text:
Another day, another Akihabara moment. I know this isn't really bad English. I just read innuendo into everything.
I know it wasn't all that long ago but coming here is like a pilgrimage to me.
There was a store I was determined to find that I missed last time. It's called "Friends", and wouldn't you know it, the name is written in Japanese, not English.
The easiest way to find it is from the station head towards the Club Sega (you can't miss it), cross to that side and walk right along the road to the next major intersection.
Cross the road and you'll see a red Segafreda cafe. To the left you'll see a blue sign with 260 yen clearly displayed. On the RIGHT of that there's a small door leading up a stairway.
Here you'll find a treasure trove of old Nintendo goodness. It's like a small version of Super Potato.
Strangely, an old woman was in charge here. One thing you'll notice in all these retro "Famicon" shops is the endless sounds of 8-bit bleeping game music (it's an easy way you'll know you're in the right place). How anyone could stay sane listening to that all day is beyond me.
From there I went to Retro Game Camp.
It's not a large shop, but they have plenty of Famicon (Nintendo/Super Nintendo) and other carts for Sega etc.
Notice Super Mario Bros from the NES on the TV screen?
It's running on a "Famulator", a small licensed NES clone.
There's also a "Famulator lite", to hook it up to a Nintendo DS, but according to this review it ain't that good.Moving right along, I made my way to the king-size building of Mandarake.
Here's the view from the top, looking down towards Akihabara station.
Eight floors of manga, toys and video games. The "Game & Watch" offerings here are surprisingly light.
What they did have, like all the other Akihabara shops were overpriced examples of a few classic titles.
While I'd like this place to be my favourite in Akiba, it lacks the character of the other places.
Maybe it's the over abundance of comic books and not enough retro games for me, but the elevator has a particularly nice shade of yellow.
Finally I just want to mention it was SO hot today. For the first time I went out without any kind of jacket. This is the kind of weather I like. Time to bring out the T's.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Take It From Behind
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 6:16 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, Akihabara
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
I Am Here
When you see a sign like this, it is begging to be photographed.
At least it's in perfect English, if somewhat strange for a name of a shop.
I didn't have my Nikon on me and it was dark, so this is the best I could do.
Lately it seems like the best photo opportunities come up when I don't bring it out with me.
So where was I? I was in Shinjuku today.
The best thing about today is that it's the start of the Golden Week holidays. The not so good is that the airfares have taken a skyward rise, and any thoughts of going overseas for a short trip have quickly evaporated.
I have to say I was more than a little disappointed. A quick trip to Taipei or Hong Kong would've been fantastic.
You know how the saying goes, "He who waits, mastur.." Hmm, no that's the other one. Doesn't matter.
While I have resisted the catchers for a little bit of time, I caved and tried my chances for a Space Invaders Bottle.
It took longer than I hoped.
A bit embarrassing actually. At least it's metal not plastic. It would be good if it could keep my coffee warm, but it looks like it's just a bottle, not a thermos flask that I thought it was.
Before we went home we had some dinner at Cafe La Bohème in Shinjuku.
We had an Italian Salami & Paprika pizza (1200 yen), and a thick Carbonara creamy cheese and bacon pasta (1150 yen).
Both were really delicious. Highly recommended.
At the Marusho supermarket "Azuki Milk" Häagen-Dazs icecream was 198 yen each, so we picked up 18 ( yes, eighteen of them). This is seriously good stuff. Unfortunately azuki flavour is only available in Japan. So you guys outside of Japan will never know the goodness that this is.
All I have to do now, is decide what I'm going to do for the rest of this well-deserved week off.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:56 pm 0 comments
Sunday, 27 April 2008
The Last Wonka
It's been a while since I've been in Shinjuku.
One of the things I've really missed is getting the great Don Simon mango nectar from YaMaYa. We wanted to check out a few other things so today's decision was easy.
We spent about 3000 yen on a lot of stuff. Cheap pasta, Nutella substitute, cashews, four cartons of juice and my favourite..
I was a little peeved when I saw it was missing and almost succumbed to some coconut Bounty chocolate. Then, in the corner of my eye I noticed one solitary block all on it's lonesome. It called me and said, "You want this, don't you?"
You do too. If you're in Japan, click the link above or click here.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:28 pm 0 comments
Labels: YaMaYa
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Crunky Melon?
Just in case you were ever going to try Crunky, avoid the melon flavoured one.
Usually there is no decision-making involved. There's only one Crunky. The original is the best and slightly cheaper too.
Tonight I was craving some good ol' Crunky goodness. For a change I tried this one from the Family Mart in Shibuya. What a mistake..
Why is melon Crunky bad?
Well, it's really white chocolate DISGUISED as melon. It's a pale green colour and maybe there is a hint of melon taste, but I really think it's my mind WANTING to believe it is.
I just don't GET white chocolate. It's like a sweet that wants to be a chocolate, but just doesn't fit in.
This looks like a limited edition. The more limited the better.
While I was walking around Shibuya I found some more guitar shops! Cool.
In case you want to find these, head out the south exit and get yourself up on one of the elevated walkways. You should be able to see a few music store signs on one of the buildings. In that vicinity there are a few music stores. Enjoy.
To make amends tonight, I got a party pack of Ghana and Crunky from Hanamasa, A 24 hour supermarket that specializes in bulk foods and imports.
For dinner we ate at Paul in Yotsuya.
While primarily a bakery, we had a delicious chicken and mushroom quiche with salad. The clincher here, is that they give a basket of free bread that tastes fantastic. Not just any bread. There were cheese, nuts, and fig breads.
They ask if you want more. We had three.
A cheap feed is a good feed. Just avoid the green Crunky ok?
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:44 pm 0 comments
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Jerk Off Myself
Unusually for a day off, I was awake at 9am.
I decided it was time to try once more to go to the Immigration office near Shinagawa, and re-apply for my visa extension.
Only having two pieces of toast and coffee, and struggling to get ready, I was out of the apartment after an hour.
If you ever have to do this, I'd strongly advise doing visa applications in the morning. Unlike last time, the initial line was virtually non-existant and I only waited a little over half an hour to get my application looked at.
I filled out a postcard with my address so hopefully in a week or two I will get it, telling me my visa extension has been approved. I have been having a lot of trouble getting mail recently. For some reason my mail has been returned to sender on more than one occasion. Strangely, my mobile phone bill has come without any problems.
I'm still waiting on my following month's national health insurance bills to come through, and the next one is due the end of this month.
Damn you Japan Post!
From Shinagawa I made my way to Akihabara. The gf asked me to get a USB memory stick for her. It was also a good excuse for me to look for my retro 80's games.
Arriving at the station, "Together In Electric Dreams" played on my iPod. How appropriate.
Even though I've been here many times I still find new things here. I saw some nice watches in a hidden alleyway, where I had to go up stairs. One watch was see-through for 4000 yen, and another had a unique way of telling the time for 1500 yen. I didn't buy either of them. Two watches are plenty for now.
No such luck with finding Nazo No Pyramid. The games they have here are mostly overpriced. I managed to to get a 2GB Silicon Power Flash drive for 980 yen. The cheapest I could find.
For the first time since I've been in Japan, the police questioned me on the street. They asked if I spoke Japanese, checked my gaijin card, then said they wanted to search my bag and jacket.
I'm surprised they never asked before. I've actually been wondering if any police would ever interrogate me. Even though I was expecting it to happen, I felt a little uncomfortable and so did they when they said it was part of their job.
I'm sure I looked really suspicious to them.
On a lighter note, I couldn't help but notice this sign in front of Aso Bit City.
Look closely.
First it says, "Any Plans For The Weekend?"
Under that, it says, "Jerk Off Myself"!!
I keep trying to think how that could've be translated, but from my sources, the japanese translation is pretty much the same. Weird.
Aso Bit City has a lot of anime character goods. Today I found the coffee mug in the store that I lost a lot of money playing for, in Yokohama. I realised how much I did the catchers more for the challenge, than the actual item.
It features Miku Hatsune.
She is part of the Vocaloid singing PC software that allows you to create songs without singing any words yourself! Too easy huh?
Apparently she has quite a big following in Japan.
Can't get enough of cute Miku? Maybe you will after watching this video.
It's hard to believe that it's not a real person singing the melody. The simulation is really convincing.
Akiba is just one big toy shop to me. Maybe that's why I like it so much. Great lightsabers for 12,800 yen. An Alien figure for about 1100 yen.
What's not to like?
To finish off the night the gf wanted to eat out, so we had some nice okonomiyaki and ankomaki near her apartment in Yotsuya.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 10:53 pm 0 comments
Labels: Akihabara, Hatsune Miku, Japan visa, vocaloid
Monday, 21 April 2008
Just Passing Through Nakano Broadway
Today I couldn't help myself.
The Chuo line conveniently stops at Nakano, meaning that I couldn't fight my urge to NOT get off that train and have a look around Nakano Broadway.
The last time I was here, I knew, just like in Roma, that I'd be returning here soon once more. The only difference is there was no "Trevi Fountain" to waste my one yen coins.
I looked for some more Bandai games.
The only one they had was Mr Franken for about 7300 yen in the original box. I passed on it thinking I got a good deal with the ones I already got. There was a Nintendo Game & Watch for about $1000. That's just crazy.
I really like this place. It's one of those special places you don't find in guide books. It's only one express stop away from Shinjuku, so if you have nothing better to do and want an alternative to Akihabara, this is it.
Tachikawa has a whole lot less appeal.
It looks a little more lively than some other 'burbs in Tokyo (strangely Tomioka comes to mind vividly). But sadly this place feels more Fujisawa than anywhere else.
I walked around a little bit today, but apart from a few shopping centres it feels devoid of any kind of soul. Lucky then, that as usual I had heaps of classes today.
Let the weekend come quickly. Please.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:48 pm 2 comments
Labels: Nakano Broadway, Tachikawa
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Ginza Party!
Tonight was a going away party for one of the staff.
Before we all left, I had to go to Kimuraya and get some anpan (and a few free samples of course).
We all went down to the Hub in Ginza. It's just another faceless british pub with no redeeming features.
Still, it's as good a place as any to have a few beers.
I started with only a half pint and some mixed nuts.
Pretty soon after that I moved on to a one litre funnel of beer goodness. Everyone marveled at my impressive choice and took camera phone photos of me and my new "friend".
You have to be careful with these things, especially when eating nuts. A few times I actually put a whole pistachio nut in my mouth without removing the shell, and to save face, just crunched the damn thing.
Another time one nut went the wrong way and I had to skol a bit of beer to stop myself from choking on it.
All in all, I had a great night. I had another pint after the litre and went home in one piece probably more than a little tipsy. I met some really interesting people!
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 2 comments
Labels: Ginza
Tengoku to Jigoku/Akuryo no Yakata Review
As you can see from the picture, my Bandai Solarpower games collection is coming right along nicely.
As usual I was on the lookout for "Invaders Of The Mummy's Tomb" (Nazo No Pyramid) but unfortunately, no such luck.
I have a feeling that it will turn up sometime soon though.
Instead, before me in Shibuya was Tengoku to Jigoku ("Escape From The Devil's Doom"), and Akuryo no Yakata ("Terror House"). Both were 2625 yen each and still in the original boxes from 1982!
Not only that, but both games look brand new with the original instructions, inserts and wrappings. They look in much better condition than Kyofu No Mujintou I bought before.
So how is the game-play?
Great! As I remembered from my childhood, they give a nice little challenge.
In Akuryo no Yakata, the aim of the game is to attack bats in a graveyard, then go inside the haunted house fighting monsters to finally get to a coffin.
I remember when I got my original game, Tengoku to Jigoku was out at the same time.
You start off in a boiling pot in hell, go left and right to avoid demons and bats, then ascend a rope into heaven. Here, you have to catch falling feathers from an angel.
If you want to get an idea of what its like you can go here to download the PC simulations. Just click the download link on the left to get to the sims.
While the quality of the simulations are not up to the standard of MADrigal's simulators, it will give you a basic representation of the games.
If only my mother hadn't given my game to my baby brother to break all those years ago..
That's my excuse.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 6:56 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, Bandai
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Station Beers
One absolutely super fantastic thing about Japan is that drinking outside in public is perfectly legal!
A good enough reason to come here if there ever was one.
Where it's a big no-no to smoke outside, but totally ok to smoke in a restaurant, things are seriously twisted in the land of the rising sun.
Like the title says, if it's wednesday it must be the night for STATION BEERS!
You know, Japan, or should I say Yokohama has a lot of open space, but you wouldn't know it when groups of people horde around us like flies to a stinking carcass.
As usual we bought our alcohol from a combini (yes, a convenience store!), and drank and talked outside Yokohama Station.
A old woman came up to us and said I was a "Good Man". I guess first impressions count so, can't argue with that!
A while later a salaryman was nearby and gave me his unopened packet of rice and peanut snacks. WTF?
I feel like god or something. Or at least Charisma Man.
With things like this, why would you ever want to leave?
Oh, and I have to say, there is a LOT of sweetness walking past at night. Hello Japan!
I didn't catch the train until after midnight from Yokohama so I was a little worried I wouldn't make it home. But, you know what? I didn't really care. If I had to walk from Shibuya or Yoyogi, or wherever, it would've given me some useful "thinking" time while I was walking.
Just one more thing before I go.
Mario Kart, Nik Kershaw and being just a little bit inebriated go surprisingly well together on a fun train ride home.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: Yokohama
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
What is Kimuraya?
It's the best bakery for getting some delicious anpan bread, that's what!
Anpan is a small bread bun filled with azuki sweet bean paste and butter.
Well worth the 189 yen price that's for sure.
If you're in Tokyo it can be found easily by going out of the A9 subway exit in Ginza. It's next to the Wako department store on the right of it.
There were a few samples of the other delights they offer too. Sampleman was pleased. Ready to fight another day.
I'd love to open an azuki restaurant in Australia. It'd go off! Or if not that, then maybe a cool okonomiyaki one. Sweet!
Tonight I finally finished yet another 4 litre bottle of shochu. Looks like this has lasted a little bit longer. A month and sixteen days. A new record.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
JJ Classy Very
Maybe I left it a bit late, but I didn't get to Akihabara until about 5pm.
Even though it looked like it was going to rain, I decided to go anyway.
I had two things in mind.
First, I wanted to check out some stores that might have a few 80's handhelds I am interested in and secondly, I was after an EZflash 3-in-1 to use with my DS for extra RAM to run Quake 2, and a nice rumble feature to shake my DS for a nice force feedback effect.
On the way I couldn't help but notice this billboard on top of a building.
JJ (Jimmy In Japan) Classy Very! HA!
The first thing I wanted to do was check out all the places for handheld games. For that I checked this handy little map.
I was mostly disappointed with what I found.
There WAS a huge Yoshi dinosaur for 25,000 yen though. I SO want it, but trying to get that back to Australia seems impossible, but it's so cool. I WANT!!
The places brought back a lot of memories. There were a stack of Super Nintendo consoles (Famicon), and Sega Game Gears and every other one you could think of.
One interesting display that never really made it too far out of Japan is Virtual Boy.
It was Nintendo's attempt at 3D gaming. The screen's graphics are in luminous red. It wasn't too bad. The 3D effect was ok, but it didn't blow me away.
I saw a Bandai Solar game for about 2600 yen. It wasn't in good condition so I passed on it. If anyone in Japan has one in reasonable condition for a good price let me know. ok?
Moving on.
Before I forget, one new renewal (as the japanese would say for "renovations"), is the all new 8 floor Mandarake Complex.
Full of Manga, figurines and other junk you have to have. Interesting.
It started to rain a little which didn't make me too happy. Not only that but time was running short. On sunday most stores in Akiba are closed by 7 or 730pm.
I went to the shop I bought my 200 yen DS screen protectors from, but they had sold out. I shouldn't be surprised. It was a great price. If I hadn't tried to have a second go putting on that dang thing, trying to remove one tiny hair under the screen it would've been perfect.
Last of my mission was trying to find the expansion pack for my DS. I was trying to find the cheapest price. There are so many computer stores with less than memorable japanese names that I had trouble going back to the best place.
In the end I picked it up for 2480 yen at the same place I bought my "heavy duty" metal DS case. I'm happy with that. Everything works as it should.
The gf had a sweets attack so I picked up some azuki bread at the 99 yen shop along with some batteries so cow suit Rilakkuma can walk around the apartment. Sugoi!
She didn't feel like cooking so I made us some tasty spaghetti with heaps of pepper and onion. The way she smothered the pasta in parmesan cheese I could tell she was lovin' it.
Who wouldn't?
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Labels: Akihabara
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Gambling For Kids
For a saturday and to be working, I am in a good mood.
Today I'm posted in Tama Plaza. It's situated about 20 minutes from Shibuya on the Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line.
Is there anything worth seeing there? No, not really. Not even one single UFO catcher.
Speaking of..
After a small streak of bad luck, I've managed to score big tonight.
At Taito in Shibuya, I watched a young girl sink about 2000-3000 yen trying to win an limited edition walking Rilakkuma in a cow suit. She had to go twice or was it three times (?) to the cash machine.
The first time I didn't go near it, and respected her position. There were a few people hanging around it, so the last time I went closer to stop anyone else from taking it.
When she came back I motioned to her that she was free to keep trying, but the look she gave me showed that she had finally given up on it.
I had 500 yen and 100 yen in my wallet.
I could have gone to the cash machine and changed the 500 (it was 200 yen a go, or 500 yen for three tries), but I didn't think I'd get it first time.
When the girl saw me with it, she had her mouth open in disbelief that I'd won it first go. I had an attack of the guilts and almost gave it to her, but I thought I probably put in almost as much trying for this myself the last time, so I kept it.
Because I had two goes left, I opted wisely for a different machine.
I saw some Marimokkori, so I asked them to let me use my two remaining tries on this one. This one was only a 100 yen machine, but I thought I could get it easily. I got the green one first go!
I asked to move the other yellow/green one into position. It was done nicely, so much so that I could use the claw to actually tap the bulge of the plushie, inching it into an even better angle. Yay, he shoots, he scores!
All for 500 yen. Not bad at all.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 8:53 pm 0 comments
Labels: Marimokkori, Rilakkuma, Shibuya, UFO catchers
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Kyofu No Mujintou (Shark Island) Review
Before I went to buy the game yesterday, I was looking for some online reviews of it.
Unlike the more well-known Nintendo Game & Watch series, detailed Bandai reviews are little low on the ground, especially in english.
The few that I did find were quite low on comments about the game-play.
So, since that's the case, here's my rundown of the game!
Everyone I showed the game to, from young to old were piqued with curiosity about the new toy I held in my hands. First comment I got was, "That looks old!" Yes, it does. In fact, this game is circa 1982. Some people weren't even born yet!
I guess it gives away my age a little to admit I grew up with these things. It was an exciting time to be a kid. Those were the days. Having said that, even the young 'uns wanted to have a go at it.
Probably the one thing that stands out the most is the solar power. No Batteries! As far as I'm aware, Bandai were the only company releasing solar-powered games. These are all the others that were released at the time.
Another thing that stands out is that unlike the Nintendo releases, the single screen has two changing states of play instead of the usual one static screen of the first single screen of the first Game & Watch's.
The first screen shows your plane crashing into the sea. The aim of this part of the game is to simply dodge the sharks by moving left and right in the three positions available.
It sounds really easy, and to begin with it is, but I was surprised at how many times I made careless moves into their hungry jaws.
Once you reach about 100 points, the screen will display an island to which you hit left to go to the second part of the game.
The second part is a little more entertaining.
Once on the island you get to use a BIG STICK to bash the sharks coming up towards the island over the head repeatedly while avoiding the falling coconuts from the tree. Big fun!
Get caught by the sharks or concussed by the coconuts, then it's back to screen one.
What separates these games from the ones today, is that the graphics are basic LCD sprites, and sound is nothing more than blips and beeps (I prefer to have the sound off).
There aren't really "next levels". The whole aim of this era is to get points until you finally die of exhaustion.
There is definitely a Bandai feel to the games, like I think Nintendo has a certain quality. I don't think the quality of games is any worse than a Nintendo title. Still, I don't think they have a truly great classic game like Donkey Kong.
Just like Nintendo, the game-play between different game titles can be quite similar. It does bring back strong memories of my short-lived Invaders Of The Mummy's Tomb.
It doesn't really replace a Nintendo DS. Children today would probably get bored of it in 20 minutes, but "big kids" like me can't get enough of it.
While there isn't yet an official collection of Game & Watch titles on the Nintendo DS (apart from the Club Nintendo giveaway), Nintendo has slyly added four (Ball, Flagman, Manhole and Judge) of the classic games in their Rakubiki Jiten (japanese and english dictionary).
A great bonus as the dictionary is an excellent alternative to a standalone electronic dictionary.
A DS cookbook, Shaberu! DS Oryōri Navi has a hidden Game & Watch Chef game.
Finally, it's possible to run Gameboy Advance carts like Game & Watch Gallery 4 on the DS for some classic Nintendo old school gaming.
I have to say that getting the required stars to unlock the extra games is a BITCH.
Another great thing about the DS is that you can run old school games like Quake using homebrew.
This is also the method for using the great Project JDS kana practice program I mentioned in an earlier post.
So after all that, was Kyofu No Minjintou worth getting? Hell yes! I feel refreshingly more hip than the guys sporting their DS's when I'm on the train, and for the equivalent of $10, you can't go wrong.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 7:06 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, Bandai, Kyofu No Mujintou, Shark Island
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
One's Junk Is Another's Treasure
With a bit of extra time on my hands, I decided to get that Bandai LCD solar powered game I saw in my secret shop.
Kyofu No Mujintou (Shark Island) was only 1050 yen and the gameplay is very similar to the one from my childhood. I figured I sometimes spend that much at the catchers, and leave with nothing, so why not?
I did see Nazono Pyramid on Yahoo Auctions Japan for 2000 yen last night. I was too late to try for it as I wasn't even registered to use it yet.
I may still keep one eye out for it. Anyway, it prompted me to finally get this one.
While I there I picked up a Hello Kitty® watch for 210 yen. I tried once for it at the catchers so I thought I should buy it. It's cheap.
It was a good way to kill a bit of time before work.
After work there was another session of "station beers" with just T and myself. We had a good D & M conversation. There was a bit of music from some buskers, and for some reason we seemed to be attracting some japanese kids to where we were standing outside the Diamond complex.
Sure was some nice eye candy walking around.
Look for a Bandai review coming to this blog real soon. Somehow I don't think it'll be my last.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 6:35 pm 0 comments
Labels: 80s handheld electronic games, Kyofu No Mujintou, Shark Island
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Tokyo, Killer Of Umbrellas
Just a quick note to say if you have to go out of your house today in Tokyo, your umbrella will be useless.
The wind will laugh at you and say, "You call THAT an umbrella? Take This!"
The streets of Shinjuku are littered with broken skeletons of umbrella frames, and the japanese wrestle with their umbrellas like trying to tame wilde beasts, in vain.
I'm sure the news will show the typical file tape footage of a poor salaryman and what used to be his now, inside-out umbrella.
Even walking to and from the station is a major struggle.
Unfortunately I was just in Shinjuku for a meeting, and still have to make my way to Ginza in about half an hour.
Hopefully it won't be too busy. Fighting with my umbrella has taken the wind out of me.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 2:00 pm 0 comments
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Yoyogi Park Hanami
I had to bring two CDs back to the library but we didn't really plan to do anything today.
The first mistake was going into Shinjuku. There were so many people wandering around that I managed to lose the gf quite easily.
We thought to go to Krispy Kreme, but even from a distance we could see the line extend along the bridge to Takashimaya Square.
I thought it'd be good for us to go to Levain, the french bakery we went to before in December. We got some nice home style apple pie and pretzels to eat in Yoyogi Park.
The cherry blossoms are slowly fading but the enthusiasm for hanami parties are still going strong by the amount of people packed there.
Along with people drinking and playing various instruments, there were big sound systems pumping out headache-inducing techno.
In some places it gave me an impression of a little Roppongi. Skanky.
Sometime soon I'll bring my guitar to have a play near the lake here. It'd be fun I think. I'd really like to jam with someone who can sing harmonies like this.
If anyone in Tokyo can do this, get in touch with me. Let's rock!
When the sun was going down and it was getting a bit cold we made our way back home.
Okonomiyaki was on my mind but the restaurant we thought of was closed, so I suggested pizza instead.
We went to Pizza Salvatore.
Not exactly the cheapest pizza chain, but the pizzas taste pretty good. We bought two small pizzas, a gorgonzola and prosciutto, and an "Alla Diavola", chicken, salami and peppers for 2900 yen.
I like the later one better. The fiery peppers gave it a nice kick.
Gazing through the menu I couldn't help but notice some interesting english.
I don't know about you, but small or otherwise I don't consider sausages "cute".
"It's Tipical"? Maybe they wanted to say authentic?
We walked around a bit after eating and found some tennis courts that you can rent close to home. You can play two hours in the daytime for 3000 yen. I feel like trying it sometime. It's been years and it could be fun.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 9:52 pm 0 comments
Labels: Cherry Blossom, Hanami, Yoyogi Park
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Yoko Da Hama
Today I found out that yet another teacher has decided to jump ship and I can't help but feel a sense of abandonment and question my own future.
Why did I choose Japan? With any average three or four year degree the process is relatively simple.
I have to say that my time here so far has been more than interesting, and I'm not bored yet. The thought of nine kids classes, plus class visits scares me, but I'm going to put on my brave face.
Tonight I had the first of "train beers", or that's what I think it was called. The pre-drinks before catching our trains back home. We, J, T and myself hung out at Vivre in Yokohama and drunk some spirits and beer while J and I had some noodles and sandwiches.
We had a good talk.
Some japanese girls were hanging out nearby. I have no idea why some young girls would hang out in a semi-dark alleyway around a closed shopping complex at this hour for.
Anyway. I caught the train at around 1130pm semi-intoxicated. Instead of listening to my iPod, I went for the Nintendo DS for some amusement on the way home.
Thankfully all the trains got me back home. I was still feeling hungry so I pigged out on corn chips and salsa.
Day off tomorrow. Good.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:59 pm 0 comments
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
The Paper Trail
One nice thing about my new schedule is that I can sleep in almost every day. Another sweet thing is that kids classes don't start for a while so I am safe for the time being.
Almost all of my schools have changed and today I am at Ginza. It only takes ten minutes to get from home to Ginza. I wish all my schools were this close.
I arrived in plenty of time so I walked around the school a bit to get my bearings. The Sony building is very close. I had a look at the new technology for a short time and then headed into work.
I got an SMS from the gf at work saying her friend was sick and she was going to stay with her tonight to look after her.
Coming home I found this note.
Luckily she left me instructions how to use the microwave in a strange language.
Best to leave no doubt at all on this one.
I like how she has also labeled a few things around the apartment to help me find things.
She's really thoughtful like that.
Posted by Jimmy In Japan at 11:40 pm 0 comments


text:
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (WFC) said late Monday that it expected to build on "the substantial growth it achieved in 2011" when it added 70 independent practices and 152 financial advisors. The network, which is the independent-advisor channel of Wells Fargo, also saw client assets under management grow 18% to $52.7 billion last year.
The company says FiNet has produced double-digit annual growth since its founding in 2001, earning it the respect of recruiters and other experts.
"Those are impressive results," said executive-search consulant Mark Elzweig (left) of New York-based Elzweig Co., in an interview with AdvisorOne. "Wells Fargo has rock-solid financials and is a well-known household name firm."
Among the wirehouse firms—Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAC), Morgan Stanley (MS), UBS (UBS) and Wells Fargo, "It's the only major wirehouse with an independent channel," Elzweig noted. "This makes it a comfortable choice for advisors from competing wirehouses who want to go independent."
This should be a big plus for Wells Fargo going forward, he adds. "FiNet will continue to be an attractive destination for breakaway brokers and is very well positioned as the movement to independence continues to gain steam."
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network now has more than 1,000 business owners and advisors in 528 practices nationwide.
Wells Fargo Advisors has about $1.2 trillion in client assets and includes 15,134 full-service financial advisors and 3,352 licensed bankers.
"We continue to be focused on helping successful financial advisors establish and grow independent practices," said John Peluso (right), president of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, in a statement.
"Providing quality advisors with the choice and flexibility they want and need to be as successful as possible is central to our mission," Peluso added, noting that that last year's growth resulted from independent financial advisors' efforts to bring in new clients and service existing ones.
To help facilitate such growth, FiNet rolled out a bonus program in 2011 referred to as the Voluntary Growth Opportunity Award. The program reinvests capital into independently owned practices and awards advisors for "gathering new client assets, ensuring loyalty through the development of a written investment plan, and taking steps to secure the future of their practice through continuity and business valuation plans," the company says.
To earn thus reinvestment bonus, advisors choose to focus their growth efforts from among these activities, Wells adds.
Breakaways: Big or Little Trend?
A survey of some 2,500 traditional employee advisors released last week found that more than 70% are considering a move to independence, according to Diamond Consultants, a recruiting and consulting firm. Still, experts say, just 10% at most will actually make the move.
"Financial advisors are becoming increasingly attuned to the growing number of high-quality independent-practice models," said Diamond Consultants president and CEO Mindy Diamond (left), in an interview with AdvisorOne.
That said, Diamond explained, many of the 70% will not go independent "when they really see what it is about and what it is not about: It is not about upfront money, big upfront money, and there's no cachet of a big brand-name firm."
"There are now options for advisors who want to go independent through a custodian, plug into an existing independent, use a platform firm for a turnkey solution, or almost anything in between," Diamond said. "The possibilities are extensive and exciting."
Diamond Consultants has placed four teams with a combined $2.5 billion in client assets with independent firms so far this year.
Earlier this year, experts said that an anticipated move by some wirehouse brokerage firms into the independent broker-dealer market could resemble the channels introduced by Wells Fargo and the firms it acquired as part of its '08 merger with Wachovia.
The wirehouse push was outlined in the report, "The Independent Reps & Independent Broker/Dealers Market: The 21st Century Model?" published by the consultancy Tiburon Strategic Advisors earlier this year. The report says the wirehouses are looking at a semi-independent model as one way to capture and retain more brokers.
Wells' Profit Formula platform, experts say, lets advisors retain their status as employees while requiring them to pay for some office and other expenses in return for higher payouts. It has given the advisors the freedom to set and distribute their own bonuses to staff, for instance. But, financially, it doesn't appear to be such a great deal for Wells Fargo.
"They're not expanding it and not letting reps transfer into it," said Danny Sarch of Leitner Sarch, an executive-search firm, in an interview earlier this year. "Advisors love it, and no [Profit Formula] reps are leaving."
Wells and the other firms still have to figure out the best way to profit from semi-independent and fully independent platforms, he adds.
Like Chip Roame (right) of Tiburon, Sarch says the wirehouses "must do something to differentiate themselves from each other and come up with a value proposition as to why they are a good choice."
Roame insists FiNet is the shape of things to come and is attracting some highly successful advisors, though like the breakaway-broker phenomenon in general, it is not attracting huge numbers.
"Maybe 300 to 500 successful advisors choose to go independent each year and take between $100 billion and $200 billion with them," said the consultant, who is hosting the Tiburon Stategic Advisors CEO Summit in New York this week.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I have a question with regard to one of the solutions to an exercise from the previous edition of the text book "Information Modelling and Relational Databases" (2001). I have re-drawn the solution diagram using the current ORM2 notation (from Exercise 5.4 (4)):
The reference scheme is disjunctive in nature. This suggests that the resulting primary key will have null values in one or more of its component attributes (which, as we know, is a big no-no). Is this a situation where there is a mismatch between the conceptual level and the relational (implementation) level?The error message that I got seemed to agree with me. It stated:"Error 1 Entity type 'Member' in model 'ORMModel1' requires a local preferred reference scheme or supertype(s) that provide preferred identification. ORMModel1.orm 0 0"I understand from the text that disjunctive reference schemes are a murky area. Is there any room for them at all?Cheers
Hi Andy,Thanks for the question.There are several points to make about your example.
Entity Types (page 63 of Terry's 2001 book and page 66 of the 2008 version)An ORM Object Type can be either an "Entity" or a "Value"In your diagram the ORM Object "Member" is an Entity type and not a Value type.This means that the Object Type "Member" is a name for the set of all possible instances of Member.Sets don't have duplicates so "Member" needs a reference.
In my example I have chosen ".id" but you can chose others.I used the NORMA Fact Editor to type in Member(.id) has GivenName() The empty parentheses after GivenName tell NORMA that this is a Value Type.Your "Member" object is coloured red because the fact does not conform to the ORM2 rules.This is what the error message is saying.
Allowing for multiple given namesYour example allows for up to three given names, two of which are optional.Since, as you say, it is wise to avoid nulls my example is coded in a way that (a) allows for as many given names as you want and (b) avoids creating nulls in the database.
I suggest that you make liberal use of the Verbalizer window. This will help you to identify the exact meaning of any facts that you enter and to correct them as you add them to the model.
Hope this helpsKen
Thanks Ken. You have confirmed what I suspected. The solution given was incorrect. I never understand why textbooks contain incorrect solutions.
The verbalisation of the facts makes sense:
For each Surname, GivenName, GivenName, and GivenName, at most one Member has that Surname and has first that GivenName and has second that GivenName and has third that GivenName.
I believe that it is not a reference scheme at all. It is just a uniqueness relationship which is apty notated using the external uniqueness constraint.
But the disjuntive problem is not good for a primary reference scheme. And of course, the easy way out is to make up a sequential identifier - that solves the primary reference scheme problem every time.
Hi Andy,
Andy Reiser:The solution given was incorrect.
Well, before I agree with you on this, I would need to review the example you mention in order to see what it was trying to illustrate.I could not find the example from your reference.
Please confirn that the book in which you found the example is "Information Modeling and Relational Databases" 2001 by Terry Halpin?If so, please will you give me the page number of the book.
Hi Ken,
It was not an example in the book. It was one of the solutions to an exercise from the book. The text book
is "Information Modelling and Relational Databases" (2001). And the solution was to Exercise 5.4 (4).
Another problem with the solution was that instead of using a P in a circle (as per ORM1 requirements to depict a primary reference scheme), it featured a U in a circle (external uniqueness). There was no reference mode. So, the only possible reference scheme was the names.
Hi Dave,Thanks for the clarification. I found the exercise on page 206 but I could not see any "solution". Where did you see the "solution"?
Anyway, my "solution" to this exercise is shown below.The frequency constraints are explained in NORMA Tutorial 4.
Thanks Dave and Ken.
I got the solution in a tutorial at university a couple of years ago. Our tutor had the solutions to the even numbered questions, which he would put on the screen for us to copy down.
I have a big question mark next to it in my notes and vaguely recall that the tutor was not able to provide a good explanation which explained away the messy situation that would arise with null values in the primary key.
Maybe it was just an example to raise a discussion about disjunctive reference schemes.
Thanks for your replies. I really do appreciate it.
Thanks for the clarification.I recently joined the computer science faculty of the University of Lincoln (http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/) with a view to introducing ORM to the syllabus and to the university management system. So with my university hat on, I'd like to contact your former tutor with a view to collaborating on ORM education and training. So please will you let me know which university and the name of the tutor and I will follow it up from there.
Hi Ken,
Last year, I lectured ORM content as a part-time (sessional) lecturer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). It was based on the 2001 text (so, not ORM2), as the current textbook only just came out as the semester was underway.
not sure who is taking that unit this semester, but the member of
academic staff who is responsible for it is Prakash Bhandari. I'm happy
to PM you his details, if you like.
Hi Dave,
Dave Rogers:I'm happy to PM you his details, if you like.
Yes please, that would be very helpful. One of my academic objectives is to use this website to collaborate with and to give support to all academics who teach ORM - wherever they are.So if you know of any other Universities or Colleges who are teaching ORM, please let me know.
I learnt ORM at QUT as well. My tutor no longer works there. I believe he is now working in the industry. Sorry I cannot help you out with a contact.
An observation....
While perusing this thread, I noticed that the solution proposed by Ken does not contain the same information as that in the opening post by Andy. In Andy's, I know the full name of the member, but in Ken's I do not know in what order the given name's occur. (Or does the frequency constraint add information (viz, sequence) to the solution? [I'm still learning NORMA].) I don't know what the original exercise was (not having access to the book), so I don't know whether name order was important.
As a side note to anybody modeling people's names, please be aware that some people (certainly in Australia) only have one name, such as "Rainbow", "Serenity", etc. So none of the posted models in this thread would support this situation!
regards, Peter
Hi Peter,You are right that my model does not show the order in which names occur.My model allows a person to have one, two or three given names.This underlines that point that an object-role model says exactly what you want it to say - no more and no less.The best way to check the meaning of an object-role model is to use the verbalizer.The verbalizer makes it easy for people to say "No -that is not what I meant" - as you have done in this instance.Other modeling approaches such as UML and ER require people to learn the meaning of the UML or ER symbols before they can understand the exact meaning of the model diagram. This is one of the reasons why ORM is more cost-effective than other information modeling approaches. The following example shows the elementary facts in my model together with their automatically generated verbalizations.Ken
PS - if the diagram is a bit fuzzy on your screen, just click on the diagram and you should see a clearer image.
Hi Reiner,
That subset constraint is definitely an improvement. And you would probably need another one running up to the 'has first' fact type from the 'has second' fact type.
Personally, I think disjunctive reference is a really bad idea. Primary Keys (even composite keys) should never be able to contain an attribute with a null value in it. This is an example of where the conceptual schema does not map well to the relational schema, in my opinion. But I'm sure the question was just there to get students thinking about these issues, rather than putting the solution forward as an ideal solution.


text:
Choosing Office Furniture Ideas
There will be more and more workers or employers who suffer from problems related to choose their furniture ideas. The fact is that there are more and more people who have the problems in deciding the best that they need. The basic idea is to apply stylish and also sleek design. It can be considered to be simple for any people to apply. The office should provide the best and most comfortable place to work indeed. So, providing modern furniture and accessories may become a must.
Next consideration is about the color. You need to choose furniture ideas based on appropriate color for your office. The most recent idea is to take benefit from neutral color. People also love to apply black color for their office furniture. You need also to apply natural light for your office in order to avoid gloomy aspect for the office. Yet, the color option can be suited based on the theme of the office indeed.
Next consideration about furniture ideas is the material. Usually, the most appropriate furniture material will be glass and also wood. It also provides them with the ability to apply gloss finish. It can boost the professional look actually. So, just pay more attention about it.


text:
Pena focused on earning spot with Angels
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Carlos Pena has already made quite an impression in Angels' camp, but the veteran infielder still has plenty of work to do if hopes to break camp with the club at the end of March.
"He's really working hard and you can see the nature of how he can play first base from the defensive end, and I know he's working on some minor adjustments on what his approach is to the plate," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He has big power and he's still strong. Hopefully, he's going to make those adjustments and compete for a spot."
Pena signed a Minor League deal with the Angels last month and is competing for a spot on the bench with Ian Stewart, John McDonald, Brennan Boesch and Chad Tracy. Pena knows he could serve as Albert Pujols' backup at first base, occasionally start at the position and also pinch-hit against righties for the Angels, but he's not thinking too far ahead.
"I don't occupy my mind with those things at all," he said. "I'm more about being engaged in what is going on and just taking it all in, instead of making formulas of where I would fit because that will take care of itself."
Pena, 35, signed a one-year, $2.9 million contract with the Astros last offseason and was released on July 31 after hitting .209 with eight homers and 25 RBIs in 85 games. He later signed with the Royals, but had a season-ending appendectomy in mid-September.
"I just want to be fully engaged in all of my workouts and practices and contribute as much as I can anytime I get an opportunity," Pena said. "That's what I keep my eyes [on]. I feel great and like I have an extra bounce in my step. I'm really enjoying that."
For his career, Pena has a .233 batting average with 285 home runs, 816 RBIs and a .465 slugging percentage with eight teams in parts of 13 seasons.
"This is the team that I felt was right for me," he said. "When I saw the Angels were one of the options, I knew that's where I wanted to go and I dove right in."


text:
September alway feels like a new beginning for me. With the opening of new reams of paper and colored pencils comes the time when I like to evaluate "things" in my life with a critical eye; to pray about what needs to be picked up, and what needs to be put down.
I made only one personal goal this year, but its going to take my whole life to hone it: Read, Write, and Relate...deeply and intentionally. To start, this means my days of social media (apart from this blog) are all but over. I cannot write or relate on a deep level if all I am reading is status updates and bits of useless information that doesn't intentionally foster deep thinking or relationship.
The biggest thought and time sucker in my life is Facebook. So I'm cutting way back. It's not that I don't think there is room in life for fun or fluff. However, even "fluff" (good fiction books, movies, light conversation and time having fun with actual people) lends to a thought process that runs deeper than pictures of newly painted toes, snarky sayings, or emotional opinions given over the internet that would not be verbalized face-to face. For the record, I'm not talking about politics here. Nor am I nursing a wounded ego from cutting words on the Timeline. This isn't a personal diatribe to vent feeling or frustrations I will not take to someone face-to-face. This post is born out of a deep thinker's need to re-learn the process of thoughtful thinking and living. A gift I gave away when I chose to lend the whole of my thought life to stats, tweets, #ideas in 140 characters, more or less.
The thing is this: I do love Facebook as a means to connect with those outside of my community; to see pictures of growing kids, vacations, pregnancy/good news announcements, and to get prayer requests from those who are hurting. I enjoy seeing updates from those who were a part of my life for a short season, but are no longer even acquaintances. I like that there is a place I can contact people whom I would love to keep in touch with every once in a while. The truth is, I wouldn't be in contact with this group of friends every day, month or year (and some cases, decade) but its nice to check in when we can.
Then there are my dear friends on Facebook (and in real life) that I rarely get to see, but when I do, its like the distance never exists. Those friendships have stood the test of time and will continue to do so whether I log in every day or not.
Relationships within my community are entirely different. They deserve more than a quick push on "like", they deserve deep and abiding connection while I am here to do it. Obviously, I cannot do this quickly, or even everyday, but that doesn't relinquish my responsibility in the building of relationships with those within my reach. The lie of Facebook is that it keeps us connected with the click of a mouse and we call it "relating." It just isn't true. We aren't meant to live life this way. It isn't true living. And its killing my ability to think.
The initial concept behind Facebook and other sites was a good one: to serve and help foster relationships and ideas. For me, it has done the exact opposite. It has dulled my senses and strangled my thinking. I am meant to foster relationships in a meaningful and authentic way; not be a slave to the shallow stats of life. To this end, I'm reserving my Facebooking time for occasional weekend check-ins, making more time to think deeply, read thoroughly, write more thoughtfully, and enjoy living life with those who are willing to spend it with me.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Read, Write, Relate...deeply and intentionally
September alway feels like a new beginning for me. With the opening of new reams of paper and colored pencils comes the time when I like to evaluate "things" in my life with a critical eye; to pray about what needs to be picked up, and what needs to be put down.
Posted by Unknown at 5:32 PM 5 comments Links to this post
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Confession from the CoffeeGal
I have a secret I've been keeping for 106 days.
I've told a few people, so its not entirely secret. Two months ago I shared my hush-hush news with the Carpool Queen and her eyes weld up with tears. Her baby blues looked upon me with a mix of pity and unbelief.
In the past I've shared many parts of my life with (what I hope is) transparent honesty. But this... well I just haven't been able to bring myself to write about it.
Honestly, there are still days I can't believe it myself.
I gave up caffeine.
Nope, that's no typo.
I. gave. up. caffeine.
I mentioned a health crises I had in late May. One morning I woke up so panic and anxiety ridden, I was not functional. I was literally sick in the bed. Not sick like the average mama who can run a fever of 104, be completely run-down, but still manages to go to bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan. I'm talkin' bout an I-can't-get-out-bed, have-to-call-a neighbor-to-drive-me-to-the-doctor (because my husband was out of town), can't-sleep-eat-or-think; feels-like-someone-hit-me-with-a-mack-truck-after-running-a-marathon kind of sick. I didn't know that anxiety could have such an absolute, complete, head-to-toe physical aspect to it... but it most certainly does. It came on suddenly, lasted for weeks, and wasn't very fun.
It all started early on a Thursday morning while I was out for a run. My heart rate went up, and over, the normal pace, and never came down. I came home, crawled into bed, and stayed there. For the course of a week I was doing nothing more strenuous than getting out of bed once in awhile to use the bathroom or to bathe, but my heart, mind and body continued to race. Even if I had had the energy to descend the stairs to the kitchen coffee pot, the thought of drinking a stimulant was more than I could bear.
Still, I missed it.
I've been a coffee drinker from the tender age of sixteen. For the record, that's nearly a quarter century of early morning roasted deliciousness. I did give it up twice, for nine months each. Enough time to incubate my chicks. The moment they hatched my first "solid food" was a cup of hospital coffee with powdered creme. Not exactly gourmet, but good enough for me.
It was the hot caffeinated beverage that got me through early morning breastfeeding sessions after long nights without sleep. It helped me to stay up late on weekends with girlfriends, when late night chatting sessions were in full swing. Coffee has been the catalyst for many wonderful conversations with my husband, friends, and family. It's been the conduit for a cozy morning read, and warm respite each afternoon. I've built this blog over the course of seven years, most posts typed with one hand, hot mug in the other. After all, this is La Vida Dulce, named after my favorite coffee (now discontinued) and I am the CoffeeGal. She doesn't drink decaf.
Only now, I do.
Have I mentioned its been nearly 106 days and I still miss it?
But I'll tell you what makes me grateful.
I used to worry when I traveled: Where would I get coffee in the morning? Would there be enough? How would I deal with the headaches and sluggishness if I couldn't find the Joe? I was using coffee as a stimulant. I was (although I despise the use of this word) addicted. I couldn't function without it. It's nice to have the freedom to go somewhere and know I won't "need" a fix.
I have been a notoriously "bad sleeper" for most of my life. Having trouble getting and staying asleep.
I still struggle a bit with sleep, but its different. Now I can fall asleep easier, and if I wake up in the middle of the night it doesn't take three to four hours to catch some z's.
My morning workouts feel more productive. I was waking up in the morning, having a HUGE cup of coffee (usually 18 oz) , and then slogging through a run or workout still not feeling fully awake. I had to have two (or more) mugs to rev up my engine. Now I enjoy working-out more because I feel refreshed when I start.
I'm still drinking one cup of decaf (10 oz - Keurig style) in the early morning, pre-workout. Then having a second cup with my breakfast. Every once in while, when I'm needing the comfort of a warm cup in my hand, I have one in the afternoon. I am grateful that I don't have to choose good health or something good to drink. I think that might be the most amazing part: I hadn't realized how caffeine had drastically changed my health and perspective. I believed the lie that I couldn't live without coffee (because I felt horrid without it.) But the truth is I can enjoy coffee and feel good. I can have both. When you are always searching for the next "fix", you cannot see that truth. I still enjoy my coffee. But now I'm enjoying it while having a more balanced perspective, and improved physical and mental health along the way.
As for the anxiety and panic issue, I wish I could say that lack of "the real stuff" is the cure. It's not quite that easy. But, I'm doing so much better with the help of a supportive husband, family and friends, and with copious amounts of prayer. Oh, and pharmaceuticals are helpful too... but that might be confession for another day.
La Vida Dulce!
(The sweet life!)
Posted by Unknown at 9:53 AM 2 comments Links to this post


text:
Matte Liquid Lipstick - Mavi
Here's The Easiest Way To Make Your Lips Look Irresistible, applies very smoothly and does not highlight fine lines! 💋💄
- Transfer Resistance, Waterproof, and Kissproof
- Long lasting and highly pigmented - It applies like a gloss but dries to velvety matte finish that lasts for hours!
- High Quality Mineral Ingredients with Vitamin E to stay all day without drying your lips
- Offers full coverage formula
- Feels weightless on your lips with a smooth texture
- Trending, sexy colors
- Cruelty-Free Glamour
Application Tips:
- Prep your lips. Massage lip scrub for about three minutes and rinse off
- Apply lip balm to hydrate and make your lips softer. Blot the excess lip balm with a tissue paper
- Use the pointed edge of the applicator to outline your lips before filling them.
- Apply the lipstick using short strokes and filling your entire lips
- Use concealer to hide any mistakes
- To Remove the lipstick, use your oil of choice (Our favorite is coconut oil)
C10-13 Isoparaffin, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Talc, Bentonite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Carbonate.


text:
Developing Leadership Potential
This session is offered for managers and first line supervisors who are either new to leadership or were not given tools to be a leader. Often high performing employees get promoted for their talent and skills associated with doing their job, then find themselves unprepared and challenged to direct the work of others vs doing the work themselves. This session is for those who need to adopt a leadership mindset in order to better deliver exciting team results with less stress. A common challenge for newer managers is creating healthy boundaries between themselves and their teams. This session will also address the pitfalls of the buddy/boss relationship. When managers are not equipped with the tools to lead, they burn out fast.
מה תלמדו
This thought-provoking session will help you with 1) Understanding the 5 levels of leadership and your leadership style 2) Discovering your strengths and blind spots and 3) Learning the secret of coaching people for performance change.
מדוע תרצו ללמוד זאת
It is time for more clarity and to be seen more as competent leader of people, and not just a competent manager of process.
כיצד זה יסייע לכם
Attending this Preview session will help you identify leadership development opportunities, stretch your thinking and decide if it is time for additional training. You will also hear about a new "Developing Leadership Potential" course coming to Pittsburgh this summer.


text:
Share your thoughts!
Let us know what you think...
What others are saying
There are no contributions yet.
₦12,354 Incl. VAT
Order in the next 01 hrs 47 mins 12 secs for same day shipping - within Lagos ONLY! Get it between October 28, 2020 and October 30, 2020, if you are outside Lagos!
Build up store credits / reward points for every products you purchase, accessible in your store account. You can use your credit to buy other products as it builds up.
There are no contributions yet.


text: Opera and Musical Theatre Scenes is student-centered, with the students choosing the songs and writing all of the dialogue. It's amazing how much is learned, even among those who have been in many shows before! In Musical Theatre Scenes Workshop students learn from the ground up, about the form of a show, the props and costumes, the way that dialogue has to work and then how to use their speaking and singing voices to communicate.


text:
The Fitbit Flex 2 bangle is made from premium stainless steel. The gold and rose gold bangles are 22k gold plated.
Flex 2 bangles are not sweat or water resistant. We recommend limited to no contact with moisture to reduce discolouration/damage.
Loose fitting accessories may cause variations in activity stats.
Metal accessories are not intended for high intensity workouts. If the bangle gets wet or dirty, we recommend using a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth to clean it. If needed, you can lightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe dry.
To maintain the life of your bangle, limit exposure to moisture, which may cause fading/tarnishing over time. Learn more.


text:
Double-Sided Plantable Postcard
These flat panel seed paper cards are a great way to grow your promotional message. Perfect for almost anything you have in mind, all we need is your full color custom design to get the ball rolling and flowers growing. Need to include an envelope? We can easily do that too.
Pricing includes up to 30% ink coverage. Please note that if your design exceeds this, a price increase may apply.
Size: 4 x 5 inches
Wildflower Seed Mix: Grows a blend of colorful wildflowers including Bird's Eye, Clarkia, Black Eyed Susan, Sweet Alyssum, Catchfly and Snapdragon.
Artwork Set-up Fee: $50
Shipping: The standard lead time for promo orders is 5-10 business days from proof approval.
Download The Artwork Templates (ZIP FILE)
Make sure to include planting instructions in your artwork. For details on file set-up, please download the artwork guidelines or contact us for more information.
Variable data imprint, rounded corners and other seed types available for additional charge. Contact us for details.
Planting Instructions
Plant seed paper under 1/8" of soil. Water thoroughly. Place in a sunny corner and keep moist during germination.
There are no reviews for this product.


text:
Remembering Elvis Monogram - O - Wristlet Keychain
- Exclusively designed fashion accessory with custom artistry.
- Perfect for carrying around your wrist or storing in your purse.
- Colorful imagery on soft supple fabric with nickel hardware.
- Spectacular and stylish personalized initial.
An Impressive and Personalized Way to Keep Your Keys in Sight
Bring your favorite hunk of burning love along for the ride with this Remembering Elvis Monogram Wristlet Keychain from Bradford Exchange Checks® and make finding your keys as simple as ever. Perfect for carrying around your wrist or storing in your purse, this exclusively designed fashion accessory showcases custom artistry that you won't find anywhere else! Featuring two show-stopping portraits of Elvis Presley enchanting his audiences by renowned celebrity painter Nate Giorgio, this perfect clever key holder can be personalized with the addition of an initial of your choice. Wristlet keychain measures 1.25" W x 6.5" H with a 1.375" diameter split key ring.
The Remembering Elvis personalized wristlet key ring isn't just captivating, it's practical too. Available exclusively from Bradford Exchange Checks, it is expertly re-created with stylish imagery on soft yet durable fabric with nickel hardware. You'll find this fashionable King of Rock and Roll key holder amazingly convenient, so don't wait! Get your monogrammed Remembering Elvis art wristlet keychain as soon as possible. Order now!
ELVIS and ELVIS PRESLEY are trademarks of ABG EPE IP LLC Rights of Publicity and Persona Rights: Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC © 2018 ABG EPE IP LLC. elvis.com
Order by Phone: 1-866-900-0617
Processing fee applies. Se habla Español.


text:
MONTREAL - Walking is one of the best forms of exercise out there: you can do it anywhere, anytime, it doesn't cost much (except for a good pair of shoes) and you can do it at your own pace.
But the people over at the GCC (Global Corporate Challenge) know firsthand how walking has an even greater impact on the workforce: happier and healthier employees, increased productivity, decreased absenteeism and an improved overall morale.
Pretty impressive.
Every year their challenge keeps growing.
This year, it will begin May 24 and continue for 16 weeks.
The GCC began nine years ago in Australia when a nutritionist and a marketer banded together to figure out a way to get people more physically active and entertained at the same time.
It is now the world's largest corporate health initiative.
In 2011, there were 130,000 participants from 83 countries and 1,000 organizations worldwide.
The average daily step count was 12,725 or eight kilometres per day – 325 per cent higher than the average office worker.
Companies register teams of seven. Each participant receives a pedometer along with coaching, newsletters, etc. Every day they register the distance walked, swum or biked at the GCC website.
The distance is recorded as a virtual walk around the world. When participants enter their numbers, they'll see their route on screen, which can be fun and addictive. Physically and metaphorically, the more you walk, the farther you go.
So far, in Montreal alone, there are more than 1,500 people taking part.
According to Jennifer Krueger, Canadian regional director, the whole idea of the challenge is to "improve employee engagement, and from the organizations' standpoint, reduce short-term and long-term disability costs."
And if you can do that by having employees enjoy taking ownership of their well-being, then even better, she said.
Jose Pastor, senior adviser, attendance management at Via Rail Canada, is very excited Via has chosen to participate this year for the first time.
They have registered 43 teams and may even see that number grow.
"It's a pilot project for us," Pastor told me. "We have strategic plans for employee wellness at Via and we want to try this initiative because the research findings are significant."
Via Rail employs roughly 3,000 people across Canada, so 43 teams represent about 10 per cent of its workforce.
"There are five regions, and in the Eastern Region, which includes Montreal, we have more than 20 teams registered."
Teams include people from management to on-board staff and office workers.
"We will reassess in October and see if this works for us," Pastor added.
Another local participant will be the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Teresa Havill, national director, human resources, came upon the challenge in an HR publication and was excited by the prospect.
"We all know how sedentary lifestyles increase incidence of disease," Havill told me in a chat last week.
"We strive for a happy, healthy workplace, and it struck a chord with us because our whole mission is kidney health."
Because it's a non-profit organization, the budget allowed for only three teams, but there was overwhelming demand to participate. Havill spoke to the organizers and they agreed to match that number, so the foundation will have six teams across Canada participating. In Montreal, it will have 11 people, three men and eight women.
"We are very eager to start," Havill told me.
"Teams have started Facebook pages and things, it's fun."
Alain Sauvé, a benefits adviser at Standard Life Canada, will be taking part for the second year in a row. Sauvé says he loves the challenge because it gets him moving. "I have a dog," he said with a laugh, "and it's good for him and it's good for me." Better still, he says, is the camaraderie of working together as a team. "It's good because we see our individual results and our team results, and often it has a bit of a competitive aspect to it."
Working lunches become walking lunches, he noted.
The company has almost 71 teams registered across the country – that's a lot of walkers.
I'm excited to say I'll be a captain for a Gazette team. My colleagues are enthusiastic and ready to go.
This year Standard Life will be hosting a BigWalk event on May 24 to launch this year's challenge and to encourage its teams to get off on the right foot.
It would certainly appear that the whole challenge is a win-win situation. For employees – and employers – alike.
You can register a team or find out more at: gettheworldmoving.com.
Twitter: @JunieOne


text:
I've talked myself into building a beater FAL, somethign that I won't cry about if I scratch it. NOT a safe queen.
My plan is to buy a cheap-o kit & Sarco folding stock, chop the barrel, and build it into a folding stock carbine.
Been looking at some of the mid-range FAL kits that are currently available. I don't want to use an STG kit because they are so darned nice, that I'd like to see them go fulfill their destiny. So I'm looking at either Rhodesian FAL kits or one of the other "used" kits floating around out there. Currently here's what I've found:
http://www.ammunitionstore.com - Rhodie kit
http://www.gunthings.com - "South African" kits (looks like Rhodie kits to me, probably are)
http://www.sarcoinc.com/fnfal.html - assorted FAL kits
http://www.thedealerwarehouse.com - misc FAL stuff
OK so I've grown tired of search 8 bazillion posts on FALFILES :(
Questions I have:
1. What is needed to convert a normal FAL to folding stock? What parts?
2. Anyone have the skinny on how well Rhodie parts kits shoot? 2 MOA? 10? Tumbling bullets?
- Jerry


text:
Login Required
You need to have a Pokémon Trainer Club account to save your Favorite Pokémon!Log In Sign Up No Thanks
Aron has a body of steel. With one all-out charge, this Pokémon can demolish even a heavy dump truck. The destroyed dump truck then becomes a handy meal for the Pokémon.
This Pokémon has a body of steel. To make its body, Aron feeds on iron ore that it digs from mountains. Occasionally, it causes major trouble by eating bridges and rails.
Protects the Pokémon from recoil damage.
It cannot be knocked out with one hit. One-hit KO moves cannot knock it out, either.
The Pokémon Company International is not responsible for the content of any linked website that is not operated by The Pokémon Company International. Please note that these websites' privacy policies and security practices may differ from The Pokémon Company International's standards.
Pokemon.com administrators have been notified and will review the screen name for compliance with the Terms of Use.
Your request could not be completed. Please try again. If the problem persists, please contact Customer Support.


text:
A beautiful and interesting destination of the western coast of Africa, you can reach seven Cape Verde destinations when you fly with TAP Air Portugal. Why not make a Plusgrade bid to upgrade to TAP Executive, giving you all the perks of business class, including tasty Portuguese food, great entertainment, and laptop charging points.
Some of the best things to do in Cape Verde include:
Make sure you try the delicious local cuisine, with its tantalising blend of African and Portuguese influences. Of the country's many vibrant festivals, Baia das Gatas, in August, is perhaps the ultimate experience. Regular ferries connect the different islands. Enjoy Cape Verde with TAP today.


text:
Vermont Indicators Report
Windsor County Market Report
Have a question or comment? Leave it here and we will get back to you as quickly as we can! If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to call our office at (802) 888-3873. We look forward to talking with you.
Start typing and press Enter to search


text:
The official social platform for ConsimWorld
36 members
Added by Bert
Join ConsimWorld
Welcome toConsimWorld
Sign Upor Sign In
141 members
3 members
118 members
65 members
134 members
308 members
167 members
154 members
39 members
60 members
The Mahdist Challenge to the Italians, 1890-94
Strategic Geography of Chinese Sea Power
Hochkirch, Saxony, 1758
The Emergence of Hoplite Warfare, 900–525 BC
Mentioned in Dispatches, Season 5 Episode 6 – The Compass Games Holiday Catalog [podcast]
Operational Studies Group Fall Sales Event
War and Peace Review [video]
It Never Snows First Look [video]
All Bridges Burning First Look [video]
Gorbachev: The Fall of Communism First Look [video]
Osprey Publishing October Specials
Operation Jubilee: The Raid on Dieppe (new from High Flying Dice Games)
Nightmare Island (new from High Flying Dice Games)
The Deadly Woods (Revolution Games Preorder)
An Attrition of Souls (new from Compass Games)
Please be sure to check-out these CSW services.
© 2020 Created by John Kranz.
Powered by
Badges |
Report an Issue |
Terms of Service
Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator.


text:
While Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai is helming the upcoming Smash Bros. titles, Namco Bandai is developing the games. But does that mean the Tekken team will be making the games?
When asked by Kotaku whether or not the Tekken team was involved with the new Smash Bros., Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada stressed this: "Sakurai is directing." Harada also added that Namco, of course, has lots of experience making fighting games.
However, said he would not be saying how the new Smash Bros. should play or saying what characters should appear in the game. Harada was very clear that even though Namco is developing the new Smash Bros., Sakurai is in charge of them. They are still very much Sakurai's games.
"We'll be providing our expertise when asked," said Harada, "but it's not like we'll (the Tekken Team) be making the game."
That does not mean developers with Tekken experience won't be working on the Smash Bros. games. When asked for clarification, Namco explained that developers who might have worked on the Tekken games or even as part of the Tekken Team could be assigned to work on the Smash Bros. games.
Semantics, maybe, but Namco seems to think it's important to keep Sakurai and his vision at the forefront.


text:
- About MACO
- Auditor/Treasurers
- Recorders
- Vitals
- Education & Events
- Links & Member Resources
|Privacy Statement
Share |
MACO Data Privacy Policy
Applicability and Eligibility
Collection and Use of Personal Information
We process your personal information for membership administration, to deliver member benefits, and to inform you of our events, content, and other benefits or opportunities associated with your membership. We may also use this information to help us understand our members' needs and interests to better tailor our products and services to meet your needs.
We reserve the right to use any photograph/video taken at our events, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. We may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject.
You may wish to subscribe to some of our publications without becoming a member. To receive our mailings/newsletters by email, you will need to create a profile with us, which involves providing us with at least your first name and last name, an email address, and the country in which you live. We do not share this information with any third party other than to store the information in our database.
You may manage your subscriptions by subscribing or unsubscribing at any time. If you have any difficulties managing your email or other communication preferences, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Correspondence Information
Access to Your Information
Purposes for Processing Your Data
Payment Information
Website Usage
Sharing Information
We do not otherwise reveal your personal data to third-parties for their independent use unless: (1) you request or authorize it; (2) it's in connection with any of our events as described above; (3) the information is provided to comply with the law (for example, to comply with a search warrant, subpoena or court order), enforce an agreement we have with you, or to protect our rights, property or safety, or the rights, property or safety of our employees or others; (4) the information is provided to our agents, vendors or service providers who perform functions on our behalf; (5) to address emergencies or acts of God; and (6) to address disputes, claims, or to persons demonstrating legal authority to act on your behalf.
Our website uses interfaces with social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others. If you choose to "like" or share information from our website through these services, you should review the privacy policy of that service. If you are a member of a social media site, the interfaces may allow the social media site to connect your site visit to your personal data.
Member Directory
Changes and Updates to the Privacy Policy
Data Protection Officer
Barb Mann
2/16/2021 » 2/19/2021
SAVE THE DATE: 2021 MACO Annual Conference
6/14/2021 » 6/17/2021
MCRA Summer Conference


text:
Available ebook formats: epub mobi pdf lrf pdb txt html
Clive W. Humphris M0DXJ: Ex Technology Teacher. Software Developer, Author and Director of eptsoft limited. Married with two children and four grandchildren.
Apprentice Instrument Maker at Marconi's with Senor Technical Management roles in Radio Rentals and Alcatel Business Systems before starting eptsoft providing educational software to schools colleges and universities worldwide since 1992.
Interests outside of developing digital products for eptsoft, include Running, Walking and Reading.


text:
Votre titre Audible gratuit
Lover Unleashed
Number-one New York Times best-selling author J.R. Ward's thrilling new novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself - only to face a devastating injury.
Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can - but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?
Autres livres audio du même :
Ce que les auditeurs disent de Lover Unleashed
- 12/04/2011
Good not great **Spoilers**
This book was good but not as emotionally satisfying as some of the others. Payne was as advertised. She had that mix of innocence and warrior which is pretty much what I expected from her. Manny was pretty much what I expected too. Loner who doesn't know he's missing anything out of life but suddenly finds his shellan and "Mine." It was a little too quick and I think that's the problem. The pacing on this book is off. The storyline didn't really have time to develop in the week or so the book covers.
Payne's hurt, Manny gives her sexual healing, Manny can't deal with the vampires and Payne's impact on him for like six hours, Payne's kidnapped and rescues herself in one night, Manny finds out he's Butch's half-brother and Manny/Payne have sex, the end. Okay, hard to get invested in that storyline. True.
The best part of the book was V/Butch/Jane. Poor Marissa is barely mentioned except to nod approvingly as Butch goes off to fix V. The emotional dynamic between V/Butch and to some extent Jane is just terrific. Love how Butch knew what to do to help. V and Jane's resolution was satisfying. Love the bond and the humor between them all.
Not enough Blay/Quinn. Ward keeps teasing her readers with this couple. If she continues to tease her readers with will they/won't they for too long with no payoff, nothing she writes is going to be enough to satisfy the people who are invested in the m/m couple. She's already said she can't sell a whole book on these two because her readership won't support it so get on with the novella and give fans of Blay/Quinn a break.
The new guys are interesting. Definitely a hook for future books. Not enough of the other brothers. No Rhage humor, no Phury/Zadist to speak of. The shellans must all be on vacation because I don't remember seeing/hearing anything about them.
Overall a decent read but not one I want to listen too over and over except for the Butch/V parts.
24 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Diva
- 02/04/2011
Ward You Owe Me One--Soon
This is not the best in the series. If you are a fan of the series and loved Phury's installment this is the book for you. This one starts off slow and I can usually deal with that out of Ward. It's a very tedious listen in the beginning.
I am kind of mad at Ward on this one. I gave it a three because for the dedicated fan you can't miss this installment. There is a ton of new information and interesting new characters you might come to love or hate. Overall, it is a must listen. The romance between Payne and Manny is just a convenient backdrop for new and old questions. Just like Phury's installment is a buildup to Lover Mine.
I hope Ward doesn't make us wait another year before the next installment arrives. She's going somewhere with some of the old and new characters and I am definitely on board with this series. However, if you are expecting an amazing romance between Payne and Manny it just doesn't happen in this book. I would actually characterize this as V and Jane: Part II.
As usual, Jim Frangione does an outstanding job with the narration. So there you have it. A must listen for diehard fans. If this is your first listen of Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series start with another installment.
21 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- 04/04/2011
Just a rewrite of previous books........
Angie in Jamestown, TN
First, let me say that I purchased the book 2 hours after it became available. There had already been 10 5 stars ratings left..on a 19 hour book. Yah, fishy...fans just hiking up the book's rating without listening to it first.
Onto the book **Slight Spoilers may be ahead** It's my least favorite of the series. I LOVE the Brotherhood! I have listened to all of the previous books in one sitting. This one though, took me 3 days to finish.
Is this a rewrite of V's story? Haven't we done the V & Jane thing? Haven't we done the V & Butch thing? And haven't we done the half breed thing? Where's the original ideas? Where's Manny and Payne's courtship? The courtship was rushed, predictable, weak, and I just ended up not caring. It would have actually been better if one of them had been killed off....much more interesting.
It seems like when the book was finished, Ward remembered Quinn & Blay and went back and through a few rewrote pages about them from previous books. Like another reviewer stated....Quinn won't come out of the closet, blah blah blah.
I noticed a few inconsistencies, like when V told Wrath that Payne had recovered and Wrath was excited and surprised. Hadn't Payne just been in there before, asking Wrath if she could leave with Manny? Yah Wrath is blind, but he would have known if she was bed ridden or not when she walked in his door.
The whole showdown between Payne and Xcor.....was that it? "You killed my father" "No I didn't" "Oh, okay." Really?
I still love the Brotherhood! I love hearing a few snippets here and there about previous characters, but when a new book comes out, it should be about the new couple, not 75% the same stuff from previous books. I'll continue with the series, because the new characters that Ward introduced seem appealing, which unfortunately for you who have not listened to this book, makes this installment and necessity for character background.
Once again, Jim Frangione does a YUMMY performance!!! LOVE HIM!
16 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Kindle Customer
- 01/04/2011
Lover What?
Where did J R Wards' in depth story and character development go? I wanted to feel vested in the characters of this story, but found that impossible with all of the story lines she "unleashed". Maybe a better title might have been Lover Overlooked!
9 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Leanna
- 03/04/2011
Okay but...
If you are a fan of the BDB series, brace yourself, because the new installment is out. Unfortunately, Lover Unleashed leaves much to be desired. At best, this book is unfocused. Lover Unleashed spans three relationships: Vishous/Jane, Qhuinn/Blaylock and Manny/Payne. In addition to trying to develop three relationships, the book also introduces a new brotherhood enemy. In the end, there is just too much going on to fully explore any of the storylines. This results in a book that serves as more of a transition between stories than a story itself.
13 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Teicher
- 08/04/2011
Love BDB but....
I am so glad to see that I am not the only one who felt this book was a bit of a let down. I have "read" all the BDB books and have recommended them to others as I LOVE the series. This book left me feeling unsatisfied somehow and after waiting on pins and needles for the next installment, I needed more. I agree, it was Jane and Vishous part II with a little Butch thrown in. At times, I forgot this was Payne's story. For the die-hard BDB fan, you will read it as you NEED to know what is going to happen next. If you are new to the series, start with an earlier book... Hopefully, we will not have to wait as long for the next book. As I said earlier, I LOVE this series!!!
7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Amazon Customer
- 01/04/2011
I absolutely loooved the other books. This one...not so much. I had to hear that same old crap about Quin and Blay and Vishous and.... Wait a minute. It was supposed to be Paynes and Manello's book right? Wrong! Nothing against it but I really don't want to hear about someone struggling to come out of the closet. Nor did I believe why V had such anger management issues about somebody he knew all of.. what... 5 minutes. Probably my last book also. I thought the book left you with more questions and answers to other questions, I didn't want answered. J.R,Ward? Not happy. Not happy.
6 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Brian
- 17/04/2011
Coundn't finish
I have to agree with the others that this installment is too much like others in the series. Unfortunately, I'm adding J.R. Ward to the same "do not read" list that Anita Hamilton and Chairlanne Harris occupy. The first books in all the series were great, but as the series continued, they've lost their steam.
9 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Ilana
- 16/03/2016
getting repetitive
I like the narrator. Story is good but the same. recipe as previous 8 books. I would like a conclusion.
2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- 28/07/2013
Melodrama with limited vocabulary
What would have made Lover Unleashed better?
The author should consider doing a word count and editing any word that appears over 500 times. That would cut the F-bomb in half. Not that I'm opposed to swearing, but it is SO thick that it takes the place of story and character in places.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
Fine and predictable.
Which character – as performed by Jim Frangione – was your favorite?
The female lead, Payne. However none of the characters was very developed.
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?
Sadly, no reaction. A good theme and plot outline poorly executed.
Any additional comments?
Good to sleep to.
2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile
- Lisa
- 17/04/2020
Nicht ganz so spannend wie die anderen Bücher aber trotzdem gut
Die Geschichte von Pain und Manny ist nicht ganz so spannend wie die anderen Bücher vorher aber trotzdem wie immer gut.


text:
Patriarchies are defined by sexism: the valuing of men over women. In our American patriarchy, however, this is matched—and perhaps superseded—by something called androcentrism: the valuing of all-things-masculine over all-things-feminine. Enter the Mercedes SLK.
We know we live in an androcentric society because masculinized things (playing sports, being a doctor, being self-sufficient) are imagined to be good for everyone (we encourage both our sons and daughters to do these things), but feminized things (playing with dolls, being a nurse, and staying at home to raise children) are considered to be good only for women.
This means that men are teased and ostracized for doing feminized things, as we have demonstrated in advertising for McCoy Crisps, Hungry Man, Solo, Chevy, dog food, Miller beer, beef jerky, cell phones, Dockers, the VW Beetle, and alcohol (see here, here, here and here).
This tendency towards androcentrism means, also, that companies can count on both women and men buying masculinized products, but only women buying feminized products. It's smart business, then, to masculinize everything. In a New York Times article, for example, Patton reports that Mercedes masculinized its SLK in response to a finding that "too many" women were buying it, something that threatened to feminize the car:
Mercedes says that 52 percent of the registered owners of first-generation SLK's are women and 48 percent are men; the company would prefer the figures to be more on the order of 60 percent men and 40 percent women.
The standard thinking in the industry is that lots of women will buy a car that appeals to men, but many men - certainly those who wish to avoid the girlie-men label - won't buy one associated with women.
This logic helps explain the, admittedly tongue-in-cheek (I think), hyper-masculinization of the Honda Odyssey in this commercial, sent in by Nancy N. She writes:
The choice of the black car, the music, and lighting all direct the viewer to think, "this isn't just a mini-van, this is a man-van, and you aren't a pansy if you buy it." …[It is] "technology packed "… with distinctly harder edges. Overall, Honda is trying very hard to override the notion of a "mom car" to sell to a broader audience.
This post originally appeared at Sociological Images. Republished with permission.
Want to see your work here? Email us!


text:
Climate Change's Effect on Glaciers Around Lake Issyk Kul, Kazakhstan40.6N 79.6E
In the last 15 years, all of the 22 glaciers around Lake Issyk Kul (center, between Lake Balqash and the Taklamakan Desert), in Kazakhstan, have retreated. There are a number of reasons for the degradation of glaciation in Issyk Kul, but the increase in surface pollution and climate change are the main ones.
Both contribute to more intense melting and therefore degrade the mass balance of the glacier. The average yearly temperature in the glaciation zone has risen by 0.2ºC; summers are warmer by 0.6ºC, evidenced not only by melting rates but by a longer ablation period. This continued warming trend will accelerate glacial collapse and, most important, lead to a change in the water volume in the rivers the glaciers help to feed (click here for more information).


text:
I checked the main ICs and they are getting 4,9V too ...
So i should write a checklist:
So i'll go on with checking some things in the oric service manual and trying to shorten the cap C21 pins (thanks iss).- working power supply - OK
- 7905 and main chip voltages - OK
- ROM chip (i changed the ROM, but a had the same problem) - OK
- 6502 - reset pin - first low and then high - OK
EDIT: Shorting C21 - only a gentle noise and the result is the same.
EDIT 2: Maybe i should replace the C21 capacitor.
EDIT 3: I'm losing my temper and i want to throw this garbage to the wall ... i checked pins 14/2 of all DRAMs and all are different between 2.35 and 3,30V. they should be about 4V or am i wrong?
I searched and searched the net for a better failure documentation, 'cause i DON'T cut any lines. I don't know, what i should measure exactly and what to do now. Desoldering a 40 pin IC is a bit too difficult and piggy back isn't recommended here, i think.
Maybe the whole thing is not my cup of tea, i should stay with my Thomsons.


text:
Discover the compatible one:
With an LPG or CNG system your life has an added plus!
Cut down on fuel costs. Breathe cleaner air and take care of the planet. No-traffic days and alternating licence plates on city roads are no longer a problem: in many cities* LPG or CNG powered vehicles are considered eco-friendly and therefore can circulate freely.
The natural gas system in your car communicates with your smartphone via an App.
Choose the easiest way to find the LPG or CNG filling station closest to you, in Italy and in Europe, wherever you are and whenever you want.