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LOS ANGELES - "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane will host the 2013 Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles.
First-time Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron made the announcement Monday.
Zadan and Meron said they're "thrilled" about the choice.
"His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh," the producers said in a statement.
MacFarlane is best known for his envelope-pushing animated TV shows "Family Guy" and "American Dad." He made his big-screen directorial debut earlier this year with "Ted," which took in more than $420 million at the box office. The 38-year-old entertainer also hosted the season opener of "Saturday Night Live" last month and released an album of big-band tunes from the 1940s and `50s last year.
This is his first time hosting the Academy Awards.
MacFarlane called the opportunity "an overwhelming privilege."
"My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don't find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast," he said Monday.
He also released a video on You Tube in which he reveals his "big news" to his father. In the minute-long clip, MacFarlane says he's been asked to host the Oscars, and his dad responds by offering him some "barely used" bathing suits.
"I've invited you here today to tell you I'm hosting the Oscars," MacFarlane says. "This should be huge news to you."
"Of course, it's wonderful news," his dad replies. "But also the fact that you're getting almost brand-new bathing suits is also good news."
When MacFarlane seems unappreciative, his dad snatches back the swimsuits and says, "I'm going to give these to Billy Crystal."
Crystal hosted the most recent Oscar show.
Nominations for the 85th annual Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 10 - nearly a week earlier than typically revealed and coming ahead of the Golden Globe Awards. The Oscars will be presented Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles.


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[3/28/07 - sleeman]
The Public Library Association has rejected the proposal of the Minnesota Government Documents group for a program on e-government. As you may recall we agreed to co-sponsor this program.
Program Committee charge from the GODORT Bylaws:
j. Program Committee. This committee is composed of five members. The GODORT Assistant Chair/Chair-Elect shall serve as the committee Chair, but will have only one vote on the Steering Committee. The other four members are appointed to staggered two year terms. One member shall be appointed by the GODORT Chair with the approval of the Steering Committee in odd years. One member shall be appointed by each Task Force Coordinator. The Federal Documents Task Force member shall be appointed in odd years and the members of the International and State and Local Documents Task Forces in even years.
The Program Committee shall (a) propose the annual program(s); (b) plan the annual program(s); and (c) implement the program plans.
[3/06/07 - sleeman]
We currently have two confirmed proposals for 2008. A preconference organized by Feddocs and GITCO on federal election statistics and a program organized by State and Local on business resources.
Program is working with James Jacobs to develop a third program that may be an evening program at 2008 in California.
Program is just getting underway with planning for the FDLP program in the fall.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Looking for a rivalry? So are Denver's pro teams.
Duke-North Carolina. Red Sox-Yankees. Auburn-Alabama. Harvard-Yale. For a while, Avalanche-Red Wings was right there with those storied sports rivalries. Time, contrition and a lessening of the quality of the NHL teams has diluted the once great rivalry. Now, the teams aren't even in the same conference.
Not only are the Avs without a great rival, the same can be said for the other pro teams here. That might be a product of geography. It's easier to develop a bitter rival when teams are close together, vying for the attention of the populace. The lack of a rival could also be because of tradition. The oldest team in Denver, the Broncos, didn't debut until 1960. The Red Sox and Yankees, on the other hand, go back to the early 1900s.
Here's a look at the best rivals of Denver pro teams, as judged by Denver Post beat writers.
It has cooled a lot, but it's still the Red Wings. No other team brings more interest to Avalanche fans than a game against Detroit. The Pepsi Center usually is sold out, thanks in part to a strong contingent wearing Wings jerseys. First-year Avs coach Patrick Roy wants to get a good rivalry going with new Central Division mate Chicago, but it will take a lot for that to match the one with the Wings.
Their best rivalry now is with the New England Patriots, the team that turned Mike Shanahan from mastermind to mediocre when he was coaching the Broncos. The Patriots are the team that doused Tebowmania in the playoffs. And now that the Broncos have Peyton Manning, the Manning-Tom Brady rivalry becomes Denver's rivalry. The Oakland Raiders haven't been a Denver rival since the early 2000s. Rivalries matter only when both teams are good.
Geographically, the Nuggets' rival is the Utah Jazz. More than against any other NBA team, games with the Jazz have been the most heated over the years. But the Nuggets have no fierce rival. Games with Seattle used to have a good bite to them, but the Supersonics are long gone.
The most heated and embraced rivalry is the Rapids' back-and-forth one with Real Salt Lake (nicknamed "Fake Salt Lake" by Rapids fans). The rivalry grew with players swapping sides, then exploded with Pablo Mastroeni's notorious stuffing of a jersey down his shorts after a game. It continues with the annual Rocky Mountain Cup trophy residing in Colorado after the Rapids won this season's series. It's an MLS rivalry at every level — the front office, the players and the fans.
Rocktober reached its pinnacle when the Rockies swept Arizona in the 2007 NLCS. There was bad blood during the series and it looked like the Rockies would have a real rival in the NL West. Alas, the Rockies' ineptitude and the Diamondbacks' indifferent fan base (22nd in home attendance this year) have chilled any hopes of a rivalry. Giants? Dodgers? They are rivals of the other, not the Rockies.
Adrian Dater, Mike Klis, Chris Dempsey, Nick Groke and Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post


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I read somewhere that derivatives are the biggest weapons of financial destruction. Why do we need derivatives? If exploiting risk-proneness of people to make profit is the goal, why don't we stop with stocks alone? Derivatives also entail complicated math for their pricing while stock prices are usually modelled as Brownian motion. Why do we go for such a dangerous complication? Is it possible to understand their necessity in simple terms?
closed as not constructive by Bob Jansen♦, vonjd, Matt, Joshua Ulrich, chrisaycock Dec 29 '12 at 20:01
As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
2$\begingroup$ transfer of risk, as Bryce pointed out. I like his answer and upvoted thus have nothing more to add. Your question most likely asks for discussions and opinions which may get your question closed. $\endgroup$ – Matt Dec 29 '12 at 11:21
One of the largest misconceptions of derivatives is that they destroy wealth. In fact, derivatives cannot destroy wealth by their construction, rather, they merely transfer wealth from one party to another. This is because generally, derivatives are voluntary contracts between two parties, where one side's gain exactly matches the other's loss.
The utility of derivatives flows from their enabling investors to purchase insurance against adverse states of the world, or conversely, to allow investors the opportunity to earn a premium providing providing insurance to those who need it.
Part of what happened in the 2007-2008 financial crisis was certain financial institutions assumed the role of insurance providers, earning small premiums in exchange for bearing risk. They took this practice to an unsafe extreme as it seemed to generate large profits while times were good, at the same time creating risks far beyond what common sense would suggest. When times turned bad, the losses some institutions faced were crippling, causing turmoil in financial markets.
That social malady was not caused by derivatives, but rather poor risk management. Derivatives are simply financial technology, amazing tools when used appropriately, but are neither inherently good or bad. The research which should have prevented the financial crisis goes back decades to when Harry Markowitz first introduced the mathematical formalization of diversification. Even though it is obvious to most that one should not put all of their eggs in one basket, that does not mean everyone will act accordingly.
1$\begingroup$ Very nice answer, written by someone who understands his business. $\endgroup$ – Matt Dec 29 '12 at 11:20


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Tori Spelling said she went to a celebrity psychic to speak to her late father but instead communed with an "Angel."
"Farrah Fawcett came through in my reading loud and clear," Spelling recalled to Access Hollywood, referring to the blond "Charlie's Angel" stunner who succumbed to a lengthy battle with cancer nearly a year ago.
Spelling, who is currently promoting her third memoir "uncharted terriTORI," said that after penning the book she sat down with medium and talk-show host John Edwards in the hopes of reconnecting with family patriarch Aaron Spelling.
Apparently, Fawcett's ghost had other plans.
"She wanted me to give a message to her family about how she was doing and what was going on and I'm like, 'Great! She really picked the wrong person,'" Spelling told Access.
At least the late actress was a friend and neighbor of Spelling family.
Tori's father Aaron Spelling produced "Charlie's Angels," and Fawcett later appeared on the reality star's VH1 show "so NoTorious."
Spelling said she's decided to "sit on" most of the information Fawcett imparted. But she said she reached out to Fawcett's son Redmond through his father because Fawcett wanted him to "know things."
"I actually wrote a letter to Ryan O'Neal and gave it to him so I was like, he's either going to think I'm completely crazy or he's going to say, 'Wow! Some of this makes sense,' because she gave very specific details of things to tell them," Spelling said.
"I haven't heard from Ryan so I don't know, you know, I'm hoping you know he understood what I was trying to say and doesn't think I'm some loony."


text: Sports Decorations > Chicago Bears Flags Chicago Bears Star Wars Flag View All Chicago Bears Flags ITEMS Quantity $29.95 Out of Stock Add to Cart IN STOCK Standard & Express Shipping Available Order by 2pm CST (M-F) — Ships Same Day Item ID#: WN-3x5DX-CHB-Star Wars Tweet Wish This Chicago Bears Star Wars Flag is made of 100% polyester, offers quadruple stitched flyends, measures 3'x5', and has two metal grommets to attach to your flagpole or any of our tailgating flag poles. The NFL officially licensed team and Star Wars logos are screen printed into our Chicago Bears Star Wars Flag so the logos will not peel and remain durable.This large flag is viewable from both sides with the opposite side being a reverse image.Fly your flag with our 3 packages of tailgating flagpoles or 6' aluminum flagpole and adjustable flag bracket. NFL Officially Licensed by Wincraft, Inc. Customers Also Bought... Flag & Pennant Accessories Heavy Duty Aluminum 6' Flagpole $21.95 Out of Stock Add To Cart Adjustable Aluminum Flag Bracket $10.95 Out of Stock Add To Cart Tailgate Flag Pole $66.95 Out of Stock Add To Cart US 3x5 Flag - Embroidered $28.95 Out of Stock Add To Cart


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A quick update to my 10K post yesterday and then I will get down to business. I got the official race results back just a little while ago. I finished in 53:22; 25th overall (out of 79 people) and 2nd in my age group (out of 13 women). 🙂 Not too bad for my first race! Now I have caught the bug! I really want to do a few more races before my half in October.
Remember when I said last week that baseball was over? I was sadly mistaken. Jon had games last Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday night because they kept winning in the championships. That isn't a bad thing, but that is a lot of ball and the games were right at 6 PM every night. Hard to do anything else or get to the field in time, etc. Well, it is now over. They did lose Wednesday night, but had an amazing season and played well. This week doesn't look too bad right now (I probably shouldn't even say that, huh?).
Sunday ~ The now weekly Rotisserie chicken, steamed green beans, sweet potato & salad
Monday ~ Sweet Thai Chile Salmon, buckwheat, asparagus & salad
Tuesday ~ Mom's night out! Homemade Macaroni & Cheese for the family, baked beans & cut up fruit
Wednesday ~ BBQ chix, garlic rosemary potatoes or baked potatoes, broccoli & salad
Thursday~ Burgers on the grill, butternut squash fries, zucchini & salad
Friday~ Homemade pizza, veggies & salad
Saturday~ leftovers
Baked Goods
May try out a Cherry Cake recipe using Bing Cherries! YUM!
I hope you all have a great week! Don't forget to check out Orgjunkie for lots of menu planning ideas.
Filed under: Family, Gluten-Free |


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- Out of Bounds
Tiger gets taste of his own medicine from McIlroy
He never once let on that it bothered him and seemed to have no problem with the subject. Perhaps it is because he'd rather talk about Rory McIlroy than himself.
Or maybe it is because Tiger Woods has been around long enough to know that questions about McIlroy are inevitable.
If nothing else, Woods might get a sense of how others have felt, as for years they have answered questions about him, regardless of what they may or may not have accomplished.
Woods, ranked No. 2 in the world and making his season debut this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, found himself discussing McIlroy more than himself on Tuesday morning in a news conference at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
From McIlroy's Nike deal to their budding friendship over the past year to having homes near each other in South Florida and to the inevitable queries about the potential for a rivalry, Woods heard it all, most of it Rory related. In fact, no fewer than 14 questions in less than 30 minutes had some sort of Rory angle.
"A lot of things are certainly changing in his life, and I think he wants … well, I've kind of been there and understand it," Woods said. "And it's nice when that's all said and done to get out there and compete and play. I'm sure that he's looking forward to Thursday, just like I think everyone else is in this field."
There are 124 players in the Abu Dhabi lineup, including the likes of Justin Rose, Ernie Els, Jason Dufner and Martin Kaymer.
But clearly most eyes will be on Woods and McIlroy, who, just like a year ago in this tournament, will be grouped together - this time along with three-time Abu Dhabi winner Kaymer - for the first two rounds.
They had never played together in an official tournament before last year's event, which saw them compete together for three rounds. Woods held a share of the lead heading into the final round and eventually finished tied for third behind winner Robert Rock and a stroke behind McIlroy.
They would go on to play a total of eight official rounds together in 2012, then go head-to-head twice in exhibitions. Now they've filmed a commercial for Nike and are linked as endorsers. Woods said he played no role in bringing McIlroy to the company that first signed him in 1996. "He's a big boy," Woods said. "He can figure it out on his own."
But there are indications that McIlroy has sought advice from Woods, picked his brain about things such as proper practice routines or handling the demands of fame. The Northern Irishman has said that he grew up admiring Woods and his game, and that has not changed, even though they are now on-course adversaries.
"You can really see, he's just a really good pro," McIlroy said of what he has noticed while observing Woods up close. "He gets his way around the golf course, and he hits really solid shots. He doesn't take too much on when he doesn't have to, but when he needs to, he can. He can look like he plays average and still shoot 67, which is a sign of a really good player.
"He's really experienced and knows how to get his ball around the golf course, and he still hits some unbelievably impressive shots. He's still got it."
There's been plenty of fanfare, plenty of buzz, surrounding McIlroy of late, his multimillion-dollar endorsement deal that puts him alongside Woods just one of many examples. But if there is any angst, any extra determination, any more motivation from all of this, Woods is not showing it.
"I just want to get off to a good start," he said. "I think it's important that I get off to a good, solid start. I'm playing two weeks in a row, and I had a nice break and have geared up for these two weeks [next week, Woods is playing the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour] and have tried to get mentally and physically ready for these two tournaments."
This article first appeared on ESPN.com


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Welcome to our site!
easier navigation - You can go to the bottom of each page and click on -
Go back to Welcome - to come back here on this page in order to
skip the intro with the flashing sign, etc.
Be sure to click on our "New" page for the latest in ministry activities.
you are NOT a Christian and want to more about how to become a Christian,
or to be "Saved or Born Again".
Click Here.
Contact our
ministry if you have more questions.
MINISTRY ISSUES and CONCERNS WHAT IS RITUAL ABUSE ? Click Here for answer
Many Christians are concerned with the new Hate Crimes legislation. We sincerely try to reach all people with the Love of Jesus and not Hate.
(Luke 6:35 KJV) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
We believe when our God created Mankind, He created them with "free will'. This means every person has the right to choose to believe in God, and His Holy Bible, and what Jesus did for us on the Cross - or every person has the choice not to believe at all. For those of us who do believe, we use the Bible as our guide. We try to show people a "more excellent way".
(1 Corinthians 12:31 KJV) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
That "Way" is the way of Love.
(1 John 4:15-18 KJV) Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. {16} And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. {17} Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. {18} There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-8 KJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. {2} And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. {3} And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. {4} Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. {8} Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
The word "charity" means Love in the Srong's: 26. agape, ag-ah'-pay; from G25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; spec. (plur.) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.
We pray that anyone who visits our web site or contacts our ministry will feel the Love of Jesus and be aware that we feel we are speaking the Truth in Love. We try to expose false doctrines and beliefs that are not compatible with the Bible in order that we may all "grow up" into Him - Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 4:13-16 KJV) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {14} That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; {15} But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: {16} From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give the light. (Ephesians 5:14 KJV)
We praise God for all the wonderful praise music and testimonies of salvation we hear coming from many denominations and other church groups. We are thankful for all the good works that they are doing by ministering to the abused, the poor, women who have had abortions, and the incarcerated. However, we are burdened that so many Christians have lost their first love and have become lukewarm and have become so much like the world that they no longer are distinguished from others. Many Christians never open their Bibles from one Sunday or meeting day to another.
As Christians we must be the light in this dark sinful world. We must be sure we are following correct doctrinal teachings ourselves so we will not lead others astray. Our ministry's teaching tapes and books and Bible Studies are a result of our sincere effort to teach others what Jesus wants us to know to help us survive in this world and be accepted into the world to come.
We preach the message of the Cross of Jesus Christ. There is healing, forgiveness, and strength in the cross. We believe you are saved, sanctified, justified, and kept through your belief in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. When you have a problem, you take it to the cross because works will not fix the problems.
There is not enough emphasis put on the cross in most churches today. Too much emphasis on money, seed faith, and the name it and claim it doctrines. Jesus never made belief in Him hard. The enemy brings confusion and makes you have doubt in what Jesus did for you. Go to our books page for info on our healing book and commentary on Romans.
If you are NOT a Christian and want to more about how to become a Christian, please click here. Contact our ministry if you have more questions.
If you do not know what salvation is or are having questions about your salvation and want to learn What is the Ultimate Truth? Click Here to find out.
Click Here TO SEE PAGANS IN THE PULPIT
Some Christians may not agree with what we teach or may not have ever heard about it from their own church, and therefore it may be shocking or hard for them to believe that we are presenting the truth in God's word. However we research very thoroughly every resource we offer and know we will have to stand before our Lord and Savior with what we do.
As Christians and the Remnant of God it is our duty to show Israel (the church) its transgressions, loose the bands of wickedness, free the oppressed, bear one another's burdens, break every yoke and help restore our fellow Christians. (Isaiah 58) If we do this, others will know that we love one another (John 13:35) and we will draw unbelievers to us when they see that love in action. For those in prison, we also have a minister on staff who regularly conducts services wherever the door is opened.
Please join us in our quest to educate both Christians and the un-saved about the love of Jesus and the wonderful truths He offers in His word. We thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support.
There are many hurting people in this world and many are Christians. Some have suffered various kinds of abuse as children or as adults. Several have suffered from legalism and control in churches causing the Holy Spirit within them to grieve and their gifts to be quenched. Many have sought counseling or ministry and left more confused than ever. They are also often told they just don't have enough faith to be healed emotionally or physically which in turn continues the cycle of abuse. Many have joined organizations unaware that they are not compatible with their Christian walk. Others have done things during their lives that cause them pain and suffering after becoming Christians. A few may end up in prison. People hurting people need to ask for cleansing for Soul ties, Rash Vows and Word curses and Jesus can set them Free if they can pray specifically about those problems.
want you to know that you can be:
We are concerned that some of the Christians lack Compassion for others and do not reach out to survivors. Please Click here to read more.
WHAT IS RITUAL ABUSE ? Click Here for answer
Read our concerns about FREEMASONRY Click Here or scroll down.
"NEW" Teaching tapes
We are currently starting to research basic foundational Bible teachings and other subjects that will open many eyes and ears and answer many questions you have had for years. We are now offering some NEW teaching tapes. We call these new tapes the Ekklesia Series Tapes.
(Acts 20:27-28 KJV) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. {28} Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
According to Strong's Dictionary the word 'church' in Greek means: 1577. ekklesia, ek-klay-see'-ah; from a comp. of G1537 and a der. of G2564; a calling out, i.e. (concr.) a popular meeting, espec. a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Chr. community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church.
Click Here to go to Ekklesia Series 60 minute Cassette Tapes
The Pagan Origin Of Easter Click Here
The Pagan Origin of Christmas Click Here
C24 - THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS To Order cassette Click Here
Click Here for Information on Abortion
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One of the issues our ministry is concerned with is Freemasonry and the affiliated groups (Eastern Star, Shriners, Rainbow Girls, etc.) and the impact members of such groups have on the Church. We have been called Anti-masons by them, but we are not Mason haters. We are concerned with the souls of the men and women who are members of these organizations. Many good people join these organizations and are unaware they are not compatible with Christianity. Examine our site to find resources that will reveal the true nature and background of this very popular cult organization.
We offer a Christian Worker's Handbook for Ministry to Masons to help anyone who wants to minister to members of these organizations. For those who wish to resign (demit) from any affiliation with the Masonry organization, a demit form can be found if you Click on the following tract: TR5 WHY A CHRISTIAN CAN'T BE A FREEMASON IF HE KNOWS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LODGE .
Click Here to read "What's Wrong with Freemasonry" and to print PDF
David is
also on the board of EPHESIANS 5:11 and is an
annual speaker at the MINISTRY TO MASONS
To obtain X-Masons testimonies from Ephesians 5:11 Ministry Click Here


text:
Ip address details
Taraz, Zhambyl, Kazakhstan
- City Taraz
- Region Zhambyl
- Coordinates 42.9000,71.3667
- Country Kazakhstan
- Hostname 22.214.171.124.megaline.telecom.kz
- Address type IPv4
- ASN AS9198 JSC Kazakhtelecom
- Organization JSC Kazakhtelecom (telecom.kz)
- Route 188.8.131.52/22
Access all of this data with just one line of code using our API.Sign up
Hosted Domain Names
There are 0 domain names hosted on this IP address.
Network Speed
- 447 ms Ping
- 7.02 MbpsDownload
- 1.77 MbpsUpload
The average network speed for JSC Kazakhtelecom in Taraz is shown above. See how your own network speed compares at speedsmart.net.
Try Our Free Geolocation and Basic ASN details API
Our free API is limited to 50,000 monthly requests and returns city level location data only, if you require larger query volumes or more information such as latitude/longitude, ISP details or threat level assessment, please see our paid plans.Sign up
- $ curl ipinfo.io/184.108.40.206/geo
- {
- "ip": "184.108.40.206",
- "loc": "37.3859,-122.0838",
- "city": "Mountain View",
- "region": "California",
- "country": "US"
- }
- # Get just the city as plaintext
- $ curl ipinfo.io/18.104.22.168/city
- Mountain View


text:
Please note: Our lift facility is currently out of use for maintenance purposes. Apologies for any inconvenience.
The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa understands that every customer has different needs and we aim to make our hotel facilities available and accessible to all of our guests equally. In instances where this is not possible, we will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative.
We offer a range of facilities for guests with a perspective on disability including a fully accessible bedroom. Please contact our Reservations Department to enquire about the following:
- Designated car parking
- Accessible entrance
- Cloakroom and accessible bedroom
- Menus available in large print
- Assistance dogs welcome
View the Mount Somerset Accessibility Statement
Please contact our reservations department on 01823 442500 for enquires.


text:
Midnight Express ride
This past Saturday I did not ride the Mulholland Challenge as I had planned. Well, as I had hoped, but did not plan, therefore no ride. I can't believe it is mid-April already!
I love that ride and the beautiful course. I rode it in 2007 and it remains firmly planted in my memory as the ride that showed me the potential I have on a road bike. In other words, I thought past riding events with only the goal of finishing them. Pushing myself for several hours (7 to be exact) was novel and surprisingly fun. This year I just didn't have the miles in to make it worthwhile. Same with last year. Then I ran the checkpoint at the top of Decker Canyon where a SAG'ed rider took this sticker, literally.
Instead some friends and I rode the Midnight Express benefit ride for the Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at midnight at Union Station, the ride travels along the Arroyo-Seco to the Angeles Crest highway. I love this route and have always wanted to ride it at night (someone even described this ride as 'pretty much designed for you', which I do not disagree with...). From Clear Creek we descended Angeles Forest highway for a shortwhile before beginning the climb up to Mill Creek summit (4910ft). This section has two distinct memories for me. One is when Morgan rode back from the Tour of Two Forests double (12 hrs) in Santa Clarita with Megan, Max and I behind as a practice run for the 508. The other is when I rode 60 miles along this route to a 32-mile road race where I then had my ass handed to me.
Sunday morning (~2am) as I descended toward the 'bridge of awesomeness' in the dark and cold (~35 degrees) with Michael, I was thinking about how smart Alex was for having tyvex envelopes for us to slip under our jerseys and how I was towing the line, albeit it knowlingly, of comfort and warmth in only a jersey, vest and arm warmers, when I flatted. Ever think, 'Damn I'm so cold but as long as I keep moving I'll stay warm?' or 'My hands are so cold I can barely shift gears'? So there we were trying to fix my flat with shaking arms and stubby fingers. Miserable? A little. But I'm glad I had the experience so I can draw on it when I am in worse situations. Because really, it wasn't THAT bad.
A little while later we pedaled over the summit and had one final freezing descent to the Acton train station to wrap up the 50 miles. A few riders who had left early were huddled under some heat lamp-like lights (!?) and we all waited for breakfast. It was worth it. Thanks to the influence of Swarm! volunteers there were vegan pancakes, sausages and cinamon buns. Topped off with hot coffee. Yum. The plan was for the riders to get on the 7am metrolink train to Union Station. But on a beautiful morning, in the mountains, already dressed for cycling, why not ride back?
Michael and I took our time and cruised back up and over the two passes before each heading our respective ways. I got in a quick nap before we had people over at our new place for a chill Sunday potluck. Budge has some photos up here.


text:
Course Architect(s): David W. Pfaff (2011), Stanley and Charles Pasarell
Year Opened: Spring 2011
Location: Isabela, Puerto Rico
Slope: 155. Rating: 80.3 (From Naturals Tees)
Par: 72/73
Yardage: 7,538 (Par 72)/7,667 (Par 73)
Hole-by-Hole: 1 - Par 5 525 Yds 10 - Par 5 578 Yds
2 - Par 4 422 Yds 11 - Par 3 285 Yds
3 - Par 4 375 Yds 12 - Par 4 435 Yds
4 - Par 3 166 Yds 13 - Par 5 588 Yds
5 - Par 4 420 Yds 14 - Par 4 443 Yds
6 - Par 4/5 493/622 Yds 15 - Par 4 460 Yds
7 - Par 4 463 Yds 16 - Par 4 415 Yds
8 - Par 5 605 Yds 17 - Par 3 200 Yds
9 - Par 3 174 Yds 18 - Par 4 491 Yds
Par 36/37 3,643/3,772 Yds Par 36 3,895 Yds
Awards Won: Best of the Best - Robb Report (2012),
Top new courses to watch - Golf Magazine,
World's Top 100 Golf Courses - Golf Magazine (2013).
Website: www.royalisabela.com.
HISTORY: I'm not sure that Stanley and Charlie Pasarell dreamed about golf
course design and owning a resort when growing up as children in Puerto Rico,
but whatever was on their mind, has certainly come to fruition.
Located on the northwest corner, on the island of Puerto Rico, Royal Isabela
is certain to become a world-class destination in the years to come.
Imagine two kids growing up, playing tennis day in and day out and becoming
outstanding players, competing on the world-wide stage. In fact, Charlie, who
attended UCLA, was a four-time member of the U.S. Davis Cup team, where he
compiled a 6-1 record. In addition, he captured 18 career singles titles and
at one time was the top-ranked American after turning professional, while
brother Stanley, after attending Stanford University, played around the world
and competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico and qualified for the U.S.
Open on five occasions.
Upon retiring from competitive tennis, the duo maintained their tennis roots,
but with a twist. Charlie founded the National Junior Tennis League, which
incorporates tennis into the lives of youths around the United States.
Stanley, while in Hawaii, became a sales rep in the tennis business and
coached a local high school, while working as the director of tennis on the
island of Oahu at Kailua Racquet Club.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home to the BNP Paribas Open on the ATP and
WTA tours, was made possible by the hard work and dedication of Charlie.
Behind Arthur Ashe Stadium, which hosts the U.S. Open, the IWTG is the second-
largest tennis stadium in the world.
Stanley moved back to Puerto Rico in the late 1970s to take over the family
business, Puerto Rico Supplies Company, which dates back to 1945 and was
founded by his grandfather and his father, Charlie, Sr.
Although they mainly played tennis growing up, golf was introduced when they
were teenagers. "My dad got the golf bug when he turned 40," Stanley said. "It
was something my father, brother and I could play together, like tennis, but
as my dad got a little bid older, golf was something we could all play ...
Becoming very successful businessmen in their own right and traversing the
world, Charles and Stanley have enjoyed life and, more importantly, played
golf at some of the most influential courses on the globe. Courses like St.
Andrews and Pebble Beach.
The next step in their lives was simple. Charles and Stanley embarked on
developing first-rate and distinct properties, with their first stop in their
homeland of Puerto Rico.
Royal Isabela is the heart and soul of the brothers Pasarell. Having been born
and raised in the country has given them unique insight into the land and way
of life in the region, which certainly shines through in their golf course
"Each element of Royal Isabela evolved out of the land itself," Charles said.
"A legacy has been created here, one of appreciation for the environment and
of respect for its history. We want to honor the traditions of the game and
respect what the land has bestowed. This is what makes Royal Isabela, and the
experience of being here, truly one of a kind."
Founded by the brothers, along with Edwin Perez, the course opened for play in
the spring of 2011. The course design belongs to David. W. Pfaff, with plenty
of assistance from Charles and Stanley.
Pfaff began his design career with the legendary Pete Dye in the mid 1960s and
by '84 had opened up his own design company.
Pfaff's work spans the globe, but his most significant endeavors were with Dye
at Crooked Stick (Ind.), Harbour Town (S.C.), Oak Tree (Okla.) and Casa de
Campo, better known as Teeth of the Dog in the Dominican Republic.
It stands to reason that Pfaff would be chosen to craft the Links at Royal
Isabela because his design ideology is the same as Charles and Stanley's.
"My fundamental philosophy concerning golf course design is that it should
take advantage of the natural features of the land available," said Pfaff.
"The designer's biggest challenge is to get the golf corridors, greens and
tees situated properly on the land to keep earthmoving at a minimum,
incorporate natural features, and make the golf course enjoyable."
As with most projects of this magnitude, it took a few seasons to see this
work become a reality.
The course sits on one-fourth of the planned 1,800-acre community on the
Island of Puerto Rico, near the town of Isabela and overlooking the Atlantic
Ocean with four miles of coastline.
The hands-on approach by Charles and Stanley are quite evident throughout the
land. "The golf course design was not about moving the earth, but how the
earth moved us to tread gently," Charles said. "We are not the creators of
Royal Isabela, we are its caretakers."
Dedicated to taking care of the land and all aspects of the project, including
tree removal, this could not be done without the stamp of approval by Stanley
... or should we say, written approval, as all trees, flowers, animals, etc.
... are protected in writing! "By leaving all these trees that were on the
site, most of which are over 100 years old, it feels like its a mature course
that's been here forever," Stanley said. "That certainly was important to us."
What you see is what was there, according to Stanley. "This is what we found.
The trees and terrain along with the lakes and ponds were part of the natural
characteristics. We pushed up some of the tee boxes with the irrigation, of
course, but it was raw and rocky terrain."
In this day and age, the pride and passion of the Pasarell brothers is quite
touching and rare. "Puerto Rico has been good to us," Stanley added, "and our
commitment to Royal Isabela is born out of our family's heritage on this
beautiful island."
The end result is quite a unique experience.
HOLE-BY-HOLE REVIEW: It's great to start out playing when the opening hole is
a par-5. Not only that, it's just 525 yards from the tips. That being said,
with tongue firmly in cheek, as despite the elevated tee box, the first is far
from easy. With the wind blowing from left to right off the ocean, the opener
features a fairly wide fairway, split by bunkers down the center. The right
side will reward the player with an elevated and level lie, with a straight
route to the green, while the lower level to the left runs next to a reachable
lake off the tee. The big decision is your approach. Should you go for it or
lay up? Going for the green is quite risky, as the fairway narrows and any
miss left will certainly end up in bogey or worse. Remember, it's uphill, so
lay back to the 100-yard mark and then attack the pin. The wide, but shallow
green slopes from right to left with a bunker guarding the left corner, so
play accordingly.
The second hole is a fairly docile par-4 that can be stretched to 422 yards.
The key is the tee shot, as the landing area is quite narrow and pinched by
sand right and left, and OB to the right. Your approach to the green must
factor in the mound in front of the putting surface, as this will limit your
view of the flag. Two, sod-faced traps lurk left, as they sit well below the
green, so play out to the right, as balls will feed in towards the hole.
Another demanding tee shot awaits the player on the third. The only par-4 on
the course under 400 yards, No. 3 is a sharp dogleg right that plays downhill
from tee to green. Trees guard the entire right side, while more trees and
ruins protect the left. A risky play is to cut the corner of the dogleg, thus
capturing the slope of the fairway toward the green. It can be done, but
perfection is critical. The sensible play is three-metal off the tee, leaving
just a short iron to the long putting surface that sits well below the
fairway. Miss long and left and the jungle awaits, play right and your
approach should feed toward the green. Don't be fooled by a back-pin. Play
toward the center of the green, two-putt and move on.
The shortest hole on the course is the par-3 fourth, just 166 yards in length
and playing a smidge downhill. The long putting surface is two-tiered and runs
hard from back to front. In fact, any shot short of the putting surface will
cascade into a collection area. Although it's rated as the easiest hole on the
course, it features one of the most difficult putting surfaces, so much so
that putts below the hole are just as deceiving as being above the hole. Its
name, "Tear Drop," is quite apropos.
One of the most generous fairways on the course comes by way of the par-4
fifth. From an elevated and blind tee shot, your play is into the wind and to
the right of the guiding palm tree in the center of the fairway. Clearing the
crest of the hill will funnel your tee ball down the landing zone to a fairly
level lie. Now it's uphill to the green as you climb toward the Atlantic
Ocean, so take an extra club. The three-tiered green is punishing, especially
with a back-left pin. A deep pot bunker which sits 10 feet below fronts the
green, while bunkers rear might capture an errant play. Further right and over
the green will necessitate a drop or worse, if you're playing a match.
Aptly named "Fork in the Road," or "Yogi Berra," the sixth can be played as
either a par-4 or a par-5. "Charlie wanted to build the par 5 and Stanley the
par 4," Pfaff said. "We decided that if this is what the land gave us, then
let's take advantage of it. Charlie, Stanley and I looked at each other and
said ... let's build both." As a par-4, it plays straight uphill from tee to
green, reaching 493 yards length. Play it as a par-5, and it doglegs left,
then right to the green, 622 yards long. The landing area off the tee,
requires a tee shot over water to a fairly wide zone. Playing Charlie's par-5,
you have a decision to make, whether to cut the dogleg and risk clearing the
waste area or laying up down the left, leaving an uphill third to a three-
tiered green. Stanley's way requires an uphill second shot of 200-plus yards
to an enormous green with a large swale in the center and deep, sod-face
bunkers, front and left. Either way you play, you'll find out that this may be
the most difficult hole on the course. So in the great words of Mr. Berra,
"When you come to a fork in the road ... take it."
At 463 yards in length, the seventh is one of the longest par-4s on the
course. Bending slightly to the left, the fairway runs out at the 285-yard
mark, thanks to a burn that moves from right to left as it pinches the landing
area. Even with a successful tee shot, you're left with a long iron or fairway
metal to a green that's secluded in the front by a mound and sand. The large
putting surface features the narrowest of openings on the left, making that
entrance the safest play. A par here will go a long way on the scorecard.
The longest hole at Royal Isabela comes by way of the par-5 eighth, a robust
605-yarder from the back coconuts. Fairly straight off the tee, water comes
into play on the right side of the landing area, while the entire left side of
the hole is OB. Usually played into a stiff breeze, you'll need to blast a 3-
metal for your approach to have a reasonable chance of getting on in three.
Another large green awaits, with sand guarding the right-front portion and
another in the rear. With a back-right flag, Devil's Pond can rear its ugly
head if you're not careful. No. 8 completes a 4-hole stretch of some of the
most difficult holes on the course.
No. 9 is a wonderful hole that closes out the first half of the golf course. A
medium-length par-3, it features an island green that can be quite
intimidating. Although the green is very wide and fairly deep, pin placement
here is the key. A front left or right flag is very daunting, especially with
the wind howling from left to right. My advice, play toward the center and
rely on the flat stick to secure your par.
If you thought the front nine was good golf, wait till you reach the 10th.
With the Atlantic Ocean within reach, you're greeted with a twisting par-5
from an elevated tee box. Two native trees guard the landing area, standing
like goal posts and making for a great target. Beware in your attempt to cut
off too much on the left, as sand and a water hazard guard lay in wait. The
hole turns sharply toward the left for your layup or dare I say attempt to
reach the green in two. Playing safe will come with rewards, as this will set
up a short approach to the putting surface. An effort to reach the green in
two must be so precise that you'll most likely end up in a group of trees to
the left or one of the several deep bunkers dotted around the green. Since we
are now close to the ocean, the breezes really take hold and are quite
difficult to judge. The final piece of the puzzle is the two-tiered putting
surface, which slopes severely from front to back and drops off behind the
green. It stands to reason that this is rated the most difficult hole at Royal
It's hard to believe the 11th hole is rated as one of the easiest on the
course. You see, it's a par-3 of 285 yards from the Naturals. Really? That's
right, 285 yards long with a putting surface that's 65 paces in length, it's
as narrow as your shoe and features three tiers. Piece of cake, right? Not.
You start out by hitting over a lake toward the green, which is slightly
elevated, so any shot coming up a bit short, will slide back down the shaved
chipping area. In addition a pair of bunkers, left and rear will make for
difficult up and downs. Fifteenth-hardest on the course ... I don't think so.
By the way, your other choice is to play the small private par-3, that's just
120 yards long, but next to impossible to make par, as it sits unabated
alongside the coast.
One of the most dramatic holes on the course is the 12th, which runs along the
cliffs overlooking the mighty Atlantic. A medium-length par-4, No. 12 features
a carry over the cliffs to the fairway, which is guarded on the left by thick
underbrush and two perfectly placed bunkers. A successful tee ball will leave
a short iron to an elevated green, that shares its surface with the 14th. The
green is quite undulating with bunkers on either side, not to mention the
daunting cliffs on the right. Any shot short of the green will feed back down
the fairway.
Moving inland for one hole, the 13th is a par-5 that stretches 588 yards. It
features a majestic stand of Coconut Palms in the landing zone off the tee.
The fairway is quite generous and although the grove of palms are a plenty,
there is plenty of room to accept your first shot. The fairway is then split
in two by a sandy, duned waste area that wraps around to the right. As the
hole bends to the right, there once again is plenty of room for your layup,
thus leaving a short iron to a fairly small putting surface, fronted by a sod-
faced pot bunker. Upon reaching the undulating green, you'll once again be
greeted by the sensational views of the Atlantic to your right. One word of
caution, missing long and right is not an option, as this will result in a
lost ball. This hole brings back great memories of a wonderful movie from
1963, "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World," starring the greats from yesteryear,
Spencer Tracy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Buddy Hackett, Mickey Rooney and
Ethel Merman to name a few. If you remember, they're all after $350,000 hid
under a group of palm trees in the shape of a "W". A photo is worth a thousand
Back along the coast, the 14th is an uphill, dogleg right par-4. Played into a
left-to-right wind, this hole plays generally longer than the 443 yardage
indicates. The roller coaster-like fairway will give the player plenty of
angst, as the chance for a level lie is virtually non-existent. You'll need
plenty of club to reach the shared putting surface, as the wind meets you head
on. Quite reminiscent of the links courses in Scotland, play under the wind
for your best play to the green. The bent-elbow putting surface features many
undulations, so stay below the hole ... if you can.
Playing back inland and into the dunes, the 15th is a solid, dogleg left
par-4, wrapping around trees and water on the left. A generous fairway should
be accessible, but it's the approach play that will give you fits.
Precariously close to the water line, the green features an inordinate amount
of undulation and with a back-left pin, tucked behind a deep bunker, this hole
can go from one of the easiest to one of the most difficult.
Still running along the coast, the par-4 16th features a very generous landing
area off the tee. Avoid the pines to the right, and the thick rough and cliffs
to the left, and you're almost home free. It's slightly downhill toward the
well-canted putting surface that runs from back to front and left to right.
Four distinctive bunkers guard the green and must be avoided for any shot at
par. Miss left or long and you'll bring double-bogey into the equation.
If there ever was just one signature hole at Royal Isabela, the 17th would be
it, a brilliantly conceived par-3 over the Atlantic Ocean that stretches over
200 yards in length. It plays even longer when the wind is blowing, which is a
daily occurrence. The view of the cliffs and water is spectacular and when you
have a long iron or fairway metal in hand, it's scary at the same time. The
only bailout area is to the right and rear, where hundred-year-old chicken
trees, surrounded by a rock wall, await. The two-tiered green, running from
back to the edge of the cliff, is almost impossible to hold and with its slick
speed, even harder to two-putt. I failed miserably here in several attempts,
but this is one of my favorite holes.
The closing hole will play as the longest par-4 on the course and not because
of the yardage. This 491-yard behemoth plays directly uphill from tee to
green, as it swings from right to left toward the clubhouse. Your tee shot
must climb 30-40 feet in elevation to the fairway, not to mention avoiding the
signature tree in the middle of the landing area and the encroaching rough on
either side. The climb to the green is also quite severe, as you maneuver
toward the hidden, two-tiered putting surface. Pot bunkers and a steep hill to
the left protect the long green that feeds toward the front. A closing par is
a welcomed result.
FINAL WORD: Over the past decade, the economy, not to mention lack of quality
sites, have dwarfed the golf course design business, almost to a screeching
But when a piece of property, like Royal Isabela becomes available, you have
to go for it. And go for it, is exactly what Charles and Stanley Pasarell did.
"This is the best golf course for the land we found," Stanley said. "It
evolved from the ideas and experiences my brother and I have playing Scottish
and Irish courses."
In addition, the design experience that David Pfaff brought to the table was
invaluable and his insight was keen to the project.
"Although I've worked on many golf courses, creating this one was an
exceptionally satisfying experience." Pfaff said. "We decided to take
advantage of the spectacular natural setting for golf and not disturb the land
any more than necessary."
What makes the Golf Links at Royal Isabela so appealing is its ease of flow
and the fact that it has six different tee boxes on each hole. So you don't
have to be a scratch player to enjoy this venue, as the course ranges from
5,200 yards to a massive 7,667 yards from the back markers.
"Each hole goes its own way," Stanley said. "No holes are parallel to another
and, most importantly, you've got to keep the ball in front of you."
The course can be quite difficult, especially when the wind is blowing, which
is a daily occurrence, but with the numerous tee boxes and generous fairways,
Royal Isabela is quite enjoyable for all skill levels.
Royal Isabela was incorporated into the land, not the other way around. It
fits perfectly without disturbing the natural integrity of the property.
That's one of the unique aspects of the golf course, as it was built around
and through different characteristics.
"The history of the land use at Royal Isabela is very different," Stanley
explained. "Some grew sugar cane, some mined the sand, some grew palm trees on
their property and some left their land wide open for pastures. And, one spot,
although you'd never know it now because it's so beautiful, was where the
locals would come and dump their garbage hundreds of feet down to the water."
Royal Isabela is as natural as it gets. From its coconut tee markers, which
personifies the tropical flair of the island, to the incorporation of the
native sand dunes, indigenous trees and flora that's a distinct component of
Puerto Rico.
"Royal Isabela is, in my estimation," according to Pfaff, "one of the most
dramatic golf courses to be built in recent years. We sculpted it delicately
along the top of rugged cliffs that soar more than 200 feet above the
Atlantic. Given the incredible natural beauty and abundance of the land, we
were able to create one golf hole after another, many breathtaking,
overlooking the shoreline's magnificent meeting with the sea."
That coupled with the incredible passion the brothers have for this project,
will make Royal Isabela a must-destination, not to mention a memorable one for
years to come.
"There is no end to Royal Isabela for us. We live this project. Royal Isabela
will be our legacy."


text:
"who killed videogames?" (a ghost story)
by tim rogers
The smaller of the men was still talking about engagement wheels.
"Look at this one," he said. He clicked to the next PowerPoint slide. "How about it?" Some of the men reacted.
"I . . . I . . . uh, I like this one the best." He clicked one more time. Some of the prior engagement wheels had resembled close-up snapshots of a brier patch. This one looked like something you might see on a sticker on the side of a recycle bin in a particularly particular hippie commune. If all the engagement wheels today had been girls, this would be the one you'd one day decide you should have married.
The larger man spoke. He gestured while doing so. "You teach the player how to play the game in one minute. Within that one minute, you give them in-game money. You make them spend all of that money to buy an investment that will begin to earn them profit. They build a thing. It says: this thing will be finished in five minutes. Spend one premium currency unit to have it now. You happen to have one free premium currency unit. The game makes you use it now. Now you have a thing. Now it says to wait three minutes to collect from that thing. So they have a reason to stick around for three minutes. When those three minutes are up, you tell them to come back in a half an hour. You say, 'You're done for now. Come back in a half an hour.' The phone sends them a push notification in a half an hour. Right here, you're telling them to wait. You're expressing to them the importance of patience. They're never going to forget the way it feels to wait a half an hour after playing a game for one minute. They're going to forget the second time they wait for a half an hour, and the third time, and they'll then not forget the first time they have to wait for four hours, then twenty-four hours. This is why they'll start to pay to Have Things Right Now.
"So after the first half hour, they get a push notification. Their phone vibrates. It tells them their such-and-such is ready for collection."
The Other Men don't make any sound. They have collectively folded their hands alongside their Alpine Crystal Spring Superclear Water bottles atop the glass table, collective face intent and weirdly worried, like that of a man hearing the beginning of a joke involving a rabbi, a toddler, and a lizard.
"They open the app. They collect from their such-and-such.
"Now the game tells them they've leveled up. It gives them some bonus coins. It tells them they've unlocked a new thing — a fancier thing.
"Here's the important part. When they collect from their such-and-such, it gives them maybe 120 coins. The coin bonus they get for leveling up is about 2,500 coins — that's magnitudes more than collecting from the such-and-such. Now you tell them to open the store. You show them the new thing you can buy. It should be around 2,200 coins. It'll leave them with only a couple collections' worth — maybe a couple collections and a half worth — of coins. We do this on purpose.
"Now they build the new thing, because it's promising them a thousand coins per hour. So now they have to come back in an hour. And then two hours. And then three hours: there. They've made more than enough to cover the initial investment.
"Now they can buy an upgrade — for 2,200 coins — so that their thing will make them 2,000 coins an hour instead of 1,000. The mathematical part of their brain sees this and thinks: 'That's double what I was making before.' Everyone loves when numbers double. We control the game world, we control the numbers: we control the ceiling for doubling. We control the player.
"The player is almost hooked.
"This is very important: now we give them something that gives them a reason to come back in two and a half hours. Then we give them ninety minutes. Then we're telling them they can get 25% more coins per hour overall — maybe now they've got investments bringing them 5,000 coins per hour — if they do this thing that'll take twenty-four hours.
"If you can hook them for a day, you can hook them for two."
"And that's where it becomes tricky," the smaller of the men says. "If you can hook them for two days it's very difficult to say whether or not you can hook them for three.
"And if you can hook them for three," he says, closing his eyes, focusing his pupils perhaps on the core of his head, before opening his eyes and staring right at me, "then they're going to be considering sticking around for a week."
"And if they do stick around for a week," the larger man — he has gold cufflinks — says, "they will not find it difficult at all to conceive of sticking around for a month. Then three months."
"And once this concept has occurred to them," the smaller man continues, "they will be ready to spend some money. All we have to do is show them something and say it will take three days to build. Or they can spend eleven in-game premium-currency units to have it right now.
"We sell the in-game premium-currency units twenty for a dollar."
"The second they buy twenty units, they're hooked for at least twenty more," the larger man says.
"How can you say that?" one of the older men says, breaking a long, throaty silence.
"Our man here can tell you all about that."
I am sitting at the head of the table playing Action Button Entertainment's ZiGGURAT on my iPhone. I designed this game and am the director of its team of three people infinitely more talented than I am at everything except math and acting like a jerk in public. During this meeting no one is going to mention my game — though during the next one, the guy with the money is going to ask, while someone else is at a toilet break (he drinks a lot of green tea), "What is that? It looks awesome," and I'll say "I designed this game" and he will ask to play it; he'll die six times, his groan of excitement upon death gradually escalating to football-spectator volume by the sixth death. He'll hand my iPhone 4 back, casually touch his fingertips to his forehead, and say, "I want that." Then, after a pause, once I've jumped back into a game, he'll say, without a trace of irony, "What is your monetization strategy for that?"
I used to stand up a lot at these meetings. I try not to, anymore. It genuinely took me a couple months to realize that I wasn't talking about things you should stand up while talking about.
This time, I put my white iPhone 4 to sleep, lay it face down on the board table, fold my hands, and say, "It's all math. It's all math and psychology. By which you might say, it's all economics." I clear my throat. "Economics and philosophy. By which you might say it's modern video game design."
Now the larger man praises me; I am above blushing: "He is an expert at balancing these things. He will construct an algorithm that shrewdly obscures a downward-trending curve for in-game investment values."
"What we're saying," the smaller man says, "is that the other guys are making things that people will fathom playing for three months if they play it for a week, and that we're going to make a thing that people will consider playing for six months, if they play it for three days. We'll generate a mathematically proofable engagement wheel. The players will come for the cute characters, and–"
I'm not listening anymore. For all I care, he is probably going to say "The players will come for the cute characters, and stay for the cruel mathematics."


text:
26.7°in Rockhampton
- 18°/28°
- 17°/29°
- 16°/31°
Felicity Urquhart grew up in 'Australia's country music capital' Tamworth, in regional NSW.
The house she grew up in was filled with country music - her parents would play country albums constantly and the local radio country show Hoedown was her listening music every night before bedtime.
The stories, the instrumentation and the voices had Felicity singing along and she use to pretend to be a radio announcer and record shows on her tape deck in her bedroom (she also sang the entire playlist of songs on her radio show without musical backing).
At the age of 10, a guitar-playing relative from Queensland was visiting Tamworth for the festival and she begged him to show her a few chords.
Soon, Felicity decided to work in her dad's upholstery workshop for pocket money and save up to buy her first guitar.
The following year Felicity started busking on Peel Street during the festival - she was 11 years old - and she has now spent more than 20 years working throughout Australia and internationally playing and promoting the music she loves with live performances, festival showcases and television appearances, always waving the flag for the music and the town that inspired her musical direction.
Felicity was recently chosen by Tourism NSW to be the face of 'The Heart Of Country' New South Wales advertising campaign, which was aired nationally on television and in cinemas.
A genuine advocate for country music, Felicity is passionate about maintaining the heritage of the Australian industry but invites the new generation to take country music into the future.
First posted: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:31:00 +1000
Last updated: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:31:00 +1000


text:
Emmanuel College's Volunteer Corps once again rallied to the call and arrived early in the morning on April 14, 2011, to help install 400 plants around the library's new reading plaza.
Volunteers included local alumni, the men's basketball team, this summer's Costa Rica missions team, and members of the Emmanuel College staff.
Within one hour, all 400 plants were sorted and arranged according to the landscape plan. From 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., volunteers dug holes and put plants into the ground. Lunch was provided at the Emmanuel College Dining Hall.
"The work that the alumni, students, staff and team members accomplished enhances the landscape of the EC Library area. Thanks to each of you who came to help. You are appreciated!" says EC Alumni President Sherm Smith.
As always, the Volunteer Corps offers more than just a way of assisting the college. It provides an opportunity for alumni of all ages to fellowship with current students and staff.


text:
Career Center
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WASHINGTON � The country tumbled deeper into recession and probably logged its worst economic performance in a quarter-century during the final three months of last year as battered consumers and businesses throttled back spending.
WASHINGTON � The country tumbled deeper into recession and probably logged its worst economic performance in a quarter-century during the final three months of last year as battered consumers and businesses throttled back spending.
The U.S. economy is deteriorating at an alarming clip as the housing, credit and financial crises � the worst since the 1930s � feed on each other in a vicious cycle that has proven difficult for Washington policymakers to break.
The Commerce Department is set to release a report Friday expected to show the economy shrank at a pace of 5.4 percent in the October-December period, a much faster descent than the 0.5 percent decline logged in the prior quarter. If economists' forecasts are correct, it would mark the weakest quarterly showing since an annualized drop of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 1982, when the country was suffering through a severe recession.
"It was a bloodbath," said Richard Yamarone, economist at Argus Research, referring to the economy's fourth-quarter performance.
A massive pullback by consumers is expected to play a prominent role in the economy's worsening backslide. They are cutting back on spending as jobs disappear and major investments � homes, stocks, retirement accounts � tank in value. Businesses are retrenching, too, as profits shrivel and demand wanes from customers in the U.S. and overseas.
"Households and businesses were bombarded by all the fallout," Yamarone said.
Many economists think the fourth quarter will turn out to be the worst quarter for the recession, which is now in its second year. But the economy will stay very weak in the months ahead. Analysts believe the economy is contracting in the current quarter at a pace of 4 percent or more.
"Let's brace ourselves for the cold blast," said Brian Bethune, economist at IHS Global Insight.
To jolt life back into the economy, President Barack Obama and Congress are racing to enact a multibillion-dollar package of increased government spending that includes big public works projects and tax cuts. The House passed a $819 billion package on Wednesday and the bill is working its way through the Senate. Economists say the money needs to be quickly pumped into the economy to help stop the free-fall.
Looking ahead to Friday's report, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Thursday: "We're likely to get a number for economic growth for the fourth quarter that's fairly staggering."
The report tallies gross domestic product, the value of all goods and services produced within the United States. It is considered the broadest barometer of the country's economic health.
The economy plunged deeper into recession despite a $700 billion financial bailout program run by the Treasury Department and a slew of radical programs by the Federal Reserve and others designed to bust through a debilitating credit clog and get banks to lend more freely. The Fed last month slashed a key interest rate to a record low, and on Wednesday signaled that it would use other unconventional tools to turn the economy around.
In the fourth quarter, analysts predict that sales of big-ticket or "durable" goods, such as cars, appliances and other manufactured products will be especially hard hit as many consumers retrenched and would-be buyers were unable to secure financing.
Big cutbacks by homebuilders � reeling from the collapsed housing market � and other companies also will figure into the fourth quarter's weakness. Trying to survive the downturn, businesses are scrambling to cut costs and that's taking a painful toll on the nation's labor market.
The unemployment rate jumped to a 16-year high of 7.2 percent in December and could hit 10 percent or higher at the end of this year or early next year. A staggering 2.6 million jobs were lost last year, the most since 1945, though the labor force has grown significantly since then. Another 2 million or more jobs will vanish this year, economists predict.
This week alone, tens of thousands of new layoffs were announced by companies including Ford Motor Co., Eastman Kodak Co., Black & Decker Corp., Boeing Co., Pfizer Inc., Caterpillar Inc., Home Depot Inc. and Target Corp.


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Facebook has not released a "Facebook phone" to compete with iPhones are Android.
And it's new search engine, Graph Search, isn't really a threat to Google search.
But, with Graph Search, Facebook is openly seeking to disrupt one key part of both Apple and Google's businesses: app discovery.
Right now, the main way people find iOS apps is through the iTunes App Store. They find Android apps through the Google Play Store.
In a note posted to its developer blog, Facebook says Graph Search will make apps more discoverable on Facebook.
Apps are now more discoverable on Facebook with graph search. In addition to showing up in search results based on your app's name, they can show up in search results based on criteria like "strategy games my friends play," or, "apps my friends who live in San Francisco use." To optimize your app for graph search, please make sure your app details are up to date and your app is properly categorized.
An industry blog called AllFacebook first spotted Facebook's blog post.
If Facebook were able to own app discover – a huge, whopping if – that would be very disruptive to Apple and Google – esspecially Google, as developers and companies put resources toward building more apps, and fewer Webpages.


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City of GlendoraHome Menu
|Kids' Pages
|Homework Help
Live Tutoring
|Welcome to the
|Glendora Public Library!
|Glendora Library will be closed Monday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day
|Streaming Video available from OverDrive! Also from Hoopla
|PrinterOn - Offsite and and mobile print service options.
|Explore the Friends Book Loft | Hours and Information
|Did you know you can shop online and support the Library? Learn More!
|Read about the Library's Water Wise Garden.
|Discover the Top 100 Favorite Books of Glendorans!
|Book and AV drops are available on Glendora Ave and behind the Library in the City Hall Parking Lot.
The Mission of the Glendora Public Library: To enrich the community by connecting people to the world of ideas, information, and imagination to support their work, education, personal growth, and enjoyment.
The library stimulates civic involvement and is a symbol of the community's well being.


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Hi everyone, I have never stitched anything for my husband until now.
Sunday, 30 October 2016
Gift for my husband
Posted by Lynn B at 08:29 16 comments
Labels: cross stitch
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Christmas stitching, Jardin prive stitching and a thankyou!
Posted by Lynn B at 09:55 28 comments
Labels: Christmas Ornaments, cross stitch
Monday, 24 October 2016
Random act of kindness, nominated for British Craft Award and a small giveaway!
Hi everyone, here is the secret piece of stitching that I have been working on for the past year or so, tah dah!!!!!
Posted by Lynn B at 09:16 24 comments
Labels: cross stitch, Random acts of kindness
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Bookmark, heaven and earth design work in progress and stitching a freebie.
Posted by Lynn B at 15:30 15 comments
Labels: cross stitch
Friday, 14 October 2016
Friday Freebie Love to Read mini cat bag
Hi everyone, Freebie Friday! I have designed this little bag to match my Love To Read cross stitch pattern, hope you like it!
Just click on the image and then right click on the image again to "save as" to your computer and then print.
Posted by Lynn B at 14:06 2 comments
Labels: Digital downloads, Friday Freebies
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Boo Halloween cross stitch and Love to Read
Posted by Lynn B at 14:14 7 comments
Labels: cross stitch, My patterns
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Jack's has the best selection of surf wetsuits anywhere. I got a sweet deal on my O'Neill Psycho Freak 4/3mm Back Zip Fullsuit wetsuite.
Found the perfect dress! Thanks's Jack's...So easy to wear! Looks great on-very comfortable. I paired it with a tight jean jacket, ankle booties, and a bold lip. The dress could easily be dressed up or down.


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Buddy Nix's top priority before stepping down as the Bills' general manager wasn't building a Super Bowl winner or even a playoff team. His standard was much lower, his goal far more realistic. He was intent on acquiring a franchise quarterback who would help push the franchise in the right direction.
Nix quietly slipped away a few weeks after the draft, apparently convinced that his job was complete after trading down and selecting EJ Manuel with the 16th pick overall. So-called draft experts lined up to say Manuel, the first quarterback taken, was a risky pick who could come with high reward.
Sorry, but I can't assure that Manuel will be a quality NFL quarterback. I also wouldn't suggest he'll be a poor one. Nobody is certain about any player until he steps on the field. It's why there are so many first-round busts. It's why players like Tom Brady last until the sixth round. You just don't know.
Is Manuel a franchise quarterback?
There's only one way to find out.
Doug Marrone can talk all he wants about quarterback competitions and players separating themselves from the pack and finding the guy who gives the Bills the best chance to win. It's a nice spin for public consumption, but he shouldn't be messing around with Kevin Kolb or any other passers during training camp.
Manuel should be the starting quarterback when camp opens this evening at St. John Fisher College. End of story. He should remain the starting quarterback until further notice, which means well beyond this season. If he's the quarterback of the future – and he is – the Bills should be working toward the future as soon as possible.
If that means handing him the job before he earns it, well, that's what it means. No, it would not be fair to Kolb. It might not be fair to veterans who are looking to win more than six games or actually make the playoffs. It wouldn't be fair to anyone, actually, but the NFL isn't about fairness. It's about winning or, at the very least, progress.
The Bills have a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, a new offense, a new quarterback. If they're going to have a new quarterback, they should play the one that has greater potential upside and a longer future with the team. To me, it's common sense. Kolb would be little more than a Band Aid.
In Manuel, they might have a cure.
In the past five seasons, 10 teams have had first-year head coaches and rookie quarterbacks. The Ravens finished 11-5 and reached the AFC Championship Game with Joe Flacco the same year Matt Ryan led the Falcons to the playoffs with the same record. A year later, Mark Sanchez helped the Jets reach the AFC title game. Last year, Andrew Luck helped the Colts to an 11-5 record after they finished 2-14 the previous season.
The six others were Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, Josh Freeman, Jake Locker, Ryan Tannehill and Christian Ponder. All came away better for the experience. Sanchez is the only one of the aforementioned 10 who appears to be in trouble. Let's not forget Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson, who became stars as rookies last season with veteran coaches.
It can happen. It does happen.
In a perfect world, Manuel would be able to spend a few seasons behind a proven quarterback the way Aaron Rodgers did when Brett Favre was with the Packers. Colin Kaepernick had a year behind Alex Smith with the 49ers before taking over and becoming a dominant player. This is not a perfect world.
It's Orchard Park.
The Bills have little to lose, and much more to gain, by playing Manuel. He has more physical talent than any quarterback in franchise history. He's 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, mobile, a terrific athlete with a strong arm. He needs better footwork and ball-handling skills, but he's not some bumbling, stumbling kid who never played the position.
Yes, he's bound to come with growing pains. There will be some, ahem, suffering along the way while he learns the mental side. But there is no better means of accelerating his development and finding out his maximum potential than getting him on the field as much as possible. You never know. The Bills could win more games than they expected.
The Bills have missed the playoffs 13 straight seasons, so what's one more? In most years, they're finished by December. They're still a long way from overtaking the Patriots in the division. The Dolphins appear to be better, in part because they started rookie Tannehill right away and expedited his development last season.
Let's get something straight here, too. The Bills aren't going to stunt Manuel's growth by rushing him into the offense. That's an excuse made for players who weren't good enough in the first place. Ryan Leaf's career didn't fall apart because he had too much thrown at him. It fell apart because he couldn't play and was a mental midget.
Anyway, it's not as if the Bills need Manuel to fully digest the entire playbook before the season opener. They will add different formations and plays as the season carries along depending on their strengths and those of the opponent. Manuel should grow with the offense, which is a continuous work in progress on any level.
The effectiveness of the K-Gun, which will return under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, didn't come from its complexity so much as its execution. It was the same way during the Bills' glory days. It was the same way when Marrone and Hackett were coaching at Syracuse. It can be simple and still be efficient.
It all comes with time and repetition. The best way to get Manuel more repetitions is making him the starter, preferably at 6 p.m. today. And while he's improving his footwork, he can continue studying the offense and gaining a better understanding of the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
For all the physical qualities he has shown, the one characteristic that has stood out more than anything is his head. He's 22, but he carries himself like a man who has been in the NFL for a decade. He looks like an NFL quarterback. He sounds like a man who is ready to assume control. He already seems like a professional.
Remember, too, that the Bills aren't likely to be throwing the ball all over the field. They have one of the most dynamic running backs in the league in C.J. Spiller and a very good second option in Fred Jackson. If you're a Bills fan, you're hoping Marrone and Hackett have enough sense to hand them the ball.
It should start with snapping the ball to Manuel.
And it should start today.
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Patient Braves eyeing rotation help, bench depth
ATLANTA -- As many of his peers were involved in the hectic flurry of trades and free-agent signings completed this week, Braves general manager Frank Wren remained patient and focused on locating the pieces that could strengthen his club's bid to win a second straight National League East title.
The early portion of the Hot Stove season has been much quieter than normal for Wren, who has seldom shied away from making a significant early transaction. But there is certainly a chance the Braves will make some noise as the unpredictable Winter Meetings unfold in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., next week.
ATLANTA -- As many of his peers were involved in the hectic flurry of trades and free-agent signings completed this week, Braves general manager Frank Wren remained patient and focused on locating the pieces that could strengthen his club's bid to win a second straight National League East title.
The early portion of the Hot Stove season has been much quieter than normal for Wren, who has seldom shied away from making a significant early transaction. But there is certainly a chance the Braves will make some noise as the unpredictable Winter Meetings unfold in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., next week.
Over the past few weeks, the Braves have bid adieu to two veterans -- Brian McCann and Tim Hudson -- and seen the division-rival Nationals upgrade their rotation by acquiring Doug Fister from the Tigers.
Now, Wren and his staff will attempt to address the items at the top of their wish list -- acquiring a veteran starting pitcher and adding depth to both the bullpen and bench. At the same time, Atlanta will continue evaluating the possibility of trading Dan Uggla and a portion of the $26 million he is owed over the next two years.
Here is a look at what the Braves could do during this year's Winter Meetings, which will be held about a mile north of the club's Spring Training complex.
Club needs
Rotation: With Kris Medlen, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Brandon Beachy and Alex Wood, the Braves have the base for a solid starting rotation. But with Hudson's exit, Atlanta no longer has a pitcher who has made more than 85 career starts. At the same time, Wren could benefit from gaining some insurance for Beachy, who returned from Tommy John surgery last year and made five starts before having to undergo a "clean-up" surgery in September. Kyle Lohse and Jeff Samardzija are among the pitchers that might be available via trade.
Bullpen: As things currently stand, Luis Avilan, David Carpenter and Jordan Walden will once again be available to serve as setup men for closer Craig Kimbrel. Anthony Varvaro and the newly-acquired Luis Vasquez add to the depth of this bullpen. But one year removed from losing Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty to Tommy John surgery, Wren could be tempted to add at least one reliever, specifically, a left-hander. With Venters not expected to return until June, Avilan currently stands as the only southpaw in the projected bullpen mix. Wood could serve as a second lefty, if he is not in the rotation.
Bench: Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez worked with the luxury of a strong bench until Ramiro Pena and Evan Gattis sustained injuries that sidelined them in June. The switch-hitting Pena, who missed the season's final three months, will return to provide valuable versatility. Jordan Schafer resurrected his career last season and could return to serve as the primary backup outfielder. With Gattis likely to handle the regular catching duties, Atlanta could benefit from adding some power potential to the bench.
Who they can trade if necessary
Joey Terdoslavich: Terdoslavich gained notice, as he hit .318 with 18 home runs and a .925 OPS in the 85 games he played with Triple-A Gwinnett. He was promoted to Atlanta on July 4 and ended up batting .215 with a .581 OPS in 92 plate appearances. Terdoslavich's struggles at the big league level primarily came as a pinch-hitter. He hit .286 in the 14 games he started. While Terdoslavich might not be the centerpiece of a trade, he could serve as an attractive piece for a team that likes his offensive potential and ability to play the corner-outfield positions.
Walden: The Braves were fortunate to get a pitcher as talented as Walden in exchange for Tommy Hanson last year. Bouncing back from a rough 2012 season, Walden posted a 2.47 ERA in the 46 appearances he made before straining his groin muscle in late August. The right-handed setup man was never the same after the injury. He is set to make somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.5 million as a first-year arbitration-eligible player in 2014.
Schafer: With uncertainty surrounding B.J. Upton's ability to bounce back from his miserable 2013 season, Schafer could provide valuable insurance in Atlanta. But, at the same time, there is a chance he could draw a decent return from a club that is looking to add speed to its outfield mix.
Top prospects
The Braves' Top 10 Prospects, per MLB.com, are pitchers Lucas Sims, J.R. Graham, Sean Gilmartin, Jason Hursh, Mauricio Cabrera, Cody Martin and Aaron Northcraft, catcher Christian Bethancourt and outfielders Todd Cunningham and Matt Lipka The Braves are obviously pitching heavy when it comes to their top prospects. Their pitching depth is further fortified by Shae Simmons and Juan Jaime, a couple of hurlers who did not make this list. This depth could certainly give Wren the comfort to shop some of these young arms on the trade market.
Rule 5 Draft
The Braves have three openings on their 40-man roster. This provides the option for them to select a player in the Rule 5 Draft, though they have seldom been active in this market. It also does not appear the club is at risk of losing any of its Minor Leaguers during the Major League phase of next Thursday's Draft.
Big contracts they might unload
As soon as the Braves left Uggla off their NL Division Series roster, they provided even more reason to believe they would attempt to trade the veteran second baseman -- with the understanding they will have to eat a significant portion of the $26 million he is owed over the next two years. Making this kind of trade is easier said than done when dealing with a player who has batted .185 with 33 home runs and a .673 OPS in the 238 games he has played dating back to June 1, 2012. Still, there is always a chance a club could be interested in taking a chance on his power potential. Uggla led the NL in walks in 2012, and Robinson Cano is the only second baseman who has hit more home runs over the past two seasons.
Payroll summary
The Braves are expected to keep their payroll between $95 million to $100 million. Accounting for the projected salaries for each of the club's nine unsigned arbitration-eligible players, Wren has approximately $10 million to $15 million to spend.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com.


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Made from drop forged steel which has been heat treated, these three tail pipe expanders were made to straighten out any dents in your muffler and tail pipe from the inside.
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To be used in the automotive industry or for the home mechanic who needs exhaust system repair done cheap and easily.
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A hat tip to the King of Kingston, Neate at Out of Left Field, for passing along the news that the Jays have all-but-officially shitcanned Mickey Brantley.
Brantley is going out swinging, telling the National Post's John Lott "I can't fix broken hands. I can't fix broken backs...I just think it's a really, really bad deal."
Look, we feel for the guy. Getting handed your walking papers ain't nobody's day at the pony rides. But the "our guys were all injured" excuse only goes so far. Even before Lyle Overbay got drilled on the hand, he was struggling. Vernon's approach at the plate has looked terrible, and we don't think that it's his shoulder that's making him swing at bad pitches in odd situations and bad counts.
And of course, Mickey should remember how he inherited the job from Mike Barnett, who had done an okay job but was made the sacrificial lamb after a five game skid in 2005. What comes around...


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Apr 28, 2009 | ISBN 9780307451798
Oct 09, 2007 | 439 Minutes
"The Education of an Accidental CEO is a wonderful journey tracking the aspects of leadership. David Novak is a classic type-A personality who possesses the insatiable desire to improve and make those around him rise to new levels. Everyone is in search of the secret. You'll find it in this book. A motivational must"–Rick Pitino"David Novak is a great business leader and a wonderful guy. Our companies have very little in common, yet I have learned a lot from Dave. He is great with people, an innovator and one of the best global thinkers I have met. This book is filled with the 'little things' that authentic leaders do every day to build a great business. The best leaders are the best learners. Dave's 'journey' brings the skill of learning to life."–Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman and CEO of General Electric"An entertaining, humorous, honest and inspiring message from an extraordinary person who engenders trust and instills self-confidence. Throughout this book David Novak brightens your mood and improves your outlook."-Larry Bossidy, retired chairman and CEO of Honeywell International and co-author of Execution and Confronting Reality"If CEOs were selected like NFL quarterbacks, David Novak would be a first-round draft pick. I would certainly like to have him running a Berkshire company. After you read this book, you will know why."–Warren Buffett"Just plain fun to read….More important, though, is the message—no matter whether you are a CEO or just starting out—that each and every day provides the opportunity to learn and get better at what you do, because as David says 'you never know what you're capable of.' His book is smart with heart and you'll see how far openness and honesty can get you. In short, very far." —Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase "David Novak is completely authentic and means every word….What a great lesson for anyone striving for real success." —Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and president of the Table Group"David has always had the natural leadership gift of 'taking people with him,' but he has never stopped learning, always valued others no matter what their background, and always stayed true to who he is. His great personal story provides lessons to anyone who has the privilege of leading." —Brenda Barnes, chairman and CEO of the Sara Lee Corporation


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|Winnebago County Sheriff's PoliceNews Media Release
|News Release Number2012-032E
|Information: Missing Person (Katrina Smith)
|Date: 10/30/2012
|Time: 12:45P.M.
|Page of 1
The purpose of this release is to confirm that members of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department are executing a search warrant at 8329 Tetterhall Lane in Machesney Park in reference to the missing person investigation of Katrina Smith. The residence is the home of Todd and Katrina Smith. The search warrant was signed by a Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit after review with the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office.


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• A version of this post ran on the author's blog, thehavananote.com. The views expressed are the author's own.
It's never easy to sit at the same table as someone with whom you have deep disagreements, especially when you believe that that someone shouldn't even be at the table.
But, President Obama could find himself in that position at the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia this April.
President Obama and thirty-three other heads of state from around the region, all members of the Organization of American States (OAS), are expected to attend the summit. But several countries have threatened to boycott the summit if Cuba is not invited. The showdown over the possible attendance of Cuba's Raul Castro – or the possible boycott by Ecuador, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and several Caribbean nations if he is not invited – will be a test of the US's ability to lead and build consensus within the region. But it doesn't have to be a crisis of conscience.
Three years ago, the Obama administration faced a similar situation at an OAS meeting in Honduras. The hemisphere stood united (minus the United States) to revoke Cuba's 1962 suspension from the OAS, ready to dispatch with bygone, Cold War era divisions. But while the United States chose not to oppose revocation of Cuba's suspension, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton successfully argued that Cuba must not be automatically readmitted with full rights of participation and voting:
"The member nations of the OAS showed flexibility and openness today, and as a result we reached a consensus that focuses on the future instead of the past: Cuba can come back into the OAS in the future if the OAS decides that its participation meets the purposes and principles of the organization, including democracy and human rights," Clinton said.
The administration's willingness to compromise on Cuba may have hurt it among staunch anti-Castroites at home. But it mended fences with a skeptical and polarized region that wanted unity more than anything else.
Three years later, the region remains divided. Rather than refocus countries on hemisphere-wide concerns, the summit itself is now in jeopardy over what to do with Cuba. The US must now choose: either insist that Cuba not attend (and cause half a dozen other member states to boycott), boycott the meeting itself, or suffer Cuba's inclusion as an observer to the summit.
The first two options each weaken the OAS institution itself and US standing in the region. Despite its faults and limitations, the OAS is an important venue for hemispheric cooperation and US leadership within it.
It is the third way, allowing Cuba's Raul Castro to attend the summit, which does the least harm to US and hemispheric interests. Some may argue that the OAS is weakened when it includes Cuba, but so long as Cuba is not a voting member, the institution has not compromised any principles.
In keeping with Cuba's historic disdain for what Fidel Castro once called the US "Ministry of Colonies," foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez has assured observers that even if they attend the summit, Cuba would not rejoin the OAS:
"[It is] an organization that has served to promote domination, occupation and aggression," and "a platform for the US to attack and plunder Latin America and the Caribbean," he said.
So what explains Cuba's sudden interest attending this year's Summit of the Americas? Perhaps it's just a coy plot to stir the pot. But particularly in light of close ally (and economic patron) Venezuela's Hugo Chavez's increasingly precarious health and political fortunes, Cuba may need all the friends it can get in the hemisphere (and beyond) as it continues restructuring its troubled economy. Attending the OAS summit without making waves would earn good will from member states like Colombia, which, as host, has so far avoided rejecting Cuba's attendance.
More likely, Cuba wants to dip a toe in, to be seen not as a pariah, but as a conscientious objector - and perhaps see how President Obama reacts to crossing paths with President Castro. If Raul Castro still judges there is no real benefit to Cuba rejoining the OAS, this will all have been much ado about nothing. But Castro's presence in Cartagena could at least provide President Obama a captive audience as he reiterates the US belief that the OAS and its member states must be unyielding stewards of democracy.
And in the unlikely event Cuba wants to rejoin the OAS? The United States has already assured that it can only happen with democratic reform on Cuba's part. If the US takes the high road now on Cuba observing OAS meetings going forward, it may as well have a positive influence on the Cuban leadership. It may also mean that fewer of these meetings will get hung up over Cuba in the future.
--- Anya Landau French blogs for The Havana Note, a project of the "US-Cuba Policy Initiative," directed by Ms. Landau French, at the New America Foundation/American Strategy Program.
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Mori wrote:WWZ
Mori wrote:
pingu wrote:Mori wrote:
i know the bridge to nowhere got an upgrade but thats fekkin extreme ::):
hambone wrote:has the Madeline Smith story been mentioned here ?remember watching that years ago on daytime telly.set around Blythswood Sq.
beneld wrote:So what building are they on top of.
The Creeping Spleen wrote:A mate of mine told me that most of the US taxis, police cruisers and so on from the Glasgow filmed bits of World War Z are sitting rusting away in a junkyard somewhere on the outskirts of the city.
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