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The traditional central-station grid is evolving toward a more distributed architecture, accommodating a variety of resources spread out across the network. An open and thoughtful planning...
Greening the Local Grid
Smart solutions for distributed renewables.
adjacent power pools to take advantage of diverse generation mixes also offers a viable solution strategy. Greater diversity of resources, including geographic diversity of a single type of generation resource, increases the overall predictability and reliability of the system. But this may require adding significant transmission infrastructure with its associated financial and environmental costs.
A further example of mechanisms to address the impact of intermittency is the application of new technologies to allow more visibility into the operation of the power grid. This is especially applicable for the distribution system, and can also provide control over the system to ensure system stability, performance and reliability.
The broader interpretation of proposed smart grid solutions can support all of these potential solution themes, but currently available and emerging technologies can specifically assist with demand response, energy storage and grid operations based alternatives. These solutions include new devices (sensors, switches, controls) out on the electric system itself; equipment and applications that engage consumers; energy storage technologies that allow renewable energy to be produced when it's available and used when it's needed; as well as more integrated control and operations.
The Demand Response Solution
Energy usage isn't constant. Except for a very few number of users—such as 24x7 server farms, or constant industrial multi-shift processes, energy consumption goes through a well-understood pattern. The pattern changes according to customer type, geography, day of the week, or season. But by aggregating the profiles for various customer classes, an overall system profile can be obtained. Utilities have relied on all available generation, interconnection resources, and traditionally built peaking plants to meet the demand at peak conditions. Demand response offers a different solution to this problem; rather than increasing available generation capacity to meet peak, the utility can reduce the load and lower the peak to meet available generation capacity. This option provides a much more economic and environmentally low-impact solution to meet peak conditions, which tend to occur less than 5 percent of the days on average.
For industrial or commercial customers, demand management solutions are customer-specific and usually involve shutting down processes or production lines. In office buildings, it could be cycling the air handlers and lowering lighting. For residential consumers, traditional demand response solutions focus on direct load control where the utility uses a combination of a special purpose communication network and customer premise equipment to control appliances. Due to the preponderance of residential loads, most utilities peak in the early evening when people return home from work. Much of this is A/C in warmer climates and space heating in cooler zones, with cooking and general appliance use contributing to the peak. Direct load control programs have proven effective, and this proven basic load control technology remains very viable today, and a key tool for utilities to manage peak energy consumption.
Recent advances in technology have also resulted in more customer-interactive and perhaps arguably friendlier solutions such as controllable programmable thermostats (PCT) which function in a manner similar to DLC in that they allow the utility to control the A/C units, but these allow the customer to


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Scarpetta Los Angeles
Online Reservations
Muse Private Dining is a romantically intimate space showcasing rich mahogany moldings highlighted with silver accents. Adjoining balconies overlook the Beverly Canon Gardens, perfect for refreshments before and after your dining experience
Scarpetta's European-style kitchen, with its antique stone fireplace and two Molteni ovens, is also home to a unique Chef's Table. Complete with windows overlooking Montage's adjacent Beverly Canon Gardens, this lively space accommodates up to 14 guests for an interactive adventure in Italian cuisine.
This unique dining experience gives guests the opportunity to view the food being prepared right in front of them and detailed descriptions from the Chef.

subset: commoncrawl


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VicheVIP is a one stop Romantic Gift Store for all your romantic gift needs. We have sexy gift ideas for every occasion from birthdays and romance to anniversaries and just because! Treat that special someone in your life. Shop online for quality, lingerie or choose a romantic gift experience that has everything you need for a special evening in. You can also plan your hens or bucks night, shop for wedding presents or book an experience with VicheVIP! Express Delivery available Australia wide. Contact us: 1800 992 702. PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN. VicheVIP has been VOTED "Best Online Adult Retail Shop 2010!"
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Sweet Milk Dinner Rolls Recipe
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the sugar, butter, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide into 16 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 16 rolls.
Reviews for Sweet Milk Dinner Rolls
Sort By :
"These were a hit at Christmas dinner! As written, the recipe does make some pretty monstrous rolls, so you might consider dividing into at least 20 pieces instead of 16. And the baking time is much longer than was needed! I think mine baked in 20-25 minutes."
"I have made these rolls at least three times...they're delicious! (I do shorten the bake time as they are a bit dry when baked for 35 minutes.)"
"These rolls are addictive! They are so wonderful fresh from the oven, or even zapped in the microwave for a few seconds to warm the next day. The first time I made these, I followed the directions, however, that made for some pretty large rolls. The next couple of times, I made them smaller--even made them into smaller balls to fit inside typical muffin pans. I prefer them in the smaller muffin-pan size. Regardless, these will be eaten FAST! They are very easy to make and very delicious."
"Fantastic flavor and so incredibly easy to work with! I didn't even have time to let them raise for the entire time, and they still turned out wonderful! They're a tender roll with just a hint of sweetness. Delicious!"
"I like this recipe very much. It is easy to make and need few, simple ingredients. Perfect for a dinner!"


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RICHMOND, Va. - Sixteen historically significant places are being added to Virginia's Landmarks Register.
About one-third of the new entries relate the story of women and African- Americans, such as the First Baptist Church in Farmville. Founded in 1867, the church became a center for the black community at the height of efforts to desegregate Prince Edward County's public schools a half-century ago.
Other new landmarks include the Stafford Training School, which was the only black high school in Stafford County during segregation, and the Hayden High School in Franklin. It was built in 1953 to replace the cramped and deteriorating all-black high school.
North Court Hall at the University of Richmond was built in 1913 as the school then known as Richmond College broadened its educational opportunities to women.
DHR: http://www.dhr.virginia. gov/registers/boardPage.html
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Was: $
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Like a surfer seeing a shark's fin in the distance, the Easton Mako II Hockey Stick will be sure to scare goalies the same way. Easton took an already proven stick to the next level with some key upgrades making this Mako II stick lighter, stronger and more responsive. The shaft is now constructed of their new Uni-Carbon System. This system provides the shaft with more strength, a decrease in overall weight and improved energy transfer by aligning the fibers in the same direction unlike other sticks on the market. The Easton Mako II has double concave sidewalls with square corners that works with the textured surface of the shaft and the grip coating to make for a solid and natural contouring hold.
The blade now has four internal ribs compared to last year's Mako that had just two internal ribs. With the additional two ribs, a stiffer and more durable blade was achieved while making it even lighter than before too! The Micro-bladder Process helps to keep a great puck feel by making the blade as consistent as possible, meanwhile a 3K carbon weave was wrapped around the entire blade in order to provide excellent responsiveness and durability.
- Heritage: 2012 Easton Mako stick
- Level of Player: Ideal for the advanced to pro level of player
- Construction: Fused one-piece
- Shaft Dimensions: Double concave side walls/Square corners
- Flex Point: Low kick
- Weight: 429 grams (based on E4 curve, 85 flex)
- Construction:
- Uni-Carbon System
- Universally aligned fibers throughout the shaft to provide a stronger and lighter shaft while improving energy transfer also
- Flex Profile:
- Tuned taper section built with Easton's Elite Stiffness Profile to pro specs - Offers quick shot release and controlled puck reaction
- Geometry:
- Double concave side walls, and square corners
- Grip: Matte finish
- Blade:
- 3K woven carbon material
- Multi-rib design
- Four internal ribs keep the blade stiff and accurate throughout every moment of the shot
- Prevents the core from breaking down
- Solid dense lower core keeps the blade in contact with the puck longer resulting great puck control and feel
- Micro-bladder blade process - Easton's proprietary process of producing a consistent blade
- Non-skid blade coating
- Better grip for the puck on exposed parts of the blade
- Better tape adhesion and tighter wrap
- Flex: 60 and 65
- Length: 58"
Other Items to Consider
Easton Mako Hockey Sticks
The Easton Mako M2 II Hockey Stick is a step up from the entry-level model offering great performance at a great value. The blade construction is nearly identical to the top of the line Mako II with a low-kick point to provide a speedy shot release. The Intermediate stick length is 58" available in a 65 flex with a matte stick finish.


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While very few wrestling fans would be able to guess it, New Jack had quite a different career before becoming an underground sensation with Paul Heyman and ECW. He used to work as a financial advisor and as a stock market analyst. He gave that up so he can pursue a career, where he gets to beat up people in the ring.
February 17, 2014


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The Information Technology Services Department provides a variety of services relating to computer and telecommunications services, application software development & support, graphic design & production services, and software training to all internal city clients and departments. These services encompass personal computers, workstations, networks, POS facilities, printers, servers, a government access channel, electronic signs and more.
Mission Statement:
To support City operations through providing integrated, user-friendly, and modern Information Technology with a high level of customer support and training.
System & Network Support:
Development and maintenance of the City´s core communication infrastructure including the local and wide area network. Maintain file and application servers and network security. Perform asset management, software distribution, and technical support for hardware and software.
Provides design, development, implementation and continued support of specialized applications, data, and databases citywide.
Our 'help desk´ and software training program help ensure levels of competencies are maintained and our clients fully utilize the technology available to them, which provides our citizens with more efficient and cost-effective results.
In-house graphic specialists offer to assist any City agency or department in design and/or production of internal and external marketing pieces ranging from billboards to invitations and brochures to newsletters.
Copy Center:
A full service copy center provides City agencies and departments with a wide range of services including high-volume reproduction, cutting, binding, and mounting of most any type of document.
Web Development:
The ITS Department develops, implements and maintains the City´s Internet and Intranet services.
Public Communications:
Includes the management of the City´s Government Access Channel. The ITS Department supervises the content and programming to provide a continual communication service to our citizens.
Information systems technology changes rapidly and new systems and technology are continually being implemented and installed. The ITS Department strives to translate this technology into higher productivity for our agencies and departments, and higher quality output and reduced costs of operations that ultimately benefits the citizens of Fort Myers.
Office: (239) 321-7121
Address: 2200 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Web: /its


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Win a Megadeth "Super Collider" LP signed by Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover along with a limited edition copy of David Ellefson's new autobiography "My Life With Deth". Details are at facebook.com/hartkesystems.
Megadeth's video of the title track "Super Collider" from the band's latest album has landed in Noisecreep's '10 Best Music Videos of 2013'. "Love story" is not the first thing you think of when Megadeth comes to mind, but the band took a chance with their 'Super Collider' video."
TONIGHT! Megadeth at House of Blues Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, FL - "Super Collider" U.S. Tour with Fear Factory & Nonpoint! Doors 7:00 p.m., Show 8:00 p.m. Tickets still available at bit.ly/1diCFyE.
Liz Ramanand for Loudwire.com has posted the following concert review. "With 30 years of experience and 14 studio albums under their belts, Megadeth are undeniable thrash legends. So, when they came to Long Island, N.Y., on Tuesday night (Dec. 3), fans packed The Paramount Theater to see their metal heroes."
TONIGHT! Megadeth at Jannua Live in Saint Petersburg, FL - "Super Collider" U.S. Tour with Fear Factory & Nonpoint! Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m. Tickets still available at ticketalternative.com/Events/25268.aspx.
Enter this year's Megadeth Christmas Card Contest and win big! Send us your original designs and you could win the GRAND PRIZE of a phone call from Dave Mustaine on Christmas Day, a Numbered Limited Edition "Super Collider" Lithograph signed by Dave, David, Chris & Shawn, two VIP passes to meet Megadeth on tour, an Old-Saint-Vic T-shirt, and an autographed "Countdown To Extinction: Live" Deluxe Blu-ray/CD! Prizes also awarded for 2nd to 10th places!
Suzy Byrne for Yahoo Music recently conducted an interview with David Ellefson. "It was 1983 when David Ellefson, an 18-year-old Minnesota farm boy with a love of rock 'n' roll and talent for the bass, moved to Los Angeles and knocked on his neighbor Dave Mustaine's door because "he looked like a rock 'n' roll guy".
Congratulations to Megadeth Cyber Army members, Liam (Dimestone), Dakota (komenja), and Michelle (rickdegreen); November's Guitar Giveaway winners! These three lucky club members were randomly selected from all of those who renewed or signed up to the club during Nov 1 - Dec 1, each winning a Dave Mustaine Signature Limited Edition 'Countdown To Extinction" 20th Anniversary Dean ZERO Guitar!! Stay tuned for even more giveaways through December at the club! cyberarmy.megadeth.com
SATURDAY! Megadeth at House Of Blues in N. Myrtle Beach, SC - "Super Collider" U.S. Tour with Fear Factory & Nonpoint! Doors 7:30pm, show 8:30pm. Tickets still available at bit.ly/1eVoH6O.
Anthony Toto of Pop-Break.com recently conducted an interview with Shawn Drover. "Megadeth continues to thrive as a must-see live act. The band remains atop their game in terms of releasing a devastating attack of pulverizing riffs with precise execution on live audiences.... Shawn Drover spoke extensively about the band's illustrious history with an in-depth reflection of all things Megadeth."


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Home > Where We Work > Europe > Eastern Europe > Georgia
2014 UNHCR regional operations profile - Eastern Europe
| Overview |
Working environment
UNHCR works with a wide variety of people of concern in Eastern Europe, ranging from asylum-seekers within mixed-migration flows, refugees and returnees to internally displaced people (IDPs) and stateless people. Compared to other parts of the world, Eastern Europe receives a relatively low number of asylum-seekers. However, frequent reorganizations of State bodies responsible for border management, migration and asylum and the priority given to political and other considerations can leave national asylum systems either dysfunctional or lagging far behind international norms.
Other major challenges for UNHCR in the subregion are ensuring access to territory and asylum procedures for all people of concern and preventing refoulement, deportation or extradition. Recognition rates in the subregion are low, and some countries are increasingly resorting to complementary forms of protection instead of recognition based on 1951 Convention status. Also troubling are limited access to protection for some nationalities and poor integration opportunities, leading many asylum-seekers in Eastern Europe to make repeated attempts to reach other countries perceived to be more liberal. Resettlement continues to be the only solution for many people of concern.
The impact of the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), has also been felt in the subregion, particularly in Turkey. The continued massive influx since the beginning of the crisis has placed considerable pressure on the protection and emergency response capacity in the country, and UNHCR provides support to the Government in coping with the protection and assistance needs of refugees.
To fill the protection gaps in the region, UNHCR launched the Quality Initiative in Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus in relation to asylum issues, in six countries in 2013. The project's main goal is to improve the quality of refugee status determination (RSD) decisions. The Government of the Russian Federation approved the State Migration Policy Concept for the period up to 2025. This will result in a comprehensive review of a series of legislative acts, including the law on refugees.
Positive developments in Eastern Europe include accession by Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to the Statelessness Conventions, with the latter having moved quickly to establish a statelessness determination procedure. The activation of a status determination procedure by Georgia, which has acceded to the 1954 Statelessness Convention, has helped reduce the number of stateless people in the country.
Statelessness, arising mainly as a consequence of the disintegration of the former Soviet Union and the difficulties facing national minorities seeking to prove their citizenship, remains a serious concern throughout the subregion. The Russian Federation's adoption of an amendment to the Citizenship Law seeks to address the situation of stateless former Soviet citizens. UNHCR estimated that there were some 250,000 stateless people in Eastern Europe in 2012.
Internal displacement is another major challenge in Eastern Europe. Up to a million people are still displaced in the Caucasus region alone. UNHCR protects and assists Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in most countries in the region in accordance with the UN's Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. It promotes durable solutions, including return and local integration whenever possible, while encouraging governments to play a greater role in meeting the needs of IDPs.
| Response |
A major feature of UNHCR's work in Eastern Europe will be to strengthen national asylum systems so that they are fully in line with international standards. This will include improving legislative frameworks and procedures, while increasing the capacity of local authorities. Where necessary, UNHCR will intervene directly to ensure that people of concern are adequately protected and their essential needs are met. The search for durable solutions will focus primarily on return and local integration.
The Office will advocate for the prevention and reduction of statelessness, supporting the development of relevant national legislation and procedures, with respect to the naturalization of people of concern, while pressing for accession to the Statelessness Conventions.
Partnerships with governments and other stakeholders under the framework of the 10-Point Plan of Action on Refugee Protection and Mixed-Migration will form the basis of UNHCR's response to the needs of the most vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees.
UNHCR will engage with UNDP and other development and humanitarian partners to monitor the progress of development programmes in improving the livelihoods of people of concern.
Public awareness of refugee issues will be strongly promoted.
In a number of Eastern European countries, political considerations and control of irregular migration take precedence over asylum despite a commitment to international protection principles by the authorities. Sometimes a fully functioning asylum system may be regarded as a hindrance to the administration of migration policies. A lack of resources for strengthening asylum systems also makes it difficult for some governments to comply with their commitments to meet international standards in refugee protection. As a consequence, refugees and asylum-seekers face restrictive registration policies, resulting in long waiting periods without assistance, documents and legal status. Xenophobia and racism place additional hurdles in the way of refugee integration.
Due to a lack of legal status or restrictive registration policies, many asylum-seekers and refugees are unable to gain access to State assistance and employment and remain dependent on the limited financial support offered by UNHCR. Local-integration schemes for recognized refugees throughout Eastern Europe are usually very limited in scope and receive little in the way of government funding.
Furthermore, in Turkey, reaching the many camps housing the growing population of Syrian refugees will be a challenge for UNHCR in 2014. These camps are located across a considerable expanse of territory, sometimes in remote locations. This will put additional pressure on the Office's capacity to support the Government of Turkey in addressing the protection and assistance needs of this population of concern.
| Implementation |
The operation in Turkey is described in a separate country operation chapter.
In Armenia, UNHCR will continue to assist the authorities in building their asylum institutions. It will help strengthen the national legal framework governing the protection of refugees and stateless people so that it is in line with international standards. The use of standard operating procedures will be promoted to ensure sound, non-discriminatory decision-making. UNHCR will also advocate for legislation governing statelessness determination procedures.
Efforts will be made to assist the Government of Armenia to make migration management policies protection-sensitive. UNHCR will provide focused assistance to the most vulnerable individuals, mobilize local partners and institutions to support the local integration of refugees, and explore with the Government possible ways to assist Syrian refugees in the country. The Office will also encourage community-based activities, engendering capacity-building among refugee community associations.
UNHCR will cooperate with the authorities in Azerbaijan to strengthen the national asylum system. It will seek an amendment to the current refugee legislation that establishes a subsidiary protection mechanism, which provides protection to a person who does not qualify as a refugee but who would face a real risk of serious harm if returned. The Office will also emphasize that refugees be given access to employment so they can increase their self-reliance and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance. Vulnerable refugees in urban areas will be targeted for assistance to make them as self-reliant as possible. At the same time, UNHCR will advocate for the protection of IDPs and provide them with free legal aid and self-reliance assistance. UNHCR will support the Government's efforts to find durable solutions and encourage it to follow up on its commitment to organize a comprehensive survey to identify the scope of statelessness in the country and establish a statelessness determination procedure.
The declared intent of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to adhere to European standards, as well as the amendment of the EU visa facilitation agreement between EU and Ukraine, provide opportunities for UNHCR to engage more actively with government counterparts to improve asylum systems. This is especially important in the case of Ukraine.
Strategic action in the three countries will be focused on: enhancing compliance with international standards through dialogue with government departments, particularly on protection-sensitive approaches to asylum issues; continuing protection monitoring to ensure access to territory and asylum procedures; using resettlement as a protection tool for those for whom integration in the region is not an option; mapping statelessness and developing a statelessness determination procedure (Ukraine) and supporting the implementation of a new statelessness determination procedure (the Republic of Moldova); and encouraging governments to assist for extremely vulnerable people of concern.
Where asylum standards fall short, UNHCR will intervene directly to ensure adequate protection of people of concern, particularly with regard to refoulement. UNHCR's engagement with the judiciary is vital, as it acts as a guarantor of quality and due process in the asylum procedure.
In Georgia, the strategy for 2014-2015 will build on the significant progress made so far in the areas of accession to international instruments, strengthening of the national legislative framework and development of Government action plans. The strategy will also focus on the effective implementation of national and international legislation and efforts to protect and improve the living conditions of displaced people.
UNHCR's protection-focused durable solutions strategy in Georgia will include monitoring the protection of all people of concern while providing them with limited direct assistance; pursuing durable solutions for refugees through naturalization and local integration, seeking local integration for IDPs pending their return; advocating for the adoption of refugee law and accession to the 1954 and 1961 statelessness instruments, and supporting the implementation of related procedures; working towards the compliance of existing legislation with international standards; advocating for more assistance to IDPs, with attention to livelihoods for people of concern in Abkhazia, the reduction of SGBV and the provision of legal aid to all IDPs; soliciting public understanding and support for UNHCR's work; and monitoring the progress and implementation of transitional livelihood programmes for people of concern.
In the Russian Federation, UNHCR will focus on quality assurance measures to strengthen the national asylum system, including improving access to the system at borders, and will seek to enhance partnership with the authorities in achieving regional and global protection goals. UNHCR has made its expertise available to the Government in developing protection-sensitive, cross-border, migration and asylum management mechanisms.
The Office will pursue durable solutions for asylum-seekers in the Russian Federation by helping improve legal and social avenues for integration, while providing others, including those with particular vulnerabilities, with resettlement options. UNHCR's cooperation with the Russian authorities will focus on finding solutions for long-staying asylum-seekers who have been unable to regularize their situation in the country.
UNHCR will continue to advocate for measures to reduce statelessness, both within and outside the borders of the Russian Federation. It will also seek easier access to citizenship for former USSR citizens, as well as accession by the Russian Federation to the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions. Opportunities to raise awareness of displacement issues, engage in advocacy and enhance financial support for global displacement situations will be pursued.
| Financial information |
Over the last four years, UNHCR's financial requirements in the Eastern Europe subregion have fluctuated from USD 125.7 million in 2010 to a revised 2013 budget of USD 271.1 million. The subregion has seen decreases in several operations' budgets primarily due to UNHCR's gradual withdrawal from direct operational involvement with IDPs in a number of countries. At the same time, the financial requirements for UNHCR's activities in Turkey have increased dramatically in response to the needs arising from the Syria emergency.
In 2014, the overall financial requirements for Eastern Europe are set at USD 236 million. Excluding Turkey, the subregional budget amounts to USD 41 million. The majority of the overall budget, more than 90 per cent, is allocated to assisting refugees and asylum-seekers and to strengthening asylum systems, with the remainder allocated to the provision of protection and assistance to IDPs and stateless people.
|UNHCR budgets for Eastern Europe (USD)
Revised budget
(as of 30 June 2013)
|Russian Federation
|Ukraine Regional Office
Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2014-2105
UNHCR contact information
|The UNHCR Representatation in Georgia
|Style of Address
|The UNHCR Representative in Georgia
|Street Address
|2a, Kazbegi Avenue, 4th floor,, 0160 Tbilisi, Georgia
|Mailing Address
|2a, Kazbegi Avenue, 0160 Tbilisi, Georgia
|995 32 2386202
|995 32 2385422
|Time Zone
|Working Hours
|Public Holidays
|01 January 2014, New Year's Day
02 January 2014, New Year Celebration
07 January 2014, Orthodox Christmas
18 April 2014, Big Friday
21 April 2014, Easter Monday
26 May 2014, Independence Day
28 July 2014, Eid-Al-Fitr
28 August 2014, Assumption
06 October 2014, Eid-Al-Adha
24 November 2014, Saint George's Day (observed)


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The Accounting area of the Finance Office consists of:
Accounts Payable
General Accounting
Grants Accounting
The Accounts Payable office is responsible for timely payment of invoices to vendors, employees and others. This includes purchases associated with outstanding purchase orders, direct payments authorized by payment vouchers, employee expense reimbursements and purchasing card billings. Accounts Payable also is responsible for preparing and mailing Form 1099 and assisting others in the University with questions relating to vendor invoices and other payment-related issues.
Chris Leach, Director of Finance
Marjorie Bostwick, Senior Administrative Assistant
Patricia Starlin, Senior Administrative Assistant
The General Accounting office handles general ledger and bank account reconciliations, prepares and inputs journal entries (including chargebacks), performs grant and sponsored project accounting and review, manages the University's short-term investments, ensures debt service payments are made on a timely basis, processes sales tax returns (except those relating to Memorial Union operations) and provides support to University departments and organizations when questions arise about account balances, transactions posted to incorrect Banner FOAPALs, etc. The office also provides a basic level of support for Banner Finance users.
Chris Leach, Director of Finance
Dale Barbee, Senior Accountant
Mary Gruber, Administrative Specialist
Marsha Stromgren, Sponsored Projects Accountant
Monday......................8:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday....................8:30AM - 5:00PM Wednesday..............8:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday...................8:00AM - 5:00PM Friday.........................8:00AM - 5:00PM
Director of Finance..211 Morgan Hall Accounting ...............211 Morgan Hall Business Office...... 150 Morgan Hall Grants Accounting.................012 BTC Payroll........................212 Morgan Hall
Finance Office...........(785) 670-2284 Director of Finance...(785) 670-1745 Accounting.................(785) 670-2031 Accounts Payable.....(785) 670-2044 Business Office........(785) 670-1156 Grants Accounting....(785) 670-2348 Payroll.........................(785) 670-2039 Fax Number...............(785) 670-1054


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It is our goal to keep all citizens of Buncombe County informed in the fastest and most efficient way possible and in a cost effective manner. Sign up for the eZine and you'll get an email every Monday with all the latest news in Buncombe County Government.
Check out the current issue.
The household hazardous waste and electronics recycling day at the landfill will be cancelled Friday, August 30 due to Labor Day Holiday.
Please Note: The Landfill and Transfer Station will be open regular hours on Friday, August 30.
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Raiders to start Scott at linebacker again
Trevor Scott will make his second straight start at weakside linebacker when the Raiders travel to…
Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham made what has to be the most incredible catch of the NFL season. Check out the highlight reel grab!Read More
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When it comes to tailgating, football might be the first sport that comes to mind, but don't underestimate hockey. The NHL has some of the most passionate fans in all of sports, and they don't let up…Read More
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Trevor Scott will make his second straight start at weakside linebacker when the Raiders travel to…


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Improving White Blood Cell Collection From Healthy Donors
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
- White blood cells called granulocytes help the body fight infection. People who have had chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants may have very low numbers of these cells. Transfusions of these cells can help improve the body's ability to fight infection. However, most of the cells are located in the bone marrow or spleen, and are hard to collect from healthy donors. Two drugs, filgrastim and dexamethasone, can help move the cells to the bloodstream to be collected by apheresis. Researchers want to study the best ways to collect these white blood cells. They also want to monitor the effects of the injections and donations on the volunteer donors.
- To improve the amount and quality of granulocytes (white blood cells) collected by apheresis for donation.
- Healthy volunteers between 18 and 75 years of age.
- Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Initial blood tests will be done to check for eligibility.
- Participants will donate granulocytes by apheresis a maximum of 12 times in 1 year. Donations will not usually be requested more often than every 4 weeks. Donors will be allowed to decline participation at any time.
- Participants will have one injection of filgrastim 12 to 24 hours before donation. They will also have two tablets of dexamethasone 12 hours before donation.
- White blood cells will be collected through apheresis. The apheresis will last about 2 hours.
- Participants will be eligible to donate until they reach their 76th birthday.
Blood Donor
Leukocyte Transfusion
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulation Factor
Blood Component Removal
Drug: Filgrastim (G-CSF)
Drug: Dexamethasone
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Non-Randomized
Endpoint Classification: Pharmacodynamics Study
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Open Label
|Official Title:
|Collection of Granulocytes by Apheresis of Healthy Donors Stimulated With Filgrastim (G-CSF) and Dexamethasone
- To determine the operational feasibility and impact of managing a volunteer community donor granulocytapheresis program
- To monitor the frequency and severity (symptom grade) of acute adverse effects due to a single dose of filgrastim and dexamethasone in volunteer donors
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|March 2012
|Estimated Study Completion Date:
|February 2032
|Estimated Primary Completion Date:
|February 2032 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Drug: Filgrastim (G-CSF)
Bacterial and fungal infections in neutropenic patients or in patients with inherited disorders of neutrophil function continue to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. In particular, fungal infections are an increasingly important cause of death in patients receiving aggressive chemotherapy, in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, and in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes such as severe aplastic anemia. The strongest predictor of progression and death from invasive mold infection in the cancer/ HSCT setting is the duration of neutropenia. Any modality which increases the granulocyte count during periods of profound neutropenia and severe infection is thus likely to be of clinical benefit. In the 1970-80 s, collection of granulocyte concentrates by apheresis of healthy donors stimulated with corticosteroids alone yielded products with an insufficient number of granulocytes to substantially raise the circulating counts in neutropenic patients. Transfusion of such components was variably associated with clinical benefit. More recently, the ability to give donors recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in combination with corticosteroids (dexamethasone) dramatically increases the circulating neutrophil count prior to apheresis and results in the collection of granulocyte concentrates containing 2 to 6 times as many cells as those collected using steroids alone. Transfusion of granulocyte concentrates collected after G-CSF and dexamethasone stimulation of the donor typically increases the recipient s granulocyte count by 1,000 cells/uL, and the increase in counts is generally sustained for 24 to 48 hours. Transfusion of daily or every other day granulocytes derived by apheresis of G-CSF and dexamethasone-stimulated donors has been associated in observational and retrospective studies with clearance of life-threatening infections in neutropenic patients, but a single small randomized prospective study did not demonstrate improved survival in neutropenic infected patients who received granulocytes. Granulocyte components are not recognized as a licensed blood component by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and neither G-CSF nor dexamethasone is approved by the FDA for use in allogeneic granulocytapheresis donors. Studies at the NIH Department of Transfusion Medicine (DTM) have defined the optimal timing and dose of these drugs in granulocyte donors, and these components have been used for clinical care since 1996. Short term adverse effects of G-CSF and dexamethasone, including bone pain, myalgias, headache, insomnia and fatigue, are well known and possible long term effects, including cataracts from serial steroid administration, have been described. The purpose of the current protocol is to determine the operational feasibility of managing a volunteer community donor granulocytapheresis program and to provide informed consent for the administration of filgrastim and dexamethasone to volunteer donors donating granulocytes by apheresis. Donor accrual and retention, immediate short term adverse effects of G-CSF and dexamethasone, and any long term effects, will be assessed in healthy subjects who will be permitted to donate granulocytes a maximum of 12 times per year. Participants will be selected based on general blood donor eligibility criteria, adequacy of antecubital venous access, and interest in the program. Most subjects will already have experience as plateletpheresis donors. The toxicity of granulocyte transfusions and the survival and discharge rates of the transfusion recipients will be monitored, but the protocol is not designed to evaluate the efficacy of granulocyte transfusions.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 75 Years
|Genders Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
- Donors shall meet all donor eligibility criteria for allogeneic blood donors, as defined in the most recent editions of the AABB Standards and FDA Code of Federal Regulations (21CFR640). In addition, donors shall meet the following restrictions:
- Age greater than or equal to18 and less than or equal to 75 years
- If hypertension is present, must be well-controlled on medications
- If peptic ulcer disease has been diagnosed in the past, symptoms must be well-controlled on medications
- If cataracts have been diagnosed in the past, records from subject s ophthalmologist must be obtained indicating type of cataract. If PSC was diagnosed in the past, subject may receive G-CSF but not dexamethasone. The only exception to this is a history of bilateral cataract extractions due to PSC.
- Information obtained from health history screen that does not meet the allogeneic donor eligibility criteria of the AABB Standards or the FDA CFR.
- Weight less than 50 kg (110 lbs)
- History of coronary heart disease
- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP > 160, diastolic BP > 100)
- History of hepatitis or injection drug use
- Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin
- Active, symptomatic peptic ulcer disease
- History of iritis or episcleritis
- Sickle cell disease (sickle trait is acceptable). Testing for hemoglobin S is not required.
- Lithium therapy
- Pregnancy or nursing (breast feeding)
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01553214
|Contact: Yu Ying Yau, R.N.
|(301) 435-3049
|Contact: Kathleen A Cantilena, M.D.
|(301) 451-8637
|United States, Maryland
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
|Contact: For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office (PRPL) 800-411-1222 ext TTY8664111010 email@example.com
|Principal Investigator:
|Kathleen A Cantilena, M.D.
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Additional Information:
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01553214 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|March 10, 2012
|Last Updated:
|October 15, 2014
|Health Authority:
|United States: Federal Government
Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC):
Healthy Volunteers
Granulocyte Transfusion
Cytokine Stimulation
Healthy Volunteer
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Dexamethasone 21-phosphate
Dexamethasone acetate
Adjuvants, Immunologic
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Antineoplastic Agents
Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
Autonomic Agents
Central Nervous System Agents
Enzyme Inhibitors
Gastrointestinal Agents
Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists
Immunologic Factors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Pharmacologic Actions
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Protease Inhibitors
Therapeutic Uses
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on November 27, 2014


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Hickory Ridge Concert Series: Guitar/Harmonica Duo
One of our Hickory Ridge Concert Series
The Hickory Ridge Concert Series is hosted by singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo. Performances by noted folk musicians are held the 3rd Saturday of every month at Dickson Mounds Museum and begin at 7:30 p.m. with the museum lobby opening at 6:30 p.m. Coffee, drinks, and a variety of desserts are available during intermission. There is an admission charge of $5.00 per adult — $3.00 for children under 12. Sitting is limited to the first 150 people. You can also visit the concert series web site at http://hickoryridge.outfitters.com/.


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At the Ioway Casino, have fun playing over 250 slot machines for your chance to walk away a winner. If table games are ... read more...
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Crestview Farms in Arcadia grows certified organic produce, fruit and herbs that have been certified organic by the ... read more...
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Offers a wide variety of authentic Native American and Southwestern art. Includes jewelry, prints, wall hangings, ... read more...
Chandler Municipal Golf Course
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The Chandler Municipal Golf Course is a nine-hole course that was built in 1972. With beautiful rolling hills, this ... read more...
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Book your group's adventure today and build self-confidence, leadership, communication, trust, goal setting, endurance ... read more...
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The Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center brings together one-of-a-kind Route 66 memorabilia from the 1930s to present ... read more...
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The Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History is located in three historic buildings on Route 66 in Chandler. The ... read more...
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Fire Brigade Called To Shopping Mall Bathroom As Hand Drier Pins Woman To CeilingA new generation of super-powerful hand driers were criticised yesterday after a woman was blown to the ceiling while drying her face. The Dison Mk.2 Tornado driers were being recalled yesterday.
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Michael Carone, MathWorks
In this webinar series, we introduce the most important Stateflow concepts one step at a time by building a Stateflow chart from scratch. This webinar series is intended for people who are unfamiliar with or new to Stateflow and serves as an introduction to Stateflow and state charts. For current users of Stateflow, this webinar series can reveal new possibilities for improving existing Stateflow charts.
In Part 2, we continue adding functionality to the Stateflow chart we started building in Part 1. Concepts covered include parallel states, truth tables, and temporal logic.
Recorded: 7 Oct 2010
Call MathWorks: 508-647-7000


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SXSW 2012: Now Just a MemoryWritten by Lois M. Rodriguez | Published March 19, 2012
(Win a CD: See below)Like a whirlwind weekend with a beloved old friend, there are mixed feelings as we say goodbye to South by Southwest 2012. It all comes to a stop when our film- and music-fed souls – so full of tremendous energy and excitement (and next-to-no sleep) – simply can't take in any more.
Makeshift venues and lounges that seemingly popped up over night come down just as quickly. Those remaining visitors – looking a little worse for the wear – take in their last hoorah of Austin hospitality along South Congress for one of the breakfast hotspots or coffee bars amid a few straggling Sunday morning, non-SXSW performances and tented vendor booths.
Left are fresh memories of film premiers with celebrity-laden, red-carpet hoopla; innovative minds and ideas shared by the interactive community; and the crazy late nights of band after band after band.
Pair that with official party after party, often bringing in big-name celebs who want a piece of the action, too, by hosting their own festivities and musical showcases.
Gone are the fashion statements that offered a magniified reflection of the diversity in the SXSW schedule. You can spot, for example, the documentary or anime film devotees against the gadget gurus and entrepreneurs. Or fans of rock, metal and every other subgenre of music, Quite frankly, you could also distinguish the Austinite from the visitor.
At the end of the day, though, when SXSW crowds have all gone home, Austin retains its quintessential dose of diverse personalities, tourists, the movie scene and celebrities … and, of course, live music.
Each year, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau releases a CD that captures the essence of the Capital City musice scene. We'd like to give a copy to one of our readers.
Tell us the name of your favorite Texas-based band or performer – feel free to share a link to their website if you like –for a chance to win this year's "Austin Music Volume 11†CD. It's packed with 13 selected tracks, including 2010-2011's Band of the Year, Quiet Company, Nakia, Carrie Rodriguez, Speak, Lex Land and more.
Note: Please note that, thanks to spammers, all blog comments are moderated, so you won't see your response immediately. Have no fear. We will moderate all comments before choosing a winner on Friday. Thank you!
From SXSW to Your Local Theater, (Part 1): Casa de mi PadreWritten by Jane Wu | Published March 16, 2012
During the past few evenings, I've had the good fortune to catch some of the biggest SXSW Film comedy premieres. The first one is Casa de mi Padre, the telenovela spoof starring Will Ferrell.
Before I describe Casa, a little backstory: As much as I wanted to see this film, I had nixed it from my movie list because it had only one screening scheduled at Alamo Drafthouse Lamar at 5 p.m. Alamo Lamar has the reputation of being one of the "hard-to-get-into†SX-theaters because the auditoriums are smaller (the largest room seats 220, whereas the Paramount Theatre holds 1,200) and its south central location is just s SX Film-shuttle away from the Convention Center. But while checking seating availability online for another film on Virtual Status Board (vsb.sxsw.com), I noticed that there was a 7:15 showing of Casa. Alamo Lamar happened to be on my way home and it was just after 6, so I popped in to inquire about the screening. It happened that there was such a huge turnout for the 5 p.m show that a last-minute second show was added. Since the added screening was not on the film schedule, few people knew about it, and everyone in line got in, including ticket-buyers without badges or passes.
Filmed in Spanish with English subtitles, Ferrell plays Armando, a not-so-bright rancher of his father's farm in Mexico. (Farrell, who doesn't speak Spanish, had to learn the script and Spanish in a month.) His brother Raul, a successful businessman and his father's favorite, returns home to introduce his beautiful fiancé to the family. It is soon revealed that Raul's business involves drug-trafficking and is wanted by La Onza, a drug lord. To complicate matters more, Armando is smitten by Raul's fiancé, and finds himself having to save Raul and the ranch. The use of patently fake backdrops, scale-model setups for wide-angle scenes, and animatronic wild animals, along with Ferrell's brand of outright shameless silliness, only adds to the absurdity. Diego Luna plays Raul, and Gael Garcia Bernal plays La Onza. Both actors starred in the indie hit Y Tu Mama Tambien. While the subject of border violence is no laughing matter, I felt the film's conclusion put a light-hearted, and even positive spin on improving border relations.
The film has just opened in limited release, and judging from audience response at the screening—loads of chuckles but few belly laughs, it's probably not going to be a blockbuster like Talladega Nights or even Anchorman. But I'm betting on the film achieving high cult status.
Look for my next post on Bernie, starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley MacLaine, , directed by Richard Linklater and based on a true story about a small-town murder.
Today's theme: ChangeWritten by Lori Moffatt | Published March 15, 2012
In line the other day to see Hunky Dory, the coming-of-age film starring Minnie Driver entered in the "Narrative Spotlight†category at the SXSW Film Festival, I got to chatting with one of my fellow queue-standers about our experiences as passholders. She told me that had purchased a pass for the past few years and had some tips. The satellite spaces, she said—this year at the new Alamo Slaughter location and the Alamo Village—seem especially designed for passholders, and she said that once the music contingent starts, the movie crowds thin out a bit. But sometimes things don't go as planned.
"A few nights ago, I was in the pass line at the Alamo South,†she told me, "and it was looking pretty good. I was pretty sure I'd get in.†She paused for effect as another passholder leaned over to hear the story. "And then, a busload of badges pulled up. Dang it! It was all over. So I came up here and got into the documentary about Deepak Chopra. Which was excellent.â€
Such is the nature of readjusting plans during South by Southwest, and maybe life itself, a theme echoed by the film See Girl Run, a movie that delved into the rich dramatic potential of exploring what could have happened if we had made different choices in our lives. What if we had chosen a different path? In one scene, the father of the protagonist, a young woman on the verge of abandoning her marriage to reunite with a lost love from high school, compares maintaining a relationship to a high-tech missile. Unlike old missiles, he explained, which can't be adjusted once they are launched, newer missiles can readjust course in mid-flight to stay with the target. I liked that analogy, as life has the tendency to throw curveballs just when things seem steady. And even something as simple as a conversation has its inherent readjustments and allowances for give-and-take. In a Q&A after the movie, the director noted that if you go into a conversation knowing exactly what you're going to say, then you're not really listening and thus, not really having a conversation.
Many of the films I've seen so far, really, seem to have secondary themes of change and adjustment, acceptance of change, and the perils and rewards of growth and decay. The documentary Welcome to the Machine, for example, examines how technology has change the world we live in, and poses the (unanswered) question: Is humanity better or worse thanks to technology?  And is there any real way to return to the way things were, now that the Genie is out of the bottle?
Last night's documentary, America's Parking Lot, follows two avid Dallas Cowboys tailgaters as their 35-year tradition at the old Texas Stadium comes to and end. We see the stadium's implosion and the two fans attempting to piece together a new tradition at Jerry Jones' new 1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Yes, it's funny–one protagonist names his daughter Meredith Landry and unabashedly admits he thinks about the Cowboys more than his wife. And yes, it's a rather scathing study of how pro football has evolved into a rich man's game. But Cowboys fandom and economic politics aside, it's a story of change and tradition, and what those two intangible concepts mean. Life seen through the lens of football? Now that's a Texas tradition. Seek this one out, even if you can't see it during SXSW.
Seen (and Heard) at SXSW FilmWritten by Jane Wu | Published March 13, 2012
My SXSW Film journey started off slowly—I admit, rain plus crowds were enough to deter me from my usual energetic approach to mega-festivals. (Overheard in line on Sunday: "Glad the sun came out today. Was beginning to think this was South-By-South-Wet!â€) Also, I want to save my strength for SXSW Music this week.
Three of the five films I've seen so far have Texas ties: The Imposter, America's Parking Lot, (also mentioned in my earlier post, SXSW Film—A Texas Preview) and The Taiwan Oyster. Here are my thoughts on the Texas-related films I've seen so far:
My first screening was the documentary-thriller The Imposter, at Alamo Drafthouse Lamar on Saturday. Based on the 1994 case of a missing San Antonio teen, Nicholas Barclay, who is presumed found in Spain three years later, the story is told through the young Frenchman, Frédéric Bourdin, who assumes the boy's identity in order to escape imprisonment for similar false identity offenses. Bourdin also longs to experience the idyllic childhood deprived of him, having been abused and abandoned early in life. I'm not usually a fan of thrillers or Hard Copy-type shows, but I found the film intense and riveting, with occasional moments of levity. A San Antonio private investigator, Charlie Parker, is the first to expose Bourdin's identity (with the help of Adobe Photoshop) and his candor and humor, despite the grim situation nearly steals the show. I also discovered that I was sitting next to Parker and his wife during the screening, and had a nice chat with them. Parker and the director, Bart Layton answered questions after the film.
America's Parking Lot, (photo at top) a documentary that's part-drama, part-comedy focuses on two of the truest Cowboy fans and super-tailgators you could ever meet, Stan "Tiger" Schults and Cy Ditmore. I'm a passing sports fan at best (and former Houstonian who occasionally roots for the Texans) but I came away feeling much empathy and a bit of sadness for what these guys lost when Texas Stadium imploded and Cowboys Stadium replaced it. Tiger and Cy were in attendance at the Canon Screening Room along with first-time director, Austin actor Jonny Mars. Before their Q&A, Tiger Schults led the audience in a boisterous Cowboys pep rally. Even this fair-weather Texan fan can get behind that!
The Taiwan Oyster may not sound like a movie with a Texas connection, but the director, Mark Jarrett is a 10-year Austin resident. Based on his expat years as a kindergarten teacher in Taichung (Austin's sister city) during and after the 1999 earthquake, this offbeat road trip movie follows two friends and a young Taiwanese-British woman they meet as they set out to find a proper burial home in the Taiwan countryside for a fellow American they barely knew. At times the film feels meandering, but the lush, green mountainous landscapes are breathtaking, and the culture-clash episodes are amusing, as is the juxtaposition of old-school American country and rockabilly as the film's soundtrack.
I also saw a couple of non-Texas films: SELLEBRITY and See Girl Run.
SELLEBRITY is an eye-opening documentary, which covers the preposterous lengths paparazzi go to fuel our obsession with celebrities, and how that fuel is generated by the media and unwittingly, by fans. The film also documents the history of the public's fascination for star gossip, beginning with Mary Pickford and the silent film era. Musician Sheryl Crow is one of several stars who appear in the film, and made a surprise appearance with the director (and noted celeb photographer) Kevin Mazur and his crew to answer questions after the premiere. Gilberto Petrucci, one of the original paparazzo who inspired Fellini's La Dolce Vita, also appears in the film and was at the Q&A.
See Girl Run: Described as "what happens when a 30-something woman allows life's "what ifs" to overwhelm her appreciation for what life actually is,†and "… digging into her romantic past in hopes of invigorating her present,†I was expecting more of a chick-flick comedy. Instead, the film was more of a romantic indie drama about the relationship road not taken, as viewed not only from the lead character, Emmie, but her brother, parents, and grandmother as well. Robin Tunney (of The Mentalist) plays Emmie, and Adam Scott (of Parks and Recreation and just-released film Friends With Kids) plays the "one who got away.†Nate Meyer directed the film, and was set and shot in Maine and in Brooklyn. I admired the film's ending montage of waterfronts, boat docks, and small-town street scenes, which seemed to evoke an Edward Hopper-esque quality.
Before this SX Film coverage for TH, I have never seen more than one or two films during the film festival, and the last time I went was more than ten years ago. It's been a fun and fascinating experience meeting all sorts of film-goers in line, elderly couples, teens accompanied by parents, women as well as men going solo, as well as the stereotypical groups of hipsters in black leather. I enjoyed lots of discussions and tips on which movies to see from my new film friends. Heard much buzz about KID-THING, Trash Dance (also see Lori Moffatt's latest blog), Los Chidos, and Girl Walk // All Day.
But I'm not done yet. Check back for more SX Film insights and observations.
Five films in three daysWritten by Lori Moffatt | Published March 12, 2012
It's day four of the South By Southwest Film festival, and I'm reflecting on the busy weekend. So far, my experiences as a passholder have been positive—I'll admit I was worried about standing in line only to get bumped by badgeholders, but so far this hasn't happened. Friday night, the opening night of the festival, I attended a packed showing of one of last year's festival favorites, the Australian horror movie The Loved Ones. I knew it would be dark (reviewers billed it as Sixteen Candles meets Carrie), but I was unprepared for the level of gore, and it was only when I began to focus on the makeup skills required for such effects that I could open my eyes fully during certain scenes.
Day two began with dark skies and nearly continuous downpours. My first plan, a midday screening of the documentary about musician Charles Bradley, a James Brown doppelganger whom I had seen perform at this year's Austin City Limits festival, didn't pan out. Screening at one of the 40-person theaters at downtown's new Violet Crown venue, the film filled up before I got in the queue, so instead I headed to the Paramount, where a long line of people snaked around the building, huddling beneath umbrellas and hoping to gain admission to the World Premiere of the film Trash Dance, a documentary about choreographer Allison Orr's spellbinding dance project with the City of Austin's Solid Waste Services.
Orr, whose Forklift Danceworks (www.forkliftdanceworks.org) has created ballets with firefighters, service dogs, and Italian gondolas, orchestrated a dance with garbage trucks, cranes, and other sanitation equipment on the abandoned tarmac of Austin's old Mueller airport, an event I witnessed live this past summer.  This, the documentary about the project, illustrated how Orr won the trust of the 24 Solid Waste Services employees who starred in the production, most of whom entered the project with healthy skepticism. With a score by Austin composer Graham Reynolds, the film made me (and many other audience members) laugh and yes, cry. After the show the cast and crew took the stage amid stand-up applause and cheers, I realized that this moment—the marriage of audience and cast— is what makes seeing a film in a festival setting unique and worthwhile. It was a theme I'd witness multiple times over the weekend–the sense that somehow we're all participating in this creative endeavor together.
Later on Saturday, I stood in line with other passholders at the Alamo Village, chatting with strangers and hoping to gain access to the film The Babymakers, a comedy about a young couple trying to start a family. After failing to conceive, the male protagonist stages a heist of the sperm bank to which he had donated years ago–and hilarity ensues. A Q&A after the film with director Jay Chandrasekhar and fellow star Kevin Heffernan made the experience doubly worthwhile.
The third film I screened on Saturday, the Seattle-made Fat Kid Rules the World, blew me away. It tells the story of an overweight teenager who finds salvation of sorts in the discovery of punk rock, and the characters were so fully drawn that I felt as if I knew them by film's end. The cinema was full of cast and crew, so energy was high, and a pre-movie chat with my neighbor, who worked with lighting design, gave me an appreciation for an aspect of filmmaking I hadn't considered. When the director, Matthew Lillard, told us that he had been an overweight teen himself, I realized why certain scenes seemed so authentic. As with the screening of Trash Dance, the appearance of cast and crew reinforced the sense of a supportive and involved movie community.
The sun emerged on Sunday, and with the sun came the crowds. Plans to see the documentary The Source, about a group of LA followers of controversial restaurateur-turned-spiritual-leader "Father Yod†in the 1970s, were thwarted by parking problems. But later in the day, I once again headed north to the Alamo Village to see the Texas-made movie Kid+Thing, a moody drama about a young girl in East Texas who discovers—yet chooses not to rescue—a woman who had fallen down a well. While the scenery was evocative and the young star—12-year-old Sydney Aguirre—excellent, the movie didn't speak to me personally. But others in the audience disagreed, and that inconsistence reminds me of the subjective nature of moviegoing, and what a wonderful thing it is that we all have different tastes!
Five down, more to come. Stay tuned!
Pass to InspirationWritten by Lori Moffatt | Published March 7, 2012
What's the old saying about March roaring in like a lion? In Austin this year, it seems especially appropriate: Blooming mountain laurels perfume the air with their sweet-tart aroma, bluebonnets have started to appear on the roadsides, and if you explore downtown, you'll sense the electric buzz forming as shopkeepers, bartenders, restaurants, theaters, and hotels prepare for the wildly popular event known as the South by Southwest Music, Film, and Interactive Festival, which runs March 9-18 this year.
Last year, the event's 25th anniversary, the festival's official registration surged 40 percent over 2010 numbers (with a total fest attendance of 286,000 people!). Here are more impressive numbers: More than 2,000 musical acts performed on 92 stages across the city; the interactive contingent drew almost 20,000 registered attendees (from 53 foreign countries!); and the film contingent attracted more than 66,000 film fans who flocked to see 140 features and 153 shorts. According to organizers, SXSW was directly and indirectly responsible for injecting some $168 million into the Austin economy. (And these figures don't even begin to consider the impact of the hundreds of unofficial events, concerts, parties, and attractions offered during the festival.)
For the past decade, I've experienced SXSW on the fringes, ducking into free day parties and big concerts at Auditorium Shores, standing in line for movie tickets, and enjoying the crush of visitors from around the world who descend upon Austin each year. But this year, I have a film pass (available in limited numbers for $70 in-store at Waterloo Records), and I plan to see as many films as my schedule allows. With 132 feature films and countless shorts and other events to choose from, these next weeks should be action-packed. (See my colleague Jane Wu's blog for details on some of the festival's films with Lone Star ties.)
I visited recently with SXSW Film Conference and Festival Director Janet Pierson about the event's growth, maturation, and significance, and why choosing a film you've never heard of may be the most direct route to inspiration.
"Since the Film and Interactive Festival started in 1994, the independent film world has changed profoundly,†Pierson says. "The digital revolution has made a huge difference. In the mid-1990s, there were hundreds of films made every year; now there are thousands. When people made films in 35 millimeter, making a movie cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and took a long time. But thanks to digital advances, cameras became less expensive, and filmmakers could edit well on their laptops. This year, we moved the deadline for submissions up to mid-November, because the number has been steadily increasing year-to-year. This year, we received more than 5,000 submissions, a 7% increase from last year.
"As film festivals go, and I'm including fests such as Cannes, Toronto, and Sundance, we skew toward American-made films. We're neither a regional film festival nor an international film festival. We look for balance, so our films range from comedies to documentaries, dark dramas, and may feature themes as 'small' as two people walking down the road.â€
While Pierson acknowledges that the Film Festival is primarily a "badge event†designed for film industry folks (film badges cost $595), she says it's still possible to see some of the movies with a pass or by purchasing individual tickets ($10)—as long as seats are still available. "We want full theaters, and the venues vary tremendously,†she says. "I mean, if you don't have a badge, you're not going to get into the world premiere of The Cabin in the Woods (the directorial debut of Drew Goddard, the writer behind the hit TV show Lost), but you can easily see certain films at the Vimeo or Canon. Or try the Alamo South Lamar—sometimes it's crowded and sometimes it's not.
"We've vetted everything,†she told me, "and we think it's all great. Take a chance on something you've never heard of. Success for us is when we've inspired people.â€
I'm ready!
SXSW Film: A Texas PreviewWritten by Jane Wu | Published March 7, 2012
The SXSW Film Conference & Festival 2012 begins in Austin on Friday, March 9 (along with SXSW Interactive) and runs through the 17th. SXSW Film brings together up-and-coming and veteran filmmakers, industry dealmakers, actors and celebrities of all stripes, serious film geeks, and avid moviegoers with a taste for discovery. Since its inception in 1994, the conference and fest has emerged as a major player on the U.S. and international film festival circuit, with small-budget indie films given equal buzz with premieres of more mainstream releases.
Although SX Film is global in its movie offerings, there are usually a few Made-in-Texas or Set-in-Texas film screenings. Here is a list for those wanting a more Tex-centric movie experience. (See Lori Moffatt's blog, Pass to Inspiration for tips on getting the most out of your SX Film viewing, whether you have a badge, film pass, or purchase tickets at the venue.) Also, don't be surprised if you see the director, cast or film crew in attendance at these films. (And that includes some of the bigger premieres, like Killer Joe and Bernie.)
The Imposter: Documentary-thriller about a missing San Antonio teen, found alive in Spain three years later but may not be who he appears, unbeknownst to his own family. The Imposter has received critical acclaim since its premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and is scheduled for theatrical release later this year.
Killer Joe: Texans Matthew McConaughey and Thomas Haden Church star in a dark comedy set in Dallas County involving a crazy cop who moonlights as a hit man. Directed by William Friedkin (of The Exorcist, The French Connection fame). Premiered at the Venice Film Festival and Toronto Film Festival. SXSW U.S. Premiere. If you go, get there early. This is the only SX screening, and some of the stars, including Matthew McConaughey are scheduled to be there.
Trash Dance: Austin sanitation workers perform a choreographed dance performance using garbage trucks on an abandoned airport runway in this quirky documentary. SXSW World Premiere.
America's Parking Lot: Directed by Austinite Jonny Mars, a documentary about how America's Team's move to Cowboy Stadium profoundly affects two rabid Cowboys fans. SXSW World Premiere, and in case you miss it, also screens at Dallas International Film Festival, April 12-22.
Blue Like Jazz: Set in suburban Houston, a college student leaves his religious upbringing for "the most godless campus in America" in the Pacific Northwest. Based on the New York Times bestseller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, who also funded the film with help from donations via Kickstarter. SXSW World Premiere.
Bernie: A dark comedy about an assistant funeral director in Carthage who befriend, and later disposes of "the town's richest widow." Shot in Austin, Bastrop, Smithville, Georgetown, and Carthage, directed by renowned filmmaker and Bastrop resident Richard Linklater, and starring Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey. As with Killer Joe, this is the only SX showing, and some of the cast, Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey, along with Richard Linklater, will be in attendance.
Texas Shorts: Nine short films with a total 93 minutes run time. The subjects range from The Guessing Game, set in a retirement home where a resident's birthday reveals more than his age, to Tumbleweed, "The true and historically accurate tale of one tumbleweed that did not tumble."
As Siskel and Ebert used to say, "See you at the movies!"
(CMigrator copy 3)Written by Texas Highways | Published February 6, 2012
Pig Predicts an Early Spring!Written by Lori Moffatt | Published February 2, 2012
It's the dead of winter, supposedly—February 2—and a quick survey of mid-afternoon temperatures across Texas (70 degrees in Austin, 72 in Houston, 73 in Dallas, a frigid 50 in Amarillo, a balmy 77 in Brownsville) makes me think we're in for an early spring.
But don't take my word for it. Instead, listen to Remley the Babirusa at the Houston Zoo, who agreed to stand in for the traditional groundhog this morning—and predicted an early spring. (Groundhogs don't like the hot and humid weather typically found in Houston, but Babirusas- small hairless pigs native to Indonesia—find it quite agreeable.)
This morning's ultra-scientific weather-prognosticating ceremony offered Remley two choices: a two-foot paper "snowman†filled with watermelon slices and other tasty Babirusa treats, and a pink-and-white picnic scene featuring the same edible enticements. The rest of the ceremony followed tradition: If Remley chose the snowman, we'd have six more weeks of winter; if he chose the picnic scene, spring is on its way. My sources tell me that while Remley flirted with the winter scene, he ultimately dove into the picnic setting and decreed an early spring. So it's official.
I'm consistently impressed with the creativity and imagination of the folks at the Houston Zoo, an AZA-accredited zoo that dates to 1922. I believe that if Remley could talk, he'd say, "Now that the weather is warm, come visit me. I am a master of camouflage and move like a deer. And obviously I have great taste and a sense of humor.â€
Anticipating BloomsWritten by Lois M. Rodriguez | Published February 1, 2012
It's sometimes difficult to know when the seasons change in Texas, but one of the most anticipated seasons is that of the wildflower. Like brushstrokes from the hands of God, this showcase of vibrant colors is a tourism attraction in itself. So, the possibility of it not coming to fruition has been a stressor of late.
The good news is that, in the midst of the drought, each drop of fall and winter rain has brought renewed hope that this year might actually yield fields of flowers, including a bumper crop of bluebonnets.
"We are expecting a good wildflower crop in the Hill Country this spring,†says Daryl Whitworth, assistant director of the Freericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Many seeds that were dormant, especially bluebonnets, appear to have had good germination from the fall rains.â€
He adds that "Showers have continued from early October until now and numerous people are reporting seeing many small bluebonnet plants.â€
In fact, Whitworth says the drought has actually given us the benefit of a better view. With grasses in pastures and along roadsides so short, flowers should be much more visible.
"As long as we continue to receive rain, April should bring a great display,†Whitworth says.
We're keeping our fingers crossed.
To keep track of the wildflower progress, visit these sites:
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Wildflower Cam
- Public sightings reports
- Texas Department of Transportations Texas Wildflowers and Fall Foliage map
Groundhog Day, Texas-StyleWritten by Texas Highways | Published February 1, 2012
It may be February 1 where you are, but at the TH editorial office, we're thinking April. We just put the March issue to bed, so to speak, and now we're awash in wildflowers as we produce our April wildflower photo feature. Look for 16 pages of gorgeous wildflower images this year, along with a rundown of wildflower festivals and other events.
Working on the April issue always involves a flurry of prognostications: What kind of wildflower season will we have? Did the rains come at the right times? Where will readers find the best displays? Inevitably, we have to fall back on the nature of wildflowers themselves—they're wild, meaning unpredictable and, to my way of thinking, even magical. You never know for sure what they will do, and that's one reason we love them so. Their untamed beauty remains a constant in our increasingly homogenous, civilized world.
Daryl Whitworth, assistant director of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, stopped by the office a couple of days ago and gave us the bureau's wildflower forecast for the Hill Country. "We're predicting a bumper crop,†he said. "A lot of seeds lay dormant last year because of the drought, and the rains that came in late September and early October, as well as the recent rains, came just at the right times.â€
I conducted my own wildflower survey a couple of weeks ago, on a trip from Austin to my mother's home near Edna. I always try to make a trek south around Groundhog Day, since it seems like a good time for predicting what the wildflowers season holds. Sometimes I even spot a precocious Indian paintbrush or bluebonnet. No such luck this year, though I did see more green than I expected along the roadsides between Austin and Gonzales. As I drove on Texas 111 from Yoakum to Edna, it became drier and looked less promising. However, since my visit, that area has had a little rain, so again, you never know. Personally, I love it that way.
Sampling Big BendWritten by Jane Wu | Published January 30, 2012
TH's February issue features the western portion of the Big Bend region, which covers vast and remote areas where you'd do well to plan on spending at least the better part of a week. So does this necessarily mean a shorter excursion is out of the question? Not if you have a general plan which includes more urbane pleasures such as exploring West Texas food and art, as well as with surrounding yourself with spectacular vistas.
My boyfriend David and I spent a little less than three days in Big Bend over the Christmas holiday, and the trip was well-paced and relaxing. Of course, we would have loved to spend more time, but prior commitments in Austin prevented us from doing so.
Alpine and Marfa were on our radar, plus Fort Davis and even a hike in Big Bend National Park if time allowed. We also wanted to begin our trip in Marathon, in time for dinner and stay at the Gage Hotel. The hotel was booked for the holiday, but the Gage recently acquired Captain Shepard's Inn, right behind the hotel, which had rooms available. We stayed in a warm and spacious room with a balcony.
Marathon is about an hour from just about everywhere on our itinerary, so the location made for easy planning, and an ideal home base. On our first full day, we drove to Alpine, and strolled down Holland Avenue. We stopped in Big Bend Arts Council Gallery and found an eclectic and affordable selection of paintings, pottery, sculpture, and jewelry created by local artists. Avram Dumitrescu, originally from Ireland, whose vibrant paintings of landscapes, food, and animals I admire, had pieces on display, and was also minding the gallery that morning. Later, we popped into Front Street Books, where I found a copy of a book Avram illustrated (and also signed), M.F.K. Fisher Among the Pots and Pans, by Joan Reardon. We also poked in the window of TONK (Things Ordinary Not Known) studio to admire the whimsical assemblages. The gallery sign said "Closed,†but owner/artist Rachel Anne Manera saw us and invited us in.
After a zesty, hearty tortilla soup lunch at Reata, we headed west to Marfa. Just a few businesses were open (we found many Marfa's shops, galleries, and restaurants typically open Wed.-Sat., and we were there on Monday). However, we did take a short jaunt along Highland Ave. and perused the one of the Paisano Hotel's gift shops, which has an impressive art book section.
Sadly, the Chinati Foundation was closed, but in search of more art, we proceeded onward to the Prada Marfa art installation, about 5 miles past Valentine on US 90. Built in 2005 by Berlin artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, the structure still attracts curious tourists like ourselves, and also a man from Germany who was just leaving as we arrived.
There was still enough daylight left that afternoon for a side trip to Fort Davis, which we took via Hwy. 166, a scenic drive with spectacular views of the Davis Mountains. We stopped at Fort Davis National Historic Site and took a short hike up to a vantage point of a sprawling overview of the fort. We then drove to Indian Lodge, and explored the grounds to consider for a future stay. Our last stop was in downtown Fort Davis, where on State St., we found charming shops, inns and cafés, such as the Fort Davis Drug Store and Old Texas Inn, which even has a soda fountain. On the way out, we were wowed by the classic architecture and distinctive clock tower of the Jeff Davis County Courthouse. Our West Texas wanderlust was sated for the day.
After touring three towns on Day One, a more relaxing agenda was in store for Day Two. After a leisurely breakfast at the Marathon Coffee Shop, we visited photographer, writer, and artist E. Dan Klepper (who is also a frequent TH contributor) at his Klepper Gallery. I have long appreciated E. Dan's artful images and compelling words, but I was awestruck by his graceful, minimalist assemblages of baling wire and various found objects.
It was finally time to explore the outdoors, so around noon we trekked toward Big Bend National Park. With the remaining time on our trip dwindling, we chose to hike the Window Trail. This popular trail is relatively short (5.6 mi.) and easy to navigate. However, we couldn't help but stop every so often to gasp—not due to exertion but to admire the stunning mountain formations and surface textures. At the end of the trail, the Window's ledge opens to a jaw-dropping, magnificent vista. On the way back, we spotted not only hawks, deer, and javelinas, but musician/artist David Byrne and a companion walking toward the Window. "Once in a lifetime?†to quote one of his Talking Heads hits.
Due to the short time and full days, we had dinner at the Gage, either in 12 Gage restaurant or White Buffalo Bar. Despite the voracious appetite worked up from the hike, White Buffalo Bar's Venison Fajita Black Bean Nachos made for a sumptuous meal for both of us.
On our final day, Wednesday, before heading home, we drove back to Marfa in hope of touring the Chinati Foundation as it would be open, but our luck ran out when we found the tour had sold out for the morning. So we had a delightful Swiss-inspired breakfast of knackwurst with eggs at squeezemarfa, and walked across the street to the Presidio County Courthouse to climb the stairs to the courthouse tower. The tower boasts astounding panoramic views. I thought I could almost see clear to Alpine!
Before this trip, it had been many years since either of us had been to Big Bend. This somewhat whirlwind visit will set the stage for more (and longer) trips to come, hopefully sooner than later.


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text:
To fake sick in order to have a "vacation" day.
My vacation days are all for Christmas through New Year, so I took a couple of fakation days in the summer.
de Jack Hoffa, CIA void work 17 Iunie 2009
A vacation that is lacking, either because it is too short or the location is too ordinary.
In comparison to my two-month backpacking adventure in Central America, the 3 night stay in Vegas was a fakation.
de Carly O'Rourke 10 Martie 2008


text:
- Grand Spaces
For a family of self-proclaimed "TV freaks," every day at home on the north shore of Long Island is paradise. A drool-inducing 24 LCD and plasma screens hang from walls throughout the roughly 17,500-square-foot residence. Mom, Dad and two teenage children can turn on a flat-panel TV and access whole-home audio and video in virtually every room.
This paradise will be even sweeter when the dedicated home theater is completed. Until then, the family will have to settle for its high-definition TV lineup that ranges from the 20-inch Sharp LCD in the laundry room to the 46-inch SunBrite weatherproof LCDs in the loggia and master bedroom balcony to the 63-inch Fujitsu plasmas in the family room and the billiards room (and actually, there are more 20-inch Sharps in there, but we'll get back to that). "From our initial meetings with the homeowners, the discussion was always, 'We love TVs, we want a lot of TVs in the house,'" says Billy Cestaro, project manager for professional electronics installer Audio Command Systems of Westbury, NY.
However, with a contemporary style to the home's interior, they also wanted clean, uncluttered electronics. The solution was straightforward: All of the source electronics and automation systems would be housed in a master control room, and the rest of the rooms would be left, mainly, with a flat-panel TV, in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, and a wall-mounted or handheld Crestron touchpanel.
Most of the TVs are silver-bezel Fujitsu plasmas that add to the contemporary flair. Notable exceptions are the outdoor spaces that house the SunBrite models, plus the son's bedroom and kids' playroom, where Sony Bravia XBR series LCDs handle fast-motion video gaming. Whole-house video is stored on a Kaleidescape server and distributed, along with other high-def content from cable or satellite DVRs, to the TVs via the Crestron control system. "Each member of the family has his own Kaleidescape player, his own cable box and his own satellite receiver and can access them from any room in the house with a touchscreen. It says 'So-and-so's' cable box' and they simply press that," Cestaro says. "The kids are absolutely crazy about all that stuff. They think it's like Disneyland."
The billiards room earns the nod as the space with the most TVs. A 63-inch Fujitsu plasma can be viewed on one side, while four 20-inch Sharp LCDs cover the bar area on the other side. It's ideal for these sports fans when they want to take advantage of the cable or satellite's NBA and NFL packages, for example. If something exciting is taking place on one of the smaller displays, it can be easily swapped onto the large screen.
Two-channel sound suffices in the majority of the 35 audio zones, served predominantly by B&W speakers. The family room, though, will remain the primary entertainment space until the home theater becomes a reality. Triad Silver speakers and a REL subwoofer take care of the 5.1 surround sound for the 63-inch plasma, which has its own special wrinkle: The TV rises from a lift mechanism in front of a giant fish tank that separates the family room from the billiards room.
As much as the family loves to watch what's on the TVs indoors, they see plenty of the outdoors, too. The home sits on a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound, and its architecture emphasizes the vistas. A Lutron Sivoia system provides motorized shading for 90 windows in the house, frequently working in tandem with a Crestron lighting system that covers about 145 zones that the family can command with the touchpanels. Cestaro credits lead installer John Gonzalez, assistant installer Andrew Sotar and engineer Engjell Berisha with helping create such a comprehensive system for the home.
"We created nice mood lighting for [Dad], with chandeliers and sconces dimly lit to 25 percent, which is a big plus for him when he comes home from work and wants to unwind," Cestaro says. "He'll turn on XM Radio, hang out in the family room and read a book. He says it's bliss." Yes, there's even room for books in this TV paradise.Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter.
Open Area
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
B&W CCM80 in-ceiling speakers (4)
Fujitsu P55XTA51US 55-inch plasma TV
Crestron TPS-4000LW 10.4-inch touchpanel
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Fujitsu P42XTA51US 42-inch plasma TV
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (4)
Dining Room
Crestron TPS-2000L 5-inch touchpanel
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (4)
Crestron TPS-4000LW 10.4-inch touchpanel
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (4)
Living Room
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Fujitsu P50XTA51US 50-inch plasma TV
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (2)
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Fujitsu P55XTA51US 55-inch plasma TV
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (4)
Crestron CEN-IDOC iPod dock
Guest Room
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Fujitsu P42XTA51US 42-inch plasma TV
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (2)
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Sony KDL-52XBR4 52-inch LCD Bravia XBR HDTV
Onkyo DPS-5.5 DVD/CD/VCD player
Onkyo DTR-5.8 A/V receiver
B&W CCM65 in-ceiling speakers (7)
B&W ASW610B 10-inch subwoofer
Audio Control BVD-10 balanced video/audio driver
Audio Control BVR-10 balanced video/audio receiver
Crestron CEN-IDOC iPod dock
Billiards Room
Crestron TPS-2000L 5-inch touchpanel
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Sharp LC-20S7U 20-inch Aquos LCDs (4)
Fujitsu P63XTA51US 63-inch plasma TV
B&W CCM80 in-ceiling speakers (4)
Crestron TPS-2000L 5-inch touchpanel
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
SunBrite SB-4600HD 46-inch all-weather LCD
Sonance SYMPH EXT XTR in-wall speakers (4)
Family Room
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Fujitsu P63XTA51US 63-inch plasma TV
Electro-Kinetics TVL-001 lift mechanism
Onkyo DTR-7.8 A/V receiver
Triad InCeiling Silver LCR speakers (3)
Triad InWall Silver rear surrounds (2)
REL R-305 subwoofer
Master Bedroom
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Fujitsu P63XTA51US 63-inch plasma TV
Onkyo DTR-5.8 A/V receiver
Onkyo DPS-5.5 DVD/CD/VCD player
B&W CWM800 in-wall speakers (4)
B&W CWM Cinema speaker
REL R-305 subwoofer
Audio Control BVD-10 balanced video/audio driver
Audio Control BVR-10 balanced video/audio receiver
Master Bathroom
Crestron TPMC8X 8-inch wireless touchpanel
Crestron WPR-48 waterproof RF remote
Fujitsu P42XTA51US 42-inch plasma
B&W CWM650 in-wall speakers (2)
Sonance SYMPH EXT XSSTR in-wall outdoor speaker
Boston Acoustics DSI455T2 speaker
Crestron HVAC system
Crestron temperature sensors
Crestron lighting
Lutron Sivoia motorized shades
Audio ReQuest F5.400 music server
Kaleidescape System 300 movie server
Cisco networking
Chief and Peerless TV mounts
Middle Atlantic equipment rack system
Systems Design & Installation
Audio Command Systems
Westbury, NY
Interior Design
Geanine Palmer
Miller Place, NY
St. James, NY
Nathan Laubach
Dix Hills, NY
The new DIY home automation solution has cloudBit, which lets you "snap the Internet to anything."
Lutron lighting control and Crestron home automation bring light, entertainment and security to luxury home.
A look at the current and upcoming Blu-ray discs t that will support the new Dolby Atmos audio format.