text:
LET THEM COME!! - Like the Thunder of the Riders of Rohan...Fellowship of the Ring Special Features DVD Review
What could be more exciting for a Tolkien nut than to kick back on your OWN couch, with your own comfy blanket, the lights dimmed way low, and the Fellowship of the Ring DVD filling your living room with sights and sounds from Peter Jackson's vision of Middle Earth?
Well, speaking for book fans, we could probably say that kicking back on your own couch, with your comfy blanket, and your copy of the Lord of the Rings in hand is just as, if not more, exciting. But, it's August 6th, 2002, and there are millions of Tolkien fans, old and new, who are watching their brand new copy of PJ's Fellowship of the Ring. It is of that matter which we will write...
First off, the t shirt from Wal Mart is actually VERY cool. It's thick, white cotton with the Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring letter logo on the left breast in black, (the New Line lettering), and then a huge circular print on the back of the One Ring inscription. Inside of the One Ring inscription is a larger version of the New Line logo except it's in gold. Truth be told, it looks pretty sassy.
Open your DVD and you have two discs inside with a nice trifold 'program' with scene by scene titles and scenes from the movie here and there. Your excitement, by this time, is beginning to build.
That is, until the book of Lord of the Rings merchandise coupons falls out of the cover and into your lap. OVER $300 IN DISCOUNTS AND SAVINGS (WITH PURCHASE). I actually felt sick at this point. Is THIS what Wellywood has done to my beloved Middle Earth mythology? Upon opening the coupon book, (what did you think I'd do? Burn it?), I am even more dismayed to find that I've already made purchases from about half of the vendors. Okay, I'll confess: Out of the 15 coupons that I counted, I've given my hard earned cash to 7 of the advertising vendors. I am aghast at myself. Truly.
And yet, there are at least 3 coupons that I would like to use for future purchases. In fact, who am I kidding? We all know that I will.
So, I place the coupon book in a safe place and dim the lights, put in the DVD, grab my blanket, and stretch out on the couch. I am going to allow myself to be thrilled to the extra features DVD, I've decided, and save the movie for my DVD party this coming Saturday night. I probably won't adhere to that creed, but for now, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead...sorta.....read at your own risk
I skip the first menu choices and head directly to the Special Edition Preview. What do I see before my astonished eyes? GILDOR INGLORION! A host of white, shining, and ethereal Elves walking through the Shire with Frodo and Sam looking on while Frodo explains that the Elves are heading to the Grey Havens. WOW. All shame from my earlier encounter with the coupon book has been banished; we're gettin to see more ELVES!!
And more Elves! The gift giving scene is, of course, there with an especially endearing preview of Galadriel and Gimli. Yes, there it is, folks, what John Rhys Davies described to us last year at DragonCon: Galadriel asking what a Dwarf would have from the Elves, and Gimli making his famous reply. Well, actually, he doesn't speak verbatim from the book. However, it's close enough.....I guess.
What else? Gollum floating on his log down the Anduin; the Hobbits dancing drunk on a table; the Fellowship parting from Rivendell and a last parting glance between Aragorn and Arwen; Aragorn introducing himself to Boromir as a "friend of Gandalf the Grey"; Aragorn at a statue in Rivendell...his mother? Not sure. Isildur putting ON the One Ring; Bilbo writing in his Red Book in Bag End as Gandalf approaches. In a word, mellyn, it's exquisite. It's all of the insightful, meaningful character development that New Line didn't want to risk another 30 minutes over in the theaters. Thank Eru that Peter Jackson insisted that they put them on the DVD and that it would be released before Two Towers.
Yet, you know what still seems to be missing? The friendship between Legolas and Gimli as described by Tolkien while the Fellowship is in Lothlorien. I hope I'm wrong, and maybe I'm being way too picky, but I didn't see any evidence. I hope I'm wrong.
Oh yes! Theoden is going to be the type of King that one would INDEED swear allegiance to on bended knee! The Two Towers trailer that was attached to the Fellowship in March had a sensory tingling scene where Theoden is being armed and he is speaking of battle and glory. It was like seeing Henry V make his St. Crispin's day speech; I wanted to run home get my Glamdring and go racing off into the plains of Rohan, (hopefully with a nice, fast Rohan horse beneath me!) Well, there's a scene in The Two Towers preview section of the DVD that made me feel the same way. Theoden is right in Aragorn's face and asks, "How many?" Aragorn hesitates but a moment, then answers, "Ten thousand strong." Theoden's face becomes more determined as he turns on his heel and marches down the corridors of Meduseld, "LET THEM COME!" he cries! GO THEODEN!
The Behind the Scenes part of the special features has Peter Jackson driving you to the sets and special effects shops of the Two Towers post production. Let me tell you folks: Helm's Deep is going to ROCK. Richard Taylor makes a statement to the effect that Fellowship has been hailed as a masterful visual experience; he warns us to "just wait" until we see The Two Towers. The Helm's Deep scenes on this DVD made me totally and completely agree with Mr. Taylor. You think Moria was mind blowing? Ha.
Oh, and there are most definitely Elves at Helm's Deep. Haldir himself. Didn't see Arwen. Lots of Elven arrows flying into lots of Uruk Hai. Hmph.
Eowyn....yes, indeed, she will have no problem making people believe that it pained Aragorn to refuse her love. Mirando Otto, as Eowyn, has this wonderful, expressive face that lets you see the torment and passion that is behind our beloved heroine. Eowyn is going to steal the next movie, I am quite sure. She'll have some folks squealing that Aragorn sticks with Plan A to marry Arwen. That would be movie fan folks, of course, not book fans. We would never do that.
Wormtongue. Just like I always pictured him: a serpent in human form that makes me want to run screaming into the night. He looks like the kind of creature that you kill on sight JUST because it's bloody ugly. He's going to give me the creeps just as badly as Shelob will, I promise you.
You see a lot of Edoras in the TT preview and it is absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking, in fact. That picture of Eowyn standing on the steps of Meduseld, the wind blowing her dress, and the white mountains in the background is a classic. I tell you, Eowyn is going to steal the next film.
I took a quick glance at the Two Towers EA game preview while holding my breath. I'm a longtime PC gamer who does not yet own any type of console gaming unit. I was hoping to NOT have to buy a gaming console, but with EA's recent "hint" that they were not going forth with the PC version of this game, I may just have to do that. Just so you know, I'm NOT really happy about that. So, I went into this part of the DVD with a chip on my shoulder. There wasn't any coupon in the book for a PS2 or Game Boy Advance, you know! They could AT LEAST provide me with that and NOT the Gateway computer that's in there seeing as how no one is going to develop a PC version....
Ahem. Excuse me.
So I did view the game preview portion of the DVD. The claims that the game will make you think that you are playing inside of the movie are nose-stretching, Pinocchio style statements. However, I will admit that the gameplay looks very cool. The characters look very cool. We all just found out that the actors did do the voices. So, looks like I'll be buying a PS2. Sigh.
The rest of the special features most of us have seen:
- Houghton Mifflin's Welcome to Middle Earth
- Quest for the Ring FOX TV Special
- Sci Fi Channel's Middle Earth Special (I hadn't seen this one and really quite enjoyed it!)
- Website features (for those with slow internet connections? hmm)
- Theatrical Trailers (for Fellowship, not TTT)
- Enya Video (Okay, WHO edited this video?)
Am I glad that I bought this DVD, having already pre-ordered the super duper special extended edition with the cool Weta bookends?
I could do without the coupon book reminding me of how gullible I am, but other than that, I can honestly say that YES, I am very glad that I have my Fellowship DVD in my hands, in my house, NOW.
I think I'm gonna get one of those Middle Earth watches...the one with the map....you know, just in case.....
You can purchase the DVDs thru Amazon.com at the Tolkien Online DVD Store!


text:
[INSTRUCTION: A Sponsoring Organization's Proposal is to be submitted only as part of applications for sponsored TLDs. It should not be included with applications for unsponsored TLDs. It should be prepared and submitted by either the sponsoring organization or, where the sponsoring organization has not yet been formed, by organization(s) or person(s) proposing to form the sponsoring organization.
Sponsored TLDs will involve a more complex contractual structure. Applicants are urged to evaluate carefully whether to seek a sponsored or unsponsored TLD.
Please place the legend "CONFIDENTIAL" on any part of the Sponsoring Organization's Proposal that you have listed in item F3.1 of your Statement of Requested Confidential Treatment of Materials Submitted.
The Sponsoring Organization's Proposal should be separately bound and labeled: "Sponsoring Organization's Proposal" and should cover Sections I, II, and III below. This page, signed on behalf of the applicant(s), should be included in the Sponsoring Organization's Proposal.]
The Monaco Banking Association (AMB) is proposing to form the sponsoring organization.
It was therefore felt that a brief presentation of the Association, its role and functions, would be useful background for ICANN.
The Monaco Banking Association (AMB) is a private and non-profit legal entity, fully incorporated in the Principality of Monaco and whose statutes or bylaws have been formally approved by the Government of Monaco.
It has been in existence for over 50 years and is the only professional and representative organization for bank and finance activities. (See the bylaws attached in appendix C01)
The Board
All members are chief executives in their respective banking institutions in Monaco and serve one year renewable terms for this non paid activity. They represent a wide cross section of senior executives having had a distinguished career in some of the most reputable international banks.
The President of the Association, Etienne Franzi, a
Monegasque citizen and former of government
in the Principally,
is Managing Director of Compagnie Monegasque de Banque, on of the
leading private banks in the principality.
He is assisted full time in the management of the
Association by a senior
Banker, Mr. Alain Sauzier, formerly Managing
Director of Société Générale in Monacogeneral delegate.
The members of the Board share different
responsibilities in respect to the business, i.e. banking regulations,
admission of new members,
social matters, development of Monaco as
a financial center, ethical and code of conduct matters.
In Monaco The AMB supervises 45 banks
and 24 financial institutions including some representative
offices from foreign banks.
Monaco has
signed special banking and financial agreements with France and as such it
share s
with that neighboring country some banking
oversight responsibilities. This is reflected in the fact that the
Bank of France (equivalent to the Federal Reserve) and the French Banking
Commission regulate bank ratios, equity requirements and participate in the
granting of new bank licenses in Monaco.
Together with
numerousregulatory control s
exerted by the Monegasque authorities, this ranks Monaco at the highest
European level in terms of safety for the investor.
As one might anticipate the law applied in Monaco is not the English common law but rather a system very close to the law prevailing in France and continental Europe generally.
The mission and functions of the organization are specifically spelled out in the bylaws although the list is not limitative.
For instance the crucial issue of money laundering is a top priority for the association in close cooperation with the Government. Enforcing a code of conduct among banks and promoting ethical values also rank high.
financial community is served by the association ,
therefore contribute s to its operating budget and elect s
every year a new Board reporting to the General Assembly made up of all the
The limited size of the country and a membership of
some 70
facilitates communication and ensures that the community to be served can be
heard and fully
associated to all projects.
The present application for a registry would create substantial added value to the many efforts conducted by the Government and the Association to foster the growing recognition of Monaco as a strong European Financial Center
C1. Please submit a comprehensive description of the structure and nature of the sponsoring organization and the manner in which that organization will conduct its operations, including policy-formulation activities. We strongly recommend retaining professional legal assistance to aid in the formulation of your Sponsoring Organization's Proposal and accompanying documents.
The following documents should be attached to the description:
· articles of incorporation, association, etc.;
· Bylaws or any similar organizational document;
· List of persons presently on the supervising Board of the organization (or to be initially on the Board); and
· Their resumes.
The name of the sponsoring organization will be:
Financial Internet Domain Association (FIDA)
The draft of the bylaws of this Association is attached in Appendix C1.
To the extent applicable and not clear from the attached documents, the description should address the following topics in detail.
C2. Organization Information. Principal location, legal status of the organization, laws under which it is organized, type of organization (for profit, non-profit, corporation, association, etc.).
The SO will be organized under the laws of the Principality of Monaco, and specifically Law n. 1072 of 27 June 1984 ("Law 1072" or the "Law").
Law 1072 regulates entities created for not-for-profit purposes all which, if created by non-Monaco nationals require the authorization of the government.
A number of other international
associations have been authorized under this status and are headquartered in
Monaco. Among these are: A.G.F.I.S., (General Association of International
Sports Federations); A.M.A.D.E. Mondial (
I do not know what
AMADE stands for; the International Amateur Athletics Federation; Pacific Asia
Travel Association; Sportel Organisation; the International Hydrographic
The principal location will be Monaco.
C3. Organization Structure. Size of organization, number of officers, directors and advisors, roles/duties of directors and officers and other staff, supporting and/or contributing organizations, affiliates, membership.
A board of 11 members.
For a 2-year interim period, the members will be selected by AMB and internationally recognized personalities of the financial world after according to rules such as:
- Each continent represented
Members2 members
among banking community, 2 members amongi insurance
community; 2 brokers, 2 financial product distributors and 3 persons belonging
to world financial institutions…
- TheChairman elected by members of the board.
- Dot finance registrants will be automatically members of the sponsoring organization
At the end of the interim period, the bylaws of the sponsoring organization designed by the interim Board and its lawyers will have to be approved by the dot finance registrants and new members of the Board will be elected by the dot finance registrants.
The Board will be assisted by a general manager and an assistant.
C4. Organization Purpose. Functions and mission of the organization, definition of community to be served (if any), method of ensuring operation in the interest of the stakeholders of the community to be served and the Internet at large.
The proposed statutes state the objectives of the Association as follows: "To promote the interests of the international financial community by supporting and regulating the activities of the Internet domain "FINANCE" attributed by ICANN which domain is dedicated to the members of the financial community" (see appendix C1 article 2).
C5. Appropriateness of Community. If the organization is intended to serve or represent a particular community, define the community and explain why that definition fits the TLD proposal.
The goal of the proposal is to make available to the financial community a new top level domain exclusively dedicated to the corporations and the professionals operating in the finance sector.
The evolution of this sector through the past years has been marked by the interpenetration of formerly very distinct activities such as commercial banking, investment banking, insurance, asset management.
The corporations and
the professionals of the finance
using dot fin will make their business more readily accessible to other
corporations and individuals.
Being a restricted name domain, their domain name will act as a much more accurate identifyer/qualifier of their business activities.
C6. Representation. Manner in which the organization will represent and take input from community to be served, the categories of stakeholder to be included in the organization.
During the interim period, the composition of the SO Board will ensure that all segments of the financial sector are represented. Active contacts will be established with national and international professional organizations in order to design the final bylaws and rules that can be acceptable for a majority of them.
Registrants are members as of right of the
Association for so long as
there name registration is active, is
renewed, and that the person or entity involved does not cease its activity or
is removed from the Association.
Honorary Members as well as Benefactors may be named. AFounding member will be the Association Monégasque des Banques.
The Board will have the power specifically to establish the regulations applicable to the commercial companies that will be the registrars, as well as to the persons or entities registering domain names.
The Statutes at Article 8, alinea 3, provide that the first board will be appointed for a two-year period by the Founding Members.
C7. Openness and Transparency. Measures taken to promote openness and transparency, access to information, web site use, public posting of information, meeting minutes, notice and comment provisions.
The Statutes provide that Board Minutes and Annual accounts must be posted on the Internet site, and that the Board may electronically request input or a vote from the membership outside of the general Assemblies.
Forums and electronic votes will be regularly organised to have an input from the users on particular issues.
C8. Initial Directors and Staff. The identity and qualifications of the initial directors and staff.
Initial directors will be appointed by the Board and the staff will be appointed from the initial directors.
It is premature to disclose the name of the persons that have been contacted with a view to join the SO.
C9. Selection of Directors, Officers, Members, Staff, etc. Eligibility, method of selection, term of service, compensation, liability, conflicts of interest, resignation, removal, vacancies.
The Directors are selected by the General Assembly (after the second year). They serve for three years and may be re-elected. After the second year from the establishment of the Association, one-third the directors will be re-elected.
Board Members can be removed at the end of the term by the General Assembly, or at any time through a special meeting of the General Assembly.
At Article 11 it is provided that the Board may delegate its Powers to its members or to third parties, and may hire staff. The staff members will be salaried employees.
Directors and Officers will
an insurance. As to conflicts of interest, we will include a statement
that Board Members would be exceptedexpected not to participate in
any decisions in which they may have a conflict of interest.
C10. Policy-Making Procedure. Provide a detailed description of the process for formulating policies for the TLD, including a detailed description of the requirements for adoption of different types of policy.
The Board can establish policy and it may consult with the membership.
Important board
will be posted on the web for a period of 4 weeks. Comments will be discussed and considered by the board in making
their final decision.
C11. Meetings and Communication. Frequency of meetings, location of meetings, provisions for telephone meetings, other methods of communication, generation of minutes for meetings.
The General Assembly must meet at least once a year. The Board meets as often as necessary. Both the Board and General Assembly may allow participation and voting by telephone, electronically and by proxy.
C12. Fiscal Information. Initial budget, expenses, existing capital, sources of revenue, accounting, audit, annual report and annual statement.
The members are non-dues paying, since they are automatically members upon registration of the domain name. The Association is strictly not-for-profit and may not distribute profits to its members.
The costs incurred by the Sponsoring Organization are totally supported by the registry operator.
Each of the eleven members of the Board
will receive a
n yearly indemnity and a financial
allowance to cover its travel and accommodation expenses.
Legal costs paid by the Sponsoring Organization are expected to be particularly high in year 1. These legal expenses correspond to the formation of the sponsoring organization's own bylaws. For the following years, an average cost of 150,000, then 100,000 EUR has been projected as a provision for the legal treatment of possible litigations.
A detailed budget is included in the Registry Operators' Proposal (Appendix D13.2.
C13. Liability. Liability of the organization, directors, officers, and staff.
An Association
is a legal entity and it may therefore sue and be sued.
The liability of
the membership as a result is however unclear both in French and Monaco law.
It is generally thought that only members who also participate in the
management of the Association may have a personal liability in that respect.
Staff and directors may have personal liability for any act for which they have
personally been found negligent.
Under Monaco law an Association may not be found guilty of a crime. The Directors however may have an "objective" responsibility for the infraction.
C14. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Procedures for making amendments to the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and other organizational documents.
All amendments to the bylaws require the authorization of the government, and will be voted by the General Assembly.
C15. Reconsideration and Review. Any policy for allowing reconsideration and review of organization policy or implementation decisions.
The policies of the Association as regards both registrars and registrants will be established by the Board (under article 7) but can be reviewed by the Assembly which, by a request formulated by 1/4 of its members, may request a general meeting.
[INSTRUCTION: This section is intended to address the extent of the policy authority to be delegated, NOT the specific policies proposed. Specific policies should be described in the Description of Proposed TLD Policies part of the application.]
C16. List and describe in detail the areas over which a delegation of policy-formulation authority is sought. For each area in which policy authority is sought, please address:
C16.1. Scope of authority sought;
The statutes specify that the regulation of the proposed use of the Dot finance TLD will be established by the Board of the Association.
The management of
should be
delegated to the FIDA.
C16.2. Reasons/justifications for seeking authority;
No efficient implementation of policycan be
accomplished without at least the
previousinput from authority delegation stated above.
FIDA's members are registrants. They are
entitled to regulate their TLD with regards to common practice
in the
financial industry.
C16.3. Method of guaranteeing that your organization will administer the policy in the interest of the Internet at large
The organization is designed to be democratic. Provisions will be made to allow any registrant to express its point of view through electronic voting systems.
internet at
large will benefit from this organization in a better DNS administration.
C16.4. Whether variation from existing ICANN policies is intended at the opening of the new TLD.
We strictly comply to ICANN policy in the management of the TLD.
[INSTRUCTION: Sponsoring organizations are responsible for securing an initial registry operator for the proposed TLD and ensuring that the registry operator completes the Registry Operator's Proposal. Sponsoring organizations should also enter detailed contracts for the provision of registry operation services. These contracts should address all of the required functions as outlined in the Registry Operator's Proposal.]
C17. Identification of Registry Operator. Please list the full legal name, principal address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the registry operator:
Full legal name: SAM NETBAY
Principal address: 24 Boulevard Princesse Charlotte MC 98000 MONACO
Telephone number: +377 97 97 21 21
Fax number: +377 97 97 21 22
e-mail address: firstname.lastname@example.com
C18. Contract with Registry Operator. Please attach one of the following:
C18.1. A copy of your contract with the selected registry operator for provision of registry services;
C18.2. Proposed terms for a contract (i.e. at least a detailed term sheet) with a registry operator for provision of registry services, proof of commitment from the registry operator for provision of services under those proposed terms, and a notation of the estimated date of entry into the contract
See appendix C18.2
C18.3. A statement that the sponsoring organization will also serve as the registry operator for the proposed TLD. (In this case, the sponsoring organization must prepare and submit the Registry Operator's Proposal in addition to the Sponsoring Organization's Proposal.)
By signing this proposal, the undersigned attests, on behalf of the applicant(s), that the information contained in this application, and all supporting documents included with this application, are true and accurate to the best of applicant's knowledge.
Name (please print)
Etienne Franzi
Name of Applicant Entity
Association Monégasque des Banques

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Rugged Radios
Founded by Greg Cottrell, Rugged Radios has dominated the world of two-way communications for off road enthusiasts and professional race teams.
Super ATV
SuperATV's impact on the ATV/UTV world has proven to be an industry game-changer, and is now one of the leading manufacturers of aftermarket ATV and UTV products.
Warn Industries
Every customer of WARN Industries counts on the WARN® name when the chips are down.
High Lifter Products
High Lifter Products began developing ATV Products when Scott's father, Mike Smith wanted to install larger tires on his new ATV.
Wicked Bilt
Wicked Bilt began as an idea of the Maval Partners which was to create a separate division within the company devoted exclusively to the world of UTV/Side by Side performance racing and riding.
PRP Seats
PRP Seats is the largest UTV suspension seat company in the world. Since starting in the founder's garage , PRP's seats have always been made in America.
Colorado Components
Colorado Components is one of the leading manufacturers of aftermarket wheels and tires for the powersports industry.
SSV Works
SSV Works is the premier manufacturer and originator of weatherproof audio systems for Side X Side Vehicles.
Evans Water Coolant
Today's recreational off road vehicles encounter overheating problems with frustrating regularity due to the nature of their design. The high output engines simply make...
UTV Canada Inc
If you have never heard of UTV Canada, then you will soon be in the minority!! UTV Canada has been growing by leaps and...


text:
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
I just ran across this really amazing and very personal, moving video of Steve Jobs at Standford University: "…drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life's setbacks — including death itself — at the university's 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005…"
Steve has some very important messages for us (summarized below); I think they offer some perfect reflection points as we move into 2010 (even though his talk is actually 5 years old!):
- The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking!
- You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
- Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma.
- Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish
A transcript is here, btw. Wherever you may celebrate new year's (I will be in sunny Barcelona)… watch this video. And as to Midem 2010, let's make this our motto for our conversations and meetings: Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish!


text:
So you're a pro, or at least you think like a pro. And the results of your handy work have to say pro or you may well have not even started the project. Now, it's time to outfit yourself like a pro when it comes to those heavy-duty jobs. The ones that take lots of backbone, grit and determination. Ones that will have you feeling accomplished at the end of the day, and waking up sore in the morning.
They say the right tools are essential for doing the job right—even more so with heavy-duty jobs. So we checked in with real-life contractors. Ones out in the field swinging hammers every day, living and breathing heavy-duty jobs from the roof to the basement. We wanted to know:
- What's in their tool belt
- What they rent rather than buy
- What secrets help them finish the job faster and easier
Armed with the tools and tricks of pros, maybe, just maybe, you won't be as sore in the morning.
Must-Have Tools:
Pneumatic roofing gun
Heavy-duty knee pads (leather or foam)
OLFA 18 mm or 25mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
Toeholds or roof jacks
Potato fork
Chalk line
Equipment Worth Renting: Compressor, roofing gun, large ladders or scaffolding
Roofing Shortcuts
- Any roof with more than an 8″ pitch (that means rising more than 8″ for every 12″ in length) is tough to walk. This is where roof jacks or toeholds are needed. They create a secure platform for you to work on a steep incline.
- Keep tar paper as straight as possible. Use the tar paper guidelines to check rows are even. This will keep you from having to snap several chalk lines as guides.
- Cut shingles from the back asphalt side. Your cutting blades will last much longer.
- Use a framing square for a straight cutting edge.
- If you have to remove shingles from a roof, a potato fork makes quick work when it comes to tearing the old ones off of the subsurface.
- Eliminate shingle cuts in the valleys by placing a single row of colored shingles running parallel to the valley's flashing. Then shingle over. No need to cut or trim in the valley as the layer below makes the stair-step edge nearly invisible. Save that OLFA Heavy-Duty Utility Knife blade for trimming the ends of your shingles.
- Even if you're shingling your own house, don't cut corners when it comes to material delivery. Have shingles delivered and boomed up to your roof, saving your energy and muscle for the job itself.
Must-Have Tools:
Spade shovel
OLFA 18mm or 25mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
Garden rake
Leaf Rake
Equipment Worth Renting: Skid loader, large tree spade, tree dolly (gas powered)
Landscaping Shortcuts
- Before beginning any landscaping project, be sure to check for belowground wiring, gas and water pipes. Call to mark your local utilities one week in advance.
- Save yourself another project by making sure all drainage flows away from the house before you begin landscaping. If it doesn't, be sure to incorporate this into your current landscape project. Proper grading away from your house is important, and make sure all downspouts direct water flow away from your house.
- Cut slits into root balls before planting with your utility knife. It is also good practice to use a utility knife to score the roots before planting any tree, shrub or potted plant. This helps them from being root- or pot-bound after planting.
- Know your lift limits. When it comes to landscaping, things often are a lot heavier than they look, especially rocks and balled-and-burlap trees and shrubs.
- Use your lawnmower to cut the outline of sweeping curves and beds. This way you are guaranteed that it will be easy to maintain since the curves won't be tighter than the equipment you will be using.
- OLFA Heavy-Duty Utility Knives are perfect for trimming plants and sod using the fully extended 18mm Heavy-Duty Solid Bladein your OLFA-Pro Heavy-Duty Utility Knife for cutting thick sod, or leaves from bunches of daffodils once they've bloomed and faded.
Must-Have Tools:
Particulate dust mask
OLFA 18mm or 25mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
Work gloves
Tape measure
Equipment Worth Renting: Fiberglass insulation blower
Insulation Shortcuts
- Plan this project at the right time of year. Hot temperatures outside mean dangerous temperatures in attics and tight enclosed spaces.
- Always wear protection against insulation particles. That means always have a particulate (not vapor) dust mask on, plus gloves and long sleeves and pants when working with fiberglass.
- Cut thin insulation using the fully extended 18mm Heavy-Duty Solid Bladein your OLFA-Pro Heavy-Duty Utility Knife.
- Blow insulation into attics. Use insulated batting between floors and walls. Purchase precut bats to speed the job.
- Some materials suppliers may loan out insulation blowers for free. If not, many rent them.
- Think "fluffy, not stuffy" when insulating. Pack loose because it is the air space in the insulation that makes it work.
- Measure surface area from the outside of an attic when ordering material. Use floor space below to measure, and always order extra material…you can always return what is not open.
- If blown insulation compresses, just refluff using a leaf or thatch rake with flexible tines.
Must-Have Tools:
OLFA 18mm or 9mm Utility Knife
48″ or longer rigid straight edge
Tape measure
Floor leveler (available in powder or premix)
Large trowel
Equipment Worth Renting: Weighted roller (100 pounds or more)
Linoleum Shortcuts
- Remove all base mouldings before working on your flooring. Do this carefully because if you accidentally crack one, you will have another project on your list.
- Surface area for flooring should be smooth and clean. Sometimes, it's easier and faster to cover the surface of the area to be floored with a ¼" underlayment.
- Create a template of your floor surface using rosin paper (red paper), newspaper or cardboard. Simply lay pieces, overlapping each other but making sure the edges are against the outside dimensions of the room. Use masking tape to tape paper or cardboard pieces into one large functional pattern.
- Always lay the pattern on the topside of the flooring when cutting. Use a straightedge to guide your OLFA Heavy-Duty Utility Knife.
- If you don't have help, consider flooring tiles over 12′ wide sheet linoleum. Tiles are much easier to carry and handle by one person.
- Do not put adhesive around the outer perimeter of the room when laying linoleum. Leave space 2″ to 3″ from the walls free of adhesive, making it much easier to trim linoleum with your OLFA utility knife.
- For easier trimming, use the 18mm Heavy-Duty Snap-off Hook Blade, a durable carbon-tool steel blade with a sharpened hook that allows you to draw the knife toward you for precision cuts along walls. And, it fits the 18mm-Pro Heavy-Duty Utility Knife.
- When seaming, or even fixing a damaged area in linoleum, overlap at the seam or patch and make one clean cut between both pieces. This will result in an invisible, identical match in the cut.
Must-Have Tools:
12″ power miter saw
Framing square
Variable speed drill driver
48″ or longer level
OLFA 18mm or 25mm Utility Knife
Posthole digger
Equipment Worth Renting: Gas posthole digger, pneumatic nail gun
Decking Shortcuts
- While more expensive, consider using composite decking. It saves lots of work in the future in deck maintenance.
- Before attaching a ledger board to the house, lay out all joist hangars at ground level. It's much easier to measure and attach the hangers on the ground rather than in the air.
- Secure deck rail supports below the base of the deck board, making sure they line up with the bottom of your deck structure. Block in the deck rail supports with scrap 2″ x 6″ boards below the deck surface to keep them sturdy for years to come on your rails.
- Use an OLFA utility knife to mark where you'll cut boards for this project. The blade won't break like the lead of a pencil, and it's nearly invisible to the eye, even if the mark remains after cutting.
- Stack deck boards of the same dimensions and cut together, ensuring identical cuts.
- For supported decks, always notch support columns to hold the main outside support joists. The notch gives added strength and eliminates shifting when weight is on the deck.
- Always make your deck 2′ longer or wider if possible. You'll be surprised how quickly the deck surface fills up with furniture and outdoor goodies. In the future, you're going to want that extra space.
- Decks are one of those projects where measuring twice and cutting once pays off several times along the way.


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Suncorp Metway Limited
Suncorp Group(SUN)
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A few subscribers have sent us emails about this stock and it's a great case study for our approach to investing. Space doesn't permit a detailed analysis of the recent half-year result but let us explain our broad view. This is an exceptionally well-managed company operating fine businesses in which it has strong competitive positions. Investors were put off by a somewhat disappointing profit result but this really is a short-term factor. Eventually, long-term results drive the share price, not temporary hiccups. We have no doubt that shareholders in this company will be wearing big Suncorp...
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Dennis Eckersley
MLB on TBS - Game Analyst
- Dennis Eckersley is a TBS MLB analyst and has worked on the network's coverage of the MLB Postseason since 2008 (from the studio, 2008-2012, and in the booth since 2013.
- Eckersley was a TBS MLB studio analyst for the MLB All-Star Selection Show from 2008-2012.
- During the regular season, Eckersley splits time between the broadcast booth and pre/post-game shows for select Boston Red Sox games on the New England Sports Network (NESN), where he has worked since 2003.
- Enjoying success as a starting and relief pitcher, Eckersley was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Eckersley spent 24 years in Major League Baseball, including time with the Cleveland Indians (1975-77), Boston Red Sox (1978-84, 1998), Chicago Cubs (1984-86), Oakland Athletics (1987-95) and St. Louis Cardinals (1996-97).
- While a member of the Athletics in 1992, Eckersley became the ninth pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and MVP Awards in the same season.
- Eckersley helped the Athletics to four American League West titles, three AL pennants and a World Series Championship in 1989. He was named the ALCS MVP in 1988.
- A six-time member of the American League All-Star team, Eckersley was the starting pitcher in the 1982 All-Star Game while with the Red Sox.
- Eckersley is one of only two pitchers in MLB history to have both a 20-win season (1978) and a 50-save season (1992) in his career.
- As a starting pitcher, Eckersley threw a no-hitter on May 30, 1977 against the then-named California Angels (currently the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).
- Eckersley was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the third round of the 1972 amateur draft.
- On August 13, 2005 Eckersley's number 43 was officially retired by the Oakland Athletics. He was also elected into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Eckersley was born in Oakland, Calif. and attended Washington High School in Fremont, Calif.


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This article is concerned with the adverse effects of fluorescent lighting in the office. It is replete with the stories of various individuals who have found unique ways to disconnect the fixtures, hide the on switches, and generally abolish the ghastly pallor of this brand of lighting.
Fluorescents do have their good side. They run on a quarter of the electricity that incandescent bulbs require and they last roughly ten times as long. The problem is, "people apply efficient light stupidly." Most office workers get a lot more of it than they need, canceling out much of the efficiency.
Too much light, especially with computers, can cause glare and eyestrain. Add to that the fact that older fluorescents flicker at a rate of 60 cycles per second, inducing headache, eyestrain and seasonal affective disorder. Workers under the lights were also found to have higher levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenocorticotrophin in their blood.
Newer fluorescents have an increased cycle time that eliminates flicker and alleviates many of these old problems, presenting a more natural balance of colors. Unfortunately, many of the older systems remain in use, constituting half of the operating systems in offices today.
Natural light can improve on even the newest fluorescent systems. Research has shown that workers perform better when exposed to natural light. In one study, "office workers were found to perform 10-25 percent better on tests of mental function and memory recall," when having a window with a view of vegetation. If they can't give out windows with a view, the author implores companies to get their old systems replaced with the newer models and watch morale rise as absenteeism falls.
Source: Jared Sandberg, Wall Street Journal; June 9, 2004


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I went to Gin's home at around 5:00am (late as usual) so that we could go together to the airport for our 8:00 a.m. flight. Going to the airport on a Sunday was a breeze. We arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 fifteen minutes before 6. This was our first time to leave the car at the airport's overnight parking area as we usually entrust it to the guys at Park N Fly. We didn't encounter any problem at the check-in desk and we left Manila on time. I wanted to catch some sleep during the flight, but the one-inch legroom made that 40 winks elusive. It's either the plane shrunk or I just got bigger.
Honey, I shrunk the plane!Good Cabbies
Upon arriving at Cebu, we proceeded to the Arrival's area to line up at the taxi stand. Unlike at the NAIA, getting an ordinary metered taxi in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is easy and convenient. Our previous encounters with the city's taxi drivers were horrendous, though. There were times when the meter shuffled digits so fast that it made me wonder whether the device was displaying the fare or the odometer. In this particular visit, however, the drivers were honest and courteous. They even went the extra mile in providing me with contact numbers or suggestions on how to get a cab in the area around Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.
Answered Prayer!
Our first stop was the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño for the 11:30 a.m. mass. This was the focal point of the day for me as it was here when Gin finally became my girlfriend! :) I guess it is only fitting for me to receive her nod in this church. Back in 2009 during our second visit to this basilica, we looked for a vacant pew where we could rest for a while. After having caught our breath, Gin knelt down to pray. As my knees are missing a few ligaments, I decided to remain seated. In the middle of my silent conversation with God, my eyes shifted to Gin. I looked at her for a long time. It was at this point when I told The Big Boss of my hope and wish that the girl kneeling in front of me would become my partner in every crime that I intend to commit in this lifetime. Nakulitan na siguro si Lord sa akin kaya He finally gave me His nod after 1 year and 8 months of trying to win Gin's heart he he :)
Sto. Nino Church AltarBo's Original
We then went to Ayala Center's The Terraces for lunch at Mesa. We were quite lucky to have the place virtually to ourselves as there were only about 5 persons having lunch in the place. This doesn't mean that Mesa's dishes aren't pleasing to the tongue, though. Their sisig with egg tasted good, while the hito flakes with green mango was interesting to the pallet.
Mesa RestaurantAfter our hearty meal, we strolled around for a few minutes to give our tummies a time to make some space for coffee :) Gin and I have been craving for Bo's coffee for quite some time now and it's a delight to know that we'll be satisfying our craving at the coffee shop's city of origin! I'm not exactly a fan of Bo's Coffee since the ones that I've had in its Manila branches tasted quite bitter. But the Mocha frap that we've had here tasted different. It was sweet and blended very well. Our first sip almost made us forget Starbucks! Well, almost :)
Bo's Coffee Club CebuAfter a good and relaxing time at the Ayala Center, we went to SM North for CNT's famed lechon. We've been told that Alejo's tastes better. However, one of the taxi drivers that we were able to talk to said that we had to pre-order our lechon and that they're only open from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hence, we decided to opt for what seems to be the Cebu's second best.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's Blu Bar and Grill
With the sun already getting ready to hit the sack, we headed to Marco Polo Plaza Cebu for a quiet and relaxing dinner at the Blu Bar. I was initially quite apprehensive in having our dinner date at the Marco Polo as it is quite far from the city center. However, the hotel's Blu Bar and Grill has a fantastic view of the city as it sits right at the top of the building. Thinking that Gin would very likely enjoy the ambiance and the view, I decided to brave it out and stick to my original plan and choice.
Blu Bar and GrillTrue enough, Marco Polo Hotel's Blu Bar lived up to its billing. Not only did it gave us a fantastic panorama of Cebu, we were also served by the restaurant's warm and friendly staff. It was truly a romantic evening, indeed :) We wanted to stay longer, but we had a 10:40 p.m. flight to catch.
|View from Marco Polo Cebu's Blu Bar and Grill


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Microsoft has released a new version of the Live Mesh Client for PC in Beta. If you've not received, your Mesh should be updating very soon for you.
In addition, the Live Mesh team has also released a limited tech preview of the Live Mesh Client for MacPC.
….here's what the app looks like, click below to watch the video:
First Look: Live Mesh Client for Mac
Here's how to get updates:
- To get access to the Mac client, sign in to www.mesh.com, click Add Device, and then click the "Limited Mac Tech Preview now available" link underneath the Install button. If we haven't exceeded the limit for Mac clients, you'll get a confirmation dialog, and then Mac will show up under the available list of devices when you choose Add Device from the ring.
- To get access to the Windows Mobile 6.x client, click on one of the following links (US residents, UK residents). Sign in with your LiveID, and you'll be redirected to the device ring where you'll see a link to "Use Live Mesh for mobile devices." Alternately, once you've signed in this way, the mobile client should be available for download by pointing your phone's browser to http://m.mesh.com
- WAP access. Some of you already discovered that browsing http://m.mesh.com from your WAP-enabled phone gives you a lightweight way to view Mesh content (and, on phones that support it, upload new files.) We're now making WAP an officially supported feature.
More info: Service update: Beta and required client upgrade


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New York City has long been a home for people from cultures and countries all over the world. For francophiles, the French Institute Alliance Francaise is a home of French culture. Now they have a preschool, and they'll be at the New York Baby Show on May 14 and 15, at Pier 92.
The nation's biggest show for expectant and new families, the New York Baby Show is a wonderful family-friendly mega-event featuring everything to do with maternity, baby, and toddler. From top products to trusted parenting experts, the New York Baby Show welcomes thousands of expectant and new parents from New York City, the Tri-State area, and beyond!
Tickets to the New York Baby Show are $30 per family, and $20 per individual.
We spoke with the FIAF's Michelle Kiefer to learn more about the organization.
For someone unfamiliar with FIAF, how would you describe the company's mission and core offerings?
The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is an American nonprofit organization and New York's premier destination for French language and culture. FIAF's mission is to create innovative programs in education and the arts that explore the diversity and richness of French cultures.
FIAF's programs for children include French classes for toddlers, kids, and teens; spring and summer day camps, and the FIAF Preschool, a French immersion preschool for ages 3 – 4. Our cultural events for children include the brand-new Tilt Kids Festival and ongoing Family Saturdays.
What is the background of FIAF? When was it started and how has it evolved since then?
Founded at the turn of the 20th century, the French Institute and the Alliance Française de New York were two separate organizations, the first promoting French arts, the second teaching French. In 1971 they merged to form the French Institute Alliance Française.
Today, the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) is a leading cultural center and the largest French language school dedicated to teaching French in the tri-state area. FIAF's Language Center offers French courses for all ages and levels, as well as private tutoring, corporate classes, and workshops.
The FIAF Preschool program was launched in 2012, born out of FIAF's focus on inspiring children to love and learn French. The FIAF Preschool combines the best of French and American teaching methods within a rich, multicultural environment. All activities at the preschool are taught in French for total immersion in the language. With its focus on language acquisition and academic excellence, the FIAF Preschool prepares toddlers to be bilingual by the end of their second year in the program, and to meet the high academic standards of top K-12 schools.
What are the most popular and/or newest events or services that FIAF offers?
Our children's programs are growing rapidly as parents realize the importance of teaching children a foreign language from an early age. Also starting in September 2016, the FIAF Preschool will expand to include new full-day options. This year, FIAF has also launched the Tilt Kids Festival, featuring a variety of experimental and cutting-edge work destined to make children see the world from exciting new angles.
What sets FIAF apart from other French-themed cultural centers?
Our programs for children are more than just a playgroup – they're total immersion in the French language, with a structured, multi-sensory curriculum geared toward helping children develop according to their individual learning style. Additionally, FIAF's depth of offerings outside of the classroom allows families to experience the best of French culture here in New York, from monthly FIAF Family Saturdays, CinéKids film screenings, or weekly story hours in the Haskell Library.
What can parents expect to see from FIAF at the New York Baby Show?
You'll be able to learn more about our French immersion preschool as well as our French classes for children. FIAF's Director of Preschool & Youth Programs, Anne Bellec, will be there to answer all of your questions.
To learn more, check out fiaf.org


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I finished this book, Faith of our Fathers, during my trip to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur last week. In introducing this book, the publisher has written,
You will be intrigued and captivated by Thong's compelling account of how God has had His hand on China, and His involvement in significant events of China's history, thus revealing His desire to receive humanity unto Himself.
Indeed, I have been amazed, amazed by the indications of God's hand on China by the author's account.
I have also been captivated, captivated by the interpretations of the author's comprehension of God's footprints in China History.
I have also been fascinated by the author's clarity in presenting this book. I would attribute that clarity in presenting the chapters partly due to the fact that the author is working with a journalist and editor, Charlene Fu. Who could have spoken clearer to a journalist than a journalist?
During my three visits to China, I had reservations in visiting all the historic places. I would probably think differently after reading this book in my next visit.
Indications of God's hand on China include: (I lifted from the back of the book)
The Chinese language itself, which reflects knowledge of the first events of human history as recorded in the book of the Genesis.
The old name of the Chinese gave to their country, Shen Zhou 神州 (God's country), which is revealing of their consciousness of God's ultimate sovereignty.
The annual prayers and sacrifices at the Temple of Heaven (天坛〕, which have extraordinary parallels with the blood covenants in the Old Testament.
The Chinese emperors, who were called the "Sons of Heaven" (天子〕and were regarded as an intermediary between Shang Di (上帝〕and the Chinese people.
I have special liking of Chinese words. It's natural that the second chapter of the book, Words Have Meaning, impressed me more than other chapters. At the end of each chapter there is a reflect and respond. In this chapter, the author gives this thought –
God is an active Communicator. His "fingerprints" are all over the world. He has not stopped speaking to us. Have you seen Him in Chinese characters? Have you seen Him around you today? If not, ask Him to open your eyes to His active participation in your life.
The author, Chan Kei THONG was born and educated in Singapore. He has lived in China for over 20 years.
I also own a Chinese version of this book! There are two reasons for getting the Chinese version of the book. After I finished reading the English version, I passed the book mGf in SingLand. I thought I should be able to get another a copy for keep at my next station, Kuala Lumpur. I did not find the book, instead I spotted the Chinese version. I got hold of the book. Today, I got the English version (photographed above) from Life Book Centre in Sibu!


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We began with two people: husband and wife Amy and Gavin Scott, who couldn't be more passionate about delivering the Loaf vision. Their collective experiences in business and education were crying out to be shared with a wider audience, and so the journey began.
To help to achieve and deliver the Loaf vision, we have since carefully selected a group of trusted associates, who work in complete harmony with Loaf's values and methods, bringing new skills, ideas and techniques to the Loaf team.
Between us, we help to create winning workforces.
Sounds easy, doesn't it? Well, maybe it is when you have the right people...
Amy's the kind of person that everyone warms to because of her natural enthusiasm and energy, which are totally infectious. She's loyal, caring and emotionally intelligent and will pretty much always put other's needs before her own.Read more...
Gavin's one of those really amazing people who truly believes in what he does, putting it into practice every day. So he'll set himself goals (both in his work and personal life), and he'll always achieve them.Read more...
You might be wondering why a training provider might call themselves Loaf, of all things. That's a long(ish) story!
Essentially, we want to encourage everyone to 'use their own loaf' – not to conform to someone else's way of thinking and acting. Using your loaf means learning, adapting, trying new things, different techniques, not relying on old skills or a certain mindset. In truth, this is just as true for us, in running Loaf, as it is for the people we train.
(You can expect these from us every day,
in everything we do)
Creating a winning workforce
We've got loads of ideas about how we could work with you, and stacks of energy to make it happen. Sound good to you? Then use your loaf and have a mooch through our website. While you're at it, why not sign up for our newsletter, too? To get your slice of the action (see what we did there?), contact us today.


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Tag Archives: Howlin' Wolf
Big Head Todd is a Monster of Rock!
If you don't know who Big Head Todd and the Monsters are, then you need to get to know them. I was not familiar with their music until last year. Now I have all of their music except the new CD of Robert Johnson covers. Big Head Todd was formed in 1986 released their first studio album in 1989 so they have stood the test of time. What I think Todd Mohr (The Lead Singer/Lead Guitar Player/ Song Writer) has accomplished is the perfect melding of alternative rock with blues rock. Simply put, The man can play the blues. The set they performed at the House of Blues was appropriately Blues infused! I think Todd had the blues in his heart and mind because he had just released "Big Head Todd Blues Club – 100 Years of Robert Johnson" in 2011 and his buddy, the great Hubert Summlin, had just died. Hubert was the guitar player for Howlin' Wolf. Keith Richards was putting together a surprise birthday party for Hubert at the Apollo Theater in New York when Hubert passed away. The birthday party became a tribute concert. Todd was invited by Keith Richards and Eric Clapton to participate. That concert occurred in New York on February 24th right before I saw this concert on March 1st, 2012. I think the blues were on his mind.
I got invited to the show by a friend of mine who is one of their biggest fans and he is also the guy that turned me on to them as well. I had heard a few of their better known songs like "Bittersweet", but I had never sat down and listened to an entire recording of theirs until Wojo came along. Thanks Wojo where ever you are! My friend Wojo is also a Founders Club member of The House of Blues. What that means is that we had a first class experience at the show. We had access to a private entrance to the club, a private bar, reserved seats, and table service for cocktails. That's why some of the pictures are so good. I was sitting right next to the mixing board.
There was no opening act. Todd and the Monsters walked on stage at exactly 9:00pm and promptly blew the doors of the building. The sound quality was excellent. The musicianship was even better. Todd wields a major Ax! (It's no wonder that Keith Richards and Eric Clapton invited him to participate in the Summlin tribute.) They played all of their hits as well as a good bit of material from their newer CD's. The show lasted 2 hours but it went by way too fast.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters are on tour right now. Don't you dare miss them. You will have a first class rock experience even if you're not a Founders Club member. Buy their music too. You will not be disappointed. I for one am going to get the Robert Johnson CD as soon as possible. Also, check out their website: http://www.bigheadtodd.com – There is great video of the Hubert Summlin tribute as well as all of the music from this amazing band.
Sorry for the long hiatus form my blog. It couldn't be helped. I was traveling a lot in the first 3 months of this year and I have really been working way too much. My focus is back on music and my blog now. I have several other blogs that I need to post, so expect much higher activity in the near future.
Happy Easter and Long Live The Blues!


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Reference for Lloyd Allen
We purchased our family home through Lloyd in August 1997.
This year we decided to move to Hobart and sell our current home in Ferndale Street Chatswood West (Just off Beaconsfield Road) . After some research and information gathering, we decided on Lloyd as our agent as he was familiar with the area, and had a good track record and successful history of sales in the area, and his fee structure was very competitive.
We followed Lloyd's recommendations and advice when it came to the marketing method, documents required and conveyancing, which proved to be very effective.
Lloyd was diligent with his follow up, took care of every detail and aspect of the marketing and promotion of our property and followed up every buyer and lead that our campaign produced.
Lloyd produced a good number of motivated buyers who competed with each other at our auction that achieved a fabulous result - well over our expectations.
We believe that the diligent hard wo
To whom it may concern
Reference for Lloyd Allen
I was pleased when Lloyd asked me to put together a brief reference for him as this provided me with an opportunity to thank him for the help and attention he gave us, and our buyers, with regard to the recent sale of my mother's property.
After having several dealings with real estate agents over the years I feel well qualified to comment on Lloyd and his approach to customer service and results.
I suppose I was fortunate that our paths crossed, as Lloyd proved to be a great asset to our sale and to the fulfilment of our plans.
Lloyd was hard working. He used his skills and experience to promote my mother's property in an attractive, "value added" way. He produced several motivated and financial buyers, one of whom was prepared to proceed at a higher price than any other.
We successfully sold our property after only two weeks of marketing and promotion.
We were delighted with the result that Lloyd achieved and can r


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I thought I heard a rooster crow outside my suburban home's window this morning. It made me fondly remember my China neighbor's feathered friend that gave the same morning salute each day (though I don't think I felt so fond at the time!). And I missed China.
I made a Chinese friend at the toddler story hour at the library. The next time I saw her, she gave me a little drum as a gift. It made me remember the endearing idiosyncrasies of Chinese culture. And I missed China.
My friend April visited our apartment the other day to check on some things for me. She sent me a picture of my dining room table. It made me remember all the joyful meals we've hosted there. And I missed China.
I keep wanting to use the word mafan and, even after 10 months, my English still isn't as streamline as it should be. After speaking with my new library friend, I remembered how much I enjoy conversing in that crazy cadence of rise & fall. And I missed China.
Slowly, slowly, I think I'm getting ready to go. Because it turns out that if you peel back all the layers of American comfort & ease, I miss China. I really do miss China.


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DeafDigest Sports – December 27, 2017
email@example.com; firstname.lastname@example.com
Hot DeafSports News at:
— a DeafDigest Sports edition dedication
— Q & A on Deaf Sports issues
— college deaf athlete
— elite deaf athletes
— Duke's deaf kicker in a bowl game
— a basketball score
— Gallaudet defeats Army
Deaf Sports Collections update
— deaf football players in bowl games
DeafSports picture of the day
Basketball won/lost records (as of 12/27/17)
a DeafDigest Sports edition dedication
DeafDigest Sports dedicates this edition to Bob Milligan,
past basketball coach at South Carolina School for the
Deaf and Blind, that departed us.
He coached his teams to two Mason-Dixon Conference boys'
championships, in 2001 and 2007.
Said a coaching colleague:
He had my respect as a basketball coach
Arizona boys' basketball
part of a newspaper story
Lourdes lost 61-60 to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind
Helmet Bowl
Gallaudet defeats Army
it was an easy win for Gallaudet over Army in the Helmet Bowl
quarterfinals; score was 60 percent for Gallaudet and 40
percent for Army.
Now in the semi finals, Gallaudet is matched against
Kennesaw State.
Go and vote for Gallaudet at:
thank you for supporting Gallaudet
elite deaf athletes
Frank Gallo
pro bowling
been bowling professionally since 1972
his career earnings is now at $60,060.00
this includes $3,300.00 that he has won in 2017
college deaf athlete
Kurtis Chione
Aurora University (Illinois)
the football web site said:
2017: Was Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference First Team
All-Conference at Defensive End. Chione appeared in 8 games had a total of
30 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback sacks, and 4 quarterback
2016: Was a member of the Aurora Spartan football team.
2015: Attended Aurora University and appeared in 10 games for the Spartans
with 10 tackles.
Aurora University is a NCAA-III program.
Q & A on Deaf Sports issues
Q. NTID always has a good number of athletes that
play on RIT varsity teams. Why we do not hear too
much about them?
A. No one from NTID sends out updates on the
accomplishments of their athletes? At one
time, someone from a NTID office sent regular
updates for DeafDigest Sports publishing.
Unfortunately that person is no longer on
the NTID staff, and no one else has stepped
up to take his place. As a result, many of
us know nothing about these NTID athletes!
Duke's deaf kicker in a bowl game
Duke defeated Northern Illinois 36-14 in the
Quick Lane Bowl.
William Holmquist, the deaf kicker, played
in the game because the first string kicker
was thrown off the team due to bad grades.
It was his only full game as a kicker this season,
as a senior.
He kicked for one extra point in the previous game
when the game was already out of reach. Before
that game, he saw no action on the field.
He was successful on three of four extra point
attempts and made one 24-yard field goal for
his only attempt of the game.
He also was the team's punter, punting for
a 35.4 average, that included two inside-20
punts. His longest punt was a 48-yarder.
That is it for him; his last game of
collegiate eligibility.
He previously kicked for Tufts for three
seasons before transferring to Duke as
a walk-on graduate student.
His deafness was mentioned by the TV
part of a newspaper story:
He didn't have a perfect game against Northern Illinois, but his
contributions were good enough to help Duke beat the Huskies, 36-14, to
close the season with a 7-6 record.
A walk-on who spent three seasons as Division III Tufts University's
punter and kicker before coming to Duke last summer, Holmquist averaged
35.4 yards on five punts even with one being partially blocked. He made
three of his four extra points and closed the scoring with a 24-yard field
goal in the fourth quarter.
"Nobody prepares with more focus than Willie Holmquist," Duke coach
David Cutcliffe said. "I hate that he missed that extra point because I
know it will just eat at him right there. But listen, to come in under
those circumstances, to have to be the punter, to suddenly be the place
kicker. Couldn't write a script. It's a win. It's a memory for
Holmquist joined Duke's team last summer and competed with Parker for
the kicking and punting jobs in August practices. Parker won the jobs and
handled both for Duke's 12 regular season games prior to his dismissal
from the team and suspension from school for violating Duke's academic


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Not knowing what to expect with the branding process, I was absolutely blown away by how professional and thorough Tiffany was. With each step in the process, she knew exactly what questions to ask to get just the right information to help make my brand perfect. She helped me gain clarity for myself, and her mood board creation process helped me think about my business in new ways. She's a total rockstar!
Erin @ Dotson Course Design