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Item number: 5410.02711
Stylish design with charming vintage character and signature all-over print. This ETRO smart-casual jacket combines numerous looks and can easily be combined to form at least the same number.
Size Advisor
We calculate the perfect fit based on your unique measurements - VIEW INDIVIDUAL SIZE ADVISOR
This article has the following dimensions.
A = Back length
Measure the closed garment in the middle of the back from the nape seam, or the lowest seam of the neckband, straight down to the hem.
B = Chest measurement
Measure from the height of the chest line, slightly below the sleeve seam, straight from the left to the right side and then double the measurement.
C = Sleeve length
Lay the flat garment on a plane surface. Then measure straightly from the highest point of the sleeve down to the sleeve seam.
D = Shoulder width
The straightly measured distance from the nape seam to the sleeve seam.
E = Back width
Measure straight from the left side to the right side in the back, approximately on half of the sleeve height.
Care guidelines
Do not wash
Do not bleach
Professional dry cleaning – gentle cleaning process
Do not tumble dry
Do not use a hot iron – caution when using steam irons
About the designer
The ETRO Italian family business has represented luxury and high quality "Made in Italy" since its founding in 1968. Inspired by their many trips to India, Gimmo and Roberto Etro formed a small textile company in 1968, and created a one-of-a-kind fashion mix of different cultures from finest silk, cashmere, premium quality cotton, and pure linen. Their claim to fame came with the unusual colours and patterns that they developed. In 1983, the textile company became the fashion house ETRO. Stylish, luxurious, unusual – the Etro look is a mix of intense colours, glamorous fabrics, and ethnic elements from around the world. Typical for the brand is the paisley pattern that made the Italian label Etro famous around the world. Etro stands for lifestyle and offers men's fashion for any occasion – from classic business shirts and stylish accessories to elegant smart-casual jackets. more about Etro
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Designer menswear at BRAUN Hamburg: the long-standing, family-owned company represents an assortment of luxury garments that is unparalleled in Germany, not least due to its close relationship with premium manufacturers from all over the world. The BRAUN Hamburg online shop offers more than 150 international menswear brands as well as high-quality editorial content. An all-embracing commitment to service is what has made BRAUN so unique over the years, in addition to making international brands and luxury designs available to their fashion-conscious clientele 24/7. Our customers, their individual needs and a personal approach are at the heart of the BRAUN philosophy, with excellent service well beyond the ordinary.
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Wow. Almost looks more to me like a Serge than a Buchla. I interviewed Morton Subotnick in the 70s and the Buchla he was using then looked more metallic and darker than this (though I remember him being credited on his albums as playing an Electronic Music Box, so I'm now confused).
I'm not an expert on the Buchla stuff, but from my understanding the Electronic Music Box was Don's 200 system while it was being sold through CBS. This box we are talking about here was the portable performance version call the Music Easel, basically his version of the Mini Moog. I think its based on three different 200 modules.

subset: commoncrawl


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3 cool things on the all-new 2018 Lexus LS
I recently had the chance to check out the 2018 Lexus LS, and though the embargo on driving impressions hasn't lifted, I can tell you about three cool features you'll find on the all-new luxury sedan.
Rear seat massagers
The new LS has a pretty swanky Executive Package that includes things like a right-side seat that reclines up to 48 degrees and has a raised ottoman. But the real luxury is the "Relaxation Seat" with a warming and massage function. The occupant can select from three different programs – Refresh, Stretch and Simple – that target the upper body, lower body, shoulder and lumbar. The massage is achieved through air bladders that are integrated into the seatback and seat cushion and apply pressure and warmth to the targeted areas.
Japanese aesthetics interior inspiration
At a base level, the LS has been painstakingly designed inside and out. We're talking hand-cut wood accents and a spindle grille design motif that spans the entire length of the vehicle. But some of the design elements on the Executive Package go above and beyond luxury standards. Think cut-glass ornamentation and hand-pleated upholstery.
The available glass ornamentation on the Executive Package takes inspiration from Japanese Kiriko glassware. While the traditional Kiriko patterns are hand carved, a Kiriko master worked with Lexus designers to duplicate the hand-carved appearance using a laser. The effect is stunning.
But the true eye catcher is the hand-pleated upholstery. The process took four years to develop. A single piece of cloth is folded like origami and can only be done by hand.
A pre-collision system with steering assist
Toyota Motor Sales as a company has put a huge emphasis on safety, making much of their high-level safety features standard across the Toyota and Lexus lineup. The 2018 LS comes standard with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure alert and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
However, the up-level Advanced Package offers a world-first feature: a pre-collision system that includes steering assist. So, if the vehicle detects a pedestrian or vehicle ahead that might cause an imminent collision, the system will not only brake but also steer around the obstacle if the car assesses it is safe to do so (i.e. there aren't any on-coming traffic, guard rails or additional pedestrians). While I've seen this feature tested on other automakers' products, this is the first time I've seen it put into a production vehicle.
The all-new 2018 LS is a pretty neat vehicle. Stay tuned next week for our full review where we talk about drive impressions.


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Loyola trailed by 12 with less than eight minutes left, but a 19-5 run put the Greyhounds in front, and they held off host Tennessee State for a 69-67 win in men's basketball in Ramada Worldwide Bracketbuster action Saturday night.
It was the first defeat for the Tigers (16-12) at the Gentry Center this season, where Tennessee State was 10-0 in its home arena. Last year, the Tigers lost just one home game — to Murray State, a team ranked in the top 15 at the time — and they were 20-1 since the beginning of 2011-12 before the Greyhounds' win.
The win was the Greyhounds' 20th of the season, marking the first time in school history that Loyola (20-9) has won 20 games in back-to-back seasons in Division I. Loyola, which joined DivisionI in 1981-82, finished with 24 victories a year ago for its first 20-win season at the Division I level.
Towson 72, Drexel 71: Jerome Hairston scored 14 of his career-high 20 points in the first half and Jerrelle Benimon added 19 points for the host Tigers (16-13, 11-5 Colonial Athletic Association).
The Dragons fell to 11-17, 7-9.
Benimon gave Towson a 71-68 lead with a field goal and free throw with 1:20 left as Daryl McCoy fouled out on the play. Drexel's Derrick Thomas scored with 59.7 seconds left to make it 71-70.
Benimon was fouled with 30.1 seconds left but missed two free throws. Drexel got the rebound and called timeout with 16.9seconds left to set up a final play.
But Damion Lee's bad pass was stolen by Hairston with 9.9 seconds left. Hairston was fouled and made one of two free throws to make it 72-70.
After a Tigers timeout, the Dragons inbounded and missed two shots before Kazembe Abif was fouled with 1.2seconds left. He missed the first free throw and made the second, but Towson inbounded the ball as the buzzer sounded.
Coppin State 63, Howard 56: Michael Murray had 16 points and nine rebounds, helping the visiting Eagles (6-22, 3-10 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) end a seven-game losing streak.
Murray led four players in double figures for Coppin State, which had not won since upsetting Hampton in overtime Jan. 21. Patrick Cole, Taariq Cephas and Andre Armstrong scored 14 points each for the Eagles.
Mike Phillips had 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bison (6-22, 3-11), who have lost four games in a row and 10 of 12.
percent. The Bison made 20 of 66 field-goal attempts and six of 30 from 3-point range.
Morgan State 75, High Point 68: Justin Black scored 20 points, leading the visiting Bears (10-14) back from a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat the Panthers (16-11) in a BracketBusters game.
Mount St. Mary's 73, St. Francis (N.Y.) 65: Julian Norfleet scored a career-high 25 points to lead the host Mount (14-13, 9-7 Northeast Conference) past the Terriers (11-16, 7-9).
The Mount extended its winning streak to a season-high five games.
Norfleet scored 14 of his 25 points in the first half, and the Mount led 39-32 at the break. After St.Francis cut a 10-point second-half deficit to 53-49 with 10:14 left, the Mount countered with a 7-0 run. Norfleet started the run by making a pair of free throws.
Bowie State 87, Elizabeth City State 77: Byron Westmorland (Mervo) scored a game-high 34 points to lead the visiting Bulldogs (12-13, 8-8 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) past the Vikings (16-10, 9-7) in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Carlos Smith (Forest Park) had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Najee White added 12 points for Bowie State.


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In a sad way, Kathrine Switzer always suspected foul play would mar the Boston Marathon, the touchstone event that made her career.
In a sad way, Kathrine Switzer always suspected foul play would mar the Boston Marathon, the touchstone event that made her career.
Two explosive devices detonated alongside the final stretch on Monday, killing three people and wounding more than 170.
"For many, many years I was afraid this would happen," Switzer, 66, said Tuesday morning from her Copley Square hotel room overlooking the finish line, "being that the marathon is just too big, too colorful and too wonderful for someone not to abuse in this way. It was the perfect, diabolical photo op."
Switzer rose to fame in 1967 when she was the first registered woman to complete the Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association did not allow female runners, but Switzer registered under the name K.V. Switzer. In a celebrated photo, a race official tried to physically remove her from the race, but Switzer's boyfriend shoved him out of the way.
Her status led to her first prominent sports assignment at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where Arab terrorists kidnapped Israeli athletes, 11 of whom subsequently died.
Switzer, who now lives in New Paltz with her writer-husband Roger Robinson, had completed a five-hour marathon broadcast on local television and walked back to her hotel to drop things off. Switzer was on the floor of her room, stretching her back, when the first explosion rattled the windows. She bounded up to take a look, thinking a gas line had blown up.
"I didn't see any blood, but there was plenty of mayhem," she said. "As I looked out the window, everybody was running around when the (second) bomb went off, and then there were ambulances and bomb cars and everything else. Oh my God, it's our worst nightmare come true."
Switzer was worried about her broadcast colleague, who was still up on the rickety scaffolding overlooking the finish line. "I turned on the television to see if my station was still covering," she said. "There she was, on the bridge, still OK. She was doing very rattled commentary with her cell phone."
The Boston Marathon is traditionally held on Patriots Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts that celebrates the American Revolution movement with festivals and sporting events, including the marathon and a Boston Red Sox baseball matinee.
"This is terrible,'' Switzer said. "I mean, this is murder on what we would call a sacred stage. The Boston Marathon is the holy grail of running and to have this happen is just unthinkable."
Switzer said all future marathon organizers will have to take added safety precautions. "It is going to be incredibly hard to police 26.2 miles," she said, "and it will be very hard to offer 30,000 or 40,000 people security."
One thing Switzer is sure of, though, is the running community will come together, much like they did at the 2001 New York Marathon, held after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"This is the ultimate tragedy," she said, "but it also makes us very resilient. Runners are very hard core about our freedom and our sense of empowerment and going from one point to another unimpeded. This is going to make us incredibly resolute."
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR


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A little off-topic, but I saw this on my Facebook feed and wanted to save it for myself.
Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve…You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. — Martin Luther King, Jr.


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Cynthia L. Fountaine
Dean and Professor of Law
Office: Lesar Law Building, Room 134
Phone: (618) 453-8761
email: email@example.com
Cynthia Fountaine joined Southern Illinois University School of Law as Dean and Professor of Law in July 2010. Before that, she was on the law faculty at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law from 1997–2010, and served as Interim Dean of the law school from 2006–08.
During the first part of the 2009–10 academic year, Fountaine was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bayreuth in Germany. She taught U.S. Constitutional Law and U.S. Common Law Methods to German law students. After leaving Germany, Fountaine spent the rest of her sabbatical in Amman, Jordan, working with the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative on legal education reform.
She taught at the University of Cincinnati College of Law from 1992–97, and during the 2005–06 academic year, she was a visiting professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law. Prior to teaching, Fountaine practiced law at O'Melveny and Myers in Los Angeles, California, where she was a litigator.
Fountaine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She is an alumna of the Harvard University Institute for Management and Leadership in Education.
Fountaine focuses her teaching and scholarship on issues relating to the powers of government and access to justice, with particular emphasis on the federal courts' role in enforcing individual rights. In addition, her scholarship explores the lawyer's role in assuring effective representation and participation in the judicial system. Her areas of expertise include civil procedure, federal courts, civil rights, the jury process, complex litigation, and legal ethics.
Fountaine has been active in professional and community service as well. Dean Fountaine serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism and is a member of the Deans' Advisory Committee to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. In addition, she is a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Women in Legal Education, and the chair of the Section's Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lifetime Achievement Award Subcommittee. She has been active on various committees of the International Association of Law Schools, and a volunteer for the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative. She has served on the Law School Admission Council's Finance and Legal Affairs Committee and the Committee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admissions Process. She has also served on various ABA committees, and is a Life Fellow of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Texas Re-Entry Services, and been a member of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth. In addition, she served on the Tarrant County Bar Association's Diversity Committee. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Jackson County, Illinois Bar Association, and is admitted to practice as an inactive member of the State Bar of California.


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We have SUCH a treat for you today! This perfectly peach and papaya variation of our letterpress Carmen wedding invitation summoned Jillian & Vander's wedding guests to quite a sweet event! 100 Layer Cake said it best in their post: Every little detail is impeccable, but it feels relaxed and unfussy at the same time. We couldn't agree more!
The bride and groom worked with our exclusive retailer, Union Street Papery, and customized Carmen to perfectly suit their event. The design is warm and subtle; strong and sophisticated. The unexpected choice of typefaces set the mood with flair, while the layers of elegant patterns, used in different ways on the various cards in the suite, bring it all together. Bundled in an elegant pocket and wrapped with a stunning letterpress-printed belly band with their custom monogram was sure to get their guests excited to share the day with them.
We say it time and time again, but seeing everything together on the wedding day is what we love most about what we do. Seeing that the custom monogram we designed for them was incorporated into the design of the wedding cake makes our day!
CREDITS: Photographer: Annie McElwain Photography | Videographer: Max and Molly Films | Event Planning & Design: Downey Street Events | Venue: Hammersky Vineyards | Hair & Makeup: The Queens' Bees | Florist: Camellia Floral Design |Invitations: Dauphine Press for Union Street Papery | Cake: Cake Cathedral | Caterer: Global Gourmet Catering | Rentals: Hartmann Studios |DJ: Goodbeat Productions | Ceremony Musician (Harpist): Jan Walters | Officiant: Bride and groom's fathers | Bride's Dress & Veil: Jinza Jin Couture Bridal | Shoes: Kate Spade | Jewelry: Vintage from Vander's late grandmother | Bridesmaid Dresses:Jenny Yoo | Groom's Tux: Ermenegildo Zegna | Shoes: Gravati
To create your custom wedding stationery, contact your local Dauphine Press exclusive retailer, and start building towards that moment where everything comes together on your special day!


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Techland's Project Hell Officially Named Hellraid
Posted: 07:23PM
Author: ClayMeow
Back in August of last year, we unveiled Dead Island developer Techland's newest project, Project Hell. Today, Techland posted a new blog entry, officially unveiling the game's title as Hellraid. Project Manager and Designer Marcin Kruczkiewicz (Kruq) calls the game a "first-person co-op slasher" set in a unique dark fantasy world. The combat system will require "precision and good timing when striking enemies and parrying their attacks," highlighted by copious amounts of blood. That being said, it's not all about melee attacks, as the game also features ranged weapons and magic.
Hellraid consists of two game modes: a single-player, story-driven campaign and four-person cooperative multiplayer against hordes of hellish monsters. It's the latter that is Techland's main focus, and despite the co-op nature, it'll actually feature a bit of competitive flair. Players will earn points by performing various actions, such as killing monsters or aiding a dying companion. Not only will there be leaderboards, but the best players will receive "special rewards." Lastly, Kruq discussed a feature of the game called the Game Master, which adds a bit of randomness and replayability to the game. The Game Master system randomly generates loot and enemy spawn locations, as well as online challenges. The latter essentially sounds like a dynamic quest system, which could make each game feel quite different.
Unfortunately, there's no trailer to show just yet, but hopefully we get one soon – Kruq does say more will be revealed in the coming weeks. It all sounds very promising so far, but I just hope the focus on the cooperative multiplayer aspect of the game doesn't negatively impact the single-player campaign. The screenshots and enemy models below sure do look sweet though! Hellraid is coming to PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, but a release date is unknown.
Source: Official Hellraid Site


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It took Michael Fitzpatrick, the 42-year-old lead singer of Fitz and the Tantrums, many years of toiling as a self-taught studio engineer and aspiring musician in Los Angeles to find the success he craved.
When it finally came, courtesy of his sextet's breakthrough 2010 debut album "Pickin' Up the Pieces," Fitzpatrick knew it could be his only shot, so he and his band refused to turn down any opportunity to gain new fans. Whether it was a late-night talk show performance or a festival gig, Fitz and the Tantrums were there, playing its soulful, guitar-less take on indie-pop.
"As a band starting out, it's so hard to break through the mire, you know?" said Fitzpatrick, whose band headlines Rams Head Live on Sunday. "You don't have the liberty to say no. That was our rule: We said no to nothing in almost three-and-a-half years of pushing the band."
With last month's release of "More Than Just a Dream," the band's second album, Fitz and the Tantrums are still pushing, but in new ways. They brought in veteran producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, M83) to blend synthetic sounds with the band's bombastic live instrumentation. There's even guitar on this record because, according to Fitzpatrick, "everything was on the table."
One of the major goals of "Dream" was to shed the band's "retro" label, which quickly came with the success of "Moneygrabber," the driving hit single from "Pieces."
"It felt dismissive or too easy," Fitzpatrick said of the "retro" tag.
In the process of losing the label, the sextet pushed its sound even further outside of easy categorization, he says.
"We just wanted to be more bold and brazen in that attempt to create those cross-genre moments, and really kind of define ourselves even further," Fitzpatrick said.
The sophomore album still sounds like Fitz and the Tantrums, but with grander ambitions. There are elements of '60s soul, '80s British Invasion new wave, indie-rock and hip-hop throughout the album's 12 tracks. In almost every case, "Dream" sounds bigger than its predecessor, which seems appropriate for a band whose profile and stages have grown as well.
What hasn't changed is the chemistry between Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs, which he says was apparent from his first rehearsal with the 33-year-old female singer. Their voices blend together smoothly, he says, but the duo's dynamic is built on something stronger than mere notes and phrases.
"Because we're such fierce performers, we kept pushing each other to do more — dance harder, engage more with the audience," Fitzpatrick said. "It really created this healthy competition to push ourselves constantly, further and further."
Fitzpatrick talks about "pushing forward" multiple times during our 20-minute conversation, to the point where it seems to be the main thing fueling his creativity. He talks happily about the reaction the new album has received from fans and that the lead single, "Out of My League," is finding its footing on the radio. But for someone who spent a long time trying to find national success as a songwriter and performer, Fitzpatrick seems acutely aware that satisfaction can quickly turn into complacency.
"You can always want more," he said. "That's what I've learned from success: You can always be dissatisfied with where you are."
If you go
Fitz and the Tantrums perform Sunday at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place in Power Plant Live. Doors open at 7 p.m. Saints of Valory and Ivy Levan will also perform. Tickets are $25. Call 410-244-1131 or go to ramsheadlive.com.


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Orion/Server scalability
This plan lays out the work areas required to re architect the current Orion Java server for very large scale deployment. This is not all work we will be able to scope within a single release, but is intended to provide a roadmap of the work required over the coming releases to make this happen. Work items are roughly sorted by order of priority.
- 1 Assessment of current state
- 2 Work areas for scalability
Assessment of current state
Much of the current Orion Java server is designed to enable scalability. There are a number of problem areas detailed in the next section, but the current server has some existing strengths:
- Nearly stateless. With the exception of Java session state for authentication, and some metadata caching for performance, the current server is stateless. The server can be killed and restarted at any time with no data loss. All data is persisted to disk at the end of each HTTP request, with the exception of asynchronous long running operations that occur in a background thread and span multiple HTTP requests.
- Fast startup. The current server starts within 2-3 seconds, most of which is Java and OSGi startup. No data is loaded until client requests start to arrive. The exception is the background search indexer, which starts in a background thread immediately and starts crawling. If the search index has been deleted (common practice on server upgraded) it can take several minutes for it to complete indexing.
- Externalized configuration. Most server configuration is centrally managed in the orion.conf file. There are a small number of properties specified in orion.ini as well. Generally server configuration can be managed without code changes.
- Scalable core technologies. All of the core technologies we are using on the server are known to be capable of significant scaling: Equinox, Jetty, JGit, and Apache Solr. In some cases we will need to change how these services are configured but nothing we need to throw away and start from scratch. Solr doesn't handle search crawling but we could use complementary packages like Apache Nutch for crawling if needed.
Work areas for scalability
Metadata backing store
As of Orion 2.0, the server metadata is stored in Equinox preferences. There are four preference trees for the various types of metadata: Users, Workspaces, Projects, and Sites. These are currently persisted in four files, one per preference tree. There are a number of problems with this implementation:
- Storing large amounts of metadata in a single file that needs to be read on most requests is a severe bottleneck.
- Migration of metadata format across builds/releases is ad-hoc and error prone
- Individual preference node access/storage is thread safe, but many Orion API calls require multiple read/writes to multiple nodes. There is no way to synchronize access/update across nodes.
- Metadata file format does not lend itself to administrative tools for managing users, migrating, etc.
- There is no clean API to the backing store and the interaction between the request handling services and the backing store is tangled.
We need a clean backing store API, and a scalable implementation of that API. The actual backing storage should be pluggable


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One of the many forms of "creepers", a faction of pedophiles. Regarded as the "creepiest" of creepers, they get thier name for being those awkward old men you avoid at public water parks and pools. The creep factor stems from their almost see-through bathing suite,unhumanly hairy body, coke bottle glasses, heavy breathing and the fact that they are at the kiddy pool but don't have children. Be aware to not make eye contact with them or accept candy from them. They are often seen wearing water shoes and driving 1983 Chevy Astros and if they ask you to help them find their non-existant lost puppy RUN!
"I went to the YMCA and lurching around the mushroom pool was this total Water Park Creep and he asked me to help him find his puppy."
by OperationOposition April 30, 2009
buy the domain for your pet site


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VATICAN CITY — The head of the Vatican Museums warned Thursday he might be forced to limit the number of visitors to the Sistine Chapel if its new air conditioning and air purification systems don't significantly reduce "dangerous" pollution levels.
Antonio Paolucci told a conference that he was confident the new system, which is expected to be operational at the end of 2014, would curb the dust, humidity and carbon dioxide that are dulling and discoloring Michelangelo's frescoed masterpiece.
But he warned: "If this project doesn't work, I'll be forced to impose a limited number (of visitors). But that would be a painful solution."
Some 5.5 million people are expected to visit the Vatican Museums this year. During high season some 20,000 people a day enter the intimate Sistine Chapel, which was last restored in the 1990s. The numbers, which have increased threefold in the past 30 years, mean a significant increase in the amount of humidity and dirt that are brought into the tiny space each day.
The aim of the air conditioning system, which has been donated by Carrier, a unit of United Technologies Corp., is to stabilize the pollution levels, with the maximum set at 800 particles per million. At its worst, the Sistine Chapel sometimes sees levels of pollution more than twice that, officials said.
Paolucci said he never wanted to see another major restoration done on the Sistine Chapel since they are so "traumatic" to the artworks themselves. The last one was criticized for having left the delicate frescoes brighter than Michelangelo ever would have wanted.
"There won't be any more restorations," he said. "But maintenance continues."
Cops & Courts
Police search for suspect who stabbed State Theater patron
King hit from right and left during first debate in U.S. Senate race
Weather forecast forces field hockey regionals from Tuesday to Wednesday
Local & State
Crash causing delays on Maine Turnpike in Portland
New poll gives Mills an edge in Maine governor's race


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Get DVD Talk Feeds
"The Giant Mechanical Man" is a movie that I groan to think of; written and directed by Lee Kirk and starring Jenna Fischer (Kirk's wife) and Chris Messina, "The Giant Mechanical Man" is one of those trite films that is best described as "inoffensive" merely for the fact that while it has nothing of real value to say to the audience apart from broad platitudes and broad clichés, in all other categories it's a well-made film that is reasonably well acted. The film follows Janice (Fischer) a generally un-ambitious, single woman floating from temp job to temp job; through classic, quirky exposition, she meets Tim (Messina), a street performer who has just broken up with his snobbish girlfriend. Naturally, this means romance between the two will follow, occurring as the two meet again (Janice doesn't know Tim is the titular character that Tim portrays) as newly hired employees at a zoo.
Much of the film's runtime is spent giving Janice and Tim cute things to say and quirky situations to get involved in and very quickly, the audience can foresee where the movie will eventually find itself in a hastily executed ending meant to fill viewers with anxiety while still clearly choreographing its ultimate denouement. Fischer and Messina do far more than serviceable work in roles of little substance; the characters they inhabit are at times merely broad generalizations, in many ways, hallmarks of the "quirky indie romantic comedy" which "The Giant Mechanical Man" painfully emulates while injecting only a small dose of originality that allows it a distinct image. In a way it's very sad, that the most memorable part of the movie is the recurring character played by Topher Grace, who Janice's sister's Jill (Malin Akerman) fixes her up with. The character is your typical smug motivational speaker, but something about Grace's oblivious performance makes his character chuckle worthy to say the least.
while I can't necessarily glowingly recommend "The Giant Mechanical Man" to any particular audience, on the same hand, I can't say it's a complete waste of time. The film has an earnest message of being true to oneself that manages to not find itself lost under well-executed clichés and the story itself is well paced, feeling far shorter than the 94-minute runtime. The film's ultimate strong point are Fischer and Messina, who are quite likeable and at times believable as human characters, but these moments feel removed from the underling, heavy handed "quirk" that viewers are offered as genuine character development and comedic fodder. Ultimately, if you're in the mood for something serviceable and genuinely good-spirited, "The Giant Mechanical Man" is a pleasing and mildly satisfying way to kill an hour and a half.
The 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is a little bit disappointing. Perhaps chalk it up to low budget filmmaking (which I'm assuming), but the transfer has a very soft look with noticeable digital noise/grain. Colors often vary from natural to slightly warm, with no ultimate consistency. Digital artifacts are present, albeit minor, and contrast is tolerable, but not fantastic.
The Audio
The Dolby Digital 5.1 English audio track would be more impressive if it were a standard stereo track. There's no major low-end workout and the surrounds are used for minor atmosphere at best. Dialogue, score and effects are well balanced with no distortion present at all, but nothing on the track screams, "amazing." An English 2.0 track is present as well.
The Extras
The lone extra is a sub-four-minute interview with Lee Kirk and Jenna Fischer.
Final Thoughts
"The Giant Mechanical Man" is a familiar story inhabited by characters who familiar but still somewhat unique personalities. The movie doesn't go to any great length to make a huge statement about anything, including it's underlying themes, but doesn't contain any single element to classify it as badly made. It's a semi-enjoyable, quick-moving indie comedy that is a lot better than some fare out there that shoots for the moon and crashes spectacularly. Rent It.


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Brno, Czech Republic, June 25, 2013 – Serbia beat Thailand 3-0
Thailand captain Kuttika Kaewpin: We are disappointed because we could not win any game in our pool. We are very sorry for the third set, we were leading… Unfortunately, we tightened to go for a victorious end by Serbia, but we will keep fighting.
Thailand coach Nataph Srisamutnak: Unfortunately we only have one tall player, against teams like Serbia is not enough. The next generation of players is higher, and we believe that we will be more successful at Junior age.
Serbia player Jelena Trnic: We are very happy that we won. We played well and we kept the concentration until the end. The second place in the group is good, we believe that we will win tomorrow.
Serbia coach Ratko Pavlicevic: Today it was all about to win and save energy for tomorrow's important game. This is what we did, so we are happy. It does not matter who we play against, because all teams at the World Championship deserve lot of respect.
11.07.2013 14:59:22
A long trip back home
Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, July 10 2013 - Before the sunset over the border between Mexico and the United States, Daouda Pare had the chance for a la... More...
08.07.2013 10:27:21
MVP Pankov was the best of the best
Tijuana, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – The MVP award of the FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship could not have gone to better hands than those of Russian Pavel... More...
08.07.2013 09:12:40
Russia win gold medal with powerful exhibition
Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – European champions Russia added an even more important gem to their collection of the year with the gold ... More...
08.07.2013 07:26:08
Russia performed at a superior level
Tijuana, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – Russia played phenomenal volleyball for the last two sets of their encounter against China for the gold medal of the F... More...
08.07.2013 06:58:36
Russia claim the gold medal with spectacular game
Tijuana, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – Russia capped an amazing campaign in 2013 winning the gold medal of the FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship with a domin... More...
08.07.2013 05:03:15
Mexico brings good luck charm to Polish Czaja
Tijuana, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – Mexico has reserved Poland's Wieslaw Czaja very happy moments in his volleyball career both as a player and as a coach... More...
08.07.2013 04:35:23
Poland win bronze medal in impressive style
Tijuana, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – Poland recovered from losing the first set and went on to play text-book volleyball the rest of the way capturing the ... More...
08.07.2013 03:40:57
Asian teams represent an attractive challenge: Vanmedegael
Mexicali, Mexico July 7 2013 - Asian t... More...
08.07.2013 02:21:02
Coaches of Brazil and Argentina glad with results
Tijuana, Mexico, July 7, 2013 – The coaches of Brazil and Argentina praised the talent of their players and the way they performed in the match for fi... More...
08.07.2013 02:20:38
Lowie, Colson and Florian serve victory to Belgium
Mexicali, Mexico, July 7 2013 - Stuer Lowie and Jonas Colson registered 14 and 11 points in the victory of Belgium over Korea in straight sets (25-21,... More...


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Contoocook man, 72, dies in Concord accident
September 23. 2013 11:27PM
CONCORD _ The driver of a sport-utility vehicle died after crashing into a tree on Monday.
Police say the Ford Explorer was the only vehicle involved in the accident around 11:15 a.m., near the intersection of Horse Hill and Runnells roads. The driver was taken to Concord Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver was a 72-year-old man from Contoocook. His name was not released as police tried to notify relatives.
Horse Hill Road was closed for nearly four hours while inspectors were on the scene.


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Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST M-FOur online Shopping Basket uses a secure PCI compliant gateway and we do not store your credit card #. Real time product inventory on hand quantities are displayed on our website. During the heating season, heaters and controls sell fast. Unlike many other web sites, we stock our best-selling products and if it's in-stock, it'll say so. If it's backordered, you'll know before ordering. In-stock products almost always ship the same day if ordered before 3 PM EST and we can typically get orders shipped as late as 4:30 PM EST. Most of our competitors literally leave you in the dark. Unless it says "in-stock" on their site, you should assume that it's not.
We accept:
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover
Debit / ATM cards / Check cards: Connected with one of the major credit card companies listed above.
PROMOTIONAL CODES on some select items eligible for free shipping. Each product that is eligible has a note on its page in red indicating the code "freeshipping".
For telephone / fax / e-mail orders we also accept:
Checks (personal and business)
Money orders denominated in U.S. dollars
C.O.D. orders
International payments on a proforma invoice, (bank routing wire transfers).
Printable Order Form
Purchase orders on an open account (click credit application to set-up an account which takes 1-2 days. If you would like to send us a pre-printed application please make sure that your form includes fax numbers for your references to expedite processing.)
Mor Electric Heating was established in 1958 and has become a leading supplier of quality electric heating products and controls. We are committed to providing our customers with high quality products at affordable prices, coupled with unsurpassed customer service. Our team consists of highly skilled customer service representatives who are eager to help you with your application.


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Wildlife biologists have been monitoring big game animals across Utah, collecting data and analyzing it from the thousands of hunters who hunted big game last autumn.
After surveying the herds from the ground and the air, and analyzing data collected from hunters — data that provides important information about how big game animals are doing in Utah — biologists are ready to share their big game hunting permit recommendations for this fall's hunts.
You can see the biologists' recommendations at www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/hunting/board-rac.html.
After reviewing the recommendations, plan on sharing your ideas at your upcoming Regional Advisory Council meeting. RAC chairs will take the input they receive and share it with members of the Utah Wildlife Board when the board meets in Salt Lake City on May 2 to approve permits for this fall's big game hunts.
RAC meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Southern Region, April 9, 5 p.m. Beaver High School 195 E. Center St., Beaver
Southeastern Region, April 10, 6:30 p.m., John Wesley Powell Museum 1765 E. Main St., Green River
Northeastern Region, April 11, 5 p.m., DWR Northeastern Region Office 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal
Central Region, April 16, 6:30 p.m., Springville Public Library Meeting Room 45 S. Main St., Springville
Northern Region, April 18, 6 p.m., Brigham City Community Center 24 N. 300 W., Brigham City
Also provide comments to your RAC via email. Email addresses for your RAC members are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/rac-members.html.
The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person's email address. You should direct your email to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.
Deer, elk, pronghorn permits
The following are among the biologists' recommendations:
* Decrease the number of general buck deer hunting permits from 86,500 in 2012 to 84,600 for this autumn's hunts.
Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Anis Aoude says two factors determine how many buck deer permits can be offered on a unit in the fall: The average number of bucks per 100 does on the unit over the past three years and whether that number has increased, decreased or stayed the same during the three-year period.
Biologists found a little of everything on Utah's 30 general-season units after the deer hunt was over last fall. On some units, the number of bucks per 100 does was above objective for the unit and was growing. Other units were stable. And, on some units, the number of bucks per 100 does was declining.
"Based on the data we collected," Aoude says, "we're recommending 1,900 fewer permits for this fall's hunts."
Aoude says the number of bucks killed by hunters last fall was up about 34 percent from 2011. The total number of deer in Utah, after the hunts were over, was up too.
"Two years ago, after the hunts in 2011," he says, "the statewide deer population was about 286,000 deer. Despite hunters taking more bucks in 2012, about 318,000 deer were still in the state after the hunts were over last fall. That's encouraging. It shows the overall deer population is growing."
* Decrease the number of limited-entry buck deer permits from 967 in 2012 to 860 for this fall's hunts.
Protecting bucks on the north end of the Book Cliffs is the major reason for the recommended decrease.
Aoude says most of the bucks killed on the Book Cliffs are taken on the north end of the unit. The time of year when the hunt is held, and fairly open terrain that makes it easier for hunters to see deer, has led to more deer being taken on the north end of the unit than on the south end.
"The low number of fawns that are produced on the Book Cliffs makes it harder to replace bucks once they're taken," Aoude says.
* Increase cow elk permits from 14,763 in 2012 to 17,982.
Aoude says Utah's elk populations are doing well. So well, in fact, that more cow elk permits are needed to try to bring the total number of elk back to the statewide management objective of 70,965 animals.
* Increase buck pronghorn permits from 664 in 2012 to 753 for this fall's hunts. Also, increase doe pronghorn permits from 537 in 2012 to 962 for this fall.
The productive pronghorn herd on the Parker Mountains in southwestern Utah is the major reason for the increase. A tough winter hit the unit two years ago, killing a lot of pronghorns and dropping the herd below its management objective.
"This is a really productive herd, though," Aoude says. "The animals have already bounced back. We need to offer more doe pronghorn permits to get the animals back to the management objective of 1,500 pronghorn."
For more information about the upcoming meetings, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.
Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources


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People from Lodi to Lathrop have fresh salmon in their refrigerators this week, thanks to a core group of friends who volunteer for the bloody chore of processing giant Chinook donated to the community by the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery.
Choose the plan that's right for you. Digital access or digital and print delivery.


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Liturgy of St. Mark
The Divine Liturgy of St. Mark is the primary worship service of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria. The oldest extant copy of this liturgy dates from the fourth century.
This liturgy is currently served annually on the feast day of the Apostle Mark at Holy Trinity Monastery (Jordanville, New York) of the (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) and at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (Brookline, Massachusetts). The text authorized by the Holy Synod of ROCOR is the translation of Protopriest John Shaw and is based upon the 1586 edition of Patriarch Meletios Pegas of Alexandria and the 1890 edition of St. Nectarios of Aegina.


text: I have a multi-process application and each process owns a very big 3D texture.Only one process is active at the same time while other process run in background and don't need the graphic resouces. As the video memory is very limited, so I want to free texture memory owned by current process when switching to other process. The only way to free texture as I know is "glDeleteTextures", but seems not so efficient as I switch processes very frequently.I also considered a global texture management among all processes, according to http://www.opengl.org/discussion_boa...ween-processes it's almost impossible. Is there any other way to do this?


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It may not have been quite the British invasion like those of the Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, or The Who, but The Kooks made quite an appearance at Thursday night's show in downtown Denver at the Ogden Theatre. Presented by 97.3 KBCO, the station of "World Class Rock," an older crowd of college students and middle-aged adults was drawn in, though a significant amount of younger high schoolers too had presence in the tightly packed theatre. California band the Morning Benders took to the stage warming up for The Kooks with an energetic set that got the crowd moving as a continuous flow of people made their way in from the streets, the younger of the audience filling in the floor as the adults made their way up the the balcony area, alcoholic beverages in hand. A strong tension of energy and excitement among the audience could be felt in the air even before the Morning Benders played their set, and that only increased as The Kooks took over the stage for an outstanding performance of charismatic stage entertainment and extreme musical talent.
Just as soon as the lights went out and the first musician walked out as a mere black silhouette, the full audience burst into an outrageous flood of clapping and yelling. As the lights slowly moved up unveiling the young and scrawny, yet attractive, frontman Luke Pritchard, the female dominated audience sufficed to bring the decibel level up a few more notches at the sight of his new found presence. A short looking stature on a slim frame with curly locks of hair, a white wife beater under a open denim shirt, and tight dark jeans with brown boots made up Pritchard to strikingly resemble a young Jim Morrison. Adding to his physical resemblance of the Lizard King was the explosive stage presence of Pritchard. While there was no rolling around on the stage or hypnotic moments of euphoria for Pritchard, he did display such pinnacles of emotion as having a slight bounce as he sang into and danced freely in step to the music over every inch of stage. Whether it was an upbeat song or one more mellow, and no matter if he had his guitar in hand or was obliged only to his lyrics, with a sway in his walk, an innocent bow of the head, and a flip of the microphone stand, Pritchard embodied a stage presence greatly similar to the image the public today holds of "American Poet" Jim Morrison.
Though it was Pritchard that really made the show as far as stage performance is concerned, the band as a whole played with such cohesiveness and accuracy as to make for a stunningly impressive presentation. The remaining members of the band may not have caught the fancy of the ladies in the audience as did Pritchard with his looks and British accent, but their performance as musicians was as successful as Pritchard's, both as a musician and entertainer. Song after song, not once did any musician individually or taken together as a whole play to a standard less than that of the actual recorded song. Drums, lead guitar, bass, and lyrics all came together magnificently and made for a show that sounded most nearly identical to the album, from every distinctive guitar riff to those subtle little grunts and accents in the vocals. Most impressive in their replication of their studio recorded sound was Pritchard's great success as a vocalist in reaching the high frequency pitches frequent among their newest album. Konk, The Kooks' new album released only recently in April 2008, may only be the band's second album, but displays a sound much different from their first 2006 album, Inside In/Inside Out. Prevalent among the differences in their style, though there are many, is the vocals. On their new album Pritchard takes his vocals to a new level, having grown greatly as a musician. Emotion and expression were always present in Pritchard's voice, but by taking is voice to fanatic levels of the highest pitches, he has created on their second album a new sense of feeling put into their songs that is most poignant to listen to. It is the success of pulling off these high notes in perfect pitch live on stage that really proved Pritchard talented as a musician and what put the cherry on top of their performance.
As The Kooks' seemingly longer than average set list came to a close, the audience showed no signs of fatigue from excessive amounts of dancing and singing along with every song. From older songs such as "She Moves In Her Own Way" and "Naive," to an abundance of songs off of their new album, including "Sway," "Shine On," and "One Last Time," the show consisted of a great mix of songs from the most upbeat to the slower, acoustic songs. If The Kooks had truly ended the show without an encore, fans and new listeners alike would have been fully satisfied, but their encore is was made the show end with an explosive bang. Two acoustic songs with only Pritchard on stage and the audience singing along was followed up by another couple of songs with the full band. Having performed in a packed theatre with not one person standing still during their full performance, each member of the band had to have been exhausted, but the way they pulled through on their last song of the encore was astounding. The audience too, though they'd been yelling, clapping, singing, and dancing along the whole night, showed great energy during that last bit of enthralling performance as well. Hands crowded the air and bodies swayed as Pritchard jumped on amps, flipped his mic stand, and nearly lunged into the audience with unbelievable energy and enthusiasm, ending the show with an incandescent finale that left every member of the audience wide-eyed and stupefied with astonishment.


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CALL US: (805) 525-2127101 West Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula, CA 93060
If you want a Chevy dealership that demands its sales team to listen to you and not sell you on what is most expensive, then you should consider Santa Paula Chevrolet. Our salespeople understand the most important feature of a dealership is excellent customer service, and we work hard to show our customers we care. In addition to customer service standards, our convenient location and excellent sale pricing makes our Santa Paula Chevy dealership something of an anomaly.
People come from all around for our excellent selection of new and used cars and because we're so conveniently located. We're only about 12 miles away from our Ventura customers, a short 20-minute drive via CA-126 E. We also serve the greater Los Angeles metro area and car shoppers may be surprised to know that in just over an hour they can escape the city and get to our lot where our selection and great prices will more than make up for the drive.
Call Us: (805) 525-2127
101 West Harvard Blvd.Santa Paula, CA 93060
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The word of cheap grace has ruined more Christians than any commandment about works…
For integrity's sake someone has to speak up for those among us who confess that cheap grace has made them give up following Christ, and that ceasing to follow Christ has made them lose the knowledge of costly grace. Because we cannot deny that we no longer stand in true discipleship to Christ, while being members of a true-believing church with a pure doctrine of grace, but are no longer members of a church which follows Christ, we therefore have to try to understand grace and discipleship again in correct relationship to each other.
What then are we to say? Should we continue to sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead to the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:19
Pray for the church, and for all Christians, that they may not succumb to the lure of cheap grace.
Lord Jesus Christ, I would follow you, no matter what the cost; lead me in the way of true discipleship.
40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Copyright © 2007 Augsburg Books, imprint of Augsburg Fortress.


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Leading the Way in Lung Cancer and Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment
At the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI), our lung cancer and esophageal cancer center in Orlando provides patients and their families with exceptional care and education. Our physicians treat more cancer patients than any other health system in Florida, and provide a comprehensive continuum of services ranging from disease prediction and prevention to state-of-the-art detection, treatment and research – encompassed by educational, psychological and spiritual support.
But don't think for a moment that our lung cancer and esophageal cancer patients are just numbers to us. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each patient who walks through our doors receives the full attention of our entire team – from our Cancer Care Coordinators to our physician specialists, nurses, and social workers.
You will find our approach to medicine to be filled with compassion, caring, concern and open, honest communication. We want to build a relationship with you that is built on trust as well as excellence in medical care.
It's a tradition that dates back to our humble origins more than a century ago when a group of Adventist church leaders first came to Orlando in 1908. With just $4.93 in the bank and a big dream in their hearts, they started what is now Florida Hospital, the largest and most advanced hospital in the region with a legacy marked by our century-old commitment to heal the whole person – emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Lung & Esophageal Cancer Care
At the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, we are driven to make a difference in every life we touch. From access to the most advanced technologies and therapies available to a team of more than 200 of the most respected and skilled cancer physicians in the region, the FHCI is dedicated to providing you with superior care, from early detection to current clinical trials that one day may hold the key to neutralizing or even curing thoracic cancer.
We know that lung and esophageal cancer patients often need a combination of therapies – from surgery to radiation to chemotherapy in order to combat this disease. That is why we've formed a Thoracic Cancer Team comprised of the country's leading experts in the field to provide a multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic cancers. This team meets regularly and works closely together to manage each patient's individual case.
What's more, we have made it extremely convenient for you to have ready access to this team of experts. A single call to our Cancer Care Coordinators is all it takes. They are your single point of contact for everything you need, from scheduling appointments with our specialists to providing access to clinical trials and second opinion referrals.
Nationally Recognized for Our Lung Cancer Capabilities
The FHCI is accredited as a Comprehensive Care Center by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. We also hold key research affiliations with Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center and UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute was also recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology as one of 12 community oncology programs in the country to be recognized for its commitment to improving care for cancer through increased participation in key clinical trials.
Conveniently Located to Serve You
The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute has convenient locations throughout the region, so you can receive the same quality care and leading edge treatments without being far from home.
Request an Appointment
For more information on lung and esophageal cancer research and treatment, or to schedule an appointment, call (407) 303-1700 or click here to fill out an online assistance form.Back to Top


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The TL97x family of single, dual, and quad operational amplifiers operates at voltages as
low as ±1.35 V and features output rail-to-rail signal swing. The TL97x boast characteristics that
make them particularly well suited for portable and battery-supplied equipment. Very low noise and
low distortion characteristics make them ideal for audio preamplification.
The TL971 is housed in the space-saving 5-pin SOT-23 package, which simplifies board
design because of the ability to be placed anywhere (outside dimensions are 2.8 mm × 2.9


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I'm not saying UConn wasn't the better team, but it's not too bad to play with a team for about 2/3s of the game in spite of having easily the worst game of your season.
Matt Howard had better get a real degree though. He has zero future in basketball as a player.


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Dear Editor,
I would like to address some of the inaccuracies presented in a recent article concerning the Rock Island Clean Line electric transmission project. As an Iowan and a manager for the Rock Island Clean Line, I think it is critical for people to have accurate information.
Rock Island is seeking permanent easements to construct the transmission line. As is commonly seen across the Iowa landscape, landowners will be able to continue farming within the easement area. Our easements are exclusive for the purpose of electric transmission, which means we cannot sell our easements to be used for a different purpose, such as building a gas pipeline. While we plan to construct, own, and operate this transmission line, we do have the ability to assign the easements to another party for the purpose of building the exact same transmission line we are proposing. If this were to happen, all of the landowner rights agreed upon in the easement would remain in place.
As a company, Clean Line is dedicated to compensating all landowners fairly and we are offering landowners fair payments for the easement area, any structures on their property, and damages we may cause. This includes damages that may occur during the construction phase as well as damages that could occur years later should the need arise for major maintenance work.
As an example, a landowner in Grundy County with an easement on their property that is a 1/2 mile long by 145 ft. wide can expect a compensation payment of around $115,000.
However, the economic benefits of the line reach far beyond individual landowner compensation. The project itself is a $2 billion investment and will open up the possibility for $7 billion in new wind development. In addition, Clean Line will pay Iowa $2.5 million each year in taxes that will fund county initiatives, school districts, and other essential public services along the route.
Lastly, according to a compilation of many studies reviewed by the World Health Organization, there are no known health effects associated with direct current transmission lines. And, all farming equipment should work properly in the vicinity of the line, including GPS.
I strongly urge Iowans to consider the positive impacts of this project on your community, our state and our nation as a whole. The Rock Island Clean Line is a new farm to market road for Iowa's renewable energy crop. Just as we lead the nation in exporting beans, corn, hogs, and eggs, we can lead the nation in exporting wind energy, too.
We welcome your questions and concerns, so please reach out to us at www.RockIslandCleanLine.com or (877) 907-8516 at any time. We look forward to hearing from you.
Beth Conley
Rock Island Clean Line
Des Moines


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Adam PavkovichLos Angeles Angels
Infielder | Ht: | Wt:
|Angels | Reassign seven to minors
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:30:14 -0700
The Sports Network reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reassigned P Sean O'Sullivan, P Jordan Walden, IF Adam Pavkovich, C Hank Conger, C Ben Johnson, OF Chris Pettit and SS Hainley Statia to the minor leagues Wednesday, March 25.
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|Angels | Sign 26 minor league deals
Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:27:23 -0800
The Sports Network reports the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free-agent 3B Luis Figueroa (Cubs), P Matt Palmer (Giants), P Ryan Brasier (Angels), C Hank Conger (Angels), C Anel De Los Santos (Angels), C Ben Johnson (Angels), C Alberto Rosario (Angels), C Flint Wipke, P David Austen (Angels), P David Herndon (Angels), P Sean O'Sullivan (Angels), P Fernando Rodriguez (Angels), P Jordan Walden (Angels), P Matt Wilhite (Angels), P Francisco X. Rodriguez, RP Barret Browning (Angels), P Dan Davidson (Angels), P Alex Torres, SS Hainley Statia (Angels), SS Ryan Mount (Angels), IF Adam Pavkovich (Angels), SS Andrew Romine (Angels), OF Peter Bourjos (Angels), OF Brad Coon (Angels) and OF Chris Pettit (Angels) to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training Wednesday, Jan. 21. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.
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|Angels | Pavkovich to play in Dominican Republic
Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:01:43 -0700
Bill Plunkett, of The Orange County Register, reports Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim IF Adam Pavkovich will play in the Dominican Republic Winter League during the offseason.
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|Angels | Pavkovich assigned to minor league camp
Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:39:45 -0700
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have assigned IF Adam Pavkovich to their minor league camp, according to USAToday.com.
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The Internet is enticing a rapidly growing number of shoppers to make a very personal purchase, prescription eyeglasses, online. Deep discounts and greater variety are prompting many to try something new.
Customers can't pluck a pair of glasses from their smartphone screen to learn how they feel, but shoppers can try on frames virtually or have them delivered for a free test. They also can quickly scroll through hundreds of choices and send pictures to friends for a second-opinion.
Technology, however, hasn't erased all the advantages of buying glasses in a store. Here are some issues to consider before clicking on a pair of glasses and adding them to your virtual shopping cart.
1. What are some options for buying eyeglasses online?
A mix of websites sells eyewear in men's and women's styles, with some featuring well-known brands such as Oakley and Gucci. They include established vendors like Framesdirect.com and 39dollarglasses.com and more recent entrants like Warby Parker.
These sites let customers scroll through hundreds of options and styles in different colors. Some, like Framesdirect.com, allow visitors to upload pictures so they can see how a pair of glasses would look on their face.
Retailer 1-800-Contacts will offer a three-dimensional version of this concept next month, when it launches a free app that enables users to virtually try on glasses after taking a picture of their face with a smartphone or tablet.
The app will produce an image that is scaled so the glasses appear more like they would if the customer picked them off a store shelf. It will enable visitors to turn the image and slide the glasses up and down the nose. 1-800-Contacts runs the website Glasses.com.
2. What are the advantages of shopping online?
Virtual vendors can offer page after page of variety. Framesdirect.com, which dates back to 1996, says on its website that it carries more than 100,000 products and 500 brands.
Bargains also can be found online. The website 39dollarglasses.com features glasses that sell for — wait on it — $39. That price includes single-vision lenses and the frame.
Warby Parker advertises prescription glasses starting at $95. The company developed its own styles for men's and women's glasses, plus a monocle it sells for $50, in part because its founders thought prescription eyewear shouldn't cost $300 or more.
Of course, bargains are not limited to online vendors. Some Walmart stores offer prescription, single-vision lenses that start at $29.
Convenience can be another benefit. Warby Parker will send up to five pairs of glasses to a customer to try on at home for five days and then return with a pre-paid shipping label. 1-800-Contacts will send five frames and give customers seven days to try them.
"I think a lot of people feel that they need to touch and hold the frame before buying," said Neil Blumenthal, a Warby Parker co-founder.
3. What are the limitations?
Store visits connect customers with eyewear experts who can walk them through a purchase.
For instance, if customers wants rimless glasses, a store employee might point out that the lenses may be thicker than they anticipate to support the frame and could be uncomfortable to wear, said Sam Pierce, a trustee with the American Optometric Association. The employee also could tell a customer whether his or her prescription would fit properly in the style they want or whether the frame may be too big or too small.
The initial cost for glasses advertised on a website may be a bargain, but extra fees for a strong prescription or tinted lenses can add to the bill. Traditional eyewear stores also can bump up the amount a customer spends by pushing features like ant-smudge protection.
Some online companies also may charge shipping fees. Know the extra costs that come with a pair of glasses before buying.
Online shoppers also may want to do a little research on their vendor before buying glasses, since the customer can't simply drive to the store to talk to someone if a problem arises. Find out how the vendor handles adjustments to a prescription or returns. Some sites offer money-back guarantees on returns if the glasses are sent back within a certain time frame.
4. Will eyewear stores become obsolete?
Online sales eyewear sales jumped 31 percent from 2010 to last year, when they totaled $1.1 billion, according to The Vision Council, a trade group representing industry manufacturers and suppliers.
That's a big growth spurt, but online sales won't take over the industry soon. Last year, they represented just 4 percent of the roughly $27.5 billion eyewear product market.
In contrast, online sales for apparel and accessories totaled $36.3 billion, or 12 percent of that total market of $303.8 billion, according to Forrester Research Inc.
1-800-Contacts CEO Jonathan Coon said he thinks online eyewear sales can eventually reach and surpass the same percentage of its total market.
But Warby Parker's Blumenthal still sees a need for physical store locations that customers can visit. His company operates showrooms in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, among other cities.
"We think there is always going to be some sort of balance there because humans are social creatures, and shopping is a form of entertainment, and it's not just about convenience," Blumenthal said.


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Bob TewksburyRetired Players
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|Red Sox | Bob Tewksbury could return to organization
Sun, 26 Oct 2014 10:40:22 -0700
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering bringing back Bob Tewksbury as a mental skills coach. He was with the organization for nine years before joining the MLBPA for a year.
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|| Source: The Boston Globe - Peter Abraham
|Red Sox | Kalkstein leaves position
Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:19:02 -0800
Joe McDonald, of The Providence Journal, reports Boston Red Sox performance-enhancement coach Don Kalkstein has left his position with the club. General manager Theo Epstein said he could be replaced down the road by Bob Tewksbury. Kalkstein will still be involved with the team in some capacity.
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|Cardinals | McGwire to Help Close Busch
Thu, 15 Sep 2005 09:56:01 -0700
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Rick Hummel reports former St. Louis Cardinals 1B Mark McGwire will be one of around 100 former Cardinals in attendance to help close Busch Stadium Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Others expected include SP Steve Carlton, CL Lee Smith, 1B Keith Hernandez, SP Bob Tewksbury and SP John Tudor.
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Lamarissimo! Cardinal Singers concert April 25
The Cardinal Singers will delight audiences with jazz classics and popular '50s hits that are guaranteed to get toes tapping when they take the stage for the Lamarissimo! concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in the Julie Rogers Theatre.
"We start with old-school jazz that everyone knows and loves, such as 'Moon River,' 'Stormy Weather,' and 'At Last,' and then move into fun novelty tunes from the 1950s, like 'I Only Have Eyes For You' and 'Beauty School Dropout,'" said Lynnda Castolenia, director of the Cardinal Singers. "Our last act represents the Olympics, featuring a children's choir that represents the different elementary schools in our area. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy good music and a good time."
The Cardinal Singers show choir is a select group of talented vocalists. There are 10 members in the Cardinal Singers this year, including Dylan Hall, Geralyn Harper, Stephanie Messina, Rosalene Mitchell and Reuben Prevost, all from Beaumont; Othello Edwards and Chalay Moore, from Dallas; Sarah Jackson, Lufkin; Angelica Johnson, Houston; and Keenen Kelley, Peoria, Ill.
"The Cardinal Singers have worked long hours improving their sound," said Castolenia. "They enjoy the type of music we are singing, and they loved working with and mentoring the children's choir we assembled for the show."
The children's choir will perform "Power of the Dream" with the Cardinal Singers, and will dance to "I Believe/J'Imagine" while the Cardinal Singers perform.
When Castolenia was planning the show, she came across the song "I Believe/ J'Imagine," which was performed at the closing ceremony of the 2010 winter Olympics, and knew she had to include it as one of the selections.
"We wanted to use children to show the power of the dream," said Castolenia. "Our wonderful Lamar students are the future, just as these younger children are. I wanted to show that in the performance."
The show will close with "Lamar Loyalty," the alma mater arranged by L. Randolph Babin, former choral director and music department chair.
"As a graduate of the music department, it means so much to me to work with the Cardinal Singers," Castolenia explained. "It's like coming home. I am so proud to show our community and beyond how talented our students are."
The Lamarissimo! Concert Series is presented by the Lamar University Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. The Cardinal Singers concert is sponsored by Entergy Texas.
The Julie Rogers Theatre is at 765 Pearl St. in downtown Beaumont. The concert is open to Lamarissimo! season ticket-holders as part of the five-performance package. Individual tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and will be available in the theatre box office beginning at 6:45 p.m. before the performance. Admission is free to students of Lamar University with a valid LU identification.


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In a recently-published blog entry, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen shares a detailed, fascinating account of his experience with Windows 8. While Allen seems to like the new OS overall, he does list several minor concerns, which could discourage ambivalent users from upgrading.
Allen says Windows 8 is an evolutionary milestone in the OS's development, because it unifies Windows across multiple platforms. The new tablet features, Allen writes, are bold and innovative, and he is impressed with the OS's clever integration of tablet and desktop functions into a single, bimodal interface.
Allen even finds Windows 8 to be snappier and more responsive than Windows 7.
However, Allen acknowledges that the new interface might confuse existing Windows users, especially since applications and files can be opened in both desktop mode and tablet mode and run simultaneously.
Windows 8 does certainly require a brief adjustment period before users become familiar and comfortable with the new bimodal operating system, Allen notes.
Windows 8 is designed to force users to navigate an unfamiliar interface. Instead of seeing the familiar Windows desktop when the operating system boots up, a new tiled start screen appears, similar to the screen found on Windows phones and tablets. You can get to the old desktop screen by clicking a tile on the start screen, but you cant force Windows 8 to take you to the desktop by default a quirk that bothers Allen.
"The goal must have been to encourage people to acclimatize to Windows 8 style immediately," Allen writes. For users who don't want to acclimatize" themselves with the new interface, this design approach might look like an invitation to remain within the comfortable confines of Windows 7.
Allen also points out some less-than-intuitive elements. For example, the Charms bar which includes a number of important tools such as search, start, settings, and devices has no visual cues to inform the user how to display it. A similar absence of visual cues exists in apps that run under Windows 8 style, formerly known as Metro. While Allen finds closing a program on a tablet to be intuitive, doing so on a desktop is less so. To close a program on a desktop, the user must move their cursor to the top of the screen, wait for it to turn into a hand, and then use it to drag the application window to the bottom of the screen.
Windows 8 also suffers from some obvious oversights: there's no clock on the start screen. Also, to reach power functions (sleep, shutdown, restart), users have to go through two steps instead of one.
Allen's conclusion: Desktop PC users, with only minor tweaks and adjustments, should be able to pick things up without much trouble. I am sure most the [sic] minor issues I pointed out will be addressed in the next release of the operating system.
In other words, users may be better off waiting for SP1 to drop before they dip their toes into the waters of Windows 8.


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|Charter Announces First Quarter 2014 Results
Key highlights:
"In the past two years, we have repositioned Charter to provide a superior set of products and services to our customers. And we are beginning to see the results in our operating metrics, customer satisfaction, and financial performance," said
1 All customer data and results, unless otherwise noted, are pro forma for the
2 Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are defined in the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics" section and are reconciled to net loss and net cash flows from operating activities, respectively, in the addendum of this news release.
During the first quarter of 2014, Charter saw year-over-year and sequential improvement in customer relationship and PSU growth. Residential customer relationships grew by 112,000, up from 61,000 in the first quarter of 2013, with triple play sell-in improving year-over-year, to over 50% of total residential video sales. Commercial customer relationships grew by 4,000 in the first quarter of 2014, compared to a loss of 1,000 in the prior-year period, with both periods negatively impacted by equivalent bulk unit ("EBU") reporting, which reduces reported bulk video customers when a basic cable rate increase is implemented. Commercial video billing relationships increased during the quarter and commercial video revenue grew year over year.
Residential PSUs increased by 206,000 versus 140,000 in the year-ago quarter, while commercial PSUs increased 14,000 during the first quarter versus a gain of 7,000 in the year-ago quarter.
As of the end of the first quarter of 2014, Charter had completed 30% of its all-digital initiative. All-digital allows Charter to offer more advanced products and services, and provides residential customers with two-way digital set-tops, which offer higher picture quality, an interactive programming guide and video on demand on all TV outlets in the home. Charter expects to complete its all-digital initiative by year end 2014.
During the first quarter, Charter began introducing its new product suite, Charter Spectrum, in several markets that were recently converted to all-digital, including
Residential video customers increased by 18,000 in the first quarter of 2014, versus a loss of 25,000 in the year-ago period. The positive video customer net additions result was driven by Charter's increasingly competitive video product, including all-digital service, more HD channels and video on demand offerings, attractive packaging of advanced services, improved selling methods, and enhanced service quality.
Charter added 136,000 residential Internet customers in the first quarter of 2014, compared to 107,000 a year ago. As of March 31, 2014, approximately 78% of Charter's residential Internet customers subscribed to tiers that provided speeds of 30 Mbps or more. The Company continues to see strong demand for its Internet service as consumers value the speed and reliability of Charter's Internet offering.
During the first quarter, the Company added 52,000 residential voice customers, versus a gain of 58,000 during the first quarter of 2013.
First quarter residential revenue per customer relationship totaled
First quarter 2014 revenues rose to
Video revenues totaled
Internet revenues grew 15.4% on a pro forma basis compared to the year-ago quarter to
Voice revenues totaled
Commercial revenues rose to
First quarter advertising sales revenues of
Operating Costs and Expenses
First quarter total operating costs and expenses increased 7.7% on a pro forma basis compared to the year-ago period, reflecting increases in programming costs, marketing expenses, and other expenses.
First quarter programming expense increased by
Adjusted EBITDA
First quarter Adjusted EBITDA of
Net Loss
Net loss totaled
Capital Expenditures
Property, plant and equipment expenditures were
Charter expects 2014 capital expenditures to be approximately
Cash Flow
During the first quarter of 2014, net cash flows from operating activities totaled
Free cash flow for the first quarter of 2014 was
Total principal amount of debt was approximately
Conference Call
Charter will host a conference call on Monday, April 28, 2014 at
The conference call will be webcast live via the Company's website at charter.com. The webcast can be accessed by selecting "Investor & News Center" from the lower menu on the home page. The call will be archived in the "Investor & News Center" in the "Financial Information" section on the left beginning two hours after completion of the call. Participants should go to the webcast link no later than 10 minutes prior to the start time to register.
Those participating via telephone should dial 866-919-0894 no later than 10 minutes prior to the call. International participants should dial 706-679-9379. The conference ID code for the call is 11713153.
A replay of the call will be available at 855-859-2056 or 404-537-3406 beginning two hours after the completion of the call through the end of business on
Additional Information Available on Website
The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes contained in the Company's Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014 available on the "Investor & News Center" of our website at charter.com in the "Financial Information" section. A slide presentation to accompany the conference call and a trending schedule containing historical customer and financial data can also be found in the "Financial Information" section.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics
The Company uses certain measures that are not defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") to evaluate various aspects of its business. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net loss or cash flows from operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP. These terms, as defined by Charter, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net loss and free cash flow is reconciled to net cash flows from operating activities in the addendum of this news release.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss plus net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, loss on extinguishment of debt, loss on derivative instruments, net and other operating expenses, such as special charges and (gain) loss on sale or retirement of assets. As such, it eliminates the significant non-cash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital-intensive nature of the Company's businesses as well as other non-cash or special items, and is unaffected by the Company's capital structure or investment activities. However, this measure is limited in that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues and the cash cost of financing. These costs are evaluated through other financial measures.
Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from operating activities, less purchases of property, plant and equipment and changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures.
Management and the Company's board of directors use adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to assess Charter's performance and its ability to service its debt, fund operations and make additional investments with internally generated funds. In addition, adjusted EBITDA generally correlates to the leverage ratio calculation under the Company's credit facilities or outstanding notes to determine compliance with the covenants contained in the credit facilities and notes (all such documents have been previously filed with the
In addition to the actual results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we have provided pro forma results in this release for the three months ended March 31, 2013. We believe these pro forma results facilitate meaningful analysis of the results of operations. Pro forma results in this release reflect certain acquisitions of cable systems in 2013 as if they occurred as of
About Charter
This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, the factors described under "Risk Factors" from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "should", "planned", "will", "may", "intend", "estimated", "aim", "on track", "target", "opportunity", "tentative", "positioning", "designed", "create", "predict", "project", "seek", "would", "could", "potential", "continue", "ongoing", "upside", "increases" and "potential", among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this presentation are set forth in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We are under no duty or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110526/AQ10195LOGO
Media: Justin Venech, 203-905-7818; Analysts: Stefan Anninger, 203-905-7955


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December 07. 2013 11:27PM
UNH lecturers seek to unionize
By Jason Schreiber
Sunday News Correspondent
University of New Hampshire lecturers, from left, Cynthia Pulkkinen, Sarah Hirsch, Emilie Talpin, Adam St. Jean and Nancy Sell display union cards in front of Thompson Hall on the Durham campus. COURTESY
- Lecturers at the University of New Hampshire are attempting to unionize in hopes of getting better pay and more job security.
The full-time contract lecturers want to form a union as a chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and have organized as a group known as the University of New Hampshire Lecturers United AAUP.
In a statement, the group said it has received support from 70 percent of its colleagues from the Durham and Manchester campuses, which exceeds the 30 percent minimum required by the Public Employees Labor Relations Board.
The group took its first step toward unionizing by filing a petition with the PELRB on Thursday seeking certification of a bargaining unit.
If the PELRB reviews the petition and determines there is enough support, lecturers would hold a secret-ballot election early next year to vote on whether to form the union.
If approved, the group would then start negotiating with UNH administrators to draw up a contract for lecturers.
Lecturers aren't paid as much as professors, aren't eligible for tenure and can't join the professors union."We lack a transparent process of evaluation, a standardized process for contract renewals, and fair and transparent grievance policies," said Sarah Hirsch, a lecturer of Spanish.
UNH has hired more than 100 lecturers over the past two years, but there are often no policies in place that define their positions, according to Hirsch.
UNH has about 200 lecturers, most of whom work in the College of Liberal Arts.
University provost Lisa MacFarlane argues a lecturers union isn't needed.
"We believe that UNH has made many gains that benefit lecturers through direct communication and that the involvement of a union or collective bargaining is not necessary," she said in a statement.
MacFarlane added, "We encourage lecturers to understand the pros and cons of union representation and to become educated about the union-organizing and collective-bargaining process. This will allow each lecturer to make an informed vote, should an election be held."
According to the organizing group, lecturers have many of the same qualifications as tenure-track professors, but are paid about 40 percent below the national average for lecturers.
"Transparent, consistent contracts would greatly improve the sense of job security for lecturers and would enhance our ability to teach with excellence. As more lecturers serve UNH, it only makes sense to provide that security," said Adam St. Jean, lecturer in chemical engineering.


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from www.sbsun.com – Film permits requested by the porn industry have all but ceased in Los Angeles County as producers decide how to work around much opposed law that requires actors to wear condoms during shoots.
Film LA, the non profit organization that processes permits for motion picture, television and commercial production across Los Angeles, has seen applications for permits from the adult film industry plummet to only two so far this year. In previous years, an estimated 500 film permits are requested by the adult film industry annually.
"Most production companies have ceased shooting in LA County," said Diane Duke, chief executive officer of the Canoga-Park based Free Speech Coalition, the trade organization for the adult film industry. "They have other options in other states and communities."
In March, calls and inquiries from the adult film industry bombarded the city of Camarillo asking if there was a condom ordinance there.
As a result, the City Council placed a moratorium on adult film shoots for 45 days until it could decide, possibly later this month, what it will and won't allow.
"All I can say is a number of inquires led us to be concerned that we should look at this and decide if this is something we want to do," Don Davis, assistant city attorney for Camarillo, said of the adult film industry's sudden interest.
The decline in film permit applications and the porn industry's interest in Camarillo is an example of the ripple effect of Measure B, the ordinance that Los Angeles County voters passed in November that requires actors involved in explicit shoots to wear condoms. The law also requires adult film studios to apply for public health permits and for the county Department of Public Health to lead inspection and enforcement efforts. Health permits need to be attached to FilmLA applications.
As quickly as the ordinance passed, producers at many adult film studios threatened to leave the San Fernando Valley, where most pornographic movies have long been made, and, if possible, the state.
"Whether it's Camarillo or another California city that is in the news because of Measure B, we strongly believe that the law is wrong, which is why we are challenging it," said Steven Hirsch, founder and co-chairman of Universal City-based Vivid Entertainment. Hirsch and others have said the industry is watching and waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit filed by Vivid against Angeles County. The suit calls Measure B unconstitutional, saying it violates actors' rights to free speech and expression.
Arguments are set to begin next month in U.S. District Court.
"We now need the court to rule on our case," Hirsch said.
Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, said it's too early to tell if the industry is moving out. But the region will feel an economic impact if studios and production companies leave.
Waldman said VICA was opposed to Measure B because it meant an estimated loss of 10,000 production jobs that the adult film industry attracts, including makeup, lighting, carpentry, transportation, food service, payroll processing, Web design and actors. The adult film industry has been estimated to generate between $1 billion to $11 billion a year.
"I think the industry is still trying to figure out what it's doing," Waldman said. "I think it's going to be a trickle effect, but one day we'll all ask, where did all this money go?"
He said the industry likely wants to stay in Los Angeles because it already has a built-in infrastructure and relationship with the San Fernando Valley. But the law may eventually squeeze filmmakers out.
"At some point they would have to make the decision to move to another state," Waldman said. "I think it's coming."
So far, cities in Ventura County have not exactly held up "Welcome Home" signs to pornographers. Police were called to an unsanctioned film shoot recently in Newbury Park. Fearing the industry would move to their neighborhoods, the Simi Valley City Council passed its own condom ordinance that also required the use of dental dams to protect performers from oral sex. The ordinance was passed before Measure B became law.
And Thousand Oaks has a rigorous signature requirement, which would prompt the adult film industry to tell neighbors if any nudity were occurring.
"We have signature requirements on all filming, and that might be a hindrance," said Geoff Ware, co-compliance manager for the city of Thousand Oaks.
The issue is under consideration by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, an official said.
"We're just looking into it now, but there hasn't been any formal action taken by the Board of Supervisors," said Michelle Yamaguchi, with the county executive office.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation introduced and supported Measure B – the "Safer Sex Initiative" – to prevent sexually transmitted diseases spreading from the industry to the mainstream public.
The ordinance took effect immediately in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and in the city of Los Angeles, which passed its own ordinance. But how it is implemented in the 85 cities that contract with the county's health department remains uncertain. In addition, the law does not apply in Pasadena, Long Beach and Vernon because those cities have their own municipal health departments.
None of those cities have received inquires from the adult film industry, officials from those municipalities said. And none seem to want to be the next San Fernando Valley.
"We haven't seen (film permits) by the adult film industry to my knowledge," said Robert Shannon, city attorney for Long Beach. "We're free to enact a similar ordinance to Measure B and it wouldn't really be a big issue to remedy the issue."
Vernon spokesman Fred MacFarlane also said his city has received no inquiries. He thinks it's because Vernon is an industrial area, with only 120 residents and 1,800 business, mostly factories.
"I don't think there's a niche group out there wanting to see explicit sex acts done in a factory and Vernon is full of factories," MacFarlane said. "I don't think you'll see a 'The Girls of Farmer John'."
MacFarlane said the city is waiting for a staff report by its health department to be presented within the month.
"I don't know a community in Los Angeles that is looking forward to becoming home to the porn industry," MacFarlane said. "I think everybody recognizes it's a revenue generator, but it's not something we want."
Meanwhile, AIDS Healthcare Foundation continues to press the industry into following the law. In March, the group filed a complaint with the Los Angeles County Health Department against Chatsworth- based Immoral Productions, saying the company produced adult content without the use of condoms.
In February, on Valentine's Day, AHF supported a proposed bill by Assemblyman Isadore Hall, D-Compton, that would require actors in porn films shot anywhere in California to use condoms.
Adult films are protected under the Freeman decision of 1988, when the state of California tried to prove that Harold Freeman, a producer and director of adult films, was pimping actors. The California Supreme Court disagreed. As a result, the making of hardcore porn was allowed in California.
Only New Hampshire has a similar law. But Matthew Newton, director of the New Hampshire Film & Television Office, said he has received no inquiries.
"All inquires have been from the media," he said. "I haven't received one call from the industry."
Newton said he is uncertain how his state would react to an influx of adult film production.
"It's not an industry I've ever dealt with and it's not a sector of the film industry we're looking into having," Newton said. "It's a little bit out of scope of what we're trying to do here."
Officials from the Film Office in Nevada, where many think porn production would fit in because of the state's progressive views on prostitution, have said they have received no inquiries and have not courted the industry.
The adult film industry largely opposes mandatory condom use because they say viewers who turn to porn to watch sexual fantasy would be turned off. Actors also have said self-regulation – which requires porn actors to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases every 15 to 30 days – works well. Once an actor has completed testing, his or her name is entered into a confidential database, viewed only by directors on sets. Performers also fear that the industry will move underground to avoid government regulation, which could place actors and actresses at risk from those who avoid getting tested for STDs.
But besides Measure B, the industry also feels shut out in general, Duke of the Free Speech Coalition said.
"Whether warranted or not, California has a reputation of being unfriendly to business and this senseless crusade against the industry does nothing more than support that reputation," Duke said. "This is no time to play Russian Roulette with a vital industry that provides tens of thousands of living wage paying jobs for Californians."
Davis, the assistant attorney from Camarillo, said his community likely isn't looking to become the next porn capital of the world.
"I would suspect given this community, they would not want that," Davis said.