text:
A Watchdog team blog
Thieves take their time ripping off undercover ATF sting storefront in Milwaukee
Most burglaries require a quick in and out. Thus the phrase, "smash and grab."
But a new Journal Sentinel investigation into the ATF's mistake-riddled sting operation in Milwaukee reveal the burglars who turned the tables on this federal operation were able to take their time emptying out the place. As in three days.
Part of the JS's ongoing Backfire investigation in the sting, the new report reveals how little attention ATF agents paid to guard tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
Other findings in the new report include:
- On the day of the burglary, a metal scavenger turned in an ATF ballistic shield into a police station. It is unclear if the shield was taken in the burglary or if the ATF lost the sensitive item in another way.
- Two men confessed to the burglary but neither is charged with that crime four months later. They are charged with counts related to the sting operation's purchase of guns and drugs, part of a pattern where the ATF has avoided mentioning embarrassing aspects of the case, while pointing to its successes.
- No one has been charged with stealing three guns from an ATF agent's SUV parked at a coffee shop in September. The day after the break-in a man sold the ATF its own gun back.
- ATF is trying to settle with the landlord whose building was damaged in the operation.
- The alderman representing the Riverwest neighborhood where the operation was situated wants answers on behalf of residents angry the ATF drew criminals into their area.
Since the first installment in the investigation, members of both parties in Congress have demanded answers about the operation and have given the ATF until Thursday to respond. The agency is doing an internal investigation and is not commenting until that is done.
In the meantime, Milwaukee police and ATF are hunting for those agent's missing guns, especially the Colt M4 .223 rifle. It is fully automatic version of the M4, officials have said. In other words, a machine gun.
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Describes a 3-D elastic transformation which compensates for the non-rigid deformation of the chest that is seen in X-ray CT relative to PET images of the thorax. X-ray CT is widely used for detection and localization of lesions in the thorax. Whole Body PET with 18-FDG is accepted for staging and for measuring tumor response to therapy. The combination of these two modalities to locate metabolically active tumors in CT images should prove to be of significant value in lung cancer staging and treatment planning. Due to the differences in the acquisition conventions and scan duration, the subject's arms are positioned overhead for X-ray CT or at the side for PET, causing a change in the shape of the thorax, requiring non-rigid transformations to achieve proper registration. Techniques to register chest X-ray CT and Whole Body PET images were developed and evaluated. The accuracy of 3-D elastic transformation was tested by phantom study. Studies on patients with lung carcinoma were used to assess the technique for localizing 18-FDG uptake and for correlating PET transmission to X-ray CT images. Results showed that the elastic transformation provided an accurate alignment and reliable correlation of the detailed anatomy of the CT with the functional information of the PET images


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The sound of a cup being placed on a table.
remix of freesound 176654
vocal syllables, created by recording somewhat rhythmic nonesense talk with an SM-58, followed by automated segmentation of the audio. Slices ...
Abstract Percussion Loop made from field recorded found sounds
The sound of a box of matches being shook. There are four different versions in this file.
Recording of some sort of wood (probably thin plywood or cottonwood) being broken or pulled apart. This one is a ...
96 kHz 24 Bit
taken from a random sampled tour of my kitchen with a microphone.
Simple Drum and Bass pattern template.
a raw, simple and effective loop that is used in my newest song. Enjoy!
Soft bounce
Small glass plates tapped together. Dry hit, no resonance. Close miked with Rode NT-5s in X-Y configuration. Trimmed, DC removed, ...
Synthetic machine made from sounds of Mercat Boqueria using simple algorithmic techniques
Some creak and hits made by a wooden cabinet.
Sound of a newpaper or magazine hitting the ground. Recorded sound effect for a production of the play Our Town.


text:
Airtel Prepaid - No Network coverage
38 Reviews
Nanil Kumar Bajpai
its more than 1 months now i hav been complaining airtel customer care that there is no network coverage.i m user of airtel since last two years.and have blind trust on airtel.but now i m very much dissappointed.and i hav now totally lost it.every time i made call to customer care they just provide me with new dates and even dont feel regret for the same.i hav called customer care about 6 times few of the complaint numbers are as follows:-524289912, 413469800, 3061413469800.the no. of mine is 9936015532.and soon i m going to change it with other services if the same problem is not dealt seriously as it is matter of life and death as i hav this no. only and i hav to keep in touch regularly with my doctor.this is not expected with u AIRTEL
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Community Calendar
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Family and Kids
Family and KidsCascada de Flores music
The Belle Haven Branch of the Menlo Park Library will host a performance by the musical duo Cascada de Flores, which will include a story, dancing and audience participation. July 1, noon-12:45 p.m. Free. Belle Haven Library, 413 Ivy Drive, Menlo Park.
Family and KidsDiscovery Museum activity
This circle time activity led by a Discovery Museum educator will guide young scientists -- and their families -- in experimenting with causing and avoiding collisions, creating art and exploring their own powers of force. July 1, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley.
Family and KidsOld-Fashioned Fourth of July
During this San Mateo County History Museum event, children can hand-crank ice cream and make traditional Independence Day crafts. At 1 p.m., adults can view vintage films of the Peninsula from the museum's archives. Admission to the museum will be half off. July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3 adult; $2 senior, student; free for children age 5 and under. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City.
Family and KidsChili Cook Off & Summer Festival
The City of Palo Alto will hold the 34th annual Chili Cook Off & Summer Festival on the Fourth of July, where teams from restaurants, work and group affiliations, and police and fire departments will compete for the Best Chili Award. There will also be live music, activities for children and a variety of other holiday food. July 4, noon. Free. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive., Palo Alto.
Family and KidsYouth Claymation Camp
In this weeklong camp offered by KMVT 15, elementary school students will work in small groups to brainstorm ideas, create a storyboard and script, sculpt clay figures, build scenery, design special effects and shoot a short stop-motion animation movie. Monday-Friday, July 6-10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $335. KMVT 15 Community Television, 1400 Terra Bella Ave., Suite M, Mountain View.
Family and KidsFratello Marionettes: 'Aladdin'
The Belle Haven Branch of the Menlo Park Library will welcome Fratello Marionettes, who will give a puppet performance of "Aladdin." July 10, noon-12:45 p.m. Free. Belle Haven Library, 413 Ivy Drive, Menlo Park.
Family and KidsDidgeridoo Down Under
The Atherton Library will host Didgeridoo Down Under for a family event that uses the Australian instrument to teach lessons about geography, nature, culture, diversity and ecology. The event is best suited for ages 5 and up. July 10, 1-1:45 p.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton.
Family and KidsJungle James Animal Adventures
This Atherton Library program will allow children ages 5 and up to learn about jungle creatures through hands-on interactions and a presentation. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. July 27, 3-3:45 p.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton.
Family and KidsPortrait of the Bay Art Camp 2
The Art School of San Francisco Bay will hold a weeklong art camp for children ages 6 to 11 at the Palo Alto Baylands, during which participants can watch and sketch birds, climb and draw trees, paint landscapes and try new media each day. Monday-Friday, July 27-31, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $250 half day. Baylands Nature Preserve, 2500 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.
Family and KidsBe You: Yoga and Mindfulness Summer Camp
The Be You summer camp will lead children in recognizing their inherent wisdom, strength and kindness. Activities will include meditation, mindfulness, yoga, dancing, playing, singing and others that encourage self-discovery. Monday-Friday, July 27-31, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $350 child; $275 sibling. Silicon Valley Shambhala Center, 2483 Old Middlefield Way #110, Mountain View.
Family and KidsBaby Bounce & Rhyme Time
The Portola Valley Library will offer weekly events, specifically for babies up to 18 months old, that combine singing, dancing, reading and playing to help bond young children and their parents. Mondays, June 1-July 27, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley.
Family and KidsToddler Storytime
These Portola Valley Library events for children 18 to 36 months old will incorporate songs, stories and movement activities that encourage listening and reading. Age-appropriate toys will be available to play with after each session. A special activity will follow story time on the third Tuesday of the month. Tuesdays, June 2-30, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley.
Family and KidsFancy Nancy Storytime Party
This Books Inc. family event best suited for girls and boys ages 2 to 7 will include readings of bestselling "Fancy Nancy" titles, themed activities and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear fancy outfits. July 29, 10:30 a.m. Free. Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View.
Family and KidsSummer Learning Program
The Atherton Library's Summer Learning Program for children, teens and adults -- which runs from June through August -- offers a free book for signing up (while supplies last) and another for finishing. Participants can also earn tickets for raffle drawings by completing reading and activity logs. A $1,000 grand prize scholarship will be awarded. Visit the library or its website for more details. June 1-Aug. 31. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton.
Family and KidsEHP's Community Blockfest 2015
The Ecumenical Hunger Program will celebrate 40 years of service to the community at its annual Blockfest event. There will be a community resource fair, entertainment, children's activities, local vendor booths, a raffle and other festivities. Aug. 8. Free. Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto.
Family and KidsMad Science of the Bay Area
At this event sponsored by the Friends of the Atherton Library, Mad Science will teach children ages 5 and up about how special effects in movies are made. Aug. 10, 3-3:30 p.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton.
Family and KidsMarine Science Camp
The Marine Science Institute will offer summer camps through which children and teens can learn about the biology of the coast and bay through hands-on activities, viewing live animals and educational field trips. See website for more info. June 15-Aug. 14. Prices start at $415. Marine Science Institute, 500 Discovery Parkway, Redwood City.
Family and KidsPuppet Art Theater: 'Cinderella'
Puppet Art Theater will present a special "Dad and Me" puppet show. The event is offered in partnership with the Fatherhood Collaborative of San Mateo County. All are welcome. Aug. 17, 7-7:45 p.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton.
Family and KidsLego Day
The Mountain View Public Library will hold one of its monthly events where community members can use their creativity to build things with Legos. From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., adults only can enjoy building during lunch. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., everyone is welcome. No registration is required. Aug. 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Mountain View Public Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View.


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Town Square
What's the best decorated house
Original post made by resident, Palo Verde, on Oct 27, 2006
Comments (2)
a resident of Palo Verde
on Oct 29, 2006 at 8:05 pm
The house has been decorated really nicely over the last couple of years. Not too sure what they have this year - but last year they had quite a spooky thing in the garage !
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 31, 2006 at 11:16 am
What's the best street? Several blocks around South Court and Loma Verde have several houses (9-10) that go all out with effects, decorations, moving props, etc. They all go up the day before and down the day after.
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1858 P1C Indian Cent, Judd-208, Pollock-259, R.4, MS64 PCGS....
2005 February Long Beach Signature Sale #366
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Choice Mint State 1858 Indian Cent Pattern1858 P1C Indian Cent, Judd-208, Pollock-259, R.4, MS64 PCGS. In his reference, Andrew Pollock itemized certain varieties that were classified as single pattern issues in the Judd reference. Four different varieties, Pollock-253, 254, 259, and 261, are listed for the single Judd-208 issue. Of course, P-259 is considered R.4, quite common for a pattern issue, while the other three Pollock listings are all R.7. This is a lovely example with medium tan color and iridescent toning. Although certified as Mint State, it has sharp design elements and reflective fields, much like Proof strikes.(#11884) (PCGS# 11884)
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Style Watch PollCeleb Fashion Hit or Miss?
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Talk:Camp Peary
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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I think the CIA wants this information to be "confidential." We really shouldn't have this here... Feel free to object...
- It is irrelevant what the CIA wants. Wikipedia is not afilliated with the CIA (as far as we know ;)220.127.116.11 07:40, 23 September 2007 (UTC)
- we need to keep this article here to act as a honeypot in order to confine cia page edits to a controlled space where we can keep an eye on them. failing that, we need to keep this page here so that wikipedia editors will believe that cia page edits are being confined and will continue to contribute to the project in order to provide cover and plausible deniability for cia control over wikipedia. please do not discuss this any more. the walls have eyes. — alf.laylah.wa.laylah (talk) 16:23, 6 September 2011 (UTC)


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DuPont Laboratory Technician Interview Questions
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Helpful (2)
Laboratory Technician Interview
The process took 2 weeks – interviewed at DuPont in March 2012.
Interview within two days of initial notice. About 20 minute phone interview with several people on the line. Talked a lot about previous experience (albeit unrelated to the job I was applying for) and some future aspirations and things like that. Just tried to be relaxed, honest, and friendly and I'm glad it worked out; I was given an offer about a week or two later.
Interview Questions
- How did you overcome difficulty/adversity? 1 Answer
Did not negotiate.
Other Interview Reviews for DuPont
Helpful (1)
Laboratory Technician InterviewAccepted OfferNeutral ExperienceDifficult Interview
I applied online. The process took 6+ months – interviewed at DuPont in June 2011.
I got an email for a phone interview so long after applying that I forgot even applying in the first place. Then nothing for months then another phone interview asking the same behavior/situational questions as the first phone interview. Another month then a call for an onsite interview. I was used to one-on-one interview. This turned out to be a mass interview. I was part of a group of about half-a-dozen interviewees vying for about a dozen open positions. I was part of the third and last group interviewed. Everyone interviewed with two panels of two people. The questions were mostly situational, i.e. Have you ever been in this situation, if so what did you do? Very few technical questions about my knowledge, skills or experiences. I am more used to technical questions, i.e. how do you make such-and-such compound?
Interview Questions
- Did you ever have a disagreement with a co-worker? How did you handle it? Answer Question
- Did you ever notice anyone that was doing something wrong or incorrectly? What did you do? Answer Question
No negotiating what-so-ever as the position was controlled by a union and pay, benefits, etc. set by contract. The positions were mostly entry level. Required to stay in position for 3-years before applying within the company for another position. Most of the new technicians move to better non-union positions after required time period.
Laboratory Technician InterviewAccepted OfferPositive ExperienceAverage Interview
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks – interviewed at DuPont in May 2011.
I applied online to a posting for a position with multiple openings. Two group phone interviews with behavior-based scripted questions. Then I was in a group of about 6 applicants for an onsite interview with two more panel interviews with more scripted questions and a brief tour of the site. Then lunch with all the applicants and potential co-workers.
The scripted questions were mostly geared to determining how you would work in a team environment. Some questions were difficult because they asked for specific examples on how you dealt with a type of workplace situation which you may not have had to contend with. The lunch was enjoyable because you could assess the competition for the positions as well as evaluate your potential co-workers. The co-workers seemed satisfied with their positions and promotion from the ranks seems to be the norm. It seems like most people use the position as a stepping stone for more responsibility within the company. Career development seems to be a priority within the company. Teamwork is also a major focus.
Interview Questions
- Describe a specific example of a conflict with a co-worker and what you did to resolve the issue? Answer Question
- Describe a specfic example where a co-worker's lack of production affected your work and what you did to resolve the issue? Answer Question
You could not negotiate anything about the position because it falls under Union rules and everything is set under contract. This is good and/or bad depending on your view of Unions.


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Book on wisdom, skill, and expertise acquisition and maintenance.
What are the secrets of great people from different fields of life since the beginning of the world? Different things, characters, attitudes, values, practices, philosophies, methods etc were put together by great people to be who they were or are. One of the secrets of great people is ardent pursuit of wisdom, skill, and expertise. This book reveals, "Wealth is born out of wisdom; the wealth is increased by wisdom, and is constantly maintained by wisdom"; "The level of your education, i.e. your acquisition of educational wisdom and skills, determines the type of seat that will be offered to you in the public and offices." Now is your time to soar to greatness. Lenuf assures, "You too can still be a public figure – national or international – before you die if you can increase your works of wisdom, skills, and expertise." Begin today! How? Take time to read this book to find out how to do this.
An Edge over Others
Wisdom, skill, and expertise give one an edge over others. In politics and leadership, wisdom, skill, and expertise will make you to do better than others. In employment seeking, these are needed. This is why the employers� adverts specify the type of staff needed like this: �Ability to work with little or no supervision.� This is why there is job tests and interviews before giving employments to the applicants. All the applicants are all qualified by certificates but employers are looking for the applicants, who are practically qualified as far as application of wisdoms, skills, and expertises are concerned. Some employers specify the educational qualification they want. The minimum qualification that some companies require to employ staff is Second Class Upper Division. This means that any graduate with Second Class Lower Division and Third Class Division are completely disqualified to apply.
Many graduates have certificate but they cannot apply for all job vacancies due to their results. Graduates with higher grades have edges over those with lower grades. Some schools retain their First-Class Division graduates to lecture in the schools. This is an edge.
Types of certificates also give some staff edges (competitive advantage) over other staff in terms of positions and leadership. Somebody told me that in a particular country, high schools teachers with Higher National Diploma, HND, (i.e. polytechnic graduates) are never appointed as principals of the schools. To be a principal of a high school, you must have a degree. A degree, signifying higher knowledge or skill, grants an edge to the possessors over those with HND.
Somebody also told me that in some companies, in the field of engineering, the staff with HND certificates in Engineering are not recognized as �Engineers� or called �Engineers,� rather they are called �Technician.� The term �Engineers� are only used for staff with degree in Engineering. What do you call that? A Competitive advantage over others.
I witnessed this when I got to bank. The bank where I worked did not recognize the staff with Higher National Diploma (HND) and Ordinary National Diploma (ND) as their full staff. They were outsourced staff with very low and meagre salaries, though outsiders saw them as bankers with big salary. Then, there were no promotional plans for them; they remained in the same level to the end of their working terms. Despite all these treatments, the bulks of activities were done by this class of staff, while those with degrees only did leadership, supervision, planning, directing, training tasks, etc.
In that bank and many other banks in that area, staff members with university certificates have position and leadership edge over those with polytechnic certificates. For instance, when I was employed with my degree, I was placed over those that have been in the banks for many years. Normally, as a new or junior staff member, I was to be under them, but the reverse was the case due to the quality of certificate. However, little improvements have been brought in to lift the polytechnic staff to higher levels than they were used to be in the areas of salaries, promotions, hiring etc. However, they are still below staff with degrees.
Do you learn from all these? The level of your education, i.e. your acquisition of educational wisdom and skills, determines the type of seat that will be offered to you in the public and offices. The more you learn, the more edge you will have in the society where certificates are needed. This will automatically put smile and joy in your cheek.
When I gained admission into university, our acting dean was a very young man. He studied with great zeal. Within the shortest time possible, he had already obtained a doctor's degree. This gave him an edge over lecturers that were senior to him in lecturing and in age. This edge made him an acting dean over them. Despite he was younger, he was a master over them, and they accorded him his respects. Before we graduated, he later became a professor. He later became a full dean.
One of my roommates was working in Registry Department. He told me that the man�s, the dean�s, file with the school in the Registry was full of different awards and certificates. These gave him an edge in position and leadership.
In forces, acquisition of educational skills also gives one an edge over others. Like police, where those with lower certificate start as rank and file, university graduates start as cadet Assistance Superintendent of Police. In army, you will see a very young soldier with a very high rank punishing and disciplining soldiers that are older than his own father is. What gives him that edge? The educational skills and certificate he has acquired does. It is no wonder that is popularly said that if you think that education is too expensive, try ignorance.
You have now seen the importance of wisdom. Hope you still remember the meanings of wisdom above. The second definition above says that wisdom is accumulated knowledge, erudition, or enlightenment. This tells you that wisdom is what you have gained from education. It is this educational qualification that they use in the world to give some people advantages over others. My friend, you need educational wisdom.
Under impartiality and lack of bribery and corruption, some contractors and companies gain more contracts than others do, due to their well-established expertises. Let me come to road construction. Some companies seem to lack experts in constructing standard roads that do not call for repairing from time to time. Geologically, there are different types of clays. Some can lead to serious mud crack, which is one of the causes of cracking of roads or causes of potholes in roads. For instance, the road that has montmorillonite can cause this. A standard construction company with expert geologists and other experts will identify and deal with the situation first before tarring the road. This expertise in road construction gives some companies edges over others, since government want durable roads.
Similarly, in building, some companies have edges more than others have in getting contracts due to their expertises. Geologically, some places are not suitable for ordinary building. Engineering geologists, or their equivalents, are needed to test the strength of the land in order to know the type of the subsurface structure to build for the building. Some lands have caves underneath which makes the building on them susceptible to collapsing or sinking with time or at the slightest tremor. Some people, companies, and governments look at the level of expertise and the experts of any company before they award contracts. Expertise is therefore an edge.
A friend told me how his former boss did everything to impress Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as far as expertise was concern to win contract from Shell. This always gave them edge over their competitors. The company was into Environmental Health and Safety. He said that his boss often did all he can to acquire most sophisticated and modern machines and equipment. Since SPDC always wants the best, this is how they have edge over others in getting contracts. Expertise is always an edge.
Coming to ministry, Paul had edge over other apostles of Christ of his time in everything. Why? Paul was more learned than they all were. I think this is one of the reasons that made Christ to make Paul an apostle for the Gentiles, since he needed to meet with great learned Gentiles like philosophers (those in Greek � Acts 17), governors, emperor � even Caesar � and so on. When Paul was defending himself before Governor Festus, Agrippa and other, they saw the erudition of Paul in action to the extent that Governor Festus voiced out, �You are raving, Paul; your excessive study is driving you mad.�
This wisdom of learning also gave Paul an edge over other Bible characters in writing. Paul wrote fourteen books out of the sixty-six books of the Bible.
Wisdom, skills, and expertise are therefore our names attachment that we must keep to have competitive advantages over others. This is the world of competition. Survival of the fittest is the principle used in the world�s competition. Your wisdom, skills, and expertise make you the fittest.
An Opportunity Presenter
Abraham Lincoln says, �I will prepare and some day my chance will come.� I received this quote from Mr Odiete, my brother-in-law (the husband of my eldest sister - Grace), as a congratulatory message for me when I got employment into bank. I cherished the quote greatly due to the meaning it carries.
Coming to the quote, if you give yourself to study today, you are opening doors of opportunities for yourself someday when the wisdom, skill, and expertise from the study will be required. How do I mean? Let us say that you are a graduate with bachelor degree. At present, you do not get job; no employment anywhere. Keep on studying; go for you master�s degree. Your master's degree gives you higher opportunity to get job in some institutions like lecturing. After getting master�s degree, if there is no job yet, get money and begin your pursuit of doctor�s degree. As you do all these, even if there is no job today, the whole studies, wisdoms, and degrees acquired will definitely give you opportunities someday. This is what Abraham Lincoln was saying by this quote. I like the quote.
Your educational wisdoms and qualifications open door of opportunity for you before helpers. For instance, let us say your best friend in your primary school�s day is the newly elected president of your country. Let us say that you did not study further than High School. Let us say that the president comes to visit your state or region. He sees you and asks you to bring your credentials in order to appoint you as one of the ministers of the country. Tell me, have you not closed the door of greatest opportunity against yourself already? Your Senior High School Certificate does not make you eligible for the post of a minister of a nation. This is why I say, �Your educational wisdoms and qualifications open door of opportunity for you before helpers.� The quote of Abraham Lincoln is saying the same thing.
An operations manager in one of the branches of the bank where I once worked told me a story of a former member of the bank. He said that the young woman was a bulk teller in the bank. As a bulk teller, her duty was to be receiving....
A Pathway to Wealth
Wisdom, skill, and expertise provide one of the surest ways to great wealth. Remember how the wisdom of Solomon translated into his immeasurable wealth.
Wealth is born out of wisdom; the wealth is increased by wisdom, and is constantly maintained by wisdom.
This still happens today. A good example is that of Bill Gates. Bill Gates� wealth was born out of wisdom; the wealth is being increased by wisdom, and is being maintained by wisdom. This is a great lesson for everybody. Do you need explanation on this? Okay, let us see it together. Let me begin by taking a quote from Solomon the wise king:
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
According to that quote, through desire to pursue his full-time vision, Bill Gates separated from school, i.e. dropped out of Harvard in 1977, to seek and intermeddle with all wisdom for wealth. Dropping out of school was foolishness to a normal man, but to Bill Gates, it was wisdom for wealth. What is the full-time vision that led him to drop out of school? It is the vision of �a computer on every desk and in every home.� That is a vision of wisdom. Do you understand how this vision is of wisdom? The vision is to make sure personal computers are available in excess that everybody would be able to afford them. The vision was to make sure that computers were not only available in industries as supercomputers or mainframe computers but also as personal computers (PC) for everybody and every home. Do you know what that means? Each PC in every desk or every home would contain Microsoft software. Do you know what that means? Money through the software would come into Bill Gates� pocket from every home and everybody, as they become owners of PC�s. It was reported that an estimated 7 million copies of Windows 95 were sold throughout the world within two months of its release.
This is how Bill Gates used wisdom to give birth to wealth for himself. Did the vision of using wisdom to create wealth work well for Bill Gates? Yes, it did. This wisdom made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the...
Having learnt all these about wisdom, skill, and expertise, we need to know how to acquire and maintain them. What are the ways? Let us look at few of them here. They can be acquired and maintained through these following means.
Study is one of the ways to acquire wisdom, skill, and expertise. Study also helps to maintain and keep them. Give yourself to study without being tired. Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, says, �Spend as much time as you can in learning, for there is joy in it.�
There are two classes of study that you must engage yourself. First, study to obtain certificates. Second, study and read to feed your brain with information.
Study & Read to Obtain Certificates
Go and get certificate in school if you do not have any. If you have one, you can go further to get higher one. Keep on climbing the ladder of success. According to Abraham Lincoln, opportunity will definitely be opened for the certificates someday in the future. As a bachelor�s degree holder, you can go for your master�s degree, and so on.
Let me sound a warning here. Do not acquire a certificate that you cannot defend. What do I mean? Some graduates cannot defend their certificates before employers. Did they cheat during examinations in schools? Not really so, some people passed their examinations without cheating. Why can they not defend the certificate then? That is a good question. Many students in school only read to pass examination, not to know the fact in the course. The purpose of schooling and examination is to acquire knowledge that will be useful for one now and later in life. However, some students read to pass. They just cram to pass the examinations. Few days to few weeks after the examinations, they cannot remember those facts again.
Therefore, study to know; assimilate the facts into your system so that you will be able to defend them anywhere and anytime. This calls for studying your books always; repeating them over and over until they are fully assimilated. Do not wait for examination time before you begin your study and reading.
Moreover, study can extend to obtaining certificates in professional courses in your field of study. This will give you an edge in some companies for employment and for promotions. Remember that you need to be computer literate. If you are not, you can go for this also.
If possible, go and obtain certificate in management in addition to your qualifications. This will give an edge in rising to management level. This will also help you to manage you own business well. If possible, obtaining certificate in marketing or sales will also help to boost your own business. The knowledge you will gain there will help your business to grow.
Let me emphasise something here. Nobody is too old to obtain certificate; you can still go to school at any age and be the professional you dreamed to be. I was going in a town and somebody told about one hospital in the town. He said that the owner of the hospital was a retired principal of a high school. After retirement, he went to university to study medicine. He graduated and established his own hospital. Whenever there is a will, there must definitely be a way. Dear friend, go and achieve what you want to achieve before you die.
Study & Read to Feed Your Brain
Let me give you some quotes here:
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes consistently more valuable regardless of physical capacity. (Harvey Ullran)
The person who stops studying merely because he has finished school is forever hopelessly doomed to mediocrity, no matter what may be his calling. The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge. (Orrin C. Hudson).
As to the learning that any person gains from school education, it serves only like a small capital, to put him in the way of beginning learning for himself afterwards. Every person of learning is finally his own teacher� (Napoleon Hill)
What is the implication of all these to you? Keep on learning personally everything that is worth learning until you die. Read newspapers to feed your brain. Study more about the course you studied in school. Study more about the job you do in the office. This will give you expertise and an edge over others. Study to know more about the software your company uses for transactions.
This is one of the secrets of great inventors, innovators, developers, and so on. For instance, this was the secret of Thomas Edison who patented more than 1,000 inventions before he died. How did he achieve this? Do you think that he had more school education than you did? No! History has it that he attended school for only...
Book on wisdom, skill, and expertise acquisition and maintenance.
What are the secrets of great people from different fields of life since the beginning of the world? Different things, characters, attitudes, values, practices, philosophies, methods etc were put together by great people to be who they were or are. One of the secrets of great people is ardent pursuit of wisdom, skill, and expertise. This book reveals, "Wealth is born out of wisdom; the wealth is increased by wisdom, and is constantly maintained by wisdom"; "The level of your education, i.e. your acquisition of educational wisdom and skills, determines the type of seat that will be offered to you in the public and offices." Now is your time to soar to greatness. Lenuf assures, "You too can still be a public figure – national or international – before you die if you can increase your works of wisdom, skills, and expertise." Begin today! How? Take time to read this book to find out how to do this.
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July 07, 2015
Readying for an expected April 2013 Broadway bow, Jekyll & Hyde stars Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox were on set for a photo shoot to promote the Frank Wildhorn musical, now on tour. Replete in the sexy-yet-refined Tobin Ost costumes (Ost also handles scenic design duties), Maroulis (who plays troubled Dr. Henry Jekyll as well as his evil alter-ego Mr. Hyde) and Cox (who plays love interest Lucy) chatted about the desire to add new elements and emotions to the iconic show, performing live on stage with a live orchestra and the power of the romantic-yet-rocking Wildhorn score. For more on the touring production, click here.
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I suspect that by now almost everyone who reads this blog will already know that John Stott passed away two days ago.It is impossible to overstate the influence Stott had on the evangelical world in the 20th Century. I thought I would here share some quotes and a round up of useful links form around the net. John Stott Ministries has a website where you can read more about him. Third Way have a comprehensive interview with Stott from 2005.John Piper's personal reflection on Stott's life … [Read more...]
John Stott (27 April 1921 – 27 July 2011) Round up of memorial posts
10 Ways a Christian should respond to the earthquake in Japan
As Japan braces itself for a possible further serious earthquake, and deals with the consequences of such massive devastation caused by the last one, not to mention the risk of a major nuclear incident, how should Christians respond? Please understand that none of this is intended to claim that we have all the answers to such a disaster. In fact, like Job's friends' initial response, often the best thing we can do is say absolutely nothing, and share people's pain.I write this article with … [Read more...]
What kind of revolution will this turn out to be? Will it make a difference to men like Said Musa?
There is no doubt that we live in extraordinary days. The Middle East is full of revolutionary uprising. Crowds are overthrowing regimes that have been in place for decades. But what do the people really want? And more importantly perhaps, when the dust has settled, new constitutions have been written, and new laws have been firmly established, what will these countries look like? Will all the dominoes topple, or will the might of existing leaders in some nations defeat the popular … [Read more...]
911 Nine years on
This is now the third time I have posted this article. In many ways, nothing much has changed as the years have gone by. I have therefore lightly edited the article but republish it today more or less as I originally published it.The world will never forget 911. Each year I say it, but it still feels in a way like yesterday, despite the fact it is an age ago. We now live in the post 911 world. I am not American, and until early 2003 I had never been to New York. On 9/11, I didn't lose a loved … [Read more...]
Boys lacking men to inspire them to mature
Every now and then you read an article that says it right. This Guardian article is one such article and describes boys as follows: "A lazy youth becomes a burden to those parents, whom he ought to comfort, if not support. But you can no more rouse them, with all of their fine arguments, than you can a log. There they lie, completely enchained by indolence… Business tires him; reading fatigues him; the public service interferes with his pleasures. Ask him what he has done with his morning – he … [Read more...]
Abby Enck, Age 8: Social Entrepreneur
This post is from Brett and Alex Harris, those dynamos who keep reminding kids that they can achieve great things with their life: Abby Enck is only eight-years-old, but her story provides an excellent blueprint for rebelutionaries on how to make a difference. This shy girl found a cause close to home (supporting her brother who has cerebral palsy) and took one small step to meet that need (raising $4.50 selling lemonade to buy crayons).Once she had developed a successful model, she multiplied … [Read more...]
911 Eight Years Ago
I wrote the following article, originally titled "911 THREE YEARS ON" Now we can add five more years and nothing much has changed. I have therefore lightly edited the article but republish it today more or less as I originally published it:The world will never forget 911. A year ago I said it felt like yesterday, and it still does. I am not American, and until early 2003 I had never been to New York. On 9/11, I didn't lose a loved one or a friend. But I remember seeing the second plane hit the … [Read more...]
Religious Persecution Is Alive And Well In Nigeria And India
The age of martyrdom is far from over. Living in the West we may feel relatively insulated from such things but our brothers and sisters around the world wake up this morning to the knowledge that their lives are at risk because of their faith. We can feel powerless to help. But help we can, if nothing else by our prayers, by being informed, and by supporting the work of organizations set up to help the oppressed. As a child I remember being inspired by the work of Open Doors with Brother … [Read more...]
Swine Flu Apparently Reaches The Warnocks
The Swine Flu global epidemic is the first of the 24/7 media era. It seems the mainstream media can't quite seem to decide whether to whip us all up into a panic with stories of children dying or lead us to total complacency with stories of swine flu parties and reassurance that the majority of deaths "had underlying medical problems anyway," as though that makes it OK somehow!The reality is of course somewhere in between. There are healthy people dying. Not in large numbers. Over the coming … [Read more...]


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Discover an alternative to the traditional character rigging workflow with the Character Animation Toolkit (CAT) toolset for 3ds Max, which offers quick preset character rigs as well as custom tools for creating a rig from scratch.
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Client Services
Receptionist SupervisorHailey B
Hailey began with VCA in October of 2010. Even though originally from New Jersey, today she resides as our fantastic Reception Supervisor in VCA Westboro. Hailey's out of work furry companions include Charlotte her Boxer and two cats; Jersey and Prim. Hailey and her AKC Champion Show Dog both enjoy many dog shows together when she isn't here leading our receptionist team to providing you and your pet exceptional experiences at the hospital.
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Lorrie has been with VCA Westboro since 1999 and prior to that ran VCA Grafton (merged with Westboro) since 1990. Lorrie enjoys spending time in her garden with her twins, Connor and Marley. She also shares her home with numerous cats she has aquired throughout the years.
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Cathie has been with VCA Westboro Animal Hospital since 2006. Cathie and her fellow receptionist have built up our client service to it's highest level. She is our resident cook and caterer, you might even find her dishing up lunch or snacks for our staff, much appreciated by all. Cathie is pictured with her Papillon "Jenny" and also has a cat "Cricket" who is Jenny's pal.
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Kara has been with VCA Westboro since 2006. She has helped bring our reception staff up to the high standard that it is. Kara is pictured with her BFF "Krusty".
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Beryl joined our team in November of 2014 as a receptionist and kennel staff. After nearly a decade of retail management she made a switch to the veterinary industry, pursuing her passion of working with animals. She is currently enrolled in school to be a veterinary technician, and in her free time enjoys going to music festivals, movies and hiking with her dog Blue pictured with her here.
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Nancy started at VCA Westboro in 1995. She left to start her family and returned to us on a part time basis in 2006. Nancy is pictured with her two Black Labs, "Alleluia" and "Genesis". She has multiple cats at home that have been aquired over the years. She enjoys traveling to the Cape and Florida with her family, human and pet.


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Key Thought : The Holy Spirit is the highest of all gifts. It is the Spirit that gives us the fullness of divine power to resist and overcome sin.. [lesson plan for The Holy Spirit July 14, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 16:13,14. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … [Click to read more …]
When Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit to the disciples, He called Him another Helper (John 14:16). The Greek word Jesus used for another is allos, which means another of the same kind, in contrast with heteros, another of different kind or quality. The same likeness of nature that bonds the Father and the Son is … [Click to read more …]
Ellen G. White wrote that the nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the Lord has not revealed it to them. . . . Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden. –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 52. Nevertheless, she also affirmed that … [Click to read more …]
With fear and sadness, the disciples listened as Jesus announced His imminent death. When they were deprived of His presence, who would be their Teacher, Friend, and Counselor? Knowing their desperate need, Christ promised to send His representative to be with them. What particular name did Christ use for His representative? See John 14:16-18. In … [Click to read more …]
In this presentation Graham Maxwell examines the question, "Why did Jesus Have to Die?" Please feel free to use the Comments section to post your response after viewing the video. Like(6) … [Click to read more …]
Read for This Week's Study: John 14:16-18; John 14:26; John 15:26; Matt. 12:31-32; John 16:8; John 3:5-8; Luke 11:9-13. Memory Text: And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever (John 14:16, NKJV). Of the three Persons of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is … [Click to read more …]
[Note that this now points to the correct video. The previous version pointed to Lesson 1, not Lesson 2] You can view a discussion of the current lesson in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris on their own site. (Needs Adobe Flash.) A Youtube version of this week's lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the Study Guide here. … [Click to read more …]
This 3 minute video can turn your Sabbath school around! Make sure when your Sabbath School ends next week everyone leaves with these two vital things. Like(27) … [Click to read more …]
Believers in western Russia work together to win their neighbors—and sometimes thieves—to Jesus. They write the names of people for whom they are praying in a book at church. Then they deliver tracts or newsletters to those people during the week. One woman who owns a goat farm asked God who to pray for, and … [Click to read more …]


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Latest News
February 27, 2009Win-Door North America, the annual trade exhibition sponsored by the Canadian Window & Door Manufacturers Association, plans to unveil a new floor plan this year featuring a new "IG Alley" feature area. The 2009 event is scheduled for November 17 to 19 in Toronto. Showcasing companies involved in the insulating glass sector, Win-Door's IG Alley... more »
February 25, 2009The American Architectural Manufacturers Association recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated award winners at its 72nd annual conference. The meeting, held in Coronado, Calif., concludes today. AAMA presented David Moyer of Architectural Testing Inc. its 2008 Outstanding Member Award, given to an individual for his or her work and... more »
February 25, 2009The first Aluroller machine in North America was recently installed at Astro Shapes in Struthers, Ohio, according to Joe Valvo, the company's VP of sales. The equipment from Belgium uses a technologically advanced way of installing polyamide strips into thermally-broken aluminum extrusions for windows, curtainwall and other products. It has been used in the European market for... more »
February 23, 2009The Omaha World Herald reports that Echo Windows LLC, based in Red Oak, Iowa, is closing today. Echo Windows is the former Traco residential window manufacturing operation acquired by the Richard and Sharon Gillman family of Chicago, which also owned Republic Windows in Chicago, the newspaper states. The sudden closing of Republic last year drew national attention... more »
February 23, 2009GED Integrated Solutions Inc. reports that due to the advanced materials used to manufacture its Intercept Stainless Steel Ultra material, the National Fenestration Rating Council has determined that the product's conductivity multiplier be reduced to 13.63 W/mK. "This translates into a 20 percent reduction from standard stainless steel material, resulting in unit U... more »
February 23, 2009Serious Materials has gone live with CenterPoint, WTS Paradigm's order-entry and quoting software. The California-based manufacturer of high-performance windows, which recently gained attention with the purchase and re-opening of the Kensington Windows' plant, chose WTS Paradigm as its strategic partner for its ERP system and to help expand its efforts to increase sales and... more »
February 23, 2009In a home improvement segment that aired last week on The Today Show, Simpson Door Co. had a few of its products featured. The segment was hosted by Amy Matthews, one of the hosts of the DIY Network series Sweat Equity. She went through a series of simple upgrades homeowners can do to their homes. One of those upgrades she discussed was the replacement of hollow core... more »
February 18, 2009Haddon Windows has purchased the assets of Accu-Weld, the vinyl window and door manufacturer based in Bensalem, Pa. Before the time of the acquisition, Accu-Weld was a subsidiary of Shapes/Arch Holdings LLC, a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital. Accu-Weld is a fully integrated manufacturer and marketer of residential vinyl windows and decorative entry doors to the repair and remodeling market.... more »
February 18, 2009Veka Holdings will cease production at its Edmonton, Alberta, facility, which has been running below capacity due to the ailing economy. The tooling and output from the Edmonton site will be moved to the company's plants in Reno, Nev., and Fombell, Pa. Warehousing operations will remain in Edmonton and be supplied from the Nevada and Pennsylvania plants. Company representatives report that... more »
February 18, 2009The $789 billion compromise stimulus bill negotiated by House and Senate leaders could boost window and door sales. Passed by both Houses of Congress and signed yesterday by President Obama, the package substantially increases the value of tax credits provided for energy efficient home improvements, including windows and doors. According to a statement released by Speaker of the House Nancy... more »


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Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Going Funny With 'Birdman'
The filmmaker, known for heavy dramas such as 'Babel' and '21 Grams,' will direct a film about an actor who once played a superhero but now tries to mount a Broadway play.
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, known for his soul-searing dramas such as Babel and 21 Grams, is going for a light touch with his latest project.
The filmmaker said Friday that he will direct Birdman, a comedy piece he co-wrote with Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo.
The indie follows a former actor, who once played an iconic superhero, as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim past glory. The movie will take place in one location over the course of three days as the actor juggles family, career and his sanity.
Gonzalez Inarritu, who is producing with Robert Graf and John Lesher, is eyeing a start in March.
He still is developing The Revenant, a gritty revenge wilderness drama for New Regency. That project, which Leonardo DiCaprio has been flirting with on-and-off for months, could be on the filmmaker's docket after Birdman.
Gonzalez Inarritu and the film are repped by CAA.
Never miss a story. Stay up-to-date with THR's Daily Headlines.
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Bastion, Braid, Limbo, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, Psychonauts, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Lone Survivor, Super Meat Boy.
The most recent Humble Indie Bundle was absolutely stacked. The result? $5,106,718.09 raised for charity, game developers and the people at Humble Bundle.
Almost 600,000 bundles were sold, with purchasers naming their price.


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Release Date:
January 6, 2009
Date Published:
January 6, 2009
Just after Valentine's Day, Diesel returns to once again turn New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum's world upside down, in a novel marked by the presence of such familiar characters as Lula, Grandma Mazur, Connie, Ranger, Joe, Tank, Valerie, and Albert Kloughn. Reprint.
Janet Evanovich's wacky bounty hunter is at it again in PLUM LUCKY. When Stephanie Plum's grandmother finds a giant bag of money, she decides it's finders keepers. Yet, despite its being St. Patrick's day, Stephanie knows they'd better return this pot of gold to it's rightful owner--before their luck runs out.
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres, Fiction + Literature Themes
Sub-Genre: General, Humorous Fiction, Peoples + Cultures, Mystery + Crime
- Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres, Fiction + Literature Themes
- Subgenre: Mystery + Crime, General, Humorous Fiction, Peoples + Cultures
- Edition: Reprint
- Language: English
- Author: Janet Evanovich
other Info.
- Online Item #: 11389563
- Store Item Number (DPCI): 059-02-5268
- Item can be gift wrapped.
- Made in the USA or Imported


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Cincy goes big for All-Star spotlight Sports Media: Death of a merger BMW takes VIP cue from Masters How Bama, CLC rolled to $100M extension Breaking Ground: New opportunities Gardens take root Red Wings free up space for amenities People: Executive transactions OneTwoSee to provide X1 tech content U.S. Olympic Museum in fundraising mode
SBJ/April 16-22, 2012/FinancePrint All
Debt a common foe in NHL playoff series
On the ice, the New Jersey-Florida first-round NHL playoff series pits a perennial postseason Devils squad against a Panthers team that made it past the regular season for the first time in more than a decade.
But off the ice, the two teams face similar challenges: steep debt loads, financial losses and a search for new equity investors.
The Devils and Panthers have both faced challenges in the equity market.
Photo by:GETTY IMAGES
That prospectus, crafted by Citigroup, outlines how the club is looking to raise $20 million in private equity and another $15 million of debt to help cover steep losses that sources said in past years were tens of millions of dollars annually for Sunrise Sports & Entertainment.
Any prolonged playoff run this year would be expected to slice away at such losses this season.
"We do not disclose or comment on financial figures, as they are private and confidential in nature," Sunrise President Michael Yormark said in a statement provided by a spokesperson. "In the past four months alone, the Florida Panthers won the first division title in franchise history and the BankAtlantic Center was ranked No. 9 in the country and No. 21 in the world by trade publication Pollstar."
The Devils, too, are in the marketplace looking for equity, and the team has been in default on its $100 million of debt with lender CIT Group since last year. Under NHL rules, a lender cannot take action against a delinquent team until two months after the end of the postseason.
Despite league-level successes such as an attendance increase and strong ad sales efforts heading into the postseason, challenges continue at the local level for a number of NHL clubs — including playoff teams such as the Devils and Panthers. And with the NHL girding for a labor battle with the NHL Players' Association — the league's collective-bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15 — experts said the poor financial state of such teams is sure to be a battleground. These observers estimate there are at least half a dozen clubs hemorrhaging significant cash.
"The sport is extremely popular in certain regions and not nearly as much in other populations," said Scott Rosner, academic director of the Wharton Sports Business Initiative. "It is also a factor how the sport monetizes revenues. It is highly local in nature, and where there is not sufficient consumer demand, teams will struggle."


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Steelers cut Wilson after he's arrested for allegedly punching ex-girlfriend
Updated: March 21, 2008, 1:51 PM ETAssociated Press
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers released wide receiver Cedrick Wilson on Thursday, hours after he was charged with punching his estranged girlfriend in the face at a suburban restaurant.
The 29-year-old player was arraigned on charges of simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct and freed on $10,000 bail.
"We're extremely disappointed with this incident," team chairman Dan Rooney said. "The Steelers do not condone violence of any kind, especially against women."
Wilson ...
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Police have warrant in attempted Banksy theft
First Published Mar 08 2014 03:57PM • Last Updated Nov 17 2014 03:52 pm
New Orleans • New Orleans police say they're looking for a Los Angeles man accused of trying to steal a big chunk of cinderblock wall bearing a painting by the world-renowned graffiti artist Banksy.
An emailed news release says police have a warrant to arrest 30-year-old Christopher Sensabaugh on charges of attempted theft and criminal damage to property.
An Internet database does not have a current phone number for Sensabaugh.
Police say the mural could be worth $200,000 to $1.1 million dollars.
The man was photographed by local residents. He told them he was removing the piece for an art show in London.


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9 Dtoiders that left an impression. A petty number and a broad term. I am going to cheat...so hard. So very very hard...even 10 times harder. I drew an avatar-name associated freak show. I drew you as one of my French girls. It's one glorious circlejerk...so...nothing to be afraid of.
I stumbled across Destructoid accidentally. In 2010 I pondered over the idea of buying "Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage". In order to justify that purchase I was in desperate need of an even remotely positive review of said game.
Destructoid gave it a 8.5 score.
Let me quote the Dtoider Sam Spectre: "this is such a broken home omg"
(from: "How did you find Destructoid???", the Forums)
I bought the game and stayed. Only 2 years later I wrote my first c-blog.
I am not the extremely extrovert type, even in the depths of the darknet I am kind of reluctant to spill my guts. I don't comment too much on the FP, I write the occasional c-blog, I don't involve myself in the more serious discussions in the Forums.
Most of the time I am posting pictures. I consider the Random-Picture-Thread, the Animated-Gifs-Thread and the Forums' Meet&Greet-section to be my very own shangri-la of amusement. As English isn't my first language the lack of fluency and efficiency in my writings gives me the Angst. I am more of a voyeur.
I enjoy to observe the daily drama. And I like the participating parties.
So you might not know me but I am watching you. With my eyes.
It is not solely about videogames anymore.
I like that.
And because I don't have so much to say I drew my own personal monster-gallery of impressive Dtoiders.
I like monsters. I like you. Match made in heaven.
9 Dtoiders: 109 French Girls - challenge accepted
Orginally my plan was to draw my top 9 Dtoiders. As cuddly monsters because I like monsters.
By setting up some rules of conduct beforehand, I tried to limit my efforts to a sensible extent of time and energy and to avoid getting lost in fiddling around with single drawings.
It got out of hand anyway…sort of.
Rule 1: No sketches, no tracing
Rule 2: once started there is no going back, one try per customer.
Rule 3: use a gel pen, so every line is permanent.
Rule 4: coloring – maximum of 9 minutes (...or less...mostly less) per character.
The drawings differ in quality quite a bit, some were done with more verve than others depending on my condition, stress-level, the place where I worked on them, the paper, the pen etc. What to expect: A lot of weird anatomy, strange and (re-occuring) color-schemes, disgusting (sorry Seph!) and/or misshapen designs (sorry Seph!), etc.
Actually this is what I liked the most about the whole process. The surprise at the end.
Whether or not I was content with the outcome I did it with love in my heart. And a whole lot of enjoyment.
So if your monster-alter-ego looks particularly crappy don't be sad...those were the rules.
I started with 9 and ended up with a hundred more: Forums, c-blogs, frontpage...perhaps you wrote something meaningful, posted entertaining stuff...be that as it may, you definitely made some kind of positive impression, you entertained me. Thank you for that.
Since there are so many of you I refrain from posting the whole bunch here and consequently clutter my blog but I want to present a selection in my special-mention-section further down. You can watch the whole bunch via the video provided further down or on my Tumblr.
If you are not on the list: there could have been more but I simply ran out of steam at some point.
I forgot BadStar and Shinta for example. That's a shame
here they come.
Karlmariaseeberg the Sheik of Smut was so kind to meld all of my pictures into one super-duper video which you can watch here:
FRENCH GIRLS (in glorious motion)
My heartfelt thanks to Glowbear and Panza for letting me use some Scary Granules footage. karlmariaseeberg is a GOLDEN GOD. You are awesome. Thanks again.
Alternatively you can browse through my Tumblr:
FRENCH GIRLS (not in glorious motion)
because some are more equal than others. In no particular order.
Observe the inconsistency!
#1 Panzadolphin
a devious fish
#2 Glowbear
a graceful bear
I heard them talk on Scary Granules and fell in love.
#3 Usedtabe
Papa Turkey's Drunken Discipline Hour
#4 Orlion
the lions...their names...they are legion...a piece of my blue period (it sucks)
#5 Opiumherz
I despised the guy when he first arrived. He is a wonderfully terrible person. With a terribly wonderful sense of humor...at least I think it is humor.
#6 MikeMartin / Phil
phil calls you names and you start to feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
#7 Nihil
genie in a bottle (German pun)
#8 Occams
I want him as my dad
#9 Andy Dixon
I want him as my mom
#10 see how bad I am at this? Zombieplatypus
un artiste
this is getting better and better:
#11 Char Aznable
a genuine Steve McQueen
- karlmariaseeberg
I know karlmariaseeberg from RL. I think we've first met around 2001? Since then we share certain obsessions. He doesn't post an awful lot on Dtoid (shame on you!) but he did a wonderful Random-Pictures-Thread-Mash-Up (watch it HERE) and generally is one of my favourite human beings. He is a mean Kabal though.
- domanz
I ran into domanz in the Forums' Meet&Greet-section where we discovered that we actually live in the same city (Vienna). Which by itself is already a rather strange experience, you just don't expect it when you move through an alternative reality like Destructoid. We even went to the same school, shared some teachers. We will have a baby. And the rest is SILENTIUM!
In 2012 I decided to join the Forums and wrote a terrible introductory-thread. I met the friendliest scavengers imaginable and they ganged up on me. It felt like they were taking turns in puking into all of my gaping orifices while panza was holding their hair, humming strange maritime melodies.
I loved it. The first few days are crucial for fresh meat and because of these guys I prolonged my stay here. Well done.
They might be oblivious to the fact that I have a special place in my heart for all of them. So I want to list them here.
Jon Bloodspray
Mr. Gobbldigook
nothing more to add
bye byeread
Too much nvg-related activity made me neglect the c-blogs for some time now: new line of work, new year, next-gen. My motivation to write during my sparse spare time had reached a spectacular low. Approximately a week ago two isolated events triggered my desire to share something:
Firstly I came across some nasty videos about an old lady hoarding dead cats (provided by the merry band of Dtoid's very own Forumites) and secondly: I experienced a relapse into carving; I started to play Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
At a first glance these events don't seem to have anything in common but let me elaborate a tiny bit on the connection between carving monsters and a fridge full of decomposing kittens...I am sure that provides an interesting read for almost everybody.
Anyway, I consider playing videogames to be a great opportunity for introspection and observation of group dynamics, you can watch yourself and others act in all kinds of hypothetical settings and situations. It allows me to watch myself from a greater distance.
I always wondered why games are not even more widely used in a therapeutic context.
the omniscient hive-mind says:
"Hoarding is a general term for a behavior that leads people or animal to accumulate food or other items during periods of scarcity. Some hoarding in humans may be a form of an anxiety disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where the perceived importance of the hoarded items far exceeds their true value. Humans may lose the desire to throw away unneeded items because of a feeling of attachment to these items."
A lot of us here are collectors of some sort...rare gems, obscure japanese niche-games, cheesy yet overpriced figurines and whatnot.
Although I have the sturdy build of a mighty hunter I am more of a gatherer myself as well.
Countless unused systems gather dust somewhere in the deep space that is my flat. Right next to my collection of graphic novels and vintage medicine books (so super-dandy).
And as many others I am obsessed with loot. Whenever I play games like Diablo or Borderlands I usually spend more time assessing, organizing and selling weapons than with actual gameplay. My inventories usually look like the ninth circle of hell. Attempts of putting things in order tend to result in adding yet another level of complexity to an already convoluted system of disorganisation.
Obsessing over loot is what prevents me from enjoying certain games, let alone finishing them…having entered a loop of getting ready …forever.
In item- and grind-heavy RPGs or any sort of game where you can spend skill points or items to strengthen your character I save all those elixirs, armor, points, whatever…for later, for when I have a greater insight into what character traits are likely to become more significant than others (I have got this system and it makes perfect sense, thank you very much) - only to notice that there is no "later". The game long forgotten, skill points still unspent, the once shiny armor rusty and mucus-ridden. A behaviour that makes progress in games harder than it has to be. I am 13 hours into MH4. I have slaughtered Great Jaggi after Great Jaggi and still I am not sure if is wise to get me the Jaggi-Armor-set. My fridge is full.
I come from a family background of unobtrusive or lets say functioning hoarders. My mother being great at creating unspeakable chaos in a relatively short amount of time, my father collecting all kind of things and gradually building his own private empire of clutter, paintings and second hand trinkets. In his flat the walls show only sporadically that they once have been innocent and white and pure. We had fights over dust covered nests made of dry spaghetti.
In real life I try my best to deal with signs of my chaotic heritage as soon as they arise. Every picture on my own four walls is a result of hard and painful inner struggle. So neurosis strikes again. Yay.
I love my father and I appreciate his artistic approach to life but when you have to live inside an outsider-art-artwork it becomes exhausting sooner or later.
I know that I am somewhat inclined to develop similar behaviour-patterns and I struggle against that on a daily basis.
In games I let my hoarder urges take over. I collect potions like mad only to not use them. And when I use them eventually I experience every sip of that life-giving brew as a kind of personal defeat. Because I'll need that very potion desperately later on in the game for sure.Without it my future is clearly at a high risk of becoming a tale of pain and sorrow.
Items exist to be collected, to be saved from consumption and to behold them with wonder. Not to…use...them.
I find it rather interesting that game developers more often than not implement some kind of restriction to their inventory systems. Sometimes your movement tempo is reduced to a crawl whenever the last slot gets filled with some more junk or the quick-travel-options are out of order all of a sudden. Too much stuff literally slows you down. The storage space available might be incredibly small to be begin with, resources slowly decay over time or atrocities of similar cruelty.
Those games offer worlds and identities of wonder but have to hinder me in my gathering joys?
I don't get it.
The only horror I experience when I play survival horror games has always been the lack of space for my travel necessities. Oh, the horror! the horror!
I even had an intervention once…when the 1.2. update for Terraria (on PS3) killed my save-files. I really tried to get into the game again but the abyss stared back and oogly boogly...too much for my weak nerves. Which is a real tragedy, because Terraria is the perfect game for the everyday - hoarder: you accumulate resources you'll possibly never use…or at least not to the extent which the time and work you invested would insinuate.
FEEL THE PAIN! here:
"The Terraria team has just unleashed its 1.2 update for the PS3, Vita and 360 platforms"
Every single one of my many bank-worlds had been affected, nothing had been spared. In order to make things work again I likely would have had to delete and re-install the game, since the corruption (lol) spread to new save-files as well. I'll never know because that process would make my loss a final one. I avoid it.
I am through with that game. The shock simply was too much for me to handle.
Alas! This intervention did not cure me completely, my inventories are still swollen with shiny treasures but concerning my anxiety and my fear of using and losing, things seem to have gotten better...a bit at least. I am much faster at selling stuff now. Hooray.
And I make backups.
Where did I start off now? Monster Hunter…I spent about 200 hours in MH3 (hardcore-hunters are allowed to pityingly smirk at me now) in a relatively short amount of time. I felt relieved when I finally felt strong enough to stop all that binge-playing. Now I got me MH4 and my hemorrhoids begin to grasp the concept of gravity. Handheld gaming and toilets are a combination made in hell.
Anyway, I entered the vicious circle of looting and self-improvement via items again. I gather resources without ever using them.
My inventory is filling up again, slowly but steadily...with a bunch of dead kitten.
Perhaps it is time for another interventionread
It was the moment of the final confrontation between Kratos and the Hecatoncheir when I realized that what I was watching on the screen was essentially porn:
a muscular white man (in shades of gray) rhythmically opens up crevices and orifices, penetrates flesh with his "tools", jumps on backs here and there while pressing all the buttons in the right order. The foe's flesh becomes a ressource, a stock which I as a player of games have to deplete: repetitive movements, change of position, close-ups.
As soon as I had beaten the first stage I had to visualize my thoughts and impressions:
For all of you who have never played the fourth iteration of the God of War-series ("God of War Ascension") I'll gladly summarize the first few minutes of this game:
A Hecatoncheir is a very big Greek with hundreds of hands, his touch is firm but gentle...the whole hairy body possibly shimmering with olive-oil. One multi-limbed giant out of three, all sons to Gaia. Where was I...ummm, yes: in "GOW Ascension" the Hecatoncheir Aegaeon functions both as the first level (his flesh tranformed into the Prison of the Damned by scary SM-siblings) and as the final boss of said level, driven mad by giant parasitic penes (Titanic STD by courtesy of dominatrix Magaera). For whatever reason Kratos doesn't like bondage (or forgot the safety word) and starts to split skulls.
I am not new to extreme violence in videogames a/o other media but the extent to which "GOW Ascension" plays that card is hilarious. It is explicit in a vulgar way and adds climax after climax. Like porn. When I finally beat Hecatoncheir (or to be more precise: the giant parasitic penes controlling the poor fellow) I experienced the usual flush of triumph but it felt somewhat dirty. I thoroughly enjoyed this obscene joyride of violence, I rummaged through filth and trash and squeaked like Piggsy from "Manhunt" while it lasted.
Nevertheless, guilt kicked in afterwards.
Now I see porn everywhere. In videogames.
I am not a hardcore adult-entertainment-afficionado (I think not), so it shouldn't be due to a toxic over-exposure to erotica that my perception is kind of porn-sensitive.
I don't know if our society is over-sexualised or not.
I don't know whether it is really the case that the porn-industry is the spearhead of techno-societal development and aims at world-dominance by manipulating all of our cultural artefacts.
I just noticed that "GOW Ascension" is not erotic at all (boobies...yawn) but nevertheless exhibits mechanisms and aesthetics of porn-movies.
And now I can't turn it off.
Nemesis of the "Resident Evil"- games is the John Holmes of survival-horror.
He/It has a giant retractable genital.
You have to destroy his/its body. Before it/he destroys yours
The Super Mario Bros. are supposedly in an incestuous relationship
I have fantasies about Princess Daisy ever since Super Mario Land.
They all look like 80ies porn-stars in Mushroom Kingdom
They all look like 80ies gay porn-stars in Metal Gear Solid
I mean, Solid Snake, Sons of Liberty, Snake Eater? A mustached roughneck obsessed with a bossy mother-figure slides into close-combat-"situations" with guys called Ocelot, Vamp, Fatman, etc. on several occasions? Crawling on all fours, teasingly waggling his behind?
I better keep my mouth shut abouth the following gems:
"Double Dragon"
"Fist of the North Star"
"Unfinished Swan"
"Thomas was alone"
Wrong list..."Pushmo" just confuses me.


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This car was purchased from an older gentleman friend who decided he was too old to drive this sporty car. It is in great shape... More
Turbocharged 944, runs great. Lots of power, always garaged, all maintenance records. Body is a 10. Must see and drive to appreciate this classic. Car... More
1977 Porsche 924, 30,xxx original miles, White exterior, black interior, 4cyl, automatic transmission, removable sunroof. All original with exception of front seats re-upholstered and... More
This is a very clean, very original European specification "early" 1985 model 944 (mfg Oct 1984). Beautiful body. No rust. Not driven... More
WAY ABOVE AVERAGE CONDITION VERY CLEAN 924 PORSCHE WE RECEIVED THIS CLASSIC FROM THE THIRD OWNER THE MILEAGE IS STATED TO BE ORIGINAL 69K... More


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The Daniels Corporation
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