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Sunday, January 30, 2011
An Open Letter to McDonald's
The precision was a thing of beauty. We had a machine that dispensed an identical amount of ketchup and mustard onto each glorious little cow sandwich. The fries and Filet-O-Fish™ (still my favorite) had a timer, and were never over or under done. God only knows what sort of time/motion studies they had done over the years to produce this sort of consistency, and truly it made our jobs easier. One the best things I ever learned there was the dis-assembly each day of the soda machine, so that all the parts could sit in bleach overnight. Subsequent establishments I worked for did no such hygienic work, I can assure you. I will not detail those differences for fear of scarring you.
However, I admired that organization then and I do now.
But we do have one little problem that needs to be resolved.
For some reason - probably on the advice of a overpaid and nincompoopy consultant, they have installed bizarre drink conveyor belts, upon which the drinks are filled by a computer.
They fill the drink precisely as you would imagine a computer would do it - VERY POORLY WITH MUCH SPILLING OF BEVERAGE ALL OVER THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP.
The poor window workers then take a rag (gross) and not very carefully wipe off the cups, having resigned themselves to this asinine procedure and apparently not in the mood to start a revolution, and hand the victim (me) a wet and sticky drink. 100% of the time. And again today, at which point I snapped.
It's maddening. I do not understand why they have not rolled back this horrendous time, product and pain waster. It's beneath their finely tuned reputation, in my opinion. We've been drinking fountain drinks for nearly 100 years and suddenly we are going backwards. Why not just pick up the drink hose and spray us with it at the drive through? Then at least the worker could stay clean and I would be the only sticky one. Just a suggestion.
I'm not too tired to start a revolution. Who's with me? Sticky handed Filet-O-Fish™ lovers unite!!
While we give them a minute to accommodate our demands, how about a card? When I worked at McDonald's, we wore polyester knit uniforms that were a deep, sort of 70's Astro's baseball orange, so I think this card is perfect for my revolution! I made this for my homies Chriss & Yvonne - we get together for some stampy fun once a month and always do a challenge/card exchange.
This was the first time I got to use the new Build a Blossom set and matching punch. I stamped it on First Edition paper, arranging three stamps on a clear block first so they matched my punch, and then just punched them out! Easy, no wasting paper! I definitely prefer wood mounted stamps - I'm just old school like that - but for this set if you get the punch too, I definitely recommend you go with the clear mount version. The ink and paper are both Tangerine Tango and the base is Crumb Cake. The greeting is from Vintage Labels stamped in Basic Black.
With the First Edition Paper, it's VERY easy to curl the paper smoothly without cracking, because it's much thinner than our normal DSP. I just used a ribbon curling motion a single time on each petal with my bone folder and it was perfect.
To stick them down I put a 1/2" piece of sticky strip down on the card, attached four petals in a cross, put down another strip, four more petals, repeated with the third set of petals, and then added a pearl.
Extremely quick card!!
Now I'm off to wash the Coke off my hands and wait for an email from McDonald's. :)
7 comments:
I lurve this flower. I was wondering how you lined them up to punch. I was going to use a negative of the punch as a template on my block.ReplyDelete
And good thing I don't (1) go to McD's unless I'm on a road trip and then I go INSIDE, and (2) I don't drink soda. I am grateful for the little things. I hope you hear from them. I heard from Hershey's. :)
wv: chesc
I's like extra chesc on my burger, please.
- AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:21 PM
Well, you are a genius! I looked at that stamp and punch and thought I would waste so much paper. Never even thought to line it all up.ReplyDelete
I don't think McDonald's is using their fancy timer anymore either, because my fries yesterday were totally overdone.
Ha! I have the perfect solution for you. Order water.ReplyDelete
- vicki rochester nyJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:42 AM
You crack me up. Move back up to Rochester - no conveyor belts here yet.ReplyDelete
Great card. You may have convinced me i need that set & punch...
- GeorgannJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:47 AM
Once again, a much needed laugh this morning. And paired with a gorgeous card...my day is improving exponentially.ReplyDelete
I'm with you. Want me to make a sign for our protest march? ^-^ReplyDelete
I, too, wondered at the supposed time-saving feature of this soda carousel. Maybe it's more for the cups to have fun on. Wheee!
Lovely, lovely card. That color makes me want an orange Nehi suddenly... (although I do prefer a Big Red...for your next card....I'm just sayin')
I came across your blog today (2/6) on Splitcoast's tutorial on the faux pressed flowers. I'm so glad I took a peek! I really love your writing and your cards! Thank you for sharing and congratulations, you have now made it to my blog reader.ReplyDelete
BTW, please allow me to join you in your stance against sticky cups! That drives me CRAZY!
Every time you leave a comment, a new LOLcat is born. ALSO - don't panic if you don't see your comment right away - I moderate my comments to keep those spammers out, so your comment will show up in short order. Unless you're linking me to Russian brides or Nigerian princes.


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Good to know... I'm simply relating what I was told. As I said, I can't guarantee that's what happened because I wasn't there at that point in time.Player wrote: Ranger, he absolutely did not grab anyone's collar. If you were referring to someone else, I surely hope you'll clear that up.
Most likely because rangers don't have a decible meter. I personally looked for one for two days, and couldn't find one. And of course by that time, you and your husband were already gone so I couldn't tell you that.Player wrote:I told the Ranger (a super sweet gal) about the whole sordid tale. I told her the guy I talked to at Outpost 23 was really cool...I just wanted to know if anything could be done. She said she'd check on it, and if necessary have someone check the decibels of their music when it was actually happening. I thanked her. I saw her eventually go over to Outpost 23. I never saw nor heard from her again.
That is true, many were upset... though I think if more of them had come over and said something about it earlier on, the week might have ended quite differently. As I said before, only Jill from FUCS was working with us on the issue. She said she was concerned with what might happen because she overheard people in the camps grumbling about retaliation, and I asked her to tell them to come over and talk with us. I know I personally made it a point to go to each camp and talk with them about it, stressing that they should come over and say something if the music was bothering them. None of them ever did.Player wrote:The entire block was really PO'd...Outpost 23 did not make a lot of friends this year. We were very thankful we had moved away.
I sincerely hope that we can work together as a community to resolve these sorts of issues, without resorting to an authoritarian solution. I believe in the strength of the BM community and would love to see the solution come from there.
Ranger Mockingbird

subset: commoncrawl


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Hartsville, S.C. -- A foul by Coker's Liam Kyle with just two seconds left, sent Anderson's Oskars Ernsteins to the free throw line for three shots with the score tied 77-77. Ernsteins made two of the three shots to give the Trojans a 79-77 lead, but an Anderson foul on the ensuing inbounds play sent Coker's Delonte Doles to the charity stripe for a one and one and a chance to tie the game. Unfortunately for Doles and the Cobras, he would miss the first shot and Anderson would get the rebound and secure the narrow victory, 79-77.
The win improves the Trojans to 10-3 overall and 4-3 in Conference Carolinas, while the Cobras drop to 5-9 overall and 2-6 in the conference, giving them five straight losses.
Anderson's Brandon Young (Belmont, N.C.) led all scorers with 22 points and five steals, followed by Kevis Cornwell (York, S.C.) with 15 points and six rebounds. Also scoring in double figures was Trey Britton (Alpharetta, Ga.) with 10 points and four rebounds. Tyler Shugart (Rock Hill, S.C.) led all rebounders with seven boards, while Ernsteins (Rigas, Latvia) finished the night with six points, including the game winner.
Leading the Cobras were Thomas Wright (Sydney, Australia) and Mason Ambler (Atlanta, Ga.), scoring 17 points each, while Ambler pulled down six rebounds. With tonight's performance Ambler is just four points shy of 1,000 points for his career. Michael Gore (Landis, N.C.) had a season high 15 points and rebounds, with Doles (Roswell, Ga.), Kyle (Cleveland, Ohio) and Vatrick Thompson (Columbia, S.C.) each had eight points, with Kyle grabbing six boards and Doles dishing out six assists.
An extremely close game, both teams exchanged leads in the first half, with Anderson leading by as much as 10 points with 12 minutes remaining, only to have the Cobras take as much as a seven point lead with just under a minute left in the half. Anderson did not give up and thanks to a buzzer beating near half court 3-pointer, Anderson and Coker went to the locker room tied at 38.
It was all Anderson in the second half, as Coker was never able to get back on top. The Cobras kept things close the entire half, never getting down by more than five points. However in the end it was the Trojans that came out with the win.
Coker had their best shooting night of the season, hitting 27-of-46 (58.7%) from the floor, while also shooting 95 percent from the charity stripe. On the other side of the ball, Anderson shot 40.3 percent from the floor, and 73.3 percent from the free throw line.
The Cobras return to the court on Saturday, when they travel to Limestone College for a 4:00 p.m. tip-off.


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Metro Davao is one of the most vital and viewer-rich metro cities in the country with over 850,000 potential viewers inhabiting. Therefore, it is no wonder why TV5 takes its numbers victory seriously. From January to February this year, TV5 took the number two spot from GMA in the all-day (2am to 2am) weekend ratings with 22.1% audience share, six points higher than GMA's 16.3%. This is consistent with TV5's impressive performance in the last quarter of 2012 as Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's all-week data showed that TV5 ended at 20% audience share, largely gaining from the continuously-eroding GMA viewership in the area.
TV5 has also proven to be the network-of-choice among Metro Davao's youth during daytime weekends according to Nielsen Media TAM, Arianna. During the first two weeks of the year, TV5 posted 6.1% AMR among kids and teens which beat GMA's 2.7%. Putting these numbers into context, kids (aged 2-12) and teens (aged 13-19) comprise 34.4% and 12.2% of Metro Davao's daytime viewership on weekends.
In the same period, the Kapatid Network also got ahead of GMA during the weekend primetime (6PM to 10PM) slot among kids (7.1% AMR), male adults aged 40 years old and above (9.1% AMR) and housewives (7.9% AMR). Collectively, the first two viewer segments comprise 49% of Davao's weekend primetime viewership, while housewives make up 24.6%.
Kidlat is proven another hit in Metro Davao as far as its two-month performance is concerned. From January to February, the Derek Ramsay-starrer has beaten at least six Kapuso primetime programs including Temptation of Wife, 24 Oras, Indio, Paroa: Ang Kwento ni Mariposa, Forever and Pahiram ng Sandali.
On the other hand, TV5's news programs have proven to be at par with those of GMA during weekdays but more viewers are tuned in to the Kapatid newscast during weekends. From January 1 to March 2 of this year, Aksyon posted 4% AMR—the same as that of GMA's 24 Oras. The same goes for TV5 Davao's local news alerts Aksyon Alerto, which posted the same 4% AMR as GMA's Flash Bulletin. However, over 35,000 absolute viewers tuned in to Aksyon Weekend to beat 24 Oras Weekend's 23,557 during the same period.
The Kapatid Network's year-on-year performance in Metro Davao on weekends is also something to be 'Happy' about, as it is consistent with TV5's sustained growth. TV5's audience shares in the area grew from 22.2% SHR in the first quarter of 2012 to 26.3% from January 1 to March 2 this year. On the other hand, GMA's audience shares declined from 24.4% SHR during Q1 2012 to 17.0% from January 1 to March 2 of this year.


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Im in the south, selling insurance for State farm for about 3 months now but I can't for the life of me sell life insurance. the times that I've quoted people they obviously "need to think about it" or ive been way more in price.
Any suggestions for how to sell life insurance that is more expensive than other options?
I do not want to work for anyone else but State farm so please don't suggest to go independent.
Any advise would be so helpful!


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2012 Melges 24 World Championship Competitor Notice: Sail Admin, Car Parking & Social Programme
17 July 2012
Here are a few more very important things for your attention as we prepare for the Melges 24 Worlds in Torbole:
Sail Measurement And Labels
Please don't forget that all sails must be fully measured and signed with their IM24CA Sail Label affixed before you present them at the Worlds. It will not be possible for sails to be measured at the event so you must make sure you have completed all of this in advance.
If you are missing Sail Labels on your sails (they should have been be supplied and fitted by your sailmaker but please check just in case) you need to order them most urgently from http://www.melges24.com/sail-stickers. Note they have to be shipped to you from Finland so order today if you need them.
Car Parking & Shuttle Bus
Because we have such a big entry only cars with car parking passes will be allowed on site and everyone is asked to park as thoughtfully as possible to ensure the most efficient use of the space.
There will be security at the entrance and each boat will be permitted 1 car parking pass so plan your trips to and from the site each day accordingly. The club is organising shuttle buses that will be available to transport competitors between the club and town centre (more details will be available at registration) or if you are able to go to and from the club by bike or on foot please do so as this will help us to keep everything running smoothly.
The Corinthian Entry List has been published and can be viewed online.
The ISAF Sailor Classification Commission Representative, Mr Antony Matusch, will be attending the event and conducting classification review interviews with selected sailors. These interviews will take place during the registration period and the times and location for the interviews will be published on the Official Notice Board. The initial interview list is available by clicking here.
Additional names may added to the list at any point between now and the end of registration. Failure to attend for interview will result in that team being removed from the Corinthian Division.
If anyone has any problems or questions about the above please contact the IM24CA Admin, Fiona Brown.
The 2012 Melges 24 World Championship will run from 27 to 4 August. You can keep up with all the latest news and developments from the event via the Championship Facebook Page, the event web site and www.melges24.com.
Event Schedule
Friday 27 July - Registration Opens
Saturday 28 July - Registration, practice races and Opening Ceremony
Sunday 29 July - Registration, practice races and skipper's briefing
Monday 30 July - Saturday 4 August - Championship racing with daily post racing Pasta Parties
Saturday 4 August - Gala Prize Giving Ceremony and Party


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|2010-08-28, 06:03
|Link #101
Triple agent
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Soviet Russia
Age: 28
Kuroko can't teleport Awaki, Mikoto is immune to electricity.
So the winner will be the one, who could control the indirect factors better.
|2010-08-28, 08:37
|Link #102
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Mexico
That analogy is terrible, the sisters are not immune to electricity, the head up due to friction with air of electricity can kill Mikoto, magnetism has a wide rage to kill a person, a railgun is kinetic energy after the melting point of the coin.
The explanation for a teleporter cant affect other teleporter can be taken as a exception.
|2010-08-28, 09:50
|Link #103
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
Accelerator can redirect a punch coming from another accelerator though what's the use. If you could use other medium. The problem their is who would repel and who would suck it in. Like I said before if it's a fight of 2 accelerator then the one who could better use of their own weakness win. They both know how their ability work just like Kihara so the way Kihara do things is the better way to kill each other.
|2010-08-28, 10:30
|Link #104
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
|2010-08-28, 10:47
|Link #105
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
the battle between rank 1 and 2 is already translated in baka-tsuki.
After getting hit once by an unknown attack or the dark matter accelerator analyze it within seconds then when kakine attacks the second time. It's already useless and within his "filter". So he gets to pawn and show the power gap with rank 2. While protecting the bystander and just playing around and only getting hit once. Accelerator only awakens after the battle is already won when Kakine do something insanely stupid.
You should read it. it's epic
|2010-08-28, 15:04
|Link #106
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Mexico
More than that, is that even light and of course mugino ray still are subject to gravity and magnetism can create a gravity vortex thus vending the ray, maybe not enough to change the curse of it but at least to modify the accuracity.
|2010-08-29, 05:18
|Link #107
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
well if mikoto manage to bend it a little then she can just dodge it.
But you can't do that on accelerator. His attacks are natural damage and aren't work through his esper or aim ability. Well aside from dark wings. But his normal state and attack are just trashing you with the world's environment against you.
And 2 Accelerator fighting it out against each other would just destroy everything around it. Unless they settle it in one hit go kill attack.
|2010-08-29, 06:39
|Link #108
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DP 原画 --> ヨハネ
|2010-08-29, 06:49
|Link #109
We're Back
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Discord
Age: 30
But it was mentioned several times that he made minced-meat out of alot of people... Literally.
|2010-08-29, 06:54
|Link #110
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DP 原画 --> ヨハネ
Might as well check for myself although I don't really have the time to read in the barrack....
|2010-08-29, 07:15
|Link #111
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
I'm not saying Accelerator can't rip you apart. I'm pertaining on the range of his AIM. Because in the previews post on bending or altering the direction of attacks by using your own ability to hijack the other person ability.
You can't hijack accelerator ability because the one his firing at you is basically the surrounding or environment..... hmm how to say this....... basically his aim filed is only few millimeters or even millimeters away on his skin. So even if he directed an attack towards you. His powers aren't acting on it so you can't hijack it or alter its direction using your own ability.
You can only dodge it smash the attack if you can or even just take it head on if you can survive that is. Unlike on what Mugino vs Mikoto where Mikoto uses her ability to bend the ray of meltdown against her.
You can't do that against Accelerator
|2010-08-29, 09:04
|Link #113
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
Controlling it's direction might be to lame from the words on it but with the very wide range and variety. He can practically control anything that has direction, moving or vector on it.
|2010-08-29, 12:16
|Link #114
He Who Smites Shippers
Join Date: Mar 2008
Age: 31
So what exactly is a personal reality in the first place? Nothing I've seen gives me a more concrete definition than the old "Schrodinger's Cat" explanation which doesn't tell me much. Are all espers just low-level reality warpers or something?
|2010-08-29, 12:27
|Link #115
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
I don't quite understand it too but in a simple sense. The personal reality is your own reality becoming one or merging with the "reality". that reality happens inside your AIM field.
That's what I understand from the definitions given on it.
Personal reality can be your imagination, wish or what you want to do, in a sense I can also called it in a dream. Though even if your dreaming not everything can be turn into reality. That's when the your calculation capacity, will and brain capacity and other specs needed for your reality or dream to come true.
................ In few words for me a "power to change reality" though reality can be also called fate if you ask me.
|2010-08-29, 18:35
|Link #116
We're Back
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Discord
Age: 30
|2010-09-11, 10:52
|Link #119
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: In my room
Accelerator in black wings mode? hmm curtana is a dimensional attack so it can't be block BUT apparently for no known reason Accelerator in his database had a filter already for teleporter and even magic. if you remember in vol 20 when a magician attack him. He did say that he can redirect an attack of a teleporter which is a dimensional attack.
So Accelerator in black wings mode can probably hold his ground BUT even so an attack of Curtana Original with one swing can turn a city into ruins. Even Accelerator can do that too but sheer fire power is still sheer fire power.
So who knows who will win unless we see them fight.
But I would bet it's Accelerator as though Curtana has divine origins but still not on the level of a a real divine.
|2010-09-11, 10:57
|Link #120
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DP 原画 --> ヨハネ
|hard science, magic
|Thread Tools


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Have you ever wondered what makes our eyes work or how we see? We'll dissect a cow's eye to take a closer look at the organ that helps us see the world. How is it similar to and different from our eyes, and those of other animals? Learn the parts of the eye and how they work together to illuminate our sight. We'll also talk about why some of us need glasses and how we can keep our eyes and our vision healthy. There is something for everyone during this interactive and fascinating demonstration!
Hands-on demonstrations are 20-30 minute interactive programs on the 2nd floor of the Museum. They include both brief presentations highlighting University research and engaging hands-on activities, and are suitable for adults and children ages 5 and up.


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The Library's growing collection of West Lafayette archival materials includes:
- Mayor papers from Mayor Sonya Margerum
- Press clippings form the term of Mayor Williamson
- City Council papers from Councilor Marjorie Gordon
- Neigborhood study reserach papers from Purdue students
- Scapbooks from West Lafayette High School Coach Gordon Straley
- Scrapbooks from the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department
Access to the WLPL Archive is by appointment only.
Research Request Form - editable research request or printable research request
Collection Request Form - editable collection request or printable collection request
Photocopy Request Form - editable photocopy request or printable photocopy request
Archival Research Area Rules
The objects housed in these collections are noncirculating materials. Some of them are in fragile condition and to a great extent irreplaceable; hence certain precautions are necessary.
- All briefcases, purses, coats, and other personal articles are to be deposited at the reference desk.
- Please sign in and out in the daily visit log each day when entering and departing. All papers must be inspected upon departure.
- No food, beverages, smoking, pets, or animals are permitted in any area of the Archives. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
- Hands should be clean for the handling of materials. Please avoid applying creams or lotions to your handsimmediately before handling materials as the oils can transfer and cause considerable damage.
- Use only pencils when taking notes. Computers and tablets are ok.
- Do not lay paper or cards on an object when writing notes. This practice leaves an impression that will shorten the life of the material.
- Use the proper book supports if supplied by the Archives staff to support volumes.
- Do not lay books open face down, or employ harmful bookmarks such as pencils, rulers, other books, etc. Broken spines and torn pages are the result of such treatment.
- If paper slips must be used as bookmarks, please take extra care to remove all of them before returning the material. If left inside, they put a strain on the spine and can eventually cause discoloration of the paper.
- Do not attempt to open uncut pages in a book. Please consult the archivist in each case.
- Do not rearrange the order in which materials are delivered to you. No marks may be added to or erased from any material.
- Do not make tracings or rubbings of archival material without specific permission and assistance from the staff.
- While material from these collections is in your hands, it is your responsibility. Please respect it and handle it with care.
- Copying will be made by the staff.
- The WLPL Archives reserve the right to inspect all research material and all personal articles before a patron leaves the area.
- Use of materials may be restricted by donor request, if in poor physical condition, to protect personal privacy or legitimate proprietary rights, to maintain reasonable administrative confidentiality, or if unprocessed.
The WLPL Archives reserves the right to refuse photocopying requests.
Guidelines for Using WLPL Archives and Special Collections
General Rules
- Do not bring purses, briefcases, backpacks, coats etc., into the WLPL Archives Research Area. Please leave these items at the reference desk.
- No food or beverages are allowed in the Archives. Smoking and gum chewing are not permitted.
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Handling the Collection
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- Do not use paper clips, rubber bands, post-it notes, or any three dimensional object for place markers. Paper bookmarkers are available at the reference desk.
- Items in folders should be examined one at a time; please keep the items in order.
- Do not remove items from their clear Mylar sleeves.
- Cotton gloves must be worn when handling historic photographs.
- When using materials housed in special enclosures, please be sure to put them back in the same way. If
- you need help rehousing an item, please ask a staff person.
- If the item you are using seems too fragile to handle, please ask Library staff to assist you.
Ordering Reproductions
Reproductions of the archival materials are considered on a case by case basis. Use these forms editable photocopy request or printable photocopy request form or see the reference librarian for the printed form and a consultation.
Permission to publish images taken from materials in the WLPL Archives must be obtained from the WLPL director. A fee structure is available upon request.
Thank you for your cooperation; following these rules will help us to preserve our collection so that researchers can continue to benefit from the information they contain.


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Belgaum (Karnataka), Feb 15:
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Saturday appealed to the opposition parties, especially the BJP, to allow the passage of six crucial anti-corruption bills in the ongoing parliament session.
"I once again appeal to the opposition parties, mainly the Bharatiya Janata Party to support us in passing the six pending bills, which will strengthen our resolve to fight corruption," Gandhi said at a rally here, about 500 km from Bangalore.
The six draft legislations, which are part of the government's anti-graft framework are – the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013, the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011, the Right of Citizens for Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievance Bill, 2011, the Public Procurement Bill, 2011, the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010, and the Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2011.
Parliament passed the historic Lokpal Bill and the Lokayuktas Bill, 2013, Dec 18, paving the way for setting up an ombudsman against corruption in public offices and ensure accountability.
Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the state, participated in the "Bharat Nirman" rally to drum up support for the ruling party in the general elections.
Blaming the opposition for preventing parliament from functioning and passing important legislations, he said the anti-graft laws would empower the people to check corruption in public life.
"The BJP only talks while the Congress works for progress and development of the country. It was our party that empowered the people with the Right to Information (RTI) Act," Gandhi told the gathering of about 60,000 people.
Turning towards a large number of women participating in the rally, Gandhi said the government would also strive to pass the Women's Reservation Bill in parliament to give them more representation in making laws.
"We will empower women to enter politics and contribute to the welfare of the people and well-being of the country. As women constitute about 50 percent of the population, more of them should represent in parliament and legislatures as MPs and MLAs," he said.
Thanking the people for returning the party to power in the state in the May 2013 election, Gandhi blamed the previous BJP government for doing nothing for the socio-economic development of Karnataka.
"People have wisely rejected the politics of communalism and corruption in which the BJP was steeped into during its five-year misrule," he said.
Expressing confidence that the Congress-led government would return to power after the general elections, Gandhi said the ruling party would continue to work for the poor, weaker sections of society and women.
"The chief minister (Siddaramaiah) is already doing a lot for the poor and farmers. His government is implementing the various programmes and welfare schemes such as Anna bhagya (subsidised rice) for the BPL families and Ksheera bhagya (free supply of milk to students of state-run and aided schools across the state," he said to thunderous applause.
Gandhi is Sunday scheduled to attend a convention of women at Tumkur, about 70 km from Bangalore, and participate in a road show in the Mysore region.


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
The Tuscarora Nation Picnic & Field Days will be held July 12-13 on the Tuscarora Nation, at Walmore and Mount Hope roads, north of Route 31.
Friday opening ceremonies will be at 5 p.m. On Saturday, there's the annual Breakfast in the Grove at 7:30 a.m., the fun run and 10K run at 9 a.m., followed by the parade and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m.
The event will feature traditional foods and chicken chowder, Native American arts and crafts, princess and toddlers contests, beadwork, hand drum and smoke dance competitions, a horseshoe tournament, music and more.
Bring a lawn chair and relax in the shade. Parking and admission are free.


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Sunday, July 24, 2011
A Philly Diner in Tahoe
Completing my Northern California sojurn was a trip to the North Lake Tahoe area, centered in Truckee. Now, I've been to Truckee many times over the years and consider myself pretty familiar with its offerings, but I'd never made it to Jax Diner.
Jax is literally an old, east coast style diner in that the train style building originally housed a Philadelphia area diner dating back to the 1940s. It was shipped to Truckee in the 1990s where it now sits attached to a larger building.
Everything at Jax is homemade from the thick toast to the parmesan dusted potato chips to the crunchy potato salad. The day were there, there was a meatball sandwich special which had thick, moist meatballs on homemade rolls with a nice, tanky tomoato sauce. I was less impressed with the Philly cheese steak in which the beef got a bit too dry and I longed for more peppers.
The shakes at Jax, as one would hope, were excellent. Thick and cold and served with the extra in the metal cup with plenty of malt in the malteds.
We had lunch, but I'm guessing the breakfasts here are great. This will definitely become a regular stop for me when I'm in the Truckee area.
Jax Diner
10144 West River Street
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 550-7450
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IEEE Digital Ecosystems and Technology Conference, June 2012, Italy
In our Digital Age, strong development of digital network infrastructure has dominated our service delivery, economic growth and life style. Future applications in domains such as Healthcare/Health-Science, Energy, Social Networks and Logistics demand infrastructures that are more agile than those operated currently. Digital Ecosystems aim to capture the notion of such agile and adaptive infrastructures. Digital Ecosystem Technologies encompass the advent of the whole spectrum of Internet technologies, starting from the hyperlinked web towards pervasive internet applications, from Peer-to-Peer systems to Grid middleware, followed by Cloud Services, Agent technologies, Sensor Networks and Cyber-Physical systems, which has become a major theme for business process digitalization.
Digital Ecosystems inherit concepts of open, loosely coupled, demand-driven, domain clustered, agent-based self organized collaborative environments where species/agents form a temporary coalition (or longer term) for a specific purpose or goals. Within this environment everyone is proactive and responsive for their own benefit or profit. The essence of digital ecosystems is the adoption of ecological system concepts, and creating value by making connections through collective intelligence and promoting collaboration instead of unbridled competition and ICT-based catalyst effects in a number of domains, to produce networked enriched communities and solutions. Today's global challenges such as in Energy and Sustainability, Healthcare and an Aging Society, Public Safety and Security, or Democracy and Participation/Involvement confront us with the most Complex Environments. Traditional ICT-support has often increased complexity, thus making the challenges even more severe. The Digital Ecosystem perspective aims to address the twofold challenge of Complex Environment Engineering and Digital Ecosystem Technology mapping. The complexity of both the challenges and the technological solutions has to be acknowledged.
IEEE DEST-CEE is jointly conducted with IFIP 2.6 - 2.12 SIMPDA (International Symposium on Data Driven Process Discovery and Analysis). This acknowledges the key role of business process data modeling, representation and privacy-aware analysis for Digital Ecosystems, and vice versa. Further, the Innovation Adoption Forum underpins the importance of public-private partnership as the key for delivering sustainable solutions for our Complex Living and Business Environment – and thus our Digital Ecosystem Habitat. Our Keynotes, Panels and Sessions will tackle the multifaceted challenges and solutions from various stakeholders perspectives.
Download Call for Papers
|Submission of Full Papers EXTENDED:
|15 March 2012 2 April 2012
|Notification of Acceptance EXTENDED:
|19 April 2012 30 April 2012
|Submission of Camera Ready Papers:
|21 May 2012
|18 - 20 June 2012


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Fall 2012
This article was first published on 24 July 2012 in theAtlantic.com.
Four years ago, President Obama's election generated hope for new American leadership in the fight against AIDS here at home and around the world. On that day, South Africa's Treatment Action Campaign -- the movement which combined massive demonstrations with sophisticated insider legal cases and science-based activism to force South Africa to create the world's largest HIV treatment program -- recalled his visit to their offices in the township of Khayelitsha, Western Cape, in August of 2006, and how it had urged him to run for president to have a chance to fulfill his commitment to addressing AIDS.
"Obama took a strong position on preventing and treating HIV/AIDS," the group recalled in 2008, "and was critical of President Mbeki and the South African government's response to the epidemic," then expressed through a deadly form of HIV denialism.
Since becoming president, Obama has continued to talk the talk, promising last December on World AIDS Day to lead the way towards an AIDS-free generation, and to increase U.S. support for global HIV treatment to cover antiretroviral therapy (ART) for six million people around the world by the end of 2013. That makes his silence this week, during the first International AIDS Conference to be held on American soil since the 1990 gathering during the George H.W. Bush administration, all the more striking.
Obama simply hasn't walked the walk when it comes to funding for AIDS. In fact, earlier this year, he proposed a shocking cut of $550 million to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the most successful U.S.-funded global health program in history.
At first, the administration failed to provide any explanation for such drastic cuts, which could put the lives of thousands who depend on the United States to pay for treatment at risk. Later, in response to pressure from the Treatment Action Group and its activist colleagues, administration officials claimed that they had been so successful in reducing costs that they could reach the target of getting medicines to 6 million during 2013 even with dramatically reduced funding.
It's true that costs have gone down. Earlier this week, the Clinton Health Access Initiative released data showing that the cost of providing HIV care and treatment has dramatically fallen in the past two years due to increased use of generic medications and overall program efficiencies. The annual cost of HIV care in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia -- including drugs, lab costs, and health worker salaries -- is now just $200, while in more developed South Africa it is $682. In her speech to the International AIDS Conference on Monday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated that these economies of scale enabled PEPFAR-supported programs to enroll 600,000 people in the last six months, compared with 700,000 in the past fiscal year.
With these successes in hand, the Obama administration could easily have proposed a more rapid scale-up towards unmet HIV prevention and treatment needs, rather than slashing PEPFAR. There are plenty of global health needs to which the funds saved on "efficiencies" could have been applied -- expanding TB testing in mothers and children, purchasing GeneXpert TB test kits, which can diagnose the disease and its most common drug-resistance patterns in two hours rather than the two weeks or more traditional TB culture takes -- as well as expanding ART treatment slots and growing maternal and child health programs. All these would have been steps forward towards the making administration's AIDS-free generation promise a reality.
Instead, the administration decided to pocket the savings, leaving millions of people out in the cold.
Some people even wonder if the president's lack of enthusiasm for PEPFAR heralds the program's demise next year, when it is due to be reauthorized by Congress. PEPFAR was launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush and, along with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, has channeled $39 billion in U.S. aid towards HIV treatment and prevention efforts (as well as the fights against TB and malaria) around the world, making the United States the single largest source of dollars addressing the global HIV pandemic. Four-and-a-half million people today are receiving life-saving HIV treatment through PEPFAR in low and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America.
Had Obama attended the International AIDS Conference (Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, PEPFAR chief Eric Goosby, and NIH AIDS supremo Anthony Fauci and other members of the administration have been speaking or attending in his stead), he would have heard deep gratitude for the U.S. role in responding to the HIV epidemic around the globe. He would have heard optimism that the world is on the cusp of being able to do something long thought unthinkable -- actually bring about an end to the AIDS pandemic.
But since he won't be there, here's a to do list the president should consider if he wants to walk the walk to truly begin to make that happen:
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Angelina Jolie: 'The Impossible' Screening Host!
Angelina Jolie poses for a picture with her pal Ewan McGregor at a screening of his film The Impossible on Sunday (November 18) at the Soho Hotel in London, England.
The 37-year-old actress hosted the private screening, where she praised Ewan's work in the film.
"I have known you for years and you are one of my favorite actors and I've always loved to watch you, but I watched this and I didn't recognize you," Angelina said. "To say it is one of the best performances of the year, really doesn't give it credit, because it doesn't feel like a performance. It's from such an honest place and so deeply emotional."
"The true testament of any film is what you walk away with, and I think in this film you walk away with more empathy, with a greater sense of connection to your fellow man, and you want to run home and hug your kids, and tell the people you love that you love them," Angie added.
FYI: Angelina wore an Atelier Versace black long sleeve silk-crepe cocktail dress with a criss-cross pleating effect on the front with a black belt.


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138. Jim Thorpe, golf
Football didn't cut it for the former Morgan State fullback. So Thorpe took up golf, honed his game at Forest Park and Mount Pleasant and, in 1972, turned pro. He won three times on the PGA Tour and, at 63, has taken 13 events on the Champions (Senior) Tour, defeating, among others, Tom Watson and Tom Kite. Thorpe served a year in prison (2010) for tax evasion and continues to compete.
Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Copyright © 2019, Chicago Tribune


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- Información
Facilidad de empleo
- Abertura de llenado rápido - simplemente pliegue hacia abajo las asas magnéticas
- Grandes asas - fácil de transportar
- De gran capacidad y amplia abertura - hace que cargar la lavadora sea más fácil
Garantía Brabantia
2 Años
Número de artículo
- Revisiones
Bolsa de colada rectangular, 55 litros - Pastel Mint clasificado de 5 por 24.Rated 5 de 5 por KEW200000 de Stylish and practical I love my two new laundry bags (one for colours, one for whites). Being rectangular, the sit well together on my landing up against the wall taking much less space then my old round ones. They are nice and rigid, but when youa re ready to carry them to the washing machine they compress at the top and the handles come together for carrying easily. I just wish they were available in more colours or colours that toned together. A beige or brown would be a great neutral addition rather than black and grey.Fecha de publicación: 2016-01-09Rated 4 de 5 por Pookie de Good laundry bin We're happy with this affordable laundry bin. It's neatly sized, well designed and appears well made. We'll have to wait and see how well the two lid flaps cope with the kids messing around with them and also how easy it will be to get any sticky finger marks out of the material. We're thinking of getting another one - because it folds flat we can keep the second one in a cupboard until the washing builds up from bedding and towel changes.Fecha de publicación: 2014-11-24Rated 5 de 5 por Pebble de Great laundry bin! Bought this for my son and and am so happy with it. It's really well designed, functional, works well and looks great as it comes in fab colours. It fits neatly in to the corner of the room but also love that it's now so easy to carry the laundry downstairs and back upstairs when it's dry. Best piece of household equipment I've bought for a while.Fecha de publicación: 2015-04-13Rated 5 de 5 por OllieP de Really like this nice material, simple, works well. I use this for me and my wife, and for us it has enough capacity. If you have a bigger family, you'll probably need something larger. the design works well, and unlike a lot of other products, it's not bulky and fits well into a corner or cupboard so it's easily stored. I like it a lot.Fecha de publicación: 2014-07-16Rated 5 de 5 por Alis de Looks Great I have bought this for my daughter to use in her studio flat at university. It takes up little space but it will be more than big enough for her laundry and as it is a bag, she can easily carry her washing up to the laundry room. I think it is a very useful item and am considering getting one for my son's bedroom at home.Fecha de publicación: 2015-08-31Rated 5 de 5 por MessyJess de Smart and sturdy Glad I bought these. Simple and plain shape, fits tidily in the space available. No hard edges but stands up and keeps the washing tidily contained. Can be easily picked up and emptied. Good range of colours. I bought a red and a blue for hot and cool wash. Seem to be well made and hopefully will last.Fecha de publicación: 2015-09-13Rated 5 de 5 por seathrift de Neat and Effective I bought this for the bedroom. My partner is totally incapable of opening and closing a lid so until recently all dirty laundry has gone on the floor - now it goes straight in the bin but is well hidden. It picks up as a bag and is sturdy to take to the utility room. Very pleased with the purchaseFecha de publicación: 2014-05-12Rated 4 de 5 por Wiggles89 de Very Impressed When I first assembled this I wasn't sure that it would support itself. However by pulling the magnetic tops across and into place I couldn't believe it. Very stable even when full and doesn't lose shape like a lot of fabric laundry baskets when very full. Overall very impressed.Fecha de publicación: 2014-12-01


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Avery Island (Louisiana): Paul C McIlhenny, chief executive and chairman of the board of the McIlhenny Company that makes the trademarked line of Tabasco hot pepper sauce and other products, has died, the company said on Sunday.
He was 68.
A company statement released at its Avery Island headquarters in south Louisiana said McIlhenny died yesterday.
McIlhenny was a member of a family whose 145-year-old company has been producing the world-famous Tabasco sauce for generations..
The statement said he joined the company in 1967 and directly oversaw production and quality of all products sold under the Tabasco brand for 13 years.
Under McIlhenny`s guidance, the company experienced many years of record growth in sales and earnings and also introduced several new flavors, other sauces and products.
"All of McIlhenny Compnay and the McIlhenny and Avery families are deeply saddened by this news," said Tony Simmons, president of McIlhenny Company and a McIlhenny family member.
"We will clearly miss Paul`s devoted leadership but will more sorely feel the loss of his acumen, his charm and his irrepressible sense of humor."
The statement said McIlhenny led expansion of brand merchandising and licensing partnerships associated with the Tabasco brand name, greatly developed the company`s catalogue business of licensed merchandise such as its popular neckties and was a key force behind the distribution of Tabasco products to more than 165 countries and territories where they are now sold today.
The company said McIlhenny was serving as chief executive, board chairman as well as a company director at the time of his death.
He was a sixth-generation member of the family to live on Avery Island and among the fourth generation to produce the Tabasco brand sauce, it added.
The company also noted that McIlhenny was active in community and environmental concerns, including efforts to preserve fragile coastal wetlands in Louisiana and elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.


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In January 2011 we launched a new referral program for Medicare Direct Pay business sales. All new direct pay Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans are eligible under this referral program. Medicare employer group business is excluded at this time.
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You must be an appointed broker to participate in the program. Use the links below to learn more about this program before submitting referrals.


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Don't count 'em out yet ... 'cause Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman were spotted TOGETHER at an airport this morning ... a possible sign they're trying to save their marriage.
It's a pretty big deal ... considering the two revealed they separated back in October ... and it seemed their 30 year marriage was done for.
However, the body language at the airport is interesting -- they started off walking together ... but when they were approached by the pap, Rhea sped up ... putting some distance between herself and Danny.
FYI -- the two married back in 1982 and have 3 children together.
So, we gotta ask ...


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Hi Adam, I live in Norfolk and would like to play this weekend. Friday or Saturday. Let me know. my number is 317-308-9736
Hey Adam. I'm new to the area. I use to play out west in CA and AZ. Looking to hit if you're interested. This is my email. email@example.com. - Dune
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Have a look at our introduction page which will help you navigate the massive network which now has over 40,000 members and 600 local tennis groups.
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Hey Adam. I'm new to the site too trying to look for some hitting partners. I'm in Newport News so if you want to meet somewhere half way I'm available just about anytime. Text or call me at 757 503 0574 if you're interested.
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⑤❿Perhaps, more known for its big sales rather than a solid entry into the hip-hop cannon... and of course, "Candy Shop." 50 Cent's sophomore album was probably more unadulterated fun than intelligent (like say, Kanye's masterpiece Late Registration). But simplicity and a lack of depth, doesn't necessarily cease the enjoyment of this overlong album--my biggest hang up is that: sex is great ("Get in My Car"), bragging is great too ("Piggy Bank"), but twenty-two tracks is an arduous task for anyone who doesn't really have anything important to say. However, when the beats are infectious you can somewhat understand the need for the extravagance.
Best: Candy Shop, Just a Little Bit, Ryder Music, Piggy Bank.


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CLOSE: Noomi Rapace Must Navigate a Warzone in the Trailer for the NETFLIX Action-Thriller
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23 Jan, 2019
HOME VIDEO: The Dolph Lundgren Action Pack Collection is Ready to Fire You Up!
Well here's an awesome collection of action fueled films to keep you entertained in the cold winter months if you are a super fan of action star Dolph Lundgren (which I just happen to be). The icon of action cinema is literally having a career resurgence as of late appearing in the big screen blockbusters AQUAMAN and CREED II which both opened late last year. For those serious Lundgren fanatics, Echo Bridge Entertainment is bringing some of his action hits to one DVD with the Dolph Lundgren
23 Jan, 2019
THE WATCHDOG: Paul Mormando is Back and He's Cleaning Up the Streets in the Official Teaser!
While I was on vacation, one of the awesome things to happen was the release of the new teaser trailer for the upcoming action-drama series which sees real life martial arts expert and actor Paul Mormando returning as a man who has had enough of the crime that plagues his streets and the good people who live there. The new series is called THE WATCHDOG and it is Mormando's latest project to hit after his gritty action-packed throwback fight film BOUND BY DEBT. Check out the new teaser below and
23 Jan, 2019
PUNISHER Showrunner Steve Lightfoot Talks Potential Season 3 Plans
Despite the looming black cloud of a potential cancellation, Marvel's THE PUNISHER debuted its second season on Netflix last week and while the response has been mixed by critics and some fans, the resounding theme is that it's a slam dunk and gives the fans what they want. I, myself, am only four episodes in but I am eating it up as the first three episodes were awesome. Even with cancellation rumors swirling around, the series showrunner Steve Lightfoot recently sat down with Comic Book.Com
22 Jan, 2019
The Action Dream Team Assembles On the German Blu-Ray Cover for TRIPLE THREAT!
Yesterday, I posted some new images from the highly anticipated action ensemble flick TRIPLE THREAT which hosts the elite of the elite when it comes to action and martial arts superstars. Tony Jaa, Scott Adkins, Iko Uwais, Michael Jai White, and Tiger Chen are all in for what is sure to be an epic beatdown from SAVAGE DOD and THE DEBT COLLECTOR helmer Jesse V. Johnson. Well Go USA is bringing the pain to America in March and in the meantime, Johnson posted on his official Instagram page the
22 Jan, 2019
WE DIE YOUNG: JCVD is the Last Option in the Official Trailer for His Newest Action-Drama
Action superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme just dropped the trailer for his newest action-drama to follow his acclaimed film THE BOUNCER (LUKAS). The film titled WE DIE YOUNG finds JCVD starring as a war veteran suffering from PTSD whio must come to the aid of two brothers who are in the cross hairs of a vicious gang. Check out the new promo and posters below for the upcoming film. Action legend Jean-Claude Van Damme (Double Impact, Bloodsport) takes a powerful dramatic turn as a war veteran with
21 Jan, 2019
Scott Adkins Takes Aim at Iko Uwais in a New Image from TRIPLE THREAT!
March 22nd cannot, literally, come fast enough and while we wait for TRIPLE THREAT to finally blast its way into our lives, I am grabbing up any new info, images and footage that I can from the highly anticipated action ensemble film that brings together some of the greatest action and martial arts stars in the world including Tony Jaa, Scott Adkins, Iko Uwais, Michael Jai White, and Tiger Chen. To say that I have been waiting for this one would be a gross understatement. Big props goes out to
21 Jan, 2019
STRIKE BACK: They're Back In the Field as the New Promo Spot Amps You Up!
With the release od THE PUNISHER last Friday, we cannot forget that another classic, high-octane show is about to debut its seventh season as STRIKE BACK is ready to assault your Friday nights once again starting this Friday at 10/9c. Cinemax has released a brand new TV spot for the anticipated season which sees the new crew returning from the rebooted former season. Check it out below! The new episodes will see Section 20 investigate the crash of a Russian jet in the South China Sea. While
21 Jan, 2019
THE PUNISHER: Season 2 Review- Episodes 1-3
REVIEW: THE PUNISHER Season 2 Episodes 1-3 Starring: Jon Bernthal, Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah, Giorgia Whigham and Josh Stewart Directed By: Various OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Former marine-turned-vigilante Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) has been living a quiet life on the road until he suddenly becomes embroiled in the attempted murder of a young girl (Giorgia Whigham). As he is drawn into the mystery surrounding her and those in pursuit of the information she holds, Castle attracts a new target on
21 Jan, 2019
JOHN WICK'S Grace Period is Over as a New Poster and Banner Debut for the Anticipated 3rd Film!
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is in a whole lot of trouble. When we last saw the legendary assassin, his membership with the Continental had been revoked and he was ex-communicado as an army of assassins are laying in wait to claim the massive bounty on the hitman's head. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3- PARABELLUM can't come fast enough but in the meantime, along with the awesome trailer that dropped, Lionsgate and Summit have officially released a new poster and banner for the film which shows Wick against
21 Jan, 2019
JOHN WICK Director Chad Stahelski Serves Up the 411 On that Potential HIGHLANDER Reboot
Many, many months ago, it was reported that a HIGHLANDER reboot was in the works with celbrated action director and JOHN WICK creator Chad Stahelski getting involved in on the action. There has even been reports of a script that was finished and the potential for a new trilogy of films. Unfortunatey, nothing has transpired on the project in a long while but now we have some updates from the man himself and the possibility of going from film to television. Speaking with Collider, Stahelski had
21 Jan, 2019
Scott Mann Interview Part 2: The Director Talks FINAL SCORE Starring Dave Bautista!
Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and Action-Flix.com readers, as promised here is part two of the massive 2 part interview with director Scott Mann. Scott shares his thoughts in depth about Final Score, I know that my readers have probably read other interviews with Scott about this film, but I hope that this one gives a fresh perspective on his thinking behind the action, not just the main characters. Scott is really interesting to talk to thus I went long in our interview with the PR person


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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Pekka Rinne says making nice with the fans didn't enter his mind when the Nashville goaltender skated over and handed a puck to a smiling young boy.
The goalie was just happy being back on the ice with his teammates in front of a few hundred fans.
"It was fun to kind of play around a little bit and for sure it's always fun when you have little kids watching you and you know they love hockey," Rinne said.
The Predators tried to start wooing fans back Saturday for a lockout-shortened season. With the new labour deal not ratified by midday, the players put themselves through an hour-long practice with coaches forced to only watch from the stands. The team sold hot dogs, popcorn and sodas for 50 cents apiece in what they billed a "celebration."
"They're the reason why we're here," Predators captain Shea Weber said of the fans. "It's tough. Obviously they're the ones who suffered through this whole thing, and it' shard. But anything we can do to try and win them back, we're going to try and hopefully they'll stick with us and come with us the whole way."
Lee Bittinger of Clarksville, Tenn., was among the first fans in Bridgestone Arena, and she settled into the seats between the team benches courtside with her son, Matt Baker, and friend Vicki Salter all decked out in Predators' jerseys to enjoy a view she never could afford during a regular game. Her son even high-fived Rinne through the glass.
As happy as they all are to have the NHL finally back, Bittinger is the kind of fan the Predators and the league may not get back this season. She'll buy tickets for a couple games but said she won't be buying season tickets even for the cheap seats near the top of the arena where she usually sits.
"I'm still a little of my own personal little rebellion against what went on," Bittinger said. "I'm not going to even look at the rest of the season."
Caleb Waller of Nashville has been going to Predators' games since their first season in 1998-99, and he said he'll be back. He blamed owners for this lockout and is hoping the final details of the new labour deal help out small market teams like Nashville.
"I think owners need to come up with something to make fans feel they are appreciated," Waller said.
That's what the Predators tried to do Saturday opening up their arena for six hours with the cheap eats, and the turnout was impressive on a rainy day. The Predators also had face-painting for children with fans able to take photos posing with hockey sticks, while mascot Gnash roamed around as well.
A highlight of the practice came when fans broke out into a "Let's go Predators" cheer that coach Barry Trotz appreciated. Trotz said the Predators could have had a more formal atmosphere if the deal had been ratified in time, but he was impressed by the turnout.
"Everybody wants to see hockey," Trotz said. "The players want to see the fans."
The Predators themselves couldn't stop smiling once they wrapped up their session. Many had stayed around Nashville working out together at a rink in Franklin, Tenn., while six went overseas to play during the lockout. They tried scrimmaging near the end of their session before finishing up, but still were waiting for forward Sergei Kostitsyn to rejoin the team to build up their numbers.
But the uncertainty remained pending the final approval with the schedule for the start of training camp expected Sunday including the words "IF WE CAN START" on the board in the locker room. Trotz said he's ready to get to work the instant the deal is final.
"It's waiting like your flight's delayed at the airport," Trotz said. "That's really how it feels. It's no different. Yeah, we're just waiting for that to happen. Once it does, we'll get ready to go."
Still, the Predators were skating in their own arena with people cheering. Forward Mike Fisher said it felt great to be back.
"The response was great, and we appreciate it," Fisher said.
Follow Teresa M. Walker on Twitter at www.twitter.com/teresamwalker


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SPMW Single molecule recognition atomic force microscopy
Published on
In molecular recognition force microscopy (MRFM), ligands are covalently attached to atomic force microscopy tips for the molecular recognition of their cognitive receptors on probe surfaces. A ligand-containing tip is approached towards the receptors on the probe surface, which possibly leads to formation of a receptor-ligand bond. The tip is subsequently retracted until the bond breaks at a certain force (unbinding force). In force spectroscopy (FS), the dynamics of the experiment is varied, which reveals a logarithmic dependence of the unbinding force from the loading rate. These studies give insight into the molecular dynamics of the receptor-ligand recognition process and yield information about the binding pocket, binding energy barriers, and kinetic reaction rates. Applications on isolated proteins, native membranes, viruses, and cells will be presented. We have also developed a method for the localization of specific binding sites and epitopes with nm positional accuracy. A magnetically driven AFM tip containing a ligand covalently bound via a tether molecule is oscillated at a few nm amplitude while scanning along the surface. In this way, topography and recognition images are obtained simultaneously.
Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
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|Mezuzot is a Scrabble word. Scrabble point value for mezuzot: 27 points.
|Mezuzot is a Words with Friends word. Words with Friends point value for mezuzot: 27 points.
Above are the results of unscrambling mezuzot. Using the word generator and word unscrambler for the letters M E Z U Z O T, we unscrambled the letters to create a list of all the words found in Scrabble, Words with Friends, and Text Twist. We found a total of 26 words by unscrambling the letters in mezuzot. Click these words to find out how many points they are worth, their definitions, and all the other words that can be made by unscrambling the letters from these words. If one or more words can be unscrambled with all the letters entered plus one new letter, then they will also be displayed.
|Definition of "mezuzot" found in the Merriam Webster dictionary
|Definition of "mezuzot" from The Free Dictionary
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Judge Says Blogs Not Legitimate News Source; No Shield Protections
from the seems-to-leave-a-lot-of-leeway dept
Thus, it should come as no surprise that the judge has now ruled that Hale is not protected by shield laws because she has "no connection to any legitimate news publication." This is troubling for a variety of reasons. First, it leaves open entirely to interpretation what exactly is a "legitimate news publication." The judge seems to think it only applies to old school media, saying: "Even though our courts have liberally construed the shield law, it clearly was not intended to apply to any person communicating to another person." Sure, but that doesn't mean that an individual who posts something in the pursuit of reporting isn't media as well. It looks like Hale will appeal this decision, and hopefully other courts will recognize that you don't have to work for a big media organization to be a reporter any more.


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A data explosion that doesn't generate revenue growth. Ongoing market consolidation. Value migration. Rapidly changing business models. Technology disruption. It's all changing the face of the telecommunications industry. Providers who can safely navigate these waters and keep value-based growth top of mind will emerge as winners, regardless of their size, maturity, or geographic location. How? By purposefully overhauling their operating models and focusing on growth beyond the core.
The traditional telco business model is under siege, making it difficult to generate long-term value for shareholders. The declining base business makes finding new sources of growth an imperative. How do you decide which opportunities to pursue?Discover more insights
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text: Great new same device game Similar to a real time chess, Castle raid really brings out the best in same device multiplayer games. Played 2 games this afternoon at work at the tension was extreme . Everyone enjoyed the game and everyone really looks forward to playing more tomorrow. Dev page: http://www.arcticmill.com/ Personally I love same device multiplayer games, it's fun, easy to get into and competing against your friends is fun no matter what the game is. Hopefully the devs will support the game and bring uppdates with more content, more strategic elements and an even richer experience. All in all, a fun game well worth the small cost.


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Congress passed food safety legislation providing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with new powers. Trying to halt a series of disease outbreaks in the nation's food supply – and fresh off last summer's salmonella outbreak and subsequent recall of 500 million eggs – the lame-duck Congress was under pressure to pump up the FDA's inspection capabilities.
And so it did. In essence, the FDA is now charged with preventing food-borne disease outbreaks rather than trying to contain them once rampant.
Under the new law -- among other new and expanded abilities -- the FDA will be allowed to employ food recalls, access records at both farms and processing centers, and set quality standards for imported produce. In the FDA's freshly-calibrated crosshairs are salmonella and E. coli and, therefore, a stepped-up inspection regime for all manner of products prone to bacterial contamination.
"The food safety bill will provide … improved tools to prevent food-borne illness and address challenges in the food safety system by promoting a prevention-oriented approach," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack after the House passed the bill on a 215 to 144 vote. "Protecting consumers from harm is a fundamental function of government and with passage of this landmark food safety legislation USDA remains committed to keeping food safety a top priority."
The USDA will continue to be responsible for inspections of beef, pork and poultry.
A common talking point on Capitol Hill is that the food safety legislation is the most significant in 70 years. Early readers of the bill (expected to cost around $1.5 billion over four years) claim the FDA is now charged with holding imported food to the same standards as food produced in-country.
However, left unaddressed amid the post-vote afterglow is the woeful record of the government in inspecting aquaculture imports. Despite proclaiming food safety paramount, for years the U.S. government has been inspecting only around two percent of such imports annually.
A reluctance by the Bush and Obama administrations to allow inspections to move from the FDA to USDA (as was mandated by Congress in the last farm bill) has allowed untold numbers of Americans to be exposed to a wide array of contaminants and carcinogens picked up in Vietnamese and Chinese operations. Such porous inspections have also severely harmed U.S. catfish farmers, who must abide by regulations, and the resulting expenses, that their Asian counterparts are unburdened with.
Regardless, the food safety bill will allow the FDA to hire some 2,000 new inspectors and more frequent inspections are promised for the agriculture sector – especially larger operations. Smaller operations (less than $500,000 in annual sales) are exempted from the legislation.
Companies now under the new legislation have 18 months to produce their own updated food safety plans, which must then be approved by the FDA. In the meantime, the FDA is expected to write its own set of rules to go along with its newly expanded powers.


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HOLT � A simple answer to a question inspired an annual tradition for a Holt girl who wants no senior citizen to spent Christmas alone.
HOLT � A simple answer to a question inspired an annual tradition for a Holt girl who wants no senior citizen to spent Christmas alone.
A few years ago, Railey Conner and her family attended a church service with her great-grandmother, Roxie Buchanan, a Carrington Manor resident who has Alzheimer's disease. Afterward, the child wondered who was responsible for taking other Carrington Manor residents to church.
Click here for a link to Railey's 13th Birthday Project>>
"I had to explain to her that some (residents) don't get that," her mother, Angie Holland, said.
Instead of celebrating her birthday on Dec. 15, Railey decided to collect items for senior citizens at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The ultimate goal was to "share the love" with them during the winter holidays, she said.
Railey's Birthday Project is now in its third year. In 2012, residents donated toiletries, blankets and slippers, among other offerings. Railey and her friends made gift bags, which she gave to residents at Carrington Manor, Safe and Secure Respite Care, Crestview Manor and Silvercrest Manor.
Railey says it's important to remember that Christmas is for more than children.
"Thinking about kids during Christmas is great, but everybody does that," she said.
"These people (senior citizens) used to be our teachers, pastors or nurses," she said. "These are people we used to look up to. Even though we may not cross paths (with them) as often as we used to ... we still need to think about them."
Railey and her mother are looking for more locations to set up collection bins for the project.
As of this printed edition, the First Baptist Church of Holt (532 U.S. 90, Holt), the Crestview News Bulletin office (705 Ashley Drive, Crestview) and Freedom Tax Services Plus (417 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview), Holland's employer, are the only two locations.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.


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It's that time of month again with 5 star makeover hosted by Natasha and Lazaro. Last month, they had a virtual restaurant war that I missed participating due to travelling. If you haven't checked it out, you should! The cooking group provided scrumptious menu and mouth watering food.
Edamame is full with protein, high in fiber, a source of essential omega 3 fat, and rich in calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B. So, it's one of the super foods recommending eating.
I like to put yokon gold potato in this kinda soup. It adds sweetness, starcyness, and thickness to the soup. Basil and mint add a fresh flavor to it. You can add any seafood or seasoned meat to the soup as "topping". This time I like to go for a simplicity. Chilled soup woule be best in warm weather but unfortunately the town I live in, Seattle, is still cold, cloudy, and rainny. Boo. I'm not really a big fan of chilled soup. In fact, I never intend to make chilled soup. I do make warm soup and put leftover in a fridge then it's chilled and I sometimes get lazy and eat it cold. Ha.
In Asian culture, we don't eat cold soup eventhough the weather is piping hot. One of the reasons is that warm food helps your blood circulation works better especially for women. Until I come to the US and experience gapazcho-- a popular cold soup. Sipping...hmm..sipping one more time..hmmm. It's not bad! I could work with this. Please look out for a beuatiful delicious cold soup round-up on Friday from Natasha's blog and Lazaro's blog. You will be surprised how many variation chilled soup can be!
Edamame Basil Soup
1 medium yukon gold potato, peeled, diced or quartered
1 full cup frozen edamame
1/2 sweet onion, diced
Chicken or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version
Salt and pepper
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
pinch of cayanne pepper
3 Tbs chopped basil
2 Tbs chopped mint
1/4 cup greek yogurt
Walnut oil for drizzling (optional)
2 Tbs butter
1 Tbs oilve oil
- Heat up medium sauce pan with olive oil and butter. When it's hot, add onion. Cook until translucent. Add potato. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 mins.
- Add edamame. Season with curry powder, smoked paprika, and cayanne pepper. Cook until it's getting soft.
- Add stock just to cover vegetable in the pot. When it evaporates, keep adding stock until it's cover vegetable. Bring to boil. Then simmer until potato is cooked through. Adjust seasoning.
- Let's stand until it's not too cold to put in a blender.
- Put in a blender. Add mint, basil, yogurt. Puree until it's smooth and liquidfy. Adjust flavor. If you need to add more basil, mint, or yogurt, please do so.
- You can eat it warm at this point or put it in a fridge to chill it, and eat it.
- I serve with crackers or toasted baguette.


text: One of the request I've been getting quite often this semester is to put video clips in our Blackboard course. Faculty members are bringing large quantities of video clips on copyrighted DVD's to me and requesting that students be able to access and watch them via Blackboard (our course management system). We or they have gotten permission to put these on the server. The problem is that we don't have a streaming server.


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Affirmative action on the surface seems like a good idea, but in reality it doesn't address the right things. Consider a situation that I had back when I was in high school. There was a girl who was half hispanic who lived in a similar neighborhood as many of the white kids, thus being from a similar financial background. She had the same educational opportunities as the whites, and she was in the top 10% of the class. She was offered a full-ride to an ivy-league school, and nobody else in the top 10% was even offered a full-ride to the state schools(including the valedictorian). Admirably, this girl turned down this scholarship because she wanted to get it off merit, not because of her race. However, to get back to the point, how is this correcting the "social injustices" that many of you are speaking of? She had the same opportunities as the rest of us, but yet got much better rewards for similar results. I do agree that there is a correlation with race and socio-economic standing, so address that. But addressing the issue by race alone is downright wrong. Martin Luther King said, "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Does affirmative action do this?
First off, this is just one personal experience. And yes, it is isolated, but I have heard of many stories like this. But more importanly, it shows how the AA system is so very flawed. It isn't necessarily helping the disadvantaged, it is helping the people of a certain skin color or ethnic background. If it is the disadvantaged you are all worried about, why not do as somebody earlier stated and replace AA with a program that gives preferance to the economically poor and disadvantaged? The way things work now, a minority that is filthy rich can get the same advantages as somebody who is in poverty. Plus, there are plenty of white kids that are just as poor and disadvantaged as the minorities. What do you say to them?There is no way that this is a cure. I'm sure you've heard these arguments, and will probably just insult them, but they are very valid. First, this won't help solve racism. If anything it will make a lot of white people resent minorities. No matter if that is justified or not, you are going to have people who feel like they were cheated out of a position in a school or a job. That isn't going to make them like the person who they think didn't deserve it.Second, it is telling the white people that they have to do twice as good to get ahead, and it is telling the minorities that they can do pretty good, and the government will get them the rest of the way. Is that really an accomplishment? Many successful minorities are against affirmative action because they feel they will always have it in the back of their mind that maybe their success had some sort of aid. Jerome Holmes, recently appointed as Justice of the 10th Circuit of Appeals, is publically against it, and he is an African American man. Dinesh D'Souza, an Indian immigrant author, is another prominant individaul with that mindset. Finally, what would be wrong with eliminating the race box altogether on applications? There would be no way to give preference to anyone who is white or any other color. Instead, be more specific about life's other circumstances. That would be the way to have a more equal application process.
As far as the girl from my high school, the point was that she didn't have anything outstanding compared to anyone else in my school. Yes, she was very smart, and yes, she had a lot going for her, but there were also white students who had just as much going for her and who were smarter than she was. I don't remember all the specifics (this was four years ago), but I do remember her even admitting that it wasn't at all fair. This is why she turned down the opportunity. Yes, I quote King. There are plenty of whites who have just as much character as minorities. They aren't being judged by their character, they are being judged by their race. That is what AA is designed to do. I definately agree with the LSAT. I think it's stupid that 4 hours can determine how qualified someone is. There should be many more considerations than that. And, I agree that things need to be done to make everyone on an equal playing field. That being said, if this is the standard, why can't the minorities that 'James Bond' speaks of do as well? If they have the money, they have the same opportunity. If they don't, they don't have the same opportunity. This is why it should be done on class, not race. Bond also says that "failure is the individual's fault." I can turn this around. Minorities need to stop blaming white America and take the responsibility. I think that there definately should be policy implemented to fix the problems of equality. However, I don't see the equality being a race problem as much as financial. If your poor, your public education will be worse than if you can afford private or prep schools. But, I think the answer to equality is to fix the educational experiences at a younger age. I think affirmative action used to be effective, but I think it is getting more and more outdated. I think that if you are going to have legislation, it must be fair to everyone, and have as few holes as possible. Flawed laws don't need to be anywhere in our system. You can easily take race off an application. You can also take the names off. For admissions purposes you can assign a case number or code names, etc. Professors do it for grading essays all the time...
She thought that she could get in on her own merit. It's like me applying to a target school. That was her target school. Her scholarship letter was for a minority scholarship so she turned it down because she felt that affirmative action is wrong, not because of her peers. And, sticking up for your convictions is noble.


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June 30, 2009
Equinix Wins Energy Innovator Award at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy Summit
Foster City, CA - June 30, 2009 - Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), a provider of global data center services, was awarded a Silicon Valley Power Energy Innovator Award in the "Energy Efficiency Partner" category at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Energy Summit hosted at Stanford University on June 29th. The award recognizes the nearly $1 million in rebates that Equinix received from the City of Santa Clara for energy efficiency measures implemented through an expansion at the company's Silicon Valley 2 (SV2) International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center.
The Silicon Valley Power Energy Innovator Awards honor both large and small organizations for their support of energy efficiency and renewable energy. The awards are presented in the following categories:
- Environmental Innovator: rewarding an organization for all-around efforts to support energy efficiency and renewable energy;
- Energy Efficiency Partner: rewarding an organization for outstanding implementation of energy efficiency programs and application of rebate programs;
- Green Power Champion (renewable energy): rewarding an organization for innovative and successful green power purchases and implementation of other renewable energy programs.
As a part of Equinix's expansion at its SV2 center, the company implemented a variety of efficient procedures, such as installing air-side economizers that use the outside air to provide "free cooling" and drastically reduce the amount of mechanically produced cold air needed for the center. This system has resulted in energy savings of more than 4,000,000 kWh and $300,000 per year. Equinix also installed variable frequency drive (VFD) fans that allow for greater efficiency by operating at reduced fan speeds when there is a lower demand for air distribution. This upgrade has resulted in annual savings for more than $51,000 in power consumption. Finally, the project included the installation of LED light fixtures and occupancy sensors that will provide annual energy savings of 100,000 kWh.
Keynoted by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the 2009 Energy Summit brings together industry and policy experts for an interactive day of presentations and engaging discussions on energy leadership. Topics include:
- Energy Efficiency Strategies & Options for Silicon Valley companies
- Tracking, Optimizing & Reporting Your Company's Carbon Footprint: What companies need to prepare for & the tools available
- The Smart Grid Rollout & New, Energy Technologies on the Horizon
- Modifying Behavior to Improve Energy Efficiency & Curb Carbon Emissions
- Updates on federal stimulus spending, national & state energy policies and how these policies could impact your bottom line
- Creating Energy Systems at Scale
Equinix is committed to operating the most efficient data centers in the industry. The company's efforts have been recognized at the Data Centres Europe conference, where Equinix won the "Data Centers Europe Green Award," and by the Bay Area Green Business Program which "green" certified all four of Equinix's Silicon Valley IBX centers. In addition, Equinix has adopted a variety of programs that maximize efficiency of operations, reduce environmental impact and support industry green efforts.
About Equinix
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX) provides global data center services that ensure the vitality of the information-driven world. Global enterprises, content and financial companies, and network service providers rely upon Equinix's insight and expertise to protect and connect their most valued information assets. Equinix operates 42 International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers across 18 markets in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Important information about Equinix is routinely posted on the investor relations page of its website located at www.equinix.com/investors. We encourage you to check Equinix's website regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations discussed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the challenges of acquiring, operating and constructing IBX centers and developing, deploying and delivering Equinix services; unanticipated costs or difficulties relating to the integration of companies we have acquired or will acquire into Equinix; a failure to receive significant revenue from customers in recently built out or acquired data centers; failure to complete any financing arrangements contemplated from time to time; competition from existing and new competitors; the ability to generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise obtain funds to repay new or outstanding indebtedness; the loss or decline in business from our key customers; and other risks described from time to time in Equinix's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see Equinix's recent quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available upon request from Equinix. Equinix does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
Equinix and IBX are registered trademarks of Equinix, Inc. International Business Exchange is a trademark of Equinix, Inc.


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The Salvation Army introduced a new Kroc Center on Saturday in Hawaii, the largest community center of its kind in the state.
Kroc Center Hawaii, a $133 million facility, spreads across a 15-acre campus located off Kualaka'i Parkway in Kapolei. Center officials are planning for the center to serve approximately 2,000 people per day with its 14,000-square-foot fitness center, 7,532-square-foot conference center, 500-seat performance art center, two giant water slides, one Olympic-size pool, a café and a preschool.
Funds for Kroc Center Hawaii came in part from a $1.5 billion donation made to the Salvation Army by Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. In addition to this donation, six years of planning, two years of construction and $23 million in local fundraising and private donations went into the building of Kroc Center Hawaii.
Laura Kay Rand, development director for Kroc Center Hawaii, said the new center offers several outlets for the community that previously were not available, from working out to education enrichment in the arts.
Nearly 1,000 people have already signed up for a membership to the center, which officially opens for business on Wednesday.


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D'ANTIBES, FRANCE - Wasn't that Robert de Niro and Gerard Depardieu having a heated argument by the steps of the Hotel du Cap? Yes, it was them.
And I could have swore that was Madonna, in dark glasses, wearing a long, silky red dress, followed by a train of luggage, heading for the cabanas . . . and can you believe the gall of Bruce Willis? Showing up with 400 guests for a pool party at the Eden Roc? What was he thinking? It ended at 7 a.m., with someone playing the saxophone by the horizon pool.
C'est la vie . . . just another day in the life of the Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc D'Antibes.
Walking into a masterpiece
"Turn right, 300 metres," the distinctive GPS voice intoned as we turned our steel-grey BMW rental car off the Cote d'Azur and onto Boulevard John F. Kennedy, towards Cap D'Antibes, (pronounced, DON-TEEB).
A few kilometres down a narrow, tree-lined road lay the promise of an unparalleled hotel experience - the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc - a Napoleon III sanctuary to the stars, royalty, authors, the rich and famous - and now, lowly travel writers from Calgary.
Our arrival was understated, but oh so elegant. Mark met us at the front steps, with a smile: "Welcome to the Hotel Du Cap, I will take your keys and deliver your luggage to your room."
Ah, service - a nice change from the ultra-touristy establishments of Nice.
We meet Gilles Bertolino, the hotel concierge, and other hotel staff at the front desk. They seem truly glad to know we had a safe drive, and are happy to meet us.
We were whisked to our room on the second floor. Or should I say, palace? Beyond the door is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Gasping in silence, we tour the two giant high-ceilinged rooms with only one thought: "Somebody, pinch me, for I have walked into a masterpiece."
It might have been the original artwork adorning the soundproof walls, the perfectly placed antique Louis XV furniture, the stunning Venetian chandeliers or the elegant draperies, that were so impressive. Or, perhaps it was the two marble bathrooms with "experience showers" (featuring a 32-cm shower head that simulates a soft rain) and a stunning glassencased mini-bar, complete with natural water bottled at the hotel.
Each room had its own flatscreen TV and the best hotel Wi-Fi signal strength I have yet to encounter. That bit of technology didn't seem out of place, nor did the remote wand for instant valet and room service.
Large French doors opened to our 50-foot panoramic balcony.
Beyond lay the shimmering, crystal blue waters of the Cote d'Azur, dotted with sailboats competing at the Cannes yacht challenge. Did I mention the champagne, chocolates and fresh cut flowers and fruit?
Mark arrives with our luggage, and I press him with the big question. Being so close to Cannes, the place must always be filled with stars for the film festival, "Have you met Brad and Angelina?"
"Why of course," he answers, as if it were an every-day occurrence. "They are very nice . . . they will shake hands with anyone."
A retreat for writers
We are seated in the Hotel du Cap's famous Bellini bar, with hotel manager Philippe Perd, sipping what else, Bellinis.
The peach juice with Champagne goes down well as we are briefed on the hotel's massive 45 million euro, 27-week renovation, which transformed it from a decaying structure, to a gleaming oasis of 67 bedrooms, villas and cabanas.
Originally built in 1870 as a villa for writers to recuperate or rediscover their muse by Figaro magnate Auguste de Villemessant and purchased by the Oetker family in the 1960s, the hotel is now part of the prestigious Masterpiece chain, which includes equally grand sister hotels in Vence, Baden Baden and Paris.
"We wanted to keep the heritage, keep the soul of the Hotel du Cap, like it has been for many years," Perd says. "In a way, the guests guided the direction of the reno . . . keep in mind, some guests have been coming back every year, for 40 or 50 years."
I ask him about Cannes, and the stars which descend every May.
During that time, the hotel is nearly 80 to 90 per cent film industry people.
"The stars come here to be lowkey, calm, with good service," he says, "not accessible and away from the paparazzi, and we try to make it extra special for them."
Madonna, he tells us, likes the solitude of the hotel's cabanas, which are perched along the shore, and, offer a basic roof, a dollhouse door, sun, sky and mostly silence.
Movie stars and VIPs
Meeting members of the hotel staff, is not unlike meeting the stars themselves. They have seen it all, and then some.
Actress Elizabeth Taylor was fond of the hotel, and was often preceded by a truck carrying her suitcases. Famed artist Picasso always came simply dressed, wearing shorts, a sweater, a cap and espadrilles. He helped design the restaurant menu, creating wonderful drawings in a few short seconds.
Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, enjoyed strolling the 22-acres of manicured gardens and shaded woodland around the hotel, while famed Nobel Laureate, playwright and critic Robert Shaw found inspiration for some of his writings here.
As previously mentioned, de Niro and Depardieu did indeed have a heated exchange, because one hadn't invited the other to his birthday party, and Die-Hard actor Willis did have a pool party for 100, but showed up with 400.
Yet, the Hotel du Cap is not just about movie stars and VIPs.
I found it to be one of the only hotels that openly, and proudly touts the uniqueness of its staff. Whether it was barman Anthony Ciacia, sommelier Xavier Dinet, cabana manager Giovanni Rizzi or chief concierge Gilles Bertolino, all of whom we had the pleasure of meeting, we were greeted in a manner which befit the luxury and simplicity of a home away from home.
Dinner at the Restaurant Eden-Roc
A tour of the grounds, which included the tennis courts, wellness centre, exclusive villas and cabanas courtesy affable communications director Valerie Muller, was followed by mid-afternoon Manhattans on the spectacular terrace of the Grill Eden-Roc.
Later that evening, we dined at the famed Restaurant Eden-Roc, as the lights of the French riviera glimmered in the distance.
With entrees starting at around 40 to 50 euro, we chose carefully, opting for the Violet Asparagus with Parmesan Sabayon and Arugula Oil as an opener, and, Sea Bass Baked in Egg White and Sea Salt. It did not disappoint.
With the soft musical accompaniment of the hotel pianist in the background, at least five waiters hovered over us, looking after each aspect of our dinner and drinks, which ended appropriately with a well-chosen Cognac.
No wonder the stars like comng here!
The details
- Best amenity: The 32-centimetre rain-shower head in the "experience shower."
- One quibble: I didn't get to meet Angelina Jolie. - Starting price: 490 euro a night.
- Who would like it here: High-rollers and couples wanting to celebrate a special occasion.
- More information: www.hotel-du-cap-edenroc.com (The Hotel du Cap is closed from mid-October to April, every year.)


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AP Goes After Bloggers For Posting Article Headlines And Snippets
from the you're-going-to-lose,-badly dept
And, now, it's expanding its target list. Rather than just going after the big aggregators (surprisingly, Google settled), it appears that the Associated Press is going after bloggers for merely posting a linked headline and a tiny snippet of text from the article. In this case, Rogers Cadenhead informs us that the AP sent 7 DMCA takedown notices last week to his site, the Drudge Retort (a site that mocks the Drudge Report). In six cases, a blog post on the site quoted just a small snippet of text from an AP article (between 33 and 79 words -- nowhere near the full length of the article). In every case, they also contained links back to the original AP article. Five of the six used a different headline than the original AP article. The other complaint was about a comment to a blog post, which also included a very short snippet and a link.
On the face of it, it's nearly impossible to see how this isn't fair use, even though an AP representative insists it's not:
The use is not fair use simply because the work copied happened to be a news article and that the use is of the headline and the first few sentences only. This is a misunderstanding of the doctrine of "fair use." AP considers taking the headline and lede of a story without a proper license to be an infringement of its copyrights, and additionally constitutes "hot news" misappropriation.Hopefully, they won't send a takedown notice for quoting that. This is pure bullying on the part of the Associated Press, and a clear overstepping of its legal rights. It's most certainly not a sign that the organization has adapted to the internet age. In fact, the most amazing thing is that these types of uses (a snippet and a link) clearly help drive more traffic to those AP articles. This is a pure "shoot-self-in-the-foot" move by the Associated Press -- and if they have any sense of decency they should issue a very public apology.
In the meantime, since the Associated Press apparently no longer wants traffic, we'll start looking for other sources when linking to stories. I can't promise we won't link to any AP stories (they're everywhere), but given the opportunity we'd prefer to link to a news organization that's happy to accept our traffic, rather than one that might sue us for pointing people their way. This is quite unfortunate, as there are many AP reporters who read this site, and with whom I have come to build a strong relationship. I think they're quite good reporters, and it's too bad they work for such a short-sighted organization.
Update: Someone from the AP has posted a response in the comments. It makes some claims that simply do not seem to represent reality, including trying to define what is and is not "the link-based culture of the Internet." It claims that it won't go after snippets -- but doesn't explain why that's exactly what it did. And then it responds to a blog post from Jeff Jarvis that I have not seen and did not reference. If the AP seriously wants to respond, why not respond to what is actually happening or what we actually said, rather than someone else. Update 2: I should also note that the comment from the AP includes what appears to be a bit of a sales pitch suggesting that bloggers license AP articles.