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Christopher Rhine
Milwaukee WI
[email protected]
ITU University
Work experience
Customer Services Engineer
Technology Resource Advisors
— Milwaukee Customer Services Engineer Responsible for depot servicing, onsite repair, and installations of HP servers, switches, routers, desktops, laptops, printers, and related software 3
IMAC Tech/Blackberry Support
IMAC Tech/Blackberry Support
Contract) New Berlin — Performed data migrations and Blackberry support for GE Health Care employees
Intranet Support Analyst
Contract Brookfield — Intranet Support Analyst Used Active Directory to create email accounts and distribution groups Supported Blackberry, iPhone and Android phones Created Blackberry Enterprise Server accounts Supported Microsoft Office applications Office Communicator password unlocks and resets Used Active Directory to reset password and unlock account Mailbox restores and moves in Exchange Server
Northwestern Mutual
Contract — Help Desk Provided Tier 1 support for both the Franklin and downtown buildings Troubleshoot and resolved issues using knowledge articles in HP Service Manager Troubleshoot issues by connecting with Bomgar remote control Managed, updated, maintained incidents, service requests, and problems using HP Service Manager ticketingsystem Support mobile devices, printers, laptops, desktops, Microsoft applications as well as company specific applications
Computer Support Technician
Lockheed Martin
Experis(Contract) Milwaukee — Computer Support Technician Provided Tier 1 and Tier 2 support for field technicians doing Windows 7 deployment at ManpowerGroup and Experis offices throughout the United States Updated documentation process for Windows 7 deployment Installed Windows XP and Windows 7 on USB drives using SCCM 2007 Configured office training computers remotely using Windows Remote Assistance Handled RMA's for returned computers to the deployment center
Computer Technician
Lockheed Martin
Contract) Milwaukee — Computer Technician Independently completed a Windows 7 deployment for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Executed data migrations using USMT(User State Migration Tool)
Help Desk Analyst
Contract Brookfield — Help Desk Analyst Responsible for answering calls to the Brookfield Helpdesk team line, responding to events, providing 1st line hardware/software support on issues related to Brookfield hosted desktops/laptops Managed, updated, maintained incidents, service requests, and problems using Facet ticketing system Ability to analyze and resolve problems with attention to detail. Used Bomgar remote control to troubleshoot and fix issues. Used Altiris Console to push software and remote into computers Communicated daily with Fiserv associates conducting first level analysis, diagnosis and resolution of operating problems associated with hardware and the interaction of supported software in a LAN environment. Responsible for client satisfactions with the resolution of these problems. Researched, resolved, and responded to questions received via telephone calls and emails in a timely manner in accordance with ETG standards. Attended on-going training to achieve level of technical skill needed to solve more complex problems. Meet the individual customer service call volume and quality expectations. Participated in continuous process improvement in order to improve service, reduce costs, and improve quality. Understood the Desktop Support and ETG support model and organization, learn tools, escalation processes, and documentation standards for events.
Help Desk Technician
FedEx Ground
Contract New Berlin — Help Desk Technician Provided support of Microsoft Office 2007, 2010, Windows XP, Windows 7, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Exchange/Outlook Did asset management and ticketing system through HP Open View Service Center Provided hardware support of Desktops, Laptops, Printers, Thin Clients, Blackberries, and Scanners Blackberry configuration/activations, MiFi wireless configuration, laptop data encryption, hard drive back up and imaging through SCCM 2007
Field Services Specialist
Contract — Milwaukee Field Services Specialist Provided onsite support of Lenovo T420, T430 and X1 Carbon laptops and Ricoh printers Imaged laptops using SSCM 2007 Installed and configured proprietary software Installed virtual machine on audit laptops Did break-fix on Lenovo T420, T430 and X1 Carbon laptops Replaced toner cartridges on Ricoh printers Used Active Directory to reset password and unlock account Configured and supported Lotus Notes Used HP Service Manager ticketing system Did asset management through SAP
Service Desk Manager
Service Desk Manager help desk ticketing system Used Active Directory(resetting passwords) Lutheran Social Services(Contract) — Milwaukee
Experis(Contract) Milwaukee — Desktop Analyst Handled IBM laptop/desktop builds for all Manpower new user setups(imaging the laptops/desktops) Used SCCM 2007 for imaging tool as well as push software through SCCM 2007 Imaged the laptop, preconfigure for the user, login to the user, joined the laptop through the domain, install new software before it goes out and setting up outlook profile Re-imaged 200 300 IBM computers per month
Deskside Technician
MillerCoors — Deskside Technician laptops and desktops using SCCM 2012 Break-Fix of Dell laptops and desktops Order Dell parts via phone or chat Support Microsoft Office 2010 Use Lotus Notes on our IBM laptops Install and configure software either manually or through SCCM 2012 software package Use Active Directory to unlock accounts, add groups and add computers Support, diagnose and fix Microsoft applications as well as propitiatory applications at MillerCoors Use Service- ticketing system for incidents and requests from end users
Wireless Networks


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Edenbrook Country Park
There is a site entrance located on Hitches Lane, Fleet, Hampshire (nearest postcode GU51 5JA, grid reference SU 79337 54001). Alternatively, the site can be accessed from Foxtails (off Willowbourne), Fleet GU51 5AE (grid reference SU 79224 54259).
Edenbrook Country Park (also known as Hitches Lane) comprises interesting wetlands and meadows, with picnic areas, BBQs, a grassed amphitheatre and boardwalk areas. Bins, benches, picnic tables and BBQs are available on site.

subset: commoncrawl


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Bank foreclosed properties are now widely available for sale and these real estate properties cost less than purchasing a brand new home or purchasing a home from a real estate agent or broker. These properties are available through auctions sponsored by the bank.
The auction will be announced on newspapers and on the internet so you have to expect a bit of competition for acquiring the property. You have to consider the fact that public auction will be comprised of different people who wants to own a real estate property. Because of this, you should be prepared when you go to an auction.
Normally, the auction will start off at a starting bid. It is important that you should participate in the bid in the earliest possible time. If the bid gets any higher, you should stop making bids and wait for the right moment to bid again.
You have to consider that bank auctions have no refund after the sale has been done. This is why it is important that you should choose the particular property you want. It is also important that you should know all about the property before you participate in the auction by taking a closer look at the property inside and out. By doing this, you will know about certain maintenance issues that need attention and you will also have an idea on what the home will be like if you want to remodel it.
You should consider that although real estate properties are quite cheap, the homes are usually used and there are certain renovations needed for it. You have to know how to estimate the cost. If you don't, you can consider bringing a professional along to analyze the home and give you an accurate estimate on how much it can cost you to renovate or remodel the home.
There are different payment methods that you can choose from after the sale has been made. Be sure that you take a closer look at the options before you choose which payment method you want. It will mean the difference between saving money and spending a lot more than you should in a real estate property.
Bank foreclosed real estate auctions are great if you want to have a home for you and your family at a very affordable price. You should only consider that you know which home you want to have and also know about the current market price of each home in order to save money on it.
These are the things you should remember when you are considering getting a home from bank foreclosed real estate auctions.


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So, this weekend, we returned to Historic Equitation – for my second visit, and Damian and Amy's third.
I felt a bit sorry for Amy, actually. She was kind enough to drive us there and back again, she had to go to work on the following day, and aside from this, her riding is far above the level of my own and of Damian's. She could probably do so much more with her time there given her advanced skill, but because she humours us goons – me with my bad habits and overthinking, Damian with his spot-on attitude to horse-handling, natural calmness and empathy but comparative lack of experience – she more or less has to go at the pace that we do, just better. Still, there don't seem to be any hard feelings on that front, and Dom is good enough to let us all train in the same things. I suspect she enjoys having the company, too.
Still, we went, all very excited, and this time accompanied by my friend Stu as our photographer, since it's difficult to get a picture when you've got a training lance in one hand and the reins in the other. We arrived dead on time, more or less, had a sit down and a cup of tea in the farmhouse (HE has moved to new premises, and while they haven't finished all the work they'd like to do on the new place, it was easy to see how much more awesome it'll be once they've finished everything they've got in the pipeline), and then went out to greet the horses, give them all a good groom and tack up. After some discussion it was decided that I would ride Briar this year, since of all the horses there, he's the most even-tempered and predictable; Dom didn't want me to be put off by a horse who was too strong for me, as I had been the previous year riding Marduk. I was grateful of the level of sensitivity with which he broached this.
So I took Briar, and Damian took my former mount, Marduk – the black warmblood stallion. I was informed that Briar had had a good jousting season, but that he had gotten a bit overweight since. He was very muddy when I found him tethered up in the barn beside his friend Duke, but I soon took care of that. Initially he refused to give me his hooves to be picked out, but after I'd gone over him with the brushes he obliged without question. I was very soon endeared to this towering, majestic warhorse, billed on the website as 'a fierce jouster and excellent destrier,' for his being caked in mud, obviously from rolling around in it, and for giving me baby horse looks at intervals and wobbling his bottom lip as I groomed his face and talked to him as I went around him. I could easily see how he'd gotten overweight; to his left was an unattended pile of haylage he'd clearly been helping himself to.
We had agreed upon starting the proceedings with a hack to the next village and back to warm ourselves and the horses up. Damian later said that he would have happily traded the time for extra time doing drills, but I for one was glad of the hack as it gave me a good chance to get accustomed to Briar and what he responded to (both Amy and I agreed at lunch that we'd had the same problem initially, in that our ask for a leg yield had been interpreted by our respective mount as a push to go forward) and to stretch my hip flexors over his barrel-like frame as he was easily the largest horse – in all dimensions – I have ever ridden. This was helped by the fact that the stirrup leathers the stock saddle I had been given were fitted with were faaar too long for me, meaning I was better off riding the whole way and back again without them. Giving instruction to Briar became easier when I put these up using the straps on the saddle to keep them out of the way, because of the lack of confusion from feeling something knocking against his side constantly, I think.
We had a lovely walk (with the odd trot to get back into two-by-two formation after adopting single file to allow a car to pass) along the country lanes, during the course of which Dom let slip to me that he could do with someone to come over and exercise Briar every day over winter, in reponse to his grumbling and wheezing as though he was either unimpressed at being made to work or needed a cough. (He did eventually have a good cough.) I might have said, 'If only I lived closer!' I would be more than happy to exercise Briar, for nothing more than the experience!
Once we'd passed some airborne kites, circling low enough that we were able to see their plumage, an array of thatched-roof cottages and a traditional British red telephone box, we returned to the farm, dismounted, tethered the horses and went inside for a hearty lunch. My legs were pretty nicely stretched at this point – so much so that while sitting down wasn't an issue, standing up again might have been. Then, once we were nourished and refreshed, we returned to the barn to mount up again and head out for some drills. I was amused, if not surprised, to return to find Briar with his nose in the haylage. Heh.
During the hack, there was some discussion between myself and Dom about my swapping Briar for Duke in the afternoon. Duke is a pure-bred Friesian, and as Dom explained to me, he is perfectly well-behaved under saddle, but could 'get a bit prancy', which he didn't want to put me off. Much as I would have loved to have ridden him, I elected to stay with Briar; I'd gotten used to him, I was reassured by Dom's having said that you always know what you're going to get from him, and above all else, while I was feeling confident that I wasn't going to let any nerves get the better of me this time, I wanted to enjoy myself. So I decided to play it safe, knowing that lovely Briar would take care of me.
To be continued…


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"Hypo" is a prefix meaning "below" or "less." It follows that this dysplasia is considered a more mild or atypical form of achondroplasia. The incidence of hypochondroplasia is approximately 180,000 to 312,000 live births (2).
Hypochondroplasia is genetically heterogeneous. Due to its mild nature, it is often times difficult to differentiate between "familial" shortness of stature and hypochondroplasia.
The mode of inheritance for hypochondroplasia is autosomal dominant. Most cases result from spontaneous mutations (4).
Hypochondroplasia is genetically heterogeneous. Approximately one-half of hypochondroplastic patients have a mutation within the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene (2).
Due to its mild nature, it is often times difficult to differentiate between "familial" shortness of stature and hypochondroplasia. Hypochondroplasia seems to be the grey area between achondroplasia and being constitutionally shorter than average. The average adult height of hypochondroplastic patient varies between 52 and 58 inches.
Face and Skull
- average head circumference or slight macrocephaly
- slightly prominent forehead
Trunk, Chest and Spine:
- long trunk, as compared to short extremities
- protuberant abdomen
- anteroposterior shortening of pedicles in the lumbar region of the spine
- spinal stenosis
- possible lumbar lordosis
Arms and Legs:
- short and stocky limbs
- mild genu varus in infancy
- ligamentous laxity with limited elbow extension and supination
- broad and short hands without trident formation
- with age, prominent aching knees, elbows and ankles
What Are the X-Ray Characteristics?
The major radiographic features of hypochondroplasia include narrowing of interpediculate distances with anterioposterior shortening of pedicles. Vertebral bodies in lumbar region of spine have increased dorsal concavity. The height of the vertebral bodies is normal. The deformities of the spine, however, are not as pronounced as in the case of achondroplasia.
The pelvis is square with short ilia, although the flare of the iliac crests is normal. The sacrum is hypoplastic and low set on the iliac bones, effectively narrowing the transverse diameter of the pelvis. The tubular bones are short and with mild metaphyseal flare (most evident at the knees). The styloid processes of the ulnae are frequently long. Femoral necks are short and broad.
Distal fibulae are long in comparison to tibia. In children, growth plates of distal femurs exhibit a shallow, V-shaped indentation. This is due to slower enchondral bone growth at the center of the growth plate as compared to growth at the periphery. Again, this change is more mild in hypochondroplasia than in achondroplasia. Generalized brachydactyly is mild to moderate. Occasionally, the neurocranium is slightly larger.
Considering that the skeletal deformities of hypochondroplasia are moderately similar to those of achondroplasia, radiographic findings must be well-scrutinized to give a correct diagnosis. The best features to examine are the skull and pelvis; each are more severely affected in the case of achondroplasia.
In order to differentiate between hypochondroplasia and familial short stature, vertebral and pelvic changes should be considered. Vertebral abnormalities are characteristic only of hypochondroplasia. The appearance of the long bones may be similar to metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, Schmid type. Again, the differential feature is the vertebral abnormalities, which are only present in hypochondroplastic patients. It is difficult to diagnosis hypochondroplasia in infancy, although birth length may be slightly below average. By 3 years of age, slow growth and bowlegs are early indicators of this skeletal dysplasia.
Genu Varum
Genu varum and outward bowing become pronounced as children age and weight bearing increases. Surgical straightening may be necessary.
Inversion of the Feet
Inversion of the feet may result because of the relatively longer fibulae.
Considerable Discomfort
Considerable discomfort in the knees, ankles, or elbows may occur, especially during childhood. Into adulthood, the pain is most prominent in the lower back.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis may result in cord compression. Symptoms include activity-related leg pain that is relieved on squatting down, tingling, pins and needles, numbness in the feet (paraesthesias), weakness of the legs, or disturbances in control of bladder or bowel function (incontinence). X-rays, CT and MRI scans of the lower spine, confirm the diagnosis. Obesity greatly increases the risk of this problem developing.
Developmental Delay
Approximately 10 percent of hypochondroplastic persons have learning problems.
Neurological Complications
Compressive myelopathy and radiculopathy occur, albeit less frequent
than achondroplasia.
Woman who become pregnant often times require a cesarean section, albeit vaginal delivery is still possible.
Considering that the course and complications of hypochondroplasia are slightly different from achondroplasia, it is important for a radiologist to correctly diagnosis this specific skeletal dysplasia early on.
For children and adults of any size or stature, obesity should be avoided. However, in the case of hypochondroplasia, patients must put forth greater effort to stay active and physically fit. Increased weight bearing of the joints can lead to extreme discomfort and possible neurological complications. Diminishing motor milestones, decreased endurance, apnea or any neurological symptoms should be quickly evaluated by an experienced physician.
Generally all skeletal dysplasias warrant multidisciplinary attention. Regular assessment by an orthopedist, geneticist, pediatrician, dentist, neurologist, and physical therapist will provide the most comprehensive treatment.
- Desch, Larry W. Horton, Willaim A. An Autosomal Recessive Bone Dysplasia Syndrome Resembling Hypochondroplasia. Pediatrics. 75, No 4: 786-789. 1985.
- Jones, Kenneth L. Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders. 2006
- Newman, Donald E. Dunbar, Scott. Hypochondroplasia. Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists. 26: 95-103. 1975.
- Scott, Charles I. Dwarfism. Clinical Symposium, 1988; 40(1):9-10.
- Spranger, Jurgen W. Brill, Paula W. Poznanski, Andrew. Bone Dysplasias: An Atlas of Genetic Disorder of Skeletal Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2002.
- Walker, Bryan A. Murdoch, Lamont J. McKusick, Victor A. Langer, Leonard O. Beals, Rodney K. Hypochondroplasia. American Journal of Disease of Children. 122: 95-104. 1971.
From Nemours' KidsHealth
Trusted External Resources
Relaxation Techniques for Children With Serious Illness
Managing Stress
Nothing about serious illness is easy, but one of the hardest things for parents may be watching their child struggle with pain, stress, and anxiety.
Despite what we may sometimes tell ourselves, stress is not just "in our heads." The stress response — also called the flight-or-fight response — causes a rush of adrenaline and other hormones that trigger physical changes in the body: your heart races, your blood pressure rises, you breathe faster, your digestion slows, and your pupils dilate. Chronic stress takes a toll on the body as well as the mind.
The good news is that using a variety of mind-body relaxation techniques can help short-circuit the flight-or-fight response. Relaxation techniques not only can lessen a child's physical symptoms, they can also help him or her (and you!) regain a sense of control and confidence over a situation, helping everyone find moments of peace amid the chaos and isolation of illness and medical treatment.
Techniques That Can Help
These techniques are designed for parents and kids to practice together. Most can be done in a few minutes wherever you are, whether that's a quiet place or a crowded hospital, without any special tools.
However, it's important to note that these techniques should be used as a complement to conventional medical treatment for anxiety and pain, and not as a replacement — doing so could do a child more harm than good.
If your child is suffering from anxiety or pain, ask your doctor what can be done to help. And always check with your health care team to make sure that your child's symptoms are related to stress and not a different medical problem.
Focused Breathing
Pain and stress can leave a child breathing faster and shallower, or even holding his or her breath — all of which can actually keep the stress response going and heighten the intensity of pain. Paying attention to breathing can help calm the mind.
Try this exercise with your child:
- Step 1. Sit or lie comfortably and put one hand on your stomach, the other on your chest.
- Step 2. Close your eyes and try to relax all of your muscles, one by one, from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Don't forget to relax the muscles in your face, neck, and jaw; you may be storing a lot of tension there.
- Step 3. Breathe deeply and regularly for several minutes— and try to make your stomach (abdomen) rise and fall, not only your chest. This will help you deepen your breath.
- Step 4. Pay attention to each breath; try to turn all your thoughts to each inhale … exhale. As you breathe out, imagine the tension leaving your body with the breath.
At first, it may be difficult for you and your child to focus on breathing. Distracting thoughts are normal — but rather than following a thought and letting it consume you, try to let it drift out of your mind, like a balloon.
Relaxation Response Method
This technique asks a person to focus on breathing and quiet the mind to create a sense of calmness and well-being. And by repeating a word, phrase, or prayer during the exercise, the mind is able to stay focused more easily. When practicing this, it's normal for thoughts to pop into the mind. Tell your child to disregard them and just focus on the word or phrase he or she is repeating.
Resembling an Eastern form of meditation, this technique — called the relaxation response — was popularized and put into Western practice in the 1970s by Herbert Benson, MD. To elicit the relaxation response, follow Steps 1-4, and then:
- Step 5. Pick a focus word, phrase, sound, or prayer such as "om," "one," or "peace."
- Step 6. As you breathe, say the focus word silently to yourself as you exhale.
- Step 7. Continue for 5 or 10 minutes, ideally building up to 10 to 20 minutes for each session.
- Step 8. When you're finished, do not stand up immediately. Continue sitting quietly for a bit, letting other thoughts back into your mind. Open your eyes, but stay sitting for another minute before getting up.
When practicing, go at your own pace. Don't feel like you have to achieve a deep level of relaxation right away. Often, feelings of calmness and well-being are felt later on or at times of crisis.
To achieve ongoing results, try to practice the technique with your child once or twice daily, but not within 2 hours after eating, as digestion can interfere with the relaxation response. Some people find that the best time to meditate is first thing in the morning, before breakfast.
Guided Imagery
A growing body of medical research suggests that imagery also can help lessen pain and anxiety, and promote positive feelings. In fact, studies have found that people who practice guided imagery during chemotherapy feel more relaxed and positive about their chemo experience than those who don't use the technique.
Guided imagery (also called "visualization") often works best when a person starts with a few minutes of focused breathing. Here's how it works: With eyes closed, imagine a safe place or a location you once visited that brought a feeling of contentment and joy. Hold on to the image of that place for a while, trying to picture all the sights and sounds:
- What does the ground beneath you feel like? Is it weather warm or a chilly? Is there a breeze?
- Are there any animal noises in the distance, or nature sounds (like running water) that you could hear?
Getting as descriptive as possible about this safe place will help you and your child get "into" the moment and feel relaxed.
Some children find this exercise more helpful when they are "guided" by a parent, another live instructor, or with a guided imagery CD or DVD.
As with meditation, distracting thoughts will float into the mind as you practice guided imagery. Acknowledge these thoughts, and then let them drift away while you move your attention back to the images in your mind and sounds you hear.
Music Therapy
Just as pleasant images can calm the mind and soothe the body, so can music. Kids who undergo music therapy — the research-based use of music to lift moods and promote mental and physical well-being — have been found to have lowered heart rates and blood pressure, and improved anxiety.
Many hospitals provide a licensed, trained music therapist who can work individually with kids to develop a customized treatment plan that engages them in:
- active play that includes listening to music
- dancing or moving the body to music
- playing instruments or improvising on them
- singing along
To participate in music therapy, your child doesn't need to read music or have any special musical talents. And the best part is that you can practice music therapy at home. By choosing music that both you and your child enjoy — and setting aside time to listen, dance, sing, or experiment with an instrument together — you, too, can teach your child the joys of music.
Energy Therapy
Energy therapy is based on the understanding that there are electrical currents in all living organisms. This produces magnetic energy fields that extend around and beyond the body, just like the Earth's electromagnetic field. Proponents of this therapy believe that gentle, light touch or above-the-body hand movements can redirect energy to places where it's needed in an effort to bring the body into "balance" or harmony.
Energy therapy continues to be scientifically explored and, and findings note that it promotes healing as it helps kids feel more relaxed, less anxious, and less bothered by pain. It also empowers them to feel like they are in control and can do something to help themselves feel better.
Many different types of energy therapy are practiced all over the world, including Healing Touch, therapeutic touch, Reiki and Johrei (from Japan), and Qi gong (from China).
In the United States, many hospitals offer Healing Touch as a complement to standard treatments for anxiety, pain, or other medical problems, meaning that they are used with the therapies and/or medications that the medical teams order.
And some nurses, doctors, or other health care providers are certified in Healing Touch techniques through a required national certification examination. Healing Touch is the only energy therapy with this requirement. They may be able to offer this service to your child, and can teach you how to practice Healing Touch at home.
Massage Therapy
If you like to take a more hands-on approach to soothing and comforting your child, you might prefer massage. The benefits of massage are well known, offering muscle relaxation and increased blood flow and oxygen to body parts to help alleviate stress and ease pain.
But some types of massage are not recommended for certain types of conditions, so check with your doctor first before massaging your child or taking your child to a massage therapist.
The most common forms of massage used in complementary medicine include:
- Swedish massage. Therapists use their hands to move muscles and joints with long, gliding strokes, tapping movements, friction (made by moving hands quickly) and kneading. Massage oils may be used, so be sure to tell the therapist about any allergies or sensitivities to ingredients that your child may have.
- Deep-tissue massage. Many of the same techniques are used as in Swedish massage, only therapists apply more pressure to specific areas, concentrating on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
- Trigger-point massage. Like deep-tissue massage, this technique massages deeper layers of tissue, focusing on what therapists call trigger points ("knots") within the connective tissue or muscles that are usually painful when pressed.
Many hospitals have massage therapists on hand to offer massages to both patients and their family members, so find out if massage therapy is offered at your hospital.
Learn More
These are just a few of the many methods designed to help patients and families cope with pain and anxiety. Many people find that yoga, stretching, or light, gentle exercise also helps to quiet the mind and soothe the body.
To learn more about relaxation techniques, talk to your child's health care team.
Reviewed by: Walle Adams-Gerdts, BA, RN, HTCP/I
Date reviewed: September 26, 2016


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The Swiss Crocodile in this feature is Ron Brook's 4mm scale model of an iconic electric locomotive – named after its long low snouts – modified from the Rosebud Kitmaster model. Kit 12, moulded in Raunds, Northamptonshire between 1959 and 1962, was one of many ( to British modellers of the time) exotic foreign choices such as Italian 0-6-0T number 8 and Deutsche Bundesbahn Baureihe 23 number 19 – all set among the more familiar Battle of Britain Pacifics and BR Standard Moguls. Indeed, it has been pointed out that Kitmaster might have been more successful in its foreign sales had its European and American locomotives and rolling stock been made to the H0 (1/87) scale used in the USA and on the Continent rather than the 00 (1/76) familiar in Britain.
The instruction sheet began:
Swiss Federal Railways "Crocodile" Series Be 6/8
The locomotives of this series had been specially constructed for the hauling of heavy freight trains over the steep gradients of the Swiss Alps. Over the Gotthard main line, for example, southwards from the Lake of Lucerne, the line climbs roughly 2 000 feet in 18 miles, and has long stretches of 1 in 40 over which heavy passenger and goods trains have to be worked. Very powerful locomotives, therefore, in order that reasonable speeds may be maintained. The "Crocodile" locomotive is able to haul a train of 300 tons up this incline at a steady 31 mph, or to handle a train of 1 500 tons on easier gradients.
The technical details of the Series Be 6/8 locomotives are as follows:
Diameter of driving wheels 4′ 6 1/8″
Diameter of bogie wheels 3′ 1 3/8″
Service weight 130.9 tons
Friction weight 108.4 tons
Maximum tractive effort 6 000 lb
Length 65′ 9″
Continuous rating at 23 mph 2 200 bhp
Maximum speed 46 mph
With regards to the series indications, i.e. Be 6/8, it is interesting to note that the first, and capital letter, refers to speed (A=over 80 km/h, B=70-80 km/h, C=60-65/km/h) et cetera, and the second, miniscule letter "e" indicates that it is an electric traction vehicle. As to the figures given in the form of a fraction, the one before the stroke, or the numerator, indicates the number of driving axles, and the one behind the stroke, or the denominator, indicates the total number of axles; thus 6/6 = six driving axles to a total number of 6 axles i.e. all axles are driving in this case.
During the years 1926-1927, 18 locomotives of this series were built and the numbers range from 13301 to 13318. They are now being used in more level parts of the country, as the new 6 600 bhp electric locomotives ( Series Ae 6/6 numbers 11401 – 11450) which replace them on the Gotthard are being supplied.
The decals supplied with Rosebud Kit 12 representing the 1C-C1 (or 2-6-0+0-6-2) centre cab engine are for the number 13305, nowadays preserved in its post 1956 Be 6/8 condition with the yellow grab rails standardised for all Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) motive power in that year. However, Swiss Historic 13305 would have started life in 1926 with gearing for higher torque at low speed and is thus most often designated as Class Ce 6/8 III. Similarly, SBB locomotives 13301 to 13318 would have worn brown rather than green livery up to 1928.
Having received the assembled plastic model from Ron unpainted, I added missing handrails fashioned from paperclips and based the green, grey and white livery on internet images rather than the colour scheme suggested by Kitmaster which included a British style red buffer beam. The green element was created by mixing Humbrol Gloss 3 with about 30% of the matt mid grey used on the running gear.
As such – in its un-numbered unweathered straight-out-of-the-paintshop livery (without even worn pantograph contacts!) it would make a good companion for some Swiss Air Force de Havilland Venoms and Hawker Hunters on Universal Works! Until then however, the model will be stored in separate nose and cab sections, reflecting the way in which the real Be 6/8 III would have pivoted to negotiate sharp curves and setting the Swiss Crocodiles apart from many outwardly similar centre-cab electric engines in Europe and the USA with rigid superstructures and either bogies or rigid wheelbases.
Bordered by France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Lichtenstein, the Swiss Confederation with its capital at Bern was formed in 1291 and later became free of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The first railway station in Switzerland was built in 1845 at Basel at the end of the French Alsace Railway although the first purely Swiss standard gauge line opened between Baden and Zurich in 1847.
On 20 February 1898 the Swiss people agreed by referendum to the creation of a state owned railway company to take over the many private railways that had been built in Switzerland during the 19th century. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) began operations on 1 January 1902.
From the 1920s, Swiss Federal Railways prioritized railway electrification – largely on the 15 000 volts ac overhead catenary system – in order to win back public confidence after the First World War had interrupted supplies of imported coal. Although steam was not to disappear from SBB until 1968, even major secondary lines in the landlocked mountainous country were to be electrified with hydro electric power by 1937. Indeed, when the Second World War brought shortages of both coal and the metal needed to build new electric locomotives, SBB created some "steam electric" shunting engines by replacing their boiler firetubes with heating elements energised from the overhead catenary.
Today such marvels of civil engineering as the Gotthard base tunnel have reinforced Switzerland's position as the high speed railway crossroads of Europe, not least as they also carry many of the heavy articulated lorries banned from the roads by the traditionally neutral nation's strict environmental protection laws.


text: Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Johnson, Orlando, announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Lisa, to Jeffrey Charles Shuck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reggie C. Shuck, Orlando. The wedding is planned for August. The bride-elect graduated from Boone High, Orlando. Her fiance graduated from Boone High and attends Valencia Community College, Orlando.


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The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published the first report in a new series of pilot education documents. The first report focuses on aircraft accidents involving unnecessary and unauthorized low-level flying.
In a press statement that accompanied the release of the Low-level Flying report, the ATSB says:
Between 1999 and 2008, there were 147 fatal accidents in Australia reported to the ATSB involving aerial work, flying training, private, business, sport and recreational flying. Of those fatal accidents, at least six were associated with unauthorised, and unnecessary, low flying. Those six accidents, along with a seventh non-fatal accident, presented here as case studies, were chosen by aviation safety investigators at the ATSB to highlight the inherent dangers of unauthorised low flying and to offer some lessons learnt from each case. It is hoped that these lessons learnt will help pilots make more accurate risk assessments and better decisions before electing to fly at low levels.The report is available for download, free of charge, here: Avoidable Accidents, No. 1: Low-level Flying - ATSB (24-page 'pdf' file)
At low altitudes, there are many obstacles to avoid and there is a lower margin for error. Recognising the risks and hazards of low-level flying, CASA requires pilots to receive special training and endorsements before they can legally conduct low-level flying. In the accidents below, most of the pilots had neither of these, and none had a legitimate reason to be flying below 500 ft. Some legitimate reasons for flying at low level include aerial stock mustering, crop spraying, and fire fighting operations. For most private pilots, there is generally no reason to fly at low levels, except during takeoff and landing, conducting a forced or precautionary landing, or to avoid adverse weather conditions.
What is sad and unfortunate about the accidents described in the following case studies is that they were all avoidable.


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1. Playing sports is not all fun and games.After the initial excitement—signing up, buying sports equipment, trying on the uniform—wears off, practice and hard work and tiredness set in.Practice will not always be fun.Your child will be tired. Is the season almost over? And then there'sthe drama that is inevitable when kids and parents collide in competition. I'm not gonna lie, sometimes it gets downright ugly.
2. Your athlete may not be treated fairly. Your kid probably won't get a lot of things you and he think he deserves: the position he wants (even though he is, of course, better at it than little Johnny), the playing time, the recognition.And sometimes, there's just no answer for the unfairness of it all.
3. The sports parent's job is exhausting and demanding. You will spend hours traveling, volunteering, washing uniforms, and sitting in bleachers (invest in one of those bleacher chairs now, your butt will thank you).Not to mention the emotional exhaustion of truths #1 and 2.
4. Sports may not work for your child. It's okay if your kid tries sports and doesn't like them.There's always band, ballet, gymnastics, art, drama, student government, choir, photography, Girl or Boy Scouts—and the list goes on. Let them experiment when they are young until they find their niche.And then support them, even if it means they will not be the sports star you dreamed you'd have.
5. Sports will teach hard life lessons for your child. I'm sure you've heard this a thousand times, but until you experience the struggles and challenges as a parent with your child, the truth of it does not sink in.
6. Sports Parenting will teach tough life lessons for YOU. Self-control, patience, perspective—if we let it, sports participation brings just as much character development to the parents as it does to the kids.The question is, will you be humble enough to recognize it?
If your child plays sports, is it worth all the trouble and expense and inconvenience?After 16 years of watching my kids play, I say, yes! For every minute of frustration and anger and disappointment;there were cheers of excitement or tears of pride as I watched my kids fight hard, fail, persist, succeed and grow through their sports experiences.
There are few more rewarding things in life than watching your child work hard and succeed.And doing it from the bleachers makes it even more fun.
For more Positive Sportsparenting tips from Janis, visit JBMthinks.com and check out Janis' Sports Parenting Survival Guide Series.


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Prince Charles Compares Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler
http://t.co/LeZLxKeC1S Sound harsh?Now listen to 'Babai'/'Bogeyman,'#Russia's fav terrorist in #Ukraine MT @sandurka pic.twitter.com/GcS7QYWpQ6
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) May 21, 2014
Even a broken clock is right twice a day…
Prince Charles reportedly compared Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.
The Telegraph reported:
Prince Charles has reportedly likened Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.
In an unguarded comment about the Russian President's actions in the Ukraine, the Prince of Wales told a woman who had lost relatives in the Nazi Holocaust: "And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler," the Daily Mail reported.
The Prince's comment could potentially be seen as criticism of the West for failing to confront Mr Putin over his seizure of Crimea. The annexation was a first by a major power in Europe since 1945.
Commentators have likened Russia's handing of the Ukraine crisis to Hitler's takeovers of Poland and Czechoslovakia and have criticised Mr Putin's use of special forces in disguise to stir up tension in disputed areas.
The Prince of Wales, who is due to meet Mr Putin at the D-Day commemorations in France on June 6, made his well-intentioned but unguarded comment during a visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Mail said.
Support for Putin has dwindled in Ukraine over the past year.
As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to edit or remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, anti-Semitism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. The same applies to trolling, the use of multiple aliases, or just generally being a jerk. Enforcement of this policy is at the sole discretion of the site administrators and repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without warning. Guest posting is disabled for security reasons.


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American Manufacturing Quality Mud Pumps and Parts
AXG (FG-AXG) - Duplex Power Pump
The American Model FG-AXG is a duplex reciprocating-type power slush pump designed for maximizing volume without sacrifice of working pressure and compactness.
Its power end is a rugged, one-piece unit with integral supports for jackshaft and eccentric shaft bearings. The cover is removable for easy access to the power end components.
Connecting rods are one-piece cast alloy with renewable eccentric bushings and crosshead bushings. The one-piece skirt type cast alloy crosshead is reinforced at all load areas.
Fluid end of the FG-AXG is a one-piece casting with conventional pot-type valves. Steel studs secure valve covers, flanges, and plates to the fluid end, and fluid end to power end.
All bearings are sealed in individual pressure gun lubricated housings. Eccentrics, crossheads, and pins are lubricated from the power end reservoir through normal movement of parts.
American lubricator-type packing glands provide positive lubrication to piston rods. This pump is equipped with American pistons, hardened liners, rods, and valves.
Note: All installations must contain a pressure relief valve in the discharge line near the pump to help prevent breakage.
Based on 90% mechanical efficiency and 100% volumetric efficiency.
**These speeds are recommended for favorable suction conditions and consideration must be given to viscosity and character of fluids.
***Maximum working pressure shown applies to the fluid ends. Power ends are designed for certain maximum piston rod loads, and in service the power end determines the maximum pressure on a given size piston. Tabulated maximum pressure for any given size piston for maximum piston rod load must not be exceeded even at reduced RPM.


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There were far more technology demos than full-fledged games at Nintendo's DS demonstration at E3, and some of these non-games were pretty fun in their own right&#Array;even though it's tough to say how they'll ever come to market when the system finally hits shelves at the end of this year.
One of these demos was called Carving. The concept is simple: Players take their pick from one of six different textured cylinders, from metallic to wood to a Mario textured object, and start carving away a design. Basically, once players choose their cylinder, it moves to the top of the lower touch screen where only half of it is revealed&#Array;it starts spinning at a high speed as if it was on a wood carving power tool. Players simply use the stylus to "carve" into the material as it spins, either digging deep towards the center or simply hacking away a little bit on the edge. When the task is finished, players can view their object in full 3D, spinning and rotating it on all three axis to check it out in all angles. You can then choose to throw it away, or keep it...the item is then moved from the lower screen to the upper screen as a display item.
This demonstration is meant to show off the 3D capabilities of the Nintendo DS, as well as just how sensitive the touch screen on the system really is. You can literally carve away at the object on a pixel by pixel basis, creating a near endless variety of table leg designs.
I have no idea how this could be made into a full-fledged game, mind you&#Array;but it sure was fun to play around with.


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PUPILS at Cumbernauld High School were some of the first pupils in the UK to have seen and taken part in a morning workshop relating to the First2aMillion campaign.
As we reported earlier, the First2aMillion video campaign features four stories; Tariq's story, Meg's story, Lucas' story and Aleeya's story, as part of the project which was produced by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), with the aim to bring home the risks of uploading improper media onto the net.
Today, pupils at Cumbernauld High School were among the first to see the new video and pupils were shown the first story; Tariq's story, which discussed the issue of peer pressure and cyberbullying.
The project now moves onto Belfast with the films which feature escalating ill-fated pranks and sexual content.
After the morning session at Cumbernauld High School, @Thinkuknow, the Twitter account heading up the First2aMillion project said: "A big thank you to Cumbernauld High! Had a great morning talking to their pupils about #First2aMillion."
Police say images that teenagers put on websites can end up in the hands of sex offenders and so the film, which is aimed at 13 to 18-year-olds, shows a group of teenagers competing to gain one million views of their videos as they continually produce increasingly outrageous videos each featuring pranks and sexual material.
After the event pupils were asked for their opinions on the video which they had viewed with each pupil appearing to recognise the same issue; that peer pressure was a social problem in society.
One student said: "I think Tariq was influenced a lot by the people around him and in the end he caught up in it, meaning that it was him that done the wrong thing."
Another High School student said: "He [Tariq] doesn't want to just sit back and look as if he's getting bullied; he's not going to take it and so he wants to defend himself."
Another pupil commented: "I think that Tariq seemed to be one of the characters who do want other people want him to do and it's clear that he had a thing for Aleeya. I think he just wanted to go with her because he liked her that way."
"Peer pressure is a fairly huge issue at the moment because people feel pressured to say certain things about someone," added another student.
"Peer pressure definitely makes people do things that they would normally not want to do," commented a fifth student.
Walter Muir, Cumbernauld High School's Headteacher said: "Peer pressure is a massive issue for all pupils, even if it is just what you wear, what you do and the idea that you have to have Facebook; you have to have the most up-to-date phone."
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Modern Nesting Dolls by Joel Henriques
We've been following Portland-based artist Joel Henriques, via his amazing kids' craft site Made by Joel, over at Ohdeedoh, and we were not surprised at all to learn that his art for grownups is just as fun and inspiring as his stuff for kids. This recent commission has gotten us excited about the creative potential of nesting dolls all over again. The three biggest are pictured above. Click through to see the full set of fourteen.
Joel handpainted these nesting dolls – the largest is the size of an egg, the smallest is even tinier than a peppercorn – for his photographer friend Lisa, who keeps a blog called Infinite Monkey Theory, where she also blogged the dolls. (Lisa mentions that the set actually contains fifteen dolls, but apparently it was impossible to open the second tiniest.)
Visit Made by Joel to see behind-the-scenes shots of how Joel painted all the pieces in this set. You can also watch a cute stop-motion video that showcases each doll in the set.
To check out (or buy) more of Joel's art – he also creates contemporary still lifes, sculptures, and mobiles – visit his main website.


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I am pleased to introduce myself as one of the newest members to the team. With a diverse background that includes the management of a small business, backpacking around the world, and a recent appointment as communications director at a national charity, I will bring a strong sense of efficiency and forward movement to teampages.
I have spent a lot of my time helping youths to develop into successful adults with a sense of belonging. I believe that physical health and sports can help immensely for people of all ages grow and fulfil the sense of companionship necessary to enjoy life. I couldn't be more excited to join this team, and look forward to interacting with members of the TeamPages community.
5 Questions
1. What is your role at teampages and what will you be doing?
I will be part of the sales development team, focusing on all functions related to initial contact and educating customers about what we offer.
2. What are you most excited about with your new position at teampages?
I am thrilled to be working with such an enthusiastic, passionate team on a product I strongly believe in.
3. What do you like to do in your spare time?
If I can steer clear of the grips of an addicting Netflix series, I enjoy finding creative ways to stay active, attending sporting events and planning future travel experiences.
4. What is your favourite sports quote?
"We're going to turn this team around 360 degrees" -Jason Kidd
5. You recently moved to Vancouver, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to exploring the nearby hiking and nature areas that Vancouver has to offer. I have only heard stories of these places, it's time to go and check them out!
If you share a passion for travelling, outdoor activities or beards, hit me up on twitter @mattrlanglois1.


text:
printed copy
J.A. Johnstone,
William W. Johnstone
Freedom Is Never Free
After the President closes Guantanamo Bay to hold civilian trials for the terrorists, some of them are relocated to Hell's Gate Prison in West Texas. Until a group of fanatical sleeper-cell shock troops launch an all-out assault to "liberate" their jailed comrades. There's just one problem: they don't know that Army Ranger Lucas Kincaid is working at Hell's Gate.
With the town's high school team held hostage and in danger of being executed one by one, Kincaid assembles a ragtag band of survivors and aging hardcore cons into a lethal fighting force to keep the unholy warriors from their deadly mission. And Kincaid and his men are on their own--everyone, from the President on down, orders Kincaid to give in to the terrorists' demands.
But warrior Lucas Kincaid, out-numbered and out-gunned, won't back down.
One thing's for sure: when the enemy gets to Hell, they'll know America sent them.
Bill, as he preferred to be called, began tutoring J.A. at an early age. After-school hours were often spent retyping manuscripts or researching his massive American Western History library as well as the more modern wars and conflicts. J.A. worked hard—and learned.
"Every day with Bill was an adventure story in itself. Bill taught me all he could about the art of storytelling and creating believable characters. 'Keep the historical facts accurate,' he would say. 'Remember the readers, and as your grandfather once told me, I am telling you now: be the best J.A. Johnstone you can be.'"
Just to give you a brief rundown on who William W. Johnstone is, here are the basic facts. He was born in Southern Missouri, the youngest of four kids. His father was a minister and his mother was a schoolteacher.
He quit school when he was fifteen and joined a carnival after getting kicked out of the FFL (for being underage), but he went back and finished high school in 1957. After that he worked as a deputy sheriff, did a hitch in the army, came back and went into radio broadcasting, where he worked for sixteen years.
Johnstone started writing in 1970, but he didn't get published until late 1979. He has written almost a hundred books including the best-selling Ashes series and the Mountain Man series. He began writing full-time in the early 1980s and hasn't stopped since. His first published book was THE DEVIL'S KISS and his favorite, so far, is THE LAST OF THE DOG TEAM.
Blood Bond
Code Name
Dog Team
Family Jensen
First Mountain Man
Last Gunfighter
Last Mountain Man
Luke Jensen, Bounty HunterMacCallister
Matt Jensen
Phoenix Rising
Savage Texas
Town Called Fury
Trail West
Based on 0 reviews


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Bookmark this page!
Multiple seals distinguish the Zero-Leak Gold Banjo Fitting from traditional washer dependent Banjo fittings. Two separate and independent seals form a double redundant sealing system. A primary metal-to-metal seal works in conjunction with an elastomeric back-up seal to create a zero-leak connection.
A: Metal-to-metal primary seals
B: Elastomeric back-up seals


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Car parking charges on Sundays will be introduced in Fife – but only from 1pm.
Fife Council's executive committee today (Tuesday) rejected moves to introduce all-day charges and also calls to keep parking free on Sundays.
Delaying the start time for charges until 1pm means Sunday morning church goers will not be affected.
Half the objections received by the council in relation to introducing charges on Sundays came from churches, church groups or mentioned churches.
All other objections – relating to the impact on businesses, tourism and residents – came from the St Andrews area.
Twenty churches in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and St Andrews are within charged parking areas, and 11 of them had objected to all-day parking charges.
Councillor Lesley Laird, depute leader, said: "With Sunday trading now commonplace, demand for parking within our town centres on Sundays is generally like any other day of the week and we need to find ways to manage the demand.
"With the ongoing significant budget challenges facing all local authorities, potentially up to £40 million of cuts this year for Fife, we are one of the few councils that hadn't already introduced parking charges on Sundays and, as a council, we signed up for this when we approved our budget decisions back in February.
"Parking charges in Fife compare very favourably with neighbouring authorities and in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy the private car park operators associated with the shopping centres already charge all day on Sundays.
"More broadly, we recognise the challenges all our towns are facing and that different solutions maybe required.
"A good example of this is the parking pilot in Kirkcaldy which was developed by the BID company and Area Committee as a response to the withdrawal of Tesco and more recently BHS from the town centre. It is being funded through a £60,000 contribution from the area committee budget and will run as a pilot for 12 months.
"Discussions have also begun with Dunfermline and St Andrew's BID companies to look at a range of parking suggestions that they have made and which may be appropriate for future consideration and at their local Area Committees.
Charges at metered on-street and off-street parking places on Sundays after 1pm will be introduced across the region early in the new year.


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(JASONVILLE) - Firefighters dealt with three explosions Thursday morning while battling a house fire in Jasonville.
According to Jasonville Fire Chief Justin Disney, the fire was caused after a space heater overturned.
The Greene County Daily World reports that firefighters were called to the blaze at 8:39 a.m. at the single-story home at the corner of Lincoln and Keagy streets.
Wright Township and Lewis Township Volunteer Fire Departments assisted.
Disney says the fire started in the kitchen area. The names of the homeowners were not available.
Firefighters had to deal with a few minor explosions after small Coleman propan cylinders exploded after being exposed to the intense heat and ruptured.
Greene County Red Cross Coordinator David Neal was also at the scene to help direct water and coffee to the firefighters who were battling the blaze.
Firefighters were on the scene until 11:30 a.m.
Have a question or comment about a news story? Send it to email@example.com
1340 AM WBIW, Bedford's Place To Talk. Serving Lawrence and surrounding counties since 1948!
© 2018 Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. WBIW.com and Listen Live Powered by HPC


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Clark Beckham sings 'Sunday Morning' on American Idol 2015 Top 10 (VIDEO)
Clark Beckham sang "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5 from Cheaper by the Dozen 2 on American Idol XIV Season 14 on Thursday, March 19 for Movie Night Week.
"You know what the arrangement means," said Harry Connick Jr. "You just put your arrangement on that song and knocked it out of the park."
"You are such a good singer," said Keith Urban.
Clark Beckham
American Idol American Idol 14Clark BeckhamSunday MorningTV PromoVideo


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Caring Centers at First.
Our Caring Centers are the heartbeat of our church. They serve as the primary outlets for our local missions and outreach. At each location, we serve men, women and children who are under-resourced and in need of assistance for their tangible needs. Our goal at the Caring Centers is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of every person who walks through our doors.
Below you will find more details about our Caring Centers and how you might be involved in serving Tulsa.
Downtown Campus
At our Caring Center downtown, we serve people from all walks of life including the temporary and chronically homeless, needy families, single adults and children. The Caring Center downtown has over 200 regular volunteers who serve daily, weekly and monthly. Many others serve during special events and on other occasions. The Caring Center downtown is open as follows:
Clothing Ministry – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Clothing is available every 8 weeks with a US issued photo ID.
Food Ministry – 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Each head of household must present a US issued photo ID and a proof of residence.
Utility Assistance – Please call 918.587.1571 Mondays at 8:30 am.
South Campus
At our Caring Center South, we primarily serve families with children who live in the Union School district. The Caring Center South is also open to anyone in the community. New & gently used clothes are available to community members and a variety of other services are also offered. The Caring Center South serves as the primary clothing closet the Union Public School district. We are excited and eager to serve this community.
6110 South 99th East Avenue, Tulsa
Clothing is available every 4 weeks and we ask for some form of ID for each person receiving clothing.
School Partnerships
At FBC we work closely with 5 partner schools across the Tulsa Metro Area: Union Grove Elementary, Union 6/7 Center, Springdale Elementary and Marian Anderson Elementary Schools in North Tulsa and Northwoods Fine Arts Academy in Sand Springs.


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Game thread, Mariners at Athletics, 9/30
12:35, on FSN
Franklin v Redman
Ichiro! v Sisler
Possible position players to plunk in retaliation for Ichiro's beaning, if Melvin protected his players, which he doesn't:
Erubiel Durazo, DH
Eric Chavez, 3B
Mark Kotsay, CF
If you want value for value, though, you really have to plunk Durazo and someone else like Byrnes. To make a serious point, you'd plunk Durazo and Chavez.
Not that I'm advocating a beanball war. Though the A's might be slow to retaliate, given that they're in a pennant race and don't want to get injured or suspended.
I'm only going to say that if I was Melvin, I've got 20 relievers I can bring in to plunk somebody in the butt to make my point, if I get tossed it's no big deal, if they get tossed it's no big deal, but protecting Ichiro! is worth doing (if you think beaning, say, Durazo and Byrnes does that) (I mean, as long as you're not going to protect Madrtisch's arm).
75 Responses to "Game thread, Mariners at Athletics, 9/30"
Paul Weaver on
September 30th, 2004 2:50 pm
#43, tede.
The reason it is illogical from a strategic winning perspecitve, is you just gave a free base, gave up a potential out. That's all. Nothing to do with Liberal or Conservative. I was even advocating for it….so I'm not sure what you were getting at.
I can't really answer your question because I don't know the answer. Maybe the plunkers win, maybe the non plunkers win…*shrug* Can't say. Who's keeping track? I went with the plunkers, but it's a guess.
On another note,#36 Troy – good call on Olivo, too bad it was after the fact you decided to say something. I wanted to hear a bet – it's too late now.
It's the 8th. If the M's go 3 and out each inning, no more at bats for Ichiro….come oooonnnn somebody!
Evan on
September 30th, 2004 2:52 pm
"…in the baseball spectrum AS A WHOLE, new school statistical analysis like most of us here ascribe to are parallel in certain ways to much of what are liberal politics…"
Honestly, that would surprise me. Given the sabermetric tendency to measure stuff, it seems to run more in parallel with far-right capitalist economics principles ("if it matters, measure it"). The old-school baseball guys ("you can see his obvious potential if you just watch him play") seems more parallel to leftist economic policies ("obviously, the best way to help the poor is to give them money"). Neither one tends to use detailed analysis of outcomes when determining a course of action.
John Wiebe on
September 30th, 2004 2:55 pm
#44: I would rank the Mariner broadcast team, as a whole, somewhere in the middle of the pack. Off the top of my head:
Dodgers: Scully, best in baseball.
Giants: Krukow and Kuiper, solid (and I hate the Giants).
Padres: Jerry Coleman just isn't getting it done anymore, and his partner is worse.
Angels: Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler say things that make Valle sound like Billy Beane.
Yankees: Does anybody like Michael Kay? Easily worse than the Mariners' team.
And of course there are many more, some better, some worse than the M's. Just a few examples.
Evan on
September 30th, 2004 2:57 pm
The Braves and White Sox have dreadful commentators, too. Far worse than ours.
I kinda like the YES guys.
DMZ on
September 30th, 2004 2:59 pm
I've listened to a ton of broadcast crews and I hate, hate, hate the M's. Not because they're the worst, but more because the more you're exposed to a particular set of bad broadcasters, the more their schtick wears thing. I thought Valle and Henderson were interesting and cool changes initially, and then soured on them pretty quickly.
So I freely admit that familiarity has led to discontent on my part. And also that it takes a great talent to rise above that effect, that expecting that kind of greatness might be too much, and that I should be lucky I don't have to listen to the Wonderdog or the YES Network crew.
But that doesn't change my gut reaction every time I hear "Hi again everybody, it's Rick Rizzs and…"
tede on
September 30th, 2004 3:02 pm
#43Paul Weaver. The point is that you protect the outside and inside parts of the plate. And you don't as a pitcher let your teammates get abused because the other team will make a habit of it. Best point is Frank Thomas who whines like a baby if you pitch him inside. If you don't he's gonna hog the entire strike zone and extend his arms. And strategically that ain't good. And for not protecting your teammates, supposedly (insert Mariner urban legend here) Eric Hanson didn't and Griffey and Buhner definitely didn't like that.
Mets, Phillies and Padres at the Safe next year. Oh boy!
Paul Weaver on
September 30th, 2004 3:12 pm
Hello Tede. I've never argued against your point, so I don't know why you lumped me in with Hans. Besides, I think you are pushing it off topic. You always throw inside if that's where the hitter can't hit it – if the "liberal democrat manager" advises his pitchers to avoid conflict by pitching outside, then he's not staying employed, because he's not winning. The contention is not about sticking to your game and staying mentally tough. The contention is: are retalitory HBPs going to lead to wins? I suggested yes, but without conclusive evidence I also presented the other side of the argument as I often do in my posts. So, we're in agreeance, but you're arguing with me, man.
Looks like the M's aren't going to do it though….*sigh*
I don't think Ichiro will seethe about it the way Griffey or Buhner would. It seems almost like a non-issue now.
Ichiro coming up…
John Wiebe on
September 30th, 2004 3:13 pm
The expectation of greatness is what Dodger fans are going through right now. Vin Scully is so good, well, to say that we're spoiled doesn't tell the half of it. As a result, Ross Porter isn't as popular, and he's quietly served as Scully's sidekick for 28 years. Frank McCourt has floated the rumor of replacing Ross next year, and I think he was surprised when the fan reaction was averse to the idea. We like Ross, but we spend so much time praising Vin that a new owner can almost be forgiven for thinking that Porter was expendable.
At any rate, I agree with Derek that the more you hear bad announcers the worse they get. Physioc and Hudler are particularly cringe-worthy because they never, ever fail to espouse the virtues of the Angels' style of baseball, which is supposedly the reason they won it all on '02 (and not the homers and extra-base hits from Glaus, Salmon, et al.). "Look how the Angels move those runners over! That's Mike Scioscia right there folks, they work on that in spring training, making productive outs, bunting, putting on the hit-and-run, stealing bases!"
Then, when a hit-and-run turns into an inning-ending strikeout-throw-em-out double play to jettison a rally, or a sac bunt keeps the Angels away from the big inning, they somehow fail to mention the downside of Scioscia's style, or the risks that come with always blindly taking the extra base, no matter the situation.
Jeremy on
September 30th, 2004 3:14 pm
John Wiebe,
Here's a few more broadcasting crews for you. I've had the chance to listen to a few of these crews since moving from Bremerton to Arkansas last year:
Rangers — Josh Lewin and Tom Grieve: I hate Lewin, but Grieve is solid.
Cardinals — Joe Buck (part-time), Dan McLaughlin, Al Hrabosky: McLaughlin is bland, but Hrabosky is insane. He's the Mad Hungarian for a reason. And Joe Buck has grown on me.
Astros — Bill Brown and Jim Deshaies: I've always been a fan of Deshaies, since his playing days.
However, the White Sox have the worst broadcasting crew. Hawk Harrelson and Darrin Jackson, good god. PUT THIS ON THE BOARD, HAWK…YOUR TEAM IS STILL MEDIOCRE. Too bad, so sad.
John Wiebe on
September 30th, 2004 3:29 pm
"And Joe Buck has grown on me."
Since getting MLB.TV, I've come to realize there are two Joe Bucks. One is the national TV, working-with-McCarver Buck that dumbs down everything and tries to appeal to the common fan. The other is the regular-season Cardinals game Buck that makes witty, subtle jokes and good observations. So yes, I have to say Buck has grown on me as well.
The Lewin-Grieve team in Texas couldn't be more opposite. Lewin is excitable and young and loud. Grieve is older, wiser, and wouldn't raise his voice if the Rangers were winning the World Series.
Paul Weaver on
September 30th, 2004 3:32 pm
game over. Ichiro strikes out, Atchison gives up the long ball to Crosby.
DMZ as Trollotron 2000 on
September 30th, 2004 3:33 pm
"The reason most hard core baseball analysts are on the left is because they're smart."
Seriously, as much as there's a perception that BP, etc are left-wingers, it's just not true. Knowing a lot of the BP guys personally, the team runs the political spectrum. If there's one thing in common, it's an anti-authority streak which the last couple years in particular makes us come off as far more left-y than we are.
We're not exaggerating when we say that in the last presidential election as a group BP probably cast a ballot for every candiate, and for the same candidates for wildly divergent reasons.
Not sure what that's worth.
Sean on
September 30th, 2004 3:42 pm
I was at the game last night, and I thought Ichiro got hit because Madritsch threw two pitches up and in to Chavez a few innings earlier.
Jeff Sullivan on
September 30th, 2004 3:45 pm
Today's comments have covered a range of topics, from baseball to left-wing analysts to genital herpes.
I just thought that should be pointed out.
sidereal on
September 30th, 2004 3:47 pm
The best comment anyone has made on this thread about politics is that we shouldn't talk about it. It's an absolute third rail. I just had this political argument with someone and by the end I wanted to tear into him for being so asinine. Later it turned out we shared a ton of hobbies (really obscure ones involving painted miniature aliens) and probably would have gotten along swell if we hadn't talked politics first. So do yourself a favor and save it for the political blogs.
On announcers:
Where the hell is Jon Miller these days? Absolutely the best. I'd taken him over anyone, even Scully.
Troy on
September 30th, 2004 3:48 pm
I'm sure you're correct about the political diversity DMZ, it just seems to me like the leftys are much more vocal about their leanings and opinions. But you're probably right,it has more to do with who's in power than anything. If the blogosphere was up and running back then it's likely the conservatives would have been the more vocal group under Clinton. Good point.
Matt on
September 30th, 2004 3:51 pm
MVP Baseball 2k4 made me realize that we actually have a decent broadcast team. Krukow and Kiper are terrible "Grab some pine meat!" Ugh, fratboy broadcasting at it's worst.
Also, politics on a baseball board should be a no go.
tede on
September 30th, 2004 4:03 pm
Ron Santo anybody? Guy has had his health problems but does like game like he his sitting on a barstool and finishing his lunch.
How about some of the old M's TV guys: Wes Stock (boring), Maz (ditto but really don't remember), Bill Freehan (IIRC, he was sorta OK, but left for college baseball), Joe Simpson (it's was like having Willie Bloomquist doing the games. Couldn't get over how bad he sucked as the M's CF). Any others?
And of course, Niehaus' original sidekick Ken Wilson ('77-'82). He left for hockey and this year got canned by the St. Louis Blues. Now (tieing the political and broadcasting themes together) he wants to be governor of Hawaii. He has as much chance as Pat O'Brian does in becoming Gov. of South Dakota (or Joe Piscopo in Jersey).
IIRC, one winter Niehaus did Husky hoops and Ken Wilson did Cougar hoops.
Paul Weaver on
September 30th, 2004 4:08 pm
Broadcasting 162 3+ hour games a year (and more, plus postgame, pregame….) – I'm sure it's hard to stay interesting or avoid inane chatter. Kudos to those who can do it well.
I don't mind politics in baseball analysis – it makes it fiery and more fun (and sometimes parallels can be drawn) – as long is it doesn't have the same polarizing effect on the baseball analysts as it does on the masses…..and also be wary of analogies, because no analogy is perfect. Any time I hear a political speaker who is on my side go into an analogy, I cringe.
So, my two(gillion) cents: When someone makes a political comment for baseball, it's meant to be flavor and related to baseball analysis. So, if I say something enfuriating to you, such as Melvin's bullpen consistency is like Kerry's stance on war, or Beltre's future is as certain as Iraq's WMD supply….it's not meant to be a deep political analysis, but a baseball analysis with those dumb analogies that beat writers try to be good at. I appreciate the flavor, and won't get into specifics on the politics unless it furthers the other side of the baseball argument.
tede on
September 30th, 2004 4:19 pm
Just saw the replay of the A's first run.
Melhuse safe on error by 1B Bloomquist
Kotsay doubles him home on ball to LC that should have been caught.
My oh my!
Evan on
September 30th, 2004 4:53 pm
"Franklin ended the season with a 4-16 record and a 4.90 ERA. He held opponents to two or fewer runs in 11 of his 32 starts."
That's the ringing endorsement Franklin gets from MLB.com. He was good about a third of the time.
Dave in Palo Alto on
September 30th, 2004 8:25 pm
#65 — Jon Miller does Giants play-by-play when he's not doing ESPN. And he is fabulous. Always a pleasure, but the whole crew for the Giants are great, including Kuiper, Krukow, and Dave Fleming (no, not THAT Dave Flemin).
Incidentally, I remember to Jon Miller doing the O's with Tom Marr. Great pairing, made ever more amusing when Brooksie stopped by for color. (You had to hear him to appreciate it.)
On Physioc and Hudler, I kind of like Hud, but Physioc is so full of it you have to laugh.
Greg on
October 1st, 2004 8:51 am
um, are you forgetting that the M's pitchers had plunked both Crosby AND Durazo the night before in a game that was already over? If the A's had wanted to retaliate, they would have had Harden's 100mph fastball hit Ichiro, not Duke's 85 mph heater.
I didn't read all the comments on here, so forgive me if this has already been said (you can understand just glossing over the thoughts of Mariners fans, right?)
For a website that constantly promulgates itself as intelligent baseball analysis, you sure screwed up with this one.
DMZ on
October 1st, 2004 10:43 am
"promulgates itself as intelligent baseball analysis"
When do we do that? I think we we're sometimes serious and sometimes funny. In this case, I was trying to make a joke about how teams supposedly try to plunk equivalent guys, and it's stupid to attempt that kind of mathmatics and protecting your batters is itself sort of pointless.
Also, this:
you can understand just glossing over the thoughts of Mariners fans, right?
I don't know if you're trying to imply we don't listen to people, but it seems like something you wouldn't want to say if you wanted to be taken seriously.
hans on
October 5th, 2004 1:34 pm
Sorry this is really late. I kind of doubt whether anyone will even read it. I had to get back to work and couldn't continue along with the thread.
The point I was trying to make is that beaning opposing players does not protect your own players. Sure, it fires up your team, it gives everyone a sense of revenge, it helps the pitcher by preventing the batter from crowding the plate and taking away the inside corner. It does a lot of good things. I am not advocating baseball without pitching inside or the occasional plunking.
But strictly speaking… it does not "protect" your batters. It makes them no safer. If anything, it increases the chance that someone else will be gunning for them.
And by the way… I'm glad that there was no revenge for Ichiro being hit. The Mariners made the right call on that one. As those of you who read this will note, the lack of an avenging plunk did not lead to any large-scale targeting of Marnier batters for the rest of the season.


text:
Friend's Email:
Subject: I have found a DVD that I think you would enjoy
|Kiss Kissology Volume II 1978-1991
Actor: Kiss
Genres: Music Video & Concerts
NR 2007 6hr 47min
KISS have always had an approach to their fans that on the one hand could be seen as ridiculously crass and on the other as truly generous. And this release, with its three expertly mastered and crammed DVDs--issued with t... more »
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Another great Volume of Kisstory
Jason L. Baucom | Sunrise, Florida United States | 07/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The best part of this Volume II set is actually having all this stuff in one DVD package. Unfortunately I've seen everything here. I was hoping for a rare "Creatures Of The Night" concert. Rio is good but it lacks any rare songs and the show is so big the audio to me isn't as good as an Arena show would be, but I'll take it. The USA show "Night Flight" had a great special that I would like to have seen. Overall It's a DVD that no fan could pass up on. My only thing is most KISS fans have seen Largo '79 and I would liked to have seen something from the vaults that nobody has seen from the Dynasty tour. Just my opinion.
The Largo Bonus disc lacks "King Of The Nightime World" and the great Ace track "2,000 Man". I don't understand why that was left out.
Here is the latest listing I've found and hopefully is set:
Disc 1
* Land Of Hype And Glory with Edwin Newman - January 10, 1978
* The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder - October 31, 1979
* Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park European Theatrical Cut - 1979
Disc 2
* Shandi (music video) - 1980
* CNN Interview with Peter Criss - September 24, 1980
* Countdown - September 21, 1980
* Rockpop - September 13, 1980
1. "She's So European"
2. "Talk To Me"
* KISS Invades Australia - Sydney Showground: Sydney, Australia - November 22, 1980
1. "Detroit Rock City"
2. "Cold Gin"
3. "Strutter"
4. "Shandi"
5. "Calling Dr. Love"
6. "Firehouse"
7. "Talk To Me"
8. "Is That You"
9. "2000 Man"
10. "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
11. "New York Groove"
12. "Love Gun"
13. "God Of Thunder"
14. "Rock And Roll All Nite"
15. "Shout It Out Loud"
16. "King Of The Night Time World"
17. "Black Diamond"
* Fridays - January 15, 1982
1. "The Oath "
2. "A World Without Heroes"
* Top Pop - November 1982
1. "I Love It Loud"
Disc 3
* Maracana Stadium: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil July 18, 1983
1. "Creatures Of The Night"
2. "Cold Gin"
3. "Calling Dr. Love"
4. "Firehouse"
5. "I Love It Loud"
6. "War Machine"
7. "Black Diamond"
8. "Rock And Roll All Nite"
* MTV Special: KISS Unmasking -September 18, 1983
* Cascais Hall: Lisbon, Portugal - October 11, 1983
1. "Creatures Of The Night"
2. "Detroit Rock City"
* The Spectrum: Philadelphia, PA - December 18, 1987
1. "Love Gun"
2. "Bang Bang You"
3. "No, No, No"
4. "Crazy Crazy Nights"
5. "Reason To Live"
* The Palace At Auburn Hills: Detroit, MI - October 14, 1990
1. "I Stole Your Love"
2. "Deuce"
3. "Heaven's On Fire"
4. "Crazy Crazy Nights"
5. "Black Diamond"
6. "Shout It Out Loud"
7. "Strutter"
8. "Calling Dr. Love"
9. "I Was Made For Lovin' You"
10. "Fits Like A Glove"
11. "Hide Your Heart"
12. "Lick It Up"
13. "God Of Thunder"
14. "Forever"
15. "Cold Gin"
16. "Tears Are Falling"
17. "I Love It Loud"
18. "Love Gun"
19. "Detroit Rock City"
20. "I Want You"
21. "Rock And Roll All Nite"
* Music Video - 1991
1. "God Gave Rock `N' Roll To You II"
* Day In Rock - November 25, 1991: MTV News excerpt
Bonus Disc 1
Nippon Budokan- Tokyo, Japan April 21 1988
1. Love Gun
2. Cold Gin
3. Crazy Crazy Nights
4. Heaven's On Fire
5. War Machine
6. I Love It Loud
7. Lick It Up
8. I Was Made For Lovin' You
9. Detroit Rock City
Bonus Disc 2
Capital Center Largo, MD- July 8 1979
1. Radioactive
2. Move On
3. Calling Dr. Love
4. Firehouse
5. New York Groove
6. I Was Made For Lovin' You
7. Love Gun
8. Tossin' And Turnin'
9. God Of Thunder
10. Shout It Out Loud
11. Black Diamond
12. Detroit Rock City
13. Rock And Roll All Nite
Bonus Disc 3
The Ritz New York, NY- August 13 1988
1. Deuce
2. Love Gun
3. Fits Like A Glove
4. Heavens on Fire
5. Cold Gin
6. Black Diamond
7. Firehouse
8. Crazy, Crazy Nights
9. Calling Dr. Love
10. War Machine
11. Tears Are Falling
Solid Follow Up To Vol. 1
Erik Rupp | Southern California | 07/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"KISSology Vol. 1 was one of the greatest music DVD's ever released. A tremendous collection of great, vintage KISS concerts and TV apperances, KISSology really raised the bar when it comes to career retrospectives on DVD.
Now, KISS is releasing (or has released, depending on when you read this), the 2nd volume in the KISSology series, covering 1978-1991. It's got almost everything from that era that fans have wanted on DVD (almost, there are some exceptions) - The Land of Hype and Glory, The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder (Ace is a RIOT), Australia 1980, FRIDAYS (!!!), Brazil 1983, a couple songs from the first post-makeup concert, and a complete concert from one of their greatest tours ever - the Hot In The Shade tour! Leon Sphinx was pretty darned cool as the centerpiece, and the band was ON!
There are some other goodies, but the one I intentionally left out until now is KISS in ATTACK OF THE PHANTOMS - the European theatrical version of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park. Supposedly there are scenes cut from the US version, and the score is different in parts as well. This will be a lot of fun to watch - as long as you "get it." It's a 70's campy TV movie, and for that time and genre it is a lot of fun.
The DVD ends with the passing of the great Eric Carr (I had the opportunity to meet him in 1990 - he truly was a great guy, and he is very much missed), leaving the Revenge era for Vol. 3.
Could there be more on there from the 80's? Animalize Live Uncensored is a glaring omission, as is anything from the entertaining Asylum tour, but this is still one heck of a tracklisting and another great release!
UPDATE: After watching the entire set a few things stand out. 1.) The Australia show from 1980 was fantastic. The band was MUCH tighter than the previous year on the Dynasty tour (I got each set, and after watching the Largo disc it was like night and day). 2.) The Brazil 1983 show was heavily edited by the TV network that aired it, and as such a few songs have been shortened in this presentation. 3.) They should have included more songs from the Philadelphia 1987 show. The band was ON, and it would have been nice to have more of this show. 4.) The 1990 Hot in the Shade show is edited. "Rise To It," is missing - they show the bluesy intro, but skip the song. WTF? Eric Carr's drum solo is also edited, but this is understandable - he sampled the intro to the Who's "Who Are You," and that becomes a rights issue. That part of the solo is gone. Interestingly enough, it was edited out so well that you wouldn't notice it isn't there if you didn't know. 5.) The Land of Hype and Glory is edited far too short, and the Tom Snyder appearance is cut in half (Space Bear is MIA).
But, keep in mind - everything that IS here is VERY cool. The footage from Fridays is pristine! The commentary throughout is very good as well, and even Bruce gets in on the commentary action! (Way to go Bruce!) The Detroit 1990 show is a great performance from a GREAT tour with a GREAT stage set. A tour that Paul and Gene still rank as one of their best ever. This set is a very, very solid continuation of what they started with Vol. 1. Could it have been better? Yes. But it is still a great set if you go by what is included rather than what is left out.
Also - ATTACK OF THE PHANTOMS is practically a different movie from Phantom of the Park. Previously unused scenes, extended scenes, music from the solo albums as part of the score, and a rearranged order of what happens in the movie. Some of these things are HUGELY positive (added scenes and dialogue is a big improvement), but some are detrimental (taking events out of order hurts the movie as some things make even LESS sense here). ATTACK is also in anamorphic widescreen, cropped from the original 4:3 TV format (although the cropping is usually done very well).
There is also a very reverential tone towards the late Eric Carr. Eric was a really, really nice guy. (Everyone who met him says that - I met him as well, and he was just REALLY nice and had no inflated "Rock Star Ego." In the commentary Paul hints at regrets at how things unfolded as Eric was dying in 1991. And watch through the credits at the end. In one way it's hard to watch this bonus, but in another it is a nice tribute - and a slight glimpse of Eric's sense of humor and how much he cared about the fans.)
Bottom line? If you're a serious fan, you've got to have it in your collection. If you're just a casual fan you should still get it since the price is right for what you get and the set is a lot of fun to watch."
So, I watched it (for all you naysayers)
Terry L. Thome | Canonsburg, PA USA | 08/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Right off the bat, let me say that all of this stuff has been widely available on DVD and VHS for years as bootlegs. There is nothing new here and KISS' truest fans will have seen it all before. That's why the early pre release reviews are legitimate. Also, if you're not into KISS, you won't like this set and there's no need for you to comment. Please move along.
Now, I actually bought this at WalMart at Midnight for the LARGO 79 Bonus Disc. That disc is booty as heck and it looks just like every other available version I've seen. Still, I suppose it's nice to have it "Official".
As for the set proper, well, it's not as exciting as the volume one, mainly because it explores KISS' "Fat Elvis" and true fan years. It's the years where they became cartoon caractures of themselves and lost what it was that they wanted to achieve (mostly because they achieved it and didn't know where to go theatrically or musically).
Disc one opens with a short NBC News clip entitled "Land of Hype and Glory". It's interesting, but standard stuff. No great shakes. The Meat of Disc One is "KISS in Attack Of The Phantoms", the Euro cut of "KISS Meets The Phantom Of The Park". It's presented in it's 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio and is enhanced with a stereo remix (the 5.1 mix is just a bloated version of the Stereo mix). It is a better movie in this form than the TV version, but it is in no means a good movie. Still, I wouldn't say it was quite the embarassment the ROCK hipsters out there would have you believe (Ringo Starr/Harry Nilsson's "Son Of Dracula" Anyone???) as it it very watchable in a Godzilla sort of way. The image is sharp and the color, spot on. It looks better than it probably ever should have. The commentary track features some of the cast ofthe film, but surprisingly, nobody from KISS. Rounding out Disc One is the legendary Halloween 1979 Tom Snyder interview. It's legendary because Ace Frehley is loopy as all get out.He joyfully Disrupts the proceedings with his intrusive comments and loud, infective laughter. It's a wonderful TV moment and shows just what's missing from today's TV talk shows.
Disc Two shoul probably just be called the Australia/Europe Years, since that's what the bulk of the disc entails. First, there is a promo video for "Shandi", a huge hit in the land Down Under. Then, there is a CNN interview with Peter Criss without makeup and his back to the camera; as if here were in a witness protection program. This is followed by some TV promo appearances and a documentary of the Australian tour. KISS does conquer Australia with an incredibly tenatious live set. By this time, Eric Carr had replaced Peter Criss on Drums and it seems to be the shot in the arm KISS needed in it's live show. They are absolutely vicious here and this concert is a highlight of this DVD box. Rounding out Disc Two is a Friday's appearance promoting "Music From The Elder" and a Top Pop appearance for "I Love It Loud". At This point KISS was reaching it's creative nadir and this disc kinda leaves the virewer with a cliffhanger. "Will KISS pull itself out of it's creative slump? Tune In Next Week!!!"
Disc Three finds KISS with Vinnie Vincent replacing Ace Frehley in a concert at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The concert is lively and features Vinnie Vincents only real live video footage of him as the "Ankh". Shortly afterwards they would be Unmasked to the world on MTV, shown here on this disc. Freed of their makeup, KISS finds themselves transformed as a no frills, straight ahead rock band and their energy is amazing. Without the makeup, pyrotechnics and stage props, KISS makes themselves the show. The energetic performances from Portugal, The Spectrum in Philly and Detroit makes one forget they ever wore makeup. Their second wind kicks in and finds them completely triumphant with their "Hot In The Shade" tour in Detroit. Their second wind has kicked in as Bruce Kulic replaces Vinnie Vincent. The Third disc closes with a "Day In Rock" Clip and the Music Video for "God Gave Rock and Roll To You".
If there's any real disappointment with the set, it's that there're too many years to cover on 3 discs. There's a lot that I would've loved to see that did'nt surface legitimately... but at under $30 most places, there's really not too much to complain about.
The Sound quality is uniformly good (save for the Largo Bonus Disc, which is muddy as heck). The set has 3 audio tracks: 5.1, 2.0 and commentary. The video quality is a marked improvement from the first volume; which left a lot of fans grumbling that the bootlegs looked better.
Lastly, I'd like to point out the issue of language. Some off color between song patter has been mixed out during the Detroit "Hot In The Shade" footage and it makes the show much less satisfying. I mean, yeah, I know kids are probably watching, but you guys DID say it live and you know kids were there, too. I mean, first it's "Don't Drink And Drive" before "Cold Gin" and now it's self-censorship. What's next, KISS?
Oh yeah, regardless of what Amazon says, I, Terry Thome, Reserve all rights to this review. I wrote it. It's my property, not theirs."
Secure enough to admit I dig it!
C. Davis | Shreveport, Louisiana United States | 08/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It seems to be incredibly hip for Kiss fans to turn up their noses at the band's glamour period - those years of "Kiss Meets the Phantom" and color coordinated costumes. But, hey, I don't mind saying I dug it then and I dig it now. It's campy and fun and who the heck cares? That's all that matters. Finally, after years of people like me who really ENJOYED Kiss in all their incarnations, this is a set of DVDs worth having.
I was thrilled with Kissology Volume One and was really looking forward to Vol. Two. I wasn't disappointed. A lot of Kiss fans (who consider themselves somehow "purists") might point to Vol. One as the superior collection. I beg to disagree. For one thing, this volume has a wider variety of songs, whereas Vol. One was basically the same numbers, performed almost identically, over several tours. An excellent collection, no doubt, but this set shows the band flexing their creative muscles and even getting a bit carried away.
The centerpiece of disc one is "Kiss in Attack of the Phantoms," the theatrical release of NBC's 1979 "Kiss Meets the Phantom." A few scenes that had gone unused in the U.S. tele-movie are here and I have to admit, this film is a riot. It's not Coppolla, but it ain't supposed to be! Come on, folks! We're talking about Kiss fighting robot monkey men in an amusement park! It's just fun. The real treat of this version of the movie is that much of the original music used in the American version has been replaced with songs from the solo albums. The effect is very retro, but very nice.
The complete concert from Sydney is just priceless. Seeing Eric Carr in action again is a moving experience. And the band, replete in all their "Xanadu" costumes, manage to rock every bit as hard as when they wore the more credible (?) black leather in the Cobo Hall in 1975.
A huge treat is the complete performances from ABC's short-lived "Fridays" show, the only known live performances of The Elder material. This whole DVD set is worth it just for Ace's guitar on "The Oath." The guy could burn back then, even as he made his exit from the band. I don't care how many concert T-Shirt-wearing-potbellied purists disagree, this stuff was good.
I would have liked to have seen more of the concert in Rio De Janeiro, from the "Creatures of the Night" tour, particularly Gene's bass solo. But that's nitpicking. The footage from the first non-make-up show in Lisbon is grainy - with an almost bootleg quality to it - but that only adds to the charm. And the full set from the "Hot in the Shade" Tour proves, I think, that Kiss are a group of stellar musicians with some seriously great music.
As a side note, if you are one of the lucky few to receive a copy with the bonus "1979 Largo" disc, you'll be happy to notice that the grainy footage (some of which is evident in previous compilations) has been somewhat cleaned up.
If you're a Kiss fan, buy this!! Buy it now!!"


text:
I guess Canadian women have been too immodest lately... Earthquake of 5.5 (now downgraded to 5.0) was felt in Ontario and Quebec.
There doesn't appear to be any major damages or injuries at this point. And yet, news about the earthquake has taken over both Canadian and American television stations right now, interrupting regular programing for a quake that, by most standards, is very small.


text:
By Luke Furman
Heavyweight contenders Dereck Chisora and Alexander Dimitrenko sat ringside last Saturday night at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany - and witnessed the battle between WBA "regular" champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16KOs) and WBO cruiserweight king Marco Huck (34-2, 25KOs).
Povetkin started off great but faded in the later rounds, which allowed Huck to take over and come close to scoring a knockout in the final round.
After twelve rounds of war, Povetkin won a controversial majority decision win - with scores of 114-114, 116-113 and 116-112. Chisora and Dimitrenko agreed with the first scorecard, feeling the fight was a even draw. Both believe a rematch should happen.
However, former middleweight champion Arthur Abraham was also sitting at ringside. He saw Huck as the clear winner.
Luke Furman covers the boxing scene for bokser.org


text:
Do you have clematis that are bare on the bottom of the plant?
Bare bottoms are more likely on clematis that have not been hard pruned. In some cases this is because the gardener does chooses not to hard prune in the spring, or it can be a result of retaining the stems from the prior year on type 2 clematis.
There are two approaches to this.
- You can work with the bare bottom of your clematis plant by planting a taller shrub in front of the clematis, or a shorter perennial flowering plant that will provide some coverage of the base.
- In a mature plant with many stems, try hard pruning some stems to the ground vs. the first growth node. This encourages fresh new stems to emerge which will often have more lower foliage.