text: Jun 092014 Not many people know that Apple's "Block Caller" feature doesn't really block. Calls will be rejected to voicemail. If you've got annoying callers, you'll never hear the phone ring or receive their text messages, but you'll certainly keep receiving their voicemails! YouMail solves this problem with our Ditch feature. You'll never hear from the callers again. Going a step further, those annoying callers will hear a "this number is disconnected" message! Take back control of who can call you by combining the powers of Apple and YouMail! PS: Android users have it a little easier. Ditching within the YouMail App will automatically block calls and messages from unwanted callers.


text:
EMSL follows user's instruments into atmosphere
Think Global, Act Nano
First, move across the world and help invent a machine that, in turn, reinvents what people know about the smallest-scale particles. Then, augment a research area that cuts across scientific disciplines and societal applications (nanoparticle studies) to find new ways to collect multiple types of data. At the same time. In one machine.
And when you're finished with that, redesign your machine to fit perfectly into an airplane and fly it through ice clouds at the North Slope of Alaska—and many other places around the world—to collect real-time data on atmospheric aerosol particles and their effects on climate change.
Sound doable? Not for most.
But for EMSL user Alla Zelenyuk—in collaboration with colleagues and through the use of key resources at EMSL—it's all in a few years' work.
In the case of "SPLAT II," a one-of-a-kind, field-deployable single particle mass spectrometer, the instrument/person connection is unmistakable. The story of Zelenyuk and SPLAT is one of parallel development, of expansive thinking and of intricate measurements.
Curious play to serious physics
Zelenyuk grew up in Ukraine, the daughter of secondary physics and math teachers. She remembers the early exposure to science her parents enabled.
"Instead of the regular day-care toys, I played with lenses and magnets," she says.
Soon, the curiosity of play translated into more serious endeavors: at age 11, she began to enter, and win, physics competitions. Fast forward a decade or so to the famed Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. After Zelenyuk earned a PhD through the Institute of Chemical Physics, the question became where to continue her career.
"Because of the recent collapse of the Soviet Union, it became increasingly difficult for scientists to find jobs—to survive in general. More and more graduates, myself included, relocated to the U.S. after defending their PhD theses."
In the United States, she found the up-and-coming field of aerosol particle characterization waiting for her. But things started small. Very small.
As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina, she worked with Professor Tomas Baer on early efforts in single particle mass spectrometry.
"With little funding—and no experience with lasers or aerosols—we began new projects in a very new field," she says.
An adult version of her former "playing with magnets and lenses," Zelenyuk quenched her curiosity about lasers and aerosols at UNC. These projects led to a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, where she worked with colleagues to invent the first SPLAT (Single Particle Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight) mass spectrometer.
"In the beginning with SPLAT, we realized that aerosol particles are ubiquitous across science applications," she remembers. "And that the characteristics and relationships of individual particles will reveal their ultimate impact."
This recognition, that single aerosol particles deeply affect disparate systems (human lungs; engine exhaust, performance, and pollution; and the earth's atmosphere and climate to name a few) informed her scientific work. Basically, improving her field meant taking more accurate measurements of these important particles one at a time to understand them better. Unsatisfied with the initial lower size limits, and confinement to the basic measurements of size and composition, Zelenyuk began to push the boundaries.
Beyond boundaries
After serving as a staff scientist at Brookhaven, Zelenyuk made the move in 2003 to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. She quickly made use of EMSL— DOE's national user facility at PNNL— with the invention of SPLAT II and its construction in EMSL's machine shop and Instrument Development Laboratory. SPLAT II provides a platform that can continually be improved—allowing the aforementioned boundaries to be broken.
"Our goal was to improve on the basics [nanoparticle size and composition], but also add characteristics to the list of measurements SPLAT conducts—to connect the dots in one instrument rather than using multiple instruments."
It worked.
Today, SPLAT II simultaneously measures the number, concentration, size, composition, density, shape, morphology, fractal dimension, and hygroscopic properties of individual particles as small as 50 nm in diameter. This multi-dimensional particle characterization doesn't just happen in the lab, either. At EMSL, Zelenyuk and others recognized the need to measure these particles in their natural environment, and responded accordingly.
After a redesign, SPLAT II can now yield quantitative information on particle physical and chemical properties in the laboratory or in the field—even aboard an aircraft.
Even after adding to SPLAT's range of data and finding new ways to collect them, Zelenyuk isn't satisfied.
"Now we're figuring out what to do with all this data—to explore large, multi-dimensional data sets without loss of information, and zoom in on the 'golden nuggets' [the most relevant results] within."
This piece of the puzzle was provided by working closely with Professor Klaus Muller from SUNY Stony Brook, a computer science researcher. The results are SpectraMiner and ClusterSculptor, a suite of companion software developed specifically to handle the vast amount of data SPLAT collects.
Zelenyuk explains how SPLAT's access to diverse, usable data allows scientists to not only measure the features of nanoparticles, but also study the interactions and relationships between them. For these reasons, SPLAT has been used around the world, and is consistently in high demand across a variety of projects. Of course, this works well with Zelenyuk's inherent curiosity.
"It's exciting to me to learn new things in distant scientific fields. Currently, SPLAT is being used in a partnership [with the University of Wisconsin] related to the development of new engines and biofuels, both in modeling engine performance and characterizing the composition of emissions."
It's no wonder EMSL's world-class instruments consistently overlap with its staff expertise. For Zelenyuk, her career in science and SPLAT itself are uniquely interwoven.
"You don't know how many times I've been called 'the SPLAT lady'," she jokes. "When we began putting the instrument on airplanes, the name made some people uneasy... but I assured them: the only things that go splat are the particles."
Aside from the nickname connection, the instrument reflects the scientist in two key characteristics they share: the thirst for vast and varied knowledge, and the application of special capabilities to important problems—one very small piece at a time.
EMSL Instruments Take to the Skies for CARES
During a month-long field campaign in California's Sacramento Valley, several EMSL instruments are hard at work—aboard aircraft and on the ground—examining the intricacies of how aerosol particles affect the climate. EMSL's Time-Resolved Aerosol Collector (TRAC2), DRUM Sampler, and Single Particle Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (SPLAT II) are contributing to the Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES). The study is a collaboration of over sixty scientists hailing from a dozen institutions, including EMSL, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and other national laboratories, several universities, and other government entities like NASA. A massive effort to collect vital aerosol data to help scientists improve climate models, CARES is coordinated through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility. Like EMSL, ARM is a national scientific user facility supported by DOE's Office of Biological and Environmental Research.
SPLAT II is available for free-of-charge use through a peer-reviewed user proposal process at the Environmental Molecular Science Laboratory, a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The instrument has been involved in several scientific discoveries and high-profile publications, including invited papers in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the International Review of Physical Chemistry, as well as a very highly cited article in Aerosol Science and Technology.
Find the latest SPLAT-related publications here: http://www.emsl.pnl.gov/capabilities/viewInstrument.jsp?id=34020.
Released: July 13, 2010

subset: commoncrawl


text:
has served Main Street for nearly 20 years. But that stability doesn't breed complacency, General Manager Meredith Hankins said.
"We always want to keep up with our image. We see ourselves as fashion forward and trend setters," she said.
The 4360 Main St. establishment recently underwent an interior makeover to better utilize their space, make the salon and spa treatment more comfortable for customers, and also improve the aesthetics.
Owners Michael O'Connor and Jerry Yellin repainted and added new wallpaper, replaced the flooring, updated the lighting—with a new chandelier installation—and spaced their property out accordingly.
The second floor is devoted to hair and nails, with the third floor focused on the spa aspects.
In addition, the entire property is now united. Previously, L'Etoile only occupied the second and third floors. But last summer, they expanded into the first floor to establish Beauty Boutique by L'Etoile, which carries beauty supplies.
Rolling with recent trends, L'Etoile embraced the social media explosion. On top of posting new hairstyles on Facebook and Twitter, Hankins said the bulletin board website Pinterst, where people share their hair, clothing, jewelry, and other beauty choices with friends, has particularly been helpful.
"It's perfect for us. It's our demographic—girls, 18 to 50—and you know it's worth it when all of us are on it, too," she said.
For Manayunk and Roxborough, hair stylists for men (she said they make up 40 percent of their cliental) and women aren't difficult to find. Hankins said L'Etoile separates itself from the rest by keeping ahead.
"We have a reputation to keep up. We're a long-time business that produces quality work. We're part of the community, and we strive for amazing customer service," she said.
Just in time for Mother's Day, L'Etoile offers several specials, including:
- L'Oreal Power Does—(deep conditioning treatment), haircut and make-up application—$95 for 1.5 hours
- 60-minute pre/post natal massage, manicure, pedicure and blow dry—$150 for 2.5 hours
- 50-minute Swedish massage, 50-minute age-defying facial, manicure, L'Oreal Power Does and blow dry—$205 for 3.5 hours
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Editor's note: An earlier version incorrectly listed L'Etoile's address. It has since been corrected.


text:
California Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
In every state, there are time limits for the filing of lawsuits and other civil actions called "statutes of limitations." California's civil statute of limitations laws are not too different from those of other states. Depending on the type of case or procedure, California's statutes of limitations range from one year to 10 years. The point at which the clock starts ticking typically is the date of the incident or discovery of a wrong.
Below is a summary of civil statutes of limitations in California. See Details on State Civil Statute of Limitations and Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations to learn more.
|Injury to Person
|Personal injury: 2 yrs. Civ. Proc. §335.1; False imprisonment: 1 yr. Civ. Proc. §340(c)
|1 yr. Civ. Proc. §340(c)
|3 yrs. Civ. Proc. §338(d)
|Injury to Personal Property
|3 yrs. Civ. Proc. §338(b), (c)
|Professional Malpractice
|Legal: 1 yr. from discovery, max. of 4 yrs. from the wrong Civ. Proc. §340.6; Medical: 1 yr. from discovery, 3 yrs. if injury known Civ. Proc. §340.5; Vet.: 1 yr. for injury or death of animal Civ. Prop. §340(c)
|3 yrs. Civ. Proc. §338(b)
|Collection of Rents
|4 yrs. Civ. Proc. §337.2
|Written: 4 yrs. §337; Oral: 2 yrs. Civ. Proc. §339
|Collection of Debt on Account
|4 yrs. (book and stated accounts) Civ. Proc. §337
|10 yrs. Civ. Proc. §337.5
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a California personal injury lawyer or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- California Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Civil Statute of Limitations Laws:


text:
July 23, 2014
pt mccarthyism is phun
MCCARTHYISM IS PHUN 12:00 pm February 22, 2013
WND Columnist Complains About Continuing 'Slander' Of Joe McCarthy, Without An Ounce Of Irony
There are ebbs and flows in the deluge of rancid insanity that oozes into the turd-polishing traps of World Net Daily. Right now we experiencing one of those VERY high tide days. Ted Nugent posted about how he loves the blacks (especially their music that he stole). Alan Keyes is gay panicking for a record […]
MCCARTHYISM IS PHUN 5:30 pm October 17, 2008
ABOUT DAMN TIME: Wonkette sickling operative "Ben" writes in shock that fetus harvesting Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is on Hardball and "just told Chris Matthews that there should be an investigative report of all members of Congress to determine who among them is anti-American." Well what's the problem, BEN? SCARED?


text:
Be Aware! Once you press "Play", you will want to listen over and over. Other CD's in your collection will get jealous. Carol Duboc has created something special with her latest release "All of You". Listen carefully, you will hear offerings of old and new.
"All of You" quietly sneaks up and taps you softly on the shoulder. This music is fresh and clean and never in a hurry.
I say there is quite "simply" a lot going on here. You will like every song. Carol totally "uncovers" the cover tunes with fresh, soulful arrangements. Just sit back and listen to Sunny, Ain't No Sunshine, Every Breath You Take, Use Me, Spirits in the Material World, Blackbird. They are all done in a way you won't expect. Carol's original compositions compliment nicely and display her talents. More Originals please! I especially like "Drowning" and Land Richards' brush work. He creates a nice flowing stream of water that could drown any listener.
I predict you will listen to "All of You" with a book by the fire in Winter, morning coffee at the beach during Summer, with friends and dinner on the deck, you can't go wrong. Listen and get ready to relax.
This is music without a mold and that is what I like about it.
Quickly something about the instrumentation, Fender Rhodes, thanks for the "old school" sound. Upright bass provides the perfect bottom deeper than the ocean. Good drumming is "felt". Well done!!!
This CD has earned a place in my collection.
Smooth Jazz? Maybe, but look out for the curves. They will pleasantly move you.
Thanks Carol!
Reviewed by: Bruce Pulver [jazzreview.com]
Monday, February 28, 2005
Carol Duboc - 'All of You'
Be Aware! Once you press "Play", you will want to listen over and over. Other CD's in your collection will get jealous. Carol Duboc has created something special with her latest release "All of You". Listen carefully, you will hear offerings of old and new.
Posted by Mike at 9:46 AM 0 comments
Music biz may raise prices for downloads
Just as legal music downloading is taking off in earnest, the major record labels are in talks to raise the price they charge online retailers for song downloads, a newspaper reported Monday.
Posted by Mike at 7:34 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Nils - 'Pacific Coast Highway'
Although the veteran composer/guitarist's website could use a major update — it is contemporary to 1998 — he's right in the pocket of modern smooth jazz with his 2005 release. He comes with a solid pedigree in the genre, having recorded a duet with George Benson (who also once covered "Keep Rollin'," given a trippy-moody makeover here), and working with Rick Braun, Marcus Johnson and Gabriela Anders. But his all-star associations aren't as important as his facility for melody and groove, and he does well on both counts here, beginning with the bright, vibrant Norman Brown-like title track, playing it snappy and funky on "Back Pocket" and showing a more intimate side with "Coming Home." Lively, swinging breezy gems like "Cruisin'" show off a powerful ability to collaborate with some of the genre's best sidemen, including Abe Laboriel, Rob Mullins, Alex Acuña and Paul Jackson Jr., whose influence on the guitarist is apparent throughout the project. While he's solid as a writer of radio-friendly tunes, he includes a few covers for variety, one a throbbing twist on "You've Got a Friend," the other a much more eventful and interesting bluesy jam on Toto's minor hit "Georgy Porgy." Whether Nils can break through to the genre elite is up in the air, but he's certainly got some good material here to start him on his way.
Review by Jonathan Widran [AMG]
Posted by Mike at 5:07 PM 0 comments
Monday, February 14, 2005
Starbucks rides high with Ray on Grammy night
The Seattle-based coffee house chain's Hear Music division, together with specialty label Concord Records, co-produced, marketed and distributed the late Ray Charles' triple-platinum selling "Genius Loves Company" album, which won eight awards at Sunday's 47th annual Grammy presentation in Los Angeles.
The awards included "Album of the Year" and "Record of the Year" with Norah Jones.
Charles' final album was released last August, two months after his death, and quickly became the best-selling recording of his more than 50-year career.
Posted by Mike at 10:41 AM 0 comments
Jazz Composer Nabs Grammy After Web-Only Sales
Jazz composer Maria Schneider took home a Grammy on Sunday for her album "Concert in the Garden," without selling a single copy in a record store.
Schneider, 44, financed her Grammy-winning album through a Internet-based music delivery service called ArtistShare that opens the financing of production to dedicated fans.
Schneider said she believed she might be the first artist ever to win a Grammy for an album distributed solely on the Web. But she said that other musicians had already approached her about trying similar experiments of their own.
"It's been very gratifying for me. It's a new way for fans to be closer to artists and artists to be closer to fans," Schneider told reporters after receiving her award.
"They (fans) came into the project long before I completed my CD," she said.
Schneider, who was ArtistShare's first participating artist, said she had funded the cost of her original budget before she started recording, an anomaly in recording, particularly with jazz albums.
The "Concert in the Garden" CD was limited to 10,000 copies, with 9,000 available for pre-order to participants and 1,000 held in reserve for later auction, through ArtistShare.
"This record cost $87,000 to make. I already made my money back," she said. "I'm not splitting the profits with the distributor, the record store and the record company. It's working so well for me,"
To be sure, big record labels were also humming at the 47th annual Grammys (news - web sites) on Sunday about the fast-growing digital music market.
Sales of digital downloads, while still a small piece of the overall music business, rose to more than 143 million tracks in 2004 from 19.2 million in 2003.
In 2004, sales of digital music players like Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod exploded, and recording artists are also relying increasingly on revenue from other non-traditional sources like films, videogames and cellphone ring tones.
[Sue Zeidier - Reuters]
Posted by Mike at 10:34 AM 0 comments
47th Annual Grammy Awards Winners List
Best Contemporary Jazz Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)
Bill Frisell
[Nonesuch Records]
Best Jazz Vocal Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal)
Nancy Wilson
[MCG Jazz]
Best Jazz Instrumental Solo
(For an instrumental jazz solo performance. Two equal performers on one recording may be eligible as one entry. If the soloist listed appears on a recording billed to another artist, the latter's name is in parenthesis for identification. Singles or Tracks only.)
Speak Like A Child
Herbie Hancock, soloist
Track from: With All My Heart (Harvey Mason)
Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)
McCoy Tyner With Gary Bartz, Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride & Lewis Nash
[Telarc Jazz]
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
(For large jazz ensembles, including big band sounds. Albums must contain 51% or more INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)
Concert In The Garden
Maria Schneider Orchestra
Best Latin Jazz Album
(Vocal or Instrumental.)
Land Of The Sun
Charlie Haden
[Verve International]
Posted by Mike at 7:28 AM 0 comments
Thursday, February 10, 2005
'Pioneering' organist Smith dies at 79
Jimmy Smith, an award-winning jazz organist who was considered a pioneer with the instrument, has died of natural causes at his home. He was 79.
Smith's death Tuesday in Scottsdale was announced by officials at Concord Records.
"Jimmy Smith transformed the organ into a jazz instrument. Jazz has lost a pioneering talent, not to mention a one-of-a-kind personality," National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia said Wednesday.
Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1925, Smith ruled the Hammond B-3 organ in the 1950s and 1960s, fusing R&B, blues, and gospel influences with bebop references.
Smith's sessions with record label Blue Note from 1956 to 1963 included collaborations with Kenny Burrell, Lee Morgan, Lou Donaldson, Tina Brooks, Jackie McLean, Ike Quebec and Stanley Turrentine. He started playing the Hammond organ in 1951.
"Jimmy was one of the greatest and most innovative musicians of our time," said fellow Hammond B-3 artist Joey DeFrancesco.
The two recently recorded an album together called Legacy, which is scheduled to be released next week.
Posted by Mike at 3:41 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
'It's all about the raw material'
Making somebody "sound great" has rarely been a problem for Ramone. He has engineered and produced some of the most popular -- and most talented -- singers in the music business. The list includes Sinatra, Simon, Joel, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Liza Minnelli and Ray Charles.
He's up for two Grammys for his work on Charles' swan song, "Genius Loves Company," for which he produced five cuts. He's also nominated for his work on "The Boy from Oz," and he'll be receiving a special technical award. Overall, including the technical award, he has won 10 Grammys.
If Ramone is best known these days for his work with vocalists, he has actually ranged all over the musical spectrum in his career, engineering and/or producing records for jazzmen John Coltrane, Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan; folkies Peter, Paul & Mary; soft music duo the Carpenters; hard rocker Alice Cooper; and the Broadway casts of "Promises, Promises" and "Chicago" (both of which, incidentally, featured Jerry Orbach).
Posted by Mike at 4:28 PM 0 comments
Carol Duboc - All Of You
Seduction of voice is so very effective when done with a unique style and made to seem effortless. Independents seem to have that vital combination for the free spirit is alive and well within their soul. Carol Duboc is no exception with her sultry mode of expression and a deep dramatic performance rekindled from within her heart, a wonderful talent exists and is allowed to be released. Such is witnessed in her new release from Gold Note Music, simply entitled "All Of You."
Make no mistake, Ms. Duboc is on her way to be a class vocalist in the genre, the proof of that is launched from her performances as she continually fine tunes her gift. There is a blues feel to many of the cuts on this project however it is highly noticeable in "Use Me", that passion bleeds from each note set free. There are subtle pauses throughout the delivery of certain cuts which add to the ambiance of Ms. Duboc's effort. Very effective touch.
In need of indulgence, acquaint yourself with Ms. Duboc's interpretation of the Beatles "Blackbird", such moods don't just happen, they are created with planned execution! This as well as the other pieces define this project as the placid side of Ms. Duboc.
The arrangements on this project also allow the listeners to visit a different look at Ms. Duboc's talents. Far removed from her other projects, this has a strong scent of simplicity, which is welcomed by many who grasp the "All Of You" happening!
"All Of You" is just what it says, it's all for you!
[Karl Stober jazzreview.com]
Posted by Mike at 11:12 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Bobby Caldwell - 'Perfect Island Nights'
Bobby Caldwell hasn't changed. He still sounds the same. So what does this mean? It means that by picking up Perfect Island Nights there will be no surprises, but you don't really want any do you? Of course not. This CD is just perfect the way it is, full of strong, well written and well recorded songs. The tunes are snappy and grab you right from the first song. So snappy I wonder why (not really because I know why) the first single is a cover song with Deniece Williams, "Where Is The Love." The originals here are extremely strong. The first three songs, "In The Afterlife," "Crazy For Your Love," and "Donna" just hit you and then hit you again. Makes you go wow! I love the way Caldwell choruses with himself. He does this through out and I just dig it. "Our Day Will Come" has this calypso, island feel to it while ""I Need You Love" has more of a R&B flavor. "Can't Get Over You" is just down right pretty. "Call Me Up" sounds like a Paul McCartney tune. Caldwell didn't need to put "Rain" on this CD since it appeared on Time & Again, but since there were so many good songs here one more just added to fun. I ripped a lot of songs from this CD for my Ipod and I'm not a big vocal guy so that should tell you something.
Posted by Mike at 10:19 AM 0 comments
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Rippingtons Complete 15th CD
Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons will release a new album in May.
The Rippingtons' new CD, Wild Card, will feature two salsa singers and R&B vocalist Chante Moore. The album by the venerable smooth jazz band, which is led by Russ Freeman, will be released on his Peak Records label.
The CD is the band's 15th and follows Let It Ripp, which was released in May 2003. Moore will be featured on a cover version of the Aretha Franklin hit "Til You Come Back To Me," while Cuban singers Albita and Willy Chirino – both of whom are salsa music stars in Cuba – will be featured on two songs.
Song titles include "Spanish Girl," "Paradise," "King Of Hearts," "Gypsy Eyes" and "Moonlight." Wild Card will released on May 3.
Wild Card
1. Spanish Girl
2. Wild Card
3. Mulat de Mi Amor
4. Paradise
5. King of Hearts
6. Midnight Ride
7. Gypsy Eyes
8. El Vacilon
9. In the End
10. Moonlight
11. Lay It Down
12. Til You Come Back to Me
[by Brian Soergel - smoothvibes.com]
Posted by Mike at 5:28 PM 0 comments


text:
Here's an interesting take from UnderConsideration, a brand/logo review site about new Pac 10 Logo. Overall, they say that old logo had to go, but it could have been better.
Running back already has bunch of 2010 offers "I don't have a bit of a clue about which one I'm favoring yet, although my brother (Yvenson Bernard) went to Oregon State, so they might have a slight edge over the others I haven't checked out yet," Bernard told Sporting News Today.
"We are very capable of making a run to win the conference championship," said Mike Riley on a Seattle area radio station recently. "You look historically at our league and.. (several teams challenge for the title). Now 'SC has changed that in the last five years. But I think the Beavers are very capable of making that run in a cycle where they can win this championship. "In the meantime, a very common goal of success in our league is to be up in the top three in the conference and got to a good bowl game..but our goal is to make a run at the conference championship."Scout.com
The old saying goes that championships are won in the offseason. That's debatable, but anyone who has ever played football knows that physical toughness is one of the most important aspects of...
We'll email you a reset link.
If you signed up using a 3rd party account like Facebook or Twitter, please login with it instead.
You must be a member of Building The Dam to participate.
We have our own Community Guidelines at Building The Dam. You should read them.
You must be a member of Building The Dam to participate.
We have our own Community Guidelines at Building The Dam. You should read them.
Choose an available username to complete sign up.
In order to provide our users with a better overall experience, we ask for more information from Facebook when using it to login so that we can learn more about our audience and provide you with the best possible experience. We do not store specific user data and the sharing of it is not required to login with Facebook.


text:
What do you all think about the new Chloe Cyndi Leather Tote, their new 'It' bag? It's a 15.5×13" tote made of a soft alligator stamped leather, accented with utilitarian hardware that's meant to give the bag an exotic but industrial feel.
I actually really like this designer bag. It just looks so simple but very classy and luxurious, much more so the the Cyndi Patent tote. I love the gray color with the contrasting gold clasp. Plus, it's a great size, not too big and not too small, and it would fit everything a person would need with room to spare. This tote just seems like a great everyday bag.
I think Chloe did a pretty good job with this one so it gets an A in my book.


text:
East Coast Hip-Hop Defined:
East coast hip-hop is sometimes referred to as New York Rap because it originated from block parties thrown on the streets of New York city in the 1970's. East coast hip-hop was dominant during the late 1980's and mid-90's (the golden era of hip-hop, and is still relevant today.
The Evolution of East Coast Rap:
East coast hip-hop has undergone a series of musical surgeries, from the lyrical subgenre that gave yield to Rakim and Nas, to the conscious approach made famous by Public Enemy and Beastie Boys, and later the mafioso rap blueprint popularized by Kool G Rap, Raekwon and AZ, and now back to the lyrical.
Elements of East Coast Hip-Hop:
Unlike the simplistic rhyme pattern utilized in old school rap, or the call and response style present in crunk, east coast rap is almost synonymous with lyrical dexterity. More often than not, east coast rap is characterized by multi-syllabic rhymes, complex wordplay, a continuos free-flowing delivery, and intricate metaphors.
Notable East Coast Artists:
- Rakim
- Nas
- The Wu-Tang Clan
- Ghostface Killah
- KRS-One
- Jay-Z
- Kool G Rap
- Big Daddy Kane
- GangStarr
- A Tribe Called Quest
- Mobb Deep
- The LOX


text:
Latest Posts
Gov. Ed Rendell Goaded into Turning into Hulk on National Television
Don't make out-going Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell angry. You wouldn't like him when he's angry. Apparently…
A CBS promotional video clip shows an angry Gov. Rendell saying "you're simpletons, you're idiots" during a 60 Minutes interview. The segment is to air Sunday evening as part of an examination of the proliferation of casino gambling across the country…
Rendell reportedly was explaining that gambling addicts already had opportunities elsewhere, when his temper flared. By allowing casinos in Pennsylvania, tax revenue and jobs would stay in the state instead of going to neighboring New Jersey, he explained.
He then picked up the CBS news camera and threw it across the room and out the window before slow-motion breaking through a wall and loping through downtown Harrisburg. Or I assume. The clip only lasts a short moment, but that seems to be the way things are going. Something like that happened, at any rate.
The full interview and carnage runs on Sunday.
(Thanks to my friend Upma, for the heads up.)
Tags: 60 Minutes, Ed Rendell, Gambling, Pennsylvania
DADT Repeal and Dream Act Actually Heading to the Actual Senate Floor in Actuality
Harry Reid may not be getting that bill to legalize online poker — not to mention that dump truck full of pork he was hoping for — but it does seem as though — despite my disgusted pessimism yesterday — he has an actual real life shot a passing some genuine historic legislation before the two chambers of Congress descend utterly into trench warfare next month.
And these pieces of legislation would actually be "historic" in a good way, believe it or not…
After abandoning on Thursday night a $1.3 trillion omnibus Senate spending bill, Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid filed cloture for the DREAM Act and a stand-alone repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" — both of which are now expected to reach the Senate for final votes as early as this weekend…
Republican Sens. Brown (who on Thursday confirmed his willingness to vote for the bill), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Olympia Snowe (Maine) have said they would support the bill, and all but one Democrat – West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin – is believed to be in favor of voting for repeal.
The prospects of the DREAM Act, however, are less clear. The measure, which would provide undocumented young people with pathways to American citizenship, has inspired criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, and a Senate vote on the legislation was recently delayed due to lack of sufficient support for passage.
It's sad enough that these are even issues being vigorously debated in the year 2010 in which we are currently living. What's sadder, though, is that I'd actually feel like it'd be a victory to get one of these bills through.
Fantastic job of managing expectations, Congress! That is one thing you do very well!
Tags: DADT, Gambling, Harry Reid, Immigration, Joe Manchin, LGBT, Lisa Murkowski, Military, Money, Olympia Snowe, Scott Brown, Senate, Susan Collins
Stephen Colbert on 2012 Hopeful John Thune's Presidenciminess
by Dina Hashem
European gambling websites Intrade and Betfair have placed their bets on Republican nominees for the 2012 election. And I say Blasphemy! How dare they cheapen our government in such a way? Gambling should be reserved for games of chance, where outcomes are decided arbitrarily and lack thoughtful deliberation and rationality. That's nothing like American politics!
But that aside, they've placed a surprise bet on South Dakota Sen. John Thune. Sure, you've never heard of him, and he's only polling at 2 percent, behind nominees Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin. But he has the most important quality among them: "Looking presidential." And you have to admit, those other guys just don't look so much like presidents as they do like douchebags…
The Colbert Report airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30pm / 10:30c.
Tags: Barack Obama, Gambling, Haley Barbour, John Thune, Mitt Romney, Republicans, Sarah Palin, Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report, Video
Who's Got Two Showgirls and Is Probably Running for Governor of Nevada?
This guy!
Okay, it's not official yet, but it's looking really good for Oscar Goodman — the Independent current mayor of Las Vegas, Philadelphia native, and celebrity spokesperson for Bombay Gin — to announce his next big move in the near future. And announce it in style…
"I envision making my announcement to run for governor with showgirls on my arm. If [the people] don't like it, they can vote for someone else. And if I'm governor, I'll cavort with showgirls and I'll keep drinking my gin and betting on anything that moves," Goodman told the Philadelphia Inquirer, his hometown paper. "I won't change!"
You had me at "run for governor with showgirls on my arm." You had me at "run for governor with showgirls on my arm."
Tags: Alcohol, Gambling, Las Vegas, Nevada, Philadelphia


text:
Accessibility Links
We Recommend
On This Day
1989: Cable channel CBC Newsworld launches
CBC Newsworld, Canada's first cable news channel, encounters some stumbles and successes in its debut.
CBC Programs
Three writers debate the merits of a new crop of film adaptations of t...
Great Interviews
Former baseball player Jackie Robinson talks about his early days in M...
Guess Who?
Do you know who these three boys are?


text:
|All Content
|View all podcasts & RSS feeds
Podcasts & RSS Feeds
Connect with Us
Most Active Stories
- Here's What The Big I-90 Closure Will Look Like. How Will You Survive?
- Study Finds MRSA 'Superbug' Lurking At Washington Firehouses
- 5 Reasons Eating Bugs Could Save The World, According To Seattle's Own 'Bug Chef'
- Washington Secretly Competed For Tesla 'Gigafactory' Worth Thousands Of Jobs
- When A Bomb Goes Off During Your Study On Trauma: New UW Findings On PTSD
News & Music Contributors
KPLU Studio Sessions
3:26 pm
Mon August 27, 2012
Karrin Allyson: Relaxin' in the KPLU studios
Over the past 20 years, vocalist, Karrin Allyson, has recorded 13 albums that cover a vast musical territory. She's explored The Great American Songbook, the musical styles of Brazil and France, the blues and the work of more contemporary songwriters. She's recorded a tribute to John Coltrane, a CD of late-night ballads and earned 4 Grammy nominations.
Despite being so busy, every time her tour schedule brings her to Seattle, she visits her friend, jazz host Dick Stein, in the KPLU/Jazz24 performance studio to give us a sample of the music she currently exploring ... and there's no telling what that might be.
This time around she was happy to kick back a little and dig into her bag for some favorites from past recordings: a medley of Double Rainbow and Chasing Rainbow, another medley—I Want To Be Happy and What A Little Moonlight Can Do, featuring drummer, Todd Strait, and the title track of her most recent CD, 'Round Midnight. In this casual, intimate session, Karrin accompanies herself on piano and Jeff Johnson is the bassist.


text:
Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne don't just have to worry about The Wanted dissing them -- it has been discovered that a boy band poked fun at One Direction over a decade before the group even existed.
In their 2000 music video for the song "All the Small Things," frat boy band Blink-182 pokes fun at instrument-less boy bands of the '90s like *NSYNC, 98 Degrees, and the Backstreet Boys by replicating parts of their music videos.
Recently some eagle-eyed music fans pointed out that Blink-182 seemingly predicted the rise of One Direction way back in 2000 - Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker filmed some scenes of their music video on the same beach that 1D frolics on in their "What Makes You Beautiful" video.
In the video for "All the Small Things," Blink even seemed to predict Harry Styles' love of being naked since one of the guys goes streaking on the beach. But as it turns out, Blink is not a musical Nostradamus - the band was actually spoofing Britney Spears' "Sometimes" video in the beach scenes. They also went after Christina Aguilera (there's no word on if they predicting the popularity of 1D's rival The Wanted yet).
The guys of Blink do have a few "small things" in common with 1D - Travis Barker has a ton of tattoos just like Zayn Malik and Harry, and the guys go shirtless a lot just like Niall Horan and Liam Payne. It's just a shame that the guy at the end of Blink's video is dressed like a banana instead of a carrot - it would be pretty mind-blowing to see such a big Louis Tomlinson reference in the music video.
After Directioners check out Blink's video to see the "What Makes You Beautiful" beach in the background, they'll surely be inspired to create some "Harry, I'm pregnant" signs.
You can check out the two videos below.
Photo Source: Wikimedia


text:
When David Codding built the new Boudin Bakery & Café building on the northwest corner of his Montgomery Village Shopping Center, he had two choices when it came to the city's public art requirements.
He could write a check for 1 percent of the $2.5 million project's value, or $25,000, money that would allow the city to commission and install an art project somewhere else. Or he could spend that same $25,000 incorporating original art into his project.
He chose the latter, and the reviews are, well, mixed.
Montgomery Village Sculpture Garden
Codding and mall marketing director Melissa Williams are thrilled with the resulting sculpture garden, which includes bronze figures of frolicking children and peaceful deer.
The city's art coordinator is concerned that she was never consulted about the final art proposal.
And a member of the city's Art in Public Places Committee is upset some of the sculptures are not originals but were purchased over the Internet.
"To me, putting two statues from a catalog together with some deer and a little girl doesn't make it original," said Judy Kennedy, a local artist and member of the art committee. "There is nothing original about it. It's all schlock."
The kerfuffle raises questions about how the city implements its 2006 public art law and how much say the city should have over art projects installed on private property.
The sculpture garden Codding built to replace the covered wagon that long occupied that corner features three bronze sculptures.
One is an original piece by Texas artist Ron Schaefer, whom Williams said she came across online. The work features a mother doe and her fawn beside a little girl wearing a dress and carrying a handful of flowers.
"It was mostly just the thought of doing something innocent," Williams said.
Schaefer said Williams and Codding spotted a photo of a life-sized sculpture he did of two male deer locking horns, which he named "Texas Duel." Schaefer's website says his goal is to "define wildlife ... for gifts, your home, office, trophy room and landscaping."


text:
Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel
The Independent
Steve S. Spinda, 84, of Worthington, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, in Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell, to finally be reunited with his loving wife, Shirley Guthridge Spinda who passed away in 1991.
He was born Aug. 30, 1929, in DuBois, Pa., a son of the late John and Frances Parsalek Spinda. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by eight siblings.
Steve was a member of Holy Family Church, where he had served as an usher. He was a fourth degree knight with the Knights of Columbus and was a Kentucky colonel. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran and retired after many years of service with CSX.
Survivors include three sons, Steve Anthony Spinda of St. Mary's, Pa., Scott David Spinda of Elizabethtown, Pa., and Shawn Michael Spinda of Ashland; two daughters, Sheila Ann Spinda of Flatwoods and Staci Marie Ward of Lancaster, Pa.; a brother, John Spinda of Raceland; grandchildren, Angela Spinda, Maria Spinda, Kristi Spinda, Scott Spinda, Renee Spinda, Katie Spinda, Ryan Spinda and Ashley Ward; and great-grandchildren, Kylee, Christian and Skyler Waugh and Jade Brown.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at Holy Family Church in Ashland with Father John Noe officiating. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum in Ashland, where military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 93 of Kenova.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 18, 2013, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland. There will be a Rosary service at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.


text:
Many mobile devices, especially smart phones widely in use today, have expanded capabilities that make them more than a phone or a standalone device. These expanded capabilities also create new challenges for private and sensitive information. The ability of smart phones to store significant amounts of data and to connect to secure remote services, coupled with a small form factor which makes them susceptible to loss or theft, poses a significant risk to the security of personal and institutional information.
Just in the way that you protect your ATM card and bank accounts, these devices must be protected using a Personal Identifying Number (PIN) coupled with an autolock feature. Take a moment now to ensure that your device is properly protected. An unsecured device can allow unauthorized individuals to access your personal data and gain remote entry to valuable University Resources.
If you are an iPad or iPhone user and must connect to resources at the University with your mobile device, you are strongly encouraged to use the University Virtual Private Network (VPN) in order to protect the security of any information as it is transmitted. See the Remote Access (VPN) iPhone and iPad Install page for more information. For non-iPad or iPhone users, please note that at this time, VPN services are not available for use on other mobile devices. If the transmission can wait, we encourage you to use the VPN on a home or other secure computer.
If your mobile device is lost or stolen, immediately notify the Northeastern Public Safety Office at x2121 and contact the Information & Technology Security Office (email@example.com).
Remember: Protect it with a PIN


text:
Purple Party Mix
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Ready Time: 80 min
- Yield: 10 cups
- Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
- 4 cups crisp rice cereal squares
- 2 cups toasted oat cereal
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup salted cocktail peanuts
- 1 cup colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces
- 1 cup Pillsbury® Funfetti® Bold Purple Vanilla Flavored Frosting
- 1/3 cup white baking chips
Preparation Directions
- COAT 2 15 x 10-inch baking sheets with no-stick cooking spray. Combine rice cereal, toasted oat cereal, pretzels, peanuts and candy-coated chocolate pieces in a large bowl.
- PLACE frosting and white baking chips in medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Pour over cereal mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
- SPREAD evenly onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle immediately with the Funfetti candy bits. Cool 1 hour or until frosting mixture is set. Break apart. Store in airtight container.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories 0 (Calories from Fat 0), Total Fat 0g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 0mg, Total Carbohydrate 0g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 0g), Protein 0g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 0%, Iron 0%.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


text:
Office Professional Plus for Office 365 pre-upgrade
The resources on this page provide operating and support help for Office Professional Plus for Office 365 pre-upgrade.
If you are looking for information about Office 365 ProPlus, visit the new Office page which covers both Office 2013 and Office 365 ProPlus.
Am I using Office 365 after the service upgrade?
Office 365 administration
Learn about Office 365
|Join us:


text:
Sequia Dream Villa in Disney Area
- bedrooms 6
- baths 4
- sleeps 12
- pool yes
- hot tub yes
- pets allowed no
- type House
- community Calabay Parc at Tower Lake
rates (USD)
/ night
$ 1,095 - $ 1,290 / week
$ 2,800 - $ 3,200 / month
vacation rental description
Large Luxury 6 bed 4 bath home with south facing pool/ spa, covered lanai
full games room, computer , wi fi.
King bed in master room
three rooms of queen beds.
two rooms of twin beds
sleeps 12
vacation rental location
property availability
- dates with deals
- unavailable dates
Last modified on 05-5-2014 at 7:52 PM.
email owner view full calendar
Rebecca Holaway (863) 236-0688
house rental amenities
Full Games room, Fully Stocked Kitchens, Extra towels, bedding, Iron board, Iron, Blowdryers, TV's , DVD'S, Playstations with games, loungers by pool.
Home is over stocked with upgrades, ready for the perfect vacation
activities and attractions in Disney Area Central Florida
Home is located near Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios,
Shopping near home,
Golfing is right next to home.
vacation rental rates
Rates are based on nights, not how many guests are in home
Taxes and Clean fee are included in rate on any bookings over 5 nights.
Pool Heating/Spa Heating is $25. a day extra,
Can be included in rate depending on time of year, call or email for details
Rebecca Holaway (863) 236-0688
accepted payment methods
Prior to paying a reservation deposit, always verify payment instructions by calling the phone number displayed on this listing page. By contacting the owner directly and paying by an approved method - credit card, paypal, check or bank transfer - your reservation payment will be protected up to $1,000.Learn more in our Security Center
Top things to do in Disney Area
- Golfing
- Shopping
- Horse Back Riding
- Hot Air Balloon rides
- Fishing
Top things to do on a budget
- Movies
- Fishing
- Shopping
- Dining
- Horse Back Riding
Rebecca Holaway , owner


text: So we have picked up Kendrick perkins and Nate Robinson that gives us a true center and moves ibaka into the starting power forward im guessing. And im also gonna say this creates more playing time for cole aldrich or bj mullens. i like this trade alot it gives us a true center and defensive presence downlow and more scoring off the bench with nate and he is a change of pace off the bench instead of maynor


text:
July – November 2014
All incoming students should first plan to attend one of the three listed Registration/Testing days:
June 27th, July 25th, or August 21st
These one day events will begin with a morning of placement testing followed by class registration in the
afternoon. This is your opportunity to lock in your classes for Fall semester. If getting to campus for one of the Registration days is not possible, please call our Admissions/Registration office to make other arrangements such as a phone call with your advisor.
Click here to find out more and to register to attend!
Capture the glory of fall during this 3-day workshop. Lanny Grant will discuss and demonstrate techniques and work one-on-one to build your skills. Students will meet each morning at the campus then carpool to a pre-selected site.
Steven Hill's work is exhibited and sold in nationally juried shows and is featured in many ceramics books. This workshop will be a demonstration forum. Steven will be giving a free slide presentation in the auditorium on Thursday evening 10/2 at 7:00 pm that is open to the public. Students may also register for a demonstration workshop on Friday and Saturday, 10/3-10/4 that will cost $180.
Join artist Dan Young for this 2-day workshop at the Silt River Open Space Park. Dan will help you with the fundamentals and discuss the importance of field work and how it relates to studio work. There will be demos, critiques and laughs.
An exhibition of landscapes by five of Western Colorado's finest landscape artists. Dean Bowlby, Lanny Grant, Jane Lee, Andy Taylor and Dan Young. Meet the artists and enjoy a free opening reception.


text:
Death ruled homicide
jdnews.com has been updated with information about Mike Kozak's death and what happened to his dog.
This is a photo I took today of the JPD out at USA Discounters where Kozak's body was discovered.
An article Online later and in print tomorrow will have more information from Kozak's family, more information from the medical examiner and more on what the cops found near the scene of Kozak's death.
Posted in Closer Look, HOME PAGE | 42 Comments »


text:
Let's get the obvious joke out of the way right from the start. JP Soars – he sure does. In fact, he not only soars, he glides, dips, loops around and pretty much works his guitar like an experienced stunt pilot maneuvering a plane.
If Soars' name is familiar to you, it's likely for one of two reasons: you're either from the South Florida area, which the guitarist has called home for two and half decades, or you discovered him in the aftermath of the 2009 International Blues Challenge, where he and his band the Red Hots won appearances at blues festivals across the nation for taking first place. Soars faced stiff competition in Memphis that year – the third-place winners, Ottawa, Canada's MonkeyJunk, have also since found acclaim and a home on a major blues record label.
JP Soars' More Bees With Honey
Soars has chosen the independent route for his second album More Bees With Honey, but that doesn't mean he's lacking for help. Well-known sax player Terry Hanck returns from Soars' first release, Back of My Mind, this time assisted by fellow saxist Gordon Beadle, harmonica player Jason Ricci and, most poignantly, the late blues vocalist Robin Rogers.
More Bees With Honey is very much a traditionalist blues album, and if that's your bag, you'll find plenty here to like, with a sampling of just about every electric blues style lending a nice sense of variety. The title track opens with a killer ascending guitar riff leading into sax lines that fit the song's aggressive melody perfectly. When Rogers chimes in with her duet vocals, you can see why Soars chose to open the album with such an irresistibly upbeat number.
Keep Your Nose Out Of My Business
Ricci's harp contributions are front and center on "K.Y.N.O.M.B.," a classic-sounding shuffle whose lyrical theme echoes the jazz/blues standard "T'aint Nobody's Business If I Do." (Key line: "Keep your nose out of my business, and I'll keep mine out of yours/Now don't let your mouth write a check your ass can't afford.") Still, it's Soars' guitar that does most of the talking here, his lengthy solo a thing of beauty, economy and toughness all at once. Then he turns around and does a 180 on the heartache-laced ballad "So Many Times," where Soars sounds on the verge of weeping as he declares, "You've done left me so many times that my tears have run dry."
The disc's highlight is "Hot Little Woman." Even written and performed as it is by a Floridian, it could pass for a top-notch West Coast blues number. With its tricky rhythmic changes – not just between verse and chorus but literally from line to line – this half-swing, half-shuffle couldn't have been easy for Soars' band (drummer Chris Peet, bassists Todd Edmunds and Donald Gottlieb, and keyboardist Travis Colby) to pull off.
Louisiana Red's Sweet Blood Call
Other standouts here include "Lost It All," a minor-key blues of misery where Soars' guitar flutters with the influence of gypsy jazz pioneers like Django Reinhardt, and Baby Face Leroy's "Where'd You Stay Last Night," where Soars brings out his homemade two-string cigar-box guitar, ending the album on a hypnotic, almost Hill Country-esque note.
A cover of Louisiana Red's excellent "Sweet Blood Call," a harrowing song of murderous intent ("I'll have a hard time missing you, baby, with my pistol in your mouth"), doesn't succeed as well. In Red's hands, the song sounded downright chilling, in that Robert Johnson, "Hellhound On My Trail" kind of way. Here, Soars' full-band arrangement overpowers the tune's ominous sentiment, somewhat deadening – pardon the pun – the effect. "Chasing Whiskey With Whiskey," an acoustic ode to alcohol, adds diversity to the album but, at seven minutes, overstays its welcome.
Ken's Bottom Line
Still, Soars is a fine blues traditionalist, and on those terms he succeeds quite well. I sense he's capable of stretching out more, though, and I'd like to see him take more chances as he gets a little age on him. Like his first album, More Bees With Honey finds him tackling the blues with aplomb, and if it feels as if he's playing it slightly safe, that can be forgiven.
A young artist with a bright future, Soars has plenty of time to learn to experiment a bit. Regardless, on its own terms, More Bees With Honey offers a fine example of contemporary electric blues emulating several essential traditional styles. (Soars High Productions, released March 15, 2011)
Guide Disclosure: A review copy of this CD, DVD, or book was provided by the record label, publisher, or publicist. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.


text:
Watching Caleb Farris sitting on his grandma's lap laughing and playing computer games, gives the impression he is a typical 5 year old boy.
At first glance, his rosy cheeks appear to be flushed from the excitement of competition.
Looking closely at Caleb's face, the rosiness is revealed as scars from burns he received nearly 3 months ago.
On August 31, 2008, Caleb suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 15 percent of his body when a child he was playing with threw flaming liquid on him.
Caleb was flown from Russell County Hospital to University of Kentucky Children's Hospital and was transferred from there to Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, OH.
Shriners Hospital specializes in treatment of juvenile burn victims.
"Shriner's Hospital has been so good to us," said Caleb's dad Adam Farris. "You couldn't ask for better people."
Of the month Caleb was in the hospital, 3 weeks were spent on life support.
He had inhaled the fire causing damage and swelling in his airways, so he had to be on a ventilator in order to breath.
"He's still raspy when he talks," said Sandy McGowan. "He whispered for 2 weeks. It's way better but he's still short of breath and has to take breaks from talking."
"Used to, he growled," said Caleb's grandpa, Troy McGowan.
The road to recovery for Caleb is a long one with many obstacles along the way.
Preventing infection and supporting new tissue growth were vital in treating Caleb's wounds.
While in the hospital medical personnel scrubbed and cleaned burns on Caleb's head, chest and arms 3 times a day.
"The good thing about it is he was knocked out during that time," said Adam Farris. "When he came to, they had already done the skin grafts."
The family says Caleb was given medication to keep him sedated while he was on life support.
So far, Caleb has undergone 2 surgeries to graft skin to the burned areas of his body.
"They say he'll look worse before he looks better," said Caleb's grandma, Sandy McGowan. "He has blisters still popping up from the burns and the skin grafts. His hair may or may not grow back in a spot on the back of his head where his hair was burned away."
Doctors at Shriners Hospital removed a thin layer of skin from the young boy's back in beginning at the base of his neck across his shoulders and down to just below his waist line.
Sandy McGowan says that normally grafts are done in strips of skin taken from the legs but since Caleb was so young they used the skin from almost his entire back.
She says doctors told them the grafting process they used should reduce the amount of scarring and heal better than using smaller skin grafts.
Already, the skin on his back has grown back and is mostly healed so that only some areas appear a red similar to sunburn. Over time, his back should completely heal.
Still, Caleb faces many more surgeries until he stops growing probably in his early 20's.
In the meantime, there is much work to be done in assisting the healing process.
"We had to be able to do everything by ourselves at least twice before they'd release us," Adam Farris said.
For many burn survivors, the first year to eighteen months after leaving the hospital can be the most difficult time of recovery.
Caleb's family says they must be vigilant in his physical therapy to prevent abnormalities resulting from the healing process.
"It hurt him and he'd cry but he had to do it," said Sandy McGowan.
With help from his dad and grandparents, Caleb does physical therapy twice daily at home.
"He doesn't have full range of motion yet but it is better," Sandy McGowan said.
He does stretches to help his range of motion in joints and his dad massages his graft scars to keep them as supple as possible. As his grafts heal, the scars draw tight and can cause his skin to pull into physical deformities.
At Shriners Hospital, they were shown pictures of children whose chins were permanently drawn to their chest because they did not continue physical therapy once they were home.
The family is committed to adjusting to Caleb's new limitations and routines to support his full recovery.
They make sure that Caleb wears his compression suit the required 23 hours a day and a neck collar 24 hours a day. He only takes off the compression suit for his bath.
The specially fitted suite helps the healing process and keeps the scarring down while the neck collar keeps his head in place and helps the grafts on his neck to heal.
Ā"His posture in excellent," said Sandy McGowan. "Future grafts will determine the amount of time he has to continue wearing the collar and pressure suit."
Burn care however, does not stop with physical healing and therapy.
Caleb also receives psychological therapy once a week at his home to help with the emotional scars of the trauma he has experienced.
His family says he used to hallucinate, seeing things that weren't there or seeing danger in objects that posed no danger. Sandy McDowell says at home he does pretty well because he feels safe but he stays close to his dad when he is out in public.
"It was replaying in his mind so bad, he was afraid," said Adam Farris. "There for the longest time, anytime he saw red he associated that with fire so he couldn't be around the color red."
The whole family has been affected by the events of that August day.
Caleb's 7 year old sister, Courtney saw everything on the day Caleb was burned. She is also in counseling to help her cope with the trauma.
Ā"I worry about his sister," said Sandy McGowan. "She remembers his screams."
His mischievous grin and the light in his eyes show an inner spirit that has brought the young boy through this tragic event.
"I'm real tough," Caleb said.
Caleb's strength, the skill and expertise of Shriners Hospital doctors and the support of his family continue to see him through his recovery process.
"The doctors are not going to let him go back to school until the first of the year," said Adam Farris.
Caleb visits school occasionally one hour at a time to gradually reacquaint him with being around other kids and back in the classroom setting.
"Shriner's staff is coming to school to talk to the kids about how Caleb is doing to help them understand what happened to Caleb," said Adam Farris.
The family has nothing but praise for Shriners Hospital and what their treatment of Caleb.
"They have the best burn unit in the world," Troy McGowan said.
"They are a very thorough hospital and very helpful," said Sandy McGowan. "We've come a long way in three months but we've got a long way to go."
This Thanksgiving they are reminded of how precious life is and how thankful they are to still have Caleb with them.
"It's like I've tried to tell everybody," Adam Farris said. "You take a lot of things for granted. Now that I've come close to losing one of my kids, it's really opened my eyes."


text:
Miami Dolphins: Complete Coverage | Receivers A Strength | Miller Playing Like Starter | Wallace Injured
CBSMiami Weather @ Your Desk - 12/09/13 6:00 a.m.
- Isolated showers before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 8 to 11 mph.
CBSMiami.com Weather @ Your Desk 11:00...Exercise Your Way To Better SexRadio Transmissions Reveal Boat Crash...Fire In Little Haiti Home Kills One...MDPD Officer Accused Of Aiding &...Tracking The Tropics 7/31 11:00 P.M.CBSMiami.com Weather @ Your Desk 7/31...Air Force Joins Effort To Reduce...Rally For Israel To Take Place Thursday...Deadly Boating Accident Transmissions...Tracking The Tropics 7/31 6:00 P.M.Troublesome Trio Accused Of Stealing...MDPD Officer Accused Of Aiding &...National Heatstroke Prevention Day Takes...Consumer Reports Warns About Dangers Of...Ray Rice Apologizes9-Foot Gator Captured On Family's...Safety Alert: Ebola OutbreakUN Official Accuses Hamas & Israel...Fire In Little Haiti Home Kills One...


text:
My Desk Doth Persist. It Overfloweth
with Sundry Things Cool.
By Mat Smith
So, this is getting kinda ridiculous. I really and truly have caught up with the books that've come out. I figured that this month's article would be a tad short (especially compared to last month), since there are only a couple things that won't have come out by the time this posts to the website.
But then, I got hooked up with the actual printed copies of these books. I'm not complaining, but gee whiz, will there be no end to this? The stuff we're putting out there sounds cool when it's in outline form. The rough drafts are exciting. The final drafts are phenomenal. And the finished books are unbelievable.
How is this possible? I mean, every time I see a new version or alteration of one of these books, it's better. It's kinda kooky. And amazing.
Check it out:
October: Treats Galore!
This month, you're going to get a look at three things that're in stores now, a novel that'll be waiting for you on a bookshelf near you any day now, and the next guidebook that'll be hot and ready to serve in a month or two. Time to drool!
Oriental Adventures
I went over this fine work of art last month, but I just wanted to jump back in on a little bit of something I'd mentioned.
The book provides everything you need to run a fantasy Asian campaign or allows you to add some elements to give your exciting campaign more flavor or another facet. It even provides a default setting, ready for your newly created samurai and wu jen. That setting is based on Legend of the Five Rings' Rokugan.
I've not played any of the L5R stuff, but I've seen many things, and I'm learning more as I read through my fantabulously sparkly copy of OA. The various clans are really interesting, and they add a really nice level of complexity to the campaign in a way that only a well-established world can. What I mean is that when you run into a Shugenja of the Scorpion clan, you might have some idea of how she's going to react to you and whether you should wait around long enough to see if you were right.
I just really like the idea of a well-entrenched society -- you can rely upon many elements as being given. It provides instantaneous flavor and background to just about everyone and everything you encounter, which is just a terrific boon to any player or DM. By having those established preconceptions, you get to naturally fall into your character's role as making assumptions about another character, and will have the exciting benefit of picking up on disparities in what should be normal. (When you walk into a room with a hot-blooded Samurai of the Crane clan, who just draws his katana and starts a fight without speaking, you know something's up. It really allows for nasty surprises, as well as pleasant ones.
And, the really cool thing about Oriental Adventures is the Rokugan-specific material doesn't even take up half the book. (That's a rough estimate -- don't call the folks in Customer Service if I'm off by less than half a book or so.)
The parts of the book that are used to play in that default setting are indicated by the L5R logo. The rest isn't Rokugan. So, you don't use it.
That's just cool. Here's a default setting. It has very clear boundaries, which you shouldn't cross. But, there's nothing stopping you from making some changes and playing Rokugan 2.0, or Rokugan PLUS (now with hengeyokai). And, man, are there a lot of things you can add, change, or delete to create the setting you want. Gee whiz, you could even just port over the bits you want into your standard campaign. There's a whole new swath of spells, equipment, weapons, feats, monsters, and magic items all ready to go.
By golly, there's no reason in the world you shouldn't pick up this book -- it really has something for just about any campaign out there.
The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game
Okay, last month you got the bare bones description of this thing.
Now, I've seen the book. I've flipped through the book. I've flipped back through the book. Again, and again. And again. I probably went back and forth through the thing a half dozen times before I could settle down enough to actually think about what to mention in the article.
The problem is: I can't. I mean, I will, but it's going to be the expurgated version -- there's just too much stuff.
Here's an example. When I started flipping through, I was taking small notes on stuff to point out -- just things to look at, because the art is so good, I wanted to call out some of the bits I liked. The Post-It got crowded before I was a third of the way through.
The book is just cool. The borders of all the pages are color-coded, very lightly. When it's closed, and much more than arm's length away, you wouldn't really notice it. But up close, it'll make flipping to the section you want easy.
Of course, that's just the trimming of the icing on the cake filled with the creamy goodness that is the rules for The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game.
Check out the stuff that's inside:
First, there's just a ton of information about Robert Jordan's world. Maps, histories, stats and descriptions of characters from the novels, monsters and everything else you need to translate those terrific books into game terms.
Second, it's got a ton of stuff that'll let you create your own stories, set right inside that world of the Dragon Reborn and the Dark One. And make no mistake -- this is all about you and your companions. There's a lot of Hero-ing that needs done, and it's up to you and your pals to get in there and do that Hero-ing.
Okay, here's some actual stuff that's in the book:
It's got background feats (like the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting) that're really great. Check out the Blooded background feat. (It's on Page 42.) Only Aiel and Borderlanders can take it: "You know what it means to fight for your life, and the value of quick wits and quicker reactions when blades are bared and deadly weaves fly. Enemies find it difficult to catch you off guard." What it does for you is it gives you a +2 on Initiative and Spot checks.
And Shadowspawn Hunter, on page 43, gives you (Borderlanders only) a +1 competence bonus on melee damage and raged attacks within 30' against Trollocs. *And* you also act as if you had the Improved Critical feat. (It doesn't stack with Improved Critical.) And you can take the feat multiple times, adding other types of Shadowspawn. (Draghkar or Myrddraal the second time. The third time you take it, you can choose from either of those, as well as Darkhound or Gray Man.)
The Treesinger feat on page 100 (which requires the Latent Treesinger feat and that you be an Ogier as prerequisites) is really cool. Take some ranks in Craft (Treesinging), and you're set. What it allows you to do is coax a tree into shaping itself (or a part of itself) into an object, such as a staff, flute, rowboat or statue. The item created is of exceptional quality, and even masterwork quality is possible. The only restrictions (time and DC) are based on the complexity of the item you're creating.
One of the character classes you can start with is Algai'd'siswai. This class really captures the essence of what it is to be a brave, spear-wielding desert warrior -- moving quickly, striking quickly, and in, out, and gone before your enemy even knows there's a threat. You get Fast Movement (+10 to your base) at first level, along with Weapon Focus (short spear). At second, you get Dance the Spears, which gives you a +2 bonus to Initiative (which stacks with Improved Initiative -- wow.) At 3rd, you get Uncanny Dodge (keep the Dex bonus when flat-footed). At 4th, Stealthy Movement allows you to add your Reflex save bonus to Hide and Move Silently checks. After that, Uncanny Dodge and Dance the Spears just keep getting nastier and nastier. Sign me up.
Channeling the One Power
The One Power is one of the most unique elements in the Wheel of Time novels, so the rules for using it are entirely new. And they're really cool.
A lot of brainpower went into developing a workable system for channeling the True Source, and it shows. Not only does the system work game mechanic-wise, but it feels right. It's another significant chunk of flavor taken right out of Robert Jordan's books, distilled by the keen folk in the R&D department, and fashioned into a d20 reflection that closely mirrors what you've read in the novels.
The chapter on the One Power (number nine, if you wanna know) starts on page 154 with A History of the One Power and progresses over the next nine pages through all the information, descriptions and rules you need to know to jump in and start channeling. Of course, once the rules for casting weaves is out of the way, you've got 21 pages of descriptions of weaves.
Now, 21 pages is pretty good, but it might not sound like much. (Or, at least, not as much as you'd think should be in there.) Don't be fooled. You haven't taken a look at those weaves -- most of them have variable effects. As you gain levels, your control and ability to channel more of the One Power also grows. So, while an Initiate casting the arms of air weave as a 0-level weave can only manipulate objects of up to 5 pounds (sorta like telekinesis), that weight limit grows at an extraordinary rate. It goes up to 25 pounds as a 1st-level weave, 100 at 2nd, 1,500 at 6th, going all the way to 100,000 pounds as weave cast at 12th level. (That's 50 TONS.)
And it isn't like arms of air is limited to lifting objects. You can hurl them violently at a target (within a distance of 10 feet/level) for 1d6 points of damage/25 pounds (assuming you're chucking a hard object, like a boulder or a Volkswagen.) You can even toss bad people around for a little bit-o-damage.
Now how much would you pay? Before you answer, what if you could do even more with just that one weave?
Oh, yes -- there's more. Arms of air will also allow you to manipulate that object, as if using one hand. The example in the book is you could pull a lever or a rope, turn a key, or any other simple task. Plus, you can perform even more delicate activities (such as untying knots, picking a lock, and so forth) by making an Intelligence check (DC set by your favorite GM).
Some of the weaves are more straightforward and have a limited range of use (by comparison), but all of them make sense and are really well gauged, level-wise.
Regardless, the thing about the One Power is that it's flexible.
That's why 21 Pages = A Lot of Stuff.
Plus, there's a lot of new thinking. The way the one Power works in Robert Jordan's world is similar to magic in other settings (like good ol' D&D), but it is different (which explains that contortionist-like flexibility). And that means even familiar abilities and powers have a different feel.
Healing is really interesting. (That is, the weave named heal -- on page 176.) It has increasing levels of effects that vary from 1 hit point recovered (as a 0-level weave) to 8d8+channeler level (as an 8th-level weave). That's pretty cool, because it gives you access to additional healing ability as you gain single levels, rather than skipping over some every now and then.
But, the thing that seems most intriguing to me is that healing converts standard damage to subdual damage. So, it doesn't just instantaneously wipe away the wound as if it never happened -- the injured character can't take much more of a beating and is still feeling bad. But that will pass, given time. (And, if you really need to get patched up and out of there, you can cast the renew weave to relieve that subdual damage for a short time.)
That just seems cool. A little touch of real in the game. I'm sure I'll whine about it when my character gets pounded into the dirt by a Trolloc or something, but it really is a great, new idea about how healing works. Very cool.
Now, let's go back to all that great art I'd mentioned at the very beginning of this. It's so good -- all of it. For example, the illustration of Aviendha on page 255 is just right -- she's quite striking and looks like someone you wouldn't want to tangle with. The image of Moiraine on the following page is just beautiful. And across the spine of the book from her could be no one other than Loial, with book in-hand. That's three of the nicest illustrations in the book in a row. (Created by three different illustrators, respectively: Scott Fischer, Terese Nielson, and Kev Walker.)
The Grenadelike Weapons chart page 152 is really nifty -- it's an illustration of a piece of parchment featuring the chart that's been tacked to a tree. I know that's not a huge innovation in rulebook design, but it sure does make the fairly standard eight-pointed doo-dad that tells you which way that flask of flaming oil went a lot more interesting.
You'll also notice the stark black and white illustrations you're familiar with from the beginning chapter pages from the Wheel of Time novels. (Like the five dice, or the ravens.)
But my favorite touch is the cover of the book. It's a rich, detailed painting by Darrell K. Sweet, the artist who created all the covers for all of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time novels. It shows a trio of adventurers about to open a Waygate to an unknown destination. (It also shows the nasty bad guys lurking in the shadows who are about to interrupt that happy traveling scene.) The cover art really does a great job of illustrating what the game is about -- putting you and your gaming group (as the three new characters) right in the center of Robert Jordan's world, ready to embark upon great and heroic adventures.
And, it really binds The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game to the novel series. With good reason, too: Robert Jordan was involved with the whole project from beginning to end. What a swell fellah -- really -- that's a lot of work for anyone. (Let alone, for someone who writes books that seem to tilt the scales dangerously close to 1,000 pages.) He looked over everything, approved everything, and even wrote the foreword for the thing.
Mr. Jordan was here, in Seattle, at the end of October (when the book released) to sign copies of the RPG, which was quite cool. And he was nice enough to sign a pile of additional copies for us to put in the online store so all you folks who live in Not Seattle could grab an autographed copy.
So, here's the deal: If you like the Wheel of Time novels, you're going to like The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game (even if you just pick it up for the awesome art and treasure trove of information.) If you like roleplaying games in general, you're going to like The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game, as it offers a huge amount of great, new gaming material, an unbelievably great setting, and a huge amount of gaming material. Plus, there's a whole lot of gaming material. And, if you're one of those lucky folks out there that like the Wheel of Time *and* RPGs, you're going to have just as hard a time trying to read this book as I did, 'cause you'll want to start playing right away! Zounds.
I'm just hoping someone around the office here pulls me into a game soon, so I can try talking a GM into allowing my Borderlander Armsman-turned-Algai'd'siswai (with the Blooded and Shadowspawn Hunter background feats) to work towards the Blademaster prestige class and still use spears instead of a sword. (Sure, he could use a sword, but the spears -- the spears -- he's got to Dance the Spears.)
November: Chock Full of Things For Which To Be Thankful
Just be careful that the darkness and wolves don't get to you. Perhaps that armchair of protection with the blanket of comfort +5 will keep the baddies away. It will at least give you a good place to read this great stuff!
Lords of Darkness
Here's part of what I wrote last month:
"Lords of Darkness details evil organizations, villainous leaders of those groups, headquarters, plots, strategies, resources, and a lot more. If your campaign gets into more depth than stomping goblins, this book is going to be something you'll want to take a look at."
I added a bit about the Cult of the Dragon, and a little about the Red Wizards. But in the end, I really couldn't come close to describing just how good the book is. And when I say good, I mean EVIL. (But in a good way. You know.)
Now, as I've got a proofing copy of the final book to look at, I'll try to give you a better idea. (The proofing copy is basically the finished book, but it's a spiral-bound, black-and-white version that's ready for one last look before sending it off to the printers.)
It doesn't just give you some names, stats, maps, and other game mechanic-esque information. (You do get all that stuff, of course.) The best part about the book is how well it conveys what the evil organizations are like and how they feel.
The introduction to each group is a short story-like scene that gives you a vivid idea of what that particular group is like -- a little slice of life from the world of Evil.
I really liked the introduction to the Night Masks. (It's on page 38. Check it out.) It's a half-column-long vignette that not only changed my perception of the organization in a very large way, but it also gave me a few ideas I want to try out the next time I run a campaign.
Once you've read the opening scene, you move on to a brief overview and history of the organization. More specific details follow: location of headquarters, membership numbers, hierarchy, leadership, religion, alignment of members, how secret the organization is, and a description of the group's symbol.
You get descriptions and descriptions of the primary leaders of the organization, motivation and goals, recruitment techniques, and enemies and allies of the organization.
Then comes the section dedicated to encountering members of the group. It starts with stats for sample (archetypical) groups (such as a Zhentarim Caravan or a Wing of Kir-Lanan). Then, it moves on to a very detailed description of a stronghold, headquarters, shrine, encampment, or whatever might make an appropriate (and extremely challenging) adventure. It includes a room-by-room (or whatever) description, including basic NPC listings, and a lovely map.
Each organization is treated in this fashion, with major organizations (such as the Church of Cyric or the Shades) getting a lion's share of pages, and lesser organizations (like the Fire Knives or the Kraken Society) receiving fewer pages (but not less attention to detail -- some of those smaller organizations are gemstones around which entire campaigns could easily form.)
I'm still particularly excited about the idea of a party in a long-standing campaign returning home to the city where they feel most safe and secure to find that the Red Wizards of Thay have established an enclave, have set up shop and are doing business right in their backyard.
Sean and Jason really did a fantastic job of crafting twenty-seven completely different (and sometimes interconnected) organizations.
And since most of them are somewhat modular, in that they're self-contained pockets of trouble (with icky tendrils oozing out across all of Faerûn), any one of them could insinuate itself into a campaign and cause a lot of problems for the heroes.
It's just about time for me to bust out my DM Screen -- I can't take it any more. There's much evil work to be done.
Black Wolf
This is the third book in the Sembia series, and I can't wait to read it. That is, I can't wait to read more of it. Once I'd read the sample chapter, I was more than ready for the rest of the book. (I have to see if I can track down the rest -- it's gotta be around here somewhere.)
Okay, first things first. If you haven't picked up any of the Sembia series yet, you should take a look. It's a seven-book series, and a different author writes each book. The series revolves around various activities, adversities, and adventures of the Uskevren family in the intrigue-rich city of Selgaunt. Each book focuses on a single member of the family.
The series begins with The Halls of Stormweather, which is an anthology of short stories that introduces you to each of the seven main characters. It's the zero-level book you'll want to tear through on your way to the seven novels in the series.
So, if you've not touched the Sembia series yet, go grab the first couple and settle down to enjoy some good stories. Then come back and finish reading this -- it'll wait.
All right, so you've already blown through Halls of Stormweather, Shadow's Witness and Shattered Mask, and you're all set for book three -- Black Wolf.
The central character of Black Wolf is Talbot Uskevren. He's a young nobleman who is more interested in his rising career as a thespian than with the business dealings and intrigues that surround his family (not that he doesn't get caught up in them). Talbot has other interests and distractions, such as his recently acquired bout of lycanthropy.
Dave Gross wrote Black Wolf. (You might know his name from his stint as editor of Dragon Magazine or from his current editor-in-chief position at Star Wars Gamer and Star Wars Insider.) Dave was one of the first people I was introduced to when I was interviewing here, which was really exciting. And, I've gotten to do some small projects for him recently. So, I had to go over to talk with him about his story before I sat down to write any of this.
Dave admits that he's possibly a tad too close to the story, but he says the real interesting bits in his story are the villains and secondary characters. After reading the sample chapter, I can see why he thinks this -- there are some really great, nasty things going on in Black Wolf. I won't tell you quite what happens in that tidbit of novel preview goodness, but I will say that you get an uncomfortably good first glimpse at the bad guys. I can't wait to see what Dave did with them.
If you want some more dirt on the villains of Black Wolf, pick up Dragon Magazine #289 (this month's issue.) It's got a four-page article, starting on page 94, that introduces you to them. Dave wrote it, so you'll get a good idea of what the bad guys are like and a little of what they're capable of, but nothing that'll spoil the story.
(I discovered this while looking through back-issues for some old D&D ads: If you've got Dragon Magazine #273 (from July of 2000) lying around, flip through pages 66-72 to check out some stats and descriptions of each of the seven members of the Uskevren family.)
Hey, d'you want that sample chapter? Get it here.
December: Grab Your Music and Join the Chorus
We've got the bard and rogue book coming your way, so start humming now! Oh, and before you get your mug of winter cheer and fill it with your favorite beverage, watch for those of the sticky fingers. They've just gotten sneakier!
Song and Silence
Okay, this is supposed to come out November 30th, but that's just the day before December, so you might as well consider it a December release, right?
I saw the cover of Song and Silence on the proofing table last week. It's different from the prototype cover you might've already seen floating around here on the website. Todd Lockwood did 'em both, so you know the art is terrific. But the new art -- the stuff that's going on the cover of the real thing -- is extra good. It's got a more sneaky kind of feel. Lidda is still acquiring a shiny, new souvenir, with Devis providing back-up, and there's still a sinister figure lurking in the shadows. But this iteration of the scene seems to make it even clearer that the bad guy is about to get the drop on the little rogue and her bardic chum. I love that. It's like the front of Defenders of the Faith -- there's (what I imagine to be) a demonic paladin of Hextor who's just sundered Jozan's mace.
Bad guys getting the upper hand on the cover of the book is pretty cool. You know the heroes are supposed to prevail, and all that. But who wants to play in a game where you don't get your butt kicked around before you finally win the day? Beating the monsters and villains and monsters is much better when there's a real threat of failure.
In my Wednesday night game, there have been many instances where the mortality of a character (or three) was demonstrated in some rather spectacular way. Until three sessions ago, I was playing a doppelganger rogue. (Isn't that nifty?) But, there were some NPCs flying around a huge aerial battle that were tossing disintegration rays around like they were pieces of 2-cent candy at a Fourth of July parade -- poor Tholo.
The round that green ray tagged my little shapeshifter and turned him into a handful of dust and falling magic items (with better saving throws) was fully exciting. Not that I wanted a 9th-level character to go*poof*, but that's the kind of stuff that makes playing the game worthwhile--danger.
That's what's inside Song and Silence. Dangerous things you're going to want to put to use, whether you're a player or DM.
That's all I've got to tell you about for right now.
I know of a couple things you'll want to tune in for next month, though.
The next Adventure Path module (Lord of the Iron Fortress) is winding its way through the pipes.
The guidebook for Barbarians, Druids, and Rangers (Masters of the Wild) is also coming along.
And, I'm going to see if I can get a look at the prototype D&D Chainmail miniatures that our sculptors are working on right now -- I hear they're really great.
There it is.
About the Author
Mat Smith is a copywriter who's been here for something like 15 months now, but who has been playing Dungeons & Dragons and waiting to get a job with the company that makes it for well over 18 years. Now he gets to spend most of his days and nights thinking about new ways to tell everyone in the world to play D&D, which is, without question, the coolest thing ever.
This month, he's having to make lots of room for all the great, new books his pal Chris is hooking him up with. Not only do they help him write this stuff, but it's one of the best perks that comes along with this whole job at Wizards of the Coast thing.
Go to the D&D main news page for more articles and news about the new D&D or check out the D&D message boards for a lively discussion of all aspects of the D&D game.


text:
Ticket #1073 (assigned task)
i would like to set a bounty or hire an developer to fix, improve and innovate
|Reported by:
|Owned by:
Hello everybody,
I would like to know if there is an opportunity in the opensync community to set a bounty/reward or hire a capable developer to work together to solve a list of bugs/enhancements. Making it better possible to use free/libre open source desktop applications for enterprise collaboration solutions.
I would like to know a per bug indication of the possibilities and recourses required for this possible project.
Thanks in advance,
Jelle de Jong
bug1: http://www.opensync.org/ticket/1069
create a syncml-ldap plugin that can sync contacts with a remote server
bug2: http://www.opensync.org/ticket/1070
create a syncml-caldav plugin that can sync calenders with a remote server
bug3: http://www.opensync.org/ticket/1071
create a syncml-imap plugin that can synchronize emails with a remote server
bug4: http://www.opensync.org/ticket/1072
create a syncml-filters plugin that can synchronize mailfilters with a server
Change History
comment:1 follow-up: ↓ 2 Changed 5 years ago by dgollub
- Status changed from new to assigned
- Version 0.38 deleted
Interesting idea.
Will try setup some infrastructure to organize the bounty/hiring a developer.
comment:2 in reply to: ↑ 1 Changed 5 years ago by tuxcrafter
Replying to dgollub:
Interesting idea.
Will try setup some infrastructure to organize the bounty/hiring a developer.
Please keep me informed about any plans, currently I am planning on creating a website with all my bounties, developers can respond to the bounty and tell how much resources it will take and what they would like in return, then the process can start to arrange the needed resources.
It would be nice if I can link this webpage to an opensync webpage that also explains how the opensync communities handles this kind of development and how the support and guidelines are.
Best regards,
Jelle de Jong


text:
This employer has taken extra steps to respond to reviews and provide job seekers with accurate company information, photos, and reviews. Interested for your company? Learn More.
Work in HR? Unlock Free Profile
Raytheon Jobs & Careers in Norfolk, VA
1 job opening
Hiring? Post a JobBack to all jobs
Show: All Results Last 7 Days
Team Leader I Logistics
Raytheon Company – Norfolk, VA
Team leader is responsible for the receipt, delivery, identification and inspection of incoming storeroom material. Responsible for processes… Raytheon Company
Updated Jul 23, 2014
See What Raytheon Employees Are Saying
Employees say it's "OK" 1,371 ratings
78% of the CEO 644 ratings
William H. Swanson
Chairman and CEO
Pros: "Decent benefits. Friendly coworkers. Relevant programming languages, java, c sharp Upper management is friendly and approachable Profit sharing, woot!" – Full Review
If you're searching for Raytheon jobs and careers — we can help! Here you'll not only find the latest Raytheon job openings, you can also see what Raytheon employees have to say about a career at Raytheon – salaries, reviews, and interview questions all posted anonymously by Raytheon employees and job seekers.


text:
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 24: Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade attend the D'USSE VIP Riser and Lounge at On The Run Tour Chicago at Soldier Field on July 24, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for D'USSE)
Content engaging our readers now, with additional prominence accorded if the story is rapidly gaining attention. Our WSJ algorithm comprises 30% page views, 20% Facebook, 20% Twitter, 20% email shares and 10% comments.


text:
Bed & BathOutdoorHome ImprovementBaby & KidsMore...Sales
free shippingon orders over $49*
Can Opener - Snap-Lock
5 stars
effortless!!!! it 's so easy too open cans now. Should have purchase this a year ago- Kenneth in Philadelphia, PA
Compact Swing A Way Can Opener
5 stars
This can opener has worked great so far. I have had it for a few months and no problems. It does a good job.- Juliane in Red Bank, NJ
Rubber Jar Opener
5 stars
Love this jar opener, super useful, plus has an adorable design!- Alyssa in Maryland Heights, MO
Deluxe Can Opener
5 stars
The product lives up to its reputation. Easy to use with my arthritis, fair price and it looks good too!- Pauline in Iowa City, IA
Can Openers | Wayfair - Buy Electric Can Opener, Manual Can Opener Online
From classic manual can openers to the fast and convenient electric can openers of today, we've come a long way over the decades! No matter which style you choose, we offer a great selection of can openers to help you get the job done.Read more
At Wayfair.com, we try to make sure you always have a zillion options for your home. That's why we have so many Can Openers for sale on our site, including Can Openers from brands like Progressive International and DKB Household. We want to make sure when you buy a Can Openers online from Wayfair.com, you're getting the one that's exactly right for you, whether that's the I-Can Opener, the MagiCan Can Opener, or something entirely different and unique to your home.


text:
Green Clothing Recycling Boxes Hurt Duluth-area Nonprofits
By Emerickson on May 23, 2011 in Current Events
This is my first post on PDD, although I have been an avid fan and reader for quite some time.
I am posting today to inform the PDD community of an issue that concerns area nonprofits and people with disabilities. Like many of you, I have noticed these green clothing collection boxes all over town. I also wondered who was responsible for placing them and where the clothing and items donated were going. As the boxes declare, "Recycle Locally" and feature the United Cerebral Palsy foundation's logo on one full face of the box, I assumed that the boxes were put out on behalf of a local CP nonprofit, in order to raise money for their cause. This, however, is not the case.
As a member of the City of Duluth Commission on Disabilities, I became aware that these boxes — of which there are now at least 57 in Duluth and the surrounding communities — have been placed here by a private for-profit business from the Twin Cities. Triangle Recycling owns the boxes and they sell the clothing collected in these boxes. They ship these clothes out of state to places like Texas and Mexico and keep 95% of the profits. According to the company's president, they donate 5% of their annual profits to the UCP, which is based in St. Cloud.
That is all good and fine, except these boxes are misleading and they are harming area nonprofits, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Savers, who depend on local donations to fund their programs, which provide jobs to people with disabilities, services to disabled vets, and other much needed services to people in our community who truly need them. All of these green boxes are on private property, mostly of local business owners, who were not given all of the facts by Triangle Recycling. Having spoken to several of these area business people, they were shocked and dismayed to hear the full story behind the green boxes.
Please spread the word and encourage businesses in your neighborhoods to demand that these boxes be removed. And, as always, continue to heartily support our local nonprofits who do so much for those in need, right here in our own community.
Below are links to a recent editorial I had published in the DNT about this topic and a story that our local Fox News did about these green boxes. Despite these two stories, nobody I talk to seems to be aware of this situation. Perhaps you can help spread the word and catalyze the movement to eliminate these boxes from our community. Thank you, on behalf of the City of Duluth Commission on Disabilities and everyone in the area who supports or benefits from our local nonprofits.
Reader's view: Make sure donations are going to local nonprofits
Clothing "Recycling" Boxes Not Local or Charitable