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Thanks for the time, Aaron!
Can you give us a quick history of RaceTri?
RaceTri started in the year 2000 with what has become one of Utah's favorite sprint distance events, The Salem Spring Sprint triathlon. At the end of 2009 we took over RaceTri to become partners/owners/operators. We consider ourselves to be a small local Ma & Pa type shop. We do not compete with the big operators like WTC but want to give our athletes a wonderful racing atmosphere while also providing a quality experience!
Rumor has it you've moved to Alaska... why the move, and what's the future of RaceTri?
Hahaha! Rumors!!! We are so funny about rumors in our tight community … meaning that they spread fast and evoke all sorts of feelings. Yes, I have moved to Alaska! I have been asked by my employer; Seminaries & Institutes, to take on a new assignment to coordinate the seminary and institute programs in Wasilla, Alaska. The move has been wonderful to stretch me professionally and provide a unique adventure for my family. The future of RaceTri will remain mostly unchanged. I am thinking there needs to be a RaceTri sister event in one of these gorgeous Alaska lakes. Still working on it… Most of Race Directing happens before race day and from behind a computer screen and on the phone. With that being said I will continue to attend all the events, only difference is my commute is now 3000 miles. Athletes used to only seeing me on Race day will never know the difference.
This is probably like asking which of your kids you love most, but what's your "podium" for favorite RaceTri events?
#3 Escape from Black Ridge, The Herriman Triathlon ... A swim with a view
#2 Salem Spring/Ice Breaker … where everybody knows your name (or learns it if you are new)
#1 THE TOUGHMAN UTAH HALF is my FAVORITE!!! It's the day that dreams are made of!
|Black Ridge Reservoir
The most rewarding thing about being a race director is the people! I love the people, their stories, the lives changed, the obstacles overcome to reach the finish line. It's like having front row seats to the greatest sporting event of all time every time, I love it! To pretend like I play some small role in an individuals journey is rewarding beyond words.
Frustrating aspects ... Hmmm ....Race directing frustrating? Never thought that before … haha! J/K … I have worked in the ground operations control tower out at the SLC airport, competed at the highest level of sports for gold medals and world cup titles, but never got ulcers & kidney stones until I started race directing. Many of the stresses of race directing I welcome and try to embrace and approach with a "Let's find a solution" attitude… however, your readers might be interested to know that some frustrating things for a RD might include:
|getting the crowd amped at Icebreaker
When someone commits to helping on race day and then doesn't show up, it can be frustrating left scrambling to fill volunteer spots to keep everyone safe and the race running smoothly. It's better to say no, than to say yes and not show up or cancel last minute.
When an individual signs up to race both the athlete and the RD assume certain levels of risk and responsibility that all will go as planned. One frustrating aspect is when race week comes around and an athlete discovers that for whatever reason (injury, family, work, a better offer) they cannot race. It's bad form to then with days until the race to seek refunds or rolling over their event to another race. Athletes that do this need to understand that your entry fee has already been allocated on dozens of different expenses it takes to make this event happen for them! When they seek to roll their entry over to another event all those expenses need to be paid for again yet this time these fees come out of the event planners pocket.
Bandit running is stealing. Most municipalities have passed ordinances that support this view.
|drone's eye view of Salem
The Toughman Utah Half recently ranked #3 in our "People's Vote Top 10 Utah Races" results. However, there's been some speculation about changes. Any updates on the water conditions of Utah Lake or in general?
I recently had someone reach out and message me with some concerns about the cancelled swim at the Toughman last year and was nervous about signing up because of the chance the swim could be cancelled again. Here was my reply to that athlete:
In RaceTri's 16 year history and almost 100 Triathlon events... last year's Toughman was the first time any portion of any event had to be completely cancelled (due to the toxic algae, which can be deadly). It is highly unlikely that we will have the event at Utah Lake again. We will announce the new location as soon as permissions are secure
In the 20 or so triathlons I have personally done I have experienced multiple canceled portions of an event due to wind/lightning/water conditions etc. (not any our events). I understand how disappointing it can be
I think Racetri may have one of the best records of any event organizer worldwide (including IM) most of this good fortune is due to luck and some of it is due to our tireless efforts to make back up plans and secure other options when something does go wrong.
With that being said any time you sign up for any event athletes run the risk of potentially having portions of their race cancelled or cut short. Even the Ironman brand has had to cancel swim portions, bike portions, and run portions of events due to weather, and other unforeseen conditions that make an event unsafe... I remember a few years ago they cancelled an entire race (Tahoe) because close by fires had made the air quality questionable. It is a sad day when that has to happen
|the Toughman Utah Half may be moving away from Utah Lake
So to answer your question. We are working on a new venue, and we will seek back up plans if that new venue experiences last minute problems but there are some acts of God that even the best laid plans and back up plans cannot foresee. Unfortunately, ambiguity is the nature of racing at events in our sport. Developing some level of comfort with uncertainty is a necessary evil as athletes and race organizers embark together in a calculated risk. That being said we took very good care of our Toughman athletes last year at great expense to our organization. Giving them heavy discounts to our remaining races last year and to this year's Toughman. We love our athletes!
From your perspective what's the current state of triathlon in Utah?
Utah is one of the most athletic states in the union! Participation in organized events could be cited as one of the evidences of the popularity of Utah's athleticism. Some people get their start into event racing with a novelty 5K or multi-leg running event. Some people find their stride solely with the running events but for those seeking new ways to challenge themselves they make the transition to ultraracing or multisport events like triathlon. The condition of triathlon in Utah is good! There are many events and event companies for athletes to choose from, giving them a variety of courses and experiences to keep them motivated and busy. Also worthy of note is the incredible community of triathletes. For those who come to the sport of triathlon in Utah and stay you have wonderful organizations like the SLC TRI CLUB, TEAM BAM, BLONDE RUNNER, TEAM DODO, and many more … for heaven's sake, Utah County is home to the IRON COWBOY, there is triathlon royalty in our midst and by going out to the races you could find yourself high fiving some of the greats in the sport right here in Utah.Who are some age groupers who come to mind as being the best "ambassadors" of the sport that you've witnessed over the years (not in terms of results necessarily, but as in good attitude, inspirational, sportsmanship, etc)?
Each year we keep our eye out for individuals who demonstrate great sportsmanship, volunteerism, overcoming the odds, those who go the extra mile to advocate for the sport! They are inducted into what we call "RaceTri Royalty". They are separated into two categories; Athlete & Volunteer of the year:
RaceTri Athletes of the Year
2012 Emily Blodgett
2013 David Warden
2014 Joanne Isaksen
2015 Travis Iverson
2016 Afton Swensen
2012 Kristin Krotoski
2013 Mandy & Eric Oscarson
2014 Connie Barnes
2015 Greg Howell
2016 The Salt Lake Tri Club (Accepted by Justin Lynch)
Additional names that come to mind would include:
Rory & Courtney Duckworth
Mitch Orgill
Wes Johnson
Andrew Stasinos
Lora Erickson
Eric Newren
Allison Matson
Joe Martel
Gary Henderson
Michele Conover
Carrie Higbee
Utah Search & Rescue
Police and Medical Personal across this great state
And of course our Iron Cowboy; James Lawrence.
A special shout out to our good friends Kelly & Jared Jones (since relocated to the east coast) were instrumental in helping us with the learning curve in those first couple of years after we took over.
This list does not even begin to credit the hundreds of individuals who make race day possible. We are so grateful to all the individuals that act as ambassadors for our sport whether volunteering, organizing, or helping at one of our races or one of our competitor's events, thank you! Thank you for getting out there and helping support and grow triathlon.
Do you get any pre-race jitters before and during races as a race director, or does jumping in the lake and/or smashing a clipboard during your pre-race speeches eliminate any nerves?
The thing that makes my nights sleepless in the days leading up to an event is the thought that someone might get hurt. I breath my first sigh of relief when I see every bike gone out of transition because everyone is out of the water safe and sound. Then the second sigh of relief comes when all the bikes return :)
The pre-race speech stems from my personal history of being on the receiving end of speeches in locker rooms before swim meets, wrestling matches, and rock climbing competitions. I would have to say my wrestling coaches Rob Brough & Dave VandeVeegaete and climbing mentors Doug Hunter & Greg Loh knew how to get me psyched up! Ready to perform to the best of my athletic ability, help me dig deep and find that place where I wanna want it!
editor's note: must-watch video!
My Mom & Dad inspired me to literally go for the gold and supported me in my journey at great personal and financial sacrifice. I know the pre-race speeches might seem silly to some, and even like a waste of the 60 seconds they usually take. For me they are my small tribute to the men and women who coach and inspire others, the speeches are for my mom and dad who sat for hours on hard benches all those years and drove countless miles to get me across the country for national competitions. While you might hear me screaming to "Never give up, Never surrender" … what I am actually saying is thank you mom, thank you dad, thank you Mr Brough, & Mr VandeVeegaete, thank you Doug and Greg! I will always remember you. Thank a coach today! Make a goal, and see you out at the races :)
Main Site: RaceTri
Related Posts:
Respect the RD! Interview with USTriSports
Respect the RD! Interview with TriUtah
Curls For Girls: Interview with SLTC Founder Rory Duckworth
A Few More Award Winners: Part 2


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Was 9/11 a SCAD? History professor Mickey Huff _ on Kevin Barrett Show
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Coming up Tuesday at 9:00 am Pacific – 12:00 Noon Eastern – 16:00 GMT
Will be archived here after the broadcast by Tuesday evening.
Was 9/11 a SCAD? History professor Mickey Huff joins me this Tuesday
Email your questions or comments now.
Guest: Mickey Huff, associate professor of history at Diablo Valley College, Director of Project Censored/Media Freedom Foundation, and co-editor of Censored 2010.
From Project Censored article "State Crimes Against Democracy" by Peter Phillips and Mickey Huff:
"New research in the journal American Behavioral Scientist (Sage publications, February 2010) addresses the concept of 'State Crimes Against Democracy (SCAD). Professor Lance deHaven-Smith from Florida State University writes that SCADs involve highlevel government officials, often in combination with private interests, that engage in covert activities for political advantages and power. Proven SCADs since World War II include McCarthyism (fabrication of evidence of a communist infiltration), Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (President Johnson and Robert McNamara falsely claimed North Vietnam attacked a US ship), burglary of the office of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist in effort to discredit Ellsberg, the Watergate break-in, Iran-Contra, Florida's 2000 Election (felon disenfranchisement program), and fixed intelligence on WMDs to justify the Iraq War…Credible scientific evidence brings into question the possibility that some aspects of the events of 9/11 involved State Crimes Against Democracy. Psychologically this is a very hard concept for Americans to even consider. However, ignoring the issue in the context of multiple proven SCADs since World War II seems far more dangerous for democracy than the consequences of future scientific inquiry and transparent, fact-based investigative reporting."
Check out Kevin's new book: Questioning the War on Terror: A Primer for Obama Voters.
The Kevin Barrett Show is independently produced and hosted by Kevin Barrett and these shows are externally produced content. All externally produced content broadcast on No Lies Radio is the sole responsibility of the program-content producer and is not the responsibility of NoLiesRadio.org. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the content producer.

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5 Pizzas That Deliver on Health
Pizza is a weekly favorite for many people. However, many pizzas contain not only varying degrees of sugar and fat, but also lactose and gluten, which are hard on some people's digestive systems. So they avoid pizza altogether. Others avoid pizza because of further dietary restrictions, such as being a vegan or following a vegetarian lifestyle.
With these five recipes, you can finally have your piece of the pie and feel good about eating it, too.
1. Dairy-Free: Asparagus Potato Pizza with Kale Pesto
When you suffer from lactose intolerance, your body can't easily digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk, dairy and sugar products. You'll want to look for pizzas, such as this one, that has no cheese. Or you should look for a cheese that is more easily digestible, such as soy cheese, or one with a lesser amount of lactose, such as cheddar, Parmesan or Swiss. Depending upon your degree of intolerance, you still may require a supplement, such as Lactoid®, which can help you digest the smaller traces of lactose still present in these cheeses.
2. Low-Fat: Beet, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pizza
If you suffer from high cholesterol, you need to watch your fat intake, especially saturated fat and trans fat. These types of fat can increase your body's "bad" cholesterol, a contributor to strokes and heart attacks. Substituting goat cheese is not only delicious, it also offers a healthier, less-saturated fat option than other cheeses. If you're seeking other cholesterol-friendly pizza options, shoot for reduced everything. Lots of veggies, reduced (or no) cheese, healthier meat options like turkey sausage and a thin crust or a flatbread.
3. Gluten-Free: Cauliflower Crust and Veggie Pizza
Sufferers of Celiac or Crohn's disease know all too well the importance of eating the right foods. Celiac disease causes the small intestine lining to become damaged when gluten is eaten (found in wheat, barley and rye). Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, causes bowel and immune system issues. This pizza not only is rich with vegetables, but it also uses cauliflower for its crust. Cauliflower is a superfood, loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants – and it's a great grain-free option.
4. Vegan: Zucchini, Tomato and Walnut Pizza
Those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle may choose to eat only plant products while others may include dairy, eggs, chicken or fish. Vegans consume no dairy, eggs or fish, only vegetables, fruits and grains. This pizza uses zucchini for its crust and is loaded with vegetables and nuts – and is completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
5. Mediterranean: Mushroom, Spinach and Chicken Pizza
Many people practice other food lifestyles that have dietary restrictions, such as the Mediterranean diet (high consumption of vegetables and olive oil). Luckily, there are numerous options for even the most restrictive diet. This healthy, thin crust pizza may become a weekly staple.
Breaking Down the Pie
You're feeling adventurous and want to create your own pizza. There are so many healthy approaches to making pizza today. This list will help you experiment and put together the perfect pizza pie.
Some options worth considering for a crust include: Whole-wheat flour, tortillas, pita bread, matzo, cauliflower, zucchini, summer squash, Portobello mushrooms, quinoa or rice. Crust doesn't have to be a starchy carb. Try a veggie crust for a tasty, diet-friendly alternative.
You can buy pre-made sauces, but these recipes go well beyond the jar (with a lot less salt): Sliced fresh, or sun dried, tomatoes, garlic coconut cream, salsa, pesto, pumpkin, garlic paste, mushroom tapenade, olive tapenade, hummus, carrot puree, refried bean dip, white bean spread or barbeque sauce. For a dessert pizza, try ricotta cheese with honey, cinnamon and sliced fruit on top.
Pizza toppings can range from sweet to savory, with numerous combinations, depending on your likes. Some toppings worthy of consideration include: chicken sausage (leaner than traditional sausage), tofu, beans, eggs, beets, lox, nuts, kale, spinach, arugula, capers, sweet potatoes, peaches, figs and grapes. If you can (and want to), add cheese. Try a tangy one for a change, such as goat cheese, gorgonzola or feta.
Salute the Slice
Pizza has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 6th century BC. Now, pizza is available from restaurants, stores or freshly made in your own kitchen. If you have dietary concerns, you may find the homemade variety is still the best since it allows you the most control over ingredients (and your health). Whether it's a recipe from a foodie's blog, cookbook, friend or health association, go ahead – salute the slice with your own personal pizza.


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Media / Re: How to Download Free Gmod and Killing Floor 1 Hacks (Free, 2018, not clickbait)« on: September 16, 2018, 12:25:47 pm »
This vid is very specific in its instructions 10/10 only being 10% sarcastic. But seriously nice vid man
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Are you looking for a new dentist in Edison, NJ? At Prosthodontic Associates of New Jersey, PA, Dr. Yatin Khanna provides specialty restorative and cosmetic services that improve your smile's health and overall appearance.
Some of the specific treatments that our dentist in Edison, NJ offers include:
From teeth in a day to "All on Four" implants, you'll receive specialty level care from a restorative and prosthodontic expert who understands what it takes to create a harmonious and balanced smile.
Dr. Khanna received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from University of Pune, India in 1997. He then completed a General Practice Residency from Bharati Vidyapeeth's Dental College and Hospital in Pune, India in 1998. Dr. Khanna did private practice for one year in Bahrain.
Dr. Khanna received his DDS degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2005, Certificate in Prosthodontics from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2002, Fellowship in Oral Implantology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 2003, Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2006.
Prosthodontics is one of nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Scopes of care offered by such experts include dental rehabilitation and full mouth restoration, including aesthetics (cosmetic dentistry.)
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Khanna is an expert when it comes to replacing missing teeth and designing restorations like crowns and dentures. To become a specialist, Dr. Khanna completed an additional two years of postgraduate training in restorative dentistry, in addition to four years of dental school.
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16 Places to Find Great Street Art
16 Of The Best Street Art Spots Around the World
You will find this information in this article
If you love Art, travelling and getting off the beaten track then discovering new Street Art locations could be your next travel bonanza. In this article, we are lucky to have 16 travelers from across the globe share their favorite Street Art spots. You may be familiar with some of these spots, and hopefully, some will be new to you and may make the list for your future travels.
Our first official introduction to Street Art was in post quake Christchurch, which held a Street Art Festival and is now one of the key New Zealand destinations for Street Art. While we had seen Street Art in our travels, this was the first time we understood it was a global movement and there are professional street artists, street art festivals and even street art hotels!
What Is Street Art?
Street Art is generally found in urban areas and public spaces and is often connected to political ideas, contemporary discussion or social commentary. Graffiti and Street Art were often seen as eyesores, not consistent with how cities saw themselves. Times are changing. The success of Street Art and graffiti is altering how some Cities are viewed and can sit side by side with business and residential neighbourhoods. Street Art is now also positively impacting on tourism across the globe, with Street Art tours popping up all over the place.
The wonderful thing about Street Art is that it is accessible to everyone. You don't need to pay an entrance fee or belong to an organisation to enjoy it. Often, all you need is the courage to get off the beaten path to see it. All you need to do is peer around, under and behind buildings, bridges and public spaces – plus get a few tips about where to look. One of our favourite things to do when we arrive in a new city is to explore the Street Art – if will often take you to different neighbourhoods and gives you a chance to see alternative sides of new places.
Street Art can be temporary in nature which adds to the excitement of finding new pieces of art before they disappear. Check out where our travelers think you will see wonderful Street Art.
Best Places To See Street Art
Wellington, New Zealand
Cath & Andy at Red Door Ponderings
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We have visited some great Street Art spots around the world but we can't go past our hometown of Wellington, New Zealand. Wellington, the Worlds Coolest Little Capital, is also considered the Cultural Capital of New Zealand. Alongside the substantial amount of public sculpture throughout Wellington, there is also a burgeoning Street Art scene. Wellington Street Art is well worth checking out – head up Cuba Street, down the Laneways or just wander around town stopping for coffee or a craft beer along the way (it would be rude not to).
The Wellington City Council has an active Art on Walls programme pakiTARA-toi. You will be able to find where Street Art is located and information about the artists who created the works. Wellington is a compact and walkable city, making it easy to get out and spot Street Art.
Christchurch, New Zealand
Suzy from Suzy Stories
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Christchurch is blessed to be adorned with wonderfully vibrant artworks decorating the walls of old and new buildings across around the city. As a result of the 2010-2011 earthquakes that damaged so many buildings, street art has sprung up in all sorts of places from the derelict to the restored and everything in between. Many of the works pay tribute to the resilient nature and strength of community that makes Christchurch so special and adds the character and charm that brings a city to life.
With no specific area designated as the hub of street art, it's often a pleasant surprise to find unusual pieces in unexpected places, and there's always a chance to discover something new. Walking through Christchurch is a joy with so many different styles and forms of artwork including familiar wall murals and more unique installations found in every corner. I would highly recommend a lazy day spent exploring the city to see what works you can find!
The Beltline, Atlanta
Dorothy from Oz and Other Places
You can follow Dorothy on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Some of the best street art in Atlanta, Georgia can be found along the Beltline. The Beltline is a pedestrian path that follows an old train track route and connects neighborhoods throughout the city. When it is completed, it will be over 33 miles of multi-use trails in a large loop. So far it has been one of the best new developments in town and has encouraged people to get out and explore. Tons of restaurants, bars and stores have popped up along the path. And so has awesome art!
Whether you're walking the busy portion between Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park or the quieter trails, you are sure to find works of art that will inspire you, challenge you or are just pretty to look at. Some of my personal favorites include the colorful spots under Virginia Avenue on the Eastside trail, the flowers decorating Paris on Ponce and the portrait mural under Park Drive on the Northside hiking trail. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the "tiny doors" along the way (yes, they are exactly what you're picturing, adorably decorated tiny doors). You won't want to miss the Beltline during your Atlanta trip!
Wynward Walls, Miami USA
Valparaiso, Chile
Jackie & Justin from Life Of Doing
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Valparaíso (also known as "Valpo"), Chile is the city that made us fall in love with vibrant street arts and murals. You'll find street art everywhere throughout the city from the stairs, neighborhood alleys, tall buildings, residential houses, and even on garbage trucks. Due to the vast amount of artwork, there are street art and graffiti tours that you can attend to learn about the history and artists. We opted to visit the various neighborhoods on our own and walked around for a couple hours. Don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes as the city is hilly, or take a funicular (cable car) to the top or bottom of the hills. Some of our favorite areas for street art are Cerro Concepción, Alegre, Bellavista, and Polanco neighborhoods. Cerro Concepción and Alegre are next to each other and has a high concentration of artwork in the area. Bellavista has various graffiti styles. Polanco is far from the center of town, but this residential area is another good place to see street art. We hope you consider visiting Valpo in the future.
Penang, Malaysia
Chantal from Alleen Op Reis
You can follow Chantal on Instagram and Facebook.
I love seeing street art during my travels. I have been to many places famous for street art like Berlin, London Paris and even Bogota but the place where I was most impressed was George Town, Penang. Probably also because of the location of the murals; George Town's historical centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and it's a beautiful place to wander around searching for the art works (most of them are very hidden!). Street art in Penang started in 2012 with a project called 'Mirrors George Town' commissioned by the Penang Municipal Council. A lot of the murals that are part of this project were done by Lithuanian-born artist Ernest Zacharevic, who's has a beautiful, unique style that captures everyday life in the city. What I loved about the street art in Penang is that often objects found in the streets became part of the paintings. Also, street art in Penang is not only about painted walls; there are 51 iron sculptures in the city. These sculptures tell you about the history of the street they are in and are beautifully lit up during the night.
Brussels, Belgium
Rashmi & Chalukya from GOBeyondBounds
You can also follow Rashmi & Chalukya on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest
Brussels is one of the top tourist destinations which offers unique attractions to its visitors. One of the most compelling and top things to do when in Brussels is exploring the comic strip street art. Brussels is the hometown of popular comic character Tintin and one can find more than 50 comic strips across the city depicting the comic episodes of Tintin. The comic strip mural hunting is fun and challenging you may find the mural hiding behind a building or sometimes in the narrow alleys. Comic Strip hunt is no doubt one of the fun things to do if you are visiting with kids. There are several Comic strip walking tour which we believe is the best way to find most of the comic strips in less time and with much less effort. Or collect a comic strip walking map from one of the tourist offices and explore on your own.
Portland, Oregon
Stockholm, Sweden
Christine from And The Story Goes
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Located throughout Stockholm city are over 150 pieces of public art. To find them you'll have to head underground. Throughout the Stockholm underground, the Tunnel Rails, there are over 90 stations filled with murals and 3d objects both large and small.
Using the metro is the easiest way to get around the city when visiting, so keep an eye out in each of the stations. You can purchase single day tickets or multiple day passes for the metro. If you want to see it all, be prepared to spend the better part of the day switching between lines. The most popular stops are Centralen, Solna Centrum and Tensa (on the blue line), Stadion and Universitetet (on the red line), and Hotorget, Thorildsplan, and Kungsträdgården (on the green line).
For a guided art tour, join one lead by SL (Stockholm's Public Transport); all you need is a valid fare ticket. The walk is only offered in English from June-August on select days, the rest of the year it is offered in Swedish only.
Athens, Greece
Angelica from Good Trip Bad Memory
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They say that art is supposed to make you feel something. Well, the street art in Athens made me feel like starting a revolution.
When I went to Athens, it had almost been 10 years since the economic crash. Even without knowing this, you could tell from the street art that they were still recovering. I think Athens is one of the best places to view street art because you might not be expecting it in such a historical city, but once you're there, you can't escape it.
Especially in Exarcheia, which is a district known for being an anarchist hotbed. Most places you go to in Athens – the metro, the area with museums, even the walk to the Acropolis, will have some street art. But in Exarcheia, literally every street was full of politically active and socially aware slogans across different ideologies. Every building was covered in beautiful, random, creative art.
Delhi, India
Shivani from The Wandering Core
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Hauz Khas is an upcoming hip place in the neighbourhoods of South Delhi, India. Hauz Khas is mainly known for some quaint cafes and vogue restaurants. Hauz Khas Fort is a historical monument forgotten now as the focus shifted to the cafes. The Fort complex holds not only mosques and tombs but also an alluring lake. But the route to the lake is through the deer park but not through the fort directly. The alternative route includes narrow alleys from the restaurant lane leading to the lake. The walls of the lane are decorated with colourful paintings hidden in plain sight. Delhi's Lodhi Gardens are renowned for street art but Hauz Khas street is hardly acknowledged. The paintings are sumptuous, overlooking the Hauz Khas lake are a delight to sore eyes. The face paintings, the environmental issues, and many more creative aspects covered in the street art here. Indian street art has come a long way and now it is evident in quaint corners of Delhi. I highly recommend catching up on some of the paintings while on your trip to Delhi, India.
Bushwick, Brooklyn USA
Anisa from Two Traveling Texans
You can also follow Anisa on YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest
You will find some amazing street art in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn New York. Joseph Ficalora is the curator of the Bushwick Collective, which means he gets permission from the building owners and selects the artists. He wanted to the art to be therapeutic and to beautify the community. You will also find some art in the area that is not part of the Collective.
Some of the artists that have worked in the area include Lexi Bella, Dasic Fernandez, Deface, Adam Fu, Pay to Pray, Pixel Pancho, and Invader. The murals are changed about once a year. Unfortunately, some graffiti artists have taken the liberty of defacing some of the murals with tags, which are just a mix of letters and numbers.
You can find the Bushwick Collective close to the Jefferson subway stop on the L train. If you want to learn more about the Bushwick Collective and the murals in Bushwick, consider taking a Brooklyn street art walking tour.
Bristol, UK
Kathleen from Dream Wander Repeat
You can also follow Kathleen on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest
If you are a fan of street art then Bristol is an absolute must visit! The quirky city in the South West of England is the home of Banksy, the guerilla artist who helped bring the street art genre into the mainstream.
Head to Bristol to check out a number of his works from before he became the world's most famous anonymous guy. You can download apps which will take you on a Banksy walking tour of the city. There are a number of organised walking tours run by enthusiastic locals from the artist community which explore the in's and out's of Bristol's thriving street art scene. You can even get down and dirty and take a street art class and learn to make stencils just like Banksy himself uses.
Over the years Bristol has hosted a number of huge street art festivals which have left their mark all across the city, with ten storey tall murals a common sight brightening the city streets. It currently plays host to the annual Upfest. The Urban Paint Festival is Europe's largest free street art and graffiti festival and features over 400 artists from 70 countries around the world. Check it out for a city break with a difference!
La Mer, Dubai
Neeharika from Map In My Pocket
You can also follow Neeharika on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
La Mer Beachfront in Dubai is one quirky place to find street art in Dubai. This neighbourhood in the suburbs of Jumeirah along the beach has been designed with the ocean in mind. From the rusted metal chains and fishing nets to the wooden crates and driftwood that have been incorporated in its design to the graffiti that adorns almost every wall along the palm lined boulevards, La Mer is a must visit for all those who love design in the context of urban lives. Even the strategically placed maps that guide around this area are made from barrel tops. From shipping containers that have been converted to house hip boutiques to cafes that are edgy fusion places sometimes even those serving traditional Emirati fare, there is a lot one can do here in between hunting for street art. Shop, stop for a quick bite or simply head to the beach for a lazy afternoon under the iconic Dubai skyline, all while you get your dose of contemporary urban art.
Melbourne, Australia
Amy from Family Globetrotters
You can also follow Amy on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest
Melbourne prides itself on all things hidden, secret passageways, non-descript entrances and cobblestone laneways. Head down the most famous of the stone lined paths of Hosier Lane and you'll find yourself in the most decorated graffiti art streets in all of Melbourne. The graffiti is incredible edgy, vibrant in colour and unlike most dedicated street art murals and installations, Hosier Lane is ever-changing. Some of the art work change even daily so don't think you only ever need to visit it once. The art does need to keep up politically and culturally after all and ensuring the social aspects of the city are well covered.
If you're an avid fan, you might like to consider hopping on a street art tour so that you can learn more about the artists, their agenda and motives and the technical art form of spray painting and stencilling. A little added knowledge will only enhance your appreciation of this outdoor gallery.
Budapest, Hungary
Baia from Red Fedora Diary
You can also follow Baia on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest
I have visited Budapest last October and I must say it's one of the most creative cities I have visited. I love finding street art in the cities I travel to, so Hungary's capital was no exception to offer gorgeous and breathtaking pieces of modern art. Budapest's Jewish Quarter is the hippiest and trendy place to look for hipster ruin bars and admire the works of Hungarian street artists. Since 2011 different walls have become canvases for street artists. Walk down its streets and try to pinpoint them, but if you are in a hurry, there's a Free Walking Tour of Street and Urban Art, which takes you around the quarter for approximately two and a half hour and shows the important murals of the city.
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'Windfall''s Jason Gedrick: Show killer?
Some folks might say that Jason Gedrick (pictured, with costar Sarah Wynter) is to network TV what Zippy Chippy is to horse racing: The dude just can't seem to find the winner's circle. Still, despite the fact that Gedrick is the veteran of seven short-lived series, there's one difference between him and the 0 for 100 gelding: The actor, whose Windfall premieres on NBC tonight (our Gillian Flynn gives it a B), actually has talent (as anyone who's seen his work in Boomtown or EZ Streets can attest).
Unfortunately, though, Gedrick's lack of ratings success puts him in a group of actors known as "show killers," or as EW's Josh Wolk more optimistically — and perhaps more fairly — refers to them, "itinerant stars." After all, formerly cursed thespians like George Clooney and Lauren Graham (anyone recall her brilliant but cancelled M.Y.O.B.?) managed to escape the club, and someday I'm hoping my favorite current member, the lovely and amusing Paula Marshall (late of Cupid, Out of Practice, Snoops, etc.), will do the same.
How about you, PopWatchers? If you could give one unlucky actor a winning ticket to a hit series, who would it be, and why?
addCredit("Windfall: Carin Baer")


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2085 words today for a total of 9287 to date.
My apologies that there is no new poll. I'm on the road today and have been having difficulties acquiring a connection to the Internet. Hopefully all should be back on track November 4.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Technical Difficulties
Posted by Laura Rainbow Dragon at 1:41 a.m.
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LOS ANGELES, California — Several posters depicting actress Gwyneth Paltrow as an "Obama Drone" have surfaced near the Brentwood home of the Iron Man 3 and Shakespeare in Love actress.
Paltrow is hosting President Barack Obama at her home for a dinner-fundraiser on Thursday night where tickets have been sold for a price tag in excess of $32,000 a person.
One poster appeared in front of an elementary school and has a drone with "Hollywood" written on it in the background, featuring a smugly smiling Paltrow furnishing an Obama "hope" logo on her right lapel; the "hope" logo has been emblematic of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
Paltrow is sandwiched in between the words "OBAMA DRONE." What appears to be a hand-written addition to the poster in black Sharpie ink has the words "kill ISIS" strategically placed on Paltrow's throat and chest. And surrounding the perimeter of her shoulders is an invitation to "party @ Paltrow's 4 a deadly African virus" in reference to the lethal Ebola virus.
Similar posters have surfaced throughout the United States and greater Los Angeles area.
In March of this year, street art featuring Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) appeared in Beverly Hills. And in June, "Hanoi Jane" posters surfaced throughout Westwood ahead of actress Jane Fonda's commencement speech at UCLA's school of Theater, Film and Television.


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Ultravox new album "Brilliant" 30-second clips and microsite
I couldn't resist sharing this… it's not my own music, but a link to 30-second clips of Ultravox's new album, entitled "Brilliant". It's the band's first studio album for over 25 years, and EMI Germany have set up a microsite specifically to promote the album. The site includes exclusive videos and competitions to win Ultravox goodies. "Brilliant" is out on 28th May, 2012, and you can pre-order it via the microsite too.
Play Ultravox "Brilliant" 30-second clips
Track Listing for "Brilliant" by Ultravox (2012):
1. "Live Again"
2. "Flow"
3. "Brilliant"
4. "The Change"
5. "Rise"
6. "Remembering"
7. "Hello"
8. "This One"
9. "Fall"
10. "Let It Lie"
11. "Satellite"
12. "Contact"
Visit Ultravox Brilliant microsite – ultravoxbrilliant.com


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Pad-Printing Seminars Offered Through Printa's new TrainingFacility
Whether you are starting a new business or expanding your current operations, Printa Systems can help simplify the process with its training programs. The company offers one- and two-day training sessions each month at its training facility in Kirkland, Washington. During the sessions, instructors demonstrate printing techniques and coach attendees on equipment operation. Training session topics include computer graphics, equipment setup, plate preparation, exposing artwork, printing techniques, clean-up procedures, tools and applications, substrate sourcing, and marketing. Class size is limited, so preregistration is required. For more information, contact Printa Systems, Inc., 127 10th St. S., Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-828-8933, 800-601-6240, 425-828-8956, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com, Web: www.printa.com.


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Magic on Tap (Denis Behr)
Four amazing DVDs from one of the best card technicians in magic
Vanishing Inc describes Denis Behr as "Denis Behr is a superb card magician--one of the world's finest by any measure. He exhibits extraordinary skill, creativity, and humor, packaged in a uniquely German character." I was unfamiliar with Denis work, but having watched his incredible new video, Magic on Tap, I'm now a Denis Behr fan. In this set of four DVD length videos, we get to watch Denis perform an entire show more than an hour long, enjoy him explain these routines carefully with another three hours of instruction, and finally spend another hour with him in a beer hall where he performs and teaches even more effects. It's brilliant stuff, and an opportunity to see one of the finest magicians in action.
View the official trailer here.
Denis Behr
I first came across Denis Behr as a result of his amazing conjuring archive (link), an online project that started in 2004, which carefully lists and categorizes the contents of many magic books. It's tremendously helpful, and is a fine example of the kind of careful attention that magicians like to give when crediting and documenting the history of effects and resources.
What I didn't realize until recently, is that Denis Behr isn't just a magician skilled as a digital librarian, but is also supremely gifted and applauded for his remarkable technical skill with cards. He's gained a reputation for "highly technical, smart card magic", and some consider him "the finest card technician of his generation." He's extremely talented, not just as a performer, but as very clever thinker.
Some of his online videos proved to put him in the spotlight, but Denis has contributed as a teacher of magic in several ways, including as the author of two small books, Handcrafted Card Magic (2007) and Handcrafted Card Magic Volume 2 (2011). But now there's his most impressive work yet, Magic on Tap, a series of videos available as a DVD or as a digital download.
What you get
You get more than five hours of material here, so it doesn't come cheap. For $75, you get four DVDs, or instant digital downloads of the videos in four sets of videos. I got the video from Vanishing Inc Magic, where it is available here as an exclusive. I opted to go with the high definition videos via digital download, and found myself with almost 8GB of videos, as well as a carefully organized PDF document with a Table of Contents that lists all the effects and the exact time on each video where each can be found.
There are four videos in all. The first is an hour long performance, and the second and third videos are teaching sections that contain explanations of how to do the tricks shown in the performance. The fourth video shows performances and explanations of another five tricks, and another performance of three of the tricks already seen in the theatre show performance. Here is a complete list:
Disc 1: Theatre Show Performance (Brute Force Opening, The King Thing, Shuffled ACAAN, Herbert The Trained Rubber Band, Mating Season, Magic Monthly, Oil & Water, Photographic Memory, The Tantalizer, Expanded Gambling Demonstration, Stop It)
Disc 2: Explanations Part 1 (Brute Force Opening, The King Thing, Shuffled ACAAN, Herbert The Trained Rubber Band, Mating Season, Magic Monthly)
Disc 3: Explanations Part 2 (Oil & Water, The Tantalizer, Expanded Gambling Demonstration, Stack Management, Messy (performance and explanation), Strip-out Shuffle, Transitions
Disc 4: Beer Hall Magic Performance & Explanations (Another Trick for Allen Kennedy, Routined Arith-Mate-ic, Packet Trick, The Green Card, Plop; Performances only: Brute Force Opening, Herbert The Trained Rubber Band, Oil and Water)
For me the highlight of the entire video is the fabulous routine, Herbert The Trained Rubber Band.
This trick is an absolute must see! Fortunately you can see the full performance of this routine in the video clip below, starting at around 30 seconds here. The DVD set also contains another performance to a different audience, and of course the explanation. But this performance clip will give you a good idea of the creative and clever approach Denis has to his magic, and his ingenuity and ability to entertain.
The Theatre Show Tricks
1. Brute Force Opening:
For the opener, a spectator sights a card they stop the magician at in the middle of the deck. Without shuffling, the top card is shown to be an indifferent card and placed in their hands, and magically turns into their chosen card.
Comment: This is a very quick routine, but creates stunned reactions from spectators due to the sudden and magical transposition.
2. The King Thing:
Four Queens are removed from a deck, a random surprise card placed inside the empty box, after which a spectator freely chooses and remembers a card and returns it to the deck. The four Queens are then shown to all be the spectator's selection, and are quickly returned back to Queens. The mystery card inside the box is then shown to be the four Queens, while the pile of four Queens has vanished and turned into the spectator's card.
Comment: This is a very action packed routine, with surprise after surprise, and one transposition after another. It's a superb illustration of Denis' astounding technical skill with cards, as he performs a series of difficult moves flawlessly. Throughout the effect there's also a running gag that Denis is trying to make the spectator forget his card, and this is a beautiful concept that both ensures that the spectator remembers his card, and also gives a good motive for the steady stream of transpositions Denis performs, as an apparent effort to confuse the spectator. It's a great lesson about the importance of motivation in magic.
3. Shuffled ACAAN:
A deck shuffled by the spectator is placed inside the box, which the magician never again touches. A number between 10 and 40 is chosen an audience member, and a second spectator freely chooses a card from a second deck. Now the first spectator counts down to the chosen number, and the card matches the second spectator's selection.
Comment: This trick had a great build up, and there was an enthusiastic round of applause, after some moments of suspense and drama as the cards were counted and the final card shown to be the same as the spectator's selection. There's also a great running gag with this trick is that the magician isn't allowed to touch the deck, and this is also a great idea that provides some entertainment that actually helps emphasize the magical moment.
4. Herbert The Trained Rubber Band:
Denis introduces his assistant Herbert (who even has his own Facebook page here), a rubber band that has been trained to find any card. A spectator chooses a card which is then lost visibly in the middle of the deck. The rubber band is then wrapped around the deck, and in an instant the rubber band appears wrapped around a single card in the middle of the deck, which is of course the spectator's selection. The trick is repeated by making it even difficult: this time a spectator just names any card, and the rubber band is shown to be wrapped around that card. You can see the technique in these video clips here and here.
Comment: Once again there's moments of warm humour, for example Herbert is "blindfolded" (by placing him under a spectator's hand) so he can't cheat. The basic plot for this trick is an old one, as a card is chosen and found, but the techniques are flawless, and the method of revealing the card with a rubber band gives it a whole new lease of life, and wonderfully entertaining.
5. Mating Season:
This is a gambling demonstration, to illustrate card control of a single card. In which five cards of Poker are dealt, from which a single card from a single hand is chosen and revealed. Denis then states that he will find the matching mate of that card, making it appear in the same spot with his next deal, which he does. Having illustrated the concept, the difficulty is now ramped up by letting a spectator choose one of five randomly dealt poker hands, and now Denis repeats the effect, first manipulating the deck and then dealing out another five poker hands, with one now having all five mates to the hand chosen by the spectator. The concept is taken further by letting a spectator cut to a card from a shuffled deck, and Denis immediately identifies its mate in the other half of the deck - three times in a row. For the final phase, the deck is shown to be shuffled, and then dealt face up showing that all the cards are now together with their mates.
Comment: The presentation here is key, and what really makes this so strong is how the first phase is presented as an apparent exercise of card control. But halfway through the effect Denis says it is actually all luck, and this then becomes the theme for the rest of the routine. This presentational choice helps create a real element of suspense, because each of Denis' choices appears to be a matter of a lucky guess. Each revelation gets a loud round of applause, which testifies to how impressed the audience was with the effect. It's a wonderful routine, with the "mate" concept creating a good thematic unity that ties the phases together, and each phase becoming increasingly impossible so we never get tired of watching - in fact the final revelation rightly received a thunderous applause from an amazed audience, in respect for Denis' skill.
6. Magic Monthly:
Explaining that each card value represents a month of the year, the deck is shuffled by one spectator, while another indicates that his birthday is in November, corresponding to the Jack. Denis then produces the four Jacks from the deck one by one in a series of increasingly impossible maneuvers. Next, he ups the ante for the final phase, with another spectator giving the month of his birthday as October, and Denis promises to produce all four corresponding 10s at once. But there's a real twist at the end - they aren't even in the deck, but the four Jacks previously produced have now turned into the 10s!
Comment: This is a truly astonishing routine, based on the common "Cut to the Aces" plot, but ramped up in difficulty and made far more impressive with the help of genuine technical skill and a wonderful presentation and showmanship. It is absolutely gorgeous to watch Denis at work with this routine!
7. Oil and Water:
Introduced as an experiment in physics, three red and three black spot cards are introduced, the black cards apparently "heavier" due to more ink. Denis then does a beautiful oil and water routine, as the reds and blacks are placed in an alternating order, and automatically separate themselves with the red cards on top. This is repeated multiple times, each with increasingly impossible conditions, including a third phase with a "sleight of hand prevention machine" where the alternating cards are held in order with a pin punched through the cards. In the fourth phase, the entire deck is surprisingly shown to be sorted by colour, and then after a shake all the cards are in alternating order.
Comment: The oil and water concept is a classic in card magic, but Denis really offers a beautiful presentation and narrative that makes it entertaining and gripping. And his card work is impeccable as always. It's also a superb example of good magic design, with each phase increasing in intensity and impossibility. So how does one get a new deck into play during a performance? At the end of this routine there's a very natural motive for doing so, which I'll leave you to discover for yourself by watching the video.
8. Photographic Memory:
Denis suggests the humorous notion that when he drinks beer, his memory improves, which he proceeds to demonstrate by memorizing a shuffled deck of cards - with the help of beer. A spectator removes a single card and replaces it elsewhere in the deck, and after a sip of beer and glance at the deck, Denis identifies the card that has been moved. This is then made more difficult when a spectator now removes a card without replacing it in the deck. For the final phase, a spectator takes a photo of the order of a packet of the deck, which is then shuffled after Denis has momentarily glimpsed and "memorized" it, he then reconstructs the entire deck in its original order.
Comment: This is a great effect that really emphasizes an apparent ability to memorize an entire deck just by glimpsing it briefly. To make this routine even more convincing, the deck is regularly shuffled and cut between phases, and subtle convincers like this are important. This trick isn't taught on the video but only performed, and Denis plans to release it some time in the future. Warning: don't try this routine at home without knowing how it's done, especially since at one stage Denis downs a massive mug of beer in one go, and despite his assurances, doing this may not improve your performance!
9. The Tantalizer:
A spectator selects a card and returns it from the deck. While the cards are dealt into two piles, Denis explains the rules of a game he invented, he and the spectator each get a pile, and whoever gets the pile with the chosen card is the winner! At first the odds are 50/50, with each having half the deck, but then Denis gives the spectator more and more cards, until he only has one card himself.
Comment: This routine is a fine, fine example of what a difference good presentation can make. While effectively it's a "pick a card" type trick, where the magician then controls and reveals the selected card, the whole premise of a "game" is highly entertaining, wins over the audience's sympathy for the magician, and creates a presentation that is humorous, suspenseful, and powerful.
10. Expanded Gambling Demonstration:
This is a longer routine, where Denis states he'll demonstrate how poker cheats operate by controlling cards. First he cuts to a four-of-a-kind for any value named by a spectator. Then he shuffles these into the deck, so that they are all dealt to himself. Then he repeats the effect, making it harder, and deals himself a royal flush - in a suit chosen by a spectator, and to the player number also chosen by a spectator. As a finale, he then deals out a full hand for a game of Bridge, producing the entire Hearts suit!
Comment: I love how Denis says several times "I'll show you how this works", knowing full well that most people can't possibly remember what he is doing, and certainly not replicate it. It is possible for the audience to follow along in the first phase, which is exactly the point, because then the final phases become all the more credible, and appear to be a result of genuine skill, rather than magic. This kind of presentation reminds me of Sal Piacente's style, and can be very effective in the right context. But this trick is genuinely difficult from a technical point of view, because the spectators get to name the cards that must be dealt and the players who get them when they are dealt.
11. Stop it:
This is a demonstration of predictions. Denis writes down a secret prediction, and from a shuffled deck a spectator turns over cards one at a time until he wants to stop at a card, which turns out to match the written prediction. To confirm the miracle, the effect is repeated twice more, this time with the cards face down, and the spectator given opportunity to change his mind more than once before the final reveal.
Comment: This one really impressed me, because the plot is so straight forward, and it truly seems completely impossible, especially because the spectator really has a free choice when they want to stop, and can even change their mind. This triple prediction "stop" trick is performance only, and the explanation can be found in Behr's book Handcrafted Card Magic Vol 2.
The Beer Hall Tricks
The fourth disc is filmed in a more intimate setting with just four spectators. This "Beer Hall Magic" video shows and teaches the following five tricks: Another Trick for Allen Kennedy, Routined Arith-Mate-ic, Packet Trick, The Green Card, and Plop. In addition to performances and instruction for each of these, this disc concludes with an extra performance of Brute Force Opening, Herbert the Trained Rubber Band, and Oil & Water. Here's a description of the additional tricks on this disc:
1. Another Trick for Allen Kennedy 2: A demonstration of center dealing, that produces the four Aces from the middle of the deck, when dealing the cards from the top.
2. Arith-Mate-ic: A three-phase routine based on a self-working Alex Elmsley idea, where mates are produced by "coincidence" from two piles, at exactly the number corresponding to a packet removed by a spectator.
3. Packet Trick: A lovely routine with a memorized deck, where a missing card from a deck is identified, and then the exact location in the deck of a thought of card is named.
4. Green Card: A variation of the classic ambitious card plot, with a stunning finale when the signed card impossibly ends up turning out to be a prediction card with a different coloured back that was set aside at the start.
5. Plop: A four of a kind named by a spectator is produced from a closed box, through the case!
6. Messy: This is a stunning Triumph style routine (this is an extra trick shown and taught on the Theatre Show explanation video)
The Video
The video footage is outstanding. The video can be downloaded in normal resolution or high resolution, so opted for the larger size files for optimal quality, which looked outstanding on my wide-screen monitor. Unlike large scale stage magic, close-up magic can be more difficult to film well, but the filming is of the highest calibre, with cameras showing different angles, and the best possible views of the performance and teaching, with close-ups when necessary.
The lighting is also excellent, with the performer clearly and well lit, while the audience melts into the background under appropriately more dim lighting. Interestingly Denis has chosen a somewhat unorthodox deck for most of his performances: a green Bicycle rider-back, although it looks fine against the blue table backdrop. The audience is well-dressed, polite, and provides regular and polite applause at regular intervals, which at times becomes very loud applause at the often stunning finales of his routines. The sound is clear, so that everything Denis has to say comes across very clearly.
The Performer
Denis Behr is the real deal. In his book Designing Miracles, Darwin Ortiz points out that several elements are necessary to produce strong magic, including good design, good technique, and good presentation. Denis is tremendously skilled in all these areas. He also has a charming persona, and I especially appreciate how he gives good and unusual motivations for his abilities - e.g. it's pure physics that causes heavier cards to descend to the bottom, or it's a result of a clear memory from drinking beer; or it's because he is the "inventor" of a game that he has an advantage and so can't lose; or it's because he's studied how poker cheats operate; or it is pure "luck". As a result he comes across humble rather than arrogant, and you feel entertained rather than fooled. Rather than feeling like a frustrating puzzle, the presentation feels like genuine magic. People new to the craft of magic, and even some old hands, would do well to learn from Denis in this regard.
While Denis is German, and speaks with a noticeable accent, this never becomes a barrier - he speaks clearly and confidently, and is easy to understand, and he has a genuinely pleasant and warm manner that comes across as a true gentleman. I also really appreciate the variety in techniques he uses, for example, when losing a card in the deck, Denis doesn't resort to the same handling every time (which could otherwise draw attention to itself, or give away the method). But more importantly, his skills with cards are amazing, and it's a real pleasure to see a skilled card-man like him at work.
The Tricks
There's a lot of material here, and the teaching material alone includes 16 full routines. Note that two of 11 effects from the theatre performance video aren't taught in the explanation videos (Photographic Memory and the wonderful encore Stop It). However the teaching section does have a bonus effect called Messy, which is a stunning Triumph style routine, and there are 5 more effects taught in the beer hall video. Herbert The Trained Rubber Band is easily one of the highlights, as is the beautiful Oil & Water routine.
Each of the tricks has its own development and build-up, and is easily the kind of thing that working pros could fit into a professional show. They are all strong routines, that are well constructed, typically consisting of several phases, each more impossible than the last. They are a fine example of the principles underlying good magic construction, and illustrate what well designed magic effects should look like. They're also very strong, and the audience's reactions speak for themselves. I also appreciate the variety in effects, and there's different kinds of presentational ideas that Denis uses, which means that most performers should find something here that will suit their style.
This is not material that the beginner magician will be able to learn and perform, and many of the tricks do require very good card skills, including some use of memorized decks, and consistent faro shuffles. But that doesn't mean that this material isn't of any benefit to those who aren't yet at an advanced level with cards.
First of all, there's the sheer pleasure of watching a skilled performer at the top of his game, performing some true miracles with cards. Secondly, there are many presentational ideas that can be applied to all kinds of other tricks, and there are many valuable lessons in showmanship that can be absorbed by watching Denis perform. Thirdly, these tricks are wonderful models of good magic design, in how the phases of a routine are well connected and build up. And finally, you might just find a few tricks that you will challenge yourself to learn, although advanced magicians are the ones most likely to be able to bring some of these routines into their own repertoire.
I have no complaints here at all, although Denis does go through the material fairly quickly. Denis is a clear thinker, and it shows in how he teaches and explains his material. He also is careful to discuss the source of his ideas, and often produces the original books as part of his explanations. He makes the fair assumption that students of his video already have mastered the fundamentals of card handling, and focuses on the details of his handling and performance. Also very helpful is the attention he gives to resetting the deck at the end of many routines, making it possible to seamlessly move to a new effect that relies on a similar stack or memorized deck.
I'm not alone in singing the praises of this wonderful set of videos, and here are some quotes from other magicians that I've gleaned from various places online. Firstly, there's some endorsements from some big names in magic:
"In Denis Behr's live shows, he's smart, funny, skillful, and very tall. On the Magic on Tap performances, you get everything but the tall part. Instead, you also get clear explanations of his großartig card tricks." - Max Maven
If you like clever card magic, you'll love Denis Behr's latest project Magic on Tap: get ready for sophisticated pasteboard prestidigitation, and a full mass of beer, too!" - Roberto Giobbi
"This set of DVDs offers excellent performances, followed by detailed explanations, packed in a superb production. But even better, it gives us an opportunity to see how the brilliant mind of Denis Behr works." - Asi Wind
But consumers are also saying very positive things about it:
"This DVD set is everything I could've hoped for. Amazing. This is the best DVD set I've invested in in years. I couldn't be happier." - Andrew Healy
"Any dedicated memdeck worker will find an oasis of practical and audience-tested card wizardry." - Martijn Spaepen
"This set of DVD is absolutely great. Mr Behr is a master card magician, he is obviously very clever and his tricks are very well constructed. This is the kind of DVDs you'll often come back to, and one of the best I ever purchased." - Bruno D
"It is absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended." - RickDangerous
Strong magic is a combination of different elements, including good design, good technical skills, and good showmanship. Denis really excels in all aspects of the craft of magic, and it's a real pleasure to watch him at work given his expert technical skills with cards, which is accompanied with engaging patter and many moments of warm humour.
Every magician can learn something from this high quality set of videos, which feature a high class performer, and high class videography that matches the high calibre of the material we see performed and taught. Much can be gained by learning from the best, and after spending several hours with Denis Behr with the help of Magic on Tap, there's no doubt that he really is one of the best. - BoardGameGeek reviewer EndersGame
Want to learn more? Find Denis Behr's Magic on Tap here:
- Vanishing Inc Magic: Digital download or DVD
- Murphy's Magic: Product page
Review: Magic on Tap (Denis Behr)
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Web hosting provider Liquid Web announced on Tuesday that it has launched a new Microsoft Windows virtual private server offering powered by web hosting software provider Parallels' Virtuozzo Containers.
According to the recent press release, this represents an expanded partnership with Parallels, which already provides Liquid Web with Parallels Plesk Control Panel software bundled with its Windows dedicated server offerings. Liquid Web says the offering will be delivered from its two mid-western data centers in Lansing, Michigan.
Parallels Virtuozzo Containers includes the Parallels Infrastructure Manager, "a robust set of management tools that helps Liquid Web personnel deliver their Heroic Support," says Liquid Web.
Using the Parallels Infrastructure Manager and Parallels Plesk control panel software, Liquid Web can also offer its customers a control panel for adding software as a service applications as well as the ability to scale the size of their VPS.
Liquid Web says it is taking advantage of the Parallels Virtuozzo Containers' architecture to offer "burstable" memory, like temporarily adding more memory to a container during a short period of high activity so clients can have access to more server resources than they actually pay for.
"We are pleased that Liquid Web has selected Parallels Virtuozzo Containers and the Parallels Open Platform for this important new offering and that our two companies are deepening our partnership," says Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels.
"Parallels Virtuozzo Containers offers the highest levels of density, manageability and scalability, which makes it an ideal solution for data center owners who want to offer a wide variety of fully-managed services."
Founded in 1997, Liquid Web says it has more than 130 employees and around 15,000 customers around the world. In January the company announced that it had more than doubled its head count and grown its revenues by more than 60 percent.
Last week, Solar Virtualisation Technologies Group began using Parallels technologies to launch new software as a service solutions for small and medium businesses.
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Current Publication:
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Oral Disease and Social Class in a Random Sample of Five-year-old Preschool Children in a Brazilian City
Bonanato, Karina / Pordeus, Isabela A. / Moura-Leite, Fab�ola R. / Ramos-Jorge, Maria L. / Vale, Miriam P. / Paiva, Saul M.
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text: kingddd Posted August 22, 2012 (edited) https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?t=193067 Changes your player model into a robot from Mann vs. Machine, and adds a touch of metal to your voice. Nothing else changes. By default, anyone can say !robot to toggle it on themselves. Admins can do !robot [target] to toggle it on players. NEW IN 1.1 Be the Sentry Buster! A little glitchy, though. Footsteps, as well, and bugfixes! Overrides: "betherobot" (def. all) Who can toggle it on themselves. "betherobot_admin" (def. kick) Who can toggle it on other players. "bethebuster" and "bethebuster_admin" (both def. root) Same, but for Be the Sentry Buster. Works great with Force Holidays! Double-robot Soldier is best Soldier. Known issues: You can't be robot as Engineer. Blame Valve. Most voice lines are delayed as Spy. Blame Valve...? Not sure if this is intentional. Demoman's Caber taunt. That is all. Personal opinion. Its a neat little plugin. Do it for admins only or make it for bacon/eggs. Not sure though how the plugin works. Thoughts? Opinions? Etc. Here's me in a server with the plugin enabled Edited August 22, 2012 by kingddd Quote Share this post Link to post


text:
Do you need the help of a roofing firm in the Manhattan Beach, California area that assures satisfaction? If you are, Rise Above Roof Cleaning in Manhattan Beach, CA is a great selection. This comes as a result of how hard our team works to ensure your roof looks as great as new when they have finalized the roof cleaning endeavor. Those who have hired our Manhattan Beach roof cleaning company also take pleasure in the fact that we make it extremely easy for them to understand what they are purchasing. Be sure to give our experts in Manhattan Beach a call at this time at 888-416-7747 if you are ready to have your roof's appearance restored.
Why Have Your Roof Cleaned in Manhattan Beach, CA?
At one time, you probably spent several hundred or even a few thousand on your Manhattan Beach, CA home or business' roof covering. Consequently, you most likely plan on getting a number of years of enjoyment out of the money you have put in your roof. The only problem is that roofs take a serious beating from environmental elements, such as algae and numerous sorts of fungi, dirt, dust, sun, and a lot more, which can cause them to adopt a dull look. When the majority of homeowners find that their roof is starting to fade, their first thought is that they will need to shell out thousands of dollars once again for a new roof. Luckily, replacing your roof is no longer your only solution because our roof cleaning crew has a high success rate of restoring roofs to new or like-new condition.
Our Experienced Squad and Top-Notch Equipment
You will obtain a lot of value for your money when you employ our roof pressure cleaning firm in Manhattan Beach, CA. For starters, you will not find a roof pressure cleaning squad that puts as much of a focus on customer satisfaction. Therefore, we will work to have your roof cleaned immediately so you are never waiting around your home or office longer than required. Our company also has a track record for giving truthful quotes. Additionally, our roof cleaning service staff has the essential knowledge to renovate your roof's looks without causing damage. A few roof power washing companies, on the other hand, restrict themselves to making use of power washers, which can cause a substantial amount of damage to your roofing components.
If you would like to get the most out of the roof you have put a decent sum of money into, it is critical to have roof cleaning completed at least every couple of years in Manhattan Beach, CA. Not only will this extend the lifespan of your roof by eliminating the harmful elements that have become glued to the roof but it will also keep your roof from having a washed out appearance. Give Rise Above Roof Cleaning a call now at 888-416-7747 to plan your roof cleaning service.
Manhattan Beach, CA Roof Cleaning Questions
How Will Roof Cleaning Benefit Me in Manhattan Beach, California
How Will Roof Cleaning Benefit Me in Manhattan Beach, California
Over time, your roofing will take a pounding from anything from sunshine to dust. At this point, your roof will begin to fade and this will modify the look of your whole home. Needless to say, roof cleaning within Manhattan Beach, California can keep you from needing to have a new roof installed as often.
What Will I Spend for Roof Cleaning in Manhattan Beach, CA?
When figuring out how much it will cost to have roof cleaning completed, we need to analyze the roof's dimensions, its obstacles as well as its pitch. Having said that, you should consider that roof cleaning is an investment that provides long-term benefits so it should not be seen as an expenditure. Give our team in Manhattan Beach, CA a call at 888-416-7747 for a personalized roof cleaning quote. At the same time, don't hesitate to inspect various places like, Morris Plains, NJ roof cleaning to see if our company offers services near you.
Will Your Personnel Clean Any Kind of Roof?
Yes, our crew of roof cleaning experts at Rise Above Roof Cleaning has the ability to clean all sorts of roofs.
Can Roof Cleaning Hurt My Roof in Manhattan Beach?
When you allow us to clean your roof, we can assure that we will not trigger any damages. This is because we do not use the abrasive cleaning agents that some roof cleaning agencies in Manhattan Beach utilize. Additionally, we also replace the classic power washer with a soft washer.
How Long Will Roof Cleaning Require?
The dimensions of your roof, the pitch and the obstacles will determine the length of time it will take to clean your roof structure. Normally, we can finish the venture within a few hours to one day.
When Must Your Staff Clean My Roof?
Many of our customers ask to have their roofs cleaned on a yearly basis as they feel this keeps their roof looking its best. Generally, you will only have to have roof cleaning services completed every couple of years.
Do I Need to Schedule an Appointment?
Normally, planning your roof cleaning task a couple of days ahead of time is a good idea. By doing so, we are able to set up a time that is ideal for your needs while ensuring that we are not already devoted to other customers. Make sure to plan a roof cleaning service today by calling us at Rise Above Roof Cleaning at 888-416-7747.
Does Your Firm Use Cutting-Edge Roof Cleaning Machines in Manhattan Beach, CA?
Our roof cleaning business uses a combination of a soft washer and special cleaning agents that are specially designed to eliminate the most tenacious debris and dirt without taking the roofing materials along with it.
Do You Have the Appropriate License and Insurance?
Yes, our roof cleaning enterprise is licensed and insured per regional and federal regulations.


text:
Our hair care products at Loma are high performing with naturally healing ingredients and essential oil based fragrances.
From the beginning in 1991, product purity is at the forefront, all Loma products are Paraben and Gluten free, Sulfate free cleansing and Sodium Chloride free, and all products are good for your hair and skin!
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text:
Walsall Borough 'City of Sanctuary' celebrated Refugee Day by bringing together new groups namely the Refugee and Immigration Centre Team and Abu Bakr Girls School, Walsall with Volunteers and families already linked with our Sanctuary group, at the new RMC Offices in Walsall.
Cllr Doug James City of Sanctuary Chairman acted as host accompanied by Fahim Zazai from the Afghan Welfare Community Association.
The celebration encouraged involvement from young people and the exchange of gifts organised through the School pupils. It also allowed everyone to meet families and receive information about future City of Sanctuary Events.
Sabrina Ditta from Abu Bakr School received a copy of Brendan Cox book 'More In Common' in appreciation of the new links and work undertaken by the young people at the School on behalf of the Sanctuary project.
On 24th June in St.Pauls Square the City of Sanctuary volunteers will be running a stall to promote our work and hopefully encourage the enlisting of new Volunteers as part of Refugee Week.


text:
We have all heard the banging of the gong and drumbeating of the parties, on Tax avoidance, and how shocked the Prime Minister is at such figures as celebrities and large Companies using tax shelters and tax avoidance schemes.
Well David Cameron certainly cannot talk, given the fact that his millions were earned by his own father heading up a company that helped people avoid tax, and his own wealth is directly linked to tax avoidance.
David Cameron's family made its fortune from Offshore Umbrella Companies in places like Geneva, Jersey and Panama. Ian Cameron, David Cameron's father, set up the schemes after Margaret Thatcher relaxed the rules on money sent offshore in her very first month in power.
So here is a little light reading lol
http://www.contractoraccountants.eu/cam ... avoidance/
http://www.umbrellacompany.org/david-ca ... companies/


text:
Long-Term Strategic Vision Would Help Ensure Targeting of E-rate Funds to Highest-Priority Uses
GAO-09-253: Published: Mar 27, 2009. Publicly Released: Apr 27, 2009.
Additional Materials:
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The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism--also known as the E-rate program--is a significant source of federal funding for information technology for schools and libraries, providing about $2 billion a year. As requested, GAO assessed issues related to the E-rate program's long-term goals, including (1) key trends in the demand for and use of E-rate funding and the implications of these trends; (2) the rate of program participation, participants' views on requirements, and FCC's actions to facilitate participation; and (3) FCC's performance goals and measures for the program and how they compare to key characteristics of successful goals and measures. To perform this work, GAO analyzed data going back to the first year of the program, surveyed a sample of participating schools and libraries, reviewed agency documents, and interviewed agency officials and program stakeholders.
Requests for E-rate funding consistently exceed the annual funding cap, and increased commitments for telecommunications and Internet services, combined with significant undisbursed funds, limit funding for wiring and components needed for data transmission. Although still exceeding available funds, total amounts requested have generally declined since 2002, largely due to declining requests for wiring and components. Funding commitments in recent years reflect this trend, with the amount of funding for wiring and components outweighed by funding for telecommunications services and Internet access. In addition, a significant amount of committed funds are not disbursed to program participants; for commitments made in 1998 through 2006, about one-quarter of the funds have not been disbursed. Unused funds are reallocated for use in future years but are still problematic because they preclude other applicants from being funded. Participation rates and participants' views on program requirements indicate difficulties in the E-rate application process, which FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)--the program's administrator--are taking steps to address. The participation rate among the more than 150,000 eligible schools and libraries is about 63 percent, but participation rates among groups vary, from 83 percent among public schools to 13 percent among private schools. According to nonparticipants, a key circumstance influencing nonparticipation is the complexity of program requirements, even though participants reported that participation is becoming easier. Still, E-rate program data show that some funding is denied because applicants do not correctly carry out application procedures. In recent years, FCC and USAC have made changes intended to ease the process of participation for schools and libraries, such as giving applicants an opportunity to correct clerical errors in their applications. FCC officials said they will consider further changes to facilitate participation, but their primary interest is in protecting funds from improper use. FCC does not have performance goals for the E-rate program, and its performance measures are inadequate. In 1998, GAO first recommended that FCC develop specific performance goals and measures for the E-rate program in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. FCC set forth specific goals and measures for some of the intervening years, but it does not currently have performance goals in place. Further, the performance measures it adopted in 2007 lack key characteristics of successful performance measures, such as being tied to program goals. Performance goals and measures are particularly important for the E-rate program, as they could help FCC make well-informed decisions about how to address trends in request for and use of funds. Without them, FCC is limited in its ability to efficiently identify and address problems with the E-rate program and better target funding to highest-priority uses. FCC's piecemeal approach to performance goals and measures indicates a lack of a strategic vision for the program.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism - also known as the E-rate program - is a significant source of federal funding for information technology for schools and libraries, providing about $2 billion a year. The E-rate program provides schools, school districts, libraries, and consortia with discounts on telecommunications services, Internet access, and data transmission wiring and components used for educational purposes - that is, activities that are integral, immediate, or proximate to the education of students or to the provision of services to library patrons, such as activities that occur on library or school property. In a 2009 report, we found that FCC's efforts in establishing performance goals and measures had progressed in a piecemeal manner, which indicted a lack of a coherent vision for the program. We also identified several trends that raised questions about the direction of the program. For example, in an increasingly broadband oriented world, a substantial and growing portion of program commitments were for telecommunications services such as local and cellular telephone service. Therefore, to better provide a foundation for effective management of the program and ensure that program funds are used efficiently and in a manner to support desired outcomes, we recommended that FCC review the purpose and structure of the program. On July 19, 2013, FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that initiated a thorough review and modernization of the program built around three goals: increased broadband capacity, cost-effective purchasing, and streamlined program administration. In its NPRM, FCC noted that it was responding to GAO's recommendations. FCC Commissioner Pai also noted that the E-Rate program had evolved over the years and that FCC had lost sight of what was important, a sentiment consistent with our finding of a lack of a coherent vision for the program. Among other things, FCC sought comment on prioritizing funding for new fiber deployments that will drive higher speeds and long-term efficiency, ensuring that schools and libraries can access funding for modern high-speed Wi-Fi networks in classrooms and library buildings, increasing consortium and bulk buying opportunities to lower prices, and providing a streamlined electronic filing system. According to FCC, this effort will help to deliver students and teachers with access to high-capacity broadband nationwide.
Recommendation: To better provide a foundation for effective management of the E-rate program and to ensure that program funds are used efficiently and in a manner to support desired program outcomes, the Federal Communications Commission should review the purpose and structure of the E-rate program and prepare a report to the appropriate congressional committees identifying FCC's strategic vision for the program; this report should include the program's long-term goals, whether the vision can be achieved using the existing program structure (e.g., the priority rules and discount matrix), and whether legislative or regulatory changes are necessary.
Agency Affected: Federal Communications Commission
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism - commonly referred to as the E-rate program - is a significant source of federal support for technology funding for schools and libraries. E-rate is similar to a grant program in that schools and libraries apply annually for support and, if approved, receive discounts for eligible services actually received. The E-rate program funds telecommunications services (Priority 1 services), such as local, long distance, and wireless services, and internal connections (Priority 2 services), such as cabling, components, routers, switches, and network servers that are necessary to transport information. The E-rate program is capped at $2.25 billion a year. All eligible and properly completed requests for Priority 1 services are funded up to the available amount of funding; Priority 2 services are funded with what remains. In a 2009 report, we found that of the $19.5 billion in E-rate funding committed to schools and libraries between 1998 and 2006, $5.0 billion - more than one-quarter - was not disbursed. We found that undisbursed funding was problematic because it had the potential to reduce the number of participants that received commitments for Priority 2 services; in particular, some applicants for Priority 2 services, who would have received funding if aggregate requests and commitments were more consistent with actual disbursements, did not receive funding. Therefore, we recommended that FCC provide information on the amount of undisbursed funding associated with commitments that have expired, why these funds were not disbursed, and the actions taken to reduce the amount of undisbursed funding. In 2014, FCC asked the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) - the program's administrator - to develop information on undisbursed E-rate funding to be published as an addendum to USAC's most recent annual report and to be included in USAC's future annual reports. USAC published information on undisbursed funding, the reasons for undisbursed funding, and its actions to reduce undisbursed funding in its 2013 Annual Report. FCC's and USAC's actions should help reduced the instances whereby applicants are denied funding because of undisbursed funding.
Recommendation: To better provide a foundation for effective management of the E-rate program and to ensure that program funds are used efficiently and in a manner to support desired program outcomes, the Federal Communications Commission should provide information in its annual performance plan on (1) the amount of undisbursed funding associated with commitments that have expired and why these funds were not disbursed, and (2) the actions taken to reduce the amount of undisbursed funding and the outcomes associated with these actions.
Agency Affected: Federal Communications Commission