text:
Centrify is First to Extend Microsoft Group Policy to Mac OS X
Organizations can now centrally set and enforce configuration and security
for Macs by using the same class of policies applied to Windows systems
Mountain View, CA – June 12, 2006 – Centrify Corporation, a leading
provider of Microsoft Active Directory-based access control and identity
management solutions for non-Microsoft platforms, today announced the
availability of the only solution that enables IT managers to centrally
secure and configure Mac OS X systems through Microsoft Group Policy. With
DirectControl, IT professionals can now use the same desktop lockdown and
configuration management tools that they use for their Windows environment,
to improve security and to centrally set policy and perform bulk
configuration of Mac OS X systems. Centrify also announced today that
Centrify DirectControl now supports Mac OS X on Intel-based systems, in
addition to its current support for Mac OS X on PowerPC.
"We chose Centrify DirectControl because it gives us direct, centralized
control of the Macs using our Windows management tools, makes it easy to
enforce the same security policies across all the desktops, and helps us
ensure that we are following best practices throughout the company," said
Dave Mussman, Business Analyst at Morris Communications. "Mac users will
get better service, the systems will be more secure, and we expect the
administrative overhead will be reduced."
The addition of a wide array of Group Policy settings for Mac OS X
environments enriches the Microsoft Active Directory-based authentication
and authorization capabilities that DirectControl already delivers for Mac
OS X. DirectControl's Mac OS X group policies help IT managers increase
desktop security by enforcing password locks on screensavers, setting and
managing firewall settings, locking down system preferences, controlling
energy-saver functions, controlling Internet sharing settings, and
providing a range of other management functions. These features extend to
Mac OS X-based systems running on Intel processors.
"Microsoft is pleased that Centrify is extending Microsoft Group Policy
across heterogeneous environments," said Michael Dennis, Lead Program
Manager, Group Policy, of Microsoft. "Enabling the Macintosh for Group
Policy is an idea whose time has come," said Jeremy Moskowitz, author,
instructor, Group Policy MVP, and owner of GPanswers.com, a web-based Group
Policy Resource Center. "This advance will go a long way toward ensuring
that all computers in a department receive similarly standardized settings."
The Technology
The Centrify DirectControl suite consists of the DirectControl Agent and
DirectControl Management Tools. The DirectControl Agent enables a UNIX,
Linux or Mac OS X computer to join an Active Directory domain and provides
comprehensive Active Directory services for that system: authenticates
administrator and end-user logins, controls access to any hosted web
applications, and implements Group Policy updates. The DirectControl
Management Tools enable administrators to set user and group access rights
for the managed systems, set up Centrify Zones, run reports, configure the
DirectControl Agents, and import accounts. DirectControl for Mac OS X is
installed on the desktop or server to enforce both computer and user group
policies. The Group Policy capabilities included with DirectControl for Mac
OS X leverage information stored in Active Directory about the machines and
users on the network, and deliver robust capabilities such as loop-back
filtering. For a comprehensive listing of Group Policies delivered by
Centrify DirectControl, visit
Pricing and Availability
Group Policy support is built into the core DirectControl for Mac OS X
product; there is no additional software to license or install. Centrify
DirectControl for Mac OS X pricing begins at $50 per desktop or workstation
and $300 per server. DirectControl's Group Policy support for Mac OS X is
available today on PowerPC-based systems; DirectControl support for Mac OS
X on Intel-based systems will be available by the end of June 2006.
About Centrify
Centrify is a leading provider of Microsoft Active Directory-based access
control and identity management solutions for UNIX, Linux, Mac, J2EE and
web platforms. With DirectControl, organizations can improve IT and
end-user efficiency, better comply with regulatory requirements, and move
toward a more secure, connected infrastructure for their heterogeneous
computing environment. Founded in March 2004, Centrify is headquartered in
Mountain View, California. For more information about Centrify and
DirectControl, call 650-961-1100 or visit www.centrify.com.


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The Common Redpoll is considered a winter native to Union Bay by some sources and not by others. My go-to source on the subject is Birdweb from Seattle Audubon. It says the Common Redpoll is 'irregular' around Puget Sound, primarily in the winter. Irregular is defined as being even less frequent than 'rare'. Given this, I personally do not consider a Common Redpoll a Union Bay native. All sources seem to agree that Common Redpolls breed primarily in the Arctic.
I believe the tree in question is a European Birch, although without leaves to study I am not positive. I found it on the east end of Shelby Street, just south of Montlake Cut. In any case, I remember Dennis Paulson telling me that, historically, our native paper birch trees did not exist south of Everett. As a result, it is my belief that the tree in question is not native to Union Bay - even if it happens to be a native North American Birch.
While standing under the tree to take the photo the flock of Redpolls fed so aggressively that the tiny seeds fell like snowflakes. When I got home my hat and backpack were still completely covered.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
HITACHI Award for Innovation 2011
The tenth anniversary of our company has coincided with the active participation in the development of the Museum Project, Production and Installation of the Sant Boi Museum. Without a doubt it is a project for what we feel tremendously satisfied as well as honoured by the opportunity offered by the Hon. City Council of Sant Boi. The "cherry on the top" was put by HITACHI granting us with this international award for the use of ultra-short distance projectors, which accompanies the visitor along the tour of the museum using 14 units for it.
We hope that the recognition of the work of all of us who have participated in this project will not end here, since at this moment we are in conversations with the European Museum Academy, in order to present this magnificent project as a candidate for the best European museum of the year. Who knows?
Jose Luis Álvarez
Gerència / Management.
Go to Sant Boi Museum's Facebook website
Go to Hitachi's website


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Home school advocates are suffering buyer's remorse and lately demand the right by legislation to select ala carte services from the public schools that they, by homeschooling, have pronounced unworthy to educate them.
Home school parents want the right by law for their home school students to play on the athletic teams of the schools that they have chosen to avoid.
Republican Delegate Rob Bell, from the 56th District, Albemarle County, authored what he called the "Tebow bill" to force every public school in the Commonwealth to allow homeschoolers to compete on public school teams even though they don't attend the school.
The first fair concern is that Bell has widely characterized his proposal as the "Tebow bill" after the home-schooled Denver Bronco's quarterback, Tim Tebow, who struck kneeling, fisted praying poses on the playing field when he scored.
Bell plays to that large fraction of the home schooling movement therefore that schools at home to avoid being taught, among other things, modern science that contradicts their fundamentalist beliefs that the Bible is to be understood literally and not as metaphor or allegory. Bell says he is a "committed supporter of home schooling."
How ironic that we have the Delegate from Albemarle advocating homeschooling. No doubt he'd tell us he's an "originalist," and would have us all follow the founding fathers "original" intentions.
Bell's historic neighbor, Thomas Jefferson, as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates headed a committee in 1776 to revise the laws of Virginia.
After the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson is known for his "bill for establishing religious freedom," advocating a separation of church and state. Bell disregards that stance.
Another initiative Jefferson cared deeply about was his "bill for the more general diffusion of knowledge." Jefferson was celebrated for his "Notes on the State of Virginia," circulated in 1781. Among his "Notes," Jefferson proposed to divide every county into small districts "and in each of them to establish a school for teaching reading, writing and arithmetic." Some students supported by public expense would afterward either teach or receive scholarships to study at the College of William and Mary. In 1796, Virginia passed a bill supporting public education. Jefferson wanted more and wrote John Adams in 1813 that he hoped public schools would become "the keystone in the arch of our government." Jefferson is oft-quoted for his sentiment that a nation that expects to be ignorant and free expects what never was and never will be."
Bell who would be our Attorney General thinks he knows better than Jefferson what the Commonwealth needs. Bell disregards Jefferson's stance on public education as well.
In the House of Delegates, Bell's wrong-headed bill, in contravention of principles espoused lifelong by Jefferson, passed with the support of our local Delegates, Randy Minchew and Joe May.
We can rightly score them critically for supporting a religiously inspired initiative that is antagonistic to our public school system.
This bill also ignores the reality of what it means to play on or support a school team.
You have either played on school teams yourself in High School, or had a sibling who did, or a child or spouse who did, or you've coached a team in some sport or other. So you know how it really works.
Let us consider Loudoun Valley, a public high school in Purcellville. We could consider other Schools of course. This school's mascot is a Viking. Book covers, jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, team uniforms are emblazoned with this symbol. Nor is it easy to criticize the school for academic performance. Valley satisfies the standards of learning and has quite respectable SAT scores and terrific placement for its graduates. The students attend class together and a fair number participate in softball, lacrosse, golf, volleyball, track, girls' cross country and gymnastics teams that have all performed well in competition. They have a well-regarded marching band, the Marching Vikes, comprised of music students. One of the inspiring messages for competition at this school, as at any other, is their "school spirit" born of invocations by parents, teachers and students about how they all belong to this community of Viking students, how they know each other, care for each other, are friends, who study together, date, dance, share lunch, and attend extracurricular activities all together. Yet, some representative group from this community participates on the Viking teams, and they are supported by their friends on the team, cheer leaders who know them, student reporters who write about them, year book editors who memorialize their wins and losses, and their Viking fans.
Who wants to play on a team for a school that your parents or you believe is antithetical to your beliefs and unworthy of your attendance? But isn't that what Bell and his cronies would foist on our public schools here in Loudoun and across the Commonwealth? I believe so.
Fortunate for us, what the House of Delegates passed was then killed in the Senate Committee on Education and Health on Valentine's Day.
It should come as no surprise that State Senator Dick Black, a member of that Senate Committee, fought to pass Bell's bad idea. So, the ill-considered pass by the House was intercepted at the line of scrimmage in the Senate. Before the next play, let your elected representatives know they are not representing you or our children when they introduce and fight for laws that Jefferson spent his life opposing.


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TransGas seeks to construct a 1,100 megawatt generating facility on land that the City intends to convert to a public park. In October 1999, Brooklyn Community Board 1 submitted plans to the Department of City Planning to rezone the Brooklyn East River waterfront in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The rezoning was in response to the decline in manufacturing activity and the increase in residential demand in the area. The rezoning also envisioned a 28-acre park on the waterfront below Bushwick Inlet in Greenpoint. In March 2001, TransGas Energy Systems purchased an option to buy 1 North 12th Street, located within the site of the proposed park, as a site for a power plant. In May 2005, the City adopted the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Rezoning Plan. 2 CityLand 67 (June 15, 2005).
The City and TransGas then each embarked on condemnation proceedings for their respective, mutually exclusive, projects. In November 2006, Second Department ruled that TransGas lacked the authority to condemn property for its Brooklyn waterfront power plant absent approval from the New York State Board of Electric Generation Siting and the Environment. 3 CityLand 173 (Dec. 2006). (read more…)


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Choose the best harmonica to begin your music playing career. These small instruments are some of the easiest to pick up and learn to play. Although they are particularly associated with blues and bluegrass music, the harmonica can enhance any genre. There are many harmonica players in the world across a number of genres and styles.
Whether you need a harmonica for beginners or if you are an experienced harmonica player, you should consider the following list of our picks for the top ten best harmonicas around. We've also included a buyer's guide at the end of the article to help you choose between the ten products. And, if you want to learn about another unique wind instrument, check out our article on the melodica here.
Top 10 Best Harmonicas of 2023
1 Suzuki Harmonica Ha-20-C
Suzuki was founded in 1953, and their first ever instrument for sale was the harmonica. Suzuki Musical Instruments has branched out into a number of other beginner instruments since that time. Today, the company makes pianos, recorders, tonechimes, chimettes, Orff instruments, among many others. A Suzuki beginner piano appears in our review here. If you are a beginner musician or are planning on teaching children, you need to consider a Suzuki instrument.
But, that's not all . . .
Since the harmonica was Suzuki's first ever instrument, it makes sense that their harmonicas would be of the highest quality. And, the HA-20-C does not disappoint. Suzuki's HA-20 series of harmonica is small enough to fit in your pocket, but it still produces a big sound.
You can find this harmonica in fourteen different keys. So, you can purchase an array of the HA-20. Or, just find the key that will work for your music. Our choice for the best harmonica is the HA-20-C, or the HA-20 model of Suzuki harmonica that plays in the key of C. Your purchase of the HA-20-C includes a hard shell carrying case.
- Phosphor bronze reeds produce a beautiful tone.
- Key of C is universal.
- Fits in a pocket.
- Hard case protects the reeds and finish.
- Better for advanced harmonic players.
- On the expensive side.
2 Hohner Case Of Special 20s Harmonica 5-Pack
Hohner made a name for themselves by producing accordions. In fact, they were founded by Matthias Hohner in 1857. They quickly became a world leader in the production of accordions, and then harmonicas as well. The German brand claims that their instruments greatly influenced the development of blues and jazz in the United States. Through their passion for musical instruments and traditions, Hohner has changed with the times and still produces the quality instruments that made them famous over a hundred years ago. You can learn more about Hohner in our Melodica review article.
Plus . . .
Hohner's Case of Special 20s Harmonica 5-pack is a great deal. It comes as a five pack, which means you get five harmonicas for a greatly reduced price. The keys of the included harmonicas are G, A, C, D, and E. The covers on the harmonicas are high-quality stainless steel. And, a recessed .9 mm brass red plates scream a serious harmonica player.
The harmonicas also come with a zippered Neoprene harmonica holder. Plus, the case will hold up to seven standard size harmonicas. So, serious harmonica players can keep on collecting their Hohner harmonicas.
- Five pack is a great deal.
- Great look and sound.
- Stainless steel covers are durable.
- Included harmonica holder has extra room.
- Can only fit Hohner harmonicas in harmonica holder.
- Sometimes wrong keys included in set.
3 Suzuki Humming Tremolo-21-C Harmonica
Suzuki is known for their world class harmonicas. The brand has been making harmonicas since they were founded in 1953. In fact, the little wind instrument was the first that the company ever produced. Today, Suzuki Musical Instruments make dozens of high-quality beginner, intermediate, and advanced musical instruments. Ask anyone around the world about Suzuki and they will recognize the name.
However . . .
Name recognition is not the only reason to purchase a Suzuki harmonica. Their Humming Tremolo-21-C Harmonica illustrates the best the company has to offer. It has a wonderful natural tremolo. The tremolo effect is an essential part of the harmonica repertoire. So, including the Tremolo-21-C in your arsenal is a must.
Also, Suzuki makes their Tremolo-21-C in the key of C. This means that you will be able to play with a variety of other instruments. The harpsichord itself is double-holed and has double reeds. Thus, it has a very rich and full sound. Harmonica songs that are part of either the gospel or old world music traditions will work especially well with the Suzuki Humming Tremolo-21-C Harmonica.
- Full, rich tone.
- In the versatile key of C.
- Natural sounding tremolo.
- Works especially well with folk music.
- Quite expensive for a single harmonica.
- Not a great harmonica for beginners.
4 Lee Oskar Harmonica
Lee Oskar is one of the best harmonica players in the world. He is one of the founding members and the lead harmonica player of WAR, a funk/jazz group. He has been a top harmonica player since the 1960s. And so, you know that he knows a good harmonica. Oskar founded Lee Oskar Harmonicas in the 1980s in collaboration with Tombo Manufacturing of Japan. Tombo had been making high-quality harmonicas since 1917. Together the partnership has produced some of the best harmonicas available anywhere.
Keep reading . . .
Although Lee Oskar Harmonicas are known for their stellar quality, they are still a good harmonica for beginners. The Harmonica in the Key of C has large holes and a plastic comb. This makes the instrument much easier to play than other harmonicas.
Additionally, the design is air tight and the reeds are extremely responsive. This results in a very loud and impressive tone from the Lee Oskar harmonica. If you want a harmonica to play rock songs, then this is the product for you.
- Easy to play.
- Loud and bright tone.
- Great for all genres, but especially rock.
- Replacement reeds are available.
- Tone not as subtle as Hohner.
- Takes a lot of air to play.
5 Swan Harmonica Sw1040
Swan Musical Instrument Co. is located in China. However, the Swan Music Store-where you can find all of the products currently offered by the company is headquartered in Colorado. The brand makes harmonicas, melodica, and recorders. They are especially known for their harmonicas.
That's not all . . .
What's great about Swan harmonicas is that they are much more affordable than some of the other products on our list. Therefore, they are a great harmonica for beginners. You do not have to spend a lot of money up front to find out whether or not you like the harmonica.
The Swan Harmonica in C SW1040 is a high quality and durable product. Its body is plastic, and reeds are brass, and the entire harmonica is plated in chrome. You can use their instrument to play any genre of music. It's being made in the key of C makes it extremely versatile. And, you can't beat the price for such a well-made and decent sounding harmonica.
- Very affordable.
- Decent sounds, especially for the price.
- Will play forty different pitches.
- Light for easy carrying.
- Body is plated plastic.
- Does not come with a case.
6 Boseno 10 Holes Double Tremolo Harmonica
Boseno does not have a large online presence. In fact, we could only find the one product from the company anywhere. But, the Boseno 10 Holes Double Tremolo Harmonica proves that a manufacturer does not have to make a lot of products to be high quality. In fact, for ease of playing, price, and striking design, it is hard to beat the Boseno 10 Holes Double Tremolo Harmonica.
Plus . . .
The Boseno 10 Holes Double Tremolo Harmonica comes in the key of C. It has ten holes—as the name suggests. Also, the color is blue. So, you know that you will attract attention when you play this instrument. The phosphor bronze red has 99.99% copper content, which means it is both anti-corrosion and anti-fatigue. Finally, this product comes with everything you need to get started, including a harmonic box, wipe cloth, and instructions.
- Great harmonica for beginners.
- Tremolo sounds good.
- Good price for the great sound.
- Stays in tune well.
- Tremolo has to be learned and practiced.
- Not very long.
7 Jinwode Armonica Professional
Jinwode is another brand with a small online presence and only one available harmonica that we could find. However, what they lack in size, they make up for in sound. In fact, their Armonica Professional has a beautiful and elegant sound. There are twenty-four holds in the Armonica Professional.
Keep reading . . .
The sound spring is a phosphor bronze alloy Chile import, which keeps the sound stable and well-tuned. Also, like the other products on our best harmonica list, the Armonica Professional comes in the key of C. It has the classic look, shape, and size that you expect from a harmonica. And, you purchase comes with a wipe cloth and harmonica box included. It doesn't get much better than that.
- Large and durable.
- Ideal harmonica for the beginner.
- Great for kids.
- Anti-corrosion sound spring.
- Some products have out of tune notes.
- Quality is not consistent.
8 Anwenk Harmonica Key Of C
Unlike many of the brands discussed on this top ten best harmonicas list, Anwenk does not specialize in harmonicas. They don't even just specialize in musical instruments. Instead, Anwenk makes camera, music, and home & kitchen products. Their camera products include a variety of camera accessories. On the home & kitchen end there are leg and floor furniture protectors, nut crackers, and soap dishes.
Plus . . .
Anwenk also makes a couple music instrument accessories. The only instrument they manufacture is the Harmonica in the Key of C. This is an ideal harmonic for beginners. It is extremely affordable. Also, it only has ten holes and twenty different pitches. Intermediate and advanced players may struggle with such a limited range, but not beginners.
Additionally, the size is small enough to fit in your pockets. It has a clear and rich tone. And, the product comes with a harmonica holder, instructions, and a cleaning cloth. For versatility, durability, and ease of play, you have to choose the Anwenk Harmonica Key of C.
- Limited range great for children and beginners.
- Clear and rich tone.
- Key of C is the most versatile.
- Extremely affordable.
- Too much of a limited range for advanced players.
- Not the best construction of the case.
9 Johnson Bk-520-C Blues King Harmonica
Johnson Musical Instruments has been around since 1993. They began as a guitar and fretted instrument manufacturer. However, they have since expanded their repertoire to folk instruments. Today, Johnson Musical Instruments is known as a great manufacturer of a wide range of instruments. These include many guitars, ukuleles, dulcimers, concertinas, and harmonicas.
Additionally, . . .
Johnson's Blues Kin Harmonica illustrates what has given this brand such a good reputation. It is available in all twelve major keys, but we recommend the BK-520-C in the key of C major. The BK-520-C has an air-tight design.
Plus, its brass reeds support a wide range of pitch bending. The reeds are recessed into the shell of this harmonica, which gives it a classic look. And, this is the most affordable harmonica on our list today. So, if you are a beginner or advanced harmonica player, you need to try the BK-520-C.
- Super affordable.
- Twelve different key options.
- Set of twelve comes in featherweight case.
- Brass reeds create pitch bending and great tone.
- Doesn't have a lot of reverb.
- Ideal harmonica for beginner not advanced player.
10 Seydel Blues Session Steel Key Of C Harmonica
Another extremely old harmonica manufacturer from Germany is C. A. Seydel Söhne. They were founded in 1947 by Christian August Seydel. From the years of 1880 to 1914 the company's harmonicas spread all over the world. Since 2004 Seydel began revamping its image to great success.
And . . .
Seydel's recent large catalog of harmonicas for specific genres illustrates the commitment the company has to quality. Their Blues Session Steel Key of C Harmonica is ideal for the blues genre. Its design is friendly to the lips and bearded players. Therefore, Seydel wants you to be comfortable playing their harmonica, no matter your personal grooming choices.
Additionally, the harmonica does not take much air to play. The fine-cut reedplates are extremely sensitive. And, it is high quality. The ABS comb has stainless steel coverplates, stainless steel rivets and screw, and German Silver reedplates. Seriously, everything about the Seydel Blues Session Steel Key of C Harmonica screams quality and performance orientation.
- Gentle on lips and beards.
- Beautiful and clear tone.
- Stainless steel used for durability.
- Reedplates are fine-cut and sensitive.
- Quite expensive.
- Not a great harmonica for beginners.
Best Harmonica Buying Guide
Now that you know our picks for the best harmonicas around, it's time to find a product for yourself. Keep the following features in mind as you begin looking for a harmonica. They will help you narrow down your choices. And, you will be able to pick a spectacular harmonica for your experience level and playing style.
The first question you will have to ask yourself is what key you want your harmonica to play in. The key of C major is the most versatile. Many instruments are tuned to the key of C, which makes playing with them a breeze. However, many brands will make the same harmonica model in a variety of keys. So, consider the keys of the songs you like to play, and then purchase a harmonica that will work for those songs.
Many of the top harmonica players have a collection of a number of harmonicas. As you get more serious about harmonica playing, you will want to consider doing the same thing. The larger your collection, the more harmonica songs you can play.
As with most instruments, the materials your harmonica is made from will determine its quality and sound. Traditionally, the body of the harmonica—called the comb—was made from wood. However, it is very common that the comb on modern harmonicas will be made from ABS plastic and plated with metal. Also, you will find some harmonica brands that use metal like Lucite or silver for the comb.
The material used to make the reeds is also quite important. Typically, reeds are made from some type of brass alloy (copper and zinc). The greater the proportion of copper, the more durable the reed. Brass reeds are also very popular and easy to find.
Tremolo, Diatonic, Or Chromatic
There are three different types of harmonicas that you will need to choose between: tremolo, diatonic, and chromatic. By far, the most common type of harmonica is the diatonic one. This instrument will be able to play every note of its home scale. Thus, a C-major diatonic harmonica will be able to play the pitches C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. But, a G-major harmonica will play the pitches G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#.
On the other hand, chromatic harmonicas have a special button that allows you to play all of the semi-tones in between the notes of the diatonic scale. Therefore, a chromatic harmonica in the key of C will still be able to play the seven pitches named above. But, it will also play C#, D#, F#, G#, and A# when the special button is pressed. This type of harmonica opens up the available pitches.
Finally, the tremolo harmonica uses the pitches in the diatonic harmonicas. However, they have a double row of holes instead of a single row. The pitches on one of the rows is tuned a little higher than the other. So, when you blow through both holes, a slight variation in pitch it heard. Tremolo harmonicas are best used as special effects and should not be your primary instrument.
The best harmonicas are an essential addition to anyone's instrument collection. While these small, wind instruments are easy to pick up and learn, they have a high skill cap. This means that you will be able to keep learning and enjoying your harmonica long after you have completed your purchase.
Our choice for the best overall harmonica is the Suzuki HA-20-C. While more expensive than many of the products on our top ten, this harmonica has a great tone. Also, it comes with a hard case. And, everything about it is completed in a high quality fashion. But, no matter which of these ten harmonicas you choose, you will not be disappointed.


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matter a fact, make mines a double
lemon chickenfish
from: Laura's Cafe
price: $6ish
rating: &&/&&&&&
listening to: danger doom
comments: so we tried Laura's Cafe again. this time, not so good as the last. I ordered lemon chicken. I got a piece of fish, a piece of chicken on a bed of old noodles. meh. really not that good. click to see my gif world.
and phil had:
(chicken, )fish n chips
comments: yeah. turns out phil had my chicken, and I had his fish. not that that mattered, cuz I really couldn't tell the difference in the tastes. yikes. next time, I stick with the $5 burger. when phil left the company, he was very secretive about where his new office was. even though he ended up telling us, andy and I couldn't resist tracking him back to work and photographing evidence. busted.
meanwhile dave had:
some noodles.
comments: dave also accidentally dropped his new business card into his soup. hee hee. so, of course, I had to take a picture. in the linked photo you see Louise after a little paw surgery she had. they had to remove a growth or infection or something that was causing her to limp, and getting worse. poor little thing. here's a close up of her paw that they shaved to run the IV.
Labels: lemon chicken fish


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Have You Got Kidney Disease or Not2016-08-19 18:11
In clinic, the normal creatinine level is different from male(0.5-1.5) and female(0.7-1.2), so if your creatinine level is higher than it, you should make further diagnosis in time so as to avoid big disease. But before going to see the doctor we can make a rough diagnosis by ourselves.
How can you know whether you've got kidney disease or not?
First you need to make sure whether you have ate much foods with high protein in a short time, or got an infection or cold or fever recently, all of them may increase your creatinine level in a while. If you have experience the above things, you need to take the test one weeks later to make further diagnosis.
After eliminate non-disease factor, you need to watch your daily changes, if there are many bubbles in your urine and they are hard to disappear that means protein leakage, which is one of the symptoms of kidney disease, you need to pay attention to it. If there are swellings in your body such as eyelid,foot and face, you also should monitor it closely. If there are also some other symptoms like night urine output increase, you need to see your doctors right now.
If there are no other symptoms and the test read your GFR or the kidney function is normal, then you need not worry too much, the creatinine level will lowered itself with the non-disease factors disappeared. Even it is induced by pathological factors, with the creatinine level of 1.33, you still have a chance to get recovery.
If you have any problem in treating kidney disease or want to control kidney disease well, you can send email to us, we will try our best to help you.
Our email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Tag: Kidney Disease CKD Diagnosis
- Pre: What Stage does Creatinine 2.8 with Kidney Function 18% Belong to
- Next: How Can I Know the Kidney is Shutting Down


text:
Golden tissue shirt paired with Red gharara with borders. The complementing orange net dupatta ads the glam quotient.
All orders would take a minimum of 3 to 4 months for delivery.
* Care Instructions: Each product of ours is designed with highest quality standards and delicacy.* Handle with care.* Dry clean only.
* Actual colors of the outfit may vary from the colors being displayed on your device.* Embellishments and laces may vary!* Fabric Pattern may vary
Take a screenshot, call/WhatsApp us at +923212744447 or email at email@example.com


text:
Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall is at the end of his watch as he's retiring today.
Why Now?
"When the City Manager Doug Krieger hired me I said 'you know Doug I believe in term limits'," said Marshall. "The President of the United States [has] eight [and] FBI director has 10, so that's what I'm looking at between eight to 10 years."
Marshall's Career
Marshall became Naperville's 10th police chief back in 2012.
He started his career with the Will County Sheriff's Office, and joined the NPD in 1977.
Marshall started off as a beat cop, and rose to become a detective, eventually retiring at the rank of captain in 2005 to accept the assistant city manager position.
He worked with Doug Krieger, who is now the city manager, for seven years before applying to be Naperville's police chief.
"The decision to make him police chief here was one of the easiest decisions I've made since I've been in this position," said Krieger. "And clearly, as it has played out, it's been the right one."
We interviewed Chief Marshall a week before his retirement.
We walked around the police building speaking with his fellow officers and got an exclusive look at the city's new emergency vehicle.
"It's my job too, in my position, to make sure we have things like this," said Marshall. "And to make this case in front of the city manager and city council to justify equipment like this."
Costing around $300,000 the Lenco Bearcat will be used in emergency situations like the Henry Pratt shooting in Aurora.
On Marshall's office walls are accolades he's earned over the years, pictures, and books, which have helped shape the Naperville police chief.
Perhaps the most valuable possession in Marshall's office is a picture of his family. He admits that he missed out on events with his family because of his role as chief.
"Some of the feedback I got from my kids was that 'dad when we talk to you you're like half there. Half paying attention'," said Marshall.
On a vacation in 2019 Marshall asked his family a question.
"How long should dad continue doing this," Marshall asked his family. "What about next year 2020?"
But 2020 came around and Marshall knew quickly it wouldn't be the year he would retire.
Civil unrest, a pandemic, and a tension filled presidential election put retirement in 2020 on the backburner for Marshall.
"I just thought it would've been bad form for me to leave the department in that time," said Marshall.
However, when the calendar year turned over, Marshall and his family resumed conversations about his life after policing. They agreed summer would be a good time to for him to retire.
He leaves behind an illustrious career.
Over his years as chief, Naperville has been ranked one of the safest cities in America, crime rates and civil lawsuits have declined, community outreach programs like Shop With A Cop have helped strengthen community relationships, and he's been able to make organizational changes within the department while maintaining a healthy relationship with the multiple unions.
He says he's most proud of the police-training overhaul he's been able to implement in his tenure, and Mayor Steve Chirico echoed those sentiments on Wednesday.
""Prior to your arrival we didn't have that much emphasis on the training, it was just go out and do your job," said Chirico. "Big difference in thinking and it really has paid off tremendously. Being professional, and being properly trained I think will probably be the legacy of [your career] and the biggest change you've made on this department."
Chirico was one of many speakers who were able to share kind words at a farewell celebration and presented Marshall with a gift.
Another was a longtime friend of Marshall, Regina Brent, the founder and president of Unity Partnership.
Through Unity Partnership, Brent and Marshall have been able to better the relationship between the Black community and police officers in Naperville.
Brent, along with other members of Unity Partnership, presented Marshall with a plaque engraved with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,"
"Wow," said Marshall. "That's special."
Cherry On Top
The crown jewel of Marshall's career came recently as he was able to arrest Barry Lee Whelpley for Julie Hanson's murder, a case that had been unresolved for nearly 50 years.
"To be able to announce at a press conference with those detectives standing with me up on that podium that we had finally solved this case after 49 years, like one of the detectives said to me, 'Chief, that's like the cherry on your sundae as you're retiring'," said Marshall.
Whelpley pleaded not guilty last week and his first pre-trial date set for August 26.
What's Next?
So what's next for Marshall after 37 years as a police officer, nine of those as chief? Well for starters, a name change.
"Some of the differences that are going to happen at our household is nobody is going to be called 'chief' anymore," joked Barb Marshall, Bob's wife. "We've already discussed it, we're done."
She added that Bob will no longer be able to have his phone at the dinner table, and hopefully will no longer get phone calls at 2 a.m.
Though Bob is getting some things taken away, he will get more moments like these where his granddaughter helps him out unwrapping one of his gifts.
Leaving The Department in Good Hands
With the City of Naperville announcing that longtime Deputy Chief, and Marshall's right hand man over the years, Jason Arres being announced as interim Police Chief, Marshall feels confident that he's leaving the department in good hands.
"My career is over," said Bob. "It's bittersweet because I've loved serving here. Coming from a beat cop to the police chief position has been a dream. I'm very proud of my accomplishments, [and] that I've been able to serve the men and women of this department, as well as the community."
Naperville News 17's Christian Canizal reports.
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NOdotcom went all "Best Thing I Ever Ate" and polled a bunch of chefs about the best things they ate this year. The chefs polled range from Emeril, who loved the chicken pho and spring rolls at Pho Tau Bay, to Adam Biderman, who "killed it" with the sweetbreads and skirt steak at La Boca. [NOdotcom]
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Don't take these signs for granted.
By Emily Ratay — Written on Mar 25, 2019
Photo: pexels
There are some friends who would do anything for you.
I'm not saying none of your friends love you enough to help you when you're in a pickle, but I am saying that some of your friends can tolerate every little thing a lot better than others can.
Think about all of the times you've complained about your boyfriend or the fact that your car always needs repairs or something along that vein. Surely, your friends listened to you the first few times, but whining is only tolerable for so long.
I can say that I am one of those friends who will tune someone out if all they ever do is complain (at least I try to tune them out).
RELATED: If You Need A Friend, These 4 Zodiac Signs Have Got Your Back
But for other people, that's not something that crosses their minds. All they see is someone who needs a friend to complain to and help them, even if their issue doesn't get resolved in the end.
These are the friends that you should cherish always. And no, "cherish" does not mean "take advantage of." Just because you have a BFF who will ALWAYS put up with your crap, no matter how tiring it gets, that doesn't mean you get to use them as your own personal punching bag; they're still your friend and deserve to be treated like a friend.
RELATED: The Thing That REALLY Gets On Your Nerves, According To Your Zodiac
What I mean is that not everyone will be the friend who will put up with you on endless occasions, so when you find someone that does, keep them close.
It is also worth noting that if you are one of those people who can't tolerate ANY crap whatsoever, that it's not because you're not a ride or die friend.
You can still be someone's BFF and want them to be independent. It's when you decide that the friendship isn't worth listening to your BFF's newest issue that you need to decide if you need to break up with her.
These types of people – the ones who can withstand all of your crankiness and complaining – are pretty easy to spot. They are the friends who always make time to listen to you vent, are the kindest souls, and are the types of people who say things like, "I thought about you today" – in other words, the nicest, sweetest people.
They also tend to share the same zodiac signs.
While some signs (mine included) are known for telling you to suck it up and deal with your own crap, these signs will drop everything they're doing just to make your life a little easier.
Of course, some of them are more inclined to put up with your crap if you put up with theirs (friendship deserves equal effort, after all), but all in all, these signs are still the most selfless of the zodiac.
Whether you're curious to know how your horoscope defines you and your tolerance for complaining and annoying friends, or you want to know if your BFF is one of these signs – so you can give her a giant hug and her favorite bath bomb from Lush as a thank you for putting up with you.
For now, keep reading about what astrology has to say regarding each horoscope sign for an insight into which signs are most likely to put up with you and your crap (and which ones aren't).
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
One thing you can't call Cancer, no matter how much you want to, is selfish. She will go above and beyond for the people she loves, which means she's most likely to be the friend who puts up with all of your crap. Whether you're dealing with a bad break up and don't want to spend the night alone, or you feel like your whole life is falling apart and you don't know what to do anymore, Cancer is there to help.
Not only does she make sure that her phone is with her 24/7 in case you call, she also brings over your favorite foods, movies, and snacks when you just want to feel bad. You can cry in front of her, roll yourself up in a blanket burrito, or talk it out, and Cancer will be there to listen. Even if you accidentally lash out at her, Cancer doesn't give up on her friends because she knows you would be there on her bad days, too.
RELATED: 9 Smooth Ways To Deal With Difficult People At Work
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini is a really good friend to her friends, but what makes her one of the best people to put up with your crap is that she's an awesome listener. She doesn't just pat you on the back and sit with you until you're feeling better. She really does want to know what's going on and why you're dealing with some much crap. Plus, she also knows how much better you feel after venting about everything instead of bottling it up.
Of course, if you're going to use this time to take out your bad mood on Gemini, your friendship won't last much longer. As your friend, Gemini demands respect. If she can respect you by listening to your problems, the least you can do is show her that you appreciate her, too. She doesn't ask for much, just that you'll return the favor if she ever needs to vent on her bad days.
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Pisces is always looking for ways to help her friends, so putting up with your crap is just one more way she can show that she cares about you. She's also incredibly intuitive, which means that you don't even have to tell her you're in a funk for her to know something is up. Before you can text her, she's at your house with ice cream, fluffy blankets, and movies with your favorite actor in them.
Pisces knows that you're going to have bad days – days when all you want to do is yell at everyone and cry until you need to rehydrate – and she doesn't hold that against you. What's more, she's a person who thinks outside the box, which means she'll sign the two of you up for a kickboxing class when you're mad, a yoga class when you need to relax, or laser tag when you just want to forget about it all.
RELATED: Stop Lying To Yourself — Some People Will NEVER Change
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
Libra is the ever-diplomatic friend and hates when there is any kind of upset or discord with a friend. Even if you tell her that it's not her fault, Libra still feels like she's partly responsible (for whatever reason) and will do everything in her power to make sure that she makes you feel better. She's always been very sensitive to her friends'' feelings and wants you to know that she'd go through hell and back for you.
To some, it might feel like Libra's friends are taking advantage of her open nature by taking out their bad moods on her. But all Libra sees is someone who just needs a friend to deal with their crap for a little while until they feel better. Just like in relationships, sometimes YOU need to be the one who puts in more effort to make the other person feel better; that's how Libra deals with putting up with your crap when you can't.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
Scorpio puts up with your crap simply because she is a good friend. She might not always understand what you're going through or how to help you, but just having her around to listen and agree with you is enough. Plus, if your bad mood is about someone else giving you crap, you can always Scorpio to kick their ass for you; now that's REAL friendship (just kidding).
Scorpio is a great person to unleash your crap on – though be careful not to keep her around just for this reason – because she's trustworthy. She believes in keeping things confidential between friends and won't go around spilling your secrets just because she can. She wants to be a loyal friend more than anything else, so there's no reason for her to betray you just because you open up to her.
RELATED: 7 Zodiac Signs That Are Extremely Difficult To Get Along With
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
Virgo will put up with your crap because she is kind to her friends, but she doesn't like being used. If all you ever do is come to her with negative emotions asking her to fix your problems, she's going to erase you from her life. She's a loyal friend, though, so she won't do anything crazy until she talks to you about it, but if you acknowledge how she feels and still make her put up with your crap, she's out of there.
Virgo loves her friends, but she won't put up with bullsh*t. If you can't take care of your own problems – to the point where you constantly rely on others to take care of you – you need to reevaluate. Take pointers from Virgo is you really do want to learn how to be more self-sufficient, and remember that she isn't just there to listen to you; she's a friend, too!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 19)
It's not so much that Sagittarius won't put up with your crap, but more so that she really just doesn't care. She's got a lot on her plate as it is, she doesn't also need to worry about someone else. However, use this as your warning before unloading your bad day on her. She won't be the first one to tell you that she doesn't care. In fact, if you don't take my word for it, you'll have to learn the hard way.
Sagittarius wants to be liked, which means that she does whatever she can to make sure that she seems like a good friend. I'm not saying she's bad at being a friend, but I am saying that she doesn't know how to handle things she doesn't care about. Instead of telling you that she's too busy or stressed to listen to you, she ends up saying everything you want to hear from her just so that the conversation will end quickly. Not cool!
RELATED: The TRUTH Behind Why Your Good Guy Turned "Bad"
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
Aquarius handles issues in a similar fashion, except in a more stubborn way. She is an independent person who is totally capable of handling her own problems, thank you very much. She's never been great at asking for help in the first place, but one thing she is good at is saying, "Not now, I'm too busy for you." When you come to Aquarius complaining and generally being difficult, she immediately shuts down.
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Aquarius can be pretty uncompromising when it comes to other people's problems and when you dump your problems on her, she finds it extremely rude. She's already considered pretty aloof, which means you can try to text her or call her so you can talk about your problems, but chances are that she'll ignore your calls and claim she's "busy" – all so she doesn't have to put up with your crap.
CAPRICORN (Dec 20 - Jan 19)
Capricorn is one of the more mature signs, so having to put up with someone else's crap is not okay. She feels that if you have to complain to someone about your problems – even if it's your best friend and even if you're just having a bad day – then you're being completely childish. Real adults (according to her) are people who not only handle their own problems and bad days, but also do so with maturity.
Capricorn can also be considered pretty unforgiving when it comes to negative situations, meaning that she thinks that if you're dealing with a lot of crap, you either deserve it or you deserve a lecture about how you need to stop acting like a child. This is awful, terrible advice, but Capricorn believes that she knows best. Maybe for her own life, but don't let her try to tell you how to live yours.
RELATED: 8 Crystal Clear Signs You're In Love With A TRULY Difficult Person
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)
Taurus wants to be a good friend, she really does, but she often lets her stubbornness get in the way. Maybe she wants to listen to your problems, but when you try to get her to put up with your crap, she feels like you're using her. Then she doesn't want to listen to you and she doesn't want to tell you why she's upset, either. Her stubborn attitude turns one little thing into a much bigger stressful event.
If I were you, I wouldn't even TRY to get Taurus to put up with your crap. Not only will her stubbornness make it impossible to talk to her, but she'll make you feel like your problems don't matter. She'd rather only be around for the good times and has a hard time caring during the hard times. It's not all her fault – she is the bull of the zodiac, after all – but there's no excuse for her not wanting to help friends when they need it.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)
Leo is also one of the more inflexible signs that won't EVER put up with your crap. She especially dislikes when people (yes, even her friends) are overly emotional about things that can easily be handled. Listen, life is tough! We all get that. But from Leo's perspective, you can either let it consume you or you can be the captain of your own ship.
This is how Leo sees it: If she can handle something on her own without totally breaking down, then so can everyone else. Of course, Leo is a tough girl and can probably handle more than most people… So, this frame of reference isn't universal. That never really crosses her mind, though, which means Leo is still going to be Leo – a stubborn, "set in her ways" kind of person who only cares about herself.
RELATED: 4 Warning Signs Your Partner Is Toxic & Controlling That You Should Never Ignore
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Aries wants to be a good friend to you, but not if you're going to whine the whole time. She has a full schedule day in and day out, and while she really does care about her friends, she doesn't really have time to put up with your crap. Unless you need real advice and you're not just coming to her so you can vent (time she can be spending doing something meaningful), then she listens to you.
Aries isn't a bad person, but she does know when to prioritize herself and when to prioritize her friends. She doesn't want to be taken advantage of by dealing with your problems, but she's also incredibly impatient. Like to the point where she'll get mad at you if she thinks you're wasting her time. This impatience makes her the WORST possible person to put up with your crap because she just won't do it. Ever.
Emily Ratay is a full-time writer living in Pittsburgh. She's passionate about the environment and feminism, and knows that anything is possible in the right pair of shoes. She plans on writing a book in the future.


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The team provides key information on courses, funding, student life, academic and study skills and more. Our aim is to promote access to Higher Education for all, provide high quality information and advice, and ultimately help guide students on their transition to university.
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Manchester United are keen to open talks with Paul Pogba over a new contract, with four clubs prepared to wait to sign the midfielder on a free transfer next summer.
Pogba is set to enter the final year of his deal this summer and his future looks set to once again dominate the headlines one way or another, his contract situation raising fears that the France international could depart for nothing at the end of next season.
The 28-year-old will be free to negotiate with foreign sides over a Bosman transfer from January, and according to ESPN, United have had 'no firm contact' about their prized asset, though Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and former club Juventus are all interested in signing the star should he become available on a free.
The report goes on to say that the Old Trafford outfit are planning make moves to avoid him leaving the club for nothing for a second time, and will open talks with the World Cup winner over a new deal, despite previous comments from the player's agent that Pogba will not sign an extension.
Mino Raiola claimed in December that Pogba's career with the club was 'over', though he since returned to play a prominent role over the second half of the 2020/21 season and the Red Devils have not given up hope of securing a new deal.
Pogba – who is currently with the France squad ahead of Euro 2020 – is said to want assurances over United's ability to compete for the game's biggest prizes with the club having failed to win silverware in any of the past four campaigns.
Read – Five of the best players from Euro '96
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The New Cold and the Future of Disarmament
Rhys Bowden
Project Assistant, SCRAP Weapons
The final webinar in SCRAP's The New Cold War series witnessed a timely discussion about the future of disarmament amid US-Russia-China tensions and the prospect of a new cold war. At the start of 2022, five nuclear-weapon states – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America – released a statement reaffirming Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev's 1985 declaration that a "nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought." They went on to restate their commitment to avoiding military confrontations, preventing an arms race, and to fulfilling their Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Article VI obligation "to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control."
The statement was widely welcomed; however, just a few weeks after its release, Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, veiled nuclear threats and brutal subjugation of its civilians, cast doubt on Russia's sincerity. We are faced with an unavoidable question: what hope is there for the future of disarmament amid the most consequential large-scale European conflict since the Second World War?
Vladimir Putin's war has already had far-reaching implications for the future of arms control and the international security architecture. By raising the alert levels of Russia's nuclear forces, and by reportedly considering the use of biological and chemical weapons, Putin has, in the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, brought nuclear war "back within the realm of possibility." A direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO, the world's most heavily-armed military alliance, cannot be ruled out as tensions have risen to their highest levels in decades.
Not only has Russia flouted international law and contravened the principles of the UN Charter by initiating an unprovoked invasion of a democratically elected sovereign nation, its actions could set in motion an arms race of global proportions, thereby potentially ripping up decades of progress in the prevention of nuclear proliferation and the reduction of arms. The war has already triggered a sea change – a Zeitenwende – in Germany's military policy; on 27th February 2022, three days after the invasion began, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz committed to raise defence spending to NATO's target of 2% of GDP, created a $110bn fund for the Bundeswehr, and promised to send anti-tank weapons and surface to air missiles to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, fears of a potential nuclear arms race in Asia have intensified. During his election campaign, South Korean President-elect Yoon Sukyeol vowed to request the redeployment of American nuclear weapons on South Korean soil, 30 years after they were removed. Such a move is favoured by 56% of South Koreans according to a survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, while 71% support South Korea developing its own nuclear weapons. In Japan, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for Japan to discuss hosting American nuclear weapons, and although the idea was rejected by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has agreed to begin discussions on nuclear deterrence, a ground-breaking move that could signal the end of Japan's pacifist worldview. Elsewhere, North Korea recently tested its largest intercontinental ballistic missile to date, the regime's first long-range nuclear-capable missile test since 2017. And there are likely increases in defence spending among NATO countries, while the US plans to modernise its nuclear forces, and reports that China intends to double its nuclear arsenal by the end of the decade.
With Russia increasingly isolated, and tensions between China and the US at their highest levels since the normalisation of diplomatic relations in 1978, what can be done to reboot arms control agreements, reverse the current trajectory of weapons proliferation, and achieve the ultimate goal of disarmament? Despite the war in Ukraine and Putin's threats, the US should aim to continue to engage Russia on nuclear non-proliferation ahead of the NPT review conference later this year; after all, many of the most important arms control agreements between Russia and the US were negotiated at the height of the Cold War and Russia has historically played a crucial role in preventing nuclear proliferation. The two countries should also work to extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) beyond 2026, and engage with bilateral and P5 processes to meet robust arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation objectives.
At the same time, the US should encourage China to play a larger and more responsible role in arms control agreements. This will require a raft of confidence-building measures between the two sides, especially because China sees arms control as a tool with which the US is trying to contain its rise and undermine its security. Nevertheless, China should be called upon to bolster the NPT regime and to breathe new life into the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. On a bilateral level, the US and China should work together to regulate anti-satellite weapons, hypersonic weapons, cyber capabilities, and INF missiles, and the US should attend to China's concerns over US missile defence systems.
However, much more needs to be done to kick-start the disarmament agenda and honour the legal commitment to general and complete disarmament stipulated not just in the NPT but in Article 26 of the UN Charter and in the Atlantic Charter before that. As part of this, SCRAP Weapons is working to convene a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament at the United Nations General Assembly, at which it will present a draft treaty on disarmament and a model global weapons tracking system. As the human suffering inflicted by the war in Ukraine intensifies, and as the threat of global war looms once again, now is the time to redouble efforts to eliminate weapons and ensure true security for everyone.
Rhys Bowden
Project Assistant, SCRAP Weapons


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Status Report
Where have the last six months gone?
It's been a whirlwind of activity here… both with the book and life. I'm happy to report that I sent the newest tale of Malcolm's adventures to my editor… and it didn't suck! I've had a very hard time judging if this book would work and I was thrilled to get objective feedback about the book. My editor assured me that the book was in pretty good shape, but needed some tightening up and to explore the world more fully, which was something I thought might need work. To that end, I spent a weekend in an RV at a local KOA for my annual writing retreat and concentrated on it for two and a half days. Here's a picture of my home away from home:
I'm still making tweaks for the next two weeks, but I've decided that other than copy editing changes, I'm going to send it out to beta readers at the end of September. I hope to take the feedback and get the book ready for publication by the end of October, so that it be available in time for Christmas. I still need to decide on a title, but be on the lookout for future announcements!
Music, Music, Music
As if I didn't have enough going on between working full time and working on the book, music consumed me summer. From May, I played in four concert bands and two Big Bands. This translated to something like four parades, twelve concert band concerts, 10 Big Band gigs, and playing in the orchestra for a musical (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)! That doesn't count rehearsals, that's just the actual performances. Things have settled down on the music front for the time being, but rehearsals start soon to prepare for the Holiday season!
Roam If You Want To
We also did some travelling this summer (besides the writing retreat). At the end of June, the whole family spent a week in Lake Placid, our last family trip together, as my daughter has now left for Nova Scotia. My wife and I spent a long weekend in Canandaigua – originally to see Pat Benatar in concert which was cancelled. Instead, we took a cooking class at NY Kitchen where we made our own dinner. After spending the morning wondering around downtown Canandaigua, we stopped at a distillery owned by a winner of the Discovery Channel show Moonshiners and at a farm stand where we picked up blueberries.
Our big trip will happen later this month when we travel to Nova Scotia for my daughter's wedding. We're taking our time getting there and we plan to spend a day in Bar Harbor, Maine on our way home.
That's all for now. Expect radio silence until I return from our excursion to Nova Scotia!
Happy Journeys!
Read More
The Long and Winding Road
And before I knew it, almost a year had passed, and no updates to my blog…
Where Have I Been?
The last several months have been very busy as, with my sister, we cleaned out our childhood home and got it ready for sale. It's been a long process, but I think we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I've been slowly working on the new novel, spending my time revising the next Reluctant novel. I still don't have a title yet because I can't find one that resonates with me. The revision process has been slow and arduous, but I have completed a draft that is fairly readable. I spent most of the time on my annual fall writing retreat revising it.
Right now, I'm shopping for an editor to help me whip the book into shape because I'm at the point where I honestly do not know if it's good or not. I enjoy reading it, but I'm looking for an objective opinion on the book because I can't judge it at this point. I will say that in my search for an editor that the initial response has been encouraging.
As a result, it's likely that the book won't be ready for publication until later this year. I usually try to publish in June, but I hope I can have it ready in the October – November timeframe, but don't hold me to that. I'm also looking at refreshing the covers for The Reluctant Captain and The Reluctant Agent, which I will probably do with the launch of the new book. While I love the current cover art, they don't really match the style of other books on the market and I hope that a new cover will make them more attractive to new readers.
While I wait to get the new book edited, I'm going to start on the next Reluctant book. My original plan had been to start a new series featuring Nigel Sinclair from The Reluctant Agent, but I have an idea for Malcolm's further adventures so I'm going to strike while the iron is hot.
What Else Have I Been Up To?
As the pandemic restrictions have loosened, I'm back to playing trumpet again. Right now, I'm a member of four concert bands and two big bands. I know that if I wasn't at band rehearsal as often, I would have more time to write, but playing regularly honestly helps keep my sanity. In my current job, I work from home so band rehearsals are a chance to get me out of the house. And I've rekindled my love of swing and jazz which I've realized I missed playing.
The other project I worked on this year has at least a tentative link to Malcolm. In my dad's garage, he had an old radio (an RCA 5T1 complete with vacuum tubes) that my great-grandmother had painted canary yellow. The radio had been in my dad's garage for as long as I could remember. I stripped it and refinish it. Since my electrical engineering skills have long since atrophied (and I'm pretty sure we never covered the vacuum tubes in Electrical Science), I decided against trying to repair it. Instead, I turned it into a Bluetooth wireless speaker. I gutted the internals and replaced them with a Bluetooth amplifier and a single speaker capable of stereo output. I'm thrilled with the result and frequently use it while I'm working:
That's the current news for now. My cat reminds you that my books are available (see the links on the right):
Until next time,
Happy Journeys!
MikeRead More
It's Always Darkest Before They Turn On The Lights
It's been a very long two months since the last time I updated the blog…but hey, it's only two months instead of two years!
In Memoriam
As I mentioned in my last article, my father's health has been declining. Since I wrote my last post, he was in the hospital twice. He returned home from his most recent stint in the hospital but passed away the next morning, April 21. Although my father graduated college with an Associate's Degree in Dairy Technology, he ended up working for a pharmaceutical company and became an analytical chemist, retiring as a Staff Scientist. I found out during his calling hours that whenever anyone needed to figure out to do something, he was always the one who figured it out; that's a talent I believe I inherited from my dad. He was a lifelong musician, playing the alto horn (think a baby baritone that sounds more like a french horn) in a number of community bands and even a Dixieland combo. I attribute my love of music to him – I remember going to concerts when I was a kid and I couldn't wait until I could play in the band; something I'm doing to this very day. And lastly, he was the one who started my lifelong obsession with Star Trek. I remember Sunday afternoons watching it with my dad when I was young. Recently, we had started re-watching some of the episodes when I went to visit him in the evening. Although, as one of my college friends said after my dad's service, I probably would have been obsessed with it anyway, given my college friends. But my love of Star Trek and science fiction is traced back directly to my father.
My father, like my mother, was a voracious reader. When I was younger, he read a great deal of science fiction and westerns. As he got older, his tastes turned more towards mysteries and thrillers. He was a big fan of my books – in fact, when he was at a rehab facility last fall, he had me bring copies of my books so he could re-read them. I'm saddened that he won't get to read this book; although it's finished, it's not in a state for anyone to read yet.
Here's a picture of the two of us from 2020:
Speaking Of The Next Book…
With my dad's health, my time to work on the book has been extremely limited. I have managed to go through and get rid of the most egregious typos, spelling, and grammar mistakes. I'm at the point where I really need to read through the book again and work out issues before I fine-tune everything. I should have more time to devote to it, but I also have to start dealing with my dad's affairs. Time will tell when I can complete this.
That's all from me for now. Hopefully my next missive will contain happier news.
Happy Journeys!
MikeRead More
The Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Author
Our mid day tea was interrupted by the ring of the doorbell. I roused myself from the chair and hurried to the door where I found a striking young woman. "Is this the home of Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective? I wish to engage him to help me find a missing author. I apologize for being so forward. He's been missing for two years and I have no idea what happened to him," she said. "I forget my manners, I'm Joan de St. Leger."
She was a striking young woman; auburn hair, bright green eyes. "Have we met before? You look familiar to me," I asked as I ushered her into the house.
"It's possible; I work for Mr. Mycroft Holmes in the Foreign Service," she said.
"That must be it," I said. "This way." I led her up the stairs to Holmes' drawing room. "This is Miss Joan de St. Leger. She is asking for your help in finding a missing author. What did you say his name was?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't. His name is Michael Tefft. The last missive I had from him was over two years ago and I fear the worse."
"What is your relationship to this author?" Holmes asked.
"I'm a character in his novels," she replied. "I've been waiting two long years to find out what will happen to me."
– From the non existent story "The Case of the Vanishing Author"
It won't take the great deductive mind of Sherlock Holmes to find out where I've been for the last two years.
The answer is: Life has kept me busy.
When last I updated this blog, I was trying to decide what to work on – an anthology of horror short stories or the next novel in the Reluctant series. I actually wrote three stories, three quarters of another, and plotted out a fourth. But in the end, I came back to Malcolm, and Joan.
Then COVID.
The week of March 18th, I suddenly found myself working full time at home and then just a day later, making an emergency trip to Canada to get our daughter back from college before the border closed. All during this, I also needed to check on my father on a daily basis. While you would think that this would mean more time to write because I no longer had a daily commute and no outside activities, I found I actually had less time.
But I wrote when I could. I managed to take a writing retreat in 2020, staying at Kate's Lazy Meadow Motel – owned by Kate Pierson of the B-52s!
In March 2021, I left my employer for a new position as a Technical Solutions Architect for a software company. I hadn't been happy in my old job and it had become obvious to me that there were little to no opportunities to do something new at that job. The new job has been challenging, but also very demanding on my time, making it even harder to find time to write.
In August of 2021, my family and I went to Trekondoraga (a recreation of the Star Trek Original Series sets) and I got to live out my fantasy of being a Chief Engineer on the Enterprise:
In October of 2020, we joined all of the people who got quarantine pets, a beautiful cat named Jazz (it was supposed to be Jasmine because we thought when we got it, it was a girl. However, a visit to the vets told us otherwise, so he became Jazz). I was never a cat person before, but now I've become one of those people that obsessively reads about cats that have been rescued and thriving in new homes. Here he is in all his glory:
I was able to get away for another writing retreat in 2021 – this time to Honesdale, PA ( in the Poconos) where I got a tremendous amount of writing done and really moved the next novel towards completion.
Which I'm happy to say, on January 6, 2022, I completed the first draft of the next Reluctant novel:
So What's Next?
I've been letting the novel sit for a few weeks and I'm just beginning to start reading through it, so that I can figure out what needs to rewriting. I really hope that I can get this novel published this year, but between my job and looking out for my father, I'm not sure if it will happen. But I intend to work on it, bit by bit, much like how I wrote it.
I hope this solves the Case of the Vanishing Author to your satisfaction. I plan to offer more frequent updates, but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men….
Until next time,
Happy Journeys!
There And Back Again
Where the heck have I been for the last four months? After months of semi-regular blogging, nothing.
After the launch of The Reluctant Agent, I thought I was gung-ho to start the next book in the Reluctant series. And I was. I wrote the first chapter fairly quickly and things seemed like they were on their way.
Until they weren't.
Admittedly, I have been busy over the summer. Band season was in full swing and I typically played in at least 2 concerts a week. But I had time to write, oftentimes having hours at a time.
And I couldn't bring myself to write.
Almost any activity seemed preferable to writing. I simultaneously looked forward to and dreading writing.
And it seemed pointless.
While my sales of The Reluctant Agent were great at the Sherburne Arts Festival (and I'm so grateful to everyone who purchased copies), I've sold only single digits of copies since then. I tried playing with Amazon Ads to boost sales – the first attempt ended with no impressions (so it cost me no money), the second attempt garnered some impressions and two sales, but that's it. I tried to set up a signing with a local book store and after providing my information, I heard nothing. I emailed them twice more and got no reply. An attempt to sell my books at another local store has likewise been answered with silence.
I began to wonder: what's the point? I felt like the more I pushed, the less the universe cared. I spend all of my free time trying to fit in writing. Was it really worth it?
Fast forward to this past weekend…
This past weekend, I went on my (nearly) annual writing retreat. I set myself up in the cabin in the picture. Since I had driven two and a half hours to get there and spent real money to rent the cabin, I felt like I really had to write whether I wanted to or not.
And so I did. I wrote on and off from 3:30 Friday afternoon until about 9:00 that night with a break for dinner. The next morning, I wrote from 9:00 to 9:00.
I just kept at it and at it and while I can't say I wrote a ton of words, I made substantial progress. However, something more important happened:
I remembered why I like writing.
It's the act of building the story, of researching the stupid little details I put into the book that brings me joy.
With the lead up to The Reluctant Agent, I was busy with editing, building the cover, creating the print and ebook editions, and marketing. Everything about the business of writing, but not the actual writing.
And when all of that work seemed to result in nothing, I got discouraged. I wasn't consciously blaming my lack of success, but it certainly fed into my ongoing battle with Imposter Syndrome (see this post for more details). If all that work wasn't achieving results, why bother?
The answer came to me this weekend: the success is in the act of creation, not the selling of the creation.
Now please don't mistake what I'm saying: I very much want my books to be successful. I want everyone to buy copies of my books. But the reason I do it is for the creation – the process. I confused the success of the product with the success I had already achieved – writing a book.
So now what?
I think I have my writing mojo back.
For the first time in forever, I was eager to write a blog post. Tomorrow night, I'm looking forward to spending more time writing. Because that's where I get the joy in this.
That being said, tomorrow, I have an opportunity to sell my books at an Art fair at work. I would love to sell out of the supply of books I'm bringing, but you know what? Even if I don't sell anything tomorrow, I still get to come home and write. And that sounds pretty damn good!
Happy Journeys!
MikeRead More
A Peek Behind the Curtain
I was at dinner with my father-in-law and I told him I was in the middle of publishing The Reluctant Agent . He asked, "How do you publish your book?" to which I replied, "With a lot of cussing." (Note: That is no exaggeration…more on that later). I've been thinking about that ever since, and I thought I'd share what I do.
1. Finish the damn book – This means getting the book edited, proofread, and proofread again.
3. Format the book – Here, I have a bit of a secret weapon. I use a piece of software called Vellum that only runs on a Mac. It does all of the heavy-lifting of formatting my Word document into something that looks professional. I didn't know about it during the first printing of The Reluctant Captain and the difference between the two editions is night and day. Vellum costs approximately $200.00, but I think it's some of the best money I've spent as a writer. There is also a free alternative at reedsy.com. One drawback to both of the tools is that you don't have complete control over the formatting (for example, I wanted to use the cover font for the chapter titles, but that wasn't possible). The
4. Create the print and e-book versions of the book – I opt to try to sell my book in as many places as possible, so I have to come up with e-book versions for Amazon, Apple, Nook, and Kobo, as well as the PDF for the print book. Here is the other reason that Vellum is worth it – I can push one button and generate all of these formats AT ONCE.
5. Create the cover for the e-book – This is relatively easy. Once I have my scanned cover art, it's pretty straight forward to make the cover for the e-books – the only trick is making sure you have the correct size, resolution, and format for each platform.
6. Create the cover for the print books – This is where the cussing occurs. To produce hardcover and paperbacks, your cover has to fit in a specific template provided by the printer. In my case, I use Amazon for the paperback version I sell on Amazon and I use IngramSpark for a wide distribution paperback and the hardcover edition. Each platform has its own requirements for size, positioning, print resolution, and format. The only tool I have for this is GIMP, an open source tool that pretends to be like Photoshop. It is not very easy to use (selecting and copying a section of a picture seems to only work on a whim). So that's the beginning of the cussing. Then you upload it. And it's often rejected immediately because the resolution wasn't correct or it's the wrong format. So you fix it and re-submit. And it works…except you get an email in a day or two that tells you that something is too close to the edge or not close enough, and it's back to the drawing board. To give you an idea, I have 9 copies of The Reluctant Agent hardback cover on my computer. As you can imagine, there was a whole lot of cussing going on!
7. Upload the files and information to all of the platforms, set your prices…and wait – You would think after writing one hundred thousand words for the novel, writing the sales description would be easy…and you are wrong. It is tough. On some platforms, you have a limited number of characters (not words) for your description. But eventually, you wade through it and if you're lucky, everything is accepted in a couple of business days. If not, you're back to any step between 3 and 6…and repeat ad nauseam.
In the end, it really is worth all of the cussing. I'm very happy with how the hardcover editions of both The Reluctant Captain and The Reluctant Agent look. They look like real books! Which reminds me…the links to buy The Reluctant Agent are over there on the right. You can also sign up for my occasional newsletter. It's an easy way to keep updated on what I'm doing!
Until next time,
Happy Journeys!
MikeRead More


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Vipshop Holdings, Ltd.
Vipshop Holdings, Ltd. is a leading online discount retailer for brands in China. Vipshop offers high quality and popular branded products to consumers throughout China at a significant discount from retail prices. As compared to conventional on-line marketplaces or large-scale multi-category online retailers, Vipshop has successfully created a third e-commerce model and proven that it can provide tremendous scale and profitability. By providing special offers and deep discounts on branded products, Vipshop has pioneered the online discount retail model in China and become the expert and leader trusted by its customers and brand partners alike. Since its founding in August 2008, Vipshop has rapidly built a sizeable and growing base of customers and brand partners.
Key Facts
Public Listing
Location of Key Operations
IR Contact
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPA LLP
IPO (March 23, 2012)
Cayman Islands
Haizhu, Guangzhou, China
Jessie Fan, Internal
Analyst Coverage
Latest News
August 18, 2021: Vipshop Reports Unaudited Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results | Vipshop Holdings Ltd
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April 16, 2021: Vipshop Filed 2020 Annual Report on Form 20-F
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February 25, 2021: Vipshop Reports Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results
February 16, 2021: Vipshop to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results


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get started today
Möbius Partners, one of the fastest growing solutions providers in the southwest, today announced it was named one of the 2012 Best Companies to Work for in Texas. Click here to view the list of open positions at Möbius Partners, which ranked 17th in the small companies (15-99 U.S. employees) category.
"Every Groover at Möbius Partners takes pride in receiving this award," said Junab Ali, president and co-founder of Möbius Partners. "Building and maintaining an excellent corporate culture is a strategic focus of ours and it has resulted in us being named a winner over the past several years. Jay and I, as well as our fellow Groovers, brainstorm regularly on new ideas for how we can keep raising the bar. If we have an awesome work environment for our employees, they will get it right with our customers."
The Best Companies to Work for in Texas awards program was created in 2006 and is a project of Texas Monthly, the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (TSC-SHRM) and Best Companies Group. The statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Texas, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses. The 2012 Best Companies to Work for in Texas list is made up of 100 companies, including Möbius Partners.
Möbius Partners will be recognized and honored at the Best Companies to Work for in Texas awards ceremony on Thursday, February 2, 2012 as part of the Texas Association of Business 2012 Annual Conference in Austin, Texas. The final rankings will be released in a special advertising section of the February 2012 issue of Texas Monthly. For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in Texas program, visit www.BestCompaniesTX.com.
Möbius Partners has also been recognized repeatedly by the San Antonio Business Journal as one of the "Best Places to Work" in San Antonio.
About Möbius Partners
Möbius Partners is an enterprise-level IT solutions provider of strategic services, technical expertise and sales support. We assess, architect, implement and manage IT solutions that improve performance, maximize the value of data center investments and prepare companies for future growth. From hardware, to software, to professional services, Möbius Partners serves clients throughout the central U.S. from its headquarters in San Antonio and its offices in Dallas and Houston.


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Uncle Lyrics
Outro (Mandatory) Lyrics
Uh, I feel that this has given me the most incredible and wonderful thing
that I have ever been given, and also, the worst. It's a mixed bag. Uh, I
have been taken to the, absolutely, to the depths of extreme terror by this.
I've had my whole soul undermined by it, on the one hand. On the other hand,
Uh, in one sense, my experience has been about finding


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Elegy for a Dead Admiral by Jack Vettriano
Available in two sizes:
If this print is out of stock at the gallery, we will arrange for it to be shipped to you directly from Jack Vettriano Publishing.
This print will fit standard metric frame sizes - we do stock frames to fit this picture. Please contact the gallery for information on framing.
The Braithwaite Gallery is an official dealer for Jack Vettriano artwork - we stock miniature prints, larger open editions and signed limited editions.
© The Artist


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A mother of five who stole £25,000 worth of camera lenses by claiming she had been mugged has been spared jail.
Lee Haynes, 36, of Station Road, North Harrow hired the equipment claiming she wanted to make a short domestic violence film on YouTube and take pictures of Notting Hill Carnival.
Haynes, a student on benefits, paid nearly £1,000 to hire the equipment, calling herself a 'semi-professional' photographer.
When the lenses were due to be returned however, she went to police claiming she had been mugged in a park in Harrow.
She was convicted of two counts of theft by a jury who rejected her claims that they had been stolen by a man who snatched her bag.
Judge Peter Rook QC sentenced her to six months imprisonment, but suspended the sentence for two years after hearing she had mental health problems and significant responsibilities towards her children.
"These are serious matters. These were valuable items and in the space of about a week or so you hired a lens valued at £5,500 and another set of even more expensive lenses, valued at £20,000, with a view to disposing of them" he said.
"In my view these two thefts can only be marked by a custodial sentence.
"However, because of the various mitigating factors in this case I'm able to suspend the sentence."
'This wasn't a lawful hire of these lenses'
The court heard that Haynes hired camera equipment from companies in Acton and Maidenhead.
Prosecutor Daniel Robinson told the trial: "This wasn't a lawful hire of these lenses, in fact what Ms Haynes did was to steal them.
"She was a novice in photography, having by her own admission never made a film before, and hired out lenses worth so much money and costing her in the region of £950.
"She was a student on benefits with a car about to be repossessed and unable to pay her phone bills.
"What she did was to steal those lenses and the cases."
Haynes first hired a camera lens from Lenses for Hire in Maidenhead on August 22 2013.
She told the company she was hoping to photograph a sports day and that summer's Notting Hill Carnival, extending the hire saying she had enjoyed the experience.
A week later on August 30, she colllected six mini-lenses from Filmscape Media Company in Acton, claiming they were intended for a YouTube short film on domestic violence.
On August 31 last year, Haynes went to police claiming she had been mugged in Horsenden Hill, Sudbury.
"She said she was walking across a local park with the seven lenses, all in a bag, and that a man had approached her, abused her and taken the bag from her after a short struggle" said Mr Robinson.
In her statement, Haynes said she was going to catch a bus when she "heard a voice making crude comments, and eventually I heard him saying"English whore".
She said the man grabbed her bag and she "ended up in a bush with scratches up my arms and back."
In spiky exchanges in court, Haynes accused the prosecution of persecuting her and she found the claims against her "irritating".
She even reportedly produced the empty lens cases in court in a bid to back up her mugging story.
However, the jury convicted her of two counts of theft, of which she denied, after less than a day's deliberation.


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These Delicious Dishes Will Complete Your Christmas Spread
Bring something new to the Noche Buena table this year
by Alicia Colby Sy And Hannah Lazatin For TownandCountry.ph
These Are The Christmas Gifts You Should Give For Someone Who Loves Food
Show your favorite foodie some love this Christmas!
by Bea Faicol For Yummy.ph
7 Ways to Reduce Your Waste At Home
Itâs not too late to do your part in helping bring back the health of our environment
by Kate Borbon
All The Grocery Items You Need To Buy In Bulk
Your budget will take a hit, but it's going to save you money in the future.
by Roselle Miranda For Yummy.ph
5 Mistakes You're Making When Storing Food in the Refrigerator
Maximize the space and keep your food fresh by organizing it properly
by Roselle Miranda For Yummy.ph
Here's How To Care For Your Non-Stick Pans So They'll Last Longer
Are you afraid that the non-stick surface on your pan might get scuffed off? Here's how to avoid that.
by Kate Borbon
Do You Know What Food Items To Throw Out After A Power Outage?
Keep food safety a priority in times of natural disasters
by Kate Borbon
A Nutritionist Says: These Items In Your Pantry Are Making You Gain Weight
According to this nutritionist, some of the items you always eat may be doing you more harm than good
by Bianca Dualan, RND
We Found A Gadget That Can Track Expiration Dates
Plan your meals better and avoid wasting food with this nifty kitchenware
by Bea Faicol For Yummy.ph
You Can Find These Reliable Stain Removers in Your Kitchen
Save your clothes and other linens from nasty marks with these solutions
by Cielo Anne Calzado
How to Properly Store Leftovers to Avoid Food Contamination
Here are easy hacks to help you deal with the aftermath of the holidays
by Leslie Lee


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As I write, it is a beautiful spring day in the greater NYC area. It is the kind of day that motivates you to get out on the road in your sporty convertible and take the top down. You know, let the breeze fly through your hair as the sun shines down and excites your inner race-car driver. Well, you might enjoy that experience if you had a sporty convertible, and a full head of hair. Not all of us do, but one day…
But it is also a time to think more sobering thoughts, such as: Is the car I am driving safe? A fair question considering history has proved time and again that car manufacturers will not reveal defects in their products until forced to do so, either by the government, or by plaintiffs' lawyers. As all good students of recent legal history will recall, Ford was happy to allow passengers to burn to death in its Pinto, because the cost of defending or settling a few lawsuits was less than the cost to modify the manufacturing process needed to address the tap-and-ignite gas tank.
A recent National Law Journal article revisited Toyota's sudden acceleration issues. Toyota had executed a masterful public relations campaign that calmed the public, and cast blame on driver error and misplaced or wrong-sized floor mats, instead of electronics. Conservative commentators, on line and in the news, jumped on the opportunity to malign injured or dead plaintiffs and their attorneys, based on Toyota's focus on driver error, and on initial testing. They relished the opportunity to further their "tort reform"-based agenda of shielding Toyota from accountability, while portraying plaintiffs as bloodsuckers on the hindquarters of corporate America.
All of this worked well for Toyota, and tort reform, until the real experts became involved. In the investigation a Toyota insider shared some incriminating emails, all of which is discussed in detail in the National Law Journal's article, which is entitled, "Is Toyota Telling the Truth About Sudden Acceleration?" Clearly, as the National Law Journal article points out, its CEO of USA Motor Sales was not telling the truth when he told a House subcommittee that "no problems exist in our electronic throttle systems in our vehicles…[on which] We have done extensive testing…and have never found a malfunction that caused unintended acceleration."
And now Ford Motor Co. has returned to the national spotlight with a lawsuit which includes claims that it failed to install brake overrides to handle electronic defects that resulted in sudden acceleration. This comes via the April 4, 2013 Daily Report in the National Law Journal. Not surprisingly, Ford knew about the problems in 2002, but failed to take corrective action until 2010 in North American vehicles, according to the suit's claims.
The cars involved include, according to the article: "Ford's Explorer, Focus and Taurus; eight Lincoln models, including the Town Car; and eight Mercury Models, including the Grand Marquis and Sable."
So have fun on the road this spring. But don't forget to do your homework. The car makers won't do it for you.
We're here to listen.
Please complete the form below or call 631.754.6382


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Dr John Hawkins
Welcome to my bit of the Maison de Stuff,
home to a huge load of pictures,
and my daily blog.
My email address is as above - I've put it in an image in a vein attempt to reduce the amount of spam I get.
Posted on 2017/04/29 08:37:05 (April 2017).
[Sunday 23rd April 2017]
It was the London Marathon today, and a friend from work was running in it, which seemed like a good excuse to go and sit in the Red Lion on Crown Passage for a bit, having remembered that it opened specially on Sundays for the marathon from the time when Gav ran it. I took Erika with me, and the two of us sat in the pub eating various bar snacks from midday onwards, which was rather lovely, then were met a little later there by Natalie. We then briefly went to see our friend at the finish line, before heading back up North because Erika had a party to attend in the afternoon.
While Chie and Erika were at the party I trimmed the hedge for the first time this year, after which I regretted because I had wasted all my free time on menial chores. I really ought to just pay someone else to do it, especially now the council want to charge us to take garden waste away apparently.
Made a sort of Mediterranean hot pot for dinner, a meal designed to use up lots of odds and ends we had lying around, more because I was too lazy to go out to the shops than out of any sense of frugality. It was actually quite nice, and accompanied by the bottle of "cheap" (only 20 Euros!) Gevrey Chambertin we'd picked up at the Carrefour in Lille last weekend. The wine was a bit astringent to be honest, and being a 2015 may have been better if left a couple of years.
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Anguilla Beach Lovers, Win $120 Dinner For 2!
January 29, 2019
Giveaway Week Continues!
It's all fun & yums in the sun here in Anguilla!
Round 3 of Giveaway Week is LIVE on our NEW Instagram page, Anguilla Food.
(Click here for the Round 3 post and how to enter!)
Many congratulations to Dalma who won Round 2 of Giveaway Week!
Dalma wins a $100 dinner for two at Anguilla's best NEW restaurant, Chef Lowell Hodge's vibrant home-style spot, Sharky's.
Home to THE best lobster cakes in Anguilla, and excellent mains of jerk shrimp, mango mahi mahi and teriyaki lobster stir fry...
Sharky's is one of Anguilla's very best. One of the warmest souls you will meet, Chef Lowell Hodge got his start at Blanchard's many moons ago. Today, he serves up Blanchard's quality food at reasonable prices at his home, his restaurant, Sharky's. At Chef Lowell's, home is truly where the 💗 is!
Round 3 of Giveaway Week is underway now!
Do you know THE best spring roll in Anguilla?...
And THE best steak in Anguilla?...
Comment your best guess "where" here for full details and a chance to win a $120 dinner for two at this romantic seaside restaurant!
Winner will be announced Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 4pm EST.
Don't forget to FOLLOW Anguilla Food on Instagram to never miss a 😋 giveaway post!
Good luck & here's to more fabulous Anguilla food!
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