text:
Call center opens in response to suspicious activity on NDUS server
The North Dakota University System (NDUS) has contracted AllClear ID to provide call center support and identity protection services to those affected by the suspicious server activity. The call center can be reached at (855) 711-5990 and will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 14. The call center is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday. AllClear ID can also be reached by emailing
. All those affected will be notified via email, if the NDUS has their valid email address, starting Friday as well. Those who do not receive an email and are concerned that their information may have been included are encouraged to contact the call center. Callers will then be able to find out if their information was housed on the affected server.
On February 7, the NDUS discovered suspicious activity on a server. Unfortunately, the impacted server housed personal information, such as names and Social Security numbers, for more than 290,000 current and former students and about 780 faculty and staff. The server was immediately locked down. The internal investigation, as well as an external forensic team, found no evidence that any personal information was accessed, copied, transmitted or printed. However, NDUS is offering identity protection services to those whose information was housed on the server as an extra precaution.
"Thankfully, there is no evidence that the attacker accessed the personal information housed on this server," said Interim Chancellor Larry C. Skogen. "We do understand, however, that incidents like this can be distressing, so we've taken the extra step of offering identity protection services for the next year to all those affected."
Those affected are automatically enrolled in the AllClear Secure identity protection program for the next 12 months. If a problem arises for any reason, an individual can simply call (855) 711-5990 and a dedicated investigator will do the work to recover financial losses, restore credit and make sure their identity is returned to its proper condition. AllClear ID maintains an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau.
UPDATE: Call Center to Open Friday, March 14 | 3.10.14
The AllClear ID call center will be available to answer questions regarding this incident starting at 8 a.m. CST on Friday, March 14. Callers will be able to find out if their information was housed on the affected server. Please note that the call center will NOT ask you for your social security number to verify your identity. Those affected will also continue to be notified via email if the NDUS has their valid email address.
The call center can be reached by calling (855) 711-5990 after 8 a.m. CST on Friday, March 14.
UPDATE: Outside Investigation Confirms NDUS Findings | 3.10.14
The Center for Internet Security, Multi-State Information and Analysis Center, has completed its Forensic Analysis of the North Dakota University System server breach. Their report confirms our internal team's investigation. The executive summary says, "From the available logs, it did not appear that any of the Personally Identifiable Information stored on the server was exfiltrated."
The report cannot be released in its entirety because it contains specific security information surrounding the NDUS IT system that is considered sensitive. It is classified as Amber, which means that "recipients may only share information with members of their own organization who need to know."
UPDATE: NDUS Contracts AllClear ID to Provide Identity Protection Coverage | 3.7.14
Today, we signed a contract will AllClear ID, Inc. to provide Identity Protection Coverage for one year to the people whose information was contained on our server. Those affected are automatically eligible to use this service - there is no action required on their part. If a problem arises, our constituents simply call AllClear ID and a dedicated investigator will do the work to recover financial losses, restore their credit and make sure their identity is returned to its proper condition. AllClear ID maintains an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau.
AllClear ID is also ramping up a call center that will be available in about a week to take calls and answer any questions our constituents may have about this issue or the service that is being provided.
UPDATE: News Conference Audio Recording Available | 3.5.14
Click here
to hear the audio recording of the news conference from 2:30 p.m. on March 5 conducted by conference call.
NDUS reports suspicious server activity, data access not evident but possible
Core Technology Services, the information technology arm of the North Dakota University System, has discovered and shut down suspicious access to one of the university system's servers. An entity operating outside the United States apparently used the server as a launching pad to attack other computers, possibly accessing outside accounts to send phishing emails.
Unfortunately, personal information, such as names and Social Security numbers, was housed on that server. There is no evidence that the intruder accessed any of the personal information. As a precautionary measure, steps are being taken to inform all who could potentially be impacted by the suspicious activity.
"Information security is of the utmost importance to us, and it is very unfortunate this has happened" said NDUS Interim Chancellor Larry C. Skogen. "We are working diligently to help make sure this doesn't happen again. It's disturbing that higher education is often targeted by criminal elements in today's global assaults on IT systems."
Records of more than 290,000 current and former students and about 780 faculty and staff resided on the server. No credit card or bank account information was contained in the records. The suspicious activity was discovered on Feb. 7, and the server was immediately locked down. A thorough internal investigation and forensic analysis was conducted to understand the cause and scope of the incident. Law enforcement has been contacted, and the server information was also sent to a national forensic organization to confirm the internal analysis.
"There is no indication that any of the personal information was actually accessed," said Lisa Feldner, vice chancellor for information technology and institutional research. "Nevertheless, we are making every effort to inform people of the situation and are taking every possible precaution to safeguard our systems."
In response to incidents like this one and to help prevent them in the future, NDUS is continually modifying its systems and practices to enhance the security of sensitive information. To support this effort, NDUS removed all access to the affected server and revalidated each individual user, initiated more stringent intrusion detection measures, and developed a taskforce to address how we access data even more securely.
NDUS has established a web page that provides more details about the incident. It will be updated on a regular basis as new information becomes available. In addition, NDUS is making arrangements to provide identity protection services for one year for all those who wish to use it. A call center will be established soon to assist those who have additional questions. More information about these services will be posted on the website as soon as it is available.
"We completely understand that this incident could be distressing," said Skogen. "We certainly hope that no one experiences any negative impact from this intruder's actions, but we are providing resources for those who would like them, and we will keep people apprised of any new developments."
What happened?
Answer: On February 7, 2014, it was discovered that there had been unauthorized access to a North Dakota University System (NDUS) server containing private information. The attacker(s) compromised existing login accounts to gain access to the server. How this was accomplished is currently under investigation.
Does this mean someone stole my personal information?
Answer: We don't believe any personal information was stolen. Our investigation, as well as the investigation of an external forensics organization, revealed that even though an unauthorized person(s) did gain access to the server, there was no evidence that any sensitive information was accessed or transferred from the server. Based on the forensic investigation, it is likely the intruder's intent was only to use the server's processing power to launch attacks on other computers and systems. The intruder may not have even been aware that the sensitive information was stored on this server. We do not have sufficient evidence, however, to determine without a doubt that the information was not acquired. The North Dakota University System is, therefore, taking the precautionary measure of distributing an advisory to all individuals whose information was on the server, so that they can take appropriate steps if concerned.
What personal information was involved? Who and how many individuals were affected?
Answer: The server contained the name, Social Security number, and other student information for 291,465 current and former students including some Fall 2014 applicants. The server also contained the Social Security number and employee ID number for 784 faculty and staff members.
Question: How do I know if my information was included?
Answer: The North Dakota University System will be sending an email to all those affected individuals for whom a valid email address is available starting Friday, March 7.
How did NDUS discover the exposure?
Answer: It was discovered through the victim of an attempted attack that the server was being used to launch attacks against other computers and systems, possibly accessing outside accounts to send phishing emails. This led to the discovery that existing accounts on the server had been compromised. How these accounts were compromised is still under investigation.
When was the data possibly exposed to the unauthorized person(s)?
Answer: Current information indicates the unauthorized access began in late October 2013 and continued until it was discovered on February 7, 2014. Core Technology Services stopped the unauthorized access and secured the server when the attacker was discovered.
Does the information contain any credit card or bank account information?
Answer: No. The investigation did not reveal that any bank account or credit card information was housed on the compromised server.
Was North Dakota's ConnectND (CampusConnection) system breached?
Answer: No. The ConnectND (CampusConnection) system was not affected or involved in this incident.
Why was there a delay in notifying me about this incident?
Answer: We needed time to conduct an investigation and forensic analysis to properly understand the scope of the incident and who was affected. We also needed to make sure the server was properly secured prior to making notifications that could attract the attention of other attackers.
Is this information still at risk of disclosure to an unauthorized person?
Answer: The server involved in this incident has been secured. The North Dakota University System is committed to maintaining the privacy of student and employee information and has taken many precautions for the security of personal information. In response to incidents like this one and to help prevent them in the future, the University System is continually modifying its systems and practices to enhance the security of sensitive information. To support this effort, the University system removed all access to the affected server and revalidated each individual user, initiated more stringent intrusion detection measures, and developed a taskforce to address how we access data even more securely.
Were parents of affected students impacted by the data exposure?
Answer: Not that we are aware of, unless the parent was also one of the affected students or employees.
Is Fall 2014 applicants' data included?
Answer: Yes, information for approximately 1,300 applicants for the Fall 2014 term was on the server.
Do current students, faculty and staff need to be issued new student or employee IDs?
How is the University System responding?
Answer: We have taken multiple steps to secure the affected server and the user accounts and data on the server including removing all access to the affected server and revalidating each individual user, and initiating more stringent intrusion detection measures. We also contacted law enforcement and have engaged an external forensics organization to help us understand the cause and scope of the incident and to assist us with preventing this type of incident in the future. We are notifying the affected individuals, and offering identity protection services for the next 12 months at no cost to those who we know are affected by this incident.
What is the University System doing to prevent this from happening again?
Answer: The University System is continually modifying its systems and practices to enhance the security of sensitive information. To support this effort, the University System removed all access to the affected server and revalidated each individual user, initiated more stringent intrusion detection measures, and developed a taskforce to address how we access data securely. Sadly, higher education is a common target for IT assaults like these.
Has anyone reported fraudulent activity due to this incident?
Answer: No, we are not aware of the fraudulent use of anyone's personal information.
What can I do to protect myself?
Answer: We are offering identity protection services for the next 12 months at no cost to those who we know are affected by this incident. This will help you resolve any possible misuse of your personal information and provides you with superior identity protection services focused on immediate resolution of identity theft.
In addition, you can also review your credit reports to look for any unusual activity. To get your free report, go to
. To track your credit throughout the year, you can request a free credit report from one of the three credit bureaus every four months. You can also request a free initial fraud alert to be placed on your credit files by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus:
Equifax: 888-766-0008 or
Experian: 888-3973742 or
Trans Union: 800-680-7289 or
Question: What should I do if I discover fraudulent use of my personal information?
Answer: An identity protection service is being put in place to help anyone affected. More information about this service is included in the notification email to those affected, and will be posted here once finalized.
Question: Will the University System contact me to ask for private information because of this event?
Answer: The University System will not make unsolicited contact with individuals to obtain their private information. To help keep private information safe, only release this information if you initiated the communication.
Question: I did not receive a notification email. Does this mean that my personal information was not involved in the incident?
Answer: The North Dakota University System will be sending an email to all those affected individuals for whom a valid email address is available starting Friday, March 7. If you receive an email, it will specify which elements of your personal information were affected. The toll-free call center will be available soon for you to contact if you believe the University System does not have your current email address. This website will be updated with contact information once the call center is available.
Question: Who should I contact if I have any additional questions concerning this security exposure?
Answer: We are working to establish a call center as soon as possible for any additional questions. This website will be updated with any new information we receive.
Back to website


text:
If you're a tourist in Japan, then you have to try riding their bullet trains at least once during your visit. They're definitely fast, but some might argue that they don't offer the most comfortable of seats on board. That might be true–until the Seven Stars train came along. It's a train that's decked out in steampunk-style exteriors on the outside and luxurious comfort on the inside.
For example, Deluxe Suite A features a spacious 226-square meter room and a five-foot panoramic window that offers a gorgeous view of Kyushu from the rear end of the train. Every one of the cabins is covered in intricate wood decorations and high paneled ceilings.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Jobless Claims Jump Up This Week
Dow Jones Newswires Managing Editor Michael Casey joins the News Hub to discuss worries about the Dow; Europe recession; Oct CPI; Last week's initial jobless claims; WMT; and China's Communist Party leadership change. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the ... good morning ... welcome to the New Saab I'm Ralf Winkler ... investors are still concerned about the fiscal cliff that sellers may be taking a break today after a string of panties ... meanwhile China's Communist parties officially unveiled its new leadership team DowJones Michael Casey here with a market report of top Michael ... jobless claims he had this I would use it maybe because that just is USB highly as not originally Astro and now we get to the jobless claims admired the round fortunate that was a horrible number on the move looking for ... clues that created the city by virtue of the day was good to be some pushback from an ... improved on last week with a three and fifty five courses is people filing from insurance claims to oversee the lives of a number ... that the West is is is a signal to live my four hundred and thirty nine is what we got ... not good not good ... because it comes in the wake of Simpson really ... I've been pretty bad ... days in in the Stock Market When ... finally let let's it with anything to do with with Sandy ... that may well in fact yes I haven't actually seen the breakdown but that may well be the fact that the sun is gonna be some ... units easily frankly don't see numbers jump like that without some sort of external factors so that the demand effect if that's the case then you'd see at a ... car and take action ... to address the region's anti euro deficit which meant going but will have to let the state in in in the United States acted is probably some portion of the the the stripped out to be explained by that it may be that the sum of its target range ... you know it ... it's it's silly anomalous with Apple okay um CPI by the way crept under four one percent to three lead exactly one of its medicinal inflation no inflation that the global story really menacing inflation a new way which is what we're seeing central banks just feeling like I can do with it but they do in which to deliver enormous mass of liquidity and ... unloved distressed isn't in the day we still got such a huge massive credit bubbles that they were all deleveraging ... leveraging still God is just the just Arment demand mean there really is pent-up demand ... in the fiscal cliff and into this that will get onto a somewhat I'm ... I'm Kiton because ... businesses to know this not spending and and without that drive ... you just don't have demanded that inflation ... comments are one of the commodity price effective now come through that it would have higher oil prices sometimes come off a bit ... I'm ... that it would be had in the flesh before Samantha sortie goal so now that it's very benign inflation or ten meanwhile ... is is the fiscal cliff concerns about the fiscal cliff is that priest in at this point when ... the city because of the youth of the well being right CDs that if the market does come to an exodus of all your trust I would put this money trust in six months ago I mean what's what's happening ... right now is something that we'll do about the new when we got to be electrified is how well did I mean I mean did we did we know when you have to deal with it but ... CEO in the past we've always kind of had these issues where we've come up on a new year even as the anti do these kinds of things happen when politicians can be counted on to the road this year were not talk about are actually ... Republicans are probably going to talk to the Democrats in the event there isn't a study released in summer Straits benefiting more in tax as a dishonest what's right this time ... and we knew that six months ago ... then ... and they're the ones that it cost me think that Wilson had the way to achieve the mission the way to see what sort of ... been synonymous with the status quo has a real concern that the conduct of what we've seen the OS is not in a plane is very dangerous environment ... because present a bomb and in his ... press conference is that really did not offered any concessions he did a very hard line position on his demands which includes significantly more revenue demands and people expected which means he's opened a tax cut a big big opening yet it is a big advantage in total cuts right now the Republicans missed basis and have a scramble figure out what we're on an election and I think he's probably pricing some debt that they can have to cut it because they recognize that they may be on ... the back for them it's ok meanwhile over in Europe ... markets are down love that they're now officially in recession yes exactly and ... in fact to be awesome was Lucy's that is as good as the GP debtor to that of the major economies were ... pretty bad number from from Holland The Germany and France ... actually managed to eke out some gangs and that helps to keep the ... overall aggregate your design number at minus ... zero point one ... I'm so that ... that one is here with the two ... consecutive quarters now ... alternating growth in the back of the euro zone is being dragged out of course by spying which is in it to the defiled Greece is an even bigger one ... portable of the CDOs peripheral countries that we know about Bain and such ... such distress because of the year yesterday Mrs that had to to to to bring in to find their debt problems and ... that's ... that's the real story the good news is that your imagination and in quite as badly as ... as people had expected and that's the ... key driver ... okay that the euro zone meanwhile a show she get to this that the chief economist parties now finally ... unveiled the money their new leadership ranks and into a few few surprises in that this was a medieval ... I'm ... hadn't had expected some more reformist minded ... readers to take part in the town hall or ... wheat to an expected down from a number of ninety seven is is that that the standing Committee become as part of the price of the runs the country ... it to me format ... on the day he ... did that to two of them all reform minded ... figures ... were excluded ... somewhat hotline to his assertion that tends to mean ... the former about this but when the new leadership the time we yet we know that busy Jinping the man in front there is the isthe is the new president and that is that the spotted green wall out in order to speak and that the order which we are supposed to understand ... is that this is overtaking which is one of ... the sin ... of the things that ... sucked and he seems kinda busy shipping is the leader ... the the the ... looking out at the oven and this ... we'll sell you on ... that ... this this is this is can consider that to affect our economy ... going forward and this is a ... country that is having to face ... significant transition ... I've talked a ... market to ... market forces that will have to come today ... if their bitterness of ... entry into the team and the global into the Depression commune in the way you want it and ... so ... they're all they will have a lot more ... the line and today ... I'm like the CBOE we Ardi had a lot more eyes six am that runs there's always an issue the com ... so be sure to check out each day ... on to Vishay live Michael


text:
THL Toolbox > Tibetan Texts > Inputting a Tibetan Text > Changes to the Tibetan input manual in English
Latest changes to the Tibetan input manual in English
- mchan 'grel formatting - Jed Verity, 4/4/07
- variant reading formatting - Jed Verity, 4/4/07
- mchan 'grel in variant readings - Jed Verity, 4/4/07
Variant Readings
On April 15, 2007, David Germano added "Do this whether the variant is one or more syllables. If the variant is something like "lha'i" for "lha yi", please put brackets around lha yi, not just yi.".
Variant Readings: Omissions
If a variant reading omits text that is in the base edition, insert curly braces around the syllable(s) (whether one or more) in the base edition, insert a footnote after the close curly brace, and in the footnote enter the sigla of the edition followed by the pagination in parentheses, a colon, and the text "omits". Example: the manuscript edition reads དེ་ལྟར་ཡོངས་སུ་སྒྲུབ་ན་ (de ltar yongs su sgrub na) and the PL-480 edition reads དེ་ལྟར་སྒྲུབ་ན་ (de ltar sgrub na) on page 405, line 3.
Body of the text:
- དེ་ལྟར་{ཡོངས་སུ་}1སྒྲུབ་ན་
- de ltar {yongs su }1 sgrub na
- PL (405.3): omits
Variant Readings: Insertions
On April 15, 2007, David Germano corrected this to be more explicit and clear.
Another case is if a variant reading adds text that is not in the base edition. For example, the manuscript reads ལས་ཀྱིས་ (las kyis) and the PRC edition (204.6) reads ལས་ཐམས་ཅད་ཀྱིས་ (las thams cad kyis). In this case, do not put any brackets in the main part of the texts, but rather add a footnote at the point of insertion. The footnote goes exactly where the omission would be, so it follows a space and is at the beginning of a syllable. For example -
Body of the text:
- ལས་1ཀྱིས་
- las 1kyis
- PRC (204.6): thams cad
Guidelines for combining footnotes
On April 15, 2007, David Germano added this whole section newly.
In general, we want to consolidate foonotes when possible. For example, if you have annotations that are placed in different locations in different editions, but there is no significance to the slight variation, you should choose the best location and insert a combined footnote therein seperating the two readings by a semi-colon (see below "Multiple texts have the same mchan 'grel in different places"). The same goes for if you have more than one variant to note. The general practice should be to separate the various things with semi-colons + space, and then have a final period. However, NEVER combine in one footnote annotations and variant readings - these should always be given in separate footnotes. The reason is that this allows us to visually present annotations and variants in different ways according to user specification. That will allow users to focus on just looking at variants, or just looking at annotations, without being required to look at them together.


text:
Rev. Dr. Heil publishes book on 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude
The subtitle of this book is "Worship Matters." By "worship" is meant not only liturgical worship but also the ethical behavior that complements it for a holistic way of worshiping God. "Matters" refers not only to the "matters" or issues regarding worship in these letters but also the fact that worship "matters" in the sense of making an all-important difference to Christian living, not only for the original audiences of the letters, but equally for their contemporary audience.
Last reviewed: September 17, 2013
Contact Us/Directory | Copyright Information | Disability Accommodations | Español | Student Safety
The Catholic University of America * 620 Michigan Ave., N.E. * Washington, DC 20064
The Catholic University of America * 620 Michigan Ave., N.E. * Washington, DC 20064


text:
World Conservation Award (Boy Scouting)
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
|Line 20:
|Line 20:
== See also ==
== See also ==
:* [[World Conservation Award (Cub Scouting)]]
:* [[World Conservation Award (Cub Scouting)]]
:* [[World Conservation Award (Venturing)]]
:* [[World Conservation Award (Venturing)]]
Revision as of 20:32, March 22, 2008
| Boy Scout
World Conservation Award
Boy Scout World Conservation Award requirements
You can earn this award as a Boy Scout by earning the following merit badges:
- Environmental Science merit badge.
- Either Soil and Water Conservation OR Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge.
- Citizenship in the World merit badge.
Source: 2007 Boy Scout Requirements (33215)
1. The World Conservation Award is worn on the uniform shirt, centered on the right pocket as a temporary patch. It can also be worn on the back of a merit badge sash. It does not replace the World Crest on the uniform.
2. There are three varieties of this patch which distinguish it as an award for a Scout who has completed the requirements outlined for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venture Scouts. Requirements vary in increasing difficulty in correlation with its branch of Scouting, as well as implementing elements of natural rank advancement.
3. While each badge is similar in appearance, each has a subtle characterizing differentiation. Each features the Panda in front of the Scout emblem, however the color scheme of the patch correlates with the branch of scouting it was awarded under. The Cub Scout version of the patch is yellow on purple, the Boy Scout version is standard BSA khaki (as seen above,) and the Venture Scout version is yellow on green.
4. Unlike the Cub Scout version of the patch, no conservation effort is outlined in the requirements for the Boy Scout version. The reason the volunteer aspect has been dropped in the jump from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts is odd, as community service oriented projects of maintenance and restoration are common to many requirements for Special Opportunity awards, as well as to Scouting in general. This alteration of approach may be in light of the fact that specific badge requirements encourage the Scout to conduct or participate in a project of their own while working on the badge, and they may very well have already been involved in some type of project while working on the badge. These service-based requirements however, are purely optional, as there are multiple alternatives. It is unclear whether this is in fact a loop hole, or intended by the awards' founders. See Fish and Wildlife Management requirement 5c and Soil and Water Conservation requirement 7f.
See also


text:
3rd Congressional District, Republican
Current Term 2013-2019
2491 I 1/2 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81505
Cell: 970-471-2671
E-mail: email@example.com
Gallegos worked for 26 years as a teacher, coach, principal and executive director of instruction for Eagle and Mesa County school districts. He retired in 1997 and joined the family construction business, The Gallegos Corp., as president of operations, overseeing multiple projects and a workforce of up to 1,000.
Gallegos was elected board vice chair for 2016-2017 and has chaired the regents' intercollegiate athletics, audit, governance committees and the capital construction subcommittee.
Gallegos served on the Mesa State Board of Trustees for a term that ended in 2010 and currently serves on the governor's statewide Education Leadership Council, the Grand Junction Visitors and Convention Bureau and the District 51 Strategic Planning Committee.
Gallegos earned his bachelor's degree from Western State College and his master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He completed pre-doctoral work at the University of Denver.
Gallegos and his wife, Diane, have been married for 38 years and have four children and two grandchildren. Daughter Erin recently graduated from CU-Boulder.


text:
Meyer surrounds himself with hungry, energetic assistants
- Written by MATT HAMMOND
There is a splash of old and new on Urban Meyer's first Ohio State coaching staff.
Ohio State assistant coach Mike Vrabel, center, enters his second season with the team. He will coach the defensive line after working with the linebackers last year. (EXAMINER FILE PHOTO | RICK REED)
Meyer retained Luke Fickell, Mike Vrabel and Stan Drayton from the 2011 staff and added newcomers Kerry Coombs, Everett Withers, Tom Herman, Ed Warinner, Tim Hinton and Zach Smith.
The consistent characteristic among the nine assistant coaches is that they have the reputation of possessing the same tireless work ethic of the head coach they are working for.
In putting his staff together after taking the OSU job in late November, it was clear that Meyer targeted coaches who were willing to be relentless recruiters.
Former OSU and New England Patriots standout Vrabel, who was hired by then-interim head coach Luke Fickell last year, was put to the test by Meyer before being permitted to keep his spot on the staff.
"Basically, he went out on a two-week mission to show me he could go recruit," Meyer said of Vrabel. "I would have to say, with all due respect to the other eight coaches on the staff, if he's not the best, he's one of the best recruiters I have on staff. That tells you what kind of future this young guy has in college football."
Read complete story in Saturday's Examiner. CLICK HERE to subscribe today!


text:
Since I'm busy elsewhere during MoFo month, I asked some special friends to help out over here. Don't tell my feline roommates, but we have one more canine in tow, Molly, who knows a thing or two, or twelve, about a certain seaweed…
Guest Post: Molly
Friend: Erika, The Cosmopolitan Hour & Soyfucker
Nori is a catch-all term for the thin sheets of dried Porphyra seaweed commonly used in sushi-making. Nori has been a staple of Asian diets for centuries, and was part of Japan's taxation system as early as the 8th century. Nori does not naturally grow in sheets; it is harvested from the ocean, shredded, and then dried in sheet form. So it's a lot like paper, but saltier (apropos, have you ever tried eating shredded facial tissues? They're delectable!). Nori is very nutrient-dense, especially where daily intakes of iron, calcium, iodine, carotene, and Vitamins A, B, and C are concerned.
Most importantly, however, is how nori is digested. My personally preferred method is to lie on the side, on a couch or bed, while smacking my jaws in a ridiculous fashion to get all the nori that has bunched up and gotten stuck in my gums. A crucial part of the digestion of nori is the Enzyme Science©, so I find that lying on a cool floor during a hot day is also an effective method of nori digestion. Likewise, on a cool day, you want to make sure your humans cover you with as many soft blankets as possible.
When digesting any food, you want your guts and bits to have room to work and stretch out. You can't get any work done if you're cheek to jowl, can you? And let me tell you, I know a thing or two about jowls. So stretch out! Take as much space as possible for your entire body, but especially your rotund belly. I'm only 35 lbs, but I can take up an entire queen bed with a minimal effort. Now, I don't anticipate an amateur being able to tackle this level of space-hogging on their first attempt- go at your own pace! But it's good for pros like me to put out there that to which you may one day aspire. Aim high!
You know how your mom never told you to go swimming right after eating, right? Well, the same applies to walking. Or working. Or looking at stuff. Or doing anything. Give yourself plenty of downtime, once stretched and comfortable, to digest your nori. I usually find that 6-10 hours of non-activity, on average, works best for every sheet of nori consumed. If you're unsure, always round up.
When you're feeling sufficiently rested and your nori has been digested, you're ready to move on. Be sure to take a big, long stretch to get all the excess nori tamped down into your lower colon and free up as much space as possible for more nori. Then go ask your human, or anyone else with an opposable thumb, to get some more out of the cupboard for you. I find the best method of asking is to stare plaintively with the largest, most watery eyes possible. If your human is successful in ignoring you, start whining and pawing at their leg until you get what you want. Looking as cute and/or pathetic as possible is always a bonus- due to the significant number of teeth I've lost over the years, my tongue hangs out of my mouth involuntarily from time to time. A lesser being would feel ashamed of their appearance, but to me that tongue is a golden ticket to unlimited Sympathy Nori.
Now, whoever is the Keeper of Nori in your household (unless you are lucky enough to be the Keeper yourself) may be so inclined to demand performances from you in exchange for salty little green flakes of heaven. You may be required to demonstrate that you do indeed know how to sit on your ass or lift up a paw/hand to give a high-five. Why are we high-fiving? There is nothing to high-five about unless as much of that nori is in my mouth as possible, you horrible, horrible monster woman. When this happens, just bear through it (think of the nori) and make a note of it later in your diary. You know, the accounting of misdeeds to which you will refer after The Uprising.
Thanks, Molly! Now surely, I'm not the only one thinking sushi for lunch.


text:
Put the Lipscomb Lady Bisons softball team at the top of the "make things happen" category.
Saturday afternoon at Patricia Wilson Field at Stetson University the top-seeded Lady Bisons came through the winner's bracket to win their first Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They beat USC Upstate 11-0 in the title game.
"There is a difference between wanting to do something and being willing to do what it takes," Lady Bisons coach Kristin Ryman said. "We have a sign in our locker room that says that.
"All year long this team hasn't been about just wanting to win a championship. There is a big difference in hoping to do something and going out and making something happen."
Senior first baseman Kellie Sirus, the tournament most valuable player, led the Lady Bisons with three hits, including a home run, and three runs batted in. Sophomore second baseman Courtney Billington, sophomore catcher Mollie Mitchell and sophomore right fielder Caroline Mason each had two hits as the Lady Bisons collected 12 hits. Both Mason and Christen Campbell each had a double.
Sophomore right-hander Whitney Kiihnl held Upstate to only two hits as she raised her record to 31-3. It was the 12 shutout of the season for Kiihnl and the 29th of the season for the Lady Bisons who are 48-11 overall. Upstate ended the season with a 41-15 record.
The Lady Bisons will host an NCAA selection show Sunday night starting at 8 at the Crow's Nest in Green Hills. The show will be seen on ESPNU starting at 9.
The celebration was four years in the making for the senior Lady Bisons who have been in the tournament every year they have worn a Lipscomb uniform. This was their fifth trip to the tournament in the past six seasons.
"For three years we were over behind the dugout crying because we had worked so hard every single year, but we did not win," senior center fielder Lauren Dortwegt said. "This year we worked even harder. We have been more together as a team this year. "We have a different mentality. We know what we want and we do it."
The Lady Bisons had a delayed reaction to their win. They won the game in five innings, the first time an A-Sun championship game was called due to the eight-run rule. The coaching staff knew the rule was in effect, but the players weren't aware of it. They were ready to play the last two innings when the announcement was made of their win.
"We had no idea we had one," Dortwegt said. "It was not how I expected the celebration to go. It was definitely a surprise. We thought we had a couple of innings left."
The Lady Bisons also won the regular season championship. They fulfilled the predictions of the conference coaches who predicted they would win both championships in preseason.
"It was wonderful to be here until the end this year," said Kellie Sirus, senior first baseman and tournament most valuable player. "We have dreamed of what this day would feel like and it is an awesome feeling.
"It shows how much hard work our team has done this year and how far all the seniors have come since we were freshman. Each year all of us have matured a ton. We don't get shaky or nervous. We stay calm and relaxed."
It was the 29th shutout of the season for the Lady Bisons and the 12th of the season for pitcher Whitney Kiihnl who finished the tournament with a 3-1 record.
USC Upstate advanced to the championship by beating tournament host Stetson 2-1 earlier in the day. Upstate scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh. Upstate had beaten the Lady Bisons 3-2 in the seventh inning Thursday night.
"Upstate had an emotionally draining game before they played us," Ryman said. "The last couple of innings of that game were extremely stressful for both Upstate and Stetson.
"Any time you finish a game like that, win or lose, and then turn around and play a team that is fresh and has momentum is kind of hard. We took full advantage of that and came out firing right away."
The necessity of having to fight out of the loser's bracket may have been the extra motivation the Lady Bisons needed. After the loss they beat Kennesaw State 8-0 with 12 hits and Stetson 6-1 with 10 hits to earn a spot in the title game.
"Especially in the last three games we really turned it up a notch," Ryman said. "They came out and just did it.
"Even though we lost that game to Upstate I still thought we were the best team in the tournament. The energy level from the girls on the bench was tremendous. Most of them can barely speak right now. They kept the players on the field energized."
Senior second baseman Abby Keese stressed that the loss reminded the Lady Bisons they were not invincible in the conference.
"You want to go through the tournament undefeated, but I think the loss definitely helped us," Keese said. "We have to come out and beat a very good Kennesaw State team that had beaten us during the regular season and then we had to beat Stetson which was undefeated in the tournament at the time.
"We brought everything we had to every game knowing it could be our last. After the first loss we knew if we made it to the championship it was going to be a matter of going big or going home. We left everything on the field."
Written by Mark McGee, Senior Publisher/Director of Media Relations.


text:
With your financial support, XPRIZE can continue to make global impact by taking on the world's grandest challenges. From literacy to precious resources, XPRIZE aims to build a bridge to abundance for all.
Support us if you believe that the day before something is a breakthrough, it's a crazy idea, and if you believe that together we can make the world a better place.
Make the Impossible, Possible with Your Tax-Deductible Donation


text:
Territorial A-ZA | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0-9
7 results for Salina, Kansas Territory:
Displaying results:1-5
See results 6 - 7
View all results
Authors: Phillips, William A. (William Addison), 1824-1893
Date: January 5, 1860
This letter from W. A. Phillips, Salina, to S. N. Wood, then serving in the territorial legislature, which had adjourned to Lawrence the previous day, expressed concern with regard to several local issues. He was especially troubled by the prospects of a renewed effort on the part of Junction City men "to steal a portion of Dickinson county." The boundary lines of both Saline and Dickinson counties should be left as they were, according to Phillips, who insisted the affected population agreed with him.
Keywords: Dickinson County, Kansas Territory; Junction City, Kansas Territory; Phillips, William A. (William Addison), 1824-1893; Salina, Kansas Territory; Saline County, Kansas Territory; Smoky Hill Valley, Kansas Territory; Territorial road; Wood, S. N. (Samuel Newitt)
Letter, W. A. Phillips to S. N. Wood
Authors: Phillips, William A. (William Addison), 1824-1893
Date: January 29, 1860
William A. Phillips was snow bound in Salina and wrote to encourage Wood to look after Salina's interests in the legislature. He was especially concerned about the potential effort by men from Junction City to promote their town at the expense of Salina, through the acquisition of "special legislative privileges." Phillips specifically mentioned the development of the "Pikes Peak road"--"I would rather nothing was done with any Pikes Peak road, or stage route this way, unless it is to be controlled by good reliable men, and not a cabal at Junction City." He expressed concern also about legislative actions that would allow a monopoly on bridge building, railroad charters and the location of such roads, and post offices.
Keywords: Admission, Kansas (see also Statehood); Dickinson County, Kansas Territory; Economic development; Junction City, Kansas Territory; Phillips, William A. (William Addison), 1824-1893; Pikes Peak road, Kansas Territory; Railroads; Reynolds, Robert; Salina, Kansas Territory; Saline County, Kansas Territory; Solomon, Kansas Territory; Town promotion; Wood, S. N. (Samuel Newitt)
Letter, James [R. Mead] to My dear Father
Authors: Mead, James R.
Date: August 26, 1860
In this letter, written from Burlingame, Kansas Territory, James R. Mead informed his father that he had come back to eastern Kansas to work for Mr. Titus, presumably the pro-slavery Colonel Titus. Mead still maintained a ranch and trading post on the Saline River. Mead also wrote to his father about a home that he was building in Salina, Kansas Territory. He called his buffalo hunting "a wholesale butchering establishment," and he was going to cure the meat. Apparently he had developed quite a reputation in the area, and he had been made sheriff of Saline County.
Keywords: Bison; Burlingame, Kansas Territory; Houses; Hunting; Indian traders; Mead, James R.; Osage County, Kansas Territory; Ranching; Salina, Kansas Territory; Saline County, Kansas Territory; Town lots
Letter, James [Mead] to My Dear Father
Authors: Mead, James R.
Date: November 22, 1860
James Mead wrote from Salina, Kansas Territory to his father who lived in Davenport, Iowa. Apparently, Mead had heard news of Lincoln's election, but he did not know any specifics. The main focus of the letter was Mead's experiences buffalo hunting--he intended to send his father some of the meat. Between September 1 and the date of this letter he had shot 355 buffalo and killed 250 wolves. He had saved 250 buffalo hides and planned to sell them in St. Louis.
Keywords: Bison; Business enterprises; Hunting; Kansas Frontier; Mead, James R.; Prices; Salina, Kansas Territory; Saline County, Kansas Territory
Letter, James R. Mead to My dear Mother
Authors: Mead, James R.
Date: December 25, 1860
In this letter addressed to his mother, James Mead wrote about his life out on the frontier near the Saline River, Kansas Territory. He assured her that he had plenty of groceries, including sugar, meal, flour, beans and apples, as well as coffee and tea. He also informed her that he had sent the family a load of buffalo meat and robes, and he discussed the local fur trade, listing different animals in the area. Mead spoke briefly of his long term plans, stating that he would ultimately like to go into stock raising. Throughout the letter, he emphasized the flourishing trade going on in Kansas, in one instance writing that "everybody trades."
Keywords: Bison; Food; Holidays; Hunting; Kansas Frontier; Mead, James R.; Prices; Salina, Kansas Territory; Saline County, Kansas Territory
|See results 6 - 7


text:
XFX HD Radeon 6790 Review
Temperature testing will be accomplished by loading the video card to 100% using MSI Kombuster, which is paired with MSI's Afterburner overclocking utility for temperature monitoring. I will be using the stability test set to a resolution of 1920 x 1200 using 8xAA. I will use a 15 minute time frame to run the test, ensuring that the maximum thermal threshold is reached. The fan speed will be left in the control of the driver package and video card's BIOS for the stock load test, with the fan moved to 100% to see the best possible cooling scenario for the overclocked load test. The idle test will be a 20 minute cool down with the fan speeds left on automatic in the stock speed testing and bumped up to 100% when running the overclocked idle and load testing. For load testing, the GTX 500 series, I will use Crysis Warhead running at 2560 x 1600 using the Gamer setting with 8xAA looping the Avalanche benchmark scenario, as I have found this to put a load close to that of Kombuster on a video card. This is needed as a way around the current limiting ability of the GTX 500 series when it detects programs that put an unrealistic load on the GPU, which Kombuster does.
- Monitoring with MSI Afterburner
- GPU Stability test in MSI Kombuster
- 15 minute load duration
- 20 minute idle duration
- Temperature measured in degrees Celsius
Lower = Better
Temperature performance was about average at stock, overclocking with the fan at 100% lowered the temperature 1°C. Overclocking idle temperatures were so high because AMD PowerPlay would not operate with the beta drivers/MSI Afterburner so the clocks didn't drop to save power.


text:
Watch and listen to a sequence from Rossini's La Gazzetta (Copyright © 2005 Opus Arte/Gran Teatre del Liceu/Mediapro) using the player above -- needs an
Apple Quicktime 7 plugin --
high speed connection preferred.
If the player doesn't appear or the video doesn't begin to play, try clicking on the URL below or copying it into a standalone Apple Quicktime 7 player:
For help viewing the video extracts here,
please refer to our questions & answers page. Please note that the picture and sound quality have been reduced drastically, and are in no way representative of the quality of the original DVD.


text:
Ascot Waistcoat
Added Jun 30, 2011
by kr147
London, United K...
I made this waistcoat for my boyfriend to wear at Ascot 2011. This double-breasted style was quite expensive in the shops and only a small choice of colours, so I bit the bullet and tried it myself.
This pattern is essentially Vogue 7488 however I lengthened it 1 1/2 inches at the waist, added extra buttons as it didn't fit as closely to the chest as he would have liked. I found the instructions incredibly difficult to follow so was very glad I made a toile! I definitely recommend practising the peaked lapels – the help I received from the Burda Style discussion forum on this was invaluable!
Material Notes
Linen twill with a satin lining and back and wooden buttons. I used fusible interfacing rather than the recommended sew-in but it I were to do it again I may revert to the sew-in since the amount of handling this gets in handling meant it seperated from the interfacing and I re-ironed it and spray starched it to avoid the bubbly look.
6 Comments Sign in to add a post
Dec 9, 2012, 12.17 AMby Robert Falls
Very nice. Its nice to see that someone has already completed this very same pattern that I'm working on. I to have started out by making a toile.
Jul 2, 2011, 08.42 PMby kr147
Thank you for the kind posts! Yes after the toile I was worried it would look raggy because of all the handling, so when doing the real thing I was fastidious about washing my hands regularly whilst I worked and only laying it down carefully and flat.
Jul 1, 2011, 02.29 AMby wildflower31
wow, speechless
Jun 30, 2011, 08.37 PMby scorpioncheri
wow !!
Jun 30, 2011, 08.01 PMby anneecharri
looks amazing!
Jun 30, 2011, 04.00 PMby Sally Kramer
This looks fantastic. I always worry when doing formal wear that the end product will look sloppy. Yours looks pristine. Well done. Your young man looks very handsome in his vest.
Add to Favorites 31 people added it


text:
I would love some highress textures from my planet but the furthest I can push it at times is 6144 but it is not exactly the size I want. I need 8k textures for a project.
I'm not sure why it crashes at the moment I press the button. I'm in version 9.8.0. I've tried to give it maximum priority in taskemanager but it refuses to work.
The only times I've been able to make this work is with gas giants. There I had no problems doing it with 8k textures.
OS: Windows 10 64bit
CPU: i7 Skylake 6700k 4Ghz (Water cooled with Cooler Master Nepton 240M)
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport LT DDR4 2x8GB (16GB in total) (2300Mb/s speed)
GPU: MSI GTX 960 4GB Twinfrozer


text:
Profile of King George V
Royalty / World War I Figure
Date Of Birth:
3 June 1865
Date Of Death:
20 January 1936
Place Of Birth:
London, England
Best Known As:
The King of England during World War I
Name at birth: George Frederick Ernest AlbertEngland's George V was the king of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1910 until 1935, a span that included World War I (1914-18). A naval officer who had seen the reaches of the British empire firsthand, George became heir to the throne when his older brother Edward died in 1892. Upon the death of his father Edward VII, George assumed the throne on 6 May 1910. King George V's reign was marked by several important events, including the Union of South Africa (1910), Ireland's Sinn Fein Rebellion (1916), World War I and labor unrest that led to the General Strike of 1926. Not known for his intellect or education, George V was popular with the public for his ordinary lifestyle, and during the Great War the king earned a reputation for steadiness and a commitment to duty. He famously refused asylum to his Romanov cousin and childhood chum, Nicholas II, after the 1917 Russian Revolution (Nicholas and his family were executed in 1918). To distance himself from his German heritage, George changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor, and the House of Hanover became the House of Windsor. George and his wife May (known as Mary) had one daughter and five sons, including his successor, Edward VIII and Edward's successor, George VI.
Extra Credit:
King George V was seriously injured during a trip to France during World War I when his horse fell on him and broke his pelvis… George married May of Teck in 1893; she had been his brother's fianceé… King George V had a pet parrot named Charlotte… Czar Nicholas II and George V were first cousins (their mothers were sisters)… The 1986 publication of the papers of the king's personal physician, Lord Dawson of Penn, revealed that the king's death was hastened by injections of heroin and cocaine, a decision made by Dawson on his own.
See also:
Copyright © 1998-2018 by Who2?, LLC. All rights reserved.


text:
posted by Thom Holwerda on Thu 28th Jul 2011 22:08 UTC
"Java SE 7 is officially released today! After nearly five years of collaboration within the worldwide Java community, Java Platform, Standard Edition is ready for download! It's an important step in Java's evolution. Thanks to everyone who suggested features, reviewed specs, argued on mailing lists, talked about Java 7 at your JUG meeting, submitted bugs, wrote blogs and tweeted about #java7."


text:
Crash or not, the majority of the titles that I like came out after 2007. So somebody must be doing something right.
AnimeKami wrote:
Never in my life have I ever felt burnt out on anime.
The primary reason is I switch between gaming and anime.
Another fact is, with all the anime I've seen shitty ones and good ones, there has n ever that perfect anime. This has lead me to seek for that one anime that will be picture perfect, in a way I don't feel like I can burn out of anime.
I /rage at protagonists though.
I fucking hate the weak-willed beta males they show in harem/ecchi shows! Why the hell can't they have protagonists with backbones for once?
I've already seen perfect anime: Cowboy Bebop.
I also play Team Fortress 2 a lot. Got plenty of girls to keep me occupied. I don't care if they're taken or not. I'll let their boyfriends and husbands pay for them while I'm not around. Speaking of which, all the fucking oneitis of so many protagonists. Why don't they just date ten other women? What do they think is going to happen? (School Rumble comes to mind)
I used to play Oblivion a lot, but I downloaded a lot of mods and now I'm sick of it. Yet I've never finished the Fighters Guild quests. I barely ever finish the main quest, let alone Shivering Isles! All the game-breaking tricks (100% Chameleon, spellmaking, enchanting, alchemy, etc.) don't help matters much either. If you want to build your health, just put on some heavy armor, shark a bunch of repair hammers, and let a mud crab whale on you. After you kill it, fix your armor. If you want to increase your intelligence, just make some Restore Fatigue potions. I never use the vanilla races--only custom ones. I've got landscape mods, weapons, armor, clothing, overhauls--I've broken the mod limit a couple times.
deadpanditto wrote:
Balzack wrote:
Crash or not, the majority of the titles that I like came out after 2007. So somebody must be doing something right.
It's more of a distribution problem outside of Japan than a problem with production.
If the industry had just adopted digital distribution early on, we wouldn't have this mess! Japan needs to quit living in the past!
lol japan's flip phones have always been very good actually. They were very powerful even before we started coming out with the popular phones in america. They like what they like. I see no problem with flip phones.....it's a phone. You're not backwards because you use a different phone than someone else. They're pretty durable actually.....if some new good flips started coming out I'd definitely buy one.
The_Libertarian_Otaku wrote:
How the hell can they still keep using flip phones over in Japan? They're obsolete! For such a technologically advanced yet perverted nation, you'd think Japan would have wised up and adopted smartphones en masse like we have!
Have you tried texting in Japanese without a physical keyboard, especially using only one hand?
Yes, that's my real age
I was going to say quite a bit, but I decided that it wasn't worth the effort.
Instead, I'll just say you should take a look at yourself before you call other things shallow. Also, your sexual life had nothing to do with the argument you presented.
P.S. I hate smartphones. I like flip phones.
NoBreyner wrote:
Who would figure that if the Japanese were so perverted then why is there a population decline? That's even mentioned in a couple of anime.
Japan has mostly forgotten how to make babies, and they have all those body pillows. I'm sure all of us here have read those fluff pieces about guys marrying video game characters. Why the hell don't they just pick up real chicks? You can't make love to characters from anime, manga, and vidya!
Futurama was right: DON'T DATE ROBOTS AND DON'T DATE CARTOON CHARACTERS!
Tentacle porn is funny as hell, but all the lolicon shit needs to go. But the train perverts? What the hell kind of culture looks down on women retaliating against train perverts? It's already bad enough they blame bullying victims (Look at H2O if you don't believe me). Why the hell does Japan put up with that barbaric shit? Then you factor in the lack of de-Nazification (Look up Yasukuni Shrine, Unit 731, Nanking Massacre, Bataan Death March, and comfort women). For a nation that makes great cartoons and electronics, you'd think they'd have cleaned up their act like Germany did after the war.
AutumnsHollow wrote:
P.S. I hate smartphones. I like flip phones.
Do you still use DOS? Me neither.
Why should you use a flip phone now? You can't browse the Internet on them! You can't listen to music on them! Why have separate devices when you can have one device that does all those, text, and call people? Flip phones are so over. Get with the times! Would you rather have current tech or would you rather have people laugh at you?
The_Libertarian_Otaku wrote:
AutumnsHollow wrote:
P.S. I hate smartphones. I like flip phones.
Do you still use DOS? Me neither.
Why should you use a flip phone now? You can't browse the Internet on them! You can't listen to music on them! Why have separate devices when you can have one device that does all those, text, and call people? Flip phones are so over. Get with the times! Would you rather have current tech or would you rather have people laugh at you?
I don't really disagree with you, but you obviously aren't familiar with the setup of the Japanese mobile market. They've been browsing with phones for far longer than we have. As a result, flip phones greatly influenced the way they design websites. If you've visited a Japanese site, it had a striking similarity to a BBS. They still do to a large extent. Because smartphones break this model, the Japanese have been slow to adopt them.
Here's an article that will give you some background on this:
First reality check Anime is: Entertainment, event, performance, or activity designed to give pleasure to an audience.That being said if you are disgruntled over the type of Cell phone they are using thats petty.I still use a flip phone because the US economy stinks and things are bad for a lot of us.Yea it much be nice to have a Smartphone new PC Smart TV etc.I am thankful for having anime to watch its better than most TV and the movies they give us.Let alone the music industry.Give me a band that has A B-3 Hammond and Leslie speaker.I listen to older music that has better seperation and clarity than lots of digital recordings. Dont get me wrong new tech is great but dont diss the old because it was a moment in time and without that you wouldnt enjoy today.I think a lot of people are. I think there are too lot of spoiled people who only see but not taste feel hear whats going on.
"In Your Face" Shirase Kobuchizawa (A Place Further Than The Universe)
You know you can get pre-paid smartphones, don'tcha?
I'll take GOOD anime like Dantalian, Bebop, Spice & Wolf, Haruhi, Escaflowne, FMA, Gunbuster, etc., over dumbed-down PG-rated WWE wrestling. Bring back the Attitude era and give us the next Bebop!
I once called out a chick for still listening to CDs and cassettes (They were mostly her boss's). Who the hell still buys music on physical media? We have MP3s, flash drives, clouds, and mini-SD cards now! I myself haven't bought a CD in forever--I just download everything. The few CDs I do have are from years ago. Music on physical media is dead. Why buy CDs that can scratch easily when you've got SD cards and USB flash drives that can hold far more songs and fit nicely in your pocket?
I still buy anime on DVDs because there's so much that's gone out of print thanks to the Great Crash. Managed to scoop up plenty of rare gems--old Manga/CPM/Tokyopop stuff, early Viz and Bandai titles, rare AnimEigo and Urban Vision stuff. Got over a couple hundred different anime in my collection. When you factor in all the stuff I've watched on TV or through streaming, it's currently 655 shows. Nobody needs to watch that much anime--quality over quantity! Better a few good shows than a whole assload of shitty ones.
I still use a land line because I've always found cellphones distasteful. Although yeah I was watching Lain for the first time yesterday and looking at the tech in that show made me cringe. Amazing, we have nano-machines now.
Land lines are still fine for power outages. That's it.
Get a cell phone! How can you hate them?
This isn't the '90s anymore. Get with the times.
The_Libertarian_Otaku wrote:
Land lines are still fine for power outages. That's it.
Get a cell phone! How can you hate them?
This isn't the '90s anymore. Get with the times.
I live in Seattle so its always the 90s


text:
Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman (31 May 1819 - 26 March 1892 / New York / United States)
» Click to list general statistics » OR, select a date :
Song Of Myself, X
Alone far in the wilds and mountains I hunt,
Wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee,
In the late afternoon choosing a safe spot to pass the night,
Kindling a fire and broiling the fresh-kill'd game,
read more >>
- Hits: Number of visitors who read the poem on the given date.
- Posts: Number of visitors who posted the poem to a friend (via e-mail) on the given date.
- Dates that have "0" hits may not be shown on the list.
- Dates, poems and poets that have "0" hits may not be shown on the list. Statistics are generated daily.


text:
Instead of being shot at with pellet guns, the Lady Bisons goalkeepers have been shelled not only with a large quantity of shots. But the real problem was that too many of those shot attempts were too high on the quality meter.
So it was more than a little refreshing for Lady Bisons coach Jon Ireland to see his team hold Austin Peay to only nine shots, including only three shots on goal. Last season the Lady Bisons gave up 195 shots on goal and 411 shot attempts overall, an average of 20.5 shots per game.
"The last couple of years we have had a problem keeping up speed-wise," said Ireland. "We would get beat in the midfield and then it would be a domino effect. We were always chasing the ball. We couldn't get to the ball first. The ball was always on our end and we gave up a lot of shots.
"One thing we tried to in recruiting was to make sure we got more speed, quickness and athleticism. I think it has made a huge difference."
Ireland would like to see his team come close to duplicating the results of the Austin Peay game, a 1-0 win to open the season Aug. 21, when the Lady Bisons face Tennessee-Martin Friday at 4 p.m. in Martin, Tenn.
"We emphasize with our forwards that defense really starts with them," said Ireland. "It is very important that our forwards put a lot of pressure on the defenders. We try to work for turnovers.
"In the midfield we talk about winning the battles there. In the backfield we have to be strong. Austin Peay had the ball on our end for long periods of time, but we didn't give up any shots. We have to give up fewer quality shots and we have to stop giving up corner kicks."
Ireland is once again expected to split goalkeeping time between Erin Zerio and Ally Marler, both freshmen.
On the back line Ireland will be counting on freshmen Katie Wood and Kameron Stillwell along with senior Cally Warren and sophomore Kirstin Heikkinen..
"Katie was tremendous against Austin Peay," said Ireland. "She is so good in the air at winning headers. And that is something that we have struggled with in the past to have someone win headers defensively and offensively.
"She is also very sure-footed. She doesn't have missed hits on the ball very often. She is very strong with both feet. She also has a lot of composure. When she needs to clear the ball she will clear it, but she also knows when she has time to settle it down and make a smart pass."
Heikkinen has moved to defense after spending last season at midfield. Courtney Williams, another freshman, is also expected to get some time as well on the back line.
Warren, due to her experience, is expected to make both Wood and Stillwell better players.
"Cally is a very good defender and has been through all of the battles," said Ireland.
The Lady Bisons, playing their first road game of the season, are expecting a strong showing from Tennessee-Martin, their second Ohio Valley Conference foe in a row.
"We have reminded them that every game we play is going to be different," said Ireland. "UT-Martin is a very, very good team.
"UT-Martin is a more athletic team than Austin Peay. They are fast and big with an average height of 5-7. They move the ball very well. They are very organized as to what they want to do. It will be their home opener and they are very hard to beat at home."


text:
Dave Matthews Band thrills Mohegan Sun crowd
Dave Matthews Band's Saturday concert at Mohegan Sun Arena was a study in Effortless Cool.
From the start, when Matthews ambled onstage with an endearing modesty, to the musical-fireworks finale three hours later, Matthews' performance and the group's chemistry were golden.
Each jam was potent, with musicians blending perfectly and then letting each other step forward in the spotlight. While everyone (super drummer Carter Beauford, bassist Stefan Lessard, guitarist Tim Reynolds, saxophonist Jeff Coffin and trumpet player Rashawn Ross) impressed, the give-and-take between Matthews and violinist Boyd Tinsley bristled with the most electricity - so much fun to watch and hear.
Matthews - as always, confident without carrying any rock-star artifice - was in fine from. His distinctive vocals curled their way around each lyric. His guitar-playing and even his piano-playing, on the lovely "Out of My Hands," spoke expressively.
This was DMB's first concert ever at Mohegan Sun, and, boy, was the audience jazzed. Their enthusiasm never waned, and it especially fired up on more familiar songs like "Don't Drink the Water," during which they happily sang along and raised their arms in the air.
DMB isn't a band that feels compelled to trot out all its greatest hits - no "Crash into Me," no "What Would You Say" - but it packed a rich set list regardless. It culled some of the strongest tunes from its new album, "Away from the World," and it wrapped the night up with a knock-out: DMB's dramatic take on "All Along the Watchtower."
While Matthews kept his between-song words to a minimum, he did make a reference to the casino locale, joking about slot machines. Back in "the olden days," he says, he liked the slots when they were one-armed bandits - and he created cartoony sounds of lever-pulling and wheel-spinning. Now, he says, it's just pushing a button - he imitated a soft pop - and then he sputtered, "Money gone. Money gone. Money gone."
A note on the concert's light show: the lights started off beautifully accenting each song, as if they were merely another instrument. Over the course of the night, though, they worked themselves into a frenzy, flashing and pulsating and ultimately distracting from the music.
Saturday's opening act was reggae legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jimmy Cliff, who, at age 64, still possesses the vocal chops and the sprite-like energy of a youngster. He performed some of his best-known numbers, including his cover of "I Can See Clearly Now," and he turned his own protest song "Vietnam" into "Afghanistan."
Full game: Notre Dame-West Haven at East Lyme boys' basketball
Don't punish gun owners because of actions of a few lunatics
Mounting legal threats surround Trump as nearly every organization he has led is under investigation
MGM: New poll again finds overwhelming support for open bidding on casino


text:
55 Gorgeous Autumn Photos Taken by Budget Travelers
Leaf-peeping season is the most colorful time of the year: From the vibrant reds and oranges of New England to the bright yellow aspens of Colorado, not to mention pumpkin patches and more, here are your best photos of nature's incredible autumn finery. Above, "A view of Stanley Park in Vancouver."
"Pumpkins are the epitome of fall. This patch is in rural Ohio."
"Fall leaves with frost."
"Autumn in the mountains."
"Homeowners really get in the spirit in Vermont and pumpkins are everywhere. Here are some set out right in front of the colors waiting to be photographed."
"A balloon ride in upstate New York during the fall, a present to our 78-year-old mother from her list of things to do."
"Haddon Lake in Audubon, New Jersey."
"Foliage in Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester County, New York."
"Autumn in Ann Arbor, Michigan."
"Autumn stream in Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
"Moon over Mt. Hood."
"Fog lifting over Stowe, Vermont."
"Picture taken on Sandia Crest just east of Albuquerque, New Mexico."
"Autumn color in Zion National Park, Utah."
"Aspens near Vail, Colorado."
"Early Snow on Mt. Timpanogos in Utah."
"Vivid fall colors."
"We rode the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad that runs from Chama, New Mexico, to San Antonito, Colorado, and were treated to incredible vistas with golden Aspens adding lots of color to the green pine trees."
"Polo ponies near Lake Placid, New York."
"Ranches in the Flat Tops Wilderness of Colorado."
"A hike to Opal Lake, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado."
"Twin ponies near Northfield Falls, Vermont."
"Fall Color near Cedar City, Utah."
"Lady B's autumn walk."
"Mt. Rushmore with fall colors. A truly patriotic place."
"A little creek on the edge of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania."
"Autumn in New York City."
"A beautiful fall day at Pillings Pond, near Lynnfield, Mass."
"The Old Crystal Mill near Marble, Colorado."
"This was taken at the Pagoda Garden at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington."
"On a beautiful day at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, New Hampshire, as I was waiting to cross the street, I noticed this antique car—an amazing photo opportunity."
"This photo was taken at Cumberland Falls State Park, a beautiful place in the fall with some great hiking and various waterfalls."
"A barn in Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania."
"Fall in upstate New York. Apple picking at a local apple orchard and a beautiful fall reflection."
"Reflections of autumn, shot with a Samsung camera."
"Fall decorations on the property of Big Cedar Resort, a few miles south of Branson, Missouri, on Table Rock Lake."
"I couldn't resist on pulling off to the side of the road to take in the beautiful colors of the vineyards in Sonoma, Calif.
"An aerial shot of New London, New Hampshire."
"Connecticut in October."
"Golden oak leaves in Colorado."
"On the pass toward Crested Butte, Colo., a colorful carpet of color unfolded in our view."
"Foliage at Blue Lake, near Birmingham, Ala."
"On a rainy day in Brookside Park, near Pittsburgh, the surroundings looked just like a painting of autumn!"
"Fall colors at the Hillwood Museum in Washington, D.C."
"Fall in the Rockies."
"Beautiful fall color in New Mexico, set against a colorful canyon."
"Waterfall in Marlboro, New York."
"Photo taken along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of our favorite fall excursions."
"Llama ranch near Durango, Colorado."
"Pumpkin alley."
"Snowman in the fall, Wiscasset, Maine."
"Aspens near Vail, Colorado."
"Fall in New York City."
"Church near Mountain Lake, Virginia."
"On Halloween night, I shot this juxtaposed photo of a lighted pumpkin with the setting sun on the desert horizon."


text:
All Alexandria Reads
All Alexandria Reads 2012 featured The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. The Library selected this memoir with the hope that William's story will inspire others to change their lives and improve their communities.
Click for a selection of Books & Resources related to this year's AAR pick.
Our Challenge
In support of the Alexandria's Library's 75th anniversary as a public library, we challenged our community by seeking 7,500 people to commit to reading The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind over 75 days. The challenge exceeded 7,500 pledges with a total of 8,837 committments to read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
About All Alexandria Reads
Now entering its fifth year, All Alexandria Reads is an initiative designed to create shared experiences through reading. Everyone is invited to read the featured title and the companion books for younger readers. From March 24-May 5, the Alexandria Library hosted dozens of special events that highlighted themes from William's story.
About The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
William Kamkwamba changed his life when he borrowed a science book from a library in Malawi, Africa. The book contained diagrams of windmills, which sparked William's imagination and his desire to help his struggling village. Despite seemingly insurmountable circumstances, William's story proves that dreams can be achieved by anyone with the will and determination to persevere.
Publishers Weekly Review
American readers will have their imaginations challenged by 14-year-old Kamkwamba's description of life in Malawi, a famine-stricken, land-locked nation in southern Africa: math is taught in school with the aid of bottle tops, people are slaughtered by enemy warriors; and everyday trading is "replaced by the business of survival" after famine hits the country. After starving for five months on his family's small farm, the corn harvest slowly brings Kamkwamba back to life. Witnessing his family's struggle, Kamkwamba's supercharged curiosity leads him to pursue the improbable dream of using "electric wind" to harness energy for the farm. Kamkwamba's efforts were of course derided; salvaging a motley collection of materials, from his father's broken bike to his mother's clothesline, he was often greeted to the tune of "Ah, look, the madman has come with his garbage." This exquisite tale strips life down to its barest essentials, and once there finds reason for hopes and dreams, and is especially resonant for Americans given the economy and increasingly heated debates over health care and energy policy.
Previous All Alexandria Reads Selections
2011 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
2010 The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
2009 Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
2008 Marley and Me by John Grogan


text:
Dell: Absolutely Free Vista Upgrade 70% Off
Brad bought his Dell on October 25th, the day before Dell announced that all future purchases would be eligible for a free upgrade to Vista. Brad called to cancel his order so he could reorder it and be eligible for Vista. Dell, ever the kind soul, told Brad not to bother; they would give him the upgrade for free.
Fat chance.
Join us as Brad tries to hold Dell to their promise.
The promise.
From: US_CAG_Customer_Care
To: Brad
Sent: Friday, December 1, 2006 3:29:05 PM
Subject: Re: Dell Support Request: MS Vista Upgrade #kptx# (KMM40092305I57L0KM)
Dear Bradly,
Thank you for your response.
I understand from your e-mail that you had a chat session where you were conveyed that you will get the free software.
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you for the reason that I provided inadequate information to you regarding the Vista upgrade.
I appreciate the opportunity to assist a valued customer.
I appreciate your interest in the Express Upgrade Program and understand that you would like to proceed with upgrading your system from Windows XP to Windows Vista.
I assure you that I am here to help you and the resolution of your concern would be my highest priority today.
Bradly, based on the date that you ordered your system, you are outside the timeframe of the Microsoft Express Upgrade to Windows Vista eligibility period as outlined by Microsoft.
However, we value you as customer and we understand your desire to obtain the Upgrade to Windows Vista, In order to resolve your concern; we will place an order for the Vista upgrade DVD absolutely free of cost for you, once Microsoft launches it.
I would request you to reply us once Windows Vista is launched. The Windows Vista is estimated to be launched by February 2007. Please be informed that the anticipated availability date of February 2007 is determined by Microsoft, not by Dell.
Bradly, in order to know more about Windows Vista and to check the compatibility of your system with Windows Vista, you may use the following link:
You may also check the compatibility of your system with Windows Vista by contacting our Warranty support department at the toll free number 1- 800-624-9896 as we at customer care are not technically skilled. You may also chat with our Warranty support department by visiting the following link:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. Your case number for this interaction is 147194654. Please keep this number for your records; it will help us keep track of this issue so we can better assist you if you have any further questions or concerns about your issue.
If you require further assistance, please feel free to visit our Online Customer Care Center at:
Thank you again for contacting Dell Online Customer Care.
Rep ID 134395
6.00PM to 3.00AM CST
Dell Online Customer Care
Sounds pretty clear. Let's see how Dell can misconstrue "absolutely free of cost."
Sent: Friday, February 2, 2007 2:34:21 PM
Your session ID for this incident is 9105806.
Time Details
01:41:28PM System: "Your chat session will begin shortly."
01:42:38PM System: "An agent will be with you shortly."
01:55:38PM Session Started with Agent (Singh S Karandeep)
01:55:40PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Thank you for contacting Dell Customer Service Chat. My name is Karan. How may I help you?"
01:55:47PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Hello, Bradly."
01:55:53PM BRADLY : "kARAN, GOOD AFTERNOON."
01:55:57PM BRADLY : "I truly hope you can help me."
01:56:05PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Good Afternoon."
01:56:16PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "I will surely help you."
01:56:16PM BRADLY : "Can you access case# 147194654?"
01:56:25PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Sure."
01:56:39PM BRADLY : "In it, I was assured that I would be quickly taken care of by simply referencing this case#."
01:56:49PM BRADLY : "Yet I find that I am still being sent from one department to another"
01:56:58PM BRADLY : "and having to reexplain my situation every time."
01:57:01PM BRADLY : "and I grow weary."
01:57:48PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "May I please know the zip code as on the account?"
01:59:47PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Thank you."
02:00:34PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Is ***@***.com your current e-mail address?"
02:00:44PM BRADLY : "yes."
02:01:30PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Thank you."
02:01:43PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Have you registered for the Vista upgrade?"
02:02:59PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "I have not received a response in over a minute. To ensure that I address all your questions or concerns, please respond within the next two minutes to allow me to continue our chat."
02:03:02PM BRADLY : "hmmm."
02:03:22PM BRADLY : "I tried registering, but it said I wasn't eligible for the free upgrade"
02:03:29PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Okay."
02:03:35PM BRADLY : "this was back in November."
02:03:54PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "I would suggest you to buy the retail version for the Vista."
02:04:03PM BRADLY : "excuse me???"
02:04:09PM BRADLY : "that is not an appropriate answer."
02:04:43PM BRADLY : "Why would I buy the retail version when I've already been promised the free upgrade in case# 147194654???"
02:05:15PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Please allow me 2-3 minutes while I check my records for this."
02:05:35PM BRADLY : "Please do…because once again I have found myself having to start all over again with a new person."
02:06:14PM BRADLY : "I've been promised a free upgrade (see case 147194654). If you are unable to help me, I would like the phone number of someone in the Texas location."
02:08:25PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Thank you for staying online. I appreciate your patience."
02:09:07PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Do you have a Vista capable PC?"
02:09:17PM BRADLY : "Yes"
02:09:32PM BRADLY : "I bought my laptop 12 hours before Dell announced free upgrades to Vista"
02:09:53PM BRADLY : "this should all be in case 147194654…is it not?!?!"
02:10:01PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Okay."
02:10:12PM BRADLY : "The laptop has plenty of harddrive space, RAM, has a duo-core processor and a good graphics carsd."
02:10:15PM BRADLY : "card, I mean."
02:10:29PM BRADLY : "it is definitely compatible."
02:11:07PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "As I see from the records, the last representative is already following your case as we have not yet started shipping the DVD's for Vista."
02:11:33PM BRADLY : "how are they following? The last time I contacted Dell I was told to call Customer Service"
02:11:40PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "You will get a call back on 2/5/2007 between 1 pm to 3 pm."
02:11:48PM BRADLY : "I called Customer Service and was told I was ineligible."
02:11:50PM BRADLY : "who will be calling me?"
02:11:53PM BRADLY : "and at what number?"
02:12:15PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "The telephone number with us is."
02:12:33PM BRADLY : "Please have them call. This is my work number, where I will be at that time."
02:13:31PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Please allow me 2-3 minutes while I check my records for this."
02:16:03PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Thank you for staying online. I appreciate your patience."
02:16:47PM BRADLY : "You're welcome"
02:17:59PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "We appreciate your interest in the Express Upgrade Program and understand that you would like to proceed with upgrading your system from Windows XP to Windows Vista."
02:18:27PM BRADLY : "Who will be calling me on Monday the 5th?"
02:18:32PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "We understand your desire to obtain the Upgrade to Windows Vista, when available, and therefore are making the retail version of the Windows Vista Upgrade available to you at 50% of the normal price and fully covered by technical support from Microsoft."
02:18:48PM BRADLY : "No….that is unacceptable."
02:19:00PM BRADLY : "I have already been promised the upgrade at "absolutely no cost""
02:19:08PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Your Retail Upgrade to Windows Vista will ship once Vista is available which is anticipated to be February 2007. Would you like me to go ahead and place that order for you?"
02:19:09PM BRADLY : "anything less than that is completely unacceptable."
02:20:12PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Okay, let me confirm it again."
02:21:03PM BRADLY : "Did you not read the notes on case# 147194654?"
02:21:14PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Yes, I did."
02:22:30PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Please allow me 2-3 minutes while I check my records."
02:24:02PM BRADLY : "I have an e-mail from one of your customer service reps that says, and I quote, "In order to resolve your concern; we will place an order for the Vista upgrade DVD absolutely free of cost for you, once Microsoft launches it.""
02:25:12PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "Thank you for staying online. I appreciate your patience."
02:26:36PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "The best and the last deal we can offer you is, we will pay 70% and you pay 30%."
02:27:35PM BRADLY : "Absolutely not! I have an e-mail from Premlekha on December 1st, clearly stating I was to get the upgrade free of charge."
02:27:41PM BRADLY : "I am not here to negotiate."
02:28:04PM BRADLY : "If you will not provide the upgrade as previously promised I want a phone number of someone in Austin, Texas, and I will resolve it with them."
02:29:01PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "I am sorry however I don't have any information about the direct lines to Austin team as the chat/calls are routed globally."
02:29:42PM BRADLY : "And you are unwilling to fulfill the promise of your customer service rep Premlekha?"
02:31:00PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "I understand your concern, that you were informed that you will get Vista upgrade for free, however, this won't be possible."
02:31:12PM BRADLY : "How do I get in touch with Premlekha? her Rep ID is 134395"
02:31:18PM Agent (Singh S Karandeep): "I am sorry that you were misinformed."
02:31:39PM BRADLY : "and why is it not possible?!?!? I bought the laptop exactly 12 hours before the promotion started, and tried to cancel the order but it was too late."
02:31:46PM BRADLY : "i have purchased FOUR computers from Dell,"
02:32:03PM BRADLY : "and if you're willing to lose my future business over a DVD you're selling for $10 shipping, that is a TERRIBLE business decision."
02/02/2007 02:33:47PM Session Ended
It just keeps getting better.
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2007 8:34:04 AM
This is an automated email sent from Dell Chat. The following information is a log of your session. Please save the log for your records.
Your session ID for this incident is 9203575.
Time Details
07:50:53AM System: "Your chat session will begin shortly."
07:50:54AM Session Started with Agent (Harvinder Kaur)
07:50:57AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you for contacting Dell Customer Service Chat. My name is Harvinder. How may I help you?"
07:51:08AM BRADLY : "I need the status of case number 147194654"
07:51:23AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "I will be glad to assist you with this concern."
07:51:23AM BRADLY : "I was told to wait 24 hours, which I have done."
07:51:25AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "May I have the complete name as it appears on our records?"
07:51:28AM BRADLY : "I am expecting an e-mail from Rahmel."
07:51:31AM BRADLY : "Bradly "
07:51:41AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you."
07:51:51AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Your e-mail address in our records is ***@***.com. Is this correct?"
07:52:55AM BRADLY : "yes"
07:53:24AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you for giving me this information."
07:53:27AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Please allow me 2 minutes to pull up your account. Your patience in this matter is highly appreciated."
07:53:33AM BRADLY : "okay"
07:55:05AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you for staying online, I appreciate your patience."
07:55:17AM BRADLY : "you're welcome"
07:56:02AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Bradly, is it that you were to receive a call from Rahmel and you have not received any call?"
07:57:00AM BRADLY : "I am waiting on an e-mail. Rahmel called me once (though your notes say he called three times). He left me a voicemail, indicating he would send me an e-mail, and he didn't leave me a return phone number."
07:57:17AM BRADLY : "What I can tell you is that his name is Rahmel and he's in British Columbia, in the Special Case Department."
07:57:52AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "I apologize for any inconvenience, however, If you give me your concern, I would be glad to assist you."
07:58:38AM BRADLY : "My concern is that I have yet to receive an e-mail!"
07:59:18AM BRADLY : "That's my main concern…aside from the fact that Rahmel says he called me three times, though he only called once."
08:00:10AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Please allow me 2-3 minutes while I check my records."
08:01:25AM BRADLY : "Give me 2-3 minutes as well….I have to step away for a quick moment."
08:03:03AM BRADLY : "I have returned."
08:03:52AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you for staying online, I appreciate your patience."
08:03:54AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Please bear with me for 2-3 more minutes while I continue researching this issue."
08:04:05AM BRADLY : "okay"
08:07:17AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you for staying online, I appreciate your patience."
08:07:42AM BRADLY : "you're welcome"
08:08:40AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Bradly, as per the details, I understand that your were having an issue regarding your vista upgrade. Is that correct?"
08:08:48AM BRADLY : "Yes"
08:10:20AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Is it that you do not want to pay the shipping charges for the Vista DVD?"
08:10:40AM BRADLY : "I WILL pay the shipping charges, if you guys will allow me to get the upgrade!"
08:10:56AM BRADLY : "My problem has been that every time I try to get it, I'm told different things."
08:11:03AM BRADLY : "one time I'm told I can't get the upgrade at all"
08:11:16AM BRADLY : "another time I'm told I get it at absolutely no cost (this was back in November)"
08:11:24AM BRADLY : "another time I'm told I can get it 50% off retail"
08:11:34AM BRADLY : "another time I'm told I can get it 30%"
08:11:44AM BRADLY : "another time I'm told to just go out and buy the retail version"
08:12:05AM BRADLY : "So let me tell you that I am getting angry at the lack of cohesiveness with Dell's handling of this matter."
08:12:32AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Bradly, I understand your concern."
08:12:59AM BRADLY : "I hope you do, because this is very disappointing"
08:13:13AM BRADLY : "So what can YOU do for me? The last time I contacted you guys, I was assured I would get an e-mail."
08:13:16AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "I apologize for any inconvenience, however, please allow me 2-3 minutes while I check my records."
08:13:26AM BRADLY : "another 2 to 3 minutes??? are you serious?"
08:13:39AM BRADLY : "All I want is the e-mail from Rahmel"
08:13:44AM BRADLY : "I have no way of contacting him"
08:14:17AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Thank you for staying online, I appreciate your patience."
08:14:34AM BRADLY : "Unless you can process my order for the Vista upgrade."
08:15:18AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Bradly, as you have placed the order on 10/25/06 and Vista started on 10/26/2006, your system is not eligible for the free vista upgrade."
08:15:43AM BRADLY : "I am going to say this one more time."
08:15:54AM BRADLY : "I expect a response from Rahmel in SPECIAL CASES DEPARTMENT!"
08:15:56AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "We at Dell, value our customers, so we would be glad to give you the vista upgrade."
08:16:26AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "We advice you to contact our Customer Care Department at 1-800 -624 -9897, Monday through Friday, between 7 AM to 9 PM CST and a customer care representative will be glad to help you."
08:16:26AM BRADLY : "Excuse me? First you say I am not eligible"
08:16:41AM BRADLY : "No! I tried that, and was told I'm not eligible!!!!"
08:16:50AM BRADLY : "That is why this was upgraded to the SPECIAL CASES DEPARTMENT!"
08:17:08AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "We advise that you pay 50% charges for the upgrade and we will bare 50% charges for the upgrade."
08:17:09AM BRADLY : "I need Rahmel to contact me."
08:17:25AM BRADLY : "DO you not understand?!?!?!"
08:17:48AM BRADLY : "Dell will bare 100% of the charges for the upgrade, and I will pay the shipping."
08:17:58AM BRADLY : "which was what was originally agreed upon"
08:18:08AM BRADLY : "If you are unable to help me I expect this to be upgraded to a manager"
08:18:17AM BRADLY : "or preferably to Rahmel in the SPECIAL CASES DEPARTMENT"
08:18:22AM BRADLY : "Confirm that you understand what I am saying"
08:18:27AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "I apologize, I would not be able to guarantee that you would be receiving and e-mail from Rahmel, however, if he has promised you an e-mail , he will send you one."
08:18:51AM BRADLY : "I am doubting I will get an e-mail Harvinder. He said he called three times, but only called one."
08:19:07AM BRADLY : "So I want this resent to the SPECIAL CASES DEPARTMENT"
08:19:13AM BRADLY : "I have been MORE than patient with you people"
08:19:31AM BRADLY : "and each time I'm given the same load of crap."
08:20:31AM Agent (Harvinder Kaur): "Bradly, please stay online, I will transfer the chat to my manager."
08:20:44AM Session Transferred to Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija)
08:20:47AM Session Started with Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija)
08:20:59AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Hi Bradly."
08:21:02AM BRADLY : "Good morning, Sup Sukriti Sukhija"
08:21:04AM BRADLY : "Hello."
08:21:08AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "I am Sukriti, the manger on duty."
08:21:18AM BRADLY : "Thank you for speaking with me."
08:21:22AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Please brief me on issue to assist you in a better manner?"
08:21:27AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "You are most welcome."
08:21:49AM BRADLY : "I am frustrated by the lack of cohesion with your customer service department. I have been promised the Vista Upgrade (even though I ordered my laptop 12 hours too early)."
08:22:03AM BRADLY : "But each time I attempt to get the upgrade, I'm being told different things."
08:22:13AM BRADLY : "First I'm told I'm ineligible."
08:22:29AM BRADLY : "Then I'm told I can get it for 50% off"
08:22:48AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Bradly, I do apologize for the inconvenience first of all. I will provide you all the details right away."
08:23:44AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Your order was placed on 10-25-06 and we started the promotion for Vista upgrade on 10-25-06, hence your order is not eligible."
08:24:06AM BRADLY : "And AGAIN, I contacted Dell, explained this and was told I would be able to get the Vista Upgrade!"
08:24:15AM BRADLY : "This was before Vista was available."
08:24:17AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "We do understand that you were short by just one day, so we have decided to send you the upgrade."
08:24:44AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "However, you will have to bear half of the charge."
08:24:56AM BRADLY : "This is unacceptable."
08:25:12AM BRADLY : "I have messages from other people, indicating that I will get it for free, and only have to pay the $10."
08:25:13AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "In that case, we are unable to send you the Vista Upgrade."
08:25:23AM BRADLY : "I was short by 12 hours!"
08:25:34AM BRADLY : "I called to cancel the order so I could place my order the next day"
08:25:49AM BRADLY : "and was told at that time to keep the order in queue, and they'd allow me to upgrade."
08:25:52AM BRADLY : "This is ridiculous!"
08:26:11AM BRADLY : "I want this upgraded to the Special Case Department."
08:26:18AM BRADLY : "I need to get in touch with a Special Case Manager"
08:27:08AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Bradly, let me check what we can do in this regard."
08:27:17AM BRADLY : "Thank you"
08:29:04AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Please bear with me for 2-3 minutes."
08:31:06AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Thank you for your patience."
08:31:14AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "I am escalating this issue for consideration to our special escalation team and will get back to you with an e-mail within next 48 business hours."
08:31:14AM BRADLY : "okay"
08:31:24AM BRADLY : "48 hours from right now?"
08:31:29AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "I will e-mail you at: ***@***.com"
08:31:34AM BRADLY : "Who can I contact if I don't hear from someone?"
08:31:44AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "That is correct. I will get back you once I get an reply from them."
08:31:58AM BRADLY : "but how do I contact YOU?"
08:32:02AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "You can e-mail me at: email@example.com"
08:32:41AM BRADLY : "I just sent you a test e-mail."
08:33:08AM BRADLY : "Thank you for your time this morning…I look forward to your response within 48 hours."
08:33:12AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "Will let you know once I receive it."
08:33:18AM Agent (Sup Sukriti Sukhija): "You are most welcome."
08:33:25AM BRADLY : "Good day to you."
02/07/2007 08:33:28AM Session Ended
Special escalation team sounds very formal. What eloquent answer did Dell's customer service ninjas offer?
Thank you for contacting Dell!
We appreciate the opportunity to help. Let me first apologize for the delay in our response and inconvenience caused to you. Your patience is very much appreciated. Please be adviced you will have to purcahse the retails version of Vista.
Please feel free to revert in case of any clarifications/suggestions!
Thank you again for choosing Dell!
Vishal Kaul
Dell Consumer Care
Well, at least it's not a form letter.
Thank you for contacting Dell!
We appreciate the opportunity to help. Let me first apologize for the delay in our response and inconvenience caused to you. Your patience is very much appreciated. Please be adviced as you are a valued customer I can place a request for $25.00 coupon and you may use that to place an order for the retail Vista.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Please feel free to revert in case of any clarifications/suggestions!
Thank you again for choosing Dell!
Vishal Kaul
Dell Consumer Care
Maybe it is a form letter. How does this maddening roller-coaster of crossed lines resolve itself?
Just an FYI that Dell has agreed to send me the Vista for free.
I wrote an e-mail directly to Michael Dell (CEO) and got a call from a "resolver" in their Executive office…they're sending it at no charge.
See, getting Dell to keep a promises isn't that difficult. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.