text:
|2012-03-18, 04:45
|Link #1
Diamond is Unbreakable
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The Middle Way
Problems with watching certain anime?
Alright, I'll try to explain this to the best of my ability. For it is something that has affected me for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure if you can relate, but when I witness 'certain' events in 'certain' anime I suddenly feel the urge to pause it as I feel some sort of...how should I put this, perhaps you could call it 'embarrassment' regarding what is taking place in the anime that I was watching.
While there's no set pattern, it commonly takes place during romantic events, nosebleed-worthy events, events in which something bad will surely happen to the character, or events in which I find the characters' actions to be stupid or embarrassing. In these cases, I feel the urge to pause it right away and often I would be trying to catch my breath as if I had been running up a flight of stairs.
This has affected my ability to watch anime considerably, as I am unable to finish certain anime that abundantly display the kind of events that stimulate this certain reaction from me. Has this happened to any of you? If so, how much does it affect your experience in watching anime?
Incidentally, this is not limited to anime, I find that as long as the conditions are met it can transpire in exactly the same manner for manga, movies, etc.
Last edited by HasuMasu; 2012-03-18 at 04:58.
|2012-03-18, 06:59
|Link #2
Black Steel Knight
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Indonesia
Yep, I did get that feeling sometimes too, especially in anime,movies,mangas,TV dramas, etc that have mediocre stories with badly written script or a protagonist that acts foolishly. Beside from ecchi/embarassing moments, I usually get that reaction a lot from watching shonen filler episodes where they get all sentimental or emotional while spouting obvious lines like Ill never give up!, No way Ill lose!, Good will prevail, evil begone! and other cheesy things like that. All that is good if the fights are inspired but most of the time they are not. The more experienced you are, the more reactions like that you get. Still, when I do like the general story, I usually brace myself and continue on.
I learned my lesson from them. Now, I only watch anime that Im sure is smart enough to pick my interest. I no longer waste my time watching mediocre harems like Da Capo, Girls Bravo, Hyakka Ryouran, Shuffle etc. Also, If I want to see characters make a fool out of themselves, Id better off watching comedy like School Rumble where the characters foolishness is actually intentional and funny not cringe-worthy or facepalm-inducing. Thats why I prefer watching Beelzebub over Guilty Crown.
|2012-03-18, 07:01
|Link #3
Diamond is Unbreakable
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The Middle Way
Funny, you mentioned School Rumble! since I think that's the first instance where that certain reaction of mine prevented me from finishing the anime. I didn't think it was bad or face-palm worthy, but somehow I felt embarrassed for them almost the entire time. Maybe one day I'll overcome it and finish that series, since I think it's actually pretty good.
|2012-03-18, 07:03
|Link #4
Absolute Haruhist!
Join Date: Mar 2006
Age: 31
Yes, people cringe to alot of things, when what they see are too cheesy, mushy, immature, disturbing, disgusting etc.
You feel embarrassed because its too unbelievable that someone would actually expect people to like something that's badly done.
|2012-03-18, 07:09
|Link #5
Lets be reality
Join Date: May 2007
|2012-03-18, 07:14
|Link #6
Black Steel Knight
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Indonesia
School Rumble is a good comedy. Its hilarious and all the jokes are spot on (for me at least). And yes, the characters are often making a fool out of themselves but as I said before, its intentional for the jokes. When the story get serious youll get to see the true talent of the writer.
As for feeling embarrassed, I often find myself reacting like that to some failed-attempts-at-being-emotional scenes, not comedy. Thats why I love Sosuke in Fumoffu! even though he did nothing else than embarrassing himself most of the time.
|2012-03-18, 07:53
|Link #7
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Arcadia Bay.
Age: 25
Yeah, it happens. I have that kind of feeling when I see Orihime shout "Kurosaki-kun, Kurosaki-kun........." when he's being beaten to a pulp because she did something stupid. Or when that whiny bitch Kagome shouts " Inuyasha, Inuyasha,......." when she gets captured because she did something not possible by sane creatures. So, basically any bitchy, whiny, useless character who can only talk trash and do nothing makes me wanna stop watching that anime(or rather smash the screen of my laptop or TV). The other thing that makes me cringe are loli characters - I just can't stand that. The only anime that I have watched that had a loli character in it are Hidan no Aria, Hayate the Combat Butler. One more thing, although I watched School Days in its entirety, now I wonder why I wasted my time on it.
|2012-03-18, 08:19
|Link #8
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: 永遠の冬の国
Age: 28
I get this reaction A LOT. Especially when the characters are about to embarrass themselves, or when the plot is just way too cheesy. This is the reason why I basically can't watch TV anymore.
Thankfully, though, there still are anime shows that don't make me squirm inside.
|2012-03-18, 09:01
|Link #9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: In line to confess his sins.
Age: 30
"The Office" is essentially an entire show built around this sensation. Of course, in that case it's exactly the reaction they're going for, and it's hilarious, albeit still uncomfortable to watch at times. (Again, their goal in the first place.)
I have trouble watching scenes where the character is going to make a huge fool out of himself. Especially if it isn't entirely played for laughs. When I know that scene is coming, I sometimes catch myself looking away or putting my hand over my face like a schoolgirl at a Saw screening.
I suppose it's just empathy? At some level, it might remind me of social blunders I've made myself that I'd rather not recall.
|2012-03-18, 09:25
|Link #10
The Voice of Reason
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Age: 42
It hasn't really hindered my viewing experience, though.
|2012-03-18, 11:25
|Link #12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: In line to confess his sins.
Age: 30
|2012-03-18, 11:34
|Link #13
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Age: 32
This is why I watch stuff alone, for the first viewing at least.
But, there are definitely times where I am embarrassed and face-palm at what is happening. It's usually when the fan service is poorly timed or thrown in for no reason. Highschool of the Dead is the best example of this.
|2012-03-18, 11:43
|Link #14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: In line to confess his sins.
Age: 30
It's almost a feat when a show manages to make you feel embarrassed and awkward when you're alone, though. That's something special.
|2012-03-18, 13:15
|Link #15
The Voice of Reason
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Age: 42
|2012-03-18, 17:26
|Link #17
Have some salt
Familiarity breeds contempt. You've probably seen something annoying, and will be annoyed to see it again. Maybe you're worried someone will walk in on you and ask too many questions? ;p
But yea, anime does sometimes do really dumb and immature things that make me ashamed to be a fan.
|2012-03-18, 18:21
|Link #18
Boo, you whore
Anyways, I don't really watch stuff with others...so I guess it's fine. If I did though...yeah, then this would be a HUGE problem.
|2012-03-18, 23:47
|Link #20
Easy Operation
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Age: 34
Since Higurashi series (which I dropped around Episode 12), I have a serious problem watching mystery anime just because I will never understand their reasons behind it.
Anime with lots of laughs and then get serious really make me rage.
|anime, problem, watching
|Thread Tools


text:
The Color imageRUNNER C2550 model is a full-color digital multifunctional solution that offers Canon's advanced imageCHIP system architecture capabilities for exceptional quality and performance. This model operates at up to 25 ppm (letter) for black-and-white output and up to 23 ppm (letter) for color output.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
SQL Injection can be broken up into
3 classes:
data is extracted using the same channel that is used to inject the SQL code.
This is the most straightforward kind of attack, in which the retrieved data is presented
directly in the application web page
Out of Band
data is retrieved using a different channel (e.g.: an email with the results of
the query is generated and sent to the tester)
there is no actual transfer of data, but the tester is able to reconstruct the
information by sending particular requests and observing the resulting behaviour of the
website/DB Server.
- Joseph McCray
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


text:
817 W.Division St, Arlington, TX 76012
Special!! Was $11,988
|2009 BMW X3 AWD 4dr 30i VIN: WBXPC93499WJ29201
|Gray / Black
Phone : (817) 460-3555
817 W. Division St , Arlington, TX 76012
All Scheduled Maintenance.
One owner.
Perfect first car.
Power everything.
Very clean interior.
Located in Arlington, Texas, Z Max Auto is a pre-owned, late model dealer that provides customers with a complete automotive experience at competitive prices. Stop into our used car lot today to browse Arlington, TX's best selection of quality, pre owned cars.
Z Max Auto is dedicated to customer satisfaction and we have provided you with a map, as well as our address and phone number to help you find us easily.
We are passionate about luxury cars and we intend on sharing that passion with you when you purchase your new car from us.
Come by today and test drive the car of your choice.
We perform 88 point safety inspections on all cars,trucks and SUV prior to posting them on line. 3 months 4k miles limited powertrain warranty included at no cost to you with every purchase at the asking price. Extended warranty with longer terms and mileage available at extra cost.
Understand that a third party provides these extended warranties for an extra cost.
Please, inquire about them. Our team is here to assist you to make your purchase as easy as possible.


text:
Join us for the 10th Annual BeachFest Matthews,
as we bring the Carolina coast to Downtown Matthews!Friday, May 11th 6:00pm - 10:00pmSaturday, May 12th 10:00am - 10:00pm
BeachFest Matthews takes place in and around Stumptown Park, which is located at
120 S.Trade Street Matthews NC 28105
No pets are allowed at BeachFest Matthews per Town Ordinance.
Friday Night: Get a $10 wristband for All-You-Can-Ride Night in the Carnival!!Arts & Crafts vendor spaces are open for 2018! Click here for the application. Food Vendors will be individually selected by event management.
Brought to you by
Bring your classic car or truck, and reminisce about cruising The Strip! Click here for Cruisin' Car Show information Click here for the Cruisin' Car Show registration form
Need a hotel for the weekend? Click here for our Host Hotel Reservation site
Festival Parking Options in Downtown Matthews:
Public Parking Lot
(North Trade St. across from Matthews Station St.)
On-Street Parking
(North Trade St.)
Matthews Town Hall
(232 Matthews Station St.)
We Thank Our Event Sponsors for Their Support! Click on their links below, to learn more about our partners!


text:
Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank, America's Most Exciting Bank®. The Company, recognized for its entrepreneurial approach and distinctive culture, has $9.2 billion in assets and 97 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services. Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts Most Charitable Companies in 2016 by the Boston Business Journal. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com, call 800-773-5601 or follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Berkshire Bank is the official bank of NESN's Boston Bruins coverage and the community partner of Boston Seasons at City Hall Plaza.
What makes us America's Most Exciting Bank®?
It's the people, the attitude and the energy you find here. We are passionate about practicing and living by the RIGHT values (Respect, Integrity, Guts, Having Fun and Teamwork) —keeping us focused on doing the RIGHT things everyday across our footprint and in our communities.
The excitement translates into doing right by our customers and communities. Helping you find and finance life's exciting moments with resources and solutions from people they know and trust, while helping our communities grow and thrive as active participants in the local fabric.
Over 40,000 hours of community service on the company dime.
We believe that being a committed community partner is about more than writing a check. That's why we provide employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours — all on the company dime.


text:
Matthew's "Pop Song" Workspace
Industrial designer Matthew Plumstead is having quite a year. The Cranbrook grad debuted his wall-mounted valet, Clip Tree (above), at the ICFF in New York where it was an ICFF Studio award winner. With raves from the press and public, he decided to bring the Clip Tree to market via Kickstarter...
Recently, Matthew founded a design studio, McCarty Quinn, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a focus on useful and contemporary home and office products (Integrated Workstation below). Take a listen to the music that's inspired him along the way in this week's Playlist.
What do you listen to while you work?
What I listen to is all over the map, though I think it probably trends towards electronic music where the lyrics are not the primary focus. More atmospheric in the morning and more energetic in the afternoon. There is an absolutely amazing public radio station here called 89.3 The Current who will play Afrika Bambaataa, Tom Waits, and LCD Soundsystem back to back and then a fantastic local band. So I will stream them some mornings.
How do you listen?
I typically use my iPad to stream music via Spotify to my stereo using an Airport Express Base Station. Having one less app open on my computer while I work is nice.
Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
When I actually buy music these days, which is increasingly rare, I use eMusic. They were always a great source for smaller label bands and musicians but now offer big label artist too. I almost solely use Spotify to listen to music. It has completely changed the way that I "collect" music. On occasion I'll use Pandora because their stations are better than the Spotify Radio option.
Does music influence your work?
One of the things I love about music is how musicians continue to invent and come up with new sounds and structures. It is this spirit of invention and newness that inspires me and influences my work.
Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
I have to admit that the main source of influence is the online music guide, Pitchfork. They have turned me onto a lot of great music.
What song or artist best represents the work you create?
That is a hard question. I'd like to think that my work is well-edited and minimal, maybe like a good pop song.
Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist:
The ideal place to listen to my playlist is the Aeron Chair with polished aluminum base and Black Tuxedo Pellicle fabric. Combining that chair with your work surface and my playlist will result in some inspired work. I promise!
Matthew's Playlist:
1. Reunion, The xx
2. Headcage, Matthew Dear
3. Jupiters, Four Tet
4. Cherokee, Cat Power
5. Crawlersout, Purity Ring
6. About to Die, Dirty Projectors
7. The Hours, Beach House
8. The Maker, POLIÇA
9. Interstellar, Frankie Rose
10. Love Play, School of Seven Bells
(Images: Matthew Plumstead/McCarty Quinn)
Republished in partnership with Herman Miller Lifework. Originally posted by Jamie Latendresse.


text:
Those who live alone, with partner or own a place.
No sharing with strangers or friends for this thread.
What age did you do it?
- breakfast_t_england, PickledOeuf, hedgehog, Scout, MIDDLEMAN, Epimer, JustJay, chickenbones, Smyth2, walks005, japes, chris-budget, TheWza, steinbolt, hibster, colon_closed_bracket, hip_young_gunslinger, justanothersheeldz, chanticleer, andyvine, roastthemonaspit, plasticniki, Matt_was_taken, and imho this'd this
^This age bracket is too early.
I can only imagine you're all a bit socially stunted.Icarus-Smicarus this'd this
What, by living alone for a bit during one's early- mid twenties?
Nah. DOn't think so mate.fitzcarraldo this'd this
- legz_akimbo, hapi, Body_In_The_Thames, keith, MurkyB, chris-budget, hibster, slavestate, colossalhorse, GayGuevara, TheSoundofBastards, nice_squirrel, and thewarn this'd this
- oblitafried, marckee, xheathenx, hibster, and cheeseandbaconturnov this'd this
- hibster this'd this
with a little break in the middle. my current flatmates are lovely but i do miss it.
particularly the first place i lived in
huge studio with a separate kitchen and a bathroom big enough for an actual bath, directly opposite a zone 2 tube station in a really nice neighbourhood? yes please.
I did it at 23
but then went back to houseshares
- xheathenx this'd this
I am so glad I don't live with a group of housemates any more. Sure it was fun but a shared kitchen and bathroom drove me facking mental.
Who cares?
It's not important who you live with as long as you don't hate where you live.
SUBTHREAD: who wants to get a flatshare with me?
It will probably be quite short term (Jan-April, poss Jan- July if I do my travelling later in the year). But it will be fun. Needs to be easily commutable to oxford st/ bond st and have decent sized rooms. Otherwise, really not fussy.
New lass at work is 28 and has lived alone since she was 17
Sounds horrific to me, but she says she likes it so..


text: Looking for some exciting and dramatic new looks for your upcoming New Years party? Just watching this video will really get your creative wheels turning. :) The video is by Verdge (view her profile on Youtube). She has some absolutely gorgeous looks. Get some inspiration, and then create your own look. Fun, colorful looks like these are oh-so-fun… especially for occasions like ringing in the New Year!


text: Wheat Gains Most in Week as Ukraine Turmoil Creates Supply Risk March 11, 2014 07:46 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Bloomberg Email Wheat futures gained the most in a week on signs of escalating turmoil in Ukraine, spurring concern that shipments will be delayed. Corn rose, while soybeans fell. The European Union today threatened further sanctions against Russia in protest to its moves in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula. Russia is on track to be the fifth-biggest wheat exporter in the year ended June 1, and Ukraine is set to be the sixth-largest, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Grains Council has said the standoff could boost demand for domestic supplies. There continues to be "uneasiness about the Ukraine- Russian situation," Darrell Holaday, president of Advanced Market Concepts in Wamego, Kansas, said in a telephone interview. "It seems to be jitter buying that goes on with that." Wheat futures for May delivery rose 1.6 percent to $6.5075 a bushel at 11:08 a.m. on the Chicago Board of Trade, heading for the biggest gain since March 4. Yesterday, the grain fell as much as 2.3 percent after the USDA raised its forecast for global production. Prices also rebounded today as dry weather hampered winter crops in the U.S., the biggest exporter. Most wheat fields in the Great Plains received less than 50 percent of normal rain in the past 60 days, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Rains will miss the region the next two weeks, increasing stress for plants as they begin to emerge from dormancy, T-Storm Weather said in a report. About 23 percent of the region from Kansas to North Dakota were rated in moderate-to-exceptional drought as of March 4, Drought Monitor data show. "The lack of moisture in the Plains forecast, I think it's kept people somewhat nervous," Holaday said. "Rain in the next 30 days is important." Corn futures rose 0.7 percent to $4.815 a bushel, reversing earlier declines. Soybean futures for May delivery slid 0.4 percent to $14.135 a bushel in Chicago. Back to news


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There are two sides to the Catholic Church's teaching on homosexuality. Everyone is familiar with the prohibition of same-sex sexual relationships. But there is often less discussion of the teaching on the dignity of homosexual persons and the responsibility of Christians to oppose violence and unjust discrimination against them.
"The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible," the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes. "They do not choose their homosexual condition. ... They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity." The Vatican's document "On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons" expands on this point: "It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church's pastors wherever it occurs. It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law."
Dismissing real wrongs
It is important to note here that the Church recognizes that acts of violence and malice have been perpetrated against homosexual persons. Sometimes, out of a desire to avoid granting legitimacy to the legislative demands of gay rights groups, Catholics dismiss or deny genuine wrongs against "LGBTQ" people. Some believe that claims of anti-gay violence are only a meme circulated in order to gain political clout in debates about same-sex marriage and adoption.
This attitude is often symptomatic of a wider problem. Catholics who accept the Church's teachings on the immorality of gay sex tend to approach the issue of homosexuality primarily as a political problem, a nexus of hostility within the "culture wars." As a result, the genuine spiritual and political needs of homosexual people are neglected.
Father Paul Check, executive director of Courage, the largest Vatican approved ministry to people with same-sex attractions (SSA), notes that "the strength of the Courage apostolate lies in its approach to homosexuality: not as a cultural question or political debate, but as a personal reality in the lives of individual men and women."
The Canadian Council of Bishops in its recent document on Pastoral Ministry to Young People With Same Sex Attraction points out: "To assist young persons with same-sex attraction it is necessary to understand the enormous pressures to which they are frequently subjected: unjust discrimination, the sense of invisibility and isolation, and ignorance of their particular situation." The bishops add that "ostracism or the fear of being rejected or even hated, frequently contributes to the despair that all too often is felt by these young persons."
When Catholics adopt attitudes that privilege social or cultural concerns over the needs of individuals, this leads to a situation where the teachings of the Church seem cold, bigoted or homophobic. By recognizing the legitimate concerns of "LGBTQ" people, and by insisting on their legitimate rights, Catholics can contribute to showing that opposition to same-sex genital activity is not contrary to genuine love and charity.
Finding a cure
One of the primary areas in which gays and lesbians are often subjected to real violence is in the area of "cures" for homosexuality. Throughout the past century, gay men have been subjected to a wide range of often bizarre experimental procedures, including castration, testicular transplants, and electric shock treatments.
It is easy to think that such things no longer go on, but within recent years international attention has been drawn to several situations in which lesbian women have faced severe violence in an attempt to alter their sexual orientations. In early 2011 Ndumie Funda and her organization, Luleki Sizwe, brought to light the practice of "corrective rape" that has been practiced in many African countries over the past couple of decades. More recently, Paola Ziritti of Ecuador has been fighting along with the Fundacion Causana to shut down more than 200 clinics in which lesbians are confined and assaulted, sexually and physically, in order to "cure" them of homosexuality.
Although most Catholics would certainly agree with the Vatican that such practices are "deplorable," it is important to openly acknowledge and condemn them within the public sphere. Such condemnation is not only right and just in light of the dignity of the human person, it also shows that Catholics genuinely love and care about their homosexual brothers and sisters.
Beyond stereotypes
It is also important to recognize that even if Catholics would object to violent "treatments" for homosexuality, a failure to distinguish between homosexual acts and homosexual tendencies can foster negative views of the homosexual person which encourage real malice and hatred. Too often, conservative Catholics stereotype people with SSA as narcissistic, immature, angry, manipulative, and lacking in self-control — even if they are completely chaste.
Such negative images lead many to see orientation change as a necessary component of salvation for homosexual people. Encouraged by the testimonies of those who have been able to enter heterosexual marriages, Catholics may assume that most homosexuals are capable of becoming straight. This view is not endorsed by the Vatican or by Courage. Even the most optimistic studies of orientation change show that only a small minority of homosexually attracted people will go on to experience opposite-sex attraction, whether as a result of prayer support, psychotherapy, or other forms of treatment.
The Vatican emphasizes the importance of integrating homosexual persons into the Body of Christ in a way that calls them to chastity, while providing the means of support necessary to make that a reality. "An authentic pastoral program will assist homosexual persons at all levels of the spiritual life: through the sacraments, and in particular through the frequent and sincere use of the sacrament of Reconciliation, through prayer, witness, counsel and individual care. In such a way, the entire Christian community can come to recognize its own call to assist its brothers and sisters, without deluding them or isolating them."
Community support
Special note should be taken that homosexually attracted people who choose to live out their Christian vocation to chastity require the support and assistance of "the entire Christian community." Many, when they turn away from the hope of a lasting same-sex union, are left in a sort of vocational vacuum. Marriage is rarely a possibility, and the Vatican has recently ruled that deep-seated homosexual tendencies are not compatible with the priesthood. Many religious communities also exclude same-sex attracted people. This means that a life of single celibacy remains the only viable option for the majority of orthodox same-sex attracted Catholics.
Such a life can only succeed if it is enriched with opportunities to give and receive human love. Author Wesley Hill points out that "one of the main challenges of living faithfully before God as a gay Christian is to believe, really believe, that God in Christ can make up for our sacrifice of homosexual partnerships not simply with his own desire and yearning for us but with his desire and yearning mediated to us through the human faces and arms of those who are our fellow believers."
The love which Catholics extend to same-sex attracted people cannot be a merely abstract love fixated on the problem of homosexual sex. As stated in one of the five goals of Courage, "chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life." In order for a homosexual person to succeed in being chaste, they must find opportunities to share their life with others, both with Christians who are willing to support them, and those whom they are able to serve through self-giving love.
Fear, negative stereotypes, demeaning attitudes and a failure to acknowledge the very real difficulties which homosexual Christians face can drive away those who most need the love of Mother Church. Those who do not experience the love of Christ in the visible Church will find it very difficult to understand the invisible truths of the faith.
Therefore love, not the condemnation of gay sex, should be the primary message which homosexual people hear from Catholics, for it is only in the context of a greater love that it is possible to put aside the desire for erotic fulfillment.
Melinda Selmys is author of "Sexual Authenticity: An Intimate Reflection on Homosexuality and Catholicism" (OSV, $15.95).
Copyright © 1996-2019 Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.


text:
Designing Solutions to Community Problems
By Charles Buchanan
Can graphic design save a river—and a region? Doug Barrett, M.F.A., UAB assistant professor of graphic design in the Department of Art and Art History, and his students have laid out a plan to do just that, creating logos, brochures, signage, and more to draw attention to the Cahaba River and surrounding communities. And it seems to be working. A campaign they created last summer in partnership with the economic-development organization >Alabama Engine won a 2013 Ideas That Matter grant from Sappi Fine Papers—one of only 13 awarded to designers nationwide to help them create and implement print projects for charitable causes.
"Graphic design is more than mere styling," Barrett explains. "Good design is doing deep research and creating meaningful concepts and stories around products, ideas, and initiatives that connect with consumers on an emotional level." That deep research, known as "design thinking," is increasingly used as a tool to develop solutions to social issues, he adds. The American Institute of Graphic Arts has embraced design thinking in its "Design for Good" initiative, which has inspired the students' projects.
Brainstorming a Blueway
The winning designs for the Cahaba originated in an independent study course involving graphic design majors Amy Clark, Samantha Gibbons, Daniel Twieg, and Jennifer Waycaster. The four developed an entire branding campaign for the Cahaba Blueway project, a proposed "trail" for canoers and kayakers that stretches the length of the river. The brainstorming, development, and review process involved faculty and students from the University of Alabama, Alabama Engine, and local advertising agency Cayenne Creative. "It was an incredible opportunity for our students," Barrett says. "They were able to work with top professionals and learn firsthand about the design process."
The $47,000 Sappi grant will enable Barrett and his students to create a book and video for the nonprofit Cahaba River Society to use in teaching and promoting the river as a resource to enjoy and protect. Students "recognize the significance of natural beauty, culture, and history," Barrett says. "They know how important it is to preserve those things."
(Story continues beneath the slideshow)
Tour Guide
Some of Barrett's other students have embraced design thinking with a campaign to promote tourism in economically struggling Bibb County, where the Cahaba flows on its way south. The project involved weeks of research, numerous visits to local attractions, and interviews with county residents before anyone started to sketch. "Sometimes people think, 'Just highlight everything in Bibb County,' but that's kind of tough," Barrett says.
Students created brochures promoting a collection of day trips based on historic and natural attractions such as the Brierfield Ironworks and the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, with signage and maps to direct visitors around the area. Eventually, the brochures will be distributed throughout the state by the Alabama Tourism Department. Barrett says that the participatory nature of the design project helps to lay a foundation for success. "It's important to not just come from the outside and try to effect change, but also to get local people interested in effecting change," he says.
Change by Design
Ultimately, UAB's Design for Good projects supply nonprofits with useful promotional materials and offer students valuable experience along with portfolio pieces. But Barrett emphasizes a greater benefit. "Students understand the importance of doing socially responsible work in their own communities," he explains. "It empowers them to use their design toolset to create change and helps to create a bigger sense of purpose for their design practice."
—Additional reporting by Caperton Gillett and Shannon Thomason
More Information
Learn more about graphic design at UAB
Check out the UAB Graphic Design blog


text:
Have you ever seen these guys trolling down the park or on the bike path and wondered to yourself "do these guys go home and stand up to watch TV?"
We don't know. But this guy took some super sick helmet cam footage of him getting stung by a bee while riding his bike...gangsta lean and all.
Let's analyze the video, shall we?
first 10 seconds we see the following: rear view mirror. riding on left side of path. states he's going 20-25 mph on this thing. EXTREME TRANCE JAN ULRICH TOM BOONEN COKE MUSIC!!
at 23 seconds holmes get stung by a bee and goes crashing into the brush.
The rest of the video is what we crave. SLOW MOTION EXTREME BEE STING REPLAY!!!


text:
People no longer go online.
They live Online.
Companies are undertaking extraordinary efforts, as well as significant investment, to grow brand loyalty, sales and market share. However, a recent study by the Havas Media Group demonstrated that most people would not care if 74% of all brands no longer existed. (That is not a typo—again, most people agree that it would not matter if roughly three-quarters of all brands simply disappeared.)
The Havas study certainly strikes fear into the hearts of many marketers. But how about those brands —26% of them—that certainly would be missed? Their story underscores a new trend in customer relationship marketing that is creating the difference between relevance and a nonchalance about whether a brand continues to exist or not.
Think of the interconnection between brand and customer as "Share of Life." Read More
Sebastian Jespersen and Stan Rapp have done this with their vision of entangling the brand in the daily life of customers. They nd fault with today's lock-step focus on engage- ment when so much more is possible. The battle for "Share of Life" has taken center stage for the behemoths of the online world. Jespersen and Rapp believe that the ght between Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft to reach into every corner of your life is at the heart of what drives the digital economy.
In the business world, one of the greatest compliments is to say: "Gee! I wish I had created that ad! ...thought of that idea! ... conceived that initiative! " And while the ethos of entangling brand and consumer resonates so perfectly for these times, I could not have come up with such a concept. Nor has any- one else. Discovery of the unique power of an entangled relationship could only have emerged from these two strong thinkers on divergent paths who had the rare ability – together – to frame this exciting new outlook.
Deborah Malone, Founder The Internationalist


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Small contracting firms with one to five employees often shy away from subcontracting work for fear of stepping into a quagmire. Nevertheless, it remains a lucrative market that, with proper business techniques, can be tapped in ways never thought possible.
As a subcontractor, you've no doubt developed a challenging relationship with the general contractor that will place the profit of a job or even the future of your company in jeopardy. And if you haven't already, you're bound to sooner or later. This article will show you how to position yourself on an even or better playing field with the general contractor and equip you with the basic knowledge to conduct your business in a preemptive mode from the time you decide to bid the job to the day when you collect your last dollar.
Assuming that you check, record, and preserve all of the documents pertaining to marketing the job, such as invitations to bid, bidding documents, minutes of pre-bid meetings, and jobsite visits, we'll begin with the issues of selling and contracting the job.
Selling the job. When you're writing a proposal, avoid using words that can backfire on you, such as the following:
All. This term has no boundary and isn't clear because it means different things to different people. It can include items of work you don't intend to furnish, install, or maintain.
Any. This can mean "one," "some," "every," or "all" without specification. Its usage isn't specific for proposal writing. You should use "any" only to promote and instill confidence. For example, "Permit fees, if any, shall be paid by others." In this case, the term diminishes the possible outcome and alleviates you the expense. On the other hand, if you write, "we shall remove any violation" or "install any work shown on …" you could be liable for some very expensive surprises.
Complete. "Complete" isn't much different from "all" or "any." While it's a good selling word, it can cost you plenty.
Work. Used as in "electrical work," it means all work related to that specific trade. For example, "Install all electrical work as per plans…" could mean to include any electrical apparatus shown on any plans, such as starters, motor drives, or electric hand dryers. In that context, you should substitute work with "electrical wiring" or any other word but "work."
Contracting the job. Because most electrical firms sign the general contractor's or the owner's subcontract agreement, they can lose a favorable opportunity when the customer chooses to sign their contract. By drawing up their own legal document, contractors can protect themselves on a construction job and look out for their best interests.
One of the most overlooked parts of the proposal is the customer's acceptance clause. It states that the price, specification, and conditions set therein are satisfactory and accepted, which authorizes you to proceed with the work. It should also state that your payment shall be made as outlined and unpaid balances are subject to a 1.5% per month interest rate until paid in full.
You should keep in mind that the opportunity to freely negotiate the terms and conditions of a contract presents itself once, and it occurs before you sign. Negotiating the job, however, goes beyond the legal ramifications of a contract. It involves translating the parties' offer and acceptance into a fair and equitable agreement. The contract should include the method of payment, limitation amounts on changeorders, back charges, completion date, and premium time.
Method of payment. Indicate whether the payment structure is monthly, bimonthly, or weekly. You should also note that final payment is due upon physical completion of the job and that the retainer, if any, will be reduced by one-half, once 50% of the contract is earned.
Changeorders. Most changeorders are written to revise the contract amount up or down. However, some don't affect the price and thereby serve an important role in documenting changes to the scope of work without the aftermath back charge or, most importantly, charges for modifying the work without authorization. To render your changeorder "collectable," be sure it includes the changeorder number and date submitted, job name and address, and owner's contract number. You should also address your changeorder to your customer's designated person as called for in your contract. Remember to request or write the following clause in your contract: "Changeorders in excess of 10% of the base contract amount shall be treated as supplemental contracts, and shall be quoted and governed independently from the terms and conditions set therein."
Back charges. Don't accept any back charges from the general contractor or owner without a 10-day notice from the date the event occurs.
Completion date. When possible, force the general contractor or owner to insert a completion date in the contract.
Premium time. Specify that contract work shall be performed during regular working hours.
The letter of intent. A letter of intent is a formal commitment that tells you that based on your proposal and the owner's bidding documents, you have been awarded the job. The purpose of this letter is to move along the construction process through the release of shop drawings and the filing for permit applications and insurance certificates. At times, you may also be able to begin the work while the general contractor prepares the subcontract agreement for you to sign.
In accepting such letters, make sure they include a reference to your proposal, a directive to release material, the contract amount, a directive to pull permits, and any alternates and allowances. The letter should also include a directive to mobilize the job, a copy of notice of commencement, a deadline for the execution of the subcontract agreement, and a signature from the general contractor or owner. Finally, make sure the letter of intent is dated.
The subcontract agreement. The subcontract agreement may never have been a part of the bidding documents, or you may not have been made aware of its existence until after the job was bid and won. When you receive your subcontract agreement, consider the following before you sign on the dotted line:
Offer. Is the offer inclusive of your scope of work and is its list of exceptions in response to the general contractor's or owner's invitation to bid? The offer should include the base price of the project, a list of exceptions, an alternate price, a list of drawings and specs, any allowances, a payment schedule, an addenda, and revisions.
Performance. Pay special attention to each of the following items, because they're notorious for tripping up well-intentioned contractors:
- Scope of work
- Work condition
- Owners' furnished material. Who will receive, unload, store, uncrate, and check it against damages?
- Commencement date
- Progress and performance schedules
- Completion date
- Substantial completion date
- Labor force commitment
- Possession of work prior to completion
Compensation. Getting paid for your work is the essence of any business. No truer statement can apply to subcontracting. Because so much can be lost due to hidden and unexpected costs, the subcontractor can't afford to overlook any amount earned and its timely payment. Another mistake subcontractors can't afford to make is extending credit beyond their projected monthly cash outlay without proper compensation. With that in mind, it's critical that you understand that production acceleration clauses will increase your estimated monthly cash outlay. You must also know how to get the GC or owner to pay you in a timely fashion, once he gets paid.
Consequence. When you fail to deliver on a promise, you pay a consequence. And in construction, that consequence is a double-edged sword. Either party to the contract can be assessed a penalty for failure to perform or even for coming up short on a commitment. For an agreement to be fair and balanced, the penalty has to be proportionate to the damage and equally applicable to those who default. Depending on which side of the fence you stand on, here are some favorable and unfavorable consequences for you to consider:
Right to stop work. Consider using this as a clause in your agreement: "Each requisition submitted by the 25th of the month is due by the 10th of the following month. If any requisition, or part of, remains unpaid 30 days after its due date (insert your company name here) has the right to stop work."
To induce the acceptance of the clause, you may negotiate the 30-day grace period by starting with a 10-day period and working your way up. Whichever grace period you and the GC or owner agree to will give you an ultimate cutoff date to stop work without consequence.
Liquidated damages. Make sure that all parties understand that no liquidated damages shall be assessed to you without your participation in the decision-making process of revising progress schedules and deadlines that affect the overall completion date of the project.
Acceptance. If a deal is to last, it has to be beneficial for all parties concerned. If you know you've negotiated an agreement grossly in your favor, don't sign it. You may benefit from it now, but it will cost you a relationship with your customer or the GC in the future. However, if you negotiated a smart agreement, make sure to protect it. It would be unfortunate to lose it on an irregularity. The subcontract agreement should include the customer's signature, title, and date. The changes should also be clearly marked on the agreement. Handwritten changes, even in the margins of the document, are as good as typewritten, if not better. Initial every page and every change you make. Retain a complete photocopy. Stamp date your photocopy and note the method of delivery. Allow 10 working days for the original to return.
Once you've agreed on the basics of the agreement, the general contractor or owner should send you two unsigned copies of the subcontract agreement for you to execute. They won't sign your copy until after you've signed it. Go through the agreement thoroughly and verify that it contains what you both agreed upon. Once satisfied, sign it and send both copies back to them for a signature.
When you get your copy back, don't just file it away. To confirm the validity of the agreement, check to make sure that both your signature and their signature are on the same contract, the contracts are originals and aren't photocopied, all revisions are initialed by both parties, and if required, the contract is notarized. You should also check carefully to see whether or not the agreement was altered after you signed it. Tedious as it may seem, it's worth comparing each paragraph to your photocopy set. Also remember to retain a photocopy for office use and file the original away from the office.
By carefully reviewing the subcontract agreement, effectively negotiating the terms of a contract, and understanding the business basics of subcontracting work, you can develop a successful relationship with a GC or owner and pump up your profits. On the other hand, if you don't focus on getting paid for each and every labor hour, you could soon face challenging times ahead.
Sammaritano is a contributing writer in Margate, Fla., and serves as the Webmaster for ContractorsPress.com.


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High Point, N.C. - The Conference Carolinas All-Conference Teams were determined by vote from each Head Coach of participating league institutions. Nominations were collected and then voted upon by ballot and tallied to determine Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year, All-Conference First Team, All-Conference Second Team and All-Conference Third Team. Awards were presented at the league tennis team banquet at the Conference Tournament Championships co-hosted by Erskine College and the Palmetto Park Tennis Complex in Sumter, SC. This year's award winners are as follows:
Player of the Year:
Tessa Rheault, Erskine
Freshman of the Year:
Abby O'Reilly, Erskine
Coach of the Year:
Brett Karpman,
Regular Season Champions:
Queens University of Charlotte
All-Conference First Team:
Tessa Rheault, Erskine
Christine Vanard, Lees-McRae
Elena Mileva,
Alena Krutkina, Pfeiffer
Alyssa Blanchard, Coker
Patty Dominguez, Pfeiffer
All-Conference Second Team:
Jimena Munoz Quiroga, Limestone
Jessica Souza,
Britton Bignon, Erskine
Angie Solorzano, Anderson
Eve Aubry, Limestone
Amanda Poole,
All-Conference Third Team:
Abby O'Reilly, Erskine
Morgan Roberts,
Gabriela Celi, Lees-McRae
Julie Halbert, Anderson
Camila Kurebayashi,


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Yes, it's no longer a broken link!
This is my excuse to be silly in the midst of all the emotional turmoil that is so frequent in the comic.
It also gives me a chance to make fun of some suckas. If you're reading this, I'm probably talking directly to you.
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Japanese For Crustaceans. It just kicks a *little* ass.


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Luke Bryan's 'Tailgates & Tanlines' Album Goes Platinum
Look out, Taylor Swift. Luke Bryan might just be Nashville's next big star to watch. Today, Capitol Records Nashville announced that the rising star's third album, 'Tailgates & Tanlines,' hit platinum status by selling one million copies.
Given the success of two of the album's platinum singles 'Country Girl (Shake It for Me)' and 'I Don't Want This Night to End,' it's no surprise that copies of 'Tailgates & Tanlines' have been flying off of the shelves for the past few months.
The album debuted in August with sales of 145,000 units in the first week. It doesn't look like Bryan has plans to pause and enjoy his album's success — in fact, he is pushing forward to release new material. Bryan recently debuted a new EP, 'Spring Break 4…Suntan City,' which snagged the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Country Albums chart. He followed up the release with a Spring Break performance at Spinnaker's in Panama City Beach, drawing a massive crowd of 80,000 people to hear him play.
The 'I Don't Want This Night to End' singer has also had a busy month performing at the American Country Music Awards and participating in the 'ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends — In Concert' taping, which aired this past Friday (April 13) on CBS.
The rising country music star is headlining some of his own dates this summer, but he is currently on the road with Jason Aldean on the 2012 leg of his My Kinda Party Tour.


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Bundles - Mini
1.) What are Stack Displays made out of? Stack Displays are made from a very thick special grade fluted corrugated cardboard that makes the displays very lightweight, yet are still extremely sturdy. We finish them off with a special laminated surface to add more durability with a professional look! Our displays are custom made in many colors and designs. We've added supports under the shelves so the displays can withstand more weight! These aren't your ordinary cardboard displays! Custom designed by us, we know you'll love how great these displays function and look!
2.) What colors can I order my Stack Display in? In order to bring you the lowest price possible, we manufacture our displays in BULK, so our colors are limited to the colors we have in stock. If you have a request for a certain color or color combination, please send it to us! Once we get enough interest in a certain color, we can produce it!
3.) What size displays do you offer? Similarly to the question above, we can only sell the size we have in stock. We do intend to offer many more sizes and types of displays in the near future. If you have a request for a specific size or style of display, please send it to us! The current size we offer is a two tiered display that is 14" wide, 8" deep, 8" high with 4" deep shelves. We designed this display to be very functional. We think you'll be surprised at how much product it holds!
4.) Can I have my logo put on my display? Unfortunately at this time, we can not add logos on our displays. You can, however add your own, by putting any type of company logo sticker that you may have on your display or you can customize it with any type of vinyl lettering you may have. We do offer some design options to customize your display, such as adding a zebra or polka dot design to the front of the display for a minimal cost. Don't hesitate to put your creative hat on! Go to the craft store and pick up a few items from the scrapbooking section and "bling" out your display any way you choose!
5.) Table Covers - Our Table Covers are made from a wrinkle resistant polyester material and will hold up for years! We recommend washing them in cold water and tumble dry on low heat before your first use. This will soften the fabric from the printing process and will remove any wrinkles! You will love the way they turn out!
Our Table Covers are uniquely designed & printed by us to give your table a one of a kind look that will really make it stand out! Sublimation printing is an all over process that prints the design into the fabric, instead of on top of it. It gives your table cover a more vibrant, realistic look and will not fade!
6.) When will my products ship? Products will ship within 3-5 days of placing your order via USPS Priority Mail or UPS, but don't be upset if you receive your order sooner!
7.) Do you offer refunds? Refunds will NOT be given since we produce a customized product used for events, so PLEASE make sure you are ordering the correct products you need.
If you received your item and it is damaged or defective, they WILL be replaced free of charge! You MUST, however, send us pictures of the damaged item to firstname.lastname@example.com and we will get a new one out to you right away! We want our customers to be happy! Please do NOT blindly send back items without contacting us first for instructions.
Exchanges are also not accepted. We are unable to resell a table cover that has been opened by a previous customer.
Please make sure you check the size of your table BEFORE placing your order. Please also make sure you choose the correct color/design. If you are unsure which design is best, please contact us via our online chat or through FB messenger. Our staff is very skilled in helping our customers choose the color/design that is best for your needs!
8.) How are Shipping Charges Calculated? Yeah, we hate shipping charges, too. Most companies do, unless you're Amazon and have overtaken the online shipping world and can afford to NOT charge for shipping!
There is a minimum shipping charge of at least $8.95 due to the weight of our products and the price is calculated based upon where the item is shipping to and the size and weight of the box. PLEASE UNDERSTAND that shipping is one of our biggest expenses as a small business and our products ship in large boxes to ensure they get to you undamaged.
We've invested in double corrugated shipping boxes to ensure your items arrive in perfect condition!
Our table covers weigh over 2.3 lbs each and a 3 pack of displays is over 3lbs! We do our best to charge ONLY what it costs us to ship, so please know that we do NOT pad our shipping charges in any way.
9.) Are Stack Displays easy to put together? Absolutely!!! Don't let all the folds and creases scare you! We ship these to you flat to save on shipping charges, but they are easy to put together in no time! 2 hands work just fine, we promise! Need a little help? Check out our Video Instruction Page to see how to construct your display in just a few seconds!


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3D Printed Seashells
Listening to the Ocean on a Shore of Gypsum Sand is a collaborative project between Gene Kogan, Phillip Stearns, and Dan Tesene. Seashells are 3d printed from algorithmically generated forms for the sole purpose of listening to the "ocean". The project questions the role of experience in the mediation of the virtual world to the real world and visa versa.
For those of us who have had the experience of listening to the sound of the ocean in actual seashells, it is a questions of lived experience shaping an approach, not only to the object (or world) at hand, but how it is perceived and acted upon. Are we to trust these shells? Do we seek out natural shells for comparison?
To those for whom their first experience of listening to the "ocean" through the digitally produced shell, the question becomes one of how the first encounter with a virtualized and simulated reality shapes the experience of lived space. This virtual shell is all I know of the real, until I encounter those found in nature—and when I see this natural shell, what then is my experience of? More broadly, how does mediated reality form our preconceptions of the world?
For some, these questions seem obvious—we may even have convinced ourselves that we have this all figured out. We are aware of the possibility that the virtual world and real world are two interacting identities, distinct ideas that maintain their individuality despite their mutual influence on one another. There is, however, a possibility that this distinction is fading with younger generations, as technologically mediated experiences permeate childhood. I wonder about the effect of this as they grown into the world.
This project will be on view at Soundwalk 2012, a sound art festival in Long Beach, CA on September 1st 6-10pm.


text: In the 1990s crack cocaine was Iowa's major scourge when it came to illicit drugs. Today methamphetamine poses the most issues for communities and law enforcement though Eastern Iowa has also seen a uptick in heroin use. Host Ben Kieffer looks at how these legal substances are trafficked into Iowa and from where the drugs originate.


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Much of the world, including the United States, spells whiskey with an "e." The Scottish do not. On those salty, green cliffs, they drink whisky.
The Japanese also drink whisky, and there's a simple reason for that: when its whiskey industry was taking root nearly 100 years ago, it was largely influenced by the genius that is Scotch whisky. One of the forefathers of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, studied distilling in Scotland before launching Nikka, one of the country's two major whiskey manufacturers.
Decades later, the whisky student is close to besting the whisky master.
In recent years, Japanese whiskys have regularly bested their Scotch counterparts at Whisky Magazine's World Whiskies Awards. The single malt honored as the world's best last year wasn't made in Scotland — it was Yamazaki 25 year old.
"In a blind tasting, a Scotch enthusiast wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two," said John Hansell, editor and publisher of Whisky Advocate.
Heresey to Scotch enthusiasts, perhaps, but Japanese whisky is ascendant, particularly in the U.S., where the available varieties will more than double by year's end.
Japanese whisky in this country has traditionally been limited to one company — Suntory, which film fans might recall was the distillery that Bill Murray's character traveled to Japan to endorse in the movie "Lost in Translation."
Late last year, Nikka — its chief rival — started importing two brands into this country. Four more will follow in the coming months. That will total about 10 Japanese whiskeys in the U.S. Other brands, including craft, are likely to follow.
Early adopters have taken to it for both its novelty and quality, but the industry sees ample opportunity for growth.
As David King, president of Anchor Distilling, which imports Nikka, said, if he had announced 20 years ago that an Irish whiskey named Jameson would be as popular in the U.S. as it is today, "they'd say don't be so bloody stupid."
"But Jameson is easy to drink, mild and good quality," King said. "I can see at some stage Japanese whiskey could be the next Irish."
Japanese whiskies largely aren't pushing boundaries; what's available in the U.S. are clean, well-executed single malts and blends, some of which are peat-forward as some Scotches are. Most are aged in used Scotch and bourbon barrels, with the rare use of Japanese oak.
"They seem to have the art of blending," King said. "I don't know if it comes from their history with tea or sake, but they have an innate ability to blend."
Three to try
Yoichi Single Malt (15 year old): A highly-regarded and elegant mix of smoke, tobacco, wood and brine. $120
The Hakushu (12 year old): Heavily peated for a Japanese whisky. Find this, Scotch fans. $60
Hibiki (12 year old): Accessible and easy to drink, this blend is a nicely-rounded, complex web of fruit, toffee and wood. $65


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IKEA 2013 Catalog Preview: Kitchen Trends & Inspiration, According to IKEA
If you have ever renovated, updated, or simply added some extra storage or accessories to your kitchen, you have probably at least considered IKEA. Their low-cost, stylish kitchens simply cannot be beat for price. The new IKEA 2013 catalog is just out, so we paged through to see where IKEA kitchen design is headed this year — and whether there were some trends and ideas to swipe from the pages of the catalog.
And no this post is not sponsored by IKEA! We just like to look at what they release each year. As they said in the Apartment Therapy post, IKEA has a way of making simple things exciting, and their influence over kitchen design has become rather huge.
Kitchens According to IKEA's 2013 Catalog
1. Industrial-style stainless steel for everyone.
The RUBRIK stainless steel doors aren't a new addition this year (they've been out for at least a couple years) but IKEA put them front and center this year, along with a new faux-industrial-style pendant lamp, black and oversized.
2. Glass storage is officially in.
I love the low prices of IKEA's food storage sets, but swore never to buy them again, because of the terrible plastic and low quality. Well, IKEA has jumped on the glass storage trend with these admittedly awesome glass baking dishes with silicone lids. These are multi-functional, good-looking, and well-priced.
3. Kitchens should be open.
I noticed, more than ever before, that IKEA showed kitchens being wide open to the dining or living area. This has been a trend overall in American homes, of course, but I've never seen it dominate an IKEA spread quite so much. Nearly every kitchen had an island, that primary feature of an open kitchen.
4. Black and white are timeless and current…but turquoise is also having a moment.
IKEA likes their bright pops of color, but these were somewhat absent in this round of kitchen catalog. Instead, in both tabletop and kitchens themselves, there was a lot of timeless, classic black and white. I did spy, though, several instances of turquoise, which seems to be having a moment and feels very fresh against the crisp black and white.
5. Kitchen carts are the answer.
I also noticed several instances and good examples of the kitchen cart — an easy way to add simple storage and even extra countertop space in a small kitchen.
See the whole catalog: 2013 USA IKEA Catalog
(Images: IKEA)


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Simplified Sending
Simplified Sending is a complete worldwide sending and packaging system from New Zealand Post that radically simplifies both the process and packaging presented to users.
Designworks developed both the simplified system and packaging design – beginning with the current range which offers over 370 sending options – simplifying the process and pricing structure to work within a range of 3 boxes and 4 bags. Users simply pick the box or bag that suits their item, pack it, pay on a self- service kiosk, and post it by dropping it in a drop box.
Contemporary Maori artist Ngatai Taepa created a series of illustrative artworks depicting Kaitiakitanga. The kaitiaki is a Maori symbol of guardianship – fitting for a business entrusted with objects of value and significance every day. Use of an iconic black & white colour scheme adds to the cultural resonance of the range.
The result is a clear sense of functionality, accessibility and distinctiveness. The illustrative detail offers an unusual contrast to the utilitarian postal aesthetic – the illustrative and typographic combination and layout neatly mirrors that of a postage stamp, cleverly communicating the combined box and delivery tariff.
The range is currently being piloted in the Kapiti region.
NZ Post Simplified Sending was recently featured on prominent packaging and design blog BP&O.
- Client
- New Zealand Post
- Project
- Simplified sending
- Category:
- Tags:


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major macro economic indicators
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average, %)
|Budget balance (% GDP)
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
(f): forecast
- Support from the international financial community and possibility of debt relief
- World leader in maritime transport
- Tourist destination
- Very high level of public debt
- Very poor quality of bank portfolio, high non-performing loans level (48% in Q1 2018)
- Weak public institutions, strong tax evasion
- Limited industrial base, low-technology exports (food, chemicals, metals, refined oil)
- Social tensions fuelled by fiscal austerity and mass unemployment
Risk assessment
Tentative recovery in growth and gradual consolidation of the banking system
Growth figures for the first quarter confirm Greek economic recovery in 2018. GDP grew by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter and by 2.3% year-on-year. Greek households and businesses remain optimistic and still expect an improvement of the economic situation. The purchasing managers' confidence index reached 54 points on average over the first six months of 2018, whereas it had just crossed the threshold of 50 points, synonym of economic expansion, in 2017. The same is also true for the confidence indicator produced by the European Commission, which rose from an average of 99 in 2017 to 102 in 2018. Investment, which remained the main driver of growth in 2017, is beginning to decelerate. However, its slowdown should be temporary. The rise in the capacity utilisation rate added to an increase in the public investment budget during the second half of the year suggest a short-term rebound in gross fixed capital formation. The upturn in investment could, however, be constrained by the risk still hanging over the banking system. Access to bank loans has improved, but the high level of non-performing loans still limits bank lending to business. Despite, their recapitalisation in December 2015, the quality of the banks' assets is uncertain. Also, under the pressure of the central bank, the major banking institutions will be forced to speed up the clean-up of their balance sheets. This gradual consolidation should encourage a more sustained recovery in bank deposits, which have continued to grow slowly. The normalisation of the financial situation should also encourage the gradual lifting of capital controls, the measures of which have been eased for companies but remain binding for households. Household consumption, which grew for the first time since 2016, is expected to strengthen, supported by improved labour market conditions. The unemployment rate will gradually fall to 20%, but wage growth will remain subdued. Although demand from Greece's trading partners is slowing, exports continue to trend up, but the expected increase in imports should limit the contribution of net exports to growth.
A primary surplus in line with the objectives, but a very heavy debt
The fiscal consolidation started in 2015, as part of the third financial assistance programme for Greece, should continue under the supervision of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The programme, which ends on 20 August 2018, has made €86 billion available in exchange for significant tax and economic reforms, avoiding the country's payment default and the bankruptcy of the banking system. Since 2015, parliament has approved a number of reforms, the application of which will run until 2019, the most important being the controversial pension reform, the direct and indirect taxation overhaul (reform of VAT, anti-tax evasion rules, broadening of the tax base). The objective is to reach a primary surplus of 3.5% as of 2018 against 1.75% set for 2017. The meagre recovery and significant reduction in public spending resulted in a primary surplus of 2.1%, above the ESM target.
Despite these efforts, and without any significant reduction in the public debt burden (178.6% of gross domestic product at the end of 2017), the risk associated with excessive indebtedness remains substantial. The European Commission's debt sustainability analysis of June 2018 shows that, without any further measures, Greece's financing requirement will exceed 20% of GDP, i.e. the sustainability threshold according to European criteria. In order to strengthen the medium-term sustainability of debt, the Eurogroup approved a set of additional measures at its 22 June 2018 meeting, among which an extension of maturities and a 10 years moratorium on interest and amortisation. Coupled with a disbursement of €15 billion in order to build up a cash reserve and secure financing needs for around 22 months after the end of the bailout programme, these measures will, according to the Commission, cover the financing requirement until 2060. The IMF, whose analysis diverges from the European Commission's, especially on the Greek State's ability to achieve sufficient primary deficits, is still raising doubts about the long-term sustainability of Greek debt. From 2027 onwards, the Fund expects a primary surplus equivalent to 1.5% of GDP with annual growth of around 1%, while the EU forecasts a surplus of 2.2% of GDP while maintaining an annual growth forecast of 3%
The current account is expected to remain slightly in surplus in 2018. Tourism revenue and the export positive trend will more than offset the increase in the energy bill.
Alexis Tsipras: Between austerity and waning popularity
Since the parliamentary elections of September 2015, the Syriza radical left coalition government led by Alexis Tsipras has been leading the country. Founded on a weak coalition with nationalists, the government, revamped in 2016,, had under pressure from international donors to implement an austerity policy that is gradually reducing its popularity among voters. But, while the bet of recovery seems successful, that the country has just emerged from the third European financial assistance programme and that some redistributive measures were made possible by the primary surpluses released in 2016 and 2017, Syriza comes in second position in the polls since early 2016, behind the New Democracy, the main opposition party. While the reconfiguration of the political scene is taking shape with a view to the 2019 legislative elections, early elections are not excluded.
Last update : August 2018
Bills of exchange, as well as promissory letters, are used by Greek companies in domestic and international transactions. In the event of payment default, a protest certifying the dishonoured bill must be drawn up by a public notary within two working days of the due date.
Similarly, cheques are still widely used in international transactions. In the domestic business environment, however, cheques are customarily used less as an instrument of payment, and more as a credit instrument, making it possible to create successive payment due dates. It is therefore a common and widespread practice for several creditors to endorse post-dated. Furthermore, issuers of dishonoured cheques may be liable to prosecution provided a complaint is lodged.
Promissory letters (hyposhetiki epistoli) are another means of payment used by Greek companies in international transactions. They are a written acknowledgement of an obligation to pay issued to the creditor by the customer's bank committing the originator to pay the creditor at a contractually fixed date. Although promissory letters are a sufficiently effective instrument, in that they constitute a clear acknowledgement of debt on the part of the buyer, they are not deemed a bill of exchange and so fall outside the scope of the "exchange law".
SWIFT bank transfers, well established in Greek banking circles, are used to settle a growing proportion of transactions and offer a quick and secure method of payment. SEPA bank transfers are also becoming more popular as they are fast, secured and supported by a more developed banking network.
In 2015, Greece imposed restrictions on flows of capital outside the country. All payments directed abroad follow a specific procedure, and are monitored by the banks and the Ministry of Finance, with restrictions placed on the amount and nature of the transfer.
Debt collection
Amicable phase
Before initiating proceedings in front of the competent court, an alternative method to recover a debt is to try to agree with the debtor on a settlement plan. Reaching the most beneficial arrangement can usually be achieved by means of a negotiating process.
The recovery process commences with the debtor being sent a final demand for payment via a registered letter, reminding him of his payment obligations, including any interest penalties as may have been contractually agreed – or, failing this, those accruing at the legal rate of interest. Interest is due from the day following the date of payment stipulated in the invoice or commercial agreement at a rate, unless the parties agree otherwise, equal to the European Central Bank's refinancing rate, plus seven percentage points.
Legal proceedings
Fast track proceedings
Creditors may seek an injunction to pay (diataghi pliromis) from the court via a lawyer under a fast-track procedure that generally takes one month from the date of lodging the petition. To engage such a procedure, the creditor must possess a written document substantiating the claim underlying his lawsuit, such as an accepted and protested bill, an unpaid promissory letter or promissory note, an acknowledgement of debt established by private deed, or an original invoice summarising the goods sold and bearing the buyer's signature and stamp certifying receipt of delivery or the original delivery slip signed by the buyer.
The ruling issued by the judge allows immediate execution subject to the right granted to the defendant to lodge an objection within fifteen days. To obtain suspension of execution, the debtor must petition the court accordingly.
Based on current competence thresholds, a "justice of the peace" (Eirinodikeio) hears claims up to EUR 20,000. Above that amount, a court of first instance presided by a single judge (Monomeles Protodikeio) hears claims from EUR 20,000 to EUR 250,000. Claims over EUR 250,000 are reviewed by a panel of three judges (Polymeles Protodikeio).
Ordinary proceedings
Where creditors do not have written and clear acknowledgement of non-payment from the debtor, or where the claim is disputed, the only remaining alternative is to obtain a summons under ordinary proceedings. The creditor files a claim with the court, who serves the debtor within 60 days. The hearing would be set at least eighteen months later. Greek law allows the court to render a default judgment if the respondent fails to file a defence. Since 2016, the lawsuit procedure has been changed, and is now based exclusively on documentation provided to support the claim.
Enforcement of a legal decision
Enforcement of a domestic decision may commence once it is final. If the debtor fails to satisfy the judgment, the latter is enforceable directly through the attachment of the debtor's assets.
For foreign awards rendered in an European Union member state, Greece has adopted advantageous enforcement conditions such as the EU Payment Orders or the European Enforcement Order. For decisions rendered by non EU countries, they will be automatically enforced according to reciprocal enforcement treaties. In the absence of an agreement, exequatur proceedings will take place.
Insolvency proceedings
Restructuring proceedings
This procedure aims to help the debtor restore its credibility and viability, and continue its operations beyond bankruptcy. The debtor negotiates an agreement with its creditors. During this procedure, claims and enforcement actions against the debtor may be stayed but the court will appoint an administrator to control the debtor's assets and performances. The reorganization process starts with the debtor's submission of a plan to the court made by specialists, which conducts a judicial review of the proposed plan whilst a court-appointed mediator assesses the creditors' expectations. The plan can only be validated upon approval by creditors representing 60% of the total debt. (60% is not always applicable, depending on the case and approval by the bank)
The procedure commences with an insolvency petition either by the debtor or the creditor. The court appoints an administrator as soon as the debts are verified. In addition a Pool of Creditors (three members representing each class of creditors) will be given the responsibility of overseeing the proceedings, which terminate once the proceeds of the sale of the business' assets are distributed.


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Saturday's 100th anniversary celebration at Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery promises something for people of all ages.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The day will be filled with viewing of adult tule fall chinook salmon, hatchery tours, educational, natural, cultural, and historical displays and demonstrations. The Yakama Nation will be providing cultural dancing and demonstrations in the afternoon. They will also be providing a concession featuring Indian tacos and Indian fry bread, in addition to a salmon-bake. Visitors can test their golf skills in navigating a salmon to ocean and back.
Due to the Clackamas Station being an unsuitable site for egg collection, the U.S. Fish Commission began to look for new areas to collect eggs. In the fall of 1896, the streams on both sides of the Columbia River, between Viento and Celilo Falls, were surveyed for the possible establishment of auxiliary substations for taking and eyeing salmon eggs. The White Salmon River showed good prospect. The White Salmon River historically contained both spring and fall chinook salmon runs. The following fall, two large racks and a downstream trap were constructed at the mouth of the Big White Salmon River and 3,415,000 eggs were secured and transported by boat to a site on the Little White Salmon River where other salmon eggs were being collected and incubated.
It was in 1901 that Dennis Winn, then stationed at the Little White Salmon Hatchery, delivered the first fall chinook eggs to Spring Creek, taken from the White Salmon River by rowboat. At that time there were no roads or railroads -- the only access to Spring Creek area was by Columbia River steamers. By 1919, the forms were set for the first known residence on site, called the cottage. State Route 14 was not completed until 1920.
In 1934, Congress passed the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act that required federal agencies to consider fish losses resulting from water development projects. The Mitchell Act, passed in 1938, authorized funding to preserve and protect Columbia River Basin salmon.
The first major changes to the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery wouldn't be seen until the completion of Bonneville Dam in 1938. The pool of water created behind the dam began to rise and cause flooding problems for the hatchery. In 1941, U.S. Corps of Engineers Bonneville Dam engineers reestablished the station by moving the hatchery buildings, constructing a new fish ladder and building new concrete circular ponds. It was during this time that the hatchery became known as the Underwood Station.
The Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery was redesigned and rebuilt by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972, an expansion designed to partially compensate for the loss of fall chinook spawning grounds caused by dam construction elsewhere along the Columbia River.
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2011-11-23 / Events & Calendar
Vendors needed Dec. 7
Vendors are wanted for the scholarship vendor night to be hosted by The Massapequa Council of PTAs and the Massapequa High School American Sign Language Club, Wed., Dec. 7, 7 to 10 p.m. at the high school's Ames Campus, 198 Baltimore Ave., Massapequa. The fee is $35 per table. All PTA proceeds will be awarded to Massapequa High School senior scholarships.
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Hi there,
I have this site I quit frequently visit for articles and I have not seen it posted before here on AO so I thought I would share it with you.
The site is not solely about security but you will find some nice articles there ranging from 'understanding NAT' to 'How to conduct a security audit'.
Some articles are somewhat outdated (like 'Introducing Whistler') but many are still worth the read especially for newbies.
Anyway here is the link:
The complete index of articles can be found at: