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Sponsored By
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Parent Coordinators of Brooklyn,
New York, upon the occasion of celebrating the 2nd Annual Parent Coordi-
nators Appreciation Day
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to the Parent Coordinators in each school directly respon-
sible for supporting families and supporting parent involvement and
strengthening the educational system of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-ho-
nored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend
Maria Nieves, Parent Coordinator of Brooklyn, New York, upon the occa-
sion of celebrating the 2nd Annual Parent Coordinators Appreciation Day;
WHEREAS, On Friday, May 17, 2013, Healthfirst will be hosting an
appreciation breakfast at Crystal Manor to honor Maria Nieves, Parent
Teacher Coordinator; this year's theme is "Blazing a Path to the
Future"; and
WHEREAS, It is said that comprehensive parent partnerships make
certain that every school develops and implements an effective plan for
parental and family engagement, ensuring a family friendly school
climate in cooperation with an academically enriched environment for
both teachers and students; and
WHEREAS, The successful sharing of ideas, enriching of school
districts and maintaining of specific roles by Maria Nieves and Parent
Coordinators throughout Brooklyn, New York, including conducting
outreach to get other parents involved in school life and supporting
school activities, are essential in the community; and
WHEREAS, Maria Nieves, Parent Coordinators, administrators, teachers
and support staff are all committed to ensuring academic success and
together look forward to working toward excellent academic growth; and
WHEREAS, The Parent Coordinators Appreciation Day provides an opportu-
nity to recognize Maria Nieves, and the significant contributions to the
quality of life and the progression of our educational system and for
all people to gain a greater appreciation of the role Parent Coordina-
tors will continue to play in our society; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
recognize such a respectable and dedicated group of parents like Maria
Nieves who foster pride in education and exemplify family engagement
that represents and strengthens the fabric of the people and the State
of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Maria Nieves upon the occasion of celebrating the 2nd Annual
Parent Coordinators Appreciation Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Maria Nieves.
19 / Apr / 2013
23 / Apr / 2013
23 / Apr / 2013
Resolution Details
- Law Section:
- Resolutions, Legislative
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We're one month away from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition's 20th Anniversary Conference! The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is thrilled to reflect on the past 20 years of advocacy, outreach and survivorship with YOU. Not only are we looking back, we are looking to the future of breast cancer in Pennsylvania and beyond. This year's Conference will feature the very latest in breast cancer research and education, including a special presentation by world-renowned researcher and PA native Dr. Dennis Slamon.
The PBCC has chosen a special Shining Light Awardee for its 20th Anniversary Conference. Westmoreland Walks has been one of the most successful PBCC Grassroots Partners for the past 12 years. The Board of Directors works tirelessly, year-round, on events and breast cancer outreach, including the annual Westmoreland Walks event at Twin Lakes Park.
We caught up with the hard-working Westmoreland Walks board members at Twin Lakes. Click on the video below to learn more about their journey promoting breast cancer awareness in Western PA.

subset: commoncrawl


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Unless you are exclusively breastfeeding, baby bottles are a must. You can't just choose any bottles, though, or choose them based on their designs. Rather, you have to make sure they are BPA-free so they are completely safe for your baby and you have to pay attention to the shape of the bottle and the nipple, too, to make sure your baby won't have trouble getting milk but also not end up getting air in his tummy.We offer bottle feeding BPA-free items just for your baby. These are available in different sizes for both short and long feedings and call all be safely sterilized. They have different kinds of nipples, as well, including nursing nipples which are designed to simulate breastfeeding. We have bottles with nursing drop-ins, as well, which are ideal for traveling.
BabyGiftsOutlet.com is your one stop shop for all your baby product and baby gift needs. We bring the highest quality products from trusted brands and manufacturers at affordable prices so that you can be rest assured that you get the most for your money. Feel free to browse our large selection of baby gifts by narrowing down the color, brand, and price range that fits your needs for your baby.


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Trim project labor and increase productivity using custom-made tools and prejob planning.
Electrical contractors spend an incredible amount on project labor, especially when you total all hourly taxes and expenses. How would you like to trim 10% from that total? Boosting job-site productivity through better tool management could do it. In fact, a 10% reduction may be too low an estimate for most contractors.
To understand how to enhance productivity, let's go back to the basic components: quality tools, materials, and instruction. If these are well provided, along with prejob planning, you're on your way to greater productivity.
Rising labor and material costs and tight operating budgets make it imperative to learn about tools, rigs, and procedures that can help you increase productivity. The following ideas can help shave dollars from your operating costs:
Customize your own tools. One successful Midwest contractor follows this rule. If the firm needs a tool that can't be found, it constructs its own. A threading/bending station on wheels is one such example. The station includes gang boxes to store bending shoes and dies.
The firm built 16 of these workstations in the last few years, and the utilization rate for the equipment is about 95%. The workstations prove to be so productive the contractor encourages field use by charging an affordable rent.
In addition, the contractor refined its tool management system so the major cost is repair/parts; not the purchase of new tools. The company is constantly looking for ways to maximize its tool investment and increase utilization; preventing equipment from sitting idle in the warehouse. Another innovative idea involved setting up the company's tool inventory as a separate business entity and renting tools and equipment to other contractors in the area.
Vans and trailers have long been used for material and tool storage as well as field offices. So what's new? Job-site office trailers can receive useful custom "add-ons," such as easy-to-read schedule boards or technical library bookshelves. Do not expose desktop computers and laser printers to airborne dust and dirt entering through the doorway. And unless you want to keep replacing them, protect computer keyboards from this pollution by using a plastic keyboard cover or a special "hardened" keyboard.
Work wagons, such as wheeled platforms with a cutting tool and threader, speed conduit installations. These units have room to measure and lay out wireway channels.
Tool storage trailers can also have important supporting roles in enhancing job-site productivity. Plywood bins, sized for large hand and power tools, can save time during checkout and prevent unnecessary wear and/or damage.
Outfit a flatbed truck, used to set poles and overhead conductors, with a hydraulically powered telescope boom that will reach a working height of 55 ft. The personnel platform is usually 3 ft by 5 ft with safety rails. Main platform and outrigger controls are located near the truck cab.
Outfit a flatbed (stake) truck with a high-lift bed to make deliveries directly to the second floor of a building (especially in a crowded city street). The truck can pick up a load of conduit or lighting fixtures at a manufacturer or distributor warehouse, travel over the highway to the job site, and lift the entire truck bed to a 20-ft elevation. Hydraulic outriggers stabilize the load.
Use a mobile machine shop, conveniently located on the job site. You can equip the unit with a gasoline-engine-driven generator rated 3200W, 230/120V, serving multiple receptacles for portable power tools. The platform can have a threading machine and a high-speed cutting wheel for trimming conduit.
Don't crawl in. Bring it out! Use an easy rollout cargo drawer in different types of vehicles. You can get items faster and reduce injuries when loading or unloading tools and equipment. When extended, the cargo drawer holds up to 3000 lb evenly distributed.
You can use skid-mounted load panels (typically rated 100A) supported on a metal framing channel with a number of convenient receptacle outlets for temporary power on construction sites. Contractors build their own, outfitting them with the most desired features.
Employ a chopsaw, a tool that is gaining wide acceptance by all of the construction trades. It's a time saver because it makes a perfect perpendicular cut. After cutting a 3/8-in. or half-inch. threaded rod, the nut will start on the threads without having to debur, trim, or file the threads. One note of caution: The tool throws sparks, so you should wear eye, face, and hearing protection. Only use the chopsaw in a safe work area; one free of all flammables, including rope, rags, and paper.
On one outdoor project involving new underground transformer construction, the contractor modified a self-powered lightweight cable-pulling rig from an existing but unused trencher; for pulling power cables. A standard tool for outdoor underground cable placement, the newer horizontal directional drills (HDD) increase productivity, provide more accurate bores, and are easier to use.
Some of the new models have automatic stake down systems (to keep drilling and pullback forces from moving the drill), and they can carry enough drill pipes for most installations. Some models feature remote control devices for driving and steering. Many models operate with a tethered hand-control box: Radio controlled models add important versatility.
You can accurately guide the drill by using a radio transmitter, or beacon, located directly behind the drill bit. Held by a crew member walking directly above the bore head, a tracker/receiver receives the beacon's signal. The beacon sends up data on the position and depth of the bore head and information for steering changes.
Usually, cable reels are set on a motor-driven payout device that can push the cable onto the cable tray. At the same time, a cable puller with a 10,000-lb tension and pulling grip, applied over the cable tied in with the pulling eyes, helps speed the installation. Sometimes, custom-made or field-modified sets of rollers, strategically located at offsets and bends to ease the cable pulling operation, can be a key factor in completing the work under budget and on schedule.
The latest advances in bending conduit and EMT include benders that can quickly handle one-shot offsets, one-shot round saddles, one-shot flat saddles, and one-shot 90 degree bends. The newest models are battery-powered, making them ideal for use at parking lots or highway sites.
A motorized semicon insulation shield remover can correct cuts made by someone who used a razor blade. This tool will not cut too deeply into the cable and allow electrical stresses to begin to breakdown the insulation and cause a corona discharge.


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November 21, 2011
An Unconventional Christmas Tree
16 comments:
- Artsy VaVa said...
What a beautiful tree! I've seen rolled paper projects but nothing like this. Thanks for sharing.
- November 21, 2011 at 9:49 PM
- Alison @ mommadidit.blogspot.com said...
This is darling! I making all of my ornaments and decorations with old book pages this year. This would be a great addition!
- November 22, 2011 at 12:16 PM
- Marilyn said...
Oh wow, this is TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL.. I Love how creative you got with it.. Very stunning project.. I really hope to make this soon, I can't get over it ; )).. Loving your creative spot here. I am officially happily following ya with smiles.. I'm Marilyn and would LOVE for you to please link this wonderful feature to my Christmas linky party please. http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/11/special-christmas-soiree1st-feature.html --wishing ya a great start to your week. TY
- November 22, 2011 at 2:08 PM
- Bronwyn said...
This is lovely! Isn't it amazing what an old book can become? I may make a few of these in different sizes for my buffet. Thanks for the idea!
- November 22, 2011 at 5:15 PM
- ReMadeSimple Kristina said...
I love this! I also made a paper tree but with curled up edges. I am addicted to making mini trees this year-great job!
- November 22, 2011 at 6:57 PM
- Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts said...
Thanks for linking up to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at www.SugarBeeCrafts.com -- you were featured today!!
- November 23, 2011 at 12:59 PM
- Pieced Pastimes said...
This is such a cute tree. Love it! Thanks for sharing.
- November 26, 2011 at 5:24 AM
- Jen said...
So pretty! What a great, creative twist on the classic Christmas tree. I'd be thrilled if you came and linked up to the Head to Head Showdown, going on right now at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
- November 26, 2011 at 7:31 AM
- Christina at I Gotta Create! said...
Love, love, Love this!!! Gotta pin it!!
- November 26, 2011 at 8:04 PM
- bonniegetchell said...
This is so adorable! Found you through the Ask Anna link up! :-)
-Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
- November 27, 2011 at 3:10 PM
- .Cookin.Crafts. said...
WOW!!! That is such an amazing idea! I'm totally going to do this!
- November 27, 2011 at 6:53 PM
- Sherika Lovett Alston said...
Love, love, LOVE!!! I also doing a lot of paper Christmas decor, this is perfect! Thanks so much for the inspiration! I would love for you to come link up today at Passionatelyperfect.com! Your newest fan!!
- December 1, 2011 at 6:24 PM
- Beth @ Free Stylin' said...
Your tree is so cute!! I featured it on my blog. Come by and check it out if you have a minute!
- December 16, 2011 at 12:30 PM
- Kristie said...
What a neat tree!
- December 19, 2011 at 7:48 PM
- michelle@somedaycrafts said...
Totally love it! I am featuring this tonight at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com
- December 14, 2012 at 8:50 AM
- ArtGirl said...
this is SO CUTE!! very clever idea.
- December 14, 2012 at 8:18 PM


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Meet the Riverkeepers
FRED TUTMAN, CEO of Patuxent Riverkeeper
"I think water draws people together," says Fred Tutman.
Tutman left law school to found Patuxent Riverkeeper in 2004. "I was a part-time advocate working on my river for years," he says. "It had never occurred to me that you could make a career of protecting your water. But when I found it, I knew my future had river-keeping in it."
Tutman's group advocates on behalf of the 110-mile Patuxent River and the one million people who live in its watershed, which spans seven counties in Maryland. The group's water trail crews, which monitor water quality and lead clean-up projects, are modeled after Appalachian Trail crews Tutman has served on. And Patuxent Riverkeeper, along with three other environmental organizations, is currently filing suit against an energy company for landfill discharge that has been polluting groundwater in the region.
"We have a watershed-wide movement working up and down the whole river to solve problems affecting our water. That's huge. That's never been done on our river before."
SALLY BETHEA, Executive Director of Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
"I've always been attracted to David and Goliath types of challenges," says Sally Bethea.
Bethea, who grew up near the Chattahoochee River, got involved in the environmental movement in the 1970s. "I really liked advocacy. And I was pretty incensed to learn the kinds of pollution problems that occur. I got mad."
When she cofounded Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper in 1994, the river was in a state of deep neglect, with regular reports of sewage overflows, creek banks lined with garbage, and streams so malodorous families wouldn't venture into their backyards.
The group has removed nearly 1,000 tons of debris from local waterways and successfully sued the City of Atlanta for violations of the Clean Water Act.
"I think it's incredibly empowering and wonderful seeing people make a personal connection to a river that is a part of our daily lives," says Bethea. "I have been sustained by this river."
CHERYL NENN, Riverkeeper with Milwaukee Riverkeeper
"I hope by the time I die some of these rivers will be fishable and swimmable and drinkable and an asset to the community" says Cheryl Nenn.
For eight years, Nenn has worked with Milwaukee Riverkeeper, monitoring the land around three rivers and identifying sources of pollution. She is also a regular fixture at community meetings, advocating for watershed protection. "It's not always fun going to these public hearings from seven to 10 at night. But there's always that local person there who's trying to protect their river. I get energy from those people."
The group has performed massive clean-up projects and filed lawsuits. It also works to recruit community members to act as stewards for the local watershed. "There's always going to be a need for advocates to protect waterways because pressure on the [polluters] is not too extreme. We really need people to be voices for these rivers."
- : Milwaukee's Menomonee River watershed is an urban wilderness, and it is something that should and can exist in every American town and city.
- : Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduces the work of the Waterkeeper Alliance.
- : A dying man thought he'd spend his last days cleaning a small creek behind his house. Did he save the creek? Or was it the creek that saved him?


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I have always believed that it's so important to play with a bunch of musicians whom you can really trust when it comes to making musical decisions. It's become a true necessity for me these days, since I barely get time to actually rehearse with them and go over songs or even new material. We happen to have a very important gig tomorrow night, and I am absolutely trusting them to be able not only to remember material we've done in the past, but to be able to know what tunes I may simply just decide to play!
This can be a little scary for me, the band leader, but in truth, it's the best way to really work with your fellow players. It's also a great way, if you're just starting out, to find out what other musicians really know or don't know. If you get some players together, would recommend going over some specific songs for sure, but try to use a lot of them as "backbones" upon which to improvise and come up with new ideas. This, and only this, will really give you clues as to what's making the musicians tick! It's also a great way to learn each other's "moves" so that in the future, you can really think together and be able to anticipate things, musically speaking
I know that when I do "trust" my players, it gives all of us a great deal of joy that results from that special kind of freedom that only comes with musical trust. If I call out a certain tune for example, basically all I need, even if we've never played it before, is to tell them what key I want to play it in. This is the kind of working relationship everyone should strive for, and is a rare and wonderful thing when it can really be "the real thing."
So, tomorrow night will be a great test for this musical "trust," as I will be laying about 20 songs we have actually played together before, and about another 20 or so that we've never played together before! Wish me luck….and I certainly wish you luck in your musical relationships and endeavors!
When people are first starting out to play the guitar, or if a parent is thinking they want to get their child started with guitar, I always get the same question; should they start on acoustic or electric, and wouldn't it be better to start with a cheap acoustic first, to see if they really like the guitar? Well, the first thing is that you should never think "cheap" when getting someone their first guitar ... staying within a budget, yes, but to compromise too much on quality would do a great disservice to the person who wants to learn, and may actually do more to discourage them than anything else! Imagine if you were just starting out as a guitarist, and you had an instrument that was "fighting" you all the way! You'd probably forever associate the guitar with pain! Hardly the way to start off on the right foot!
The other part, about whether or not someone should start on acoustic or electric is also a big "old wife's tale." After all, most of us were attracted to the guitar by the "sexiness" and appeal of the electric guitar. That's not to say the acoustic is not attractive or sexy, because it surely is, and may actually be what is more attracting you at this juncture. But one thing is for sure, I actually believe in, if your budget can take it, learning on both the acoustic and electric guitars together. There is no doubt that the combination will instantly make you a more well-rounded player from the get-go, and the two different styles and techniques of playing can much more become "one" if you start out with them together.
Now, I started on classical, which is very disciplined and gives you a great respect for the guitar at a very early age, and then quickly moved on to electric guitar. It wasn't until a good 11 years later that I got a wonderful steel-string acoustic guitar, and it was a real eye-opener! What then happened was that my already well-established electric style was blending with my new acoustic playing to form a kind of unique acoustic/electric "hybrid!" I was bending more than one normally does, using vibrato more too, and just generally applying a much more "electric" approach to the acoustic. I has truly served me well, since to this day, I feel like I really "wrench" a lot out of that acoustic guitar compared to many other players I know of.
In any event, I really feel you should try to do as much of both as possible, and really let the techniques flow into one another. You'll be amazed at what you'll come up with!
The "less is more" adage is certainly a bit overused when it comes to many things, but I think the first use of it was in the context of music. Guitar players sometimes will take forever to learn the fact that less is really more, since so many of them start by learning to simply "overplay" all the time! I like to say that young players today love to go "from zero to 60" in too short a time, or that they start out driving a Corvette, when they should really be just starting on a heavy 1956 Buick! It's so much more important to savor the notes you play, and not overload yourself with too many fretboard pyrotechnics right from the get-go. Of course it's very nice to be able to play fast, and to especially know all your positions on the fingerboard, but it's how you get to that knowledge that really concerns me. I got all my fretboard knowledge from playing with feeling, learning in front of audiences, playing by ear and most of all, simply fighting for survival with the guitar in my hands! The act of being a "real" artist always stems from the true need to create, as opposed to what you think makes you cool, or accepted or whatever it might be.
As I found and fought my way through a myriad of gigs, both live and recorded, I noticed that even though there may have been a million ideas floating around in my head, it was usually the one with the most minimalistic approach that seemed to please everyone the most. Sure, I love to build up a solo or a part and really let it become explosive at times, but this is only if it is called for, and is appropriate for the music you are playing at the time. You can still decide to be "acrobatic" at certain times, even if it is not called for, but beware of landing on your feet, and being able to pull off such an outrageous move! You must always, within the framework of what you are playing, be able to justify your chancy moves, and finish off your musical statements!
In the end, you'll see that in situations where you are called upon to be creative and inventive, such as recording and performing, the "less is more" statement will really ring true for you. I know it surely did for me, and even though it took awhile to reign in this "unbridled" guitar player, once I was under control, it was really all worth it. I hope it will one day be for you, too!
This past week I have had the pleasure of teaching a wonderfully gifted young guitar player who I had the pleasure of teaching last summer for the first time. I have to say, that one of the great pleasures for me is seeing a guitarist who has such promise grow and mature into an even better player step by step. Of course, since I have had a year lay-off since seeing him last, it feel more like "leaps and bounds" rather than "step by step", but I can still feel and hear the "process" that has brought him to this point of virtuosity. There is obviously a lot of hard work behind this evolutionary development I am witnessing, but I can see that because his ear is so strong and finely tuned, his own particular learning has been a smooth development.
It also reminds me and echoes to me about my own development as a player, and I can clearly recall how my own "evolution" was so natural, as well as rewarding. Of course, some folks showed me things along the way, but as I can see in my student's playing, it was really his ear and keen sense of experimentation that brought him t this place in his abilities. A very disciplined practice regimen and just a pure joy for the act of playing and learning together make an all-powerful combination….one that is hard to deny when it comes to really making one improve. I can surely say that if you feel you have this kind of promise, that you take it seriously, and always dedicate as much time as possible to improving your craft. The more fun you have doing it, the better you will truly become, and please never lose sight of the fact that it must be fun!
Another fact that I have discovered from teaching a gifted student is that I can learn as much as he or she is learning from me too! After all, we all have our own unique "take" on things, and it still amazes me how many varied approaches there can be on the guitar. This student for example, has a very classical "over the top" approach to the fretboard which is totally the opposite of my angled, "blues/rock" approach. My style is more developed for bending and vibrato, with the thumb often curled over the top of the fingerboard, while in his approach, you almost never see the thumb. The thing is though; I just can't see how he is so able to also do my techniques using his approach! But somehow, with his hand strength and dexterity, he's able to make it work, and can apply it to his library of unique knowledge!
So I guess what I'm really trying to say is that you must respect your own unique abilities, and remember that you are your own best student, especially when it comes to watching and respecting your own unique development. If one day, such as I do, you start to teach others, you will truly be happy to see and encourage this same kind of positive development in your students! Best of luck!
This one particular experience was quite something, and had a profound effect on the rest of my life, for sure! In 1967, I had become obsessed with buying a new Gibson Byrdland guitar, and had to "special order" it at Manny's Music on 48th Street in NYC. I still have that luscious green-covered catalog in my possession to this day, and kept longingly staring at it, anticipating that day when I would finally get my guitar. I had ordered it in natural blond, and left a $200 deposit for it with my dad. They said it would take about six months for it to come, and if I recall, the price in those days at Manny's was about $750 altogether.
Well, sure enough, the big day finally came, and we were told that the guitar was in, and ready for me to pick up. I went down with my dad, who was ready to pay the remainder of the balance for me, and I was so excited I could barely contain myself! In those days, as often was the case, Manny's was a bustling, crowded, and often very intimidating place to be in. This was especially true for a young 15 year-old player with his father, waiting for them to bring out my new guitar! They were busy berating the lead guitarist from The Blues Magoos for buying too many old Les Pauls, yelling at him to save his money, and to stop blowing it all! If I recall, he was trying to buy a sunburst '59 that day for like $400 or close to it!
In any event, my guitar finally came out, and with the salesman STILL complaining about me handing a "thousand dollar axe", even though it was technically mine, they finally opened the case. My heart sank, as it was in that very stark "black to yellow" sunburst, not at all the blond I had ordered! Now, Gibson has of course always been a fine brand, but this was at the time when a lot of folks were starting to feel that the "new" guitars were not made nearly as well as the older ones, and the vintage guitar "boom" was starting to really take hold. In any event, I picked it up, bent the G string to start a lick, and the nut of the guitar promptly broke right off the neck!! We were all shock, and of course, I was deeply disappointed. I guess if it had actually been a blond one, I would've forgiven this little problem, let them fix it, and still would've bought the guitar, but I was tired of waiting, for sure! So, they refunded our $200, and discouraged, me and my dad walked out. We looked all over 48th Street for another comparable instrument to no avail, and then turned the corner to go onto 49th Street, where there was an upstairs guitar shop called "Eddie Bell." I had never really been there before, so I took a quick look around, and saw nothing. But just as we were ready to head down the stairs, the salesman said, "have you seen out 1952 Les Paul yet?" Well, not only had I not seen their Les Paul, but I'd never even held one up to that point. So he opened the glass case where it was hanging, handed it to me, plugged me in, and proceeded to change my world! What an incredible instrument. I now knew what it was like to play a truly great guitar, and I understood what all the fuss had been about when everyone was talking about "old Les Pauls" to me!!! Oh yes, it was only $500, a good $250 less than the poor broken new Byrdland I had so lusted after!
So, anyway, there's my story of how I got that first great Les Paul! Would buy another 100 of them right now if I could!
I know I've touched on this subject before, but I sometimes feel I need to re-visit a topic that is so broad, as this is. Of course, we've all had good and bad experiences while guitar shopping, and I'm sure anyone could give you some advice in the subject, but I have some unique perspectives on it.
I certainly also have had some exciting times when looking for guitars, such as the first time I bought an electric guitar! I went down to the fabled "Beatle boulevard", otherwise known as west 48th St. in Manhattan, and stopped into a little shop called "Ben's Music" with my Dad. Not sure why I chose this store, but it was way less intimidating than Manny's and the other more "professional" type of shops on that street at the time. It had a kind of "local" charm to it, and although it was small, it was just packed with cool guitars! I can recall that the window always had some of the coolest-looking instruments in it, to help attract you and to draw you into the store.
This time, when I went in, I was checking out a 4-pickup mostly-chrome Japanese solidbody guitar. It was something that only attracted me for its coolness factor, as I barely knew what made a guitar tick in those days! Well, sure enough, in the store, there stood Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, and he was buying some sticks, and I was the only kid in the store who recognized him. That night, the Stones were making their New York debut at the Academy of Music on 14th St., and seeing as I already had their latest album, I recognized him right away! I asked him for his autograph, and he politely obliged, writing on it, "Charlie Watts, of The Rolling Stones!" He seemed so nice and was totally happy to be recognized!
Fast forward over 20 years later, and I was on a radio show in London, on the BBC called "Echoes" with Stuart Colman, and was telling this story over the airwaves. Well, sure enough, the phone at the radio station rang, and it was the guy who was with Charlie Watts that day in the music store, and they actually remembered me! He said, "we thought you were the most charming boy, and Charlie was so flattered that you recognized him!" Wow, that blew me away, especially that after all this time and fame and travel and life in general, that particular moment stayed with Charlie as much as it did with me! He was out of town at the time, but that fellow who was with Charlie came down to my gig that night in London, and we had a blast!
Well, I know I didn't help you that much with buying your first guitar, but I can sure tell you that it was a great experience buying mine, thanks to meeting Charlie Watts! And oh yes, after visiting England, and seeing the music stores there, I could understand why Charlie chose Ben's Music like me; it definitely had the "charm" of those quaint little English shops! More on this topic later!
As you continue on this great venture as a guitar player, you're going to notice that inevitably, your ear will be improving. This comes from simply having to listen to, and play more music, and from really getting to recognize certain elements in music that tend to repeat themselves.
After all, it's all really been played and written before in some form or another, and the "archetypes" that repeat themselves over and over start to really present themselves to you over time! Certainly, I know that once I really started to recognize phrases and other subtleties within guitar playing, it became a lot easier for me to understand what seemed like "unreachable" passages by certain players. The real trick is to begin to recognize things so well, that even though you may hear 100 notes mysteriously flying by, a certain grouping of 3 or 4 within the phrase will certainly become at least something you can "hang your hat on" from a recognition standpoint. This in turn, tells you where the guitarist might be on the fretboard, and will help you to define and find the other notes and phrases that are in the vicinity of what you can recognize.
This is a key element when it comes to "fine tuning" your ear, and as you can well imagine, this ability will only continue to improve as you mature as a player, and as your experience starts to really grow. Just as I always keep on saying, "one good thing always leads to another", and this is so true of musical knowledge. I love to imagine that "big fingerboard in the sky" which has always become my true musical benchmark, and a reference point that I use to always come up with new ideas. The same should always be true for you, as you keep making your "ear" a more and more trustworthy partner to have!
I can't emphasize enough the importance of all of this, especially since no matter the process you are learning by, the development of your ear will be the single most important development for you as you go through your musical life! My ear has never let me down, and it just seems to actually improve with age. I used to have perfect relative pitch…now I have perfect pitch altogether, as well as perfect relative pitch, which of course, is the foundation of learning to recognize anything musical!
So, learn as you go, and listen as you learn….it all comes together sooner or later, and when it does, it's one of the great revelations for anyone who aspires to be a musician! Best of luck!
Even though many of you who are reading this may still be on the "beginner" side of things, it's never too early to think about teaching in your present or your future. After all, with me being a largely self-taught player, the art or teaching as well as writing books about the guitar really helped me to not only learn more, but als0o to understand what made me a good player to begin with. As you go on learning, which by the way, never really ends, you will find it a very fulfilling exercise to "pass on" any kind of knowledge you may have to others. I can recall that my earliest days of teaching were when I was just starting out as a player. I mean, what better way to "crystallize" what it is you know then by showing it to others? After all, there is always someone who knows less than you do, who is just dying for some information they can run with!
I can recall that my first guitar "hero" was just a young guy across the street from me in upstate NY who had a really cool guitar, and who could play well. I was just in awe of him, and used to absorb every little nuance of what he used to do on the guitar. One year later, I was already able to keep up with him, and had actually surpassed him as a player, even though I was just a kid! I had to get the same kind of guitar he had, and try to play the same tunes he knew. He never taught me formally, but I was able to observe him, and pick up tips just by watching him play.
Even when I had just started out, and knew 4 chords, I was already teaching them to other kids who thought I was so cool. This meant a lot to me, and as a teacher, I of course, when on to greater and greater things. The feeling of the "reward" has always stayed with me though, as it's always been my playing that came first, with the art of "passing it on" always there waiting in the wings! I suppose the finest thing about teaching is simply how grateful everyone is to me for what I show them, and this has, and always will, make tons of fans in the process. The appreciation is very important to me, and even back in the days of my Hot Licks business, the letters of thanks I would get would sometimes be literally overwhelming! It's clear that I have no intention of ever stopping this rewarding process, and I certainly hope that if you haven't already, you also experience this tremendous "gift of giving!"
Way back when I was first teaching the guitar privately, I had arrived at the idea of having my students audio tape my lessons. This was a great tool for them, as they not only were able to retain all the information that may've been lost in the course of the lesson, but it also showed them how it really should sound! But most of all, what this did was to plant the "seed" in me of what was to become a milestone idea.
One day, one of my longtime students who had moved away to Colorado wrote to me and said "I sure do miss those lessons on tape, Arlen!" Well, with this an immediate light went off in my head about what would one day be a thriving business; my Hot Licks taped instructional series! Now, this was 1973, and I was just really breaking out on my own as a player, and about to embark on many years of touring and recording, but I knew that one day, when the right time presented itself, I would create a business such as this.
Sure enough, in 1979, when I was starting to date my late wife, Deborah, I had suddenly not gotten any calls for any major tours, and was worried about our financial situation. I had just toured with Art Garfunkel for a year, and then Phoebe Snow, but the phone was not ringing, and work was slow. I was still teaching as much as I could, but I needed to make something bigger happen. We had $2000 left to our names at that point, and I decided that with that money, I was going to finally start that business I had thought of 6 years earlier. So, $1500 bought a half-page ad in Guitar Player Magazine, a magazine that at that time had absolutely no competitors in the guitar field, and $500 purchased a 2-track used Sony tape deck. I was teaching a lot then, so my teaching "chops" shall we say, were quite high, and after long session of being with my students, I'd go into my bedroom and start recording the lessons.
When I first jotted down the lessons I wanted to do, I decided that repeat customers were going to be my most important priority, so I actually conceived of 7 complete courses of 6 hour-long tapes each. There was Lead Guitar, Advanced Lead Guitar, Blues Guitar, Nashville Guitar, How to Play Guitar, R&B Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar. Needless to say, the mailbox started to overflow with responses to the ad in GP, and we were absolutely in business! What was so wild was that the orders were flowing in faster than I could even record the actual lessons, but that certainly was a good problem to have!
So, we were off and running, and it was immediately apparent that I should start signing other friends of mine who did tapes for me as well, so I could really start entrepreneuring and also broadening the catalog. And here I was, still 5 years away from even doing my first video lesson! More on this ongoing saga in future installments!
More than anything as guitarists, we must develop a sixth sense when it comes to protecting our hands. I feel that since I started playing so young, it instilled in me a real sense of protecting my hands, even when I'm not aware of it. Since I started primarily on classical guitar, and had to grow my nails, the natural "over-protection" of those nails naturally led to always being careful with my hands and fingers, in general.
Sports and other activities that we love to do, can really wreck havoc with our hands, and put them really in harm's way. I can remember dropping the idea of basketball playing in the playgrounds of New York once I saw how many times I was getting jammed fingers, and broken nails. If you want to play the guitar and protect yourself, I'd have to say that basketball should be out of the question! I also know that I can never go bowling unless all my finger-picking nails are broken, because bowling never fails to break them completely off.
Most people know that I love vintage cars, but working on them would put such a load on my hands, and put them in such danger, that I would never, ever want to risk that! I can recall Jeff Beck showing me how he had messed up his thumb while working on cars, and I also remember being in Danny Gatton's garage when he yelled out that he had broken a nail! I said "Danny, how can you expect to ever have good guitar playing hands if you're always gonna be underneath those cars of yours?!"
You must stat to get very selective about what you use your hands for, and you must develop an innate ability to recognize even the most casual of dangers to those precious hands of yours. Another thing to watch out for are those over-zealous "hand shakers" who just can't wait to literally crush your hand with their manly "grips". I always make sure they know just how much it hurts, and hope I make enough of an impression that they will never do it again! Don't let your nails get too, too long, as they will then always run a greater risk of cracking and then breaking; and for me, if that happens, I may as well lose that finger, since I am so used to needing those nails!
And finally, even in the act of playing the guitar itself, one must be careful to not "over-strain" the hand or the wrist, because you can end up like me, with a bad case of carpal tunnel syndrome, where the hand can get painfully numb! Teaching takes its toll, also, as there is an enormous amount of repetition that takes place. Beware of over-stressing yourself especially when focusing too hard on techniques such as bending and barreing.
So, take care of those "babies"…they are so priceless it can never be put into words…only notes!


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Learn more
Deloitte Review issue 10
We each have a calling. It might be revealed in the intense focus of Formula One racing champion Sebastian Vettel, whose mechanical intuition helped him nurse a car with gearbox problems to second place in the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix. Or the intuitive directing of Clint Eastwood. Or the designer's eye of the late Steve Jobs. We romanticize the accomplishments of talented individuals, but companies often have their own version of a calling.


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Where was Gracie Gold 4 Years Ago?
Posted by kfriend on Thu, 01/30/2014 - 10:34
With the Olympics starting on Friday, February 7th, we have a special program featuring a local competitor to share.
Where was Gracie Gold 4 years ago?
In Springfield, honing her skills with the Springfield Figure Skating Club and just a freshman at Glenwood High School in Chatham. Little did we know then Gracie would lead her Olympic Team into Sochi as the reigning US Figure Skating Champion. Watch as Mark McDonald features the then 14-year-old star on Illinois Stories.
Find the episode on our YouTube page


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|Home > Appearances & Events > 2019 > February 10 | BAFTA After Party at Annabel's in London, England (Inside)
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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
On The Street…..Madras Pants, New York
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25 comments
It's a bold look. The simple white shirt and black tie contrast with the busy pants. Interesting look. I would prefer the pants to be a tad longer though.
Is Tom Hanks in New York?
I like his take on wearing madras trousers. As if he took off his suit trouser and threw these on (leaving on the shirt/tie and shoes). If it was not jeans, or old chinos, it was madras. Dressy/Casual.
Hmmm, I'm not sure of the black shoes. Perhaps loafers instead?
It looks hideous and really, really great at the same time. Madras is, apparently, the big trend this summer. I wonder if he'd be wearing them if this weren't the case? No matter, he's a sight to behold.
madras no more…old navy has colonized these guys for summer and soon you won't be able to bear the sight of them.
it definitely takes coconuts to step out like that – and I respect him for it.
Woah, those trousers … I think they're giving me a panic attack.
sartorialist, i'm not sure i understand…
Looks like Army camouflage to me.
I'm withholding comment until I see the pattern of his tie.
This guy pulls off madras without even a wiff of Old Navy or J.Crew. Quite amazing, really.
So Madras is "the big trend this summer?" Haven't these been around forever? I remember from the 80s in Boston. Either way, love 'em – in the same category as seersucker.
For some reason I feel like he is channeling Bruce Willis and it is frightening me. Bruce is a tough dude, but when paired with Madras, let's just say I'm not "die hard" for this look.
I am not sure about this one. If he had paint splattered all over the madras pans, wore a man's t-shirt, and SoHo painter's boots, I might like them more…but then, I don't hate the look, either.
the pants are wearing him, not the other way round.
whoa, that's quite a look. just wish he would loosen his belt a teeny bit.
Anon nailed it when he said Old Navy has landed. However this guy is still enough ahead of the curve to pull it off, and it's pants, not a poorly fit short sleeve button up. Fresh.
That's it…I'm digging out my copy of " The Official Preppy Handbook". This ain"t no party, this ain't no disco …this ain't no foolin' around.
Ralph Lauren's… I love it!!! What a lesson of style and bolderness. A man who dare with those pants has a great personalyty. Congratulations.
ok, i am really mad about the old navy thing. i've been rocking madras in unexpected ways for the past 10 yrs. i was wearing a pair of brown/green madras widelegged drawstring pants when i met my husband. lucky, lucky. that said, i agree with what this guy is doing with his. it's stuffy and casual at the same time. he probably makes watches or something.
The guy looks a little uptight to be wearing them. I see madras as a more relaxed preppy look. its interesting though but not my taste or style.
Looks like all business on the top and a party on the bottom.
No, no no
Same as the popped collar. Some people can do it and others look foolish. I agree, madras are more casual and laid-back. That shirt buttoned to the top and the thin black tie are far too formal. Couple madras pants with Sperry Topsiders and a Ralph Lauren polo. Depending on the series (Blake, Regeant, Classic, Oxford or Yarmouth) a Ralph Lauren button-down will compliment very well.
Very daring – I wonder how this outfit would work in it entirety (with coat). Looks amusing and witty, as a corruption of a conventional suit. Well done.
looks…more like….Nick Wooster


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More than 1 million acres of private lands in the Bay Area, much of it deemed essential to the preservation of animal species, have been identified for potential conservation by the Bay Area Open Space Council, according to a massive new report.
"The Conservation Lands Network: San Francisco Bay Area Upland Habitat Goals Project Report 2011," released this fall, is the first regional study in the Bay Area, according to Ryan Branciforte, director of conservation planning for the Berkeley-based organization. It includes an online interactive mapping tool, Conservation Land Network Explorer, he said.
The report identifies land areas that would create a continuous mosaic of habitats and wildlife corridors, key to maintaining the Bay Area's biodiversity.
The report looked at habitats with irreplaceable rare and endemic species and vast tracts of intact plant types needed for biodiversity conservation. Five hundred plants, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates were identified along with the lands needed to support each species.
Already, 1.2 million acres of land in the Bay Area are protected. The report locates an additional 900,000 acres of "essential" lands that should be preserved, beginning at the inland edge of the Baylands and extending to the outer county boundaries.
It also identifies 200,000 acres that are "important to conservation goals," 120,000 acres in so-called "fragmented" areas that suffered substantial human impacts but are adjacent to protected areas, and 160,000 acres that need further investigation. The Stanford foothills encompass one such area, the study noted.
More than 43 organizations and landowners were involved in the study, which received funding from three private foundations: the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, along with several nonprofit and public agencies, including the California Coastal and Marine Initiative of the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation.
Local areas deemed "essential" for protection include some of Stanford University's foothills and areas surrounding already protected lands.
These include: north of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve; lands north of Sand Hill Road and west of Interstate 280 within Stanford; near 280 and Matadero Creek adjacent to Coyote Hill; south of Los Trancos Creek and east of 280; lands east and northwest of La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, south and west of Skylonda; large tracts surrounding Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve, west of Skyline Boulevard in the Santa Cruz Mountains and overlooking Half Moon Bay; and land adjacent to Portola Redwoods State Park in La Honda and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve near Los Altos Hills.
Open-space nonprofit groups praised the Conservation Lands Network report as a "greenprint" for conservation that can be incorporated into land, transportation, water and community planning.
The network can be used as a guide for selecting lands for purchase, conservation-easement acquisition and cooperative agreements with private landowners. It is not intended to identify specific properties but takes a broad-brush approach, its authors said.
"It provides a landscape-level look for conservation planning," said Paul Ringgold, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) vice president and head of stewardship. The report and online tool helped confirm areas where POST is focusing its preservation efforts and is helping to identify areas the agency might have missed, he said.
The San Francisco Bay Area is one of only five regions in the world with a Mediterranean climate and is noted for a high diversity of endemic species -- species found only in that one area and nowhere else, the study noted. Yet, it is one of the most ecologically imperiled. Eight of nine Bay Area counties fall within the top 20 counties in the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas where species are threatened by sprawl.
Santa Clara County has 36 imperiled species and ranks 17th and San Mateo County ranks 14th with 40 imperiled species, according to a 2005 study by the National Wildlife Federation, Smart Growth America and NatureServe.
The Bay Area supports 97 endangered or threatened species, according to the report. Landfills, highways, night lighting, predators and human settlement have impacted bird and mammal species, and gaps in ponds and connected water habitats affect amphibians and reptiles.
Ringgold said the report also provides a tool for describing the importance of lands to funders. The 1999 Baylands project, which focused on protection and restoration of historic tidelands around the Bay, resulted in $200 million in funding from Proposition 50, the Water Quality Supply and Safe Drinking Water Projects Bond that passed in 2002. The measure contributed to 45,000 acres of wetlands protection, according to the report.
The report can be viewed or downloaded at www.BayAreaLands.org. The online tool is available at www.bayarealands.org/explorer.


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Move over, Nole! When is Andy Murray making his way to Hollywood? The quiet and often awkward is plain brilliant in a hilarious new video from HEAD, in which the world's no. 4 promotes his racket-maker with a Facebook-friendly spot. In the vid, Murray's at home, on court, in bed and in the shower (authentically in the buff, as far as we can tell). The schtick? HEAD is pushing fans to their Facebook page, asking them to write personalized comments to Murray. Murray will choose his faves to slap on his HEAD bag for the Championships, a move that we sort of dig. Oh look there's Andy walking onto Centre Court — wait! I WROTE THAT. You know, it could happen to you. But first, you must "Like" HEAD (and watch the vid).
To catch more of Andy's (pretty awesome) acting, check out the vid after the jump. (more…)


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USA Cycling announces winners of the 2011 CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARDS!
Winning clubs were chosen for exhibiting excellence in several areas including race promotion, membership composition, instructional clinics and seminars, club activities, charity work, and race performance.
Three overall "Club of the Year" winners were named in Division I (76+ members), Division II (30-75 members), and Division III (1-29 members). Additionally, seven clubs are being honored with special awards in the following categories: Junior/High School, Collegiate, Masters, Track, Mountain Bike, Best New Club, and Women.
Matrix Cycling Club (Dallas, Texas) took the top honors as "Overall Club of the Year" in Division I. Founded in 1984, the club has a nearly 30-year history of supporting riders of all ages and ability levels. Of its 210 members, 65 are junior riders. The club's mission to promote and develop cycling is met through various initiatives like its first-time racer clinics at each of the 15 TMBRA races in 2011, or through stipends awarded to any club member (no matter the ability level) that competes in national or world championship competition. Learn more at www.matrixcycleclub.org.
In Division II, Full Spectrum Racing (Fayetteville, N.C.) was named "Overall Club of the Year."
Named "Best New Club" in 2010, the North Carolina group grew into a coast-to-coast operation in 2011 with several of its 35 riders competing in venues across the country. The club prides itself in helping its members progress by creating a true team environment, offering learning and development opportunities, an d fostering camaraderie. Learn more on the club's facebook page.
Holland Racing (Austin, Texas) is not your typical cycling club. Winner of the Division III "Overall Club of the Year" award for 2011, Holland members aren't dedicated to race results. They're dedicated to putting on races. The members race for other clubs or teams. As a member of Holland, they permit races with the mission of growing Texas bicycling one event at a time. In 2011, the club permitted eight events with USA Cycling for a total of 44 racing days. Looks like they're well on their way to raising the bar for event production in Austin and the entire Central Texas region. Learn more at www.hollandracing.org.
Being honored in 2011 as USA Cycling's "Junior/High School Club of the Year," Team Velosport (Irvine, Calif.) operates with a clear mission of introducing local youth to cycling. The parent-run structure keeps costs low so that ALL juniors are welcomed to the club to learn about safe riding skills, team tactics, junior-specific rules, equipment and maintenance, nutrition, and racing skills. The club hosted over 120 team rides this year, including a ride up Mt. Baldy to see stage seven of the Tour of California. The Southern California club currently consists of 37 junior members and in 2011 sent six riders to USA Cycling regional development camps. Learn more at www.teamvelosport.com.
After taking on management of the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex and revitalizing the Major Taylor Velodrome – Marian University (Indianapolis, Ind.) is USA Cycling's 2011 "Collegiate Club of the Year." The members of the team, including Coryn Rivera, Kaitlin Antonneau, and Adam Liebovitz, accomplished an average GPA of 3.04 in 2011, permitted 14 events with USA Cycling, and claimed the Division I Team Omniums at both the USA Cycling Collegiate Road AND Collegiate Track National Championships. Read more at www.muknights.com.
For the second year in a row, the Cross Creek Cycling Club (Fayetteville, N.C.) is named USA Cycling's "Masters Club of the Year." Not only did the group increase its membership by 21% in 2011, but it puts great effort into its cycling rehabilitation program for wounded veterans. Read more about this great club and what it does for America's heroes at www.crosscreekcyclingclub.org.
In the "Track Club of the Year" contest, Rubicon Cycling LLC (Vancouver, Wash.) took top honors in 2011 for its creation and management of the elite track cycling team, Project London. The squad, which consists of Kevin Mansker, Michael Blatchford, Daniel Walker, Jimmy Watkins, and Dean Tracy, boasts eight new US track records and a Pan American Games silver medal. While developing athletes to fulfill their Olympic dreams, Rubicon focuses on community service and supporting LIVESTRONG. Read more at www.projectlondon2012.com.
Whole Athlete-Specialized (San Anselmo, Calif.) was named USA Cycling's "Mountain Bike Club of the Year" in 2011. Primarily a junior development organization, the club provides coaching, training support, bike fitting, nutritional counseling, sport psychology, and skills training. In its three years of existence, it has always qualified riders to the world championship teams, and in 2011, its members claimed 71 victories including seven national titles. Read more at http://www.wholeathlete.com/team.htm.
It's no wonder Credo Racing (Austin, Texas) won the "Best New Club" award this year. In addition to co-sponsoring two events and winning multiple regional and state titles, Credo's members make community service a priority. In fact, the group beat out the Austin City Limits Music Festival to take the Keep Austin Beautiful Litter Abatement award. The members are also very involved with two middle schools where they provide after school bike maintenance and riding classes to at-risk kids. Read more at www.credoracing.com.
And last, but certainly not least, the "Women's Club of the Year" award goes to CAWES/iFractal (Bethesda, Md.). These ladies are advocates for safer and healthier lifestyles through bike friendly legislation. They even created legal tip cards which they hand out in the D.C. area to help promote safety to all cyclists. In addition to their work to advance policy initiatives, the CAWES partner with the IM ABLE Foundation, as well as Special Olympic athletes, to advocate cycling for EVERYONE. Read more at www.cawescycling.com.
Congratulations to all of our 2011 "Club of the Year" winners!
DIVISION I: Matrix Cycling Club (Dallas, Texas)
DIVISION II: Full Spectrum Racing (Fayetteville, N.C.)
DIVISION III: Holland Racing (Austin, Texas)
JUNIOR/HIGH SCHOOL CLUB: Team Velosport (Irvine, Calif.)
COLLEGIATE CLUB: Marian University (Indianapolis, Ind.)
MASTERS CLUB: Cross Creek Cycling Club (Fayetteville, N.C.)
TRACK CLUB: Rubicon Cycling LLC (Vancouver, Wash.)
MOUNTAN BIKE CLUB: Whole Athlete-Specialized (San Anselmo, Calif.)
BEST NEW CLUB: Credo Racing (Austin, Texas)
WOMEN'S CLUB: CAWES/iFractal (Bethesda, Md.)
USA Cycling is excited to announce the recipients of its 2011 "Club of the Year" awards. In addition to being recognized for outstanding programs, the ten winning clubs will also receive complimentary renewal fees in 2012.
This Article Published December 16, 2011 For more information contact:


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NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Apple ( AAPL - Get Report) and CEO Tim Cook have made no bones about it: China is going to be one of Apple's most important markets in the coming years. However, the tech giant doesn't have an agreement with China Mobile ( CHL) yet. Some on Wall Street think this is about to change sooner rather than later. Evercore Partners analyst Rob Cihra said he believes China Mobile will eventually need to come to the table with Apple, as it's losing market share for the most important clients, ones who use data plans, or 3G customers. "We think China Mobile could be starting to 'need' the iPhone more, since it has seen its 3G market share erode by -7 percent to 37 percent since 2011 vs. China Telecom+Unicom having gained +7 percent to 63 percent," Cihra wrote in his note. Smaller telecoms like China Telecom ( CHA - Get Report) and China Unicom ( CHU - Get Report) have been benefiting at the expense of China Mobile, as these two carriers now have the iPhone 5, whereas China Mobile, with its more than 600 million subscribers, doesn't. Kim Eng analyst Andy Poon noted that China Mobile lost 3G market share in November, only adding 3.1 million users, a decline of 16% month over month. China Unicom and China Telecom increased their market share, adding 3.3 million and 3.1 million users, respectively. "We believe the surprising MoM decline in China Mobile's 3G net adds in November is due to the popularity of the CNY20 entry 3G plans with usage rebates offered by China Unicom and China Telecom," Poon wrote in his note. If China Mobile continues to cede market share in the lucrative market of 3G, perhaps it will be forced to tango with Apple, which it has not done so as of yet. Cihra estimated that China Mobile has 82 million 3G subscribers, not much more than China Unicom (73 million) and China Telecom (66 million). Where the stark difference lies with the three telecom providers is the percentage of 3G users, with China Unicom having 31% of its users using 3G speeds, and an astounding 42% for China Telecom. Just 12% of China Mobile users have access to 3G capabilities.
The iPhone 5 became available in China on Dec. 14, to exceptionally strong reaction, with Apple announcing it sold 2 million iPhone 5s in its first weekend in the country. In the press release, Cook again reiterated how important China is to Apple. "China is a very important market for us and customers there cannot wait to get their hands on Apple products," Cook was quoted as saying. On the most recent earnings call, Cook noted fourth-quarter Chinese revenue was up 26% year over year to $5.7 billion. The iPhone 5 had officially not been granted network access yet. Striking a deal with China Mobile will be an important part of growing that pie. Interested in more on Apple? See TheStreet Ratings' report card for this stock. -- Written by Chris Ciaccia in New York >Contact by Email. Follow @Commodity_Bull


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HOTSEAT- Big shoes: Walking the Walk(er)
On a first date, Walker Thornton doesn't usually bring up what she does. Executive director of SARA doesn't sound too bad. Spelling out Sexual Assault Resource Agency can be... "off putting," she says. "They think I'm a feminist or don't like men."
Thornton likes men a lot, especially the ones who don women's shoes and parade the Downtown Mall as they will May 3 for Walk a Mile in her Shoes, a national campaign to raise money and awareness. "It's an effort to show understanding of how sexual violence impacts everyone," explains Thornton.
Macho guys like a local rugby team show up in their uniforms and high heels, and some participants put on the panty hose, according to Thornton. "We have a great group of guys," she says.
She'd like to have more partnerships with men to end the violence of sexual assault. Rape centers started as grassroots efforts by women for women. "In the early years, men were seen as the enemy," she notes.
Over the years, Thornton has seen more professionalism in the business, with better training and education.
What hasn't changed: "I'm constantly asked what women can do to prevent sexual assault," she says. "Not, what can we do as a community to help young men not commit sexual assault. We're still blaming women."
Even a year ago when a young woman was assaulted on Grady Avenue, she had calls from the media asking what women can do to prevent attacks.
"If I go on TV and say don't go home late at night alone, don't talk on the cell phone, be aware of your surroundings, I fail to say, there's a man out there attacking women. That's victim-blaming, and it let's them off the hook. That's the same story from 30 years ago."
As a little girl growing up in the tiny town of Urbanna (home of the oyster festival), Thornton, the oldest of five, didn't dream of heading a rape center, but then, who does?
"I always wanted to work with children," she says. "I had an eccentric relative who was a school psychologist, and that's where I was headed."
She did the course work for a PhD in educational psychology, and then childbearing intervened. Volunteer work in Alabama led to the head job at Rape Response in 1991.
When she moved to Charlottesville in 1999, Thornton was going through a divorce and opened a needlepoint shop called Threads. "I did not want a stressful job," she says. One of her customers was on the board of SARA, one thing led to another and she's headed SARA for three years now.
Besides the stigma of working for an organization with the word "sexual" in its name, another thing SARA has to deal with is confusion with SHE– Shelter for Help in Emergency, which deals with victims of domestic abuse. The clientele of both are abused women, and "it gets lumped in together," observes Thornton.
SARA served 800 assault survivors last year, and they can be women, men, and children. The statistics are roughly that one in four women gets raped and only 20 percent report it to the police, says Thornton. "We have a significant number of adults who say, 'I was raped 20 years ago, and I've never talked about it.'"
One of these days, Thornton is going to get back to the book she wanted to write when she moved to Charlottesville, and one of these days she hopes she'll be asked, "What can we as a community do to stop young men from sexual assault?"
Age: 54
Why here? I grew up in Virginia and went to UVA. I came to Charlottesville in 1999 and it felt like coming home.
What's worst about living here? Overzealous land developers
Favorite hangout? Mudhouse on the Downtown Mall on a warm sunny day
Most overrated virtue? Well, I looked up the seven "heavenly" virtues: Chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility. If I had to pick one, it'd be patience.
People would be surprised to know: I'm a small-town girl, grew up in a town of about 500.
What would you change about yourself? I'm a procrastinator; I'd like to change that.... one day.
Proudest accomplishment? Honoring myself enough to begin pursuing my own dreams.
People find most annoying about you: Probably my directness, or my sarcasm, or my...
Whom do you admire? I admire strong women who have chosen to forge their own paths, often contrary to traditional expectations for our gender.
Favorite book? As a new grandmother, Good Night Moon. I love to read and tend to have several going at a time. I prefer fiction to nonfiction, literature to fluff.
Subject that causes you to rant? Advertising that uses sex as a selling tool.
Biggest 21st-century thrill? Being able to communicate with my friends and family with such ease: IM, email, Skype, social networking sites.
Biggest 21st-century creep out? The increase in online pornography and Internet predators.
What do you drive? Lexus IS 250
In your car CD player right now: Taj Mahal's Maestro and Bela Fleck's Perpetual Motion
Next journey? Coast of Spain, just waiting to find the ideal travel partner.
Most trouble you've ever gotten in? Almost got suspended from boarding school in 10th grade! It was my first experience with alcohol, and I had too much. I passed out in a dorm bathroom on the night of my first big dance and never made it to the dance.
Regret: Not understanding the fuller range of options available to me when I was in my teens and early 20s. I would have made a good lawyer.
Favorite comfort food: Homemade mac and cheese
Always in your refrigerator: Organic low-fat milk, several good cheeses, crisp hard red apples and limes. Ben and Jerry's in the freezer.
Must-see TV: NCIS or Lie To Me.
Describe a perfect day. I'm at the beach with a good book. It's hot, but not searing with a light breeze to keep the bugs away. Water is slightly chilly, and the waves are perfect for body surfing.
Walter Mitty fantasy: Coast of Spain, with that ideal travel partner. Picture an exotic villa on a bluff, overlooking the ocean, cloudless days, azure seas.
Who'd play you in the movie? Helen Mirren
Most embarrassing moment? So many... and I'd just be re-embarrassing myself in the process.
Best advice you ever got? Count to 10 before you speak. I need to practice it more often.
Favorite bumper sticker? Never had one.


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer Dymatrex > Costume of David Xanatos (Gargoyles)
- Most Recent Photo
- 12-19-2012
- Series
- Gargoyles
- Character
- David Xanatos
- Year Completed:
- Construction Difficulty:
- Normal
About this Costume
- Construction Details:
Worn for New York Comic Con 2009. Gargoyles is one of my all time favorite series, and so I figured I'd just cosplay Xanatos because I had yet to cosplay ANYTHING from it. The hardest part? Growing out the goatee took 2 1/2 months. Oi~
- Personal Thoughts:
- Definitely going to wear this again someday, but I may just go with getting a fake goatee to make things easier.
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Ten seconds can feel like an eternity when you're waiting for a web page to load. And apparently this is the maximum amount of time many of us online shoppers are prepared to wait.
Among those looking to buy online, 70 per cent said they would leave a web page if it failed to load within 10 seconds, according to a PacketExchange survey.
More than half of all respondents said they would visit another online store if a website was poorly designed, or if the entire site crashed. Two out of three (70 per cent) also said they had cancelled an online purchase which took too long to complete.
The news followed another recent survey which showed Britain is becoming a nation of "angry online shoppers". The findings revealed that 93 per cent of us get annoyed with sneaky website tactics - such as hidden delivery charges, which were cited as the most annoying aspect. Some 64 per cent of us said it makes us decide not to buy from certain websites.


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Before the year draws to a close I thought I would share some favorites from 2014. It's something I have done for the past couple of years and now it is something I really look forward to.
Here are some highlights from my year in books, movies, tv, radio, and more (please share yours in the comment section too!)
I also had the pleasure of perusing The Arrival by Shaun Tan which is an absolute masterpiece. It is packed with illustrations - so much so that there is no room left for words. And if you have seen Shaun Tan's illustrations before then you know what an incredible experience this book might be. Upon finishing it I was quite literally speechless. When I did find some words they were most likely expletives because I couldn't find anything else extreme enough to express my amazement. A beautiful story beautifully told.
There wasn't as much non-fiction on my reading list this year as there has been in years past but I suppose that's okay. One that I enjoyed was Brian Jay Jones's Biography of Jim Henson. This was my first read of the year and also one that I read alongside my sister so we were able to compare notes along the way. What a fun way to start the year! Although it was a little longer than I thought it probably needed to be it was still extremely interesting to get a behind the scenes peek into Jim Henson's life. The world of tv and movies already seems dramatically different than it was just 30 - 40 years ago but there is still so much to learn from Jim Henson - a man who wasn't afraid of failure OR success.
There is SO much I want to read in 2015 but I am going to try to just take it one book at a time. You can find me over on Goodreads. I would love to share good reads with you!
Movies and TV:
Once again, I didn't put a whole lot of effort in this department this year. I watched probably more than my share of tv - but maybe I should have been a little more selective. Highlights include the first half of Mad Men's last season. I watched every episode twice to be honest and may have to watch them again before the second half of the season kicks in. (if I sound like I am addicted it's because I am) I am okay with the show ending though (easy for me to say now!) I think it's time and I look forward to seeing what is next for everyone in front of and behind the camera.
We also got hooked on a series called Orphan Black which was interesting and fun and just what we need at the time. Then there was a healthy dose of Parks and Recreation and Flight of the Conchords re-runs with a pinch of Portlandia thrown in for good measure.
You can also count me among the throngs of people who got sucked into the Serial podcast. I didn't mean to - I swear. But after the first couple of episodes you just had to see how it turns out. It was not until it was all over and done that I found out that tons of others fell into the Serial vortex too.
What did you read/watch/listen to this year? Share your recommendations here and help us fill 2015 with inspiration and delight!