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Pi Kappa Phi
|Pi Kappa Phi
|December 10, 1904
College of Charleston
|United States
"Nothing shall ever tear us asunder"
| Royal Blue
|Bell, Star & Lamp
|Red Rose
|The Star and Lamp
|The Ability Experience
|231 (187 active)[1]
|12,523 (as of 2017)[1] collegiate
132,526 (as of 2017)[1] lifetime
|2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd Ste
P.O. Box 240526
Charlotte, North Carolina
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) commonly known as Pi Kapp, is an American Greek Letter secret and social fraternity. It was founded by Andrew Alexander Kroeg Jr., Lawrence Harry Mixson, and Simon Fogarty Jr. on December 10, 1904 at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. The fraternity has 187 active chapters (168 chartered chapters and 19 associate chapters),[1][2] and more than 113,000 initiated members.[1][3]
Pi Kappa Phi's mission statement is "To create an uncommon and lifelong brotherhood that develops leaders and encourages service to others for the betterment of our communities." The fraternity's vision statement is "A future where every Pi Kappa Phi embraces his role as a leader, puts service before self and improves the world around him."[4]
Pi Kappa Phi operates in four entities: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi Foundation, The Ability Experience, and Pi Kappa Phi Properties. Pi Kappa Phi operates its own philanthropy, The Ability Experience (formerly known as Push America), which works with individual chapters to serve people with disabilities.[5]
This section relies largely or entirely on a single source. (December 2017)
Nu Phi[edit]
Pi Kappa Phi was founded in 1904 by Andrew Alexander Kroeg Jr., a 19-year-old senior at the college; Simon Fogarty Jr., a 17-year-old junior; and Lawrence Harry Mixson, a 16-year-old sophomore. All three of the men were from Charleston.
In 1904, the College of Charleston was a small, municipal college. The all-male college was the first municipal college in the country, and the thirteenth oldest educational institution in the United States.[6] The school had a campus literary society called the Chrestomathics, which held activities such as debates. The college's monthly magazine was staffed by the officers of the Chrestomathics, forming the equivalent of a modern-day student government.
The three men set a goal to obtain officer positions within the Chrestomathic Literary Society. At that time, the organization was dominated by the three chapters of national fraternities on campus. All fraternity men were sworn to vote for their candidates, making it virtually impossible for any non-fraternity men to win election.
Kroeg, Mixson, Fogarty, and a group of their friends, all non-fraternity men, began forming an opposition party. Several meetings were held at Mixson's home on Wentworth Street leading to the formation of Nu Phi, which stood for "non-fraternity." The group of 15 men developed an opposing slate and began campaigning. Nu Phi adopted the outline of a hand as its secret symbol. A sketched hand on a classroom chalkboard signified an upcoming meeting. Inside the hand was written the meeting time and the host's last name.
The Nu Phi group assigned a member to kidnap those who might vote for the fraternity ticket on election day. However, the Nu Phi ticket lost the elections. Later, it was revealed that several disloyal members cast their votes for the opposing fraternity slate. Kroeg, determined to see his friends have a chance at winning elections, decided that the only way to gain the influence of the fraternity men on campus was to begin his own fraternity.[7]
On December 10, 1904, a meeting of the loyal Nu Phis was held at Fogarty's home at 90 Broad Street to establish a new fraternity. There were seven men in attendance at the meeting: Kroeg, Fogarty, Mixson, Anthony Pelzer Wagener, Thomas F. Mosimann, Theodore ("Teddy") Barnwell Kelley, and James Fogarty (Simon's younger brother). All of the original members were students at the college and had grown up together in Charleston.[7]
Wagener, who was a student of Greek and Latin, recommended the letters Pi Kappa Phi and their secret meaning as the official new name of the group. Simon proposed the design of the fraternity's pin, a black enamel diamond with the Greek letters ΠΚΦ engraved in gold with a star and lamp as additional elements. Kroeg was selected as the new chapter's first president, which was termed "Archon", from the Greek term. He then began work on a constitution for chapter. The group quickly set out to recruit new members to its ranks.[7]
On December 10, 1905, the first anniversary of the fraternity's founding, Mixson's mother cooked the men a special dinner in her home to celebrate a successful first year as a fraternity. The fraternity celebrate that date as "Founders Day" with a dinner or a similar ceremony. In 1906 Mixson and Wagener wrote the fraternity's initiation ritual as the "highest ideals of Christian manhood".[7]
That same year, the group was offered a charter from another U.S. fraternity. Instead, they chose to expand and create more Pi Kappa Phi chapters. A second chapter ("Beta Chapter") was formed at Presbyterian College on March 9, 1907. Due to a state law banning fraternities at state supported schools, Presbyterian College and the College of Charleston were the only two South Carolina schools where fraternities were allowed. A third chapter was formed at the University of California, Berkeley, which was the first chapter to obtain a house.
Kroeg developed "Articles of Incorporation" and the name Pi Kappa Phi became legally registered in the state of South Carolina on December 23, 1907.
The interest in Pi Kappa Phi within South Carolina was growing despite laws and policies banning fraternities. In 1909, Delta Chapter at Furman University formed and operated in secret until state laws changed, allowing fraternal organizations. In 1910, a charter was granted to Sigma Chapter at the University of South Carolina and the chapter was operated as the Sigma Club due to the laws banning fraternities.[7]
The Star and Lamp[edit]
The Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Journal was begun in 1909, with Henry Wagener as editor. In 1911, the name was changed to the Star & Lamp.[7]
In 2019, several members of the fraternity at Texas State University brutally attacked a fellow student they mistakenly assumed was a member of their rival fraternity on campus Phi Kappa Psi, leaving him with a fractured skull and a traumatic brain injury. As a result, the fraternity was placed on suspension, some members faced criminal charges, and the attacked student filed a lawsuit against the fraternity.[8]
In 2017, the fraternity at Central Michigan University was suspended indefinitely by the university for failure to adhere to previous sanctions.[9]
In July 2017, the Alpha chapter at the College of Charleston was suspended by the college following a probe investigating allegations of drug and alcohol use, hazing, and the alleged beating of a student. The fraternity is forbidden from recolonizing the campus until Fall 2019.[10]
In November 2017, a Florida State University (FSU) student named Andrew Coffey was found unresponsive the morning after an unaffiliated off campus house party. Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, was given medical treatment in an attempt to resuscitate, but died soon thereafter. After his death, FSU suspended all 58 fraternities and sororities on campus, and banned alcohol from student events.[11][12]
In 2016, the fraternity at the University of South Florida (USF) was suspended after a 16 year old girl was raped while she was unconscious in the fraternity's house. The girl was visiting the campus and decided to attend the fraternity's house party. A fraternity member confessed to the rape and was arrested.[13] A few months prior to the rape incident at USF, another rape allegation involving the fraternity at Purdue University was reported to the campus police department[14]
In 2016, the fraternity at the Miami University was suspended for multiple hazing and alcohol violations.[15]
In 2016, four fraternity members at Radford University were arrested for hazing.[16]
In 2015, the chapter at Pennsylvania State University was shut down for hazing pledges, alcohol abuse, and disorderly conduct.[17] It was re-colonized in the spring of 2018.
In Spring 2015, the fraternity at the Elon University was kicked off the campus until 2017 for hazing and hosting an unapproved event.[18]
An alleged pledge notebook of Pi Kappa Phi's North Carolina State University chapter was found in Raleigh. It contained numerous racist statements and comments about raping women and girls. The national organization placed the chapter on an interim suspension. NCSU suspended all social events at the chapter that involved alcohol.[19][20]
A student pledging the California State University, Northridge chapter of Pi Kappa Phi died in the summer of 2014 during a mandatory 18-mile hike in what his family alleges was a hazing ritual.[21] Nineteen-year-old Armando Villa died during the trip to the Angeles National Forest. Villa's family reported that other boys on the hike said they were "left barefoot with very little water to share between the boys, and no cellphones, and to find their way out of the forest."[22] The police reported that the fraternity was cooperating with the police investigation and that chapter activities had been suspended until the investigation concluded.[23] In September 2014, the University announced that the national and local chapters of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity voted to withdraw permanently from the university.[24] The fraternity is being sued by Villa's family.
In December 2013, two Pi Kappa Phi members were arrested and charged with harassment at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The fraternity members were retaliating against a former pledge who reported to school officials physical and verbal abuse he experienced while he was seeking to join the fraternity.[25]
In 2012, the fraternity at the University of North Florida was suspended after asking a pledge to vandalize the campus and offering him marijuana.[26]
In 2010, the fraternity at the University of Georgia (UGA) was suspended after a father of a pledge wrote an anonymous letter to UGA's Greek Life Office detailing the abusive hazing rituals his son endured in order to be fully welcomed into the fraternity.[27]
In 2000, the California State University, Chico chapter was dissolved and later permanently banned after the alcohol-related hazing death of freshman student Adrian Heideman.[28] In response to Heideman's death the national chapter created an alcohol-awareness video for distribution to all members, "The Choice Is Yours." [29]
As of 2013 Pi Kappa Phi reports having over 113,000 members.[1] Pi Kappa Phi has granted 231 charters, with an average chapter size of 55. There are 168 active chartered chapters plus 19 associate chapters (colonies).[1][2]
See also[edit]
- Sheetz, George; Leake, Howard; Buffington, Perry; Timmes, Mark; Owen, Durward; de Palma, Leonard (2004). "The Brotherhood: History of Pi Kappa Phi (1904-2004)". Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Cite journal requires
- Erickson, Evan; Sullivan, TJ (2002). "The White Diamond of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity: A Guide to Brotherhood". Charlotte, North Carolina: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Cite journal requires
- ^ a b c d e f g "Basic Information: By the numbers". Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ a b c "Chapter Locator". Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Retrieved 18 February 2013.; as revised/updated by: "Expansion Calendar". Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
- ^ "Pi Kapp Facts". Archived from the original on 20 August 2009.
- ^ "Our Mission & Vision". Pi Kappa Phi. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ "Journey of hope". Push America. Retrieved 2007-12-17.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "A Brief History of the College - College of Charleston". www.cofc.edu. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
- ^ a b c d e f "Non fraternity". Pi Kappa Phi. Archived from the original on 2008-10-30. Retrieved 2007-12-17.
- ^ https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/17/us/texas-state-fraternity-arrest/index.html
- ^ Sheffield, Paige (November 11, 2017). "Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity suspended indefinitely". Central Michigan Life. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Yee, Gregory. "Five College of Charleston fraternities shut down within a year, Pi Kappa Phi shutters doors after misconduct investigation". The Post and Courier. Evening Post Industries. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ Dobson, Byron (November 6, 2017). "Florida State University bans Greek life after student death". USA Today. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Lee, Kurtis (November 15, 2017). "So what's behind the recent fraternity hazing incidents on college campuses nationwide?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Edwards, Stassa. "USF Suspends Pi Kappa Phi Chapter During Investigation Into Rape of 16-Year-Old Girl". jezebel.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Rape reported at Purdue University fraternity". jconline.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Miami U suspends 2 fraternities for hazing". cincinnati.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ O'Meara, Eamon. "Four Radford University fraternity brothers arrested on hazing charges". wdbj7.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Another Penn State fraternity suspended after hazing investigation". pennlive.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Elon shuts down fraternity through 2017". wxii12.com. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "NC State, Pi Kappa Phi decry 'unacceptable and offensive' book>". Retrieved 2015-05-29.
- ^ "Fraternity Suspended Over Notebook Detailing Rape And Lynching>". Retrieved 2015-05-29.
- ^ "Family sues after fraternity pledge's death on hazing hike". Retrieved 2015-08-13.
- ^ "Family of CSUN Student Who Died on Fraternity Trip Wants Justice: "They Left Him There to Die"". NBC LA."Cal State Northridge fraternity pledge dies after alleged 'hazing' hike". LATimes.
- ^ Greig, Alex (July 3, 2014). "'Fraternity hazing ritual' blamed for death of student, 19, who was found without shoes or cell phone in forest". Daily Mail UK.
- ^ Owens, Caitlin; Vives, Ruben (September 5, 2014) "Cal State Northridge fraternity shuts after pledge's death" Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-csun-fraternity-closing-pledge-death-20140905-story.html
- ^ "Knoxville News Sentinel". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ "UNF suspends Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing". www.news4jax.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ @EricaTecho, Erica Techo. "The other side of the paddle: One sorority member talks hazing, racism in Greek life". redandblack.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
- ^ http://www.farmhouse.org/pdf/FRMT.pdf
- ^ Pi Kappa Phi (1 September 2010). "The Choice Is Yours". Retrieved 23 March 2018 – via YouTube.


text: Malton Cookery School is surrounded by some of the UK's best artisanal makers and food producers. We specialise in game, seafood and baking as well as a variety of other cooking courses. Whether it's learning the basics, enhancing existing skills with new techniques or perfecting classic dishes, whatever your age or ability there will be a course that's just right for you.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It's been a wild holiday and it got a little wilder with the recent release of Ridiculous Marathon on Windows 10 from Game Troopers.
In Ridiculous Marathon, you're celebrating the birthday of a house pet with a party. The owners of this particular pink pet — a half alien monster and half baby gorilla — have prepared a surprise with a pinata filled with candy, toffee, sweets and confetti. To open the pinata the pink pet will use a baseball bat, but his aim is not very good and will end up hitting their owners and having to flee from them.
You are tasked with helping the pet to flee to avoid punishment, run while you are collecting coins and candies in the Amazon forest from Brazil. Run, jump, crouch, change lanes and dodge obstacles like fences, truckloads of wood, and travel through impressive caves and ancient indigenous villages on your route.
Features of the game include:
- Run the Amazon forest with the baby monkey, through the trees and logs and discover caves like subways!
- Simple touch game play – swipe the screen and help the baby monkey to avoid the many dangers that await on the road
- Freedom of movement! Dodge! Jump! Slide! Roll! FLY!!
- Exciting power ups help the baby monkey along the way! Discover the surfer board!
- Competitive play – Connect via Facebook and run past your buddies' high scores to become the top runner!
- Unlock Achievements!
Ridiculous Marathon supports 512MB devices (phone only), is free to download and contains optional in-app purchases. You can download it via the QR code and download link below.


text:
Today in New York City, food trucks featuring marijuana edibles ply the streets. At one time, this would have been cause for celebration in my life. I especially liked the ganja Pixie Sticks.
I also have fond memories of traveling to Amsterdam years ago, and experiencing the freedom of walking into a bar and ordering a round of hash, much as one would ask for a bourbon on the rocks. It felt like sanity might finally be prevailing in the world.
Today, America's second great Prohibition is coming to an end, and that's probably a good thing. The criminalization of drug use, and incarceration of countless victims, is certainly a historic tragedy. I pray that those who can't get a good job or apartment because of a minor possession charge early in life can finally get their slates wiped clean.
But as a recovering marijuana addict, I don't want to experience what many in "legal" communities now have to endure on a daily basis: opening your window in the morning to the smell of skunk wafting into your bedroom, watching your neighbors in their driveways sparking up in their cars before work, and living in a neighborhood of emotionless, TV-fixated shut-ins. Yes, folks should be able to choose that lifestyle, and I'm not going to impose my choices on them. But I am going to warn them, in fact shout from the rooftop, that weed is neither "safe" nor "healthy." It is a duty and obligation of our recovery.
Marijuana in all its forms is a potentially dangerous drug, no safer for some of us than heroin or meth. Some of you won't want to hear that, even though you're hanging out in this forum -- an addictions message board dominated by stories of weed. Like many of you, I've been around the party block: lots of blow, booze, 'ludes, oxy, opium. I can take or leave 'em. I did benzos daily for years, and easily kicked in a couple of weeks. I can have a couple of drinks when I want, and never feel like I want one before work. But I have no power over weed. A little light goes off on the first toke, a soft cottony switch clicks deep in my psyche. And in days, weeks or months, I become a slave.
Alcoholics Anonymous was onto it long before anyone else. If you haven't studied their 12-step program, there's much you can learn. Parts of the program don't work for me, but I've adapted what's useful. Like recognizing there's a force, a consciousness, an energy in the universe bigger than any us. You don't have to believe in god, go to church, or sell incense in the airport, but if you think you're the sh__, prepare to stay addicted. Another AA belief worth embracing is that you only have to get through today in your recovery...let tomorrow take care of itself. And understanding that you don't have any power over weed. It will control you, and it can kill you.
For most folks who aren't addicts, weed may be an okay choice for partying with friends. But many won't learn they're addicts until it's too late. I've seen posts in this forum asserting that weed is basically a safe drug that some of us can't limit properly because of some defect in our character. In my opinion, it's probably just dumb luck, like genes. I didn't know when I took my first drinks in life that I wouldn't become an alcoholic. I was just lucky, by the grace of whomever.
When I started weed in my teens, we called it "pot," and the good stuff was Columbian. Think high-CBD, low-THC. It took away my anxiety, made me laugh, got me to sleep more easily. Guess what? CBD is a psychoactive drug. And if it's psychoactive, and makes you feel better, it's probably addictive. Now, I believe CBD can be a miracle for folks with certain medical conditions, and can alleviate suffering. But if you're thinking CBD is a good idea for your withdrawal or PAWS, you're playing with fire and lying to yourself. It's like an alcoholic munching on rum balls to relax -- well, not exactly, but you get the idea. You're introducing another mood-altering cannabinoid into your system.
CBD is now in everything from cosmetics to craft beer. Big corporations like Coca-Cola will likely be a leaders in cannabis-infused beverages, and the right-wing politicians who helped incarcerate my friends are on the boards of companies riding the cannabis profit wave. Some say that because farm animals used to eat hemp, cannabis was once part of our food chain, and therefore many of the ills of society today are caused by a dearth of cannabinoids in our bodies.
The prohibition of weed was certainly senseless, but like many historic revisions, the pendulum may now be swinging too far the in the other direction. My point? Weed is not safe -- not for addicts like us, and not for the general public, many of whom may not know they're more vulnerable to addiction to today's high-potency weed in all its forms. As addicts, we mustn't fall into the trap of laying all the blame on ourselves and not recognizing we fell victim to something we were told was safe, natural, and non-addicting. And it's our calling to pay it forward by helping others to recover, and still others to never start down the path we once took.


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In honor and excitement of the upcoming final season of The Legend of Korra, this week's Throwback Thursday will take a look at its parent show, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
I remember scouring the television every weekend, trying to find the latest episodes (or even re-runs) of this show during its prime. It was like a spiritual offspring of DBZ to me. It was a show that had fights and fancy powers, but it was so much more. The show, although a Nickelodeon show, had deeper meanings than those on the surface, and it delved into character development like no other on the channel! It introduced you to many characters and made you hate and love them all.
Continue reading "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (of Fond Memories)


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Now showing items 1-5 of 5
A Virtual Reality Framework to Validate Persuasive Interactive Systems to Change Work Habits
Mensch und Computer 2018 - Workshopband
Virtual reality technology enables the immersion of a human user into a virtual environment. With virtual environments, reproducible situations such as office work can be created in which a human behaves and acts in response. Because of the reproducibility and the accompanied measurement tools offered by virtual reality ...
Effective Visualization of Time-Critical Notifications in Virtual Reality
Mensch und Computer 2018 - Tagungsband
Virtual Reality (VR) devices empower users to be fully immersed into a virtual environment. However, time-critical notifications must be perceived as quickly and correctly as possible. Especially, if they indicate risk of injury (e.g., bumping into walls). Compared to displays used in previous work to investigate fast ...
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Everyday Context (VARECo)
Mensch und Computer 2018 - Workshopband
In the last decade, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) hardware entered the consumer market, which broaden up potential use of VR and AR in everyday context. With everyday context we mean situations, environments or workflows that are part of everyday life. Examples may be the use of VR for data analysis as part of ...
German Translation of the Multimodal Presence Scale
Mensch und Computer 2018 - Tagungsband
Presence is a key variable in virtual reality. A differentiated assessment of presence is necessary to com-pare different versions of VR environments. The Multimodal Presence Scale (MPS) by Makransky, Lilleholt, and Aaby (2017) was developed to measure physical, social and self-presence. However, the scale is not yet ...
Visualizing Business Process Models on Virtual Reality Screens
Mensch und Computer 2018 - Tagungsband
Virtual reality (VR) is widely regarded as technology with huge potential in many application domains beyond entertainment. However, the visualization capabilities of VR headsets hold potential in display-ing business relevant information. In this paper we address utilization of VR technology for visualizing business ...


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Ask a Travel Nurse: What do I do for health insurance between Travel Nursing assignments?
Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
It looks like most Travel Nursing companies' insurance starts on day 1 of an assignment, so what do I do for health insurance between Travel Nursing assignments? Also, can you get health insurance for spouse, too? Thank you.
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
Many travel nursing companies offer insurance coverage for spouses or family. I covered my daughter on my last travel assignment with travel company provided insurance.
You also need to be careful to investigate a company's insurance plan because NOT all of them start day one (some start at the beginning of the next month or after a certain number of days on assignment). You also need to investigate when the insurance ends. Coverage that ends at the end of the month in which your assignment ends, will give you more of an opportunity to have continuous coverage (even if starting your next assignment with another company). Some insurance ends the day your contract ends. Also, some companies will keep you covered for up to two weeks between assignments as long as you have already signed a new contract with them that begins within two weeks or less. Again, just make sure you are clear on when your company's coverage starts and ends, and if there is any brief grace period in between assignments.
In between assignments, COBRA coverage is available for most insurance plans. However, I've found that this coverage is not always offered until at least a few weeks after your coverage has lapsed. I have never tried this ( and any readers who have, please chime in with your experience), but I believe the last time I read a COBRA plan, it would have covered me after my insurance lapsed if I had a medical emergency and then elected the COBRA coverage. However, I would be required to pay the premiums starting the day my coverage had lapsed.
The way I interpreted this was that if I didn't use the coverage, and was already on another assignment with insurance, great. But, if I did have a medical emergency (or any service that I wanted covered under COBRA), I could go back and pay the premiums and still be covered (as long as I was not past the date that I needed to declare my intent to have COBRA coverage).
Again, anyone who has tested this theory, or is more informed on COBRA coverages, please chime in.
If you are worried about too many possible lapses in coverage, I believe the only other way to go is a plan through the Affordable Care Act. I was recently told that "private insurance" is a thing of the past, but I have not personally applied for insurance outside my travel companies in many years. So I am not current on the m and ates of that world.
I hope this helps.


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Whether it comes from a friend or just a random beer-leaguer who used to play pickup hockey at the Handke Pit, Nate Prosser hears this weekly: "Out of all the kids growing up in Elk River, I can't believe you're the one that made it."
Prosser's reply: "Tell me about it."
The always-smiling Prosser — walking on air after becoming the first defenseman in Wild history to score back-to-back game-winners — never takes for granted any morning he gets to walk into an NHL locker room. That's because a decade ago nobody could have predicted that the kid even his brother, Luke, says was a "little runt everyone disregarded" would make a living playing hockey.
"I was the late bloomer. I didn't go through puberty until late," Nate says matter of factly. "I was never close to making any selection teams. I was never the guy who was a higher-skilled defenseman or anything like that in the state.
"Everyone just pushed me aside. 'Maybe you'll make it to college, maybe not. Too slow. Too small.' "
Prosser isn't exaggerating.
"I was probably 5-2, 5-3 until I grew like a foot when I was a junior in high school," said Prosser, 27.
He still remembers piling into his dad's minivan with buddies for long road trips to Grand Rapids and Fargo and Brandon, Manitoba. Everyone who played hockey as a kid has similar fond memories: overtaking a motel's pool, learning to play poker with change, playing knee hockey in the hallways.
But then the real hockey games would start and Prosser's father and AAA coach, Chris, would "be scared for me. We'd be playing against guys who have beards and I'm the little guy out there trying to get better. He feared for me."
Slowly Prosser, now 6-2, grew as a player. He got invited to junior hockey tryout camps, and halfway through his senior year at Elk River, Sioux Falls of the U.S. Hockey League asked if he would consider leaving.
Prosser was a captain at the time. There were only a dozen games left. He calls it one of the hardest decisions he ever had to make but the "best decision I've ever made."
Prosser left for Sioux Falls, played there three years and, as captain, led the Stampede to a league championship in 2005-06. He received a full ride to Colorado College.
Still, there were obstacles. He didn't play regularly, and suffered a bad concussion.
"It felt like the world was coming down on me," Prosser said.
But Prosser came back healthy his sophomore year, paired with current Washington Capitals defenseman Jack Hillen.
Undrafted, he got a family adviser, Neil Sheehy, who is now his agent. Prosser attended development camps with the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders and eventually signed a free-agent contract with the Wild after his senior season.
At the Pit
Elk River's Handke Pit, site of Saturday's Hockey Day Minnesota outdoor high school game, was "perfect little dream setting for kids," Prosser said. "Growing up, it was like, call anyone, they were going to the Pit."
The Pit was formed by glaciers and has been a hockey haven since 1920, although the rumors among Elk River children is that a "meteorite came and smoked it," Luke Prosser said.
Nate's siblings, Luke and Steph, are older. Starting when Nate was in third grade, Luke, in sixth grade, was assigned the duty of dragging him to the Pit.
"To my friends, Nate was constantly the extra little brother who was just there. He was just that annoying little kid," Luke Prosser said. "We usually stuck him back [on defense] because he wasn't fast enough to skate with the forwards, or we'd put him in net."
Luke's friends hated playing against Nate because he would hack their shins and finish body checks.
"I can't tell you how annoying it is to go up against a little shrimp and you try to walk around him and he's riding you into the boards," Luke Prosser said.
Nate says Luke taught him to play hockey. But Luke admits he used Nate, too.
"We'd be playing 1-on-1, I couldn't beat him by too much or he'd quit," Luke Prosser said. "So the game for me was to keep him engaged long enough and then I would usually get him for the whole game. If it was 5-0, he would shut down and quit.
"The game within the game was to string him along and keep him interested so I'd have someone to play with."
To this day, the Prossers go down to the Pit on Christmas Eve morning for pickup hockey.
"It's something we all cherish and we'll never forget, being able to go down there and be goofy … be kids," said Nate Prosser, a dad himself. His daughter, Emeri, is 17 months and his wife, Brittani, is due March 10 with their second child.
Help from home
Nate's mom, Margaret, is an aerobics instructor and personal trainer. In the summer, she would take Luke and Nate down to the Pit with a stopwatch and time them as they sprinted up and down the hills.
"She pushed me beyond anything," Nate Prosser said. "Usually it's not the mom doing that, it's the dad. She almost forced me into the weight room as soon as I got armpit hair.
"Summers, I would really push myself. When some guys were going to the beach or going golfing, I spent hours shooting pucks and going to the weight room and skating. I would go to the rink with a smile on my face ready to work on the things I needed to work on."
On the ice, Prosser developed an edge. He gets in opponent's faces, protects his goalies, hacks, whacks and chirps.
"My dad always taught me you've got to be able to flip a switch," Prosser said. "When you're off the ice, be that good family man who calls his grandma. Once you get on the ice, you've got to be able to flip it back."
Finding a niche
If you don't notice Prosser, he's doing his job. If he can squeak out a plus-1 or plus-2, all the better. Last season, in 17 games, he was on the ice for two goals against.
Lately, he has been seen a lot, a plus-3 and the winning goal Thursday against Edmonton and the overtime winner Saturday against Dallas.
He usually is the Wild's seventh defenseman, but he is now paired with Marco Scandella because Jared Spurgeon is injured.
"I think Nater's still blacked out," Luke Prosser said of his baby brother's dreamy week. "He keeps saying this stuff shouldn't happen to him."
This is Nate Prosser's fifth season with the Wild. He is in the last year of his contract after being a healthy scratch for much of the past two seasons, including 26 times this season.
"You dream of getting to the NHL and playing," Prosser said. "You're not dreaming to get in the NHL and sit up in the press box. Obviously it's a little tough.
''But I'm a positive guy. I want to be known as a good family man, a Christian man, who is always smiling and having a good time and a good teammate. I don't want to be just known as the hockey player.
"I know there is so much more to life and that's what keeps me positive. Going to the rink and having a smile on my face, I hope that rubs off on guys."


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As of 2009, the difference between what is owed to recipients of Social Security and Medicare and the amount available to meet the obligations now and into the future is now 7 times larger than the U.S. economy. Medicare's unfunded liability is currently 5 times greater than that of the Social Security gap. If taxes were to be raised to meet the unfunded liabilities within a generation (by the year 2054) 1 out of every 3 payroll tax dollars would be consumed (in effect doubling the current level of payroll taxes being paid). As Baby Boomers age half of all tax dollars will be spent on Social Security and Medicare within 20 years.
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), if the government were to continue spending at current levels and attempt to achieve a balanced budget a marginal tax rate of 25% would need to be increased to 66% and the highest marginal tax rate of 35% would rise to 92%!! In fact, healthcare spending accounts for about 1/6 of the U.S. economy ($2.5 trillion / 17.5% of U.S. GDP). According to Meredith Rosenthal, a Harvard University professor of health economics and policy, "Health care is the economy," and fixing it would free up money for other priorities, such as education and industrial innovation.
As the population of seniors explodes over the next twenty years and the pressure on government programs and the healthcare system become gargantuan, people will need to be prepared to find alternative ways to take care of themselves. Alternative forms of funding will become critical as the burden to pay for care will be pushed back on the individual.
To read more about the Social Security and Medicare crisis, click here.
To read more about the impact of healthcare spending on the U.S. economy, click here.


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In its annual consultations with the Chinese government, the IMF says that more emphasis needs to be placed on consumption rather than investment.
And it urges China to make further moves to raise the value of the yuan, following a 2.3% revaluation in July.
The IMF says that such a move would help to ease "global imbalances".
The Chinese economy is still powering ahead, according to the IMF, which monitors the world economy.
Growing surpluses
China is expected to grow by more than 9% this year, and its export-led growth is generating a huge trade surplus of more than $100bn - with China's total foreign currency reserves now totalling more than $700bn.
These imbalances are threatening the global recovery and stirring up protectionist pressures in the EU and the US, which have both recently negotiating deals to curb China's textile exports.
The IMF would like China to continue the process of gradual revaluation of the yuan that was started in July, when China ended its fixed exchange rate policy.
That would make Chinese goods more expensive, ultimately reducing their attractiveness on world markets, and make Western goods cheaper for Chinese consumers.
But so far the Chinese authorities have been reluctant to make further currency moves, fearing that it might destabilise foreign investment.
The IMF says that exchange rate flexibility "is the key to providing scope for monetary policy independence and enhancing the authorities' ability to manage the economy".
"We do see scope for greater flexibility and utilizing more fully the flexibility allowed in the existing system," said David Burton, director of the IMF's Asia-Pacific department.
Investment boom
The huge trade balances accumulating in Chinese banks are also helping to fuel the continuing boom in investment.
Investment makes up 45% of China's entire economic output with only 55% going on consumption, double or triple the pattern in big industrialised countries.
Mr Burton told the BBC that he was encouraged by some slowdown in investment, in particular a move away from sectors which were suffering from over-capacity - such as steel and cement production - to transport and electricity, where there were bottlenecks.
But he added that investment was still "more than it should be as a proportion of GDP".
The IMF would like a "rebalancing" of growth to stimulate consumption, and also says that action is needed to spread the wealth from rich to poor, and from the cities to the countryside.
One way to do that would be to limit bank lending for private investment projects by big companies, and make credit more easily available to individuals to buy things.
Perhaps surprisingly, the vast bulk of Chinese investment is financed internally.
Over half of investment is reinvestment of their own funds by state-owned firms, which do not distribute any of their profits to investors, while another 20% comes from bank loans.
Only 4% of investment is foreign capital, about the same as government investment in infrastructure like roads and airports.
The IMF also wants central government to give more money to local authorities in rural areas to improve health care and education.
It says that social reform, including pension reform, would give people more assurance about the future and encourage them to save less and spend more.
The IMF's intial discussions took place in April, but were only made public last week.


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A friendly informal church meeting each Sunday morning at 10.00 at the Perranporth Memorial Hall.
For more information please contact 01872573725.
Healeys Christmas Markets return for a third year. An authentic family, festive farm experience which attracts thousands of visitor. Our aim is to offer Christmas products that compliment Healeys own quality brand and food and drink range sold in our on-site shop. Healeys attracts over 400,000 visitors a year with cyder making tours, tractor rides and The Old Bottlery Restaurant.
More than just markets, our festive weekends host a range of activities for all ages, from our popular Sunday roasts with carol singing, Christmas trees for sale, Children's craft activities, animal talks and much more. There is free parking and free entry for everyone and we are a dog friendly farm.
The markets will showcase stalls of tasty local produce alongside Cornish art and crafts. There's the opportunity to pick freshly cut Christmas trees and try the range of Healeys Cornish cyders for free in Healeys own farm shop.
More than just markets, the farm offers a full, fun day out for the family. Cyder making tours and tractor rides down to 20 acres of orchards run regularly throughout the day whilst the friendly farm animals, including donkeys, pigs, goats, ponies and shire horses are a favourite for little ones to meet.
Each Sunday afternoon, with a famous Healeys Sunday roast, local choirs will fill The Old Bottlery with the sounds of Cornish carols.
It's free entry to the farm, free parking and, of course, free samples, all of which are produced on the farm including much-loved Rattler Cornish Cloudy Cyder.
Entry to the farm and parking is free all year round. Charges apply for tours and tractor rides.
To find out more about Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, or the Christmas markets and booking a stall please call 01872 573 356 or visit https://healeyscyder.co.uk/
For details to have a stall please contact Healeys on
Twenty-nine years ago, Heligan's historic gardens were unknown and unseen; lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1. It was only the chance discovery of a door in the ruins that led to the restoration of this once great estate. Today, The Lost Gardens have been put back where they belong: in pride of place among the finest gardens in England.
Wind down this winter with carolling performances at Trerice. Under a sky of golden stars hung in the rafters, enjoy a chorus of festive song from local choirs and treats in the barn restaurant.
Trerice Volunteer Choir: 30 November, 7, 14 and 22 December
Washaway West Gallery Choir: 1 and 15 December
Levow Kesson: 8 December
Stithians Ladies Choir: 21 December
Selected dates in November & December
A magical and enchanting experience, brimming with sparkle and cheer.
Book your tickets online today!
Did you hear the news? Father Christmas has had to do an emergency landing, right here in Bedruthan Hotel! And pieces of his sleigh are scattered all around! Can you help him find the missing pieces to fix his sleigh in time for Christmas?
Come on a magical adventure with us this Christmas: meet Tomte, Astrid, the friendly elves and loveable reindeer in Tummetott village. Enter Festlig Wood lit by candlelight and decorate beautiful wooden Christmas tree decorations to hang on your own tree at home. Visit the Ice Queen in her snow cavern, throw snowballs and make snow angels. Finally, wind your way through the frozen forest to find Father Christmas's Sugar and Spice Grotto to meet the old man himself and help to fix his sleigh and save Christmas!
It's a truly magical Christmas this year at Trelissick, the illuminations from dusk onwards light the way through the garden to the festively adorned house.
Santa Claus will be welcoming youngsters to his festive grotto at Charlestown's Shipwreck Treasure Museum over the winter period and there's an extra special offer for early bird bookings...
After three bumper years in Falmouth with Cinderella, Bah Humbug! and Aladdin, Miracle is back at Princess Pavilion this December with a brand new production, full of music and laughter..
Pop on down to St Pirans Church for the wonderful Christmas Tree Festival, daily from 12pm - 5pm and continues through to the 30th December (except when there are services)
Lots of stalls selling handmade and handcrafted goodies. Perranporth Memorial Hall 13:30 - 16:30pm
Join us on for the Christmas Trust10 event and explore Godolphin's wider estate by taking on this 10k multi-terrain route. Fancy dress is welcomed and encouraged! Registration is at 8.30am at the Godolphin Welcome Hut and the run starts at 9am.The Piggery will be open for teas, coffees, cake and socialising after the run from 10am.
Get in the Christmas spirit and join in the wonderful carol service at Perranporth Methodist Church from 6pm


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The Beacon Award for Diversity & Inclusion is right around the corner on October 14th, and we're looking forward to what we know will be a spectacular event. Diversity has been a major priority of the BBA dating back to 1969, when President Haskell Cohn created a special committee to grant scholarships to minority students at the city's six law schools. Since then, we have continued to add programs and initiatives to expand diversity and inclusion and develop a legal profession that more fully reflects the community it serves.
This year's Beacon Award honoree is Governor Deval Patrick, a true champion of diversity. What you may not know is the extent of his successful efforts to increase the diversity of the Massachusetts judiciary by naming more women and minorities to the bench.
There are, in total, over 400 judicial seats in Massachusetts between the Supreme Judicial Court, the Court of Appeals, and the seven departments of the Trial Court. During the course of his time as Governor, Patrick made about 170 appointments to the bench – a full 40 percent of the state judiciary. Ultimately, nearly 50% of those 170 appointments have been women, while approximately 20% were members of minority groups.
One can readily see the impact of Governor Patrick's appointments on the Supreme Judicial Court, which serves as a microcosm of the larger picture. When Governor Patrick took office in 2007, the Court had three female justices – including Chief Justice Margaret Marshall, the first woman to hold that position – and one person of color, then-Justice Roderick Ireland. Today, for the first time in history, the Court has a majority of female associate justices, and only the second time that there has been a majority of female justices in the court (in late 2000, Associate Justices Abrams, Cowin, and Sosman sat on the court while Chief Justice Margaret Marshall held that position). Through Governor Patrick's appointments, Chief Justice Roderick Ireland became the first person of color to serve as Chief Justice; two persons of color are current Associate Justices; and the first openly gay Associate Justice sits on the bench.
These numbers reflect that Governor Patrick has been a trailblazer in this area. We are grateful for his efforts, and the people of the Commonwealth are served all the better for them.
Moving forward, we need to keep that spirit alive and apply it not just to the judiciary but also to the legal profession in general. While strides are being made in diversifying our state judges, the same is not true for the rest of Boston's legal community. Our city is actually behind national averages in diversity statistics, particularly for minority groups: according to a story in the Boston Business Journal, only 3.8% of partners in Boston law firms were minorities, versus 7.1% nationwide.
I know we can do better, and believe that part of the solution is fostering inclusion and mentorship opportunities so that minority attorneys are encouraged to seek leadership positions in their professional roles and in the legal community. The BBA's Diversity & Inclusion Section works hard to make this happen by partnering with six Massachusetts affinity bar associations on events and programs, holding its own programs about diversity and offering valuable advice from well-established attorneys, running the Group Mentoring Program every year, and encouraging minority law students to apply for the Judicial Internship Program.
But of course, progress is not made by just one organization, or even by a committed group of organizations. Change has to come at all levels and become a systemic effort. The percentage of minority associates in Boston has risen slightly from 14% in 2008 to 16% in 2014, and we hope that the legal community will come together to bolster that growth within their organizations and by supporting organizations that make diversity a part of their mission.
So as we celebrate Governor Patrick's commitment to diversity, I urge you to reflect on the larger picture in Boston and consider ways that you can pledge your support to this issue. The numbers don't lie: we have a long way to go and an uphill road to travel. Despite the longstanding challenges inherent in diversifying the legal profession, I believe that our concerted efforts to educate ourselves and others about diversity, our participation in events that promote it, and our work to consciously develop and maintain inclusive professional environments will ultimately change the numbers for the better.


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One of my biggest fears about starting a blog was not having anything to write about. I have thought often about my blog and what my next post would be, and of course, nothing ever seemed interesting enough... even for me. But tonight, after realizing how many countless hours I spend each day researching and finding inspiration for my newest obsession, I decided to write about it. As many of you know, I have never been completely satisfied with my overall health and appearance... Who really is these days? With America being more obese than ever and living in a time where children born today won't live as long as their parents... all because of unhealthy habits.
I set a very important goal once I graduated college: get healthy. I have always complained about my health and what better time to fix it than in my prime and when I have the time ;) Hmm... maybe I should have been an English major (ha, right.) I'm done complaining about issues and not doing anything about them. I'm ready to make significant changes in my life. I'm not going to go about it by crash dieting and working out only to get sick of it within a month or two. I am making lifestyle changes that will hopefully stick just like all of the unhealthy habits that have stuck over the first 23 years of my life!
So, my newest obsession: running. I have always been envious of people who had the determination to run every day. It has never seemed to be my thing. But with time, I found myself picking the treadmill over the elliptical machines more and more. And even on days that I have suffered with shin splints... I walk by the treadmills, angry that I need to give running a rest for a day or two. Even more surprising, I have come to love running outside. I have always had issues with asthma and breathing while running outside. However, after a 2.5 run outside the other day, I wanted to go another 2.5 miles! :) A favorite running quote of mine is: "It doesn't get easier, you just get better at it." It feels amazing to have something like running that allows me to get outside every day and compete with myself - just to see if I can run that mile faster today than yesterday or if I can run one more block than I did the day before.
Along with the running, a dear friend of mine has made me fall in love with weight training. In the past, I always thought cardio was the most important aspect of losing weight and seeing results. Now I know why I have never seen the results I have wanted and always given up. After just a few weeks of weight training, I have seen and felt drastic results in my body. I cannot wait to see the results months down the road... Because the results I want overall are definitely not going to happen overnight.
As I stated in a Facebook status not long ago, I have loved my two new obsessions with running and weight training... now if only I can obtain an obsession with eating healthy ;) Diet is definitely the hardest thing to grasp, but the most critical in overall health!
I'm loving the results I am seeing day-to-day and can't wait to continue on with these new habits! But most of all, I can't wait to start feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin. Because being healthy has benefits that show inside and out :)
Hope everyone has an amazing and safe Thanksgiving holiday! While you're thinking of the many things that you're thankful for, start with yourself... Be thankful for you and the body God gave you. Take care of it... you only get one! Why wait to make a New Years Resolution? "Yesterday, you said tomorrow."


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Likewise, when many individuals each do a small amount of good they can together accomplish a great deal of good. In the first of what I hope will be a regular series of posts on this blog, I want to discuss the benefits of composting and how it applies to this philosophy.
This past summer, I decided to start composting my lawn and leaf waste. When I thought about it, I realized it was extremely wasteful to spend money on several boxes of plastic lawn and leaf bags to bag grass clippings and leaves, haul them to the curb for trash collection and have them take up space in landfills. So, with a quick trip to a nearby Home Depot, I obtained the basic supplies needed for under $20 and went about setting aside a corner in my backyard for the compost bin. Above is a picture of the bin I shot today.
What are the practical benefits of composting? Well, for starters, I am looking forward to starting a vegetable garden this spring, so I hope to be able to generate enough useable compost to mix with top soil. By composting my grass and leaf cuttings, I am also saving some money that would be spent on lawn and leaf bags. But the benefits extend beyond that.
As I wrote in the paragraph above, composting yard waste means less of it takes up space in our landfills. If more people with available yard space for a compost bin did the same, it would have a multiplier effect. From the Environmental Protection Agency's web site on composting, "Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 23 percent of the U.S. waste stream."
Mass composting of yard waste could also help reduce fossil fuel use. When homeowners leave upwards of a dozen bags of raked leaves by the curb during the height of the autumn season, garbage collection trucks have to stop and idle while the workers pick up the bags and toss them into the back of the truck. While we are probably talking maybe a matter of a few seconds of idle time, when you multiply that amount by the hundreds of homes on each truck's collection route, the amount of fuel wasted really starts to add up.
In addition to composting grass clippings and leaves, table scraps also make a valuable component of a compost pile. I started adding things like banana peels, apple cores and other fruit and vegetable scraps several months ago. Instead of tossing in the items individually, I purchased a small pail with a lid that pops open when you step on the foot pedal and a supply of bags made from biodegradable cornstarch. Above is a picture of one of the bags filled with banana peels and such.
Another thing I did late last autumn after doing some research about composting was to toss in some worms that I came across when I was raking and vacuuming. Recently, when I have been churning around the pile after receiving rainfall, I was surprised to see that at least several of the worms in the pile were still alive after so many months had passed.
As I am still quite the novice when it comes to composting, it remains to be seen how successful it will turn out with my planned vegetable garden. Regardless of that, I can at least take some satisfaction in knowing that I am doing a little bit of good by adding less waste to our landfills and helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. If you believe that these are worthwhile goals and you are able to compost your yard waste and table scraps, then I hope you will help fill up that water-jar.


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Man Utd owners, the Glazer family, are selling up their interests in England and they have already sold Old Trafford to Disneyland. The club will move lock, stock (falling at the moment) and barrel to Singapore where they are to be listed on the Singapore stock exchange.
A brand new stadium is being built and will hold 150.000 Man U loony Asian supporters; they have around 180 million there. Man U will remain in the Premier league and fly to away games with their private Turkish Airline jet. Home games are no problem either as other Premier League teams, except Swansea, all own private jets and United will pay their travelling expenses.
The United players are over the moon about the move, especially Giggsy and Rooney (scandals, etc), because they will not be followed by UK paparazzi any more, live in superb multi-million mansions and can have as many affairs as they want (prostitutes tend to slightly cheaper there too).
The move is to take place before the 2013-2014 season begins and when the Glazer family was asked about their Mancunian fan base they answered:
"we don't give a shit about those 2 fans who actually live in Manchester, United are a global concern now and with this move we will earn even more millions; think about the replica shirts we will sell at every home game and India and China are just around the corner, it's a dream move!"
Sir Alex doesn't fancy the move, he's near retiring (?), but his possible heir to the throne; The Special One, José, thinks the idea is spectacular because he wants to get as far away from Barcelona as possible; well that's understandable!


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Well, at least it wasn't all me
3.3 has been out for a while now and I have been tanking them fairly regular. I have been noticing one huge problem while tanking, mobs seem to be running around me. I have been dancing with them. They recenter on top of me, I adjust, they adjust. It felt as if I forgot how to tank over the last week and a half. This had really been bothering me. Luckily…this…
Tanking bug in 3.3
There is a known bug that was introduced in 3.3 that can cause tanked mobs to move around in unpredictable and frustrating ways. A fix is incoming. (Source)
They will hotfix a friggin' overpowered scourge strike, but a legitimate issue for tanks has to wait for an incoming fix. Blizz needs to start getting priorities straight, this PvP burst damage is starting to ruin the regular PvE.


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|Icon of Christ as Holy Wisdom, Härnösand Diocese, Sweden
O Adonai - today's Advent O antiphon. The God of the burning bush and the giver of the Law on the mountain "clothed with awe", whose name may not be spoken ("Adonai" means Lord or Master) is the God who comes... "The searing holiness of God desires our redemption, but only if we will allow it. To have such power over God is the paradox of being human" says Digitalnun today.
There's so much to say about holiness, the power of God's name... So forgive a small digression. I've learned that the name of Adonis, the Greek "mortal God of beauty" comes, etymologically, directly from Adonai. Beauty, love, death, rebirth...
Beautiful, terrible, holy Lord, let me tremble and bow before you. Speak to me out of fire and cloud; inflame my heart, call me to take off my shoes and stand in awe on the holy ground where you find me - wherever that may be. Reach out to me when I cannot reach for you. Help me to long for your beauty, and give me the generosity to praise you when I see it, even if its discovery disturbs me.
O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel,
qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.


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Even though it's a set that doesn't include either Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, the 1934-36 Diamond Stars baseball set is popular with pre-War collectors thanks to its art-deco style fronts that reflect its time as good or better than any set. Despite missing a few key stars who apparently were under exclusive contract to Goudey, the Diamond Stars set can be … [Read more...]
Seven Affordable Pre-War Cards of Hall of Famers
Collecting pre-war cards isn't always cheap. And when you add Hall of Famers to the mix and want them in halfway decent condition, things get progressively more expensive. However, if collecting Hall of Famers is your thing, there are still plenty of early pre-war cards to be had at affordable prices. Here are seven of them in no particular order. 1. Hank Greenberg 1939 Play … [Read more...]
10 Underrated 1951 Bowman Baseball Cards
Almost any vintage card collector can tell you about the Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Whitey Ford rookie cards in the 1951 Bowman set. There are also plenty of stars that will put your Paypal account to the test. However, that all-important release has plenty of other significant rookie or early-career cards worth your attention. Many fly under the radar at very … [Read more...]
Don't Ignore Market for Older Insert Cards
I remember it like it was yesterday. Several years ago, I received a birthday present from my parents. It was a box of 2006 Upper Deck Future Stars: the first "NEW" cards I had opened since my childhood. Holographic foil board cards, different colored parallels and autographs that were actually inserted into the packs! Lady luck was on my side, … [Read more...]
10 Surprisingly Cheap Vintage Sports Card Sets
With so many trading card sets being produced over the past 130 years, there is no reason for a collector to have to overpay for quality, vintage material with a girth of material on the market. For every set like 1909-11 T206 and 1952 Topps that increase in value as collectors pursue registry sets and key cards, there are others that remain under the radar, unappreciated, or … [Read more...]
5 Underrated 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards
Piecing a set together can take time and get a little expensive. So can buying the big kahunas in the set: Babe Ruth (four of them) and Lou Gehrig. But for those marking what is the unofficial transition from tobacco and candy cards to the gum era, finding underrated 1933 Goudey baseball cards is one way to collect the ultra-popular set. Sold inside waxy paper with a stick … [Read more...]
5 Affordable 1915 Cracker Jack Baseball Star Cards
Compared to the 1914 issue, the 1915 Cracker Jack baseball cards are a piece of cake. Unlike the debut issue when the cards were only available inside sticky boxes of candied popcorn and peanuts, the '15 CJ's could be had by sending in for what amounted to proofs of purchase. You had to eat a lot of it, but sending in for a set was something a lot of kids (and … [Read more...]


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System Restore On Reboot – Deep Freeze Your Windows Installation With Free Tools
If you've ever wanted to maintain a system state to keep it secure and not allow any changes, then you might want to try deep freezing your Windows computer.
Unlike a factory reset 4 Ways to Factory Reset Your Windows Computer Want to know how to factory reset a PC? Here are the best methods to reset a Windows computer. Read More , which wipes everything back to the manufacturer's default, a deep freeze allows you to create a specific system state that you want your computer to restore back to. Windows 8 has built-in utilities to restore and refresh your system How To Restore, Refresh, or Reset Your Windows 8 Installation In addition to the standard System Restore feature, Windows 8 has features for "refreshing" and "resetting" your PC. Think of these as ways of quickly re-installing Windows -- either keeping your personal files or deleting... Read More , but this is a bit different.
There are paid and free applications to help you accomplish this, so we're going to look at both and see what's available on the market.
What Is Deep Freeze?
Deep Freeze is an application that resets the system state every time you reboot your computer. This means that any change to the system, like installing a program or adjusting a setting, will be forgotten when the system starts up again.
Deep Freeze is developed by Faronics and is available on modern versions of Windows. It's suitable for a single computer workstation or an entire server. While Deep Freeze is a very useful tool, the downside is that it's commercial. There's nothing inherently wrong with paying for software 14 Free and Open Source Alternatives for Paid Software Don't waste money on software for personal use! Not only do free alternatives exist, they most likely offer all the features you need and may be easier and safer to use. Read More , but there are a number of free alternatives out there that might suit you better.
Download: Deep Freeze (30-day free trial) or purchase full edition (price on request).
Why Would I Need It?
Have you ever used a public computer? Those found in hotels or libraries will probably use some sort of system restoring software. This is because these systems are set up to run in a very specific way. Users may accidentally download malware, attempt to install a program or alter the visual style of the computer How To Customize Windows 8 Desktop With Wallpapers, Windows Themes & More Not happy with the Windows 8 look? It only takes 5 minutes to fix that! We show you how to change the desktop wallpaper, add themes, resurrect the start menu, and more. Read More – to keep tabs on this across all systems and then fix any changes is far too time consuming.
Not only does it come in handy for businesses, but deep freezing a system can be beneficial to you as an individual, too. Have you ever set up a computer for a friend or relative only to return at a later date to find it riddled with junk? Or perhaps they've changed a setting somewhere and they don't know how to get it back to normal?
Save yourself the hassle of fulfilling the tech support role and instead let their computer dismiss any changes when they reboot. Additionally, be sure to read our guide on how to make their computer harder to break 7 Ways to Ensure Your Loved Ones' PC Will Never Need Fixing Are you tech support for your family or friends? Do you receive frantic calls because they've installed malware or somehow managed to break their computer and they need you to fix it? This can be... Read More .
What Are The Free Alternatives?
If this sounds like something you might benefit from then we've rounded up a list of free software that will deep freeze your system. Be sure to post a comment below if you've used any of these before or have your own suggestion to add.
Steadier State
Steadier State is a program developed specifically for Windows 7. The name comes from Windows SteadyState, a free deep freezing utility that Microsoft provided for XP and Vista, which was discontinued and is no longer compatible with new operating systems.
A good thing about this program is that every time the system reboots, you can choose whether to roll back to the original state or keep the changes. It's a simple little utility, but if you're running Windows 7 off a few single machines, then it'll do the job well.
Reboot Restore Rx
While Reboot Restore Rx does have a paid alternative (Drive Vaccine) that offers additional features, like scheduled restoring, remote managed and critical update automation, the free version does the job just fine for basic use.
The program supports Windows 2000 to Windows 8.1, both 32-bit and 64-bit, and is still being updated to this day. It's a bit different to some other programs because it uses its own mini operating system that functions at the sector level of the hard drive, ensuring the master boot records' integrity is kept.
ToolWiz Time Freeze [No Longer Available]
One of the great things about ToolWiz Time Freeze is its simplicity. All you need to do is tick a single box and the program will work its magic. You can also start the program while the system is running or alternatively enable it to automatically run on each boot.
You can add a password protection to your time freeze to make it harder for someone to disable the protection. ToolWiz Time Freeze is available on everything from Windows XP and above. It even claims to work on Windows 10, which is still in beta!
'Till Windows Freezes Over
Whether you just want to protect your own computer or a whole bank of them, deep freezing a system can come in very useful. No longer do you have to worry about anything troubling your system again – simply restart and the changes are gone!
You don't even have to use these programs permanently. For example, there might be times where you let someone play around on your system and you could enable one of these utilities prior to the fact in order to maintain your preferred state.
There's loads of uses for a deep freeze and luckily an arsenal of free programs to help you out!
Do you make use of any deep freeze software? If so, how does it come in useful for you? Do you have any other freeware to add to our list?
Related topics: Computer Maintenance, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we recommend, you help keep the site alive. Read more.


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An initial round of state grants will help defray the costs of new security equipment at several Eastern Connecticut schools.
An initial round of state grants will help defray the costs of new security equipment at several Eastern Connecticut schools.
The money, part of a $5 million funding package awarded by the state Department of Emergency Services and other agencies to 35 Connecticut school districts — including Killingly, Montville, Ledyard and Sterling — will partially reimburse the districts for a variety of planned security upgrades.
In Killingly, $93,378 in grant money will go toward the cost of a $124,000 security upgrade that aims to improve communications and monitoring inside the Goodyear Early Childhood Center and Killingly Central and Memorial schools, said Superintendent Kevin Farr. He said the reimbursement rate, which can range from 20 percent to 80 percent of a project's cost, will likely be on the high end for Killingly.
"It's all about writing a good grant" proposal, he said.
Farr said the district plans to update security monitors inside the elementary and middle schools and to buy new communication devices. He said some of the money will replace the existing 3-inch-by-3-inch screens used by staff to view visitors before allowing them to enter the schools. The new monitors will likely be 42-inch screens capable of displaying multiple camera angles. Two-way radios, wireless mobile panic buttons and a new classroom lockdown system also will be purchased.
Peter Gerardi, the district's emergency management coordinator, said Killingly's original application included security equipment for the intermediate and high schools, but that funding has not yet been awarded.
"It looks like, with this initial round of funding, the state is targeting the lower grades, the schools with younger kids," he said. "When the second round of funding comes up, we'll reapply to try and get approval for the other two schools."
A separate $130,000 town-funded project, begun this week, entails installing impact-resistant glass in nine entrance doors at Killingly Memorial and Central schools. That project is expected to be complete next month, Farr said.
The state grant money was awarded to districts based on the results of security assessment surveys conducted in the wake of the December mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
In Ledyard, $233,500 in state reimbursement funds will go towards a massive monitoring upgrade at six schools, said William Merrill, the district's business manager.
"We'll be replacing and upgrading cameras at the high school and adding digital, high-definition cameras to the hallways and entrances of the elementary and middle schools," he said. "Right now, the elementary and middle schools only have the entrance cameras, which only give a very narrow view. With the new system, you'll be able to see the whole person."
Montville was also approved for a $5,000 grant, and Sterling is in line for $48,100 worth of reimbursments. Sterling Superintendent Rena Klebart said the state money will help offset a roughly $68,000 plan to upgrade and add new cameras in Sterling Community School, add a keyless locking system and install panic buttons.
"This was really a collaborative effort," she said. "Emergency personnel and state troopers helped us evaluate and identify places for improvement. And since we knew this grant would only reimburse us for a percentage of the project cost, the boards of Education, Selectmen and Finance met to discuss the issue beforehand. This was a true community effort."


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23 Agustus 2016
The simulation systems are instrumentable and interface with Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training domains. The instrumented systems provide cost savings in reduce operational tempo, reduced time to train troops, consistency of training results, and immediate response to training needs. (photo : SAAB)
Defence and security company Saab has received the first order, under a five-year agreement recently signed with the New Zealand Army, to deliver a high fidelity Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS). This initial order will provide the army with a proven, off-the-shelf and technically advanced training system.
The laser-based TESS capability will be delivered by Saab New Zealand, drawing on over 35 years of tactical engagement simulation design, delivery and support expertise. Saab has a demonstrated track record of delivering on time and on budget, to the American, British, Canadian and Australian (ABCA) armies and to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) land forces. Saab's live training system has been developed and continuously modernised with experience from more than 20 customer nations.
"We look forward to working closely with the New Zealand Army to enhance its training outcomes. We are proud to deliver this significant training system to the New Zealand Army, which will now lead the region in the employment of advanced laser-based tactical engagement systems to support training," says Saab Australasia Head of Training and Simulation, Inger Lawes.
"With this agreement and order for training systems, the New Zealand Army will have a market-leading live training system that will improve their training capability. We deliver a modern system that enables a wide range of training scenarios and the highest realism. This order further strengthens our market position within this field", says Åsa Thegström, head of business unit Training & Simulation within business area Dynamics.
Saab will work with the New Zealand Army to deliver a value for money, off-the-shelf TESS capability that will significantly enhance the Army's ability to conduct and analyse the outcomes of force-on-force exercises. The capability meets the New Zealand Army's current requirements while providing a platform and capacity for long-term system growth.
23 Agustus 2016
Saab Receives Order from New Zealand for Tactical Engagement Simulation System
Label: ANGKATAN DARAT, NEW ZEALAND, Simulator
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The WZB
Basic social science research is conducted at the Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (Social Science Research Center Berlin) in selected problem areas. The Federal Republic of Germany and the Land Berlin have been shareholders and funders since 1976. The WZB is the largest such research institution in Europe. Around 140 social scientists are conducting research on the developmental trends, problems of adaptation, and possibilities for innovation in modern societies.
In the WZB building is also located the office of the "Rat für Nachhaltige Entwicklung" (¬ RNE) [Council for Sustainable Development], which was formed by the Federal Government.
Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung
Reichpietschufer 50
10785 Berlin
Tel: +49 (0) 30 - 25491 - 0
Fax: +49 (0) 30 - 25491 - 684
E-Mail: email@example.com
Further information: http://www.wz-berlin.de


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Explainer: The secret science of the speed-skating uniform
The quest for velocity in speed skating has driven the rivalry between countries to new heights at these Winter Olympics. While the Games are always a showcase for innovation, science and gadgetry, no matter what the sport, short-track and long-track speed skating are locked in a particularly heated technological race. Read the full investigation by The Globe's Grant Robertson.
Here's a look at some of the most advanced features:
While details about the high-tech new features of the American Mach 39 race suit by Under Armour have been released, those of the new Canadian aero suit have been kept under wraps. Here's a look at the sport's racing suits, highlighting both common and new features.
- The Mach 39 has a vent built into the spine of the suit for extra breathability and athlete comfort.
- The Mach 39 has a stretch zipper that bypasses the throat and runs diagonally across the chest, allowing skaters to stay zipped up for better comfort and aerodynamics.
- The Mach 39 hasmoulded, engineered, polyurethane aerodynamic shapes placed on critical areas of the suit to disrupt air flow around the athlete'sbody, improving speed.
- Suits in general have strategically placed seams to maximize movement.
- The Canadian aero suit is smooth like a shark's skin to reduce friction, yet stretchy and comfortable.
- The Canadian aero suit material is breathable for body heat management.
- Suits can have a micro-thin Kevlar base layer to protect the skater from skate blade cuts.
- Most race suits have ultra slippery fabric on the inner thigh that helps cut down on friction.
- Many racing suits have built-in knee and shin pads.
TRISH McALASTER/THE GLOBE AND MAIL


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Posts Tagged 'heaps018'
Paul Lomax & Stereo Sushi – Airrace/Matter of Time (via Beatbird – Free streams and downloads)
Heaps Number 18 is the Tech House masterpiece 'Airrace' by Paul Lomax & Stereo Sushi. As Bonus the EP also contains the deep and soulful trac … Read More via Beatbird – Free streams and downloads
Filed under: Albums & Compilations, Charts & Playlists, Electro Releases, House Releases, News & Updates, Techhouse Releases, Techno Releases, Videos/Podcasts | 1 Comment
Tags: airrace, deep house, electro house, Heaps, Heaps Music, heaps018, house, HP. Hoeger, matter-of-time, paul-lomax, progressive house, stereo-sushi, tech house, tracks


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Gwenn Thomas: Recent Work
Gwenn Thomas' recent work examines how photography shapes our contemporary perception of painting. Thomas' works begin with construction/collages of paper strips, corrugated plastic board, and packing tape which are then photographed and printed on photo-sensitive linen and stretched as "canvases." Going back to very simple means — isolating grays and blacks, shadows and light, and textures and tones — and to the very beginnings of photography, Thomas' work demonstrates how photography changes the way we look at things. The results are a play of pattern and space with a depth of field that is precisely described and denied. Like Man Ray and Moholy-Nagy, Thomas' work is a challenge to "straight" photography and at the same time an homage to abstract painters — including Mondrian, Charmion van Wiegand and Sonia Delaunay.
This showing of Gwenn Thomas's work was reviewed in The Village Voice, March 26, 1996.
© Art Projects International


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Contact Us
How to contact us:
Brown Goldstein & Levy, LLP
120 East Baltimore Street, Suite 1700
Baltimore, MD 21202
Our D.C. office is located at:
1717 K Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20006
How to find us:
Our Baltimore office is located in downtown Baltimore, a few blocks north of Harbor Place, in the SunTrust Building, 120 East Baltimore Street, at the northwest corner of East Baltimore and Calvert Streets. There is a parking garage in the building where we can usually arrange parking with advance notice.
View detailed directions to our Baltimore office from multiple points of origin.
Our Washington, DC office is located at 1717 K Street, NW. This address can be reached by the Metro subway system. View Metro Trip Planner for details on specific stations.
How to reach out to us:
We would like to hear from you. However, we cannot represent you until we can confirm that we are in a position to assist you and that doing so will not create a conflict of interest. For that reason, do not send us any confidential information about any matter that may involve you unless and until you receive a written acknowledgment from us expressly confirming that we represent you. At that time, an attorney-client relationship will be created and confidential information may be freely exchanged.


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Customers Rate Cloud 9 Living:
Embark on a decadent adventure and enjoy a gourmet lunch aboard an elegantly-restored vintage train with this Napa Valley Lunch Train experience!
Embark on a decadent adventure and enjoy a gourmet lunch aboard an elegantly-restored vintage train with this Napa Valley Lunch Train experience!
Free Exchanges
No Expiration Dates
Easy Returns
Travel back to the golden era of train travel during this Napa Valley Lunch Train experience and discover the luxury and romance of enjoying a gourmet, multi-course meal aboard a vintage train.
Departing from downtown Napa, the train will begin its approximately 36-mile journey towards St. Helena and back. Out the windows, you will enjoy views of the beautiful scenery of Napa Valley's wine country and some of the most expensive and famous farm real estate in the country. Throughout the approximately 3-hour trip, you will be treated to both dining service and lounge service throughout the train, with some courses of your decadent feast being served in each car. Meals are prepared onboard the train in a state-of-the-art kitchen car and guests are encouraged to visit and observe the chefs in action.
Your multi-course meal is prepared fresh and made-to-order. Menu options may include (but are subject to change):
This train journey through Napa Valley is a truly unique way to explore the area in true luxury and style. Some of the valley's finest wines are available for purchase onboard, so you can sip and savor as you take in the views!
Free Exchanges
No Expiration Dates
Easy Returns
Essential Information
Experience Provider Info
Weather Dependent
What To Wear
Rescheduling & Cancellations
Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no refunds will be given. Cancellations are allowed with at least 72 hours prior notice. Failure to appear on your booked date or at least 72 hours prior will result in the loss of the value of your experience. Reserved seats will be released for resale 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure, so late arrivals are not guaranteed their seats.
Free Exchanges
No Expiration Dates
Easy Returns
No, this Napa Valley Lunch train is a 3-hour journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. Along the way, you will enjoy Napa's spectacular wine country scenery as you travel through the towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford.
The Napa Valley Lunch Train embraces traditional rail seating. This means you may share your table with another party. Parties of four will always be seated together at the same table.
No, but alcoholic beverages may be purchased on board throughout your journey. There is an extensive, onboard wine list with approximately 40 wines to choose from.
Yes! You may bring your own bottle of wine aboard. There is a $20 per bottle (750ml) corkage fee. However, if you purchase a bottle on board and bring your own, the corkage fee will be waived for your personal bottle.
Free Exchanges
No Expiration Dates
Easy Returns
March - December:
Daily - 11:30 AM
January - February:
Friday through Sunday - 11:30 AM
Click on a date to view the times available on that specific date.
** SOLD OUT ** ** CANCELLED ** {{time}},
Pick the perfect experience gift or buy an egift card and let your recipient choose their own adventure.
After checking out, you can easily print or email your Experience Voucher. While delivery is instant, the memories will last a lifetime.
Your recipient can book their experience at their convenience either online or by calling us. And if they'd prefer to do another one, they can easily exchange it.
Our trusted vendors and passionate team will ensure that your recipient will be treated to the experience of a lifetime—making memories that will last for years to come.
Our experienced team takes the risk out of gift-giving with handpicked experiences that are guaranteed to delight. We only work with top-rated experience providers and offer flexible policies to make giving a great gift a no-brainer—no matter who you're shopping for.Learn More »
We offer 30-day returns or your recipient can easily exchange their gift for anything else in our marketplace, anytime—free of charge.
Our vouchers never expire, so your recipient can redeem them at their convenience.
No markups, no added fees. You'll pay the same price as buying directly from our experience providers, but with the flexibility of easy returns and exchanges.


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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Gitz Flickz Pickz - Money might not sleep but Brett sure does
The last time I talked about a Neo-Realism film about a little Middle Eastern girl and the world around her.
Today I am going to take you down a different path. Hang on to your popcorn!
The films I watched last night were films I was not expecting to enjoy at all. In fact, the only reason why I was watching them was because I had both of them, a couple of free hours, and a Canadian Club and Coke. So it came as quite a surprise that I actually enjoyed the experience. Although I am not absolutely sure why I enjoyed it, let me share a few thoughts that could possibly help explain things.
First of all, Wallstreet is from the 80's. I thought that this would be slightly noticeable in the style of the film but I was way off. It was very noticeable, and for that reason, hilarious! A couple of the highlights:
1. When Gekko shows Bud Fox (who made up these names anyway?) a portable T.V. with a 2 inch black and white screen, we are all led to believe that this was the latest technological advance at the time. I am sure that it was but its funny to think about it.
2. At a party for rich people, there is a robot waiter, complete with a robot tuxedo. I am not joking.
3. The cell phones in this film are just a little bit smaller than a football.
4. Daryl Hannah's "Flock of Seagulls" hair-do.
5. The Sally Jessie Rafael glasses worn by Bud's coworker Marvin, among others.
Other than the hilarious style of the film, the story is actually very interesting. In fact, it was interesting despite the fact that I had no idea what anyone in the stock industry was talking about. In fact, is 'stock industry' even the right term? In fact, is 'stock industry' even a term? The dialog went something like this:
"The year end quota is being bumped down on a low premium of 3.7% interest on a sum number directly deductible by the Dow's Late November stumble into the Black. We are sitting at .9 on the dollar, plus 6% mark down."
As I said, despite the confusion I was still tracking. Bud Fox is an up and comer because he kept pushing forward in the business. Finally, when he has made it to the top he is confronted by difficult choices. Then we must find out what he's really made of.
Not that this was an amazing movie, but I would suggest watching it before you watch the sequel. I mean, it's hilarious!
Now, on to Wallstreet - Money Never Sleeps. The title is in reference to a street in New York where people trade a lot of money represented by ridiculous numbers and the fact that while all of these people are sleeping in their beds in New York, other people in Hong Kong are awake, trading the same numbers. Hence, money never sleeps.
This movie is far more interesting than the first. The topic is still confusing for an ignorant person like me, but the story is very nice to watch.
The main reason why this one is better is because all of the actors are so dang good. I mean, if there was a movie called "Pea soup and the Pirates who love it" starring Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin, Eli Wallach, Susan Sarandon and my recent favorite Frank Langella, I'd probably watch it. Oh, and directed by Oliver Stone.
I don't want to give away too much, but Gekko gets out of jail at the time when the world is in financial chaos. Meanwhile, a young stud of a stock broker wants to marry Gekko's estranged daughter. It is similar to the first film, but the acting and the situations are a little more believable and the acting is a lot more memorable.
Both films are filled with great shots of New York's skyline. On top of the obvious changes there are a lot of small ones that the skyline shots capture. Oliver Stone's movies have always had a unique style and these ones are no different. The camera work in both movies is smooth and fun to watch.
So, if you have time, take a look at these films. At least watch the second one. Carey Mulligan is a treat to watch. Frank Langella is great as well. If, after watching it, you find that you agree with me, then check out Mulligan in 'An Education' and Langella in 'Frost/Nixon'. These are 2 of my favorite films from this past year. Great stuff.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Gitz Flickz Pickz - Buddha Collapsed out of Shame
This past week I went down to the DVD store to try to stock up on a few morsels to view during this chilly season. I was able to come out of there with a few surprises. I had no idea that I could get my hands on some Jean-Luc Godard films, along with Truffaut's supposed classic Day for Night (supposed because I still have not watched it).
I really got into French films during my film school this past Spring. I had a list of over 100 movies to watch before the school and 2 of my favorites were French, Rififi and The 400 Blows. I would recommend that you watch these two at least. Add Jules and Jim and Breathless to the list if you have the time. They are probably available for free to rent at your local library. That is, if you live in Canada.
Anyways, another one at the store that looked interesting is Buddha Collapsed out of Shame (2008). It is, in fact, and Iranian film, shot in Afghanistan, I believe. It centers around a little girl who is trying to get money to buy a notebook so that she can go to school. A mix of reality and perhaps the imaginations of the children in the film, this story is very easy to get into.
It is Neorealism, and it is done very well. All of the actors are non-professional and the stories main character could very well be the village itself that this story is set in. The idea of Neorealism is to give the viewer a glimpse of what life is like in this area and to also bring them into the lives of characters that are no doubt modeled after real people.
Watching movies like this gets me excited about the possibilities of making similar Neorealism movies here in this area of China.
I would recommend that you take a look at this film and others like it. Some of the French films I suggested that you take a look at are also from the same tree as Neorealism, or at least the same forest. I suggest that you take a handful of these out from your library and then tell me what you think.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Neighborhooding #1
We live on the East side of town. It has it's perks; quieter, close to the school, other cool people live over here. The draw backs are that its a 10 元 taxi ride to downtown. Downtown is loaded with the hustle and bustle of people walking all over the place. Actually, not as much bustle as there is hustle. Good curry, the gym, the sports field, good Western food at Bill's Place and The Greenhouse are all within walking distance of each other and sometimes I can't help but wonder what life would be like if we lived downtown.
Anyways, today was a day when I decided to rebel against these thoughts. I moved in the opposite spirit and I went to "Coffee Prince" and got a cup of coffee to go. Coffee Prince is a place located across the street from us. It started out as a cafe. It quickly (almost over night) turned into a place where students can buy cheap beer and play cards. The truth is that I went outside to run some errands and I was not prepared for the chill in the air. Under dressed, I needed something to warm up my bones. I went into Coffee Prince with the hope of finding something hot to drink. It didn't really matter what it tasted like.
Back Story Break:
In 2008, about a month after Coffee Prince opened, I went in to get a coffee on the way to class. At the counter I stood in awe as the man filled up the coffee maker with water and re-used the cold, slimy grinds that were still inside. I took the cup, sipped at its lukewarm contents, and I never returned.
Back to the Future:
But today I went in... and I ordered again, dang it! This time the owner made my cup. She called me over when it was ready. She had some sort of weird system of making coffee involving a pitcher with a mess filter built into the side of it. I didn't ask any questions. I took it to go and it was hot! I thought that no matter what this tastes like, its already an improvement. I sipped it and it tasted like a crappy cup of coffee. The funny thing was that it was cold out today and a hot drink was all I needed. It could have been hot cat milk and I would have drank it. And even though it was a crappy cup of coffee, it was MY Neighborhood's crappy cup of coffee!
My Neighborhood!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
New Xining Website
For those of you interested in coming to visit, here is a website with all of the sites and sounds of this beautiful city:
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Strawberry lemon chia detox water is a wonderful way to keep yourself hydrated and get instant energy with this summer drink.
Prep time- 5mins
1/4 cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 to 2tbsp chia seeds
2 to 3 cups of water
1 tbsp pure maple syrup or any other sweetener of your choice.
1 cup fresh organic strawberries(pureed in a blender)
Mint for garnish(optional)
Few ice cubes
Mix all the ingredients together and enjoy with few cubes of ice before serving in a glass.


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HBPW 2015 Annual Report
Since 2009, I've worked with Boileau Communications Management LLC to design and develop unique, interactive annual reports for the Holland Board of Public works. Have a look at some of the screen shots below or visit the site at annualreports.hollandbpw.com/annualreport2015
CGE Energy
CGE Energy is great example of a modular, customizeable website. Partnering with Boileau Communications Management, we were tasked with building a website where nearly every block of copy could be moved, rearranged and customized via a simple, intuitive CMS.
Leisure Living Management
Our work with Leisure Living Management, one of our regions largest senior living management companies, was one of our largest projects to date. It consisted of a complete redesign of their corporate website as well as a launch of a large multi-site WordPress project. Visit the corporate site at http://leisure-living.com.
HBPW Annual Report 2014
This site was the fifth consecutive online, interactive annual report I've had the privilege on working with Boileau Communications Management to create. Our goals are always to tell the compelling and true story about a great municipal utility. Visit the site at http://annualreports.hollandbpw.com/annualreport2014.
The Curragh Irish Pub
The Curragh approached us in late 2014 about an update to their website. Their current site was built on WordPress, and they were keen to keep using the same system. While we stayed with the WordPress system, we rebuilt the site from the ground up: a new strategy, new architecture and a fresh theme with stunning photography brought the site to life.
Boileau Communications Website
While working at Boileau Commucations Management LLC last year, I mangaed strategy, designed and developed the company's portoflio and corporate website.
HBPW 2013 Interactive Annual Report
Since 2009, the Holland BPW has invested in innovative and beautiful annual reports that talk about more than simple numbers. Annual Reports for the HBPW tell complete stories.
Project-Based Learning
Working with Boileau Communications Management, I was asked to create a information graphic that illustrated the complex relationships between concepts related to the Collaboration for Teaching and Learning's "Project-Based Learning" model.
Trouble Free Lighting
Trouble Free Lighting is a new, innovative lighting manufacturer based on Holland, MI. Trouble Free Lighting approached me a couple of years ago to create a new brand, logo, and web presence for the company.
P21: Power for the 21st Century Initiative Website
Working with the Holland Board of Public Works and Boileau Communications Management LLC, we put together a WordPress site to help communicate crucial information about Holland, MI's power needs to the community.
Perrigo Careers Portal
Working with Boileau Communications Management LLC, we were thrilled when Perrigo approached us to help them develop an interactive careers portal to help them recruit top talent all around the world.
iPad Apps for Partners In Dental Care
One of our most enjoyable projects, Partners In Dental Care asked us in collaboration with Boileau Communications Management to develop a series of specialized iPad apps to help their patients learn about dental health while waiting for their appointments.
Partners In Dental Care Website
Collaborating with Boileau Communications Management LLC, we managed the graphic design and ExpressionEngine development for this informational website for a mid-sized dental practice in Grand Rapids, MI.
Infantryman's Challenge Identity and Website
Infantryman's Challenge is a military-themed adventure race start up. They came to us needing a new graphic identity and web presence. The client needed the website to be easy to update and dynamic to make space for upcoming events and news updates. We chose WordPress for the project.
Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area Site
The Communtiy Foundation had a dated wesite, and was looking for a fresher design and a more effective information architecture. We partnered with Boileau Communications Management LLC to help the Community Foundation develop a new vision for their site.
Coastal Container Website
Working with Boileau Communications Management LLC, we developed this ExpressionEngine site for Coastal Container.
Lakeshore Advantage Website
Assisting Boileau Communications Management, we helped Lakeshore Advantage produce a fresh new graphic design, information architecture and content for their aging website. The new site features a sortable matrix of their past work, and shows off stunning photography of the community.
Royal Technologies Website
Combined with a total company rebrand, we worked with Boileau Communications Management LLC to put together a new website.


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