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commented on Bound by Flame release date announced
Why is this coming to Xbox 360 but not Xbox One?
commented on Major Nelson: Xbone nickname 'disrespects' the teams that worked on Xbox One in reply to sonofzeus
sonofzeus said:Lol well MS shouldn't have done things to warrant such mockery, such as giving us weak shitty hardware and charging 100 dollars more for it. As if...Let the system come out before you make such uneducated guesses
commented on Xbox One removes demo requirement for downloadable games in reply to masyer
masyer said:Ummmm don't you think the extra time it takes to make demos will make demos disappear in favor of trials. I mean at least a trial shows the real game.I can't imagine a demo takes that much time to create. It's basically just a small portion of the already developed game.
Is this free to play?
Sanders would've been the best RB ever if he didn't play for the shitty lions. They ruined his carrer
Sony continues to prove it is miles ahead of Microsoft/Xbox with its support of games
A little too late to arrive on Vita. But if you haven't played it yet, might as well get it. It's still a great game.
EA finally throwing a worthy sale. I wish AC3 was a little cheaper though.
Bust so hard
So it is possible! EA been lying to us


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Pierre, S.D.(KELO-AM) - South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is looking to hunters for help reduce numbers of Canada geese.
During the spring of 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated a spring population index of nearly 270,000 resident Canada geese in South Dakota.
"Our management plan sets the population objective at 80,000 to 90,000 resident Canada geese," GFP Wildlife Division Director, Tony Leif said.
In the past year, GFP spent more than $700,000 to reduce crop damage caused by resident Canada geese; GFP has spent over $4.3 million on Canada goose depredation' since 2000. Leif said that the GFP Commission has also taken steps to curb goose numbers by allowing additional goose hunting opportunities in August and September.
New this year, GFP is seeking volunteers to harvest resident Canada geese during the spring on locations with chronic depredation problems. No hunting license will be required to participate. A limited number of volunteers will be randomly selected and provided the necessary instructions and authorization to harvest resident Canada geese.
GFP will direct the volunteer hunters to areas on private land with the chronic problems. Pass shooting will be allowed but the use of decoys, calls, and blinds are prohibited under this US Fish and Wildlife Service permit.
"We are looking to take this additional proactive approach to reduce crop damage caused by resident Canada geese," said Leif. "We hope to accomplish this by reducing localized goose numbers and by inducing geese to move away from these problem areas. We will also be conducting a detailed evaluation of this approach to determine its effectiveness in Canada goose management."
Geese harvested during the spring management period will be eligible to be donated to the Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) Program to feed hungry families across South Dakota.
Interested volunteers can register for the opportunity to participate at the following website: http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/volunteer-hunter.aspx
Volunteers will need to login and select "Canada Goose – Spring" and then choose the county where they would be willing to participate. Volunteers may register between Feb. 22 and March 8, with the harvest beginning in late March.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Incomparable Irving Berlin
May 12, 2010 by Chip Wood
It was 122 years ago this week that America's most prolific composer and lyricist was born. Israel Isidore Beilin—who became much better known as Irving Berlin—was born in Mogilev, Russia, (in what is now Belarus) on May 11, 1888. The future composer was 5 years old when his parents moved to New York City.
After his father died when Berlin was 8, he took on many menial jobs to survive, including selling newspapers and bussing tables. He was working as a singing waiter in Chinatown when the proprietor asked him to write an original song for the restaurant. "Marie From Sunny Italy" was the result. When it was published, it earned the writer the princely sum of 37 cents. It not only launched a new career for him, it also gave him a new name, when Israel Beilin was misprinted as "I. Berlin" on the sheet music.
Although he could not read music and could barely play the piano, Berlin went on to compose more than 3,000 songs, including "God Bless America," "White Christmas," and "There's No Business Like Show Business." His first No. 1 song was "Alexander's Ragtime Band." When it was released in 1911, four different versions took the top four spots on the best-seller list. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" later went on to top the charts in four successive decades—1927 (recorded by Bessie Smith), 1937 (by Louis Armstrong), 1938 (by Bing Crosby), 1947 (by Al Jolson) and 1959 (by Ray Charles).
The 1942 film Holiday Inn featured Berlin's most-recorded song, "White Christmas." The first recording by Bing Crosby has sold close to 100 million copies. The song's immense popularity led to a second movie, White Christmas, which was released in 1954. Berlin won an Academy Award for "White Christmas"—one of seven Oscar nominations he received. He is the only presenter in the history of the Academy Awards to read off his own name when he opened the envelope to announce the winner in the Best Song category.
It's hard to dispute the tribute paid him by fellow songwriter Jerome Kern, who said, "Irving Berlin is American music." Today most schoolchildren have never heard of America's most successful songwriter. But they know all the lyrics to Gnarls Barkley's songs.
Some would say this is not an improvement.
—Chip Wood


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State of the Stack - Open
New Relic & RedMonk datamining reveals encouraging open source trends
It can't have escaped your attention that enterprise open source tool adoption is at an all-time high. Previously cautious companies are finally seeing the worth of open source frameworks, servers and so forth, all becoming part of the masterplan. No longer are open source tools merely garnish, or the maple syrup on top of the stack, but the consituent pancakes themselves.
A joint effort from web application performance specialist New Relic and developer-focused analyst RedMonk has uncovered some intriguing aspects into which open source technologies are garnering favour with New Relic's customerbase.
Stephen O'Grady, RedMonk's co-founder, took New Relic's regular 'State of the Stack' feature further this month, looking at a greater cross-section of New Relic's clients. In previous blogs, O'Grady had examined data generated by their SaaS application performance management tool to extract Ruby-specific insights, but this time round, he looked at Java, PHP and Python to provide a more comprehensive view of which tools were being picked up by New Relic customers specifically, but also to see key trends emerging.
The Java data obtained won't surprise many, with the de-facto standard Sun JVM procuring nearly 90% of all users. This result didn't surprise Developer Evangelist at New Relic, Chris Kelly who told us this was 'expected'.
"It's still the go-to one. It's very stable, it's a great package for reliability and it's in every package manager and it's very accessible. The other data we see from Apple - those could be any number of things, anomalies for example. Nobody wants to pay massive licenses to Oracle for the most part so seeing Sun dominate as it is, has a lot to do with its open source nature as well as its position within the industry."
Kelly added that the JVM's openness to other languages such as Clojure and JRuby was a big factor in maintaining such a huge share for Sun.
Moving onto Java application servers, it becomes apparent that Tomcat rules the roost here for similar reasons as Sun's power over the other JVMs. But it's also interesting to note just how much open source application servers have displaced their commercial counterparts, like Glassfish, WebLogic and so on.
Kelly points out the growing interest in Jetty from O'Grady's findings as one to watch in the future. He said: "I'm seeing more and more discussion on that, and I think that next year we're going to see Jetty gain some ground against Tomcat. You can see the dropoff after JBoss. Tomcat is the main contender simply because, again with those dynamic languages, those groups are just now understanding how to tune the JVM and find the right mix. They go with Tomcat because it's well known but as you gain greater performance, you experiment with things like Jetty."
This correlates with many other similar surveys lately, that the advanced HTTP Jetty, used in projects like Hadoop, is getting traction with some expert EE developers. As for the commercial offerings, it is unclear how they could possibly gain a bigger imprint into the market - open source servers have a bigger community behind them. Kelly added that the ones getting the most traction 'are the ones that are innovating and have a development community pushing them forward'.
"Getting the community growing and a faster release cycle - those are things that a developer or operations team are looking for. The longer between releases, the less interesting the product becomes," said Kelly. Which perhaps suggests that it may be difficult for Oracle's proprietary offerings to break the mould, and that they should stick to the loyal clientele relying upon something that does the job, and don't necessarily need an open source tool.
Other Languages provide database insight
O'Grady's findings from PHP, Python and Ruby are also well worth checking out, and perhaps provide greater insight into which database stores are performing best in this polyglot world.
Whilst MySQL remain kings, it's interesting to see a host of alternative and NoSQL options gaining reasonable attention from PHP developers, indicative of a wider trend certainly. Kelly believes that in the next couple of years, the game could change, with perhaps PostgreSQL usurping MySQL.
"We're going to see a lot of growth in Postgres, and a couple behind them. Postgres is offering some features that MySQL doesn't. Developers into geotracking stuff is going to go into Postgres's favour."
He added: " From a political side of things, the open source community is wary of Oracle and what it's going to do with MySQL, so there's going to be a cultural shift towards Postgres. Developers who are really strongly behind open source want control of their software. Oracle technically haven't done anything wrong but some developers are just hesistant about and want to explore other options."
It's obvious that with an array of database choices, developers can now mix and match to find the best storage solution for them.
Whilst this data mining is only from New Relic's nodes, it does provide a substantial sample of the wider developer community, so it's fair to say we could extrapolate these findings with some degree of caution. Granted, there's some weighting towards some technologies over others with New Relic but it shows you just how open source options have pervaded the atmosphere, definitely for the better.
As noted by O'Grady, there's a high level of fragmentation across the board, but Kelly believes this is a good thing. He said: "The polyglot world we're moving into means that we're choosing the tools that we need for the right job. Rather than build everything I want in Ruby, and only Ruby because I'm a Rubyist, now I can use Python for when it is appropriate. I can use the JVM, I can use three databases, in different ways. I think fragmentation is brilliant because we're no longer being siloed into a psychology of how we have to do it one way, but now we can pick the tools we want to choose."
We're certainly interested to see the State of the Stack next year - where perhaps open source might just have cemented its dominance further at New Relic.


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AT Survey: Would You Use a Bidet? Is it a Good Green Choice?
As normal as we think America is, we're an odd bunch and do things very differently than the rest of the world. For example, take the bidet. While common in Europe and Asia, the words bidet and toilet bidet are foreign to more than 75% of Americans, and 95% of us have never used one once. Here's a great argument for them that we recently found:
The fact of the matter is that toilet paper wiping does not really do a good job at cleaning, at best it merely wipes off any excess and spreads bacteria around. Water cleansing, on the other hand, provides maximum personal hygiene, eliminates toilet paper rub irritation, alleviates hemorrhoid discomfort, and reduces the spread of diseases. After water cleansing, users pat themselves dry with a cloth towel.
68 Comments
can females use this? i mean what do i gotta do turn around backwards and straddle it and splash water up there like a bird bath?
They were common in all the hotels I stayed in while visiting Japan last year, and now I'm a total convert. Some toilet seat bidet manufacturers even started a campaign here in the States, http://cleanishappy.com/
"can females use this? i mean what do i gotta do turn around backwards and straddle it and splash water up there like a bird bath?"
Bidets were invented for women.
Most of them have a little fountain in the bottom that shoots the water up - the photo attached on this post is a poor representation of what a traditional bidet is.
Proving how complex "being green" is, my concern is the scarcity of water in many places. For instance, most of North Carolina is under severe drought right now and might run out of water this summer.
That said, I've always liked the idea of using a bidet instead of TP.
When I was young, we moved into a home that had a bidet in every bathroom. The bidets remained unused for years! It was such a waste of space. Instead, my mom installed little sprayers on a hose similar to the sprayers attached to kitchen sinks. The sprayers were somehow attached to the plumbing of the toilet. These sprayers are also very common in Europe and Asia because I've seen them in public bathrooms there when I travel. Now that I live in NY, I miss those sprayers! I actually purchased a sprayer but my super didn't allow me to connect it.
Okay, this post is going to be SOOOOOO TMI, but considering the subject matter, I think that's unavoidable!
I had a bidet while living in England and enjoyed it. I would seriously consider installing one if I had the space & the money.
Ours was the sort with an adjustable nozzle that allowed you to point the water in many directions. So basically, you'd have to, uh straddle & sit on the bidet, turn on the water, get it to a comfortable temperature, and then adjust the nozzle so that the water is spraying on your bits. :D Afterwards you can dry off with a towel or toilet paper, but frankly ... well, my technique was not perfect and I prefered using TP just in case. So since I was using extra water and extra TP, it really wasn't any better for the environment. But I felt a lot cleaner!
I'd go for the Toto washlet.
Check out these butt faces!
Well, I can't imagine using the drying towel again after one usage so wouldn't the washing and drying costs of several towels a day be less green than using toilet paper?
From my understanding, bidets are more common in Europe because they bathe and shower less often.
I have a problem with the towel situation.
*After water cleansing, users pat themselves dry with a cloth towel.*
Which towel? Whose towel? His and Her towels?
I'm not going to give my opinion on bidets one way or another, but that agrugment quoted above as a reason FOR bidets is ridiculous!
To say that splashing a bit of water around and then wiping with a cloth towel that presumably gets REUSED is cleaner than TP is totally ridiculous. If you have a salmonella spill on your counter, would you splash some water on it, wipe it up with a dishcloth and call it clean? And then use the same dishtowel to dry your clean dishes? No!!! Its not clean and bacteria-free until you throw soap into the mix, which a bidet doesn't do. It just gives the illusion of being cleaner.
green or not... i need my baby wipes. water isn't going to cut it. TMI?
I totally agree mh330 - it's water, not soap, or an anti-bacterial - that is *not* hygenic. Baby wipes, or toilet wipes are much better, if not really greener.
When I went to school in France, there was a bidet in my dorm room. We used it to chill down beer. Heinekens was 95 cents a six pack, and somebody had a ice connection. I can't see a bidet today without breaking out laughing imagining it filled with beer and ice.
However, now I would LOVE to have a bidet for the traditional use. It takes some getting used it, but they are fun, even without the beer.
I'm with grtdrg on the little sprayer hose concept over a bidet. Saves space and is very easily maneuvered, helping you avoid technique problems like Nougat experienced :)
Oh you squeamish Americanskis!
Bidet's are great -- use them whenever in Europe/Latin America etc. Truth be told, you can skip a day's shower when keeping the critical parts clean. Can't say I blame folks for not wanting to share a towel, but most places where I've been there were several small, thin fresh towels near the bidet -- pretty minimal water usage when bundled up with the rest of the laundry.
Oh, and in the TMI category -- bidet's are so much healthier for you -- hemorroids are a real american thing, much lower incidence in europe. So much for squeezing the charmin . . . !
I have a bidet. It's extremely useful. You can use it as a sink or as a fountain. It's as hygienic as a bath. Also great for soaking your feet or undies. Uses very little water in the scheme of things.
So....is the Bidet part of the toilet? Or like the picture above is the toilet on the left and the bidet on the right? So after you are done going....you have to get up and move over to the bidet? I'm so confused....i mean wouldn't you like drip everywhere? LOL And yes i'm american so i have no idea what these are like.
Water alone will wash away a lot of bacteria. It'll also wash off sweat, the salt in which can lead to irritation of sensitive tissue. That's an issue, since we all wander around fully clothed most of the time, even in warm, damp climates. And it'll wash away any remaining waste, without causing the irritation TP can cause. Waste can also irritate if it's allowed to sit.
That having been said, you can get the same benefits just by using pre-moistened wipes, which are available at your local grocery store, without the need to purchase and install a bidet.
Something tells me splashing water on yourself and patting dry with a TOWEL is as clean as they say. No thanks, they gross me out!
Never tried one, but I just don't think I would like it. I think I would have more control with TP, not to mention the possiblity of soaking my pants or clothes with one wrong move using a bidet...
bidet use information: yes, one use *soap* with the water, usually there is 'soap dish' next to the bidet, it's exactly as cleaning your hands, really (and one is supposed to clean one's hands afterward too). Next to the bidet there is usually also a towel rack for little bidet towels, which are very small and changed often.
In Italy, where I am from, bidets are I think even *obligatory*, in CZ, where I live, they are a modern trend and still not much accepted. Since I live in an old flat with no room to install one (the toilet is in a separated closet-size room as it's normal here), we instead installed next to the toilet a mini-sink connected to a shower-pipe (?), which is definitely an improvement but not it's not so easily used without splashing water everywhere.
I agree with ebrown: not much water used in a bidet
Very common in Europe and Asia... I use one whenever I travel to a place that has one in the hotel room. It leaves you feeling a lot cleaner than just using TP, but I think Americans are too squeamish for the bidet to catch on over here.
I'd really like to try one. Now that I understand how it works, it makes a lot of sense.
BTW: it's rather difficult to soak one's clothes using a bidet, really... don't be afraid :)
I know that "they" say that bidets are common in Europe but I have stayed in (or used the facilities in) hundreds of homes and hotel rooms and bed and breakfasts in Europe and never yet saw one. Maybe they are used in certain countries?
AHAAHAAA!!!! This reminds me of South America. I was an exchange student living in a big city, and bidets were common. I didn't know what they were, and since I didn't yet have enough of a grasp on the language to address the topic, I just left them alone.
Shortly after, I bumped into another exchange student and we had one of those "man this place is weird" conversations. He gave me a stone cold sober look and said "you know that other thing they have next to toilets here? I don't know what it is, but trust me on this, it is NOT a urinal."
I'd already figured out what a bidet was by that point.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that's why I'll never own a bidet. I wouldn't want to have to explain the bathroom every time I have a guest.
we used one on a daily basis for several years, while living in Europe. It's easy to get used to. Just don't invite Americans to your place--they will use it as a urinal or worse!
My childhood home in Queens had one in the masterbedroom and they are in most middle class homes in the Dominican Republic. As plch said, you are supposed to use soap so it really is way better than TP.
oh ok, but no.
THANK YOU. I will never understand how people in this country can just wipe their behinds with a piece of (flimsy) paper and consider themselves clean. Coming from, and having lived in, an Arab country, bidets (or at the very least a hose connected to the toilet) are a must. But not all bidets are created equally--I hate bidets that have the tap at the top (ie. like the one pictured in this post); I much prefer those that shoot up water from the bottom like a fountain.
The thing I dreaded most when I moved to Michigan for college was the whole lack of bidet thing. Thankfully, I have a very handy father who managed to attach a hose to the toilet, thus saving me from a life of perpetual uneasiness. Thanks, Dad!
PS. A good, squeezy sports water bottle is a great (and portable!) alternative to a bidet/hose.
I'd give it a try but I wouldn't buy one without being used to using one first.
Yuck! Doesn't the water just spray dirty droplets everywhere? Also, no way would I put those poo towels in my washer and dryer! Especially not with other types of laundry. TP does the job just fine for me.
My last condo in Charlottesville, VA had a bidet in the master bath and I LOVED it. I miss it very much and I swear the next home I live in I will have one installed!
Good lord...so many of you anti-bidet folks sound rather ignorant and narrow minded about a very traditional bathroom fixture. I wish more Americans would get a life and learn more about the rest of the world and learn to embrace other cultures a bit more. Stop being so squeamish and open your minds a little and stop whining!
When I lived with 5 other girls in France during a semester in college. We had one of these in our apartment...and we used it to wash our socks.
Why do people freak out about using a bidet? Think of it as a mini shower for your bum.
jooly - "..no way would I put those poo towels in my washer and dryer!" - It's not like you're using the little cloth towel like TP, you're using it like a regular towel (or is someone going to tell me they don't use their bath towels anywhere near that area? You stand there and air dry?) And think about underwear - think about where that's been all day, and you throw THAT in the washer and dryer. ALSO, cloth diapers (while maybe not mainstream nowadays) are more like "poo cloths", and those go in the washer and dryer as well - a lot.
To mh330, with the salmonella example - you forgot to compare that to TP use: maybe you think splashing water on the counter and then wiping it off with a dish towel won't clean the salmonella, but the other choice would be to take a dry paper towel, rub it around the counter, and then say it's clean. Of those two options, yea, I think even just water would be cleaner.
The concept sounds like it would be invigorating - weehoo! Especially for the ladies. But....I have to side with the people that are a little dubious of the bidet for #2. Just seems like you'd need soap and a washcloth to get the job done right. I'm not saying it doesn't work but I don't really see any advantage as far as actual cleanliness.
And are they factoring the laundering of the towels into the greenness factor of this plan?
I've had a washlet style bidet (like the Toto ones mentioned) for years. I absolutely recommend them and can't imagine not having one now.
As an alternative to the towels you can also just use the water and a small amount of toilet paper. You'll still reduce your paper usage, and be cleaner. My bidet even has a "blow dryer" so you can opt to go paper free if you like.
Well said choby!
Monica, this has nothing to do with being narrow-minded. It's more a "to each his own" thing. Personally, I have serious concerns about using a bidet. First off, if you are using soap, what does one use to apply the soap? And are people really taking mini baths in them or washing their socks? Because I personally wouldn't take a mini bath in the toilet. And you can't convince me that the bidet is any cleaner than the toilet bowl.
I use the shower when I want to clean those bits. Sit over the edge of the bads and spray from below/behind. It is hardly messy, just keep the bath clean after this.
Now I've read this I want one of those sprays for my toilet. Hoever all watery nits are tiled in, which makes this difficult (replacing the flushing mechanism is supposedly done through the flush button panel).
Moeyknight, what do you use to hold toilet paper, I'm curious? And do your parts really need that much cleaning that your bidet would be as dirty as a toilet bowl? Just wonderin'.
Bubble, I didn't ask about holding, I asked about applying it. When I take a shower, I don't rub around my bar of soap directly on those parts, so I'm really curious if that's what peope do. So, while using TP might be gross to you, rubbing a bar of soap on a dirty bottom only to return it to a soap dish is gross to me. Like I said, to each his own. And if I was to have/use a bidet, no, I would not wash other things in there. Just because you don't see the germs doesn't mean they aren't there.
I prefer my Cottonelle wipes. They've got the water/soap element taken care of and I get to flush them.
My mom just got one of those built-in electronic toilet seat bidets with a seat warmer. She swears by it but it totally grosses me out. Never used the bidet action but apparently there's a separate line rigged beneath the seat from which "fresh" water sprays. That combined with the warmth of the seat... eiw... I call it her disease seat.
I think the bathrooms at the Google offices are all equipped with the washlets?
Ok, moeyknight, but why couldn't you lather up your hands and use them, instead of rubbing your bar of soap all over? Or you could just use liquid soap. Seems like people are just looking for excuses without having even tried bidets.
pardon the interuption, butt:
this thread is awesome!!!
everyone's so intense :)
i second the "squeezy sports bottle" technique. i learned it after giving birth and it's a very thorough way of cleansing.
poo towels in the washer and dryer? to be honest, compared to the poopy clothing my two sons put out, i think "poo" bidet towels would be quite sanitary!
I have a question:
Since the bidet is seperate do you go #1,#2 in the regular toilet and then hobble over to the bidet to spritz? That seems sort of weird - why isn't the bidet just a feature of the regular toilet?
For the "Green Concious" folks, we have a choice:
We can wash ourselves with soap and water and wash reusable cotton bidet towels in the laundry.
Or we can also chop down trees, chop them into bits, mix with water, bleach all the color out with chemicals, roll into sheets, perforate, add chemical fragrance, roll up and wrap in more paper or cellophane, then ship all over the country - only to flush them down the toilet when we're done.
Do you wear paper underwear? Do you dry yourselves after a shower with a paper towel?
Thank you Choby and Monica.
If you can reach your sink faucet while crouched on the toilet
then just make your near final wipe with toilet paper a moistened one.
Some form of washing after 'going' is most beneficial.
Please tell me women on here don't use soap or chemicals to clean their girly bits!
"Do you wear paper underwear?"
Yes, in fact, I do. But I wipe with cloth to stay in balance with the rest of society.
Thanks for asking.
...this thread cracks me up!
"I think the bathrooms at the Google offices are all equipped with the washlets?"
I'd love to see the toilets and urinals there labelled as Poogle and Peegle.
OK, ok... with that, I'm done.
This thread is hilarious!
Bidets are almost a given... except in the US.
This subject reminds me of having to explain how soccer is *such a big thing* every where else and trying to understand that the "world series" really, honestly, you know, doesn't involve, like- the world.
No surprise that 95% of Americans have never used one...95% of Americans have never been outside America!
I love the idea of a bidet, it can keep you fresh when the rest of your body is still clean.
As far as being eco-freindly,
I think a bidet is worse for the environment because water is such a precious resource and treating the water is very energy intensive in most places. But the flip side is is probably doesn't use that much water if you aren't playing around.
This is a great discussion. I just renovated my tiny 4x6" bathroom and tried as hard as I could to figure out how to fit a bidet in there. After learning how to use one properly in the course of my travels it seems hard to go without one. There is a lot of confusion about how they work in this thread. Since I am used to the American TP way, I just add the bidet in to the equation when its available. Basically, I treat it just like a bath or shower, soap, rinse, etc. This cannot but be cleaner than TP alone. Q: how do you attach the sprayer to the toilet - and doesn't that mean the water is really cold?!
Actually, I was inspired by a really interesting art exhibition in New York a few years ago about Lotahs, a South Asian version of the bidet, a water jug that sits in the bathroom for this precise purpose. For more great discussion of culture class over bathroom practices, see this review of Lotah Stories. A whole new decor question too!
Bepsf, you're argument is quite disengenuous.
"We can wash ourselves with soap and water and wash reusable cotton bidet towels in the laundry.
Or we can also chop down trees, chop them into bits, mix with water, bleach all the color out with chemicals, roll into sheets, perforate, add chemical fragrance, roll up and wrap in more paper or cellophane, then ship all over the country - only to flush them down the toilet when we're done."
You're implying that there is no ecological cost to the soap and clean water used in a bidet. You're also making the assumption that toilet paper is never made of recycled paper of perfume-free.
I don't have a strong opinion on bidets: to each his own, really. But I don't think either side has the right to claim environmental or sanitary superiority without some cold hard facts to back up their claims.
I agree with the post about poopy kid clothes and cloth diapers getting clean in the wash. I have even heard from a dad that when those items are dumped into the washer *whole* (with out being emptied over the toilet first) They will still come clean and his wife never knew.
I have a friend I call little miss tmi. She uses wash cloths when at home after #2. I am glad that I no longer visit her house and that I have never used one of her washcloths. She also has other much more disgusting bathroom habits. I am not sure which are more disgusting, then things she tells me or the things that she does not tell me.
i'm always curious about how most of the world and for most of time people just went without toilet paper. does anyone know if there are online resources about all the different methods of after-poo care? i know the sears catalog was used in the so-called 'old days', and i know about the bidets. but i know there are other ways. any links?
there's a lot of great stuff in that lotah article.
i love this:
She looked at me as if I was slow and then continued, âThey keep [medicine] in the bathroom, and then they eat it.â There was triumph in her voice when she added, âAnd they say weâre dirty.â
so true.
Bidets are great! I have two in my house and don't use them half as much as I should.
The spray attatchments that some have mentioned that can be added to American style toilets (like the spray nozzels on kitchen sinks) are being sold at cloth diapering vendor websites as a way of washing off the solids in a cloth diaper into the toilet without the icky dunking process. It works very well according to reports (will be trying it soon...) and helps to keep the solids out of the wash. AND, apparently, this same attatchment is also very useful to new moms in their post-partum care instead of using the squeezy bottle that the hospital sends home with us.
I've lived abroad, even in the Dominican Republic for a couple of years, but apparently, bidets are not common in outhouses, so I have never had an opportunity to use one. (Hmmm... maybe I'm too low class?) Not narrow minded, thank you, just unsure of the how to's...
Good article! By the way, I've just bought the Bidan - bidet seat with warm water and blower. You can google it or enter here:
[Quote]No surprise that 95% of Americans have never used one...95% of Americans have never been outside America![/quote]
That is because we work more hours than most European countries; we don't have time to travel around. Most of us are lucky to have 1 week off after a year of working 50 - 70 hours a week.
That being said ... I just ordered a biffy bidet. I agree ... a stream of water sounds so much cleaner that moving the poop around with some tp. We don't shower with dry paper towels, why would we use the same thing on the dirtiest part of our body?
As to being 'green,' contrary to recent hysteria wisdom we have more trees today than we had at the turn of the last century. This is because we use trees, it is profitable to replenish trees. These are a fairly fast replenishable resource when compared to other resources.


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The Evo-loving world was in shambles after Mitsubishi Global Product Director, Gayu Eusegi, announced that the company would be killing off the all-wheel-drive turbocharged Lancer Evolution . The Evo is one of the best models Mitsubishi has ever offered and fans everywhere were shocked that the company would take such extreme measures. A few back pedals later and Mitsubishi President and CEO, Osamu Masuko, calmed the waters by stating that the the Evo X would not be the last of the Evolutions. Now, Masuko has offered even more details for the future of the Evo to Japanese magazine, Best Car, stating that "Mitsubishi is fully intent on producing a high-performance car in the future, albeit green." Yeah, join the club, Masuko.
The rumor has long been that the Evo XI would be a diesel-electric hybrid. Such a powertrain would allow the Evo XI to hustle to 0-60 MPH in under 5 seconds while still receiving better fuel economy than the current Evo. Now, it seems the technology that was unveiled in the PX-MiEV concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is looking to fit itself into the EVO XI. This would mean a 1.6- liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor that will take its power from a set of lithium-ion batteries. The electric motors will power the vehicle at low to middle speeds, while the engine will kick on at high speeds. The engine will also provide back up for the motors when their charge runs low. The hybrid system will be combined with Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel-drive system and active yaw control, technologies that have already been used in the Evo X.


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Is there such a thing? I scored an amazing deal on an Vanguard tripod. Is my best bet trying to find a l bracket for it?
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
Hi Kacey,Neither RRS 1(888)777-5557 www.reallyrightstuff.com or Kirk 1(800)626-5704 www.kirkphoto.com list an L-Bracket for the D3100 though they are available for the D3200 and D5100.I would recommend giving them a call.Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!
Best Regards,Marty
If you can't find a custom plate for your D3100 you can always get a generic plate, like the Wimberly P-5. http://www.tripodhead.com/products/camera-body-main.cfmI have two of these plates I use on different bodies. There is one thing about the P-5 that I don't like. It's the gripping surface which digs into the camera rubber base plate. While it certainly prevents any movement between the plate and the camera base it leaves a lasting impression on the camera base. So what i do when I use the plate is cut out a thin cardboard spacer which protects the camera. I use a cardboard thickness like what you would see from a cereal box.edit: I just checked the features of some of the Vanguard tripods. Does yours accept Arca Swiss plates? The plates we mention are for Arca Swiss quick release heads. If not you can also buy the little adapters which accept Arca plates. Len
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Anna Keyte, Ph.D. email address: alk2
My primary research interest is the evolution of development and how changes in developmental programs have contributed to the species diversity we see today. My dissertation research has focused on the role of heterochrony (a change in developmental timing) in the morphological evolution of mammals. I have used early limb development and somitogenesis (segmentation) in the Brazilian short- tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica, as a model to study the genetic and developmental origins of heterochrony.
Opossum and other marsupial neonates are born in an altricial state compared to eutherian neonates, such as mouse. Gestation is relatively short while maternal investment emphasizes a longer period of lactation. The marsupial neonate has an overall embryonic state of development with certain features accelerated relative to eutherian embryos. For instance, the forelimbs of newborn opossums are well enough developed to allow them to crawl unaided from the opening of the birth canal to the teat. In contrast, the hind limbs are strikingly smaller, non-functional, and relatively under-developed. In marsupials that have a particularly short gestation period and are super-altricial at birth, this difference in the limbs is even greater. Changes in the timing of somitogenesis have also occurred, presumably to allow precocial development of anterior somitic derivatives required at birth. My dissertation research aims to uncover the developmental and genetic bases of limb and somitogenic heterochrony in these neonates.
When the hind limbs of opossum embryos begin outgrowth, the forelimbs are already well-defined buds. In eutherian mammals and other vertebrates in general, the limb buds are similar sizes at this stage of development, indicating that limb heterochrony arises very earl in the opossum. With the assistance of a talented undergraduate in the lab (Beena Imam), I have looked at gene expression upstream of forelimb and hind limb outgrowth to pinpoint the genetic change(s) that may have contributed to limb heterochrony. As a proxy for limb field specification, we have examined the expression of genes used previously as limb field markers (Tbx5 for the forelimb and Tbx4 for the hind limb), as well as downstream genes known to be involved in outgrowth of both limbs (Fgf10 and Fgf8). Using whole mount in situ hybridization and opossum-specific probes, we have compared the timing of earliest limb expression of each of these genes in M. domestica and Mus musculus (mouse). We have found that the timing of first Tbx5 expression in the future forelimb region has shifted much earlier in the opossum, as has the expression of Fgf10 and Fgf8. Tbx4 is also expressed earlier in the opossum, but appears so early relative to caudal axis development that hind limb outgrowth may be limited by tissue availability. In addition, a subset of the Hox genes has been hypothesized to lie upstream of Tbx5/4 in positioning the limbs. We are in the process of testing this by examining the timing and pattern of relevant Hox expression in M. domestica.
Anna defended her dissertation in January 2010 and is now a member of Peggy Kirby's lab
Keyte, A. L., R. Percifield, B. Liu and J. F. Wendel. 2006. Infraspecific DNA
To email members of the Smith lab add @duke.edu to all of the email addresses
updated April 2007


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FAA Reauthorization Bill Still No Closer
Congress last month once again extended the FAA's current authorization and aviation taxes until December 14, making it increasingly unlikely that the question of how to pay for operating the FAA and simultaneously modernizing the entire air traffic system will be settled anytime soon. Meanwhile, President Bush urged lawmakers to modernize the FAA according to his administration's "blueprint," which would establish a new financing mechanism and governing structure to "ensure that these reforms are carried out in wise and cost-effective ways." Bush's "blueprint" would raise the general aviation fuel tax for jet fuel and aviation gasoline to 70 cents per gallon and the commercial fuel tax to 13.6 cents per gallon, in addition to a vast user-fee system that includes departure and en route charges, as well as fees for use of congested airspace.
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JJ McKay 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
On Air Now.
On Air Now.
My favorite part is when they strap a camera to the dog. Now you know what it feels like to ride a dog,Read More »
Can you tell which one is the angry one? Wowza. :) Have you ever seen a dog look THAT mad? I actually thought about adding a...Read More »
It's unpleasant to think about, but every summer your dog is the prime target for Ticks, so EVERY time you return from a walk with y...Read More »
If you fail to curb your dog, you may find a little surprise on your doorstep! A town in Spain has been scooping up&...Read More »
Are you tired of buying expensive dog toys only to have them ruined or ignored? Well here is a cheap thing to try. After seeing our ...Read More »
Not sure if they dog adopted the ducklings, or if the ducklings adopted the dog. :) YouTube Description: Ducklings adopt dog - ...Read More »
Do you sometimes think you have the naughtiest dog in the world? I used to have a dog that would surprise me by ruining s...Read More »
You've probably been told NEVER approach a strange dog. This is good advice, but what if the dog appears lost or injured. ...Read More »


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Nima Tours
Charles Sablah loves his neighbourhood. He also loves meeting new people, so he started welcoming couch-surfers in his home a few years ago. He showed them around Nima and what started as a standard friendly welcome has become a regular tour. Charles has done a lot of research to learn the history of the area and his enthusiasm and smile are infectious.


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CABLE, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker might have to wear a snowmobile suit to go fishing this weekend.
The sport fishing season begins Saturday on Wisconsin's inland waterways.
The Governor's Fishing Opener will take place on Lake Namakagon near Cable – close to where over 14-inches of snow fell Wednesday night and Thursday morning in Sawyer County.
But it's not just the new storm that's causing potential problems for anglers.
It's been cold and snowy for most of 2013 – including the month-and-a-half in which spring was supposed to be sprung.
Officials say many lakes in northwest Wisconsin are still frozen. Lake Namakagon, where the governor will be, was just starting to open up Wednesday along its north shore.
James Bolen of the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce joked that he asked a Coast Guard cutter from Duluth to break-up the ice.
In neighboring Minnesota, the DNR has made some lake areas off-limits to fishing. That's because walleye are spawning later than normal, and officials say they need to be protected.


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DULUTH, MN (WSAU) The Wisconsin men's hockey team will open its W-C-H-A schedule at Minnesota-Duluth tonight and tomorrow night. The Badgers were off last weekend, after dropping a pair to Northern Michigan in their season opener two weeks ago. Minnesota-Duluth is 2-and-2, after splitting a pair of two-game series against Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Meanwhile, the Badger women will host New Hampshire in a pair of non-conference games tonight and Sunday afternoon. Wisconsin lost its Top-10 national ranking from U-S College Hockey Online, after a loss and a tie to Bemidji State last weekend – and the tie ended a three-game losing streak. The Badgers are 3-3-and-2 overall.


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Schaal - Nailed it!
(Source: catbushandludicrous)
Schaal - Nailed it!
(Source: catbushandludicrous)
"Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservative." ~ John Stuart Mill
By the time you reach adulthood, learning a foreign language is a struggle – even after you memorize grammar and vocabulary, there's no guarantee that you'll understand a fast-talking native speaker, and when you stop studying for even a month, you seem to forget everything you'd learned.
Children's brains, on the other hand, are hard-wired to let them pick up languages with ease. Plus, a new study finds that even adult brains can re-wire themselves to mimic the brain patterns of native speakers – and this effect is amplified if they study by immersing themselves in a foreign language, rather than sitting in a classroom. And when they were not exposed to the new language for five months, their native-speaker brain patterns actually got stronger.
The new finding contrasts with previous studies, which indicated that similar levels of language learning could be achieved by both studying grammar rules in a classroom setting, or "explicit training," and immersion in the language, or "implicit training," defined as "training that engages…learners with the target language but does not provide any explicit information or direction to search for rules." But these studies failed to examine students' brains.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center and the University of Illinois – Chicago used an artificial 13-word language, Brocanto2, to describe a computer game. While the artificial language's small vocabulary allowed subjects to learn it fairly quickly, its grammar was relatively sophisticated, mimicking the rules of Romance languages while diverging from the participants' native English grammar.
Next, the researchers separated 41 adults, who spoke only English, into two groups at random. One would study Brocanto2 through explicit, and the other through implicit, training. To standardize the brain scans, the participants all had to be right handed.
After studying and practicing the artificial language, the subjects listened to Brocanto2 sentences that were either correct or contained grammatical errors, and they had to press buttons to indicate whether the sentences were "good" or "bad." While participants underwent testing, EEG electrodes monitored the electrical activity on their scalps, which allowed the researchers to build a picture of their brain activity.
While both groups achieved similar proficiency in the artificial language, their brains weren't as evenly matched. Only the brains in the immersion training group processed language like native speakers' brains would. And even after five months of zero exposure to Brocanto2, the brain patterns in both groups only became more similar to those of native speakers.
"The results demonstrate that substantial periods with no [language] exposure are not necessarily detrimental. Rather, benefits may ensue from such periods of time even when there is no [language] exposure. Interestingly, both before and after the delay the implicitly trained group showed more native-like processing than the explicitly trained group, indicating that type of training also affects the attainment of nativelike processing in the brain."
The Arizona state legislature apparently finds it difficult to tell the difference between a telephone and the Internet and has passed a bill that would extend the definition of harassment originally devised for phone conversations to anything communicated or published online.
As summarized by the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, "The bill is sweepingly broad, and would make it a crime to communicate via electronic means speech that is intended to 'annoy,' 'offend,' 'harass' or 'terrify,' as well as certain sexual speech. Because the bill is not limited to one-to-one communications, H.B. 2549 would apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying."
The bill is currently awaiting Governor Jan Brewer's signature, and the Media Coalition, which defends first amendment rights in the media, has sent her a letter outlining some of the problems with the legislation.
Trolls living in Arizona are doomed.
Oh shit.
oh shit.
oh shit.
oh shit.
At least I only live in AZ three months a year now.
But still, this bill is complete bullshit in every way. So I expect Jan Brewer to sign it in with Gusto.
Oh goodie, I can't wait.
[TW: Rape] It wasn't the first time a lawmaker has suggested that women seeking abortions may lie about rape. Some anti-abortion activists actually believe that rape cannot result in pregnancy. Buzzfeed dug up a series of bizarre statements Republicans have made about pregnancy, rape, juices not flowing and more. Here's one:
The odds that a woman who is raped will get pregnant are "one in millions and millions and millions," said state Rep. Stephen Freind, R-Delaware County, the Legislature's leading abortion foe.
The reason, Freind said, is that the traumatic experience of rape causes a woman to "secrete a certain secretion" that tends to kill sperm.
Two Philadelphia doctors specializing in human reproduction characterized Freind's contention as scientifically baseless.
9 Lies Republicans Tell About Women's Bodies
Not only are Republicans rejecting actual science, now they're making up their own.
(via shorterexcerpts)
I'm almost giddy with excitement over how much it will cost to depose Karzai in a decade or so. It's like a perpetual motion machine. We roll into a country, destabilize the region and impose a "President" upon the people of said state. Said leader is inevitably corrupt and despised by his subjects. We almost formulaically end up having the new regime either turn against us or cause major headaches in their region.
This is why we can't have nice things.
Afghanistan would be the jewel of the region if it only had a competent government. Karzai isn't exactly in an easy position, and I can see him cozying up to Russia, China, and Pakistan (all with stellar human rights records and totes zero corruption right?) pretty quickly once the U.S. is a little more disconnected from the area.
5 Ways the GOP's War on Women is Fueling Rape Culture (via grrl-meat)
(via unknowablewoman)
(Source: sissypunks)
feminist historian: Excerpts from The Conservative Teen
Come with me on an adventure, folks: into the amazing world of Conservative Teen, where the white people don't get any whiter.
Where musical theater turns kids to the Devil…
…and sex threatens to wipe out entire civilizations with its wanton vaginal gushing.
Oh my god it is real. -C
This is hilarious. Amazing.
(Source: jessicavalenti)
For washing that yucky anti-gay anti-woman anti-minority taste out of your mouth.
(Source: gop-circus)
WARNING. The things in this post can and will probably upset you. This is a long post, but I believe that everyone needs to at least read this.
"I'm not hiding. The only reason that I don't have a…
"There isnt an endless amount of human rights available"
Lol what.


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Celebrating Dad with t-shirts and matching haircuts by Dad's 80th Birthday - about 1 year ago
"This is a picture of my dad, his four sons and his oldest grandson. The event took place on Aug 3, 2013, it was the celebration of my dad's 80th birthday. The event took place at my parent's house outside of Great Falls, MT. The picture shows us with the CustomInk shirts we designed for the event (my dad's picture is on it) as well as the honorary haircuts we received to further celebrate our patriarch. People loved the shirts and CustomInk was perfect to work with. "


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Discover Author
Susan Faludi is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the author of Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, which won the 1992 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. A contributing editor for Newsweek and a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal, she has written for many magazines, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, Double Take, and The Nation. She lives in Los Angeles.
Copyright © 2014 HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
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Find inspiration, tips and techniques for your home needs.
A link to %this page% was e-mailed
Get tips on accessorizing your fireplace mantel through the seasons.
Watch videos on how to install a mantel, plus see fireplace makeovers.
Create a stunning focal point with these ideas for fireplaces and mantels.
With the help of garland, accessories and artwork, designer Casey Noble shows how one mantel can take on three completely different loo...
Britany Simon shares tips for decorating your mantel for the holidays.
Looking for a fun and festive way to spruce up your fireplace mantel this Christmas? An assortment of fabric-wrapped gift boxes will de...
No mantel? No worries — Santa will be sure to stuff your stockings when they're hanging from this clever faux mantel wall hanging...
Use candles and an array of orchids to create a beautiful mantel display.
Welcome Kris Kringle and the holidays with a stunning mantel and fireplace design. From chalkboards to banners to miniature mittens, se...
Transform your fireplace into a seasonal focal point with eye-catching mantel arrangements and unique stockings.
Tips for showcasing holiday collectibles on your fireplace and mantel.
Casey shares a variety of ways to enhance a fireplace for the holidays.
Give your holiday mantel a high-fashion makeover with custom leather Christmas stockings.
Browse new living rooms from top designers.
Browse top-rated Living Rooms from people like you.


text: Rustic Wooden Santa Statue, 48 in. Item #: 120243 $199.99 $44.97 Ship to Store St. Nick, Kris Kringle, or Santa Claus? No matter the name, he is coming to town! This jolly Santa is crafted with layered wooden pieces, finished in rustic red and white! Santa measures 30L x 5W x 48H in. Crafted of wood Distressed red finish Free-standing Santa with suit and present Layered with individual carved pieces for a dimensional effect Rustic hues of white, red, green and black This item is no longer available for purchase.


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Kitchen Keeping: Ban the Dish Soap Bottle
Here's our Kitchen Keeping Challenge. We hope you'll join us in banning the bottle of branded dish soap from your kitchen by September 30.
Replace the promotional dish soap packaging with a bottle that's more beautiful or something that reminds you to conserve. Decant your dish soap into a bottle that reflects your style and makes the chore of washing the dishes just a bit more fun.
If you ban your bottle by the end of Kitchen Keeping month (or, maybe you've done this already?), e-mail a picture of your sink and dish soap dispenser ...
Send the photos or a link to the photos on your blog to Chris AT apartmenttherapy DOT com by September 30. Please put "Bottle Ban" in the subject line. We'll post a slide show of sinks and soap on October 1 to mark the end of Kitchen Keeping month.
Here's some inspiration: Martha Stewart suggests using a glass bottle with a spout to hold dish soap. These olive oil containers could do the job elegantly too. Here's a post from our archive about decanting dish soap into a small squeeze bottle to deliver a quick jet of cleaning power directly to dirty dishes. Readers shared ideas for prettying up dish soap by putting it in a French lemonade bottle or in a pump bottle.
Keri took a different approach and "created a dish soap bottle that is covered in statistics about water pollution, and the impact of chemicals on human beings and the environment. just so i am a little more aware each time I reach for the container."
Dawn Defeats Joy. At least that's what you told us in this morning's dish soap survey. We're surprised to see that so far not a single person says they use Ivory.
(photo: Martha Stewart Living)
22 Comments
hmm...i just use a regular pump bottle. i bought a shiny metallic one from the bathroom accessories aisle, it goes well with stainless steel. the pump keeps me from squirting out too much soap. i pump it directly onto my sponge.
but for the people who use the decanter spouts i have this question: is there a really good one for oils and/or thick sticky substances? one that pours clean and doesn't have a lot of drip?
A long time ago I put my dish soap into a glass olive oil bottle (like the one in the picture filled with blue liquid). Although it looks nice, it's not very functional. The top clogs up and it takes forever to wait for the liquid to drip out. The glass bottle is still on the counter for decoration, but I tend to get the plastic bottle from under the sink if I actually want to use any dish soap.
A plastic squeezy bottle is perhaps more suited for dish soap. I'll try the method mentioned in the archived post of a squeeze bottle with watered down soap. Are there any pretty squeeze bottles out there?
I use a syrup dispenser, like the ones you see at diners. It was a couple bucks at a restaurant supply place. It does get a little gunky, but it's small and it doesn't clog.
I just discovered a local co-op/grocery that will let you bring in your own bottle and fill it up with bulk dishwashing soap (or shampoo, or hand lotion...). It seemed a little silly to go to the effort of decanting, but if you can cut out the extra plastic bottle entirely, that seems like a good thing. I have a Mrs. Meyers plastic squeezy bottle that I'll probably take the label off and reuse, it's got a nice shape and is super functional.
If you dilute your dishwashing soap with some water it flows out of a glass bottle perfectly. I cut mine in half and the dishes clean just as well.
I swear by Ivory; I guess I am one of only two people here who can say that. I don't know why you'd use anything else...
i use the hand pumps that are made for bathrooms. they work great!
I've found that the plastic tops clog too much (like the one in the front-left), but that the metal ones work better (like the one in back). Either way, you need to dilute the liquid with about 1/3 to 1/2 water.
I use a pretty liquor bottle. I asked the bartender of a local spot to hold the empties for me, and I found an oil spout at a kitchen store that fit perfectly. To cut down on plastics, I buy concentrated biodegradable dish soap, and cut it with water. You need much less soap than most people think, so it works perfectly.
done... about 8 years ago. :-)
We've done this, but what I'd like to know is whether it's possible to install a below-the-counter pump into an existing granite countertop (which is way over-the-top for our rental, but our landlord was remodeling at an odd time). The pump that matches the faucet is sitting in the cabinet, but was never installed. How much would it cost to get a hole drilled for it, and is there a way to guarantee it won't otherwise damage the almost-new granite?
I did this at Maxwell's suggestion...with a lemonade bottle. I have to say, however, that I haven't been 100% pleased with it. I got a lot of leakage out of my spout...and when I went to remove it last time, the metal spout dislodged from the plastic part and the plastic fell into my soap. Plus, it's a little unwieldy. I actually broke my French press because I was trying to handle the dish soap and it slipped (characteristic of dish soap...) Anyway, I think I need a smaller more managable bottle!
I'm with brand-eye. I use a bathroom soap dispenser. just a simple white ceramic one.
I use a small Orangina bottle, label removed, with a spout from Target. I am still looking for a good use for the secind one in the package.
In our apartment, we use a clear Koziol soap duck. It's cute, and you dilute the dish soap with some water to get it to flow. I usually use Trader Joe's dish soap which is basically clear, and sometimes add a few drops of food coloring to make it interesting.
In our cabin upstate, we have a "Fairy" dish soap bottle that we picked up in England and refill. It's not "unbranded," but it's, well, appropriate, and makes me happy every time I see it...
I was just about to mention my Fairy bottle ... I've been steadily refilling mine for the last ten years or so (with stateside brands) since I lived in England (although I have the old one ... the white opaque bottle with the baby on it that they had for decades.) It just makes me laugh every time I see the "By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen" stamp ... as if the Queen is really doing her own dishes...
I've been doing this for years, I don't even know what kind of bottle it was before- and I use a spout made for liquor pouring- I think it might even be a Martha Stewart label liquor spout. Every time I re fill I clean out the spout and it works like a champ
We use a honey bear.
Yeah! I am glad you are featuring this. I have been using Ketel One dish soap for a while. :)
My yellow squeeze bottle is so old I'm not sure what "branding" it used to have. I've been refilling it with "whatever's cheapest" since the first month in my first apartment (January 1990). It's easy to clean and does the job - so why throw it out?
Rather than just trying to conserve in order to reduce pollution, try using a greener brand of dish soap, like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, or Biokleen.
..... so where's the slide show???


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BARDSTOWN, KY (WAVE) - Police are looking for burglary suspect who was caught on video committing his crime.
The photo with this story shows a man who broke into the Stephen Foster Restaurant on January 26. Investigators don't know if he was on foot or if had a car waiting nearby.
The restaurant has been hit by burglars several times. Police said this man could be the person guy who has committed those crimes and others in the Maple Hill area of Nelson County.
If you recognize the man, or have information about the crimes, call Bardstown Police at 502-348-6811.
Copyright 2013 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
725 S. Floyd Street
Louisville, KY 40203
FCC Public File
EEO Report
Closed Captioning


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Victor Harbor is a beautiful seaside resort township located approximately 100km south of Adelaide on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. The settlement is the largest population centre on the Peninsula, boasting over 10000 permanent residents, and as such, offers visitors a magnitude of things to see and do, as well as a variety of great accommodation options.
One of the main tourist attractions in the Victor Harbor, as with most of the coastal settlements on the Fleurieu Peninsula is surfing. The region offers a number of great surf breaks such as Victor Harbor, The Dump and Waitpinga. Although transportation is needed to reach The Dump and Waitpinga, the Victor Harbor surf break can be reached on foot from most holiday rentals in the region.
Granite Island which is located just off the coast of the township is great for holiday makers who aren't really interested in hitting the waves. The island is easily accessible by foot or via the only regularly operating horse drawn tram in the southern hemisphere. The tram, drawn by a gorgeous Clydesdale horse, allows holiday makers to relax and take in the amazing ocean scenery, as they cross the 650 metre wooden causeway separating the island from Victor Harbor.
Once on Granite Island, travellers can undertake the stunning Kaiki walk which skirts the island's 1.5km perimeter, highlighting significant Aboriginal and European historical sites. Holiday maker are also treated to various lookout points throughout the walk, which allow them to scan for native flora and fauna, such as the elusive Fairy Penguin, which inhabits the island. Travellers who would like more information on the penguins should not return to their holiday home without visiting the island's penguin centre, which often plays host to injured sick and injured penguins.
Holiday makers interested in wildlife can also take the time to visit Urimbirra Wildlife Experience, which is located approximately 7km north of Victor Harbor. Urimbirra is home to over 70 species of native Australian animal, including wombats, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, dingoes and crocodiles. The park makes for a great family outing and guarantees to send back to your holiday rental with hundreds of great Aussie animal photographs.
Another great family day trip is the SteamRanger Heritage Railway, which only operates on Wednesdays and Sundays. SteamRanger Railway comprises historical steam and diesel locomotives, which travel from Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills, to Victor Harbor. 'The Cockle Train' a member of the SteamRanger Railway travels exclusively from Goolwa to Victor Harbor and vice versa, with much of the line directly adjacent to the beach, allowing an unobstructed view of the water, which in winter may result in whale sightings.
Families looking for something a little more action packed and closer to their holiday accommodation than the Cockle Train can head down to the Granite Island Causeway during school holidays and long weekends, where they will find Girdler Family Amusements. This travelling fair generally comprises slides, dodgem cars and the biggest touring Ferris wheel in South Australia, and will keep children amused for hours.
Holiday makers not lucky enough to be in Victor Harbor during a long weekend or the school holidays need not feel hard done by, as camel and pony rides are available at the Granite Island causeway every weekend, weather permitting. These short tours are assured to thrill children, and make for some great photo opportunities.
Families also have the option of heading to Greenhills Adventure Park, which is located roughly 4km north of Victor Harbor. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages including mini golf, go-karts, paddle boats, canoes, archery and much more. A day at Greenhills guarantees to wear children out and give parent some quiet time back at their holiday villa during the evening.
Victor Harbor experiences what is known as a Mediterranean climate, which basically ensures that the region is a great year round holiday destination. Owing to the emphasis on surfing in the area, summer is considered to be peak tourist season, due to the consistently perfect beach weather. Travellers visiting Victor Harbor in the off season however, will find the beaches less crowded, and the holiday accommodation more reasonable.
Numerous airlines including Qantas, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines offer flights to Adelaide departing from London's Heathrow and City airports. Many of these airlines also offer stopovers in colourful regions such as Dubai and Singapore. Once holiday makers arrive in Adelaide, a short trip south via car or bus will have them on the beach, or relaxing on in their beautiful Victor Harbor beachside holiday home with an ice cold Australian beer.


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- Desiree Erchick '17
- Hometown: Alliance, OH
- Major: Japanese and French
Mount Union provides wonderful opportunities to experience the world around you, whether it's studying abroad, spring break trips or volunteering in different communities.
Kaylie Seifert '11
Kaylie Seifert studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.
To learn more about her experience, read her blog.


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Il Fresco
- Address:
15 Kings Highway
Orangeburg, NY 10962Neighborhood:
- Cuisine:
ItalianPrice: $31 to $50
Il Fresco
- Dining Style: Casual Elegant
- Website: http://www.il-fresco.com/
- Phone: 8453980200
- Hours of Operation:
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:30pm;
Dinner: Sunday: 3:00pm - 9:30pm,
Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm,
Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
- Payment Options: AMEX,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
- Cuisine: Italian
- Executive Chef: Andrew Garritano
- Dress Code: Smart Casual
- Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
- Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Beer, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine
- Private Party Facilities: This restored 1728 historic farmhouse, adorned with candles and warmed by antique fireplaces, is home to several quaint rooms serving freshly prepared Italian fare. These rooms can be used either separately or in unison to host your event from 12 to 110 guests. Our stone Wine Cellar is open during those cold Northeast winter months near one of our fireplaces. During the summer, our Meadowlace Terrace opens to allow our guests to enjoy the good life under the sun, the moon and the stars. Since our inception in March of 2001, we have prided ourselves in creating food that is fresh, always giving great care in the selection of ingredients used to prepare these items. We are available to cater your next special event, day or evening, intimate or large. My family and I welcome all those that wish to dine in what we consider our home.
- Private Party Contact: Frank Garritano 8453980200
A word from Il Fresco
Constructed in 1728 and beautifully restored, this quaint Hudson Valley farmhouse is family owned and operated. Located just 30 minutes from Manhattan and moments from Bergen County and Westchester, this historic Rockland County restaurant is home to freshly prepared Italian fare. The space boasts six intimate candlelit dining areas as well as serene seasonal outdoor dining. The Sage, Savory, Sassafras and Saffron Rooms are all unique in their own way. The antique stone Wine Cellar is perfect for a romantic dining experience near one of our fireplaces. Il Fresco's menu is all prepared fresh when ordered. The wine list features Italian and American selections carefully selected to reflect the wide range of flavors offered from its kitchen. The Sorrel Bar is a festive dining space where you can get a firsthand look at our bartenders preparing one of the fifty-two 10 ounce Martinis we have become well known for.Continued
Foodspotting photosSee all photos
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
- Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
- Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
- Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Il Fresco - Best Restaurants in Orangeburg ›
Il Fresco reviews from OpenTable diners
100 reviews since May 26, 2014
- Food4.6Service4.5
- Ambiance4.6Noise LevelModerate
romantic (66)special occasion (66)great for outdoor dining (52)neighborhood gem (52)fit for foodies (37)good for groups (27)great for lunch (23)notable wine list (19)kid-friendly (7)hot spot (5)scenic view (2)great for brunch (2)late-night find (1)vibrant bar scene (1)Show More
- il FrescoOpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 9/17/2014This is our "go to" Italian restaurant for special occasions... and a good martini!!!Special Features:
- My favoriteMojoDined on 9/12/2014Best possible dining experience in Rockland County!Special Features:
- A Gem!!ScottDined on 9/12/2014This Italian restaurant is a gem, that I never knew existed until a friend of mine told me about it. The food is superb and the staff is friendly and make you feel at home. But the best is there food. My wife and I have been here three times now and they are spot on every time. No matter what we have ordered, it was all excellent and prepared properly. Do not hesitate to go and enjoy the place. You won't be disappointed...Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- great service!kmrr08Dined on 9/11/2014the service was wonderful! there was an extensive, fun, reasonably priced drink menu. the food had great taste. the only complaint is the entrees only came with meat, no sides. I got chicken parm. there was no pasta included.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great food, great timeRacheDined on 9/10/2014Never disappointed when I go to Il Fresco. The Il Fresco Sundae was amazing!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- THE Bestmm29Dined on 9/9/2014Will be my favorite restaurant for life Bar NONE.Atmosphere is incredible beside the great food.ALWAYS on the $$$Special Features:
- Great neighborhood Italian restBeachgirlDined on 9/6/2014Tasty menu and specials with large martini selection.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Excellent as always.RocklandGourmetDined on 9/6/2014Il Fresco never disappoints and Ben is a gem of a server and mixes a mean martini.Special Features:
- Good foodCocoRulesDined on 9/5/2014Had the halibut. Good puttanesca sauce. Can't wait to try their pastaSpecial Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Il FrescoOpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 9/3/2014An outstanding dining experience all around, food, service and location My only concern is that it might become too popular and a reservation might be difficultSpecial Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Cozy and warmDine14Dined on 8/28/2014The food is wonderful and the atmosphere unique. Interior is unique and offers a variety of settings.Special Features:
- Delicious!luv2dineDined on 8/27/2014We have never been disappointed with either the food or the service. The portions are more than adequate, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. We love dining in one of the oldest houses in the county and are happy to see its character maintained.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Lovely and deliciousOpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 8/23/2014Elegant yet comfortable restaurant comprised of several themed rooms which gives the incredible feeling that you are are guest for a special occasion at a friends home. We were greeted warmly by our waiter who frequently visited our table to check on our needs. The menu is extensive as well as the drink selection and specials. My husband and his cousin enjoyed the chicken fiorentina and his wife and I had the veal chop and veal saltimbocca. Portions are generous and everything was cooked to perfection. We finished our meal with Italian cheesecake, cannoli, and amaretti tartufo and didn't waste a bite! We are looking forward to returning soon!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Not my first time here ...MikeKDined on 8/22/2014I've been here to eat many times and the food and service is always excellent. Def a must try if you live in the area.Special Features:
- Great Birthday DinnerEnjoyableDined on 8/21/2014I went here for my birthday dinner with my family. The bartender had made this amazing Cucumber/Basil Infused Vodka with Elderberry ( I think)...it was FABULOUS!! Then we got to our table and the service was great. Waiter was attentive. The food was very good as well. I had Chicken, my husband had veal and my daughter and mom had pork. All the meats were cooked very nicely. For dessert, we had the Big Italian Sundae with the Gelato, Caramel, Nutella and Cracker Jacks! It was Delicious!! Before the dessert came, they brought me a gelato dish with the words "Happy Birthday" written on the plate. It was so very nice of them. I would go back here again for sure!Special Features:
- Il Fresco Does Not DisappointStrategiesVIPDined on 8/20/2014Returning to this wonderful restaurant, we liked it even more than on the first visit. A great choice.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Trust MEHammerHeadDined on 8/20/2014No other choice in Rockland. This place Kills it. Food A+ Service A+ Atmosphere/Ambience A++Special Features:
- Nice dining experienceOpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 8/19/2014My girlfriend and I had dinner here and had a wonderful time. Great food and strong drinks. We sat outside and the night was perfect, not to hot or cold. It took awhile to get asked for desert and the check but we weren't in a rush so we just sat and talked and enjoyed each other's company. Cappuccinos are super. My girl wanted a hot chocolate that wasn't on the menu and they made her one anyway. Very accommodating. Our waiter was bashed in other reviews and loud and obnoxious but he was wonderful and took good care of us. He likes his job, leave him alone. He showed great personal interest. I highly recommend this place for a special occasion or just a nice romantic dinner.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Family DinnerOpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 8/19/2014Six of us came for dinner to celebrate my sister's 16th birthday. Our server was welcoming and helpful when we had questions about the menu. I work as a server in a fine dining restaurant, so I'm sensitive to service when I go out. We noticed that our water never got more than halfway empty before they were refilled, which does not happen often. The busser/backwaiter was always present and attentive. I only wish that the server had introduced himself and the busser so we could thank them by name! The food was delicious and the portions were huge! My sister ordered the domenica for dessert and loved it. The farmhouse setting is comfortable and picturesque, and the outdoor seating looked beautiful. Overall definitely would return!Special Features:
- Do not miss this restaurant!HappywheneatingwellDined on 8/15/2014Having been to this restaurant many times, we are never disappointed and always ask ourselves, "why don't we come here even more often?" The ambience is a romantic delight, low-lit, old farmhouse beams above us. try the Shrimp Parmesan, the Veal Chop Mario is out of this world and The pastas taste like they were made on the Amalfi Coast. Wine by the glass is high quality and the martinis are creative and do the trick! The wait staff knows us and we feel like they are genuinely happy to see us when we arrive.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Has always been great for menotformeDined on 8/13/2014Have been going there for years and food always excellent, portions good, service good although sometimes funny. Just a nice place to go to. When busy, it gets a little hectic and can talk longer than you would like to get your food. Would recommend for couples, especially the grotto downstairs.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Excellent as always.RocklandGourmetDined on 8/9/2014Dining in the garden is delightful on a Summer evening. The food is always good and the Martinis are world class.Special Features:
- GREAT SPECIAL EVENINGsrcmmDined on 8/9/2014MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN HERE SEVERAL TIMES AND ARE NEVER DISAPOINTED. THIS IS OUR SPECIAL OCCASION SPOT. 65TH BIRTHDAY, MOST ANNIVERSARIES. CELBRATORY DINNERS. THE PLACE IS QUIET AND ROMANTIC, YET IT'S FRIENDLY AND NOT PRETENSIOUS. THE FOOD IS VERY GOOD, ALWAYS FRESH, PREPARED PERFECTLY AND PRESENTED IN A PROFESSIONAL YET FRIENDLY MANNER. IT NO DOUBT OUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ROCKLAND. WE WILL BE BACKSpecial Features:
- ronaldb50Dined on 8/7/2014This one is a gem. The ambience, service and food were all excellent. We started off at the bar. Our bar tender was also our waiter. He was the best. He made my wife one of their special martinis. Hard choice, as there are so many great choices. That night, they had infused hand-made votka. When our friends came in we went to our table. All choices we made were excellent. We started out with calamari and an order of the tomato with mozzarella. We had the house made Italian dressing on our salads. Tasty. I ordered the farfalle with votka sauce and added grilled chicken. Best I have had. For dessert our table split homemade gelato with a coffee sauce and homemade cannoli. Just everything perfect.Special Features:
- Great date spot!LuvmyhubbyDined on 8/4/2014I came for a business lunch and thought, "My husband and I should come here on a date!"Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- NewCityFourDined on 8/3/2014Terrific food --all appetizers and dinners were superb. Noise was a bit loud because there was a large table in our room and the diners were boisterous and unaware that there were other diners in the restaurantSpecial Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Never been disappointed, greatDianeZDined on 7/31/2014the food, staff and ambiance are to be commended. Always recommend to friends, and love to bring people there.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Celebrating a birthday!DbozDined on 7/30/2014We very much enjoyed celebrating my husband's birthday last Wednesday. We ate inside in deference to an elder in out group..and found a table waiting for us which was very comfortable. We ordered specials from the fabulous menu, and they lived up to our expectations. Service was efficient and timely..although we had to ask for a forgotten side several times...we would definitely recommend this local family treasure for school aged children and above....Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Il Fresco a Top RestaurantStrategiesVIPDined on 7/27/2014Il Fresco offers a great Italian menu, top quality cooking with excellent presentation, and friendly and efficient service. We will return soon!Special Features:
- PLEASANT SURPRISEIZZYTHEGOURMANDDined on 7/25/2014My friend and his wife met my wife and me in Orangeburg to play golf...and we were looking for a local restaurant that would be a nice "19th hole" experience. Il Fresco satisfied all our needs and then some....unbelievable wine list, great service (waiter was a little sassy but we like that), perfectly prepared appetizers and entrees, and delicious dessert. The weather was nice so we ate Al Fresco which even made the evening better. Il Fresco is indeed a neighborhood gem.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Always FANTASTICNinaVIPDined on 7/12/2014You will not find better Halibut "Cosenza" anywhere. Wonderful family cared for atmosphere.Special Features:
- My favorite restaurant!RodisgirlDined on 7/12/2014This is mine and my husband's favorite restaurant! The food is always amazing. The service is exceptional. And the restaurant itself is so lovely!When we dine here we feel like we are being pampered.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Charming & DeliciousRocklandinerDined on 7/7/2014We've been to this restaurant a number of times and have never been disappointed. The decor is charming and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner or celebration. The menu offers many choices and the food is consistently delicious. It was my anniversary and the maître'd offered us glasses of champagne on the house!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- The Bestmm29Dined on 7/6/2014Can never say enough about this place.Will be our favorite for a lifetime…….Special Features:
- Great ExperienceLifeisgood19Dined on 6/29/2014Dinner was delicious... service was fast. Overall we enjoyed our time.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great FoodKid64Dined on 6/27/2014Fantastic Italian cuisine. Pasta always done right. Veal very tender.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Always a pleasureSammy914VIPDined on 6/21/2014This has always been one of my mainstay favorites. No surprises, always consistently wonderful food, drink and service. Whether in winter, dining in the romantic wine cellar or in summer, dining al fresco on the patio, this charming, family owned, Revolutionary War farmhouse restaurant, never fails to please and impress one's guests. The menu varies with the seasons, the nightly specials are always a treat. The wine list is extensive, the martini list imaginative.Special Features:
- WonderfulWonderfulDined on 6/18/2014Had a great lunch with my family celebrating my parents 55th wedding anniversary and my son's achievements at school. I love this restaurant for it's food and ambiance. I want to return for my birthday.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Good food - fair serviceFussyfoodieDined on 6/15/2014Came here for Fathers Day. Not too busy. Major complaint my entree came out least 5 minutes after my husbands. I had a pasta dish where I asked them to replace the fresh mozzarella with grilled shrimp. Charged $10 for 4 small shrimp! This is not NYC. Way too much $. 4 separate servers/waiters confirmed my order. Seemed that special orders are not the norm here. Husband had the Veal Saltimboca. Not even a potato on the plate just veal and spinach. Had to ask for more water, bread, drink, coffee. Getting a drink from the bar took 10 minutes. Food was good but service is spotty and frustrating. Need to train staff better.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Jets2winJets2winDined on 6/15/2014Absolutely one of the best if not "the best" Italian Restaurants in this area ! We have brought and recommended many friends and they all have the same response Wow, Outstanding etc. !Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.


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There is something to be said for admitting a mistake and cutting your losses. Most of the Kings' front-office types regarded rookie Thomas Robinson as an undersized power forward with bad hands and poor basketball instincts.
His inability to finish at the basket dunks, layups, follow shots was particularly worrisome. His brooding nature was another concern.
Some things can be taught and some things never change.
Maybe Robinson will harness his energy and athleticism and become an adequate NBA role player. Or maybe not. But that doesn't excuse the Kings for bypassing Weber State point guard Damian Lillard, failing to ascertain Robinson's weaknesses before ranking him second on their internal draft board, using the No. 5 pick on him, and then compounding their error by trading him to Houston on Wednesday and receiving little in return.
Patrick Patterson is a better shooter, defender and overall player at this juncture of his career. True. Also true: He is undersized and not much of a rebounder.
For the Kings, this is one of those trades that wastes paper and eats up cellphone minutes. No draft picks? No significant cap relief? No talented young point guard?
Why bother?
This makes little sense. It doesn't even make much sense in terms of dollars and cents. The team cut payroll by an estimated $1.3 million and the Maloofs receive $1 million in cash, little more than pocket change for owners who are in the process of selling their majority interest in the team for $341 million.
The motivation remains murky, partly a money deal and partly an admission of guilt or what has become chronic franchise incompetence. Sources close to the Kansas Jayhawks insist that, in contrast to other organizations with high lottery picks, the Kings were the least inquisitive.
While Robinson's stay in Sacramento was surprisingly short, a few things quickly stood out, among them his exaggerated 6-foot-10 size, his raw offensive skills and a temperament that contributed to an already dysfunctional locker room. Surely the former Kansas standout is to be admired for overcoming personal tragedy and adversity, but he maintained a sense of entitlement fueled by his lofty draft status as was often noted by Kings coach Keith Smart.
Can Rockets coach Kevin McHale coax more out of Robinson? Will the Rockets' superior spacing and the presence of a bona fide facilitator be transformational?
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey quietly is assembling a talented roster with depth and character, and furthering his reputation as one of the league's sharpest personnel executives. Earlier this season, he added emerging superstar James Harden to a team that includes Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik and Chandler Parsons.
Those were the types of slick maneuvers once executed by Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie. Jason Williams dispatched for Mike Bibby. Corliss Williamson traded for Doug Christie. And, in what set the standard a decade ago for fleecing an opponent, a declining Mitch Richmond for Chris Webber.
The Kings were deep and compelling and intriguing. The owners were constantly present, the season-ticket waiting list stretched toward 3,000, the business plan made sense in a small-market community, and there was leadership on the court and in the front office.
We will say it again there is nothing wrong with trading Robinson. Former Kings and Kansas center Scot Pollard thought he was rated too high. Draft him at No. 20, and the current conversation never takes place.
Wouldn't it have been more logical to wait until the offseason to trade a No. 5 pick? Absolutely. Couldn't Petrie flash his old golden touch at least once in a while, perhaps for the first time since the words "mid-level exception" became a hyphenated obscenity around here?
The murkiness of the ownership situation undoubtedly is at play. The Petrie-Maloof dynamic reflects the dysfunctional nature of the locker room. The Maloofs' people insist Petrie made the deal, while Petrie's people are suggesting the Maloofs' prints are all over it.
Whatever. None of the involved players are stars. But the Kings made another questionable lottery selection, did nothing to hint at a recovery, and solidified their status among Western Conference bottom-feeders.
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.


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- Headquarters:
- New York, NY
- Description:
- 360° Social & Retail Platform
- Founders:
- David Merel
- Categories:
- Loyalty Programs, Social Media, NFC, Point of Sale, Local Businesses
- Website:
- http://www.koupah.com
Company DetailsUpdate
Koupah is what we like to call a Point of Social Platform, which connects retailers with their customers to form better relationships and ultimately increase customer loyalty. The customer's experience is a quick and simple checkout with a personal touch. The user simply taps or scans their phone against the Koupah and automatically their loyalty card is punched, coupons are redeemed and receipt is emailed. The cashier is able to greet that customer by name, offer the customer their usual, and check on previous orders, all looping back to building better relationships.
Additionally, Koupah can completely eliminate credit card fees for the retailer. Since Koupah marries Social Media with Point of Sale we are able to allow brands, agencies and local businesses to reach their targeted and highly valued demographics by delivering personalized advertising on the customer's receipt. The advertising fees we then receive are applied to subsidize or even eliminate the credit card processing fee from AMEX, Visa, MC or Discover, putting these funds back into the pocket of the retailer.
Current Team (1)Update
Products (1)Update
Koupah POS
Koupah is what we like to call a Point of Social Platform, we connect retailers with their...
Offices/Locations (2)Update
75 Maiden Lane
Suite 338
New York, NY 10038
75 Maiden Lane
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10038


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PHOENIX (AP) - There are no reported injuries after a ceiling collapsed outside a Phoenix College classroom building.
Phoenix Fire Department officials say a piece attached to an outdoor ceiling tore off the building about 1 p.m. Tuesday.
They say the incident occurred in a campus building used for communications and reading classes. As many as 15 students and teachers were in the building at the time.
"We were just in class discussing some presentations and all of a sudden felt the whole class shake. I just look out the window and see particles of cement falling. The whole class started packing up their backpacks and rushing out the door," says student Alfonso Vasquez, who was in a room on the first floor.
There's no immediate word on why the ceiling collapsed, although the Phoenix area had heavy rainfall in recent weeks.
The building was constructed in the 50s and renovated in the 2000s.
"The area that fell was part of that renovation," says Doug McCarthy of Phoenix College. "[A forensic engineer] will look to find out what the cause was, he'll also go ahead and inspect the rest of the building structure, to make sure once we get this debris cleared out of here we can open classes back up."
The building will remain closed until it's deemed safe.
Classes that were scheduled for that building have been relocated to other rooms on campus.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
KTBC FOX 7119 East 10th StreetAustin, TX 78701Phone: (512) 476-7777Fax: (512) 495-7001


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In between scheduled Leadership Institute sessions and events, continue to hone your leadership skills with insightful books recommended in the attached leadership reading list. This list is a vast assembly of literature that gives you an in-depth look at ways you can meet the challenges of your life and career by enhancing your leadership abilities.
Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved.
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission.