text:
Dear Marvin,
I am a police officer in Southern California. Approximately two years ago, I was forced to shoot and kill a mentally deranged woman who was attacking my partner with a knife. The incident, which lasted only a few minutes, finally concluded last month after a jury found that my actions were justified. The two years between the shooting and the civil trial (I was sued by the woman's son) were stress-filled, but were also filled with an outpouring of emotional support from my family, fellow officers and many citizens, most of whom were complete strangers.
One of the many things which made the past two years bearable was what I would like to call the "Brotherhood of the Cigar." Many a night on patrol found a lull in the action, which was then filled by myself and several of my fellow officers sharing cigars, usually La Unica 100s or Cuba Aliados robustos, with an occasional La Gloria Cubana (whenever we could find them). Those times allowed me to talk about the incident, which tremendously lessened the stress I felt. More often than not our impromptu "therapy" sessions were ended by an urgent call for service, usually a shooting or stabbing.
Another stress reliever was being able to attend several cigar dinners sponsored by one of the local tobacco shops. To be able to spend an evening in the company of others enjoying a fine dinner, fine wines and more than satisfactory cigars, conversing about simple pleasures, was "just what the doctor ordered." In fact, one of the jurors in my trial was dismissed by the other side because he had met me at one of the dinners.
Another benefit from those nights was the start of a great friendship with the proprietor of the sponsoring shop, a fellow former Marine named Odell "Smitty" Smith. Many a time I would go into his shop to purchase my weekly supply of cigars, only to spend an enjoyable hour just talking. His understanding, compassion and support was, and is, a priceless commodity.
It did not take the jury long to deliberate and conclude that I had no other option that spring night in protecting a fallen officer. Immediately after the verdict, I called my wife with the good news. The second thing I did was to go to a fast food drive through, buy lunch and go to Smitty's store. I gave Smitty the news, ate my lunch and then purchased a Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 1. That was the best smoke I'd had in two years! There isn't a better celebration than a cigar smoked in the company of a good soul.
Darryl George Wood
Oceanside, California
* * *
Dear Marvin,
I am a 24-year-old gay man who lives in New York City. I began smoking cigars when a professor of mine at New York University handed them out to celebrate the birth of his baby boy. I was 19 at the time, and my five-year cigar smoking journey has been one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures of my life.
Sadly, I have come across many people who make sweeping judgments about me both because I am gay and because I smoke cigars. It is ironic, Marvin, how similar these judgments are! In fact, many of your heterosexual readers have a very good idea how it feels to be gay in America because of the fact that they smoke cigars and receive the same type of persecution.
I have sat on a park bench smoking a fine cigar when someone who is walking by has turned to me and given me an angry sneer. How fragile these individuals must be if their afternoons are so quickly ruined by smelling cigar smoke for a split second as they pass me on a park bench! I still remember the day when a very large woman lectured me about how my health would suffer if I continued to smoke. I don't know about her, but I work out at the gym three times a week, swim three times a week, roller blade every day and eat a low-fat diet.
The hope for tolerance that all cigar smokers have is very similar to the hope that my gay brothers and sisters have. All we want is for people to realize that our private behavior neither affects nor concerns them in any way, shape or form, and that the United States of America was founded on the idea that every citizen may engage in his or her own personal pursuit of happiness unencumbered by others who may disagree with their ways.
The cigar and gay rights movements have a lot in common. In unison, we should all get together and tell the government to stay out of our smoking rooms and out of our bedrooms. It really is true that when we fight for the rights of one group, we are in turn fighting for the rights of all.
Christopher Lamparello
New York, New York
* * *
Dear Marvin,
For quite some time now I have been enjoying the company of a good smoke after a long and stressful day at work. I enjoy smoking cigars as much as I do purchasing them, touching them, and smelling them. As a single male under the age of 30, I try to socialize as much as possible. My career and my future are very important to me. I also realize how unacceptable smoking is in today's world. I seem to be in a generation that is split down the center, creating two factions: the smoke haters and the smoke lovers.
In the past six weeks a friend of mine has decided to try the time-honored ritual of cigar smoking. She was very impressed with the taste and now looks forward to a cigar as much as I do. Lately my friend and I have been going to a secluded local restaurant/bar to sample different drinks and cigars during the week. I have always, and will always, smoke cigars where others are not bothered by the aroma. If I know that someone around me is bothered by my smoke, I don't enjoy my cigar as much as I should. I have always been a considerate cigar smoker.
This same friend of mine had a birthday last week, and I received an invitation for a formal dress party in her honor. As my gift to her I purchased several cigars that I felt she would enjoy. As she opened the gift around a crowd of people, she thanked me and appreciated the time I spent in selecting the cigars. Her sister immediately stood up and began to ridicule me in front of everybody for forcing a bad habit on someone else. As I glanced around the room, all private discussions had stopped and attentions were in my direction. As the uncontrolled sister spoke on, her voice became more intense. She was actually telling everyone in the room that I had forced someone to smoke cigars and my gift was proof.
As I drove home that evening I began to wonder about forcing beliefs on others. It was obvious that she felt it was my fault that her sister started smoking cigars. I was the "bad guy," because she knows that her sister can make her own decisions in life regardless of other opinions. There is one simple point to be made about this situation. She feels that I am forcing a belief on someone else, yet that is exactly what she was doing to me.
Sean P. Klunder
Lake Forest, Illinois
* * *
Dear Marvin,
I am a 20-year-old college student and cigars are my life. Or, should I say, my livelihood.
Since the age of 14, I have been working for my uncle's tobacco distribution company, where he deals primarily with premium cigars and fine pipe tobaccos. I am, more or less, his right-hand man.
Given my surroundings, becoming a cigar smoker was inevitable and proved to be enjoyable. I have had the privilege of working with classy, interesting people who have supported my enthusiasm by giving me fantastic cigars to try. Needless to say, this is a great job for a young cigar smoker to have.
Being a middleman company, I don't get to see our cigar smoking public, though I know it is there, and multiplying; I'd have to be blind not to see the increase in demand over the past few years (due largely in part to Cigar Aficionado), as we get a shipment of cigars in and sell out within hours.
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend several cigar affairs held at fine retail establishments, and finally met some of the people who make this smoking chain all possible. Contrary to the demonization of cigar smokers through the media, I found those who attended to be articulate, successful folks who liked to enjoy good company and some of the finer things in a comfortable atmosphere. I have never really connected with my peers and could never understand the fun in excessive drinking and partying. I prefer the relaxed, refined style of cigar smokers. It is a good time without having to work yourself into a frenzy in order to have fun. And not one person imposed his good time on everyone else.
The people I have met through the cigar industry have only given me a greater sense of pride in what we do.
Roger Matthew Kunkle
Brisbane, California
* * *
Dear Marvin,
Recently, I was invited to a wedding in Pasadena, California. Knowing how strict (ridiculous) smoking laws are in California, I was quite pleased to see that the reception was being held at Bistro 45; Bistro 45 is listed in your Guide to Cigar Friendly Restaurants as allowing cigars on the patio.
Shortly after my arrival, I smelled the aroma of a fine cigar and followed my nose to the patio where I found pastry chef David Berg enjoying a good cigar. After a brief discussion with him concerning the smoking laws of California, the pleasure of a great cigar, etc., we agreed to meet after the dinner to enjoy fine Macanudos together.
After a lovely reception and a wonderful dessert (thank you, David), I adjourned to the patio for my after-dinner smoke with chef Berg. We had barely begun to enjoy our cigars when the manager approached me and advised me that cigar smoking was not permitted. I reminded him that he was listed in the Cigar Aficionado guide as a cigar friendly establishment. The manager affirmed that they do permit cigars on the patio when the restaurant is "open," however, since the restaurant was "closed" for a private function (for which I was an attendee and had been given permission to smoke by the host), he would not permit cigars. Once again, the logic of Californians is beyond belief!
Since the management of Bistro 45 obviously had no sense and since I did not want to jeopardize my newfound friend's career, I thought it futile to pursue the issue any further.
On the advice of my cigar comrade, we adjourned to the back alley of the restaurant and continued smoking our cigars among the dumpsters and used, rusting kitchen equipment. The chef had a table and chairs brought to the alley where we resumed our cigars over a fine Cognac.
Although this episode initially upset me considerably, the panache of enjoying my cigar with a new friend and a fine Cognac in the back alley resulted in a new and unusual cigar experience.
I write this letter to affirm to you the true camaraderie of cigar smokers the world over. In addition, I would respectfully request that you remove Bistro 45 from your directory of cigar friendly restaurants.
E.M. Gullia, M.D.
Greenville, Ohio
* * *
Dear Marvin,
My Good Cigar
My window open and to the sea,
silent companions, thoughts, and thee,
fire that burns so close, yet far,
the glorious scent of my good cigar!
The Atlantic swells and south winds blow,
my heart tells warm with your leaves aglow,
and as dusk turns to night and the sea grows weary,
I gather my thoughts with cigar held near me!
Joseph C. Nemie Jr.
Portsmouth, Virginia
* * *
Dear Marvin,
Your letter to me regarding the India Allen article (Spring 1995) was most gracious and sincere. I also appreciate your having taken the time and trouble to correspond with me.
I have always been proud of my charter subscriber status, and the decision to cancel my subscription was not an easy one. After reading your letter I felt compelled to make yet another, more pleasurable, decision: Please reinstate my subscription!
Your apology was both well-meaning and well-timed, and as a result, I am once again a fan of, and friend to, Cigar Aficionado. Let us continue to live long and prosper together.
Christopher S. Tyler
Tulsa, Oklahoma
* * *
Dear Marvin
The article "Ladies and Cigars" in the Summer issue took me back to a hot August night last year at Giants Stadium.
The Rolling Stones were about to open their Voodoo Lounge show. I was there with four good friends, and in a rare moment of sexism on my part, I offered Steve, Mike and Tim Arturo Fuentes, and excluded Brigitte. Suddenly, she looked at me, saying, "And what? I can't have one because I'm a woman?" I quickly handed her a Fuente and she proceeded to light up.
As Mick completed his first song, Brigitte turned to me and said, "I can't believe I'm at a Rolling Stones concert in Giants Stadium with a Roman Catholic priest, smoking a cigar." She was right. It didn't get much better than that.
Since then, I have repented of the sin of sexism, and Brigitte and I have enjoyed many Arturo Fuentes together.
Thanks for Cigar Aficionado. It is a class act!
Reverend David J. Faraone
Sodus, New York
* * *
Dear Marvin,
You will receive a package in a few days: Contents--two wooden cigar boxes, one cigar holder and a cigar cutter.
The inscription on the latter is in Czech and translates:
For the 50th Year
Our Grandfather
Karel Tayerla
It was bought in 1915.
These items were discovered as I helped Mildred Vainer clean and sell her house after her sister Henrietta died in May 1994.
We had planned to sell them, but I saw you on the CNN program "Pinnacle" and was so impressed! I told Mildred about you and we decided it would be special to send her grandfather's cutter to you as you are a collector of cigar accessories. We thought the boxes and the holder might be of interest to you too.
Mildred Vainer is 87. She was eight and her sister, seven, when they gifted their grandfather with the cutter. Neither sister married and they lived together until now. Mildred must go into a home now and it has been a sad thing to close their house and move on.
It has made her happy to pass something on to someone who will find some joy in its possession.
I bought a copy of Cigar Aficionado to get your address. It is a classy magazine as would befit the height of smoking elegance.
Wishes for reaching more "Pinnacles."
Sonia Golden
Willoughby Hills, Ohio
Editor's response: My thanks to you and Mildred for thinking of me.
* * *
Dear Marvin,
I always look forward to the next issue of Cigar Aficionado. But when I saw that your Spring issue included a review of the best poker rooms in all of gaming, I was even more excited than usual.
Of course, ratings of any sort are extremely subjective. However, I would like to note that author Jim Maroe was unfortunately just a few weeks early in his quest to find Atlantic City's finest place for poker play. On April 7, superstars Willie Mays and Paul Anka helped The Grand, owned by Bally's, open our new casino, which includes Atlantic City's most refined poker room. Among the more striking features of our new 16-table room are boardwalk-level, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of our beautiful beach and ocean (the only such view in Atlantic City).
Like Cigar Aficionado itself, we at The Grand pride ourselves in catering to an exclusive audience. And we are confident that your readers, and all discerning poker players, will thoroughly enjoy our new poker room. After all, since The Grand is already the Atlantic City home for another Cigar Aficionado fan, Bill Cosby, where else would a self-respecting cigar lover play?
Joseph C. Jimenez
Executive Vice President
The Grand, Atlantic City, New Jersey
* * *
Dear Marvin,
Having just passed my first quarter century of cigar smoking, it is time to share with my fellow cigar aficionados the top 10 reasons why it still pays to smoke a cigar in New York City.
Reason #10--The dog gets a lot more exercise.
Reason #9--Nobody throws red paint at you.
Reason #8--Your wife never smells perfume on your clothes.
Reason #7--The "pooper-scooper" law doesn't apply to cigar butts.
Reason #6--It's a great way to meet Cuban women.
Reason #5--It's a great way to meet Cuban men.
Reason #4--Your wife's lawyer keeps conferences to less than 10 minutes.
Reason #3--When you fall asleep on the bench at the mall, people save your cigar.
Reason #2--You seldom have to see your mother-in-law.
Reason #1--You get thrown out of some of the finest restaurants.
Harry N. Turk
New York, New York
* * *
Dear Marvin,
I read with great interest your Editor's Note in the Spring 1995 issue.
The U.S. government, somewhere along the way, decided the length of life is far more important than the quality of life. Our government considers average Americans unable to make our own decisions or take responsibility for our own actions. It must look after our best interest.
We have become so weak that the government continually succeeds in imposing foolish regulations upon activities deemed dangerous to our health. But where will it stop? A person doesn't smoke, so why worry about liberties being removed from a smoker? A person doesn't like wine, so why worry about laws regulating the consumption of wine? It won't affect me, will it? Perhaps not, but who will stand with you when it does?
Soon the fragrance of perfume or aromas wafting through a dining room might be considered, by some, a form of secondary air pollution. I can just imagine the "Government Warning" signs in restaurants. Can you picture our media-hungry politicians setting up public hearings as they rake Oscar de la Renta over the coals? Perhaps a special independent council to investigate Julia Child.
Alexander Hamilton said, "Real liberty is neither found in despotism or in the extremes of democracy but in moderate government."
The country has spent the last 219 years on a pendulum that has swung from "despotism" to "the extremes of democracy." We all should fight, not only for moderate government, but also for a moderate understanding that, for some, "the superfluous is a very necessary thing."
Timothy J. McCormick
Naples, Florida
* * *
Dear Marvin,
In the Spring 1993 issue of Cigar Aficionado, you featured an article written by my employer, an ear, nose and throat surgeon. At that time, I was a nonsmoker, but since then, I too have come to enjoy a good cigar. As his nurse, I find it interesting to share ideas with him about different cigars that we have tried. My favorites, so far, have been Punch and Arturo Fuente. My husband has also become a cigar smoker. It's quite nice after our evening meal, to relax together, smoke a cigar and discuss the day's events. While others may prefer a glass of Cognac or brandy, I personally enjoy my cigar with a piece of fine chocolate. I am also the proud owner of a Cigar Aficionado T-shirt, given to me by my boss. Whenever I wear it, it draws attention and some unique conversation from other smokers. Cigars have become a very interesting "hobby" and added a relaxation and pleasure to my life that even up until very recently, I never thought I would have considered. We enjoy your magazine very much and anxiously await each issue.
Karen Jezierski
Carbondale, Illinois
* * *
Dear Marvin,
The first time I saw a cover of Cigar Aficionado, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. My first thought was that some fool had taken leave of his senses and must be trying to commit financial suicide.
I mean, how many guys are there like me who wait until they are halfway down the first hole before they dig a cigar out of their golf bag? It is a way of making sure that only the guys playing with them will know their dirty little secret. And how many guys are there like me who fly-fish all over the world in remote places, so we can smoke cigars in solitude, and maybe get lucky by snagging a box of Montecristos in a duty-free zone on the way home?
Well, I bought the issue with Cosby on the front, and as I moved through the pages, I felt the weight of a 100-pound gorilla come off my back. I know now what it must feel like for a gay man to come out of the closet and admit his sexual preference. I felt the same way when I learned how many people share my passion for fine cigars. And now, each time I read another edition, I feel completely uplifted and welcomed as a man.
I know your magazine is a huge and rightful factor in the explosive renaissance of cigar smoking, but I often wonder if part of the fun of smoking a big fat cigar is the feeling of giving a big fat finger to the increasingly strident voice of feminism in this overly sensitive and humorless time we are living in.
I doff my cap and raise my glass to you for the brass balls it took to step up to the plate and produce Cigar Aficionado. Only Amadeus comes to mind in the least likely to succeed category--an awesome achievement.
William S. Bishop
La Quinta, California
* * *
Dear Marvin,
My cigar memory goes back to two days in 1972. Mike and I had just graduated from high school in Concord, California. Thanks to Jack Kerouac, we knew that we had to get on the road. We hitchhiked up to my aunt and uncle's house in Bellevue, Washington, and after a day layover, we headed for Canada via Port Angeles and the ferries.
Everything was fresh and new to us: the ferry ride across beautiful Puget Sound, the arrival at Bainbridge Island with the greenest grass and the golden Scotch broom. We hiked along with our packs, catching frequent, short rides from the islanders. A couple of college kids passed us three times; each time, they wouldn't give us a ride, but instead gave us a beer. Walking along, we came upon a roadside stand selling fresh raspberries, and we thought we were in heaven. Finally we made it to Port Angeles and walked on to the ferry just as it finished loading for the trip to Victoria.
I don't remember a lot more about that day except that we ended up at a youth hostel in Victoria. The next day started a lifetime love affair with Victoria. We walked through downtown to the waterfront. The city was remarkably clean and the natives friendly. With graceful old buildings and flowers hanging from lampposts, here was an urban setting as splendid as the country we had just come through.
That afternoon, with instructions from a knowledgeable local, we picked up some Silver Springs beer from the government liquor store and then found a tobacco shop. We bought Cuban cigars that the clerk recommended. I wish I could remember what brand they were, but they were BIG. We took the beer, cigars and some postcards, and climbed into an empty freight car sitting in a siding. We sat, drinking, smoking the mild flavorful cigars and writing our letters home. There is a sort of golden haze around these memories, and I can still taste the cigar and beer. That trip had a lot more ups and downs in store for us, but those two days alone would have made it all worthwhile.
Keep up the good work, and remember: Life's too short for bad cigars.
Jeff Pugh
Boonville, California
* * *
Dear Marvin,
I enjoyed reading about Mike Johnson's cigar experience ["Out of the Humidor," Cigar Aficionado, Summer 1995] on one of our flights to London.
Our flight attendants are required to follow rules of the Federal Aviation Administration, various international regulatory authorities and the regulations and rules as written by my own airline. One of those rules is that only cigarette smoking is allowed on designated smoking flights. Sorry Mike, we don't make all the rules, but as flight crew members we sure do have to enforce them! In fact, there are pressures mounting to eliminate smoking on all flights, including long international trips.
I am sorry if Mike Johnson had an unpleasant experience on one of our flights. I hope he will do what I am going to do this evening: retrieve one of his cigars (in my case a properly humidified Te-Amo No. 7), light up and reflect on how great life is when you still have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a favorite smoke.
Guy Goodboe
Captain American Airlines
Barrington, Illinois
* * *
Dear Marvin,
From my journal of 4/23/95, San José del Cabo, Mexico, our first day there:
As I sit here, pondering the words I am about to etch onto this page, I am humbled by the simplicity of the issues that make us friends and the fine line that makes one an enemy.
Two evenings ago, I sat in the bar of the Tropicana in San José del Cabo, Mexico, drinking a poorly made 1800 Margarita and smoking a Montecristo No.4. It was my third Cuervo following four Pacificos earlier in the afternoon, thus allowing my mind to settle in with these Baja surroundings. Diane (my wife) was spending most of the burning moments with our Cuban masterpiece, and it caught someone's eye.
Her name was Denise, a transplanted born-again local from Canada with enchanting turquoise blue eyes whose sole purpose that night was to point us in the right direction and then make sure we got there safely. Drawn over by the cigar, she said that anyone smoking a Montecristo would be interested in the best that San José had to offer. Indeed we were. The evening that followed was quite the local sightseeing, barhopping tour. First night in town, being introduced to all the locals and touring their favorite hangouts, who was going to argue with this? All the while being chauffeured by Joseph, Denise's fun-loving expatriate mate.
New friends drawn together by a Montecristo. It seems so unlikely, and yet it is so common for something so simple to have a meaningful effect on people. Lines across the earth; who rules the heavens; who deserves to exist unmolested based on their heritage. None of the above should separate people, and in reality just a cigar should not forge a friendship. But it does.
Bill Updyke
Pacific Palisades, California
* * *
Dear Marvin,
Both my husband and I have been reading this magazine for the past year, and we both appreciate the taste of a good cigar or pipe from time to time. We also both appreciate the articles you publish.
In reading the responses to the Spring 1995 India Allen article, I am frankly appalled. I have read from women who claim that they do all they can to educate their families, but will not allow them to appreciate art. I have read from gentlemen who cannot appreciate form for what it is. I am only sorry that these people are so narrow-minded and bigoted as to blind their senses to the art portrayed by Ms. Allen. In the beginning of the article, it blatantly advertised her former publication credits. At this time, anyone who did not wish to read this article should either have removed the appropriate pages or turned past them to the next article.
I am shocked at the ignorance of individuals who cannot appreciate the beauty of the human body as portrayed by God, Monet, Gauguin and other master artists, past and present. I also sincerely hope that these individuals never have the opportunity to visit an art museum, as I do not wish to have their senses offended or to have some of history's most treasured monuments removed by the same mentality that authorized book burning for the sight of "that word" or "that attitude" toward other people.
I can only hope that Cigar Aficionado keeps up its high standard of articles so that my husband and I can continue to appreciate the caliber of writing that we have become accustomed to.
Rebecca I. Penney
North York, Ontario Canada
* * *
Dear Marvin,
One of the most overlooked discriminations against cigar smokers is in the area of insurance. It is truly an outrage. Just about all insurance companies charge cigar and pipe smokers the same life insurance rates as they do cigarette smokers. They just lump everyone together. I even know of an insurance company that gives a nonsmoker discount for auto insurance--AUTO INSURANCE!
I suppose that they're afraid someone will fall asleep at the wheel while smoking and set their car on fire. Who knows, then they're liable to hit someone else and set their car ablaze.
What nonsense!
Generally, the insurance industry has a serious perception problem regarding smokers. They not only raise the bogus health issues concerning cigar smokers, but perceive smokers, on the whole, as irresponsible. Nationally, this misconception costs cigar smokers millions.
This past April, I spent one of the most enjoyable evenings of my life at the famous Bookbinder's 15th Street Seafood House in Philadelphia. The occasion was a cigar and spirits dinner presented by J.R. Cigars. Hosts Richard Bookbinder and J.R. Cigars owners Michael and Sam Driban provided a truly memorable evening.
I sat at a table with some of the most intelligent and articulate gentlemen and their wives that I have ever met. It struck me that I was sitting with anything but irresponsible people. Through our conversation, I discovered that these gentlemen were all physicians and surgeons at one of Philadelphia's finest hospitals. These were very responsible people, indeed. As I watched them enjoy their cigars, it pretty much put the health issue to rest as well.
I love cigars and I love cigar smokers! I urge all cigar smokers not to deal with insurance companies that blatantly discriminate against you. Only do business with agents and brokers who will give you the best deals on all your coverage as a smoker.
Besides, just think of all the extra cigars you can buy with the savings.
Brian Johnson, Agent O'Neill Insurance Agency
Voorhees, New Jersey
Editor's response: I'm also outraged by the discriminatory policies of insurance companies. There is simply no justification for them to lump cigar smokers into the same categories as cigarette smokers. There are some companies, however, that continue to treat cigar lovers equitably. Please check out our survey of some major life insurance companies on page 334.
* * *
Dear Marvin,
I first smoked a cigar during the summer of 1985. I was working for a private club in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, when I saw a waitress bring the chef a $1.00 cigar from the front; I thought it would be cool to try one.
About a year ago, my family bought a liquor store in Covina, California, and my father, brother and I have been running it. Shortly after we bought the store, a very prominent attorney began to frequent the store and request certain cigars. Through talking with him, I've learned a little about cigars, mostly that you can enjoy them on a daily basis. Garcia y Vega maduros quickly became my favorite everyday smoke.
A few months ago, the attorney came in and said he had tried a Partagas Humitube at a smoker and asked if I could carry them. He was very pleased when I called him a few days later and told him his cigars were in. He knew that I had an interest, so he very generously gave me one to try. Needless to say, I bought a box for myself and when I want to treat myself that's what I choose.
Like everyone else who enjoys a good smoke, I too have been scrutinized by nonsmokers about my newfound pleasure, especially by the women I've dated. Now, however, I've finally found the perfect woman. A couple of weeks ago, she came to my apartment after I closed the store. I'd had a particularly frustrating day, so I grabbed a Partagas Humitube and a glass of Crown Royal and went down to the Jacuzzi. This gem of a woman grabbed the bottle and followed me down. I eased into the Jacuzzi and lit my cigar. After we talked a bit she swiveled around to sit on my lap and took my cigar and gave it a try. My God, that was the most beautiful sight ever. For the next hour, we made love under the stars while sharing great whiskey and a wonderful cigar. That night I knew I was in love.
David Ludlow
Covina, California Return to this Issue's Contents


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While on vacation with her parents, Gemma is kidnapped in the Bangkok airport. It went so fast. Ty, a rugged and tan stranger with ice blue eyes but with a gentle manner who looked vaguely familiar, bought her a coffee, slipped something into it, and the next thing she knew she was in a far away land with no chance of escape. 'Stolen' is written as a letter from Gemma to her captor.
This is an award winning young adult novel which did keep me on the edge of my seat. Since I lead a reading group for 15 year old girls I am always on the lookout for thought provoking stories and adventures that easily draw the reader in. This one also has a thrilling emotional twist. The desolate setting of the Australian outback is vividly portrayed as both beautiful and dangerous. So is the kidnapper, who expects Gemma to fall in love with him.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Jelmer Meijer, Cameraman Awesomeness in your mailbox? Subscribe! 🙂Signup now and receive an email once I publish new content. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time. By Ellen Grondijs|2017-02-07T01:11:28+00:00February 5th, 2017|0 Comments Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! FacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditGoogle+TumblrPinterestVkEmail Leave A Comment Cancel reply Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of new posts by email.


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Development and sales ended on April 23, 2012
Sales of Adobe® Flash® Catalyst® software ended on April 23, 2012. Flash Catalyst CS5.5 will no longer be available in future versions of Adobe Creative Suite® software. Adobe recommends that designers who are looking for interaction design software consider Creative Suite 6 Master Collection, which delivers the professional creative tools you need to create interactive apps that can reach audiences virtually anywhere.
Why is Adobe Flash Catalyst being discontinued?
Adobe has decided to discontinue the production of Flash Catalyst in order to streamline the product line.
Where can I find support for Flash Catalyst?
Adobe will continue to honor all technical support contracts until they expire. New technical support contracts are no longer being offered. Additionally, the online support resources will allow customers to access existing documentation, as well as tap into community support via the product forums.
Will there be future updates to Flash Catalyst?
No future updates are planned at this time.
Why is Adobe Flash Catalyst being discontinued?
Why is Adobe Flash Catalyst being discontinued?
Why is Adobe Flash Catalyst being discontinued?
Other Adobe products
To make the most of your creative possibilities, consider purchasing CS6 Master Collection or an Adobe Creative Cloud™ membership.


text:
Heart Reveals Guests On New Live Album
Plus Watch "Lost Angel" from 'Live in Atlantic City'
Heart's upcoming live album and DVD just got a lot more interesting. Heart Live in Atlantic City, recorded in 2006, features guest performances by Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Alice in Chains, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underood and Rufus Wainwright.
Alice in Chains and Duff McKagan perform on the AIC classics "Would?" and "Rooster." Navarro lends his support to the Heart standards "Bebe Le Strange," "Straight On" and "Crazy on You," as well as a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Misty Mountain Hop."
The show will be released on January 25th across all available formats.
Heart Live in Atlantic City Track Listing
1. "Bebe Le Strange" (with Dave Navarro)
2. "Straight On" (with Dave Navarro)
3. "Crazy On You" (with Dave Navarro)
4. "Lost Angel"
5. "Even It Up" (with Gretchen Wilson)
6. "Rock 'n' Roll" (with Gretchen Wilson)
7. "Dog & Butterfly" (with Rufus Wainwright)
8. "Would?" (with Alice In Chains and Duff McKagan)
9. "Rooster" (with Alice In Chains and Duff McKagan)
10. "Alone" (with Carrie Underwood)
11. "Magic Man"
12. "Misty Mountain Hop" (with Dave Navarro)
13. "Dreamboat Annie"
14. "Barracuda" (ensemble)
"Lost Angel" is one of the few songs on the collection that does not inlclude any special guests. Heart just released a clip of the performace. You can watch it below.,
Fans are still hoping for more Heart shows in the future. The last we heard, the Wilson sisters said a reunion was looking good. The band hasn't been on the road since a sisterly falling out in 2016.
Related: Ann Wilson Opens Up About 'Immortal' Songs
We have heard from Ann Wilson recently, though. She released Immortal, an album paying tribute to musicians who we have lost too soon. Ann talked to RADIO.COM about the project in an exclsuive interview earlier ths year.


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Responsible for the administration, interpretation and evaluation of tests and measurements.Plans and modifies treatment programs.Works with neonatal through geriatric patients with clinical competency, as applicable.Completes established competencies for the position within designated introductory period.Other related duties as assigned.
Required: Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology/Communication Sciences and Disorders
Preferred: competency in performing modified barium swallow exams
Required: State License and CCC from ASHA. AHA BLS
Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant�s or employee�s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Tenet will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.


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$7.50 $10.00
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Burn Notice's 100th episode brings Michael Westen back to Miami and star Jeffrey Donovan back in the director's chair — but the actor originally didn't want to helm the landmark hour.
"I actually wanted to do the [Season 7] premiere," Donovan, who previously directed two episodes and the Sam Axe movie prequel, tells TVGuide.com. "Then [creator] Matt Nix and the studio thought it would be a better idea for me to do the 100th episode because it was all about Michael and Fiona's flashback to their past. They thought I might be more attuned to how the dynamic between Mike and Fi would be."
Get the scoop on Burn Notice and more of your favorite returning showsIn the episode (9/8c, USA), Michael returns to Miami to protect his cover, but things don't go as planned after Fiona ( Gabrielle Anwar) is kidnapped and Michael is forced to reveal his presence to his old crew. As they plot to rescue Fi, the episode reveals how the former couple first met in an Irish bar in 2001 — complete with Irish lilts! "I think the fans are going to love seeing where Michael and Fi came from, where they met, under what circumstances... and how they fell in love," Donovan says.As for whether Michael and Fi will get their happily-ever-after before the drama wraps up its run this year, Donovan can't promise anything — but he does think that fans will be "shocked" by Michael's actions in the series finale.


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For a dollar, I bought a rollicking ride down a forgotten memory lane.
The buck went for a book, one I hadn't read in a long time. Maybe you have a book like that, one you browse every now and then to get reacquainted. Maybe the book itself — story, subject, writing — has a recurring pull on you.
Or maybe the book takes you to the time when you first picked it up. You recall who you were, perhaps an entirely different person, certainly younger.
My rediscovered book did all that, mixing two wistful touchstones of many grown boys of a certain age: baseball and childhood.
"The Bronx Zoo" was co-written by Sparky Lyle, a superb relief pitcher and all-around fun-ster. In 1977, he won the Cy Young Award as the American League's best pitcher; over his career, he was renowned for clowning, which included an indelicate locker room habit of dropping his baseball pants to sit on teammates' birthday cakes.
As a kid — and a baseball-loving smart-aleck — I appreciated Lyle's endeavors on and off the field. In 1979, when he came out with "The Bronx Zoo" — a tell-all about the insanity of playing for the New York Yankees — I biked miles to the nearest bookstore to snap up one of the first hardcover copies.
As a kid, I had two loves: If I wasn't playing baseball, I was reading about baseball history. That's why I still can tell you who batted behind Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on the 1927 New York Yankees' famed "Murderers' Row" (Bob Meusel, of course).
But amid endless baseball tomes, "The Bronx Zoo," co-written with Peter Golenbock, leaped out as different. It shoved the reader headlong through an entire season, delving behind the scenes and minds of pro baseball, many crude and crazy. That book was a constant companion that summer of '79.
Meanwhile, that period marked a turning point for me. It was my 15th year, the time when a boy realizes — in ways good and sad — that things are about to change. I looked forward to getting a driver's license the next year, but didn't particularly like the notion of working a job to pay for gas. And though I figured I'd remain a fan forever, my meager baseball skills were eroding to the point that I knew that it soon would be time to hang up my mitt and focus on football.
Time was ticking, and I knew it. As if locking a nostalgic treasure into a time capsule, I read "The Bronx Zoo" over and over that summer.
And then I grew up.
Since then, I hadn't much thought about the book. But weeks ago at a pawn shop, my eyes flitted across paperbacks, suddenly stopping: "The Bronx Zoo"! I handed over $1 and took it home for a few laughs.
But the more I read, the more I felt pulled back in time. I didn't exactly feel 15 again. But I relished revisiting the familiar territory — standing on the edge of childhood, though still wild about something as carefree as baseball.
Still, at book's end, I felt melancholy. I wasn't pining for any lost youth. You can't become young again, that much we know.
Rather, I demanded to myself, what happened to my romance with baseball? In the past 20 years, I've been to maybe five major-league games. This season, like every year, I half-heartedly pledged to throw myself back into the sport. I've already lost interest.
Why? What happened to my "Bronx Zoo" days? For answers, there was my guru: Sparky Lyle.
Until retiring in 2012, Lyle spent 15 years as manager of the Somerset Patriots, an independent minor-league team in New Jersey. That's where he's lived for ages, and where I tracked him down.
Though he'll turn 70 this season, Lyle sounds as feisty and funny as during his heyday. Despite success as a manager of young players, he shares my frustration with America's pastime. In fact, when he sees former Yankees teammates at golf tourneys or memorabilia shows, they bemoan the same thing.
"We talk a lot about that: what happened?" Lyle says. His rasp gives way to a bemused chuckle, continuing with, "I have no idea. Everything has changed."
As a player, Lyle knew the game, a student smart enough to ask old-timers for advice. For instance, his career took off after Ted Williams told him to develop a wicked slider. Bingo.
But today, young pro players don't like to listen to veteran players like Lyle. They're into complex regimens involving nutrition and training. They're better athletes nowadays, but not baseball students. They disdain bull sessions about strategies like working hitters or working counts.
"I don't know what the hell these guys are thinking," Lyle says. "They don't know the game. They look at me like I'm an alien."
With video games and other distractions, kids don't read books like before — certainly not musty old baseball stories.
"Most of them don't know the history of baseball," Lyle says. "They just don't want to hear it. "
History means everything to baseball, which to fans is less a sport than an heirloom. Pro players of my youth revered their predecessors, but not so much anymore. Cut the continuity, and baseball drifts away, sputtering and fading.
I knew all that when I called Lyle. But maybe I'd envisioned ol' No. 28 coming out of the bullpen one more time to save the game. Granted, that's a silly, unfair fantasy. But that's what baseball used to be about — big dreams, the kind only kids dare to conjure.
"Times change," Lyle says with a chuckle. "I guess you just move on."
Maybe. And maybe I'll go to a game this year. I'll think about that, just as soon as I read a certain baseball book one more time. Thanks, Sparky.
PHIL LUCIANO is a Journal Star columnist. He can be reached at email@example.com, facebook.com/philluciano, 686-3155 or (800) 225- 5757, Ext. 3155. Follow him on Twitter @LucianoPhil.
Luciano: Beloved book stirs up nostalgia for baseball glory days
For a dollar, I bought a rollicking ride down a forgotten memory lane.


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Sayonara L4PSubmitted by Farcaller on 26 July, 2014 - 16:43.
It was all the nice journey overall. We did quite a lot of interesting hacks and stuff, and I'm happy to have worked with such a nice team.
This website (and trac) will be alive as a tribute or a source of moderately-useful information for the old handheld owners, but it's being switched to read-only.
I'm moving on, my hobby embedded project now is zinc, an embedded stack in rust.
So long, and thanks for all the bytes!
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Welcome to Hack&DevSubmitted by Anonymous on 25 October, 2008 - 07:48.
This project aims to bring usable Linux environment to handhelds that run Palm OS. Get started running Linux on your PDA or smartphone by downloading a bootpack!
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Hacking into Nano 6GSubmitted by Farcaller on 30 December, 2010 - 23:57.
I've got my hands on a shiny new nano 6G, that is currently able to run only the simple Apple OS. The security is much higher to what I'm used while working with T|T3 and other Palm devices (we had user-programmable devices with apps running in kernel mode, so there was no actual security over there), but it seem to be at least partially similar to what's used on iOS devices, and that are vulnerable.
So, I have pretty big plans on working with other hackers on the ipod nano, and hope to get one more supported device to arm linux ^__^
Have a happy new year, will see you in '11!
Git repos at githubSubmitted by Farcaller on 22 October, 2010 - 10:35.
Primary git repositories are moved to GitHub (that affects everything from git.hackndev.com/hackndev). Please use GitHub for public and commit access.
Private repositories of git.hackndev.com are kept in place, and would be accessible via git+ssh as usual.
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Lots of H&D updatesSubmitted by Farcaller on 25 September, 2010 - 20:27.
First of all. One more unplanned downtime is over. We're finally over with VPSLink.
Second. I've managed to get only the core drupal site up and running. old.hackndev.com is pending some DB maintenance. Trac is currently under investigation. Git is running git+ssh:// only, but I hope to switch to gitorious tomorrow for full git:// and http:// support.
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Moving againSubmitted by Farcaller on 27 May, 2010 - 12:09.
As VPSlink has been sold to some other company, and the new hoster cannot do such simple thing as preserve acls while moving VPS image over, I feel they cannot be good at any web hosting.
Hack&Dev servers including hackndev.com, hackndev.org, supporting projects, git and jabber are going to be moved to my server in Europe in next week, possibly including some short downtimes.
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Another HW donation from DesertdogSubmitted by SleepWalker on 11 May, 2010 - 10:49.
There was not much news lately. Sorry for that, I'm pretty occupied with my son and Marex is actively working on different HW. As you could read, Marex became maintainer for U-boot/PXA. He tried to create U-Boot for LifeDrive to create Linux-only device, but LifeDrive got unfortunatelly bricked. It will be hopefully used for tracing USB2, which is still missing on LD.
Desertdog sent us another 4 Treos Treo650 CDMA, Treo 700wx, Treo 700p and Treo 800w. Thanks! I hope I can get them to similar status as Treo 680, but I can't promis it will be soon. Any help in this way would be appreciated.
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Downtimes and suchSubmitted by Farcaller on 24 November, 2009 - 12:01.
We had a downtime today due to power failure in VPSLink's datacenter. While the problem lasted (~4 hours) both hackndev.com nameservers were inaccessible. As I find such issue in-acceptable, I'm planning to move one of the servers to NY datacenter.
Call for logsSubmitted by SleepWalker on 28 July, 2009 - 10:57.
I would like to ask you for logs for Palm Treo 755p, Palm Centro (CDMA) and possibly other Palm smartphones with PalmOS and PXA processor (Treo 600 and older doesn't have it, I don't need Treo 650 GSM). If you're interested in spending some time for it, read further.
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HW donation from Wayne State University, in DetroitSubmitted by SleepWalker on 22 May, 2009 - 10:08.
I'm glad to say that Wayne State University, in Detroit give us 5x Palm TX with hard case, 5x IR keyboards and 7x 1gb SD cards as HW donation!
This will hopefully help Marex to create PalmTX flash driver, me to keep kernel builds up-to-date and tested and miska to provide fine userspace builds.
Thanks natwrkz and notone70 for your support!
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The School of Music enjoys a rich musical life, with students contributing to more than 300 recitals, concerts, musicals, operas, and other productions each year. As a composer in our graduate program, you will create works to be performed each semester in one of our public concerts. You will also take weekly composition lessons and have the opportunity to participate in master classes as part of our Karel Husa Visiting Professor of Composition series. That series has brought to campus such artists as Christopher Rouse, George Crumb, John Corigliano, John Harbison, Joan Tower, Chen Yi, and Augusta Read Thomas. Toward the end of your residency, you will present a full recital of your works. You will also be required to submit a formal thesis, which must be a composition of large proportion for chamber ensemble, orchestra, wind ensemble, or chorus with instrumental ensemble. We also encourage performance of your thesis. Graduates of this program are admitted to prestigious doctoral programs throughout the country or continue their work in other professional arenas.
Selected Courses
- Analytic Techniques
- Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint
- Pedagogy of Music Theory
- Stylistic Analysis of Post-Tonal Music
- Independent Research in 20th-Century Analysis


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A Review Conference convened in November 1975 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) produced the TIR Convention of 1975 that came into force in 1978. Since that time the TIR Convention has proved that it is one of the most successful international transport conventions and is in fact so far the only universal Customs transit system in existence. The idea behind the TIR Convention and its transit regime has formed the basis for many regional transit systems and has thus, directly and indirectly, contributed to the facilitation of international transport, especially international road transport, not only in Europe and the Middle East, but also in other parts of the world, such as Africa and Latin America.
Anyone who has ever travelled on European roads will recognize the familiar blue and white TIR plate borne by thousands of lorries and semi-trailers using the TIR Customs transit system. For the driver, the transport operator and the shipper, this plate stands for fast and efficient international transportation by road.
Work on the TIR transit system started soon after the Second World War under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The first TIR Agreement was concluded in 1949 between a small number of European countries. The success of this limited scheme led to the negotiation of a TIR Convention which was adopted in 1959 by the UNECE Inland Transport Committee and entered into force in 1960. This first TIR Convention was revised in 1975 to take account of practical experience in operating the system and to give effect to technical advances and changing Customs and transportation requirements.
The experience gained in the first 10 to 15 years of operating the system was thus used to make the TIR system more efficient, less complex and at the same time more Customs secure. Another reason why the original TIR system had to be modified was that in the early 1960's a new transport technique emerged: the maritime container. That was followed a little later by the inland container used by the European railways and by the swap-body introduced for improving the efficiency of road/rail transport.
These new combined or multimodal transport techniques necessitated the acceptance of the container, under certain conditions, as a Customs secure loading unit. It meant also that the TIR regime no longer only covered road transport, but was extended to rail, inland waterways and even maritime transport, although at least one part of the total transport operation still has to be made by road.
Upon its entry into force the new Convention terminated and replaced the old Convention of 1959. However, the former Convention is still in force for various reasons, one of which is that one of the Contracting Parties to the old Convention (Japan) has not yet acceded to the TIR Convention of 1975.
The TIR Convention has proved to be one of the most effective international instruments prepared under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). To date, it has 76 Contracting Parties, including the European Union. It covers the whole of Europe and reaches out to North Africa and the Near and Middle East. Countries in Asia have been informed about the facilities of this global Customs transit system and their interest has shown that they may well join the TIR Convention in the not too distant future. Already today, the United States of America and Canada are Contracting Parties as well as Chile and Uruguay in South America (see "Contracting Parties of the TIR Convention, 1975").
The success of the TIR system may also be attested by the number of TIR Carnets distributed and issued every year. Whilst in 1952 only a little over 3,000 TIR Carnets were issued, this number increased steadily reaching 100,000 in 1960, then 800,000 in 1970. During the seventies and eighties the demand for TIR Carnets floated between around 500,000 and 900,000. This can be explained by the enlargement of the European Union which utilizes its own Community Transit System within its territory. Thus, TIR Carnets are not used for Customs transit operations within its member countries.
As a result of the expanding East-West European trade, particularly since 1989, and the corresponding tremendous increase in international road transport, the number of TIR Carnets issued exceeded one million in 1992 and even reached 3 million in 2013, representing the start of nearly 10,000 TIR transports every day in 64 countries and well over 50,000 TIR border crossing procedures daily. The number of transport companies authorized by national Customs authorities to utilize TIR Carnets amounts to more than 33,000 (2019) (see "Number of TIR Carnets issued by IRU to different national associations from 2001 to 2019"). Further to ongoing problems in the implementation of the TIR Convention in the Russian Federation since 2013, the number of TIR Carnets issued has dropped to 1,5 million in 2015.
The success of the TIR Customs transit system can be explained by the special features of the TIR regime which offer transport operators and Customs authorities a simple, flexible, cost-effective and secure Customs regime for the international transport of goods across frontiers.
Customs transit systems are devised to facilitate to the greatest possible extent the movement of goods under Customs seals in international trade and to provide the required Customs security and guarantees. For such a system to function satisfactorily, it is essential that any formalities involved are neither too burdensome for the Customs officials nor too complex for the transport operators and their agents. Therefore, a balance needs to be struck between the requirements of the Customs authorities on the one hand and those of the transport operators on the other.
Traditionally when goods crossed the territory of one or more States in the course of an international transport of goods by road, the Customs authorities in each State applied national controls and procedures. These varied from State to State, but frequently involved the inspection of the load at each national frontier and the imposition of national security requirements (guarantee, bond, deposit of duty, etc.) to cover the potential duties and taxes at risk while the goods were in transit through each territory. These measures, applied in each country of transit, led to considerable expenses, delays and interferences with international transport.
In an attempt to reduce these difficulties experienced by transport operators and, at the same time, to offer Customs administrations an international system of control replacing traditional national procedures, whilst effectively protecting the revenue of each State through which goods were carried, the TIR system was devised.
(a) Advantages for Customs administrations
As regards Customs control measures at frontiers, the TIR system clearly has advantages for Customs administrations as it reduces the normal requirements of national transit procedures. At the same time the system avoids the need - expensive in manpower and facilities - for physical inspection in countries of transit other than checking seals and the external conditions of the load compartment or container. It also dispenses with the need to operate national guarantees and national systems of documentation.
In addition, advantages arise from the fact that the international transit operation is covered by a single transit document, the TIR Carnet, which reduces the risk of presenting inaccurate information to Customs administrations.
In case of doubt, Customs authorities have the right to inspect the goods under Customs seal at any time and, if necessary, to interrupt the TIR transport and/or to take adequate measures in accordance with national legislation. In view of the strict provisions of the TIR Convention and the interest of all Customs authorities and transport operators to apply these provisions, such interventions should remain exceptional. Customs authorities can therefore reduce routine administrative Customs procedures to a minimum and devote their limited resources to specific control measures based on risk assessment and intelligence information.
The TIR Executive Board (TIRExB), as an inter-governmental organ, ensures that each of the actors in the TIR procedure adequately applies the provisions of the Convention. In case of difficulties in the application of the TIR Convention at the international level, Customs authorities may wish to address the TIRExB for guidance and support. The TIRExB is also at the disposal of all Contracting Parties to coordinate and foster the exchange of intelligence and other information.
(b) Advantages for the transport industry
The advantages of the TIR Convention to commerce and to transport interests are also obvious. Goods may travel across national frontiers with a minimum of interference by Customs administrations. By easing traditional impediments to the international movement of goods, the TIR system encourages the development of international trade. By reducing delays in transit, it enables significant economies to be made in transport costs.
The TIR Convention also provides, through its international guarantee chain, relatively simple access to the required guarantees which are a sine qua non for the transport and trade industry to benefit from the facilities of Customs transit systems.
Finally, in reducing the impediments to international traffic by road caused by Customs controls, it enables exporters and importers to select more easily the form of transport most suitable for their needs.
(a) World-wide application of the TIR System
The TIR system is promoted under the auspices of the United Nations to make it as widely available as possible for all countries wishing to make use of it. In 1984, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) adopted a Resolution (1984/79) which recommends that countries world-wide examine the possibility of acceding to the Convention and introducing the TIR system. Furthermore, it recommends that international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and in particular the Regional Commissions of the United Nations, promote the introduction of the TIR system as a universal Customs transit system.
In accordance with this ECOSOC Resolution, activities have been undertaken to promote the application of the TIR Convention beyond the present 76 Contracting Parties. Several regional and sub-regional seminars and workshops have already been organized in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to familiarize Governments, trade and the transport industry with the facilities of the Convention.
Currently work is under way to extend the scope of the TIR system to Asia and to the Middle East. This work is undertaken in particular by the secretariats of the UNECE and the United Nations Economic and Social Commissions for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and Western Asia (ESCWA) which promote the TIR system as one of the cornerstones for efficient international land transport in Asia and the Middle East. These efforts are supported by various international bodies and banks, such as the European Commission and the World Bank which see the TIR system as an important element in facilitating road transport along the historic Silk route or in the Greater Mekong sub-region in Far-East Asia.
(b) The TIR System and electronic data processing
World-wide, the replacement of paper documents by electronic data processing is an ongoing process which will continue to gain further importance, also for Customs administrations and transport operators. This trend will increasingly affect Customs procedures and the documents used by Customs authorities.
The reasons are that Customs administrations are confronted with an enormous dilemma. On the one hand they are governed by laws which oblige them to collect and account for revenues in an effective and efficient manner and to prevent fraud and smuggling of contraband. On the other hand they are increasingly criticized by trading parties (importers, exporters, transport operators, freight forwarders) for not facilitating the speedy throughput of cargo.
Taking into account the limitations of Customs manpower and the increasingly sophisticated methods of Customs fraud and smuggling, there seems to be no other way than to increase productivity and Customs control by adapting national and international administrative procedures, making use of the latest technologies and electronic data processing.
The Contracting Parties to the TIR Convention have included the computerization of the TIR procedure into Phase III of the TIR revision process. They recognized that computerization of the TIR procedure was inevitable in the light of:
- today's extremely rapid technological developments, based on Internet and Smart Card technologies, particularly affecting international transport and trade;
- the ever increasing need for improved efficiency of Customs procedures and trade practices; and
- the fight against fraudulent activities which must be conducted with the most appropriate and effective means.
Given the large number and the diversified administrative structure of the more than 70 Contracting Parties to the TIR Convention, any computerized system must be able to function in a very decentralized and flexible manner on the basis of only a few internationally accepted standard features, such as the establishment of an international centralized database under Customs control and the management by Customs of data on guarantees. This is a difficult, but challenging task which will have to be realized with an appropriate level of connectivity with the existing TIR related IT systems. But there can be no doubt: The TIR system must be kept in line with the latest developments in electronic data processing techniques which have already and increasingly will change all related Customs, transport and trade activities. If not, the TIR system, particularly the paper-based TIR Carnet, will become an obstacle to efficient international transport and trade and will jeopardize effective national Customs procedures and controls.
This challenge will have to be met by all Contracting Parties to the TIR Convention, by national and international organizations as well as by the transport industry involved.
The TIR system, created more than 60 years ago and the TIR Convention, have proved to be a very effective international Customs transit system and have played an important role in facilitating international trade and transport, primarily within Europe, but more recently also between Europe and neighbouring areas.
With the rapid increase of East-West European traffic and with the emergence of many newly independent countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the TIR system is today faced with new and, to this extent, unprecedented challenges. At the same time Customs authorities are faced with an unparalleled amount of Customs fraud and smuggling as a result of changing political, economic and social situations in many countries in the region and due to often heavily increasing Customs duties and taxes.
Furthermore, the management and the control of the TIR system pose problems for national Customs authorities which, mainly in newly independent countries, sometimes still have to acquire the necessary experience and often do not have sufficient and adequately trained personnel.
To counter some of these unwanted developments, Governments and other actors in the TIR system sometimes impose unilateral measures, such as the requirement of additional guarantees for TIR transit operations or the exclusion of certain categories of goods which are not in line with the provisions and the spirit of the TIR Convention.
While such measures may provide some temporary relief, they will induce in the long run not only other countries to introduce similar measures, but they will also make international trade and transport more expensive and, eventually, may lead to a total collapse of the TIR transit system - with no viable alternative in sight.
The TIR Convention itself provides already a number of measures to safeguard the legitimate interests of Customs authorities, such as the requirement for escort services, prescription of transit routes and reduced transit times. Other measures may be prepared if Contracting Parties to the TIR Convention so wish.
Stable and long-term solutions can only be found in joint and concerted action by all concerned Contracting Parties to the TIR Convention. The TIR Executive Board (TIRExB) as well as the UNECE and its Working Party on Customs Questions affecting Transport (WP.30) provide a forum for such cooperation and coordination. Experience has shown that solutions to many recently emerged problems in the application of the TIR Convention have been found within the organs and bodies established in the framework of the TIR Convention and the UNECE.
It is the aim of the UNECE and the TIR secretariat to continue to work in this direction and to provide a well-functioning international machinery to further improve cooperation and coordination among Contracting Parties to the TIR Convention and the transport industry. It is essential to continuously improve the legal framework within which the TIR transit system operates and to streamline its operation so that the TIR transit system is always in line with the requirements of the transport industry and of the Customs authorities.
The United Nations, as a universal organization, is the depositary of the TIR Convention and provides the framework and the services to administer and, where necessary, adapt the TIR Convention to changing requirements. Past experience has shown that the TIR Convention, as part of the transport facilitation work undertaken within the UNECE, has served the interests of all concerned, Customs authorities and transport operators alike, and there is every reason to believe that it will continue to do so in the future.


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If you want to know what it's like to win ask the one who lost. The idea of victory is sweeter to those who lose than it is in reality to those who win. I think it says that those who don't succeed imagine that it taste sweeter then it does for those who succeed and do taste it. Lack of success, is what makes the actual success so sweet. This is the opposite of sour grapes fable.
"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."
― Winston Churchill
"Those who never succeed" place the highest value on success. They count it sweetest. Those who succeed never truly appreciate it—it is only those who fail, or who lack something, that can truly appreciate how wonderful it would be if they did succeed. To understand the value of nectar, one must feel "sorest need". The members of the victorious army are not able to define victory as well as the defeated, dying man who hears from a distance the music of the victors. "Success"—can best be comprehended by someone who "needs" it.
Those who always win never know the true value of winning and those who never win long for the win all the time. We gain perfection through failure.
"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."
― Truman Capote
Through defeat we try to appreciate the real value of success. Those who are in love they can not understand the value of love but those who have failed in love, know the real meaning of love. Just like saying if you have never lost hope how could you ever find it?
Those who have not succeeded are the ones who crave it the most. To a person who never wins, victory is sweet, but to a person who has always won, they don't really understand the value of success. For those who overcome the great battle, they can not measure the significance of victory compared to the losers. It is in defeat that we truly learn to appreciate victory.
"Sometimes it takes a good fall to really know where you stand"
― Haley Williams
Victory must take its natural route and cannot be rushed. In other words, it must be fully appreciated through an initial, natural defeat before a more fulfilling victory can be realized. Victory could be realized sooner, but it would be neither sweet, nor appreciated.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
― Confucius
The realization of true victory in the midst of defeat is the true success.
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." – David Brinkley
For how can one truly understand happiness without the accompaniment of sadness? Or love without hate? Success cannot be realized without at first knowing the desperation that comes along with losing.
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." -Michael Jordan
Success is the ultimate triumph and is sweetest to those who desperately desire it but have never obtained it. Success is sweetest to them than to the people who already have power and success. Some people work so hard and struggle to reach a goal, but somehow even when triumph is at their fingertips, it still remains out of their grasp. Perhaps in the absence of triumph, success does become an obsession. The fortunate ones who already have success, on the other hand, do not seem to appreciate it as much. To them success is like an everyday common occurrence.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."
― Theodore Roosevelt
The feeling of being 'so near and yet so far', agonizingly brings home the point that it is in defeat that we truly learn to appreciate victory – so much so, that the more the defeats, the sweeter the success.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
― Winston Churchill
It is true that the defeated can feel both victory and defeat, while the victorious can only feel the win, then we are stuck with the "grass is always greener…" clause. If done with respect, only then can the winners actually be victorious. Therefore the onus is upon the victorious to rise above the win.
Some people define success by virtue of positions that they acquire and assume in life. But it is not only just about success, but about want and desire, too. As Albert Einstein said:
"Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value."


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Peer-Reviewed Publications
Found 7 resultsTitle
Filters: Author is Fisher-Thiel, M [Clear All Filters]
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Teen Drivers: A National Survey of Teen and Parent Perceptions." Traffic Inj Prev. 2018:1-7."
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Teen Drivers: Teen and Parent Impressions, Perceived Need, and Intervention Preferences." Traffic Inj Prev. 2018;19(sup1):S120-S124."
Parental influence on driver licensure in adolescence: A randomized controlled trial." Health Psychol. 2016."
Driving errors of learner teens: Frequency, nature and their association with practice." Accid Anal Prev. 2014;72C:433-439."
Miles to Go: Monitoring Progress in Teen Driver Safety. Philadelphia : The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute ; 2012.


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Have you heard? George W. Bush and Dick Cheney are up to their old tricks.
It wasn't so long ago that they cited congressional authorization for the war on terror, passed by Congress one week after Sept. 11, 2001, to justify their use of rendition, torture and widespread wiretapping. Now Bush and Cheney are claiming that the same law gives them unlimited authority to use unmanned drones to kill American citizens overseas without a trial.
Gotcha! As much as Democrats might like to blame Bush and Cheney for America's vastly expanded drone warfare, it's not the previous occupants of the White House who are sending out the drones. It's today's. The Obama administration made its case for lethal use of drones in a white paper provided by the Justice Department to key members of Congress last summer and leaked this week to NBC News.
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In its 16-page memo, the administration argues that targeting and killing American citizens suspected of belonging to a terrorist organization – based on secret evidence, with no due process, no trial, no judge, no jury – is permitted by law as long as an "informed, high-level official of the U.S. government" has determined that three conditions are met: the individual poses an "imminent" threat of violent attack against the United States; capture is infeasible; and the operation must be conducted in a manner consistent with existing war principles. At first glance, that seems reasonable. At second glance, it's one of the scariest documents – and one of the boldest assertions of executive power — in our lifetimes.
The problem starts with the definition of "imminent." That sounds like something "about to happen." Not necessarily so. The DOJ memo states it "does not require the United States to have clear evidence that a specific attack on U.S. persons and interests will take place in the immediate future." In other words, wiping out a targeted person with a drone is justified as long as it's believed the targeted person would support such an attack in the future. It also assumes the United States government would never make a mistake.
TRENDING: God's plan: Save America by destroying current government
But the scariest part of the memo is the phrase: "an informed, high-level official of the U.S. government." Just who are they talking about? Who has the power to override the due process clause of the Constitution? Who has the right to decide which Americans will be killed by a drone strike? Is it the president of the United States? Or does he delegate that decision to the director of the CIA? The secretary of defense? The national security adviser? Or some mid-level bureaucrat at CIA Headquarters?
The truth is, we don't know. Despite requests by leading Democrats and Republicans in Congress, the administration refused until this week to release an internal memo outlining what guidelines it used, and what evidence it had, before killing Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen, in September 2011. Like the Bush administration before them, the Obama White House still insists the executive branch has the sole authority under the law to operate in secret and bypass the Constitution, without involving the Congress or the courts.
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Now, here's what so maddening about that position: Nobody is suggesting that the use of drones be banned. Clearly, in some cases, drones are the weapon of choice. They beat putting boots on the ground. They're less expensive, more efficient and operate behind enemy lines with no risk of loss of life or limb (except for their targets). But the very fact that they're so easy and so effective makes it all the more important that there be clear rules governing their deployment and clear authority to operate under international law.
Imagine what would happen if some other nation acquired a fleet of drones and started using them as killing machines. The United States would be the first to protest. Imagine if George W. Bush, not Barack Obama, were vastly expanding the use of drones. Liberals would be raising hell. They wouldn't let Bush get away with it. They shouldn't let Obama, either.
Yes, our enemies are still out to destroy us. And, yes, we have every right and duty to pursue and stop them. But that's not a green light to trash the Constitution. As Americans, we must demand the same answers from President Obama about drones that we demanded from President Bush about torture.
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1. A limited number of account holders for PlayStation®Network ("PSN") will receive a limited number of FIFA 19 Ultimate Team Points ("FIFA Points") free of charge during the period commencing on 19 October and ending on 31 December 2018.
2. The selection of the accounts which will receive the FIFA Points is at the absolute discretion of the Promoter and no correspondence will be entered into regarding whether any particular account will or will not receive FIFA Points pursuant to this promotion. Accounts for PSN which have received or will receive FIFA points pursuant to this promotion will receive a system notification by 31 December 2018.
3. No cash or other alternative to the FIFA Points is offered and the FIFA Points are not transferrable and may not be sold.
4. In order to utilise the FIFA Points, the account needs to have access to a version of the FIFA 19 game.
5. FIFA Points do not have an expiry date but may only be used in versions of FIFA 19. All other FIFA titles are excluded.
6. FIFA Points are subject to terms and conditions of use, including sections 3 and 6 of the EA User Agreement.
7. FIFA Points will not be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen.
8. Internet required. Participating account holders are responsible for any internet access fees.
9. If there is any reason to believe that there has been a breach of these terms and conditions or fraudulent acts, the Promoter may in its sole discretion refuse to deliver any FIFA Points.
10. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for failure of any recipient of FIFA Points pursuant to this promotion to create or sign-in to their account or to receive or redeem FIFA Points, as result of any their own or a third party's network, hardware or software failure of any kind.
11. The Promoter reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion or update and/or amend these terms and conditions at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion or in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
12. In the event of a dispute, the Promoter's decision is final and no correspondence or discussion will be entered into.
13. The Promoter reserves the right in its reasonable discretion to disqualify any person whose conduct is contrary to the spirit of these terms and conditions or the intention of this promotion.
14. The "Promoter" is: Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited, 10 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7LP, United Kingdom
15. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these terms and conditions shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England. The contract between each holder of an account for PlayStation Network and the Promoter shall be deemed to have been formed and performed in England.


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Nathan Martin interview on Two Beers with Steve: Occupy the Impossible Math.
(Some technical glitches on my end as my Skype headset was going bad without me realizing it until afterwards – new headset in hand already.)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Two Beers with Steve Interview – Occupy the Impossible Math…
Posted byAmy Jamison at8:48 AM


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Irene says, "Among the tourists who were near Utøya on July 22, during the terrorist attack, were Hege Dalen and Toril Hansen, a married lesbian couple from Finland who deserve the title of heroines. When they heard the gunshots, they went in their boat to help. They made four trips in all, and were able to rescue about 40 teenagers from probable death."
"We were eating. Then shooting and then the awful screaming. We saw how the young people ran in panic into the lake," says Dale to HS in an interview.
The couple immediately took action and pushed the boat into Lake Tyrifjorden.
Dalen and Hansen drove the boat to the island, picked up from the water victims in shock in, the young and wounded, and transported them to the opposite shore to the mainland. Between runs they saw that the bullets had hit the right side of the boat.
Since there were so many and not all fit at once aboard, they returned to the island four times.
Why does it matter that they're married? Well, because in some jurisdictions, when the question of gay marriage comes up, those who object to it say that gay marriage is associated with low moral character and a general erosion of public ethics. It's a belief you'd have to be mad or terrified to embrace, but perhaps some of those scared or crazy people will have their hearts softened by this incredible example.
Married lesbian couple rescues 40 kids during Norway shooting rampage
(Thanks, Irene!)
(Image: cropped, downsized thumbnail from Helsingin Sanomat, taken by Maija Tammi)


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Fruits and vegetables come in all shades of vibrant colors—green, orange, red, yellow and more—that will make your plate and palette pop. But did you know that each color offers health benefits as well?
Plants contain phytochemicals which protect them from things like UV rays and garden villains. These same phytochemicals help boost our immune system when consumed and have been shown to act as free radical scavengers. Here is a short list of vegetables with some of their benefits.
– Tomatoes and red bell peppers: their bright red color comes from lycopene, a carotene and caratenoid pigment. Lycopene has been considered a potential agent for prevention of some types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.
– Carrots and winter squash: their vibrant orange color comes from beta carotene, which can be converted to active vitamin A. The phytochemicals found in orange and yellow vegetables may help lower the risk of some forms of cancer, as well as help vision and heart and immune systems.
– Broccoli: its green comes from indole-3 carbinol (I3C), a compound that occurs naturally in broccoli and other green vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and more. I3C has been shown to inhibit the development of cancers of the breast, colon, liver, lung and stomach in some animals.
– Eggplant: it's chock-full of anthocyanins, water-soluble vacuolar pigments that belong to the parent class of molecules called flavonoids. These anthocyanins have been shown to protect cell membranes from damage.
So much potential in small packages! The next time you eat your favorite fruit or vegetable look at its color and think about the health benefits that may come from eating it. There's so much to appreciate and more there than meets the eye!


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Food & Drink
Can airplane seats keep the peace?
By Daisy Carrington, for CNN • Updated 7th May 2014
View Gallery
6 Pictures
There is no shortage of adjectives one can apply to airline seats: uncomfortable, bulky, cramped, outdated and -- from an airline's point of view -- overpriced. It's no wonder then that many carriers are looking to make a change.
Ditching the screens?
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO at
Recaro Aircraft Seating
, notes that accommodating passengers' personal devices has become an imperative, though one that few manufacturers have yet to address.
"Connectivity is no longer just an option, but a necessity," he says.
At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany last month, Recaro unveiled their newest design in economy seating, called the
. The new seat features a tablet PC holder, a "smart pocket" for stowing devices (and protecting them from scratches) and a power supply for charging.
Shedding pounds
The BL3530 follows another vital trend; at 10 kilograms per seat, it's lighter than its predecessors.
CNN's Richard Quest tries his hands at cosmonaut training with the Russian Federal Space Agency.
Business Traveller gets a taste of space travel and explores how Emirates wants to inspire aviation enthusiasts.
"Fuel costs are extremely high these days -- this is just an accepted fact in the industry. As a result, every kilogram counts," says James Lee, director of
Paperclip Design Limited
, an award-winning industrial design studio.
The lightest chair on the market is made by relative newcomer
, a French company that has crafted a model made from titanium and composite materials. It weights just 4 kilograms. The company estimates the weight savings could translate into $500,000 of fuel savings per aircraft per year.
According to Benjamin Saada, Expliseat's CEO, the CO2 savings are even more significant.
"Every aircraft we equip saves 1,200 tons of CO2 per year. That's the equivalent of planting 45,000 trees," he says. "Imagine if every airplane in the world signed on. It could completely change the global fuel emissions."
2022: Cheap flights, more rail and hands-free cars
Get a convertible
One particularly awkward feature of airline seats is their lack of versatility. They recline, and that's about as adaptive as they get. Papercilp is hoping to change that with its new
Caterpillar Convertible seat
, which won the premium class and VIP category at the Crystal Cabin Award this year.
The Caterpillar can be configured as a roomy Premium Economy seat, or converted into a Business Class seat with a lie-flat bed and direct aisle access.
"The core aim is to allow airlines to adjust their cabin capacity based on demand," says Lee.
"Flights from London to New York might have a big need for Business Class, for example, but if you use the same plane to fly to Phuket, the demand for lie-flat seats could be a lot less. This design allows the airline to adapt," he adds.
The armrest of the future?
This is not the first year Paperclip has scooped up an award for its designs. The trademark
Paperclip armrest
-- a dual-level version that grants both parties access -- has picked up several accolades over the years.
Unfortunately, there hasn't been a lot of demand for the innovation, and its potential for a more democratic approach to elbow room.
"I've showed the design to a lot of manufactures, and they'll say, 'oh, that's nice,' but there hasn't been a lot of need for it. The issue is cost," he says.
Though the concept may not catch on on planes, it could become a feature of seating on the ground.
"It's more likely to one day see (the armrest) in theaters and cinemas. There are fewer regulations on the ground than in the air, so there's less resistance to new products," he says.
Apparently This Matters: Airplane armrest for two
Turned around
Zodiac Aerospace
has also been experimenting with an alternate seating layout that could provide passengers with substantially more legroom (a 31-inch pitch instead of the more standard 27-inch). The
concept would feature two forward-facing seats sandwiching a single backward-facing seat.
According to Pierre-Antony Vastra, an executive vice president at Zodiac, the layout has, "raised a lot of interest."
"It provides a larger space for the shoulders while enabling the airline to board the same number of passengers," he says.
Read: Four Seasons hotel-airplane hybrid
Read: This plane has no windows!
Read: The cost of flight delays
A year of the world's
Best Beaches
There's a perfect beach for every week of the year. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all
Go to the best beaches


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|Ecuador Connecticut
|More Details
A rather soft stick sporting a fine-but-toothy, medium-brown wrap, a couple veins & a high sheen of oil. PLA earthy & very barn-y; PLT earth & coffee; PLD airy. Light is easy, draw airy, smoke papery, & burn is even. Earth, wood notes, leather & lots of bl. pepper are the starters &, pretty much, the finishers. Not an exciting cigar, but steady & dependable. The finish on this high-medium-body stick is not too long; a combo of wood & earth, & not harsh. It sticks around just long enough to remind you it's there & to keep you coming back for more. The pepper is milder on the finish. Not bad at all.


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SANFORD—Senior Heather LeBlanc started the 2012-13 Sanford High season on the right foot, pouring in 24 points to help the girls basketball team post a 50-29 win over Bonny Eagle in a mutual Class A opener here Friday night. On Tuesday, LeBlanc, Sam Adams and Morgan Fogg all hit double figures in a 66-50 win over Portland there.
In the Bonny Eagle game, both teams got off to a slow start, scoring only six points each in the first quarter. LeBlanc scoring four on a pair of buckets for Sanford and Janelle Cannon adding a pair of free throws.
With Fogg scoring five and LeBlanc adding four more, Sanford gradually moved into a 19-12 lead by the time the half ended.
That would be as close as the Scots would get as Sanford's offense began to really click in the third quarter, helped by two neat assists by LeBlanc, one being a long pass to Fogg on a fast break to make it 25-12, and the other a similar pass to Cannon, putting Sanford up 27-12.
After the Scots countered with a basket of their own, LeBlanc then added a layup to make it 27-14. LeBlanc, Fogg and Cannon scored four points each in the quarter and the Spartans breezed the rest of the way, outscoring Bonny Eagle 19-13 in the final quarter. LeBlanc scored 12 of her points in the fourth and Fogg added four.
Sanford coach Kristy Parent was pleased with every phase of her team's play and was impressed with the confidence they displayed.
Fogg was second in scoring with 13 points followed by Cannon with six, Sam Adams with three, and Shelby Paiement and Taylor Littlefield with two points each.
LeBlanc and Sam Adams scored 18 points each and Fogg added 16 to help Sanford improve to 2-0. The Spartans opened fast, taking a commanding 23-11 lead after one quarter of play. Portland came back to outscore Sanford 10-5 in the second quarter to narrow Sanford's lead to 28-21, but the Bulldogs hopes faded after that as Sanford went on to a 48-36 lead entering the final quarter of play, then outscored the hosts 18-14 the rest of the way.
Janelle Cannon, Taylor Littlefield, Grace Riley and Laura Kirkpatrick each scored three for Sanford and Shelby Paiement added two.
After Sanford hosts Gorham tomorrow at 7 p.m. their next game is scheduled for Thursday, December 20 at Deering.


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Please consider supporting this website by disabling your ad-blocker. This website does not use audio ads, pop-ups, or other annoyances. And please support Terra Relicta by giving a little donation if you can! Thank you!!!
Band: Phelios
Album title: Human Stasis Habitat
Release date: 3 September 2016
Label: Loki-Found
On Passage, Phelios set the template for the sort of music he would make over the coming decade. Deep spacey ambient, with a touch of ritual percussion. Human Stasis Habitat will not be for everyone. With space ambient, comes a subtlety and even flow that will not be loved by all fans of dark ambient. But, that shouldn't stop anyone from giving it a try. Martin has gone to great lengths with Human Stasis Habitat to keep the story moving, keep the sounds entertaining, and keep the listener embraced in darkness and the infinite mysteries of space. For those who already love space ambient, this will immediately sink into your soul. Human Stasis Habitat is surely the most refined work by Phelios, to date. From album art to production to mastering everything here is top notch.
Read a full review HERE


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LWE, LLC is a privately-held company based in Ogden Utah. We have over 50 years of combined experience with electrical contracting.Read more
Our work ranges from Health care, Technical and Data information systems, Critical power systems, Industrial Process and Manufacturing, Site development, Aquatics, and Office Campus/High-Rise.Read more
Our select, highly-qualified team of estimators, designers and electrical construction professionals are able to design and manage every aspect of our client's projects.Read more
Since the beginning, LWE has stressed these core values in all our practices: Integrity, Efficiency, Quality and Respect.
We recognize the importance of these values in business and especially how they relate to OUR business. No matter what the size of the project is or who is working on it, you can rest assured that we will do our very best to earn your trust. .


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Business Card Designer Pro 5.3.1
Design business cards with professional graphics and backgrounds, and print them on your own printer.
It includes a wide variety of card templates. Print 1 or 2-sided cards with brilliant colors, rotated text, shapes and images. Belltech Business Card Designer Pro supports all standard paper stocks. and you can save your card as a high resolution image or Adobe PDF file for printing outside.
The program offers normal cut-copy-paste as well as undo-redo functionality for all the design elements. You can also copy and paste texts and images from other applications. You can save your design as an image file with BMP, JPG, GIF or PNG format and take to your printshop for professional printing. You can also use this to create personal visiting cards, store cards or any thing that has a business-card-like size.Version 5.3.1 adds more paper stocks and updated card templates.


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Just in — the release of the new MICHE fall collection!
Beautiful fashion forward "faces" for your bases! Does your Miche need a face lift?
The hip bags are simply gorgeous, not to mention the mens wallet, the scarves, and the new handles!
*Note, some of these beauties are available for hostess only rewards-
CLICK HERE to shop tomorrow August 3rd
ANNOUNCING NEW HOSTESS BENEFITS!! Contact me today to learn about the new hostess benefits, these have increased and YOU will love them!
NEW!! SHARE THE LOVE PROGRAM! Simpy click on the link "share the love" on my personal website starting tomorrow (This offer cannot be used if you have a party in place–please utilize your link for your party if you already have one in the system) You can email your friends OR use the link on social media — and it never expires!
If you love Miche, and your friends love Miche: this program is for YOU!
Advocates: An eligible advocate will receive a $15 product coupon for every friend's purchase of $100 PV or higher.
Coupon codes are emailed to the address submitted by the advocate and
are sent as each qualifying friend purchase is made. Coupons may be redeemed
singly or in multiples. Coupons must be used in full at redemption; no carryover
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to participate. As long as the friend shops via the Share The Love link, the 15% discount offer will be
automatically applied at checkout—no additional code is required.


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Kingston today announced it has started shipping 4GB and 8GB Class 10 microSDHC cards, offering a minimum sustained write rate of 10 megabytes per second. The company also sells a 16GB Class 10 microSDHC card.
"Kingston's Class 10 microSDHC cards are compatible with many of the latest mobile phones including Android smartphones and BlackBerry devices, hi-def cameras and the increasingly popular tablet PCs," said Kingston's Nathan Su.
The 4GB card has an RRP of $8.45, while the 8GB model costs $21. The 16GB microSDHC card retails for $114. Each card comes with a lifetime warranty. The three cards are also available in kits that include a USB card reader and an SD card adapter.