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Editor's note: Gloria Borger is a senior political analyst for CNN, appearing regularly on CNN's "The Situation Room," "AC360°," "John King, USA" and "State of the Union."
(CNN) -- Everyone seems to have an opinion about whether big men should cry, given Speaker-elect John Boehner's soggy "60 Minutes" on Sunday. Just for the record: fine by me, no big deal, even a good thing.
Now that that's out of the way, there is one exchange that actually matters way more than a few tears: Boehner's refusal to let the word "compromise" pass between his lips.
It seemed odd, in a way, that Boehner treated the bland word as some sort of epithet not to be uttered in front of the children. And the endearing emotional connection he made by weeping was somehow blunted by this refusal to even acknowledge the C-word.
So what was Boehner's reasoning?
"When you say the word 'compromise' ... a lot of Americans look up and go, 'Uh-oh, they're going to sell me out,' " he told CBS' "60 Minutes." "And so finding common ground here makes more sense."
Now I get it. For Boehner, it makes more sense because it's really a matter of political survival. Why? Because there's a huge gap between how Democrats and Republicans view compromise. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 59% of Democrats think it's a good thing. As for Republicans, not so much -- 41% say their leaders should instead "stick to their beliefs."
Hence, the Boehner preference for common ground.
Ah, but what about President Barack Obama? When the tax cut deal was struck, he headed straight for the podium to declare that a "compromise" had been reached -- and called the agreement a compromise over and over again. A bipartisan plan, he said, one that is "... not perfect, but this compromise is an essential step on the road to recovery."
And so Obama's Great Compromise was born.
We're parsing words here, but the labels give the clues to what's ahead. Boehner understands his new members aren't in the mood to work much with what's left of the Democrats; Obama understands that independent voters want him to behave as the adult. (Indeed, about 60% of them applaud the deal.)
And, by the way, for all of the yakking we've heard about Obama's angry liberal base, here's a headline from Wednesday's Washington Post poll: 87% of liberals support Obama.
And pretty soon, the moment of truth will arrive. Now that Republicans and Democrats have both spent almost $900 billion on this tax cut package, they have to figure out how to pay for it. The deal only intensifies the pressure on the president -- and the Congress -- to move to the next stage. Every economist can now argue -- and they do -- that the nation has gotten the stimulus it needs in the short term. But what about the long-term deficit?
Here's a bipartisan truth: There are no more fig leafs left.
And here's a GOP truth: The new flock wants to cut spending and the deficit, because that's what they promised they would do. Sen.-elect Rand Paul of Kentucky says he's got a package of $500 billion in cuts in his back pocket, ready to go.
Doesn't this all intensify the political argument for the White House to step forward and call their bluff? Or, better yet, offer a new paradigm: tax reform that leads to deficit reduction through the slashing of some sacrosanct tax breaks. The deficit commission managed to do it with the support of three conservative GOP senators; why not offer it to the Congress?
If compromise is a dirty word -- and common ground is just its handy, amorphous replacement -- there's got to be some new ground to be plowed.
Here's the Pollyanna dream scenario: The president offers to deal on tax reform in his State of the Union message in January. He makes it clear that reform brings with it serious deficit reduction. The GOP agrees; there is some down payment on cuts as the parties decide to avoid a showdown over raising the debt ceiling to keep the government running. They work at it it; we watch in wonder.
Then we can all have a good cry.
Or, we can wake up.
The choice is theirs.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Gloria Borger.


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Pipeline backers, opponents jockey ahead of vote
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters and opponents of the long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline jockeyed for position ahead of an expected Senate vote on legislation authorizing immediate construction of the project.
An oil industry group that supports the pipeline launched a five-state ad campaign aimed at wavering senators, while an environmental group mobilized activists to urge lawmakers to vote against any attempt to force President Barack Obama to decide the pipeline's fate.
The lobbying by outside groups came as Democrats and Republicans bickered over whether to allow a vote on a bipartisan bill to end years of delay and build the proposed pipeline from Canada to the United States.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he is open to a stand-alone vote on a pipeline bill, although some Republicans said the vote should occur as an amendment to energy efficiency legislation that could reach the Senate floor as soon as Tuesday.
Republican senators have prepared a host of amendments to the efficiency bill, including one that would block the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Lawmakers from both parties also support a measure to speed approval of terminals to export liquefied natural gas, another complication as Reid and other Democratic leaders consider when and how to allow a vote on the energy efficiency bill.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said it was important to include Keystone and other issues in the bipartisan energy efficiency bill, which is sponsored by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Rob Portman of Ohio.
"We should be having a debate about how to develop policies that can actually lead to lower utility bills for squeezed families, put people back to work America's coal country ... and lead to a more effective use of North American energy supplies," McConnell said on the Senate floor, noting that the Senate has not approved a comprehensive energy bill since 2007.
Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute, the oil industry's top lobbying group, announced it has begun TV, radio and online ads promoting the pipeline in five states: Colorado, Delaware, Minnesota, New Mexico and South Dakota. The ads urge senators in those states— including at least three Democrats who are publicly undecided on the Keystone bill — to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.
Democratic Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet of Colorado and Tom Carper of Delaware all undecided on the Keystone bill, which was introduced last week by Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., Mary Landrieu, D-La.
Landrieu and Hoeven said the legislation has the support of 11 Democrats and all 45 of the Senate's Republicans, a total of 56 of the 60 that will be needed. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., also is expected to support the bill.
While pipeline supporters were taking out ads, an environmental group was organizing a blitz of Democratic senators by email, telephone and in-person protests. About 150 people turned up at Casey's Philadelphia office on Monday, and a smaller number went to Carper's office in Wilmington, said Jason Kowalski, policy director for 350.org. an environmental group that opposes the pipeline.
Demonstrators are expected Tuesday at the Denver offices of Udall and Bennet.
Pipeline supporters "are advertising on TV, while we are out on the streets," Kowalski said.
The proposed pipeline would carry oil from western Canada to Nebraska, where it eventually would reach Gulf Coast refineries. Supporters say it would create thousands of jobs and help the U.S. move closer to a goal of energy independence. Opponents say the project would create few permanent jobs and reinforce the nation's use of an energy source that worsens global warming.
Follow Matthew Daly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC
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subset: commoncrawl


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Mumbai, Nov 17: Getting an appointment with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray was akin to climbing Mt. Everest.
A maze of people around him, everyone rumoured to be "very close" to the 'Tiger' had to be called for seeking a personal meeting with him.
After going through the entire rigmarole and thanks to the intervention of a former party MP, I finally got the green signal - an appointment to interview the Sena supremo for The Week magazine, where I worked then, on April 10, 1999.
Excited and apprehensive, I went along with my photographer colleague Dinesh Parab (now senior photographer, DNA), to be present at the awe-inspiring gates of Matoshri - the Thackeray residence in Bandra East, central Mumbai - well before the appointed hour of 11 a.m.
After clearing the main gate and two rounds of police security, a few tough-looking party activists cast an X-ray vision over us. Then, one of them politely showed us inside to a small room on the ground floor of Matoshri.
It was quite well-appointed without being loud, and we waited on a sofa, almost trembling - both Parab and I were to meet Balasaheb in person for the first time.
As we tried to relax, with huge pictures of Thackeray and his family members staring down at us, a door opened on one side of the room and an aide beckoned us.
Believing this to be another level of check-up, we got up and entered.
I almost missed a beat - the Tiger himself, Thackeray, with a gentle smile on his face stood bang opposite, ready to receive me.
He was sporting his trademark dark brown glasses, a full length comfortable kurta-pyjama attire and a new wonder - a large cigar in his mouth. He offered a warm and firm handshake that served to chase away all my anxieties, Parab touched his feet. We were both relaxed, looking forward to the rare experience.
As per his instructions, I was carrying a small tape-recorder which I switched on. He had kept another large tape-recorder of his own on a side-table which he switched on!
"You know, sometime back there was this foreign magazine interview controversy. So, now I insist on taping all my interviews and keep my own copy," he grinned.
I started with a message of gratitude for saving my life once - He looked at me, puzzled and I recounted the incident briefly.
It was during the December 1992-1993 Mumbai communal riots that my house in the north-west suburbs was targeted for an attack one cold dark night. I made a frantic landline call (mobiles did not exist in those days) to my boss, D.K. Raikar in The Indian Express office, (now Group Editor, Lokmat Group of Newspapers).
Raikar immediately assured to help out and he in turn called up Matoshri and spoke to Thackeray and his aides.
Thackeray asked Raikar my name and caste and Raikar said he is a Dawoodi Bohra apparently, Thackeray shot back, saying Dawoodi Bohras are 'exempted' from the riots!
Nevertheless, he immediately ordered his local 'shakhas' to organise security by his own rampaging Shiv Sainiks, to the entire housing complex where I lived, for nearly three weeks. Thanks to Thackeray a total of half a dozen Muslim families emerged unscathed from the bloody riots.
After hearing this, Thackeray shook hands, smiled and muttered: "People have all kinds of misconceptions about me, but the reality is quite different."
He was absolutely relaxed and answered a wide range of political, general and even a few personal questions during the two-hour long interview.
In between, on three occasions, a buzzer went on his telephone - "Sorry, please excuse me" he said to me each time.
I was taken aback and Parab's jaw dropped - imagine, the Shiv Sena Tiger apologizing!
I dared to ask why he gave up his trademark pipe for a cigar, he said: "Times change, habits change" and smiled, but the cigar was never lit.
He spoke in a mix of Marathi, Hindi and English, some potentially controversial statements he said slowly for the tapes to catch correctly.
After the interview, we generally chatted till another buzzer - Thackeray muttered a yes and the door opened again.
There, standing before us was Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, his wife, Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi and small Aditya.
Rane straight lunged for Thackeray's feet, somebody produced a golden tray and he (Thackeray) applied a 'tilak' on the chief minister's forehead as I stood beside watching the scene in awe. Parab clicked away furiously.
"It is my chief minister's birthday today, he has come for my blessings," Thackeray turned and informed me.
I also shook hands and wished Rane, and also shook hands with a much-younger looking Uddhav.
Then, Thackeray applied a 'tilak' to all those present in the room and gently requested Parab to click a few group pictures.
Shortly after, we shook hands and left Matoshri armed with a two-hour interview and memories of a lifetime on the great encounter with the Sena Tiger.


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About the Reno-Tahoe Region
Welcome to America's Adventure Place. Reno-Tahoe is one of the few places where you can still see the country, and where the wildest things seem possible. You can wakeboard along the surface of a pristine lake, grab some air at one of our 18 ski resorts, play a few rounds of golf, check out our cultural offerings and special events, and hit a jackpot all before you grab a bite to eat and your head hits the pillow. It's a vacation, with an adventure twist.


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Romanticizing Cowboys and Indians
|• Introduction
|• Romanticizing the West
|• Primitivism
|• Ross Santee, Illustrator and Writer
|• The American Rhythm by Mary Austin
|• J. Frank Dobie
|• Introduction
|• Romanticizing the West
|• Primitivism
|• Ross Santee, Illustrator and Writer
|• The American Rhythm by Mary Austin
|• J. Frank Dobie
J. Frank Dobie
Seeking out the "true and natural and genuine" was what J. Frank Dobie was all about. A Texan folklorist in the tradition of John Lomax, Dobie perpetually sought the reality behind the romance, finding deeper truths within the memories, anecdotes, and tales taken from the individuals who lived the hard life of the range. For years the prototypical Texan thinker, Dobie's populist vision helped people understand the real West and its people, while always suggesting that its lessons are a valuable but rapidly fading reality.
Born in South Texas in 1888, he attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, majoring in English. From there he taught public school, then attended Columbia University in New York City to get his master's degree. In 1914 he joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin.
After a brief tour in WWI, two years spent on his uncle's South Texas "Rancho de los Olmos" changed his life. Frank Abernethy, a renowned protégé of Dobie, says it was there that Dobie "discovered his calling—to transmute all the richness of this life and land and culture into literature."
Returning to UT, he began writing and in 1929, with A Vaquero of the Brush Country, his literary notoriety was established, continuing through 19 books and countless articles published during and after his lifetime. The rich, varied, and honorable life of the cowboy and rancher, at one with his integrity, his herd, and his land, is Dobie's most common topic. As a professor and as editor for the Texas Folklore Society, his teaching impacted a generation of students. Ultimately, Dobie left a stamp not only as the chronicler of cowboy life, but as its strongest advocate as well.
Vaquero Influence
Among the many things richly documented by Dobie was the influence of the Mexican cowboy, or vaquero, on North American cowboy culture. Often the victim of harsh and disrespectful treatment at the hands of "white" settlers, ranchers, and lawmen, the true cowboy owed a great deal to his Mexican forebears.
The first vaqueros, literally cow (vaca-) boys, came to Texas during a wave of settlement from the south starting in the mid 1600s. The hamlets that sprang up along the Rio Bravo Del Norte (the Rio Grande) were based on salt trading and cattle ranching. A mercantile economy then developed to outfit those communities.
These early vaquero settlers developed not only tools and skills required for the ranching industry but also the ancestors of the Texas Longhorn; in Spanish they were called llaves torsidas (twisted horns). This early breed was hardy, had a very tough hide, and did well in the hot dry brush of South Texas. It was the hide that protected them and provided what North Americans knew as "Mexican iron"—super-tough rawhide. In fact, the primary reason Longhorn cattle were raised was for their leather. It was only after trains that could bring the meat to market arrived that cattle were raised for commercial beef production. Fatter breeds nearly replaced the Longhorn at that time.


text:
Out of Stock
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This is a SWAT Team Tactical vest, adjustable, with velcro pockets.
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[image id='7706c2f1-efc1-414e-8424-cf178b2351d7' mediaId='faa79454-0158-4916-9b84-4d063866e845' loc='C'][/image]Need a new set of cookware? Don't worry — you don't need to spend a fortune to get top-notch performance. The Food Appliances team at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 25 brands to find the best pots and pans. The cookware was evaluated for ease of use, cleanability, browning, simmering, and heat distribution, among other things. The big surprise? Fourteen sets didn't make the cut because they failed heat-distribution and simmering tests.
Our Favorite Cookware
|1. T-Fal Soho (top)
|$99 for eight pieces
|A thermal spot in the skillets turns red when the pan is hot; saucepans have measuring marks.
|The outside finish stayed shiny even after dozens of dishwasher cycles in our labs.
|2. QVC Technique Ti (top right)
|$186 for ten pieces
|A layer of copper in the bases ensures perfect browning every time you cook.
|The set is dishwasher safe, but the copper bands will need occasional polishing.
|3. WearEver Excellence Stainless Steel (bottom right)
|$119 for nine pieces
|Contoured silicone handles with a unique thumb grip make these pots and pans very comfortable to hold; great for everyday cooking.
|To keep the stainless exteriors gleaming, hand-wash and use Bar Keepers Friend, a cleanser available at supermarkets.
|4. Revere Convenience (bottom left)
|$170 for eight pieces
|Upgrades to these old favorites: handles that stay cool, pots with spouts, lids that strain.
|Nonstick coating and no-polish stainless make cleanup a snap; dishwasher friendly.
|5. KitchenAid Hard-Base Nonstick (center)
|$170 for 10 pieces
|The set is available in two cheerful colors: red and blue. The collection includes three skillets and a large pasta pot — a great value.
|Hand-wash only to prevent damage to the brightly colored finishes.
|6. Anolon Advanced (top left)
|$299.99 for 10 pieces
|The heavy anodized aluminum heats evenly and will last a lifetime.
|The set is hand-wash only, but a nonstick finish inside and out makes the job easy.


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|2012 Election:
|Obama's book
|Biden's book
|Romney's book
|Ryan's book
|Jill Stein's interview
|Gary Johnson's interview
|2012 Debates
Core of Conviction
My Story
by Rep. Michele Bachmann
(Click for Amazon book review)
BOOK REVIEW by OnTheIssues.org:
This book is Bachmann's basic autobiography. It's her first autobiography, so it just covers the basics: Her family of origin; how she met her husband; how she entered politics; and an outline of her presidential campaign philosophy.
The book explores several issues that have arisen during the presidential campaign. That's unusual, since most of the presidential candidates came out with their autobiographies prior to the race, or very early in the race. Bachmann's book came out in late November 2011, after a dozen debates, and well after she had won the Iowa Straw Poll in August 2011. Hence Bachmann had the opportunity to address several of the hot issues that her opponents and the press raised:
In other words, her political future looks long and bright: she is only 55 (which translates to at least three more possible presidential cycles); and she is one of the founders of the Tea Party movement. Her presidential run establishes Bachmann as one of the permanent leaders of the Tea Party; if they continue to do well, we can expect the same for Bachmann.
-- Jesse Gordon, editor-in-chief, OnTheIssues.org, Dec. 2011
My Story
by Rep. Michele Bachmann.
Page last edited: Sep 19, 2012


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[Editor's Note: E-commerce is on its way, but until then call 404-350-7135.]
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Lusting After: Sid Mashburn S/S Shirting
[Editor's Note: E-commerce is on its way, but until then call 404-350-7135.]
10 comments:
Where did you see these on the website?ReplyDelete
Trip- Products --> Sport Shirts --> LustingReplyDelete
The green plaid and the navy/red/green right after is just not fair man. Sid for President.ReplyDelete
great post as usual. what are your thought on wearing S/S shirts in non-S/S months?ReplyDelete
Stephen- I think it's totally fine as long as it's still functional i.e. you layer it all up.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 2, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Great collar roll on the button-downs.ReplyDelete
Lawrence, which ones are you referring to as new? I visited his site a few times a while back and these all look familiar...one or two of the short sleeves maybe? Either way they look like theyd be amazing in person:)ReplyDelete
TO- I admittedly hadn't checked SM out in a while. Aren't the popovers new? The tomato joint?ReplyDelete
It's why I led my post off with "It looks as if..."
You know Sid Mashburn's on Taigan, right? http://www.taigan.com/shops/sidmashburn/itemsReplyDelete
Well, yes I guess new is relative- I'm pretty sure those were on there late '09 maybe, but it doesn't matter anyway when we're talking about classic, not trendy, clothes as to when then come out, right L?ReplyDelete


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Spa Valley Railway » Dining Train Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
• All of our dining trains are advance booking only, we cannot accept passengers on the day.
• As these are immensely popular we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.
• Our trains depart promptly, we cannot wait for latecomers.
• Due to the fixed seating and table layout bookings are made per complete table of two or table of four.
• Due to the layout of the carriages, parties of two may have to share tables. This means you may be sat at a table of four with another party of two.
• Tables of two will be sold on a first come, first served basis and cannot be guaranteed under any circumstances.
• Bookings can only be made with full payment.
• Prices include train fare and meal but exclude drinks. Drinks are available from our waiting staff at additional cost.
• Drinks advertised are subject to availability and may be altered without prior warning.
• On Sundays the High Weald Belle dining option is an additional service as part of our standard Green weekend timetable.
• No discounts are available for our dining trains.
• For logistical reasons we reserve the right to move your party to another carriage if necessary.
• Please note that only drinks purchased on board from our waiting staff may be consumed on any Spa Valley Railway dining trains.
• Diners who wish to bring their own wine (including sparkling) or champagne will be charged corkage per bottle.
• Photos are for illustrative purposes only, actual product may vary.
• No refunds will be made for missed Dining Experiences and we are not able to transfer you to a future date all the while the train operates.
There are no tables of two available at present on our Saturday night High Weald Belle until December, other High Weald Belle trains (inc Saturday Evening & Sunday Luncheon) may also sell out of tables for two throughout the year. We are happy and able to accept bookings of two on our trains prior to then however you will be sat at a table of four. This means you may be sat with another two at a table of four, two seperate couples on one table of four. If you are happy with this option then please select 'Table for 2 Persons on a Table for 4' at the time of booking. It is impossible for us to move passengers on the day due to the limited seating in our 1960s heritage coaches, by booking this option you are accepting that you may be sat on a table of four with another couple.
2018 Corkage prices:
£17 wine
£20 champagne or prosecco
£25 wine box
Menu & dietary requirements
• All of our dining trains have a fixed menu which will be available on the website for each particular date.
• If you require the vegetarian or gluten free option this must be ordered in advance.
• To avoid embarrassment on the day, please give details on the booking form or at least two weeks before if any member of your party has any special dietary requirements or allergies that require a different meal to be provided (which is however subject to availability and anything under two weeks we cannot guarantee to accommodate) e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, no nuts, no red meat, no mushrooms, no shellfish, etc.
• Please note that it is impossible for us to provide an alternative to the fixed menu if we are only advised on the day.
Reluctantly we are unable to cater for the following dietary requirements, diabetic, vegan, dairy free and nut allergies or other allergies on our Cream Tea or Morning Coffee services.
Refunds, Cancellations & Changes to bookings
• We regret that there can be no refund or transfer to a future date for 'no show' customers.
• ALL booking alterations, no matter how minor incur a £10 admin fee.
• Cancellations notified in writing, at least four weeks before the booked date will be refunded less a £10 admin fee.
• shorter notice cancellations are not entitled to a refund but the Spa Valley Railway will try to re-sell the tickets.
Cancellations in writing must be sent to our General Manager's PA here
If you wish to make an alteration, please note it is a £10 admin fee and our General Manager's PA must be contacted with at least 4 weeks notice.
• Our carriages used for dining were built in the 1960's and due to their internal dimensions physically disabled persons can only be accommodated if they are not confined to a wheelchair.
• Our train is equipped with two toilets and there are also toilets available at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge.
• The High Weald Belle, Afternoon Tea and Murder Mystery trains are not recommended for children under the age of 18. Fish & Chip Luches, Suppers, Cream Teas and Morning Coffee are available for children.
Please Note
• Whilst every effort is made to haul part of our dining trains with a steam locomotive and also our coaches as described, there may be the need to use a heritage 1960s diesel locomotive or other carriages subject to necessity.
• The Spa Valley Railway reserves the right to make such changes for whatever reason without prior notice being given.


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Bowyer Wins Prelude to the Dream
Clint Bowyer held off fast-closing J.J. Yeley to win the seventh annual Prelude to the Dream on Wednesday night at Eldora Speedway.
Bowyer started from the pole and led wire-to-wire in the 30-lap main event after winning the first of four heat races in the same fashion. Yeley was closing fast at the end and finished second, followed by Aric Almirola, Kyle Busch and Justin Allgaier.
Tony Stewart established the Prelude in 2005 to raise money for a variety of charities. This year the beneficiaries were four children's hospitals: Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, N.C.; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; St. Louis Children's Hospital; and Children's Medical Center of Dallas.
"Obviously, track position was the key, but bringing good equipment -- it takes the same recipe to win these races that it does in our world, the Cup world," Bowyer said. "It takes hard work and dedication, bringing good equipment to the race track and adjusting to whatever the condition is.
"[Wednesday night] it was dry/slick. Obviously, qualifying well and running well in the heat race led to a good starting spot, and ultimately I ended up winning the race."
After finishing second in 2009 and '10, Bowyer finally claimed the top prize.
"It feels so good," said Bowyer, who owns his own team and also provided a car for Jimmie Johnson. "I'm really proud of my guys. It was asking a lot of them to make this happen, with two cars on top of what they have going on in their world.
"That's what makes me proud, to be able to do this for them and be a part of it."
Drivers were competing for team as well as individual honors to determine the division of the proceeds raised for charity. Team St. Louis, paced by Allgaier, claimed the top prize -- 30 percent of the proceeds. Second was Team Atlanta, led by Bowyer, earning 25 percent of the money raised.
Team Dallas, spearheaded by Yeley and Almirola, took third, followed by Team Levine, whose highest finisher was Prelude rookie Austin Dillon in eighth. Dallas and Levine each receive 20 percent of the proceeds.
Ryan Newman won the pole for the Prelude, darting around the half-mile dirt track in 16.364 seconds to edge Carl Edwards (16.429 seconds) and Busch (16.444 seconds). Kasey Kahne (16.478 seconds) was fourth, and each of the top four qualifiers started third in their respective heats.
That turned out to be a hindrance, as all four heat winners came from the front rows of their respective 8-lappers. Bowyer beat Stewart on the start to win Heat 1. Allgaier led wire-to-wire in the second heat. Marcos Ambrose pulled away from Ricky Carmichael to take Heat 3, and Jason Leffler led all eight laps of the final heat.
That set up a 30-lap main event with Bowyer, Almirola, Ambrose and Yeley lining up in the top four spots. As former winners, Stewart, Kenny Wallace and Johnson lined up in the rear, hoping to collect a $50,000 bonus for their respective hospitals by winning from the back.
Edwards, the other former winner in the field, opted to keep his ninth starting spot, but he had a good reason.
"We want to win this race, and we're in a fortunate position that we've won it already, so the pressure's kind of off -- just go out there and have some fun," Edwards said before the event. "The pressure I do have, though, comes from my [crew] guys over there sweating right now.
"They told me that the boss man, Stacy Holmes, who owns the car, vowed that, if I win this race, he's getting air conditioning in the shop for the guys. So if I mess this up, there's going to be a lot of really hot, sweaty, mad people -- at me -- so there's some pressure here."
Though the decision didn't work out for Edwards, who finished 15th, the event accomplished its purpose, with the overriding aim to raise money for the children's hospitals. Integral to the proceedings, too, are the fun and fellowship that keep the top drivers coming back year after year.
"That's what we're here to do, have a good time for a great cause, the children's hospitals," said David Gilliland, who finished 21st in his Prelude debut. "I had Aflac sponsor me in Atlanta one time, and I got to go do a children's hospital tour and meet with some of the kids. It definitely left a lasting impression."


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Hed Cycling Products released a new App last week to choose the right wheel. I think it's more likely you'd use this to prove to your bros how fast your wheel is and was at the Tuesday Worlds. You could demonstrate with a yaw caluculator, course style, and wind how you were pedaling less than everyone else, but going faster.
Hed's app is available in the iTunes store


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Silas is a longhaired shaded english creme mini dachshund. Having never has a dog of my own before, I spent a lot of time shopping and researching to find out what the best dog for me would be. My husband and I finally settled upon the dachshund, and about 8 months later we saw Silas.
Silas was the last puppy left from his litter, and I don't know why anyone would choose his brothers and sisters over him. I'm glad they didn't though, because he was able to become my puppy and I can't imagine any animal that would have been a better ...
The Cutest Puppy
Hi! I'm Abbey


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2191 E. Rawson Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154
(414) 766-9385
(414) 766-9385 (fax)
Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world with 10,000 locations worldwide. Curves Clubs can be found in 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, The Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and we're still growing. We are the first fitness and weight loss facility dedicated to providing affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women.
Only one place can give you the strength of over 4 million women...


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Sgt. Largent wrote:It'll be interesting to see how much we run the spread option against the 49'ers D. They're very athletic and sound on assignments.
HunnyBadger wrote:Sgt. Largent wrote:It'll be interesting to see how much we run the spread option against the 49'ers D. They're very athletic and sound on assignments.
The read-option has been successful against teams where the opponent quaterbacks are traditional pocket passers. I say this because the teams that do not run the read-option have defenses that do not regularly practice against the read-option.
This is why I am concerned that the read-option might not be as effective when used against SF (since they also run read-option through the Klap). It goes both ways though...hopefully the Seahawks will be better prepared to defend against the Klap's read-option since they see it everyday at practice.
onanygivensunday wrote:When executed correctly, it takes one of the DEs out of the play. That can't be overstated.
It's here to stay for those offenses with the QB to run it effectively.
Missing_Clink wrote:It can last as long as they don't run it too much, like the Broncos did last year. As long as it is always something for the opponents to worry about among our other looks, I think it will last. Wilson has to continue to avoid taking hits like he has been doing too.
MontanaHawk05 wrote:They'd be silly to let it die completely. It's a strategy that takes advantage of Wilson's mobility and Lynch's running, and I like strategies that take advantage of our strengths. The best thing to do is use it sparingly, perhaps more in the second half once Lynch has worn defenses down and defensive ends won't be so quick to react.
Return to [ THE OFFICIAL NET NATION FAN FORUM ]


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Nice work! Enjoy the show!
Link Copied!
Syria donors fall short without U.S. aid
Opening Sequence
Democrats to probe report Trump told lawyer to lie
Tesla slashes workforce by 7 percent
VERBATIM: Trump 'outing' Afghanistan trip 'irresponsible'
Want to be Danish? You'd better shake hands
Israeli museum to drop "McJesus" sculpture
Sweden finally forms a government
Fears mount as shutdown threatens economic growth
NBA's Kanter asks Trump to act on Turkey human rights
World in Pictures
Closing Sequence


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Sony RX 100 question
Posted 22 July 2013 - 04:06 PM
In reading reviews someone mentioned the battery must be charged in the camera. Yet, in the Un-boxing of the RX100 M2 video posted in another thread he says the battery is the same as the original and shows that it can be removed. If it is removable it would seem an external charger would be available.
So, can someone tell me what is so regarding the battery? And, if it must be charged in the camera how long does it take to charge when nearly depleted and how many underwater photos are you getting on a charge?
Posted 22 July 2013 - 05:02 PM
You can buy a charger so that you can charge the battery out of the camera. The one that comes with it connects through the camera so that you can charge without removing the battery from the camera. You can also charge via USB cable from a laptop/PC. I just got the same rig, haven't even used it yet.
Becki Gibson
Posted 22 July 2013 - 05:05 PM
Posted 22 July 2013 - 05:12 PM
I stayed with Sony brand for both. Sony BCTRX Battery Charger $33, and Sony NP-BX1/M8 Lithium-Ion X Type Battery $44, both through Amazon.com. Off-brand options were available for much lower prices, but I didn't want an el cheapo battery in a $1600 rig that would be problematic. Just not worth a few bucks IMHO to risk it.
Becki Gibson
Posted 22 July 2013 - 05:14 PM
Posted 22 July 2013 - 11:10 PM
Posted 23 July 2013 - 05:10 PM
I got a Digipower TC-55S charger because it took Sony about a year from the original launch of the RX-100 to actually release a charger for it. The Digipower one was less than $30 and works just fine for me, though I did stick with Sony batteries. FWIW . . .
Mike Oelrich
Canon EOS 40D in Seatool housing, 100mm macro, Tokina 10-17, INON Z-240s.
Posted 23 July 2013 - 05:25 PM
Posted 25 July 2013 - 08:45 AM
I have a "wasabi power" charger that works fine with my Sony batteries...no problems at all. It comes with a 12v dc power cord to charge while driving, which can be handy.
Edited by CamelToad, 25 July 2013 - 08:46 AM.


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Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Toe Thief
Santa Fe police say the incident Monday was the third attack by 27-year-old Daniel Anaya on his now ex-girlfriend, who has moved to Albuquerque and had obtained a restraining order against him after two previous toe-biting incidents.
Police say Anaya, who used to work as a shoe salesman at a department store, tracked down the woman at her new home and attacked her, but she was able to fight back with a metal fork and escape.
Anaya was arrested that evening after he returned to Santa Fe and sought emergency medical treatment.
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Pet Toys needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 37 designs submitted by 3 freelance designers.
My name is Ian White and I am a young entrepreneur who started my company about two years ago and although we are struggling to be profitable, I receive thank you letters almost every day from people who love the toys that we make.
Our company is all about making pups and their people happy. Waggz are three new toys (puppets) designed for play and training. Our other brand is used by the SPCA and tons of other trainers and shelters and we want to use these new guys to improve upon and add onto our current brand.
We do everything ethically from manufacturing all the way to sales and we are all about FUN and Training. These toys are super durable, pet-safe, eco-friendly and great for both play and training.
NOTE: Toys are patented and names are trademarked.
Pet owners, families, children and anyone who shops in boutique pet stores as well as those who shop at large pet stores. Not everyone can shop at a boutique!
I designed and drew every part of the current logo (waggz current logo) but I just feel it isn't quite there.
The toons really need some shading and a little more life and possibly depth. I've attached a cartoon of a gator that I like, which was drawn by my friend for me but he is traveling for the next year so can't help out here. The toons personalities are as follows By the way, the way I think of the characters is: The blue one is a sassy girl who would say "like" a lot, her name is Tina. The Orange guy is Turbo, and they call him that because he's anything but quick, more dopey and lovable. The yellow gut would be the leader and is more of a straight edge guy but still fun... Don't know if this helps or not but one of the things that's great about the croc is that you can kinda' tell what kid of personality he would have.
I can supply any of the parts of these logos that you need etc.
-It must be a heart as they all have little hearts above their backsides, which are 2 toned and a different color on each toy. (similar to the attached)
-It must include the 3 toons (I'd like these shaded and made more fun than they are).
-We like this color combination but are open to other colors. Bright and lively are the name of the game. Depth would be nice too.
-The orange toon is wearing a graduation cap because these toys are made for training (educational toys) as well as play. I am not tied to representing it this way but I do like it very much.
-The 3 "tails" on each toy is their most durable part and is also part of the patent. accentuating these on the cartoons in a lively or even 3D way could be very cool.
Key Words for Sales:
Play n' Train
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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If you run Linux and F-Secure's security scanner 7.0 you might be interested in this heads up?
Apparently there is a bug in it that might bork your systemA serious bug in F-Secure's Linux scanner has prompted the vendor to issue a warning not to use the software in client mode and to recall the product.
More here:


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Transform your photos into one-of-a-kind, hand painted masterpieces!
The watermark in the lower right corner of the image will not appear on the final print.
Monet's Garden In Cannes by Jerome Stumphauzer - 8.000" x 6.375"
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Monet's Garden In Cannes wood print by Jerome Stumphauzer. Bring your artwork to life with the texture and added depth of a wood print. Your image gets printed directly onto a sheet of 3/4" thick maple wood. There are D-clips on the back of the print for mounting it to your wall using mounting hooks and nails (included).
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Jerome Stumphauzer 26 Days Ago
Thank you Sarah!
Sarah Batalka 27 Days Ago
Beautiful landscape, Jerome! Has a dreamy feeling about it. L/F
Sarah, Many thanks for this comment, Like and FAVE too! Jerome
Always a great learning opportunity to paint from the masters...it's like they reach across the years to gift us with an art lesson. Beautifully done, Jerome. like/f
Anne, Great comment! So true. And thank you for the Like and FAVE too. Jerome
Thank You for the OVER 800 Views! The Original painting is for sale! Jerome
Congratulations! Your work is being featured on the homepage of the �Exclusively Drawings and Paintings� group! You�re invited to archive this image by posting it in our Discussion thread, �Archive Your Art, Featured Or Picked For Our Homepage.�
Jim, thank you so much this Feature of my painting in the group! Jerome
Congratulations ...This amazing artwork has been featured in " 500 Views Share Group " ...Shared...Beth
Beth, Many thanks for this FEATURE of my painting! Jerome
Lovely dreamy landscape!
Wow and thank you! Jerome
Lovely painting! Congratulations on your special feature in Visions of Spring.
Sarah, thank you so much for the comment!
Lovely and delicate work, Jerome! Love it! F/L
Irina, thank you so much for that comment and votes! Jerome
Beautiful painting Jerome, Congratulations on being chosen Special Featured Artist of the Week in Visions of Spring!...L
Donna, thank for for the comment and vote! Jerome
Beautiful work! Congrats too on your feature in the Visions of Spring group's SPECIAL FEATURED ARTISTS OF THE WEEK! l/f/t
Pamela, many thanks for the comment...and votes! Jerome
Congrats on your Special Featured Artist in Visions of Spring! Liked
Adrian, thank you for the comment and for the vote, and for becoming a Follower! Jerome
Fabulous work, congrats on Special Featured Artist in Visions of Spring, F/L
Sandi, thanks especially to you, for the comment and...votes! Jerome
Jerome, What a gorgeous painting. Congratulations on your Special Feature in Visions of Spring. v/f
Deb, Many thanks for that comment...and votes! Jerome
Congrats, Jerome! Your beautiful re-interpretation of Monet's Garden is being featured in the Special Featured Artists of the Week Section of the Visions of Spring Homepage! F/L.
Dora, This Feature is an honor; thank you! Jerome
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Many thanks John for the Feature!
Absolutely beautiful work Jerome! L/F
Tami, Many thanks for this comment and votes! Jerome
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I have purchased 3 framed prints through Fine Art America and have been very pleased with the quality of all 3. This is the first time I've purchased a product where the picture has been reproduced on wood rather than paper. Perhaps I should have known, but the colours and vividness of reproduction on wood do not compare favorably to those on paper (or canvas). To me, the end product looks washed out. The overall quality of the product is otherwise good, but I wish I'd ordered a framed print instead.
This is a re-interpretation of one of Monet's paintings. I made some changes, but in the process I got an art lesson from the master! One change was adding the hint of palm trees in the background. Therefore, it could not be northern France. Monet did not have a garden in Cannes, but now he does! The price of this oil painting includes a frame also done with complimentary oil paints. Email artist for a photo of this painting framed. This fine art would be a welcome addition to many home decors and would make a wonderful gift!
I am a self-taught artist and have been painting in oils for many years. At the same time my photography has developed following the same principles of composition and color. Much of my work has a "save the environment" theme and my inspiration comes from nature and visions of light and color. My interest in art began in the 5th grade with a remarkable teacher who, along with all the other subjects, made time for art and music every day. I am influenced by a diverse group of artists who have come before me -- from da Vinci and Dali to Monet and Lassen. This website has helped me reach an audience all over the world. I always have several projects going, and can't wait to start the next one! I hope you enjoy my art and can find a...
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The House resumed from May 15 consideration of the motion that Bill C-34, An Act to give effect to the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
House of Commons Hansard #97 of the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was treaty.


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Walk-off homer beats Post 27 in opening round of state finals
PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Post 27 looked to be cruising to an opening-round victory over Kokomo Post 6 in the American Legion state finals, but suffered a gut-wrenching 9-7 loss Monday night thanks to a walk-off two-run homer.
Post 27 entered the final frame holding on to a 7-5 lead as pitcher Clayton Adamson looked to record the save.
However, Kokomo's S.A. Dunn led off with a single and Tyler Goudy followed with a walk. The pair pulled off a double steal and when the next batter, Evan Warden singled to left, the game was tied. Goudy was going to be held at third, but trotted home after left fielder Brandon LaFollette had trouble picking up the ball.
Next up was Isaac Turner, who promptly ended the game by crushing an Adamson fastball over the leftfield fence. Turner knew it was gone right away as he tossed his bat and somewhat admired his game-winning shot as the Kokomo dugout spilled out onto the field to congratulate the center fielder when he touched home plate. At the same time, Post 27 was stunned, wondering what just happened.
"You're three outs away and statistically we've got our best pitcher on the mound, who shut them down last time (in a win on Thursday)," Post 27 manager Will Hostrawser said. "He got ahead 0-2 on that first hitter and kind of lost command. That kind of set the tone. He got a base hit up the middle.
"Then there two through five hitters pretty much did all their damage."
Turner had a phenomenal game. He drove in six of his team's nine runs, homered twice and tripled, reaching base in four of his five plate appearances.
Post 27 jumped on Kokomo early thanks to a couple of errors in the top of the second.
The left side of Kokomo's infield let starting pitcher Austin Weaver down by committing back-to-back errors with one out in the second. That helped Post 27 plate four. Catcher Peter Shepherd picked up an RBI single and shortstop Tanner Hampton was credited with two knocked in on his single.
"We took advantage of their errors early and hung some on them and they didn't really recover until late," Hostrawser said. "You have to take advantage of errors when a team gives you those."
The Diamond Spyders made it 6-0 in the top of the fourth when LaFollette doubled home Shepherd and Drew McDonald.
Kokomo got on the board with Turner's two-run shot in the bottom of the frame.
Post 27 increased its lead to 7-2 when Shepherd doubled home Nick Pritz in the top of the fifth.
Shepherd was the hitting star for the Diamond Spyders. He reached base all four times he came to the plate and finished with three hits and two RBI.
"We were saying he's having a season in a day," said Hostrawser about his catcher's night at the plate. "He did a very nice job and really came to play."
However, Weaver settled down and really got into a rhythm. Over the next four innings, he allowed just one hit and no runs while his pitch count eclipsed 120.
Meanwhile, Weaver's Kokomo team chipped away.
It looked like Kokomo would have a big bottom of the seventh when relief pitcher Justin Gierlowski struggled with his control and walked the bases loaded without recording an out. To Gierlowski's credit, though, he got the next batter to pop out on the infield, gave up a sacrifice fly to the next batter and ended the threat with strike out.
Post 27 exited the frame feeling good about its chances still leading 7-3.
"Unfortunately I don't think Gierlowski was quite ready when he came into the ball game," Hostrawser said, "and that cost us a run or two.
"Once he got his curveball working and his off-speed stuff, he was pretty dangerous. He just didn't have his command on his fastball. He's usually a lot sharper than that."
Kokomo added two more in the seventh on Turner's triple, setting up his heroics in the ninth.
Turner's triple came after center fielder Eric Knepper tried to make a diving catch. The outstretched Knepper came up short and ball rolled past him.
"You kind of want to keep that ball in front (of you), but I'll tell you what, he's such an aggressive player and has great speed and if he knocks that down, the ball gets in quicker," Hostrawser said.
Brayden Davidson started on the hill for Post 27 and did an admirable job. He went five innings, giving up three runs on four hits.
"I thought Brayden threw well," Hostrawser said. "He gets to a certain pitch count and always tapers off so we made the move and went to Gierlowski."
The loss drops Post 27 into the losers' bracket, which means it will play Mishawaka Post 161 at 12:30 p.m. today. Kokomo advances to play Newburgh Post 44 at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
"We will see what we're made of against Mishawaka, a team that beat us in the regional," Hostrawser said. "We're going to have to put this loss on the shelf, learn from it and be ready to go."
At Plymouth's Bill Nixon Field
Plymouth: 040 210 000 — 7 9 1
Kokomo: 000 201 204 — 9 9 2
WP: Austin Weaver; LP: Clayton Adamson 2B: Brandon LaFollette (P), Peter Shepherd (P); 3B Isaac Turner (K), Justin Blevens (K); HR Isaac Turner, 2 (K).


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December 31, 2012 (JUBA) - The Republic of South Sudan will withdraw its troops from border areas to allow for the operation of the proposed demilitarized border zone with Sudan, President Salva Kiir said Monday.
- President Salva Kiir (Reuters)
"We are temporarily withdrawing our forces from the immediate border areas. This will allow the demilitarized border zone to be operational. We hope that these arrangements will make sure that peace and stability is maintained along our common border", said Kiir in his new year's message.
He, however, stressed South Sudan has not given any of its land to Sudan, adding that its leaders stood firm throughout the year to protect the fundamental interests of its nationals.
The two Sudans, on 27 September, reached an agreement on several key issues, including the demilitarization of common border, oil, security, among other issues. The African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) facilitated the deal, reached in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Both countries, under the deal reached, agreed to withdraw their troops 10 kilometers from either side of the border, to be monitored by a joint force and the United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNISFA) working in Abyei .
However, the security arrangements of the deal have not yet been implemented as Khartoum demands that South Sudan disarms rebels fighting the government in South Kordofan and Blue Nile as precondition for the full implementation of the security arrangements with South Sudan.
Sudan also demanded to extend the buffer zone to include Blue Nile and South Kordofan border in a way to prevent the Sudanese rebels operating in the two states from crossing to South Sudan or receiving materials.
However, President Kiir in response described Sudan's demands as practically "impossible and will not happen". Former US envoy, Princeton Lyman, the for both countries recently said he was "troubled" by Khartoum's recent requests and demands.
The two countries, however, agreed earlier this month in Addis Ababa to implement what they agreed and to keep talks on the rebel issue. The political and security committee will meet in Addis during the upcoming days.
Also the two presidents Bashir and Kiir are scheduled to meet in the Ethiopian capital.
In his speech, President Kiir assured the population of South Sudan army's (SPLA) commitment to protect the nation and its territory from external aggression, including the Sudanese army and its allied militias.
The young nation, on Sunday, accused the government of neigbouring Sudan of "amassing troops" at the border ahead of a planned meeting between the two countries' Presidents aimed at resolving a number of outstanding issues pertaining to the south's independence in July last year.
"There are now 3,000 troops fully equipped moving towards disputed areas. They are moving with heavy weapons and they started their activities with ground on areas which deeply inside our territory. They have started this with the attack on Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and a raid of farmers in Renk County in Upper Nile State", South Sudan's information minister, Barnaba Marial said.
The troop build-up, he claimed, was "to preempt [the] presidential summit" and prevent the planned meeting between President Kiir and his Sudanese counterpart, Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.
Both Presidents have not met since September when they signed a Cooperation Agreement on numerous issues.


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Tim and Patricia's DIY California Craftsman
Name: Tim Shetz and Patricia Leoni
Location: Alameda, California
Size: 1,684 sq/ft
Years lived in: 7, owned
Who else lives here: Thomas their 8-month old baby, Piper the dog, Cooper and Cleopatra the kitties.
Tim Shetz is a DIY kind of guy. From the kitchen cabinets to the back yard patio, he's taken on a handful of home renovation projects since purchasing his 1930s craftsman bungalow seven years ago.
The historic San Francisco Bay area residence features a bevy of unusual original details. Elements like the hammered copper door knobs, one inch oak flooring, and a bedroom papered in baby blue blossoms initially attracted Tim and Patricia to the cozy dwelling. But it wasn't until Tim fixed up a few minor eye sores that the home really became their own.
His first project was the backyard. Mostly covered in concrete, with a few dead plants that poked up from meager patches of earth, it wasn't the kind of place where their dog Piper would want to play. So they jackhammered the concrete, mixed the shards with decomposed crushed granite, and formed an inviting patio. A drip irrigation system fed by collected rain water keeps the grass lush.
Happy with their new outdoor retreat, the couple turned their focus to the ugly honey colored cabinets in the kitchen. "Rather than buy all new cabinets, we decided to removed all the doors and refinish them. I added trim and new hardware to the existing doors and finished them in a dark brown color," explained Tim. He also added mouldings to the top of the cabinets and baseboards to the entire kitchen.
A couple pieces of furniture came next. Tim lined a long hallway with low shelves made from wood found under the house and illuminated them with LED rope lights–a low energy lighting solution for this otherwise dark spot. Some more found wood went toward a cabinet for their TV that hides all their electronic components and DVD collection in a neat Asian-inspired design.
Re-Nest Survey:
My/Our style: Eclectic. We love antiques, but we mix it up with some newer stuff. We also mix styles. We have an antique 1930's bar in the same room as some Asian pieces.
Inspiration: The craftsman period.
Favorite Element: It's a tie between the detail on the windows, the arts and crafts tiled fireplace, and the 1-inch oak hardwood floors throughout the house.
Biggest Challenge: Keeping an 80+ year home going. It seems there is always something to do, but it is a labor of love.
What Friends Say: Whenever we have friends over, they always comment about how homey and cozy our house feels.
Biggest Embarrassment: The color of the house. It's kind of a dusty rose with an almost brick red trim. It Is getting painted this month in a true bungalow color scheme.
Proudest DIY: I would have to say the backyard. When we moved in there was tons of concrete and dead plants, the little bit of grass that was there was almost dead. We spent close to three months redoing everything.
Biggest Indulgence: Our 52″ LCD TV and HD DirecTV. We like to enjoy our TV when we have time to watch it.
Best Advice: If you are going to buy an old craftsman style home, be prepared to either become a do-it-yourselfer, or make friends with your local contractors and handymen.
Dream Source: I absoulutely love Rejuvenation Lighting in Portland Oregon. There are also some great resources for arts and crafts tile and furniture in Bungalow magazine. we've had a subscription since we moved in.
Green Elements/Initiatives: By removing the solid concrete patio and breaking it up, we allow more rainwater to get into the ground. All of our backyard plants are on a timed drip irrigation system giving them only the water they need. We also installed two rain collection systems, one on the driveway and one in the back yard. Each of the two systems collects 110 gallons of water for watering our garden during dry times. The system usually fills up with the first small rain. We also installed solar screens on the sunny side of the house which reduces the UV coming through the windows. During the summer it keeps the house almost 10 degrees cooler.
Appliances: We have an old 1950's O'Keefe and Merritt gas stove. We purchased it on eBay. When we installed it, PG&E was nice enough to come out and clean the gas burners and adjust it for us.
Hardware: All the doors in the house have these cool hammered metal door knobs. They are amazing. The first time I walked into the house with our realtor, I noticed them right away. The one door in the house that doesn't have them is the one to the master bath. That room was added in the 1960's. I've looked high and low to find one to replace the ugly cheap handle that is there, but I've been unsuccessful.
Furniture: We have a neat cabinet in our entry way. It belonged to a friend of mine who got it from the little old lady that lived across the street from him. He didn't have room for it and I mentioned I liked it, so he gave it to me. That was over 15 years ago.
Our dining set we purchased at the Antique Trove in Redwood City quite some time ago. I know the sytle is Duncan Phyfe, but not sure of its actual age. We just wish it had two arm chairs. We keep our eye out for a matching one, but so far, no luck.
The bar was purchased at an antique store here in Alameda. My wife bought it for me as a birthday present. I've always eyed them in antique stores. When she found this one in such great shape, she bought it right away.
Accessories: I have a collection of old movie cameras and projectors. I have always loved the movies and as a child we would watch our 8mm movies on my dad's projector. When I was in college I found my first one at a local thrift store. I paid $7 for it. Once I knew what the case for it looked like, I kept spotting them. I think many people didn't open the cases to see what was inside. Every time I ran across one I bought it.
We have a collection of little apertif glasses on a tray. We purchased them a number of years ago at an antique store in San Francisco. It was set up at the shop just as we have it now.
The umbrella stand in our entry way is an arts and crafts hammered copper urn of some sort. We saw it at an auction house in Oakland and thought it would be perfect as an umbrella stand.
Our fireplace tool set is a funny little thing. It's one of those "it looked bigger in the pictures" situations. I won it on eBay and when it arrived both my wife and I commented that it must be for an elf's fireplace. It is the tiniest set I've ever seen. The person that sold it said it was from France in the 1930's. It is usable, you just have to be careful not to singe your fingers.
Lighting: Two of the light fixtures in the house were the other things I noticed right away the first time I saw the house. The entryway has a unique hanging fixture with an amber/yellow glass. It's really beautiful at night. The dining room has an amazing milk glass hanging fixture. I'm not sure if they are both original to the house, but they are certainly charming.
On the front porch, we replaced an ugly home depot type light fixture with a period appropriate one from Rejuvenation.
Window Treatments: On the outside, we installed solar screens. On the inside of the living room, we installed shades with UV reduction as well as raw silk curtains that are triple lined with UV protection to reduce heat transfer and damage to the silk.
Flooring: Except for the kitchen, the whole house has hardwood floors. When we had them refinished, the hardwood guy told us that the 1″ quarter sawn oak boards were fairly unusual for the period. Being smaller, they required much more work for cutting and installation. I was told this again twice recently when we had an electrical and building inspector come by. Both inspectors commented on the beautiful and unusual narrow boards.
Interested in sharing your home with Re-Nest? Contact our editors through our Green Tour Submission Form.


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by Michael Caruso
The Pennsylvania Ballet opened its production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" last weekend in the Academy of Music, and Chestnut Hill resident Juan Rafael Castellanos was at its very heart. The Chestnut Hill Academy student danced the role of Fritz, the little brother of Marie. It is Fritz' breaking of her gift from Herr Drosselmeier of The Nutcracker that inspires Marie's dreamy journey to the Land of the Sweets and all the magic of sight and sound that drew a packed-house audience to the Academy of Music Sunday afternoon.
Over the seasons that Castellanos has danced the role of Fritz, he has truly matured as both a dancer and an actor. This time around he embellished his characterization with a multitude of dramatically telling gestures and perfectly gauged inflections so that he really did seem the little demon-out-of-control, which the narrative requires. However, he never overacted to the point of appearing a caricature of a bad little boy or to the point of undermining his dancing. That aspect of his performance Sunday afternoon was expert and energetic, and it fit into the ensemble seamlessly.
The entire production and Sunday's performance of it were exceptionally beautiful. The sets and costumes glistened and sparkled, and Balanchine's choreography was danced with unforgettable beauty and touching sentiment. Amy Aldridge was a breathtaking Sugarplum Fairy. Her point work was immaculate, her gestures were exquisite, and every individual move was made right on the beat of Tchaikovsky's gorgeous score. Zachary Hench was her equal as Her Cavalier. His leaps were astonishing for both their height and soundless landings, and his support of Aldridge at those most critical moments was solid as Gibraltar.
"The Nutcracker" continues in the Academy of Music through Dec. 31. For specific dates and times, call 215-893-1999 or visit www.paballet.org.
Tempesta di Mare, Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra, presented an entertaining and informative concert Sunday, Dec. 4, in the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. The program was entitled "Leipzig Shortlist: Telemann, Fasch, Graupner or Bach?" and it recalled the truly amazing 1722 competition for the post of kappelmeister in the prosperous northern German city of Leipzig that pitted those four baroque composers against one another.
History causes us to smile because Johann Sebastian Bach was the fourth choice out of the four. The other three declined invitations to take up the post, either because superior money was offered elsewhere or because they refused to teach Latin, which the town fathers insisted upon. Bach knew the language well, as his spectacular "Mass in B minor" proves beyond any doubt.
The smile on our collective contemporary faces comes from the universal opinion held by musicians and music-lovers the world over that J.S. Bach was the greatest of all classical composers. The notion that composers such as Telemann (the first choice), Fasch and Graupner were ever considered to exist in the same musical league as Bach is mildly comic on first hearing and then absurd upon reflection. And yet, these were among the most highly regarded composers in baroque Germany, and they all had stellar reputations to substantiate that opinion.
As it has done over the decade of its life, Tempesta di Mare performed a program that not only proved a historical point but that also offered a series of musical delights. Fasch's "Concerto for Lute in D minor," Telemann's "Quatour VI in E minor," Graupner's "Entrata per musica di tavola" and Fasch's "Concerto for Recorder in F major" may not have proved themselves the equals of Bach's "Concerto for Harpsichord in F minor" throughout the passage of the centuries, but all four are scores worthy of far more frequent hearing than they're given nowadays. Fasch's two concerti, in particular, offer lively rhythms, captivating melodies, elegant scorings and inventive harmonies. The Telemann is a fascinating display of a German composer taking on French styles. Only the Graupner failed to hold my attention.
The Bach Harpsichord Concerto, of course, stole the show. It did so because it's a concise masterpiece of structure and color and because Tempesta's resident harpsichordist, Adam Pearl, gave it a superb rendition. Gwyn Roberts was particularly noteworthy as the recorder soloist in the Fasch, as was lutenist Richard Stone in the other Fasch. And the strings played beautifully in the Telemann.


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We hope you find all the information you require on this site, but please do not hesitate to contact us directly or one of our global agents if you wish to discuss your own application in more detail.


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How many people in our lives really deserve an award?
Last night I was lucky enough to be at the table of my wonderful friend Chris Rugg of wurzelmeone fame as he celebrated his nomination in the category 'Outstanding Volunteer 2010' at the Care Focus Awards.
No small event this. 300 people seated around tables at a gala dinner, hosted by the presenter of the BBC News programme Points West, Chris Vacher and attended by our local Lib Dem MP, Jeremy Browne who is now a minister in the Foreign Office. It was 'Black tie' and everyone was dressed up in long frocks and dickie bows and it truly had a touch of the BAFTAs or Booker Prize about it. Chris was there with his friend Ruth and his brother and sister-in-law to represent Mind in Taunton & West Somerset where he works as a volunteer on the Advocacy in Mind Project, helping people to be heard where they have previously felt ignored. The lovely Bethan who manages the project was also there with her partner Ali and it was wonderful to spend the time with people I have missed so much since I left Mind two months ago. Bethan and I had nominated Chris for the Award for his absolute dedication and passion for his role supporting people experiencing mental distress; putting to one side his own significant health issues to work to raise awareness and break down the stigma that can be attached to mental health. He was also (and still is) a great support to me and to others as we struggled in a stressful work environment and gave me the courage to take up my pen and try writing as a living.
When the nominations were read out, the pictures shown on screen and the envelope opened we sat on the edge of our seats. 'And the winner is… Chris Rugg!!' The whoops that went up from our table set the tone for the rest of the night's announcements. We were overjoyed for Chris, perhaps the most modest and humble of men who had not for a moment sought the limelight but who deserves this award like no other person I have ever met. So many people came up to congratulate him, many from other local organisations and including Jeremy Browne with whom he had his photo taken. Chris was so proud to be such an ambassador for Mind in Taunton & West Somerset.
I have woken up this morning with something of a headache. I cannot imagine where it came from (hrrrrm), but I suspect Ali had filled my wine glass up more than once. As I struggle to complete an article with a deadline of Monday I keep thinking back to the celebrations of last night and it occurred to me that Chris is one of those people who can truly be called 'good'. I don't mean in the slightly schmaltzy, even sneering way people may use the term but in a sense that doesn't require perfection, abstinence or evangelizing. It just 'is'. Above all, Chris has integrity and stands up for what he feels to be right and I have relied on his wisdom on many occasions.
It was a fabulous evening, much alcohol was imbibed resulting in some distinctly dodgy, rather than dirty, dancing and Chris went home with a beautiful trophy that deserves real prominence in the Mind offices. Well done mate, you are the funniest, kindest, wisest man I know. Thank you!


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Daryl Hannah Arrested; 'Moral Obligation' to Protect Environment
Daryl Hannah has been arrested again over her deep convictions about the Keystone oil pipeline on Wednesday, with the claim that protecting the environment is a "moral obligation."
The actress along with scientist James Hansen, Robert Kennedy Jr., and several other high-profile personalities were arrested on Wednesday after handcuffing themselves to the gates of the White House and demanding that Barack Obama shut down the Keystone XL pipeline project. In total, about 50 people were detained over the protest.
This was not Hannah's first brush with the law over the issue. The actress and a 78-year-old Texas landowner were taken into custody last year for trespassing after taking a stand against the pipeline that will bring crude oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast.
Continuing her efforts as an active environmentalist, Hannah appeared on Fox News speaking to host Sean Hannity this week.
"It is our moral obligation as citizens of this country and of the world to take action," declared the actress.
"You have children, right? You want them to live in a world where there's water and food and a livable climate [and] that they won't be struggling to survive, right," Hannah asked Hannity.
The "Splash" star agrees with critics who say the pipeline will hurt the environment, while its supporters claim the pipeline will lead to job creation and less foreign dependence on oil.
"This isn't drilling for oil; this is extreme lethal extraction," Hannah noted while on Fox.
Many people including the "Kill Bill" actress feel that the pipeline would be unsafe because it would be carrying mass amounts of heavy, acidic crude oil that could more easily corrode a metal pipe, which could lead to a spill.
TransCanada, who owns the $7 billion pipeline that Hannah and others have long opposed, maintains that its pipeline would be the safest ever built and bring the same oil that arrives from Venezuela or parts of California.
As for President Obama, Hannah said: "I don't like politics; I don't trust politicians. That's where I stand."


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A few hours later he added a third All-Conference medal (he anchored the men's Distance Medley Relay to the A-Sun Championship and a new meet record on Friday night), by finishing third in the 5000m.
Ryan becomes the first man to ever win an A-Sun Conference championship, the first Indoor or Outdoor Lipscomb Track & Field athlete to win two A-Sun Championships, and his three All-Conference honors make him the only Lipscomb Indoor or Outdoor Track & Field athlete to earn more than two A-Sun All-Conference honors in their career.
"Ryan had an amazing meet and has really set himself up for an amazing senior outdoor season," head coach Bill Taylor said. "The mile was really scary. The pace was so slow (72 for 400m, 2:20 through 800m) that the whole field was all together, pushing, tripping, shoving, and everyone was still in the race over half way through. Ryan ran 1:58 for the last 800m, taking the lead in the last lap and holding off a big challenge by several guys. It was very exciting, but highly stressful.
"After two tough mile races in the Champions already, the 5000m was just a guts race for him. He looked tired but willed himself forward and passed at least two guys in the final 200m to earn his third All-Conference honor of the meet."
Ryan led the men's team to a fifth place finish, its highest team placing in Lipscomb history (previous best was 6th last year). The men finished just 3 points behind conference rival Belmont. They also scored 49 team points, almost three times more points than the teams previous best (18 in 2009).
"It's funny, we scored so many points and finished higher than ever before, and I'm honestly quite disappointed.," Taylor said. "We left a lot of points out there.
"Some performances were great, like Alex Jerkins putting up two big PR's in the Shot and the Weight throw. But we had big disappointments, like Bobby Bassett, who split 47.6 in the 400m of the DMR on Friday, but had a false start in the fast heat of the 400m open Saturday. He really had a legit chance to win. There were a lot of other points left on the table in most of our other events for both the men and the women."
Taylor thinks the championship experience was valuable for his team..
"Hopefully this is a big learning experience for our young team," Taylor said. "I am happy about our progress, but I want to see us expect more and earn more.
"You have to think like a champion, you have to want it, and you have to perform like a champion. I'm sure we will grow from this and be better for it."
Eight Lipscomb athletes earned 10 All-A-Sun medals. That is a record number of honors for the program.
The women's team finished 8th, which equals it's best ever A-Sun Indoor Track & Field Championships finish and scored a team record 18 points, two more than ever before (16 in 2006).
60m - Xavier Conley, 8th, 7.10
200m - Burton Elrod, 15th, 23.21
400m - Steven Mason, 18th, 52.74
800m - Andrew Jones 8th 1:57.86, Isaiah Greer 13th 2:00.08, Andrew Shankles 15th 2:00.43, Paul Wright, 17th 2:01.87, Mike Yang 18th 2:03.88
Mile - Ryan Chastain 1st 4:19.68, Benton Reed 8th 4:27.86, Isaiah Greer 10th 4:28.59, Mike Yang 15th 4:39.29, Ashton Fisher 17th 4:42.80
5000m - Ryan Chastain 3rd 15:01.37, Cormac Carolan 21st 16:23.02, Ashton Fisher 16:32.80
4x400m Relay - Mike Knox, Ryan Powell, Brock Lutes, Bobby Bassett 4th 3:21.42
High Jump - Adam Austin 5th 6-2.25, Xavier Conley 8th 6-00.5
Triple Jump - Logan Ray 7th 43-10
Hammer - Alex Jerkins 10th 40-11.5
Heptathlon - Burton Elrod 6th 4358 points
800m - Amanda Twigg 4th 2:17.04, Emily Longden 7th 2:20.24, Sara Stephens 10th 2:21.07
Mile - Priya Pappu 11th 5:26.34
5000m - Caitlin Anderson 12th 18:59.35, Catherine Beals 14th 19:03.86, Jenny Randolph 15th 19:05.11, Meredith McFarlin 19:16.52
4x400m Relay - Anika Piorkowski, Valerie Winkler, Amanda Twigg, Sara Stephens 4th 3:59.29 Hammer - Jessi Marshall 10.38m
Lipscomb starts the Outdoor Track & Field season immediately with a trip to Jacksonville to compete in the North Florida Spring Break Invite March 5-6 on the track that will host the ASUN Outdoor Track & Field Championships in May.


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According to the estate agent Savills,
these are the locations in each region of Britain expected to see the
biggest house prices rises over the next five years.
10) North East: South Tyneside
North East England includes up-and-coming cities such as Newcastle, as well as the popular university city of Durham. But it's South Tyneside, home to towns such as South Shields (pictured), that's expected to see the biggest rise in house prices.


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|2004-02-02, 17:54
|Link #21
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 32
Well, i pretty much like Ayumi Hamasaki's songs, although i don't know japanese apart from a few words here and there, so lyrics do not bother me. I have gone off her though recently as the songs do become repetitive such as evolution although there are still songs i enjoy although such as fly high and dearest. Looks wise, i didn't think she was that good looking in the place so thats not necessarily the attraction for me. Only got her albums and living in UK, never heard her sing live (no channels to watch her sing live either), so i can't comment on that.
Overall i quite like the stuff she does though
|2004-02-22, 03:44
|Link #23
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Malaysia
Ayu's popularity seems to have taken a nosedive as of late. She's still selling well, but not in the quantity she did 3 or 4 years ago. Her songs are getting repetitive, her last album sucked and for some reason, people like BoA are catching up with her. Maybe people are starting to despair with her nasal voice, hehe.
I liked some of Ayu's music, stuff like Dearest and Evolution were brilliant but like most of Jpop nowadays, she's boorrinng. Namie Amuro, Mika Nakashima, Koda Kumi? pfft. Come back Hikki, we need you.
|2004-02-23, 21:06
|Link #24
Twirly! Twirly~!!
Ayu's okay . . . but her over remixing-ness annoys me. A lot. I mean, I go and buy the Inu-Yasha Theme Song Collection CD (the first one that has everything through Owaranai Yume) and like, half of it is remixes of Dearest!!!! Granted, I don't mind the song (I sing it whenever I go karaokeing with my boyfriend) but it's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many versions of one song! You can only listen to it so many times before the tune gets annoying! And in my opinion, BoA is better, even better than Utada Hikaru. Somehow, I don't really like her [Utada Hikaru's] voice. Amuro Namie's good, too; I'd probably rank her higher than Ayu as well. Although I don't think she's quite as good as Every Little Thing.
~ Kurama no Miko2003
P.S.: LiQuid|J, isn't Mikuni Shimokawa the one who sang the OP/ED for FMP and FMP Fumoffu?
|2004-02-25, 21:25
|Link #25
Strange Love
Join Date: Feb 2004
Although I do know about a Korean horror movie called two sisters or something.
Speaking of which I know Ayumi Hamasaki and I don't like her either. Her number in the Inuyasha ending theme is pretty lame. I'm more into Do As Infinity and Porno Graffiti.
|2004-02-26, 10:27
|Link #27
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Korean movies like Joint Security Area, Friends, My Sassy Girl; Korean albums from H.O.T, Shinhwa and of course BoA; Korean drama serial like Autumn in My Heart, All about Eve, Winter Sonata... the craze was everywhere. HongKong film So Close had one of Korea's A-list Actor as a supporting actor and there were joint venture movies between Japan and Korea like Go and 2009: Lost Memories. You know, the main market for Japanese entertainment is still Japan itself. Outside of Japan, J-anything was just not hip anymore.
Let's not foget that Korea co-hosted the 2002 World Cup and came in fourth in the tournament. While people are contesting whether they got that far because they were the host, it doesn't stop newly self-proclaimed female soccer fans from screaming over Ahn Jung-hwan, Korea's very own soccer Beckham (Yes, Ahn has a beautiful wife too). Hell, more people were visting Korea after the World Cup and after seeing the beautiful sceneries in shows particularly Winter Sonata.
|2004-02-26, 12:52
|Link #28
Strange Love
Join Date: Feb 2004
All of the stuff you mentioned except for the soccer part eludes me. But I never meant to put Korea down in any way. If their entertainment industry is skyrocketing, I may not know much about it since I don't live in Asia. Although you know, outside of Asia, namely Europe, the Japanese soccer players are more reknowned. Ah, what am I bragging about. Maybe its coz I'm a bit of a Japanese culture freak. It's not like I'm Japanese though, I'm just studying Japanese.
I think to say that the Japanese entertainment is having a downturn is a little off. Last year, their total income was the highest ever and not far behind from the US entertainment industry. You can probably make the case that anything Korean is hip in Asia, but everything Japanese is still catching on around Globe.
I found this article from the Washington Post that confirms my beliefs:
Also, lemme guess, your avatar is of a Korean actress? She's pretty cute.
|2004-02-26, 16:24
|Link #29
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Not sure about the reports, but what you say make sense then, the Korean wave might be having its little party in Asia but elsewhere they could be still obscured. Well I know the British were into Bollywood some time back with Curve it like Beckham and The Guru. Americans were more into Jap culture with recent movies like Last Samurai, Lost in Translations and of course the anime we are watching.
I live in Asia, that could be why I felt the direct heat from Korea. You could say that the craze has died off a little but IMO the Korean heatwave would be here to stay. For awhile, there were even no J-dorama showing on my local TV station. All of them were replaced with Korean drama. The fact is, its cheaper to acquire licenses for Korean shows and broadcasters were just happy to swim along with the wave.
Anyway, I watch some Korean drama/movies, admire some Korean actresses, like some Korean ballads. But hey that's all. Don't mistaken, I'm not a Korean culture geek. I was actually pretty sad when I couldn't see Jap drama on TV. Well things now are slightly better, but Japan will have to share the limelight with Korea from now on. :
Btw, my avatar is a Taiwanese actress and yeah I like her cause she's cute.
|2004-03-22, 12:18
|Link #31
Pro Leecher
Join Date: May 2003
ayumi hamasaki "ourselves"
Ayumi Hamasaki looks absolutely amazing in her video for the song "ourselves". I'm trying to find some high quality pics/wallpapers of her in the goth outfit. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it ^_^
*drool* goth ayu..
|2004-03-22, 12:33
|Link #33
Pro Leecher
Join Date: May 2003
|Thread Tools


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whoo!! heh, I know some stuff... hmmm... QuoteSimple Machines Community Forum | Powered by SMF 1.0 Alpha.darn... hehehSo will it be upgraded now/later or at all anytime in the near future?
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Winners will be announced on the second evening of the 2014 Canyonlands Rodeo, May 30. They will be required to ride in the Canyonlands Rodeo Parade in Moab at 10 a.m. May 31, and in the grand entry of the final night of the rodeo on June 1. The royalty will then embark on a year of mandatory service at regional events, to be concluded at the end of the 2015 Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo.
A full description of the rules, regulations and requirements of the contest and of royalty reponsibilities is posted on the Canyonlands PRCA website (www.moabcanyonlandsrodeo.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/moabrodeo).
The contest is open to young, unmarried women between the ages of 12 and 21 from Grand, San Juan, Carbon and Emery counties. A queen, a senior attendant and a junior attendant will be chosen. If there is an unusually large pool of contestants, a category for princess royalty may be created for young ladies who are attending middle school, officials said.
The contest will consist of a riding/horsemanship component, a speech and dress component, and a short question-and-answer session that will take place only in the presence of judges.
Anyone wishing to compete in this year's contest must contact Sena Hauer at 435-260-1582 or Kirk Pearson at 435-260-2222 and mail or email a letter of intent by the deadline of May 20, 2014. Letters can be sent to P.O. Box 696, Moab, UT 84532 or emailed to email@example.com.


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The Health Resort Quarterly, 1 of 4, Cover
Description: The cover of The (October 1915) Health Resort Quarterly, published by the Commercial Club of Mineral Wells, Texas is illustrated here. The wreath on the cover frames a lady's arm and hand holding a glass of (mineral) water with captions "ANALYSIS HAS PROVED IT TO HAVE NO EQUAL" above and "FAMED THE WORLD OVER" below, referring to the mineral water from the local wells. A colophon at bottom reads: "Index Print [symbol] Mineral Wells."
Date: October 1915
Partner: Boyce Ditto Public Library


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|2008-09-21, 12:12
|Link #124
A blast from the past
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
Age: 41
The ending was great. I nearly burst out in sobbing tears at the "farewell" scene, but I loved the fact that Takayuki chose to be with Mitsuki, after all the mess they managed to make. A real sweet story, with lots of good drama around.
All in all, loved it to tears.
|2008-09-23, 00:31
|Link #125
Observer/Bookman wannabe
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 33
For me, KGNE was a short, but rather wonderful piece. While it's disheartening to see the characters "screw up" at the beginning (and undergoing much pain in trying to fix their problems), I guess "all's well that ends well" for most of the cast.
|2008-10-28, 18:49
|Link #126
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Starts off really well, but all the heavy drama got depressing, and I was bored toward the end.
Kudos to the writers for refusing to take the easy, sentimental route of a happy ending. This story is admirably grownup in tone. It mainly wasn't what I was looking for, but it stands really well on its own.
Three picture books out of five.
|2008-11-01, 04:07
|Link #127
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Overall, I thought it started very strongly. Sadly, the male lead and Mitsuki were characters I found dull, and with Haruka in a coma for half the series, I grew bored in the middle. The ending picked up some, but it wasn't enough to save the series. I'd give it, a 5/10. I didn't hate it, and it had some strong moments, but it was mediocre.
|2009-01-20, 15:34
|Link #128
Mad Scientist #0000
|2009-04-10, 03:22
|Link #131
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: USA
Age: 30
Just saw the series, I liked the ending. Though the story telling part was hella long >_<
Though reading it up on wiki, I think they should've included Mitsuki and Takayuki's kid. But they were together anyways (just to be sure on that 'few years later part' she had the ring back on her finger). I guess I'll watch the alternate ending OVAs too, I was wondering how they would ending the series the whole time and while I was happiest with Mitsuki's ending, I had to wonder how Haruka fans would live it down, but best of both worlds right?
|2009-11-26, 22:33
|Link #132
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
I apologise for posting so late. As many people hopefully know, this wasn't a well known release back in 2003. However, I've just finished watching it and I think it's a great series, a 'real treasure'.
I might be sounding a bit contradictory (I'm a Haruka fan btw, and I think she's the series' BEST character), but I reluctantly believe that it was best Takayuki chose to be with Mitsuki in the end. Why? Because although Mitsuki did lots of crying and little else, she HAS been through a lot e.g. setting up her crush with her best friend, losing her best friend, quitting swimming, being hurt over her love for Takayuki for 3 years. (I'm guessing most of you will agree when I say Takayuki could have been a lot less of a FOOL and IDIOT ) Also, I genuinely think that Mitsuki wouldn't be able to live properly without him, but Haruka on the other hand is a very strong person, as we've seen, and will be able to cope just fine judging from her seeming success as a book writer. I'm sure she would have found a Mr Right for herself in future (as she deserves MUCH more than someone like Takayuki). Haruka also has a GREAT sister in Akane to support and love her.
Did Haruka meet up with her 3 friends again under the tree in Spring, just like she wrote about in her new book? I sure hope so, even if it's the last time they see each other, because it brings some sort of closure to her life from before the accident. From the looks of her happy tears at the end of the anime, she probably did, and I hope that would have allowed her to move on. For me, Haruka is the most developed character in the anime as she has changed from a timid person to a very mature one, but that's just my opinion.
Overall, great drama series even if not the best.
Last edited by tazilla; 2009-11-26 at 23:32.
|2009-12-20, 12:29
|Link #133
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Age: 32
Definitely a good series. The first episode was so dull too, I was tempted to drop it but I always watch at least two episodes before dropping and boy was I not disappointed.
If this was so highly recommended to me by someone I would have never watched it either since the descriptions on all of the sites really makes it sound like a horrifically sad story.
|2010-07-14, 05:06
|Link #134
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
It's been such a long time...I wonder if anyone is still left discussing it?
On my part, I first watched Kimi ga Nozomu Eien a bit over three years ago. And...although I did understand and feel for Haruka throughout the story, I have to admit that my heart went out to Mitsuki. Maybe because she was a character that I could relate to more. She's not perfect, and she comes with her faults, her pains...her weaknesses. But...she's a girl who really did love with a pure heart, for both Haruka, her best friend, and Takayuki.
She's been suffering in her love for both of them. So...seeing Takayuki like that, I can't blame her for saying 'Choose me. I can make you happy.' And she stayed beside him, for years, knowing that his heart never really belonged to her. When Haruka awoke, she was willing to put aside her happiness for Takayuki's. Mitsuki's selfish, yes, but...she was honest.
So I'm glad that he chose her in the end. And I'm glad...that they could be happy together. I used to really hate Takayuki for his indecision that drove two girls up against a wall of pain and insecurity, but...I think that feeling's faded and now I can empathize with him better as well. He's too kind for his own good, to the point where kindness becomes cruelty.
Haruka's a stronger girl that she seems as well, and I think that probably makes her one of the most admirable characters in the series. In the end, I believe she gave Takayuki the kindest words she could, words of goodbye. But those farewells aren't forever. Someday, I'm sure, they'll be able to look each other in the eye again. It's a goodbye to that slice in their life.
Forgive me for saying this...but they're all young. I believe that all of them could get over what has happened, and that friendship can link the four friends back together again. Haruka will find someone who is right for her. I truly believe that the four of them can be together again, that Haruka and Takayuki can become friends, that Haruka and Mitsuki can repair their relationship...Akane and Mitsuki as well.
And I think that was the meaning behind Haruka's story as well.
|2010-07-17, 16:12
|Link #136
A blast from the past
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
Age: 41
Oh, c'mon... the girl was clearly going through a very disturbing period. One mistake, made while actually trying to make a break with her current situation cannot dismiss everything else she was/did.
|2010-07-17, 17:14
|Link #137
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Age: 32
The friend also pissed me off. He just laid there and then apologized like he was tied up or something? He deserved a punch.
|2010-07-18, 01:00
|Link #138
A blast from the past
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
Age: 41
Honestly, if you think that it does, we simply disagree - as I cannot see that character being in control of mostly anything, by that point - so we might just leave it at that and move right along.
|2010-07-22, 15:43
|Link #140
Senior Member
I just finished watching this anime.
It's like True Tears all over again for me.
In other words, the romantic conflict and drama is keenly displayed and felt throughout the anime and makes it a gripping watch... but I hated how the romantic conflict and drama was resolved.
As with True Tears, my preferred shipping didn't happen.
As with True Tears, the sweet innocent girl who did absolutely nothing wrong is the one who loses and is made to suffer due to the actions of others.
Now, I don't put much blame on Narumi. His situation was horrific, and he was being pulled roughly from both sides following the awakening of Haruka. No matter what he did, he had to severely tick off at least one person (Akane or Shinji), and break the heart of another (Haruka or Mitsuki).
However, most of the 2nd half episodes of this anime made it seem like he loved Haruka more than he did Mitsuki, imo. So, his sudden reversal, coming after Mitsuki and Shinji had sex, doesn't make much sense to me.
The overall story premise of this anime is very compelling, but I felt that the execution of it was a bit off. If they had planned a Mitsuki ending from the beginning, I think that they could have made a much better supporting case for it. As is, the anime mostly felt like it was going for a Haruka ending to me, but decided to pull off a plot twist at the end.
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