text:
There are so many books out there on branding that the term branding itself is a bit tired and no one wants to listen anymore.
Everyone thinks they know how brands work and pretty much everyone of them have no clue. Despite these brands which result in their most identifiable element – the logo, the concept of branding has become less of an art and more about category creation and domination or dare I say survival of the fittest.
This is where The Origin of Brands by Al & Laura Ries comes in to profess and demystify that message.
Is it Really Like Survival of the Fittest?
With a title inspired by Darwin's "The Origin of the Species", Al and Laura Ries, who are father and daughter have become know for their series of books on marketing which started with The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing. They take the approach that evolution is a useful analogy for marketers. Throughout the book, readers are encouraged to think of Darwin's tree of life.
While their travels did not take them to the Galápagos Islands it did however take them around the world studying all the top brands and why they are great. There are many trees and the branches outward that make them diverse. Quoting Publishers Weekly "For example, the television tree used to consist solely of the three networks, but now comprises an array of cable and satellite offerings. The "phone" tree includes cellular, picture, computer, digital and other varieties. Using many examples, the authors explore this notion: "Competition between individuals (brands) improves the species. Competition between species (categories) drives the categories further and further apart." To survive in today's competitive market where technology makes innovations much faster than in the past, companies must continue to introduce new computers, cars, phones, food, etc"
Despite the expansion and innovation that a company could experience in "branching out" to other offerings on their respective tree, they run the risk of not being profitable and delivering for their shareholders. You see this all the time with fast food places, soft drink companies, sport clothing companies,
The Whole Point of the Book
The key to success and the whole point of the book that the authors offer specific advice on surrounds devising a new category rather than a brand. Much like the dot com era when many tech companies were creating new brand spaces and working with Gartner or other analysts to own that space. Siebel did it with CRM, Oracle did it with databases and Microsoft with desktop software. On pages 169-170 they list all these great brands who were first in their space.
Reading this book you take away that only the most innovative marketers will be triumphant if they create a category and launch with a clever name as well, such as Starbucks did for the high-end coffee-shop category.
Who is this book for?
While the book is primarily directed at readers working in marketing, advertising and related fields, managers and executives at both large and small businesses will benefit from it as well.
Would I Buy It?
Probably not, but others should. I went through it pretty quickly and with a fairly strong marketing background I get the essence of what it was trying to say, which was pretty logical. However, if I was an entrepreneur that had no clue about marketing or branding, then I would totally own this book and keep it forever. It helps you think about your competitive space especially when you are looking to be different, be innovative and demonstrate why investors should put money in your business, then this book would be perfect for you. If you are established in business and trying to focus or "prune" as they call it in the book then I would also take a quick read.
If you want other reviews from the pros and from the passionate readers, check out their page on Amazon.
Google+Brought to you by Network Solutions®, a Web.com® service.


text:
Article, Author Interviews, Book Resources
Read It On Broadway
A new book goes behind the scenes of Disney's Broadway productions
- Grades: 3–5, 6–8
From the moment I stepped into Thomas Schumacher's toy filled office and was greeted with his big smile, I clearly understood how he produces the magic in Disney's Broadway musicals. I recently sat down with Shumacher, whose official title is President of Disney Theatrical Productions Worldwide, and Henry Hodges, who plays Michael Banks in Disney's Mary Poppins. We discussed their careers and Schumacher's new book, How Does the Show Go On? An Introduction to the Theater.
This colorful, imaginative, and intriguing book, which is co-authored by Jeff Kurtti, gives children an overview of all parts of the theater, and a realistic explanation of the hard work that goes into making Disney's theatrical productions.
Schumacher started his long, successful career in the theater as an actor, when he was a child. Since then, he has worked in almost every single job in the theater. In fact, he put himself through college by being a puppeteer.
Schumacher says that his preparation for How Does the Show Go On? came from his childhood acting experiences.
"For every page in the book I had two thoughts in mind: what I wanted to say, and I had to then put myself back to when I was a kid and think, what would I have wanted to read?" he said.
From my perspective, I believe that Schumacher achieved his goal because I wanted to read every page!
His book includes information in many creative forms. For example, Schumacher included part of the script for Tarzan, copies of costume designs, part of a Playbill from The Lion King, and a Broadway ticket envelope. He explained that these items were not only added to make the book more enjoyable, they were included to make children feel more comfortable the first time they go to the theater.
"The hardest thing for someone to do is something for the first time, something you don't know about," he said. So, for example, he included a ticket envelope, a photograph of a ticket, and a diagram of the New Amsterdam Theater, so that if kids stepped into a Broadway show, they would know what to expect.
Like the Mary Poppins song, this book is "practically perfect in every way." However, Schumacher plans to make a second edition to add sections about The Little Mermaid and High School Musical, which is currently the most produced play in America. He also has thoughts about publishing How Does the Show Go On? in other languages, but he feels that he would have to change the book a lot because it is "so American."
I thought one of the most interesting sections of the book was "A Day in the Life of a Child Performer," written by Henry Hodges. Henry, who had created this section for another project, is proud to be included in Schumacher's wonderful book. He described being on stage as "exhilarating and amazing!" Henry also clearly stated that he feels it is a "huge honor" to be in a Broadway production, especially Disney's Mary Poppins. But he says the best part of being a member of a Broadway cast is that you all become like a big family.
In the book, Henry explains that his life is very different from the life of an average child in America. Instead of attending school, like most kids, he attends classes at the theater or at home. His friends consist mostly of actors in Mary Poppins and the other shows he has performed in, and many of these friends are adults, not children.
Henry and the other kids in Mary Poppins share their roles and perform on a rotating basis. They are each other's understudies and spend a lot of time at the theater. On his days off, Henry, whose favorite way to travel around Manhattan is on a wave board, tries to see other plays and relax with his family. He and his parents now all live in New York. His life is very different now from his life growing up in Bethesda, Maryland.
"It has been an amazing adventure for me!" Henry said.
Thomas Schumacher's best advice for children who want to pursue a career in the theater is to keep trying the different jobs that How Does the Show Go On? highlights. He suggests that kids should explore the many aspects of the theater until they find the job that suits them. However, to be successful in a theater career, he stresses, kids must work hard and be dedicated.
I encourage anyone who enjoys the theater to read How Does the Show Go On? for a wonderful, "behind-the-scenes" look at the magic of Broadway productions!
Do you need help picking out what book to read next? Let Scholastic News Online be your guide! Find out what Kid Reporters are saying about all the latest books by reading their book reviews in this special report.
- Part of Collection:
- Subjects:Literature, Literature Appreciation, Drama, Theater, Musicals

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Kenmore 12,000 BTU Multi-Room Air Conditioner ENERGY STAR®
Item# 04270121000 | Model# 70121Specifications & Dimensions
Dimensions and Capacity: | |
Cabinet Depth (in.): | 21.6 |
Cabinet Height (in.): | 14.4 |
Cabinet Width (in.): | 19 |
Maximum Window Dimensions: | 36" W x 15.5" H |
Minimum Window Dimensions: | 23" W x 15.5" H |
Weight (lbs.): | 82 |
General Features: | |
24 Hour Timer: | Yes |
Air Direction: | 8-Way: Multiple Adj. Horizontal and Vertical Louvers |
Capability: | Cooling |
Color Family: | White |
Compressor Type: | Rotary |
Power Cord Included: | Yes |
Control Type: | Electronic |
Fan Type: | Blower wheel |
Filter Material: | Polypropylene mesh |
Filter Type: | Replaceable Filter |
General Warranty: | 1 year limited |
Installation Type: | Window |
No. of Cooling Speeds: | 3 |
No. of Fan Only Speeds: | 3 |
Remote Control: | Yes |
Sleep Mode/Timer: | No |
Certifications: | |
ENERGY STAR Compliant: | Yes |
Power and Performance: | |
Cooling Amperage: | 10.2 |
Cooling BTU: | 12000 |
Cooling Wattage: | 930 |
Cord Length (ft.): | 6 |
Energy Efficiency Rating: | 10.8 |
Kilowatt Hrs. per Year: | 833 |
Maximum Air Flow (CFM): | 300 |
Rated Amps (Receptacle): | 15 |
Room Coverage in Sq. Ft.: | 640 |
Voltage: | 110/120V |
Ratings & Reviews
Product Description
Kenmore 12,000 BTU Room Air Conditioner - Quick and Efficient Cooling
The Kenmore Multi-Room Air Conditioner 7012 has 12,000 BTUs of power to cool up to 640 square feet. The unit has electronic controls and a full-function remote, features 8-way air direction and has a tilt-out filter. It has fresh air and exhaust venting, and fits a window from 23 inches to 36 inches wide and at least 15.5 inches high.
- Cools up to 640 square feet
- 24-hour ON/OFF timer
- Sleep mode
- 10.8 energy-efficiency rating
- ENERGY STAR® rated
- Earth-friendly 410A refrigerant
- One-touch controls
- Filter-cleaning reminder
- 8-way air-direction control
- 3 cool speeds
- 3 fan speeds
Added on May 19, 2010
Overall, others give this:
Reviewers may have received a benefit, like a sweepstakes entry or rewards program points, in exchange for writing a review.
Those benefits were not conditioned on the positive or negative content of the review.
Most Helpful Reviews
We didn't know which air conditioner to get when our central air went out and the air conditioner repair man couldn't come out for two days. So, I researched **************** and found out that Kenmore is the most recommended brand. Then, I tried to find the highest btu's that would still take a 110 plug so that I would not need an electrician to come out and do any wiring. This model was the one we found. It cooled our 2000 sq foot home quickly. I am sure it is not designed to cool a house this large. However, we are using it that way until our central unit gets fixed. Also, it is right next to our TV in our living room and there is very little noise. Finally, there was no hassle in installing it. It has a 10.4 seer which makes it very energy efficient. The higher the seer number the more energy efficent it is. It is an energy star model. It says that it will cost $89 per year to run. That is probably not correct the way that we are currently using it to try to cool our whole house instead of just one room. However, when compared to other models, it was one of the most energy efficient models out there. 12,000 BTU is as high as you are going to get with a 110 plug and not having to call an electrician, so if you are looking to cool your house with an energy efficient quiet air conditioner, buy this model!!! 115 and 220 plugs will require an electrician if you don't know much about this kind of stuff. I wish someone else could have provided this much information in a review so I am hoping my review helps you if you are in a bind like we were.
Tobaccoville, NC
via sears.com
nice controls
Waipahu, HI
via sears.com
The air conditioner was easy to install,cooled my 900 sq. ft. living room quickly and was easy to operate. For the price , you can't go wrong.!
Mulberry, IN
via sears.com
Valley Village, CA
via sears.com
Saved the day when the temp got over 110 degrees. Has multiple settings, so you can put it on energy saver when it is not as hot out. I would give it 5 stars if it weren't so noisy. Still has the noise factor that we had when we were kids. I would still say that if your choice is a window air conditioner, this is a great choice.
Cumberland, MD
via sears.com
We were looking to replace a 24-year old 12K GE slide in window unit that required metal sleeve and bracing. This Kenmore was an excellent choice for replacement. Quiet, efficient, smaller yet more powerful. We will be able to store this one in winter, making our living area more 'winter snug.' Energy Star raring is a plus. The remote control is perfect and the auto settings make it easy on the electric bill.
Berwyn, IL
via sears.com
This Kenmore unit is just what I needed. I use it in the toughest room in my home to cool, the kitchen. The energy efficient mode makes it to where it kicks on just when it is needed and it has effectively removed the high humidity from my entire house. I have always found Kenmore to be reliable.
Jenkintown, PA
via sears.com
Quieter than I expected. Cools down a large area. The timer works great as you can set it up to turn on and cool the room before you arrive at home from work~
Columbus, OH
via sears.com
This unit runs fairly quietly for its size. I did not expect it to be as quiet as a 5,000btu unit and it is not. But it quickly cools my kitchen as well as a bathroom, office, and 15x18 dining room with a vaulted ceiling. It keeps the temperature fairly consistent, as well. It does not seem to affect the power bill very severely. Runs on a normal 15 amp circuit.
via sears.com
This is a great A/C and I am extrememly happy with it. I put it in my dining room window and it does that room, the kitchen and our parlor. I don't need to run my parlor a/c at all if I don't want to. Its powerful and does an excellent job.
via sears.com
Nice unit, easy to install. Info on front is kinda small and dark but includes a small remote. Puts out a lot of water so put it where the dripping will not be an issue.
- Get Diamond accent Heart Earrings for $29.99 with a purchase of $19.99 or more! Limit 1 per order Offer ends 31-Mar-2015 See details.
- Get Quarter ct tw Diamond Earrings for $24.99 with any storewide purchase of $19.99 or more! Offer ends 31-Mar-2015 See details.


text:
Direct Loan - Unsubsidized
- Not a need-based loan.
- Loans disbursed between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015 have a fixed interest rate of 4.66% for undergraduate borrowers and 6.21% for graduate borrowers.
- Loans disbursed between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014 have a fixed interest rate of 3.86% for undergraduate borrowers and 5.41% for graduate borrowers.
- Loans disbursed between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2013 have a fixed interest rate of 6.8%.
- Loans disbursed prior to July 1, 2006, will continue to have a variable interest rate capped at 8.25%.
- The loan plus need-based aid may not exceed the total cost of attendance.
- Interest is charged from the date of the first disbursement. Interest may be paid while in school or paid later.
- First-time borrowers who have been offered a Direct Stafford Loan should complete a master promissory note (MPN) online via the Promissory Note page.
- In addition to completing a MPN, first-time Stafford loan borrowers must also complete entrance loan counseling before any loan proceeds can be disbursed. The counseling includes an online tutorial and a quiz. Borrowers should complete entrance loan counseling via the Direct Loan Counseling page.
- The maximum awards differ by grade level, dependency status, and length of academic program.
- Repayment begins 6 months after the borrower graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time status.
- Repayment may be deferred or modified under certain conditions. There are several repayment plans available.


text:
EUGENE, Ore. — New regulations for Autzen Stadium seating this football season may add a little more comfort for fans.
The new regulations aren't changing by much, but seats are getting a little wider and deeper.
In terms of the width, seats must no more than 17 and half inches under the new regulations. As for the height, seats can be no taller than 19 inches. The seat cushion may not exceed four inches in height or depth, and the entire chair must not exceed 13 and half inches in depth. The athletic department says these changes won't shrink the stadium's capacity.
"It could go, and if we didn't make a rule like this, if everybody brought in a 25-inch wide seat, we'd have an issue. We'd have to reduce capacity," said Craig Pintens, Senior Associate Athletic Director.
Pintens says the new regulations are in response to fan complaints. Students told KEZI 9 News this doesn't affect them that much because they stand during most of the games.


text:
Washington Week | Webcast Extra -- December 17, 2010 | PBS
Duration: 08:05
Washington Week #5025
Broadcast Date: Dec. 17, 2010
Tonight we look at the future of DADT, the Dream Act and the Justice Department eyes WikiLeaks. Also, we examine the status of the troop surge in Afghanistan and remember the unique life of Richard Holdbrooke. Joining Gwen this week are Janet Hook, Pete Williams, Martha Raddatz and Doyle McManus.
Washington Week | December... (#5025)
Full Program: The tax bill, healthcare overhaul challenged, Holbrooke remembered, an Af-Pak assessment 23:37
Washington Week | December... (#5026)
Full Program: A busy lame duck congress passes DADT repeal, START and 9/11 first responder healthcare. 23:37
Progress on Immigration Reform,...
In the Webcast Extra: our panelists discuss progress in Congress to reform the immigration system. Also, why did the... 09:30
Washington Week Webcast Extra |...
On the Webcast Extra: The panelists examine the choice of Marco Rubio as the GOP response to the State of the Union.... 08:22
Washington Week Webcast Extra...
On the Webcast Extra: The panelists examine the buzz around Jack Lew's signature, the corporate money pouring into the... 07:19
Washington Week | The... (#5220)
Martha Raddatz, ABC News' Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent, discusses the military stories that have been... 04:47
Washington Week | Remembering... (#5151)
The attacks of September 11 killed nearly 3000 innocent people and resulted in the US "war on terror."... 05:42
Washington Week Webcast Extra... (#5151)
On the Webcast Extra: A fact check on President Obama's claim that illegal border crossings were down and... 06:32
Washington Week | From the Vault:... (#5149)
The journalistic espionage case against Wikileaks' Julian Assange. 05:33
Washington Week | Webcast Extra... (#5146)
Full Program: Unemployment numbers and presidential politics; education and the economy; Afghanistan. 07:48
Washington Week | May 4, 2012 | PBS (#5146)
Full Program: Chen Guangcheng; President Obama in Afghanistan; jobless numbers; election 2012. 07:48
Webcast Extra: Obama's...
On the Webcast Extra: Christi Parsons fills us in on why the Obama administration does not run as well as the Obama... 09:34
Webcast Extra: 2014 Midterms and...
On the Webcast Extra, Doyle McManus discusses the role the tea party will play in the 2014 midterm election. Karen... 10:34
HealthCare.gov Troubles, GOP...
Full Program: We analyze the continuing problems with the HealthCare.gov website; Republicans are in a "recovery" mode to reunite... 24:51
Webcast Extra: Inside the...
On the Webcast Extra: New York Times Chief White House Correspondent Peter Baker joins Gwen at the roundtable to... 07:50
Post-Shutdown Washington:...
Full Program: President Barack Obama signed a law to end the government shutdown and extend the U.S. debt limit into 2014. We... 24:50
Webcast Extra: Remembering Tom...
Webcast Extra: A missed...
On the Webcast Extra: After a week of technical glitches on the healthcare.gov website, our panel discusses whether... 08:48
Gwen's Take: My First...
- Watch more video from this program
Post Date: December 17, 2010


text:
Flores Exotic Tours (FET) was established in 2004 by a group of eight young Florinese in Ruteng and has gained years of experience in managing holidays in Flores and Bali since then.Combined with active participation in local and international tourism training, this experience has brought Flores Exotic Tours to where it is now.
Sharing experiences
FET focuses on sharing valuable experiences with travellers wishing to know more about Flores and its magnificent Komodo dragon and other island in the East Nusa Tenggara Province ie; Sumba, Timor, Alor and Rote island.
These experiences include opportunities to enjoy Flores' pure nature, its stunning beauty, as well as have a close encounter with the friendliness of the local community.
Trips with special interests
While enjoying the discovery of the world's most diverse and exotic wildlife, Flores Exotic Tours also offers trips for travellers with special interests including ecotourism, community based ecotourism, trekking, and bird watching – such as those offered in Tado, Werang, Mbeliling, and, Wae Rebo villages, in West Flores. While appreciating the wonderful arts and culture of Flores, travellers also have a chance to support the sustainability of local tourism development, economy, and human resources that in turn shall contribute to the area's improved standard of living.
Come and trust us to show you the exotic Flores and Komodo island.
Keeping together is a good progress
Working together is a good success
Head Office :
Jalan Kakatua 8 Ngencung Ruteng 86511 Flores - NTT Indonesia
Tel. + 62852705022 Mobile. +628123662110
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Branch Office :
Jalan Wae Bo,Lancang,Kel.Wae Kelambu Labuanbajo - Flores - Indonesia
Contact Person: Bona Vantura
Mobile .+6285253811110


text:
Mailbox was already pretty great to begin with, but it's about to get even better. The (arguably) be-all and end-all Gmail app for iOS has just hit the ripe age of 1.5, and has received a fair number of improvements.
Chief among them is the ability for you to use Cloud Search to search through all your messages. Account-specific signatures have also been included, as well as the option to open links directly in Chrome. And, of course, the standard bug fixes and such that come with all updates.
If you haven't been using Mailbox, now is certainly not a bad time to start!


text:
- Date:11 May 2013
- Kick-off:17:15
- Venue:Wembley Stadium
- Attendance:86,254
- Watson (90)
Live Commentary
- 92:22 +2.22
Booking for Joel Robles for time wasting.
- 90:05 +0.05
Outswinging corner taken by Shaun Maloney, Ben Watson grabs a headed goal from close range. Man City 0-1 Wigan.Shaun Maloney provided the assist for the goal. Edin Dzeko comes on in place of Gareth Barry.
- 88:20
Jack Rodwell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ben Watson. Paul Scharner takes the direct free kick.
- 87:50
Shaun Maloney takes a shot. Blocked by Vincent Kompany.
- 86:40
Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shaun Maloney by Gareth Barry. The referee shows Gareth Barry a yellow card for unsporting behaviour. Strike comes in from Ben Watson from the free kick.
- 85:31
Sergio Aguero is ruled offside. Antolin Alcaraz takes the indirect free kick.
- 83:21
Pablo Zabaleta challenges Callum McManaman unfairly and gives away a free kick. Pablo Zabaleta shown a red card. Strike on goal comes in from Shaun Maloney from the free kick.
- 81:48
Shaun Maloney is adjudged to have handled the ball. Joe Hart restarts play with the free kick.
- 80:30
Ben Watson on for Jordi Gomez.
- 79:05
Inswinging corner taken right-footed by James Milner from the left by-line, Joel Robles makes a save.
- 78:51
Shot by Yaya Toure from 25 yards. Blocked by James McCarthy.
- 77:21
Drilled right-footed shot by Jack Rodwell. Blocked by Antolin Alcaraz.
- 76:47
Gael Clichy produces a cross, clearance made by Paul Scharner.
- 75:42
Foul by Jack Rodwell on Shaun Maloney, free kick awarded. Shaun Maloney takes the direct free kick.
- 74:14
Unfair challenge on Callum McManaman by Matija Nastasic results in a free kick. Matija Nastasic is shown a yellow card. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Shaun Maloney.
- 73:20
The ball is sent over by Callum McManaman, clearance made by James Milner.
- 71:13
Roger Espinoza gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Milner. The ball is crossed by James Milner, Jack Rodwell takes a shot. Save made by Joel Robles.
- 71:06
Centre by Gael Clichy, Paul Scharner manages to make a clearance.
- 69:08
Sergio Aguero concedes a free kick for a foul on James McArthur. Emmerson Boyce takes the free kick.
- 68:20
Jack Rodwell replaces Carlos Tevez.
- 68:04
The ball is crossed by David Silva, save made by Joel Robles.
- 65:13
Roger Espinoza takes a shot. Matija Nastasic gets a block in. Callum McManaman takes a shot. Blocked by Vincent Kompany.
- 63:20
Shot from just outside the box by Jordi Gomez goes over the target.
- 61:47
Jordi Gomez concedes a free kick for a foul on Carlos Tevez. The free kick is delivered left-footed by David Silva from right wing.
- 60:45
Callum McManaman concedes a free kick for a foul on Gael Clichy. Direct free kick taken by Gareth Barry.
- 59:51
Pablo Zabaleta gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Callum McManaman. The referee books Pablo Zabaleta for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken by Emmerson Boyce.
- 59:43
The ball is swung over by David Silva, clearance by Antolin Alcaraz.
- 59:24
Short corner worked by David Silva.
- 55:44
Jordi Gomez decides to take the corner short.
- 55:36
Callum McManaman produces a cross, blocked by Vincent Kompany.
- 53:47
James Milner replaces Samir Nasri.
- 52:53
Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gareth Barry by Shaun Maloney. Free kick taken by Gareth Barry.
- 49:56
Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by David Silva, Close range header by Vincent Kompany goes over the bar.
- 49:36
Inswinging corner taken by David Silva from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by James McCarthy.
- 49:24
Sergio Aguero takes a shot. Blocked by Emmerson Boyce.
- 48:05
A cross is delivered by Samir Nasri.
- 47:13
Vincent Kompany gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Arouna Kone. Direct free kick taken by Paul Scharner.
- 46:18
James McCarthy has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box which goes wide left of the goal.
- 44:02
Samir Nasri has an effort at goal. Joel Robles makes a save.
- 42:56
Gael Clichy is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Joel Robles.
- 42:11
The assistant referee signals for offside against Arouna Kone. Vincent Kompany takes the free kick.
- 40:29
Gareth Barry takes a shot. Save by Joel Robles.
- 39:37
Arouna Kone takes a shot. Vincent Kompany gets a block in.
- 37:46
Sergio Aguero sends in a cross.
- 35:18
Callum McManaman takes a shot. Pablo Zabaleta gets a block in.
- 34:59
Yaya Toure takes a shot. Antolin Alcaraz gets a block in.
- 32:05
Jordi Gomez takes a shot. Vincent Kompany gets a block in.
- 29:39
Effort on goal by Carlos Tevez from just inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.
- 28:40
Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Joel Robles makes a fantastic save. Short corner taken by Samir Nasri from the left by-line.
- 27:02
The offside flag is raised against Callum McManaman. Matija Nastasic takes the indirect free kick.
- 24:47
Roger Espinoza fouled by David Silva, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Paul Scharner.
- 23:07
Matija Nastasic has an effort at goal from long distance that misses to the right of the goal.
- 21:42
The ball is delivered by Roger Espinoza, Vincent Kompany manages to make a clearance. Shaun Maloney has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses left.
- 18:59
David Silva takes a shot. Comfortable save by Joel Robles.
- 15:32
Shot by Shaun Maloney. Blocked by Vincent Kompany.
- 14:14
Corner taken right-footed by Shaun Maloney from the right by-line, Paul Scharner has a header from deep inside the six-yard box and clears the crossbar.
- 11:42
Free kick awarded for a foul by Pablo Zabaleta on Roger Espinoza. Jordi Gomez delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing.
- 10:06
Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James McCarthy by Samir Nasri. Direct free kick taken by James McCarthy.
- 9:20
The referee blows for offside. Joel Robles takes the free kick.
- 8:33
Callum McManaman has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.
- 3:59
The offside flag is raised against Sergio Aguero. Antolin Alcaraz takes the indirect free kick.
- 2:20
Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Sergio Aguero by Emmerson Boyce. Shot on goal comes in from Carlos Tevez from the free kick. Yaya Toure takes a shot. Joel Robles makes a save.
- 1:23
David Silva takes a shot. Blocked by James McArthur.
Match Preview
Toure and Silva fit for cup final Manchester City have close to a full squad available for the FA Cup final against Wigan at Wembley, with winger Scott Sinclair the only notable absentee after surgery to remove a blood clot from his shoulder. Midfielder Yaya Toure is fit after recent concerns about fatigue and playmaker David Silva is in contention to start for first time since suffering a hamstring injury at Manchester United a month ago. Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, who has played in all the previous rounds, is expected to be selected ahead of England number one Joe Hart. Given the disappointments of the title race, which ceased to be a meaningful contest in February, the excitement of the build-up to the FA Cup final has not matched that of two years ago. In 2011 there was a sense of a new adventure beginning as City chased a first trophy in 35 years, something they achieved with victory over Stoke. But Roberto Mancini is no less determined and is taking nothing for granted against a Wigan side who remain in serious relegation trouble at the bottom of the Premier League. Indeed, Mancini has been impressed by Roberto Martinez's side despite their continuing struggles and is taking no notice of City's status as odds-on favourites. The Italian, speaking at his pre-match press conference, said: "I don't think in the final there is one team favourite. "Against Stoke we were favourites but we had problems because Stoke played very well. "I think this year will be the same. Wigan are a good team. "The final is the final, it is not important what can happen in the Premier League tomorrow. "But after that I think they have a chance (to stay up) because they have another two games to stay in the Premier League. They have a good chance. "Martinez, in this moment, is a very strong manager and he knows the situation." Martinez must decide whether to stick with his wobbly defence for Wigan's first FA Cup final appearance. Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) is rated no more than a 50-50 chance, while captain Gary Caldwell is most at risk following his mistake against Swansea on Tuesday and Roger Espinoza looked ill at ease in the left wing-back role. Ali Al Habsi is expected to return at the expense of on-loan Joel Robles in goal, as he did for the semi-final win over Millwall. Martinez has told his players they should dare to dream about the possibility of victory. Talk of the Latics' first appearance in one of the showpiece days in the English football calendar has inevitably included discussion about a relegation fight they now look certain to lose. Yet it is an undeniable truth that a win will have an effect on Wigan that will last far longer than what league they end up playing in next season. For Jim Montgomery, Bobby Stokes and Lawrie Sanchez are part of the very fabric of football in this country, and will continue to be so no matter what strife Sunderland, Southampton and, most tellingly of all, Wimbledon find themselves in at any given moment. It is these names the Latics will join if they can find a way to overcome City at Wembley. And the impact of such a success is not lost on Martinez. "You have to dream and the bigger the dream the bigger the achievement," he said. "Winning the FA Cup would be there forever. "Just arriving in the final is a photographic moment in the history of our football club. Winning a major trophy would take our club to a different level. "We are all well aware what this could mean. There are a billion people watching this game. "It is one of those key moments that help develop awareness. "When we signed Roger Espinoza he was already a Wigan fan, which makes you aware of our exposure around the world is bigger than many people think. "But he final is as good as it gets and we need to take advantage."
Man City
- Joe Hart
- Pablo Zabaleta
- Vincent Kompany
- Matija Nastasic
- Gael Clichy
- David Silva
- Yaya Toure
- Gareth Barry
- Samir Nasri
- Sergio Aguero
- Carlos Tevez
- Costel Pantilimon
- Francisco Javi Garcia
- Jack Rodwell
- James Milner
- Edin Dzeko
- Aleksandar Kolarov
- Joleon Lescott
- Joel Robles
- Emmerson Boyce
- Paul Scharner
- Antolin Alcaraz
- Roger Espinoza
- James McCarthy
- James McArthur
- Jordi Gomez
- Callum McManaman
- Arouna Kone
- Shaun Maloney
- Ali Al Habsi
- Gary Caldwell
- Ben Watson
- Franco Di Santo
- Angelo Henriquez
- Fraser Fyvie
- Roman Golobart
Match Report


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This happened here in Eugene Oregon. Thoughts?
Man pretending to be a cop robs teenagers | KVAL CBS 13 - News, Weather and Sports - Eugene, OR - Eugene, Oregon | Local & Regional News
Story Published: Oct 20, 2009 at 3:39 PM PDT
By KVAL.com staff EUGENE, Ore. -- A man with a police badge ordered four teens out of their car in the parking lot of a downtown business Saturday in order to search their vehicle. He then ordered the teens to empty their pockets to prove they didn't have any drugs on them before lining the teens up facing a wall.
As the man gathered up their belongings, the teens became suspicious.
What if this guy isn't a cop?
The teens chased the man -- until he turned a pointed a handgun at them, ordering them back into their vehicle. He them jumped in a waiting vehicle and drove away.
The Eugene Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the Saturday, Oct. 17, robbery and looking for the public's help identifying the suspect.
The robbery happened at 6:17 p.m. in the parking lot of the Hunky Dory Pipe & Tobacco located at 271 West 7th Avenue.
The suspect left the scene in a vehicle that had a female in the front passenger seat.
Police provided the following suspect descriptions:
White Male
Late 20s to early 30s
6' tall
160 pounds
Blonde hair
Short blondish beard and/or patch below lower lip Sleeve-style tattoo on left arm. Missing a front tooth. Possible stutter.
CLOTHING: Black or dark baseball hat with the Boston Redsox letter "B" on the front. Flannel shirt over a grey t-shirt


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Admiral says North Korea is direct threat to US
WASHINGTON - The top U.S. military commander in the Pacific says North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles represents a clear and direct threat to the United States and its allies in the region.
Adm. Samuel Locklear, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, tells a Senate committee Tuesday that Kim Jong Un, the country's young and still relatively untested new leader, has used the past year to consolidate his power.
Locklear says North Korea is keeping a large percentage of its combat forces along the demilitarized zone with South Korea, a position that allows North Korea to threaten U.S. and South Korean civilian and military personnel. Locker also tells the committee that this situation creates an environment marked by the potential for miscalculation.


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Working Capital Discussion
VCCan we get a discussion going on the importance of working capital? I understand what working capital is, but there just seems to be lots of importance placed on the number in transactions and I don't fully understand why. For example, working capital requirements are often specified in IOIs and LOIs (and I presume purchase agreements), but how and why does this so drastically effect negotiations? I've also heard of a working capital line of credit, but don't really get the use of that...
Anyway... a general discussion/general information of WC and its importance would be much appreciated.
Working capital is HELLLLLA
OWorking capital is HELLLLLA important. Ordinarily healthy companies, at time go bankrupt because they can't fund their working capital requirements. For one, its one of the primary factors impacting liquidity.
In a nutshell, its important because its a primary source/use of cash in an ongoing enterprise. From a transaction perspective its important because its cash... when buy/selling a company you're assuming the company is being run somewhat efficiently, well you're not just assuming you're kicking the tires on the company as well.
In a transaction perspective, there are typically 'post closing adjustments' which true-up the company's working capital to an agreed upon level. So if the merger was agreed upon at a say, for simplicity purposes, to have 5% of sales as working capital, and when the transaction closes and ownership is transferred its at 4% of sales, a post closing adjustment will be made to deduct 1% of sales from the consideration paid to the sellers.
As for working capital lines... its a VERY important source of capital for select industries. Take an oil refinery. Refineries typically have a few days of inventory. Lets assume theres no pricing lag and AR and AP always offset each other. So oil prices spike from $50 to $150, they now have to increase their inventory by 200%. If they previously had $1bln inventory they now need 3bln inventory. Not cool. So whats an oil refiner to do.... well they are to secure working capital lines of credit which is simply an asset backed loan with the underlying asset being either receivables or inventory. So when oil price spikes, the new need for capital will be provided from the working capital line. Its much like a revolver, except secured by a specific asset and intended to fund working capital needs.
#1- it should be pretty
O#1- it should be pretty standard, dependent on practices for that industry. And yes thats what I mean (re: WC true-up). This is because the target is being purchased at a given price assuming its a turn key operation, and no further investment needs to be made. If I get the keys to the company, and all the computers are gone from the offices, I'm going to tell the sellers "fuck you, i agreed to buy this company with the computers I need to run the business"... (computers are not considered working capital, they are PP&E, but this is just an example for the layperson). So we agree that Ill buy the company with a computer for every administrative employee, when I get the keys if they sold 10 computers without replacing them or firing 10 admins employees, Im going to deduct the cost of 10 computers from the amount I'm paying them, reason being... I agreed to buy this company turnkey, so you're going to pay for the 10 computers I need to buy.
#2- Well its not cash per se. But yeah, you get the gist of it.
#3- level of working capital is specific to the industry and the company, depending on the industry characteristics and the company's business model.
#4- If you're buying a company and need to know how to capitalize the company to weather any routine ups-and-downs, like increased working capital needs, you'll want to understand what impact working capital requirements have historically had on the company's liquidity. You'll need to determine a level of working capital you need and you'll need to determine how much flexibility you need to bake into your capital structure to handle the types of cash needs your company will have going forward. I've seen quarterly historicals going back 10 years to determine optimal capital structure, cash flow volatility, and to plan for cash needs.
Working capital is account
CFWorking capital is account receivables plus inventory minus account payables instead of the difference between current assets and current liabilities. It is not cash, but can be 'converted' into cash within one year. It is very important to optimize working capital as it represents a companys' day to day cash flows. This means for example stricter deadlines for receivables and postpone payables.
jimbrowngoU wrote: Thanks,
OThanks, Marcus. So fair to say it's a form of measure of operational efficiency? I would assume a more efficient company could operate on a lower level of working capital, whereas a less efficient company would need more WC to support its day-to-day operations?
Well its not necessarily a component of how efficient a company is. Take Apple (cell phones only) for example, they have retail stores so they may have higher levels of inventory as compared to say.... other electronics manufacturers like Nokia or RIMM. Its very dependent on the industry for a general framework, and then dictated by the company's business model.
As a closing condition in the
CFAs a closing condition in the acquisition agreement, the seller is typically expected to maintain a normalized level of working capital that should have already been agreed to by the buy and sell side during negotiations.
To the extent that the seller leaves too little working capital (sometimes we use tangible net worth based on GAAP balance sheet items, depends on industry), the buyer would have the right to reduce the purchase price by the working capital deficiency, and to the extent that the seller leaves excess working capital, the buyer would have to increase the purchase price equal to the excess working capital less the normalized working capital. The normalized working capital level is based on historical financials, i.e., median WC/Revenue ratio over last X years. Pull a DEFM or PREFM and search for "purchase price adjustments" typically in the closing conditions.
You had another post on purchase price allocations, and I didn't quite understand your question, but in a PPA you are just allocating the purchase price to the target's identifiable assets, so the existing basis for each balance sheet item (including existing goodwill on target B/S if any) is basically written up or down to the calculated fair values determined in the 141R purchase price allocation.
Marcus_Halberstram wrote: As
IBAs for working capital lines... its a VERY important source of capital for select industries. Take an oil refinery. Refineries typically have a few days of inventory. Lets assume theres no pricing lag and AR and AP always offset each other. So oil prices spike from $50 to $150, they now have to increase their inventory by 200%. If they previously had $1bln inventory they now need 3bln inventory. Not cool. So whats an oil refiner to do.... well they are to secure working capital lines of credit which is simply an asset backed loan with the underlying asset being either receivables or inventory. So when oil price spikes, the new need for capital will be provided from the working capital line. Its much like a revolver, except secured by a specific asset and intended to fund working capital needs.
Question: Is the asset backed loan that Marcus is describing can also be known as ''Credit Sleeve''? My 2 cent is that they will provide ST Credit facility to the company and can be backed by any asset commodity or future contracts.
Target B/S before PPA: Cash:
CFTarget B/S before PPA:
Cash: $20
Intangibles: $10
Existing Goodwill: $10
Target is acquired for $100 all cash, fully financed bid, and deal has closed.
Target fair values from PPA:
Cash: $20
Intangibles: $20
Goodwill=PurchasePrice - (FV of all identifiable assets)
=$100 - ($20+$40+$20) = $20
So your write up or write down is just the new FV minus the old basis, e.g., write up for PP&E is $40 - $10 = $30, etc. The other side of the balance sheet would also show the $100 either as debt or stock holder's equity depending on how the deal is financed, e.g., cash financed with debt, cash financed with cash on balance sheet or buyer's stock. The stepped up assets would all come over to the buyer's balance sheet and as far as the target's fair valued balance sheet ties, everything should tie out.
Also check up wiki, for a more detailed example.


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John Gurney (b. February 21, 1602/03, d. March 16, 1662/63)
John Gurney
was born February 21, 1602/03 in Stewkley, Buckinghamshire, England, and died March 16, 1662/63 in Braintree, Norfolk, Massachusetts. He married
on Abt. 1627 in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England.
Notes for
John Gurney
Early records concerning the first Gurney immigrant to America are exceedingly obscure and offer conflicting information. Sheer lack of records, various spellings (Girney, Goray, Cheny, Gurnie, etc) and the presence of two John Gurneys add to the confusion in determining the immigrant ancestor.
There were two John Gurneys, perhaps related, in early American records.
John Gurney -A, the apprentice of John Newgate, was from Bury St. Edmunds, England, and arrived on the ship "Handmaid". In 1636 he was brought before the constable of the court of Charlestown, Massachusetts, because he had "gotten away his indentures and was ordered to serve till he were 24 yrs. of age, viz. for 3 yrs., from the 29th of Sept. next." (Banks-151, Winthrop-II:345) Thus he was born about 29 Sep 1615 and could not likely have been the father of Richard, who was born about 1630. Nothing more is known of this John Gurney.
Of the other John Gurney -B, there is no positive proof that he was the father of Richard, yet his presence in Weymouth and Braintree, Massachusetts, and his more likely age, indicate the possibility that he was the immigrant ancestor. A record of his arrival in America has not been found. John Gurney was born probably in England, about 1603, for according to his disposition made in 1653, he was "aged 50 years, or there abouts". (New England Historical and Genealogical Register 62:94) He was a tailor. He married in England, and his wife, whose name is unknown (but is perhaps Mary), died at Braintree on 20 September 1661. He married secondly at Braintree on 12 Nov 1661 to the widow Grizzell Kibbee, successively the widow of Thomas Jewell, Henry Griggs, and Henry Kibbee. After John Gurney's death she married on 3 Jul 1667 to John Burge (Burgess) of Weymouth and later of Chelmsford and Dorchester, Massachusetts. (Chelmsford Vital Records)
John Gurney may have lived first at Weymouth, for he owned land there before 1642-44. Lands were granted to him "in the East Field", "in the Mill Field", and on the "east side of Great pond". A list of land or land owners compiled between 26 Oct 1642 and 21 May 1644 notes land of Robert Randoll first granted to John Gurney, land of Nathaniel Addames first given to John Gurney, and land of Thomas Richards first given to John Gurney. (History of Weymouth) He moved from Weymouth to Braintree before 1645 and probably lived there
until his death. On 25 Mar 1653 the inventory of the estate of CPT William Tyng notes that there were 48 acres of land at Braintree and marsh in the possession of John Gurney. (New England Historical and
Genealogical Record 30:432). On 2 Jun 1659 he witnessed the will of Gregory Baxter of Braintree, the inventory taken 5 Jul 1659 by Gurney and Moses Paine. (NEHGR 9:136). He sold land in Braintree on 12
Feb 1661, the deed witnessed by his son, John Gurney Jr. John Gurney died about 1662/63 in Braintree and the inventory of his estate was taken 16 Mar 1663 by Gregory Belcher, Edmund Quincy and Thomas Faxon -- amount 55.14.6 Pounds Sterling. (NEHGR 12:53)
John Gurney was indentured by the Court to John Newgate, tailor, as apprentice for three years in exchange for his passage to the New World. He settled at Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1635. He was illiterate and signed with a mark. At his death, his estate was valued at a respectable 55 pounds 14 shillings 6 pence.
His father was Jhon Gurney, born about 1578 in Surcott, Buckinghamshire, England. Jhon married Katherine Howe who was born about 1582 in Wooten-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, England. His grandfather was Willia Gurney, born 16 Dec 1542 in St Peter P'gate, Norfolk, England.
More About
John Gurney
Record Change: February 06, 2004
More About
John Gurney
Marriage: Abt. 1627, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England.
Children of
John Gurney
Elizabeth Gurney
, b. Abt. 1638, Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts, d. January 17, 1698/99, Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts.
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The HAMILTON-G5, HAMILTON MEDICAL's most flexible high end ventilator, covers the full range of clinical requirements for your adult, pediatric, and optionally infants. The device offers invasive ventilation, closed-loop ventilation with ASV, and noninvasive ventilation. On its detachable, touch screen-based Ventilation Cockpit, the ventilator displays a wide range of monitored data. you can customize the Cockpit to show conventional waveforms and loops plus the unique Dynamic Lung and Vent Status panels, which visualize the patient's ventilatory status and ventilator dependency in an easy-to-understand form. The optional P/V Tool, Neonatal application, CO2 monitoring, Heliox and communications interface options round out the device's capabilities. Hot-swappable extended batteries permit ventilator operation for a virtually unlimited period of time. Unique features including a print screen function, a video output port and Compact Flash/USB ports increase the device's utility
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Dash 2500 monitor from GE Healthcare with 10.4 inchi is the latest vital signs monitor from Dash series.
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The LOGIQ e is a high performance multipurpose color compact ultrasound system, which includes many new imaging technologies to improve your diagnostic confidence.
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Catheter for Haemodialysis.
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Needle free connector with extension tube with neutral fluid displacement


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Are you ready to book next years adventure?
- Details
- Wednesday, 24 September 2014
We sure are. This is the busy season for us. We are planning the perfect trip for our returning groups. We always welcome new group to come with us to experience the wonders of fishing in Iceland.
Big fish season of 2014
- Details
- Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Although the season here in Iceland has been rather hard, there has been no shortage of big fish. The multi winter salmon in Iceland has been the base of the catch in many of the previous grilse rich rivers, the reason is that there have simply not been many grilse to catch.
Fishing for sea run arctic char
- Details
- Friday, 29 August 2014
Fishing these fantastic fish is a hobby of many anglers in Iceland and in fact one of the most popular species of all fish to eat among anglers. The taste of a freshly caught sea run arctic char is otherworldly.
A rather slow salmon fishing summer
- Details
- Sunday, 17 August 2014
It's no news that the salmon season in Iceland has been slow to say the least. Many of the most famous rivers in Iceland are still waiting for the grilse run that will probably not come at all. Many famous rivers are close to their worst numbers since we started having records.
A giant lost in Myrarkvisl
- Details
- Friday, 08 August 2014
In a little river up north called Myrarkvisl a tributary of Laxa in Adaldal anglers can have adventures. The river itself is very diverse and beautiful.
Stora Laxa the land of giants and trolls
- Details
- Thursday, 24 July 2014
We had a Norwegian group come for a visit and we knew they would be going to have a good time. They were fishing a combo tour of all the beats in Stora Laxa. So they were going to see all the wonders that this spectacular river has to offer.
The salmon is here
- Details
- Thursday, 10 July 2014
We had a wonderful group of guys with us from Switzerland coming again for the wonders of Iceland and did the ever get a memorable weeks worth of fishing. A group of seven anglers they had a lot of experience of fishing for trout but nobody had caught a salmon yet.
June Magic in the highlands
- Details
- Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Our season is underway. We just had three great days in the highlands with a fantastic group of guys. This trip showed us that a little gamble often pays off.
Good season so far
- Details
- Thursday, 12 June 2014
The Icelandic summer is about 3 weeks ahead of schedule, which has resulted in great early season trout and char fishing. The lakes all around Iceland are teaming with life, fly hatches and fish.


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November 7, 2012
Daniel Nestor and Max Mirnyi dropped their record in round-robin play at the ATP World Tour Doubles Finals to 1-1 on Wednesday, as they were defeated 7-6(3), 4-6, 12-10 by the British-Danish pair of Jonathan Marray and Frederik Nielsen at the O2 Arena in London.
Playing in another tightly-contested battle, Nestor and Mirnyi came back from a tough first-set loss to force a match tiebreak for the second consecutive contest. Unlike their opening match though, which saw the No. 2 seeds prevail 12-10, the Canadian-Belarusian duo found themselves on the wrong end of the tiebreak against the 2012 Wimbledon champions.
With one win and one loss next to their names, Nestor and Mirnyi, who are playing their last event as a pair, must win their final round-robin match to reach the semifinals. They will take on Indian team Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna on Friday, with the winner advancing out of Group B. It will be an interesting match-up, with current opponents Nestor and Bhupathi set to team up together for the 2013 season.


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Hey Bely.
I'm 24 years old guy and I don't know how to cook. I was wondering should I just wait to get married and have wifey take care of that area or should I learn to cook for myself?
Chad -Los Angeles, Ca
Aprende! Learn how to cook! Listen, now in days, a man nor woman should rely on one or the other to mobilize them. We should all know how to do things for ourselves because at one point that's all we have-ourselves. Let's say you get married to a woman who is a real good cook and she's off at work or stuck in traffic and you're at home waiting while your starving, then what do you do? Do you sit there waiting on her or do you get up and make yourself something and while you're at it be a good man and cook something up for the both of you? I'm thinking the second option is best. It's best to pull your own weight and contribute. It is also a good quality to have under your belt. Don't waste any more time and go buy a "Cooking for Dummies" cook book and start cooking! You'll be surprised how easy cooking can be if you just follow directions. It doesn't hurt to be well rounded. Besides, there is a bonus to knowing how to cook, the chicks think it is sexy and it is one skill you can use to be romantic.
Dear, Bely.
I have been dating this handsome Dominican man for not that long. He is sooo perfect it's ridiculous. He is all that I ever wanted and more. I am trying to play my cards right by taking my time and getting to know each other by beginning the relationship slow. The good thing is that he is on board with all that. He gives me my space and takes things slow. I love having NO PRESSURE!! My question is, how long should I wait to be move to the next level and spice things up in the bedroom without looking like your desperate, easy, etc ?
-Maya H Fontana, Ca
Baby girl, it's like this: YOU are the one in CONTROL. A man will only go as far as a woman allows him to. If you are content with taking things slow it's because subconsciously it's what you want and are comfortable with. You should not let a man pressure you into doing anything you are not ready to do. But if you desire to spice things up and your decision is solely based on what you want, then, by all means go for it. When it is something you want, there is no such thing as too soon. What you do will simply feel right and you will go for it without hesitation. If you hesitate or think twice about what you do, then more than likely it isn't your time. When one act's out of character, that is when you begin to look desperate, easy, etc But if you know what you want, then stand your ground and go for what you want. Women shouldn't let anyone dominate their feelings or actions to such extent. You want to take things slow and play on your terms, then more power to you!
I'm an artist, so I sacrifice a lot. My everyday job is on the line and I struggle day to day to feed and clothe my daughter. My health is bad and I can't even feed myself. Yet, I continue with my dream because I have full faith and believe in myself. I believe achieving my dream will feed my baby and give her everything regardless of the sacrifice, of time I'm giving up to be in her life. My situation is: At what point do I quit to provide by choosing a safer path or do I never stop until I die trying to provide the best life I can for my baby. I'm conflicted because I don't want to see her struggle and I feel like she suffers everyday because of my choices.
-Alex Oxnard, CA
Your daughter is now you first priority. Anything and anyone else comes second. You must find a balance to keep her taken cared of and fulfilling your dream. She should be enough to fuel you and motivate you to triumph. I know you mentioned your job is on the line, a good idea would be to start looking for another employment incase your current employment is terminated. Don't wait for things to happen-make things happen. Your situation reminds me of Will Smith's role in The Pursuit Of Happyness. He never gave up because he believed he could achieve his goal and his son was major motive for him to succeed. In the movie, Smith's character always finds a way to feed his son, even though it means he will have to starve. However, I am sure that unlike him you have family and friends who care and love you very much and who are willing to lend a helping hand. In this economy there is no room for pride. There is only room for uniting. Keep your dream alive. The fact that you believe in yourself eliminates all other options to settle for less. Someone once told me that you can't try your best, you must do your best. Everyone who has ever had a dream has gone through their shares of triumphs and tribulations. It's what sets aside those who want it from those who don't. And it is those very struggles that not only mold you into who you turn out to be but also make you appreciate every blessing that your dream may bring. If you have enough drive and passion, you will find a way to accomplish your dream. Don't let your dream go because it's not a big slice of cake. Let it go when you've exhausted all possible sources to achieve it and there is nothing else left to do. Your daughter is observing you. Teach her the values and strengths of achieving your dreams. And take care of her. A child is a blessing and she depends on you.


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First got into anime around the age of 7, first con at 12. 1/2 Japanese.....ummmmm that is it for now :D
I might have been near the stage actually with Steve <<<<<<<< Staff
I was somewhere around here I believe >_< Really enjoyed the panel Danny, and looking forward to more great and inspiring work....
Woot AX is here. Sitting in the staff parking lot waiting for staffers lol.
對 Anime Expo 2012 Schedule
Sonicomi Premium Artbook Box http://www.jlist.com/product/YB144 I would like this because its SONICO, and I would enjoy addin...
對 2011 Christmas Giveaway
On my travel list :D
對 台灣Good Smile咖啡廳
對 維納斯城堡
Danny pay attention theres a sale right there
Taking over :p
Someone still likes Sony :D
對 東京的一天 7
Thanks for this Danny :D, because of you I now know which direction I want to take in life. After I finish up this senior yea...
對 我在日本創業的過程
Its the hips
對 SoniComi
Ahhh kawaii LD
Kinda looks like Japan :p
對 東京的一天 6
Not a trick, you smudge the bottom and top of the lens very carefully to achieve this effect XD
Danny always keeps a katana nearby for protection :D
Reallly late Happy Thanksgiving XD, and also this post got me finally to make an account :b does that make me a bad person lol....
對 2011 Thanksgiving Giveaway


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Google Adwords Help is likely to be probably the most successful strategies to getting started marketing on the net. It's effective and straightforward to use which enable it to also be very cost effective, since you'll be able to choose how much you are prepared to pay each day. The equal on the software is called Google adsense, and this is how people generate income directly over advertisements placed on their internet sites.
Probably the most of companies which may have an online business employ Google AdWords Help or a program nearly the same as the idea. Google AdWords Help is the most well-liked, simply because it runs from the main Company online, Google, that, obviously everyone has heard about. In a nutshell, you just ride basic advertisements. The actual ads which you create as well as a sentence in your essay or perhaps 2 and may do not be greater few 12 phrases. These types of adverts will appear along with a link to your website about all sorts of sites which are tightly related to the specialized niche you happen to be involved in. You can even create a picture advertisements nevertheless they will surely cost quite a bit far more. They can be a much more involving energetic even so. However, to get going throughout getting visitors or traffic and also earning cash your website enterprise, basic wording advertisements could make the field of difference.
To get going, all you need to accomplish is sign up while using system. You will be a few days to acquire excepted, and make certain a person look at fine print before beginning. You can easily met the criteria, although there know varieties of websites content that's considered improper because of this kind of employ. When the content material of the site is against the service terms for Google AdWords Help, you will possibly discover a good amount of options.
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Game 9: No pressure for Flacco
| Nov 10, 2008
At the most critical times in yesterday's 41-13 rout of the Houston Texans, it became apparent Joe Flacco is no longer a rookie quarterback.
He has become a clutch one. Lose your top receiver? No worries. Instead of hanging his head, Flacco looked...


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Town Square
Google threatens to pull out of China
Original post made by GoogleWatch, News on Mountain View's largest employer, on Jan 13, 2010
According to a post [Web Link Google's blog], it was determined last month that hackers had stolen intellectual property from the company, in a "highly sophisticated and targeted attack on our corporate infrastructure."
Additionally Google believes hackers were targeting Chinese human rights activists. As part of the investigation, though separate from the attack on Google, they reported finding evidence of third parties "routinely" accessing dozens of Gmail accounts in America, China and Europe of Chinese human rights advocates.
"These attacks and the surveillance they have uncovered--combined with the attempts over the past year to further limit free speech on the web--have led us to conclude that we should review the feasibility of our business operations in China," read the post.
Though it may seem like a major political move for Google to pull out of the Chinese market, some reports say a withdrawal is in Google's business interests as well. [Web Link Marketwatch.com] reported Google's projected revenue in China for 2010 is around $300 million, only about one percent of its estimated $17.5 billion revenue in 2009.
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Ginger Bug. Homemade Root Beer Recipe. Naturally Cultured and Fermented Vegetables, Fruits and Condiments. Comparing Salt, Whey and Starter Cultures for Fermenting Vegetables, Fruits and Condiments. When making naturally cultured vegetables, fruits or condiments, recipes will often call for a variety of ingredients including salt, whey and salt, or even just a freeze-dried culture.
How do you choose the best culturing medium for your project? Can one be substituted for another? What if you are dairy-free but your recipe calls for using whey (a dairy-byproduct)? Is purchasing a starter culture really necessary? Prebiotic (nutrition) Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of bacteria in the digestive system in ways claimed to be beneficial to health.
They were first identified and named by Marcel Roberfroid in 1995.[1] As a functional food component, prebiotics, like probiotics, are conceptually intermediate between foods and drugs. Depending on the jurisdiction, they typically receive an intermediate level of regulatory scrutiny, in particular of the health claims made concerning them. Roberfroid offered a refined definition in the March 2007 Journal of Nutrition[2] stating:
Cultured apple goji berry compote — A Harmony Healing. Probiotic-rich, enzyme-filled cultured vegetables and fruits are some of the best foods you can eat to improve your digestion and strengthen your immune system. I use to have terrible indigestion and acid reflux on almost a daily basis and cultured foods help heal my digestive system and made me feel like a new woman! The recipe I'm sharing with you today is one of my favorite go-to recipes from my new cookbook Deliciously Holistic which is coming out in April 2013! The Body Ecology Diet, The Healthy Diet and Nutritional Supplements Source - BodyEcology.com. Cultured Probiotic-rich Foods Are The Key To Digestive Health And Immunity — A Harmony Healing. Tibicos. Fermented water kefir with grains on the bottom and a floating piece of grapefruit peel Tibicos grains average 5 mm in size.
Tibicos are a culture of bacteria and yeasts held in a polysaccharide biofilm matrix created by the bacteria. As with kefir grains, the microbes present in tibicos act in symbiosis to maintain a stable culture. Tibicos can do this in many different sugary liquids, feeding off the sugar to produce lactic acid, alcohol (ethanol), and carbon dioxide gas, which carbonates the drink. Health Topics. Our Health Topics section includes hundreds of articles on nutrition, diet, and health.
The menu at left groups related articles into convenient categories, or you can use the search engine to quickly zero in on a topic of interest. ABC's of Nutrition: Fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and more. Ask the Doctor: Holistic advice for treating various ailments. Fermentation (food) Fermentation in food processing is the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohols and carbon dioxide or organic acids using yeasts, bacteria, or a combination thereof, under anaerobic conditions.
Fermentation usually implies that the action of microorganisms is desirable. The science of fermentation is also known as zymology or zymurgy. The term "fermentation" is sometimes used to specifically refer to the chemical conversion of sugars into ethanol, a process which is used to produce alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and cider.


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Are you asked to repeat yourself a lot? Do people often interrupt you? If you want to be successful, if you expect to be taken seriously, you must learn how to increase your volume to a level that is comfortable for your listeners. Those of us with larger voices tire of straining to hear you, tire of asking you to repeat yourself; and, we will take over the conversation.
While we Americans are not renowned for being soft-spoken (especially in the Philadelphia/New York corridor), you would be surprised how many people actually do speak too softly. Aside from the fact that you are not being heard, often one of the drawbacks of being soft-spoken is lower self-esteem. Some of my soft-spoken clients have told me that they assume people don't listen to them because what they are saying is not important. That is a mistake. Simply put: people are not listening to you or are interrupting you because they cannot hear you!
You need to learn how to increase your volume to a normal level of sound. Notice that I said normal not louder. I don't like loud – loud hurts the listeners' ears. In working on volume, I teach people how to speak with a larger voice, not a louder voice. A good example of this is symphonic music versus heavy metal. Increase the listening level of both types of music and I guarantee you will go much further with the former than with the latter before hurting your ears. Symphonic music is primarily resonant; heavy metal is not.
If you are soft-spoken, you have spent your entire life speaking at a particular volume level with which your inner ear is very, very comfortable. Increasing your volume, even just a bit, will be difficult because your inner ear will not like it: your inner ear will think you are shouting. If you learn how to increase your volume properly, you will not be shouting, just speaking with a larger volume of sound.
When I work with clients, I teach them how to find the optimum pitch of the speaking voice, in which their chest becomes their major amplifier. By changing the placement of the voice – by allowing the chest to power the voice instead of just the throat, mouth, and/or nose – they discover a voice that is naturally larger in volume. If they are soft-spoken, however, that increase in volume may not be enough to bring them up to what I call Volume Level 1, our normal everyday volume level of voice – the amount of sound we use on the phone, at the dinner table, in the car, and, in many cases, at the office.
We then work on learning how to distinguish a true Volume Level 1. In recording the soft-spoken individual, I will ask him/her to speak with more volume. All with whom I have worked (& there have been thousands) have told me that when asked to increase their volume, they thought they were shouting. Upon listening to themselves on the recording, each and everyone has said that indeed their increase in volume sounded normal. Not loud. Just normal.
Learning how to increase your volume takes practice. As much as your inner ear loves your 'new voice', it is not quite as happy with your new volume. I tell my clients to trust me and not what their inner ear is telling them. In addition, I assure my soft-spoken people that they will never be too loud. Indeed, many of us can be loud, but not those on the softer side. It just doesn't happen.
So stop repeating yourself; stop being interrupted; and, learn to be heard the first time you say it. With a little time and some practice, you can discover the value of being heard every time you open your mouth to speak.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. Visit Voice Dynamic and watch Nancy as she describes Your Least Developed Tool!
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Greening your Balance Sheet .. it is absolutely essential
That Harvard Business School guru of all things marketing, Professor Michael Porter, has recently said "The financial & social benefits of taking environmental action now outweighs the cost". In other words – it's profitable to be green.
This is a revelation because there is now a wealth of evidence to support the business case for action ..
- In a recent global survey of 75 CEO's, 93% see sustainability as crucial to future success*
- MIT Sloan Business review and the Boston Consulting Group in a recent study cite that "Sustainability nears a tipping point" because the majority of respondents are profiting from sustainability activities - obtain report here).
While the news is fresh and encouraging, there still remain the everyday challenges of businesses to turn a profit and realise available efficiencies, however many business don't have a process for approaching their sustainability & environmental performance.
According to Clive Blunt, the Central Coast Principal from GreenBizCheck, the feedback from many Central Coast based small to medium businesses has identified three common barriers to becoming greener;
- It was too expensive (an unattractive ROI)
- It was too complex (was a drain on limited resources)
- There was not a recognisable world class sustainability & environmental performance standard
Many businesses had unrewarding experiences with consultants crawling around their operations, asking none too intelligent questions and leaving huge invoices behind with no realised financial benefits. Happily, times are changing and there are now a few progressive companies taking more advantage of low cost, smart technologies and global alliances that have been developed to deliver real value with the primary focus on the business case.
"Businesses are being asked more and more to demonstrate their green credentials in relationships with major clients and larger competitive tender bid processes. It's no longer enough to show a 'green policy' or a few 'green practices' – evidence and performance data are now being demanded" according to Clive Blunt.
Blunt said, "Being green in business is no longer a 'nice to do' .. it is absolutely essential to growth and to the core issue of being efficient".
"Business is the engine of social reform. It has the same responsibilities as a parent does for a child. Smart parents know they are raising adults (not children) and smart businesses know they are raising future leaders, not just employees".
"With the imminent on-flow effects from the carbon tax, small to medium businesses should be actively looking at ways to offset significant rises in energy costs".
"The not-for-profit sector on the Central Coast have many shared challenges including insufficient resources and time – and this is a sector that GreenBizCheck is passionate about supporting through a discounted program for PBI status enterprises" said Blunt.
Source: www.centralcoast.businessinsider.net.au/
By Carolyn Wall, GreenBizCheckPreviousNext


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Don't scrimp on plastic when wrapping midsize square bales, say University of Wisconsin researchers.
That's one of their recommendations following a series of bale wrapping studies at the university's Lancaster Research Station. All studies involved 34 x 32 x 60" bales of alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures.
In one trial, bales were wrapped with two to 10 layers of either 1- or 1.5-ml-thick plastic. Average moisture content at baling and wrapping was 30%, and the initial internal bale temperature was about 105º.
Bales wrapped with two 1-ml layers of plastic remained at 105-110º, indicating that oxygen was leaking through the plastic to support continued microbial activity. Those bales had significant mold throughout when opened for feeding.
In bales wrapped with 6 mls or more of plastic (four 1.5-ml layers or six 1-ml layers), the temperature immediately began to decline and fell to ambient temperature in eight to nine days. Those bales had only a little white mold on their exteriors.
The study also was conducted using 56%-moisture bales, with similar results.
The Wisconsin workers offer these additional bale wrapping suggestions:
• Wrap bales within 24 hours of baling to avoid high internal temperatures, moldiness and lower forage quality.
• Select a target moisture you can work with. Producers often want 40-55% moisture bale silage, but some bale and wrap wet hay (20-35% moisture). That can help avoid rain, but probably isn't the best option.
• Make dense bales. They have less oxygen in them initially and let less oxygen enter later. Ideally, midsize square bales should have 100 lbs of dry matter per foot of length.
• Make bales the correct size and weight for the wrap-per. Heavy bales have more problems with plastic tears and holes during wrapping, stacking and storage. Typically, bale weights in excess of 1,400 lbs are a problem.
• Select a good working area for wrapping. It should be level and free of hay stubble or other sharp projections.
• Stack the wrapped bales. Stacked bales take up less space and help protect themselves from the elements, rodents, birds, etc. Stacks also are easier to check and manage than individual bales.
• Check the stacks monthly and repair damaged plastic. Tape small holes and tears, and rewrap any bales with significant tears.