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October 28, 2011
Shooting for the stars: Cat Cannon Club suits Salina campus students to a 'tee'
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
The Cat Cannon has been part of Kansas State University football games for more than a decade.
"I've known about since I was a kid. My cousin and I dreamed of shooting it off at a game," said Eric Swenson, a junior in engineering technology from Lindsborg, at Kansas State University Salina.
Swenson's dream came true at the first game of the Wildcats' 2011 football season.
"There's nothing else like it," he said. "It's a game day tradition and you're part of something with 50,000 people who are really excited to see you."
Swenson is one of 12 students in the Cat Cannon Club this year. For each home game, three students from the university's Salina campus load the cannon into the bed of a pick-up truck and haul the T-shirt launcher and a plastic tub filled with its apparel ammunition to Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan.
One of those students will steer the machine around the stadium, one will load the cannon, and one -- with nerves of steel -- will press the button that launches T-shirts into the screaming crowd.
"It's really stressful being the one who shoots the cannon, no matter how many times you've done it before," said Antonio "TJ" Hearn, senior in engineering technology, Stafford.
Derek Bean, junior in aviation, Hesston, and the club's current president, agrees. "There's lots of people yelling at you to shoot a shirt at them. Some people want to be shot in the face. I don't know why. It would really hurt," he said.
That Cat Cannon can shoot a shirt the length of a football field and, with a little tweaking, the machine is capable of launching a shirt three times that distance, according to club members. Not to mention the shirts are folded to about 4-inches wide, rolled as tightly as possible, and then wrapped in multiple layers of masking tape until they look like little burritos. The more tightly wrapped and secured the shirt, the better it shoots.
While the cannon is calibrated to use only a fraction of the pressure available when launching shirts, the first 15 rows of seats are not allowed in the shooting area.
"Fans that sit close to the field are really disappointed that we don't send shirts into their area, but it's for their safety," Bean said.
Keeping safety in mind, the club has a rule that members can't shoot the cannon until their second year with the group. In the meantime, they learn as much as they can about the mechanical and electric systems.
"Our cannon is designed, built, and maintained by K-State Salina students to be one-of-a-kind," Bean said.
The machine features a revolver-style loading system, making the shooting process much safer than early designs that required a student to load the cannon from the end of the barrel by using a stick. The latest edition is made of metal rather than the previous PVC pipe, and runs off of a program logic controller. It's completely air-pressure driven, using air canisters regulated to only use up to 200 pounds per square inch of the available 3,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.
The Cat Cannon will be sporting a new paint job for Saturday's homecoming game, where the team will shoot about 75 shirts provided by the university's athletics department.
"We start in the student section and work our way around the stadium," Bean said. "We shoot during time outs and at the end of each quarter as long as nothing else is happening on the field."
When not launching shirts, the three-team members on the field are preparing for the next round of shirts and watching the game.
"It's nice to be part of the Cat Cannon tradition, but being on the field so close to the game is pretty great, too," said Steven Colgrove, junior in engineering technology, Washington. Colgrove, in his third year with the club, will be part of the team at Saturday's game.
Even though Swenson will not be accompanying the cannon to the game, he's excited that it will be there.
"It's just not a football game without the Cat Cannon," he said.
He's also excited about the idea that there will be kids in the crowd dreaming of shooting the cannon one day. And perhaps, just like Swenson, they will have a chance to make that dream come true.


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A little bit of homework
You can start preparing to meet your new training partner right away by getting the needed software installed and account created in advance. The software that you'll need on your computer is called SuuntoLink. SuuntoLink keeps your Suunto watch up to date and synced with your account on Suunto Movescount.
You can download SuuntoLink here. (Note that SuuntoLink is different from Moveslink that is used to sync Suunto Ambit and Suunto Traverse watches.)
Are you new to Suunto Movescount? This is where your Suunto experience deepens. Here you can track your training data, connect with other progress-minded sports enthusiasts, and share your stories of adventure. If you don't have an account yet, it's easy to set one up at movescount.com
In the Suunto Movescount settings you can connect your account to other sport services you use like Strava, Sports Tracker and Training Peaks.
Update your Spartan's software
We are committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience with your new Suunto Spartan, and as such, ensure your watch is always updated to the latest software.
Keep your Spartan updated: Open SuuntoLink on your computer and connect it to your watch with the Suunto USB cable. SuuntoLink will prompt for a software update if that is available. When the watch is connected to your computer for software update, don't press any watch buttons or use the touch screen.
You can find details about the latest updates and additional instruction about updating your watch at suunto.com/explorewithsuuntospartan
Fill in the basic settings
When your watch is updated, it is time to put in your details, for example language, time zone and watch faces. On Spartan Trainer you can navigate the menus via the buttons on the side of the watch. For the Suunto Spartan Ultra, Spartan Sport and Sport Wrist HR you can navigate via the buttons or the touch screen.
Have some fun and get to know the interface. Navigating this watch is going to be new, go through the menu, and settings and how to get in and out of different menus.
General navigational mechanics for Spartan Ultra & Spartan Sport's touch screen:
- Scrolling can be done by the touch screen (swiping up or down) or by the buttons on the side (top for up, bottom for down). Tapping the screen acts as "enter" or "select."
- Swiping left moves you deeper into the menu or towards starting the activity, as does the middle button. Swiping right moves you back a screen. You will also see a curved arrow on the screen pointing to the left, this will also move you "back" a screen.
Track your wrist based heart rate
Wrist-based (optical) heart-rate measurement is available for the Spartan Trainer and the Spartan Sport Wrist HR and is a convenient option and alternative to the traditional chest-strap HR measurement. Wrist-based heart rate is at its best in activities that enable the watch to consistently read HR data from user's arm, i.e. when blood flow is steady, and when the watch itself is constantly in touch with skin. Check out the videos below or find more details here.
Pair your Spartan with a heart rate sensor
All Suunto Spartan models, including those with wrist heart rate (Spartan Sport Wrist HR, Spartan Trainer), can be paired with a heart rate belt. To get started, you'll need to pair your watch with your Suunto Smart Sensor (or other compatible Bluetooth Smart heart rate sensor). Simply navigate to Settings >> Connectivity >> Pair sensor >> Pair HR sensor and follow the instructions on your watch.
Pair your Spartan with Suunto Movescount App
The Suunto Movescount App is a living, mobile diary of your Moves. You can track and sync your Moves in real-time to movescount.com, as well as personalize them with photos, descriptions and feelings. After your Move, create a unique Suunto Movie which includes a rich topographical 3D map of your activity. You'll be inspired to discover new routes with the heatmaps function, that shows you the most popular tracks of the Suunto community around the world.
Suunto Movescount App for iOS is available at App Store and Suunto Movescount App for Android at Google Play.
From the main watch face navigate up to Settings >> Connectivity. Scroll down (or use the bottom button) and ensure the Discover slider is green (allowing mobile devices to pair).
Then log into the Suunto Movescount App on your phone and turn on Bluetooth if it is not on already. Tap the settings icon in the upper-right of the app screen and then tap "+" icon. Once your Spartan is found, tap "pair" in the bottom-right of the screen. The app will then ask you to enter a code that will show on your watch's screen. After entering the code your watch and phone are paired. The first sync with the app will start automatically and may take a few minutes.
Explore with Suunto Spartan
Find additional resources and guidance to help you get the most out of your Suunto Spartan at suunto.com/explorewithsuuntospartan
To get in touch with Suunto Customer Support go to suunto.com/support

subset: commoncrawl


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Omega Thermometer Offers Waterproof, Battery-Power Capabilities
Food processors can monitor their liquids' temperature with Omega Engineering's DP8891 waterproof digital thermometer.
The thermometer can be wall-mounted or can be used as a portable instrument. It has a wide temperature range and is battery-powered with four AAA alkaline batteries.
The gauge is useful in areas that might be prone to water splashes and where a battery powered instrument is needed.
According to the manufacturer, the thermometer comes with a probe, probe holder, four AAA" alkaline batteries and wall mount hardware.
Price starts at $159
Temperature Range (Thermistor):
-10 to 110ºC (-50 to 230ºF)
Temperature Resolution: 0.1ºC (0.1ºF)
Temperature Accuracy: ±1ºC (±1.6ºF)
Temperature Response Time:
2 minutes typical
LCD Update Time: 10 seconds
LCD Size: 45 H x 96 mm W
(1.77 x 3.78")
Operating Temperature: 0 to 50ºC
(32 to 122ºF)
Operating RH%: Humidity < 80%
The complete spec sheet: http://www.omega.com/Temperature/pdf/DP8891.pdf


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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Though the game was delayed a week due to forecasted rain, the Gauchos couldn't hold back the No. 12 UCLA offense on Tuesday afternoon, falling to the Bruins by a score of 12-3. With the loss, UCSB falls to an even .500 at 4-4, while UCLA improved to 5-2.
UCSB starter Greg Mahle started off the game well enough, allowing no runs and just one hit over the first two innings, including a pair of strikeouts. A leadoff walk to Ty Moore in the third inning was all the catalyst UCLA needed however, as they quickly followed with a Trent Chatterton single and an Eric Filia sacrifice bunt. After an RBI groundout, Kevin Kramer laced a ball down the left field line to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead before Mahle could extinguish the rally.
UCSB's sophomore lefty settled back down in the fourth, but ran into problems in the fifth, allowing the first two batters of the innings to reach base before getting an out on another Filia sacrifice. UCLA's Brian Carroll followed that up with a line drive to left center, cashing in both runs, the latter which would end up being the game winner at 4-0.
Mahle (0-1) ended the day with a line of five innings pitched, six hits allowed, four runs allowed, three strikeouts, and two walks.
If the UCLA offense was being held at bay over the first half of the game, it exploded after Mahle was pulled, scoring seven runs in the sixth inning and adding another in the ninth. Four of their starters finished with multiple RBIs, and as a team they finished with a .333 batting average for the day.
UCSB's offense struggled, mustering just four hits in the loss. Luke Swenson had the most notable bat for the Gauchos, going 1-2 with an RBI and a stolen base. Freshman infielder Devon Gradford had an RBI pinch hit single to the opposite field in his first at bat in a UCSB uniform. Junior shortstop Brandon Trinkwon and freshman right fielder Andrew Calica also added hits for the Gauchos.
On the bump, senior righty Jared Wilson had a solid outing, throwing a scoreless eighth inning while striking out one.
UCLA starter Cody Poteet earned the win after a five inning, one run outing.
Looking ahead, the Gauchos will welcome the San Jose State Spartans to Caesar Uyesaka Stadium for a three game series from Friday through Sunday. Tickets for those games, and all games this season, can be found here.


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Save More with AMTA
$4.99 Shipping
| To Order 1-888-918-2253
Save More with AMTA
$4.99 Shipping
| To Order 1-888-918-2253
These sheets are very thin and for the money you can buy other sets and they will last longer.
The sheets are very soft. Unfortunately, the cream I use does not come out and leaves a stain after laundering. so disappointing since they are more expensive.
For the price, not a good value. The flat sheet is short and if you have a tall person, don't even bother with using this sheet. Very dissatisfied with length!
Got this sheet set in the Earthlite table coverings package. They are luxuriously soft and fit well over my warmer, fleece pad and bolster. They got softer after washing and did not shrink. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars from me is the crescent cover: the weird little velcro tab that wraps around the top of the face rest is too short (at least for mine) and I end up just tucking it in so it doesn't hang down. I would definitely buy again
I have several sets of these sheets and have been using them in our practice. They fit nicely over my fleecy table warmer and 30" table with plenty of room to spare. They have been through many, many washings and have held up very well.


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B-52 — The World's Greatest Warplane
Welcome to the Official Site of the B-52 Stratofortress Association
Here you can find collections of stories and news relating to the history and current operations of the World's Greatest Warplane: the Boeing B-52.
The People Behind the B-52
We bring together all those who have been or are associated with the BUF—designers and builders, aircrew, maintainers, enthusiasts — to exchange memories. We try to help old buddies find each other -- anything it takes to keep alive the history of the weapon known in its early days as "America's Long Rifle."
Want to Become a Member? Here's How to Join...
Take a look at some of our activities on the site and then enjoy the benefits of becoming a member — join today
Books by MembersTake a look at some of the books our members have read here
Download the Latest Newsletter (PDF)
September 2019 Click here
Purchase Official B-52 Merchandise
Use this link to purchase caps, shirts and other Official B52 Apparel Click Here
Sign Up For the Forums
Read and write about the BUFF. Be sure to read "Getting Started" before signing up.
We now have over 2000 forum members and more than 450 topics.
Member's websites can now be added to the "Links" page . Use Contacts to send the url to the webmaster.


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In 2005 there was... something.. but we lost the first website :(.. Anyways moving on to 2006 where things really started
This is where things came to live via stargate, this brought us a lot of fun and adventure~~~
Let's go trough some nice parts
A lot of fun!
(from 1969)
(from Thor's chariot)
Even more fun!
(from 4x06)
Even more excitement!
(from sga 1x01)
And even more excitement!
(from 8x22)
Awesome spacebattles!
(from 9x20)
The awesome spacebattles continued!
(from sga 1x20)
Then came the end... I think this was the most popular day on the website ever... Unfortunately it was a sad event from which we never recovered..
(from 10x20)
Then came the second end... The killer blow for the stargate franchise and indirectly our website..
(from sga 5x20)
With a lot of hope everything came back to life with the launch of Stargate Universe, we were all back as gaters ready for the new show. And so was piggymoo.
from sgu
To no avail... unfortunately
(from sgu 2x18)


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Total Door Systems is an independent American manufacturer offering an integrated, comprehensive, commercial door system, custom made to precise project specifications; and engineered to eliminate high maintenance components.
Fabricated and shipped complete, eliminating the need for field assembly, the Total Door Systems excel in design, performance and appearance. With fewer moving parts Total Doors deliver better performance and longer life, thereby, reducing Life Cycle Costs and eliminating the need to maintain a costly inventory of spare parts.
Tested to more than 5 million cycles, Total Door Systems far exceed the industry performance standards and the integrated design lasts longer and extends the functional life of component parts.
Total Door meets all regulatory requirements including ADA, local, and national Fire/Life safety codes.
When you incorporate Total Door Systems into your project, we will partner with you, your architect or designer to provide Design Support services at no cost.
Manufactured in Michigan, 98% of our materials are sourced in the United States. Committed to sustainable manufacturing and local sourcing, Total Door Systems contain 25% recycled steel content, 80% post-consumer content and 20% post-industrial content. Upon request, we can provide FSC certified veneer.


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Remember this from 2010? It proved sadly prescient.
In the last 13 weeks of the Labour government, we added £15 billion to the economy, driving it to recovery. Since then, the recovery has flatlined.
In the last 637 days of the Tory government, they have struggled to add £5 billion.
In the seven quarters since Osborne took the helm of the economy, aided by the useful idiot Danny Alexander, the economy has gone backwards in four. The fantasy of an export-led recovery, as seen in Canada in the 1990s has been exposed as the pipe-dream it always was.
However, the problem isn't the technical recession - I can assure you that out there in the real world, it has felt like a recession for a long time. Perhaps even recession isn't the right word - we're just bouncing along the bottom. I'd expect a pickup over the summer, but not by much and ongoing sluggish growth and contraction.
As I noted here, the recovery - such as it is - has taken longer than in any recession on record, including that in the 1930s. A far better qualified economist than me, the Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, makes exactly this point - that this was a choice not enforced upon us by the bond markets or the European Central Bank and adds a warning:
The defense I hear from Cameron apologists is that the austerity mostly hasn't even hit yet. But that's really not much of a defense. Remember, the austerity was supposed to work by inspiring confidence; where's the confidence? Basically, the expansionary aspect should already have kicked in; it's all contraction from here.
The private sector has not stepped up to the plate to replace the contracted state - and there are lots more cuts to come.
The fact is, this is a depression manufactured in Downing Street by an utterly incompetent government. They try to shift the blame onto the Eurozone, ignoring the fact that up to 2010, the Eurozone and UK recoveries were tracking nicely together. After the May election, they diverged as the UK recovery stalled.
The figures hide the fact that it is ordinary people and families that are suffering in this depression. I'm certainly not celebrating this awful news.
However, we need to remember that in 2010, people had a choice about which road we would follow.
You have a choice again on May 3.
Time to change direction.
Time to change direction.


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Not now
Contact Name: Blink & Co. Photography
Review the professional on each of the following 5 items. Your review will show as an overall average.
Before we can publish your review, please verify it by clicking on a link sent to your email address. In the mean time, continue browsing TCB or review more Pros.
Your enquiry has been sent to Blink & Co. Photography.
The Crimson Bride may contact you by phone or email to confirm this is your company. Once verified you'll be sent an email with instructions on accessing your TCB Storefront.


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All graduate programs in brass performance require pre-screening, so your application must be submitted by the Priority deadline of December 1. Pre-screening materials will be submitted online using Acceptd. Pre-screening selections must include two contrasting works (or movements of works) of standard literature with piano accompaniment, plus one etude and three excerpts, as specified below.
On-Campus Auditions
Students selected for an audition will be contacted by the appropriate applied faculty member. Graduate brass auditions will be held on January 11 and January 25, 2020. (In special circumstances, alternate audition dates can be arranged.)
The on-campus audition should include two standard works. Please choose works not submitted for pre-screening. Applicants can play with accompaniment for the on-campus audition, but it is not required. (Applicants choosing an accompanist are responsible for all accompanist fees.) All applicants will be asked to sight read at the audition.
For clarification and further information, please contact the appropriate applied faculty:
Brandon Craswell, trumpet
Jean Martin-Williams, horn
Joshua Bynum, trombone
David Zerkel, tuba and euphonium


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Sunderland LEGO Club
Name: Sunderland LEGO Club
Date: August 17, 2019
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM EDT
Website: Sunderland Public Library
Event Description:
The LEGO club allows children to come and explore the wonderful world of LEGOs. Children ages 4 and up and their caregivers are invited to build and play with the library's massive collection of LEGOs. Includes a new challenge each week.


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I can understand why millionaire NFL team owners would lobby the FCC in an effort to dissuade that regulatory body from ditching its so-called "TV blackout rule." After all, the rule requires that 85% of an NFL team's ridiculously priced "non-premium" seats be sold or a game cannot be shown on TV (free or otherwise).
Who wouldn't want to protect such a sweet racket?
What I don't understand is how these millionaire NFL team owners could envision me a lifelong fan and former season-ticket holder getting behind this effort to convince the FCC to continue playing a role in stopping me from watching football.
And yet we have this website, apparently the work of the NFL, called "Protect Football on Free TV." (It's fairly new so I'm leaving open the possibility that it's a parody or one of those "let's fool the journalists" gags.)
The site urges me and all football fans to "take action!"
Take action to "protect football on free TV" by threatening fans who cannot afford tickets with the prospect of not seeing their favorite team's games on any kind of TV ... per the full regulatory might of the federal government.
The site says this is all for our common good and helpfully provides the "top three facts fans need to know:"
1. NFL games remain on FREE broadcast television because of the FCC's sports blackout rule which has been working for nearly four decades.
Clarification: By "sports blackout rule" they mean NFL blackout rule and televised games are FREE for all 132 fans who still receive their television signals over the air; the rest of us pay for cable and watch a minute of commercials for every three minutes of football game.
2. While every other professional sport has moved to pay services like cable or satellite, the NFL makes every regular-season and playoff game available to you for FREE.
Clarification: Except when it doesn't, which is the exact circumstance the millionaire NFL owners are asking you to tell the FCC that you not only like just fine but demand they leave intact.
3. The rule promotes strong stadium attendance and benefits local restaurants, sports bars, and other small businesses near the stadiums.
Clarification: ROTFMAO.
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Follow our new social and we'll keep you in the loop for exclusive events and all things security!
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Seven Arts Music Announces Its Release Schedule for the First
Half of 2013 Featuring the Final Album From Nate Dogg
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seven Arts Entertainment
Inc. (OTCQB:SAPX) ("Seven Arts" or the "Company") announced today that
its subsidiary, Seven Arts Music Inc. ("SAM"), is to release in the
United States and Canada multi-platinum recording artist DMX's second
single "Already" from his new album "Undisputed," a follow--up to the
rap chart number one "I Don't Dance" on December 4, 2012.
Seven Arts also announced that SAM has agreed to partner with and
release in conjunction with United Media and Music Group's EVP Ramiro
Guzman and President of Black Music Rod McGrew the highly anticipated
"Nate Dogg -- It's A Wonderful Life", from one of the rap world's
biggest and most influential stars, the late Nate Dogg. Ramiro Guzman
and Rob McGrew will work under the supervision of David Michery in the
release of this album. Nate Dogg sold over 200 million albums during
his 25 year career and helped create the sound of artists such as
Eminem and Fifty Cent.
This new album embodies all the late Nate Dogg's previously unreleased
and re-mastered performances including collaborations with artists such
as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Jay Z. The Company is
planning the release of "It's A Wonderful Life" in the late
spring/early summer of 2013.
The Company further announced that it has received delivery of the new
album from Bone Thug-N-Harmony ("BTH") entitled "Art of War III", which
will now be released on May 21, 2013. The first single from the album
"Bring it Back" featuring the performance of platinum artist, The Game,
is scheduled for release on January 27, 2013. BTH recently featured on
The Game's last single, "Celebration," and on The Game's album "Jesus
Pierce" scheduled for release on December 11, 2012.
Seven Arts Music Consultant David Michery stated, "After the success of
our first release with DMX, we are thrilled to announce such an
auspicious line-up of some of the greatest talents in the hip-hop
world. We are very much looking forward to working with BTH on their
new album and believe that Nate Dogg's talents shine in this posthumous
About Seven Arts Entertainment Inc.:
Seven Arts Entertainment Inc. is the successor to Seven Arts Pictures
Plc, which was founded in 2002 as an independent motion picture
production and distribution company engaged in the development,
acquisition, financing, production and licensing of theatrical motion
pictures for exhibition in domestic (i.e., the United States and
Canada) and foreign theatrical markets, and for subsequent worldwide
release in other forms of media, including home video and pay and free television.
About Seven Arts Music:
Seven Arts Music intends to develop new talent and label-establishing
artists in the genres of hip hop, R&B, pop, dance and rock. David
Michery's prominent career includes the production of numerous platinum
albums and an executive role as Head of Urban Music for All American
Communication, d/b/a Scotti Bros. Records, A&R for MCA Records and
Zoo/BMG, and founder of Breakaway Entertainment and American Music
Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made
under the Safe Harbor Provision of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Any such statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
the anticipated. The information contained in this release is as of
September 27, 2012. Seven Arts assumes no obligation to update
forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of
new information or future events or developments.
CONTACT: Seven Arts Entertainment Inc.
Peter Hoffman


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San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik discusses the team remaining focused amidst constant trade rumors this season.
There is no custom code to display.
San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik discusses the team remaining focused amidst constant trade rumors this season.
This week's beer is a hazy IPA that put a hazy spell on everyone that had a hand in this…in the making of…this…
The San Francisco Giants sent Shaun Anderson to the mound to face Julio Teheran and the Braves Tuesday night. The Giants bats go quietly, wasting a solid outing from Anderson.
The speculation over Kevin Durant's future has been one of the most oversaturated topics of NBA drama this season.
San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy discusses the team's decision to start catcher Stephen Vogt in left field Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves
Another day, another left fielder.
There is no place on the field the 49ers have upgraded more decisively than their defensive line.
It is day two of OTAs for the 49ers, and already the team already has some key players injured, most notably their second overall draft pick, Nick Bosa.
San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford discusses why he enjoys playing defense behind Andrew Suarez
Klay Thompson is known for his, let's say, off-kilter interview style.


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I'm kind of a mess. I'm more sedentary than I should be. I engage in the use of a … More
life through one female Asperger's lens
I'm kind of a mess. I'm more sedentary than I should be. I engage in the use of a … More
short prose, fiction, poetry
Look at the stars. See their beauty. And in that beauty, see yourself. -Draya Mooney
A place for me to over share without flooding your timelines
For #AllAutistics, #NeuroLurkers, and #NeuroDiversity
Author | Cancer Survivor | Traveler | Foodie | Paranormal Enthusiast
Poetry and Thoughts of an Autistic Mind
A cabinet of curiosities containing lists, stories, writing and assorted other stuff.
Life on the autism spectrum.
Life, Love, & Literature
thoughts on my neuro-divergent experiences
reading and writing the Rust Belt
Living My Best Life with Alphabet Soup
Gender Incognito
True Sidereal Astrology
Sometimes I Climb the Walls and Lie on the Ceiling
thoughts on managing life with autism spectrum disorder
A Creative Writing Journal
Using Astrology to Understand the Human Condition
Life. Explored.
Pagan reflections from a Druid author - life, community, inspiration, health, hope, and radical change
Interactions with different special needs children
Occult wisdom for a better world
My life with Aspergers
Provocative poetry and musings on life
A place for me to dump my crowded mind.
Writer & Mind Coach
Mental Health Service in Strathalbyn 0409011172
Donna Cunningham's Blog on astrology, healing, and writing.
Depression of The Arts
Mindful Magick Musings
The independent she who loves life
Musings, rants and ramblings of an #actuallyautistic adult in a rainy city
..because the thoughts that fall, kicking and screaming from my head need a safe place to land..
Life with two children with autism and a mum that believes in miracles.
Autism, mental health and me 🐼
"Never forget it is real people who live out such tales and bear the price of the telling, in grief and guilt and sorrow". -Jacqueline Carey
I often eavesdrop to random voices roaming in the air. Some leave bruises on my eyelids due to the frequent wiping of tears. They have a saddening picture. Others stimulate endless smiles. Some would like to remain unidentified. All in all, I love to narrate stories of the sad, happy and mysterious voices.
(...and some I have)


text:
Wavelet Toolbox™ provides functions and apps for analyzing and synthesizing signals and images. The toolbox includes algorithms for continuous wavelet analysis, wavelet coherence, synchrosqueezing, and data-adaptive time-frequency analysis. The toolbox also includes apps and functions for decimated and nondecimated discrete wavelet analysis of signals and images, including wavelet packets and dual-tree transforms.
Using continuous wavelet analysis, you can explore how spectral features evolve over time, identify common time-varying patterns in two signals, and perform time-localized filtering. Using discrete wavelet analysis, you can analyze signals and images at different resolutions to detect changepoints, discontinuities, and other events not readily visible in raw data. You can compare signal statistics on multiple scales, and perform fractal analysis of data to reveal hidden patterns.
With Wavelet Toolbox you can obtain a sparse representation of data, useful for denoising or compressing the data while preserving important features. Many toolbox functions support C/C++ code generation for desktop prototyping and embedded system deployment.


text:
- Home
- Exhibitions
- Collections
- Events
- Visit
- Dine
- Join + Give
- Learn
- #BrooksMuseum
The Pre-Columbian collection at the Brooks mainly features ceramics from throughout Central and South America. It includes art from the less well-known cultures such as the Colima and Valdivia peoples. Particularly noteworthy among these objects are a copper mask from the Chimu people and an Incan feathered tabard or tunic.


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Fall in New York allows students a chance to experience academic life at New York University. Enroll in courses with NYU students to enhance your current studies or explore a new subject. Outside of your classes, experience all that New York City has to offer and enjoy benefits available to all NYU students—recreation centers, libraries, student activities, and student discounts for New York attractions such as Broadway shows, sporting events, concerts, and museums.
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Hernaan staggered through the snow, the white stuff crunching under his boots. Each step was an effort, lifting his leg, putting his foot down again on the semi-firm surface and pushing down until the rime crust broken and his foot sank through the softer snow beneath. Each step left him a bit more winded, and each breath drawn through ragged lips stole away a bit of warmth from him. He scowled fiercely, hailing from the northlands he had faced winters more harsh and cold than this one. He rubbed his hands against his arms and soldiered on, it wasn't like there was anywhere he could find to rest for a bit. To rest in cold like this was more dangerous than cutting his own throat, though likely to hurt much much less.
Full Description
A Stamagast is an elusive elemental formed of whirling ice and snow held together by the will and living essence of the elemental spirit. This spirit manifests in the same fashion, forming into a ghost white bird of medium size, most commonly resembling a peacock but fully capable of flight and never hindered by the train of it's tailfeathers. Unlike a peacock, a stamagast is roughly the size of a man and weighs just slightly less. The only coloration on a stamagast are the eyes, which are always black and glossy. The elemental cannot hide this feature and canny outdoors men know to look for their eyes and not their outline.
Most of the time, the large tail is carried collapsed behind the elemental, where it moves almost like the tail of an alligator, sculling as if swimming rather than flying through the air. As long as the tail, roughly 12 to 18 feet across when fanned open, is closed, the stamagast can fly with great ease. While fanned open it is relegated to a slow walk, half the normal speed of a human. It can make strong leaps and while the beak is rather small an unsuited for inflicting damage, each leg has a long piercing spur that inflicts damage equivalent to a javelin, but also cold damage as well.
The stamagast fluttered it's wings, savoring the feel of the cold air against the feathers. It was good to have shape and form and weight in the solid world. It lighted on a tree branch and watched the hunter as he blustered through the stiff powder. The elemental twitched it's tail, feeling for the currents in the air, in the ground, all around it. The feathers twitched as it found what it was looking for, a ley line, not too far away. The elemental quivered as it tapped into that primal power, a swirling river of cold and wind high in the air. It fanned it's tail once, then twice. In response the wind picked up, driving the loose snow from its lodging high in the tree branches, turning the hunter's clearing into a small snow flurry. The man cursed and changed his path. The stamagast contented itself to follow, the old path to the hermit's cottage hidden by fresh fallen snow.
Servants of the Cold
Before the time of man, when the world was still newly formed, there were a great many tasks that were still left to be completed. But these were minor tasks, and many of these were simply making sure that everything went as it was supposed to. This was often as simple as making sure the rivers flowed the right direction and that rain fell when it was supposed to and that when the time came that the trees and choking underbrush would burn to make way for new growth. While the gods that were who created all were certainly capable of doing all of these things on their own, they were somewhat less inclined to do so.
Thus the elementals were created to serve as the janitors and custodians and mechanics of creation. Each had a given task to complete, a job to occupy their nigh endless existences. And for a very long time this is exactly what occurred. In the northern realms, it was the duty of Stamagasts to tend to the winter storms, the be heralds and shepperds of the blizzards and great northern gales that roared out of the frozen lands. But, when the rules were broken and the old gods cast down many of the elementals forsook their tasks and turning to their own interests. While the tale of the usurper gods putting these wayward entities back to task is for another time and place, the Stamagasts by far escaped this time of discipline.
It was not until the Usurping gods turned their attentions away from creation and to their spoils in the celestial realm that the Stamagasts revealed their design. As they fanned their great tails, they did not herald the storms, they called them. In a great fury the lands were battered by storms of ice and howling winds, and biting cold that could kill as surely as any wolf. And the Stamagasts fed, and they fed well.
Hernaan reached the cabin, his beard and mustache coated in ice and the cold gnawing at his guts. The door hung drunkenly on it's hinges and part of the roof was collapsing from neglect but it was better than trying to shelter under a pine. He shivered as he gathered tinder and splinters of busted wood to start a fire in the stone hearth of the ruined cabin. Within a few moments he had a fire lit in the hearth and had ventured so far as to remove his yakhide gloves to warm his fingers. He didn't notice the black eyes glaring at him through the broken shutter hanging from the window.
Roleplaying Notes
The Stamagast is a winter spirit with strong resonances to the elements of air, and water and a primal connection to winter and cold. Originally created to guide storms back into the northern wastes, the elementals now send them south. They follow in the wake of the storms and pick of stragglers and the weak to feed on. The stamagast prefers it's prey to be both dead and partially if not completely frozen. If pressed into combat, the elemental cannot be harmed by mundane weapons, nor can it be harmed by spells that have the ice or cold descriptors. These spells instead heal the Stamagast rather than cause harm. It is vulnerable to fire magics, and as a materialized spirit, they can be banished by means of sorcery.
Weather Manipulation - The most potent of the Stamagast's weapons is it's ability to control weather. This power allows an elemental to call up great storms though this is very draining to them, or afflict much smaller areas with more concentrated force. They can manipulate wind, temperature, and precipitation. Previously multiple Stamagasts could work together to create incredible storms that would wreak terrible damage, but recently the elementals have been working alone or in bonded pairs.
Elemental Dominance - Stamagasts were once nobility among the elemental courts and though they are no longer associated with said courts elementals are long of memory and those elementals of lesser station, IE weaker than a Stamagast, will heed the stamagast and if commanded, will follow those commands. This only applies to elementals of water, air, and occasionally stone. Firebirds and phoenixes are blood enemies to Stamagasts and the they will attempt to kill each other on sight.
Ice Talons - The spurs on a stamagast's legs carry a supernatural poison that slowly saps the heat of of a target hit by the spur. Once the poison takes full effect, as in killing the victim, said victim is frozen as hard as a stone. This poison can be counteracted by alcohol poured on the wound or consumed in decent quantities.
As mentioned above, Stamagasts despise flame and fire with every ounce of their often considerable being. But this is not their only weakness, they have two others. The second weakness is that they are easily captivated by the sound of singing, especially songs that are slow, laden with sadness and melancholy and other depressing themes. When they hear a particularly good song, they will sway and dance for the duration of the music and will be favorably inclined towards the singer. Bad singers and bards who insist on bawdy bar songs can expect to get the elemental's ire. The third weakness is that the elementals adore alcohol, particularly brandy. They will quickly drink any of the liquor they can get their beaks on, which quickly renders them drunk and blissful. A drunken Stamagast is much easier to defeat as it stops using any major abilities and sticks to wing buffets, kicks, and stabs with it's leg spurs.
Hernaan rubbed his eyes, small pieces of ice coming away against his hand. The fire wasn't barely ash and embers in the hearth, but the sun was shining again, it was daytime. It was still cold, but not like it had been. He looked down and crossed himself. There were footprints in the snow, the splayed toes of a large bird, and his flask of brandy lay split in half, the contents of Applehardy gone, gobbled to the last drop. He shivered, it had stalked him, and he even come so close as to stand over him.
Plot Hooks
Help My Little Village! - A small village in the hinterlands (where the PCs just happen to be resting for the night) is besieged by a Stamagast, and it buried the place under an unseasonable two feet of snow. The villagers beseech the mighty PCs to find the beast and put it to it's end. The PCs are then lead to where the elemental most commonly appears, and they can negotiate with it, and discover it's demand for tribute and sacrifice, a warm body for every month of winter (Say, isn't that how many PCs there are???) or they can fight and kill the creature.
For Want of a Feather - The PCs wizardly benefactor has since decided to do research into ice and cold based magics. He has gained the needed inks and such for the process but his initial research indicates that he needs a quill made from the feather of a Stamagast. He gives the PCs directions to the Hall of the Frost King, a king of the northland giants, whom supposedly keeps a Stamagast as a pet in his menagerie. The wizard himself would ask, but there was some event back in the wizard's younger days that the King hasn't yet forgiven. The PCs can infiltrate a giant's palace, sneak about, find loot and adventure and then find the Stamagast, now dingy and filthy after years of captivity. They can free it, and once free the elemental can either die peacefully in a puff of ice motes and feathers or rise up like a phoenix of frost to lay waste to the giant's palace.
A Questionable Summoning - The PC wizard has a random means of summoning, such as a Wand of Wonders, or some other random mechanic device, or simply has access to a scroll or some other means of summoning. When the spell is invoked, a Stamagast, a bearer of ill-fortune is summoned. While initially not hostile to the summoner, stamagasts are seldom friendly for long.


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November 11, 2011.
Numerologists squeal with delight over days like today.
11-11-11. A trifecta of 11s. Sublime.
Or as numerologist Nam Hari Kaur Khalsa declared in a post on Spiritvoyage.com, "The date of 11-11-11 is one of the most powerful shifts in human awareness that we will experience in our lifetime."
Uh, if you say so.
In any event, today also reminds of another time generations ago when a similar sequence of elevens held at least as much world significance.
In 1918, Allied forces and Germany struck an armistice that ended hostilities in World War I. The moment: the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month.
The following year, President Woodrow Wilson christened Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, a commemoration he declared would "be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory …."
Only after America endured the scars and unspeakable losses of another world war and a conflict in Korea did Congress in 1954 swap Armistice" for "Veterans," a nod to American veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day is always a momentous day in Florida — home to more than 1.6 million individuals who've served in the armed forces
Maybe you knew that total gives Florida the third-largest population of the nation's veterans.
Or maybe not.
Take a moment to salute Florida veterans — and see how much you know about the men and women from the Sunshine State who've defended this country — with the quiz linked to this column.
email@example.com or 407-420-5095
November 11, 2011.


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Facilitating the spread of knowledge and innovation in professional software development
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Anita Sengupta discusses how space-age tech is revolutionizing green transportation from suborbital rocket flights, to electric airplanes, to space travel on the ground with the hyperloop.
Chris Gillum explores two stateful programming models: workflows and actors. He discusses how they can simplify development and how they enable stateful and long-running application patterns within ephemeral, Serverless compute environments. He explains why he is making a bit bet on these programming models in the Azure Functions service.
Chris Riccomini talks about the current state-of-the-art in data pipelines and data warehousing, and shares some of the solutions to current problems dealing with data streaming and warehousing.
Erin McManus, Fiona Siseman discuss Agile coaching at Spotify, its evolution, struggles and pitfalls, and how coaches are set up for present and future success.
Jose Esquivel presents a roadmap for Chaos Experimentation that can be applicable to any organization.
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