre, sometimes melding it with IDM and Dubstep, or free-association vocal flow. Sound sculptors and club regulars, Thavius Beck, Daedelus and Gaslamp Killer realign dance music's boundaries and serve up ethereal stutter-stepping beats, fist-pumping digital anthems and psychedelic soundscapes (respectively). At Low End Theory, the only constant is change. Every Wednesday at the Airliner, 2419 N. Broadway, Lincoln Heights. (323) 221-0771, lowendtheoryclub.com.—Drew Tewksbury
There's only one way to drink a frosty, get-your-head-spinning citrus-tequila blend — and that's near the beach. If you're going to knock back the hallmark drink of spring break you might as well feel like you're on vacation. The city is home to showy flaming margaritas, cotton candy-based margaritas, and $2 specials, but it's in the beach towns that you'll find the signature Mexican drink paired with happy hour truffle fries and late-night "hand-hacked" guacamole. He'll say: If the tequila you're drinking isn't 100 percent Agave, it ain't real tequila. And freshly squeezed lime and lemon juices are supremely important. She'll say: Not too much ice or salt, and its got to have a kick to it ... you want to be buzzed all the way to the sand. He: Margaritas are serious business at Bouzy in Redondo Beach during their "Happy Cocktail Hour." They have potent, lip-smacking libations for $4. Plus, their truffle fries and "Kogi" hot dogs are fresh twists on favored classics. She: The staff is easy-on-the-eyes at Bouzy and you'll love their sleek leather booths. But if you must have your chips and salsa, and want to feel like you're in a foreign land, then it's La Cabaña in Venice. They use fresh limes and have more than 20 varieties of margaritas, like coconut or banana. He: Banana margaritas just sound wrong. She: You also need to hit up Mucho Ultima Mexicana in Manhattan Beach for their late-night specials. But it's only $5 for house margaritas and they've got BBQ shrimp tacos. He: Is that the swanky restaurant that serves 150 types of tequilas? She: So amazing. Their "Mucho Margarita" beats the overhyped Cabo Wabo and Sharkeez any day. He: If you're looking for fruity, ice-blended margaritas to swill on sultry nights, Mucho is a choice spot. Bouzy, 1611 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. (310) 540 1222; La Cabaña, 738 Rose Ave., Venice. (310) 392-7973; Mucho Ultima Mexicana, 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. (310) 374-4422.—Kee Chang and Sophia Kercher
Michael Stock's years hunched over boxes of records, trolling for vinyl treasure, certainly has paid off. Every Thursday afternoon Angelenos benefit from the staggering breadth of his musical archive. Stock is half of Part Time Punks (with Benjamin White), the duo who put on the eponymous Tuesday night series at the Echo, which means he's keyed into happenings on the local scene. He's been DJing for the past two years in clubs all over the city, including Spaceland, Silverlake Lounge, Tangier and the Vanguard, and has even taught a course at UCI on punk rock and the cinema. Can he be long-winded and verbose? Occasionally. Is he informative? You bet. There's much to be transmitted from Stock's encyclopedic brain, so give him a break. Tune in Thursdays and catch surf punk, scratchy R&B records, new pop, indie, experimental electronica, old Goth hits from the crypt, and international post-punk colliding on air. This professor, booker, promoter, DJ, human database of musical knowledge and radio personality has something to offer everybody. P.S. What did you do today, Jim Ladd? Thursdays, 2-6 p.m. on KXLU 88.9 FM.—Wendy Gilmartin
With all due respect to Echo Curio, host to a consistently compelling combination of outsider art both audio and visual, Jim Smith's The Smell remains the single best venue for showgoers of all ages to experience not only the music of their peers, but that of some bona fide legends, to boot. Despite its rising profile, the downtown venue has kept admission cheap (almost always $5) and its M.O. intact: to play host to the noisiest, messiest, most genreless and generally outside-of-the-box hand-hewn musical experiments around, while maintaining a downright wholesome sense of community fueled by vegan pancake brunches, haircut parties and a generous library of nifty zines. And of course, it's still the home base of local heroes like No Age, HEALTH, Abe Vigoda, and Mika Miko — not to mention possible future stars like Pocahaunted and Widow Babies — as well as the stopping point of choice for Thurston Moore when he's taking time off from Sonic Youth. What's more, the Smell offers myriad ways for youth to get involved, whether behind the scenes or working the front door. 247 S. Main St., dwntwn. thesmell.org.—Chris Martins
Straddling Echo Park's south side and downtown, L'Keg sits tucked between a rotisserie-chicken restaurant and a vinyl–sign-making shop, downplaying its claustrophobic, punk-rock interior with a quiet exterior in the daytime but lighting up when night falls — long after the strip mall's other tenants have left for the day. L'Keg — named after a line in the film Velvet Goldmine (L.K.E.G. is an abbreviation of "Lipstick Kissed Elbow Glove") is, at its heart, a gallery/project space launched by members of the local band Blue Jungle. Exhibitions consist of crafty arts, pop illustrations, photography and heavy-on-the-graphic-design works on paper. But its founders — Cory Myrick, Leticia Llesmin, Nosebleed and Shannon Paley — know that rocking, too, is an art, so they've opened the space to homegrown bands of every persuasion, including Torches in Trees, Bi-polar Bear, Man's Assassination Man, Foot Village, Puppy Dog, and the folksy Leslie and the Badgers, to name a few. In addition to the venue that L'Keg offers to spotlight great local bands, the space is also a distributor of records and publications for local artsy/musical folk, and hosts occasional outlying events, like Sunday hangover poetry parties and screenings of teenage snuff films. 311 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. myspace.com/lkeggallery.—Wendy Gilmartin
Touting itself as "Valley chic," Moon Shadow Lounge in North Hollywood, more often known as NoHo, offers a regular happy hour, go-go dancers, live music and Sunday brunch. You can play darts or pool, dance to DJ Boulevard's spinning of hip-hop and electronica on Saturday nights, or sing karaoke on Tuesday nights with host KJ Tony, who offers more than 60,000 song choices. The bar has multiple TV screens tuned to pro football, baseball and basketball. The lounge has such a great vibe that it's been featured in lesbian films such as But I'm a Cheerleader, Girl Play and A Marine Story. It's also a fun jaunt into the Valley if you live, or party, on what 1.6 million Valleyites call "the other side of the hill." 10437 Burbank Blvd., N. Hlywd. (818) 508-7008, moonshadownightclub.com.—Patrick Range McDonald
L.A. hostess bars are often wrapped up in unfamiliar rites (sitting uncomfortably in a booth with women who pretend to like you) and unfamiliar languages. What's more, they're expensive: table-service expensive; C-note-tip expensive. What's more, there's little of this exotica to sample between the high-end clubs of Koreatown and Little Tokyo and the gritty, Latino taxi-dancing venues of downtown. One place, however, has opened up this world to the regular folk and made it not so taboo. Nongnuch "Candy" Phimmasone, a Thai businesswoman, opened Cindy Club in 1996 on the border between Koreatown and East Hollywood. It blends the friendliness of mostly Thai servers (and food) with a mixed clientele of Korean businessmen, local Latinos and Silver Lake hipsters. Women and couples hang out there. And prices are unparalleled. A table costs $25 an hour (multiply that by at least four elsewhere) and most drinks (beer, sake, soju and wine) rarely top $10.The recipe has been a winner, and Phimmasone has taken over two adjacent storefronts. Sure, women still sit awkwardly with foreign salesmen who drink sake (no hard alcohol served), but the warm vibe is more like that of a neighborhood bar than a foreign ritual. 4273 Beverly Blvd., L.A. (323) 906-1640.—Dennis Romero
L.A. has never had a shortage of goth-friendly clubs, but right now the darker side of the nightlife is gaining newfound interest. At the forefront of the movement is M/R/X-Wolfpak. The monthly bash, which began in 2003, stands out for its musical selections. Resident DJs Job Leatherette, Tony X and Eric Dead have no problem with dropping genre classics, but they mix it up with the latest sounds from L.A. to Berlin. With two rooms for dancing, the party's focus is bringing together the harsh, guitar-driven sound of death rock with stripped down electronic jams known as minimal synth. Much of the playlist will be unfamiliar to club patrons, but you'll want to run to the DJ booth and ask "Hey, what's that song?" often. Live performances from locals and touring acts pepper the night. M/R/X-Wolfpak occurs every fourth Saturday of the month at Roberto's in Chinatown. Unless there's a special event, the cover is $5 before 10:30, $10 after. 686 N. Spring St., L.A. (213) 617-2002.—Liz Ohanesian
The perfect Bloody Mary is hard to come by. Best enjoyed during the day and an absolute necessity when hung over, a Bloody Mary is one of the most personalized cocktails out there. Some like it spicy, some sweet, some like it garnished with veggies, some with meat, but all require a strong vodka pour. The list of potential ingredients for this cocktail is endless so instead of trying to read the mind of every hungover, tomato juice-fiending patron, La Cita bartender Calixto Hernandez hosts a "build your own Bloody Mary" happy hour every Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m. on the outdoor patio of the divey, downtown, local favorite bar. Over a soundtrack of all '80s music ("But no U2, not now, not ever, because they suck," says Hernandez), for $5 you get a tall glass of iced vodka and free reign over a table of mixers, seasonings and homemade garnishes to concoct your perfect Bloody Mary mixed to taste. The spread includes Kelly Y Gonzalez Bloody Mary mix, celery salt, Old Bay seasoning, Tabasco, wasabi, sweet cherry peppers, pickled green beans, white asparagus, crushed garlic, horseradish, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, as well as trays of bacon, olives, cheese cubes, fresh shrimp, pickled shallots, celery stalks and more, all of which you can load up on a kabob skewer for the ultimate mixing utensil and snacker. At La Cita's Sunday Bloody Sundays, building your own Bloody Mary is like arts and crafts ... but with booze. Bottoms up, and if your drink sucks, it's your own fault. 336 S. Hill St., dwntwn. (213) 687-7111.—Erin Broadley
A club packed with both video game nerds and buxom burlesque beauties may seem like wishful thinking, but downtown it's just another sold-out, Saturday night installment of the monthly residence of Courtney Cruz's Devil's Playground at Bordello Bar. Lights dim and the curtains open as the Legend of Zelda's Link heroically takes the stage scantily clad in a green tunic, armed with a slingshot, sword and shield, ready to defeat evil forces. But before he can embark on his quest, Link gender-morphs into Princess Zelda and begins a striptease that could make any G4 executive blush. Your favorite, old-school Nintendo game just became R-rated. If the city is in the midst of a burlesque revival, then Devil's Playground is at the forefront, giving it mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Beyond traditional fan dancing and martini bathing, Devil's Playground integrates pop culture and niche fan favorites with the classic art of the striptease, modernizing burlesque with cleverly themed, character-driven performances like Video Game Girls, Comic Book Vixens and the upcoming Tails From the Crypt on October 10. As a producer and performer, Cruz insists that nothing is off-limits and her inspiration for themes comes from pop culture news (the Burlesque Barbie installment was a response to the public outrage over Mattel's Tattoo Barbie) or from films, video games and comics that influenced her while growing up. For those who enjoy tassel twirling with a unique spin, cozy up with the ladies of Devil's Playground every second Saturday of the month. 901 E. 1st St., L.A. (213) 687-3766, courtneycruz.com.—Erin Broadley
Tired of the velvet ropes, the snotty attitudes (which are only a mask to cover up some kind of insecurity), the perfect hairstyles, clothes and bodies? Well, maybe not tired of the bodies. Try the Faultline Bar in Silver Lake, which holds a good, old-fashioned beer bust Sunday afternoon through evening that's fun, cost-friendly and a little wild. Bears and leather aficionados meet up with cute Silver Lake hipsters to drink cheap beers, listen to loud rock and tear up the place, while also cruising for a special friend or two. People hang out inside and outside, with a lot of guys wearing crew cuts and leather apparel. It's a different kind of scene, and there's no VIP line or cover charge. 4216 Melrose Ave., L.A. (323) 660-0889, faultlinebar.com. Sun., 2-8 p.m.—Patrick Range McDonald
The Laemmle Grande 4 Plex is a hole-in-the-wall movie theater that offers no perks, the popcorn is mediocre, the floors are sticky from mystery goo, there's no free, nearby parking, and we've seen cleaner bathrooms in bus stations in New Delhi. But what makes this movie house our No. 1 place to watch a new release is simply its lack of lines or crowds. It's also much cheaper than most fancier theaters around town, at $8.50 ($7 with student ID) per ticket. Regularly, even on the weekends, we arrive 10 minutes before the new release begins, walk right up to the counter for our mediocre popcorn and soda, and then plant ourselves down in any of their many rickety old seats, usually wherever we like. On rare occasions the theater is full. It was bursting for Indiana Jones last spring but quiet for The Hangover during the summer, with only seven people seated. If you hate crowds, don't mind paying a small fee to park and are willing to hold the bathroom stall door shut because it doesn't close right, this place is for you. Actually it's just for us, and the few other daredevils who don't mind its aforementioned, very minor, drawbacks, all without the throngs who line up at ArcLight or Mann's Chinese on weekend nights. 345 S. Figueroa St., L.A. (213) 617-0268.—Christine Pelisek


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John Lill, piano
Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas 6
- Beethoven
- Piano Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.2 No.2
- Beethoven
- Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 (Pathétique)
- Beethoven
- Piano Sonata No.24 in F sharp major, Op.78 (A Thérèse)
- Beethoven
- Piano Sonata No.30 in E major, Op.109
- John Lill
- piano
The internationally acclaimed pianist John Lill continues his landmark series of recitals of the complete piano sonatas by Beethoven. Over eight concerts, culminating in February 2014 as part of his 70th birthday celebrations, he performs these treasures of the piano repertoire offering an insight into Beethoven's mind and life.
This is a rare opportunity to hear this remarkable body of work performed by a musician with a very deep affinity to them. These concerts will undoubtedly be a highlight of Cadogan Hall's tenth anniversary season.
'One of the major pianists of our time – awesome, fabulous, revelatory, quite overwhelming.' (Pianist magazine)
'As near to perfection as we can hope for.' (The Guardian)


text:
Personalized Coasters Custom Coasters Monogram Coasters Drink Coasters Wedding Coasters Monogrammed Gifts Wedding Hostess Housewarming Gift
Personalized coasters are a gift that anyone can use on any occasion! Monogrammed Drink Coasters make unique and thoughtful Wedding Gifts, Housewarming Gifts, Hostess Gifts, and Birthday Gifts. Or get a set to brighten up your own home!
These neoprene coasters are fully customizable. The tops are super absorbent and easy to keep clean, and the bottoms have an open cell black rubber backing for a non-slip no-scratch surface!
If you have a question that you don't see answered below, feel free to send me a message. :) I look forward to hearing from you!
At Chic Monogram, the customers are the designers! :) Since ALL of my work is custom, you don't have to send me a custom order request, unless you want more than 10 of any item, or have a special request that you don't see listed. Simply follow the directions below to customize. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
--> 1.) Click on the additional photos in the listing to see the different design choices sheets. You may pick your design elements from these sheets. If you see something on another one of my listings that you would like for your design, please send me the link to that listing and I can incorporate that for you! Anything that you see on another listing can be used on any of my products.
--> 2.) Once you have your design details ready, put the item(s) you want in your cart. All design details should be written to me in the "Note To Seller" portion of the order form as you are checking out. Any design element can come in any color you would like. There is no limit on the number of letters, etc., on your design.
a.) If you would like the exact same design as shown in the listing, please tell me the personalization you would like in the "note to seller." Monogram initials should be give in fLm format (first, LAST, middle) for correct letter placement.
b.) OR if you would instead like an original design, please let me know your choices for all of following design details where applicable. You should also write these in the "Add a note to Chic Monogram" section as you are going through the checkout process:
-Background Color (ex: Black)
-Pattern and Pattern Color (ex: Wide Chevron in White )
-Frame Style and Color (ex: Rectangle in Black)
-Monogram or Font Style and Text Color (ex: Charleston in White)
-Monogram (first, LAST, middle), Name, or Text (ex: mFr)
--> 3.) You will receive a design proof via an Etsy message, and I will await your prompt approval before producing the item. We can make changes from there (up to 3 proofs) until you are happy with the design! And that's it!!
Please see drop down menu to the right of the screen for quantity options. Should you need more than a set of 12, please send me a message for a quote.
Each Coaster measures 4", and is a 1/4" of an inch thick.
For matching placemats, check out the following listings:
For matching trivets, please see:
For matching cutting boards, please see:
For more inspiration and design ideas, check out my other listings like this one: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChicMonogram/search?search_query=drink+coasters
I encourage all buyers to kindly take a look at my Shop Policies for more information: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChicMonogram/policy?ref=shopinfo_policies_leftnav
Thank you so much, and I look forward to helping you create the PERFECT personalized present!
© Chic Monogram, 2017-2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chic Monogram with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
We accept Paypal, direct checkout with credit cards and Etsy gift cards.
Chic Monogram ships only domestically via USPS and FedEx with tracking numbers. If you wish to purchase a signature confirmation or insurance please let me know at the time your order is placed in the "Additional notes to Chic Monogram" section as you check out.
Addresses are important! :)
Chic Monogram is not responsible for packages shipped to incorrect Etsy addresses on file. Once you have approved your proof, address changes are not possible. We ship quickly (Great Customer Service) and most items are shipped within 24 - 48 hours of proof approval. In addition, undeliverable, returned items are subject to an additional shipping and handling fee.
Lost, Damaged or Stolen Packages:
Chic Monogram cannot be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged packages. Also, we can not be held responsible for delayed deliveries that can occur during the holidays or inclement weather.
Expedited Shipping:
It is the buyer's responsibility to let us know if your purchase requires expedited shipping at the time the order is placed. This information must be included in "Notes to the Seller." Expedited shipping and handling costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
One of the hallmarks of our stellar customer service is our proofing process. Because our designing begins as soon as your order is received we are unable to issue full refunds. No one likes to work for free, right?
If, after the proof has already been created and sent to you, you decide that you don't want that particular custom item (this rarely happens), we will give you the following two options:
1) We can issue a refund, minus 25% of the item value for our design time.
2) We can issue you a full store credit, with no subtraction for design time.
Once the design has been approved, and the item has been produced, there will be no refunds or credits issued. Each item we make is custom designed and custom made, so refunds and exchanges are not an option. If you have an issue with a product you have received, please contact us directly to discuss the issue.
Items are not produced until after we receive proof approval (unless we've tried to reach you for seven days with no luck) which additionally ensures complete customer satisfaction. If we have not heard from you within 7 days, we will create your custom product as is.
Please read each item description carefully. We can't be held responsible if you don't inform yourself properly, and we do not accept returns due to anticipated product vs.actual product. Inherent in purchasing items online is the inability to see the actual physical product. We do our best to communicate everything pertaining to our items through words and pictures, so please take the time to read thoroughly. If you have a question about materials, production process, etc., please ask.
Design Details:
As you check out, you will see a box titled "Add a note to Chic Monogram". Please write your customization and personalization instructions in that box. If you have any questions on how to communicate this to us, please send us a message. Please give us the full name for the monogram (first, LAST, middle), so that we can apply the initials to the traditional monogram style most accurately.
Custom Order Requests:
Unless you have a special request, you don't need to send us a custom order request. Since all of our work is custom designed and custom made, you can simply tell us how to create your item in the "note to seller" as you check out. This does not apply to the following situations, in which case a custom order request is appropriate:
-Requesting a large quantity of an item and you need a shipping discount
-Using your own logo on an item
-You have a design in mind that you do not see in our shop
Chic Monogram loves to give you an idea of how your design vision will look even before purchase (Stellar Customer Service, remember?). For this reason we will send one proof prior to purchase. After one proof we require purchase before additional tweaking proofs are sent. After three proofs we do require an additional fee of $5 per proof. The good news? 99.9% of all orders are LESS than three proofs! :)
Device Covers:
Chic Monogram is not responsible for damage to any property such as technical devices incurred during the use, application or installation of our products. We can not guarantee that any device case/cover will fully protect devices from damage due to water or dropping the device.
Please use the Etsy message system for all questions and orders. We do not communicate via email.
Unapproved Proofs/Unanswered Questions:
Every attempt will be made to send proofs in an exceptionally speedy manner. If the buyer does not approve the proof or does not answer any design related questions within seven days, the item will be produced with the information available and shipped without buyer approval. No refunds or re-dos will be issued.
The colors of products are subject to several variables. One, computers are back-lit. Therefore the color displayed on your computer MAY look different in brightness from the color on another computer, for example Chic Monogram's. Two, color calibrations on computers DEFINITELY vary. The way color is processed by the eye once the product is in hand varies according to the manner in which color is processed by the brain. One extreme example of this is color-blindness. If you are trying to match an item or want to double check a color for any reason we will be happy to supply you with the RGB formula we used in our design process. However, various substrates (the materials that your design is printed on) accept and display colors slightly differently. The same design on two different items can have a slightly variant shade, due to the material itself and the inherent process of printing on absorbent material. For these reasons we can not be responsible for color variations meaning anticipated color vs the final colorized product. If you have specific colors in mind, or even a particular color shade, PLEASE let us know that. We can't read minds! :)
Proprietary Information:
Are you serious? Don't request it. :)
All photos are property of Chic Monogram and may not be reproduced in any manner without permission.
Please and Thank You:
Words that add magic to life!
Q: How Do I Customize?
A: Everything we do is custom! To purchase and customize your item(s), please add everything that you want to purchase into your cart and proceed to checkout. As you check out, you will see a text box titled "Add a note to Chic Monogram". Please write your customization and personalization instructions in that box.
Once I receive your order, I will send a full-color design proof for you to review and approve. You will have plenty of time to make any changes needed, if you want to tweak things after you see your proof.
Q: Will I get to see my design before you make my order?
A: Yes! One stellar feature of the Chic Monogram experience is our proofing process!
After I receive your order, I will send you a full-color design proof via Etsy messaging or email as quickly as possible (usually within 1 business day - if not much sooner!).
When you receive your proof, you can respond with your approval of the design, OR we can make any changes needed at that point.
After receiving your approval, I will proceed with making your item(s). If I don't hear from you after 7 days, I will go ahead and put your order into production at that point.


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California Department of Transportation
District 7 - Los Angeles
Kelly Markham
(213) 897-0303
May 26, 2010
Los Angeles – Caltrans today announced that work has begun on a freeway pavement project that will result in a smoother ride for commuters on the Golden State Freeway (I-5) between Sylmar and Pacoima. The $10 million project is financed entirely by President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).
"My Administration is working hand-in-hand with President Obama's team to ensure stimulus dollars are pumped into California quickly and responsibly. This project will help stimulate the state's economy and, in this instance, invest in the future of California's transportation infrastructure," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The project will replace sections of rough pavement in both directions on I-5 between the Foothill Freeway (I-210) and the Ronald Reagan Freeway (SR-118), a total distance of nine miles (four and a half miles in each direction). This section of freeway has an average daily traffic volume of more than 200,000 vehicles. The contractor, Security Paving of Sun Valley, California, expects to complete the project by December.
"We have been able to put a lot of people to work and help smaller businesses, such as contractor supply companies that deal with steel, concrete and many other materials," said Security Paving Project Manager Dan Little. "We are grateful to be able to help boost the state's economy and improve the highway system."
Under Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership, California has obligated $2.52 billion in Recovery Act funding obligated to 930 highway, local street, and job training transportation projects statewide. For more information on the Recovery Act visit: http://recovery.ca.gov/


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49ers' pass rush depends on Justin Smith's sore left arm
By Pete Dougherty, Green Bay Press-Gazette,
~One of the best pass-rushing moves in the 2012 NFL season is the San Francisco 49ers' twist with defensive lineman Justin Smith and outside linebacker Aldon Smith.
Justin Smith, the premier 3-4 defensive end in the NFL, lines up between left guard and tackle, and rushes at the left tackle's right shoulder. Aldon Smith, one of the league's best rushers from outside linebacker, loops behind him and has several yards to build speed toward the left guard.
The result often is devastating. Justin Smith, a good inside rusher who uses his hands as well as any defensive lineman in the league, is the decoy and blocker eater. The guard honors his initial outside move, and then Justin Smith crashes into the left tackle while also grabbing the guard. By the time the guard realizes the twist is on and gets away, the explosive Aldon Smith often is blowing through the gap on his way to engulfing the quarterback.
The Smith twist is one of the reasons Aldon Smith finished No. 2 in the NFL in sacks with 19½, behind only Houston's J.J. Watt (20½). It's also one of the reasons why Justin Smith's partially torn left triceps looms as a huge factor in the divisional-round playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and the 49ers on Saturday night.
Justin Smith injured his triceps late in the third quarter of a Dec. 16 game at New England. The 49ers generally were regarded as the NFL's top defense up to that point and going into the New England game ranked No. 1 in fewest points allowed and No. 2 in fewest yards. But in the fourth quarter they gave up four touchdowns to the Patriots.
Without Justin Smith the next week at Seattle, the 49ers gave up 42 points in a blowout loss, then came back in the regular-season finale and beat probably the NFL's worst offense, the 5-11 Arizona Cardinals, 27-13.
If Justin Smith's absence wasn't the only reason for the decline in performance, it's also clear the 49ers aren't quite the same dominating defense without him. It's also worth noting that in the little more than 2 1/4 games the 33-year-old defensive lineman missed, Aldon Smith had no sacks.
"(Justin Smith) is a pretty important dude," said a scout from a 49ers rival in the NFC West Division. "He does a good job of taking up two blockers, which allows Aldon Smith to run free and hit the quarterback. That's taking a little bit away from Aldon Smith, because he's a heck of a player with or without him, but you could see the difference in production and loss of production without Justin Smith.
"If they get him back this week that will be huge. Now, he's got a triceps injury. You're not healed in three weeks. That's something that will take five weeks, six weeks, a good offseason, to get that healed up. Will they be able to get that swelling down? Probably. And strengthen the muscles around it to help it out? Sure. But he won't be 100 percent until after the season. But yeah, he's a force, he's a beast."
Justin Smith has told reporters he will need surgery after the season, but it appears a given he'll play Saturday night against the Packers. He returned to practice on a limited basis for the 49ers' two practices during their playoff bye last week.
The issue is the quality of his play. Will he be the player who is going to his fourth straight Pro Bowl this year, was named All-Pro last season (and possibly will be this year), and is nearly the consensus choice as best 3-4 defensive end in the NFL? Or will he be significantly compromised, maybe even a shell of himself, trying to play while wearing a huge brace that runs from his wrist to his shoulder and will limit his ability to his left hand and arm?
One assistant coach from a team in the NFC West predicted he will play well.
"I've never been with somebody that's had that injury and tried to play, so I can't speak from experience on that," he said. "I know what they ask (Justin Smith) to do in their defense, and I know as tough as he is – he's right there now as far as tough guys go. I think he can still be effective for them."
Another scout from the division agreed but questioned whether Smith will finish the game.
"He's going to be a kick-(butt) guy until his arm goes out on him, then he'll be standing on the sideline," the scout said. "I know they're going to try to coach him up to play smart, play within himself, stay within the game and all that. But you know how it is in the heat of the battle, you're trying to rip roar and kick somebody's (butt).
"And you have to use your hands at that position. You have to use your hands to push, to pull. He does a lot of pulling. He'll grab a tackle and pull his outside shoulder so one of the guys get free to get off the edge. He has to be able to use his hands. Once he isn't able to do that, he'll be done for the day."
A third scout from the NFC West said it's anybody's guess whether Justin Smith will be effective.
"It sounds like it's how well the individual tolerates pain," the scout said. "A lot of this won't be determined until he starts playing, then they'll figure out, can he play with this and will he be effective? Or is he playing like a one-armed man out there? I don't think they'll know that until the first couple series."
Last weekend, another defensive player, Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis, played with a similar but even worse injury. Lewis fully tore a triceps in Week 6, and it appeared likely to sideline him the rest of the season. But he returned for the wild-card playoff round after 11 weeks of rehabilitation and was in on 13 tackles in a win over Indianapolis while wearing the same kind of brace Justin Smith will have.
At age 37, Lewis wasn't nearly the player he was earlier in his career even before the injury, and he was beaten in pass coverage several times. But he seemed to move fine.
"Keep in mind, Ray can get by with not hitting anybody," one of the scouts said, "where Justin Smith is going to hit somebody every play. That's going to be the telltale sign. How long with that hold up?"
Original story here


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When people come into the spa at Old Palm Golf Club's fitness center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, it's most likely that they're coming in for a massage. And nine times out of 10, even when members and nonmembers schedule a traditional Swedish massage, they're looking for more.
Shayne Kohn, spa and fitness director at the facility, says that the "more" they are looking for is improving their golf games.
"Sports massage is probably our No. 2 or No. 3 most popular offering on our menu," Kohn says. "Traditional is most popular, but we're a golfing community, and we hire massage therapists that have extra training in deep tissue massage and sports massage just for that."
Although the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) reports that fewer clubs are offering massage (45.5 percent of IHRSA club members offer massage today, down from 50 percent in 2001), experts say that sports massage is becoming more popular in the clubs that do offer massage. Forty percent of all massage therapists in the United States offer sports massage, according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), a nonprofit professional association for massage therapists. Sports massage is a specialized form of therapeutic massage that focuses specifically on muscles that are used most during a client's sport or regular activity.
Health clubs and massage go hand in hand, says Robert King, founder and past president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and past national president of the AMTA.
"Since health and fitness clubs promote exercise, weight training, and group sport and exercise activities, it stands to reason to have massage therapists on staff who specialize in repetitive strain and other types of injury as well as myofascial or deep tissue massage, which is anatomically precise to specific areas of breakdown in the athlete," King says. "The always popular relaxation massage does not adequately address soft tissue adhesions or tendinitis injuries. Nor does it offer the specific stretches or techniques to maximize peak performance."
As more health clubs offer sports-specific personal training and programming, the demand for sports massage in fitness facilities is even greater. Sports massage can offer another dimension of service to a health club, King says.
"[Sports massage] receives tremendous acceptance and approval from athletes in all major sports," he says. "Many baseball, football and basketball teams now have their own sports massage therapist on staff. Why shouldn't a premier membership club?"
Here's the Rub
Part of the reason that massage — including sports massage — is becoming more popular is that many members no longer see massage as a luxury item. Many members treat sports massage as an essential part of their sports training or as the key to better workouts in the gym, experts say.
Many of the members of the Old Palm Golf Club get sports massages to increase their flexibility and have a quicker recovery from games, Kohn says.
"Getting a massage used to be for only the high end — an indulgence — but we're seeing more [members who see massage] now as something they need to incorporate in life for health and wellness," she says.
Sports massage sessions have picked up in popularity at Zenergy Health Club and Day Spa, which is located in a resort community in Ketchum, ID. During the facility's peak usage times of summer and December, sports massage therapists provide 30 to 40 sessions a week. During slower times of the year, the spa provides about 10 sessions a week, says Elizabeth Furuiye, day spa manager for the facility.
"Our clientele includes former professional athletes, as well as former Olympians — all the way down to those who simply live here to experience the outdoor environment to the maximum," she says. "In order to accommodate the needs of these people, we have found that sports massage is a fantastic fit for the high-end athlete, as well as the weekend warrior."
Club One's 13 locations in Northern California have offered sports massage since the inception of its massage program in 1991. About 2 percent to 3 percent of the facility's members use the Club One spas, says Phil Okazaki, regional spa director for the club company.
The clubs' spas are open to both members and nonmembers and have seen a marked improvement in revenue in the past few years, Okazaki says. The facility offers traditional therapeutic massage for acute and chronic injury rehabilitation, pre-event sports massage 48 hours to 20 minutes before a client's athletic event or competition, post-event sports massage at least 20 minutes after an athletic event, and maintenance sports massage.
Club One locations, which include Frog's Fitness facilities in San Diego, charge $70 to $95 for 60-minute massages and $95 to $120 for 90-minute massages. The charge varies depending on the location and whether or not the client is a member.
Sports massage has "absolutely been profitable" at Zenergy Health Club and Day Spa, Furuiye says. Pricing is in line with other massages offered, she says.
According to the AMTA, an average 60-minute massage costs $60, although this can vary widely from city to city, experts say. Many facilities charge a bit more for sports massage, too. Old Palm Golf Club charges $80 for a 50-minute traditional massage and $120 for 80 minutes. For sports massages, the club charges $90 for 50 minutes and $130 for 80 minutes.
New Markets
Sports massage isn't bringing in just additional revenue. It's also bringing in more men than traditional massage, which typically draws a female crowd.
At Mill Valley Health Club & Spa in Mill Valley, CA, the demographics for sports massage is diverse, says Karsson Bartlett, certified massage therapist at the club.
"I see women and men, old and young, new athletes and those that have been athletes their whole lives," she says. "The one commonality, however, is that each person realizes the positive effects that sports massage can have on their particular workout, as well as the overall success associated with taking care of your body as a whole."
Although there are no statistics on sports massage specifically, AMTA research shows that Baby Boomers pay for more traditional massages than other age groups. Those surveyed between the ages of 45 to 64 years old had an average of seven massages during the last year, compared to an average of five massages for people 18 to 44.
That's the case at Zenergy's spa, where Boomers are the largest client group for massage, including sports massage. Other clients include triathletes in their 30s and former professional athletes in their 70s and 80s.
"Most often, though, I would say it is the 40- to 55-year-old range — those who have played hard for a long time and are now facing rehab from an injury or surgery, or are trying to avoid either of those two things," Furuiye says.
Clubs must educate their members on the benefits of sports massage to sell the service, experts say. Facilities can do this through cross promotion. Club One locations encourage their fitness, group exercise and Pilates staffs to refer their clients to the spa for a massage. The company also displays marketing and educational messages throughout their clubs to promote the benefits of massage, Okazaki says.
"We use the many special events that Club One hosts to promote and educate our members and their guests," he says. "The best form of marketing is word of mouth."
Bartlett works closely with Mill Valley Health Club & Spa's personal training department staff members to show them the positive effects of sports massage first-hand. The trainers then promote sports massage to their clients, she says.
To attract more golfers, Kohn sets up a massage chair at most of the facility's golf tournaments and offers complimentary short massages to the golfers. The tournaments are one of the best ways for the Old Palm Golf Club to recruit new clients.
"Men who have never had a massage can get acquainted in a comfortable atmosphere and meet the therapists," Kohn says. "Later on, they'll call for that same person because they felt comfortable with that staff member. Men don't even normally realize what we have at the spa."
Old Palm Golf Club also packages its services, combining a 10-session personal training package or a golf conditioning class with a complimentary sports massage. The sports massage acts as a teaser, and most people who get one return for another, Kohn says.
Spa Specifics
Offering sports massage doesn't take many additional resources beyond what's needed for traditional massage. A massage table, linens (sometimes heated blankets are used, too), laundry services, oils and lotions are the staples. A quality massage table costs anywhere from $250 to more than $400, and lotions and oils are a nominal cost, Kohn says.
Philippe Therene, manager of the Spa Accounts division at SpaEquip Inc., says additional planning is necessary when adding sports massage. Although most sessions can be done in a traditional massage room, a facility may need to hire additional certified and qualified massage therapists to cover the additional sessions.
"The number of treatment rooms will depend on the demand, and a member survey can help determine the need for such services," Therene says. "Also, an analysis of competitive clubs and how successful they are with their spa services [is needed]."
Therene recommends that clubs in markets where massages have become mainstream among the general population should consider offering sports massage, which may give a fitness center a competitive edge to attract new members, he says.
If a club doesn't have the space to offer sports massage or even a spa, Kohn, who also is president of Spachitects, a spa and fitness development company, suggests finding a nearby day spa and beginning a referral program. Both businesses can offer special rates for their respective services.
"Try this for a bit before you add it, and be sure to track your results," Kohn says. "Ask yourself if it's something really worth adding."
If the market is right, though, and programming is planned well, sports massage can add credibility and excitement to a facility, King says.
"It has been shown to enhance range of motion, reduce trigger points and areas of soreness, and return the athlete or club member back towards optimal function as quickly as possible," he says. "This adds integrity to the various massage therapy offerings of any club."
Tips for Implementing A Successful Sports Massage Program
- Create a clear identity
Find therapists who have a strong knowledge or background with kinesiology, physiology and anatomy, and try to create an environment that is both comfortable and somewhat clinical.
- Educate your members
Most members don't understand the value of a massage as an integral part of a health and wellness program. Put up posters, hold seminars or distribute brochures on the positive effects of sports massage.
- Find the right therapists that fit your demographics
Find a quality therapist, regardless of gender. Some members may feel uncomfortable with a male therapist, but don't let this limit your hiring pool.
- Find the right massage director
A good massage director has previous hands-on experience in the field, along with a deeper understanding of the demands of the position. Many times, spa staff members can feel misunderstood and alienated from the main fitness center staff. A quality director bridges that gap.
Source: Phil Okazaki, regional spa director, Club One
"How to Take the 'Fluff' Out of Sports Massage," http://fitnessbusinesspro.com/stepbystep/spas/sports-massage-business/index.html
"What Is Therapeutic Sports Massage?" http://fitnessbusinesspro.com/for-profits/therapeutic-sports-massage-2606
"Strengthen Your Competitive Edge with Massage," http://fitnessbusinesspro.com/stepbystep/spas/fitness-facility-massage/index.html


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Around the ACC: Week 7
October 14, 2010 Leave a comment
The bad news keeps coming at North Carolina. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin was dismissed from the team while wide receiver Greg Little and defensive end Robert Quinn have been ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA. The NCAA ruled that Little and Quinn received improper benefits and then lied about it to NCAA investigators.
Going into last week's Florida State at Miami match-up a key to the game was obviously going to be which offensive line could do the ' job of protecting their qb considering the game matched up the number one and two teams in the country in quarterback sacks. Big kudos go to the Seminole line. Not only was Christian Ponder not sacked once but the Noles rushed for 298 yards in their 45-17 beat-down of the canes.
The sellout crowd of 75,115 at Sun Life Stadium for Saturdays Cane – Nole matchup was the first sellout for Miami since 2004 when 78,622 attended the 16-10 Miami win over FSU
Clemson fans are not happy with the fact that running back Andre Ellington who leads the ACC in both yards per game and rushing td's only had twelve carries in the Tigers 21-16 loss to North Carolina. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has said that Ellington will get more carries this week. "He's earned it. He's been productive. We've got to do a better job there. Again that's on me: I have to make sure that happens. " , said Swinney.
Boston College is 2-3 following their 44-17 loss at NC State, the third straight for the Eagles, which puts them under .500 after five games for the first time since the 1998 season. That is also the last time they lost three straight games.
ACC stats and facts:
In its previous 57 years, no quarterback has ever led the ACC in rushing. Georgia Tech QB Joshua Nesbitt leads the conference this week in rushing yards per game, averaging 90.5 yards per game.
The career ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions for NC State QB Russell Wilson is 3.61 to 1. It is the best in ACC history for a player with 40 or more career touchdown passes and it is the best among all current NCAA FBS quarterbacks with 40 or more career TD passes with the exception of Boise State's Kellen Moore.
It's been twenty-nine years since an ACC team has rushed for as many yards as Georgia Tech did in its 33-21 win over Virginia. The Yellow Jackets ran for 477 yards, the 6th-best rushing performance in ACC history
Boston College sophomore LB Luke Kuechly leads the nation this week in tackles per game, averaging 14.2 a contest after recording a career-high 20 tackles vs NC State.
Maryland WR Tony Logan leads the nation in punt returns this week after recording his punt returns of 84 and 85 yards on back-to-back weekends.
When North Carolina and Virginia meet this Saturday, it will mark the 115th renewal of the series which is the ACC's and the South's oldest. The two teams met originally on Oct. 22, 1892, but did not meet in 1899, 1906 and 1909. Following a break for WWI in 1917-18, beginning in 1919, the two teams have played in each of the 91 succeeding years with the 92nd scheduled for Saturday.
Rising Stock: Florida State – The Seminoles silenced a lot of doubter with their impressive win at Miami.
Falling Stock: Miami – The Canes were outplayed, outcoached and looked uninspired in their loss to FSU.
ACC Power Poll (last week's ranking in parentheses)
- 1. Florida State (2)
- 2. Virginia Tech (3)
- 3. North Carolina State (4)
- 4. Miami (1)
- 5. Maryland (6)
- 6. Georgia Tech (7)
- 7. North Carolina (8)
- 8. Clemson (5)
- 9. Wake Forest (9)
- 10. Boston College (10)
- 11. Virginia (11)
- 12. Duke (12)
Blind Squirrels weekly picks:
Last week's results (5-1)
Maryland at Clemson: Clemson needs this win badly. Maryland coming off back to back home wins over FIU and Duke will find this road trip a little tougher. My pick: Clemson 31 – Maryland 28
Boston College at Florida State: FSU needs to avoid a letdown after the big win over Miami. They are clicking on all cylinders and BC is hoping to avoid losing their fourth straight. My pick: Florida State 29 – Boston College 17
NC State at East Carolina: Very interesting matchup. NC States only loss is the heartbreaker to VT. ECU returns home from a three game road trip. The Wolfpack has proven it can win on the road. My pick: NC State 38 – East Carolina 31
Miami at Duke: Miami will be looking to erase the bad taste of their embarrassing performance last week. My pick: Miami 35 – Duke 17
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech: Wake is hoping to end a four game losing streak while VT is riding a four game winning streak since the stunning loss to James Madison. VT can't afford a letdown here. My pick: Virginia Tech 34 – Wake Forest 17
Middle Tennessee at Georgia Tech: MTSU has lost on the road at Troy and Memphis or maybe even more embarrassingly they lost at home to Minnesota. On paper this shouldn't be close. My pick: Georgia Tech 42 – Middle Tennessee 13
North Carolina at Virginia: Give UNC some credit. They have won three straight with all the turmoil surrounding their program. Virginia has lost two straight. My pick: Virginia 21 – UNC 20
Written by John Huber. Follow him on Twitter @Fort80.


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No. 22 Large Curved Carving Blade
by X-Acto
Heavy cuts and initial shaping, carving, trimming, and slicing. Cuts balsa, wood, linoleum, rubber, foam, and plastic. Heavy-duty.
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