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Well that sucked i sat in the cold for 5 hours to lose Next year we better come back with a vengeance.
Well that sucked i sat in the cold for 5 hours to lose Next year we better come back with a vengeance.
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I think Malkin wasn't right in this series. I think too much is being made of the job Couturier did shadowing him. There was a lot of shots and opportunities that he just didn't connect on.
It seems like Malkin plays better when Crosby is out of the line up. I don't know if he steps up, or whatever, but it always seems like when they are both in there, Malkin isn't quite as good as he should be.
<Meaning and Content>
...And did you see that Giroux goal?
Malkin stepped up the last few games and he did a good job today and tryed harder then anyone on the team by the looks of it. He was visibly frustrated with the D and how tough they were playing him.
I am sure he will be fine next year with Sid. Im worried about Stall wanting out because he don't wanna be a 3rd line center i hope it is just rumors but they scare me.
Losing Staal would be a huge loss for your team.
<Meaning and Content>
...And did you see that Giroux goal?
good series thanks to all the PSD Pens fans for being respectful in our forums and I hope the favor was returned.
you guys scared the crap outta us made it TOO interesting. Scary
I will be keeping a close eye to see what you guys do in the off season as always. For your sake hopefully you dont lose Stall he was clearly your best player in the series.
Got back from Wells Fargo a little while ago.
Here's what I liked: Despres and Strait played very well for rookies. I'll be happy to see Despres especially take a regular shift on the D next year, and I'm hopeful that Morrow is close as well. Strait, I'll have to see more of, but he looked poised, and skated well today.
Sid just isn't Sid right now. I don't know if it's just a matter of stamina and timing, because of missing all that time, but he just wasn't himself. Hopefully, he will uneventfully resume his brilliant career next season, with no lingering issues from the concussions.
But as the Penguins rely on Crosby and Malkin to be transcendent (and they are, when healthy) to put them over the top, they did not have that advantage in this round, and I think that's a Sid thing. I don't think Malkin was that healthy either, but I think if Sid had been Sid, it would not have been so much in the forefront. Malkin played a reasonably good game today, as did Neal.
As for the backchecking - what backchecking, you say? - and the defense backing in all afternoon in front of Fleury, I am just astounded by the passivity that seems to be there by design. I'm not going to get into this today, having driven in rain to and from Philly, but I have emailed:
Shero, Bylsma and Mario himself about this awful, passive system, which seems to stem from Bylsma's belief that they won't instinctively use their legs to play defense, so instead he's implemented a system where they're to mark certain areas and never desert that area, even - get this - EVEN if they have a chance to close on the puck and create a turnover. This, combined with that stupid go north at all costs philosophy, has effectively deprived them of what they do best: control the puck.
I noticed on the 1-2-2 they were using in the 3rd period of Game 5, and again today, that the high forechecker not only isn't closing when the opportunity presents itself, but that he is not doing so by design; IOW, he is not allowed to do so. This is just crazy. Crazy. I'd like to come in here and say, the Flyers played great and just outplayed us, and they did outplay us, but that would be a facile way to tie this up in a bow. It would not really get to the primary issues that kept this team from advancing, IMO.
First off, with the speed the Penguins have up front, coupled with Bylsma's phobia that they won't conscientiously backcheck, I am not at all sure why he has not gone to a 1-1-3. This way, he has a high forward strategically placed as suppport when we don't have the puck, and yet he gets the 1-1 up front to utilize the ice laterally, as play dictates, and to jump up and try to close for turnovers. If you succeed, your forward back gets to step up and away you go.
I could reference several other failed stratagems (that are clearly coaching choices, rather than spontaneous on-ice events), but I'll save that for a more detailed post-mortem. As today's was the first game I saw live, I was able to confirm several hunches from television watching which the low cameras don't really allow you to see in full.
Here's what I take most of all from this uneven season: I am grateful that Sid's career wasn't ended by concussions, and I fully expect him to be back and 100 percent next season. Hats off to Jordan Staal for playing his heart out, and I also extend sympathy to MAF for possibly having the worst coverage of the series in front of him this afternoon. He wasn't sharp, but he was again left to fend for himself, with the defense backing in, and no forward in sight to challenge the late Flyer coming into the zone and slanting to gain ice and be afforded 10 minutes to make a play. Overall, the defensive coverage by Pittsburgh in this series was a disgrace. And I do think it originates from a generally passive plan to begin with that becomes systemic and handcuffs the players from doing what is instinctive and what maximizes their skill advantage over teams like Philadelphia.
Last edited by rudemechanical; 04-22-2012 at 07:28 PM.
I'm not sure at this moment about his contract status, is he up? But I can't believe they wouldn't kill themselves to accommodate him, were that so. I'm not going to worry about it. I think when we lose things become magnified and worry sets in. I can't imagine why he'd want to leave; they have a chance to win the Cup every year, with this young team and deep center ice corps. He doesn't strike me as me-me guy.
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If Bylsma wants to run a defensive system, why not use the 1-4? It works a lot better that whatever he is trying to do. This is what it is like (had to use periods, spaces didn't work). The objective is for the low forward to forecheck to force the pass to go one way or another. When the pass is made, the strong side forward pounces on the puck carrier. Here is a link that explains more http://www.blueseatblogs.com/2011/09...-systems-pt-1/
_______________/...\_______________ Goal Line
=.....0.....=..........X..........=.....0.....= Hashmarks
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In the defensive system, they should play a box +1, which is their penalty kill with 1 roaming forward putting on pressure. These systems would really help out their D, because the 1-2-2 is giving up too many odd-man chances, and there defensive zone coverage, which seems like man-to-man, doesn't work, but a positional system (box +1) would work better
Last edited by penguins2946; 04-22-2012 at 09:44 PM.
I can't see Staal leaving on his own, like Rude said, he seems to be a team player and interested in winning a Cup over money... like $4M isn't enough lol. If he really wants an increased role, move him to Sid's wing, he has the offensive talent to really thrive with someone feeding him the puck
I actually like the idea of moving Staal to Sid's wing. I really hope they consider that this offseason.
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Yeah, I don't think the 1-4 is the answer. It's basically the system used for teams who have the least amount of skating ability, and is used to thwart or blanket a team that does, because otherwise you're doomed to get beat in isolation. It's pretty much a system that concedes you're the inferior skill team, and since the Penguins have a big advantage in being the superior skill team when their top two lines and Letang are on the ice, this would be slightly crazy.
They actually played this system under Bowman in 91-92 for a while. They won the Cup, but not because of this.
In any event, a 1-1-3, which I am suggesting, moves a FC up to support the first FC, so you're not conceding any ice at all, you're poised to counter once a turnover is caused, and your high BC forward can now leave his support role with the D and join the play, and once you're on the move, a defenseman can jump up. This is something European teams used a great deal before they became Canadian-ized.
The reason I suggest the 1-1-3 specifically for us is that it covers your butt defensively, but it also doesn't concede anything. The one thing it must have, though, is two forwards who are quick, especially from neutral, and in closing on the puck. Also requires generally good skating, tight turns, backskating and ability to move well laterally. If you have this (and we obviously do), and your players are committed to using their legs, you get to
A). Make plays that allow your second man to be involved, but also to be a "second wave" guy, so you aren't both spread out laterally or at same place in zone (which can happen with the more aggressive and less easy to sustain 2-1-2), and also allows a 3rd man now to be your "late" guy, and if you achieve control then your first "D" can come even later, and now you've got options and a "fourth" wave, meaning you have puck control and time: perfect for the Penguins' natural inclinations for looking for late guys, off-wing guys lurking, off point, etc).
B). Dynamically adjust to playing defense if you fail to turn over the puck, because although your first two skaters are aggressive, you still have your second man back and then more backup in the high forward with the D. You are still covering areas but not trading your ability to jump in and make plays by conceding ice. The whole key to the 1-1-3 is that your second guy does not get lulled into a sense that he's a containment guy, but always has to be moving and aggressive, both ways.
I like the 2-1-2 for certain units, and certain times during the game, but as I say, it's tiring to sustain, and it isn't vertical enough and can trap forwards deep, because they're both supposed to be aggressive by design, and create gap for the opponent and cause your D to have to widen that gap by peeling off. This is also usually the response to dumping, which means you're dumping more, which is a low percentage play, even though it's a necessary one at times.
The 1-2-2 wasn't effective because they get lulled into the idea of containment, by its design, even though the idea is that the first guy can cause a turnover and the strong side guy in the second row doesn't have to move too far across to support. That guy doesn't have the same kind of offensive mindfulness the second man in a 1-1-3 has. Meanwhile, in the 1-2-2, his weak-side forechecker is in a containment spot and across from, rather than behind, the second guy. 1-1-3 means a kind of triple slot and guys arriving at different times: this always works better for sustaining offense, having more options to disrupt a goalie's ability to just dig in and hold position, and for having different areas staked out for keeping the puck.
I used to be involved in hockey from an analytical perspective for a living. I left that world because I got tired of it, but now I wish I had kept up some Pittsburgh contacts in order to find out what the hell is going on with Bylsma's thought process, and how the players feel about it.
I think they're committed to Bylsma because winning a Cup gives you some equity, naturally, and he also seems to have a very good relationship with the players.
OK, fine. But hire someone who can be the x's and o's guy, FCS. He's just not in tune with how to optimize the young, skilled team he's been gifted with. Something's very wrong with his choices for that team.
Please don't take this the wrong way; it is meant with the uttermost respect.
But I think the Flyers skate (pardon the pun) into the Finals after this series because they will play no better team than the Pens.
And regardless of how we end up doing, the Flyers-Pens regular season games next year will be appointment television.
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No disrespect taken, I think it could be true depending on how the other series end. Boston and New York are obviously the better teams but if they would lose, I don't see anyone really putting up a fight, Washington maybe? I think it all comes down to Boston and New York.
I agree though, the matchups in the regular season next year are going to be great. Definitely some carryover I would imagine


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Jose Maria Olazabal insists that he has not been offered to become Ryder Cup captain for Celtic Manor in Wales in two years' tenure. He admitted that Thomas Bjorn, who is the chairman of Europe's players' committee, did speak to him a couple of weeks ago, but the job was not offered to him. (more…)
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Archive for April, 2008Jose Maria Olazabal Not Sure Of CaptaincyWednesday, April 30th, 2008Golf Socks Are As Important As Golf ShoesSaturday, April 26th, 2008Not many golfers attach too much importance to golf socks. They fails to realize that golf socks can be as critical as golf shoes and can affect your game as much. They also add a sense of style to your otherwise simple outfit. Each sock will have its own cut, style and thickness. (more…) Clean Your Golf BallsThursday, April 24th, 2008Your golf balls can get really dirty during the game. So you need to clean the balls from time to time if you do not wish it to have a negative impact on the speed as well as the spin of the ball. The cleaner your golf balls are, the better it is for you to handle. (more…) Pablo Martin In His Familiar ZoneTuesday, April 22nd, 2008Spain's Pablo Martin's win in the Portuguese Open at Oitavos Dunes last year won him the title of being the first amateur ever to be victorious in an event on the circuit. Now he aims to imitate Aaron Baddeley at the Australian Open in 1999 and 2000 by following a win as an amateur with a triumphant defence as a professional. Martin has always been very focused. (more…) Nick Dougherty Gets Ready For Augusta DebutSunday, April 20th, 2008Nick Dougherty has seeked the expert opinion of three-time champion Nick Faldo for his Masters debut at Augusta National. He does not want to leave any opportunities unexplored. He wants to gather all pearls of wisdom that he can manage before the game. (more…) John Wagner Manages To Retain LeadFriday, April 18th, 2008Johnson Wagner has managed to retain the lead after the third round at the Shell Houston Open where Chad Campbell Bob Estes were challengers. Wagner carded a three-under-par 69 to move to 15 under par. Wagner entered the third round with a three-stroke lead. (more…) Golf Range Finders can be handySaturday, April 12th, 2008There are very few people who actually associate golf with GPS technology. But in this hi tech era, it is difficult to avoid technology and thus the latest golf GPS devices. (more…) The Art Of Buying Golf ShirtsThursday, April 10th, 2008Proper golf apparel is very important to not only keep you comfortable but also increase your mobility. Golf shirt is one such important apparel. You will be spoilt for choice while shopping but you must choose the right shirt. (more…) Time Crunch For Sandy LyleTuesday, April 8th, 2008Sandy Lyle believes that time is running out on his bid to be Europe's Ryder Cup captain. Lyle made his debut on Champions Tour earlier this month. But since the Ryder Cup was not scheduled to be staged in his native Scotland until the year 2014, he believed his chances of captaining the European team in the biennial matches against the United States were gradually becoming less. He was keen to be the captain. (more…) Omero Wins In New OrleansSunday, April 6th, 2008Andres Romero shot a final round 68 and finished on 13-under-par to win the Zurich Classic. The second and third place was taken by Peter Lonard and Tim Wilkinson respectively. (more…) |
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Free Sunset Photowalk with Visions Photographic Workshops
Photowalking is the act of walking with a camera for the main purpose of capturing images of things you may find interesting.
Join nationally recognized photographer, Michael S. Miller of Visions Photographic Workshops, as you wander one of the premier marinas along the Atlantic Coast at "the golden hour".
This photowalk is designed for you to practice and improve your photography skills; move beyond taking that pretty snapshot and into developing your creative eye. Michael will guide you on your journey of creative exploration, giving you suggestions on composition, perspective, and externalizing your mind's eye.
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Landlord and tenant relations
The Council can offer advice to tenants and landlords and in certain cases, can intervene in disputes.
On occasions where landlords are behaving unlawfully, the Council can use its enforcement powers including possible legal action. Please contact our Private Sector Housing Team for more information.
You can also find a wide range of advice on solving tenancy related disputes on Gov.uk.
Other sources of help and advice include Shelter, the Citizens Advice Bureau, and the National Landlords Association.
If you are a tenant and threatened with losing your home, please visit our housing advice and homelessness prevention section.


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Take your Zhu Zhu Puppies for a walk in Bark Park and let throw a stick for them to chase after run after squirrels and sniff the fire hydrant! Theres so much fun to have with all the Zhu Zhu Puppies at Bark Park. Please Note: Zhu Zhu Puppies not included
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Steamboat Springs Seven weeks ago, Brad Hoefer opened his season in forgettable fashion.
The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club freestyle moguls skier broke his collarbone in Winter Park and was cleared to compete for the first time during the past weekend.
What an impression Hoefer made on his way back.
Hoefer won the dual moguls event Sunday at the Vail Valley Freestyle event.
"It was big for him," coach Mike Amatto said. "He treated it like the start of the year. He never thought about it as coming off an injury; he thought about it as just the start of the season. That mental aspect paid off for him."
Hoefer's finish highlighted a strong weekend for Steamboat skiers.
In addition to Hoefer's finish Sunday, Skyler Kauf was fifth, and George DeGrandis was seventh.
On the girls side in duals, Avital Shimko was fourth, and Jaelin Kauf was fifth.
In Saturday's open moguls event, Lindsay Mustard was fifth, and Shimko was eighth. DeGrandis led the boys charge in fourth, with Kauf in fifth and Stephen Wilson in 13th.
The next event is a pair of open mogul events Feb. 3 and 4 in Telluride.


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Show off some of that Metal Mulisha fandom with this Main Stage top! A stylish top is where it's at, and the Mulisha's got your back with this sweet-looking shirt that's sure to turn some heads wherever you rock it! A top like this never goes out of style and has a classic casual cool that looks good anywhere and with anything, but when you combine it with that hot Mulisha Maiden style, you get 100% pure, uncut swagger! This soft and lightweight jersey-style blended top features wild leopard print accents with some groovy vintage artwork for an amazing look! Rock out in some Metal Mulisha gear today!
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The City also boasts four extensive trail systems; The Rotary Park Trail, Bay Walk Trail, Heather Moyse Heritage Park and Confederation Trail Systems. All four Trail systems are conected, providing a wide range of outdoor activities including; nature hikes, trail biking, outdoor workout stations and is a great way to view the City in general.
The Rotary Park Trail-The 4.8 Kilometer Rotary Friendship Park Trail is one of the most utilized green space areas in the Summerside area. The 64 acre park provides a unique opportunity for local persons and visitors a natural area to hike, walk, cycle ries hiking or sit and enjoy nature. Rotary Friendship Park also provides habitat for several indigenous plants, animals and birds.
Rotary Park Trails
Baywalk Trail - The Bay Walk Trail System offers a senic view of the City's waterfront extending 6.5 kilometers westward from Wendys to Green Shore. Users of the Bay Walk Trail are provided an opportunity to experience the natural, cultural and historic diversity of the community. Wheter you walk, cycle or seguay the Bay Walk or choose to workout on the stationary exersise equipment, a uniquely rich experience is guaranteed.
The Bay Walk
Heather Moyse Heritage Park Trail-The Summerside Heritage Botanical Park and Trail has been designed and is being developed as one of the major community Green Spaces in the city. The unique feature of the park is the exclusive use of PEI native, indigenous planting. The 1 kilometer of trail provide residents and visitors passive recreation opportunities recreation experiences include walking, cross country skiing, bird watching, photography, sitting in the sun or shade, school picnics, etc.
As well, the Park provides educational experiences includes learning to identify native trees and shrubs, understanding the use of native trees and shrub material for gardening and landscaping, and a general appreciation of the native tree cover of Prince Edward Island environment. The park layout is suited to self-guided tours or guided tours for residents, tourists or schools. Different educational tours can be designed for different seasons. The park will be positioned as a tourism product as one the things to see and do in Summerside. The tourists that are attracted to P.E.I. have an interest in understanding the natural environment and the Heritage Botanical Park will give visitors an opportunity to see individual tree and shrub species in a park setting, which is a unique way to present the local natural environment.
Please see the PEI Trails page for information: Island Trails


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richard November 18, 2012 12:37 PM even marussia out qualied caterham! and caterham have renault engine AND kers. what on earth is happening? they are going backwards faster than hrt or merc. Reply Report abuse 4 agree 0 disagree
V5Stroker - Unregistered November 18, 2012 2:01 AM Bernie please help this team to move midfield before all sponsors run away and all the money gone. Do we need another HRT? Stop RBR from becoming to fast 2 agree 2 disagree


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February 15, 2013 17:07 ET
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 15, 2013) - Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSX:ZAR) (TSX:ZAR.DB) ("Zargon") confirms that the monthly cash dividend for the month of February in the amount of Cdn. $0.06 per common share will be paid on March 15, 2013 to shareholders of record on February 28, 2012. The ex-dividend date is February 26, 2013.
Unless otherwise indicated, all dividends paid by Zargon are "eligible dividends" for Canadian tax purposes.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Zargon's securities trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and there are currently 29.908 million common shares (ZAR) outstanding.
Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. is a Calgary based oil and natural gas company working in the Western Canadian and Williston sedimentary basins that has delivered a long history of returns, dividends (distributions) and value creation. Zargon's business is focused on oil exploitation projects where we employ a careful reservoir engineering inspired technical approach to profitably increase oil recovery factors from existing oil reservoirs.
In order to learn more about Zargon, we encourage you to visit Zargon's website at www.zargon.ca where you will find a current shareholder presentation, financial reports and historical news releases.
C.H. HansenPresident and Chief Executive OfficerJ.B. DranchukVice President, Finance and Chief Financial OfficerZargon Oil & Gas Ltd.403-264-9992 or Toll Free: email@example.com
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Just got the better half a new Incredible 4g, and after setting it up with her Gmail account, I entered the same account username and password under the regular mail account. Now she gets notices twice for new email. Went into settings and tried to delete the account under regular mail, and I get an error message that the server cannot be contacted. Tried this several times both in WiFi and with a 4G connection. Same error message. It will not let me delete the account, I cannot change the username or password. The only thing I found to do was to set the sync on this account to manual only. I'm guessing that because this is the Gmail account associated with the phone, it won't let me change anything, and the error message that the server cannot be contacted is bogus. Is there any way to delete this "account' from the regular mail, short of doing a factory reset? A factory reset would be painful. Thanks for any help.
try this . settings- apps - email-( i think those are steps) then hit the clear data button . the gmail account has to stay ( on the gmail app) because that is where the phone syncs
Have you tried force stopping, clearing data and cache, (throw in a reboot) in the email app? Seems that might work. Edit: oops.. what Justin said. ___ Bionic ICS 6.7.232 stock
Thanks for your quick responses. I tried again what I had tried unsuccessfully a half a dozen times, just going into settings and deleting the account. This time it miraculously worked, and the Gmail account associated with the phone is intact. Perhaps one has to threaten the phone with a factory reset, and then it obeys. :biggrin:


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Late Friday, Mecklenburg County taxpayers received another shot to their wallet from the Charlotte City Council.
Charlotte City Council has endorsed a proposal that would give the Carolina Panthers nearly $144 million in city money over the next 15 years for upgrades to Bank of America Stadium.
This decision is sure to create a firestorm from taxpayer and Tea Party groups in the Charlotte area. Over recent years, there have been fierce battles about increasing taxes to fund the Time Warner Arena and the CATS transit system's light rail project. However, Panthers owners have threatened to leave the city if local governments didn't pitch in to upgrade the 17-year-old Bank of America Stadium.
Here are highlights of the agreement between Charlotte City Council and the Carolina Panthers.
1. General Assembly authorizes and City Council levies an additional 1% Charlotte only prepared food and beverage tax effective July 1, 2013. Legislation also includes a 30-year sunset, and exempts expenditure of public funds on the stadium from bid statutes.
2. Panthers make up to $187.5M of capital improvements to the stadium over fifteen years funded $125M City and $62.5M Panthers. City's contribution funded through 15-year debt financing using new 1% prepared food and beverage tax revenues. Any funds remaining after fifteen years are paid to City.
3. Panthers and City request that the State of North Carolina invest $62.5M into this partnership, or provide an equivalent revenue stream which the State deems appropriate. The City acknowledges that the receipt of these State funds is an essential element of the partnership with the Panthers.
Charlotte City Council's decision today isn't the final word on the matter. The North Carolina General Assembly must approve the new tax hikes that the Panthers are demanding. This agreement will put added pressure on Charlotte native Gov. Pat McCrory on his pledges to lower taxes and improve government efficiency in Raleigh.
Tags: Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte, Charlotte City Council, McCrory, NC, Panthers, Pat McCrory, stadium
- Unfunded Retirement Liabilities a Looming Disaster in North Carolina
- NC: 1,400 Buncombe County Employees Get Equal Pay for No Work
- NCDOT Toll Lanes Deal with Cintra Would Slam Commuters
- State employees: quick snapshot of pension benefits
- 'Rich States, Poor States': North Carolina among 'Biggest winners' in 2014 economic outlook


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Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/13/total_solar_eclipse_live/
SUN to GO OUT COMPLETELY: Here's how to watch online
Join the Dark Dawn Down Under party
Posted in Science, 13th November 2012 11:45 GMT
Vidstreams At around 19:45 GMT on November 13th, the northern Australian city of Cairns will begin to experience a total solar eclipse, and we here at the Register's Australian bureau have chosen a couple of methods whereby our round-the-globe-round-the-clock readership can join in the excitement and watch the sun go out online.
Complete darkness will hit the city at 20:38 GMT, before the path of the eclipse passes over the Pacific Ocean.
Eclipse-watchers have flown in from around the world for the event, which has also become the centre of a cultural festival in Cairns.
The video below, if all goes well, will bring you a live feed of the eclipse.
This feed also looks to have live eclipse action.
Below is Cairns' 'official' eclipse video, which now looks less likely to carry a live feed.
If all of the above don't work, let's hope this next one does, even though it is a small and low-res webcam.
2012's next eclipse is a penumbral eclipse, in which the moon will be partially shaded by the earth. ®


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10/01/2012 9:45am, #11
Canada's Last Bareknuckler Passes Away
Not a very well-known fighter today..but well-known and respected in his day.
Parker fought in the last legal bareknuckle match fought in Canada and also fought Archie Moore for the HW title at Madison Square Gardens.
His record :
RIP" If one wants to have a friend one must also want to wage war for him: and to wage war one must be capable of being an enemy." - Fr. Nietzsche 'On The Friend' Thus Spake Zarathustra


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1930 - April 10, 2009
Jerry Blake Seip, 78, died April 10, 2009, in Vernal, Utah, after a lengthy battle fighting complications from diabetes. He spent his last weeks at his home, surrounded by family and friends.
Jerry was born Dec. 7, 1930, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to George and Leetha Seip. They then moved to Craig where, in 1951, Jerry graduated from Moffat County High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was deployed to the Korean Conflict.
Upon his return to the United States in 1953, he married Wilma Kiever. Together, they raised a daughter, Valerie, and son, Terry.
After being discharged from the military, his work history was long and varied. Highlights include being a pumper at Powder Wash Camp for Mountain Fuel, business owner of Jerry's Texaco, manager of the Texaco bulk plant and salesman for several local businesses.
In his free time, Jerry enjoyed making jewelry and woodcarvings, which he sold in his business, The Sagebrush Shop. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, metal detecting, camping, backpacking, watching the Broncos and spending time with his family and friends. Jerry and Wilma enjoyed traveling throughout the western states and Canada. They especially enjoyed their six-week road trip to Alaska in 1983 with their friends Larry and Rose Brenner.
In 2000, they sold their long-time home in Craig and moved to Vernal, Utah, in 2001. In addition to the many friends and family they left in Craig, they quickly made many new friends in Vernal, especially through their church home at Vernal Christian Church.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Wilma; daughter, Valerie (John) of Centennial; son, Terry (Coleen) of Rock Springs, Wyo.; grandchildren Emma, Callie, Joshua and Cora; brothers Harry (Dorothy) Seip, of Fresno, Calif., and Larry (Sandy) Seip, of Craig; step-sister Ramona "Jo" (Richard) Lagomarsino, of Ventura, Calif.; sister-in-law Dorothy Roberts, of Salt Lake City; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Seip, and stepfathers Doss Purcell and Chuck Hellman. His mother, Leetha Hellman, recently died at the age of 95. Niece Kelly Jo Seip also preceded him in death.
Memorial services for Jerry will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Craig Christian Church, 960 W. Victory Way. Interment will follow at the Craig Cemetery with military honors by the United States Air Force and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4265.
Memorial donations may be made to the Uintah Basin Christian Academy building fund or the National Kidney Foundation.


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Luminaria: Volume 1, Issue 8
by Nathan Schiller on October 13, 2011 in Luminaria with 2 Comments »IN THIS ISSUE
- Letter from the Editor
- Q&A: Self-Directed Learning
- Short Story: "Zombies of the Big Apple"
- Special Feature: A Film on Self-Directed Learning
- Math Corner
- A Concluding Note
The Editor Speaks
Letter from Nathan Schiller, Writing Specialist, LEC
Dear Readers,
The theme for this issue of Luminaria, the LEC newsletter, is the guiding concept of the LEC: self-directed learning. This may seem like an obvious term—Q: What is self-directed learning? A: It's when you learn by directing yourself!—but it is actually much more layered, complex, and interesting. And because it is an idea crucial to MCNY, it is, therefore, an idea worth exploring.
To do this, we commissioned a handful of new features. We have a question-and-answer session, a set of math problems, and even a short story from a dedicated LEC student. Our special feature is a 12-minute video in which three MCNY professors and two MCNY students discuss and dissect the history, theory, and definition(s) of self-directed learning.
Presenting a video means, of course, that we must present this issue in a new form: online. In the past, Luminaria was printed as a glossy magazine-style handout and distributed to students and faculty. Now, it can be viewed on the LEC Blog in its entirety. This means that anyone is free to view it according to their schedule. Like education—like learning—this issue will live forever. Enjoy.
Nathan Schiller, editor
Defining Self-Directed Learning
An Interview with Sujey Batista, Writing Specialist, LEC
NS: Simply put, what is a self-directed learner?
SB: A self-directed learner is a student who takes initiative in accomplishing a learning goal. The learning goal varies from student to student, but the same desire to actively participate in learning is there. Self-directed learning is not a concept that is particular to MCNY, but it is a term that we specifically use to express a certain type of learner.
NS: Well, considering your definition, isn't every student a self-directed learner?
SB: No. A mere desire to improve does not make someone a self-directed learner. The student that actively takes steps toward improving is what makes him or her a self-directed learner. For example, a student who uses the "additional materials" on a syllabus for additional clarification on course work is a self-directed learner. The student who comes to the LEC for clarification on APA formatting is a self-directed learner. The student who raises questions in class is a self-directed learner. The desire and then the action based upon that desire makes someone a self-directed learner. When it comes to my work at the LEC, I work with students who make themselves self-directed learners by simply coming in for sessions. Being a self-directed learner is not defined by the grandeur of the effort but by the fact that one takes on an an active role in learning.
NS: Do these types of students even realize that they are self-directed learners?
SB: Self-directed learners have a certain attitude about their education that sets them apart from other students. They may not use this exact term to describes themselves, but these students are conscious that they are active participants in their learning.
NS. So what are some qualities of a self-directed learner?
SB: Great question. Self-directed learners are confident. That confidence develops over time. But the more active a role they begin to play in their learning, the more confident they will become in their studies. Self-directed learners also have a positive attitude toward their learning because they see the value in achieving their learning goals.
NS: Do you have any other thoughts on self-directed learning?
SB: To make a final point, I believe self-directed learning is important at MCNY because self-directed learners excel in the classroom and, in turn, excel in the professional world. Our educational model is based on the relationship between the classroom and the work place. It is no coincidence that our institution seeks to develop self-directed learners.
"Zombies of the Big Apple"
Student Fiction from Vladimir Pinkhusovich, American Urban Studies
New York City is a world like no other, especially the subways and the streets. Although it is not commonly known to outsiders, we have a culture where if one gently bumps into another on the street or subway, we automatically say we are "sorry." If, for example, a person is walking down the aisles of a full train and bumps into someone who is sitting, the offended gets choleric and says "excuse you" or gives a cold, long killer stare. Interestingly enough, they are too obtuse to understand that it is an accident, which is at most two seconds of slight discomfort due to over crowdedness. The pressing question is not whether it is apropos to say "sorry" for an accidental cause of one's discomfort, but if the NYC subway commuters actually turn into zombies once they enter the wagon.
In recent news, the Center for Disease Control posted a blog about what would happen if Zombies started to invade. Punchy and sarcastic, this article actually spoke more about how to prepare for a real disaster. I, however, am reporting that a virus has already started to spread throughout New York City. The name of this particular strain of "Zombieitis" was recently coined the Pinkhusovia Virus, named for the prominent (non-Ph.D.) sociologist, Vladimir Pinkhusovich.
When the train is in motion and a homeless person is asking for change or even a follower of Jesus is having a monologue, everybody seems to be looking at their magazines, electronic pads, iPods or reading books. Each person looks like the other. Any conscious onlooker can observe this very interesting phenomenon. Yesterday, however, a non-infected girl smiled at me in the train, a sighting that is very uncommon within the contamination zone. If someone smiles or says "hi," we suspect that they have dark motives. For me however, her smile was a feeling of great rapture. Although it is difficult to establish an organic encounter with one in the NYC subway, especially if they are protected by layers of accessories and are in their catatonic zombie state, an appropriate antidote has actually been found.
The antidote consists of the dead viral RNA, known as "purposeful step" (yes, stepping on an infectee's foot), in order to trigger a reaction, followed by the normative functions of "sorry." Once the non-infected passes this point, they can further thread a conversation with a smile followed by a conversational opener which will disarm the viral sequence. Hopefully, we can unapologetically stomp out the virus and decontaminate NYC, one conscious being at a time.
A Discussion on Self-Directed Learning
Film by Nathan Schiller, Writing Specialist, LEC
What's the Deal with Fractions?
Problems from Aleksandr Rusinov, Math Specialist, LEC
A fraction (from Latin: fractus, "broken") is a number that can be expressed as the ratio of two numbers, primarily used for comparison of parts to a whole. The earliest fractions were reciprocals of integers: ancient symbols representing one part of two, one part of three, one part of four, and so on. A much later development was the common or "vulgar" fractions, still used today, such as 1⁄2, 5⁄8, 3⁄4, etc., which consist of a numerator and a denominator—the numerator representing a number of equal parts and the denominator telling how many of those parts make up a whole. An example is 3⁄4, in which the numerator, 3, tells us that the fraction represents 3 equal parts, and the denominator, 4, tells us that 4 parts make up a whole.
Source: Wikipedia
Simplify Each Complex Fraction (answers below!)
1. 3/4 ÷ 1/2 =2. 2/9 ÷ 1/5 =3. 4/5 ÷ 2/15 =4. 2 ÷ 1/7 = |
5. 3/5 ÷ 6 =6. 1 5/6 ÷ 2/9 =7. 3 1/8 ÷ 2 1/5 =8. 2 3/4 ÷ 1 1/6 = |
A Concluding Note
from Parker Pracjek, Interim Academic Coordinator, LEC
It is no wonder that self-directed learning is our theme for this issue, for it is these very learning principles that continue to ground our work, especially through a time of great change for our Center. With the completion of our Title V (founding) grant, the departure of our amazing Director, Dr. Kannan, our new space within the Library and the recent additions to our staff, we're excited to resume our newsletter. Additionally, we look forward to forging our close collaboration with the Mentoring Program in the coming semesters.
Often our best teachers are our students, and the LEC staff "tips our collective hat" to the eager, committed, vulnerable, and brave students that grace our Center.
We wish everyone a very successful semester!
Fraction answer key:
1. 1 1/2 2. 1 1/9 3. 6 4. 14 5. 1/10 6. 8 1/4 7. 1 37/88 8. 2 5/14


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Some voices are better than others to say the least from my side on that front...well, I like all the voices in BW. That much I'll admit is true for me.
Prior to that, watching a re-run or dubbed episode online from Seasons 9-13 again is just painful for me...I don't think I'll ever get used to some of them, mainly due to how different the characters sound as opposed to how bad or good these voices are, though. I can't lie when I have to say the 4Kids voice actors for Ash etc. still are much better to me.
The openings/intros, dub BGM, dialogue, and scripts for TRio and Ash (until BW) are a lot different from what they used to be. The differences really are stark when you compare the two dubs.
A lot of the problem I had with TPCi's voices for a long time stems from three things:
1) they don't fit the age of the characters they are playing as well to me
2) they sound too old and too deep-- this was the most jarring part of the change for me
3) the acting sounds very stilted and forced and times-- not natural
But yeah, I've found I liked a lot of things about 4Kids besides the voices (though arguably that is the greatest difference between the two to me-- I maybe used to the current ones (they're okay), but I always find myself going back to the older ones-- they really are that great to me).
Season 1 definitely had my least favorite voices in 4Kids (I won't lie, some of the voices were definitely too forced), while Seasons 10-11 had my least favorite
voices in TPCi (they just don't fit to me at all here).
Al Kahn was the worst...grr. Personally, I don't hate or like 4Kids for the most part (though when it comes to Pokemon, I'll definitely defend them, since I can't help but miss them sometimes-- even with the edits, they showed they could do a great job here). Honestly I really do like their dub more than TPCi's, even with the edits, they had a lot more fun with it and the voices fit the characters so much better to me.
The 1st movie dub wasn't good by 4Kids, at all. That was without a doubt the worst dubbed movie they've done for Pokemon. Others, however, were generally pretty good.
Overall, though, 4Kids was OK in my book. They had their good dubs (Pokemon; Ultimate Muscle; Shaman King), their average dubs (original YGO-- I'd put it in good, but some people hate it for the somewhat severe editing), and their flops (the rest, ESPECIALLY One Piece-- my god-- though their YGO GX/5D's dubs were tolerable, IMO).


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MOBILE, Ala. – Former Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent was found guilty Wednesday of intoxication manslaughter after a car crash in December 2012 that resulted in the death of his teammate and friend, Jerry Brown.
The sentencing phase will begin Thursday to determine Brent's punishment. He could face up to 20 years in prison, but he also could reportedly get probation.
"We understand the very serious nature of this situation and express our concerns for all of the families and individuals that have been affected by the tragedy of Jerry Brown's death," owner/general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement.
Brent was found guilty by the jury Wednesday afternoon. The jurors deliberated Tuesday and were sequestered that night before coming back with the decision the following afternoon.
Police said Brent's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of the wreck. Cowboys players
Brown's mother, Stacey Jackson, has repeatedly said she's forgiven Brent and stood by him after the incident. Family members and those closest to Brent could reportedly testify during the sentencing period.
Brent has since retired from the NFL since the incident. He last played with the Cowboys in 2012, totaling 1.5 sacks in 12 games. He would have challenged for a starting spot during the 2013 season. Executive vice president Stephen Jones wouldn't address the possibility of Brent coming back to the team before Brent was found guilty Wednesday.
After Cowboys players had already testified, linebacker
Prior to the announcement of the verdict, Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett offered their support for Brent at the Senior Bowl on Monday and Tuesday.
"Our support for Josh has been unwavering since the start of this thing," Garrett said Tuesday. "Obviously, a very tragic situation for Jerry Brown and his family and for Josh Brent."


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It was a sweltering Sunday evening on a baseball field in Chandler when a beefy-looking batter swung at a fast pitch, sending the ball soaring over the outfield fence.
The ball landed on the street, bounced a few times and rolled to a stop near some houses, while the batter's teammates jumped in celebration. The hit looked a lot like a home run. But this was cricket, not baseball, and the hit meant six more runs for the home team.
Cricket is unfamiliar to most Americans. But the game is gaining popularity around the Valley, thanks to an influx of immigrants from countries such as India and Pakistan. The centuries-old game that originated in England is helping growing waves of cricket-playing immigrants establish a sense of community in Arizona and other places around the country. But, at times, it has created friction with Americans who don't understand the sport.
"Cricket is the biggest sport (in those countries). It's almost like religion," said Mahesh Naik, a 40-year-old immigrant from India who plays for the Metro Stars Cricket Club in Phoenix.
Organized cricket games are now regular weekend events at neighborhood parks and on baseball fields throughout Phoenix, as well as in Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert and Tempe. Naik chairs an Arizona Cricket Association of more than 20 teams, up from seven 10 years ago, that compete in two major cricket tournaments, one in summer and one in winter.
The players hail mostly from India and Pakistan. But many also are from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and other countries where cricket was introduced by British colonists centuries ago. A good number of the players work in the Valley's growing high-tech industry or came to the United States to study and then found jobs in Arizona.
"After the dot-com bubble bust (in 2001), a lot of companies from California moved to Phoenix, which brought a lot of Southeast Asians here who grew up playing cricket," said Adnan Khan, 35, an information-technology analyst from Pakistan who founded a cricket club in Phoenix in 2001. "Intel and Honeywell also hired a lot of people, and most of the technology places have people from Southeast Asia. Now, there are so many it is very easy to get involved with a cricket team."
Take, for instance, Zeeshan Niazi, 26, the batter who hit the ball over the fence during the game in Chandler. Niazi said he grew up playing cricket daily in Islamabad, Pakistan, first in the backyard with his brothers, then later in clubs, and even considered turning professional.
"We were playing it every day," Niazi said.
Nearly two years ago, Niazi moved to Arizona for a software-engineering job at Wells Fargo Bank. He joined the Oceans Blue Cricket Club, a team mostly made up of players from India, and plays almost every weekend nine months of the year.
"I have made a lot of friends here through cricket," he said. "It's a really good way to socialize."
On that Sunday early this month, Niazi's team was practicing with Arizona Friends, a team of players from Pakistan, on one of the baseball fields at Andersen Junior High School off Dobson Road in Chandler. They were preparing for a summer tournament that began earlier this month. Sixteen teams are competing. The championship game is Sept. 12.
Instead of a baseball bat, Niazi wielded a flat-sided wooden paddle. Fielders from the opposing team tried to catch balls barehanded.
The practice game ended with Niazi's team losing by one run to the Kingfishers, a team of players from India. But Niazi had a good day. He scored 49 of his team's 134 runs, more than any other batter.
The emergence of cricket in Phoenix, as well as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia, shows how immigrants are establishing a sense of community and culture in the United States, said Lindsey Mean, a communication-studies professor at Arizona State University who teaches a course on sports and culture.
"You basically grow up playing a sport, and you become intimately familiar with it- its nuances, its subtleties, and it's much harder to take on the complexities of new sport when you come to a new nation," she said.
Cricket is the perfect hot-weather sport, she said, because it does not have a lot of physical activity, and players don't have to wear a lot of heavy equipment.
She said the game is adding diversity to the area's recreational sporting scene, which already has seen an explosion of soccer due to immigration from Latin America.
But it has led to friction and cultural misunderstandings with neighbors and park officials.
Neighbors complained about balls landing in their yards when a group of cricket players began playing at Royal Palm Park near 15th Avenue and Butler Drive in northwest Phoenix, said John Mason, recreational coordinator for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
That prompted park officials to designate two baseball fields at Cortez Park and Washington Park for cricket games.
Parks officials, however, have refused to remove some of the grass behind second base and flatten the ground to create a permanent "pitch," the rectangular strip that lies at the center of cricket field.
In cricket, the pitcher, called a bowler, throws a ball overhand and tries to bounce it into a set of upright sticks called wickets while the batter tries to protect the target by whacking the ball away. Naik said that, without a level hard-packed surface, the ball bounces erratically off the pitch.
A few years ago, Naik and other members of his team thought they had received permission to use a roller to level out the pitch for a cricket game at Deer Valley Park. But when they showed up with a 1 ˝-ton roller, the kind used on construction sites, and began driving the machine on the field, a park ranger got angry.
"He said, 'Whoa. Whoa. What are you doing?' " Naik recalled. "You need to get that off the grounds."
But the game is slowly gaining acceptance. Two cities recently built cricket fields: Chandler's Snedigar Sportsplex and Gilbert's Nichols Park.
And several parks and schools let teams use their grounds and provide storage space for a large mat, which the players roll out before each game to flatten the grass for the pitch.
One of those schools is Desert Sage Elementary School in Glendale.
Maridell David, plant foreman, remembers when the cricket players contacted her three years ago and asked if they could use the school grounds.
"I had heard of cricket, but I was not sure what it entailed," David said. "But I thought, 'How cool is this?' "
Bowler Deepak Kamalanathan throws during a practice game at Anderson Junior High School in Chandler.
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The site outlines how upgrading the Crescent Corridor - the existing 2,500-mile rail route from the Southeast to the Northeast - will support a stronger economy, less highway congestion, cleaner air, and fuel savings.
The Crescent Corridor will be among the largest additions of new freight transportation capacity since the Interstate Highway System. That means creating or benefiting some 47,000 green jobs and producing these estimated annual benefits:
• $326 million in tax revenues to states and communities
• 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
• $146 million in accident avoidance savings
• 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
• $575 million in congestion savings
• $92 million in highway maintenance savings
• 169 million gallons in fuel savings
Crescent Corridor components include new intermodal facilities at Memphis, Birmingham and Franklin County, Pa., and the expansion of terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Other projects include straightening curves; adding passing tracks, double tracks, and signals; and running more efficient trains.
TheFutureNeedsUs.com <http://www.thefutureneedsus.com/> provides detailed information about other NS corridor projects, as well. This includes the Heartland Corridor to open a new gateway for double-stacked container traffic from the East Coast to the Midwest; the MidAmerica Corridor to create shorter and faster routes for merchandise moving between the Midwest and Southeast; and the Pan Am Southern Corridor to create an improved rail route between Albany, N.Y., and the greater Boston area. The site includes photos, videos, maps, fact sheets, links, contacts, and a convenient form for contacting Norfolk Southern.


text: Home > World Obama set to dive into S. China Sea turmoil by Michelle Fitzpatrick, Agence France-Presse Posted at Nov 20 2012 07:44 AM | Updated as of Nov 20 2012 07:09 PM Share Save Facebook Twitter GPlus LinkedIn Pinterest PHNOM PENH - US President Barack Obama is set to dive into the tumultuous diplomatic waters of the South China Sea on Tuesday at a summit in which rival claims to the strategically vital area have dominated. Obama is widely expected to express concerns about the disputes between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours, which have stoked tensions across the region this year and hampered efforts to foster economic co-operation. Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao are among the leaders of 18 nations in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh for the two-day East Asia Summit. Repeating a long-held Chinese position, Wen insisted on Monday that the disputes should not be "internationalised" and discussed at multilateral events such as the summit. China, which claims sovereignty over virtually all of the sea, prefers to negotiate directly with its neighbours from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In a meeting on Monday, Obama and ASEAN leaders agreed to support a regional code of conduct to manage disputes over claims in the sea, said a joint US-ASEAN communique. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, also have claims to parts of the sea, which is home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes and believed to be rich in fossil fuels. The rival claims have for decades made the sea a powder keg issue in the region. Chinese and Vietnamese forces engaged in clashes in 1974 and 1988 in which dozens of troops died. After a long period of relative calm, tensions have risen over the past two years with the Philippines and Vietnam expressing concerns that China is becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its claim. In one of the most serious incidents, Philippine and Chinese vessels became locked in a stand-off at a contested shoal in April. The tensions have led to some bruising diplomatic confrontations this year and overshadowed some regional meetings where the participants typically prefer to focus on improving economic ties. At the East Asia Summit, the first day was dominated by infighting over the issue among the ASEAN bloc. Cambodia, this year's ASEAN chair and a close Chinese ally, said the 10 nations had agreed not to "internationalise" the disputes, thus giving an important diplomatic victory to China. But the Philippines quickly denied that it had agreed, with President Benigno Aquino rebuking Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during one of the meetings on Monday. "How can there be a consensus? A consensus means 100 percent. How can there be a consensus when two of us are saying we're not with it," Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters afterwards. While he did not identify the other country opposing the agreement, diplomats said it was Vietnam. The feud echoed unprecedented infighting at an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Phnom Penh in July, which ended for the first time in the bloc's 45-year history without a joint communique. The Philippines and Vietnam had wanted the communique to make specific reference to their disputes with China. But Cambodia blocked the moves. Despite the tensions, leaders were expected to make progress on important economic issues on Tuesday. ASEAN nations are set to officially launch negotiations for an enormous free trade pact with China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Trade ministers from China, Japan and South Korea are also likely to hold talks aimed at kick-starting three-way free trade negotiations. © 1994-2012 Agence France-Presse Share Save Facebook Share on Twitter GPlus LinkedIn Pinterest Read More: Barack Obama Southeast Asia cambodia south china sea Association of Southeast Asian Nations East Asia Summit west philippine sea sea row territorial row /overseas/03/30/17/nearly-150-migrants-feared-dead-after-boat-sinks-sole-survivor-says/overseas/03/30/17/us-diplomat-arrested-over-contacts-with-chinese-spies/overseas/03/29/17/heroin-use-addiction-up-sharply-among-us-whites-study/life/03/29/17/shopping-shorts-swarovski-x-disney-go-lokal-at-robinsons/sports/03/29/17/up-targets-final-4-berth-in-uaap-football


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Len Saunders graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, majoring in Physical Education. He later went on to receive a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Len is an award winning author, motivational speaker in the fight against childhood obesity, and nationally recognized for his innovative wellness events.
Saunders has been distinguished as a leader in the field of children's health, fitness, and wellness for almost 30 years. He has won awards at the local, state, and national levels for all his efforts to reduce childhood obesity. He has been a guest speaker at universities, as well as state and national conventions. In the late 1980's, Len served as a consultant to President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Most recently, he became an American Heart Association expert spokesperson on the issue of childhood obesity.
Len's contribution to children's health has literally reached millions of children and their parents worldwide. He has contributed articles to fitness Magazines, publishing companies, educational Magazines, and major internet blogs. He has also written and consulted with Sports Illustrated For Kids Magazine. Some of Len's articles have been used for nationally syndicated television shows on ABC-TV. Len is frequently sought after for quotes from television and print media outlets. Sports Illustrated has called Len "high spirited", while a quote from Ladies Home Journal says, "No one is more committed to building stronger kids than Lenny Saunders."
Len is best known for creating Project ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously), an internationally recognized program that literally has millions of children from all 50 states and over 50 countries exercise in unison during the first Wednesday in May. He has created dozens more nationally recognized programs that teach children about leading a healthy lifestyle. Len is also an accomplished author of five books, with his most recent, 'Keeping Kids Fit' released in 2010.
Len's philosophy to a child's positive well-being is straightforward. You can inspire a child to achieve proper health by keeping things simple, fun, unique, entertaining, and educational. It is also important to make sure a child can sustain a high degree of success with their objectives. Since most children have different needs, they must be motivated in diverse ways to get a positive response. Keeping goals at a child's specific level will provide rewarding outcomes. This philosophy has been applied to Len's comprehensive national programs, which have successfully directed millions of children to lead healthier lifestyles.
Click here to learn more about Len's books......
Highlights From Len's Career
Invited to the White House - Had the honor of shaking hands with former President, George Bush, and former first lady, Barbara Bush.
Served as a fitness consultant to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
Served as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.
Served as a consultant to The President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports (PCPFS) under the Reagan/Bush Administration.
Honored before a game at Madison Square Garden.
Invited by Arnold Schwarzenegger to participate in a Youth Fitness Summit.
Winning an Achievement Award from The President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports.
Voted The Outstanding Teacher of Physical Education from his home state of New Jersey.
Honored before an illustrious audience at the world famous Waldof-Astoria in New York City.
Honored and awarded for participating in the historic youth fitness exchange between the former Soviet Union, and the United States.


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Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
Continued from page 1
The NEH and NEA devoted $825,000 to study superhero comics. The Denali Commission received $10.7 million to promote rural development in Alaska even though Inspector General Mike Marsh argued for closing the body. The Agriculture Department spent about $50 million to aid Christmas tree growers, producers of ornamental trees, plum and maple sugar sellers, pecan and pear growers, and wine makers. The Department dropped $415,000 in China alone to encourage the taste for California wines.
HUD used $1.2 million to create an apartment designed for the deaf in Tempe, Arizona, only to then decide that three-quarters of the residences should be occupied by people with normal hearing. NASA spent $3 million to search for signs of intelligent life on Capitol Hill, studying how Congress works. So far the Department of Transportation has poured $50 million into a Maryland parking garage (and "transit center"), begun in 1997 but stalled by safety issues. The department has dropped $8 million in an as yet unfinished South Carolina transportation "research center," first proposed in 1998.
HUD used $65 million in emergency funds approved after Hurricane Sandy to purchase tourism ads for New Jersey and New York. The Federal Aviation Administration spent $3.5 million on solar panels for the Manchester-Boston Airport, many of which have to be covered because the glare impedes air traffic controllers. The State Department devoted $630,000 to generate additional Facebook "Likes." NASA allocated nearly $400,000 to create the cartoon superhero "Green Ninja," dedicated to fighting climate change.
Congress ordered the Air Force to spend an additional $432 million on C-27J combat aircraft which failed to meet performance standards. Washington used $82.5 million to give Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to police departments across America. The Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security together devoted $321 million to duplicative and overlapping Information Technology systems. Government-wide Uncle Sam drops at least $1.5 billion to maintain empty buildings. Even as DOD is withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, the department has been finishing the never-to-be-used $34 million Camp Leatherneck Headquarters Facility. Although public scorn killed the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" in Alaska, the state spent nearly $3 million in federal funds to buy properties for the bridge right-of-way.
The Agriculture Department gave an Oklahoma winery $200,000 to purchase new equipment. An Alaska Brewery collected $450,000 to add a new boiler. Agriculture also gave $100,000 to a North Carolina vodka producer. Congress devoted $350,000 to the Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park (in New Jersey) which the National Park Service said should not be a federal park. Health and Human Services spent nearly $200,000 on a Hollywood party. The Post Office paid futurist Faith Popcorn to imagine its future. The Institute of Museum and Library Services gave a New York museum $150,000 to create an exhibit on play. A Colorado museum received more than $40,000 for its toy collection.
Agriculture spent $15,000 on a study of urine as a fertilizer. NASA devoted nearly a quarter of a million dollars to study earthbound red crabs. Poor quality production cost the Treasury Department $4 million in producing the new "NextGen" $100 bill. Paterson, New Jersey used $141,886 in HUD funds to fix-up a vacant New Jersey home worth just $171,000—after a $260,000 investment by the city. The FAA spent more than $3 million on Minnesota's St. Cloud Regional Airport which has just one bi-weekly commercial service. The National Science Foundation used $150,000 to create a Web-based Zombie game to teach math.
The FBI devoted $1.5 million to promote the agency on TV and the big screen. The Agriculture Department is spending $19.5 million to help beef and dairy cattle deal with climate change. The NEA gave $10,000 for a "Moosical" featuring a moose character for children. The National Science Foundation sent $2.9 million to Indianapolis to create sites "where arts and science will be used to educate the public about Indianapolis's water system." HUD used $158,500 to move one historical house in New Orleans, which ended up as rubble. Almost $17 million went from the Agriculture Department to develop new products, such as a Bloody Mary mix.
The Veterans Department is spending $2 million to turn a Civil War-era mill into office space. The NSF dropped $1.75 million to turn a best-selling book on the politics of food into a PBS documentary. In 2013 Uncle Sam devoted almost $300,000 to acquire portraits departing officials. Agriculture has devoted $25,000 to studying coffee drying. More than a half million dollars went from Transportation to Rossville, Kansas to improve its downtown. NSF spent nearly $400,000 to study duck reproduction in the hopes of better understanding human relationships. The Department of Justice used $2 million to maintain an empty former state prison purchased to bail-out Illinois.
Agriculture devoted more than $400,000 to study how to turn methane discharged by cows into fuel. The Interior Department spends $76 million annually to round up wild horses, leaving more natural vegetation, which in turn inflates the wild horse population. The Food and Drug Administration used $180,000 to monitor social media comments about the agency. NEH gave a college professor nearly $300,000 to create a computer game to bring Civil War researchers online. The agency gave $150,000 for a New York puppet festival. The Commerce Department provided Las Vegas with $800,000 to think about economic development. The Small Business Administration devoted $80,000 to study whether Congress should increase consumer taxes. In an attempt to go "green," the federal government dropped an extra $200 million to renovate just one federal building in Minnesota.
NSF paid Tea Party critics $400,000 to study the Tea Party. The National Park Service devoted more than $80,000 to preserve Route 66. The Commerce Department spent $368,000 to refurbish the manufacturing plant for a golf cart maker. The U.S. Marshals Service dropped nearly $800,000 on promotional "swag," including Christmas ornaments.
Sen. Coburn's 100 programs cost about $30 billion total. While that's a lot of money for most anyone except Bill Gates, it is small change for the federal government, less than 1/700th Uncle Sam's current unfunded liabilities. Even eliminating the many wasteful projects that litter the federal bureaucracy would not bring the budget into balance, let alone put federal finances into order.
The dirty secret of budget-cutting, which the public doesn't realize and policymakers won't admit, is that more than four-fifths of federal money goes to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the military, and interest. In short, the fundamental budget problem is bad policy, not stupid waste.
Federal waste is pervasive. Congress should start by killing the Coburn 100. But Americans then need to have an adult conversation about the budget. Too many people expect to live at someone else's expense through Washington. Which is why the nation faces financial ruin.


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- 256MB 128-Bit GDDR3
- Core Clock 675 MHz
- 1 x DVI 1 x HDMI
- 32 CUDA Cores
- PCI Express x16
Nice Secondary Card 06/23/2008
This review is from: MSI GeForce 8600 GTS DirectX 10 NX8600GTS Diamond Plus 256MB 128-Bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
nice secondary card to output to an HDTV. Has an SPDIF adapter built into the card and integrated HDMI output and DVI.
Possibly ok for gaming but with the cost of 8800GTX's you could use one and get better performance than 2 of these in SLI
Other Thoughts:
If you are running a P35 chipset and have no access to SLI this is a nice little card to fill up your second PCI express x16 slot.
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text: Renntech Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Rally RacerBen Wojdyla2/12/09 5:00pmFiled to: chicago auto show2009 Chicago Auto ShowApocalypse Vehicles Of The Chicago Auto ShowApocalypse VehiclesRenntechGlk0EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalink Name: Renntech Mercedes GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer Type of Apocalypse: Water World- Like Flooding Why: This one is admittedly kind of a stretch, but if global warming does its thing and we're stuck with oceanfront property in Pennsylvania, racing to mountaintops for a land grab is going to be important. Enter the RennTech Merceres GLK Pikes Peak Rally Racer, which is an admittedly ridiculous vehicle but one with a purpose. If you need to get to the top of a mountain to beat out your competition to the best spot overlooking the Tail of the Dragon, there isn't a better one at the Chicago Auto Show. Head back to our list of the Apocalypse Vehicles Of The Chicago Auto Show.


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Next to the Lantern Parade in December, the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City attracts more visitors than usual every summer for what has become another campus hallmark—sunflower season!
During this time, commuters passing through University Avenue are greeted by a most wonderful sight—sunflowers teeming on both sides of the thoroughfare, the saucer-sized yellow blooms sprouting from leafy plants that stand some five to six feet.
The beautiful stretch of flowers prove so inviting that it has become common for those in private vehicles to stop by the roadside, take a few quick photographs and then drive off in satisfaction. There is something about the sunflowers that radiate cheer and positive energy that people rarely come away from the encounter without smiles on their faces.
This can be seen in the shots most of these snap-happy souls have taken to posting on Facebook, thereby encouraging many others to visit UP as well to have their own sunflower pictures taken. Indeed, so beguiling is UP's annual floral spectacle that people who see it can't help but interact with the sunflowers and record those moments for posterity.
This kind of public enjoyment has become an inspiration for those in charge of sunflower-planting at the State University every summer. Engr. Alden Jose Aynera, acting director of the UP Campus Management Office (CMO), which functions under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs—says, "Nakakatuwa kasi talaga, lalo na pag nakita mong ang dami-dami ng mga bulaklak.It's not usual that you see something like this in the city."
The flower is a marvel in itself. A heliotrope or a sun-tracking bloom, the sunflower is a composite of tiny flowers located at its center which is surrounded at the perimeter by yellow elongated petals. One sunflower, Aynera notes, is composed of up to 1,000 to 2,000 of these florettes. "Actually, meron 'yang mathematical matrix."
Sunflower power
As for the sunflower tradition in UP, it reportedly began in the late '70s to early '80s. According to Aynera, research shows it was under the directorship of Dionisio O. Liwag of the then Campus Landscaping Office and Arboretum that sunflowers were first planted along University Avenue.
Why sunflowers were chosen, considering it is not indigenous to the Phililppines, is the subject of conjecture. "It may have been experimental. It could have been the initiative of the director, or a directive from top management, under then (UP) president Soriano," Aynera speculates.
In any case, the exact life cycle of the sunflower—from 45 to 60 days—could have been an incentive for those who thought of first planting in on campus. "Maganda ang naging resulta. Nag-click naman. So I think that's why it was continued every year since," adds Aynera.
The planting schedule of the sunflowers is actually timed according to UP's commencement exercises in late April. That is, the flowers must ideally be in full bloom come graduation, for the appreciation of the UP community and visitors to the campus.
The process begins with the procurement of sample seeds from three potential suppliers in Tagaytay in January. The sample seeds are planted and within five days to one week, it is determined from among the three batches which one seems to be growing well. Seeds are subsequently bought in bulk from the source of the best-growing variety.
Planting begins in early February. This year, the CMO staff started planting on February 6. The best medium, they have found, is a 1:1 combination of ground soil, compost and rice husk (ipa). Holes are made on the ground at approximately one foot intervals, with as many as five seeds planted in each hole.
The sunflowers require everyday watering. Sufficient water is needed to germinate the seeds, especially since the ground tends to be particularly dry with the onset of summer. Water is extracted from a nearby creek with the use of a pump to cover the length of the planted area. When the plants have already sprouted, the surrounding soil is cultivated to foster growth. Growth enhancers such as urea and complete fertilizer are applied as needed.
Despite such careful nurturing, the desired outcome is not always assured. Aynera recounts that last year, the flowers bloomed later than expected. Graduation was already nearing but the sunflowers were still not in full bloom, which was said to have alarmed university officials.
A CMO consultant said this may been the result of a certain variety of worms attacking the plants. But in Aynera's opinion, climate change may have been the major contributing factor to last year's "late bloomers". "When we planted the sunflowers, it was still raining which is an unusual occurrence at that time of the year. This affects the plant's growth and life cycle," he explains.
Aynera hopes that this year, the flowers will bloom according to the projected schedule.
At the time of our interview in mid-March, the plants were already thriving, and measured nearly two feet in height. If all goes well, they expect to see buds by late March even as the plants continue to grow taller.
The sunflower covers a 600- to 800-meter stretch on University Avenue starting from the corner of C.P. Garcia Avenue and leading all the way to the Oblation Plaza, in front of Quezon Hall (Administration Building).
Aynera has directed the planting of sunflowers in select areas of the Ampitheater as well as this is where the commencement exercises are held.
Due to limited resources, the CMO is unable to preserve, handle or store sunflower seeds from the previous year's crop. Besides, Aynera points out, there's not enough quantity of mature seeds that is left once sunflower season is over. "We have enemies of all kinds like birds who eat it and also humans. Nauunahan kami," he says, shaking his head, referring to those who pick the sunflowers even if this is prohibited.
Aynera avers that with the vast area involved, it is simply impossible for UP's security staff to act against sunflower thieves. Sad to say, on graduation day itself, a lot of visitors tend to help themselves to the flowers after they have their pictures taken beside them. "Sobra silang natutuwa, kinukuha nila," Aynera contends.
Minus those irritants, however, he says that the overall public goodwill generated by UP's sunflower season is definitely worth the time, effort and resources the university puts into it.
• Share your sunflower photos with us, post your snapshots on http://www.facebook.com/InterAksyon.Lifestyle
and we'll include you in our "UP and Sunflower Season" photo gallery. Don't forget to share your experience in a sentence or two.


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Edit Full Name: Francis James Pedrotti 1 Death: 1941 1 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 1 Residence: Place: Missouri 1
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Conversation Between veganchick and dramaqueen
Showing Visitor Messages 11 to 19 of 19
- 07-12-2009 03:39 PM - permalinkveganchickya, its really fun!! The only part i don't like is waking up early! lol
- 07-09-2009 10:16 PM - permalinkdramaqueenCool! That is so exciting! I've never been on a mission trip but I think it would be fun and rewarding.
- 07-09-2009 10:13 PM - permalinkveganchickya! lol :) Omaha and Washington D.C. mostly... Next year I am going to the Dominican Republic tho, and that will be REALLY fun!
- 07-09-2009 10:11 PM - permalinkdramaqueenWow! You HAVE been busy! Where did you go on your mission trips?
- 07-09-2009 10:10 PM - permalinkveganchickI haven't been on in forever, I have been soooo busy!!! Camp, shelter work, vacations, mission trips, and rehoming fish has kinda gotten in the way! lol!! I'm back tho!!!
- 07-09-2009 10:05 PM - permalinkdramaqueenHey! Haven't seen you on for awhile! We miss you!
- 05-20-2009 10:14 PM - permalinkdramaqueenWhat size tank are the females and guppies in? If its big enough, you could put 2 more females in there. They may be ok as long as they have hiding spots.Just keep an eye on them. Good luck getting everyone home tomorrow.
- 05-20-2009 10:09 PM - permalinkveganchickyep, Actually we are packing up for the year, there are about 30 bettas looking for homes right now, and tomorrow I will be taking all the rest (a ton) home, I only have one more tank, but I'll figure out something. I know everyone says that 2 betta females should never go together, but I put them in with my 3 male guppies and male cherry barbs, they are just ignoring eahother. anyway, I have sooooooo many sick VT males right now!!!!! plus a few guppies, a crawdad, a red clawed crab, 3 adfs, and some shrimp. All the goldfish exept the sick ones were are to be released into 8 various ponds, so they are all covered exept the black moor who prly wouldn't do well in a pond
- 05-18-2009 05:39 PM - permalinkdramaqueenDo you have any more updates on the science project fish?


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In it, but not of it. TPM DC
No Room For Error If Senate To Pass Health Care Before Christmas
The second cloture vote on the substitute amendment would be Tuesday at 7 am. And, the cloture vote on the underlying bill would be Wednesday at around 1 pm.We could get an agreement to wrap up and have a final passage vote on the 23rd, however Republicans could continue to not cooperate and force us to have a vote on final passage on Christmas Eve.
The scientific term for this scenario is "tight squeeze." Last night, the whole plan nearly fell apart when Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) threatened to join the GOP filibuster of the defense spending bill. He came around at the last minute. "I do not support the defense funding bill and I will vote against it," reads Feingold's official statement. "But I am not going to be part of a partisan and cynical effort to delay passage of the defense bill in order to block the Senate from considering health care reform. I will decide how to vote on health care when the final bill is before the Senate. But the Senate should be allowed to continue debating and voting on health care reform legislation."
Now all Reid needs to do is not let any procedural hurdles trip him up, keep the unions quiet, tamp down a brewing revolt from the online left, deal with Howard Dean, and get assurances--privately or publicly--from the remaining holdouts. Then it's Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.


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Student Health Insurance Program
From its beginning, the League's student health insurance program has been designed to help uninsured student's access affordable health insurance. The plan still proves its worth by offering comprehensive health insurance coverage to both international and domestic students at competitive rates.
The program, supported by the Health Services Association, is encouraging colleges to join with the League to offer health insurance to all uninsured students. Students voluntarily join the program and pay the premium.
Coverage includes:
- hospital room and board
- intensive care
- outpatient surgery
- physician visits
- ambulance service
- and many other medical benefits
The benefits to the districts in participating in the program are numerous. The University of California issued a research report showing that health issues often cause students to prematurely withdraw from school. Health insurance coverage offers students medical care if needed and a better chance of continuing their education. The program also offers the colleges an opportunity to assist students at absolutely no charge.
For more information on the League's student health insurance program or for brochures and applications to pass out to students, contact Student Insurance at (800) 367-5830 or visit their Web site at www.studentinsuranceagency.com.


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Do You Have the Political Chops to Work in PR?
A guest post by PR columnist, Alison Kenney.
If someone told you that you're "being political" or coming across as a real "politician," you'd probably be offended. But I will argue that being politically savvy, i.e. having the ability to influence others to accomplish your goals, will serve you well in a career in PR.
The 10 most important political skills crucial to working in PR are the abilities to:
- Re-frame a situation — You won't get far – unless your goal is to annoy the most people possible – without being able to see things from more than one perspective. In PR speak, this means being able to customize a message or story for specific individual audiences.
- Back up your story – Your story will be stronger and more convincing if you can back it up with evidence and proof points, such as customer testimonials, facts and statistics, research from opinion polls or surveys, third-party validation from awards, rankings or expert endorsements, etc.
- Convince your audience that you are credible – It's not enough to have a great story if no one will listen to you tell it. Experienced spokespeople have titled credentials like speaker, author, successful entrepreneur or businessperson, but inexperienced spokespeople can demonstrate their authority by creating their own video examples, articulating new approaches and building followers online.
- Stay prepared – No, you don't have to be paranoid and constantly prepping for a crisis (though that can be useful too), but savvy PR pros need to understand their industry, the players, what's going on and what macro events can impact industry dynamics.
- Know your opponent – Whether your PR career is centered on working with causes, people or products, it's important to understand the competitive landscape and what sets your work apart.
- Build a strong network – Strong PR professionals have good, up-to-date working networks of people to call, including the media, with whom they can work with to get things done and communicate messages.
- Manage people – Each day, PR staff interact with people at many levels, from their own bosses and the teams they supervise to the people at multiple levels within their client organizations and also those working in various ways in the media and other external audiences. Good managers are able to communicate effectively with all levels in an organization, and give the right message/tone to the right audience at the right time.
- Appear sincere – Someone with really strong political skills won't appear to have any such skills at all. Character traits like being genuine, authentic, straightforward and effective are all associated with being politically savvy and leaders who are not politically skilled come off as manipulative or self-serving.
- "Practice influence" – I didn't invent this phrase, but I like it. It means showing good judgment about when to assert yourself. For example, while you may be powerful within some groups and could easily throw your weight around to get what you want, that isn't always the politically expedient way to go.
- Create change – Many of us get by in PR by being great at executing the first nine of these skills, but the most expert among us understand how to create effective PR programs that "move the dial" to achieve desired changes in audience behaviors.
Alison Kenney an independent PR practitioner with more than 15 years of PR consulting experience. She is based on Boston's North Shore and has worked with organizations in the technology, professional services and consumer industries. She writes a bi-monthly PR column on LindsayOlson.com. You can find her at www.kprcommunications.com. Learn more about Alison Kenney.
Date: October 23rd, 2012 / Author: Lindsay / 1 Comment »
Posted in Public Relations / Tags: Politics, pr, Public Relations


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The Lewis-born writer's play is to premiere at the An Lanntair arts centre.
HIGHLAND 2007 SURVEY Find out what the arts world thinks about 2007.
ARTSRANT Highland 2007 should look to Canada says GEORGINA COBURN.
ART TOON The latest topical arts cartoon from DAVE SMITH.
BAND PROFILE The exciting West Highland-based outfit DÀIMH.
FILM REVIEWS HI~Arts go to the movies.
GAELDOM the work of the Gaelic publishers COISCÉIM.
INTERVIEW Caithness poet and playwright GEORGE GUNN.
REVIEWS The latest reviews from the Highlands & Islands.
VIRTUAL JUKEBOX Hot demos from local bands.
FROM THE ARCHIVES... Re-live last year's Mod with FIONA MACKENZIE'S diaries.
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Andrew Wilkinson, Contributor
Coca-Cola : A stampede of bullish investors piled into call options on the non-alcoholic beverage company, which trades ex-dividend by 41 cents Friday, amid a more than 2% rally in shares to $51.23. Traders bought Coke calls at the near-term September 52.5 strike where nearly 10,000 contracts were purchased for an average premium of 14 pennies per contract. Shares of KO would need to continue to rally higher by another 3% by next Friday in order for these investors to breakeven at a price of $52.64. Optimism spread to the October 52.5 strike where 12,400 calls were scooped up for an average premium of 60 cents apiece. Investors seeking a more intense Coke-rally looked to the higher October 55 strike to pick up nearly 5,000 call options for about 19 cents each. Traders long the higher strike calls may start to amass profits by October's expiration if Coke can increase another 8% to surpass the breakeven point at $55.19.
McDonald's Corp. : Traders hungry for calls, or perhaps a Big Mac, placed bullish bets on the golden arches using options despite a 1% decline in the price of its shares to $54.36. Nearer-term optimism was observed at the October 60 strike where approximately 4,500 calls were pocketed for an average premium of 12 cents per contract. Perhaps the continued rise in unemployment has helped fuel bullish sentiment on the fast food chain. McDonald's, which offers a variety of options on their Dollar Menu, is likely to appeal to cash-strapped consumers who can little afford more upscale restaurants at this time. A call-spreader took to the December contract to enact a bullish play. It appears the investor purchased 3,000 calls at the December 55 strike for about 2.30 apiece and simultaneously shed 3,000 calls at the higher December 60 strike for 56 cents each. The net cost of the transaction amounts to 1.74 and yields maximum potential profits of 3.26 per contract if shares of MCD rally to $60 by expiration. We note that MCD last traded above $60.00 on June 4, 2009.
Keybank : A large buyer of Keybank put options emerged this morning. Shares are down by 2.6% at $6.02. Buying at the soon-to-expire 6.0 strike put was pretty strong on volume of 20,000 lots at premiums of approximately 25 cents per contract. This could be another example of a married put (long stock and long protection via puts) or could be someone taking a pop at the lender ahead of next weekend's expiration. Having said that option implied volatility is 1% higher Friday at 69% indicating that a break beneath the September 2 low of $5.80 might be some bears' target.
MGM Mirage : The casino operator's shares are 7.5% higher at $12.13 and having broken above an August peak at $9.60 is accelerating fast toward the May high of $14.01. There was tremendous activity in the September 12.5 strike call options earlier as speculators piled into to buying rights sending premiums from 25 cents to 70 cents. News that the company has extended a previously announced participation offer enabling existing bond holders to trade in 8.5% senior notes maturing in 2010 for 10% notes maturing due 2016 might be part of the cause for Friday's ebullience. During the recession fears over liquidity drove the stock into the doldrums and perhaps Friday's news continues to demystify the company's debt structure ahead. Volume of 25,000 calls at this strike price made up one-in-four of Friday's option's business and easily surpasses an open interest reading of 13,800 lots. December 13 calls were also heavily traded on 7,890 contracts and at least twice the current level of investor interest. Buying rights there commanded a 90 cent premium by lunchtime and so imply further year-end appreciation to a break even point of as much as 15%.
Huntington Bancshares : Shares of the financial holding company have edged nearly 1% lower during the session to stand at $4.05. HBAN appeared on our most active by options volume' market scanner after an investor appears to have established a large chunk of married puts on the stock. This type of transaction implies that the trader has simultaneously purchased shares of the underlying stock along with protective put options. In this case, it appears the trader purchased 15,400 puts at the near-term September 4.0 strike for 20 cents apiece when shares of HBAN were trading at approximately $4.07 apiece. The investor has shelled out 20 cents per contract to hedge against potential declines in the stock through expiration next Friday. Downside protection would kick in if shares of HBAN fall another 6% to breach the breakeven point at $3.80. Given the parameters of the trade it appears the investor is bullish on HBAN and hoping to see the value of the underlying stock appreciate.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. : The casino and resort operator has enjoyed a rally of 5% during the trading session to $17.09 after receiving an upgrade from Sterne, Agee, & Leach. Option traders reacted to the bullish news by taking some optimistic bets on the stock. There appears to be a bullish risk reversal in the October contract where some 2,500 puts were shed for 1.65 apiece at the October 17 strike, spread against the purchase of 2,500 calls at the higher October 19 strike for 97 cents premium. The net cost of the reversal amounts to 68 cents per contract and positions traders to profit above the breakeven point at $19.68. A similar strategy was employed in the December contract, but it seems the investor responsible for this risk reversal has selected more conservative strikes. He appears to have shed 4,400 puts at the December 16 strike for 2.35 each to fund the purchase of 4,400 puts at the higher December 17.5 strike for 2.80 each. The trader paid a net 45 cents per contract, and will accumulate profits if shares rally just 86 cents higher to breach the breakeven price of $17.95. Call options were more heavily traded than puts on LVS Friday as evidenced by the current call-to-put ratio of more than 3-to-1.
Andrew Wilkinson is senior market analyst at Greenwich, Conn-based Interactive Brokers. Reach him via e-mail: email@example.com.