text:
Perth: Hot Air Ballooning
Wonderful weather, pristine beaches and an easy-going character
Enjoy the enchanting experience of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the picturesque Avon Valley, near Perth, WA with the Tourism Award winning team at Windward Balloon Adventures. Celebrating over 26 years of flying, Windward Balloon Adventures is Western Australia's Premier hot air ballooning company, holding a prestigious position as the oldest and most experienced operator. They have a sustained reputation for professionalism, safety and excellence is at the heart of our operations as we continuously strive to exceed our passengers' expectations, delivering a quality adventure experience and leaving them with memories that will last a life time.
Operating between April and November, Windward invites you to experience the romance and adventure of the worlds oldest and most pure form of flight. Departing from Northam, a short drive from Perth, flights lift off just before sunrise, allowing you to witness from the air the first signs of dawn shedding light over the patchwork of colours within the Avon Valley. Drifting gently over the valley for up to an hour allows you plenty of time to take in the panoramic views of this rural landscape with its rolling hills, lush green fields and meandering streams. After the flight celebrate in style with a sumptuous breakfast and champagne in the French tradition.


text:
April 20, 2008-Stand by to Wear Ship
Judy: Sailor Girl
"Stand by to wear ship."
We could have just tacked.
But the re-cut sail needed the spreader patches to be re-adjusted. Better wear around and save the sail.
This was a sail we wanted to protect; it pulled like a bandit from the minute we put it up. I loved it already.
Who would think after 21 years we'd discover something new about sailing this boat, but we did: A high clew, 120% genoa worked magic on Wings. Jeez, Wings came alive in 5 knots of wind with this sail! Of course the #4 never felt like this in light winds but this sail even seemed better than the deck sweeper 150 we cut up to make it; and way less trouble to use.
We'd come out into Phang Nga Bay to get a little sailing in before heading back to Yacht Haven. I needed a sailing fix like an addict needs his needle. What drugs are this? I just need to feel the power of a big sail sheeted in and the boat carving to windward, that's all. It can be as short as a couple of tacks. Not even an hour. Just get the boat on the wind and I am renewed. Judy knows it. She feels it too but she can keep the need inside. I can't.
"There's a nice breeze, let's weigh early and go sailing before we head back."
"OK", instant agreement. I love this woman.
Judy steered and we hoisted the mainsail leaving the anchorage. I went for'ard and rigged the re-cut genoa. It went up quickly.
The sail filled and the boat took off.
wingssail image-fredrick roswold
Wings picks up speed
We grinned.
I trimmed in and checked aloft and saw that the car had to come back, way back. I made the adjustment. It opened up the leech and allowed me to sheet in tighter. Judy came up. I adjusted more, she came up more. We now were sailing 40 degrees off the true wind and holding 5.75 knots of boat speed, in wind less than 10 knots.
It had us grinning more.
I took some shots with the Nikon.
I made an image in my mind of the place where we needed to put the spreader patches.
To try the other tack but still protect the new sail we reached off; the sail pulled well on a beam reach too. Then we wore ship; we jibed around and came up on starboard. On this tack the sail duplicated the performance of the first tack.
I marked the lead positions on the deck.
This is a real success I was thinking, I'm surprised. I'm happy.
wingssail image-fredrick roswold
Spreading Some Canvas
We turned for home. We'd spent only an hour sailing in the open waters of Phang Nga Bay, but it was enough. I knew that this sail had opened up a new chapter for our future cruising experiences: From now on we could make time in the light stuff without the hassle of the #1. In fact unless racing we have avoided the #1 in the past; it trims poorly except when close hauled and in a seaway it bangs into the shrouds and lifelines like it is trying to self destruct. It is. So we rarely used it. Now we don't need to. We have a choice. So even when this sail falls completely apart, as soon it must, we'll have to have one like it; we'll build a new one.
I know what to tell the sail maker:
"Make me a sail which pulls like a bandit, that we can see under, and stays clear of the rig. Make it 120%, high on the clew, and short on the hoist. Build it out of Dacron for longevity."
"Make me something which mainlines the sailing power straight into my veins."
" I have a habit to feed."
Actually this is the second sail we've added in the last six months which really adds to our inventory. The first was the asymmetrical kite. That one which I bought for $60 from a guy in Singapore opened up the offwind chapter. This one opens up the upwind sailing.
So I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks if he's interested in listening.
Fred & Judy, SV Wings, Phuket
Click here to read about the recut of the 150 into this high clew #2.
Click here for more photos from April sailing in Phang Nga Bay

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This is why I don't like to give estimates
There's some real truth in this link - we do tend to underestimate bug time, and these are some real reasons why this happens. However, good time estimates are very useful to the people requesting changes - after all, they only have so many hours to "spend" and they do a much better job of budgeting those hours if they had an idea of the cost for each feature or fix. It gives them a sense of perspective.
So I'm curious how other folks handle time estimates? Are issues estimated on the way in? Does anyone log the actual time, for calibration? Does it seem to help? What seems to work?
(yes, I'm fishing here, any useful experience would be appreciated)


text:
The moment you use iPhone 6s, you know you've never felt anything like it. With a single press, 3D Touch lets you do more than ever before. Live Photos bring your memories to life in a powerfully vivid way. And that's just the beginning. Take a deeper look at iPhone 6s, and you'll find innovation on every level.
The next generation of Multi-Touch.
The original iPhone introduced the world to Multi-Touch, forever changing the way people experience technology. With 3D Touch, you can do things that were never possible before. It senses how deeply you press the display, letting you do all kinds of essential things more quickly and simply. And it gives you real-time feedback in the form of subtle taps from the all-new Taptic Engine.
12-megapixel pictures. 4K videos.Live Photos. Lasting memories.
The world's most popular camera is more advanced than ever. The 12-megapixel iSight camera captures sharp, detailed photos. It takes brilliant 4K video, up to four times the resolution of 1080p HD video. iPhone 6s also takes selfies worthy of a self-portrait with the new 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. And it introduces Live Photos, a new way to relive your favourite memories. It captures the moments just before and after your picture and sets it in motion with just the press of a finger.
A9. The most advanced chip ever in a smartphone.
iPhone 6s is powered by the custom-designed 64-bit A9 chip. It delivers performance once found only in desktop computers. You'll experience up to 70 per cent faster CPU performance, and up to 90 per cent faster GPU performance for all your favourite graphics-intensive games and apps.
A breakthrough design. Pushed even further.
Innovation isn't always obvious to the eye, but look a little closer at iPhone 6s and you'll find it's been fundamentally improved. The enclosure is made from a new alloy of 7000 Series aluminium — the same grade used in the aerospace industry. The cover glass is the strongest, most durable glass used in any smartphone. And a new rose gold finish joins space grey, silver and gold.
Advanced security. At your fingertip.
Using a highly advanced fingerprint sensor that's now faster and better than ever, Touch ID makes unlocking your phone easy and secure.
Faster 4G LTE.Faster Wi-Fi.
iPhone 6s features 4G LTE Advanced with speeds up to twice as fast as the previous generation.* It supports more LTE bands than any other smartphone. And when you're connected to Wi-Fi, iPhone 6s lets you do things like browse the web and download apps at speeds up to twice as fast too.
An experience unlike any other. On a phone unlike any other.
iOS 9 is the most advanced, intelligent and secure mobile operating system in the world. Powerful new built-in apps, advanced features in Siri and enhancements throughout the system make it smarter and more essential than ever. Deep integration with Apple hardware makes everything work together beautifully. And the App Store is full of incredible apps that have been tailored to take advantage of what iPhone is capable of.
Your iPhone is beautiful. Give it a complement.
Our accessories go together with iPhone so well because they're designed together. Natural leather and vibrant silicone cases provide stylish protection. And new Lightning Docks in four colour-matched metallic finishes allow for easy charging.
Disclaimer: All specifications and Package contents are subject to change without notice. Product information is taken directly from Apple official website. Exeltek is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information.
*Stock availability indicator is a guide only. whilst we try our best to make it as accurate as much as possible, sometimes discrepancy occurs due to system errors or missing stock. Some of our products are also warehoused offsite. If you wish to collect from our store or needing the item urgently, please kindly give us a call prior to your visit so we may confirm it for you.
Weight and Dimensions2
iSight camera
Video Recording
FaceTime HD Camera
Touch ID
Cellular and Wireless3
Model A1688*
LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
Video Calling4
FaceTime video calling over Wi-Fi or cellular
Audio Calling4
Audio Playback
TV and Video
Power and Battery5
Operating System
iOS 9. The world's most advanced mobile operating system gets major enhancements to built-in apps, a smarter Siri and Search, and much more.
SIM Card
Rating for Hearing Aids
System Requirements
Environmental Requirements
In the Box
Disclaimer: All specifications and Package contents are subject to change without notice. Product information is taken directly from Apple official website. Exeltek is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information.
*Stock availability indicator is a guide only. whilst we try our best to make it as accurate as much as possible, sometimes discrepancy occurs due to system errors or missing stock. Some of our products are also warehoused offsite. If you wish to collect from our store or needing the item urgently, please kindly give us a call prior to your visit so we may confirm it for you.
Genuine Australian model with 24 months manufacturer's warranty with Apple in Australia
For warranty service, please contact Apple on 133 622 or visit http://www.apple.com/au/support/contact/
Australian model means that the product is sourced from the local manufacturer's authorised channel, not parallel imports from grey market.
What it means for you:
1. Buying Australian model equals peace of mind, knowing that your product is covered by local manufacturer's warranty via the authorised repair center in Australia.
In the event of warranty claim, authorised service center will service your unit with original parts and high quality works as originally intended by the manufacturers.
2. The product complies with Australian standard, safety regulation and conditions. A-tick approved on all mobile phones & smartphones.
3. Guaranteed all genuine accessories & attachments. We do not practice substituting genuine accessories with the cheaper 3rd party aftermarket.
4. Buying from the authorised Australian channel also means you are dealing with a business which is bound by Australian Consumer Protection law. This means your right as a consumer is protected. When you deal with parallel importers or overseas-based entity, you may be out of luck if they simply decide not to honour what they promised.
5. Someone to speak to in relation to your sales and after sales enquiries.
Hi there Thank you very much for the excellent service, great price and amazing delivery time on the Nokia I just purchased from you. . you guys had it unlocked when no-one else locally did, and without charging a ridiculous price for it. Will definitely come to you when my husband's phone needs upgrading in the next 12 months and will recommend you to friends. I have also put my feedback on Google. Best Susan Read more..
I purchased the Samsung HT-E5550W 1000W Bluray Home Theatre System3D 5.1 Channel 1000W with SMART Hub, Wi-Fi built in, Web for my husband's birthday, who is an avid movie buff. Next day delivery! Very pleased with sound and picture and ability to access web via our wifi network, although I am disappointed with the amount of cables to the speakers. I thought I was purchasing wifi speakers however the speakers are not wifi, only the rear wifi unit that connects via cables to rear speakers. ... Read more..
I had no problems at all with my order. It arrived within the timeframe nominated. After a bit of fiddling, I had the Samsung keyboard up and running. Happy with the outcome. Read more..
Dear Customer Service Department: I recommend your services to all who want a hassle-free, polite buying experience. My order was processed without delay and the product was waiting for me when I picked it up. Parking is easy and I was greeted with a smile. Thank-you, Exeltek. I have already recommended your company to my son. Yours sincerely Diane Tregoning Read more..
Great service the best price and very fast delivery. Have used before and will use again. Read more..
gr8 service. gr8 products will reccommend u and use u again thanks Read more..
Ordered genuine Samsung accessories for my Galaxy Tablet 10.1. Great price and delivery in 2 days. Very satisfied and recommend shopping experience Read more..
I was pleased to find such a reasonable price for the mobile phone I wanted and also the right accessories for it. Order was delivered promptly, no problems. Read more..
Great cheap prices, communication and easy pick up!! No problems. Read more..
Hi, Thank you so much for the very prompt delivery and service I received. I've done a lot of online shopping in the past and this is the 1st time that I've received such good service not to mention the cheap prices. I ordered my goods and they were with me the next business day. The online transaction was smooth and hassle free, I could even track my order online. Love it! Read more..
This was my first experience with Exeltek; it was a very positive one. I found the website easy to negotiate; the product was delivered very promptly and charges to my account were as indicated. I will not hesitate to use Exeltek in future. Read more..
The supplied phone is what was described on your site and what we needed to do the job. Delivery was prompt....so overall the experience has been a positive one. Read more..
I purchased Jawbone Up's recently. Great deal and easy company to deal with. Highly recommended!! Read more..
Good & prompt service, the product was according to my specification. Read more..
To the Staff at Exeltek, I would like to take this time to say THANKYOU. This is the first time I have ever ordered anything over the internet and I must say that your ease of ordering, the follow up emails on delivery and speed of delivery have been exemplary. Well done and Merry Christmas. Read more..
Good fast service. Products are what they were represented to be Read more..
Cannot fault the service in any way. Very efficient and professional. Very happy with the product purchased. Read more..
Item is good as described and A+ quality . very happy with the product . Thanks Exeltek Read more..
Thanks folks for the good service to purchase an HTC Desire C from you recently. I'm enjoying the phone. Your service staff are excellent and they quickly resolved the two hiccups in the purchase. First hiccup was that I paid using direct deposit to your account but the reference number that I used from your purchase email was different to the reference number that you were expecting, so it was difficult for your staff to match my payment to the purchase. 2nd hiccup was that the phone wasn't unl... Read more..
this phone i bought off your company ,it's great ,also the price was great , and delivery was very prompt , the phone works real well out here in the country , an all round a winner , thank very much, peter j russell warracknabeal Read more..
The headphones I bought were defective, but the sales team replaced them cheerfully and quickly. When the second set were also bad, I was offered a quick and friendly refund without any nastiness or surly indifference!. Well done. Read more..
Article as described, in-store pick-up worked well. Read more..
Thankyou for such a fantastic service. Cheap prices, great customer service and speedy delivery...what more you could you ask for? I'll definitely be shopping here again. -N. Zunic Read more..
Great prices, reasonably quick delivery . Read more..
Good product and service Read more..
Great product and very easy to use Read more..
FANTASTIC service. Something rare these days. The help in checking if my camera needs a XDCF or just a CF, was unexpected! Others told me to go and find out myself, and call them back. Not only did it only take 1 day, your courtesy call to see if it had arrived earlier in the day was a great suprise! BRILLIANT! Thanks heaps, will without doubt be dealing with you again! I will have no problem recommending you to MANY others. Take care Bruce C. Langwarrin Vic Read more..
Great service and good products Read more..
The service was prompt and efficient and the goods arrived as promised, with no delay. I would use your services any day and recommend you to others without hesitation. Read more..
Very happy with the service I got. I had several enquires sent by email and they were answered very quickly. Product was shipped instantly after order placement and arrived two days later. I will return to this store for further business. // Fredrik Read more..
Excellent Received As Promised AA+++++++++++++++++++ Read more..
Very easy transaction, and a speedy delivery. Have used this company repeatedly and have no hesitation in recommending to others. Thankyou Read more..
Couldn't be happier with the service, Easy process & quick turn around, I would recommend. Read more..
I bought a samsung-ua40es6200m smart TV from Exeltek, it is absolutely fantastic! The delivery is very fast and I will definitely shop in Exeltek in the future! Well done, Exeltek!!! Read more..
Thanks so much we love the Samsung galaxy s4 phone. You were fantastic exaltek. You been great. and I told people too ho to you. Read more..
Fast delivery, good pricing and good communications. Highly recommended. Read more..
I am most unhappy with your company, firstly the delivery, the unit was in the Mount Waverly facility for 6 days, maybe not your fault but I did complain to Aust Post, they at least got back to me and apologised. As for the unit there were a number of problems so I sent an email to your company,(Hi Exeltek Finally received my AlcoSense today at lunch time, first problem was I put the supplied batteries in the device and found it would not work/switch on, the batteries were flat, after fittin... Read more..
Top product, excellent experience and fast shipping good to see an aussie online store who gives customers a top experience thanks guys appreciate it Read more..
Dear Exeltek, I am very pleased with my recent Exeltek buying experience. The salesman who answered my call was extremely helpful and courteous. To improve your service perhaps you could consider reviewing your delivery options. A $11.95 delivery fee for a $12 item is a wee bit out of proportion. The delivery fee could be reduced with an Express Post option. Overall, very pleased, 8/10. Kind regards, Donald Read more..
Excellent, product arrived on time and it was real unlike the last one I purchased! Australian owned is much safer... Read more..
I recently had purchased a Phone from one of your sales assistants, Virgo, over a month ago and I must say I was impressed with the level of Customer Service Virgo had given me. He was able to answer all my questions regarding my purchase and greatly assisted me with the package. He had no issues in assisting me outside business hours as my schedule is quite hectic. I would not hesitate to recommend Exeltek to my friends and family. Thanks again and look forward in dealing with Exeltek and Virgo... Read more..
Great price on my Apple Mac Pro 15" It was the best price I found. The turn around time from online purchase to delivery was only three days. I would certainly recommend your company to others. Read more..
I was overseas and due to return to Melbourne when I ordered a pair of earphones from Exeltek at an amazing price. They sent me emails updating me on the status of my order and shipping at each stage and the earphones were waiting for me at my local post office when I returned. The price was amazing, shipping very fast and communications regular and very professional. I am a very satisfied customer. Read more..
thankyou for samsung led smart tv as you know i had to send telly back to samsung as there was a 20mm dirt mark inside screen,the tv was quickly replaced and now i am happy with the tele thankyou for making the effort in sending a technical adviser down,all is well now and i would deal here again....dan clarke Read more..
item arrived safely and was as described. Another satisfied customer. Read more..
I bought a Samsung Wireless Audio Dock from Exceltek and was very happy with the whole process. The price was very good, the payment process was smooth and the delivery was very very quick. I have bought a couple of products from Exceltek now and the service I have had has been great each time. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Keep up the good work. Regards David Read more..
I just wanted to say thanks for the great service I received during a recent phone purchase. I phoned to check on some features of the phone and was assisted by a very polite person with good product knowledge and once I had placed the order, the phone arrived within two days. It is an excellent product at an excellent price with good service as a bonus - I'll be back! Read more..
Hi there, Just three things...... Very good communicators, very competitive pricing and fast delivery. Wiil source from you again. Extremely satisfied. Many thanks David Read more..
I was very happy with the delivery time of my Computer screen, I will most definate use your Company again in the near future. Thanks very much. Dylan Read more..
No issues here - genuine product delivered ahead of estimated delivery time - would use this company again. Read more..
Great service and quick replacement of a broken item. Read more..
best price, fast courteous service. Will be shopping at your online store again. Thanks Read more..
Seamless purchasing & delivery experience; delivered on time and phone works fine. Read more..
Very happy with the whole buying experience. The product was exactly as described on your web site, and delivery was very prompt and arrived undamaged. Thankyou. Read more..
The overall service was good. Notwithstanding, it would be even better if a notification email was sent whenever there is delay (however slightly) in the delivery of the product (i.e. in my case, I had to call to enquire and was told that there was a delay in the delivery for a couple of days). Many thanks Exeltek Team Read more..
Excellent service, great communication, very happy with their work Read more..
I have purchased Yamaha Network receiver RX-V773 and Yamaha Speakers NS-777BP. They are good combination together and I have been very satisfied. Only delivery notice haven't tossed to a driver that call my mobile phone 30mins before it's delivery. However the driver was waited me, thank you. Anyway, good reply for order and delivery services. Yours Read more..
Best price I could found for the Yamaha EPH100, fast posting. Happy with my purchase. Read more..
My second purchase with Exeltek. Brilliant service. Phone arrived next day. Order was incorrectly placed. A quick call from a sales consultant had the problem sorted in seconds. Very pleased that my small mistake was picked up and corrected. Will recommend to all my friends. Many thanks, and keep up the good work. Read more..
I was very pleased with the level of service I recieved. The sale was complicated by a supplier out of stock issue with one item but this was handled with professionalism and refund issued promptly. ! will certainly be back! Read more..
Very happy with the mobile phone I purchased from Exeltek - competitive price, great communication and the phone was ready to collect the day after I ordered. Read more..
Superb service. Bought my Samsung Galaxy S2 from here 2 years ago and now my HTC One - both at great prices and delivered to me (Hobart) within 24 hours. If only everyone did this ... Very happy customer. Read more..
I found that the service from Exeltek was excellent. The purchased product arrived promptly. Their method of customer authentication is unusual and has the potential to cause a minor delay, however, is very effective and necessary to avoid fraud. Read more..
Ordered two new mobile phones. Both orders were dealt with promptly and arrived in the specified time frame. Great service, prices and products. Read more..
Hi, Got the goods today. Very impressed with the service and prompt delivery from you guys. Will be sure to recommend you to all my friends. Thanks, Mark Read more..
I am glad I chose Exeltek. They might not have a record of it, but they gave me good accurate advice six weeks before I purchased three Fritz!fones to go with my Fritz!box 7390. They were not cheap, but compared to the DECT (non Fritz) hand sets I had been using, they are 100% better and worth every cent. I will probably buy two more and rid myself of the non Fritz handsets completely. They also turn the 7390 system into a mini PABX with phone book. Exeltek's service was prompt, delivery was f... Read more..
I was extremely happy with the whole process. Your website was clear and offered all info needed. Delivery was speedy and I appreciated the phone call. Read more..
Just want to say a big thank you for the best service I have ever received. The super fast overnight delivery and very reasonable cost for such a fast delivery is brilliant. The product was on my doorstep within21 hours and your prices are the best on the internet. Thank you once again. Read more..
I have purchased products from Exeltek on at least one other occasion and wouldn't hesitate to shop with them again. My latest purchase was a Blueant Q3 Premium Smartphone Earphone, which I am just loving! My mother now wants one too. Shopping with Exeltek was fast and easy, and most importantly, safe! Not being my first purchase with them, I wasn't afraid to buy an expensive item because I knew I could trust them to deliver. I would definitely recommend Exeltek to others for hassle-free shoppin... Read more..
I just wanted to say that I was very impressed with the prompt service that your company provided with my recent purchase. I have ordered many things of the internet in the past and the service has never been as good as the one that you provided. Again thank you and we will remember to use your company in future. Read more..
Excellent price and service was prompt delivery only took a couple of days. Would highly recommend purchasing goods through this company Read more..
I ordered an Otter box for my new iPhone 5. I was very, very impressed with both the communication from Exeltek and the delivery speed was amazing!! Living in Darwin, we are used to things taking a week or so, this arrived in less than 48 hours, virtually unheard of to Darwin!! Thank you so much, you were an absolute pleasure to do business with and I will tell everyone about your company. A very, very happy customer! Read more..
Just a short note to say thank you for the best service i,ve ever had in my life. To order a TV at luchtime from NSW and have it delivered to my door in Melbourne at 10.30am the next day is fantastic. Thats what I call quality service. I will have no hesitation in recommending you to others. Quality service Quality product. Read more..
I was very impressed with the service - best price and delivered within24 hours. Have already recommended you to other people and will definitely use the site again. Read more..
Very pleasant experience. Made a purchase 2 days before Easter and was impressed that delivery form Melbourne to Sydney was arranged next day. Read more..
Thank you very much for your terrific customer service, competitive prices and super fast delivery. I'm very impressed and will be buying from you again. Regards N. Schroeder Read more..
Great service guys. I ordered online and received my goods just 3 days later. I would definitely recommend you to friends and family. Read more..
Very Good all OK. Pleased. Thank You. Read more..
Excellent service. Phone was great value and arrived very promptly as promised. I am very impressed with the quality of the product and the professionalism displayed by the company. I highly recommend purchasing from Exeltek. Read more..
I could not be happier with my dealings with Exeltek. A great product, at a great price, delivered fast and without any hassle. Thank you Aaron Read more..
My experience in purchasing the portable breath tester was first class. Effeicient and effective. Product is easy to use and the instructiions easy to follow. All over a good experience. Well Done. Customer Service. Read more..
I recently bought a Samsung TV online with you, and was happy with the purchase process, price and delivery time Thank you Fran Read more..
I was very satisfied with the service I received from Exeltek. I ordered the item Friday afternoon and it was delivered Monday afternoon. I wasn't expecting that delivery will be that quick so it was such a pleasant surprise to receive it after three days, two of which are even weekends! The product also met my expectations so I will definitely order again. Read more..
Samsung ST66 digital camera-delivery was prompt 2-3 days to WA. Camera is excellent for older person, clear photos.Easy secure payment method from your site. Read more..
Great service and good communication. Hope to use your company again some time in the future. Would recommend you to our friends and family. Thank you. Read more..
I was looking for an HTC One and found that Exeltek was selling them for the lowest price I could find in Australia, unlocked too, without any branding. So I gave them a go and ordered the phone from them. To my surprise the phone arrived within three business days – excellent! The phone is brilliant and is seriously the best smartphone I've used (I've used iPhones (4S & 5), Samsung, HTC, Motorola & LG). I'm totally satisfied with both the phone and Exeltek and I highly recommend... Read more..
Great price on a hard to find product & once it shipped delivery was very quick. Also the woman I dealt with in the phone each time I called was excellent. Only problem was the following. I put on my order that I could not take delivery until 18/4 (I made the purchase on the 11/4). Unfortunately this led to my purchase not being dispatched until that date, which meant it arrived 3 days after that. No communication was made about this. When I said delivery on the 18th, I assumed that ... Read more..
I purchased a book cover for my Samsung Galaxy Tablet recently and the whole process was very easy. I was amazed by the prompt processing and delivery of the item. I am very pleased with it. It is just what I wanted. Thank you. Julie Read more..
Thanks for the excellent sevice. I lost my bluetooth Monday night. Found your great price (cheapest anywhere) on Tuesday morning and had my new one delivered here in Hobart on Wednesday morning. Outstanding - thanx to you all! T. Andrews Read more..
Hi, Just wanted to let you know that the Samsung phone I ordered arrived on the specified day and is now in use. I would also like to say that I am VERY impressed with your service and value. I initially ordered a basic telephone on the Friday evening and decided to change to a more advanced model over the weekend - I rang your offices on the Monday morning, spoke to a cheerful young lady, who made the appropriate amendments to the order and I received the new telephone on Wednesday morning. Wil... Read more..
Excellent service - prompt delivery. Everrything an on-line sales experience and transaction should be Read more..
Thank you for the fast and great service. The item was well packaged and exactly what I ordered. It included a gift as well! A big thanks from a happy customer! Jenny :) Read more..
Great company! Very easy to deal with. I ordered the HTC One 32gb and knew from the start that it wouldn't come for a while as it was on back order. When it came into stock, I got a phone call double checking my address, then it arrived within a couple of days. Very pleased overall with the business and my new phone. Cheaper than any grey import I found! Read more..
Impressed with the quick turn around time and ease of purchase. Thank You Read more..
I was happy with your service & product...the delivery took about 7 days & the product arrived safely..I would rate it 9/10 as far as a buying experience..well done guys.. Read more..
Seemless purchase from order to delivery. Great product too! Thanks Exceltek, much appreciated! Read more..
Very fast delivery, fantastic price ($120 cheaper than mobicity.com.au), reliable and very convenient. I'm very happy with my purchases and I'll do business with you guys again for sure!! I was amazed by the low price of Samsung XCover 2 ($275) and the quality of the service. I have recently tried to buy a phone from mobicity.com.au and after waiting 5 weeks and listening to B/S from their "staff" that the phone is on its way from UK or Hong-Kong I just gave up and forced them to give... Read more..
I recently bought a TV. It price was low and it was delivered quickly. I am very satisfied with the service you provide. Kind regards, Albert Read more..
Very good service . I recommended to all my friend about the Exeltek service. before I go to the local shop I always contact Exeltek. good luck for al your friendly staff Sarath Read more..
great people to deal with very happy with sale Read more..


text:
Pacific Delight Tours
Pacific Delight Tours offers more than 40 trips to Asia. These time-tested itineraries allow travelers to view ancient architecture and visit modern, urban locales. Special dinner parties and cultural entertainment showcase the traditions of each region. Also included in one upfront price are accommodations, transportation between cities, most meals and guided sightseeing.
Professional tour directors with years of experience in their field are on-hand to help guests enjoy fun and hassle-free vacations. The director handles the logistics of getting from one place to the next, while also providing insightful information about each destination visited.
- Pacific Delight Tours offers escorted vacations to China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia.
- Vacations are classified according to the quality of accommodations, the number of included amenities and activities, and the level of service delivered. Pacific Delight Tours specializes in deluxe travel, and prices typically range from $100 to $350 per person, per day, plus airfare.
Click any vacation name below for the itinerary, dates and prices.
|Vacation Name
|Starts In
|Ends In
|Travel Style
|Pacific Delight Tours - Asia
|Dreams of the Taj Escapade Experience
|Delhi, India
|Delhi, India
|Dates and Prices
|Roof of the World
|Tibet, China
|Tibet, China
|Dates and Prices
|8 Day Mighty Mountains
|Zhangjiajie, China
|Shanghai, China
|Dates and Prices
|Ancient Silk Road Private Journey
|Xi'an, China
|Urumqi, China
|Dates and Prices
|China Impressions Silver Experience
|Beijing, China
|Shanghai, China
|Dates and Prices
|+ View all 20 Pacific Delight Asia vacations
These vacations are classified according to the quality of accommodations, the number of included amenities and activities, and the level of service delivered.
= Budget vacations that typically range from $50 to $200 per person, per day, plus airfare.
= First class vacations that typically range from $80 to $350 per person, per day, plus airfare.
= Deluxe vacations that typically range from $200 to $650 per person, per day, plus airfare.
** The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.


text:
Russia Admits Attack Choppers Aboard Syria-Bound Ship
(NEW YORK) -- Russia has confirmed for the first time that the cargo ship MV Alaed, which is now headed back to Russia, was carrying refurbished Russian attack helicopters and components for an anti-aircraft defense system that were bound for Syria.
"The ship was carrying air defense systems, which can only be used to repel foreign aggression, and not against peaceful demonstrators, and yes -- it was carrying three refurbished helicopters," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the Russian radio station Echo Moskvy.
The Alaed had to turn back earlier this week as it traveled around Scotland after its British insurer pulled its coverage following pressure from the British government because it was believed to be carrying weapons.
The ship is scheduled to arrive Saturday in the Russian port of Murmansk, which is near its far northern border with Finland, where it will drop its Curacao flag and re-register as a Russian ship.
The Mi-25 helicopters were sold to Syria in the waning days of the Soviet Union and had been sent back to Russia for repairs.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton complained publicly that Russia was sending the aircraft back to Syria despite reports that the Syrian government had stepped up their use in attacks that have killed civilians.
Russia has come under international criticism for continuing its arms sales to Syria despite the increasing violence over the past year. The Kremlin has argued that there is no arms embargo prohibiting such transfers, though that is true in part because Russia has blocked measures that would impose one. It says the weapons it is providing to Syria are only defensive ones that could not be used in a civilian conflict.
In his interview with Ekho Mosky, Lavrov said it was "completely false" to charge that Russia had "delivered helicopters which were used against demonstrators." He said the choppers aboard the Alaed were disassembled. "They need to be rebuilt, taking around three months."
Still, weapons like the Russian air defense systems could deter international intervention, which Russia remains staunchly opposed to.
Syria is one of Russia's biggest arms clients, with existing contracts worth between $5-6 billion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which tracks arms transfers.
Russia is also one of the largest arms exporters in the world. On Thursday a Kremlin aide said that Russia expects to sell about $12 billion worth of weapons in 2012, up from $11 billion last year.
Numerous Russian news reports say that Russia is preparing to send at least two navy ships to the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russia maintains a ramshackle base and refueling depot. The ships are reportedly carrying hundreds of Russian marines, which would secure the base and potentially evacuate Russian citizens from Syria, a sign of the deteriorating security situation in the country. Last weekend the United Nations suspended its monitoring mission in the country because of security concerns.
On Thursday the Russian Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Damascus denied reports that Russia is preparing to evacuate Russian citizens.
On Wednesday the Russian Defense Ministry denied separate Russian news reports that a third ship, from its Baltic Fleet, was also preparing to travel to Syria to aid in the mission.
Russia remains one of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's few remaining backers, and use of the Syrian port of Tartus gives Russia's navy reach into the Mediterranean Sea. Recently, however, the Kremlin has shown signs of impatience with its longtime ally, including reports this week that Russia may finally be willing to help transition Assad from power. Russia has denied that it is shielding Assad. It insists that no foreign power can remove him from power, saying that can only be determined by the Syrian people.
Russia is organizing an international conference of influential countries that aims to find an end to the violence in Syria, which has gone on for over a year and according to the United Nations has claimed over 10,000 lives. RIA Novosti reported on Thursday that the conference would take place on June 30 in Geneva.
The United States has been skeptical of Russia's plans to invite Iran, which it sees more as part of the problem rather than the solution.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio


text:
Jaipur: Hundreds of Youth Congress and NSUI supporters Saturday welcomed the elevation of Rahul Gandhi as the Congress vice president by bursting crackers and beating drums outside the venue of the `Chintan Shivir` here.
The celebrations by the National Students Union of India and Youth Congress workers had started prior to the official declaration of his number two position.
Party general secretary Rahul Gandhi was made the party vice president by the Congress Working Committee, the party`s highest decision making body, amid huge demand that he be given a bigger role.
"We welcome the announcement of Rahul Ganhi being made the party vice president. We are celebrating and bursting fire crackers," Vamshi, a Youth Congress member from Andhra Pradesh told IANS outside the Birla Auditorium, the venue of the `Chintan Shivir`.
The party leaders and ministers wanted that Rahul Gandhi be given a bigger role in the party. He heads the party`s coordination panel for the 2014 polls.
Riot police took positions outside the venue and erected barricades to stop the youth members from going near the entry gate.
The party leaders were also pushing for Rahul Gandhi to be named the party`s prime ministerial candidate for 2014 polls.
Earlier Saturday, firecrackers were set off also outside the 10, Janpath residence of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi in anticipation of Rahul Gandhi being given a prominent role in the party`s affairs.


text:
Hickenlooper signs wildland fire executive orders, lifts ban on prescribed burns
DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper signed executive orders Wednesday aimed at reducing the risk of loss in future wildland fires, increasing customer knowledge of insurance options and protect forest health and lifting an existing ban on prescribed burns while offering new guidelines for when they can take place.
"More than 25 percent of Colorado's population lives in the wildland-urban interface," Hickenlooper said. "These new Executive Orders, along with a proposed fuels reduction grant program, detail actions that can help reduce the loss from wildland fires and increase protection for communities, first responders and property investments."
Executive Order B 2013-002 creates the Task Force on Wildfire Insurance and Forest Health to examine how to best protect property and people within and adjacent to the wildland-urban interface and Colorado's landscape, which is critical to the state's economic health.
The task force will review issues regarding insurance coverage at the 2012 fires including replacement costs for destroyed homes, relocation assistance, accounting for lost personal property and the timing of insurance benefits. It will explore how to provide better understanding of insurance coverage for policyholders. Also, it will explore insurance policies that promote forest health, reduce wildland fire threats and help incentivize wise planning and stewardship and reduce loss of life and property.
Executive Order B 2013-001 creates the Wildland and Prescribed Fire Advisory Committee. The Committee will advise the Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control on all matters pertaining to wildfire preparedness, response, suppression, coordination, or management and prescribed fire.
Last March, Hickenlooper suspended the use of prescribed and controlled burning by state agencies or on state lands until protocols and procedures were reviewed and revised as necessary. Executive Order D 2013-002 amends that suspension to allow for slash pile burning under controlled conditions and new guidelines.
These new guidelines go above and beyond the recommended best practices for slash pile burning to ensure all such burns are conducted in a safe and effective manner.
"Although weather conditions across Colorado have changed over the recent months, for those Colorado residents living in the wildland-urban interface, there is still concern of disastrous wildfire," the Executive Order says. "Pile burning operations in this area will reduce the risk of devastating wildfires, by reducing the hazardous accumulation of slash resulting from fuels treatment activities. These fuel treatment activities not only reduce wildfire potential, but work to increase the health of forests, by thinning forest strands and eliminating weak and diseased trees. Weaker trees that remain in the forest are prone to insect attacks and disease."
These Executive Orders come at the same time the governor is requesting $10.3 million for the Department of Natural Resources in an amended budget request. The funding is for a grant program that would match local dollars for improving forest health and wildfire prevention in wildland-urban interface areas.AlertMe


text:
How many e-mails do you send each day? If you are anything like me and my colleagues, we send hundreds! Responses to customers, colleagues, vendors and friends. Do they all know what you do? I suspect not. A great way to ensure they learn is this – get your tags in your e-mails! Help educate the world on the use of mobile tags. Create your tags driving your contacts to your videos, vCards or even a direct dialer. Get them promoting you when they forward your e-mails too. Create your tag and put it in your signature block. Get your message out – and have it flowing around the globe by putting it in your e-mails too!
All posts tagged app reader
Tag your e-mails – Drive your traffic!
Posted by itagit on October 31, 2011
Consumers Expect Mobile Interaction!
And mobile tagging is a quick and easy way to give it to them! You are already messaging to your target market with print – brochures, catalogues, business cards, samples and other collateral materials you are giving out. Here's a quick and easy way to add tags to your existing inventory – no need to re-print! Get sheets of stickers containing your custom tags – driving them to your website, your videos, your vCard – simple and easy. See how easy it is to add credibility to your marketing with mobile tags. Watch this quick video. Create your tag, and get sheets of stickers you can use to brand yourself! And – when you need custom print – connect with Red Mat Media directly to help you with your full design needs! Contact at email@example.com and see what we can create for you!
Posted by itagit on October 27, 2011
Want More Likes on your Facebook Page?
Create a tag to do just that! Get familiar with tags – and get creative too! You can create tags for so many things – and getting fans to your Facebook page is a great way to create credibility – and drive traffic to your facebook page! Especially if you are using your facebook page to educate your customers and prospects to what your product and service is about, and use it to keep them in the know – create a tag that links to you! Get them liking you – and thus FOLLOWING YOU!
Creating the tag is simple – and you can even get sticker sheets sent to you immediately that make it easy to put on everything you hand out. Are you giving out brochures, business cards, samples? Put one of your custom stickers on everything! Make a custom sticker that links them directly to your facebook page to like you – and then you have a captive audience for everything you post!
It's simple and its easy – just go to www.itagit.com – create your custom tag, order tag sticker sheets, and stick them on everything! Soon you will be the most "liked" page in your industry!
Posted by itagit on October 26, 2011
YOU are your Brand – Promote Yourself with Mobile Tags!
Your brand is your credibility! No matter what your business, no matter how big or small, YOU ARE YOUR BRAND! Using mobile tags to promote yourself is easy – you just need to know how. Think about this – what are you handing out now? Business Cards? Brochures? Flyers? Does your company provide them for you? Do you have a lot of them in your personal inventory? Maybe you think it is too late to get your own mobile tag on them? Not So! You need to be sure that everything you hand out has your mobile tag on it. Yes, EVERYTHING! Make your one-dimensional print come to life with your own mobile tag. You can create mobile tags that are printed and sent to you within 24 hours at http://www.itagit.com. Think it's too complicated? Watch this simple how-to video:
Then get busy. Get your tags, and put them on everything. Your tag can tie to a video on your site, your site itself, a vCard, and even a direct dialer, getting your customers and prospects to come to you!
When you use mobile tags, you increase your credibility dramatically. For one, you are showing that you are cutting edge – marketing and sharing your message in a new and impressive way. You educate your prospects on the use of their smartphone. And, you are increasing your web and video traffic. You have created the way for your customers to come to you right now. Not relying on them to go to your website later when they get back to their computer. And, you are increasing the number of hits to your video or site too. And getting your contact information directly into your user's phone. There are so many ways your are increasing your presence – both on the web, and in your customer or prospects mind.
Don't just do one type of tag. Make many tags. Each has a purpose. Whether you have multiple videos, different pages on your site, perhaps one for product, one for contacts, one for video – you can create multiple tags for use in everything you give out!
Maximize your exposure through the use of mobile tags.
Posted by itagit on October 25, 2011
Recent Posts
- Using Mobile Tagging to Improve Your Print Campaigns
- Tag your e-mails – Drive your traffic!
- Consumers Expect Mobile Interaction!
- Want More Likes on your Facebook Page?
- YOU are your Brand – Promote Yourself with Mobile Tags!
- Why Customize Your Tag?
- Use Mobile Tags On Samples – Customers Call You!
- The Future of Mobile Tagging
- Why Use Microsoft Tags?
Like Us!


text:
French Rugby
A year to remember
Ian Moriarty
June 2, 2010
Clermont Auvergne celebrate with the Bouclier de Brennus © Getty Images
What a year it's been for French rugby. A Six Nations Grand Slam for Les Bleus, dominance at Heineken Cup level, with a record fourth trophy in the bag for Toulouse, and Clermont's fairytale Top 14 win have made it one of the most memorable seasons in recent years, especially coming off the back of a disappointing 2009. So as the summer kicks in, now seems as good a time as any to look back on the last twelve months and hand out les médailles d'honore.
Where to start? Well, as final curtains go, there could not have been a better feel-good end to the season than last weekend's French Championship final. Every man and his dog knew that in winning against Perpignan on Saturday Clermont were consigning one of the worst losing streaks in sporting history to the dustbin. But what was most important was the manner in which they have always tried to play. Vern Cotter's men go out to entertain and three lost Top 14 finals in a row did nothing to change that.
Meanwhile, Toulouse copper-fastened their position as the greatest European club of the modern era by carrying off yet another Heineken Cup. Is there any coach that will ever come close to matching the record of Guy Noves? The tragedy for French rugby will be that those in power continue to ignore France's best coach if Marc Lièvremont steps down after the World Cup in 2011.
For all the plaudits however, there will also be those who will have bittersweet memories of the season. In the bars and cafés of Montauban over the course of the summer, the locals will no doubt be engaging in a bout of hand-wringing as they attempt to come to terms with their clubs' startling fall from grace. Only just over a year ago, Montauban were welcoming then-European Champions Munster to Stade Sapiac for a Heineken Cup tie. Despite losing the services of their coaches and a host of key players last summer, the club survived the 2009-10 season only to be relegated due to financial problems. While the club is working on a restructuring plan, it seems unlikely that their supporters will see top flight rugby again for a number of years. Even so, Montauban will not be the last small French club to go to the wall.
TEAM OF THE SEASON: Clermont Auvergne
It seems inconceivable that Toulouse's fourth Heineken Cup victory could be overshadowed but that is exactly what happened last Saturday when Clermont captured their first Bouclier de Brennus. Coach Vern Cotter's comment that the victory was the culmination of four years of work was apt; Clermont have consistently threatened Europe's finest in that time only to come unstuck at vital moments. They gave an unfortunate reminder of this in the Heineken Cup quarter final against Leinster, when they dominated the European Champions in Dublin only for Brock James to leave his kicking boots at home. No matter. Les Jaunards finally, if a little belatedly, turned up when it mattered, proving themselves to be worthy champions of France.
Honourable mentions: Toulouse, Toulon
PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique)
Harinordoquy had a quite extraordinary return to top form with both Biarritz and the national side. Many will choose to remember his 'Gladiator-like' performance in the Heineken semi final against Munster but he has been at it all season for club and country and will be a huge loss for France on their summer tour, having been ruled out through injury.
Honourable Mentions : Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse), Joe Van Niekerk (Toulon)
YOUNG PLAYER: Morgan Parra (Clermont Auvergne)
In Morgan Parra, Clermont and France have found a scrum-half who is set to dominate the scene for the next decade or so. A key player this season for both sides, Parra has the talent to match his sizeable gob, the perfect balance for a top-class No.9. Took over the kicking duties for Clermont when Brock James hit the skids and did superbly.
Honourable Mentions : Alexandre Lapandry (Clermont), Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan), Wenseslas Lauret (Biarritz)
UNSUNG HERO: Lionel Nallet (Racing Metro)
After a quiet couple of years with Castres and France, 2010 saw a rejuvenated Nallet star for the Parisian club in their run towards the Top 14 play-offs. Nallet however, is a grafter, and the fact that he was barely seen all season long is confirmation that the 32 year-old was the vital cog in an impressive Racing pack.
Honourable Mentions: Elvis Vermuelen (Clermont), William Servat (Toulouse)
COACH: Vern Cotter (Clermont Auvergne)
We all knew what his teams were capable of on a one-off basis but last weekend confirmed what many more suspected - that Cotter is one of the finest coaches in European rugby. There will always be those who claim that the previous defeats in Top 14 finals have left an indelible mark on his career but surely that just points to Cotter's achievement in overcoming the sizeable psychological scars at the club.
Honourable Mentions: Guy Noves (Toulouse), Philippe St André (Toulon), Laurent Labit (Castres)
Known for being a guy who keeps his emotions in check, Cotter couldn't help but wipe away the tears moments after the final whistle last weekend. In doing so, it told us everything we needed to know about Clermont's historic victory against Perpignan. A million emotions captured in a couple of seconds by a roving cameraman - quite wonderful.
Honourable mention: It would have taken something special to beat the image of Imanol Harinordoquy, replete with face mask, picking himself up off the ground for the umpteenth time after receiving a rib injury in Biarritz's Heineken semi final with Munster.
© Scrum.com
Communication error please reload the page.


text:
All images © Rick Sammon. All rights reserved.
A while back, one of our DPE podcast listeners asked us about photographing in Galapagos. We addressed her questions on the show, but here are some of my photos that illustrate a few of the tips that Juan and I shared.
For info on the gear I use, click on the links on this page.
Above: Always be ready for action. This short-ear owl grabbed this dove in a split second. Canon 100-400mm IS lens.
Above: Sure, bring your telephoto zoom lens, but don't forget your wide-angle lens. You can get very close to the animals. Canon 15mm lens.
Above: Shoot eye-to-eye . . . rather than standing straight up and shooting like a tourist. Canon 17-40mm lens.
Above: Don't always shoot eye-to-eye :-) Get down to give the subject the feeling of power! Canon 15mm lens.
Above: Stick like glue to the guide. He or she can help you get great shots. Canon 100-400mm IS lens.
Above: Look for pictures that tell a story. Canon 17-40mm lens.
Enjoy the wildlife experience. It's like no other on the planet! Canon 100-400mm IS lens.
You'll find quick tips like this – and some Galapagos photographs – in my flagship app, Rick Sammon's 24/7 Photo Buffet.
Explore the Light,


text:
With the election a nail biter and the stock market stalled out, traders have been watching sectors that reflect the views of the presidential candidates for clues to Tuesday's too-close-to-call election.
Stocks that would do well with Mitt Romney in the White House have been outperforming recently, but longer term they lag the sectors that would fare better if President Barack Obama wins re-election.
On Monday, there was selling in some sectors that could be especially hurt if President Barack Obama stays in office.
That includes banks, presumably because he's viewed as tougher on financial regulation, and dividend-paying REITs and utilities because he favors higher taxes.
Jeff Kleintop of LPL Financial has created a relative strength index showing Romney stocks, such as coal, specialty retail, managed care and telecommunications services, versus Democrat favored stocks like healthcare services, homebuilding and food and staples retailing.
"Since the start of the year, the Democrat portfolio, the Democrat favored sectors have outperformed and they remain higher. Since the first debate, we've seen it shift back towards the Republicans.We've seen industries like coal, which Romney mentioned many times, move in a huge way," said Kleintop, adding banks and managed care stocks also moved higher.
After the first debate, Romney, Wall Street's preferred candidate, edged ahead in the polls and now the race is neck and neck.
CNBC created its own Obama and Romney portfolios. The Obama portfolio is up 20 percent year-to-date but it is flat, up just 0.1 percent since the first debate. Since then, the biggest loser on the Obama list is Vanguard Health .
Romney's portfolio, meanwhile, is up 1.25 percent since the first debate, but the portfolio is up just 1 percent for the year. The best performing stock in that portfolio is James River Coal, up 75 percent since the first debate.
Barry Knapp, head of equity portfolio strategy at Barclays, said his Romney basket outperformed the S&P by 400 basis points in October but it's since lagged.
On Monday, as the stock market recovered gains in the afternoon, he credited the move on more positive sentiment about Romney.
With Super Storm Sandy dominating the news, Obama has been seen to have gained some momentum but the polls remain tight.
The Dow ended the day up 19 at 13,112, and the S&P 500 was up 3 at 1417.
"People came in this morning thinking Romney could lose and as the day's gone on, I've gotten more calls and people are talking about it. I think the market is rallying now on the idea it could still go to Mitt," said Knapp.
Knapp said the market may be acting the way it did in 1980, when Ronald Reagan took the White House. The market moved lower in the end of October, but then rallied after the election.
(Read More: For the Economy, Does It Matter Who Wins Tomorrow?)
"I think if Mitt Romney wins, you will get a bounce in business confidence," said Knapp. "There's obviously policy beneficiary sectors – big banks and managed care." Sectors that would be lifted by capital spending would also benefit, he said.
Kleintop said the Senate races are key. If Democrats hold the Senate, there is still the likelihood of gridlock, no matter who wins. "I think the focus turns to the Senate and the lame duck session which starts as soon as Nov. 13," said Kleintop.
"The market will be very quickly laying odds on how, when and if they deal with the fiscal cliff." The fiscal cliff is the double whammy that could hit the economy, if Congress fails to act on expiring tax cuts and the start of automatic spending cuts Jan. 1.
(Read More: Hang On — Did Wall Street Just Give Up on Mitt Romney?)
The Dow on five of the last six presidential election days moved less than a percent. On the last election day, when Obama was elected, the Dow gained 3.3 percent, its biggest election day move since 1932 when Franklin Roosevelt defeated Herbert Hoover, and the Dow rose 3.5 percent.
Two of the next biggest moves on the last 20 presidential election dates were the Reagan years. In 1980 when Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the Dow rose 1.4 percent, and it rose 1.2 percent the day he was re-elected in 1984.
Follow Patti Domm on Twitter: @pattidomm
Questions? Comments? Email us at email@example.com


text:
Friday, August 05, 2005
The Kennedy-Dodd Waitress Sandwich Information Clearinghouse
by Bonjo
Chris Dodd, recalling the good old days.
One of the search terms that frequently brings visitors to the SOTR is "kennedy dodd waitress sandwich". Somehow our lowly blog has become the Internet repository for information on Ted Kennedy, Chris Dodd and an unsuspecting waitress at La Brasserie (a restaurant near Capitol Hill in Washington, DC). Some accounts put this event at The Monocle, another DC restaurant. For all we know, it happened at both establishments--and who's to say similar antics didn't occur at many others. Therefore, let it be established that the two senators were at a restaurant.
So to satisfy everyone's curiosity, we offer the following, compiled from various sources:
In 1985, Dodd and fellow Senator Ted Kennedy were out (with dates) for a night on the town at La Brasserie. Much liquor was consumed--that will come as a shock to those of us familiar with Ted Kennedy--and the two Senators were at one point unaccompanied by their dates. The Senators made a "Waitress Sandwich" out of some poor, unsuspecting waitress.
If you're not entirely sure what that means, let's just say you wouldn't want to be the waitress.
Article clip, from the Hartford Courant:
"Dodd and Kennedy were also reported to have made a 'human sandwich' with a waitress at La Brasserie, another Capitol Hill restaurant. The report had it that Kennedy threw the woman on Dodd, who was slumped in a chair, and then jumped on top of her. She was said to have run screaming from the room."
Summary of 1989 Penthouse magazine article, summarized by the Washington Times:
"When she put in an appearance in their private retreat - 'The Teddy Kennedy Fun Room' - the Massachusetts senator picked her up and heaved her onto a table. The crystal candlesticks and champagne glasses shattered as he grabbed her again and flung her on top of Dodd.
"Then Kennedy threw himself on top of the woman. The waitress implored Mr. Kennedy to 'Get off me!'
"Another waitress entered to find 'things all tipped over and Kennedy was on top, [the waitress] was in the middle and Dodd was on the bottom.' At that point the sandwich was disassembled."
Related: DC "Waitress Sandwich Shop" Shutters Doors
Washington Post, August 5, 2005
La Brasserie, a French restaurant on Capitol Hill, closed last month, after a 27-year history of catering to political bigwigs and Hollywood A-listers.
"It was quite a Hill institution," said Lynne Breaux, executive director of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, who has eaten there several times. "It was a lovely restaurant."
La Brasserie was located in a town house on Massachusetts Avenue Northeast. It served such politicos as the late Sen. Daniel Moynihan, New York Democrat, former Vice President Al Gore and the late Rep. Sonny Bono, California Republican, as well as actors like Jimmy Stewart, Paul Newman and Jane Fonda, [and who could forget Ted Kennedy and Chris Dodd making unique contributions to our sandwich menu] said Lynne Campet, a former co-owner of the restaurant.
"A lot of important people dined there," she said.
Mrs. Campet and her husband, Raymond, bought the restaurant in 1978 with Gaby and Marie Aubouin. At the time, it was a Greek-owned restaurant called Maxim's and previously a cafe called La Ruche.
Mr. Campet and Mr. Aubouin, who worked at the French Embassy together, built the restaurant into a neighborhood favorite. The outdoor patio was "very special," Mrs. Campet said, adding that diners sought the tables under the property's big tree.
The 2003 Zagat Survey, which rates restaurants in different markets, said La Brasserie's terrace "transports one to Paris."
The French-inspired menu included such items as the cold three pepper soup, crabmeat and mozzarella lasagna, homemade tarts and creme brulee.
In 1992, the restaurant was sold to sisters Audrey and Karinne Dequeker, who could not be reached for comment yesterday.
10 Comment(s):
<< Home
Actually - it was a lot more "horrific" and intimidating than reported.
One has to ask the waitresses involved/present - to know the truth ...
So, believe what you want ...
One has to ask the waitresses involved/present - to know the truth ...
So, believe what you want ...
This is a lot worse than I had thought. I can't believe these guys were reelected! Total garbage - almost enough to turn me into a Republican. At least the hypocritical homophobes seek consensual sexual favors.
My father was very like to play the Aion, but he do not know how to buy the aion gold, so I know a website sell the cheap aion gold, in here I can buy aion gold. it is easy.
Here are 2 websites dedicated to the "Inventors" of the WAITRESS SANDWICH - http://www.FATBOY.cc - http://www.DumpChrisDodd.com
To find out who a person really is don't see them under pressure. Don't see them struggling against some great difficulty. Just give them power. That's when they show you who they really are.
You did a good job here. I'm from Connecticut and I am familiar with Mr Dodd and his "Issues" Check my blog http://tyler306.livejournal.com/.Post a Comment
I wrote a piece on his father. To be posted 5/7/2011...There is also a new book about his corrupt Dad by David E. Koskoff. These guys can't hide forever. If two people know a secret, its not a secret....
I wrote a piece on his father. To be posted 5/7/2011...There is also a new book about his corrupt Dad by David E. Koskoff. These guys can't hide forever. If two people know a secret, its not a secret....
<< Home


text:
- Description
DetailsThis stainless steel kick plate offers a material that is cost effective and attractive. This is our most popular choice for protecting your doors and walls. Most common type of kick plates used in restaurants and hotels.
- Additional Information
Additional Information
Weight 9.2400 Height 30" Width 22" Guage/Thickness 0.048" (18ga) Material Stainless


text:
This comes from yesterday's Blue Jays game. Keep an eye on the fauxhawked dude in the white shirt bottom left of the video. He's about to take a magical tour of the Rogers Centre.
Unlike most streakers, thrown and flummoxed by the realization that I'm on a damn baseball field!, out man has a plan. He's going for second base, and he's going to slide in under the tag. And then, if there's time? A mad dash to center, and the sweet air of Canadian freedom. But gravity, upper-body strength, and Rogers Centre security had another thing to say about that.
And here's another angle of his doomed dash for freedom:


text:
Oddballs are fish that don't fit in any of the common families, and some don't even fit in the common tank :) However, properly cared for, the oddballs are fascinating, and in some cases, oddly beautiful, fishes.
There is no way to lump them into one water parameter, or even tank size, but in this post I'll list several of them with their care. Questions are, of course, welcome.
Now, some species.
The African Butterfly Fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is native to still, vegetation-choked water ways of Western Africa, and is not only our first oddball; its the only member of its genus.
Pantondon (means teeth everywhere) buchholzi reach nearly 5 inches, and is the most common oddball in shops.
They are perfect for a planted tank that has top swimming room, especially one with a few floating plants in it, as it mimics the natural habitat. They prefer water between pH 6.5 to 7.5, moderately soft to moderately hard. It is unwise to keep top-swimming fish like danios with them, as they will naturally snatch and eat them, and Pantondons have surprisingly large mouths. Also, their tank MUST be covered, as the fish will sail right out at night. They are strictly top feeders; if it doesn't float and wiggle, they won't eat it.
Really a sort of flying fish, African Butterfly Fish have long, wing-like pectoral fins, especially the males, making it easy to identify the sexes when viewed from the top. The top of the fish is flat, and the ventral and anal fins are feathered with long, feeler-like rays. Their large eyes look forward and up to spot prey, and the colors are browns and blacks
They are strictly carnivorous and live food is mandated with them. They are particularly fond of crickets. You can dust the crickets with powders designed for color or lipids (NatureRose and Protein HUFA are brands) as it improves health and vitality. Earthworms, small healthy live fish, cockroaches; all will be eagerly eaten, though you'll probably have to hand-feed the worms and the fish. Live foods designed for lizards like meal worms are perfect, and mixing them with frozen or freeze-dried examples over time can wean Pantodons off purely live foods. Variety is particularly important with these fish. African Butterfly Fish are also long lived, with 15 years or more common.
They do well in groups of their fellows given the space, and you may see a rare breeding when kept en masse. The large, yellow eggs float, collecting around floating plants, and the parents don't touch the eggs, nor the tadpole-like young. They aren't difficult to wean on to floating high quality pellets, but you'll have to lower the water in the fry tank to just a few inches to get the food and the little Butterfly Fish together.
Anableps anableps from the coast of South America is our next oddball and is a livebearer of another sort from the guppies, swordtails and mollies we know - for the larger, brackish-water tank.
Reaching a foot in length and doing far better in groups of six or more, Anablep's common name - Four-Eyed Fish, is incorrect, as the fish has two eyes, but the iris is split to see both above the water, to spot predators and fishkeepers, and under the water to search for food.
They are long, golden and silvery, slender fish. The sides are divided by a trio of blue-black lines, and the belly is greenish white. Males have a gonopodium for copulation and identification, and they are noticeably smaller and more slender than the females. Their water must be brackish, say 1.015 specific gravity. Temperature should be around 77 degrees, pH about 7.5 to 8 and fairly hard, gH of about 14.
Also, the surface area should be large, and you can add a beach area if you wish on one end of the tank as occasionally Anableps likes to haul out on land, usually to look for food, like a cricket which has crawled out of the water. They MUST have live food to have live young, and nothing is more discouraging than to see baby Anableps being born dead. A tank about 200 gallons is good for a group of them. The tank can be kept half full if you use a beach (which your should) and a few floating plants wouldn't be amiss. Anableps tends to take a rest, time to time, on floating plants.
Foods should float, as they won't take anything that sinks. Live foods are preferred and very beneficial to them. Crickets, meal worms and earthworms are good, and they will take the latter two right from your hand. You can also feed them freeze-dried food like krill, but emulsify them with Selco or Super Selco first to increase the nutrition and to make them more palatable to the fish. Variety is vitally important with these fish. Anableps are always hungry so they should be fed enough to eat in within a minute - no less than four times a day - as starved, they suffer deformities, disease and death. The water has to be very well filtered and very clean, as they are quite sensitive to dissolved organics like Nitrate.
Breeding them is very, very special, because not many keep them in groups, feed them correctly or keep them in large enough tanks. Remember, surface area is most important, so a custom-made acrylic tank may be necessary to keep a group of these fascinating fish.
The babies are nothing short of charming, and will take food like small freeze dried shrimp right from your hand. The parents should be removed after spawning. Mine never ate the babies, but err on the side of safety by removing the parents.
Small surface-dwelling fish are a big no-no with Anableps, because the will by nature eat them. Larger tankmates like Archer Fish are ignored.
Anableps are very neat fish, and one of my favorites.
A favorite of the brackish tank due to its method of getting food is Toxotes jaculatrix; the Archer Fish of the mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia.
Simply a silvery, flat-topped, 10-inch fish with black markings half-way down the body, Archer Fish are almost strictly surface feeders, and their food of choice is insects.
In the top of the fish's mouth is a groove where, by the pressure of the tongue and the snapping of the gills, the fish can shoot down any insect that alights on a plant within the adult fish's 10-foot range. Their large eyes account for the natural refraction of water, though it takes youngsters some time to learn to correct for the diffraction. When an insect is spotted, the archer pokes his snout out of the water and shoots a stream of water that nearly 100 percent of the time downs the insect. A rare miss is followed by a machine gun of water pellets from the Archer Fish. They often shoot in groups, and there's no enmity if another gets the insect shot down.
Small ones can only shoot five or six inches, but the range increases as they grow.
They can also jump out of the water to snatch a bug off a branch that's within a foot of the water, so make sure to cover your Archer Fish tank.
They will eat insects like crickets happily, and soon learn to take pelleted foods that float as well. If it's an insect that floats, Archer Fish will eat it, and bugs are their best food. Dust them with vitamin and mineral powders for maximum nutrition. You can hand-feed Archers things like meal worms, which are a good food, being the larvae of a beetle. Though they feed mostly on the surface, they can go deeper, if it's something they see and wish to eat, like live shrimp.
The Encyclopedia of Live Foods by Charles Masters has information on culturing several kinds of bugs to feed your Archers and other insect-eaters. It's recommended you culture your own insects to feed your fish, because you'll be secure in knowing they come from a clean source.
Their ability to shoot down insects that land on vegetation is what makes these fish a dependable show for visitors. You can toss live house flies under the cover, and watch your Archers pick off each one.
By the way, Toxotes means a bowman (archer).
On to Part 2


text:
KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Joe Haden doesn't know much about new Browns coach Mike Pettine. However, the cornerback hopes his new coach will bring swagger to Cleveland.
"I like attitude, definitely," Haden said after Wednesday's Pro Bowl practice.
Haden believes the Browns, with six Pro Bowl players, are a candidate for a quick turnaround in 2014. He said someone like Pettine could help get the Browns over the hump.
"A coach can help a lot," Haden said. "I think he is going to bring a mentality. A lot of teams take after their coach. Like the Steelers and (Mike) Tomlin. The way that he coaches is the way they go out there and play. So I think definitely the coach sets the frame for what the team looks like."
Pettine spent last season with the Buffalo Bills. Prior to that he was Rex Ryan's defensive coordinator with the New York Jets.
One of the players Pettine helped coach in New York was cornerback Darrelle Revis. That relationship wasn't lost on Haden.
"That means he knows what a good corner is supposed to look like and I hope I can give him exactly what he wants," Haden said. "I just can't wait to talk to him and see what approach he wants to take with me."
Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon, like Haden, said he didn't know much about Pettine except what he witnessed on the field against the Bills.
"From what I saw when we played them this past season, he's a really good defensive coordinator," Gordon said. "If he is any thing like he is at DC, I'm sure he'll be a pretty good head coach for us. We are glad to have him."
If any Browns player in Hawaii have inquiries about their new coach, all they need to do is ask one of their Pro Bowl teammates. Pettine sent four Bills defenders to Hawaii this year.
"He's a heck of a leader, he knows what he's talking about," defensive end Mario Williams said Thursday. "He helped (me) tremendously. He had a really good scheme. His staff was a big part of our success and our ability this year."
Haden hopes Pettine can help the Browns in one main aspect:
"I'm trying to win some games," he said. "I've been here for four years, this is going to be my fifth year, and I haven't won more than like five games, so my whole thing is just trying to get to the playoffs."
We handed out awards for the 2014 coaching class and talked all the latest headlines in the latest "Around The League Podcast."


text:
MirandaM necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 98 diseños de 34 diseñadores freelance.
We are a new company that produces swimwear made from environmentally friendly fabrics. Our brand is young and fun, with the eco-friendly angle a bonus. We require a fun but classic (ie, won't look dated in a few years) brand logo that will be used on our swimwear, website and all communications. The logo will be used on both men's and women's swimwear so it must appeal to both sexes.
Our brand is targeting fun, young (aged 20s-30s) men and women who are environmentally aware. We want to be a mainstream brand but more exclusive than a surf brand.
The logo should contain the brand name "Canarywear" and an icon of a canary bird. The "Canarywear" and bird graphic need to be able to be used either together or alone, ie. we want to have the option of using either (canary bird icon+"Canarywear") or (canary bird icon) alone or ("Canarywear") alone on our swimwear.
Other details:
- The logo will be printed on clothing so must not be too complicated.
-Preferred colours are yellow (for the bird), green and blue.
-Must be scalable, so that it can be used in any size, from websites to business cards.
-Must use vector graphics
-No stock images or clip art please
The file formats we require are:
-Print file format - .ai (CMYK),
-Web file format - .jpg, layered .psd (RGB)
and any other formats you think might be helpful
The logo will form the basis of the company and will be used in all areas including the swimwear, website, print materials.
We can't wait to see what you come up with. Thanks!
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
URGENT: Dems' email bonanza
House Democrats have their email fundraising down to a science: Cast Speaker John Boehner as the leading villain, use President Barack Obama's signature (but sparingly) and don't hesitate to go ALL CAPS with a subject line like this: "BREAKING: IMPEACHMENT."
Over the top? Undoubtedly. But the fact is it's working — better than anything Republicans have tried so far. Last week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised $4.8 million, thanks to a series of "red alert" emails feeding off talk of impeachment and Boehner's lawsuit against Obama over executive actions. It was the committee's best week for online fundraising.
Story Continued Below
All the handicappers say Democrats have no chance of retaking the House in November and that the party may well lose seats. But in the race for cash, their official campaign arm is leaving the GOP in the dust month in and month out — and email fundraising is the No. 1 reason why.
Republicans are taking notice.
(Also on POLITICO: How Roberts beat Wolf)
"I've been loving the [DCCC's] emails," GOP digital consultant Wesley Donehue said at a recent campaign tech conference in San Francisco. "I've been sending them to my team [and saying], 'Do this, because this s—- is awesome."
Still, the five-alarm fire approach isn't without skeptics, even among Democrats. Some party activists worry the tone and frequency of the messages will have a "boy who cries wolf" effect, desensitizing donors over the long haul and ultimately making them less willing to pony up. "There's a risk that people … will disengage," said Will Bunnett, a member of Obama's 2008 email team who now manages online campaigns for the communications firm Trilogy Interactive.
The DCCC folks seem entirely unburdened by such concerns. The results, they say, speak for themselves: The committee is on pace to easily top its 2012 record of $49 million raised through emails — and all those millions translate into more field workers and TV ads this fall, and potentially a better election night.
The man behind the missives is Brandon English, a 30-year-old Brown grad who came to the committee in 2006 with minimal experience in digital technology. Sporting jeans and beat-up sneakers on a recent day at party headquarters, English recounted how he landed that entry-level gig: He did a Google search for "Democratic Party jobs" and stumbled upon an online department opening at the DCCC in Washington.
( Also on POLITICO: To pick staff, Scalise turns to lobbyist)
"Which, if I'm being honest, I'd not heard of up to this point," he cracked.
English shot through the DCCC's digital ranks over multiple election cycles, proving so effective at pushing donors' buttons that DCCC Chairman Steve Israel (N.Y.) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi made personal pleas to him after the 2012 election to stick around for two more years.
"Obviously, it's not normal to be the guy that's on Year Eight at a party committee," English said. "It's usually you do your two years and you go."
He is plainly having fun. English recently did his own end-zone dance on Twitter, after ABC reporter Jonathan Karl asked at a White House briefing whether the Obama administration coordinated with the DCCC to raise money off the impeachment talk.
"LOLz (A: no. we're just that damn fast)," English tweeted.
( Also on POLITICO: The most popular guy in Washington)
Media buzz keeps building, from an Atlantic tick-tock of 21 messages sent over one week about impeachment to a Tumblr post pitching other humorous ideas the Democrats could use to raise money. (One suggested subject line: "There Is Literally No Reason Left To Live.")
Faiz Shakir, a former Pelosi digital director who now has the same job for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said English has "been able to evolve and adapt their email strategy to capitalize on the zeitgeist of the moment."
Striking an urgent tone in emails hasn't been difficult. The GOP has given English plenty of material, from countless Obamacare repeal bills to the government shutdown and demands to see Obama's birth certificate.
"If the Republicans weren't constantly awful," English deadpanned, "we wouldn't be sending emails about how the Republicans are constantly awful."
( Also on POLITICO: Rand Paul's biggest flip-flops)
The Democrats' digital operation is actually a mix of low tech and high tech.
English's 11-person team is squirreled back in a corner of the DCCC's headquarters, with several desks overlooking the Amtrak tracks. No resemblance here to a Silicon Valley startup with ping-pong tables or a Zen meditation room; it's a cubicle farm straight out of the 1990s. A large red digital clock hangs on one wall, not far from a rack of old-school print newspapers and magazines.
For ideas, English and his staff lean on cable TV, online news and their own email inboxes to see what Democratic-aligned supporters are most riled up about. After a 9 a.m. senior DCCC staff meeting, English and his deputy, Charles Starnes, huddle with the writing team to map out the day's email strategy. Three writers usually pen three versions of a message before sharing them for peer editing. English then weighs in before handing the drafts over to Starnes for a final scrub.
Recognizing about a third of their audience will read emails on a mobile phone, English said he insists that messages are no longer than 70 words before the first donation link.
"We know we have to get to the point and we have to get to the point quick," English said. "I'm very incredibly nit-picky about every single word in our emails. Any extra words, extra sentences, unnecessary anything can just kill an email."


text:
Tremonit single debuts No. 10 on iTunes Rock Chart
In a chart dominated by voices from NBC's smash television show The Voice, a new voice has found his way in to the Top 10 on the iTunes Rock Singles Chart. Mark Tremonti, best known for his guitar playing and songwriting with Alter Bridge and Creed, takes the microphone for the first time and unleashes another hit with "You Waste Your Time."
The song is the debut single from Mark's first ever solo project, being released under the name Tremonti, and hits #10 on the chart just one day after being released to iTunes. The song has already gotten early plays at radio just days after being serviced and further demonstrates Tremonti is a force to be reckoned with. A performance video for the single will be available in the coming weeks.
"I am overwhelmed by the positive response the song has received already. I never imagined it would hit the Top 10 so quickly and that is a testament to the amazing fans I have. I couldn't have gotten anywhere in my career without them and want to thank each and every one of them for their support. I can't wait until they hear the rest of it," states Tremonti.
All I Was is scheduled for release this July via FRET12 Records, a company Mark started with Daniel Tremonti and Tom Stanley.Tremonti features Eric Friedman on rhythm guitar and Garrett Whitlock on drums. Mark's Alter Bridge/Creed bandmate, Brian Marshall, will be stepping in for the bass duties when Tremonti takes to the road later this year. Long time friend and collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette, known for his work with Alter Bridge, Chevelle and Trivium, produced the album. From the first riffs of album opener "Leave It Alone" to the final notes of the closer "Decay," it is apparent that Mark's playing and songwriting are at a new level. The metal music influences he grew up on ring throughout the album on songs like "So You're Afraid," "Wish You Well" and "Giving Up." Mark finds his voice; literally, stepping up to the microphone for the first time in his career as a lead vocalist. The depth of his voice carries the melodies on songs like "New Way Out" and "Proof."
Mark Tremonti is the Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter known for his work in multi-platinum rock juggernaut Creed and with the critically acclaimed, fan favorite Alter Bridge. Having sold over 40 million records worldwide, this is the man behind massive hits like "My Own Prison", "Higher", and "Isolation"— just to name a few. His sound is recognizable and has garnered him a loyal fan base worldwide. Guitar Worlddubbed him "Guitarist of the Year" three consecutive years in a row and he ranked as the "fourth greatest heavy metal guitarist ever" in Total Guitar.


text:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A commission set up by the Pennsylvania Legislature after Jerry Sandusky's molestation arrest last year says "sweeping" changes to state law are needed.
The Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection announced Tuesday its recommendations, which include rewriting state law.
It says the state should change how child abuse cases are handled, revamp how child abuse crimes are investigated, and improve training for those responsible for child welfare.
The group says the state should eliminate a requirement that children have to experience severe pain in order to be classified as abuse under the law.
The definition of "perpetrator" would be expanded greatly and penalties would be harsher for people who don't report abuse.
Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach, is serving a state prison sentence for child sexual abuse.


text:
Phillies are looking to win now, not rebuild
Marlon Byrd reinvented himself. The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping he will help them do the same thing -- without a trip to Mexico and a long time staring into the abyss.
One of baseball's best lineups during a run of five consecutive playoff seasons, including the World Series championship season in 2008, the Phillies have looked to win low-scoring games in recent seasons, and that formula produced only 73 victories this past season -- the franchise's fewest since '00.
Marlon Byrd reinvented himself. The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping he will help them do the same thing -- without a trip to Mexico and a long time staring into the abyss.
One of baseball's best lineups during a run of five consecutive playoff seasons, including the World Series championship season in 2008, the Phillies have looked to win low-scoring games in recent seasons, and that formula produced only 73 victories this past season -- the franchise's fewest since '00.
From 2005-10, Philadelphia either led the National League in scoring or was second. But little by little, the lineup lost thump. Guys like Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand and Raul Ibanez left, and Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins got a little older.
When Ryan Howard blew out his Achilles tendon making the final out in an NL Division Series loss in 2011, an era ended, whether the team's front office wanted to admit it or not.
Holdovers like Rollins and Utley must find their form from the 2007 season, when the Phils averaged 5.5 runs per game. The Phillies have seen their scoring totals drop four years in a row, from 4.8 in '10 to 4.4 in '11, 4.2 in '12 and 3.8 in '13, when they outscored only the Cubs and Marlins in the NL.
Senior vice president and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., meanwhile, amassed and hoarded a collection of elite starting pitchers who annually required more and more of the organization's resources.
When the Phillies won the second of their back-to-back NL pennants in 2009, their three highest-paid starting pitchers (Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton ) took up 21.3 percent of the Opening Day payroll. But it was Cliff Lee, acquired in midseason, who was the playoff ace.
When the Phils had a chance to trade for Roy Halladay that winter, they did. Lee was subsequently dealt to Seattle, but he returned as a free agent a year later. And Cole Hamels, who at age 24 had worked 35 masterful innings in the 2008 playoffs, became a workhorse requiring a similar payroll commitment.
In 2013, Halladay, Lee and Hamels earned a combined $65.5 million, which represented 40.9 percent of the $160 million payroll. Combine that with the commitments to Howard, Utley and Rollins, and the front office has left itself precious little wiggle room for constructing the rest of the roster.
The situation screams for good young players, and the Phillies' farm system hasn't been able to provide answers. Left fielder Domonic Brown, who looked like the next big thing when he got to Philadelphia as a 22-year-old in 2010, had stalled before showing serious power during some stretches of last season.
Through it all, president and CEO David Montgomery has remained consistent in providing resources and reinforcing the commitment to produce a contender. Had ownership not kept the pedal to the metal, Amaro might have traded Hamels at midseason in 2012 rather than extend his contract.
Even after finishing 23 games behind Atlanta last season in an NL East division that also includes a Nationals team that looks to be built to last as a contender, and with a first-year manager in Ryne Sandberg, the mandate remains to maximize each season, not take a step back. That's why it remains possible that the Phils will re-sign the 36-year-old Halladay, who has had his last two seasons ruined by a career-threatening shoulder injury, and why Amaro so quickly committed $16 million over two years to Byrd, another 36-year-old.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was effusive in his praise of Byrd, saying the outfielder threw "aces all over the table'' after being traded to Pittsburgh on Aug. 27. In 30 regular-season games as the Bucs' right fielder, Byrd hit .318 with an .843 OPS and became something of a leader by example.
"Clubhouse demeanor, the game edge, the quality at-bats, the ability to defend in right field, modeling the behavior you're looking to see late in the season at the plate in the batter's box -- young players get to see it,'' Hurdle said. [Byrd] has layers of mental toughness, physical toughness, mental discipline. He plays with an edge. He is the culmination of a lot of years of experience in the Major Leagues, a lot of ups, a lot of downs.''
Byrd was discarded by the Cubs and Red Sox in 2012, when he was also hit with a 50-game suspension for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drugs policy. He easily could have called it a career but instead spent last winter in Mexico working on his hitting. Byrd landed a Spring Training invitation from the Mets and easily won a roster spot. He hit .285 with an .848 OPS in 117 games for them before the trade.
The Phillies' right fielders ranked 13th in the NL with a combined .709 OPS last season -- fatal numbers for the lineup given that center fielder Ben Revere struggled in his first season in the NL. John Mayberry Jr. and Delmon Young received most of the at-bats that are now penciled in for Byrd.
Amaro seems inclined to let the left-handed-hitting Cody Asche and No. 2-ranked prospect Maikel Franco battle for the third-base job, leaving catching as the only position that needs to be addressed. The team hasn't ruled out re-signing free agent Carlos Ruiz, although he'll be 35 when next season begins.
It would be automatic to turn the page from Ruiz if the Phillies were seriously retooling. But that's not the way the Phils do business.
Phil Rogers is a columnist for MLB.com.


text: Angela Disbud Chrysathemum 1) Purchase Options: *All Prices are in Australian Dollars $100.00 As displayed 2) Choose a Colour Scheme: As Displayed 3) Why not include a small gift? Teddy Bears $25.00Caterina Girl Rag Doll$35.00Eddy the Elephant gift pack$28.00Giraffe Wine $15.00Sparkling Yellow Balloons $14.00Happy Birthday! Hellium balloon$8.00Happy Birthday! Air ballloon$15.00I love you! Hellium balloon Teddy Bears Caterina Girl Rag Doll $25.00Eddy the Elephant gift pack $35.00Giraffe $28.00 Wine Sparkling Yellow $15.00 Balloons Happy Birthday! Hellium balloon $14.00Happy Birthday! Air ballloon $8.00I love you! Hellium balloon $15.00 $100.00 Total: $ In stock! BUY NOW Product Details Disbud chrysathemum arranged in a large box with choice flowers rose, oriental lily,orchids,tropical foliage.ONLY AVAILABLE DURING MAY. Substitution Policy: While every effort is made to ensure the product and colour selected will be used, circumstances may arise due to seasonal availability where containers and flower colours and varieties may be substituted with that of the same or higher value and suitability. If the contents vary dramatically the customer will be notified for permission to substitute. Click here for more delivery details