text:
As someone born and raised in Communist China, I was captivated by Charles Li's first-hand account of the tumultuous events that define the history of modern China.
A Bitter Sea: Coming of Age in a China Before Mao traces the early life of Li Na (the author's Chinese name), beginning in the late stages of World War II on through to the complete domination of mainland China by its Communist overlords.
But Li's memoir is not just an account of a turbulent period of Chinese history. It is also the heart-rending story of a father-son relationship in which ambition proves more powerful than love.
For the first half of the book, the fortunes of father and son travel in opposite arcs. During the Japanese occupation of China, Sheng-wu, Li Na's father is at the height of his power, working as a minister in the collaborationist government. But throughout this period the son is miserable, penned up in the family mansion with no playmates and no freedom.
When the Japanese are ousted and his father is locked up by the Nationalists, Li Na gains freedom and camaraderie when his mother moves the family into the Nanjing slum. An outcast for much of his life, Li Na experiences the year spent in the slum as the happiest in his childhood – despite disease, poverty, and danger – because there he finds a tight-knit collection of loyal friends.
The arrival of the Communist army in Shanghai
But then Li Na is sent to live with his spinster aunt in Shanghai. He remains there for four years, where he witnesses the spiraling collapse of the brutal and incompetent Nationalist government. In one horrifying scene, firemen extort money from the tenants of a burning apartment building before putting out the flames.
Li Na describes the arrival of the ragtag Communists in Shanghai as surprisingly civil. Poorly armed but tightly disciplined, the Communists act quickly to dispel the chaos left by the Nationalist retreat. It's not long before the brutal regimentation of life under the Communists leads Li Na and his aunt to flee to Hong Kong, where Sheng-wu has been exiled. There, Li Na is reunited with his parents.
The early days in Hong Kong are bitter for the boy. His father seems distant and cruel – a man he barely knows. With time, however, the bitterness between father and son dissipates and they seem to reach a new understanding. Always active, with a brilliant and curious mind, Li Na rises to the challenge of Hong Kong's fiercely competitive secondary school system, and later delves passionately into a broad range of topics at a post-secondary school.
Yet the apparent calm is deceiving. Sheng-wu's political ambition knows no bounds.
"A Bitter Sea" is not just a book about Li Na's coming of age in a China, but also about the two previous generations of the Li family. However, the more the reader learns about the Li family, the more difficult it becomes to fathom Sheng-wu.
When he, in his own youth, decided to take the college entrance exam rather than work to support his family, it was considered a terrible act of rebellion and created a deep family rift. Later, however, he expects nothing but unquestioning loyalty from Li Na. At one point, he tells Li Na, "A father need not consult his son on what he does or what he plans. If I prosper, you will benefit. If I fail, you will suffer. It's the rule of life!"
Li Na spends most of his teen years seeking his father's love and approval. He is willing to do anything to achieve this. After he graduates from a prestigious high school in Hong Kong, Li Na agrees to return to Communist China to attend preparatory school – something Sheng-wu desires as a means of testing the political waters for himself. As he sees no political future for himself in either Hong Kong or Taiwan, he uses his son to learn about conditions back in mainland China.
Back in Mao's China
Having experienced life in Communist China under Mao, I couldn't help but call out, "Oh, no!" as I read of Li Na crossing the border.
Upon entering China, he's greeted by a cadre member and escorted to a "reform school" where he is to be reeducated in political thought, as well as prepared for the entrance exam. The living conditions he describes at the school are reminiscent of my own college dorm experiences a generation later – crowded dorm rooms, no heat or air conditioning, unbearable bathrooms, poor diet, "self-criticism and mutual criticism" sessions, and endless hours of political study. Above all, there are the fanatical political officers who watch every move and hold the fate of the students in their hands.
In the reform school, Li Na takes us into the "Campaign to Exterminate the Four Pests" and the monstrous insanity of Mao's policies as the entire nation of China grinds to a halt to spend four days swatting flies.
Li Na is finally able to leave China and, as he does, to withdraw from his father. With his mother's help, he becomes a student in America, where today he works as a professor of linguistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Li Na's story overlaps with so much of the drama of modern China that it provides a compelling firsthand view of history. But in the end, what readers will find most haunting is the story of a boy betrayed by both his father and his country.
• Ying Chang Compestine is the author of 'Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party.'


text:
Kobe Bryant Sends Shots At Lebron James? "Your Not Dunking Me On My Camp"
Kobe Bryant versed a 14 year old kid. Shout out to Randal for the tip
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Fast Tracks
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
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;Will there still be the Program Helps?
;Will there still be the Program Helps?
:Yes! You can buy the [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/SearchPage.aspx?page=LIST&free_text=34409* Program Helps #34409] book or download the modules. See the [[Cub Scout Monthly Themes]].
:Yes! You can buy the [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/SearchPage.aspx?page=LIST&free_text=34409* Program Helps #34409] book or download the modules. See the [[Cub Scout Monthly Themes]].
;With Fast Tracks, do Den Leaders take over more of what the families should do?
;With Fast Tracks, do Den Leaders take over more of what the families should do?
Revision as of 16:16, May 15, 2009
designed to help active Cubs earn their Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scout ranks by February.
Wouldn't it be great if the past Den Leaders had left you their notes?
What if they had given you meeting plans with ideas for activities and games?
That's what the Fast Tracks are!
den meeting plans (two den meetings per month) designed to be used in conjunction with the youth handbooks. By following the these plans, active Scouts can earn their Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos rank by February, usually in time for the Blue & Gold Banquet. After these meetings, Scouts continue to meet to work on other electives, Belt Loops and Pins, and other Cub Scout Awards through the rest of the year. All Cub Scouts must first earn their Bobcat Badge.
Use the Fast Tracks as-is or as a resource for your own meeting plans. MeritBadge.Org offers a wealth of other resources to get you started, Belt Loop and Pin Worksheets and Cub Scout Monthly Themes with Program Helps! Also see the Fast Tracks FAQ.
Fast Tracks Den Meeting plans by rank
- Fast Tracks for Tiger Cub Scouts (1st grade)
- Fast Tracks for Wolf Cub Scouts (2nd grade)
- Fast Tracks for Bear Cub Scouts (3rd grade)
- Fast Tracks for 4th grade Webelos Scouts - Also see: Webelos Scout Program
- Fast Tracks for 5th grade Webelos Scouts - Only for Scouts who completed the 4th grade Fast Track
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to use the Fast Tracks as written?
- No! Fast Tracks are a resource. You can use them as-is, as a starting point for your own plans, or just for resource ideas.
- I thought we were supposed to meet every week. Why are there only two Fast Tracks per month?
- We are supposed to meet weekly. A typical monthly routine might be two weekly Fast Track Den Meetings, a field trip (Go and See It), and a Pack Meeting.
- Can we still do Belt Loops?
- Of course! In fact as you work on your requirements, many naturally lead right into Belt Loops & Pins:
- Why is it such a big deal to earn the rank by Blue and Gold Banquet?
- Cub Scouts is a fast-paced, active program. If a Den follows the Cub Scout program, active boys will often earn their rank by Blue and Gold. Boys in dens who don't follow the Cub Scout program are more likely to drop out.
- If the Fast Tracks finish the rank by February, what do you do the rest of the year?
- Earning your rank is just the first part of your program each year! Then you complete electives, arrow points, Belt Loops & Pins, and Cub Scout Awards.
- How long have Fast Track been around?
- A number of local councils have had similar "home-grown" programs for years. The official "Fast Tracks" program has been available on scouting.org since the late spring of 2008.
- Will there still be the Program Helps?
- Yes! You can buy the Program Helps #34409 book or download the modules. The Program Helps provide great resources for the Fast Tracks. See the Cub Scout Monthly Themes.
- With Fast Tracks, do Den Leaders take over more of what the families should do?
- No! For Tiger, Wolf, and Bear, it is still Akela (a parent) who signs off on each requirement. Requirements that are to be done at home are still done at home.
- Can we still share leadership?
- Yes. That is the goal. Now if the Den Leader can't make a meeting, you have great notes to give to your assistant or another parent so that the show can still go on!
- Can we still have Denners?
- Yes! Denners are critical to your success. Ask adult partners (parents) to take turns coordinating the meetings. Ask who has contacts with the fire or police departments, local parks, etc. When a family coordinates a meeting, their boy gets to be Denner! The Denner gets gold cords and to help with the Pledge of Allegiance, treats, setup, and cleanup.
- Can I print out all 16 Fast Tracks at once?
- Yes! The first link for each level's Fast Tracks is to print all 36-40 pages at once. Or, you can print just the modules you want.
- What other resources are available for new Den Leaders?
- See the Den Leader Getting Started Guide for much more.
See also
- Webelos Scout Program - covers all 20 Webelos Activity Badges in 12, 15, or 18 months.
- Troop Program Features - are entire monthly themes with meetings and campouts plans for Boy Scouts.
- Den Leader Getting Started Guide - offers dozens of other resources to help you.


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Rams Take 2nd Place at St. Joseph's College Invitational
Spring Lake Golf Club – Par 72 – 6,450 Yards
Middle Island, N.Y. – Senior Masa Maruyama led Farmingdale State to a 2nd place finish at the St. Joseph's College Invitational yesterday, in Middle Island, N.Y. Maruyama made the turn at one-under par and shot three-over on the back nine, finishing in 2nd place individually with a round of 74. Senior Jim McLaughlin, in his first match this season, shot a five-over par 77, despite a double bogie seven on the par 5 18th hole. Senior's Matt Livolsi (79) and Andrew Schwartz (80) helped the Rams post a team total of 310.
Division I Manhattan College took the team title after posting 304. Manhattan was led by tournament medalist Matt Creamer, who shot a two-under par 70 to defeat Maruyama by four strokes. St. Joseph's Matt Ranum, P.J. LaPiana and Charlie Essig along with Manhattan's Chris Critelli and McLaughlin from Farmingdale each finished in a tie for 3rd place with rounds of 77.
This afternoon the Rams tee off at Hershey Country Club, site of the 2010 NCAA Division III National Championship, to play in the Elizabethtown Invitational.


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Big Honking Geese Taking Care of Results Radio Wetland
I am not much of an ornithologist, but I can tell you these two Canada Geese have made the wetlands adjacent to the Results Radio studios.
Most of the time they spend the day around the confines of the water and bulrushes down the hill on the back side of our building. Occasionally they will perch atop the building and survey the surroundings from the highest peak. Other times the pair will venture to the front side to see how the other half lives. Thankfully, they have stayed away from the electronic equipment and suffer the fate of many a squirrel.
Friday was an especially raucous day for our unofficial caretakers as they felt the need to chatter away during the late afternoon.
Apparently, that was important for the happy honkers to do. Plus, it seems a little dry in the wetlands. We shall see if there will be a replenishing rain this weekend.


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Yesterday, I suggested what the New York Mets could learn from the St. Louis Cardinals in building their team. Today, let's examine how the Red Sox were built and what the Mets can take from their approach.
The Cardinals' philosophy of first building from within followed by judicious trades and free-agent signings has always been the traditional and preferred method.
Throwing millions and millions into the free-agent market is costly and risky. The Mets don't have the resources of the Yankees or Dodgers to throw good money after bad.
There's pressure to win in both markets, but there's a greater intensity in Boston – and New York – while there's a degree of patience in the Midwest. That explains in part why St. Louis has 17 homegrown players on its roster, while the Red Sox have ten.
There was a venomous culture in Boston last season as the Red Sox, burdened by several cumbersome contracts – similar to what the Mets faced when Sandy Alderson took over – and a few cancerous personalities in the clubhouse.
"Say, could you pass some fried chicken this way?''
The Red Sox cleared nearly $200 million in salaries when they unloaded Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers midway through last year's disastrous 69-93 summer under Bobby Valentine. They did so because even in a lost season the Red Sox were thinking about this summer. That's something the Mets never fully explored when they had Jose Reyes and others to dangle.
The Red Sox were far quicker and more decisive than the Mets have been in ridding themselves of too costly and ineffective players, such as Oliver Perez, Ike Davis, Francisco Rodriguez and Luis Castillo to name a few of close to numerous bad deals since 2006, the last time the Mets saw October.
Rather than sink their savings into different long-term, costly signings, the Red Sox signed a handful of productive, yet cost-effective, players in: Shane Victorino (three years, $39 million); catcher David Ross (two years, $6.2 million); first baseman Mike Napoli (one year, $5 million); shortstop Stephen Drew (one year, $9.5 million); outfielder Jonny Gomes (two years, $10 million); and dynamite closer Koji Uehara (one year, $4.25 million plus option).
None bowl you over; collectively, they helped the Red Sox win 97 games.
Boston also extended by two years and $26 million the contract of its own free agent, designated hitter David Ortiz. They also avoided arbitration by offering Jacoby Ellsbury a one-year, $9-million deal. Some signings, such as pitcher Ryan Dempster's two-year, $26.5 million deal, didn't pan out. He's now in middle relief and would be a starter for the Mets.
The Red Sox also hit it with trades, including pitcher Jake Peavy, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and and former Mets first-base prospect, Mike Carp.
Boston's success in the free-agent and trade markets was overwhelmingly successful. Although Alderson said he could have the leeway to offer a $100-million contract to one player, he would be better off in taking Boston's approach and attempt to patch several of the Mets' many holes.
Alderson knows the success the Red Sox enjoyed is rare and shouldn't be expected, especially since the Mets won't offer similar deals. However, the idea of pursuing players with playoff success – Napoli and Victorino – is a sound way to augment their present composition of youth and few proven major leaguers.
The Mets are unsettled at first base, but are kidding themselves if they think they could get Napoli by offering a slight raise. Napoli was to get a three-year, $39-million deal, but that fell through when a degenerative hip condition was discovered. He'll likely get his three years this winter.
As for Victorino, the Mets had their chance to sign him, but now it is too late. They must consider between Ellsbury, Shin-Soo Choo and Nelson Cruz, what they might each cost, and their various baggage.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Red Sox attempt to retain Ellsbury, but there are already reports the Tigers are interested in either him or Choo, the latter who is reportedly seeking four years.
The Red Sox took a shotgun approach last winter, and still wound up with a $155-million payroll while hitting most of their targets. It worked because their scouts did their homework; they got lucky; and they already had a core to build around. The Red Sox were also forced to be aggressive last winter because of their restless and demanding fan base. Every year it is the same motivation for them and the Yankees.
The Mets' fan base is already looking at 2015 when Matt Harvey returns. Few are expecting a contender next summer without him. The Mets also don't have as good a core as Boston had and won't come anywhere close to what the Red Sox spent, but could go as high as $100 million, maybe a little more.
Everybody in the division save the Miami Marlins will spend more. If the Mets are to emulate the Red Sox, they'll have to dig deeper and that's not something they'll be inclined to do.


text:
Back to Search results
Derek Bentley's Rosary
This rosary was given to Derek Bentley
after he was arrested
for the murder of a police officer
in 1952.
Derek and Christopher Craig
broke into a warehouse in Croydon.
Christopher shot one policeman dead.
They were both arrested and stood trial.
Derek was sentenced to death
and hanged in 1953.
Iris Bentley
0 mins 0 secs
Iris Bentley
Derek's sister tells us
about the events:
"Age 3 when he had a fall
on the back of his head
and about 3 weeks later
he went into a fit
and that was his first one.
He couldn't even go in the army
cause he had
the lowest grade possible."
"After he'd been to Bristol
because he got into trouble
urinating up a wall
and a woman rung up
and called the police
and then when he came home
he was so embarrassed
because he'd been sent away
he locked himself in the house
for nearly a year
he wouldn't go out
and then the first day he went out
there was this boy hanging on the corner
called Christopher Craig."
"And - he said,
'I know all about you'
and - he said,
'what do you mean?',
he said,
'I know where you've been'
and we think he held it over Derek
and if Derek didn't do what he said."
"Half past eleven
all of a sudden
there was a bang at the door
and we always,
even in those days,
'who is it?'
and they said,
'police officers'
open this door -
I open the door
and as I opened it
they pushed me flying
cause he's supposed to
have called out,
'let them have it'."
"You see Craig was too young
and one of their colleagues
has been killed
and Derek fitted the picture right,
see and every day we went in
and my dad said,
'now think, did you
speak on the roof?'
And he said,
'I was too frightened.'
So he said,
'I gave myself up to Fairfax
and he left me standing there
and I could have ran away but I didn't."
"The evidence was all
piled up against him,
so all the time till he died
it didn't matter what we done
every stone we turned
it was turned back,
every door we opened,
it was closed in our face
and he came to the 28th January
and you know what happened then,
but we made a vow to him
that we would always carry on
no matter what
till we cleared his name
and that's what I've been doing
ever since."
The death penalty
Christopher Craig was only 16
when he was arrested.
Derek was over 18
and could be sentenced to death
even though he didn't fire the shot.
At the trial it was revealed
that Derek suffered from epilepsy
and had learning difficulties.
After his execution
Derek's family campaigned
for a pardon.
Find out more
To find out more about Derek Bentley
and his families fight to clear his name
Visit the BBC website
BBC on this day- Derek Bentley
Derek Bentley's families fight to clear his name


text:
Department of Public Works
Because one size doesn't fit all, please use the zoom feature of your browser to increase or decrease the text size.
Snow removal efforts are not currently underway. Residents are able to park on the street based on standard parking regulations for each street.
Subscribe to Notifications
Sign up for email notifications here
The Department of Public Works is determined to provide residents with improved snow removal. Snow Routes will be plowed when snow accumulations are about 1 inch on roadways. Citywide and Odd/Even Plowing will occur as determined by the Public Works Director based on total accumulation, prevailing conditions and near future forecasts.
Improved service can only be achieved through a true partnership between RESIDENTS and the CITY. The City has invested in larger, more efficient snow removal equipment that will clear most residential street with just 2 passes.
All residents need to participate by moving their vehicles off the street during snow removal operations. The City Council has amended Chapter 114 of the Municipal Code regarding citywide snow removal which states: "No parking will be allowed on residential streets during snow removal operations."
For neighborhoods with limited amounts of off-street parking; the Council has established Odd/Even Side Snow Parking Zones. Signage for five specific neighborhoods has been posted.
Vehicles parked on the street will receive a $35 fine and may be subject to towing. Tickets can be appealed using the Parking Ticket Appeal process.
Our experience has shown an estimated 33% reduction in plow times when off-street parking is enforced. Clearing streets curb to curb results in better quality snow removal with less rework required after parked cars are moved. Timely plowing also minimizes the quantity of residual ice and snow on the roadway that results when compaction occurs because plowing is delayed. Residual snow and ice, in turn, can require the application of salt at an additional cost to promote melting.
All motorists should be aware there are a few Odd/Even Snow Parking Zones.
Sign up for Odd/Even Parking notifications here.
Signage is posted in the five specific neighboroods covered by this regulation:
Odd/Even Snow Removal Parking Details include:
1. Snowplowing operation in Odd/Even neighborhoods will occur only between the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
2. Odd or even calendar days of the month are matched with street addresses ending in odd or even numbers. (i.e.; odd numbered days, vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street.)
3. Vehicles must be on the correct side of the street by 7 a.m. to avoid a ticket.
Connect with us...


text:
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) is in the process to devise a strategy for engaging and activating the commission members in the West Asia Region in a purposeful manner. IUCN ROWA is keen to working with all of the commissions to make a difference in the ONE Programme Concept. Therefore, a number of focal points were from the secretariat and commissions were appointed to take the lead in facilitating the process of strengthening the role of commissions in the region.
The focal points are as follows:
- World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA): Mr. Khaldoun Alomari (Secretariat), Mr. Maher Mahjoub, WCPA Vice Chair for MENA Region (Commission).
- Commission on Education and Communication (CEC): Ms Rania Faouri (Secretariat), Dr Sherif Kandil (Commission).
- Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM): Mr. Peter Laban and Mr. Fadi Shraideh (Secretariat), Ms Angela Andrade (Commission).
- Commission on Environmental Economic and Social Policy (CEESP): Ms Fidaa Haddad (Secretariat), Dr. Taghi Farvar (Commission).
- Species Survival Commission (SSC): Mr. Khaldoun Alomari and Dr. Mohamed Eltayeb (Secretariat), Dr Brahim Haddane (Commission).
- Commission on Environmental Law (CEL): Dr. Odeh Al-Jayyousi, Regional Director (Secretariat), Mr. Seyed Mohammad Mehdi Hosseini (Commission).


text:
VoLTE Functional Testing
The Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) is a key technology for integrating voice services in an LTE network (voice over LTE, VoLTE). IMS offers a framework that supports IP-based multimedia services. The session initiation protocol (SIP) is the base protocol of IMS. SIP uses an IP network to establish the connection between subscribers. To ensure a consistently high quality of service (QoS), network operators have started to roll out VoLTE services for voice and video telephony based on IMS – with a guaranteed seamless transition to circuit-switched services, i.e. to 2G and 3G networks.
Voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) is a network operator driven technology that ensures seamless multimedia service coverage within buildings. VoWLAN also uses SIP/IMS to route voice over WLAN access points. Instead of using the closest base station, the voice packets are tunneled through the Internet to a gateway provided by the network operator. This evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) creates a link between the LTE network and WLAN. IMS and upcoming generations of mobile devices that support all of these mechanisms as standard need to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality voice services for all available access technologies to meet user expectations.
Based on the R&S®CMW500 wideband radio communication tester, Rohde & Schwarz offers comprehensive solutions for IMS, VoLTE and rich communictions services (RCS) functional testing on mobile devices as well as for device to device interoperability testing. On the data application unit, the tester provides all access technologies and all necessary servers, such as an ePDG and an IMS server, to test, for example, the handover between LTE and WLAN as well as single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC), i.e. the handover between LTE and legacy networks such as GSM and UMTS.
Products for VoLTE Functional Testing
R&S®CMW500 - Application Tester
The R&S®CMW500 RF and application tester provides everything that is needed to perform VoLTE functional tests and includes an internal IMS server, rich communication services (RCS) support and an ePDG interface for offloading testing of VoLTE calls to WLAN (VoWLAN).
CMW-KT022 CMWcards
Revolutionary card wizards guide users through setting up test sequences, including VoLTE, voice and video application tests, which are created on the R&S®CMW500 – no programming is required
R&S®CMW-PQA Test System for Performance Quality Analysis
The R&S®CMW-PQA can be used to verify VoLTE end-to-end throughput and performance. It is validated by various network operators for their specific throughput and performance test plans.
R&S®CMW-ATE terminal testing solution for IMS and VoLTE
The main purpose of the R&S®CMW-ATE IMS functional testing environment is to verify the voice feature under ideal conditions:
- IMS-based features (SMS over IMS, video calls, presence)
- IMS registration
- SIP to establish voice communications
- Basic audio functionality by using echo verification in loopback and media forwarding mode
More About VoLTE
Want to learn more?
Your request was successfully sent!
We will get in touch with you soon.
Your Rohde & Schwarz Team
Your request was successfully sent!
We will get in touch with you soon.
Your Rohde & Schwarz Team


text:
Looking sizzling in the summer isn't hard to do when you've got your hands on some hot luxury swimwear. One of the most popular prints to wear in fashion is snake print, which looks s-s-s-super s-s-s-sexy and exotic! Snake skin print has got that high-end trendy look that we're always after in our designer swimwear. Celebrities love snake skin print for the same reason, it looks very luxurious. Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, Alessandra Ambrosio and other stars have been spotted in snake skin looking fierce! Show off in a gorgeous bikini in the natural print of snake skin!
Snake print comes in all shades and colors, but we love the natural, earthy tones that many of these slithering reptiles have. One of our hottest suits in snake print is the Palm Springs Primmed monokini. This one-piece suit is a stunner! Its all-over snake print and ivory mid-belt are super chic. You'll be looking flat-out fabulous in the Palm Springs Primmed. J.Lo and Vanessa Hudgens certainly love snake print, they're covered head-to-toe in the print looking as fierce as can be. OWN IT in an ultra-luxe snake print monokini like the Palm Springs Primmed!
If the Palm Springs Primmed is a little too "Bold Diva" for you, you can certainly tone it down a bit with the flirty and feminine Paris Valentine bikini. This cute swimsuit is in a snake print of a more muted tone, that features a unique turquoise color instead of the natural brown tones of many snakes. The turquoise accents complete the bandeau bikini nicely. Selena Gomez is wearing a foxy crop top in a muted snake print. Alessandra Ambrosio is playing up the same turquoise tones as the Paris Valentine bikini in her snake print tunic. Embrace the snake print trend while still keeping it cute and girly with the Paris Valentine bikini!
Another bikini featuring a natural brown snake skin like the monokini mentioned before is the Desert Rose suit. The deep brown tones in this suit would suit anyone, as the colors are very neutral. However, the orange beads in the suit bring a little pop of color that makes this bikini so stylish! Not to mention this bikini is overloaded with sex appeal. It's an enticing little number, and we think you'd love it! Just look at how Nicole Scherzinger stuns in her snake print gown! Meanwhile, Miranda Kerr keeps the print daytime appropriate and casual with her fashionable outfit. Work some snake skin into your swimsuit wardrobe and be a ferocious, fashion-forward bikini babe!


text:
04:27 am
Radio Soulwax
Acid House
New Beat
The perfect follow-up to The Beat Club's "Acid Train" video I posted a few days ago, "This Is Belgium" sees that country's top dance music export, Radio Soulwax, compiling an audio/visual history of its New Beat scene from the late 80s.
Not only are these videos great to listen to, they're also very informative, charting the cultural and social history of a localized scene whose influence has since spread far and wide (and which is not to be confused with the original American use of the phrase "New Beat", which meant an off-shoot of New Wave, it seems).
A regional dance music curio similar in a way to Italy's Cosmic disco scene, New Beat djs took popular tracks of the time and slowed them down, usually playing 45rpm records at 33rpm, pitched up to +8 on the turntable. Like Cosmic, the wrong speed aspect gave New Beat an otherworldly edge: something is up with these records but it can be difficult to pinpoint what that is, if you don't know they're actually being played wrong.
Kicks become thuds, claps become clanks, and every vocal seems wretched from the bowels of hell. Visually New Beat may be plastered in smiley faces, but musically it's threatening, it's a lil' bit scary. Slowing down acid and techno records made the sounds heavier and the atmosphere darker, and it also chimed with the emerging industrial/EBM scene of the time. This dark, powerful aesthetic would be seminal in defining the techno that came from Northern Europe in the 1990s.
From Wikipedia:
The New Beat sound originated in Belgium in the late 1980s, especially in 1987 and 1988.
The Belgian New Beat was an underground danceable music style, well known at clubs and discos in Europe. It is a local crossover of EBM, Acid and mid 80s underground House music. The 80s Dark Wave also became an aesthetic influence (especially Depeche Mode's videos from 1985–1989). At the time, EBM was popular in German speaking countries and The Netherlands, Acid / Acid Trance was popular in the UK, and House Music (in a 80s Eurodisco French twist) was popular in France. Belgium created this unique music sound, with huge underground success all over Europe.
Legend has it that the Belgian New Beat genre was invented in the nightclub Boccaccio in Destelbergen near Ghent when DJ Marc Grouls played a 45rpm EBM record at 33rpm, with the pitch control set to +8. The track in question was Flesh by A Split-Second.
In addition to A Split-Second, the genre was also heavily influenced by other Industrial and EBM acts such as Front 242 and The Neon Judgement, as well as New Wave, and Dark Wave acts such as the likes of Fad Gadget, Gary Numan and Anne Clark.
Part one of this two hour Soulwax trip comes complete with commentary/text that tells the story of this short lived but influential dance fad (very informative and worthy of your eyes) while part two features what is presumably some Belgians reliving the New Beat dance crazes of their youth (which involve a lot of hoping around from foot to foot) while rocking some awesome retro shell suits. Enjoy:
Radio Soulwax 'This Is Belgium Pt 1'
Radio Soulwax 'This Is Belgium Pt 2'


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Firearms journalist extraordinaire Richard A. Mann tells us why, as good a shooter as you may be, you're never good enough.
"Obviously, as you progress through your training, you can tell if you are improving. The question many want to know is, "How will Iknow when I am good enough?"
Sorry. You can never be good enough. You should never stop training and you should never assume you're talented enough with a defensive handgun to solve any problem. … Your skill level is something you need to know, if for no other reason than so you can improve upon it."–Richard A. Mann, from his upcoming book with Gun Digest on handgun training, debuting Spring 2013
Like this quote? Then we think you'll love Massad Ayoob's Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry, 2nd Edition


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George W. Bush owns what he calls a "treasured" picture that depicts him being sworn in as governor of Texas for the first time—the image also shows what he says is his "pensive" brother Jeb in the background. George W. has studied the picture and come to a conclusion about the moody look on Jeb's face as he stands, in the second row, directly behind their misty-eyed father: Jeb, George W. wrote in his autobiography, is "no doubt thinking of what might have been."
The picture was taken in 1995, not long after Jeb had lost his own gubernatorial race in Florida. It wasn't supposed to have ended that way. George W. was "supposed" to lose to the popular incumbent Ann Richards; Jeb was "supposed" to win against Lawton Chiles. And maybe it was supposed to be Jeb Bush being groomed for the presidency.
Story Continued Below
The metaphor in the picture is glaring. The second son, seven years younger than George W., is literally behind both his father and his brother. The younger brother didn't just lose Florida—he had lost the chance to bypass George W. on the road to the White House. That day, as Jeb watched his brother being sworn in, Karl Rove, Bush's political architect, had already begun mapping out the prospects for a Texas-coordinated White House bid in 2000. "It really hurt my parents and it kind of created an uncomfortable situation when I've seen George W.," Jeb admitted in a newspaper interview shortly after his loss.
Life in the House of Bush was bound to be provocative with two brothers vying for power at the same time—and made even more so as they wrestled with their connection to their father's political legacy. In a conversation I had with Jeb in 1999, while I was researching my book First Son: George W. Bush & The Bush Family Dynasty, I asked him what role his father had played in the lives of his children. "He was just a beacon that simplified life tremendously," Jeb said.
His brother George W., by marked contrast, has often done little but complicate Jeb's career. And things may soon grow even more complicated: For the first time in more than 20 years, Jeb is emerging from George W.'s shadow and being seriously talked about as a contender for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. Most of the chatter about his prospects focuses on whether, as a fairly moderate Republican who's taken heretical stands on immigration and education, he can win over the party base. And if he does run, a thornier issue for Jeb could well be the tense relationship he now has with his older brother's presidential legacy. As the Atlantic's Peter Beinart recently put it, "You can't easily Sister Souljah your own brother."
It may be the final plot line in a familial tug-of-war that traces back to their days growing up in Texas. Competition was a bit of a blood sport for the four boys and one girl in the Bush household—from the tennis court to the golf course and to the debates about who-was-getting-admitted-to-what-school.
In his formative years in the 1960s, a teenaged Jeb saw his 20-something brother George W. as a hero with a malfunctioning halo. "It wasn't like he was an angel," Jeb told me. But he idolized his brother. George W., he said, was someone who could always make him laugh—someone who was "really funny."
Early on, some thought that Neil, the fourth child, would emerge as the golden one—"Mr. Perfect," the family called him. But in the end there were two clear, but very distinct, children who would go to the political starting line: The cocky and rambunctious George W., and the slightly more cerebral Jeb.
They were never openly at war with each other, but George W. was clearly louder, more insistent. Fidgety and garrulous, he filled up a room. Jeb wasn't mute, but he was quieter and not as antsy. Where George W. was a C student who could rattle off baseball statistics for the players on the Houston Astros,Jeb would graduate as a Phi Beta Kappa who could reference history, current affairs and the books he had been reading. A political consultant in Texas once told me that even as a young man Jeb was a bit akin to Al Gore. Almost dutiful in his approach, more of a policy wonk.
Most of all, as he grew into politics, Jeb carried far less baggage than his brothers: George W. lugged nagging questions about his early run-ins with the police in Maine and Connecticut, and the exact nature of his service in the Texas National Guard; Neil was haunted by his connection to the billion-dollar Silverado Savings and Loan scandal.
All of the children, of course, would put their shoulders to the wheel for their father's political missions. But because George W. was so much older, he was tapped to be his father's proxy during early campaigns in Texas—and it all simply shoved him more quickly and firmly into the foreground. The sense was that the young George W. was barreling into politics—not because it was a deep, soulful calling, but because it was what the Bushes do. And Jeb? He was different: When he got older and began dabbling in politics in Florida, some family observers told me, he was driven by deliberate choice and a genuine interest in the puzzles of public affairs.
Growing up, they had one thing in common: They were fiercely loyal to their father, and each served in the campaign trenches on behalf of the old man. But they also did it in singular ways that spelled out their personality differences. George W. was the backslapping soldier sent to serve as his father's surrogate at the grip-and-grin political affairs. He worked the front room and was able to memorize all the names of the donors. Jeb was often in the back rooms or off to the side, talking strategy and mapping out the best ways to finesse public policy positions.
Now, if he goes forward toward 2016, Jeb will be confronting edgy voters and pundits with their own lingering image of George W. Bush—who left office as one of the most unpopular presidents in American history—and who will be predisposed to instantly exile Jeb alongside his brother.
The United States has never had brothers as presidents, and so the questions will be intense and lingering: Will America be getting another George W. Bush if Jeb runs for office? Will he have to publicly disavow his brother's handling of Hurricane Katrina, Iraq and the economy? Will he drown from guilt by association with the nadirs of his brother's presidency?
Family members have always dismissively referred to speculation about this kind of dynastic drama in the House of Bush as "psychobabble"—that the annoying media, in the age of Oprah Winfrey, was always putting public figures on the proverbial couch. Jeb even had a derisive word for it; he told me one day that we lived in the "therapeutic" age of politics.


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Quick Links:
Lead in Jewelry: Metal-containing Jewelry Law
California enacted the Lead-Containing Jewelry Law (now called the Metal-Containing Jewelry law) to limit the amount of lead in jewelry, including children's jewelry and body piercing jewelry. The law forbids a person to manufacture, ship, sell, or offer for retail sale or offer for promotional purposes jewelry in California unless it is made entirely from one or more of the materials specified in the law. The law also mandates lead restrictions for certain of the specified materials. There are separate provisions for: children's jewelry; body-piercing jewelry; and all other jewelry.
For more information, please review the full text of the law or one of the following:
Contact us with questions or comments at: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Perhaps the biggest question when planning beer travel, after where to actually go, isn't which breweries to tour or how many cases you can realistically cart home, but where to stay. Best case scenario would be to drink as many pints as you like in the brewery's tap room and pass out on the spot, but they wouldn't let you sleep there, right? Wrong. Here's a look at inns and other assorted hotels and taverns that provide beer pilgrims with fresh suds and comfy beds.
Chamomile-schamomile. Herbalists and those into homeopathic remedies will confirm that hops contains natural sedative properties and those with insomnia would do well to rest their heads on hops pillows. While it's doubtful you'll actually find such pillows, there are accommodations on every habitable continent that continue the centuries-old tradition of coach inns providing travelers with beds and beers.
McMenamin's Edgefield, Troutdale, OR
2126 S.W. Halsey St.
There are a great many meccas of brewing in the United States these days, but beer pilgrims know that it's all about Beervana, aka. Portland. The city is home to some 40 breweries and counting, so it might seem strange to stay in the suburb of Troutdale, but rest assured, this is the flagship hotel among the McMenamin's chain of pubs with lodging attached. It not only features a brewery but also a winery a vineyard, distillery, soaking pool and spa, nightly live music, and for good measure, a golf course.
Among McMenamin's 24 brewing facilities across Oregon and Washington, nine boast hotels as part of their program to restore historic structures. One excellent option, the Kennedy School, was fashioned out of a converted elementary school in Portland's Northeast quadrant.
Edgefield turns a former county poor farm and its 74-acres into a resort with more than 100 guest rooms starting at $70 a night as well as hostel-style rooms for the frugal traveler. Used as a hub for the craft-beer culture of Portland, it's only a 20 minute drive to breweries such as Widmer Bros., the predominantly farmhouse style Upright, organic Hopworks, pooch-friendly Lucky Labrador, and foodie-centric Breakside.
Twenty minutes in the other direction is the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge offering hikes among Pacific Northwest waterfalls as well as the burgeoning brewery hotspot of Hood River which Full Sail Brewing calls home as well as Double Mountain and Logsdon Farmhouse Ales.
Having said that, no one would blame you for never leaving Edgefield's grounds. There are 10 bars on site so a house-made beer (or wine or spirit) like the famous Terminator Stout is never far away. Visit in late July and you can participate in the Brew-Am golf tournament benefiting the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation, which pairs amateur golfers with local professional brewers.
The Pear Tree Inn, Oxfordshire, England
Brewery Lane, Hook Norton
Hailed as an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds epitomize old world rustic charm. All manner of settings from stone manors and churches to gardens draw fans of European history as well as those who pursue modern leisure (rhyming with pleasure, of course) such as horseback riding or hot-air ballooning. One of the counties tucked into this southwest region is Oxfordshire, where you'll find the village of Hook Norton. Here in 1849 is where the brewery started.
Many historic British breweries still operate inns and public houses, (abbreviated to pubs), where the beers served are tied to the local brewery thereby making them tied houses as opposed to free houses. One of four such pubs in this village is The Pear Tree Inn, named for its central fruit tree. It's cited as a favourite by Jon Howard, press manager of the Campaign for Real Ale. Having CAMRA's seal of approval is all-important when visiting the United Kingdom.
Howard says the Pear Tree Inn in front of the Hook Norton brewery is perfect for those who, "want a rural aesthetic (while) being able to walk right into the brewery every morning." The inn's pub welcomes guests with a log-burning stone fireplace and hop garlands streaming from the single wooden beam.
Hook Norton's real ales (and beers, which are differentiated by being bottled rather than served on cask) are the epitome of British sessionable beers—low alcohol and made only from the four basic ingredients. After touring the Visitor Centre and museum, guests are welcome to sample, but no visit is replete without several proper pints of Hooky Bitter. At only 3.6 percent alcohol, you'll be able to keep your wits about you as you stroll through the countryside. Walk to lunch at Gate Hangs High, another Hooky inn with a renowned gastro pub. Drive to nearby Hidcote Manor Gardens and Oxford University. Ideally, plan your trip for July to enjoy Music at the Crossroads, the annual music fest, and Hooky's own Festival of Fine Ales with a lineup of casks from roughly 100 British breweries.
Ægir Brewery and Flåmsbrygga Hotel, Flåm, Norway
Boks 44, Flåm
If you're looking for an untraditional European beer trip, sojourn north almost to the Arctic Circle. Far from cosmopolitan Oslo, tucked into the Sognefjord, Norway's largest fjord, visitors to Flåm are greeted with snowy mountains, majestic waterfalls and craggy valleys to explore by foot or boat. A highlight is taking a fast-boat into the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With tourism on the rise, Norwegian Aud Melås and Yankee Evan Lewis, who got married after meeting in one of the first American brewpubs, helped build one of Norway's first brewpubs in 2007. A year after Ægir launched, the Flåmsbrygga Hotel opened as well, where rooms begin at roughly $175 per night.
Norway is rapidly becoming northern Europe's craft-brewing hotspot thanks to the likes of Nøgne Ø and Ægir's new production facility near the pub went online this April. Visiting other Norwegian breweries would take a bit of driving, says Lewis. So tours of Ægir are readily arranged and the design of the pub, based on the union of Old Norse and local tradition with lots of wood paneling, is visually striking, beginning with the massive fireplace serving as an inviting centerpiece.
Becauset Lewis learned to brew in America, don't look for anything like a traditional Norwegian Farmhouse ale. The beers—served in tuliped German wheat glasses—range from Harvest Ale, akin to an American Pale Ale to Tors Hammer barleywine. Visit during the winter and you can compare and contrast two different Christmas beers. Lewis says that one is a mild, 4.7 percent alcohol while the other, at 7 percent, is a big pungent Belgian-inspired brew that sells at the state-monopoly liquor stores. "In Norway, nothing over 4.7 percent can be sold in a grocery store," he says. The kitchen staff marinates the shrimp in the Harvest Ale, braises the lamb shank in the porter, and Lewis pairs blue cheese with local honey and the barleywine, a personal favorite.
The Kerry, Shanghai, China
1388 Hua Mu Road, Shanghai
In the most populous country in the world, Shanghai is the largest city. With nearly 18 million people, we're talking more residents than New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston combined. With that many people, it's no wonder there's an oasis such as The Kerry, billed as "lifestyle hotel," in a skyscraper in the Pudong district. As one would expect, luxury comes at a price, which in this case is about $365 a night double occupancy.
Designed for business and recreational travelers alike, this hotel is the real deal. Adults can find endless ways to exercise or just relax at The Spa while kids can be entertained for hours at The Adventure Zone. More importantly are the offerings to whet your appetite and whistle at The Cook (restaurant), The Meet (lounge), and The Brew (1,200-liter brew system surrounded by glass with a spiral staircase that leads up to the fermentation cellar.
Brewmaster Leon Mickelson has 14 years of experience throughout Australasia and his seven house taps range from a low carb lager and a classic pilsner, to an IPA, Belgian wit and a vanilla milk coffee stout. But that's not all. Mickelson always has a seasonal beer, anything from traditional English styles to unique Asian-inspired beers such as his Green Tea Lager. He says the Sichuan Peppercorn Hotpot Ale "was created from my love of the Chinese spicy hot pot that is so easily available throughout the city." To brew it, he added the five popular Chinese spices: star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, "and of course Sichuan pepper corn" to the kettle for an ale that comes out a rich, ruby red like the peppers but is still on the malty side. It comes in at 6.3 percent alcohol for a beer he both locals and ex-pats appreciate. He also makes hard cider in house. While the beers are best enjoyed in The Brew, hotel guests will find two complimentary bottles in their minibars.
Because Mickelson actively promotes craft beer in China, he's quick to point out that Boxing Cat and Dr. Beer are two other breweries near The Kerry, each an inexpensive 20-minute cab ride away. For non-beer pursuits, Lisa Low, The Kerry's director of communications, offers some tasty suggestions. Visit Tian Zi Fang among the alleys that make up Tai Kang Lu, the quaint art-deco district with galleries and bistro cafes aplenty. Take a tour of the city in a vintage side-car. And, though you'll probably fill up on Shanghai-style dumplings, she insists you "do not leave Shanghai until you've had a meal at Jesse and/or Chun, two of the best holes-in-the-wall Shanghainese restaurants." But make a reservation.
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, Sydney, Australia
16 Kent St.
Close to 150 breweries with pubs have sprang up Down Under. About a dozen have surfaced in Sydney where people flock to landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Though some new breweries in Melbourne appear to be hotels—at least that's what you might expect of The Portland Hotel or Bell's Hotel— you'll visit these brewpubs to discover you're wrong. Call it an Aussie quirk. Fortuitously, Sydney offers truth in advertising.
The Lord Nelson Hotel was founded in 1841 and openedAustralia's first modern brewpub in 1985. Housed in a heritage-listed sandstone building, there are always six house beers served alongside classic English pub grub. All but one of their ales weighs in at 5 percent alcohol or less Their flagship, Old Admiral dark ale, is the one to order first while Three Sheets, dubbed an Australian Pale Ale, is regarded as a house favorite. Note that rooms start at $130 AUS (with an exchange rate that's almost one-to-one per US dollar but less so in Americans' favor), or if you'd like your own private bathroom, those suites run $190.
Amble over to the Australian Heritage Hotel, referred to as The Australian, or simply the Aussie, which is another true B, B, & B (bed, breakfast, and beer). Their ambitious beer program features 10 draught offerings and more than 120 bottles, 47 from Sydney. Scharer's Lager is a house beer named after Geoffrey Scharer who used to own and run the pub and brew his own beer. Rooms start at $99 and the hotel is central to soaking up the local flavor–literally. The main attractions on the pub's menu are the gourmet pizzas topped with local fauna: kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and barramundi. The meat on the 'roo pizza is marinated in roasted native capsicum and cranberries, and the recommended beer pairing is Boag's Premium. If you order the pie with salt-water croc (marinated in spicy coconut cream and Thai herbs), pair it with Gulf Brewery's Humpback Pale Ale.
Hops Hollow Brewpub and Country House, Mpumalanga, South Africa
At the Milstone 22/2 on the Long Tom Pass, Lydenburg;
About 200 miles from Johannesburg on your way to Kruger National Park exists the best oasis imaginable—a brewery that will could keep you from driving all the way to the park in one shot. Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa at over 7,500 square miles and it contains about 150 species of large mammals including The Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, cape buffalo and rhinos. And shooting game with your camera in the African heat builds up quite a thirst.
The brewery was built in 2001 by Theo and Sarie de Beer who were clearly destined to create such a thing. Four years ago, Willie and Magdaleen Botha took over the B&B and are planning on expanding the brewery. Beers such as Diggers Draught, a kölsch-style beer, prove popular among locals and visitors, and it's even made with South African-grown hops cultivated from Saaz and Hallertaus.
There are only a handful of rooms but part of the allure is getting away from it all; though it's also regarded as being family-friendly. The breakfast that's included is prepared to order, down to the naartjie juice, a local fruit similar to tangerines. It's expensive getting to Africa, but once you're at Hops Hollow, rooms start at about $65 and the nearby fishing is free. Getting to see endangered rhinos in Kruger is priceless.
Volcano Brewing and Lakeview Hotel, Costa Rica
Route 142 in Lake Arenal;
In an episode of Modern Family, the aloof dad character of Phil Dunphy says to his wife about Costa Ricans: "It's a progressive culture. Most of them travel by zipline." It's precisely the ecotourism that attracts more than 2 million people a year for white water rafting and kayaking, or more subdued aquatic pursuits such as soaking in hot springs and warm waterfalls. One of the most picturesque water features is Lake Arenal in the northern Highlands, set against Arenal Volcano. You can ride your bike around the lake over the course of a day, but when you're done you'll be pretty tired. And thirsty.
Volcano Brewery and Lakeside Hotel is a new option for visitors and the first of its kind in this Central American country. Of their flagship Witch's Rock Pale Ale, they say it "pairs well with a long hike around the Arenal Volcano, where you'll discover more shades of green and more types of wildlife than you could ever imagine… where (you'll see) butterflies the size of your hand and views that can make a grown man cry in awe."
As part of the brightly painted hotel, the Volcano Brewing Tavern is one of the most unique pubs in the world. Much of the food comes from their own Eco Farm. From the salad greens to the pork and poultry, even the dairy products are made within eyesight. The tilapia comes right out of the lake, and if you take cream in your morning coffee (Costa Rican coffee, of course), it doesn't come any fresher. The Tico Farmer's Feast breakfast is included with your room, which starts at $60 a night.
This being a beer trip, at Volcano you can sample the entire array of Costa Rican microbrews—all two of them—in one gorgeous spot.
Brian Yaeger
Brian Yaeger is the author of Red, White, and Brew: An American Beer Odyssey.
I know this is an older article, but have you heard about The Brewhouse Inn & Suites?
Please visit http://www.brewhousesuites.com for more info/if you would like to collaborate.
Best Regards,
Gino Hoffmann
General Manager
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites


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- Heavyweight
Klitschko in Haye fight rejection claim
Vitali Klitschko has fired back at David Haye, claiming the British heavyweight turned down the chance to fight him last year.
Haye has made repeated calls for Klitschko to meet him in the ring, but the two sides have failed to reach an agreement.
The Bermondsey Bomber recently told Klitschko to 'man up' and put his name on a contract so they can meet in the ring.
But it would now appear that Klitschko put a deal in front of Haye in 2012. Klitschko most recently fought in September last year, beating Manuel Charr, but it has now emerged it could have been Haye and not Charr in the opposite corner in that fight.
"David Haye had an opportunity to face me on September 10 in Moscow," Klitschko is quoted as saying on boxingbet.pl. "All the necessary paperwork was sent to him, all he needed to do was sign the contract.
"Unfortunately, David refused. It meant his train drove away."
Klitschko is now heavily involved in politics and there are reports suggesting he will hang up his gloves in the coming weeks.


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It's my pleasure to introduce EnglishCentral's blog to our community. I thought I'd kick things off with a bit of background on the origins of EnglishCentral.
It starts with my first job out of college teaching English at a middle school in Guangzhou, China in 1988. There, as a fresh graduate with no teaching experience, I discovered the power of using authentic media like songs to teach English and motivate students.
I noticed my students were most enthusiastic about a lesson I gave using the song, Tom's Diner, by Suzanne Vega. When I found my students repeating lines like "I am sitting in the morning, at the diner on the corner" to me in the playground weeks after my class, I realized these were my best lessons. Lessons, like this Suzanne Vega's song, based on authentic media were the ones that stuck with my students the best and the ones which my students were most motivated to turn into productive English conversation.
That experience teaching in China stayed with me during the 10 years I subsequently spent in the speech recognition industry, working at AT&T Labs, and then SpeechWorks, one of the early pioneers in the Speech Recognition industry using technology spun out of M.I.T.
SpeechWorks eventually became part of Nuance, where I ended up as Vice President for Asia Pacific & Japan. Based in Tokyo, I saw the huge demand for conversational English practice in Asia. I saw the solution as combining speech recognition technologies with fun and engaging content online, so that anyone with Internet access could have an on-demand, 24/7 "English tutor" giving them real time feedback.
With a seed round from Google Ventures, led by Rich Miner, who had a strong background in speech recognition and mobile from his role as co-founder at both Android (later bought by Google), and Wildfire, an early attempt to provide a speech recognition powered service for mobile carriers.
The site launched in August of 2010 as a free beta and acquired over 150,000 beta members. At the beginning of 2011, EnglishCentral launched its first commercial product, combining the twin pillars of video content and speech technologies into a Freemium service which allows casual users to watch and practice speaking lines from over a thousand videos, and provides a premium service for users who want to systemically improve their pronunciation, build their vocabulary and track their progress.
With that momentum, in December 2010, EnglishCentral added NTT, the largest carrier in Japan, to our team of investors.
There is much more coming from EnglishCentral this year. A Korean version is now available, and a Spanish version not far behind, targeting the US market.
The team at EnglishCentral will be communicating often about our plans on this blog. Your comments are also always welcome and appreciated.
Enjoy the EnglishCentral Blog!
Alan Schwartz
Founder, EnglishCentral


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Take Advantage of Open Bowling Specials!
It's always a good time to come into Drakeshire Lanes, have a drink or something to eat, and enjoy some open bowling. But it's even better when you can do it at a discounted price!
You may know by now that there is open bowling seven days a week at Drakeshire but did you know for two hours each night unlimited bowling only costs $10 per person from 9:00 PM until close? That's right, for two full hours or until we close (whichever comes first), a minimum of two people per lane can take part in unlimited open bowling for just 10 bucks. That's down over $6 from standard hourly weekday rates and over $12 from weekend rates!
We'd like to remind you that group rates are available when you book in advance with 12 or more bowlers, so bring the whole gang! As always, there's a full service kitchen available if you'd like to grab a bite, and billiards tables and arcade games if you want to take a break.
Come on in and showcase your skills whenever, as we are open seven days a week, all year round! We highly recommend making reservations so give us a call at 248-478-2230 and find out about open bowling rates after 5:00 PM on weekdays. Contact us today!


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Modified Mustangs & FordsFeatured Vehicles
1967 Ford Fastback - Deep Green Sleeper
With A 393 Cube 351w And A Four-Speed, Thomas Thu's '67 Fastback Will Really Wake You Up
We have all seen them-Fords sitting in a pasture or rotting away in a secluded barn, so filled with cancer that all they are good for are a few parts. But there are some that can see past that condition and envision the neglected metal's future. Thomas Thu is one of those individuals; at age twelve he was told by his friend Bob Elliot where he could find a good parts car. A week later, Thomas sold his dirt bike and bought the Mustang for $1,000. He told us, "I fell in love with the car and its options: A-code, close ratio four-speed, 8-inch rear axle with 3.00 posi, and factory in-dash tach."
Over the next four years, Thomas and his father went through every inch of the Mustang, cleaning or replacing every bolt and piece of cancerous sheetmetal. In fact, the roof and firewall are the only original metal on the car. About halfway through the restoration, Thomas' father tried to talk him out of finishing the car, telling him it was only good enough to be a parts car. Thomas wouldn't hear of it; he pushed forward on his project. He said, "After four years of hard and tedious work, the car was finished just before my 16th birthday. Now I enjoy cruising and occasionally racing it in the quarter-mile."
Today this '67 Dark Moss Green fastback catches the eye of even the import crowd. You can't help but notice its great lines, accentuated by the addition of a Shelby trunk lid and a front chin spoiler.
The interior dcor option is complete with black deluxe bucket seats and fold down, as well as the unique brushed aluminum appliqus in the door panels and instrument panel. The Mustang also has a center console with seatbelt holsters and an optional in-dash tachometer. The LeCarra three-spoke steering wheel gives Thomas directional control of the 393ci 351 Windsor tucked nicely under the hood.
Just reading the host of options will give you an idea of what kind of go this pony has: Coast High Performance rotating assembly, Scat 9000 crank, Probe forged pistons, factory forged connecting rods, Walker ceramic coated headers, Melling hi-volume oil pump, Holley 110GPH hi-volume fuel pump, Comp Cams XE274 cam, Comp Cams Magnum lifters, Comp Cams Hi-Tech pushrods, Comp Cams double roller timing chain, Crane Energizer roller rockers, Probe Industries stud girdle, World Products Roush 200 heads, Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap intake, Edelbrock Victor Series aluminum water pump, Holley 4150HP 750 double pumper carb, and it's all cooled down with a SPAL 11-inch electric fan on a manual switch. That's all worth about 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, which drives through the Ford top loader close ratio four-speed and 9-inch posi rearend with 31-spline axles. All of that puts rubber to the pavement in style with 14x7 Magnum 500 wheels wrapped with 225/60 R14 Radial T/A's.
We asked Thomas what he liked most about his car and he said, "It's unique, and we specially built it for my likings." It is definitely to our likings, as well! Thomas also said he wanted to thank Arild Thu, Bob Elliott, and Rob Charlton for helping resurrect his Mustang back from the rust.


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BSA and OFAC Enforcement Policies and Actions
OCC Enforcement Action Policy - The OCC uses informal and formal enforcement actions to ensure national banks and federal savings associations compliance with the BSA. Informal actions are used when identified problems are of limited scope and magnitude and bank management is regarded as committed and capable of correcting them. Formal actions, in the form of a Cease and Desist Order are required whenever a bank fails to establish and maintain a BSA compliance program, as required by 12 CFR 21.21, or fails to correct any problem with its BSA compliance program which was previously cited in a report of examination or other supervisory correspondence. OCC's enforcement policies are detailed in OCC 2007-36.
Notices of Formal Enforcement - The OCC is required by 12 USC 1818(u) to publicly disclose certain types of agency actions. Once a month, the OCC's Communications Division publishes a list of formal enforcement actions that includes the name of the person or bank involved, the type of action, and the date of the action. The enforcement actions are posted and available. Follow this link for information on OCC Enforcement Actions.


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Bay Area Pizzaiolo Seeks Perfect Oven
You: A hot, shapely Italian number that I can place my burning wood in.
Me: An eager young pizzaiolo used to playing with fire. I've played around most of my life; now looking to settle down with the right oven.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, champion pizza-maker Tony Gemignani hopes to open a wood-burning pizzeria with an oven worthy of his talent, according to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Gemignani, long known in the pizza world for his pizza-spinning techniques (he's been called "the Michael Jordan of pizza-tossing"), got tired of dough acrobatics a couple years ago and started to focus on making true Neapolitan-style pies.
After installing a portable Beehive oven in his backyard and practicing the craft, he went to Italy to compete in the Trofeo Citta de Napoli Championato Internationale per Pizzaioli in June. And he won.
"It was a big win," he said. "People are comparing it to Stag's Leap (Wine Cellars) going to Paris," and beating the best French Bordeaux makers in the 1976 tasting that put California Cabernet Sauvignon on the map.
Trouble is, strict air-quality standards in the Napa Valley usually don't allow for wood-burning ovens there.
But the Vera Pizza Napoletana association (aka "the Pizza Police") is going to allow Gemignani and his brothers to open a pizza school under its aegis. If so, Gemignani and family hope to talk the local government into making an exception. As the Chronicle says, "If that happens, they hope to start construction late this before year and move from their current location in a strip mall near Interstate 580."
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Oilers try to eliminate costly mistakes before hosting DetroitNHL.com @NHLdotcom
EDMONTON - It seems like whenever Edmonton Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins fixes one mistake, a handful of new ones appear to cost his team badly needed wins.
"It's like a game of pool, it's basically what you leave on the table," Eakins said Friday of the untimely and costly errors that have been killing the Oilers (3-9-2) through their first 14 games of the season.
The mistakes through the first half dozen games were repetitive ones that the coaching staff "squashed." Now the miscues seem to be all over the place, and a lot of it the first-year Oilers coach attributes to inexperience and some players having different workloads or different responsibilities.
"A lot of times, it's like you're standing in front of a dyke and the holes are popping out and you're trying to fill the holes as fast as you can," he said. "But I'm glad they're a little more scattered. The repetitive ones are hard to cure a lot of times.
"I can probably list 25 things we need to get better at. And know what, the Detroit Red Wings can probably list just as many. Every day there's something you're trying to get better at and every day it seems something new rears its ugly head."
The Oilers are 2-6-2 their last 10 games and are home Saturday to the Red Wings before heading out on another four-game road trip. They were home for two games after a six-game trip that saw them play well for periods before sabotaging themselves with mistakes and a lack of competitiveness.
Forward Jordan Eberle said the mistakes are from a lack of thinking, players being on different pages and a lack of compete level.
"The first two you can fix," he said after Friday's practice. "The third one we've been trying to get going the last couple of days. It's good we've had a couple of days to practise to get back on the same page."
Forward Sam Gagner, who played his first game Tuesday after missing the first 13 with a broken jaw, said the team's five-on-five game has improved.
"But at the end of the day we're just making too many big mistakes that lead to goals," he said.
Eberle, tied for the team scoring lead with 10 points, said eliminating those mistakes is the biggest challenge facing the Oilers.
"We have to clean up those five or six mistakes we make each game, usually three or four end up in our net," he said. "We all kind of think offensively, that's kind of a given with the talent we have, but we have to start thinking more defensively, think about keeping the puck out of our net."
It's been an interesting week at home for the team. While getting a chance to rest and spend time with families, they've also had to endure the wrath of fans and media, many who are already counting them out of the playoffs.
"I laugh when people say that, out of the playoffs and we've played 14 games. It's ridiculous," said Eberle. "It's Nov. 1 and people are already counting us out. Columbus missed the playoffs last year by one point and they had a worse start than us."
Defenceman Justin Schultz, who has had nagging groin pain, left practice Friday with some discomfort to his ribs. Eakins said he is likely day-to-day and if he can't play the Oilers would have just five defencemen after sending down Denis Grebeshkov and Cory Potter earlier this week.
Goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who missed the last few games with back problems, said he felt ready to return.


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What caught my eye is the mention of VoIP credentials being sold on the underground 17$ a piece. So I emailed Mr Gladwin who was quoted in the article. This is a summary of our email conversations:
- There is no indication that stolen VoIP details were harvested because of the lack of encryption
- If anyone comes across underground forums / sites / resources which have prices please let me know. Unfortunately Dave Gladwin was not able to provide me with a reference (until now)
- There was no indication as to the size or volume of the VoIP credentials trading
I'm interested in learning which method is being used to steal credentials. Take your pick:
- Sniffing at WiFi internet cafe's / hacked service providers etc and offline password attacks
- Active password attacks (such as those supported by SIPVicious svcrack). Such attacks have been previously used by Robert Moore and obviously others which were not caught ;-)
- Hacked VoIP service providers or end users
- Phishing attacks
Update: Dave Gladwin updated the Newport Networks Blog to provide more details on the subject.


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Cooking For Engineers
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Does anyone have a good idea for a sandwich?
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Joined: 10 May 2007
Posts: 15
Location: New York, NY
Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 11:36 pm
Post subject: Does anyone have a good idea for a sandwich?
If anyone has a good idea for a new and original sandwich, please post your ideas here. I'm just looking for a good idea for a sandwich that I can use for my lunch when I go to school. I've tried the ordinary, and I'm looking for something extraordinary. Anyone have any good ideas?
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Joined: 25 May 2006
Posts: 43
Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 9:41 pm
Post subject:
The other day, my wife and I grilled up some portabello mushroom caps after brushing them with a little olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt, pepper, a dash or onion powder and a dash of garlic powder. We ate them on chewy onion/cheese kaiser rolls with a sauce made of basil, olive oil, garlic, and ricotta cheese.
It was perhaps the greatest sandwich I had ever eaten, although now that I think about it, roasted red pepper slices would make it even better.
As a bonus, it is vegetarian (as long as cheese is OK). I'm a carnivore myself, but I would eat this over a burger (almost) any day.
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Joined: 23 Oct 2005
Posts: 9
Location: australia
Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 10:15 am
Post subject: fillings
Banana walnut and cream cheese is great
chopped hard boiled egg , celery and mayonaise
chopped dates, cream cheese , celery and wallnut
sliced beef, caramalised onion, and horse radish mayo is devine
cheese and vegimite
chopped dried apricots, brie, and apple
chopped cooked bacon and a little creamed corn with chilli sauce.
The main trick with a good sandwich is to have contrasting textures which is why things like blt are so famous. All creamy is ok but a mix is the best.
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 12:31 am
Post subject: Fresh tomato sandwich
Well, the subject says it all,
I tried this when in England as a exchange student, we had plaint tomato sandwich, then afterwards I came to add one more ingredient, cheese
is easy and fast:
One hole tomato
Cheese (I use Panela [
Bread (preferable integral)
slice the tomato, you should get between 4 and 8 slices of tomato, put it between the bread and add the cheese on top of the tomatoes. toast the whole sandwich until the cheese melts.
It's really fresh and good for summer!
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Joined: 08 Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:27 pm
Post subject:
Get some semolina bread, put baked eggplant, tomato, a basil leaf, and a big (1/2 inch thick) piece of mozzarella between two slices. Get some balsalmic vinegar and olive oil to lightly coat and/or dip the bread into. You'll have a tough time getting your mouth around it, but it can be done, and it is delicious.
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Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 5
Location: Minneapolis area, Minnesota, USA
Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 10:47 pm
Post subject:
Peanut butter and Salami!
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M from London
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:37 pm
Post subject: Canadian specialty: PB and...
My Canadian uncle used to make this for me when I visited. Note that this is NOT a healthy recipe - would now probably constitute child abuse, but this was 30 years ago...
Two slices of toasted bread (white or wholemeal)
Crispy bacon (turkey or pork, it doesn't need to be hot)
Peanut butter
It sounds strange, I know, but somehow the salt/sweet/crunch combo is a real winner. Everyone I know who's tried it liked it in the end. (Presuming they were not vegetarian, but a non-meat bacon might work.)
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Joined: 14 May 2007
Posts: 3
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:09 am
Post subject:
try a muffuletta on a bagel, its really good.
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Joined: 05 Jan 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Dutchess County, NYS
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 4:51 pm
Post subject:
Not, perhaps your healthiest combo, but ever so refreshing, delicious and easy. Two slices of good white bread, lightly toasted or raw. Spread one side w/ mayo. Spread the other with good peanut butter. Place crisp leaves of iceberg or Romaine lettuce...lots of it...on the sandwich, and close. I grew up in the Midwest, and we called these "summer sandwiches". Try it before you knock it! I find sometime I still crave them. The combo of flavors, tart, nutty, salty...and textures is really fab.
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Joined: 05 Jan 2008
Posts: 99
Location: Dutchess County, NYS
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 4:52 pm
Post subject:
I should have specified "Hellman's mayonnaise"...NEVER KRAFT. We were mayo snobs and I still find nothing beats Hellman's for that good lemony, tart flavor.
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Slinky Malinky
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:03 pm
Post subject: Yummy sandwich
Plain and simple...
1 6" lengths baguette
2 tbsp honey mustard
4 oz good ham
4 thin slices cheddar cheese
1 granny smith apple, sliced
Cut the bread in half lengthwise. Smear mustard on each slice. Put the ham in the oven or microwave just long enough to heat through.
Layer 2 oz of ham on each baguette half, top with half the sliced apple and 2 slices of cheese. Put under a broiler until the cheese is melty and toasty and brown. Serve open-faced.
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Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:45 pm
Post subject: Turkey and Avocado
best sandwich i've ever had:
sourdough bread, herb seasoned mayo, 3-4 slices avocado, 3-4 slices turkey, sprouts, tomato, provolone cheese. yummy
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Joined: 15 Jan 2009
Posts: 1
Location: UT
Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:24 pm
Post subject: "Sandwich Maker Grill Recipes" Pizza Pocket Sandwi
Electric Sandwich maker grills are a quick and easy alternative to peaniut butter and jelly sandwiches. If you family is like mine, pizza is a favorite, but homemade pizza takes hours and some planning. Ordering out is very convenient, but it can be expensive. Especially when everyone wants different toppings.
An electric sandwich maker grill is a way to make everyone happy. Combine sandwiches with pizza and you get pizza sandwiches. The best way to do it, is to put out the toppings and have a "make your own" party. Everyone gets a custom made grill pizza sandwich. Younger children can do this with help and older kids can do this on their own.
It is so simple that if you get a sandwich grill and keep ingredients in the fridge, your teenagers can do this for a snack after school. Your kids will love this and mom gets a break. This is great for an activity and dinner.
Grill Pizza Pocket Sandwiches
pizza sauce
Get 2 pieces of bread and spread sauce on one piece. Do not get it on the edges or it will not seal very well.
Then place your cheese slices on the top of the sauce.
Place pepperoni or whatever toppings you desire on the cheese.
Place the other piece of bread on top like a sandwich.
Spread butter lightly on both sides of the sandwich.
Place the sandwich in the sandwich maker grill and cook.
The pizza sandwiches will be very hot inside, so allow to cool for 3-5 minutes.
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Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 63
Location: on the boat, Annapolis, MD
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 2:42 am
Post subject:
Homemade bread
Homemade mayonnaise
Fresh makings
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Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:59 pm
Post subject: Sandwich
I too have this problem - I run out of interesting ideas for my lunches.
Sometimes it helps to try different breads - like english muffins, pita pocket breads, tortillas. I sometimes bring my fillings separately so the bread doesn't get soggy. Hard boiled eggs with mayo and capers is good and easy. Quesadillas are nice, if you have a place to warm them up. Make some felafel or lamb meatballs and stick them in a pita with cucumber sauce. Grilled onion, sweet pepper and mushrooms covered with cheese on a crispy tortilla is good.
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Sunday, January 13, 2008
Forget defense and the economy - is he a good kisser?
Do you remember the 2000 Democrat National Convention when Al Gore awkwardly planted a big swooning kiss on his wife while they were up on stage? Before that kiss, Gore was behind George W. Bush in the polls. After that kiss, Gore led Bush by as much as 6 percentage points and got an incredible 16 point bounce in the polls among single women. That's right, women flocked to vote for Al Gore because he kissed his wife - not because of his politics or his policy positions.
Fast forward 8 years, and you have Hillary Clinton losing to Barack Obama in the Iowa Caucus, and things are not looking good for Hillary going into the New Hampshire Primary. And then, Hillary gets glassy-eyed and chokes up during a Q&A while explaining how she keeps soldiering on in the campaign. Boom! Big bounce among female voters in New Hampshire, and Hillary pulls out a 3 point win against Obama in the primary. Until her "emotional" moment, Hillary Clinton was going to most likely lose New Hampshire.
What does this say about your average female voter in this country? It certainly doesn't paint a positive picture in the eyes of many, and sensible women voters out there have to be mortified by the illogical behavior of their sisteren. I know the fairer sex is more apt to be ruled by their emotions, but this is the future of our country and our way of life we are talking about here. I am by no means painting every woman in this country with some broad brush; not by a long shot. Some of the most dynamic and knowledgeable pundits and polemicists out there are women. My week is not complete unless I have had the chance to consider the input of Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham, and Michelle Malkin. In fact, I'm a pansy compared to Ann Coulter - she has opined that women should have their suffrage revoked!
For the record, I disagree with Coulter. Women should be allowed to vote. However, that won't stop me from venting my frustration at the results of those votes, where the ability to kiss your wife, or the ability to shed a tear makes many female voters oooh and ahhh more than a candidate's dedication to, say, free-markets and limited government.
Good Day to You, Sir
8 comments:
- Donalbain said...
Is it really women who are so irrational when you consider that during the last election issues such as "He looks a bit French", or "Who would you prefer to have a beer with?" became important matters. Perhaps it is just the electorate in general that are irrational.
- January 13, 2008 4:04 AM
- Chanman said...
I agree that there is plenty of illogic and irrationality to go around, but I never saw Kerry get a bump or dip in the polls just because he "looks French".
Actually, I have always called him the Haunted Tree. That is what he looks like to me.
- January 13, 2008 1:13 PM
- nebraska girl said...
I find it sad that I've talked to people who have told me that they voted for someone because they "liked him more" than the other guy. I've then asked which of his policies they liked better and the reply was "I don't know anything about that stuff. He just seemed like a nicer guy than the other guy." Makes me want to smack someone *sigh*
- January 13, 2008 5:54 PM
- Don, American said...
Interesting. Adjacent to the scary picture of Mrs. Bill Clinton was the word "paint." How many layers does she have?
- January 14, 2008 2:32 PM
I first heard her emotional boo hooing that day during the BBC Newshour on NPR and I thought "oh for frickin sake". To me, it seemed totally insincere. She may have thought it would make her seem less harsh, maybe a little less scarey, but it only made me roll my eyes. And as a woman, I was embarassed. Could you imagine having a president that would start crying when everyone else is being mean to her???
It was almost as pathetic as Terrell Owens' sobfest last night after the Cowboys lost. Give me a stinkin' break.
- January 14, 2008 6:19 PM
Oh yah, I forgot to say something about that pic of Gore and his beloved.
Once again, seems totally staged to me. If my husband ever pulled something like that in front of all those people, he'd so get the pissy end of my attitude.
- January 14, 2008 6:22 PM
- Donalbain said...
The reason you never saw a spike after the "looks French" or "I would prefer to drink with him" ideas is because they were continuous memes rather than individual events. Maybe that is the main difference between male irrationality and female irrationality. Women tend to vote irrational based on a single event, while men tend to vote irrationally based on a longer term feeling or meme
- January 14, 2008 6:45 PM
- Chanman said...
A "continuous meme"? I think the continuous meme that lost Kerry so many votes among men was that he is a back-stabbing political opportunist who would take my money that I have worked for and give it to someone else who didn't.
Too bad that Bush turned out to be not too different from Kerry in many regards.
- January 15, 2008 8:31 AM


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(CNN) -- As Moore, Oklahoma, struggles to regain its footing under the public spotlight, journalists from CNN are among those sharing online images of the devastation of a deadly tornado, as well as the rescue and recovery efforts there.
But they're not alone. From rescue workers like the Red Cross to the Oklahoma County Sheriff's office to the governor of the state, regular citizens are taking to social media to share, as well, helping paint the picture of a tragedy that has captivated and saddened a nation.
How to help
Here is our roundup of social media images and messages coming out of Moore -- both from our own staff and others. Let us know of any other social media accounts providing good information in the comments.
Mobile users unable to see the Storify, please click here.


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Home > Tyne & Wear > Newcastle upon Tyne > Newcastle Racecourse
Absolute Pursuits at Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP have a special offer available at the moment, £18 for a 60 minute laser clay shooting experience (normal price £49 – a discount of 63%). Two people can try laser clay shooting for £32.
Laser clay shooting is suitable for anyone over the age of ten and involves shooting deactivated 12-bore shotguns fitted with lasers where laser scoreboards provide up-to-date scores, so you can monitor your progress.
The link to buy this discounted offer is here (opens in a new window). Absolute Pursuits' homepage is here (opens in a new window).
For more local discounts and special offers on our blog click here: local discounts and special offers.
More ideas of places to visit while staying with us can be found here: Places To Visit.
If you are looking for hotel accommodation for your visit to Newcastle Racecourse our bed and breakfast availability is here: book online.


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Property Details
THe Agent Owned Realty
4022 Clemson Blvd.
Anderson , SC 29621
(864) 617-1899
4022 Clemson Blvd.
Anderson , SC 29621
(864) 617-1899
Lot 22 Brookvale Drive
Price$ 8,500
Lot Size0.68
TypeResidential Lot
Area111-Anderson County,SC
SubdivisionRiverview Subd
In City
DescriptionLots Located Throughout Williamston. Call Listing Office For Complete List and Prices. Sellers May Entertain Discounted Price If Multiple Lots are Purchased At the Same Time. Lots Were Inherited, Therefore Sellers Have No Information Other Than What Was Obtained From Public Records. Buyer and/or Buyers Agent Must Verify All Information Prior to Making An Offer.
Status : Active
Dockfeatures : No Dock
Fencing : None
Lake Features : Not Applicable
Lot Description : Trees - Mixed,Steep Slope
Restrictions Easements : Subdivision Restrictions,Subject to Land Use,Subject to Zoning
Road Description : Other - See Remarks
Surfacewater : None
Utilities Available : Unknown (verify)
Utilities On Site : Unknown(Verify)
Elementary School : Palmetto Elem
Middle School : Palmetto Middle
High School : Palmetto High
Listing courtesy of Roberta Hamby - Palmetto Properties RE
The data relating to real estate for sale on this Web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity Program of the Western Upstate Association of REALTORS® , Inc. and the Western Upstate Multiple Listing Service, Inc.


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Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the NHGRI will provide the opportunity for investigators and United States institutions/organizations with active NIH-supported research project grants (including SBIR and STTR) to submit revision applications (formerly termed competitive supplements) to support a significant expansion of the scope or research protocol of approved and funded projects. Support for these revisions will come from funds provided to NIH through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act" or "ARRA"), Public Law 111-5, and the revisions will be awarded for the purpose of achieving the goals of the ARRA to promote job creation and economic development, and to accelerate the pace and achievement of scientific research. For information, please see NOT-OD-09-058: NIH Announces the Availability of Recovery Act Funds for Competitive Revision Applications.
NHGRI will accept revision applications (formerly termed competitive supplements) to support a significant expansion of the scope or research protocol of approved and funded projects in all areas related to the Institute's mission of supporting research in a broad range of studies aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease, supporting the development of resources and technology that will accelerate genome research and its application to human health, and supporting study of the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genome research.
Compliance with the ARRA will be greatly facilitated and easily documented if requests are made using standardized request formats. Applicants should follow the instructions given in NOT-OD-09-058.
In addition to the standard NIH terms of award, all funding provided under the ARRA will be subject to the HHS Standard Terms and Conditions for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). ARRA-related reporting requirements will be incorporated as a special term of award.
It is very important that applicants understand that projects awarded under the ARRA are subject to additional reporting requirements. Investigators are strongly encouraged to review these standard requirements, which are detailed at: Standard Terms and Conditions for ARRA Awards
For scientific inquiries, awardees should contact the Program Director listed on the most recent Notice of Award for the parent grant. For fiscal inquiries, awardees should contact the Grants Management Specialist listed on the most recent Notice of Award. Before telephoning the NHGRI, awardees are strongly encouraged to send an e-mail to the appropriate staff member describing the nature of the inquiry; a telephone call can then be subsequently arranged if necessary.
Last Reviewed: October 1, 2012


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Safety Programs
Most traffic fatalities and injuries can be prevented. Traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and fatality in the nation. The Crime/Crash Clock shows how serious the issue of traffic crashes is by comparing their frequency to crimes occurring in the United States.
The Virginia Highway Safety Office strives to foster safe behaviors on the Commonwealth's roadways through effective, innovative initiatives.


text:
I found A wrong right away.
Do you want me to put back this book on the shelf?
It should be:
Do you want me to put this book back on the shelf?
I just looked for the phrasal verb put back on this site, and it suggests that the verb is separable, with a question mark beside it. i clicked on the question mark and a new window came up, and in particular, about separable, it said:
Separable verbs With some separable verbs, the object must come between the verb and the particle: The quality of their work sets them apart from their rivals.
so this is a case where the object must come between the verb and particle. Otherwise it is wrong (and to me it also really sounds wrong, too).
Does this help?
Student or Learner