text:
gordonm needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 318 designs submitted by 64 freelance designers.
gordon mackinnon photography
im a wedding photographer from England with a very modern modern arty style, i like contemporary and hate chintzy!!
young professional couples who have the money to spend on high quality photography
I'm looking for a sleek logo, which will be used in all the usual places, web, stationary, photo overlays ......
I'm open to ideas but was thinking along the lines of a chocolate, blue or green colour palette maybe a custom graphic in there too! no clip art, swirls or heavy (thick) fonts.
file formats to be supplied
cmyk eps
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Best win:
This is a crowded field, but for me, I'd say Dallas. At the time, Dallas looked like a strong playoff contender and Tony Romo still looked like a franchise QB coming off a big game the week before beating the champs in their house convincingly. Seattle won this game by 20 points and looked utterly dominant in doing so. It is still the only decisive win or loss of the entire season. And if you hate Tony Romo this game has bonus points, as it appeared that this game might have been the beginning of the end for his career. He's having a career worst season after posting 300+ yards and 3 TDs right before facing our defense.
Toughest loss:
All four of our losses have been tough, but the Rams hurt the most for me. Unlike the other three losses, Seattle looked like the better team, but lost basically because of one special trick play and a timeout the refs didn't see. It was also a game that had an inexplicable number of 3rd and long conversions. Giving up 3rd and long to a white hot Matt Stafford or Tom Brady is one thing, having it happen against Sam Bradford is another. Oh yeah, the Rams also went 2-2 on FGs from 59+. And we lost by 6 points. Yeah. We win that game, and you wouldn't have to be delusional to still think we have a great shot at the division this year.
How about you guys?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bygone and Back
Circa 1960. Wonderful piece of glass made of small pointed diamond cut design on 2 rows around the body with a straight line in between and a 3d row of long tear drops at the bottom separated by a frosted triangle formed by tiny etched lines. The bottom presents a large daisy type design. The silver rim bears the mark of the Maker. Exquisite piece in excellent condition that will bring pride on a dinner table.


text:
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Blogger's Choice Contest
I can tell you it's taken me forever to narrow the choices down and come up with a selection that I absolutely LOVE {and must have!}.
For more details on how to enter the contest and have a shot at creating your very own Blogger's Choice bundle head on over to Quokka Quilts.
x Leila
23 comments:
There's a few of these popping up on the interwebs...yours is my fav. so far!ReplyDelete
I love how yours turned out! I love, love, love Japanese fabrics so yours is one of my favorites so far. :) You can view mine here if you like: http://littlepeanutshop.blogspot.com/2011/12/quokka-quilts-bloggers-choice-fq-bundle.htmlReplyDelete
Favourite bundle so far - shows originality. I'd buy it!ReplyDelete
I love your choices, definitely a bundle I would buy and use. I have done one too but cant get the photos onto flickr to make my mosaic :-(ReplyDelete
Fab choices, I love them all!ReplyDelete
Love you choices! I'd buy it too!ReplyDelete
Oh now you can pick for me any day!ReplyDelete
this one is fabulous!! love it :)ReplyDelete
if you are picked, i will buy! seriously! love it the best so far!ReplyDelete
Oh yes! Very, very nice!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous combination.ReplyDelete
I love your bundle! It's so special!ReplyDelete
love your choices. hope they pick you!ReplyDelete
I'm so not surprised that I adore your bundle :) It definitely feels like the kinds of fabrics you pair together in your work - I would pick up a bundle of this for sure!ReplyDelete
Loving your urban theme! Good luck!ReplyDelete
Oooh, interesting choices, love the Japanese fabrics! I've still to do mine, but I wanted to wait til I was home from Christmas at my parents, so I'll get cracking on it tomorrow...ReplyDelete
Gorgeous! You have such a gift of pairing fabrics :)ReplyDelete
I LOVE your selection!!ReplyDelete
I look at your fabrics and then I look at your banner- matchy matchy! This is a definite Leila bundle! Lovely!ReplyDelete
Great bundle, makes me think of all your lovely creations - it definitely shows your styleReplyDelete
Fabulous selections, Leila!! I LOVE everything!!ReplyDelete
mixing the laundry in with the cityscapes is HYSTERICAL. a touch of genius.ReplyDelete


text:
Inventory of county records, Chambers County courthouse, Anahuac, Texas
Description: Inventory of records of Chambers County. Begins with an introduction and explanation of the roles of various county government offices. Describes the records of the Commissioners Court, County Judge, County Clerk, County Court, County Attorney, District Clerk, Juvenile Probation, Justice of the Peace, Sheriff, Tax Assessor-Collector, County Treasurer, Auditor, and County Engineer. Also includes a listing of Chambers County records and an index.
Date: 1980
Creator: Texas County Records Inventory Project
Item Type: Refine your search to only Book
Partner: UNT Libraries


text:
Bruce Springsteen Performs 'Jungleland' for the First Time Since Clarence Clemons' Death
Of all the songs in Bruce Springsteen's extensive catalog, the one that could have expected to be permanently retired following the death of Clarence Clemons was 'Jungleland.' Its defining characteristic – a two-minute, 20-second saxophone solo — was Clemons' career highlight, capturing all the characters' emotions as it headed into the finale.
While Springsteen had turned 'Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,' which was about the friendship between the two, into a nightly celebration of the Big Man's legacy, 'Jungleland' remained unplayed through the first 51 concerts of the 'Wrecking Ball' tour. However, it made its debut Saturday (July 28) in Gothenberg, Sweden, with Jake Clemons taking center stage to repeat his uncle's greatest moment.
Sweden may seem like an out-of-the-way place for an American rocker to break out such an important song, but Clemons' first wife was Swedish, and, as Springsteen says in the introduction, the country was a special place for him. Springsteen then dedicated the song to Clarence, and to the people of Sweden "for giving him a home for quite a few years."
Following the solo, Springsteen hugged Jake, who then raised his horn and looked up to the sky in tribute. When the song ended, Springsteen brought Clemons back to center stage for bow and a long hug to a huge ovation.
Watch Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Perform 'Jungleland'


text:
It's over, it's done, let's turn the page (please). Now that the Mets have named Terry Collins as their next manager (and announced that Chip Hale and Dan Warthen will remain on as the third base and pitching coaches, respectively), we can move on to a (much, much) more important matter: building a roster for 2011. There are a couple of key dates coming up:
- November 23: Last date to offer salary arbitration. In the Mets' case, this applies to Pedro Feliciano. Despite the fact that Feliciano can expect to be awarded a contract of about $4 million in the arbitration process, the Mets should offer it to him. Yes, rumors have swirled that the Mets' offseason budget may be limited to $5 million, and at 35, Feliciano's an increasing injury risk. But he is a premium left-handed reliever who would likely command a multi-year deal from another team (the Yankees are already rumored to be interested), so the odds of him accepting would seem to be slim. And if he does? Those same teams might be willing to trade for him. Either way, the Mets should be able to turn Feliciano into some sort of longer-term asset.
- December 5: Last date to outright a player before the Rule 5 draft. The Rule 5 draft is designed to prevent clubs from stockpiling talent in the minor leagues by allowing other clubs to select players who are not on the 40-man roster. The Mets have already made some moves in this area, outrighting Jesus Feliciano, Raul Valdes, Mike Hessman, Omir Santos, and Eddie Kunz, waiving Joaquin Arias, and adding Manny Alvarez, Zach Lutz, Jordany Valdespin, Josh Stinson, and Armando Rodriguez. There will be other moves made, as John Maine, Luis Hernandez, Oliver Perez, and Luis Castillo still have roster spots.
- December 6: The Rule 5 draft. This will be interesting. Considering their budget limitations, the Mets will probably make a few picks. I expect them to take a pitcher or two to compete for the open spots in the rotation or bullpen. It's my goal to go through the other 29 rosters and identify a few targets before the draft but, given my recent track record, there's a great chance it won't happen. But I'll give it a shot. Keep in mind that any players picked must stay on the major league roster the entire year or they get offered back to their former organization (for $25,000).
As an added bonus, there will likely be a free agent signing or three sprinkled in (though maybe not until January). We're not going to see big signings, but we might see the next R.A. Dickey sign in the coming weeks. This is the fun part of the offseason, watching the moves that shape the roster for next year. Anything is better than watching beat reporters and fans try to read the tea leaves of a managerial search, then endlessly venting over the results (accurately depicted here). We can't turn the page fast enough, in my opinion.


text: Horvath is primarily known for his high-gloss and refined, large-scale oil paintings that represent our cultural obsession with the appearance of luxury, celebrity, and consumption. In his practice, he begins with an abstract, almost other-worldly sculpture that then serves as inspiration for the resulting highly polished and detailed painting, often mistaken for a digital image. His most recent body of work explores these sculptures with greater depth and detail. Horvath has now escalated his practice of creating a preliminary sculpture by using more substantial materials. Through the use of porcelain, his sculptures have become more permanent and thus represent works in their own right instead of simply a preliminary work or reflection of the grander oil painting. A large collection of his new porcelain sculptures at Gallery 924 have never been seen before outside of his studio.


text:
"The head of the Australian High Tech Crime Centre in Canberra, Kevin Zuccato, has warned that terrorists can gain training in games such as Second Life and another game known as World of Warcraft, using weapons similar to those in the real world."Apparently Mr. Zuccato thinks these weapons are "similar to those in the real world." o_O
...And they claim gamers are the ones with a tenuous grasp on reality.
Related Reading: Pentagon Researcher Conjures Warcraft Terror Plot


text:
Review Morris Products 59122 Voltage/Metal/Wood Detector
4 LED's visual and audio indicators. Wood Stud Detector is operated by one 9V battery (not included).
- Voltage/Metal/Wood Detector – Multi-use metal joist and Wood Stud Detector.
- Stud Detector Finds wood or metal studs and joists behind walls, floors, and ceilings
- Detects wood up to 3/4″
- Detects 90-250V within 6″ of a hot unshielded wire
- Auto calibration stud detection
Share this
Best Metal Detectors
Bestseller No. 1
Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector
- Graphic target ID cursor (12 segments)
- Discrimination, accept/reject notch
- Microprocessor controlled
- Sensitivity & depth adjustment (8 settings)
- Electronic pinpoint. Includes:PROformance submersible searchcoil and Instructional ACE 250 DVD
SaleBestseller No. 2
Garrett EuroACE Metal Detector
- Powerful, large 28 x 22 cm PROformance Double-D searchcoil.
- Enhanced Iron ResolutionTM-Coin and relic hunters will appreciate the more precise control over how much iron discrimination to apply.
- Higher Frequency-New 8.25 kHz frequency offers improved ability to detect small, conductive targets
- Improved Audio-Tone ID optimized to indicate distinctions between ferrous and non-ferrous targets.
- Volume-control headphones-Garrett's ClearSound Easy Stow headphones are included.
SaleBestseller No. 3
INTEY Pinpoint Metal Detector - Lightweight Gold Detector with Waterproof Coil -Adjustable DISC Metal detectors Plus Folding Shovel & Rucksack for Adults and Beginners as Family Leisure
- High Accuracy - INTEY metal detector possesses unique pinpoint function which others don't possess. Locating the target is only half the equation, while this metal detector with pinpoint function will help you isolate the buried target and zero in on it quickly which will not only speed your recoveries, but will also keep you from damaging your finds in the hole.
- Personalized Metal Detecting - Comes with adjustable DISC and high SENS, INTEY gold detector enables you hunt out many different types of valuable objects such as rare coins, ancient relics, lost jewellery and gold nuggets but discriminate the unwanted target.
- Waterproof Coil & Adjustable Stem - This metal detector own waterproof coil which offers the flexibility of land and underwater detecting. With adjustable stem extends from 29.9 to 40.1 inch, it provides you comfort position according to your height. Kids with 40 inch high can also feel free to use it.
- Ear Jack & Adjustable Volume - The metal detector with adjustable volume and ear jack is custom-made for hunter who prefer to be alone to search in noisy street or beach without being disturbed by other noises and feeling embarrassed, freely enjoying your recreation time.In addition, LOW BAT will remind you to change battery when there is low power.
- User-Friendly Principle - The unique arc design of the arm support will make you feel comfortable when detecting. Premium ABS material adopted makes the metal detector lightweight. Rucksack makes it easy to carry and the folding shovel included as a gift let you begin your adventure hunting in the turn of a hand.
Bestseller No. 4
Garrett ACE 150 Metal Detector
- Large graphic target ID LCD meter
- Sensitivity adjustment
- 3 levels of Tone ID
- Clear tone speaker and headphone socket
- Coin depth indicator
SaleBestseller No. 5
Viewee Lightweight Metal Detector with Waterproof Search Coil and LCD Display Suitable for Junior and Beginner with Shovel as Family Leisure
- BEST GIFT - Viewee lightweight metal detector with compact design not only consumes less energy but also offers a new and exclusive technology that makes it ideal for hunting coins, relics, caches, jewelry, and even gold nuggets in shallow water.
- FAMILY LEISURE - With carry bag and adjustable stem extending from 27.5 inch to 35.4 inch, big convenience to carry out, Viewee metal detector provides families unique leisure as get busy-working parents and games-indulging kids out of the door to start treasure hunting journey, a win-win parent-child activity.
- HIGH SENSITIVITY -Open the red button to power on until light turns red, meanwhile the status of maximum sensitivity turns on. Metal can be detected once coil approach it, and there's beep sound to remind you. Rocks, minerals will disturb detection. Plumbing and metal appliances in room will affect the test results.
- WATERPROOF - With waterproof search coil at the end, you can search lost metal items at the bottom of a shallow pool or stream but the water depth should better not exceed the knob in case water get into to damage the detector.
- QUALITY WARRANTY - If there are any problems during the installation, please contact our customer service for installation and operation guidance. We will give you our best service-after-sale as offer 24-month warranty and will quickly reply to help you solve problems.
Bestseller No. 6
Garrett Ace 300i
- New Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
- New 7" x 10" (18 x 25cm) PROformance submersible searchcoil
- New higher frequency (8 kHz) provides better sensitivity
- New Increased Iron Resolution
- New Adjustable Frequency to help eliminate interference
SaleBestseller No. 7
Meterk Metal Detector High Sensitivity High Performance Underground Metal Detector Gold Digger Treasure Hunter Metal Finder Treasures Seeking Tool
- ▲ HIGH SENSITIVITY: when you are near the metal, it will emit a sound, which is very suitable for finding metal objects and any place where you need to detect hidden metal. Look for gold and silver jewelry on the floor, coins and other metals, as well as the pipes hidden underneath.
- ▲ SPECIAL FUNCTION: with location button and unwanted target elilination - for accurate detection and 3 tones for three different metal categories. You can also configure the detector so that it does not respond to some objects.
- ▲ WATER RESISTANT: The stem and coil at the end of the metal detector are waterproof, so you can look for missing metal objects at the bottom of a shallow pool or stream. But the board is not waterproof.
- ▲ HEADPHONE CONNECTOR: the metal detector has an audio socket that offers you the possibility of searching for treasures in a noisy street or beach, without disturbances and the volume can be modulated.
- ▲ AS A GIFT: suitable for children and adults because it is easy to use and has an adjustable rod. It can be used as a unique outdoor entertainment. At the same time, this is a good holiday gift for children. Let the children look for treasures and help them develop their exploration skills and curiosity.
Bestseller No. 8
Visua Professional Discriminating Metal Detector (Detector Kit: H/Phones Batts & Pick)
- This Visua model has a variable discrimination control which allows you to ignore certain metals in favour of those with highest conductivity. For example, you can set it to ignore Iron and Steel but to recognise Silver and Gold. Depending on the type of surface, with depth of detection approximately 20cm.
- Clear indication on the large display featuring two LEDs (ferrous and non-ferrous metals) and via the built-in speaker that has 3 different audio signals. Special low frequency design for additional sensitivity and the facility to filter ground effects. Telescopic aluminium rod with a waterproof search coil with 20cm diameter.
- The shaft is fully adjustable, making it suitable for both adults and children. It can be adjusted to be between 57cm and 94cm (distance from the handle to the search coil). The Metal Detector itself comes in a box 85 x 23 x 15cm, so this is the space you will require to store it between uses.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Please remember to test the product outside and away from obvious areas of metal. Houses have an array of metal items inside (pipes, cables, radiators etc.) so you will more than likely get strange results if you test the Metal Detector indoors.
- Ultimate Kit includes: 1 x Visua Professional Metal Detector, 1 x set Visua compact and lightweight adjustable Headphones, 3 x GP Supercell PP3 Batteries plus the Visua folding metal Multi-tool (can be used as a Pick or a Shovel.)
Bestseller No. 9
MYLEK® Lightweight Metal Detector Kit – Detects all Gold, Silver, Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metals
- EASY TO USE METAL DETECTOR: The Mylek lightweight adjustable Metal Detector is easy to use and can detect many different metals including gold & silver. You can be up & running within minutes. Analogue meter shows type of metal detected and has a variable discrimination control which can be set for all metals or adjusted to respond only to the highest conducting silver or gold metals.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE TO USE: Weighing in at only 1.2kg you can be sure this is one of the lightest metal detectors around, perfect for the beginner and with an added bonus of an easy adjustable length shaft and adjustable search coil which is also waterproof meaning anyone can adjust, carry and operate this metal detector with absolute ease whilst detecting on land or on the beach.
- AUDIO & VISUAL INDICATORS, DISCRIMINATING METAL DETECTOR - Excellent audio and visual indication for found items. Meter indication for different kinds of metal being detected, Ferrous and non-ferrous discriminator (distinguishes iron or steel from gold or silver). Comes supplied with headphones to give you that extra privacy and concentration in your treasure hunting quest.
- GREAT FEATURES: Lightweight in design, easy view meter, fine auto tune, adjustable stem for comfortable use, user friendly controls, low battery indication function, adjustable volume, adjustable sensitivity, adjustable 190mm search coil for land or water, 1/82 headphone jack (head phones supplied), also supplied with user friendly lightweight sturdy shovel. Feature packed for beginners.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 1 x Metal Detector with features adjustable stem, waterproof search coil for shallow water, easy view meter, 1 x user manual, sturdy lightweight headphones, sturdy lightweight shovel, low battery indicator.
Bestseller No. 10
Garrett Ace 400i Metal Detector
- Iron Audio: allows user to hear discriminated iron targets and to alter the mid-tone signal range.
- Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
- Higher frequency (10 kHz) provides better sensitivity on low and medium-conductivity targets (i.e. gold, lead)
- Adjustable Frequency to help eliminate interference
- 22 x 28cm (8.5" x 11") PROformance submersible DD searchcoil offers excellent coverage, depth
SaleBestseller No. 11
Denver MET-100 Waterproof Metal Detector
- DISCRIMINATING METAL DETECTOR - tune your metal detector every now and again for best results. Once you're ready just move the coil in a sideward motion over ground until the display dial and audio give you feedback of hidden treasure
- EASY TO READ ANALOGUE DISPLAY WITH AUDIO INDICATOR - you wonâ€t miss what youâ€re looking for with both audio and visual indication when you find items. Meter indication shows when metal is being detected. Ferrous / non-ferrous discriminator (distinguishes iron or steel from gold or silver). 22KHZ frequency gives a better detection for metals such as gold & iron
- GREAT STARTER METAL DETECTOR - Designed for beginners, the MET-100 is perfect for those who want to try out metal detecting without breaking the bank, but wants results too. With a very quick & easy setup process you can be treasure hunting in minutes
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE TO USE. PERFECT FOR KIDS & ADULTS - With an integral arm brace support, weighing in at only 1.3kg and with an adjustable length shaft anyone can carry and operate this metal detector with absolute ease
- WATERPROOF & EVEN FINDS SMALL COINS TO A DEPTH OF 12CM â€" the 22KHZ search coil means you get a search depth of 12cm and is ideal for fields as well as ponds or other watery areas. It has a waterproof coil which means the MET-100 search coil can happily handle being submerged in shallow waters. Plus, it has more than enough sensitivity to ensure that even a 10 pence coin can be found up to a depth of around 12cm
Bestseller No. 12
KKmoon Children Lightweight Handheld Metal Detector,10-100cm Detection Depth Adjustable Sensitivity and Volume Gold Digger,Audio LCD Detection Indication Treasure Hunter with Waterproof Search Coil
- Widely Use - Perfect for finding metal objects and anywhere that hidden metal needs to be detected.
- Adjustable Sensitivity - Easy to control the detector's sensitivity level with sensitive control.
- Designed to Find Metal - Search gold & silver jewelry, coins and other metal in the ground. Easy-to-use Operation - This metal detector is tailor-made for inexperienced metal finder and suitable for children.
- Adjustable Volume - Adjust the volume level of speaker when searching to find missing or lost coins, pieces of jewellery and other metal objects.
- Detection Indication - Audio alert and LCD display indicate the detection of metal. Waterproof Search Coil - You can use the metal detector in the shallow water with waterproof search coil.
SaleBestseller No. 13
TACKLIFE Metal Detector, MMD02 Metal Finder with 41-59 cm Adjustable Stem, Waterproof Coil for Kids and Amateurs, Beginners with Larger LCD Display
- 3 Types of Metal Indicators - Large and backlit display, for 3 types of magnetic and conductive metal, it can display different icons on the screen, which is more intuitive; except for the graphic screening, the sound emitted by different metals is divided into three types, according to the sound level, users can accurately judge the place of objects
- Longer Adjustable Stem and Waterproof Coil- With adjustable stem extends from 41 cm to 59 cm, which provides you comfort position according to your height; this metal detector own waterproof coil which offers the flexibility of land and underwater detecting,no thing can stop fun
- Wild Application - 3.5mm universal headphone jack on the product, which can be connected with the earphones of mobile phones or computers, very convenient for working in noisy environments. It can distinguish different metals intelligently and remove low-value metals such as iron and aluminum sheets by pressing "DISC", saving detection time and improving efficiency
- Portable& User-friendly - With a non-slip and a backrest at the back of the hand to reduce the force of the hand. Do not have to worry about slipping or tired when using it. Attached travel bag is convenient for outdoor placement and helps to prevent the detector from being wear. The low battery indicator can remind you in time and replace the battery so that to prolong using period
- What You Get- 1x Tacklife MMD02 Metal; 2 x 9V Batteries;1x Carried Bag;24 Months Warranty
Bestseller No. 14
Garrett Ace 200i
- New Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
- New Camlocks for increased stem stability, Four Sensitivity adjustments
- New Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive audio
- Light weight with big performance at a small price, Coin Depth Indicator determines target depth
- Three Search Modes, Highly Recommended - Coin Hunting, Dry Beach/Fresh Water Hunting Recommended - Jewellery Hunting, Relic Hunting, Competition Events.
SaleBestseller No. 15
X-Lounger Metal Detector Lightweight Waterproof Easy Operate Pinpointer 360° Scan Buzzer Vibration Automatic Tuning Good Helper of Ground for Gold Coin Treasure Hunt Junior Beginner Adult Kids, Orange
- ✔Lightweight & easy to carry & simple operation - weight only 160g (5.6oz), just one-third of the weight of traditional Metal Detector. Size 23.1 x 2.2cm (9 x 0.87in), come with plastic stretchy coiled strap, belt holster and carry bag, it's convenient to hold or hang on the belt to carry to anywhere and prevent dropping or missing. All you need to do is press a button to turn on the Metal Detector and then start treasure hunting, super easy, kids can operate independently
- ✔High sensitivity 360°detection & an aid of traditional Metal Detector - newest 360°detection technology allow you to hold the Metal Detector horizontally to quickly scan large area and then use pinpointing tip to narrow and precisely locate the target before dig. The bar Design allow you to insert the hand held Metal Detector into hole to detect. Our Metal Detector can be used alone or as an aid of coil design Metal Detector to save your time and strength
- ✔Audio vibrator alert & LED light & detect multiple metals - vibration and audio indicator ensure you won't miss any alert when in a noisy environment. Built in LED light, convenience to operate at night. X-Lounger Metal Detector can detect various types of metal object such as coin, Gold, Silver, relics, jewellery to help you easily find treasures or missing metal objects whether indoors, outdoors, in wall, sand, grass or soil
- ✔Waterproof & multipurpose Metal Detector - waterproof pinpoint tip allow you to detect in water less than 9cm. X-Lounger lightweight Metal Detector can be used for treasure hunting in tight niche areas which your typical Metal Detector can't get to, airport security for recovering weapons, construction work like finding screws and nails within the dry wall, finding screws in your garden to prevent accidental injury or valuables lost in the garden
- ✔Beginner Expert suitable & Warranty - lightweight and one button operate feature make it suitable for treasure hunting beginner to use. The bar Design and 360 degree detect features also make it a necessary for expert treasure hunter. We provide 100% replacement or refund service, if there are any quality problem, please contact us, We will try our best to satisfied you, so just buy with confidence
SaleBestseller No. 16
URCERI Metal Detector with ALL METAL and DISC Modes, Adjustable Sensitivity, Waterproof Coil for Gold Treasure Hunter Children Adults, Foldable Shovel, Headphone, Battery and Carrying Bag Included
- ALL-METAL and DISC MODES: ALL METAL mode helps you to search for all kinds of metal with adjustable sensitivity level; DISC mode allows you to discriminate 3 types of targets and ignores the unwanted metal targets according to your needs for a more accurate and focused outcome
- RICH CONTENT DISPLAY: its big LCD screen displays depth, sensitivity level, battery level and low battery indicator, so you can get real-time data during your detecting journey
- 3 WAYS OF ALERTS: you can check the discovered target type from the screen; there are 3 kinds of tones with adjustable volume to let you know different metal targets through the speaker or headphone (it adopts a 3.5mm audio jack so you can insert the included headphone into it); what more, its circular LED indicator would show red/blue light which stands for different target types
- WATERPROOF COIL: is solidly constructed with an 8.7'' diameter waterproof search coil for extreme ground conditions and shallow water detection
- Comes with a well-made metal detector with adjustable length(76cm-122cm), a foldable quality shovel, a headphone, a 9V battery and a carry bag
SaleBestseller No. 17
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector - Ultimate Treasure Hunter with Pinpointer, Large Waterproof 10" Coil - Lightweight and Collapsible for easy travel
- FIND BURIED TREASURE and feel the thrill of discovery when you locate cool artifacts like Gold, Coins, Jewelry, Tools and more!
- EASY TO USE for all ages, sizes and skill levels from beginner to advanced. Just unfold and go.
- COMPACT, LARGE WATERPROOF 10" COIL, LIGHTWEIGHT and collapses to just 22 inches and 2 lbs. Great for travel!
- PACKED WITH PRO FEATURES including 3 detection modes, 4 sensitivity levels and a pinpoint location feature to help you distinguish trash from treasure as deep as 12 inches
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - National Geographic stands behind this Pro Series Metal Detector with a TWO-YEAR warranty.
SaleBestseller No. 18
INTEY LCD Display Metal Detector With 9.8" Waterproof Search Coil, P/P Function, Discrimination/Notch Mode, Distinctive Audio Prompt, Folding Shovel and Carrier Bag
- ★PERSONLIZED METAL DETECTING- Comes with DISC and NOTCH operation modes, Intey metal detector enables you to discriminate the unwanted target by setting the DISC numeric range. The detector will not detect the target beyond the numeric setting. And ignore useless metal and finds valuable items by setting the notch range.
- ★9.8" WATERPROOF SEARCH COIL-The bigger the search coil is, the higher the sensitivity is. We have increased the size of our search coil to 9.8 inches, to enjoy more efficient metal detecting. And the waterproof coil enables you to explore in shallow water and beach. Tips: The other parts of the detector is not waterproof, pls keep them away from water.
- ★CLEAR LCD DISPLAY: Adopted big and bright screen, making the probable type of metal, the depth of the target, range of DISC & NOTCH, the level of SENS, target numeric indicator and battery condition be known at a glance. It's more accurate and convenient for your metal detection.
- ★P/P FUNCTION & DISTINCTIVE AUDIO PROMPT- There are 3 distinctive audio tones in our metal detector for different types of metal. So after a period of time use, you can tell easily what type of metal you've detected just by audio tones. And the P/P function helps you to pinpoint a target accurately.
- ★HIGH SENSITIVITY- Metal can be detected once coil approach it, and there's beep sound to remind you. There's an audio jack provides you a chance to search treasury in noisy street or beach, free of being disturbed and the volume can be modulated. And the ajustable light allows you to use in dark area.
Bestseller No. 19
X-Terra 705 Universal Metal Detector
- VFLEX technology the new class of single frequency detectors, change the frequency easily by changing coils
- Compatible with low, mid and high frequency coils - all 7 X-TERRA accessory coils can be used
- Manual ground balance adjustment range is from 1 to 90 with automatic, beach, tracking and tracking settings
SaleBestseller No. 20
The Metal Detecting Bible: Helpful Tips, Expert Tricks and Insider Secrets for Finding Hidden Treasures
- Brandon Neice
- Ulysses Press
- Paperback: 144 pages
bestmetaldetectorsforsale.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk. --- Last update on 2019-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


text:
Community Calendar
Tuesday, January 02, 2018, 11:30am - 01:00pm
Hits : 33077
Meals on Wheels Kitsap has been and continues to be the major provider of nutrition services for elderly persons age 60 and older in Kitsap since 1973. In Kingston, free hot meals are served twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at the Village Green Community Center - Summit Room. Reservations are required in advance...by 2 PM the day before the meal. Call 360-377-8511 or 1-800-877-8511 to reserve. Menus are posted on www.mealsonwheelskitsap.org, where you can find additional information about Meals on Wheels as well.
Location Villiage Green Community Center - Summit Room, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346
No charge for the meal.


text:
Is This How Michael Jordan Do You? 3 People Stabbed While Camping Out For The Air Jordan 7 Olympic Release In Pennsylvania!
"One man is in custody after an early morning stabbing in Luzerne County. State police said the fight happened as dozens of people were lined up outside the Laurel Mall near Hazleton, waiting for the release of a popular sneaker. Investigators charged Carlos Mejia, 19, of Hazleton with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after state police said he stabbed two men and hurt a teenager. The incident happened around 1 a.m. as dozens of people were waiting for the release of the Air Jordan 7 "Olympic" sneaker. Hours after the incident, people were still lined up. Peter Henriquez waited overnight with friends to make sure he got seven pairs of sneakers. He said he paid $69.99 for kids sizes and $160 for adult. Henriquez said at first, everyone in line was getting along." - 16 News
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.


text:
NAJAF, Iraq — Abbas Mohammed Habib was born into Iraq's rapidly expanding world of the displaced.
His mother Laila Ali was among tens of thousands of Shiite Turkmens driven from their homes when Islamic extremists captured the northern town of Tal Afar. Nine months pregnant, she fled with her husband and four young children, eventually squeezing into a bus for a 16-hour trip across the desert. They went an entire day without food or water.
As the extremist Islamic State group plowed across northern Iraq, centuries-old communities of religious minorities — some viewed as apostates by the Sunni militants — fled for their lives. Christians and Yazidis headed to the north, where many found refuge in the largely autonomous Kurdish region.
But the Turkmens, an ethnic group with historic ties to neighboring Turkey, said they were turned away by the Kurds, who fear that such an influx would dilute their majority and undermine their ambition of one day having an independent state. So some 50,000 Shiite Turkmens instead headed south to the holy city of Najaf, believing like so many other Iraqis that they would only be safe among those who share their faith.
In Najaf they have security, for now, but little else.
The local hospital provided a onesie for Abbas to wear when he was born two weeks ago — but he will quickly outgrow it. The family has no other clothes or medicine, and relies on food handouts from a local charity. Abbas, his sisters and brothers are swollen with ant bites from sleeping on the floor of a mosque.
Laila's husband, Mohammed Habib Elias, 35, made a decent living as an electrician back in Tal Afar, but said he is quickly running out of money and cannot find work in Najaf.
"We realize that the situation will not get better soon," he said, "so we have now to think about schools and renting a home. We don't know how we will afford that."
The U.N. said Thursday that in recent weeks more than 66,400 displaced people have settled in Najaf, which ordinarily has a population of around 750,000. Refugees are packed into the Husseiniyahs, or Shiite prayer halls, that line the streets of the holy city. Cars bearing the license plates of northern Ninevah province, seized by the insurgents in June, are parked out front.
Trucks come around once a day delivering jugs of drinking water, but the displaced say it isn't enough to stay hydrated in the scorching heat. The children, many of whom speak Turkmen as a first language and know little Arabic, cannot attend school and instead sleep through most of the stifling day, when the ants allow it.
Louay Jawad, a local councilman in Najaf, told The Associated Press that most of the displaced do not even have their official documents, and that there is an urgent need for support from Baghdad. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has allocated more than $800 million to aid the internally displaced, but with no end in sight to the crisis, officials say those funds won't last long.
"We should expect that the refugees might stay for a long time in Najaf given the current military situation in Iraq," Jawad said. He said the city is planning to build low-budget housing units for the displaced people in coordination with the United Nations and the Iraqi government.
The Turkmen community is Iraq's third-largest ethnic minority, after the Arabs and Kurds, and until the latest crisis it was concentrated in the north, were the Kurds have been locked in longstanding disputes with Baghdad over territory and oil. The Kurds have long viewed the Turkmens with suspicion, seeing them as a proxy for neighboring Turkey, which is against Kurdish independence and has long been embroiled in a conflict with its own Kurdish minority.
Several displaced Turkmens said they were only allowed to transit through the Kurdish region, or were refused entry by Kurdish peshmerga forces. A spokesman for the peshmerga did not respond to a request for comment.
The U.S. is also opposed to a Kurdish state but has been a close ally of the Kurds dating back to the first Gulf War in the 1990s. This week it carried out a humanitarian aid lift to tens of thousands of members of the Yazidi minority encircled on a desert mountaintop in northern Iraq and launched airstrikes on Islamic State fighters threatening the Kurdish regional capital Irbil.
Kurdish forces from Iraq and neighboring Syria later managed to help the Yazidis, who are ethnic Kurds, escape. The Kurdish region is hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced, including large numbers of Christians.
But the Turkmen refugees in the south say they have received little aid from the Kurds, the Iraqi government or anyone else.
"They keep slaughtering us and the government just sits and watches," said a sobbing Hanan Moustafa, another resident displaced from Tal Afar, referring to the Islamic extremists. She fled with her family to the Kurdish region, but said they were turned away.
"When we got to the border, the peshmerga pushed us away. They said 'No Turkmens allowed.'"
Mohammed Nour owned three houses, two cars and a large farm in Tal Afar. Unlike many of his fellow townspeople, he was able to fly his family from Irbil to Najaf after the Kurds allowed him to transit.
But the money only got him so far. Now his children play with toys donated by local religious charities. His one-year old grandson Mohammed's face and body are puffy with ant bites. He appears sick but the family cannot afford to take him to a doctor. His 11-year-old sister can barely see. In the rush to escape Tal Afar her eyeglasses fell off, and the family cannot afford to replace them.
Nour grabbed a burlap sack and dumped its contents on the floor: three potatoes and two eggplants. "That is it," he said, as his eyes filled with tears. "This is all I can give them."


text:
Courtesy Neil Lane(3). Inset:Michael Loccisano/Getty
It's no secret that The Bachelorette's Trista Sutter loves pink. When she married her firefighter beau Ryan Sutter after the reality franchise's inaugural season in 2003, Trista, 41, carried a bouquet of pink peonies and their wedding boasted 5,000 yards of pink ribbon. So it was only natural that the color take center stage when Ryan, 39, looked to create the perfect ring for his bride to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary.
"Ryan is really romantic and wanted to surprise Trista with something amazing and special," L.A. jeweler Neil Lane tells PEOPLE exclusively. "He wanted to give her something with extra romance and extra sparkle to show his affection and love for her. She loves pink, which is already a really romantic color." After texting back and forth and considering a half dozen concepts, Ryan and Lane collaborated on a very glamorous — and, yes, pink – diamond ring design.
RELATED PHOTOS: All the scoop on every star engagement ring!
"The band is entwined, representing Ryan and Trista's shared love, and we accented it with 16 pink diamonds to give it a little extra sparkle and take it up a notch," says the celebrity jeweler of the handmade 4-carat ring, which is set with an emerald-cut diamond surrounded by 208 smaller round diamonds. "This is a very glamorous, romantic ring. The one Ryan gave her 10 years ago has so much sentimentality of course but after all these years together, this was an opportunity to give something spectacular and knock her off her feet."
Mission accomplished. "Trista loved, loved the ring," Lane says, adding that the duo, who renewed their vows last month for an ABC special which aired Sunday night, are still madly in love. "There's a mutual glow between them. After 10 years, they're more in love than ever!"
For more on the Sutters' enduring marriage, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE. And tell us — what do you think of the ring? Do you like the pink stones or are you more traditional?
–Elizabeth Leonard


text:
When I returned home on Sunday evening, I was so surprised to see the scores of Socktoberfest participants! Thank you for your response to this project! I am truly surprised that there has been such a large response in such a short time. It will be a great celebration of socks come October 1st!
There are several questions swirling around Socktoberfest, so I thought I would take a moment to clear them up…
What is Socktoberfest?
A very simple concept with very few restrictions – Socktoberfest is a month-long celebration of socks. It is a simple celebration of the accessories that we make as crafters to cover our feet. Think of it more as a festival than a knitalong – people who love something come together and celebrate it!
SarahJanet made a great analogy on the Knitty forums: "You knit socks for yourself, other people, whomever. It's not like a TRADITIONAL knitalong… It's like Octoberfest, right? You drink beer all year round, but during Octoberfest you drink beer with other people and celebrate the whole concept of beer." Perfect!
Who can participate in Socktoberfest?
You love socks? You're in. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you have a blog, or a digital camera. Come one, come all. If you do not have a blog, but would like to show off your work for others to see, think about joining the Socktoberfest Flickr group. You can upload your pictures and everyone with a Flickr account can see and comment on them! You can join us anytime during the month of October.
What will happen during Socktoberfest?
The celebration features an ever-growing list of sock-related prizes that every participant is eligible for, and my blog will become Socktoberfest central – I will interview desigers, review sock books and yarns, update and link to your sock progress, and will link to full-length tutorials that participants prepare. Do you have a special sock making technique that you would like to share with others? Please let me know if you are willing to prepare a photo tutorial to share with the other Socktoberists!
Is Socktoberfest a sock swap or an exchange?
The original concept behind Socktoberfest did not involve a swap or an exchange. However, like Project Spectrum (my last big project) I would be happy to endorse side projects that crop up around Socktoberfest. Project Spectrum engendered several color-themed swaps – feel free to start a Socktoberfest swap if you are so inclined! I will gladly direct anyone to it. I cannot personally add that component to this project as I already have enough admin work to keep me busy!
Along those same lines, I would love to see a charity project that Socktoberfest can help with – participants can choose to take part in a charity that makes socks for babies, children, etc. (I thought babies or children would be faster than regular adult-sized socks, thus allowing participants to make more for the charity) If you have a "pet" project that sounds like a good fit for Socktoberfest, please let me know by leaving a comment to this post. I will post links for charity donations.
Are there restrictions, rules, or guidelines to follow for Socktoberfest?
I am a liberal project leader – I don't like to get bogged down with rules, so things are pretty free around here. Some participants are using Socktoberfest for stashbusting purposes, using up that beautiful sock yarn that you picked up back in 1995. Others are planning to use Socktoberfest to finally finish up sock projects that have lingered too long on the needles and hooks. Still others plan to spin or dye their own sock yarn and use this to make a truly special pair of socks. Some Socktoberists use the month to make quick holiday socks for family and friends. It is truly up to you!
The festival starts on October 1st, but you can definitely start on your socks now! You do not have to finish your socks by October 31st either, although the Socktoberfest blog coverage will end at the close of the month. Socktoberfest can easily be combined with other projects and knitalongs – and there is no such thing as "not having time for Socktoberfest"… if you plan on even looking at your sock needles this month, join up!
The only guideline that I have for Socktoberfest: be an encourager! Participants range from first-time sock knitters to sock designers and experts. Lend a helping hand or an encouraging comment. Take a few minutes to check out the progress reports that I post and let someone know that you saw their handiwork. If you know the answer to their question, write them a comment or an email. Encouragement goes a long way – and you may even make a new friend!
There you have it – the rules, such as they are. So…
All of these people have already done so!
**Thank you so much for the button contributions for this year's Socktoberfest. There are 8 separate buttons to choose and all are so great! Here is a little preview:
You can see them all here – choose one to download!


text:
Now that it's public knowledge Beyoncé's much-lauded inaugural performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" was pre-recorded, it raises a few questions: Depending on the occasion, is an audience actually better served by a performer working with a pre-recorded track? Why risk going off key or battling the elements when the occasion is as important as the presidential Inauguration? And should we actually be surprised that it happens at all anymore?
"I'm more surprised at the surprise," said Monica Herrera, senior editor at RollingStone.com. "We of course tend to go through the same cycle of shock when something like this happens. This does happen a lot. Lip-syncing is definitely a common thing and is not necessarily a sign of in-authenticity, which it is often read as."
While the buzz was high Tuesday, history certainly has precedent.
"It's very typical for a momentous occasion or an event of some import for the artist who is headlining to prerecord their performance," adds Herrera. "Whitney Houston most famously prerecorded her performance of the national anthem at the Super Bowl [in 1991] which people point to as one of the greatest performances of that song of all time."
It's unclear how much Beyoncé relied on a backing track. Marine Corps Band Director Col. Colburn told NBC News that the band "created a visual simulation of playing" along with Beyoncé. He said that she had been getting ready for her Super Bowl performance and had no time to practice with the band. But whether or not she lip-synced, he couldn't say. Beyoncé has yet to comment on the reports.
She's not the first Grammy winner to perform to tape at an Obama inauguration. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma used a backing track in 2009. "You can't play cellos in 25 degrees," Master Sgt. Kristin DuBois, public affairs chief for the United States Marine Band, told NBC News. "Sometimes you just need to do it. Beyoncé is a gifted singer and her decision has no bearing on her musical ability."
The caliber of Beyoncé's performance, like that of Houston, makes it all the more bitter a pill to swallow. "A lot of people are pointing to the fact that Kelly Clarkson didn't lip-sync, but nobody was really talking about her performance yesterday like they were about Beyoncé's," says Herrera. "It was a great performance but it wasn't as memorable or perfect as Beyoncé's."
While the lip-synced inauguration performance certainly fueled a media and social networking storm, it didn't have the public embarrassment factor of Milli Vanilli's MTV performance or Ashlee Simpson's cringe-worthy turn on "SNL."
In contrast, Herrera believes the surprise and shock can be attributed to Beyoncé's history of great live appearances: "She is probably one of our most technically gifted singers and a 100% pop star. I think there is a hope and expectation that she will always sing live. But any artist will have to lip-sync at some point especially if it is cold and a Monday morning. It's just the reality of the human voice."
As a practice, lip-syncing long predates rock 'n' roll. Over 80 years ago producers of films such as "The Wizard of Oz" realized the benefit in prerecording artists like Judy Garland so when filming began they could concentrate on acting and movement rather than singing on key.
Fast forward to the 21st century and many believe the roots of the now famous and ongoing Elton John/Madonna feud lie in his unhappiness with her being nominated to the best live act category at the British Q Awards in 2004. That same year he reportedly called her out for employing the practice during her "Re-Invention" tour, saying: "Anyone who lip-sings in public on stage when you pay $134 to see them should be shot."
As with entertainers like Madonna who employ difficult choreography, lip-syncing allows for a bigger and more dazzling spectacle. Especially in a media-obsessed culture where image and presentation are of huge importance and artists know that their performances are going to be dissected the next day or even moments later in a way that previously never occured.
What this latest lip-syncing hoopla has done is to focus even more attention on Beyoncé's upcoming halftime gig during the Super Bowl on Feb. 3.
"Maybe she will take a shot at performing totally live or recording more live sounding tracks, which is a very common practice right now," says Herrera. "But it definitely puts the pressure on and it will be interesting to see if she responds to the criticism."
In the long term, Herrera doesn't believe it will affect the singer's image. "Behind the scenes it's a very common practice, but it is something that is difficult for an artist to explain to their fans. So I'm not really sure how she will get around that. But it will die down."


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Features
- Special Sections
- Classifieds
- Public Notices
For many years the Commonwealth of Virginia has seriously been considering the potential positive impact that oil and gas exploration off Virginia's coast would have on our state. Just two years ago, it seemed that Virginia would be able to take this first step toward energy independence, when Congress removed the hurdles that had previously blocked access to the energy resources located on the Outer Continental Shelf, also known as the OCS. However, since that point, Virginia has been confronted with a series of regulatory road blocks despite the strong support for a V
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Bedford Bulletin, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:


text:
Hi, I'm Jeff Rose+ and welcome to Life Insurance By Jeff – A term life insurance blog created to help you get the most affordable term life insurance for your family.
Life Insurance Planning So Easy It Has to Work
Want more financial security and a better sense of what you are doing with your financial life? Good Financial Cents aims to give you the information you need to succeed.
People want to make smart financial decisions and not have to worry day to day that they are doing it all wrong. You know that feeling don't you? It's amazing how making subtle changes in your investment portfolio or your spending habits can have a HUGE impact later on in their life.
Good Financial Cents (and my other site Soldier of Finance) is all about:
- Helping you prevent making simple yet detrimental investment mistakes
- Giving you quality information to empower your financial life
- Take charge of your life. Period.
What Others Say About Good Financial Cents
I just wanted to write you about how much I enjoy reading your blog. I find it a quick and reliable source of information on a wide array of topics that you don't find in typical financial planning books.
I wanted to say Thank You one more time for your input and time in speaking with me. I truly appreciate it, and think I have a better idea as to the path ahead.
I stumbled on your website and spent 2 hours just reading and reading. I am very impressed with the available information on your site.
Stumbled across your blog today and love it!
10 Best Personal Finance Blogs for Dads by BadCredit.org
About Jeff Rose
I started my career as a financial advisor in Carbondale, IL with A.G. Edwards & Sons in 2001. Always excited to meet new people and having a unique interest in the financial markets, being a financial planner was the perfect fit for my career.
Where It All Began
I was originally born in Los Angeles, CA and primarily raised in West Frankfort, IL where I graduated Frankfort Community High School in 1996. I started college, but then realized another purpose I needed to serve: My Country.
I joined the Army National Guard in 1997 as an Infantryman and served a total of 9 years. The military gave me the discipline and drive to graduate from SIU-Carbondale with a B.S. in Finance and minor in Accounting while simultaneously holding a 30 hour a week job.
Vacation In The Sand…..Kind Of
In January of 2005, 4 years into my career, my National Guard unit out of West Frankfort, IL was called up to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Acquiring the rank of Staff Sergeant, I served as Squad Leader while conducting military police maneuvers in central Baghdad.
Anticipating my return, I attained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation between mission and duties during my downtime in Iraq. Due to countless prayers, I safely returned home March of 2006.
Back At It, Becoming a CFP®
Picking up right where I left off, I resumed my career as a financial advisor. My goal was to be the "complete package" advisor, wanting to assist in all areas including: investments, insurance, taxes, and estate planning.
The next step was to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, which I did in November 2007. An individual who has earned the CFP® mark of distinction has met the education, examination, experience and ethics standards established by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards (CFP Board).
A New Chapter Begins
In December of 2007, three others and I formed Alliance Investment Planning Group LLC. We are an independent financial planning firm based in Southern Illinois. Since then we have added three other advisors to our team. Our focus is to offer independent advice that is free from the Wall Street influence and catered more to "Main Street" investors.
The Next Step
Some people get content; otherwise known as fat and stupid. For me, it's always about the next challenge. Wanting more freedom for my clients and to educate the masses with my blog, I formed my own Register Investment Advisory (RIA) firm Alliance Wealth Management LLC. This is a very exciting time in my life and can't wait to see where the future takes me.
Blogging-Just The Beginning
July 2008 marks the launch of my financial planning and investment blog Good Financial Cents. My hope is that I can help people make sense of investing and their personal finances. With so many different options out there, I hope to ease the fog and help you make clear and smart financial decisions. Knowledge is Power!
Since my blog was released, I'm humbled in the amount of lives that I have touched and helped with their financial planning issues. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg and can't wait to see where the blog is years from now.
The Family
I reside in Carterville, IL and have an awesome family with my beautiful wife Mandy, and our three sons: Parker, Bentley and Sloane. Don't forget our spoiled pet boxer Klaya (named after Cassius Clay- greatest boxer of all time). You can also read more about my family at my wife's blog House of Rose. (Everybody tells me that my wife's blog is cooler)
Away From the Office
When I'm away from the office you can usually find me in the gym doing some crazy Crossfit workout. A good workout concludes with me gasping for air collapsed on the gym floor. Now that is a good workout!
Here's a quick video of me deadlifting 515 pounds at my Crossfit affiliate competition. How I didn't break my back that day I'll never know. And just for the record, I've never been able to get close to that weight again. Must have had some crazy adrenalin pumping that day.
I'm an active member in our local Carterville Rotary Club as well as business networking groups SINA (Southern Illinois Networking Association) and 13 Pro. I have a true desire to give back to the community and am still looking for creative and fun ways to do so.
Bringing the Soldier Back
I'm excited to announce that I'm working on my first book Soldier of Finance. And just because I have so much extra time on my hands (This statement is oozing with sarcasm), I decided to launch another blog to support it.
The books mission is to give people the encouragement and discipline they need to take back their lives financially. I'm diligently working on completing the book and hope to have it complete sometime next year.
Enlist. Take Charge. Succeed.
Curious? I hope so. Go check it out before your curiosity eats away at you.
Aren't Satisfied Yet? Want to know more? Sign up for my newsletter by submitting your email address and clicking "Sign Up":
Photos taken Jason York Photography (shameless best friend plug)


text:
Max Starks Deserves At Least One More Year With The Steelers
Jan 5th, 2013 by Dominic Di TollaSteelers
Quick, name the only Offensive Lineman to start each and every regular season game of the 2012 season at the same position for the Steelers.
Give up?
Believe it or not Steeler Nation, but if you guessed Max Starks, you would be correct!
Thats right readers, Starks not only started all 16 of Pittsburghs regular season games at the Offensive Lines most important spot (Left Tackle), but one could argue that he was Pittsburghs most consistent and effective Offensive Lineman all year long.
Despite his solid effort this past year, Starks does not believe that he will be coming back for a 10th season in The Steel City, even after one of the best seasons of his career from a run-blocking and pass-protecting standpoint. In a recent interview with Mike Bires of The Beaver County Times (via Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com), Starks shared his thoughts on the prospects of him sticking with the Steelers in 2013:
Anytime you draft tackles in the second round in back-to-back years, I think its their plan to have them as the starting left and right tackles in the future. Thats their goal. So being a realist, I am not expecting to be back.
Would it be nice to see Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams step-up and emerge as the teams starting Left and Right Tackles next year? Heck yes it would. If both could play the entire season together (16 regular season games, plus hopefully playoffs) and develop into a pair of solid book-ends to make the veteran Starks expendable during this crucial rebuilding process, I would be downright overjoyed.
Unfortunately, I live in a little place called reality. And I know that asking for a season without injuries along the Steelers Offensive Line is a pretty tall order, especially over the last half decade in which assorted ailments have plagued Pittsburghs players in the trenches.
If you readers care to remember, Craig and I expressed last Summer why it would be in the Steelers best interests to re-up the former Florida Gator to a veteran 1 year deal. Few agreed with us and our thoughts on Starks being a steady insurance policy, especially after he sustained a knee injury during Pittsburghs Wild Card Playoff Loss to Denver last January. But just like clock-work, once the preseason began Pittsburghs Offensive Linemen began dropping like flies due to injuries. Thankfully for Pittsburgh, all Max did was come in and play effective football and protect the Steelers signal-callers blind-sides throughout the regular season.
Because quality depth and health remain such areas of concern along the Steelers Offensive Line, I believe that G.M. Kevin Colbert should at least attempt to re-up Starks for one last go-around with the franchise in the neighborhood of a 1 year $1-1.25 million deal (his contract last season was worth $890,000). In fact, I hope that if the Steelers do re-up Starks that the starting Left Tackle position is open to competition during this offseason. That way, Pittsburgh will give the Top 3 Tackles (Starks, Gilbert, and Adams) on their depth chart the opportunity to win the blind-side job outright. As I alluded to before, I would love to see these younger players and high Draft selections like Gilbert and Adams have to stay hungry and fight for a chance to start, especially after such an under-achieving and injury-plagued season like this past one was. Maybe the extra heat on the 2nd and 3rd year players will inspire them to take their collective games to new levels and leave the veteran on the sidelines.
Health permitting next season, the Steelers must find a way to play the best player at each position along the Offensive front, regardless of age and experience. Thus, if Max is yet again believed to be the best option the team will have available at Left Tackle, they should go with him until Starks either calls it quits, or a younger player usurps him, not simply going with them because of their Draft Status.
As it stands now, I believe that there is no harm in the Steelers attempting to sign Starks to another one year contract in the neighborhood of $1 million dollars this offseason. Best case scenario, Max wrestles the Left Tackle job away from Adams and Gilbert. Worst case scenario, Starks is a quality Swing backup at the Left and Right Tackle positions and stands as a steady veteran presence for the young players along the Offensive Line.
Yet if another team offers Starks more money and/or a starting job outright this offseason, then I say more power to him and Thank You for 9 years, 123 Regular Season Games, 96 Starts, and the opportunity to watch 2 Super Bowl wins. I just believe that it would be unwise for the Steelers brass to simply dismiss a player like Starks so easily, especially when the O-Line Issues have yet to be fully solved.
Plus, whats wrong with having a steady, safe, and largely inexpensive insurance policy like Starks at your teams disposal at such an important position?


text:
Qomolangma National Nature Reserve (Tibetan: Chomolungma, Chinese: 珠穆朗玛 Zhūmùlǎngmǎ) is in Tibet, China and covers the Chinese side of Mount Everest.
Mt Qomolangma is the world's highest peak at 8,850m.
Everest is not in the same category as Kailash when it comes to being a sacred peak. For one thing, the monastery at Everest only dates from the 20th century while those at Kailash date to the 13th century. More importantly, Kailash has always been offlimits to climbers and Tibetans don't flock to Everest since you can't circumambulate around it. But no matter, Everest has always been sacred since the name in Tibetan, Chomolangma, means Queen on an Ox or more properly Mother Goddess of the World. Tibetans believe that Miyo Langsangma resides on Everest, her steed is an ox but she sometimes is shown astride a tiger, and is one of the five Tsering Sisters, goddesses who reside in different peaks among the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp is unique in that you can drive there, unlike any other base camps used to attempt summit climbs. The rough road used was built in 1960 for Chinese mountaineering attempts.
Flora and fauna
The best season to visit is May to October, but the peak is often covered in clouds from July to August. Snow can be found on the Tingri Route areound October.
Get in
There are two treking routes as well as an access road for Land Cruisers (which can be arranged in Lhasa or Shigatse).
Permits cost ¥65 per person and ¥405 per vehicle and can be purchased at Shelkar, Tingri or Chay Village.
Get around
Those who enter the Preserve via landrover travel the road through Cray Village til you reach Pasum. For those continuing on to Everest Base Camp, you will need to transfer to passenger vans which travel the remainder of the way for a fee of Y80 p/p r/t. Theoretically this is to limit the number of vehicles at Base Camp due to parking problems but you will find various connected Chinese and group tour vehicles continuing on past this checkpoint.
Food is available at Benba Guesthouse in Tashidzom and the Snowman Hotel in Pasum. Drufung Binguan at Rongbuk has a second floor dining hall.
Staying at private houses is the most common practice. At Rongbuk Monastery, lodging is available but expect the bare minimum.
Lodging in tents is available at Jomolangma (Everest) Base Camp.
Stay safe
Be aware that the local Tibetans feel that what is yours is also mine, whether you are treking, dining or just leaving your stuff in a locked hotel room.
Get out


text:
Manufacturer - Tiger Electronics
Poo-Chi on Wikipedia
Designer - SEGA TOYS CO., LTD.
Manufacturer - Tiger Electronics
Poo-Chi on Wikipedia
My Robo-Chi (Poo-Chi) Collection
Published on Sep 10, 2013
Here is my collection of Robo-Chi/Poo-Chi. I did have a whole lot more, but I have had to sell as I only collect the silver & another colour versions now :3
In order of appearance:
Super Poo-Chi (With original box (not shown))
Original Edition Poo-Chi's (With Original sounds before they were changed!)
Regular Newer Poo-Chi
Robo-Baby (Girl version)
Dino Chi (T-Rex version)
Also featured are:
Mcdonalds Robo-Chi Pets (3 coloured ones are from America) (I do some some others aswell not shown in video) 2 UK ones still in bags.
Meow-Chi Wind-up pouncher and push jumper!
Poo-Chi Wind-up keyrings (some have different eye experssions)
And of course all the food and stuff all over the place!


text:
Viacom Inc.'s fiscal third-quarter profit soared 20%, boosted by ratings improvement at the company's TV networks and two gigantic films from Paramount Pictures: "Star Trek Into Darkness" and "World War Z" with Brad Pitt.
Viacom became the latest entertainment company this week to exceed Wall Street's earnings expectations, underscoring the value of high-quality content. Viacom's Melrose Avenue film studio, Paramount Pictures, performed well despite higher costs and declines in home entertainment sales.
For the quarter ended June 30, Viacom earned $643 million, or $1.31 a share, up from $534 million, or $1.01 a share, in the year-earlier period.
Revenue at the Sumner Redstone-controlled company increased a whopping 14% to $3.69 billion. That compared to $3.24 billion in the previous-year period.
The company reported its earnings Friday. Fiscal improvement came primarily from ratings improvement at Viacom's television networks, which include Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and BET. Domestic advertising revenue was up 6%.
"The significance of our performance goes beyond financial growth," Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman told analysts on a Friday morning conference call.
Increased investment in original programming, particularly at the TV networks, was key to the company's results, Dauman said, adding, "We are investing more than ever in new content."
The TV networks generated $2.57 billion in revenue, an increase of 13% from the year-earlier period. Operating income in television was up 24% to $1.16 billion.
"Nickelodeon is clearly on the way back with new live action and animated hits," Dauman said.
Nickelodeon's new hits, including "Sanjay and Craig," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," also have performed well. The network also shifted shows from the Nick Jr. channel to the main Nickelodeon network to improve ratings. Viacom also struck a lucrative content licensing deal with Amazon.com.
Film studio Paramount Pictures produced $1.16 billion in revenue, an increase of 15% over the year-earlier period. Operating income dropped 63% to $17 million compared to $46 million in the year-earlier period.
Theatrical revenue of $464 million was an increase of 64%. Paramount released J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek Into Darkness" in May and "World War Z" at the end of June.
"We were fortunate that we had two strong tent poles," Dauman said.
However, home entertainment revenue for the studio was down 10% to $275 million for the quarter. Paramount's TV license fee revenue of $298 million slipped 5%.
Viacom said Paramount had to book "World War Z" marketing expenses in the April-June quarter, which dampened results. However, the company benefited from the Marvel distribution rights sale to the Walt Disney Co.


text:
The Pacific Beach Planning Group (PBPG) is seeking candidates for its annual elections to be held March 27 at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m.
The PBPG is composed of 20 community volunteers (15 residential and five commercial seats).
The group advises the city on new development projects, parking, traffic, future planning and other issues related to the Pacific Beach Community Plan.
Candidates must be residents or business owners/operators in Pacific Beach and must have attended one PBPG meeting prior to the February meeting. The next meeting is Jan. 23. The PBPG meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library, located at 4275 Cass St.
For more information and candidate forms, visit www.pbplanning.org or call Imelda McClendon (469) 576-3870. Applications are due by March 13.
Town Council to install new officers, directors
The Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC) will hold its 62nd annual installation of officers and directors and dinner on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Mission Bay Yacht Club, located at 1215 El Carmel Place. The installation will include the swearing-in of a new slate of officers and directors and the introduction of the 2013 honorary Pacific Beach mayor.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 6 p.m.
The 2013 PBTC officers are Alan Harris, president; Adam Meyer, vice president; Gregory Daunoars, secretary, and Dorothy Shianna, treasurer.
The 2013 PBTC directors are Keith Antigiovanni, Robert Citrano, Cathie Jolley, Richard Kiser, Susan Lowary, Bill Marsh, John McMillan, Edward Reay, Joe Wilding and Matthew Winter.
The cost for the dinner is $25 per person.
The first general meeting of the year will be Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Woman's Club, located at 1721 Hornblend St.
For more information, call the PBTC office at (858) 483-6666.
Suspect in bank robbery held on $50,000 bail
An Oceanside man is being held on $50,000 bail after he was charged with robbing a Wells Fargo Bank branch inside Ralph's grocery store in Pacific Beach.
Oceanside police arrested James Arthur McWatters, 36, on Jan. 1 at his home, and he was transferred into the custody of San Diego police and the FBI.
The robbery occurred on New Year's Eve at 12:30 p.m. and McWatters allegedly made off with $3,200 in cash.
McWatters pleaded not guilty Jan. 4 to robbery and to making a criminal threat to the bank teller. The prosecutor argued to the judge that McWatters told the teller "many people will die, including you" if she did not give him money.
The judge set a preliminary hearing for Thursday, Jan. 17.
— Neal Putnam UCSD students' kidnapper gets 14 years
The man who kidnapped and robbed two UCSD students in La Jolla to get cash from their ATM in Pacific Beach was sentenced Jan. 9 to
14 years in state prison.
Miguel Torres Espinoza, 29, of San Diego, was ordered to pay nearly $650 to Raymond Chung and his girlfriend, Jessica Liu, both 20, by a Superior Court judge. Espinoza received credit for four months already spent in jail.
Both students were in class Jan. 9 and didn't attend the sentencing. Espinoza had agreed to accept a 14-year term when he pleaded guilty
Nov. 21 to two kidnapping counts and two robbery charges.
The couple was accosted in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy on Villa La Jolla Drive on Sept. 11 around 11 p.m. with an air soft pellet pistol that looked like a real handgun.
He forced them to drive to their bank ATM in Pacific Beach and they withdrew $420 in cash. The restitution order includes the cost of their two cell phones, which he took, said Deputy District Attorney Jalyn Wang.
Espinoza also stole Liu's laptop and Chung's wallet. Police recovered the laptop and some of the money, but no other items. After getting the money, Espinoza suddenly demanded to be let out of the car in a residential area of Pacific Beach.
Espinoza did give a quick "thank you" as he exited the car, they testified. The students called police and officers found Espinoza running uphill on Loring Street and Soledad Mountain Road.
— Neal Putnam New law mandates carbon monoxide alarms
A new state law that took effect
Jan. 1 requires all apartments, condos or single-family dwellings with fuel burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages have a carbon-monoxide detector installed in the home.
"Especially in the winter months, the houses are closed up tight and these types of appliances are on," said San Diego Fire Capt. James Lange. "If these appliances are working well, it's usually not a problem, but if there's a problem with the burner or if an appliance isn't maintained right, you may see signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly."
House appraisals, loans or purchases on homes without a carbon monoxide alarm will not be approved.
Lange suggested contacting SDG&E for assistance maintaining or installing carbon monoxide alarms or ensuring that fuel-burning appliances are working properly.
— Mariko Lamb


text:
Well and happy pop – rock track express fun and positive. Driving drumbeat to give a modern look. Add guitar melody melody arrangement with clapping hands and bells , Glocken and upbeat rhythm with deep bass . Music suited to various video . For the holiday Christmas, New Year.
Nice, light, beautiful , calm, corporate ringtone, advertise, advertisement, advertising, automotive, beauty, business, cheerful, commerce, commercial, dancing, economy, fashion, financial, free, fun, happy, inspirational, marketing, motivational, photography, popular, promo, promotion, retain, sales, success, television, trade, travel
Reaching The Heights – http://audiojungle.net/item/reaching-the-heights/7193541
Nice Story – http://audiojungle.net/item/nice-story/6950663
Positive Corporate Technology Pack – http://audiojungle.net/item/positive-corporate-technology-pack/6796069
Corporate Love Positive Pack – http://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-love-positive-pack/6292682
Positive Happy Holiday Packs – http://audiojungle.net/item/positive-happy-holiday-packs/5279107
Folk Acoustics Corporate Pack – http://audiojungle.net/item/folk-acoustics-corporate-pack/5285037


text:
+ shipping outside EU
Height: 8,5 cm cm, width: 12 cm, depth: 7,5 cm
In stock
True feelings cream jug. Hand-modelled in porcelain clay. Fired to 1280 degrees Celcius with a transparent glaze.
True Feelings is a product range that truly carries our fingerprints.
We have based the development of the series on an experiment with dogma rules. One of the rules was to work blindfolded. Focus was transferred from a visual approach to design to the sense of touch. The design became an expression of the fingers' choice only. The result is a unique, sensitive and elegant design. Unrefined and romantic!


text:
This content has been marked as final. Show 12 replies
1. Re: Word to PDF(Prabs_Chavan) Oct 21, 2008 6:50 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Hi Nick,
I have a similar requirement, where in, I need to convert a .docx fiel to a PDF. I have managed to figure out that the Adone Livecycle server provides web services which can convert a given .doc into to a PDF, but I haven't yet found any solution from Adobe, which can convert a .docx to PDF.
Have you managed to resolve your issue, if yes could you please let me know the solution.
2. Re: Word to PDF(Nick_Cooper_The_2nd) Oct 21, 2008 7:35 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))I did look at a few webservices myself but they all seemed slow, 2 minutes processing time for a 1-3 page docx file (~130KB).
I would have thought Adobe would want to encourage users to convert a 'Microsoft' format into their own format.
Sorry I can't remember the URL for the webservices, which just shows how impressed I was with them.
Two months without a reply, anyone from Adobe want to try selling me a Docx to PDF converter?
3. Re: Word to PDF(Prabs_Chavan) Oct 21, 2008 9:34 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Thanks for your reply, Nick.
I think you might have saved me from some efforts of trying to get the Adobe web service running.
I am planning to spend some more time, exploring alternative options for PDF creation, would update you, if I get lucky..
4. Re: Word to PDF(Prabs_Chavan) Oct 22, 2008 1:57 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))There is another post in the forum, where some one has used Adobe Livecycle ES Server's web services to convert docx to PDF, but with a pre-condition that one must have MS Word 2007 installed on the machine.
It seems, even livecycle internally uses Word 2007 to do the onversion.
Here is a link, which has a solution that tries to use Open Office word instead of MS Word to convert docx to PDFs:
5. Re: Word to PDF(Nick_Cooper_The_2nd) Oct 22, 2008 3:17 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))I have also looked at using a PDF print driver for the conversion process, but the whole process is too slow and could become unstable with multiple documents being converted at the same time.
Do you have a like to that forum post?
I will definitely investigate the generatepdf project, have never used C# but if needs must.
Thanks Prabs
6. Re: Word to PDF(Prabs_Chavan) Oct 22, 2008 4:55 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))I couldn't find the post, but I had copied the contents of the post:
Yogesh Gandhi said on Sep 25, 2008 at 1:15 AM :
I used the above code for converting word 2 pdf.
It works fine for DOC file.
But when i give DOCX file as input, i.e. office 2007 word file
It fails with the following message...
ALC-PDG-001-039-Microsoft Office was not able to open the document that was submitted for conversion.
Can anybody give me the hint, about how can i convert .DOCX file to PDF
Is there any seperate API to be used for that..
Thanks in Advance
And this is the link, which has documentation about how to use Livecycle server APIs and web services to generate the PDF:
http://livedocs.adobe.com/livecycle/es/sdkHelp/programmer/sdkHelp/wwhelp/wwhimpl/js/html/w whelp.htm
The sections Invoking livecycle ES and API quick starts could be of you interest.
The web services / APIs could be used from Java or .Net code.
7. Re: Word to PDF(Christy_Hubbard) Oct 22, 2008 10:59 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Hello Nick,
The newest version of LiveCycle PDF Generator ES, version 8.2 aka Update 1 converts DOCX to PDF. It looks like we have an oversight on our web pages, which I will fix as soon as possible.
Christy Hubbard - LiveCycle PDF Generator Product Marketing Manager
8. Re: Word to PDF(Prabs_Chavan) Oct 22, 2008 12:28 PM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Christy,
I have installed Adobe LiveCycle PDF Generator on my machine. But when I try to use it to convert a .docx file to a PDF, I can see that it first tries to create an instance of MS Word. Does livecycle PDF generator internally uses MS Word to convert docx into PDFs?
If so then it is a bit problematic, as it is a time consuming activity to launch WORD every time a request is made for converting docx to PDF. Plus WORD is not really a server side object and can cause some issues, if one tries to use it as server side object.
Also it means that LiveCycle PDF generator won't be able to covert a docx into PDF if MS Word is not installed on the server.
Please correct me, if my observation is incorrect.
9. Re: Word to PDF(Maruan_Sahyoun) Oct 30, 2008 9:09 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Dear Prabs,
yes PDF generator needs MS Word to be installed to do the conversion. The reason behind that is to use the original software to ensure that the docx and the resulting PDF match. Also it gives you the ability to have bookmarks etc. created.
Regarding the performance PDF Generator Word is not started every time but kept in the background so after the initial start it's only opening the document.
Regarding stability if setup correctly it's stable e.g. we have a user in Germany where the server was running for 3 month without any issues.
At first I had the same concerns you had but after some projects I must say that PDF Generator does it's job.
Kind regards
10. Re: Word to PDF(Prabs_Chavan) Oct 30, 2008 11:51 AM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Hi Maruan,
Thanks a lot for your reply.
I can understand the reasons why the PDF generator would need MS Word for the conversion, and also agree that the PDF generator must be doing its job well, but my concern is MS Word.
Most of the products, which use MS Word in an invisible mode, would invoke MS Word using COM interop calls (Adobe PDF Generator can be an exception, as I do know the details of it).
And when Word is launched in this fashion, there could a number of potential issues like getting Message Filter issue - when Word instance becomes unresponsive or getting Co-Create instance error, etc.
And this is the reason I am a bit reluctant to go for a PDF Generator solution which uses MS Word.
But thanks once again for your response.
Prabs Chavan
11. Re: Word to PDF(Maruan_Sahyoun) Oct 30, 2008 11:55 PM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))Hi Prabs,
I do understand your concerns but I would suggest that you give it a try. There are several mechanisms implemented to "stabilize" Word.
I think one has to make a decision to use a converter based solution or an application automation based solution. Having worked with both I think there are applications where I would prefer the conversion based option over the automation based one and vive versa. At the end it depends on the kind of result you expect. The closer the result should be to how users see the word document when they created it the better an automation based solutions meets that requirement.
As I outlined in an earlier post I know of companies running severals thousand documents through PDF Generator without any issues.
On the other hand we also created solutions based on alternative technologies when needed - but our preferences is PDF Generator first.
Good look with your selection.
12. Re: Word to PDFadib4u2009 May 26, 2009 2:20 PM (in response to (Nick_Cooper_The_2nd))
I also got the same error "Error Message: ALC-PDG-010-012-PDFMaker reported an error while printing the document" while converting Word to PDF using Adobe LiveCycle PDF generator.
Can u please help me..


text:
©2012 Boston to a T
Two years ago the MBCR, the company which operates the Commuter Rail for the MBTA, was plagued by numerous mechanical failures, which ranged from broken air hoses, locomotive failure, signal problems, trackage issues, and many other problems, leaving commuters stranded on platforms in the cold or stuck on trains for hours. The most famous incident that occurred that year was when a train bound for Worcester had its locomotive breakdown in Newtonville turning a regularly hour and a half ride into a four hour nightmare.
Currently the MBCR's largest obstacle for the winter months is keeping its fleet of aging locomotives, many of which are over 25 years old, in working order. Currently the agency has 76 active locomotives plus 1 ex-MARC unit being leased from Motive Power. During an average rush hour the MBTA needs exactly 60 locomotives to efficiently run service.
Just like last year, when extreme and severe weather hits the area, the MBTA will be implementing an emergency snow schedule. This schedule, which will have the commuter rail running less trains on each of their lines, will help the MBCR free up space on the tracks to allow for more crews to clear snow and debris. Less traffic on the rails will help crews get tracks cleared quicker so that trains can return to full service as fast as possible. The reduction of trains will also free up locomotives to serve as rescue trains. The one leased MARC locomotive will also give the MBCR a little bit of flexibility when it comes to mechanical failures, but according to the MBCR it will only be used in extreme emergencies.
Last year the MBCR invested around $500,000 into purchasing new and used snow equipment for the winter. The MBCR purchased a high powered and self propelled jet blower. This jet blower, similar to the MBTA's "Snowzilla", uses a high powered jet engine to clear and melt snow that accumulates on rails and switches.The jet blower can exhaust a heat of over 900 degrees F and can travel at a top speed of 25 mph. In addition to the self propelled jet blower, the MBCR has also acquired a new self propelled snow auger which can remove snow on tracks at a top speed of 45mph. Two smaller non-propelled jet blowers, which can be attached to a front end loader, were also purchased, along with a number of Kubota tractors and 32 Honda Snow blowers.
The MBCR has also invested in new protective sleeves that cover the air hoses and electrical wires that connect the locomotive to the coaches. These new sleeves will ensure that this sensitive equipment dose not receive any water damage. MBCR personnel at the Boston Engine Terminal (BET) have also designed a bag that will cover the coupler on the locomotive to protect it from snow and ice buildup. This bag will also make it easier, in the event of a mechanical failure, for a rescue train to attach to a disabled train.
Most of you know that last winter wasn't really a winter at all so it will be interesting what this winter will be like. The MBCR firmly believes that with this new added investment , Old Man Winter is going to be getting a run for his money. Although unpredictable failures can still cause major delays, the MBCR seems very well prepared to tackle any type of failure when, and if it happens. For a commuter rail system that still uses locomotives that are way over their estimated life expectancy on a daily basis I feel that they are doing a great job. Let's just hope this winter is going to be the same as last year.
For more information on how the MBTA and MBCR are preparing for winter check out: www.mbta.com/winter
Also, if you're on Twitter, tweet your questions and concerns to @MBCR_info or @MBTAGM.
You can see photos of the new winter equipment in the slideshow below as well as on our Facebook Page!


text:
2008-09-03 / People/Social
Massapequan authors book on the highs and lows of her career as a flight attendant
At the age of seven, Jean Keiser knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Keiser went on a family vacation to visit relatives in Germany in the summer of 1959. It was on the flight there that she met a stewardess for the first time in her life. The stewardess was dressed in a traditional blue uniform with a matching hat and aviator wings pinned on her coat.
You must be an online subscriber to view this story.


text:
Lisa Velez in "I Wonder If I Take You Home"
We Wonder If You Remember?
Welcome to Forgotten Videos. Well, for some forgotten, for others just filed away, and for others still, a totally brand-new discovery. Whichever category you fall into, each week we'll feature a video that's possibly been collecting dust when what it really deserves is a fresh look. Or, we'll be giving a fresh look at a video that deserves to be collecting dust. We're not here to judge, we just want to take you on a little trip down memory lane. Yep, you'll remember when hair was really that big, when drums were that up front in the mix, when video was young(er) and so were you.
Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam With Full Force
"I Wonder If I Take You Home"
It doesn't get much more '80s than this. Featuring pink headbands, parachute pants, keytars, and Prince-inspired hairdos — including unicorn-style pigtails — "I Wonder If I Take You Home" doesn't just sound '80s, it defines the '80s in a single four-minute video clip. Maybe that's because "I Wonder…" was one of the first freestyle hits, a genre that blended mechanized funk with emotive vocals and themes. Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam were deliberately designed as an updated version of the Supremes, and "I Wonder…" is a pretty infectiously funky update. Working with the production team Full Force, Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam scored a string of hits in the mid '80s, including "Lost In Emotion" and "All Cried Out," some of which even copped melody lines from Supremes hits, which complemented Lisa Velez's Diana Ross-flavored vocals.
As for "I Wonder…" itself, it seems more like an updating of the Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." "Lately you've been expressing to me/Just how much you want to make love/I want it just as much as you do/But will you still keep in touch," sings Velez about the age-old teen quandary of whether to go all the way. Resonating with teen girls especially, the song went all the way to the Top 40. The group's last album came in 1991, and the involvement of hot '90s dance production team C+C Music Factory hinted that times were changing for the Lisa Lisa formula. But in the latter half of the '80s, there were few hotter R&B acts.
Did you wear unicorn pigtails? Got a Forgotten Video recommendation? Leave us a comment.


text:
Study in beautiful Peru!
Peru is famous for the magnificent Machu Picchu, but there are other sites that reveal the story of pre-Columbian South America. Take a Spanish Course and explore this country.Further details
Packages and offers
Would you like to travel low-cost? Learn a language in your favourite place. Take a look at our Special Offers and book your personal language holiday.Further details
Book your language course abroad online in three easy steps
Compare schools
The independent ratings allow you to easily and clearly compare schools
Calculate prices
Find out the final prices, including accommodation and extras, of the courses you are interested in
Book online
Book the language course that best suits your needs online
Why choose Yalea?
Low prices guaranteed
If you find a cheaper offer for the same course through another agency (official price offers only) within two weeks of booking with us, we will refund you double the price difference.
Personalized advice
Travel the way you want! Thanks to more than 10 years of experience and our team of language travel experts, we are able to design the language and travel package of your dreams.
Free support and advice
We organize your language course, accommodation and travel according to your requirements. Furthermore, if there is an emergency during your stay you will be able to contact your Yalea executive at any time day or night.
Total transparency
We are clear about which schools we work with and refer to them by their real names. As an independent agency, we will give you unbiased advice about the advantages and disadvantages of each school that we work with.


text:
Why not let Hurricane Chris rap about Halle Berry inside the Louisiana House of Representatives -- it's not like they have anything more important to be doing there, right?
The rapper, a.k.a. Chris Dooley, Jr., was recently honored by his home state. But instead of giving him a key to the city or some random certificate of congratulations, they gave him the House floor -- and he brought his beats.
CommentsClick To View
Hot Video