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Following his hugely successful feature film debut, American Beauty (1999), writer/producer Alan Ball teamed with veteran producer Alan Poul to create a uniquely dark and dysfunctional dramatic series for HBO. The first season of Six Feet Under premiered in the summer of 2001, and while the pilot episode and subsequent season were amazing television, it flew largely under the radar and was overshadowed by HBO's other emerging mega-hits, The Sopranos and Sex and the City. In an interesting twist of scheduling, however, the second season followed barely 6 months after the first while The Sopranos took a 15-month break, allowing the tremendous word of mouth to build momentum for this great new series and helping it step out from the shadow of its predecessor. This scheduling quirk also left it as HBO's lone dramatic representative in the upcoming Emmy awards, and it received a staggering 23 nominations and was now completely in the spotlight. With two seasons under its belt, Six Feet Under was not just a critical darling but a bona fide hit. Many series would be content with such status and would go out of their way to reproduce the particular formula that led to their success, but with this third season, Six Feet Under made some incredibly bold and unexpected dramatic choices that shocked critics, frustrated loyal viewers, and ultimately led to a 13 episode run that was uniquely artistic, bitingly insightful, and arguably the best season of the series to date.
N.B. As with any review of this nature, be aware that discussion of plot elements from the previous seasons is essential and unavoidable. Also, in the case of this particular release, it will be impossible to adequately review it without "spoiling" certain aspects of the first episode in the season. Significant elements of every episode in this release are a direct result of the season premiere, and while I do not believe that discussing them lessens the impact of the season in any way, you should be warned before reading further.
When we last left the Fishers, their lives were all in a state of transition. Ruth has just learned that she is a grandmother, Keith has been suspended from the police force, Claire has graduated from high school and is preparing to attend a local art school, and Federico has bought 25% of Fisher & Sons to save the business. If these uncertain futures are not enough, the second season closes with Nate undergoing a risky surgery to repair an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain. With another series, such a "cliffhanger" would not hold much dramatic tension, since killing the star (in the absence of a contract dispute) is not really an option; however, with Six Feet Under, anything is possible, and this third season proves just that.
The season opens with "Perfect Circles", an episode I ranked the 3rd best of the entire 2002-2003 television season and a remarkably audacious and awe-inspiring effort unlike anything I have ever seen outside of raw science fiction. Complications arose during Nate's surgery, and he is dead ... and he's not. In a stroke of writing genius, "Perfect Circles" weaves one of quantum physics' most fascinating mysteries into a delicately constructed episode that questions the very nature of all existence. I once wrote a somewhat detailed analysis of this specific episode, and I'll spare you a majority of the scientific mumbo jumbo here, but in short, this episode deals with a famous thought experiment known as "Schroedinger's Cat" that seeks to illustrate the absurdity of a specific subatomic phenomenon. Skip the following paragraph if the details of said phenomenon are not of interest to you.
On a subatomic level, the physical act of observing a particle (bouncing a photon off of it to find its position) actually changes the momentum of that particle, and consequently, the more precisely the position of a particle is determined, the less precisely its momentum can be known (Heisenberg uncertainty). Fast-fowarding through years of research and debate, de Broglie's work on the wave-particle duality of matter along with the double-slit experiment, a model known as the Copenhagen Interpretation was developed, indicating that a particle exists as a wave-form probability until it is observed, and only after it is observed does it "decide" on a position and "exist". To illustrate how crazy this seems, Schroedinger designed a thought experiment where a box could be setup in such a way that an unsuspecting cat's life would be held in the balance by the wave-form probability of a radioactive isotope attached to a vial of poison. If these quantum theories are indeed correct, something decades of research continues to support, then technically this theoretical cat would be both dead and alive until an observer opened the box to check on him. If this sounds crazy to you, you are not alone, and there are detractors of this theory as well as alternate views that are far beyond the scope of this review (as is perhaps this oversimplified paragraph in the first place); nevertheless, the questions raised by these related experiments represent perhaps the most dazzling scientific mystery of all time, and to see it handled so well in this darkly comedic drama about one dysfunctional family and their funeral home is unexpected, thought-provoking, and downright awe-inspiring.
Nate is both dead and alive, or as the manifestation of his dead father points out, maybe it's all just the anesthesia talking. "Perfect Circles" sets out to show us many different possibilities of Nate's existence or non-existence, and while I won't go into the specifics of those possibilities here or how the episode is resolved, suffice it to say that the work is fascinating in its approach, brilliant in its execution, and it leaves the viewer asking some difficult and surprisingly advanced questions for a television series. Does our own consciousness affect the behavior of matter? Can an observer affect the observed simply through the observation itself? Does matter only exist when it's being observed (if a tree falls ...), and if so, is existence really just a function of our own consciousness? More simply, are our lives just a series of circumstances that occur beyond our control, or are we more than that? Do we have a choice?
The true beauty of this season premiere is not that it appeals to quantum physics geeks like myself, or that it cleverly works in shadow interference from potential parallel universes, but that everything I've described in the previous two paragraphs is just icing. Without any knowledge of Schroedinger and his ill-fated cat, "Perfect Circles" is still a dramatically effective work of art. Whether the viewer cares about -- or even notices -- the scientific display going on in the background, this episode still demands he question the nature of humanity and our brief and fragile existence. The closing scenes are elegantly simple and yet eloquently insightful, and it's no surprise that this season premiere was skillfully directed by Rodrigo Garcia, whom as I've noted before, I believe to be the best director working in television today. It is a bold and daring hour of entertainment that on its own would justify the purchase of this DVD set, but it also sets in motion the circumstances that will be the foundation of the rest of the season.
Thematically, there is quite a bit going on in this third installment, and it continues to amaze me just how much compelling drama can be packed into these shorter HBO seasons. People often question why the seasons are shorter or why they should purchase a DVD set that is roughly half as long as a network series, and the answer is simple: zero filler. There is absolutely no filler in this season, no superfluous episodes, unnecessary plots, excess characters, or wasted effort of any kind. Whether it takes 45 minutes or crosses over the hour mark, each episode is exactly as long as it needs to be, no more and no less. It's an impressive achievement to present such dense material in so few episodes, and each of the major characters faces a detailed and well-crafted arc worthy of attention.
David and Keith are having serious troubles with their relationship, much of which stems from their fears of turning into their own parents, and they are seeking counseling to try and get through this. It is a difficult time for them, and while it is clear that they deeply love each another, finding a way to share a life with one another continues to be a source of pain for both of them. To say that their relationship is the most interestingly portrayed gay couple on television is certainly accurate, but it's also an understatement. The growing relationship between David and Keith is one of the most compelling of any kind, gay or straight, and the depth of their character development makes it so easy to identify with both of their situations. In this season, quite a bit of time is focused on the two of them as a couple, not just as lovers, but partners in life on a day-to-day basis, and it is very effective.
For Claire, this third season represents a real growing process and a significant chapter in her life. She is no longer just an artsy high school student stumbling about in the world, but she is a developing woman who has found what could be her one true passion: expressing herself through art. As the season begins, she anxiously awaits her education at LAC-Arts, but she soon finds herself immersed in the politics and manipulation and hypocrisy of this world in which she hopes to thrive. And yet, no matter how much some of her teachers and fellow students disgust her, she does in fact need their guidance and experience to become a better artist herself.
Ruth too continues to grow as a character since the death of her husband. Marrying young after getting pregnant, there is so much of life that she has yet to experience, and this season represents an even greater spiritual awakening for her, some of which is inspired through the introduction of a new friend, Bettina, portrayed with hilarious energy by the great Kathy Bates. Bettina helps Ruth experience more than a couple new adventures, and this somewhat forceful nudging inspires Ruth to even tackle an adventure or two on her own. This is a very liberating season for Ruth, and it's both sweet and hilarious to watch her face these new experiences while retaining the tenderness that has served her so well over the years.
Almost as much a part of the family as the Fishers themselves is Federico, who is now a partner in the business and an even greater part of the overall story. His family life is somewhat of a mess, as his wife struggles to cope with the death of her mother, and he is trying with everything he has to be a good husband in the face of adversity. He is also struggling to find his place in the family business. More comfortable in the basement dealing with corpses than their surviving relatives, his increased involvement in the operation of a funeral home is having a greater effect on him emotionally.
And then there's Nate. It doesn't take a rocket scientist, or perhaps more appropriately a quantum physicist, to figure out that Nate does not disappear from the show. His story, as expected, is the most compelling of them all, and the work Peter Krause does in this season is so spectacular that it's shocking he hasn't become a huge star. More than anything, he does not want to turn into his father, and yet every step he takes leads him further and further down that road. He tries so hard to be the right person and do the honorable thing, but the process is eating him up inside and slowly leading him down a tragic path.
This third season also introduces, or further develops, many other interesting characters, and each of them adds even more depth to the overall story of this family. In art school, Claire meets Russell, an intense and unafraid artist whom she befriends, as well as Olivier, a former success who now teaches art ostensibly to live vicariously through his students. Through the three of them, the show frequently poses the question, "What is art?" or more maddening, "What is good art?" It's a subject that isn't very often talked about on any deep level in television shows, and the dialogue between the bitter teacher and the naive but idealistic students is often fascinating in its intentionally cryptic and manipulative dual meaning. Their experience also provides a window into the lives of struggling artists and an understanding for how the pursuit can drive one towards insanity.
With Rico as a partner in the business and no longer running errands, another interesting character is brought into the fold, a quirky intern named Arthur, played brilliantly by Rainn Wilson. Arthur is truly odd, even within the context of a family that lives in a funeral home. Home-schooled and predominantly sheltered from the outside world, he has a delicately old-fashioned personality, and he almost immediately bonds with Ruth, who understandably looks on him as an old and kind soul. He adds a truly hilarious quirkiness to the show, and nearly everything he does is fun to watch. Also adding some hilarity is Catherine O'Hara as a ridiculously neurotic producer and landlord to Nate's on-again/off-again girlfriend from his past, Lisa.
A somewhat minor character in previous episodes, Lisa takes center-stage in this season, and Lili Taylor is an absolutely perfect casting selection for the role. She is so nice and warm and has so much love to give, but she is also hindered by intense insecurities of being alone. Her addition as a major fixture in this season seemed to rub many viewers the wrong way, but I find that it works to perfection, and I have a difficult time imagining the journey of the Fishers without her in their lives.
Finally, there's Brenda. Although in a somewhat diminished role for this season and traveling a path a bit detached from the rest of the Fishers, Rachel Griffiths' work in this season is some of the best in her career. She completely steals every scene she is in, and the viewer's heart inescapably aches with hers as she desperately tries to repair her life. While Six Feet Under is predominantly about the Fishers and their relationships, the series would be nothing without Brenda, and she shines greater than ever before in this third season.
With all these characters, and still more whom I haven't mentioned, it's remarkable how strongly developed each one has become and how detailed each of their stories truly is. From the major members of the Fisher family down to the most minor of recurring characters, everyone has a story, and each one is unique and compelling. Even the "deaths of the week", a recurring theme that is far from a gimmick or formula, inject a new level of depth and understanding to the series as a whole. From the actors to the writers to the directors, Six Feet Under exhibits a compelling level of insight into our own humanity. Darkly comedic, it really captures some of the absurdly hilarious aspects of our existence, and fiercely emotional, it taps into the core of what makes us human beings -- our needs and desires, our joy and our pain, and how we face both life and death -- and it does so in such a subtle and beautiful way that is unlike anything else on television.
For all of the complaints some viewers had when this third season originally aired, taken as a whole and in context, it elevates an already fantastic program to even greater heights. It's bold and daring and takes numerous risks with its characters and its story (nearly all of which I've specifically avoided mentioning in this review), and the journey is all the more worthwhile because of it. Also, while focusing even more on the interrelationships of the primary characters than previous seasons, each episode still carries a thematic message that stands strong on its own. Refusing to rest on their laurels, Alan Ball, Alan Poul, and everyone involved with this season have crafted an exceptional season of television that is an absolute must for any fan of the series.
Unlike the first two seasons, this third season release is presented in an anamorphic widescreen 16:9 ratio, and as is typically the case with HBO releases, the video quality is largely fantastic. There is a very, very small amount of edge enhancement in a few places, and exterior shots often exhibit a high level of grain, but considering the original source material, there is almost nothing more that could be asked of this transfer. It captures the somewhat muted color palette very well and is a fitting presentation for this dark show. If I had any complaint it would be that some of the discs contain three episodes each instead of two, and while the difference in quality is negligible, there were a couple of places in the middle discs where I wondered if a higher bit rate would have helped. On the whole, though, this release looks better than just about any other television release with the exception of competing HBO sets.
The audio is a very nice Dolby Digital 5.1 mix that sparingly but effectively utilizes the surround channels. Like most series, this is a predominantly dialogue-driven show, and the dialogue is crisp and clear throughout, whether focused completely in the front center or utilizing the full surround spectrum.
The packaging for this set is artistic but leaves a little bit to be desired in terms of practicality. Each of the 5 discs has a beautiful image of a character from the show on the cover, and they snap into a standard 5-panel cardboard foldout. This piece folds up and neatly fits inside a sturdy cardboard case that is essentially a top and bottom half hinged at the upper spine with thick tape that bears the show's logo. It looks beautiful and nicely captures the style of the show, but the way it is taped together during production leaves room for slightly off-centered placement of the two halves, and in the case of my set, forces the box to bow just a bit in the center. Also, the tape on the inside of the case can easily come apart and interfere with the placement of the foldout.
As with most of HBO's releases, the animated menus on this set are absolutely stunning and perfectly capture the essence of the series.
Also not unlike other HBO releases, this third season of Six Feet Under is low on the featurettes and heavy on the audio commentaries. The first commentary is from director Michael Engler on the 3rd episode of the season, "The Eye Inside". It's an interesting commentary for a director, since he rarely talks about the actual production of the episode and instead chooses to dedicate his time to the themes involved. I found as I listened to it that I really appreciated this approach, and it added even more depth to the episode. Episode 4, "Nobody Sleeps", contains a commentary from producer/director Alan Poul, and it's fantastic. As a producer on the show, Poul explains that he essentially had his choice of which episode to direct, and he goes into detail on why he chose this specific one. This commentary is very detailed and goes from start to finish without any breaks.
On "The Trap", the 5th episode of the season, writer Bruce Eric Kaplan provides his thoughts, and it is a nice change of pace to hear things from a writer's perspective. The commentary for episode 11, "Dead Works Overtime" with writer Rick Cleveland, is mostly innocuous and not overly interesting, which is disappointing, because it's such a strong episode. The final commentary is appropriately for the season finale, "I'm Sorry, I'm Lost", with the show's creator Alan Ball. This is predictably the best commentary on the set, and I could listen to Ball talk about this show for hours upon hours.
For a group of commentaries, it's pretty good but not stellar, and if you read the first few paragraphs of this review, you'll notice a certain episode missing from these features. The lack of any commentary on "Perfect Circles" is pretty disappointing, as this episode stands so strong as one of the best in the show's run. However, like a great piece of art, perhaps it is meant to stand alone without commentary. No, I don't really believe that, but it makes me feel better to type it.
The only featurette is on the final disc, and it's a 14-minute special on how they filmed the season's promotional piece for HBO. There isn't a great deal of depth here, but it is still pretty interesting, mainly because the promo itself is just so amazing. Also on this disc are 3 deleted scenes from various episodes that are out of context and not particularly interesting.
Finally, on the first disc, there is a short HBO promotional piece for their unique slate of Sunday night programming as well as a disheartening promotion for the brilliant but now cancelled Carnivàle.
The third season of Six Feet Under is not just a compelling drama that is achingly funny and bitingly insightful. It is art. Precious few television programs aspire to such levels of quality, let alone achieve them, and this series of 13 episodes is a rare achievement, even among its incredibly distinguished peers. With brilliant writing, inspired directing, magnificent performances from everyone involved, and hauntingly perfect musical selections, this DVD set is something truly special. Probably the darkest season of Six Feet Under to date and by far the most challenging for the viewer, this third season is also the most thought-provoking and most emotionally rewarding of the series, and it is that rare DVD release deserving recognition as part of the DVD Talk Collector Series.


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Beat the Streak Report: Thursday, April 28
We see that extra swagger in your step this morning, Streakers.
It's cool, you deserve it. Don't be so modest — no, really, it is a big deal! After a night when Streakland went undefeated on its top 13 collective selections, plenty of strutting is order.
Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera led the way, advancing a combined 16.3 percent of all Streakers with matching 1-for-4 efforts. Troy Tulowitzki took a Pass Naturel due to inclement weather conditions in Chicago, but the remainder of your favorite baker's dozen cruised through base hit harbor and into the port of safe streaking.
Bask in the glory of Placido Polanco's 4-for-5 for another couple hours, mateys, because this ship sets sail for open waters once again today at 12:30 ET.
Thursday's picks
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there …
• Alex Gordon: .522 AVG (12-for-23) since '06 vs. Indians starter Fausto Carmona
• Denard Span: .467 AVG (7-for-15) since '06 vs. Rays starter Jeff Niemann
• Alex Rodriguez: .409 AVG (9-for-22) since '06 vs. White Sox starter Edwin Jackson
• Dustin Pedroia: .444 AVG (4-for-9) since '06 vs. Orioles starter Brad Bergesen
• Alexei Ramirez: .400 AVG (6-for-15) since '06 vs. Yankees starter CC Sabathia
Feeling kinda spicy?
• Matt Wieters: .381 AVG (8-for-21) since '06 vs. Red Sox starter Jon Lester
• Kelly Shoppach: .533 AVG (8-for-15) since '06 vs. Twins starter Nick Blackburn
You'll thank me later …
• Carlos Quentin: .133 AVG (2-for-15) since '06 vs. Yankees starter CC Sabathia
• Kelly Johnson: .174 AVG (1-for-11) since '06 vs. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster
• David Wright: .174 AVG (4-for-23) since '06 vs. Nationals starter Livan Hernandez
• Nelson Cruz: .100 AVG (1-for-10) since '06 vs. Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow
Leaderboard time!
Cleopatrajival remains the queen of the castle at 25 games after converting yesterday with Matt Kemp. Congrats on reaching the quarter-century mark, cleo! Feel free to do one of those crazy Egyptian dances with all the hand movements and stuff. You know what we're talking about. No, we're not going to demonstrate it.
Top MLB streakers
Andre Ethier: 25 games
Jeff Francoeur: 16 games
Johnny Damon: 14 games
Peter Bourjos: 10 games
Logan Morrison: 10 games
(Make a BTS pick)
29 Comments
Rain chances: SEA/DET (100%), CWS/NYY (90%), KC/CLE (60%), SF/PIT (50%)
Thanks for the weather every day… I was about to pick Robinson Cano… With a 90% chance of rain I think I will go with Stephen Drew.
@gpearson. Where do you get these pcts.? The weatherchannel does not show any rain in Detroit until 5 pm.
Agreed. WX looks good for that game. I use this site:
According to that site, no games are in serious jeopardy for significant rain as of now. Highest chance is 40% for one of the games
Based on rain percentages, I'm going back to my original pick in Ichiro.
Well Mark, we picked same game again, but different teams this time. Miggy for me
Well crap. KungFu singled in first AB. Why do I always do this switching right before lock? The Beast from way out East better come through now. Grrrrrrrrr!
Btw congrats Jew and Jag for moving on already.
Know what you mean. Holliday was my pick for today & I also changed it in the last minutes before locks. Reading on the web that he is fighting a 'cold' and feels really bad (his words). I wasn't comfortable not knowing if he'll play or possibly be taken out early. Hoping Miggy can hit this young flame thrower who averages a hit per inning.
Where did you see that about Holliday cuz he's my pick today?
It was a post-game interview from last night.
@00Liber: Miggy 0-2 & on last AB – in play no out! Yes! Error – No!
Broke a cardinal rule. Avoid picking players with no prior history against the pitcher. I deserved this reset for forgetting that. Sometimes memories are just too short. 😉
Keith. I hate that feeling. That's why I don't use that gamecenter anymore.
As a general rule, I have noticed that not picking players just because they have never faced the opposing pitcher before is too limiting.
Only stay away if the pitcher has not pitched in the majors before or if it is his first start of the season.
LaV's List
Thursday's Top Picks of the current Top2500,
123 Batters picked overall
Batter, Times Picked, Percentage
Alex Rodriguez 394 15.92
Dustin Pedroia 353 14.26
Ichiro Suzuki 235 9.49
Alex Gordon 146 5.9 (LEADER)(2ND)(2ND)
Starlin Castro 143 5.78
Matt Holliday 140 5.66 (2ND)
Michael Young 109 4.4
Albert Pujols 81 3.27 (2ND)
Lance Berkman 65 2.63
Miguel Cabrera 63 2.55
Stephen Drew 58 2.34
Robinson Cano 47 1.9
No Selection 41 1.66
Victor Martinez 1 0.04 (2ND) DL
Highest "No Selection" 😛 pg# 4 with streak of 16 back to zero.
Yesterday's Top2500 Reset rate was 13.23% with Ryan Braun reseting the most.
There was also 11.57% PPD due to rain or players not playing, These streakers do not reset, but did not increase either.
Got Pinched OR 1 AB Wonders
TOP2500 saved or reset by PHA (going to include any pinch hitters and/or double switch, 1 AB or More)
C Headley SD, RESET 1, Trixiewright our blogger group member. She was at 10.
M Downs HOU, RESET 1, was 16 gamer
M Izturis LAA, RESET 6, highest was 11 gamer
M Scutaro BOS, RESET 1, was 10 gamer
R Ibanez PHI, RESET 1, was 8 gamer
Bloggers Group Top2500
UserName, Streak, Page#, Rank, Pick
'www.jew, 19, pg 2, 16, Pablo Sandoval(PICKED 16X)
Jagx, 14, pg 10, 229, Pablo Sandoval(PICKED 16X)
levinc, 11, pg 38, 692, Kosuke Fukudome (PICKED 32X)
backrubs, 10, pg 48, 1107, Alex Gordon(PICKED 146X)
J_St33z, 8, pg 100+, 2500, Matt Holliday(PICKED 140X)
Bloggers Reset Yesterday
trixiewright PINCHED BY C Headley
GL to all
7 Top2500 picks each having 100+, comprising over 60% of the Top2500. Could be an pleasant day if all hit else tragic if several fall.
i normally wouldn't want any player to go hitless that i like, but seeing the top 3 all pick alex gordon i'm hoping for back to back 0fers from him
Sorry about the weather thing, guys. I use http://www.wunderground.com/sports/MLB. It's generally been reliable, but I agree they missed the Detroit forecast badly today. Cleveland looks rainy this evening. New York is getting the heavy rain now, but it might end by game time. Pittsburgh is in the clear.
I don't know why they were so wrong today. I'll double check them in the future just to be sure before posting.
up to 6 with the 1st inning double by jacoby ellsbury
And I originally picked him too. LOL! I need to make a pick and stick to it. No changes allowed.
i make sure not to change my pick unless i find out hes not going to be in the lineup. as long as whoever you switched to get a hit then at least the switch doesnt hurt you.
True, but game hasn't started yet so we shall see. Hopefully I get lucky right off the bat.
holliday just got a single so you still move onto tomorrow
I saw that! Wooohooooo!
I would also change if the opposing starting pitcher gets changed.
I remember the Mets were starting some crappy pitcher several years ago and I used someone on the Rockies.
I was out for the afternoon, so I could not check right before lock.
I get home and notice the Mets changed to Steve Trachsel and he threw a 1-hit shutout.
I took A-Rod to get to 4, I just noticed that Jeter and Teixeira are not starting and Cano is batting ahead of A-Rod.
A-Rod hit a double in the Yankees 6 run 5th to get me to 4! 🙂
looks like we just lost our leader. alex gordon is 0-4 heading into the 9th but he will need an offensive outburst to get back up as he ended the 8th.
Lost 3 leaders! Nice to know I'm tied with them as of now 🙂

subset: commoncrawl


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Grand Illumination Night
Illumination Night is a Vineyard favorite. Traditional Chinese paper lanterns are ornately hung outside of the delightful gingerbread cottages that line the Oak Bluffs campground. Lanterns are lit at sun down and burn through the night making for a truly special scene in town. Originally marking the close of the summer season for campground visitors Illumination Night has become one of the most popular summer spectacles on the island. Community sing and Vineyard Haven Band concert will precede Illumination. Free-Will Offering.
Promoted by:
MV Campmeeting Association
Vineyard Haven Band
MV Campmeeting Association
Vineyard Haven Band
Free event, at the Tabernacle in the Campmeeting ground. Donations accepted. Community sing begins at 7 followed by the lighting of the lanterns at dark. Free-Will Offering.
Venue Information:
Directions: The Tabernacle is located in the Campmeeting Ground, between Circuit Ave and Dukes County Ave in Oak Bluffs.
Handicap Accessible


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Photoshop is undoubtedly an authority and unbeatable piece of software so far to create all sorts of layouts, drawings, digital art and more. I would rather say, you are limited by your own imagination when it comes to creating the stuff using this great software out there.
I have always been interested in creating web layouts using photoshop but unfortunately have never been able to give it time because of busyness in various things. Web design? well, it needs practice, but whenever I start off with it, I step back soon because of less time or giving more time to the research related to web development trends and technologies, something what I do primarily. You got it right, looks like my fault for not managing time for that.
Today, however, I managed some time for the photoshop, started off creating a web layout, and guess what I created my very first web layout in about 2+ hours. As far as I am concerned, it looks great to me considering that this is my first layout. I also do believe that I do possess the aesthetic sense after going through a lot of web layouts while developing a number of websites.
I would love to have feedback and comments from experienced designers out there which can help me spot where I could have been better in that particular layout and where do they rank it considering my first layout.
This is where you can download and preview my full web layout.


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Previous Lecture
Complete and continue
2019 Planner School
Welcome to Brilliant Life Planner School! Start Here!
Welcome + What to Expect from Planner School! (5:24)
Your FREE Digital Bonuses + Downloads Can be Found Right Here!
Part 1: DREAM
Reflect on the Past Year so you can Move Forward with Clarity (8:29)
Create your 5-Year Vision so you can Steer your Life in the Direction you want to go. (7:49)
Brainstorm what you'd like to do most THIS YEAR! (5:45)
Part 2: SIMPLIFY
Turn your Passions into Goals you can Take Action On! (14:36)
How to Add in MORE of the Things you Enjoy + Take Advantage of the Ripple Effect! (10:20)
Choosing the Right METHOD for Achieving your Big Goal (17:21)
Break down your Big Goal + Mindmap it so you know all the little steps you need to take! (10:53)
Part 3: PLAN
How to Use your Project Planner to Organize your Great Big Goal (9:41)
How to TIME-BLOCK your Way to a Brilliant Week! (15:24)
Use the HOURS in a WEEK Exercise to See Where your Time Goes and Create a Plan to Get Some Back (12:44)
ONLY the BEST! Discover Ways to Eliminate Some of the Tasks you Dread and Add in More of the Things that Bring you Joy (14:01)
The Guilt List: Use this Exercise to Either Release or Improve the Areas of Life that are Bothering You! (12:36)
Part 4: DO
Why Habits are Powerful + How to Make them Easier to Start! (22:31)
Planner School Live Video Lesson Archive
Looking at the Big Picture (32:08)
Focusing on THIS Year (27:49)
Turning our Passions and Priorities into Tangible Goals (46:32)
Breaking our Goals into Manageable Steps (41:28)
Time Management Tips for YOUR personality (47:18)
Habits - why they're powerful + tips for starting one (22:43)
Habit Tips for Your Personality Type (31:55)
Habits Wrap Up (12:46)
How I Use the Weekly Spreads (21:27)
How the BBM Team Plans and Time-Blocks (22:04)
How YOU plan (14:06)
Hours in a Week (26:06)
Only the Best (40:00)
The Guilt List (21:06)
ONLY the BEST! Discover Ways to Eliminate Some of the Tasks you Dread and Add in More of the Things that Bring you Joy
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Home Authors Posts by oyssto
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By Cesar Millan. Cesar Millan is the author of "A Member of the Family" and star of the National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer"
I am honored that so many people look to me to help them enjoy more fulfilling relationships with their dogs, but the truth is that the dogs themselves have been my teachers. The most valuable lessons I've received have come from animals. Here are some of the ways dogs have helped me become a better, happier, and more-balanced human being.
Live In The Moment
People often wonder how I get such quick results with the dogs I rehabilitate. The answer is simple: Dogs live in the moment. They don't regret the past or worry about the future. If we can learn to appreciate and focus on what's happening in the here and now, we'll experience a richness of living that other members of the animal kingdom enjoy.
Nurture a Balanced Life
I tell my clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs: Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day. Do the same for yourself. We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis.
Trust your Instincts.
Animals don't care about words. They recognize that what's really going on in any interaction is beneath the surface. Many of us have lost touch with this all-important instinctual part of our natures. By paying attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our friends, our loved ones, and ourselves.
Be Direct and Consistent in you Communication.
Many of my clients only intermittently enforce rules, leaving their pets confused about what is and isn't acceptable behavior. Great relationships, no matter the species, begin with clear and consistent communication. This is a lesson we should carry into other areas of our lives-with our family, our freinds, and at work. Remember: We teach people how to treat us.
Learn to Listen. Make the time to lend an ear to those you love or those who want to transform their lives. But don't try to fix their problems, and don't take their problems personally, either. A great leader is also a great follower and knows that everybody counts.
Don't Hold Grudges. There's a remarkable lack of conflict in dog packs. That's because members resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding onto negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward.
Live with Purpose.
When dogs are bored, they develop issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. But when given a job and a way to contribute to the pack's well-being, they turn around almost immediately. All animals-including humans-have an inborn need to work for food and water. Ask yourself how you can contribute more to your job, your family, and the world around you. You'll feel much better about yourself if you earn your food and water, too.
Celebrate Every Day
For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning, Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game it the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own daily life.
Related Sites: The dog whisperer


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Little Monsters aren't kidding around.
In only a week's time, Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way" has sold 1.11 million albums, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Not since Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" last November has a pop artist experienced such wild sales (Swit's album sold 1.04 million last November). Lady Gaga's album is only the 17th album to sell that many copies, at least since SoundScan began recording sales data in 1991.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Not since 50 Cent's album "The Massacre" have sales been so high. The rapper sold approximately 1.14 million copies in March 2005. Lady Gaga's the fifth woman to hold this record.
This far exceeded estimates. Gaga's record company, Universal Music Group, was expecting a first week total of around 400,000 sales.
But with the somewhat flubbed 99-cent offering on Amazon, the number climbed to a staggering 700,000 on the first day alone.
The all-time record remains with the 2000 release of 'NSYNC's "No Strings Attached," which sold a staggering 2.42 million in its debut week.


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Year Of Linux On Desktop?
Every year we read about "the year of Linux on Desktop", but those articles always seem to fail to explain how do they measure it. What does have to happen for us to definitively say "this is the year of Linux"?
Here's some data...
Market share growth from November 2009 to November 2010:
Micrsoft OS's: -02.77% Apple OS's: +30.86% Linux: +53.00%(using this statistics as a data source)
I don't know what "Year Of Linux On Desktop" means, but I, for one, see a winner in 2010: Linux.


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The actes d'individualite have turned out to be gifts that keep on giving. Once I was able to identify Augustin as my direct Cadignan ancestor (see here and here) I went back to the actes and found his entry, number 559. Without even being able to read the French handrwriting there were two things that caught my attention. First, there was a long note written in the margin that all the zooming in the world could not help me to begin to decipher. Second, there were actually two actes d'individualite for Augustin. They were both numbered 559 and they both had a long note written in the margin. At first I thought the good people at the Patrimoines Martiniquais must have saved and posted two copies of the same scanned image in their online archives – a simple mistake. But after toggling between the two a couple of times it became obvious that they were written by two different hands and were placed in different areas of the page in relation to the margins, upper and lower corners, and so on. These entries were clearly scanned from two different pages. You can see the undeniable differences in the images below.
Though I couldn't read the margin notes I could tell that the main text of the record seemed to be the same in both versions. If the notes in the margin were also the same, I realized a possible explanation could be that one of these records was hand-copied from the other as a backup.
Since I had a hard time making out the writing in the margins I again enlisted the help of my French friend Sylvine. After taking a look at both versions she agreed with my theory. She said that the text of each record was the same, including the margin notes. Those mysterious margin notes read as follows:
Par acte en date du trente janvier mille neuf cent un, inscrit le meme jour, a la mairie du Francois, sous le N#4 (? not sure here),le sieur Cadignan Augustin dit Auguste, dont la naissance est constatee dans l acte ci contre, a contracte mariage avec la demoiselle Desir-Honorine Marie-Herminie, dont mention, l officier de l etat civil.
By this act on January 30, 1901, written on the same day, at Francois' City Hall, under the number 4 (?), Mr. Cadignan Augustin, called Auguste, whose birth was recorded in the record on the side, married Miss Desir-Honorine Marie-Herminie. ~ Officer.
These Martinique record keepers are kind of awesome, aren't they? Not only did they keep two copies of these records, but they added notes in the margins recording another important life event. So my great-great-great-grandfather Augustin married a woman by the name of Marie-Herminie Desir-Honorine. BUT this was well after my great-great grandfather Joseph and my great-grandmother Adele were born, in 1864 and 1893, respectively. This woman is definitely not an ancestor of mine, but it tells us that my third great-grandfather Augustin re-married much later in life, in his early to mid-sixties.


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Alchemy 2.0 PSU Cable Kit, CSR-Series - Red
- The Bitfenix Alchemy 2.0 kit is a modular kit designed to work with Corsair High Performance Power Supplies and give your system a totally fresh
- modified appearance.
11 In stock
Stock Code: CM-248-BX
Manufacturer: BitFenix
+44 (0)1782 44 44 55
Alchemy 2.0 PSU Cable Kit, CSR-Series - RedThe Bitfenix Alchemy 2.0 kit is a pre-sleeved cable kit that supports a wide variety of modular power supplies from different manufacturers. These premium cables feature precision moulded connectors and come in a variety of colours and cable types, enabling modders to transform normal PCs into works of art.
Aimed at catering for the high performance power supply user, Alchemy 2.0 is manufactured with high quality components to support enormous power outputs. Each cable is made using pure copper cables with thickness up to 16AWG that reduces resistance and increasing efficiency.
Every Alchemy 2.0 cable is sleeved to perfection using high density sleeving with heatshrinkless sleeving process for a neat finish. The high quality cables have improved flexibility and durability.
Designed to replace the standard modular cables of performance modular power supplies, each kit contains a set of standard modular cables specific to your PSU and five rubber cable combs to improve the cable management and build aesthetics.
Alchemy 2.0 - CSR
AXi Series: AX1500i, AX1200i, AX860i, AX760i
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Monday marks three years since a deadly mass shooting claimed the lives of 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
For the first time, Newtown students are in school on the anniversary of the tragedy.
Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered Connecticut and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff Monday as the state honors the victims of the Dec. 14, 2012 massacre.
U.S. & World
Among those who died were first-grade students Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Ana Marquez-Greene, Dylan Hockley, Madeleine Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, James Mattioli, Grace McDonnell, Anne Marie Murphy, Elimie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Benjamin Wheeler and Allison Wyatt.
Also killed were school principal Dawn Hochsprung, school psychologist Mary Sherlach, teachers Victoria Soto and Lauren Rousseau, behavioral therapist Rachel Davino and school aide Anne Marie Murphy.
Community members are coming together to remember the victims. Trinity Episcopal Church will hold its annual Interfaith Gathering for Prayer and Comfort at 7 p.m. Monday. The service will include prayer, readings of sacred texts and moments of silence for everyone to "reflect" or "pray in his or her own way," according to Newtown religious leaders.
"As faith leaders, we come from a variety of religious communities that are diverse in belief and practice," Rev. Matt Crebbin of Newtown Congregational Church wrote to the community. "However, we want you to know that we are united in our commitment to offer care and compassion to all of Newtown. As we near the three year Anniversary of the traumatic events at Sandy Hook School, we want to let you to know that we continue to hold this community in our prayers and we continue to offer care for anyone who wishes to find spiritual and faith-based support. Many of our individual fellowships will be offering specific events in the days around the anniversary as part of our worship and community life. We plan to post details about these in the very near future.
The door at Newtown Congregational Church bears a sign with a simple message: "We are Sandy Hook. We Choose Love."
"Choosing love is not something that is an afterthought, it really is a conscious choice that we try to make every day," Crebbin, the church's senior minister, said. "When I hear of other communities that have been affected by gun violence, there is this connection with compassion, but there's also this great sorrow that's still there."
Crebbin said his community must find a way to recognize the tragic events of three years ago without reliving the trauma.
"We may be in the same chapter of a book, but we're on different pages, so part of the way we can care for one another is be aware that different people will be at different places, especially around this anniversary," Crebbin said.
Newtown recovery centers are also providing quiet spaces and therapeutic programs to support grieving community members.
"It is very hard, it is very difficult to overcome," said Rabbi Shaul Praver, who served as rabbi at Newtown's Congregation Adath Israel at the time of the shooting, "but we will overcome."
Praver is writing a book called Sacred Testimony on the narrative of what happened, why and the search for solutions.
"Teaching the golden rule in school, being compassionate to one another, educating the entire child, reaching out to the loner as the most powerful thing we can do to keep our children safe in school," he said.
Monday is the first anniversary of the tragedy that falls on a school day. Students from Newtown are still attending school in neighboring Monroe while construction continues on the new Sandy Hook Elementary School. Construction is scheduled to be finished by fall of 2016, according to the project website.
"It seemed to be most appropriate, and since we've had a couple of years, that we have that day where children come together and learn and celebrate the gift of learning," Crebbin said.
Memorial services for the 26 lives lost were also held over the weekend.


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Just because they're still eating doesn't mean their teeth don't hurt! Dental Disease in Cats – Part 1
" Sure his teeth are a little dirty but he's still eating so they can't be that bad, right?" This is one of the biggest myths in veterinary medicine yet it is sadly repeated almost daily by my clients. It's certainly understandable though – if we have a toothache, we tend to alter our diet rapidly to find foods that are suitably easy to chew and then book ourselves in to see the dentist as soon as possible. Cats (and dogs, but we'll focus on cats in this article) would probably do the same, if they could, but I can't recall the last time I saw Fluffy order her own meals or pick up the telephone! Cats are still in many ways wild animals with natural instincts, and those instincts tell them that if they don't eat, they'll die. For the same reasons, they are masters of hiding their pain, illnesses or anything that might make them seem vulnerable. Therefore a cat with a toothache will probably act and eat very much like a cat without a toothache, suffering in silence. Sure, there are some dental conditions that will cause a cat to stop eating, but by the time this happens they are usually so severe that they have become systemically ill (with infection and fever, for example) after weeks or months of living with the problem. As responsible pet owners, it's our job to make sure that our pets don't have to quietly suffer with dental pain.What kinds of dental disease do cats get?
- Periodontal disease – Like us, cats' teeth accumulate plaque (bacteria and debris that sticks to the outer surface of the tooth causing discolouration). At this stage, the condition is reversible if treated with preventative home care. But if left untreated, this plaque builds up over time into thick calculus that can only be removed using special tools under anaesthesia. But the brown calculus is only the surface of the problem. The gums surrounding the 'dirty' teeth become red and inflamed (a condition called gingivitis), and this inflammation hurts. Over time, the inflammation eats away at the gums and the tissue that holds the tooth into the gums (the periodontal ligament), resulting in loose teeth that can hurt with every chew. And as we'll see later, this inflammation sometimes even eats away at the tooth itself. Severe periodontal disease is not only painful and smelly, but dangerous too as it can lead to or exacerbate existing liver, kidney, and heart disease.
- Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) - Sometimes the gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) get so bad that all of the gum tissue around the teeth becomes bright red and swells, even to the point that the teeth become hidden under all the affected tissue. Sometimes ulcers can form on the adjacent lip tissue or at the back of the mouth as well. An extremely painful condition, FCGS is unfortunately not an uncommon disorder. Despite much research, it is still unclear what actually causes this condition, although we do know that the bacteria in the plaque make it worse. Many of these cats will test positive for Calicivirus (a virus commonly found in cats and often without causing any symptoms) but the significance of that is unknown. It is thought to be in part due to an aberrant or inappropriate reaction by the cat's immune system to something that would not normally cause a problem (normal mouth bacteria or even the most mild plaque buildup). Treatment is difficult and frustrating and may include everything from antibiotics and steroids to the extraction of the majority of teeth in the mouth (as drastic as this sounds, this has proven to be the most successful treatment thus far), with varying degrees of success. This is a very unfortunate condition for all parties involved – cat, owner and vet.
- Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (also called FORLs, resorptive lesions, or neck lesions) – These lesions affect more than a third of adult domestic cats, the second most common dental disorder after periodontal disease. Resorptive lesions have been found in the skulls of cats dating back to the thirteenth century so the condition is far from new, however we have seen a dramatic rise in documented cases since the development of x-rays. These lesions are particularly difficult for owners to pick up on because the disease process mostly occurs under the gumline, often with just a small area of redness or irregular shape to the gumline. But underneath the gum, the tooth is being eaten away. Sometimes the visible part of the tooth breaks off, leading us to believe that the tooth has simply fallen out (not that that isn't also a problem!), leaving the fractured root to be re-absorbed or resorbed into the jaw bone. Even if the tooth doesn't break all the way off, it is still left with a big hole in it. Anyone who has ever broken a tooth can testify to how unpleasant it feels! Because it can be difficult to see resorptive lesions, the best and sometimes only way to diagnose them is with an x-ray. The treatment for resorptive lesions is extraction of the affected tooth or teeth.
- Broken teeth are another problem to look out for, in addition to the lesions mentioned above. The long, sharp canine teeth are the ones that we see fractured most commonly, typically broken during a fight or if they get stuck somewhere, but any tooth can be affected especially if the cat has been in a road traffic accident or other trauma. Broken teeth are often ignored, again assuming that because the cat is eating that it's not a problem, but a fracture that exposes the pulp (living tissue which contains blood vessels and nerves) within the tooth can cause not only infection but a great deal of pain. There may be a few cases when your vet may recommend that a fractured tooth be left alone (for example, if both the fracture and the cat are very old and/or it would be a high-risk anaesthesia), but in most cases they should be removed surgically.
- Finally, malocclusion or the inability of the cat to close its mouth and chew properly, can have serious effects on its health. This can occur when teeth fail to erupt correctly (for example, if the kitten teeth remain after the adult teeth come in) or with poor breeding in the case of brachycephalic breeds (such as Persians that have squished in faces). If the teeth don't fit together properly, they will sometimes dig into the opposing gum and cause painful ulcers. Any baby teeth that are still present by the time the adult teeth have fully erupted should be removed surgically. Severely brachycephalic cats also tend to have serious problems with their upper airway and sinuses resulting in breathing problems. There is little that can be done to help these poor victims of bad breeding but we can help the situation as a whole by encouraging the breeding of only healthy, happy cats.


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Get the most out of stock ftp with macros and scripts.
In this age of GUIs and feature-rich browsers, it's easy to forget how quick and efficient command-line ftp can be. That is, until you're logged into a system that doesn't have X installed, nor a browser, nor any fancy FTP programs. If it's really your lucky day, it won't even have any manpages. And, of course, you'll need to download something.
Perhaps you find yourself using ftp all the time, always going to the same FTP servers and downloading from or uploading to the same directories. Clearly, it's time for some FTP automation.
5.11.1 Automating Logins
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to use FTP from a modern browser? Simply click on a hyperlink to start a download. At the command line, though, you can't even browse the FTP directory structure until you successfully log into the FTP server. Well, guess what: you always have to log into an FTP server. It's just that your web browser hides this little detail by doing it for you in the background.
You can achieve the same transparency for command-line ftp by creating a file called .netrc in your home directory and placing the following line in that file:
% more ~/.netrc default login anonymous password email@example.com
This line will work for any FTP server on the Internet that accepts anonymous logins. (Most do, unless it's a private server.) When creating your own file, use your own email address as the password.
Test your change with this command:
% ftp ftp.freebsd.org
Compare your results to the FTP output in [Hack #71] . You should receive the same banner shown there without having to first type in a username and password.
If you're a webmaster who uses FTP to upload your new files, you do have to log in first. After all, you don't want just anyone uploading files, so you require a username and password. To automate that process, add a section to your ~.netrc that reflects the name of your server and your username and password:
machine ftp.myserver.com login myusername password mypassword
Since you've just inserted your password into a plain text file, it's important to change the permissions on this file so that only you can read it:
% chmod 600 ~/.netrc
If you forget to change the permissions and try to access an FTP server that requires a username and password, your login attempt should fail and result in this error message:
ftp: Error: .netrc file is readable by others. ftp: Remove password or make file unreadable by others.
To be extra safe, exclude the password line completely. When you connect to the FTP server, your username will be provided for you, but you will still be prompted for the password.
5.11.2 Automating Transfers
Now, let's say that you visit ftp.freebsd.org on a regular basis and always access its pub/FreeBSD/releases/i386 directory. Rather than cding every time, you can automate that process by creating an FTP macro. Add these lines to ~/.netrc:
macdef fbsd bin cd /pub/FreeBSD/releases/i386
Macros are defined by macdef, and the name of the macro follows. Keep the name short but useful, as a macro is supposed to be a timesaver. Once you've declared the macro, add the FTP commands you want to execute, one line at a time. This particular macro contains the bin (or binary) command. That command is useful when downloading because it ensures all files, including non-ASCII files such as applications, will download correctly. I also included a cd command to automatically take me to my usual working directory.
There are two ways to use your macro. If you're already connected to the FTP server, type $ macroname at the ftp prompt:
ftp> $ fbsd bin 200 Type set to I. cd /pub/FreeBSD/releases/i386 250 "/pub/FreeBSD/releases/i386" is new cwd.
Note that each command in the macro will be executed, followed by its results.
The second way to run the macro is when you first invoke the ftp command:
% echo "$ fbsd" | ftp ftp.freebsd.org
Now, if you try that one, you'll notice that all of your commands will succeed. Then, your FTP session will abruptly end, and you'll receive your regular prompt back! Rather disappointing if you were planning on typing some more commands at the ftp prompt, but absolutely perfect if your intention is to script an entire FTP session.
5.11.3 Scripting an Entire Session
If you already know what you want to do, and especially if you need to do it more than once, why type in everything at the ftp prompt? Suppose you want to download the latest XFree86 distribution directly from ftp://ftp.xfree86.org/. Consider placing this macro in ~/.netrc:
macdef X bin bell prompt cd /pub/XFree86/4.3.0/source mget * bye
This macro assumes that this ~/.netrc file already contains the line that allows anonymous logins.
The bell command, which is optional, should produce a sound after each successful file transfer. The prompt command is very important, though. By default, the FTP server expects interaction from the user. That is, when you ask to download multiple files with mget, the FTP server will wait for you to confirm every transfer by typing y. Obviously, we want to disable that behavior when we're scripting a download.
To run this macro:
% echo "$ X" | ftp ftp.xfree86.org
By default, ftp will save the downloaded files in your current working directory. If you prefer, you can specify an alternate location in your macro with the lcd (local change directory) command. For example:
lcd /usr/local/Xsource
will save the downloaded files to the /usr/local/Xsource directory. Make sure your directory exists and put the lcd line before your mget line.
5.11.4 A Better FTP?
No matter how hard you try to make the default FTP client user-friendly, it is still a very basic command, and you may find a little too primitive, especially if you use ftp often. If you would like to try a more convenient and user-friendly command-line tool, try ncftp, which is available as a port or package for FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD.
5.11.5 See Also


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Perfect for camping, outdoor trips, emergencies, power outages and more...this 6 LED Hand Lamp Collapsible Solar Camping Lamp won't let you down! Outfitted with 6 ultra bright LED lights, this lantern features low energy consumption and power-saving operation for up to 100,000 hours lifetime use. The collapsible construction and durable and lightweight material make this lamp an ideal portable light source where ever you need it. Plus, a built-in USB port provides back-up power for your phone, USB fan, or speaker. Stretch open to provide light, collapse close for off position. Available in copper color only.
* USB port for small device charging/power source.
* High quality plastic shell, glass top, stainless steel handles for shockproof and durable construction
* Can be powered using solar charge, AC charger or 3 AA batteries (not included)
* Up to 3 hours of lighting once fully charged
* Red indicator displays charging condition
* Size (L x W x H): 11.5cm X 7.5cm
In the box:
* 6 LED Solar Collapsible Camping Lamp
* AC Charging Cord
NOTE: Actual brand may vary


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J. Debrincat Limited has been a trusted name in the insurance field for many years. It is a licenced Tied Insurance Intermediary for Life Assurance and Retirement Planning Product.
At our head office in Victoria Gozo we offer the following covers:
MSV Guananteed Over 50' Plan
MSV Loan Protection Plan
MSV Protection Plan
MSV Flexi Plan
MSV Child Savings Plan
MSV Single Premium Plan
MSV Investment Bond
MSV Retirement Plan.
MSV Life p.l.c. Unit-Linked Polices are linked to selected Fidelity Funds and La Valletta Funds.
J. Debrincat Limited is an enrolled Tied Insurance Intermediary under MSV Life p.l.c. MSV is authorised by Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on Long Term Business under the Insurance Business Act 1998. Both companies are regulated by the MFSA. MFSA Enrollement no C30546
J. Debrincat LimitedDebrincat BuildingSt Francis SquareVictoria Gozo VCT 2040MaltaTel: +356 21553960, 21560102Mobile + 356 99496807


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Elegant Photo Album 12 pages
Size: 8.27×11.69 inches, A4 (210×297 mm)
Worked in: InDesign CS4 Included in the zip file you will also find an InDesign CS3 interchange (INX) file.
Fonts used: Arial (system font), Arial Black (system font)
All colors and text are easily customizable. All paragraph styles are properly named. Text and images are divided in separate layers to help customize each one easily and without interfering with the other.
Bleeds: 3 mm
Images taken from the Graphic River Asset Library.


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|Metal Standard
|Bar-Ray Products
|Metal Standard
|Both lenses and frames are designed with the safety and comfort of the practitioner in mind. Our lenses are Schott RS-520 (also called SF-6) leaded glass, the industry standard for radiation shielding glass. These lenses meet standards, as set for optical clarity, visible light transmission, power and prism correction. While our eyewear is protecting your eyes, it also helps you look your best. This combination of function and fashion give you optimal protection and good looks. Attractive eyewear should be part of the daily wardrobe of your imaging department staff - if you like the way you look in your eyewear, you're more likely to wear them to protect your eyes from hazardous radiation! No matter how attractive your eyewear, you'll want them to be comfortable for long hours of use. This means that our lightweight frame with special nose bridge and ear pieces, will distribute the weight for greater comfort. All models feature 0.75mm lead equivalent protection in the front lens and 0.30mm in the optional side shields. Our glass side shields are .75mm LE. Lead sheet side shields are .5mm LE, and acrylic side shields are .30mm LE. The ultralight line of leaded eyewear are as much as 50% lighter than other leaded eyewear and result in excellent combination of comfort, function and protection. Advanced design and quality control produce X-ray filtering eyewear that reduces 90% of scatter radiation to the eye from front or side exposure. Featuring the new K.V. - 150 light weight bifocal that is 40% thinner and 40% lighter than standard style leaded bifocals.
| Bar-Ray Products
Customer Service: (888) 422-7729
Web site: http://www.bar-ray.com


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Cut the Cost of an iPhone in Half
Opting for a prepaid, month-to-month service plan will help you save big.
Sure, there are plenty of smart phones that are cheaper than an iPhone. But you don't get all the bells and whistles, nor the cachet, that comes with owning an Apple product. However, an iPhone doesn't have to be as expensive as it might seem.
It's not the phone itself that's the real budget breaker. It's the two-year service contract that consumers typically get locked into when they buy an iPhone that's the real expense. If you sign up for the standard talk, text and data plan for about $110 a month, you'll shell out more than $2,600 over two years.
However, there's a way to cut the cost of a service plan in half, says Brad Wilson, founder of BradsDeals.com and author of Do More, Spend Less: The New Secrets of Living the Good Life for Less. The key is to use a prepaid wireless provider rather than signing up for a contract with one of the major carriers. Wilson pays just $41.67 a month for unlimited talk, text and data for his iPhone by using Straight Talk Wireless, a prepaid carrier owned by Walmart that uses AT&T's network. (AT&T charges $109.99 a month for an individual plan with unlimited talk, text and 300 MB of data when you purchase in iPhone through Apple.com and sign up for a two-year contract.) So rather than paying $2,600 over two years for phone service with a major carrier, he'll pay about $1,000 with his prepaid plan.
Here's how it works:
Buy an unlocked phone. An iPhone usually costs $199 when you buy one with a two-year service contract. Buying an unlocked phone (a phone that's not locked into a single carrier's network) can cost three times as much -- $649 for the new iPhone 5 -- because you lose the subsidy that the carrier gives you when you sign up for a contract. And you must buy an unlocked phone to take advantage of a prepaid plan. However, you can get older models and refurbished phones for a lot less. Wilson bought a refurbished iPhone for $479.99. You can find an unlocked iPhone 3GS for $379 at both Walmart and Best Buy. Prepaid wireless company H2O Wireless currently is offering a refurbished iPhone 3GS for $199.
Buy a SIM card. You'll need a SIM card to insert into your phone to activate a service plan. Wilson bought his through Straight Talk for $14.99. Some other prepaid wireless companies offer them for $9.99.
Choose a wireless provider. Unlocked iPhones only work on GSM networks, such as AT&T's, according to the Apple Web site. The unlocked iPhone 4, 4S and 5 do not work on CDMA-based carriers, such as Sprint or Verizon. Among the prepaid wireless companies that use a GSM network are Straight Talk Wireless, H2O Wireless and Red Pocket Mobile. Wilson was able to get the $41.67 monthly price with Straight Talk, which usually offers unlimited talk, text and data for $45 a month, by prepaying for six months.
This approach can also work with other smart phones, such as a Samsung Galaxy or BlackBerry. You just have to buy an unlocked phone and choose a carrier that uses a GSM network.


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Pianist performing with Canton Symphony Orchestra
Pianist Andre Wattts brought the house down with a dramatic and masterful performance of Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 2 at Umstattd Hall last January.
That heady night was the first installment of Watts' three-year residency with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, which resumes with a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday.
As part of a program spotlighting American composers, Watts will perform Edward MacDowell's Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor. The pianist talked about the concert via telephone last week.
Q. What can you tell me about the MacDowell concerto?
A. "MacDowell was an American but of course it's not really Americana. It's basically German romanticism. It's a very beautiful piece. It's melodic of that era and, being MacDowell, a virtuoso piece for the pianist with lots of interplay with the orchestra. I've played it a fair amount, when I can. It's difficult to persuade people to program MacDowell."
Q. You and Gerhardt Zimmermann (Canton Symphony music director) are longtime friends and collaborators. What can you tell me about working together?
A. "It's a very rather special circumstance when you have the opportunity to work with someone who is a friend who you'd admire and respect even if he were not a friend. That's not always the case! Gerhardt is rather extraordinary. Over his time in Canton, the orchestra has had a lot of changeovers but it's always been playing of such a high level. That's not hyperbolic at all for me to say. That's one of the concerts of the season that I look forward to the most."
Saturday's concert, to be conducted by Zimmermann and Canton Symphony assistant conductor Rachel Waddell, also will include Arthur Foote's Suite for Strings in E Major, Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2, and Walter Piston's "The Incredible Flutist Suite."
In 2015, Watts will do a series of four concerts with the Canton Symphony, two in March and two in April, during which he will perform all five Beethoven piano concertos, culminating the final night with Beethoven's Choral Symphony.
Reach Dan at 330-580-8306 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
On Twitter: @dkaneREP


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When does the Virulent Strain Epidemic effect for Hidden Pocket happen? The way the card is laid out, it would seem that it happens after the three epidemic steps; however, that would negate the effect as there would never be any cards in the discard pile. It could happen before step 1, but that could be pretty nasty and seems to go against the title of the effect, as "hidden pocket" would imply only a small amount of the disease.
When this situation arose in a game, resolving the effect before step 1 would have been pretty bad as there were a lot of cards in the discard pile. We chose to resolve the effect after the Infector phase, since there would only be a few cards in the discard pile, but that seems like a stretch.