text:
Last weekend, we were able to take a quick trip up north for Shane's Dad's birthday weekend.
Grandma 'Nette had a great time cuddling with Lola!
The first pic I took was sooooo good--but blurry!
The first pic I took was sooooo good--but blurry!
There...that's better!
Lola--while under
Daddy's a certain someone's obvious close supervision--
snuck a bit of the cake before Grandpa could!
Blowing out the candles on his B-I-G 6-0!!!
{Despite his age, he was able to get the candle snuffed out in just one breath.}
After her first taste, Lo was all about finding ways to sneak more--
even if it meant crawling across the table to get to Livy's!
Uncle Rog looks a lot like Shane...and Lola would snuggle with him like she does her Daddy. So cute!
I wanted so badly to get a good shot of Grandma and Grandpa with our clan.
"E, smile! No, that looks like you're crying...Cameron, natural smile, honey--don't force it. Col, peek your head out behind Lo, I can't see you! Loooooolllllaaaa, it's okay baby! Smile for Mommy!"
"Ethan, stop scowling, buddy! Col, Cam, good smiles...Lo-LA!! What is the matter baby girl? No, Grandpa, gotta be ready at all times...look up here!"
"C'mon guys!! PLEASE?!?!.....Just smile for Mommy....oh, forget it. Sheesh."
We moved on from picture taking to gift opening. All the kids were great helpers, of course!
Cameron loved Grandpa's new pants, apparently.
And Luke liked Grandpa's shoes!
Lola and Livy played--oddly enough--with a snake during most of the afternoon.
Stretchy...rubber....fake...but gross nonetheless.
They seemed to enjoy it....so....well, whatever, I suppose.
(I think both girls just knew, subconsciously, that it bothered me--
therefore, it made them want to play with it all the more.
I mean, after all of our snake experiences, why on earth should I be bothered with a fake one?)
"Look Mom. A snake. Hahaaaahhhaha."
Little stinker.
After snake peek-a-boo, Lolee girl found herself...Grandpa's shoebox.
"Hmmm...what have we here?"
a-boo, Grandpa!!
Then she discovered that she could fit inside the box.
Now the real fun begins!
Needless to say, we had good food, good family time, and lots of fun!
And we did get that good family shot--plus an extra couple of very cute cousins in there, too!
And of course, we couldn't leave out our snake.


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Third Monday Bunko
Monday, February 17, 2020
Strictly speaking, Bunko is a dice game played in rounds. In reality, it's a rowdy good time! The game keeps people moving and switching partners for each round of play, so it's a great way to meet, mix, mingle … and laugh out loud! No experience needed—join us anytime!Members only.
The Center
Contact: Clarece Edson (434)293-2817


text:
Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: David Nelson
Paid my money to a crooked judge
Set out to find an honest man
That's how I came to be in Boston
Looking like I am
If by now we stop to sleep
We can't make no midnight creep
Only time can ever say
Pack my cat and haul away
Rained all night and it rained all day
Rain come floated my house away
Didn't it rain oh didn't it rain?
Didn't it rain that day!
If by now we step by, then
Someday we may meet again
Run down high, look down low
Call the Captain up from the hole
I was down in some low dive
Talkin' all the usual jive
Like: Say Buddy gimme five
I ain't drunk enough to drive
Wipe that grin right off your face
Before I throw you through the wall
No one needs a wise guy, Jack
Specially one don't check his facts
If by now we step by, then
Someday we may meet again
Who cares what you have to say?
Even this too shall pass away
Pass away, pass away
Even this too shall pass away
Hey, hey, crooked judge
Even this too shall pass away
Even this too shall pass away
|New Riders Recordings
|13 Jun 1975
|Armadillo World HQ
|31 Dec 1977
|Winterland, San Francisco


text:
Possibly, but from those photos the unit looks large, and there isn't much room under the gauge cluster and above the pedal box in a 510 - in fact the gauge cluster pretty much sits on top of the column. Below that, your pedals are right there. The unit Rich installed in his coupe was less than 1/4 the size. Maybe it would work, something to look into for sure.mroverkill wrote:Byron510 wrote:The Saturn option is no doubt cheap and plentiful, but where would you put that PS unit on a rear steer 510?
Byron, no reason you can't tuck it under the dash from what I see. It seems agnostic to its position along the column.


text:
Hello everyone!
Long time no post! I can tell you all the details about what I have been doing but I don't want to bore you. We have just had some changes in our household and it is taking some adjusting. I hope to be back to regular programming soon.
Today though is all about the Festive Friday Challenge #16. It is all about punched flowers for a Mother's Day theme. I hope you all get to play along.
Here is my submission for the DT duties!
Here are a couple of photos of it open
I love making different shaped cards and I wanted to incorporate the brand new edgelit die and embossing folder which is featuring in our new Autumn/Winter mini. The link to it is on my sidebar.
I also used new stamp set Mixed Bunch and the coordinating punch, plus some gorgeous new DSP called Twitterpated.


text:
Kevin McCloskey, 27, is getting married in May to a girl he first kissed under the Wildwood boardwalk in fifth grade. At least that's what he says. She swears it was the summer after sixth grade, maybe seventh.
"Every time he tells the story," says Bridget McGeehan, 27, "it gets earlier and earlier."
Kevin and Bridget, who grew up blocks apart in Mayfair, own a house now in Elkins Park. They have two dogs, a mastiff, Murdock, who pees at the slightest excitement, and a tougher little terrier named Dean, as in Martin.
Kevin bartends two nights a week on Frankford Avenue. He pivots behind the bar with a dexterity you only get on the job.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Two or three days a week, Kevin golfs. On a good day, he scores in the low 90s, although he did wrap a 6-iron around a tree this spring on not such a good day.
Six years ago last month, Kevin was blown up in Afghanistan. When he saw out of his left eye that he had no legs — his right eye had shrapnel in it, and is now blind — he told his guys to let him die on the mountain: "I don't want to go home like this. Just let it go."
He has come home. Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about his life is that it can be so ordinary — celebrating his birthday last week in North Wildwood, watching the World Cup at the Piazza in Northern Liberties, drinking beer after bar-league golf outings.
According to a 2013 Veterans Affairs report, an estimated 22 American veterans were committing suicide every day. Tens of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans struggle with addiction or post-traumatic stress disorder. The VA has been widely criticized for its handling of these and other problems.
"We hear about all those veterans who have issues," said Pat Dugan, a municipal court judge who also runs Philadelphia's veterans court. "They become the headlines. We're not hearing about guys like Kevin. They go and serve and come home and become citizens. Kevin is the best example. He's a bartender. He stands on his feet working."
Dugan asked Kevin to speak at the Korean War Memorial at Penn's Landing on Memorial Day.
"This city has brought me back," Kevin said that day. "My family, my friends forced me to walk, to work. I wouldn't have made it without them."
After graduation from North Catholic High School in 2005, Kevin worked a year restocking fruit at Capriotti Brothers on Frankford Avenue before joining the Army. He wasn't driven by patriotism, at least he didn't realize it at the time. He wanted to prove to himself and his family that he could get his act together. He thought he'd get a great experience, come home, and get a union job like his father and brother.
After four months in country, on June 8, 2008, he was driving in a convoy of Humvees. Kevin doesn't remember the moment before the explosion, but his passengers told him he spotted the improvised explosive device and tried to swerve.
The driver's-side front wheel took the brunt of the blast. The others walked away, one with a broken leg. Kevin's right wrist and pelvis were shattered. His legs were gone — the right above the knee, the left below it.
His lieutenant had told him he didn't have to go on that mission. He had suffered a bad sunburn the day before. But his unit had taken fire two weeks earlier returning from the same village, and Kevin couldn't let his guys go without him.
He spent the next 12 weeks in an induced coma at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, waking only briefly. He remembers only enough to know how horrible it was.
His sister, Michelle McCloskey-Alicea, dealt with her grief through poetry. Seeing Kevin in the ICU the first time, she wrote:
His eyes slowly opened with an intense gaze. Searching for clarity in this tragic haze.
And when his eyes stared up at me, We both began weeping at reality.
I took his hand in mine
Longing for words to ease his mind.
Yet there were no words, only cries
For bitter anguish has no disguise.
Kevin had 12 surgeries, and spent 16 months in Texas healing, getting therapy.
His mother moved in with him at first.
Two of his best friends from home — Chucky Dugan and Alex Ryzinski , who will be attendants in his wedding — flew down to visit.
"They bitched me up," Kevin says. "'Dude, stop being a baby. Get up. There's guys who got it worse.'"
Early in his recovery, Kevin was in the hospital elevator one day in his wheelchair, without legs.
A burn patient — ears, nose, lips disfigured, his face scarred — looked at Kevin and said, "Oh, man, it feels good to walk around today."
Kevin fired back: "Oh, I had a great shave today" — something the burn victim obviously couldn't do.
The burn victim loved it. He'd been busting on people hoping somebody would bust on him right back. The two visited often in the hospital.
Kevin flew home for the first time on Halloween, 2008. Police escorted him up I-95 from the airport. A flag the size of a small state flew from a firetruck outside his house.
"Every person I knew my whole life was standing there with a flag in their hand," he said. "Friends were clapping and crying. I didn't know what to do at first.
"That's where reality hit me in the face. That's when I knew I can't ignore it. I got to do this for them. It's not just for me anymore. I got to get back to who I am. I got to get off these crutches for them."
That first Christmas, home for a visit, he was just beginning to put full weight on his prosthetic legs. He was at a bar and had to urinate. His friends threw his crutches across the room. Kevin yelled for 20 minutes, then finally got up and took a step, and another, shocking himself and everyone else that he could walk.
He emerged from the bathroom and found his buddies in a puddle of tears.
One night, in the fall of 2009, 15 months after his injury, he posted on Facebook: "Another lonely weekend in Texas. I can't wait to come home."
Ryan Sullivan, a Marine veteran from Mayfair who had been injured himself, now a city cop, saw Kevin's post. He was at home, waiting to hit a bar in Northern Liberties. Sullivan had waited months to come home after his own rehabilitation.
He got home from the bar at 3 a.m., went online and booked a 7 a.m. flight to San Antonio. He called a sober friend to drive him to the airport.
Sullivan arrived in San Antonio about 9 a.m.
He called Kevin.
"What's your address?"
"What are you sending me?" Kevin asked.
"Dude, I'm here. At the airport."
"The %$#@ you are!"
They got a case of beer. Then went to a dueling-piano bar. They woke up the next morning with matching tattoos, from Elvis, "TCB" — taking care of business. TCB meant Elvis could count on you. TCB now meant these two could count on each other.
Sullivan said, "Let's go to Vegas."
They flew there. The weekend cost $7,000, Sullivan said. Worth every penny. To this day, when Kevin McCloskey needs to talk military, to vent, Sullivan is his man. Sullivan will be in his wedding.
At no charge, contractors rebuilt the McCloskeys' basement, where Kevin lived for nearly three years.
"He was struggling," said his mother, Joann. "Just to reestablish himself in the community and the world. He wasn't bad. He just wasn't ready to get out there."
Kevin rarely left in daytime. "It was like I was trying to cover up for myself," he says. "Make it seem like it wasn't what it was."
Joann McCloskey said Kevin always had tenacity.
"You have to have that in you to get out of such a deep, dark spot when you realize your life is totally horrible," she said. "How do you dig that deep?"
Despite his pain, emotional and physical, he avoided addiction. "From day one," said his mother, "once he was able to make his own choices, he chose the minimal amount of medication he could take."
In time, he emerged from the basement.
"The last two years," his mother said, "have been more about him becoming independent and rejoining the world."
Bridget had a lot to do with that. And golf.
When she heard about his injury, Bridget wrote on his Facebook page. 'Thinking of you.'
He started calling from Texas. She had a boyfriend but she'd always take Kevin's calls. The boyfriend didn't like it and didn't last.
When Kevin came home for a visit, she'd see him. Their friendship just grew.
Love hit her like a lightning bolt.
"I never had feelings for Kevin in that way," she said. "I loved him as a friend and would do anything for him. It was really out of nowhere. I realized one day, he's really good-looking. That was it for me. I just knew."
"I feel like I am pretty good at figuring out his mood now," she says. "If he's feeling depressed, I know it has nothing to do with me. I got really good at separating that. He knows I'm there if he needs to talk. If he needs space, I'll give him a day."
"I feel like in the last couple years, he's really become way more comfortable with the situation," she says. "He's able to wear shorts now. Two years ago he wasn't able to do that. He's finally embracing 'This is who I am now.' "
Kevin says he has accepted his injuries. "It's almost like a different life now," he says.
Putting on prosthetic legs, most days, is "like tying my shoes."
But not every day.
"If I go golfing and then have to bartend," he says, "next day I'm going to be sore. I'd say once a month, I have that day where I say, 'WTF, I really don't feel like putting my legs on. . . ..' That's when I tell myself, 'You're feeling bad for yourself' . . . And I move on."
Kevin is close to Tim Rayer at Prosthetic Innovations, who helped design and fit Kevin with his legs. Rayer played a big role in getting Kevin into golf, taking him on outings, improving his swing.
"I can't say enough good things about Tim," said Bridget. "It takes a special person to give this much."
Many times Kevin has fallen swinging a golf club. And he still falls on occasion. But keeps getting up.
"Golf changed his life, no doubt," said Kevin's older brother, Mike, a glazier. "He can do stuff outside, which is huge. He can compete and talk trash and all that stuff."
Kevin says he'd like to get a job at a golf club. He also has been speaking in schools, and would like to do more. But he has no urgent need to work. For his sacrifice, the United States gives him $5,000 a month. And Mayfair hosted a fund-raiser soon after his injury, and that money helped him buy the house. Bridget also works as a waitress at Parx casino.
Kevin is proud of his service, a big supporter of the U.S. military. He usually keeps his opinions to himself, but as he wheeled his trash to the curb the other night, he had this to say about the escalation of fighting now in Iraq:
"I kind of feel like we should stay out of it," he said. "We lost all these people. Now this stuff is going on again. Are we going to go back again and lose some more? For something we can't fix right now? We can't fix it."
Kevin did his duty, paid his price, and has done his best to move on. If life is an attitude, perhaps this is a good example of where Kevin McCloskey is:
After golf the other night, he and two friends stopped at a bar and played Quizzo. They lost, but won a round of drinks because Kevin came up with the best team name - "3 players 4 legs!"


text:
Things have changed! The CDA Exam has been revised and is now taken at a Pearson VUE Testing Site and candidates will be meeting with a CDA Professional Development Specialist. There is a new Resource Collection, new Reflective Statements of Competence, and a Professional Philosophy Statement. These items will be placed into a Professional Portfolio.
These changes may, at first, appear more confusing than before. This is not necessarily the case. The new process is a definite improvement in the way Early Childhood professionals are assessed and prepared for the workplace. CDA continues to be a great way to begin reaching your educational and career goals... and inspire a positive mindset for lifelong learning.


text:
View gallery in plain
amarok 2011 crash image
Amarok 2H Utility Dual Cab TDI400 Trendline
The tested model of Volkswagen Amarok was introduced in Australia and New Zealand during 2011. This 5-star rating applies to the dual cab four-wheel-drive (4WD) Amarok with head-protecting side airbags.The Amarok scored 13.99 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the driver.
The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and a further two points in the optional pole test. This is the first dual-cab utility to receive a 5-star rating from ANCAP.
Important note: The diesel left-hand-drive European model was tested by Euro NCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.
The safety feature information below is subject to change without notice. For up to date safety feature specifications for all variants, please see the safety feature table to the right or contact the manufacturer.
Dual front airbags are standard. Side airbags with chest and head protection are also standard except for the base model in New Zealand, where they are optional. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard. An intelligent seat belt reminder is fitted to the driver seat.
Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point (lap) seat belt.
The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The accelerator pedal moved rearwards by 44mm and downwards 19mm. The steering wheel hub moved 56mm forward, 11mm downward and 3mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 15mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash.
The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. There were no knee hazards. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) provides consumers with independent and transparent information on the level of occupant and pedestrian protection provided by different new car models, in the most common types of crashes, through its star rating program.
The side impact test simulates a small car striking the driver's door of the vehicle under test. It is based on a regulation test but the regulation does not apply to vehicles with a high seat height like the Amarok. Experience shows that such vehicles can be expected to perform well in this test and the Amarok scored full marks.
The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags. The vehicle earned the maximum two points in this test.
The Amarok achieved a GOOD whiplash protection rating.
The bumper offered good protection to pedestrians' legs and scored full points but the front edge of the bonnet offered poor protection. The bonnet was predominantly good in those areas likely to be struck by an adult's head but was poor in most areas where a child's head might strike.
Foward Collison Warning is a vehicle safety technology has the potential to prevent a crash or reduce the impact speed of a crash. Foward Collison Warning alerts the driver to an imminent crash so they can begin to take preventative action
Higher speed Auto Emergency Braking is a vehicle safety technology has the potential to prevent a crash or reduce the impact speed of a crash. This version typically utilises long range radar to scan further ahead of the vehicle (up to 200 metres) at higher speeds.
Low speed Auto Emergency Braking is a vehicle safety technology has the potential to prevent a crash or reduce the impact speed of a crash. This version targets city driving where crashes often occur at low speeds but can cause debilitating injury such as whiplash injuries. Typically, these systems look for the reflectivity of other vehicles and are not as sensitive to pedestrians or roadside objects.
Pedestrian Auto Emergency Braking is a vehicle safety technology has the potential to prevent a crash or reduce the impact speed of a crash. This uses a camera combined with radar to detect vulnerable road users through their shape and characteristics. The way in which pedestrians move relative to the path of the vehicle is calculated to determine whether they are in danger of being struck.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding, or losing control as a result of over-steering. Australian research shows that ESC reduces the risk of Single car crashes by 25% find out more ...
Driver attention detection systems are designed to analyse the characteristics of the driver and identify signs of inattention or drowsiness.
Curtain airbags are designed to protect the driver's and front seat passenger's heads in a side impact crash.The curtain airbag activates instantaneously, deploying from the top of the door rails above the side window. They form a cushion between the driver or passenger and the window and stay in place if the car rolls over to protect their head.
Curtain airbags are designed to protect the driver's and passenger's heads in a crash. The curtain airbag activates instantaneously, deploying from the top of the door rails above the side window. They form a cushion between the driver or passenger and the window and stay in place if the car rolls over to protect their head.
Also known as Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Cruise Control detects the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle and maintains an appropriate following distance.
Traction Control systems optimise grip and stability of the car on the road during acceleration by measuring wheel rotation. It stops wheel spin by reducing engine power or temporarily applying the brakes to that wheel, allowing the car to accelerate smoothly, even on slippery surfaces. Limited slip differentials also help provide a more even distribution of traction forces when the car is on a slippery surface.
Adjustable steering columns allows for steering wheel heights to be adjusted to the driver's preference.
Drivers' airbags or frontal airbags typically deploy from the steering wheel to protect the driver from striking other parts of the car in a frontal crash. Drivers' airbags are designed to be used in conjunction with seatbelts and do not offer protection in the event of a side impact crash.
Pretensioners tighten and reduce slack in seat belts to protect occupants from rapidly moving forward in the event of a crash.
Pretensioners tighten and reduce slack in seatbelts to protect occupants from rapidly moving forward in the event of a crash.
The latest UCSR are based on statistics collected from car crashes in Australia and New Zealand between 1990 and 2017, where someone was killed or seriously injured. Over eight million police reported crashes were analysed in the latest UCSR.


text:
Sticky malt loaves
Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal140
- fat1g
- saturates0g
- carbs31g
- sugars22g
- fibre1g
- protein3g
- salt0.17g
- sunflower oil, for greasing
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is made from pressing sunflower seeds and extracting the oil. It's usually…
- 150ml hot black tea
- 175g malt extract, plus extra for glazing (see tip)
- 85g dark muscovado sugar
- 300g mixed dried fruit
- 2 large eggs, beaten
The ultimate convenience food, eggs are powerhouses of nutrition packed with protein and a…
- 250g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Baking powderbay-king pow-dah
Baking powder is a raising agent that is commonly used in cake-making. It is made from an alkali…
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is an alkali which is used to raise soda breads and full-…
Heat oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2. Line the base and ends of two greased 450g/1lb non-stick loaf tins with strips of baking parchment.
Pour the hot tea into a mixing bowl with the malt, sugar and dried fruit. Stir well, then add the eggs.
Tip in the flour, then quickly stir in the baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and pour into the prepared tins. Bake for 50 mins until firm and well risen. While still warm, brush with a little more malt to glaze and leave to cool.
Remove from the tins. If you can bear not to eat it straight away, it gets more sticky after wrapping and keeping for 2-5 days. Serve sliced and buttered, if you like.
Recipe Tip
TipYou can buy jars of malt extract from the wellbeing section of the supermarket or from the chemist.
Recipe Tip
Freeze one of your loavesWrap with baking parchment and then foil. They will freeze for up to 4 months. To serve, thaw for 5 hrs at room temperature.


text:
Monday, October 19, 2009
As I type the above words I am still somewhat stunned. I have won writing contests before. I made the top 500 in the Amazon contest while competing with something close to 10,000 other writers.
Sp why does wining Literary Agents Nathan Bransford's first paragraph contest feel like my greatest achievement as a writer?
Maybe it is because that paragraph comes from my very own memoir, not a fictional world I created?
Maybe because this has been one hell of a tough year and I've spent much of it debating if I really was good enough to make that top 1% of writers that get their novels published?
Maybe because I really have not been writing the way I sued to or should be?
Maybe because I read at least half of those 2600 entries and realize the talent level I was competing against?
Maybe it's all the maybes together?
Whatever I know I am truly elated and that I have new energy and desire to sit down and finish that memoir, because as cool and overwhelming as winning the contest is. there is no maybe to it. I'll need a heck of a lot more than a strong opener to finally land that agent and book deal I have been working for these past 8 years.
I'm taking this win as a sign that yes, I am good enough to be in that top 1% and yes, as long as I keep plugging away I can achieve my goals.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote for me or my fellow finalists. And if any of those 9 happen to find this blog I want to congratulate them and say thanks for making the contest one I am proud to have competed in. Without so many great entries this wouldn't mean quite so much.
70 comments:
- savannah said...
congratulations, sugar! well done! xoxo
- October 19, 2009 at 10:26 AM
- David said...
Congratulations, Travis!
This is just the beginning.
- October 19, 2009 at 10:27 AM
- Laurie Powers said...
Congratulations, Travis! Fantastic.
- October 19, 2009 at 10:31 AM
- dee said...
Told you so....the Feedstore Chronicles is where your talent lies...and this proves it...of course I think we just lost a book for our humor line...bummer....
- October 19, 2009 at 10:32 AM
- Melanie Hooyenga said...
Travis, I feel like I'm saying this all over the internet, but I'm so very very happy for you. Your grace now is making me even MORE excited for you.
Good luck finishing your memoir & I look forward to watching where it takes you.
- October 19, 2009 at 10:33 AM
- Debra She Who Seeks said...
Way to go, Travis! You deserve the top spot award, no doubt about it! I'm thrilled for you!
- October 19, 2009 at 10:38 AM
- Tana said...
Big Congrats! I hope the book hits stores by next year! Good luck with Nathan, I hope this work out in your favor. =)
- October 19, 2009 at 10:42 AM
- Stephen Parrish said...
Congratulations, my friend. You truly deserve this, and all the success yet to come.
- October 19, 2009 at 10:50 AM
- Lynnette Labelle said...
Congrats! That's fantastic!
Lynnette Labelle
- October 19, 2009 at 10:53 AM
- Charles Gramlich said...
That's great news, Travis. Congrats! And yes, you definitely have the talent. I think you have the perseverance too. Now you just need a little luck.
- October 19, 2009 at 10:57 AM
- Michelle H. said...
Big congrats! Well deserved!
- October 19, 2009 at 10:59 AM
- Eric said...
Congratulations Travis. You should be so proud. I hope you celebrate this moment over and over. Although you were competing among some very talented writers, your entry had something special - that undefinable extra that we all seek (and rarely find). I hope this launches you forward in a multitude of ways.
Take a bow, Travis. You've earned it.
- October 19, 2009 at 11:01 AM
- Hilary said...
That's fantastic! I'm so happy for you. May this be the start of great, new accomplishments for you. Congrats, Travis. :)
- October 19, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Super-duper! Congratulations! You wrote from your heart, from your soul, from your experience... and it shows. Have a great week (I know you will!).
- Julie
- October 19, 2009 at 11:18 AM
- jjdebenedictis said...
**flails pom-poms and does hand-springs despite being unaffiliated with a sports team**
- October 19, 2009 at 11:32 AM
- ssas said...
- October 19, 2009 at 11:33 AM
- Jessica Nelson said...
I just read the finalists and saw your paragraph. Very good and such a strong voice! So that's your memoir? It sounds great. Congrats! You finaled because it was truly good writing and sucked me right in!
- October 19, 2009 at 11:35 AM
- erica m. chapman said...
Congrats! I just read it over on Nathan's blog!! So thrilled for you :) Woo Hoo!
- October 19, 2009 at 11:38 AM
- Jenn Jilks said...
Well done, what a great feeling. Confirmation is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
- October 19, 2009 at 11:59 AM
- James said...
Congratulations. I really liked your paragraph.
- October 19, 2009 at 12:34 PM
- writtenwyrdd said...
It would make me feel pretty wow, too. :)
- October 19, 2009 at 12:35 PM
- Natasha Fondren said...
Travis, you're a great storyteller! We all believe in you for a reason. :-) I'm with Charles: all you need is a little luck. :-)
- October 19, 2009 at 12:42 PM
- alex keto said...
great news!
You deserve it because you are a great writer
- October 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM
- Spiced Apple Eye said...
- October 19, 2009 at 1:06 PM
- WordVixen said...
I am not a fan of memoirs at all, but in your case I'd certainly make an exception. Your Feedstore Chronicles are hilarious and I know I'd just gobble that book right up.
Congratulations Travis!
- October 19, 2009 at 1:15 PM
- Wayne Kernochan said...
Such humility humbles me sir. I thnk your comment afterward was a bigger win.
- October 19, 2009 at 1:30 PM
- Angie said...
Wow indeed! Congrats! :D
- October 19, 2009 at 1:30 PM
- Janna Leadbetter said...
You rock! That's all there is to it.
- October 19, 2009 at 1:31 PM
- Josin L. McQuein said...
Congrats Travis!
I wish I had a dancing Snoopy icon here to celebrate, but I don't, so I'll toss virtual confetti instead.
Great opening!
- October 19, 2009 at 1:34 PM
- Annie said...
Your hard work is paying off! Good for you!!!!!!!
- October 19, 2009 at 1:37 PM
- Melissa Amateis said...
I was so excited when I read that you'd won! Congrats! Now get to writing!
- October 19, 2009 at 1:47 PM
- Unknown said...
OH MY GOSH Travis! I am so proud and happy for you!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!
- October 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM
- Merry Monteleone said...
Congratulations and major happy dances in your general direction, Travis!!!
Anyone of us could have told you that you belong in the 1% - I expect great things from you, Travis. Now get writing.
- October 19, 2009 at 2:01 PM
- Cloudia said...
Yay Travis!!!
Congratulations, you work so hard that you deserve it. I enjoy your writing!
Aloha, Winner!
Comfort Spiral
- October 19, 2009 at 2:09 PM
- Debra Lynn Lazar said...
Again, I'm SO happy for you, Travis! What a great honor and thrill this must be. The Universe gives us signs and we are smart to follow them. Nathan is a brilliant agent and he loves your first paragraph. That's not a sign from the Universe, it's a powerful hit with a big hammer over the head! I have just three words for you. GO FOR IT!!!!!
- October 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM
- Lana Gramlich said...
Congratulations, hon! That's absolutely great news! I hope it buoys your spirits on to greater things!
- October 19, 2009 at 2:21 PM
- Mark Terry said...
- October 19, 2009 at 2:26 PM
- G. B. Miller said...
- October 19, 2009 at 2:28 PM
- Bubblewench said...
You totally deserve to be in that 1%! You can do it Travis!! Congrats again, totally wonderful!
- October 19, 2009 at 2:41 PM
- Sylvia said...
Well done and congrats!
- October 19, 2009 at 2:44 PM
- Deanna said...
Congratulations Travis! That is awesome. You can do it!!!!!
- October 19, 2009 at 2:47 PM
- Mary E Campbell said...
That's awesome Travis. Congratulations! Can't wait to hear more about that Feedstore.
- October 19, 2009 at 3:21 PM
- Barrie said...
- October 19, 2009 at 3:57 PM
- Aleta said...
Congratulations! Never give up!
- October 19, 2009 at 3:58 PM
- Robin Lemke said...
You absolutely have the talent - it's just a matter of keeping at it. I can't wait to see your books up on the shelf!
- October 19, 2009 at 4:17 PM
- Beth said...
- October 19, 2009 at 4:34 PM
- Dawn Anon said...
- October 19, 2009 at 4:49 PM
- A Paperback Writer said...
Yea for you!
I voted for you, and I'm so glad that a decent paragraph actually won! It sort of restores my faith in people's judgment.
Happy basking in the glory!
- October 19, 2009 at 5:56 PM
- Anissa said...
YAY!!! Congratulations Travis!
- October 19, 2009 at 5:58 PM
- Diane said...
Incredible! So proud! :O)
- October 19, 2009 at 6:32 PM
- Terrie Farley Moran said...
You won because you deserved to win.
You wrote an excellent opening paragraph and it touched readers and writers alike.
- October 19, 2009 at 6:49 PM
- Miriam Forster said...
Wow indeed! Congratulations on a richly deserved win, Travis. I'm very impressed.
- October 19, 2009 at 7:01 PM
- Mandy- Read. Write. Mom! said...
Travis, this is so wonderful!! I am so proud for you! Congratulations!
- October 19, 2009 at 7:09 PM
- Lexi said...
Whoohoo! Ride the wave, Travis, and enjoy every minute!
- October 19, 2009 at 7:22 PM
- Teresa said...
Congratulations, Travis!! You really deserved to win.
- October 19, 2009 at 7:40 PM
- Barbara Martin said...
Excellent. Now you have an excellent phrase to still in your next query letter. Now there are no exuses, Travis. Polish that non-fiction stuff and away you go. I'll be cheering you on to the finish line!
- October 19, 2009 at 8:10 PM
- Clare2e said...
You may have had your doubts this year, but the rest of us-- now including the gimlet-eyed Nathan Bransford-- are far too smart for that. Get to writing!
- October 19, 2009 at 8:52 PM
- angel, jr. said...
Congrats!!! Yay for you!
- October 19, 2009 at 9:28 PM
- Jackie Brown said...
Yours was simply the best. Congratulations and yays!, Travis.
- October 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM
- Crystal Posey said...
WOW. As usual I am behind on all the blogs and am just now reading this so...
Here is my belated CONGRATS! This is absolutely wonderful news. *applause*
- October 19, 2009 at 11:44 PM
- Peter Cooper said...
Congrats and great job, Travis! Very well deserved.
- October 20, 2009 at 12:42 AM
- the walking man said...
Brother you drew me in with that paragraph and now I want the rest of the story.
- October 20, 2009 at 5:45 AM
- B.E. Sanderson said...
OMG! I just saw Nathan's blog! I'm squeeing all over the place for you Travis. Wow. Congratulations!
- October 20, 2009 at 7:26 AM
Aren't you the guy who just won Nathan Bransford's first paragraph contest?
Luv the fish pic dude! Go Travis, go Travis, it's your birthday, go Travis...
Much props and congrats to you, and may you have mega sales in your writing career!
- October 20, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Like I said before EXCELLANT! I know you are a great writer!!!!!
- October 20, 2009 at 3:55 PM
- Rick said...
Wow! I know you've heard it before, but congratulations, man!!
- October 20, 2009 at 9:18 PM
- carla stewart said...
TRAVIS!!! I just heard the news and am totally excited for you. May it lead to wonderful things. With your persistence and talent you will make it big someday. So proud to know you.
And to refresh your memory - You beat me in a contest back in the day (FIW). I remember not being disappointed in being second, but thrilled that you were FIRST. Way to go, Travis!
- October 20, 2009 at 10:10 PM
- Lauren said...
Congrats! I am so happy for you! I'm sure it's just one very awesome rung on your ladder to even more awesome literary achievements :)
- October 21, 2009 at 9:01 AM
- pattinase (abbott) said...
I voted for the guy who wrote the best opening. He just happened to be you.
- October 21, 2009 at 1:16 PM
As I said on Nathan's blog, it was an opening paragraph that I wish I had it in me to write.
Well done.
- October 27, 2009 at 8:37 PM


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Digital Production
The Gnomon Workshop offers the most comprehensive set of Digital Production tutorials anywhere. The broad scope of the tutorials contained in this section range from foundational understanding of the software tools all the way to the professional application of these tools and concepts used by artists working in the film and game industries.
Entertainment Design
The Gnomon Workshop is widely regarded as the global leader in training tutorials for the designer working in the entertainment industry. With tutorials ranging from foundational drawing and design concepts to process tutorials from some of the top concept and character designers in the world, there is surely something here to inspire.
As the tattoo industry has seen an explosion in popularity over the last few years, the need training in this field has also grown. In these video tutorials, some of the top tattoo artists in the world share their techniques and their take on the art of tattoo. The tutorials range from absolute beginner level to advanced color and blending techniques used by some of the world's best.
The Gnomon Workshop offers professional training on most of the software applications used in today's digital pipelines. There are foundational titles to introduce users to the software and tools, as well as advanced production titles that discuss application tools and processes vital to the production of digital assets and media.
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The Gnomon Workshop seeks out the most highly-regarded traditional and digital artists and technicians currently working in the entertainment and design industries. Our instructors have shared their practices working at such top studios as Pixar, ILM, Blizzard, and many more.Instructor GalleriesInstructor Interviews
Charles Chorein is a CG Supervisor with ten years of experience at such studios as Double Negative, Weta Digital, Prime Focus World and MPC. Charles has been working in London since 2009 and has contributed his skills to various films including The Hobbit, Prometheus, The Hunger Games 2, Superman: Man of Steel, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Despicable Me, Terminator Genisys and Disney's The Jungle Book.
Charles had worked on three of my shows, John carter, Prometheus and Jack the giant killer. He has a good sense of team work. He is a very hard worker, until his job is not done he will never give up ! From a production point of view, he always estimate pretty well the amount of work and the time it will takes, which simplify our life for sure! Also he is always volunteer to help a co-worker or explain with clear words why a shot can't get through when prod does not understand why we can't stick to the schedule and proposing a new plan. I would put him on my team again with no doubt !!
I got the chance to meet Charles a while back when I started working at MPC and it is now as a Dmp/Environment Lead that I would like to strongly recommend him to whom it may concern. I found Charles to be a fantastique co-worker, always trying to do his best to help. He is professional and courteous, and yet very proactive. He is also very reliable and easy going. He possesses a wide range of skills and manage his work with a strong work ethic. He addresses technical issues with efficency and has a strong understanding of the different aspects of a production. He not only demonstrates great talent but he is independant and blend very easily within a team, with the respect and confidence of his colleagues. It is without a shadow of a doubt that I would recommend him highly to any facility or employer.
I have had the pleasure to work along side Mr Chorein on Prometheus at MPC it has been a pleasure. He is highly skilled extremely devoted to his work and his team, always looking for the best way to produce quality lit shots, by developing tools that are widely used by all his peers. I reckon he is more than an asset to a team he would be the "necessary parts required to make big machine run smoothly" ... I would highly recommend Mr Chorein….
Try a Class on Campus
Gnomon specializes in computer graphics education for careers in the entertainment industry.


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The uproar over Notre Dame football star Manti Te'o's dead girlfriend hoax is certainly a commentary on how Internet anonymity ironically can breed trust, but it's also a cautionary tale about the sorts of Internet pretenders, or "catfish," who lurk in the turbid depths of digital waters.
The outcome of the Manti Te'o dead girlfriend hoax is far from conclusive, with questions still remaining if Mr. Te'o was either perpetrator or a victim (or, perhaps, both) of an elaborate, complex and multi-character fraud in which both his girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, and his grandmother died on the same day last September. The tragic tale became integral to the star linebacker's public story ahead of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title game.
But as the Internet site Deadspin discovered, nothing about "Lennay Kekua" was true, despite numerous heart-wrenching stories written about her "death" as part of the pre-BCS hagiographies for Te'o, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.
"Her funeral did not take place in Carson, Calif., and her casket was not closed at 9 a.m. exactly. She was not laid to rest. Lennay Kekua's last words to Manti Te'o were not 'I love you,' " Deadspin reported.
In fact, the girlfriend Te'o said he had visited never existed. Instead her identity has been tied to a male acquaintance named Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, a 22-year-old band leader at a church in Antelope Valley, Calif., and a member of a prominent NFL football family.
Mr. Tuiasosopo at one point had the picture used by the Lennay "catfish," which turned out to be a photo of a classmate who had nothing to do with the fraud. When confronted about using the image, BuzzFeed reports, Tuiasosopo "acted weird" and the picture disappeared off the Internet.
On Friday, ESPN quoted an unnamed friend of Te'o as saying that Tuiasosopo tearfully confessed to the hoax in early December, saying that at first he was just playing a "game" on Te'o but also acknowledging he had engaged in catfishing before.
According to ESPN, the friend, a woman in her mid-20s, said Tuiasosopo told her that Te'o "was not involved at all, he was a victim."
On Wednesday, Te'o expressed his "incredible embarrassment" and called it a hoax, though he had continued to talk about Kennau as his girlfriend even after he informed the university that he had been a victim of fraud.
Those willing to exploit the vulnerable goodwill of others have always been hanging around the fringes of society, of course, but the social media age has given the practice a different and disturbing spin: It's as if the very anonymity of the Internet morphs into a tendency toward faith in other people.
"There is a widespread sense, perhaps untrue, that people can be most 'real' when they are most hidden – that all of us are Cyranos who can only speak our true minds when our faces and names are invisible. It's a lovely notion … [but] it makes us oblivious to flaming red flags," the Washington Post's Monica Hesse wrote Thursday.
According to the National Consumers League, Internet "catfish" hoaxes, which the organization calls "friendship & sweetheart swindles," ranked seventh in frequency among all fraud last year.
The phenomenon is widespread and intriguing enough that it's spawned a TV show called "Catfish: The TV Show," which in itself is a spinoff of a film documentary where a normal guy looking for love sought out an Internet girlfriend only to find she was a middle-aged mom. On one episode of "Catfish: The TV Show," a woman finds out her online boyfriend is really another woman.
The co-hosts of the show, Nev Schulman and and Max Joseph, say they've received thousands of e-mails, letters and pleas from around the world since the release of the movie "Catfish" in 2010 in which Mr. Schulman was targeted, suggesting that such hoaxes are pervasive, though certainly not always as complex and elaborate as the Manti Te'o dead girlfriend hoax.
According to Notre Dame's athletic director, Jack Swarbrick, Te'o was in contact with "Kekua's" family, including a twin brother and her parents, whom he apparently called regularly.
And there are still open questions about Te'o's role in the hoax. While Notre Dame's official timeline of what happened notes that Te'o figured out his girlfriend was fake on Dec. 6, he talked about her in a Dec. 8 interview with a TV station, and again in a Dec. 11 newspaper interview.
"There are a remarkable number of characters involved. We don't know how many people they represent," Mr. Swarbrick said at a news conference this week. "There are male and female characters, brothers, cousins, a mother, and we don't know if it's two people playing multiple characters or multiple people."
"It goes to the sophistication of this, that there are all these sort of independent pieces that reinforce elements of the story all the way through," he added. "There were lengthy, long telephone conversations. There was sleeping with the phone on connected to each other. The issue of who it is, who's playing what role, what's real, and what's not here is a more complex question than I can get into."
As to Te'o's statements that he had met the girlfriend, Swarbrick said Te'o "was referring to an online meeting. He responded to an online inquiry. That was the first time he met her. And as part of the hoax, several meetings were set up where Lennay never showed, including some in Hawaii."
Mr. Joseph of "Catfish: The TV Show" suggested in a USA Today interview that Te'o, a talented young football player thrust into the big media spotlight, may have been drawn to an online-only relationship which he then "compartmentalized" from his life. "You're talking to someone in privacy," Joseph said. "They become this kind of isolated person for you to trust – it becomes easy to talk to them and they're always there."
As for the "catfish," he or she may have been drawn by the lure of fame and "sense of control and power," suggests Lucy Papillon, a clinical psychologist, in an interview with MTV.com.


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This site was prepared by the BGS Library and Information Service to coincide with the The Southern Uplands Terrane conference.
A centennial conference celebrating the publication of the 1899 Geological Survey Memoir The Silurian rocks of Britain.
Volume 1. Scotland was by Ben Peach and John Horne. The conference was held in Edinburgh, 23–25 September 1999.


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How to set up your kite and launch
Beach Kite Launch Procedure
How To
1. Place board so you can easily get it on your way to the water.
2. Pick up your own kite Watching out that the sand you put on it doesn't blow into someone's eyes. Better to gently grasp the canopy and let the sand fall off the front rather than flipping the kite with all the sand still on it.
3. Clean off the sand if applicable (ever heard of de-icing?)
4. Straighten your bridals if you have any.
5. Signal for some help. But not someone who is in the middle of attaching their lines.
6. Give Launcher your clean kite and exchange greeting.
7. Quickly move to your bar.
8. Quickly move to correct position so Launcher doesn't need to move - if space allows.
9. Tension lines and check for proper attachment and absence of tangles. Check that bar is parallel to kite tips. Launcher please be vigilant as well.
10. Signal for launch: arm/thumb up
11. Launcher make sure the is canopy is tight, and it is not flapping.
12. Launcher wait until airspace is clear and release
13. Steer the kite up slowly
14. Rider thank Launcher. Launcher wish rider a fun session.
- Make sure to get help from someone who knows how to launch a kite. Do ask before!


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I would venture to say that most genealogists/family historians have heard of findagrave.com. It is definitely one of the most popular websites for user-submitted burial information. Well, a few months ago I came across webcemeteries.com. In a way they are the opposite type of service in that they provide "cemetery internet packages" to cemeteries both large and small in order for them to create websites and searchable databases of their own records. They also have an American Legacy Initiative that provides small cemeteries and independent genealogists with the tools needed to create and manage websites and databases for the burial records of legacy cemeteries.
When you visit the webcemeteries home page, you can click on the "Search Cemeteries" option to get a listing of all the cemeteries participating in their program. I did a quick count and came up with about 36 or 37 on the current cemeteries list and almost as many on the legacy list. I noticed several from Pennsylvania (which is where most of my research is centered), but there are other states represented as well.
If you find a cemetery of interest on the list, you can click on it to go directly to the website for that cemetery. From there you can then click on the "Search Records" option and enter the last name (and optionally the first name) to get a list of matches within that cemetery. I tried a partial surname search (i.e. I typed "SMI" for the last name, and all the Smiths, etc were returned by the search.)
In addition to searching on a per cemetery basis, you can optionally search all the cemeteries in their system at once. In order to do this, select "Genealogy and Memorials" from the home page. You will be taken to the site cemsearch.com. The search box on this site will return a list of all the matching records from all the cemeteries in the webcemetery program. Clicking on one of the returned matches will take you to the individual cemetery record for further information.
Webcemeteries is a site definitely worth checking out. You may also want to monitor it every couple of months or so to see if any new cemeteries of interest to you have joined their program.
So that's the Friday's Find this week — webcemeteries.com!


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Greg Hawkes, "The Beatles Uke," Solid Air Records, 2008
In his latest CD, Greg Hawkes adds a touch of aloha to our favorite Beatles hits. "The Beatles Uke" (released in 2008 on Solid Air Records) features 15 instrumental Beatle covers played in multi-track style on Hawaii's beloved instrument – the ukulele.
When a friend first told me about "The Beatles Uke," my initial reaction was "Why the Beatles?" and "Why the ukulele?" True, the late George Harrison
enjoyed Hawaii in general and loved the uke in particular. But a CD of
Beatle's tunes played by an orchestra of ukes seemed more like a
beer-soaked hallucination after a late night on the Waikiki club scene.
After listening to a few tracks, however, I was hooked both on the
concept and the brilliant execution by famed The Cars keyboardist Greg
Greg Hawkes is best known as keyboardist & co-founder of The Cars.
In the 1980's, Hawkes and the band topped the charts with hits that
include "Let's Go," "Just What I Needed," "Shake It Up," and "Heartbeat
City." In 2001, Hawkes was given an ukulele as a gift and he has been
hooked on the instrument ever since. On his website, he explains, "It
made playing music fun again."
"The Beatles Uke" is filled with both fun and innovation. Many
Waikiki performers cover Beatles tunes with vocals and ukulele
strumming. Hawkes, however, has taken what he calls a "UKEsymphonic"
approach to the project. Using multi-track recording techniques, he
re-invents the individual parts from the original recordings and
essentially creates a virtual ukulele orchestra.
Web hosting and design by Canvas Dreams LLC
Copyright 2020 AcousticMusicResource.com


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New sights, sounds and schedule at Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Andretti thought he had experienced everything at Indianapolis Motor Speedway — until he strolled down pit row Thursday.
Suddenly, the 51-year-old IndyCar team owner who grew up around this historic track, who raced against his father and his son here, who led more laps than any non-race winner in Indy history, was surprised at seeing tire marks going the wrong way.
"I wondered, 'Why are they burning rubber coming into the pits.' Then I remembered," Andretti said before cracking a smile on Indy's opening day. "You sort of get used to it."
MORE: Kurt Busch fast in Indy test | Kansas picks, preview | Earnhardt sponsor trouble | Talladega rape case
Andretti isn't alone. Everyone is adjusting to Indy's new sights, sounds and schedules this May.
Traditionalists have already complained that it was a bad idea to run two major IndyCar races at Indianapolis in the same month, arguing the Grand Prix of Indianapolis would detract from the series' marquee event, the Indianapolis 500. Of course, they also complained when NASCAR, Formula One and MotoGP all came to the speedway, too.
But this transition will be a little tougher on everyone.
Rather than attending opening day on a weekend, there were already two rookie practices and a road-course test session before the track officially opened for practice Thursday.
Rather than watching cars race counterclockwise through four left turns on a 2.5-mile oval all month, drivers will spend the first three days running clockwise around the reconstructed 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course.
PHOTOS: Kansas Speedway memories
Rather than seeing speeds top 225 mph, fans will deal with cars going more than 100 mph slower. Defending IndyCar champ Scott Dixon had the fastest lap Thursday in the two 45-minute practice sessions, 124.606. A year ago, Ed Carpenter's pole-winning four-lap average for the 500 was 228.762.
Qualifying for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis is scheduled for Friday with the race set for Saturday, a race that will be held even in light or moderate rain, something that should please Indy race fans who so often have to contend with long rain delays when the cars are on the oval.
That may not even be the oddest part.
"It is going to be really weird here Sunday when you get on the track and see the tire marks going the opposite direction we're driving," said Brazil's Tony Kanaan, the defending Indianapolis 500 champ who now drives for Chip Ganassi. "But it's just three days and then we have 15 days of the old way."
Some are embracing the modifications.
Drivers have almost universally praised the road course, explaining that new passing zones and harder braking areas will make it more challenging to race and more fun to watch. Most also are following a normal road-racing weekend schedule for the first three days before switching to Indy mode for the rest of the month.
And there's one more thing the drivers like.
"I feel fortunate we can try to win both," said three-time 500 winner Helio Castroneves, a Brazilian who drives for Roger Penske.
Even the series' marquee event, the 500, is changing.
Under the new format, the pole-winner will not be determined until the end of the second and final day of qualifications.
Organizers added an extra practice day, May 19, to give teams more time to focus on race setup since so many are expected to trim their cars for qualifying on May 17 and 18. And the 12:15 p.m. start for the May 25 race has made it possible for 2004 Cup champion Kurt Busch to become the fourth driver to attempt "the double" — completing 1,100 miles of racing at Indy and Charlotte on the same day.
"People in Indianapolis are spoiled because this is probably the finest oval in North America and this road course is probably the best in North America," said Mike Hull, Ganassi's managing director. "These are the racetracks we should be showcasing."
Along with the versatility of the drivers and the cars, too, — even if means breaking in some new traditions.
"I think it's exciting to be showcasing it right here because this is what our series is all about," Andretti said. "It's a big challenge for the drivers and the teams, but it's a challenge I really enjoy because when you get a champion, you get a true champion in all disciplines and that's what I love about our series."


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Canada finishes with a medal for the third straight year at the 2014 U18 Worlds. Photo: Richard Wolowicz / HHOF-IIHF Images
LAPPEENRANTA – Canada is the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship bronze medallist, coming back from a tough loss in the semi-final against the Czech Republic to defeat Sweden 3-1.Click here for scores, stats, and photosClick here for the post-game videoLawson Crouse had the game-winning goal in the second period, and Mason McDonald stood up in net the rest of the way to deny Tre Kronor a medal with a 38-save performance. For the Swedes their tournament ended as it began, with a 3-1 loss to the Canadians in a game that played out similarly to their opening tilt back on 17 April. Crouse, who had not had a great tournament up to that point with zero points and a -2 rating, chose a good time to get his first goal of the U18s, firing a great shot from the left circle straight past Soderstrom's glove and into the top corner. "It was good to get out there and grab a goal," said Crouse. "I've been working hard all tournament and it finally paid off, I'm happy for that and it was a great experience being over here in Finland."It was a rough battle for bronze, as four game misconducts were handed out. Sweden came into the third period down by a goal, and things didn't look good when Kevin Elgestal was handed a five-minute major and thrown out of the game for a check to the head to Canada forward Clark Bishop. The Swedes killed off the major, but then as both teams played four-on-four hockey Travis Konecny blasted a slapshot from the high slot into the top left corner to give Canada the insurance goal with 4:48 remaining. "Coach talked to us we needed to let go of that game and to have a short memory," said Travis Konecny. "It's not the medal we wanted to bring home but we can still be proud of how we played."
The game started similarly to the previous tilt between the Canadians and Swedes in the preliminary round, with end to end action and big hits from both teams.Sweden's aggressive initially paid off midway through the first when a clearing attempt by the Canadians was intercepted in front by Henrik Tornqvist, who fired it home with a wristshot. Canada equalized with just under three minutes to go thanks to a power play goal from Brendan Perlini. An shot attempt from the point by Jake Virtanen was blocked in front of the net, and Perlini gained possession, turned and shot the puck past Soderstrom. The period ended with a big scrum between the teams and two ten-minute misconducts handed out to defencemen Rasmus Andersson and Joseph Hicketts.Following Crouse's goal Sweden, which had racked up an impressive 31 goals in six games at the tournament, was not able to dial up any more offence and the bronze went to Canada, which earned its third straight U18 medal and sixth overall."I thought we bounced back well from yesterday, it was a tough way to go out," said team captain Roland McKeown. "It's definitely great to leave here with some hardware, we've been here 25-plus days and now that we've won the bronze medal we can leave with our heads high and be proud of ourselves." ADAM STEISS


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Which horse has the best pedigree to handle twelve furlongs in the final leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday, June 9 at Belmont Park? My Belmont Stakes alphabetical list continues with Paynter.
Paynter's sire Awesome Again (by Deputy Minister) won 9 of 12 races from 1997-98. He captured such prestigious events as the Queen's Plate, G2 Stephen Foster, G1 Whitney, and G1 Breeders' Cup Classic. He earned more than $4.3 million in his career and has sired 11 grade one winners including Awesome Gem, Game On Dude, Ghostzapper, and Ginger Punch.
Awesome Again's sire Deputy Minister (by Vice Regent) went 12-for-22 from 1981-83 and won multiple stakes races including the GP Sprint Championship, Donn Handicap, and Tom Fool. He sired more than 80 stakes winners including Dehere, Deputy Commander, Go For Wand, Open Mind, and Belmont Stakes hero Touch Gold.


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Days spent schussing down powdery slopes and evenings sipping rosé in front of a crackling fire — your European ski experience is utterly perfected by Club Med. Whether you're traveling with the family or on your own, we'll guide you toward your ideal vacation in the Alps with all the amenities included, from attentive childcare at select resorts to gourmet dining and beverages.
The majestic resorts of Italy, Switzerland and France offer unique experiences for everyone.


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In a decision released this week, a panel of the Fourth Circuit affirmed the decision of the Eastern District of Virginia holding that a photojournalist had no claim under the federal Privacy Protection Act for a search of the journalist's home conducted pursuant to a warrant, where law officers had probable cause to believe the journalist was involved in a crime.
The plaintiff in Sennett v. U.S., No. 11-1421 (4th Cir. Jan. 30, 2012), was a photojournalist who routinely covered protests, political demonstrations, and acts of "grassroots activism" and published her images under the name "Isis." In her complaint, she alleged that her work was published in the mainstream media as well as on her own blog and on other websites.
In April 2008, the plaintiff was covering what she believed to be a demonstration at the International Monetary Fund's annual meeting at a hotel in Washington, D.C. Acting on a tip, she arrived at the scene at approximately 2:30 a.m. and videotaped the demonstration.
Ultimately, the protest became criminal, though the plaintiff claimed no knowledge of the protesters' plan to destroy private property. The protesters entered the hotel lobby, set off firecrackers and pyrotechnics, threw paint-filled balloons, and shattered a large glass window, causing an estimated $200,000 or more in damage.
Officials with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigating the incident reviewed surveillance video from the hotel and noticed a woman wearing a light beret, black combat boots, and a dark backpack and carrying a small handheld camera, apparently photographing the incident. The woman was seen arriving at the same time as the protesters, standing outside the hotel with some in the group while other protesters entered the lobby, and leaving with or in the same general direction as the protesters. After watching video of earlier demonstrations and seeing a woman in similar clothing, and relying on two confidential informants, law officers identified the woman as the plaintiff.
Officials sought and received a warrant to search the plaintiff's home and seize any items related to the IMF protest as well as clothing and virtually any device that would store video or photographs. Several items were seized, including a hard drive containing thousands of photos.
The plaintiff was never charged or arrested as a result of the investigation.
The plaintiff later filed a claim against the federal government and the officer who sought and obtained the search warrant alleging violations of the Privacy Protection Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000aa et seq.
Generally speaking, the PPA prohibits the federal government from conducting searches and seizing "any work product materials possessed by a person reasonably believed to have a purpose to disseminate to the public a newspaper, book, broadcast, or other similar form of public communication." The law is designed to prevent, among other things, newsroom searches.
Congress enacted the PPA in response to a 1978 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, Zurcher v. Stanford Daily, 436 U.S. 547, which held, essentially, that journalists have no more protection against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment than do ordinary citizens. In Zurcher, the Supreme Court held that the Fourth Amendment did not prohibit the search of a newspaper office (the Stanford University student paper) for photos revealing the identities of people who assaulted police officers during a demonstration. This was so even though no one from the newspaper was suspected of involvement in the incident.
However, the PPA does not give journalists unlimited protection against searches and seizures. Among the exceptions in the statue is the "suspect exception," which the government relied on in Sennett. This exception provides that "police can avoid the constraints of the [statute] . . . when the person possessing the materials is a criminal suspect, rather than an innocent third party."
The Fourth Circuit panel affirmed the lower court's decision on summary judgment that officials had probable cause to believe, under the totality of the circumstances, that the plaintiff had committed a criminal offense relating to the hotel incident. For example, she arrived with the protesters at the hotel and left the scene with or in the same general direction as the protesters. While there may have been an innocent explanation for the plaintiff's actions at the hotel---she was covering the incident as a journalist---according to the Fourth Circuit, this did not eliminate the existence of probable cause under the governing totality of the circumstances test.
Moreover, while the plaintiff claimed that officials knew she was a photojournalist and failed to reveal this in the affidavit supporting their request for a search warrant, according to the Fourth Circuit panel, even if true this cannot destroy the existence of probable cause without more. Quoting the district court, "to accept [plaintiff's] argument that her status as a photojournalist is a game changer in the probable cause analysis . . . is tantamount to doing what Congress declined to do, namely exclude journalists from the PPA's 'suspect exception.'"
While the plaintiff's job explained her presence on the surveillance video, the court found that other facts permitted officers to reasonably conclude she was involved in the vandalism of the hotel.
Additionally, the fact that she was never charged did not defeat the existence of probable cause, which is judged at the time the search is conducted---not later.
Journalists and photographers should keep the Sennett case in mind when covering protests and demonstrations against the financial industry, some of which have allegedly turned criminal. While the PPA offers some protection from searches and seizures, the PPA does not immunize the media from searches where officers have probable cause to believe the journalists have committed or participated in criminal acts. The Sennett case makes clear that, in the view of the Fourth Circuit panel, someone's status as a journalist does not automatically render him or her above suspicion in a criminal investigation.


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Digital Ecosystem from a partner's perspective
Grow your business with us
Siemens Healthineers has built a wide presence in daily healthcare provision, generating and processing large amounts of data. From this vantage point we are set to fostering the growth of a Digital Ecosystem in an open and secured environment. It allows healthcare providers to tap into the potential of digitalization through fast and easy access to digital healthcare applications and services, and can be the growth engine for your digital healthcare portfolio.
By partnering with an industry-leading medical technology provider, you could tap into the support you need to speed up the innovation power, efficiency, and growth opportunities for your business. Grow your business with an industry leading company at your side by joining the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem1.
A growing ecosystem for actionable insights
Integrating and interconnecting data, participants, applications, and services are key goals of the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem. As a result, it will serve a wide spectrum of clinical, operational, and financial tasks and functions in healthcare delivery.
What's in it for you as a partner
Accelerate innovation
Access useful data and knowledge from various network members and sources within our Ecosystem to create the next generation of digital applications. Leverage our cloud2 or locally installed infrastructure for healthcare to deploy your solutions and easily integrate them into your customers' existing IT systems.
Reasonable investment
Our dedicated partner portal3 allows for greater control and transparency of your business performance, making it easier to develop your healthcare offerings in the right direction. With the use of our established and managed cloud environment you can save on individual infrastructure and maintenance investments. Lever Siemens knowhow and marketing channels to enjoy the benefits of our infrastructure in streamlining marketing and administrative tasks. Concentrate on what you do best: innovation in the healthcare space.
Scale your business
By partnering with us you are able to open up new sales channels and increase your visibility, through the support of our direct sales presence in 75 countries and over 20,000 colleagues in local sales and support functions. You are able to leverage our existing customer base, extend your sales channels, and showcase your offer in our store. Scaling your business has never been easier.
As we move forward, the spectrum of data, capabilities, applications, services and access points within the Ecosystem is set to grow – allowing you to successfully expand your business.
Partner voices
Hear what our partner mediCAD Hectec has to say about partnering with the Digital Ecosystem:
- What is your motivation to join the Digital Ecosystem?
- What are the benefits of joining the Digital Ecosystem?
- How did the collaboration change your business?
How to get started
Technical overview
A standard interface, such as DICOM, is available, and HL7, FHIR – as well as other open standardized interfaces – are coming to support partners in developing applications and services on the teamplay digital platform.
A broad range of APIs is provided allowing seamless development and integration to connect healthcare data.
APIs available for:
- Single sign-on
- Licensing management
- User roles and user permissions
- Plug-in for teamplay receiver to collect and to send your own data types
- Interface for DICOM images access
- Submitting customers' specific reports and results to users
- Keeping users informed through status indicators
Coopetition Brings the Magic to Digital Healthcare
Ready or not – we are in the midst of what to many people still feels like "the future". The rapid advance of digitalization is changing every aspect of our lives. Technologies such as the Internet of Things, augmented reality, blockchain, and social media are bringing about an unprecedented transformation, affecting our work in ways we never anticipated.
Forbes Brandvoices
- Can Enterprise Incubators Help Us Find the Answers to Healthcare's Most Pressing Issues?, Matthias Platsch (2018)
- The Next Step For Nursing: Technology's Potential For Positive Change, Jeffrey Bundy (2018)
- Transforming Care Delivery: Investing In Tools To Optimize Workflows And Protect Reimbursement, Sourabh Pagaria (2018)
- Digitalizing Healthcare: AI As An Essential Clinical Decision Support Tool, August Calhoun (2017)
Siemens Healthineers moves more computing to the cloud
1Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem is not commercially available in all countries. If the services are not marketed in countries due to regulatory or other reasons, the service offering cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details. Siemens Healthineers is neither the provider nor reseller nor legal manufacturer of the 3rd party applications in Digital Ecosystem store. Any claims made for 3rd party applications and all warranty obligations are the sole responsibility of the legal manufacturer and not Siemens Healthineers. Additionally, the 3rd party applications mentioned may not be commercially available in all countries.
2Azure certifications: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/support/trust-center/
3Siemens Healthineers Partner Portal is not available. Due to regulatory reasons or other reasons, its future availability cannot be guaranteed.
4Siemens Healthineers is neither the provider nor reseller nor legal manufacturer of the 3rd party applications in Siemens Healthineers Store. Any claims made for 3rd party applications as well as the content and all warranty obligations are the sole responsibility of the legal manufacturer and not Siemens Healthineers. The product names and/or brands referred to are the property of their respective trademark holders. Additionally, the 3rd party applications mentioned may not be commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons its future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your Siemens Healthineers representative or 3rd party application team for more information and further details about the product and its availability in your country.
5Results obtained with AMRA® Profiler Research may only be used for research purposes. Not for clinical use.
6Prerequisites include: 3 Mbps up/down Internet connection with maximum 100 ms latency, Google Chrome™ Desktop Web Browser version 57 or above and adherence to local data privacy regulations.
7This is an on premise application integrated via OpenApps into the syngo.via platform. A syngo.via installation with software version VB30 is required.
8Procedural protocols are currently available for standard procedures. However, custom procedures that mirror clinician specific protocols can be created. The first two procedural protocols that are available include: Balloon Angioplasty and Complex Spine Surgery with the C-Arm. Additional protocols will be available.
9Prerequisites include: Compatible with all HTML5 supporting browsers! Internet connection required. mediCAD® Web is not commercially available.
10There is no software or hardware needed. This is a service.
11Prerequisites include: an electronic health record system, or a desktop or laptop computer capable of accessing the internet with a modern web browser. Adherence to local data security regulations.


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Weightless washcloths and floating showers
Coming home from a hard day at work, all of us enjoy taking a long hot shower or a nice steamy bath. It's the most natural thing on Earth. But what if you are not on Earth? What if you are living in the weightlessness of space? Personal hygiene suddenly does not come that easy anymore.
Hygienic challenges in space
Personal hygiene, something we all take for granted, turns out to be a tricky thing for astronauts on the International Space Station, with weightlessness being the number one challenge to be mastered. Microgravity is somewhat of a nuisance – not only are the astronauts floating freely but also all their personal items. This calls for diligence: if astronauts do not properly store their combs or toothbrushes, they might never find them again. In addition to these practical hurdles, microgravity also has physical costs for the men and women aboard the ISS. For instance, you sweat more and reduced salivation leads to a higher risk of dental plaque.
Water – a precious resource
With the limited access to the ISS, the Station has to work as efficiently as possible. Water is one of the most precious resources aboard the Station, so it is recycled and reused as much as possible. It is extracted from the humid air and the solid waste; the crew's urine is also collected and recycled to water. The purified water is perfectly clean drinking water – actually a lot cleaner than most of the water we drink on Earth.
Waste management
In weightlessness, the human body experiences, as space physicians put it, a 'decreased gastrointestinal transit time' – astronauts have to relieve themselves more often. And using a toilet in space is a challenge of its own. Astronauts have to clamp themselves to the toilet in order not to float off.
The toilet works like a vacuum cleaner: a strong fan and a suction device make sure that all waste goes where it belongs. Solid waste is dried and ends up in bags containing a strong disinfectant, which are then sealed in an airtight box. All the Station rubbish is collected in a Progress vehicle (an unmanned cargo ship that ferries supplies to the ISS), and burnt up in the Earth's atmosphere.
It is not only waste such as old food containers and plastic wrapping that is incinerated in the atmosphere, but also clothes. In microgravity, there is no practicable way so far to wash clothing – the water would not soak the trousers and shirts, but it would merely hover around them or at best stick like an oil stain. Instead, astronauts throw their garments away after wearing them three times.
Skin care in space
The skin of astronauts needs special attention because it dries out much faster in space. Lotions and creams are a must on every space trip – be they for male or female crew. An astronaut in space looses 3 grams of skin per day – double the amount of skin than a man would lose on Earth. This adds up to more than half a kilo on a standard half-year mission. With an average of (for the moment) three crew-members on the ISS, that would be more than one and a half kilos of dead skin cells floating around in the Station on an average mission. That is why the ISS's life-support system filters the air, removing floating particles like dust or skin flakes. But it does much more: it purifies the air using a trace contaminant control system to get rid of unwanted odours and gases.
In a closed environment, people quickly become very sensitive to smells. Perfume, air-refreshing spray or anything that can create strong odours is strictly prohibited – after all, you cannot just open a window to get rid of the smell. But there is another reason why alcohol-based hygienic products have to be avoided on the ISS: parts of the water supply of the ISS are generated through recycling the humidity. "If the humidity contains alcohol, the regenerated product will be pure vodka, not water", explained Anatoly Noskin, deputy chief designer of the Russian Institute for Biomedical Problems in an interview with www.space.com.
Taking a shower in weightlessness
None of us would want to renounce the comfort of a daily shower or a hot bath. But taking a shower in space seems hard do imagine. The fact is: astronauts can take showers in space. The fact is also: most of them don't. The reason is very simple: showers don't work well in space.
As anything else in orbit, the water streaming from the showerhead is weightless and floats around freely instead of pouring down on the astronaut's body. The water has to be sprayed into the shower cabin, and the user has to wear a special breathing device to prevent inhalation of water and choking.
The mist of droplets floating around does not naturally cling to the body: the microgravity and surface tension make it necessary to smear the water over the body. As soon as the droplets make contact with the skin, they form a film that tends to cling rather tenaciously and which has to be wiped or even scraped off like suntan lotion. In the Mir space station, the shower was so unpopular with the cosmonauts and astronauts that they threw the shower cabin into space without further ado!
So how do you keep up your personal hygiene in space? The answer is simple: sponge baths. Astronauts and cosmonauts wash with wet towels and sponges. This sounds a lot more uncomfortable than it really is. They actually prefer this method to the tedious shower procedure. Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov, who, during a 437-day stay in space, used wet towels for personal hygiene, reported that his skin was even better after the flight than before.
Business opportunities for European companies
All crewmembers are provided with a Hygiene Kit for their missions. The size of a briefcase, it contains everything astronauts need to keep themselves well groomed: toothbrushes, razors, combs, shaving lotions and a mirror.
Of course, consumables such as rinseless shampoo, toothpaste and creams are indispensable. But hygienic products are not just a grooming necessity for astronauts and cosmonauts; there is an important psychological factor to personal hygiene. In outer space, hundreds of miles above your home planet, and constrained in a structure that is nothing like the home you are used to, familiar elements are important. That is why most astronauts take their favourite hygienic products to the Station.
ESA is searching for commercial cooperation with high-profile European hygiene and cosmetic companies. Imagine your product not only getting the highest grades from customers worldwide – but also beyond. Of course, not every product will make the grade, only those that will satisfy the strict safety and functional requirements imposed by the space environment.
ESA is looking for innovative firms who share its drive for innovation and excellence, its sophisticated visions, ambitions and values. Your company could be one of the few to conquer the only high ground that is truly out of this world – the International Space Station.


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The campus at the University of Texas at Arlington was closed and classes were canceled Wednesday morning due to reports of an armed man headed toward the school.
Dallas police said the incident began when a former UTA student threatened to harm himself with a semi-automatic gun. UTA spokeswoman Kristin Sullivan says the student was last enrolled in 2008 with an undeclared major.
DPD officials said the man barricaded himself in an apartment. While officers searched for the man, police notified UTA officials about the search. Based on that report, UTA took security actions.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
"UT Arlington takes these kind of threats very seriously which is why we closed the campus this morning and canceled classes until further notification," Sullivan said.
A UTA emergency alert shortly before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday indicated the campus was closed. Classes and other events were canceled as well.
"There is no imminent threat, however, as a precaution, we're going to make sure the campus is absolutely secure and safe. That's the most important thing," Sullivan said.
At 7:30 a.m., a message posted to the MavAlert Emergency Notifications page on the UTA web site stated the following:
"The UT Arlington campus is closed, and classes, events and summer camps are canceled until further notice as police continue to investigate a report of a man traveling to campus with a gun. Anyone on campus should remain inside. No one should travel to campus."
An alert sent on the MavAlert Emergency Notifications page on the UTA web site stated the campus was reopened around 9:29 a.m. and scheduled events, including classes, would resume at noon.
MAVALERT UPDATE: @utarlington police report threat has passed. Campus reopen; normal class schedules resume at noon. http://t.co/Vjq1jGmdWh — UT Arlington (@utarlington) June 19, 2013
Additionally, the school has asked for all employees to report to campus as soon as possible.
Sullivan said several thousand people typically would be on campus for summer classes, camps and other activities. UTA's spring enrollment was nearly 34,000 students.
Early Confusion on Threat Details
The alert began as text posted to the school's web site at 4:28 a.m., which stated the following:
"Unconfirmed report Dallas PD informed UTA PD subj. w/ gun may be en-route to UTA campus. If on campus stay indoors/ off campus stay away until further notice."
UTA police said that Dallas police located the individual they believed was possibly headed to the campus. UTA police said that individual was inside an apartment in Dallas but was refusing to come out.
NBC 5 contacted the Dallas Police Department to confirm this information, but dispatch officers said they were unaware of any barricaded subject. The police department later confirmed the information about a man barricaded inside an apartment during a press conference around 11 a.m.
Previously, the university told NBC 5 they planned to release an "all clear" alert. However, an update at 6:17 a.m. stated the following:
"Police continue to investigate unconfirmed reports of a man suspected of traveling to campus with a gun. Stay away from campus or remain indoors until further notified."
NBC 5 's Keaton Fox and Jeff Smith contributed to this report.


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Language Development
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:26 am
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.j ... ang131.xml
A new study on the evolution of language.The debate about language evolution parallels arguments in biological evolution; that is, do most changes come about slowly and gradually, or do most changes happen rapidly within relatively short spans of time? Prof Pagel's team previously documented that bursts of evolution are common in biological species.
Now, "by analysing the current distribution of vocabulary terms across related languages, we can infer what processes must have been operating over the last few thousand years to produce the language variation we see today," says Dr Atkinson.
The study argues that most of the differences between languages come in these rapid "punctuational" bursts. For instance, 31 per cent of vocabulary differences among Bantu language speakers, 21 per cent of differences among Indo-European languages and 9.5 per cent of differences in Austronesian languages arose at or around the time that the languages split off from each other.
The rapid changes seem to come at critical times of cultural evolution, such as during the emergence of new and rival groups.


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Oil companies don't always get the best press.
BP is still paying for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, which killed 11 workers and released millions of barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Halliburton got in trouble for overcharging taxpayers during the Iraq war. And Shell just had to reset its Arctic drilling program after its main offshore rig ran aground.
But oil and energy companies did very well on our list of the Best Employers of 2013, based on exclusive data from PayScale. Chevron took the number seven spot on the list, with very high rates of employee satisfaction, relaxation, and pay.
This is good news, given the oil industry is adding more jobs than most other sectors of the economy.
So what makes Chevron stand out from the other oil giants?
The multinational corporation stresses employee wellbeing, with on-site health and fitness centers at most of its major locations, "as well as a variety of health-oriented programs and services such as personal training, massage therapy and group exercise classes," according to Chevron's website. If an office lacks health and fitness centers, the company still offers discounts at health clubs.
Chevron also has programs for new mothers and families, such as rooms where new mothers can nurse, a college-counseling program that guides employees and their families through the college application process, and a program that reimburses employees up to $5,000 for adoption-related expenses.
"I love working for Chevron," Jamie Hooker, an employee from 2005 to 2009, wrote during her tenure. "My favorite part, the fact that they demand we take breaks every 45 minutes. They even installed a program on our computers that locks it so that we have to take a 5 minute break."
Oh yeah, and they pay pretty well too — the median pay after five years at Chevron is $102,000, according to PayScale. Compare that with the median pay years at Exxon ($97,500), Occidental Petroleum Corporation ($91,800), Marathon Petroleum Company ($77,100), and you'll see that Chevron offers higher salaries than its competitors.
Get the latest Oil WTI price here.


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Twenty years later, SGGL roll into Fridays
It may be over 20 years from its humble beginnings as a jam session among UVA graduates, but Speidel, Goodrich, Goggin and Lille are aren't slowing down anytime soon. The veteran folk quartet, well-known to many Friday After Five-goers, return to their roots with a familiar yet far from jaded sound.
"There'll be about 70 percent original music, but we'll put some covers in, something people can dance to," band member Rusty Speidel says. "There'll be standard stuff from the '70s and '80s, a lot of three-part singing. If you haven't heard us in a while, it'll be a great dose of what we've played for years and years."
Formerly an all-acoustic folk group, the band has recently added drums and keyboards in the form of new members Chris Holden and Robert Jospé, spicing up their original sound in a change "for the better," according to Speidel.
"It increases the level of energy and gives people a chance to get out there and move," Speidel says of the band's move to electric. "It's given us a new take on the music we've been playing for 20 years."
Shifting from their a cappella roots while touring the big music venues across the state, SGGL continues to offer Charlottesville the same successful sound they began with. Returning to Fridays After Five for the second year, SGGL reunites after playing for the Class of 1983 at UVA's Alumni Reunion weekend June 6.
What does the future hold for the boys? After gigs in Roanoke and Warrenton, the band will return to Charlottesville for a benefit for Martha Jefferson Hospital.
"We love to play. As long as the audience is enjoying it as much as we are, there's no reason to stop," Speidel says. "It's just a fun, reasonably humorous, approachable kind of show."
The show will open with former UVA Battle of the Bands winner and featured band in the Hook's May music issue, Tim Be Told– whose members are also UVA graduates and a cappella alumni. Brad Savage, programming director for 106.1 The Corner, says of the group, "If they keep playing more gigs, they'll gain a following really quickly."
"It may be a good fit," Speidel says of the match-up. "They'll be fresh and young."
SGGL performs at Fridays After Five on 7/18. Tim Be Told opens after five at the Charlottesville Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.


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The name of this route speaks for itself: castle after castle and a never-ending number of romantic medieval towns line this signposted route that runs for almost 1200 km from the chessboard city of Mannheim where the Neckar meets the Rhine to the Golden City of Prague. The Castle Road is the east-west running themed route in Germany.
Overflowing with sagas, myths, fairy tales and legends, the Castle Route is already over 60 years old and is one of Germany's most tradition-steeped scenic routes. The route plunges visitors straight into the Middle Ages, leading them from one castle to the next, from pinnacle to pinnacle – and always on the trail of emperors, kings and princes, knights, count palatines and romance.
The castles with the best views
Over 70 castles, fairytale palaces and stately homes line the Castle Road like a string of pearls, impressive monuments to the past. At the same time, medieval towns, abbeys, sacred and secular architecture from a huge variety of eras, historic sites and innumerable cultural treasures ensure that any trip on the Castle Road is a vivid experience. Just as diverse as the region's history is its breathtakingly beautiful countryside.
Dream-like castles
An abundance of medieval masterpieces await you on the Castle Road. This route is virtually unsurpassed in terms of architecture and hospitality. Visitors can watch period costume performances at festivals amongst authentic surroundings, visit medieval markets and secluded castle courtyards, go on ghost tours, dine at medieval banquets or sample historical recipes within ancient castle walls.
The many faces of the Castle Road
Regardless of whether you decide to travel by car, bus or bike, make sure you set aside a little time to really get to know the varied faces of the Castle Road. The Castle Road also has plenty of activities for kids. The Castle Road Association (Verein Burgenstraße) will also be all too happy to help you plan your journey along the road.
Length: approximately 1200 km
Theme: palaces and castles
Bad Wimpfen: fortified imperial palace, old town, Blue Tower, museums
Bamberg: UNESCO old quarter, cathedral, museums
Bayreuth: castles, festival hall, museums
Heidelberg: castle, old quarter, Philosopher's Walk (Philosophenweg)
Kulmbach: Plassenburg Castle, museums
Mannheim: residential palace, water tower, museums
Neckarsteinach: "Four Castle City",
Neckarzimmern: Hornberg Castle
Nürnberg: Kaiserburg Castle, old quarter, underground tunnels (Felsengänge),
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: old quarter, churches, museums
Dve uporabni bližnjici za povečavo v brskalniku:
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Dodatna pomoč vam je na voljo pri ponudniku brskalnika. Do nje dostopate s klikom na ikono:


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See the list of already confirmed BoFs
Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions provide face to face exposure to those interested in the same projects and concepts. BoFs can be organized for individual projects or broader topics (best practices, open data, standards). BoFs are entirely up to you. We post your topic online and onsite and provide the space and time. You provide the engaging topic.
BoFs at MySQL will happen on the following evenings:
Sign up online in advance or check the BoF schedule board onsite at the Santa Clara Convention Center and sign up in any open slot. If you sign up online in advance, you will receive an email confirming the time of your BoF as soon as it is approved.
Please note that audio/visual equipment, including projection equipment, will not be available for BoF sessions. If you require any audio/visual equipment, you may request services from Good Company Communications by completing the Audio Visual Order form (PDF) and sending the form to Good Company Communications.
If you would like to join the discussion in one of the BoFs, there is no need to formally sign up. You can check the list of pre-scheduled BoFs online (when the event gets closer), or check the BoF schedule board onsite at the Santa Clara Convention Center for topics and locations.
Moderating a BoF is open to attendees and speakers at the event. You must be registered to conduct a BoF. The moderator is not a speaker in the main program.
For information on exhibition and sponsorship opportunities at the conference, contact Yvonne Romaine at email@example.com
For media partnerships, contact mediapartners@ oreilly.com
For media-related inquiries, contact Maureen Jennings at email@example.com
To stay abreast of conference news and to receive email notification when registration opens, please sign up for the O'Reilly MySQL Conference Bulletin (login required).
View a complete list of O'Reilly MySQL Conference Contacts


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Are libraries and publishers necessarily at odds when it comes to ebooks? Does e-lending cut into potential ebook sales, or can digital loans help overall sales of a title? In what promises to be a lively panel discussion, representatives from the publishing and libary communities will debate the potential challenges and opportunities for all the players in the ebook lending game.
Heather McCormack is a lover, a fighter, and Book Review Editor of Library Journal, read by over 100,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries. She blogs at heathermccormack.wordpress.com.
Katie Dunneback serves a a Selection Librarian at the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. Her interests include reader's advisory services and collection development. She's a published author of fiction under a pseudonym, and can be found on Twitter as younglibrarian.
Ruth Liebmann joined Random House, Inc. in 1995 and is currently VP, Director of Account Marketing. She works with a wide variety of constituencies, including booksellers and librarians. She may or may not be a gadget.
Helping publishers, retailers, and libraries take charge of their digital future and build direct relationships with their readers. Bluefire offers customer-branded (white label) ereader apps for iOS and Android devices and is an authorized reseller of Adobe eBook Platform technologies such as ACS4, RMSDK, and Adobe Vendor ID.
For information on exhibition and sponsorship opportunities at the conference, contact Sharon Cordesse at email@example.com
Download the TOC Sponsor/Exhibitor Prospectus (PDF)
View a complete list of TOC contacts