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Wealth Management
September 30, 2009
Will the Queen have to ask again?
September 29, 2009
Ontario's Teachers Pension Plan buys Simmons Mattress
There was a time, not long ago, that mattress business was terrific. There were big margins and if you were supplying hotels at Vegas, for example, you had it made. In fact, Profit magazine's top fastest growing companies featured one of Canada's family businesses, Price Mattress, that manufactured mattresses but managed to sell into the USA back in the good old days.
Gerry Price took a smarter approach. He figured out how to add incremental improvements to the mattresses made at his plant in Toronto, yet charge less than Sealy, Serta and Simmons. He then wooed key retailers with exclusive deals on a mix of attractively priced private-label brands and models licensed by Oklahoma City-based Lady Americana Associates Inc. His resulting revenue growth has been anything but sleepy, from $1.3 million in 2000 to $21.6 million in 2005. This 1,588% increase placed Price Mattress 38th on the 2006 PROFIT 100 ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies.
Gerry Price was a fighter but did not manage to save his company this recession. So it is no surprise that the Simmons Company, maker of Beautyrest mattresses, said on Friday that it planned to be sold to private investors in a $760 million transaction. The New York Times reported that it would include a bankruptcy filing.
The company said it had support from more than the two-thirds of its noteholders and lenders needed for a prepackaged restructuring planthat would reduce its debt to about $450 million, from $1 billion.
The buyers are Ares Management, a private equity firm, and a unit of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. The mattress sector has been hurt across the board by the downturn in the economy. The Simmons filing would be on the back of those from Foamex International, a maker of polyurethane foam used in mattresses; Consolidated Bedding, which makes the Spring Air mattress brand; and retailers including 1-800-Mattress and the Mattress Discounters Corporation. The company will put the plan out to a vote soon and expects to file for bankruptcy in 30 to 60 days, a Simmons spokesman said. The bankruptcy could then take two more months, he said.
Simmons has been in negotiations with lenders after it failed in late 2008 to meet loan requirements related to debt associated with the 2003 purchase of the company by the private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners from Fenway Partners, another private equity firm, the spokesman said. Simmons said the purchase price included equity injections from the buyers as well as debt commitments from some lenders. Simmons also said it had lined up $35 million of debtor-in-possession financing from existing lenders to keep operating while in bankruptcy. The company said its Canadian and Puerto Rican units were not expected to file for bankruptcy but were among the assets being acquired
September 28, 2009
Baby steps
Open wide, Mummy wants you to eat well and grow up nice and strong. So does the Carlyle Group. want to grow. In fact, David Rubenstein said in a speech earlier this year that most of Carlyle's growth will be in China and India.
With that strategy in mind, Carlyle bought a 17%-ish stake in one of China's biggest baby-formula companies, Yashili Group Co. These guys were the people who thought it is OK to put some melamine in its baby formula. Apparently, Melamine passes food tests and adds minerals, but has an unfortunate side effect when eaten by humans. Carlyle is the latest in a line of PE firms who see the potential for profits here, including Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., CDH Investments and Hopu Investment Management Co. I just hope they can bring in some ethical thinking, not just growth of profits. Carlyle has a strong management team with a solid ethical core and I think this will impact on Yashili Group's guiding principles.
Jacoline Loewen, (jbloewen at loewenpartners.com) is a partner in a private equity firm, Loewen & Partners, dedicated to raising capital for family business owners and developing their growth strategies.
September 26, 2009
99 Bottles of Beer
Jacoline Loewen, (jbloewen at loewenpartners.com) is a partner in a private equity firm, Loewen & Partners, dedicated to raising capital for family business owners and developing their growth strategies.
September 25, 2009
TIE was a friendly place to be
I attended
The warm and erudite Sunny Kumar was there, representing MaRS and Ontario Centres of Excellence. He was commenting on the restrictions in size for government loans to start up companies. The maximum is $500,000 which sounds like a lot if you were given that personally, but burns up quickly once you are trying to build a product and get clients.
Sunny is an expert in medical and pharma businesses but is also helping with other start ups at MaRS. You can reach him at sunny.kumar at oce-ontario.org
What we can all learn from Sam Walton
In these times, business owners need more than a coffee to get going. I find a bit of inspiration when I listen to Sam Walton's wise words. Even though he has been gone a long time, his legacy of Walmarts lives on. Take a look at his ideas, so many are now industry best practices:
Rule 1: Commit to your business. Believe in it more than anybody else. I think I overcame every single one of my personal shortcomings by the sheer passion I brought to my work. I don't know if you're born with this kind of passion, or if you can learn it. But I do know you need it. If you love your work, you'll be out there every day trying to do it the best you possibly can, and pretty soon everybody around will catch the passion from you — like a fever.
Rule 2: Share your profits with all your associates, and treat them as partners. In turn, they will treat you as a partner, and together you will all perform beyond your wildest expectations. Remain a corporation and retain control if you like, but behave as a servant leader in your partnership. Encourage your associates to hold a stake in the company. Offer discounted stock and grant them stock for their retirement. It's the single best thing we ever did.
Rule 3: Motivate your partners. Money and ownership alone aren't enough. Constantly, day by day, think of new and more interesting ways to motivate and challenge your partners. Set high goals, encourage competition, and then keep score. Make bets with outrageous payoffs. If things get stale, cross-pollinate; have managers switch jobs with one another to stay challenged. Keep everybody guessing as to what your next trick is going to be. Don't become too predictable.
Rule 4: Communicate everything you possibly can to your partners. The more they know, the more they'll understand. The more they understand, the more they'll care. Once they care, there's no stopping them. If you don't trust your associates to know what's going on, they'll know you really don't consider them partners. Information is power, and the gain you get from empowering your associates more than offsets the risk of informing your competitors.
Rule 5: Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. A paycheck and a stock will buy one kind of loyalty. But all of us like to be told how much somebody appreciates what we do for them. We like to hear it often, and especially when we have done something we're really proud of. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free — and worth a fortune.
Rule 6: Celebrate your success. Find some humor in your failures. Don't take yourself so seriously. Loosen up, and everybody around you will loosen up. Have fun. Show enthusiasm — always. When all else fails, put on a costume and sing a silly song. Then make everybody else sing with you. Don't do a hula on Wall Street. It's been done. Think up your own stunt. All of this is more important, and more fun, than you think, and it really fools competition. "Why should we take those cornballs at Wal-Mart seriously?"
Rule 7: Listen to everyone in your company and figure out ways to get them talking. The folks on the front lines — the ones who actually talk to the customer — are the only ones who really know what's going on out there. You'd better find out what they know. This really is what total quality is all about. To push responsibility down in your organization, and to force good ideas to bubble up within it, you must listen to what your associates are trying to tell you.
Rule 8: Exceed your customer's expectations. If you do, they'll come back over and over. Give them what they want — and a little more. Let them know you appreciate them. Make good on all your mistakes, and don't make excuses — apologize. Stand behind everything you do. The two most important words I ever wrote were on that first Wal-Mart sign: "Satisfaction Guaranteed." They're still up there, and they have made all the difference.
Rule 9: Control your expenses better than your competition. This is where you can always find the competitive advantage. For twenty-five years running — long before Wal-Mart was known as the nation's largest retailer — we've ranked No. 1 in our industry for the lowest ratio of expenses to sales. You can make a lot of different mistakes and still recover if you run an efficient operation. Or you can be brilliant and still go out of business if you're too inefficient.
Rule 10: Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. If everybody else is doing it one way, there's a good chance you can find your niche by going in exactly the opposite direction. But be prepared for a lot of folks to wave you down and tell you you're headed the wrong way. I guess in all my years, what I heard more often than anything was: a town of less than 50,000 population cannot support a discount store for very long.
Jacoline Loewen, (jbloewen at loewenpartners.com) is a partner in a private equity firm, Loewen & Partners, dedicated to raising capital for family business owners and developing their growth strategies.
September 24, 2009
How not to strengthen your company brand
I ride a 2006 Honda ST1300. The brand, and the specific model that I own, have earned the respect that it enjoys and deserves. But recently the company has begun to move away from an independent dealer network and towards a network of "Honda only" dealers that sell not only the motorcycles, but also the company's brand of generators, outboard motors and even lawnmowers. My guess is that it is a move designed to strengthen the over-all company brand and leverage the reputation in some marketplaces (motorcycles perhaps) to improve the brand's success in others (lawnmowers perhaps).
I had counted on replacing my rear tire when I got to
I rode to the nearest town with a Honda dealer in the hopes of getting the tire changed. I discovered that they didn't have one in stock, which was not really unexpected. (It is a fairly unique model). What was unexpected though was when they told me that it would take a week to have one shipped there, and that "nobody airships tires up here anymore". My choice was to wait a week, or head out and hope to make it to a larger center with a tire in stock. I decided I had no real choice but to take my chances and go.
When I got to the other end of town, I noticed another motorcycle dealer that carried a couple of different brands of motor products. I pulled in and asked if they had a tire that would fit my bike. After a few minutes, the parts manager came out with 3 tires - none were the exact size, but they would fit. But then he offered me one further option. "If you want the exact tire sir, for about $50 I can have one flown up here. I could have it here by tomorrow, the day after at the latest." I chose one of the tires he had in stock, and before I had a chance to catch up on all my emails (and do my Facebook updates) using their customer accessible WiFi connection, they had my tire replaced and I was on my way.
A couple days later, while almost exactly in the middle of a 6 hour stretch without any services, a stone thrown by transport truck rocketing through a gravel section of the highway under construction, pierced my radiator. Green coolant was now spraying all over my front disk brake. In tough situations like that, I did what I always do first: I called my wife!
My riding partner ("Charlie") and I found a small lodge with a satellite phone connection and diesel generated electricity. We rented their last room (an authentic little log cabin), had dinner, and hoped my wife would be able to find a radiator and somehow get it to us.
My wife located the nearest dealer, about 4 hours away from where I was. They told her that they didn't have one in stock (no surprise really), and if she wanted to order one they would have it in a week to ten days. She asked about the cost to expedite the order, but they told her that they didn't do that anymore, they "order everything through the system."
Not wanting my little adventure to keep me away a full week (or more) longer than she counted on, she called a local independent dealer that was recently disfranchised. They called another independent multi-brand dealer out west that still had their franchise. They in turn ordered and expedited the radiator and were prepared to send it to any dealer in any town that I might be able to get to.
Charlie is not only the best friend from my youth, he is also a certified Porsche and Audi technician – and one helluva MacGyver impersonator.
With the standard Honda tools, a pen knife, an air mattress patch kit, and a couple of electrical tie wraps, he sutured and patched my radiator so that we could ride out of our wilderness lodge and towards the nearest town. We made it to the first town 3 hours away with no trouble, so we went to the next, and then the next. In two days, we rode 1000 miles, with the patch, to the dealer that had ordered and expedited the rad. Four hours later, Black Beauty (my bike) was as good as new When I reflected on this adventure within an adventure, I believe I discovered a serious flaw in this new "single brand" dealer network. For them, their primary advantage and their primary purpose both related to the brand. They support the brand, and they are supported by the brand, But when it comes to the motorcycle marketplace, it's not about the brand. It's not even about the motorcycle. It's all about the rider.The same is true in all businesses, and especially in our manufacturing industries. It's not about the brand. It's not about the equipment, or the technology, or even about the product. It's all about the customer. Whoever meets the needs of the customer the best, wins.
Paul Hogendoorn is president of OES, Inc. and a founding member and past chair of the
September 22, 2009
The Great Escape
There can be no more sobering illustrative example of these realities than today's
A cartoon of Uncle Sam with upturned hat asking: "Brother, can you spare a trillion or two?" (Canadian Business - February 16) stays in my mind. There's also the quip about the
If there is some accompanying comfort, it might be that the
The immediate risk emerges as disinflation, if not deflation, as wages shrink and energy prices fall from their peak levels of a year ago. I concede it may take years for these conflicting forces to play out, but I'm still troubled by the prospect of all that money chasing insufficient goods and services and our politicians succumbing to expediency. Agreed, raising taxes and cutting back on government spending are not usually the best way to win elections. (Not surprisingly, Gordon Brown and Stephen Harper are both apposed to such measures.) There are also finite limits to how much governments can borrow. Monetizing the deficits may sound the better solution, but this is simply a glorified word for inflating the system with cheapened money, thereby diminishing the burden of public debt.
Michael Graham, from his newsletter - The Great Escape
Jacoline Loewen
How the economists missed the biggest thing in their lives
"Why the heck did they not know?" is a common question at economic presentations these days. Today's guest blogger, Michael Graham, elaborates.
Recently, the Queen pointedly asked the brains of my alma mater, the
Those free-market champions Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher would certainly not approve of the bailouts, relief packages, loan guarantees and diverse other rescue measures provided financial institutions and auto manufacturers judged too big to be allowed to fail. The very successful "cash for clunkers" incentive only adds to what one critic has expressively likened to a bewildering alphabet soup.In the case of the
No doubt, government intervention on today's scale must make it harder to keep participants in disciplinary line. As a result, daunting economic risks stand to become all the greater. Nevertheless, to quote Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman &
There could be offsetting comfort in comedian Will Rogers' homily that "the good thing about government is that we don't get what we pay for". But, like it or not, we have entered a prolonged government-private sector partnership of unknown consequences on a scale few would have ever imagined. It must be remembered, that government spending cannot prop up wounded economies indefinitely. Nor can pump-priming fiscal deficits be recipes for sustainable economic growth. Rising government debt also inhibits fiscal and central bank manoeuvrability. A trio like this can bring only short-term stimulus at best.
Web: grahamis.ca
Email: email@example.com
September 21, 2009
Recession in Canada is officially over
I listened to two economists today at separate presentations. Who was it who said ten minutes spent with an economist is ten minutes wasted? Well, Don Drummond was certainly not one of those economists. He told the TD Bank audience - the recession is over.
I also ran into Michael Graham who sent me his newsletter with its useful insights. Here is Michael's view on the recession this year.
We are going to be able to tell our children and grandchildren how we – and they – escaped the next Great Depression. But only after 12 to 18 harrowing, high-anxiety months morphed into the worst financial crisis since the 1930s. Although there wasn't a 1929-style stock market collapse, an extremely painful accompanying bear market (the second within a decade) included innumerable downward plunges. Let there be no doubt, as well, that the Great Escape of 2009 came at a fearsome price for which our generation must take full responsibility.It's not that depression scares are new. Neither are recessions or bear markets which come and go like the seasons, usually presaging healthy restoration and rebalancing. In fact, I think I can safely record that my business career now spans six recessions and ten bear markets, shortly (I hope) to be succeeded by a seventh recovery and an eleventh bull market. Instead, what was so different this time round was an unforeseen and highly-contagious worldwide banking crisis that threatened – and in many instances toppled - household names like dominos. In the process, previously- reckless banks, desperate not to risk their badly-impaired capital any further, wouldn't even lend to one another. Talk about broken trust.
The universally respected Paul Volcker, former Federal Reserve chairman, couldn't have summarized what happened more aptly: "I don't remember any time, maybe even in the Great Depression, when things went down quite so far, quite so uniformly around the world." Yes, it was a very narrow escape indeed.
Jacoline Loewen, private equity, Toronto
September 18, 2009
Is there redemption in deal making?
That question is front and center in light of the announcement this week that the Parallel Petroleum Corporation had agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of Apollo Management in a deal valued at $483 million, including the assumption or repayment of $351 million in debt.
The New York Times has an interesting article on this - summarized here:
Apollo has been painted as one of the chief private equity villains of the financial crisis. The firm earned this reputation by orchestrating an attempt by Hexion Specialty Chemicals, which Apollo controls, to escape its obligation to acquire Huntsman. Apollo succeeded in this attempt, but its reputation suffered both externally and possibly internally as its investors sweated the possibility of a big damages award. Parallel's announcement clearly is a signal to the market that Apollo is not permanently exiled.
But this does not mean that targets will blindly trust private equity. Prior to the financial crisis, the private equity acquisition agreement typically included a reverse termination fee that allowed a suitor to walk for any reason by paying this amount. Targets granted this right because they relied on private equity's reputation for completing deals. Parallel filed its own acquisition agreement on Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Parallel is willing to deal with Apollo, but the agreement itself shows that there is little trust. Instead of relying on reputation, Parallel reverted back to contract terms to ensure that Apollo lived up to its promise. While some of this may be attributable to Parallel's state and need for certainty, the Parallel deal is yet another sign that a new private equity deal model is developing.
First, the acquisition agreement in the Apollo/Parallel deal does not have a financing condition. This is normal. However, this deal is all equity-financed by Apollo, which is injecting $283.2 million. This means that in order to do the deal, Apollo is taking the credit risk for any new financing as well as refinancing Parallel's $150 million senior notes. This is a sign of a return to normalcy in the markets, but it also reflects the lengths Apollo had to go to secure this deal.
Second, the equity commitment letter was not disclosed on Tuesday. It will be disclosed with the tender offer documents. (An aside: When is the S.E.C. going to force the disclosure of these documents with acquisition agreements?) But the merger agreement appears to state that Parallel has a right to specifically enforce it. That is, Parallel can sue to force Apollo to specifically perform its obligations under the equity commitment letter instead of paying monetary damages. This is also a sea change. Before the financial crisis, a target only had a right to sue the shell subsidiary acquiring it. The only exception I remember was in the Fortress/Penn National Gaming deal.
In such a scenario, if there was even a right of specific performance, a judgment was required first against the subsidiary, forcing it to sue the buyout firm to perform on the equity commitment letter. Then the subsidiary would somehow have to pursue a lawsuit against its owner. This was a high hurdle. But the private equity firms wanted to keep their liability remote and insisted on it. The Parallel deal and its different approach is another marker that the practice is not likely to continue.
Third, this is the second significant private equity deal in recent months (the Bankrate deal is the other one) in which there is not a reverse termination fee. In other words, the buyer cannot terminate the deal by simply paying a preset fee. Instead, the Parallel merger agreement requires specific performance. Parallel can sue to force the Apollo subsidiaries to perform their obligations, and since these are shells, Parallel can also bypass these subsidiaries to sue on the equity commitment letter to force the money to be provided.
As in other recent private equity agreements, including the Sum Total/KKR Accel agreement, this deal requires that Parallel first seek specific performance as a remedy. Only if specific performance is unavailable can Parallel seek monetary damages and specifically the benefit of the share premium, and only then after giving Apollo two more weeks to perform its obligations.
This is a nice benefit to Apollo. It essentially provides them a free pass on litigation — with a maximum cap of having to close the deal. Because of this, future targets may want to rethink this provision.
Because the Parallel deal is all equity-financed, it can be a tender offer, which means it can close 20 business days after the tender offer commences, as opposed to the two to three months necessary for a proxy contest.
Previously, the margin rules and need to market the debt financing had made it difficult to structure deals as tender offers instead of mergers. The margin rules, Regulations U and X, limit a lender's ability to lend money on margin stock. "Margin stock" includes any publicly traded security (e.g., Parallel stock). A private equity firm that wants to do a debt-financed tender offer can get around this problem by structuring the deal to comply with these margin rules and limit the amount of its borrowing to 50 percent of the value of the collateral pledged to secure the loan (i.e., Parallel).
Historically, this was lower than a private equity firm is willing to go.
And the tender offer has tight conditions. If you look at Annex A to the acquisition agreement, these are the bare minimum conditions you see in a tender offer — no material adverse change, requirement of regulatory approvals, etc. There is nothing like the minimum cash or Ebitda conditions you often would see in private equity deals.
The Parallel and Bankrate deals show that a new private equity model is developing. Private equity is focusing on the low side range of middle-market deals and negotiating tight contracts with no financing out, specific performance, all equity financing and a guarantee enforceable by targets.
Vice Chancellor Stephen P. Lamb's opinion in Huntsman/Hexion and the private equity implosion appear to be having lasting impacts. Nonetheless, this all-equity model is not portable to larger deals, so it remains to be seen if the historical structure of private equity will shift if and when private equity ventures deeper into the deal pool.
Still, the fact that anyone is still willing to deal with Apollo means a lot for private equity generally and perhaps the short memory of Wall Street. It would also be interesting to know if Apollo had to pay a slight premium for its reputation risk. But that is hard if not impossible to determine. If true, though, it would show that markets are much more efficient than the day's conventional wisdom.
September 7, 2009
Replicate the strategy of companies that triumphed slumps.
September 6, 2009
Does Private Equity need to re-look the people assets?
September 4, 2009
What private equity does for your business
At its recent CEO Roundtable, Loewen & Partners and the Richard Ivey School of Business recorded a podcast with Sacha Ghai, global private equity expert and the author of the McKinsey Private Equity Canada 2008 report. McKinsey's annual report is an overview of key forces affecting Canadian private equity markets. The report provides a perspective on the short and long term implications for PE players, following the economic downturn. Looking forward, PE firms will create value by focusing on attractive niche opportunities.
Listen to podcast: What Private Equity Does for Your Business -
Sacha Ghai, McKinsey & Company,
chats with Jacoline Loewen for the Financial Post Executive
Download Full Report (PDF 2.32MB)
September 3, 2009
Percent of PE by Deal Size
In its analysis of private equity activity during the first six months of 2009, PitchBook Data, a private equity research firm, reveals that lower and middle-market companies continue to successfully attract PE investment. Through the first half of 2009, middle market deals accounted for 70% of all investments, more than at any time in the last six and half years.
The new emphasis on deals under $50M means more financing options for small and medium enterprise business owners.
Jacoline Loewen, Author of Money Magnet.
What you can learn from fishing
How often have you heard the story where an entrepreneur risks their business to get the big fish? Doug Trott, founder of PriceMetrix, is one of those owners and the big fish he landed happened to be one of the world's largest diversified financial services companies - Morgan Stanley. Doug says, "We were convinced that we had a solid track record and the integrity of our product was such that Morgan Stanley would have the confidence to use our service."
However, the risk of the deal falling through was high, made even more so, given the raging financial crisis. "By the time we got into October last year, the market was tanking and then by mid-December there was talk that Morgan Stanley was going to go insolvent", said Mr. Trott. Thankfully, the insolvency rumours were just that, and a deal was finally struck. In April 2009 PriceMetrix officially started delivery of services to Morgan Stanley. When it comes to fising, go for the big ones because you might just catch one.


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i am trying to put a new hard drive in my desktop computer a hp pavilion 225n but i can not give one side of the case to opening i took one side off need picture to show how to take the other side off
did you go to hp's web site, and lookup your model?
If the case does not open on both sides then the hard drive cradle should be removable.
I presume you mean to get the screws out

subset: commoncrawl


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Skinnybik are "better for you sweet and savoury cookies", soft baked, full taste with a 4.5 health star rating developed by A/Prof Antigone Kouris APD. They were developed for her own patients looking for healthier reduced sugar, high fibre, gluten free or low fodmap snacks. They were such a hit that she decided to commercialise them.
Compared to plain sweet biscuits, Skinnybik are reduced (or skinny) in: kilojoules by 20-25% (only 238kJ per cookie), sugar/refined carbs by 40%-50%, fats by 30%-40%, saturated fats by 80% and salt by 50%-80%. They also have double the protein and 400% more fibre! They contain wholesome ingredients and are free of artificial colours, preservatives, sugar alcohol sweeteners and trans fats.
The spelt date and butterscotch cookie is suitable on the low fodmap diet (lab tested). The sweet (dark choc chip; cranberry rose) and savoury (turmeric chia) lupin cookies are gluten free. Lupin enriched foods may reduce hunger, blood sugars, blood cholesterol and blood pressure.
This bundle includes the gluten free varieties Lupin, Cranberry & Rose; Lupin Cocoa & Dark Choc Chip; Lupin, Turmeric & Chia, as well as the Spelt, Date & Butterscotch. The latter are not gluten free, but are fructose friendly.
You'll receive 5 x 2 cookie individual packs with mixed flavours (NB combinations of 2 packs may vary from what is shown in the photo), 3 x 9 cookie packets with mixed flavours, 1 x 500g bag Lupin flour, plus a brochure of lupin recipes
Price includes shipping within Australia.


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My sweet friend, author Marilyn Boyer, has just released a FREE eBook that I think you will truly enjoy. I just got mine today and am looking forward to sharing it with my family. It is called : Portraits of Integrity: Real People Who Demonstrated Godly Character (Volume 1):
Here is the description:
One of the most powerful ways to inspire young people to greatness is through the stories of great people from the past. In Portraits of Integrity you and your children will be challenged to strive for excellence through the examples of 45 people in all three volumes who did just that. In Volume 1, they will meet:
--Jake DeShazer who was a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II. He was tortured and kept in solitary confinement for many months, but when a Bible came into his hands he became a Christian and later went to Japan to share the gospel with his former enemies.
--Lieutenant Adrian Marks, the brave young Navy pilot who set his seaplane down on a heaving, shark-infested ocean to pick up survivors of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis at the risk of his own life
--Lydia Darrah, the Quaker woman who overheard British plans to attack George Washington's unprepared army and cleverly took a secret warning to him, saving the army and the War of Independence.
And many others!
I love stories that inspire and encourage my family towards godly character, they seem to be so rare these days, wouldn't you agree?
You can find this FREE eBook HERE.
Encouraged here?
Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram too!
Please also check out my book True Christian Motherhood.


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June 16, 2012
Ms. Ice Charades is running away to join the circus
... for a few days only!
I'll be in other places as well, so blogging might be a bit spotty. But, I hope to have some great pictures of the Ringling Bros. Fully Charged show on-line in a couple of weeks.
Hope you're having a great summer where ever you are - stay tuned!
Posted by Ice Charades at 6:36 AM No comments:
June 12, 2012
Guarantied to be entertaining
Posted by Ice Charades at 4:11 AM No comments:
June 5, 2012
The Curtsy
My husband arrived in London this morning, but not to see the Queen. He'll be stuck in the Heathrow Terminal 4 Hilton all day. I'm a little sad I couldn't tag along to enjoy the celebrations.
I would love to meet the Queen, if only for the curtsy. When else do you get to do that?
I got to thinking that maybe we should loosen up the requirements and not only curtsy for the Queen, but other people you want to impress. The surgeon who is about to cut you open? Time for a big bow? The first time you meet your soon-to-be mother-in-law? That's a good time too. How about your all-time favorite movie star/author/elite skater/etc etc? I think the "We're Not Worthy" salute from Wayne's World is usually applied, but a curtsy is cuter. Don't you think?
And by the looks of this gal, good for your thighs.
After thinking this over some more, I realized this deep-seated desire to curtsy comes from not getting to do it enough as a skating performer. During the big touring shows I did -- only as the understudy. In my day as a competitor? Never.
So maybe I just need to throw in a few curtsies while I'm vacuuming or something and the urge might just go away.
Posted by Ice Charades at 8:34 AM No comments:
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Posts Tagged 'Disney Magic'
Villians Tonight
Posted by: chellemc on: April 14, 2010
A sneak peek at the new Villians Tonight on board the Disney Magic.
What do you think? Like it? Love it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Disney Cruise Line announcements
Posted by: chellemc on: January 10, 2010
There's a lot going on with Disney Cruise Line lately. The most recent announcements include a new show, new activities for kids and a joint announcement from DCL & Adventures by Disney.
Premiering March 27, 2010 on the Disney Magic is the first show all about Disney villains. A description of the show from Disneycruiseline.com:
"Villains Tonight!" begins as Hades and his faithful sidekicks, Pain and Panic ("Hercules"), welcome new souls (the audience) to the Underworld. But instead of a frightening realm, guests will discover that Hades has turned the Underworld into an upbeat and happier place. The lively fun comes to a halt when The Fates arrive and predict that Hades will lose his position as Lord of the Underworld if he doesn't ramp up the evil factor.
Worried by the news, Hades checks his Evil-O-Meter and discovers it is running dangerously low. So he comes up with a plan: He'll conjure up the very best of the worst – the most powerful Disney villains – to help him replenish the world of evil. What ensues is a comical journey as Hades, Pain and Panic embark on a quest filled with wacky antics and amusing musical numbers featuring everyone's favorite Disney villains and their sidekicks.
"Villains Tonight!" features a "Who's Who" of the Disney villains, including Disney's newest crook, Dr. Facilier from "The Princess and the Frog." The show also features classic divas and scoundrels like Ursula ("The Little Mermaid"), the Evil Queen ("Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"), Captain Hook ("Peter Pan") and Scar ("The Lion King").
During "Villains Tonight!," the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre becomes a hilariously wicked world through the use of elaborate sets and special effects, extravagant costumes and a fun-filled, contemporary musical score.
This past week came the announcement that kids will be able to "customize" their activities on their vacations. No longer will activities be divided up by age, now they'll be more "interests" centered. Cooking, puzzles, computer games….kids will play with kids interested in the same things they are.
The last big piece of news is great for those that have wrestling with the idea of a Disney Cruise or an Adventures by Disney vacation. "Mediterranean Magic" is the best of both worlds:
Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line® present an extraordinary new way to experience the Mediterranean. Disney Cruise Line Guests can now enhance their 10- and 11-Night Mediterranean Cruises with the extra magic of an Adventures by Disney vacation! Combining our personal service and expertise in guided travel across the world with the enchantment of a Disney cruise, the Mediterranean Magic brings you an exquisite selection of unique onboard activities and premium shore experiences designed to immerse you and your family in the cultures and sights of the incredible Mediterranean region.
As part of our world-renowned Disney Difference, our Adventure Guides serve as VIP hosts and expert tour guides, overseeing every aspect of your journey. We'll handle the details so that you can relish some of the Mediterranean's most captivating cities! We have thoughtfully planned every excursion and taken care of all port meals so that you can truly enjoy every shore experience and spend your time together as a family having the time of your lives.
What's Included?
All shore experiences and meals, onboard and onshore photos and gratuities, a night of adult fine dining and wine tasting at Palo, private receptions and special activities on board the Disney Magic!
If that's not enough, here's a quick reminder of things previously announced:
Everyone is looking forward to the new ships; the Disney Dream will set sail in January 2011 and the Disney Fantasy is scheduled to debut in 2012.
New itineraries are popping up. This spring the Disney Magic will make a Trans-Atlantic sailing and then spend the summer sailing the Mediterranean. While the Magic is gone, the Disney Wonder will be changing up her usual schedule and sailing on some 5 night cruises.
2011 will begin the first time Disney has cruised to Alaska! In April 2011, set sail from Los Angeles, CA to Vancouver, Canada as the Disney Magic repositions for it's Alaska cruise season. From May – September, spend 7 nights cruising from Vancouver to Alaska. In September, the Magic will reposition back to Los Angeles for 7, 8 and 10 night Mexican Riviera cruises.
Castaway Cay is undergoing some pretty cool renovations! The new playset out in the water is coming along nicely and there will be more facilities added to the island in anticipation of the Dream & Fantasy's arrival.
This is the perfect vacation for everyone in your whole family from 1-92. With all that's going on, it's a perfect time to book your Disney Cruise Line vacation!
Disney Cruise Line big news
Posted by: chellemc on: September 12, 2009
The big news yesterday at D23, Disney Cruise Line announced their 1st ever plans to sail to Alaska!
In 2011, The Disney Wonder will reposition to the West Coast. In May of 2o11, the Wonder will begin 7 night cruises from Vancouver, BC to Alaska for 7 months. The ship will stop in Skagway, Ketchikcan & Juneau. Before and after that, the Wonder will sail out of Los Angeles on 7 night Mexican Riviera Cruises, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan & Puerta Vallarta.
Back in Florida, the Disney Magic will continue sailing on 7 night cruises, alternating between Eastern & Western Caribbean itineraries. During the summer of 2011, the Magic will head back to the Mediterranean Sea for several months of cruises to exciting ports like Tunis, Tunisia; Corsica; Malta; and Barcelona Spain.
Now the other cool thing with all of these ship movements, is that means repositioning cruises! When the Disney Wonder moves from Port Canaveral, FL to her new home on the West Coast, there will be a 15 night Panama Canal cruise setting sail on Jan 6, 2011. When it's time to leave Los Angeles for Vancouver; there will be a 6 night cruise up the coast and 5 nights on the way back to Los Angeles in the fall. Of course, when the Magic heads back to the Mediterranean for the summer of 2011, there will be two 14 night transatlantic voyages.
So many cruises to choose from! It's going to be hard to pick just one 😉


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Monday, November 24, 2008
Vertical Earth makes their mark - Montana State Championship
This year's State Championship was great. Racers and spectators were treated to a short, twisty circuit. As you can see from the photos the weather was beautiful. All the photos were taken by John Sieber, http://www.jpsphotos.net/gallery/bicycleracing.cfm?event=MTStateChamp08&m=3. Thanks to Tamara, Kyle, and Bob for promoting the race. Also, thanks to the entire NRO crew for volunteering.
The women/men 4/masters b race was up first. First thing I noticed was JDoll with a super fast start knabbing the hole shot. He was followed by a nice little group of Chad, JDunph, Delmue, a VE fellow, and a couple others. Soon the dust settled and their were just two in front.....JDoll and Delmue. Jessie was paying a little bit from his earlier efforts but wasn't giving an inch. Jason used phenomenal tactics and strength in attacking the NRO man at the perfect time. From their it was a pursuit to the finish. Jason took the gold and the state championship after a dominating men 4 debut. Impressive was Jessie who has put his bid in for the most improved rider. Riding in third most of the day was the Vertical Earth rider who looked great and gave up little ground to the two leaders. For the second Missoula race in a row the doctor charged through the ranks of Masters B and Men 4 riders to finish in the top 5! Props to DRuby. Duvall stayed consistent like he has all year and was railing the corners.
The ladies race was highlighted by a much anticipated showdown between Vertical Earth's Jenni Gaertner and Lisa Curry. Jenni grabbed the early lead and never looked back. Lisa pushed hard and didn't give much ground, but the VE rider was just too strong. Jenni was strong from start to finish. The women's 4 race was fun to watch. We had a nice group of the strong women. NRO, GAS, Delphine, and Muleterro were all repping. I think Frykman took the race, but the heat was coming from behind. TT (Tracy), PDowd, and LD were all gunning for the Delphine rider. It was excellent racing from the the ladies after a breakout year for Women in Montana Cyclocross. Curry looked textbook through all the obstacles as did many of the ladies.
The second race of the day had numerous battles that were anxiously waiting to be played out. Once I saw Redline's Kevin Bradford Parrish register I knew it would be a long day in the saddle for our MT riders. Kevin frequents the national circuit in mountain and cyclocross. We've seen him race Star Cross and numerous other large events. Also, the Vertical Earth van pulled up and then I knew it would be an even bigger task to keep to State Crown in Montana. I knew Gaertner's experience would suit him well in a twisty short course. The race played out with a big group up front. Then the Redline man hit the gas and was never seen again. The chasing group settled into Gaertner, Proctor, and Curry. Just behind was The Tank and Doug Dale (wearing a pink helmet cover). Curry was in a cross legends sandwich as the two more experienced riders took the corners with ease. John didn't give up an inch and claimed his first cyclocross State Championship. Gaertner got way from the Montana boys and took second on the day. Rounding out the top five were Proctor, and Frank. Great racing by Doug Dale kept in contention as he ended up 6th.
While not surprising I thought Geoff rode an excellent race and put himself in the hunt for a state championship. Doug rode great. I have to publicly apologize to Dougie. I've been giving him a hard time about his lack of results, and he came out and killed it in a stacked field. I hope mtcx.com can sign the wild man again for next year. The two GNC riders Cman and Schmidt rode a great race. Also, Vanderwood, Thomas, Dollar Bill, and Lussier continued their Montana hard men legend by riding solo to top ten peformances. Overall I thought it was a nice close to the Montana season. No crazy surprises, but solid racing by folks who've been doing it all season.
The Master Men A was also a much anticipated battle between Cochran, Wehyrich, and Fiore. Johnny Fiore stole the show and grabbed the state crown. Wehyrich had a nasty spill early on that took him out of contention. Cochran stayed consistent and didn't come away empty handed as he won the series title. Fiore didn't win overall as a Vertical Earth rider took the victory.
Posted by Shaun Radley at 8:07 AM
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What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a form of legal relief for a person who has more debts than he or she can repay. An important purpose of the bankruptcy laws is to allow eligible debtors to either restructure their financial affairs, or to get a fresh financial start. The person who files for bankruptcy is often referred to as the debtor. For more complete information, rules, and forms, see the State Law Library's Bankruptcy Information, or Bankruptcy Basics from the U.S. Court.
Who May File for Bankruptcy?
In general any person, business, or entity can file for bankruptcy. There is no minimum amount of debt required; however, in most cases, a person who files does owe considerably more in debts than he or she can pay. Depending on the amount owed, there may be restrictions as to what kinds of bankruptcies may be file.
Can I Be Fired for Filing for Bankruptcy?
No. Bankruptcy law forbids employers to discriminate against employees or applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy.
Will All of My Debts Be Discharged if I File for Bankruptcy?
No. A debtor will still owe certain debts but not necessarily all, including students loans, taxes, alimony, child support, fines, and certain other non-dischargeable debts. You should ask your attorney whether or not your debts are dischargeable.
Do I Have a Choice About Bankruptcy?
Generally, yes. Most bankruptcy filings are voluntary, meaning the debtor files a petition in Bankruptcy Court to protect themselves from creditors. Sometimes the creditors file an involuntary bankruptcy, forcing the debtor into Bankruptcy Court.
Voluntary Bankruptcy:
Will I Be Able to Keep Any Property if I File for Bankruptcy?
Yes. Certain Property is exempt from bankruptcy proceedings, and can be kept by the debtor. In Montana, there is an exemption of $250,000 worth of equity in a homestead. Pension benefits may also be exempt. In addition, exempt property can include household furnishings and personal effects to include automobiles, tools of the trade, and life insurance. These exemptions, if available, are subject to value limitations. Other exemptions may also be available in particular circumstances. The exemptions apply only to equity in real or personal property, which means that if property has been placed as security for a loan (such as a mortgage on a residence or a lien on the title of a car), the availability of the exemption may be limited.
Will I Be Able to Own Anything After Bankruptcy?
As a general rule, there is no limitation on the future ability of a debtor to own or acquire real or personal property. In most cases, creditors whose claims are discharged in bankruptcy will not be able to take property or earnings acquired after the filing of bankruptcy. However, some special types of interests (such as inheritances, property settlements, and life insurance proceeds) if acquired within a certain time after bankruptcy, may become available for payment to creditors.
Does My Spouse Have to File With Me?
No. There is no requirement that a husband and wife file bankruptcy together. In some instances, if most debts are owed by one spouse, it may be appropriate for that spouse to file alone. Jointly owned property, however, may be affected if only one spouse files for bankruptcy. In most cases, a husband and wife have the same debts or co-signed the same loan agreements. If only one spouse files in this situation, the creditors can continue to demand payment form the spouse who did not file. Typically it costs the same whether one or both spouses file.
What if I Have No Assets?
Only property of the debtor which is not exempted is available to be sold and used toward payment of debts. Many persons, including those in low and middle income ranges, may only have property which falls under the exemptions and therefore have no assets available to be sold to pay creditors. The absence of such assets will not affect the bankruptcy. As in cases where there are assets available, creditors in a "no-asset" case will not be able to sue the debtor after the bankruptcy is filed.
How Will Bankruptcy Effect My Credit?
Bankruptcy may appear on a person's credit record for ten years and may hamper access to credit for a time. However, a person contemplating bankruptcy may already have a poor credit rating. In some cases, bankruptcy may actually improve the ability to obtain credit, since many of the debtor's former debts are discharged. Your local credit bureau may be able to provide information about the policy of lenders and creditors in your area with regard to the effect of bankruptcy on a person's ability to obtain credit.
How Will Bankruptcy Effect Persons Who Have Co-Signed Loans with Me?
A person who co-signed a loan with you may still be held responsible for the debt if you file for straight bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy may suspend legal and collection action(s) against your co-signer for a time. Your attorney will explain the effect your particular bankruptcy would have on anyone who co-signed any loans with you.
Can My Creditors Prevent a Discharge?
Under limited circumstances, a creditor may be able to block a bankruptcy discharge of their debt. If a creditor can prove that they gave a loan in reasonable reliance on a financial statement which contained false information with important details, and given with the intent to deceive the creditor, they may then avoid having the debt discharged. If a creditor tries to avoid the discharge for this reason and fails, the bankruptcy judge may order the creditor to pay for the debtor's attorney fees and costs in defending the action. Your discharge may also be denied if you have incurred debts through fraud, drunken driving, or intentional harm. It is also possible for the bankruptcy court to set aside any transfer of property made to conceal ownership or to avoid having it included in the bankruptcy, or made to defraud credits. If this happens, the court can take the property and order it sold, with the proceeds distributed to the creditors. These are just a few examples of problems that may occasionally arise in a bankruptcy proceeding. They are among the many matters that you should discuss with your attorney.
Can I File for Bankruptcy More Than Once?
Yes, but there may be a limit on how soon you can file. A minimum of six years must expire from the date of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy before another Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be filed. Following certain Chapter 13 proceedings, there is no waiting period for the filing of a straight bankruptcy. There is also no waiting period for the filing of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy after any prior bankruptcy. (e.g., A person can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then immediately file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, they would need to wait for 6 years before trying to file for another Chapter 7 bankruptcy.)
How Can I Tell Whether or not I Should File For Bankruptcy?
If you only have a few debts, it is advisable to contact your creditors to try to work out a payment plan with them rather than filing for bankruptcy. You can find assistance in avoiding bankruptcy by contacting a local consumer credit counseling agency, consumer credit bureau, or legal services office. Please note, Credit Counseling is a pre-requisite to filing for Bankruptcy. If you feel bankruptcy may be necessary, you should consult with an attorney. If Bankruptcy is appropriate, you will need an attorney to handle the filing, explain all procedures involved with filing for bankruptcy, evaluate your exemptions and non-dischargeable debts, and attend to all other matters involved with the bankruptcy proceeding. The attorney will also assist you in determining whether a Chapter 13 plan may be appropriate for you.
How Can I Locate an Attorney to Assist Me?
The State Bar of Montana operates a Lawyer Referral and Information Service. They can be contacted Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at (406)449-6577, or on the web. If you have limited income and feel that you cannot afford a private attorney, you should contact the Montana Legal Services at 1(800)666-6899 to see if you might qualify for assistance.
This information reflects Montana Law and is intended to inform, not advise. It is not intended to apply to any specific situation, and any person who is a resident of, or who owns property in, another state should consult the laws of that state.
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text: Film ID: YFA 1255 A TEMPLE FOR ATHENA 1954 Visitor TabsDescription This is an amateur documentary made by Jack Eley while on a trip of historical sites around the Mediterranean on the way to, and finishing up at, Athens. An audio commentary by Eley explains the history of the places visited. Titles: 'A Temple For Athena' 'Produced by John Eley' The film opens with a map of Europe, highlighting the region around Athens. The commentary provides an historical overview of the region and its cultural importance going back 2,500 years. It begins with a view of the Rock of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediterranean, taken from a boat going around the Island. Spanish traders on rowing boats are shown crowded at an island port. British soldiers garrisoned on the island are playing basketball, followed by some single horse drawn carriages. The film then returns to the map to highlight Montserrat in Spain, which is shown from a distance. Here the film shows the Benedictine Monk retreat and Monastery. The Monastery and square, as well as the spectacular surrounding landscape, can be seen from the funicular cable car as it ascends the mountain. Next the map moves to show the north Mediterranean coast of Italy, highlighting a seaside town. People are by the sea and on boats along the rocky coast. Some people pull a boat onto the shore and there is a brief look at an orthopaedic hospital. People are swimming on the beach at Genoa where there are ships in the port. The film shows the buildings and open spaces of the city, bustling with people. A line of Lambrettas and Vespas are parked along a street, and motor scooters are pulling various carts. Then the map highlights Malta, and a naval boat is shown docking there. From on board a gondola type boat the film shows naval ships and the town of Valletta. There are a number of smaller boats with naval personnel on. Soldiers do a drill outside the British Governor's residence. A Maltese woman demonstrates lace making whilst three small girls look on. Some of the landscape is shown and tropical parks, with flowers and butterflies. Back to the map where Carthage is highlighted in North Africa. Tourists walk around the ruins, including the Roman amphitheatre where there is a collection of ancient water vessels. Many local people are shown, including women fetching water and people begging. Some of the children pose and play to the camera. The map next shows Cyprus. The film then shows the ruins around Salamis, including the gymnasium and baths. It then goes on to the ancient architecture at Famagusta, where some local children pose for the camera. The fortifications on the bay are shown and then a goat herd followed by workers in the vine yards showing off their grapes. Then a grain threshing sledge is seen being pulled by oxen, and they then separate out the chaff from the grain. The farmer and his wife pose for the camera. A blindfolded mule pulls a water wheel, and then mud bricks are made. The film then shows where the bronze statue of the Colossus of Rhodes used to stand on the coast of Cyprus, the fortifications of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, some old windmills, Kolossi Castle and the old inns of the Streets of the Knights with their emblems embedded in the walls. The map next shows Athens, and the film shows boats along the Athenian shore. The Royal Palace is guarded by soldiers wearing ancient uniform. This is followed by scenes of the Acropolis, from where the old town is seen, including the Chapel of St George and Mount Lycabettus. Then the film shows the Areopagus, or 'Mars Hill', the Kallimarmaro stadium and the double headed statue of Hermes. This is followed by other ancient sites, like the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Vulcan, the Agora and the Acropolis, the Porch of the Maidens and finishes with the Parthenon, where the film ends. Notes found in film can on A Temple For Athena by J. S. Eley, 64 Sandhill Oval, Alwoodley, Leeds as follows: - "SYNCHRONISM FILM START MARK is hole punched in film just before title. Place this mark at top sprocket of projector. TAPE START MARK is white patch, place this on edge of take up spool. - Tape recorded on Grundig TK819 at 7.5" per sec with film governed at 16 fps. Suggest project on 613 or similar and ajdust sync where necessary. It is obvious from commentary when sync has been lost. Music is a little loud in places compared with speech and may need volume adjustment. "


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Saturday is the big day for Conventions. I'm sitting here writing in one of the rare seated areas just bracing myself for the impact of the crowds. Crushed beyond belief it can sometimes take you up to forty-five minutes to cross from one side of the convention centre to the other. This is also the big day for the Cosplayers. The outer lobby and the car parking area outside the building are full of cardboard, foam and feathers.
But c'mon! That's not why I am here. I'm here for art, comics back issues and to meet the creators. Artists Alley is normally the most civilised of the various areas in the Javitts Centre but today is going to be carnage. It is hard to pause or stop to look at something or chat to a buddy or creator because this rushing river ain't stopping.
You think the above photo looks like a crush it isn't anything compared to the main retailer floor in the next building!
I used the advantage of being in early to catch a few minutes with Chris Burnham and grab a copy of the hardback presentation of Officer Downe. Written by Joe Casey with some crazy art by Chris this is not a book for the faint of heart. Gorgeously mental in each panel I got a copy for my University age son and Chris Burnham told me how excited he is for the movie that comes out in November.
Find out more about Chris at www.chrisburnham.com or follow him on Twitter @TheBurnham.
LOOK AT THAT PRINT!!! LOOOK AT IT! Paolo Rivera is a beast. This is a print from a page of his in The Valiant from last year. It's also a series that Mr Vander bought on my recommendation and just bloody incredible.
I also got to catch up with Fabrice Sapolsky who is the writer on the new Dynamite Comics series called The Intertwined. We chatted about his home in Paris and how he finds the US comics scene more condusive to his style of writing. This is a series with a full on Old Skool kung-fu movie vibe to it and is well worth a punt.
Have a look at all the products from the mighty Dynamite Comics at www.dynamite.com and follow them on Twitter @DynamiteComics.
You can find this creator at www.fabricesapolsky.wordpress.com and on Twitter @Fabricesapolsky
This is a photo of Alan White aka NewMutant. One of my favourite people in the small press scene and it was doubly cool to meet him as it is also his birthday!!! Buy his comic The Power Principle at https://www.comixology.com/The-Power-Principle-10/digital-comic/376445?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=ThePowerPrinciple%2310&utm_content=Submit+Email&utm_term=Indie+Comics or follow him on Twitter @NewMutant or have a read of the story online at http://thepowerprinciple.co/
Happy Birthday Alan!
The upcoming movie Valerian: The City of a Thousand Planets was getting a big push at NYCC this year. Not only did they have a big green screen booth they also had a Valerian only shop that was showing off these fuckers. Looking like a night out in Newcastle these were getting a lot of attention from punters. This coincided with some new teaser footage of the movie.
Directed by Luc Besson this has some real promise and I can't wait to see it. Also great to see the English translations out of www.cinebook.com getting some much deserved publicity.
I got to chat to one of the storyboard artists on the upcoming Justice League Dark movie Kirk Van Wormer. He's an interesting chap and has also worked on Batman: The Killing Joke, The Venture Bros and Chasing Amy. We talked about our love of the John Constantine character and how great it is to see him returning in the DC TV Universe as well as the animated movie.
I bagged a great print from him for my Hellblazer obsessed son.
I then headed off with Marc Laming to his signing at the IDW booth for their Star Trek comic line. Laming managed to sign a book for me (along with Donny Coates the writer - 2nd from the left) without drawing a speed cock on it. Nicely done sir!
I'm just back at my room and there is just one more day of the Con left. Thiis year has been fuller and a tiny bit more tiring than usual. Oh well, I'll soon be back to work for a rest!
Oh, here's a few more photos from the weird and wonderful world of cosplay nonsense 'cos I know you love them!
They also seemed to be giving these away??? Anyone would think there was an election on!


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EMC - Electromagnetic compatibility
Measurement within the framework of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) we offer and take a number of special measurements in the field of electromagnetic interference with maximum measurements reliability. Measurements are performed to ensure to working order of the electrical equipment, whose goal is for example to find out the cause of misconduct of electronic systems, their random or repetitive damage, the quality of supply voltage and the level of electromagnetic interference at the given place before installation of the system, pre-certification measurement of interference, measuring the effectiveness of space shielding (in the real electromagnetic environment), measuring the filter attenuation or immunity detection of the given appliance against different sorts of interference. The company also offers technical assistance, consultations of the structural arrangement from the view of EMC and proposals of the actions for reducing the size of the interference voltage. We identify relationships among individual systems or system elements so that during their activity they could not be negatively influenced to each other through electromagnetic interference. Our measurements make possible to find the cause of flicker screen, damage of the device for computer networks or their unreliable function, problems with operation of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), etc. Therefore we use high-performance spectrum analysers and sensors. We also offer interference voltage measurement which is led along the line in the frequency band from 9kHz to 30MHz and by the results of measuring we make a protocol, a technical report, where we judge the levels of interference according to the relevant standard. In the case of unsatisfactory result we find out the cause of this condition and we propose action leading to fix the problem. After the previous deal, a part of the measurement can also be installation of the interference suppression (sinusoidal) filter and following re-measurement until we find the required satisfactory result.
What is the electromagnetic compatibility and what does it deal with?
Increasing number of complicated electrical appliances and spreading of all types of telecommunication and radio-communication services causes variety of interference electromagnetic signals and its unwanted effect. These signals make difficult or even make impossible not only the function of the surrounding sensitive receivers, but they can significantly influence any electrical device, including technology, computing technology and data transmission. Mutual functional coexistence of different sorts of electrical equipment is the underlying reason for the increasing interest of special and lay public in the problems of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is defined as the ability of device, systems or appliances to exhibit right function also in an environment where operate other devices and conversely, to do not influence by its own activity its surroundings and the devices which are placed in there. We must not forget about not very frequently mentioned, but a logical postscript of definition EMC – the device must not interfere (influence) itself. Electromagnetic compatibility, as a separate branch of science, began to appear in the 1960s in the U.S. and relatively long time (8 to 15 years) was object of interest to only in-group of experts in electrical technology, working in a narrow field of military and aerospace industry. With the rapid development of electrical technology, especially, microprocessor-cybernetic system, increasing performance and spreading of the frequency bands, replacing of metals with plastics, increasing digit rate - i.e. digitization and other technologies. In recent decades and transition into the 21st century, EMC practically gets into all areas of everyday life and more and more it affects the whole civilization.
Offer of measuring and other services:


text:
|a device that emits a beam that causes the target to be impelled toward the source of the beam; also the beam itself
|OED requirements
|antedating 1931
|Earliest cite
|E. E. 'Doc' Smith 'Spacehounds of IPC'
|Mike Christie submitted a cite from a 1958 printing of Heinlein's "The Day After Tomorrow". The cite is not in the 1941 magazine edition. Bill Seabrook located and Mike Christie confirmed a 1948 cite from Theodore Sturgeon's "There Is No Defense". Gavin Long submitted a cite from a 2001 reprint of a 1938 Arthur C. Clarke story, "How We Went to Mars".
Courtenay Footman submitted a cite from a 1950 reprint of E.E. Smith's "Galactic Patrol", and Mike Christie verified the cite in the original 1937 magazine publication. Enoch Forrester submitted a cite from a 1965 reprint of E.E. Smith's "Triplanetary". Enoch Forrester submitted a 1944 cite from George O. Smith's "Circle of Confusion" for the form "tractor-pressor beam".
Michael Dolbear submitted a cite from a 1993 reprint of Lois McMaster Bujold's "The Vor Game". Derek Hepburn submitted a 1934 cite from E.E. Smith's "Triplanetary". Rick Hauptmann submitted a 1931 cite from E.E. Smith's "Spacehounds of IPC". Mike Christie submitted a 1965 cite from Roger Zelazny's "The Furies". Mike Christie located and J Greely confirmed a 1977 cite from Alan Dean Foster's "The End of the Matter".
|Last modified
|31 July, 2019
click here for more information about the citation list
|1931 Amazing Stories Sept. 549/1
|We'll carry off the pieces of that ship, too, Quincewe may be able to get a lot of pointers from it, and Brandon swung mighty tractor beams upon the severed halves of the Jovian vessel, then extended a couple of smaller rays to meet the two little figures racing across the smooth green meadow toward the Sirius.
|1937 Astounding Sci. Fiction Sept. 20/2
|General call! Attention! Battle stations! By stations, report!Station 1, tractor beamshot!
|1937 Astounding Sci. Fiction Sept. 22/1
|Simultaneously, the tractor beams, hitherto exerting only a few dynes of force, stiffened into unbreakable, inflexible rods of energy, binding the two ships into one rigid system; each, relative to the other, immovable.
|1945 M. Leinster in Astounding Sci. Fiction June 122/1
|By the way they're braced, there are tractor beams and pressor beams andthere are vacuum tubes that have grids but apparently work with cold cathodes.
|1948 T. Sturgeon in Astounding Sci. Fiction Feb. 10/2
|It captures three different scanner-scouts, holding them with some sort of a tractor beam, whirling them around like a stone on a string, and letting them go straight at the nearest planet.
|1960 J. White in New Worlds Sci. Fiction Jan. 5
|Sections which should have fitted together very often had to be modified to make them join properly, and this necessitated moving the sections together and apart several times with massed tractor and pressor beams.
|1965 Amazing Stories June 16/2
|As the tractor beams had seized it, as the vibrations penetrated its ebony hull and tore at his flesh, Corgo had called?and died just as the words and the tears began.
|?1965 G. Roddenberry Scene grouping from second pilot in S. E. Whitfield & G. Roddenberry Making of Star Trek (1968) i. viii. 154
|Bridge to Briefing Lounge. Object is now within tractor beam range.
|1968 S.W. Carabatsos OperationAnnihilate! in J. Blish Star Trek 2 (1968) 72
|Spock, can we reach him with a tractor beam?
|1973 G. R. R. Martin in Amazing Stories Jan. 45/2
|Several light tractor beams did not have the power of one heavy-duty one, simply because it was difficult to coordinate them. To be at all effective, paired tractors had to lift at the same time and yank in the same direction.
|1977 A. D. Foster End of Matter 210
|Gradually Flinx activated the posigravity tractor beams, used for manipulating large cargo.
|1986 D. Carey Battlestations! iii. 38
|It's got tractor beams tied right into the warp engines.
|1986 J.M. Dillard Mindshadow ii. 37
|Tractor beam, Mr. Sulu.
|1990 L. M. Bujold Vor Game (1993) 268
|The up-and-coming weapon for ship-to-ship fighting in the last couple of years seemed to be the gravitic imploder lance, a modification of tractor-beam technology; variously-designed artificial-gravity shields were still lagging behind in protection from it.
|1991 M. Weiss King's Test i.iii.24
|We're gonna lock a tractor beam on to you.
|1993 K. S. Robinson Green Mars (new ed.) 476
|Everyone moved as if in a tractor beam, glasses in hand, all other thoughts gone as they came to the tent coping at the edge of the waterfront ?
|1995 Dean Wesley Smith & Kristine Kathryn Rusch Star Trek Voyager: Escape i. 5
|Captain, Torres said. Life support is failing. The shuttle is disintegrating. Request you put a tractor beam on us.
|1996 J. Gunn Joy Machine xv. 212
|Kirk felt himself drawn into the study as if by a tractor beam.
|1996 D. Brin Infinity's Shore (1997) 477
|Worst of all, he pictured a tractor beam, seizing and dragging him down to torment in some Jophur-designed hell.
|1996 W. Shatner Return v. 25
|A small personnel shuttle emerged, propelled by low-gain tractor beams.
|1997 W. Shatner Avenger ii. 13
|Stand by on tractor beams.
|1998 W. Shatner et al. Spectre iii. 42
|Mr. Karo, attach tractor beams to the Voyager.
|1998 L. A. Graf & M. J. Friedman War Dragons i. 15,
|I doubted their ship would stand up to the grasp of the tractor beam, much less to having its tumble forcibly stilled and its whole mass accelerated along a single vector.
|1999 C. Pellegrino & G. Zebrowski Star Trek Next Generation: Dyson Sphere i. 23
|Neither ship shall venture close enough to be seized by the lock's tractor beams until the system is understood.
|1999 M. J. Friedman My Brother's Keeper iii. v. 80
|How hard is it to say Set a course for Rigel Seven? Or Engage tractor beams, Mr. Kelso?


text:
Dayton TN 37321
TeL: (423) 775-2041
Web site: http://www.bryan.edu/
Bryan College offers education programs that help students with personal growth and to develop a comprehensive, integrated understanding of the Bible and the liberal arts.
Bryan College offers two associate degrees, including the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and the Associate of Science (A.S.). The college also offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, along with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).
The web site for Bryan College is a user-friendly site that features everything a student expects from a first-class Bible college site. The information is well laid out and easy to read and comprehend.


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Keep Your Vehicle in Great Shape With Genuine Mopar Parts
If you're looking for some new auto parts or accessories for your car, truck or SUV, you've come to the right place. At Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we have a great parts center where we can help you find the perfect parts for your car. We offer genuine Mopar parts at fair prices and we would be happy help you get just what you need to replace a broken part, upgrade to a better part or customize your car.
Whatever your plans are for your vehicle, whether it includes customization or repair, it's important to choose high-quality parts that are a great fit for your vehicle. You could choose just any old generic brand, but then you're taking a risk with the quality of the part; it's always better to choose genuine OEM parts to keep your vehicle running great. If you drive a Chrysler, Dodge, Ram or Jeep brand model, then Mopar parts are what you want. These OEM parts are well-made and long-lasting, so you can trust that they will keep performing well for years to come. They were also made specifically for your brand of vehicle, so you know they will be a good fit and will work well in your particular model. This ensures that your vehicle can function safely and keep providing its best performance for years to come.
We offer all kinds of Mopar parts, so we can help you find whatever your vehicle needs. Whether you need something like windshield wipers or roof racks, or you need something like a muffler or an engine part, we would be happy to help. If you need some help deciding which part is right for your vehicle, don't hesitate to ask our parts team for assistance. Then you can order the parts you need right here on our website, and we will have them ready for you to pick up soon.
The next time your vehicle is in need of any new parts or accessories, come on over to our East Hanover, NJ dealership serving the Livingston, Summit, West Orange, Randolph and Morristown areas. We would be happy to help you find just what you need to customize your vehicle and keep it running at its best.


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July 15, 2014: Bombardier Aerospace launched today a brand-new version of its versatile Q400 NextGen aircraft, a cargo-passenger combi configuration that will deliver the greatest payload capability and operational flexibility in its segment.
The cargo-passenger combi Q400 NextGen aircraft is available in various configurations. In the lay-out that provides the highest payload capability, the aircraft offers up to 8,200 lb. of cargo capacity and up to 1,150 cubic feet of cargo volume. In this high-cargo version, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers at 32-inch seat pitch. The combi Q400 NextGen turboprop's "Class C" cargo compartments are designed to meet the industry's latest regulations.
"The combi Q400 NextGen aircraft provides unique opportunities for airlines operating routes with medium to low passenger loads, but with high cargo potential," said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
"Along with the recently launched dual class and extra capacity options, the combi option illustrates Bombardier's ongoing investment in the Q400 NextGen aircraft program and offers airlines unmatched operational flexibility in short-haul markets. The Q400 NextGen aircraft is now well positioned to reinvent once again the contemporary turboprop market through additional profitable growth.
"We are also pleased to confirm that we are in advanced discussions with a number of customers interested in the combi variant," he added.
Optimized for short-haul operations and capable of seating up to 86 passengers, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.
The Q400 NextGen aircraft is the fastest new-technology turboprop, providing both jet speed and turboprop fuel efficiency. The aircraft's economics and operational flexibility allow airlines to profitably deploy it in a variety of ways to serve typical short-haul turboprop routes, as well as medium-haul jet markets.
Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 499 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in approximately 40 countries on five continents.


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Roy Mazzagate
Last updated 10/18/2015 at Noon
Roy Joseph Mazzagate, Jr., 70, of Orange, passed away Oct. 17, at Baptist Hospital in Orange.
Friends are invited to join the family for a meal at noon, Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Calvary Baptist Church in West Orange. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church with the Rev. David Milner officiating. The church is located at 2402 Western Ave., Orange.
Born in Orange, Nov. 23, 1944, he was the son of Josephine (Joan) and Roy Mazzagate, Sr. Roy attended St. Mary Catholic School in Orange and was a graduate of Stark High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. He then entered the University of Houston Pharmacy School where he received his degree in Pharmacology.
Roy was an ordained Baptist minister and received his theological training at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was the former pastor of Tremont Baptist Church in Sabine Pass. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved watching football, singing and playing his guitar.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jared Mazzagate and his brother, Russell Mazzagate.
He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Mazzagate; children, Trisha Kemp and husband Bryan, Kevin Mazzagate, Roy Mazzagate, III and wife Kimmy, all of Orange, Heather Rowe and husband Reid, of Bridge City and Brent Mazzagate and wife Kimberly, of Nederland; step-children, Christopher Bahr and Melissa Shank; 12 grandchildren and sister, Phyllis Walters and husband Jim, of Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family to assist with expenses.
Services were under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.


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Sparx Traxx
Sparx Traxx, or just Sparx (real name Christine Dawson, born January 1st, 1996 in Toronto, Ontario, CA), is a trans female Chiptune composer, Disc jockey, and Lighting Designer. She currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.[1]
"Hesk" or "Hesky" - A jargon on the word "Husk" or "Husky". See Siberian Husky. Sparx often uses this nickname when self-identifying her species. [2]
Bass Husky - One of Sparx's former titles on the popular music sharing site SoundCloud.
While growing up, Christine Dawson discovered a striking interest in the popular cartoon television show Tom & Jerry. This was one of her first interactions with anthropomorphism. In late 2010, Christine came up with the fictional anthropomorphic character "Sparx Traxx" while she was studying PLTW engineering and musical arts in high school. Most of her inspiration behind the first name "Sparx" had to do with electricity; hence why some can distinguish "Sparx" as a slang variation of the word "Sparks". While the last name "Traxx" is a spinoff on the word "Tracks". See Track (CD) As Christine graduated from high school she went on to study Network Infrastructure at The University of Northern Texas. While in study she discovered the internet demoscene music culture which sparked her interest in chiptracking.
Sparx Traxx shares many key traits with her owner Christine such as her birthdate and location. Sparx has a fluid interest in music, a curious but keen personality, and an identical fashion sense. Her clothing style can be best described as post 90's retro punk / contemporary grunge -or- scene. Some signature articles of clothing Sparx wears include an electric blue zip-up jacket, black ripped skinny jeans, checkered Vans. She wears a beanie at ALL TIMES, the color of the beanie can differentiate between black, red, and electric blue with stripes. In other instances, Sparx can be seen wearing dresses and skirts. Sparx has graduated lip rings called snakebites, and gauged ears with hollow plugs. (Those of which can be various colors as well.) Another distinguishing feature included in some older art pieces of Sparx shows her wearing an Electric California brand hat on one of her ears. She also wears a black leather choker collar which has a hollowed out chrome lightning bolt around the ring. As far as her personality, Sparx always has something new to talk about. Just like Christine, she prides herself as an extrovert. Sparx is described as a humble loyal and down to earth character. But easily agitated when her buttons are pushed. Standing up for others & herself is a very keen trait she has, and she is not afraid to get down and dirty when it comes to solving problems! Sparx enjoys public events, sharing her music library with others, producing different styles of music, and ultimately networking with new furs!
Art & Anatomy[edit]
Sparx Traxx is a trans female anthropomorphic Siberian Husky who stands 5'7" tall, non feral. [3] When Sparx is drawn, her body includes the typical female hourglass shape, feminine curves, breasts, but alternatively male genitals. [4] The most distinctive part about Sparx is the black lighting bolt insignia she has on the uppermost part of her left breast. Sparx prefers to be addressed by female pronouns ♀ [She / Her]. She also openly accepts mixed plural male/female counterparts in a GenderFluid context i.e. "They -or- Them". Sparx was born biologically male, and physically transitioned from male to female in her early teens. ♂→♀. She identifies as Pansexual with a female preference. There have since been 3 consecutive versions of Sparx since the initial creation and publication of the character in 2010.
Sparx 1.0
In 2013, Christine pitched a design idea to an amateur fursuit maker by the name of Truffles Tiger from El Paso, Texas. [5] After 10 approximate months of crafting, the conceptual partial fursuit of Sparx was completed. [6] The finished suit itself included a foam base head, stuffed tail with belt loop holes, and four fingered arm sleeve paws. All of which resembled the design of Sparx in 2014. Christine first debuted the suit February of 2014 at Texas Furry Fiesta. Following the debut of the suit at the con, Sparx would also make various other appearances outside of furry conventions. Some of which included volunteering as an independent mascot / performer for the high school that Christine attended, public outings that can also be referred to as furmeets, and several other holiday themed events. Those are just some documented activities that the Sparx 1.0 partial fursuit were a part of in 2014. In February of 2015, Christine attended Texas Furry Fiesta for an second time with the Sparx 1.0 partial fursuit. During Sunday night of the convention Sparx appeared on the main events stage and played a one hour long live DJ plug while in partial fursuit [7]; However, during the summer of 2015 the partial was maliciously destroyed. [8]
Sparx 2.0
Before the unpredictable events of the destruction of Sparx 1.0, Christine had commissioned an updated version of Sparx in partial form from Lazy Lion Creations in December of 2014. [9] Approximately 9 months after the initial commission start time the Sparx 2.0 partial fursuit was completed. [10] The partial resembled the updated design of Sparx in 2015 where one of the most noticeable changes to the design included shorter hair with a fauxhawk style to it. The finished suit itself included a foam base head and four fingered paws that only covered up to the wrist. Christine first debuted the suit October 16, 2015 at Arizona Fur Con during her one hour long live DJ plug on the main events stage at the convention. [11] Sparx Traxx was also held as a guest of honor at the convention. [12] After Arizona Fur Con, Sparx made an additional debut on December 6th, 2015 at Midwest Furfest. Sparx regularly attends events not limited to furry conventions such as raves, anime conventions, computer gaming seminars, underground parties, and local furry furmeets.
During high school, Christine was rigorously involved in her school's marching band. She played in the drumline and competed in national competitions such as Tournament of the Bands in 2010. Early in Christine's musical endeavors, she also played the electric keyboard and backing leads, which also included various types of synthetic instruments for two independent bands. "If We Were Turtles", a math-rock and experimental jazz band & "Endeavor", a grunge-punk "screamo" band. She also ran live sound mixing and later on helped in the recording of demos. In 2010, both bands had residency at lounges such as "The Percolator", "Sumatra", "Club 101". While in these bands, Christine started to learning the fundamentals of music production and started picking up on tracking chiptunes. During the time she wasn't practicing with bandmates, she was learning how to beatmatch and started researching spinning on vinyl records. Both bands separated in 2012 so Christine got involved with the local nightclub scene in El Paso, Texas and started playing live DJ sets at Club 101, Club Envy, Tricky Falls, and at various un-noted Adult entertainment clubs. In 2013 Christine started publishing her work in progress projects onto the popular music sharing website SoundCloud.
Husky Butt Rec.[edit]
Husky Butt Records is a tiny Record Label founded by Sparx Traxx on January 1st, 2017. [13] The label focuses mainly on the clash of 8-bit Retro chiptune music, and experimental indie dance. "Chiptunes" can also be understood as videogame music. Sparx Traxx releases music based on the principle of one track albums. See singles.
- "Pizza" Released on 2017-05-17 [14]
- "Hesking" Released on 2017-05-17 [15]
- "Toasty" Released on 2017-08-01 [16]
- ↑ Sparx Traxx's profile on SoundCloud. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
- ↑ Sparx Traxx's About me on FaceBook. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx Traxx's profile on FurAffinity. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx Traxx's profile on F-List. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx 1.0 Progress Picture on FaceBook. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx 1.0 Completion Picture on FaceBook. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
- ↑ Furry Fiesta 2015 Schedule on Sched. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx 1.0 Partial Fursuit Destroyed on Tumblr. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx 2.0 Progress on Instagram. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Sparx 2.0 Completion on Instagram. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ DJ Sparx Traxx AZFC 2015 Announcement on DJ Sparx Traxx Official FaceBook Page. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Arizona Fur Con 2015 GOA Announcement on Arizona Fur Con 2015 Official Webpage. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Husky Butt Rec. on Musicbrainz. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Pizza on Musicbrainz. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Hesking on Musicbrainz. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ↑ Toasty on Musicbrainz. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
External links[edit]
|This person is a WikiFur user:
- Sparx Traxx on Twitter
- Sparx Traxx on Facebook
- Sparx Traxx on SoundCloud
- Sparx Traxx on MixCloud
- Sparx Traxx on Fur Affinity
- Sparx Traxx on YouTube
- Sparx Traxx on Tumblr
- Sparx Traxx on Spotify
- Sparx Traxx on MusicBrainz
- Sparx Traxx on BandCamp
|This stub about a person could be expanded.


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How to Create a Condition for an Indicator Crossing a Specific Value
Plotted indicators can be used to create a variety of conditions (behaviors). This example uses Stochastics, but the same concept can be applied to any technical or fundamental indicator.
1. Plot the indicator you would like use in the condition
2. Click on the label for the indicator
Click Create Condition in the drop down menu.
3. Click on the condition field to get a drop down menu
4. Select Crossing up value from the list
5. Set your desired value in the value field
6. Select the point at which the condition should occur
The true field will let you set parameters for when or how often the condition returned true.
- Now = Condition is true for current bar
- x bars ago = Condition was true specified number of bars ago
- within last x bars = Condition was true at least once within the specified period of bars
- x bars in a row = Condition has been true for the last specified number of bars
7. Apply the condition
Click the:
- Copy To button to choose how to immediately apply the condition.
- The Scan button to run an easy scan on the default watchlist in a new EasyScan window
- Save to save the condition to the Library
- Cancel to escape without completing the condition
For instructions to Save Conditions to the library click here.


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Though Coweeta became one of the first LTER sites in 1980, the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory as funded by the United States Forest Service has been in existence since 1934. Today the LTER and the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory coexist in the same complex of buildings and laboratories, collaborating and sharing data that now spans nearly eight decades. This data set has given Coweeta researchers unprecedented access to information about forest effects of both natural disturbances and human management.
In the 1930s, researchers selected several basins to study the effects of human management on forest hydrology. Researchers designated different watersheds to receive different treatments, such as clear cutting, clear cutting and replanting with pine, or conversion to agriculture, and continued to record data for many decades after treatment. Long-term study of this data has documented how the disturbance agent, gap size, and species-specific demography affect both recovery of the forest and hydrology in the long and short term. For example, researchers have found that on watersheds where hardwood vegetation was clearcut and watersheds converted from hardwoods to pine or hardwoods to grass that mean stream nitrate concentrations far exceeded measurements from control sites even 18-39 years after treatment.
Since these early experiments, the valley has continued to experience both natural and anthropogenic disturbance. The effects of disease, invasions of non natives, hurricanes, and droughts as well as different types of logging, agriculture, and increasing rates of exurban development have all been captured by the long-term vegetation plots first established in the 1930s. All of these have been effectively recorded in data that researchers can now analyze, with the help of models, to scale the effects of disturbance across temporal and spatial scales that remain invisible without the ability to incorporate such broad ranging data. New natural disturbances continue to occur on land monitored by Coweeta. The recent appearance of the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid in Macon County has been closely monitored by Coweeta scientists, and the combination of existing long-term plots and intensive short-term measurements will undoubtedly prove invaluable in anticipating and responding to the ecological impacts of this latest disturbance. Comprehensive climatic, hydrologic, and biogeochemical databases, made possible by the long-term nature of LTER funding and long-term measurements of vegetation dynamics, provide a template for understanding broader and more complex environmental issues. These environmental issues incorporate climate change, carbon cycling, and atmospheric deposition as they relate to effects on water resources and the productivity and health of forests.
Figure. A graph showing long-term changes in species composition for unmanaged forest measured in 1934-1935, 1969-1973, and 1988-1993 within Coweeta, western North Carolina (Elliot and Vose 2011).
For Further Reading:
Elliot, Katherine J. and James M. Vose. 2011. The contribution of the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory to developing an understanding of long-term (1934-2008) changes in managed and unmanaged forests. Forest Ecology and Management 261(5):900-910.
Elliot, Katherine J., James M. Vose, and Wayne T. Swank. 1999. Long-term patterns in vegetation-site relationships in a southern Appalachian forest. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 126(4):320-334.
Johnson, D.W., J.D. Knoepp, W.T. Swank, J. Shan, L.A. Morris, D.H. Van Lear, and P.R. Kapeluck. 2002. Effects of forest management on soil carbon: results of some long-term resampling studies. Environmental Pollution 116:S201-S208.
For Further Information
Dr. Katherine J. Elliot (firstname.lastname@example.com)


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Half Of Workers Surveyed Have Quit Due To A Bad Boss
Wednesday, October 9th, 2019
New research from global staffing firm Robert Half suggests there's truth to the saying, "People leave managers, not companies." About half of professionals surveyed (49%) have quit a job due to a bad boss.
Among the 28 U.S. cities in the study, Sacramento (66%), Miami and Tampa (58% each) had the most workers who departed because they didn't like their supervisor.
"We've all heard horror stories about difficult managers — or experienced one firsthand," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half. "Work styles and how well a person gets along with their supervisor can determine whether someone decides to join or remain at a company."
McDonald added, "Many times open communication and training can help to resolve issues and strengthen the professional relationship between bosses and their direct reports. Employers should also commit to regularly gathering feedback on managers and developing the skills of new or potential leaders."
Additional findings:
Minneapolis (36%), Atlanta (39%), Boston and Philadelphia (40% each) have the fewest numbers of employees surveyed who have quit over a bad boss.
More professionals ages 18 to 34 (54%) have resigned due to a manager than respondents ages 35 to 54 (49%) and 55 and older (41%).


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Peak Centre Academy exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of students participating in elite sports. We strive to equip our students with the best life-qualities that sport produces:
- Perseverance
- Respect
- Self-confidence
- Leadership
Peak recognizes that all students benefit from differentiated instruction within the classroom. Understanding the specific learning needs of our students enables teachers to deliver the curriculum in the most effective way possible. It is our goal to assist student's learning experiences through emerging technologies to ensure our students graduate with the skills they will need to succeed in our ever changing world.
Peak Academy is committed to creating and maintaining an orderly, trusting, and caring environment where teaching and learning are engaging, and student-athletes are provided the resources and environment to become truly outstanding individuals.
Peak Academy Online recognizes the challenge of preparing students for an increasingly complex and cognitively demanding world; therefore, we are excited and extremely proud to create innovative learning opportunities for Canadian and International students through the launch of our fully online Academy.
Peak Academy Online provides a quality education for a wide variety of students by offering alternate solutions to traditional schooling utilizing up to date technologies, curriculum, assessment and evaluation methods along with proven teaching practices implemented by a team of professionals.
Peak Academy Online creates a diverse, interactive online learning environment which isn't confined to a one-size-fits-all classroom model prominent in traditional high school settings. We provide students with the option to learn at their own pace, wherever and whenever it best fits each individual student's schedule. We recognize the extreme importance of students having a connection with their school and teachers, and this is why we provide a strong support network which includes one on one support, while allowing students to work on their own time at their own pace. We believe that our flexible schedules, personalized attention, and engaging online high school courses will make us a first choice among Canadian and International students. Peak Academy Online provides a wide selection of courses in every grade, including virtual coop, that enables Canadian and International students to earn their Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD) entirely online. Students can also take credit courses as Reach Ahead credits that can be transferred to their home school.
At Peak Academy Online, our mission is offer unique and flexible learning opportunities to Canadian and International students wishing to take individual Ontario High School Credit Courses or to earn their Ontario High School Diploma.