text:
Ibis Styles Luxembourg Centre
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- Continental Breakfast
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Breakfast, suitcase cramming and off we go. Celia commented that her suitcase gets heavier at each stop. I think it's due to the two new pair of shoes she's gotten so far! I think there may be more to come. She is a shoe lover. Tam and Steve dropped us off at the train station in Cochem. They are now on an adventure through Germany. We will meet up again in Amsterdam on the 16th. We will miss them. On the ...
On My Own
... and hang out, and she told us she was in the same boat! We busted out the bottle of wine that we have been carrying in our backpacks since Amsterdam, brought it down, and chilled with her all night. Her name is Tehkla, but she goes by "Teeks." She is a 6 foot tall, 27 year old German track runner who studied finance in Indiana and has been looking for a job since graduating with her masters. She is in Luxembourg house hunting because she finally got an internship ...
2nd half of road trip.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel we headed off to Luxembourg City and into Vaals(It borders on both Belgium and Germany. The three borders meet on the Drielandenpunt, a few meters from the highest point in the European part of the Netherlands, the Vaalserberg. The Vaalserberg used to be called "Hubertusberg".). And then onto Duerne. It was an entertaining drive to Luxembourg City especially trying to find first the city centre and then trying to find a park. The ...
The Tiniest Lil' Country!
... historic city so that we could figure out where things were and not get lost. After a solid 30 or so minutes of searching, we came upon a tiny square with a couple businesses. Yep - city centre. After not too much more wandering, we found a tourist information office. Cortney went in to try and find a map, and Chelsea and I went to check out a statue. At the base of the statue was, conveniently, a very basic map of the major attractions in ...
Venturing to Vianden
... beautifully nestled in the Our-valley along a river. It also had a chairlift which was included in our card, so off we went to ride up the top of the mountain. It is the only chair lift in the Grand Duchy which passes above the Our-valley, up to the summit at 450m. Pity it did not go to the castle, as you had to walk up to it, which is quite a hike. It was a wonderful view from the top of the chair lift. At the top we decided to have a light lunch and a cold ...


text:
I have an interesting problem. I need to wrap static classes dynamically. I.e. return a non-static instance to my callers. e.g.:
public object CreateInstance(string className) {
Type t = assembly.GetType(className);
if (IsStatic(t)) {
return CreateStaticWrapper(t);
} else {
return Activator.CreateInstance(t);
So what I need is pointers as to how to implement
Note: I cannot use Dynamic objects unfortunately.
So what are my options? I'm not that keen on learning IL generation? If IL generation (Reflection.Emit, or is there other ways now?) is the way to go does anyone have pointers there?
Edit: It's important to note that I can return a Dictionary of Delegates. So I could use
Delegate.CreateDelegate for this but I can't seem to work out how to handle overloaded methods and Generic methods.
Edit2: Another option would be to inject an empty constructor into the type using Emit, again any pointers? Is this even possible on a type marked as static? Does the static keyword make it into the IL?
Edit3: For a bit of context, I'm passing this to a javascript environment see: my project. So I would like to be able to (in JavaScript):
var fileHelper = .create('System.IO.File');
if (fileHelper.Exists(fileName)) { fileHelper.Delete(fileName); }
Thanks All.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In the end, the only thing that really counts is the America's Cup final match. But, at this point in the grueling challenger trials for the Louis Vuitton Cup, two teams are very much alive.
Emirates Team New Zealand takes on Italy's Luna Rossa in a best-of-nine series, which begins Friday. Picking a winner is no easy task. I expect the match to extend past seven races. Both teams have strong attributes and some weaknesses.
Most of the cheering around Valencia's gold-plated waterfront will be for the Italians. All of Europe would rather see the America's Cup remain on the continent. That prospect would be guaranteed if Italy prevails and sails against the defender, Alinghi from Switzerland.
New Zealand has a lot of momentum since its sailing-mad country first challenged for the America's Cup in 1987. New Zealand has sailed in the Cup or been a challenger finalist eight straight times. Returning the Cup to New Zealand would be an impressive feat after losing five straight races to Switzerland in 2003.
In order to get to the job done, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron recruited round-the-world veteran and hero Grant Dalton to manage the campaign. So far, so good, but New Zealand has a tough task ahead against Italy.
Since first challenging in 1983, the Italians have fielded multiple teams. They reached the America's Cup finals twice, 1992 and 2000, but were defeated by a combined score of 10-1.
Italian teams have suffered from the mercurial Patrizio Bertelli's management style. In 2000, he issued a press release blasting the performance of his crew during the America's Cup. In 2003, he fired his designer, Doug Peterson, after the very first race of the trials. Many have compared Bertelli to baseball's George Steinbrenner. Bertelli and his wife, Miuccia Prada, run the giant Prada fashion house. But this time, Bertelli has stayed in the background.
On the race course, Luna Rossa seems to get stronger every day. The team routed America's BMW Oracle Racing 5-1. This performance was no fluke. USA was outsailed. New Zealand has to be concerned.
Here's my head to head assessment:
New Zealand: Dean Barker is consistently a strong competitor. He sailed a Finn dinghy in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. In 2000, he was the understudy of three-time America's Cup-winning helmsman Russell Coutts and steered the first race in 2000. But, in 2003, he lost every start to Coutts and seemed to lose his cool under pressure.
Italy: Australia's James Spithill has been hot on the starting line. He is young and very aggressive. When the pressure's, he is ready.
Edge: Italy.
New Zealand: American Terry Hutchinson is at the height of his competitive career. He is a gifted strategist and calming influence on Barker. This is the biggest race of his career.
Italy: Brazil's Torben Grael is one of the elite sailors in the world. He has won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal in the last five Olympics. He was a tactician for Italy in 2000 and recently raced around the world.
Edge: Italy.
New Zealand: New Zealand is sailing with two Americans and 15 Kiwis. Everyone speaks English. It is a homogenous group.
Italy: Italy includes sailors from six countries. Too many different languages can be problematic during tight maneuvers.
Edge: New Zealand.
New Zealand: When New Zealand won the America's Cup in 1995, 92 percent of the television stations were tuned to the races. New Zealand is a sailing-mad country and was stung after losing in 2003.
Italy: The Italians enthusiasm for their sporting heroes is impressive. They have had high television ratings. Italy's World Cup soccer victory was a national triumph.
Edge: Even
Recent performance
New Zealand: At the end of the early rounds and semis, New Zealand was the top scorer. They were pushed hard by a pesky Spanish team. They appear to be ready and at their peak.
Italy: Defeating BMW Oracle Racing 5-1 shocked owner Larry Ellison and everyone else watching the America's Cup. In head-to-head competition, Italy and New Zealand are 1-1.
Edge: New Zealand
Design team
New Zealand: American Clay Oliver is the key ingredient on Emirates Team New Zealand. This group has been evolving steadily over the past 20 years. The collective wisdom is a huge asset.
Italy: Design has been Italy's biggest problem over the past 24 years. But this time, there are two reasons Italy's troubles might be over: Bruce Nelson and Tom Schnackenberg. Nelson is a capable American who won with Dennis Conner in 1987 and has been a mainstay with several teams over the years. He is a very smart sailor in his own right and has a solid engineering background at the University of Michigan's highly esteemed Naval Architecture program. If there was a hidden engine in the America's Cup over the past 30 years, it's New Zealand's Schnackenberg.
Edge: Italy.
X Factor
Two reasons for trials are to select the best team and to train that team. A curve ball to the process will be if BMW Oracle Racing decided to practice with the defender Alinghi. This would go against the accepted practice of not sailing against the enemy. If these sessions take place, it could be a serious setback for the challenger because Alinghi will be able to compare their boat's performance based on the trial races between BMW Oracle Racing and the other boats.
Based on what we've seen so far, I give a slight edge to Italy. I'm sure the series will go at least seven or eight races.
Gary Jobson is a sailing analyst for ESPN. He is a former collegiate sailor and was a tactician for the 1977 America's Cup-winning yacht Courageous.


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The Lost Footage
Season finale director's cut
Quiz: Are You a Jersey Girl?
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Bravo heads to the Garden State to follow the five most Jersey of all Jersey Girls as they live lavish lifestyles and deal with all the drama that money can buy.
The hair is big, but the drama is bigger in THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY. For the first time in Real Housewives history, the ladies are more than just friends joining the cast are two sisters, who are married to two brothers and one sister-in-law, bringing a whole new level of familial drama to the table. While family remains a priority for each of these women, their shopping, decorating, dating and even fighting are all over-the-top.
From their wild weekend in Atlantic City to the infamous table flip, watch every episode of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY: THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE including the two Watch What Happens episodes, The Lost Footage and the Director s Cut of the season finale, all of 3 DVDs.
The conceit of Bravo's The Real Housewives franchise is to showcase women who make the fictional characters on ABC's Desperate Housewives seem like amateurs. And in that sense, The Real Housewives of New Jersey is successful. The women certainly are colorful, but as interesting? No. Still, it's easy to see why this series is popular. The women are pretty enough, plenty catty, and some are even downright diabolical. They're kind of what Heidi from The Hills might grow up to become 10 or 15 years down the line. Every reality series has to have a villain, and the first season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey has one in brassy Danielle. While she may not stick her boogery finger in a jar of communal peanut butter (as did Puck on The Real World: San Francisco), Danielle is an instigator. Many of her alleged actions are chronicled in a book written by her ex-husband. Is she a drug addict? Was she a hooker in the past? Does she have a history of altercations with the police? (Her ex is a police officer.) The truth is less important than the way she--and the rest of the housewives--deal with the accusations on the show. There are histrionics, table turning, and plenty of "Oh no she didn't" moments.
And that's what makes this tacky series watchable. It's almost difficult to believe that these women are real people, because they come across as such characters. Besides the aforementioned Danielle, the show features sisters Caroline and Dina, who are alpha gals of the series. Caroline says things like, "Before I like you, I don't like you," which is either really deep or paranoid, depending on your point of view. Their best friend Teresa is a serious stage mom and their low-key sister-in-law Jacqueline deals with life as best as she can, but she has a difficult time keeping her entitled daughter in line. But Jacqueline's biggest fault--in the other gals' eyes--is her friendship with Danielle. Amid all this drama, there is hope. Danielle's daughter Christine is wise beyond her years. She sees not only through her mother's odd exploits, but also through the tough words that the other housewives spit out. It's time for this girl to get her own series. --Jae-Ha Kim
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In the first season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, there are 6 regular episodes, plus 2 reunion episodes, the producer's cut of "The Last Supper," and a "lost footage"... Read morePublished 6 months ago by Andrea
It's neat to see these episodes knowing everyone's future ahead of time.Published 7 months ago by skychirp
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All Android applications categories
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by: Antagonist | 2
This app enables you to find and publish location-based events. Browse them by category, keyword etc. Invite people to attend to an event or let the app find upcoming events near your location: great for travellers and people who want to stay informed about nightlife opportunities, including coffee bars, parties, festivals.
from 2 reviews


text:
Duplicate File Detector5.5.0
editor's review
buy now $29.00
Duplicate File Detector is a complex software utility which aims at identifying duplicate files on your computer using an advanced search function with filters, in order to organize your data and free up valuable space on the HDD.
The interface of the application is professional-looking. You can point out directories to include in the scan and create an exclusion list, as well as use an Explorer-based folder structure to navigate folders on your system.
When it comes to scan settings, you can match items by file name, size or checksum type, specify attributes (read-only, hidden, archive, system) as well as use filters on dates and sizes.
In addition, you can process subfolders and skip zero-length files, export hash sums, open and empty the Recycle Bin straight from the primary panel, change the interface theme, as well as copy or move duplicate files to another location, instead of eliminating them from the PC.
You can use a file hash calculator, rename multiple files at the same time, choose another language and edit language packs, as well as map network drives and save projects to file for further modifications.
Duplicate File Detector uses a surprisingly low quantity of CPU and RAM, so it doesn't affect the overall performance of the computer. It has a good response time and works well, without causing the operating system to hang, crash or pop up error dialogs. Thanks to its rich features and numerous configurable settings, Duplicate File Detector should be particularly appealing to expert users.
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text:
Latest News
Ex-CIOs appointed to Australian e-health records committee
Tasmania invites bids for $15m CAD upgrade
Australia Post creates dedicated e-commerce unit
Samsung confirms hack on LoopPay subsidiary
Turnbull admits to using private email server
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Studio win: BT ordered to block pirate site
Judge suggests CleanFeed, Newzbin promises to undermine it.
Jul 29 2011 6:52AM
Indonesian star imprisoned for stolen sex tape
Ariel sentenced for violating pornography law.
Feb 7 2011 12:21PM
Facebook users spark Indonesian cyberlaw changes
IT laws stretched to handle defamation, pornography cases.
Nov 3 2010 7:11AM
Conroy's filtering announcement speech in full
Senator Stephen Conroy announces mandatory ISP-level filtering of RC-content.
Dec 15 2009 4:30PM
Libraries object to internet filtering
Surge in internet use in Australian libraries.
Jul 21 2009 1:37PM
Doubts expressed over ACMA blacklist leak
Doubts continue to mount over the authenticity of a leaked list of URL's purported to be ACMA's blacklist of banned websites.
Mar 19 2009 1:13PM
Child porn filters to cut Aussie broadband speeds
The Federal Government is distancing itself from some results in this week's ISP-level content filtering study, as industry criticism mounts over the test methodology.
Aug 1 2008 11:06AM
New York threatens Comcast over child pornography
The Attorney General of New York State Andrew Cuomo is threatening Comcast with legal action unless it signs up to a pledge to ban its customers from viewing child pornography..
Jul 24 2008 4:17PM
Qantas defends online security amidst child pornography case
Qantas claims it provides "more than adequate" online security even though a man was found guilty of having accessed child pornography in its Melbourne Airport lounge last year.
May 19 2008 12:32PM
NSW man charged with child pornography offences
The Australian Federal Police has arrested a NSW man for online child pornography offences.
Jun 15 2007 2:07PM
FTC slaps alleged pornography spammer with hefty fine
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stung a pornography marketer with a US$465,000 civil penalty this week for breaking anti-spam regulations that require an email warning of sexually explicit materials.
Feb 2 2007 9:31AM
Internet industry unites against child pornography
In a bid to clamp down on internet child pornography, 18 of the world's most prominent financial institutions and internet firms have joined with the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), and its sister organization, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The goal of the alliance is to eradicate commercial child pornography by 2008.
Mar 22 2006 10:15AM
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Monday, February 08, 2010
16 comments
After these, I don't remember what I ate! You can all blame Jo, she made me do it! Read more
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
11 comments
I am sure yea all have your type of lasagne, and I am sure others have done this version
but it is a first for me. It was just so good and the whole time I am eating it, I ... Read more
Monday, November 30, 2009
11 comments
I don't want to be a complainer or a whiner BUT I must.
I guess when I realised the a whole year has past by and I have done nothing but gain weight, it really hit me hard.
I know I should not be looking at the past but darn where the hec... Read more
Saturday, November 28, 2009
10 comments
My Panda, I was making her stay, I thought this
was an awesome tree.
... Read more
Sunday, November 08, 2009
11 comments
I had some time to night for myself, so I read blogs.
I choose sparks people who I saw on other people pages.
Sparks faces that looked like they had worked the progr... Read more
Sunday, November 01, 2009
16 comments
Ten months of procrastination, the scales go down the scales go up.
I would have a good week and then a bad week.
I know what I do wrong, I know how to make it right.
I have wasted 10 months (getting ready) My thinking has
to be se... Read more
Saturday, September 05, 2009
9 comments
Having a drink and a good old cat talk.
Enjoy life!... Read more
Thursday, July 16, 2009
6 comments
Seeing the old and the new!!! new meaning where I need to be back to!
I refuse to go back, I am too old to play the game of 50 up and 50 down.
This was a day off wor... Read more
Saturday, July 04, 2009
10 comments
I did something nice for me today and found a lovely frame for my beautiful picture that our Vickie took herself and then surprised me by having a copy made and delivered righ... Read more
Saturday, June 06, 2009
12 comments
Believe it or not Ladies/ Team, I am at last happy with my progress.
This putting the pictures beside each other has certainly opened my eyes.
I think like Barbara s... Read more
Saturday, May 16, 2009
7 comments
I am truly happy that I am back to seeing the light again.
I have struggled since the start of the new year.
It feels good to be back exercising regular again. I am loo... Read more
Monday, May 11, 2009
9 comments
Saturday, May 09, 2009
6 comments
Friday, March 20, 2009
5 comments
Jo and I have fun!
We need to get back to it!
... Read more
Sunday, November 16, 2008
7 comments
This picture is an old one that I used on the Dr Phil board when I had lost 53 lbs.
I was all dressed for a wedding in that blue stuff and thought I looked good!
I have... Read more


text:
President McPhee on Twitter
Recent Articles
Hitting Our Stride
August 24, 2015 By mtpresident
As we all know by now, Tennessee's new funding model for higher education places the highest priority on student progress, matriculation, and graduation success. Gov. Bill Haslam's Drive to 55 […]
Fiscal Year 2015–2016 Budget Overview
August 21, 2015 By mtpresident
The final state budget as proposed by Gov. Bill Haslam and approved by the General Assembly included a reduction adjustment in state funding for MTSU under the Tennessee […]
Homecoming 2015
August 20, 2015 By mtpresident
I could not be more excited about our upcoming Homecoming Week, which will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a home football game against Vanderbilt University. The […]
Reaccreditation Update
August 19, 2015 By mtpresident
The compliance audit for our reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) will be submitted in the coming weeks. Importantly, the development of our new Quality […]
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August 18, 2015 By mtpresident
As we prepare for a new academic year, University leadership is already looking ahead to next year and will hit the road this fall for the annual […]


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Rick Owens
Mock Turtleneck Sweater
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Rick Owens Mustard virgin wool fine-gauge knit mock turtleneck sweater.
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text:
The Cabin in the Woods
3 years ago
Plot Synopsis:
"Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods."
Taken from the film's IMDB page, that synopsis is all that you should know before watching Cabin in the Woods. Without being facetious, I almost want to say "just go see the movie. Trust me on this," as it would be a crime to spoil any one of this film's surprises. That being said, it's time to rise up to the challenge and review this thing. Somehow.
One of the most endearing aspects of this film is its self-awareness, which primarily shines through the dialogue between these five friends. Each of the actors fit neatly into their respective archetypes, with Fran Kranz stealing the show as the gang's stoner. More than just another token, however, the character actually ends up being considerably deeper than I initially expected. The same holds true for both Richard Jenkins' and Bradley Whitford's characters, though I won't elaborate on those two any further for the sake of spoilers.
The bulk of Cabin serves as both a parody and an homage to classic horror movie tropes, with the sharp, witty writing of Joss Whedon and director Drew Goddard carrying the day. It's the climax, though, wherein the horror film genre is turned completely upside down, that the movie elevates to a whole new level. Simply put, shit hits the fan.
While single-handedly destroying the genre, Cabin in the Woods provides for one chaotic ride. Not since last year's Hobo With a Shotgun have I had this much fun at the movies. I just about permeated this review with insufferable hyperbole, so I might as well end it with some more: nothing can prepare you for this movie.
Seriously, though, don't let anyone spoil it for you.
Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2011 (10-6)
3 years ago
Y'know, I'd actually planned on posting this list up at the end of 2011. But I didn't... Yep.
10. Thor
I feel like, of all of the films leading up to this summer's Avengers, this one had to be the most difficult to translate to film, particularly because of the elaborate costumes and the element of magic in this heavily science-based universe that Marvel set up. Virtually all of it worked, though, from the rich mythology, to the thrilling set-pieces (even though that aspect hits its peak during the opening frost giants sequence), to surprisingly relatable characters in both Thor and Loki. Easily my favorite of the Avengers set-up films.
9. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Talk about a shocker! After the crapfest that was Tim Burton's reboot, this franchise would need something special to pull it out of the toilet (cue punch line drum). Admittedly, Rise is carried largely by Andy Serkis' motion-capture performance as Caesar. But, damn, is it one hell of a performance! I'm not typically one to critique the list of Oscar nominees each year, but I seriously feel as though Serkis was snubbed.
8. Midnight in Paris
This is one quirky, fun movie! Owen Wilson hasn't been this likable in, well, ever. Cinematography aside, the beauty of the film is in its poignant message in regards to how people view the past with rose-tinted glasses. Oh, and props to Rachel McAdams for being pretty freakin' detestable.
7. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
From The Incredibles to Ratatouille, Brad Bird has quickly become one of my favorite directors. Ghost Protocol hits just the right balance of oh-my-god-did-you-just-see-that moments and good, ol'-fashioned character development. Jeremy Renner takes a particularly surprising turn as agent William Brandt. At no other point in this series has the spy element been this prevalent, which is just one of the reasons why I think that Ghost Protocol stands as the perfect Mission Impossible movie.
6. 50/50
It must have been a real challenge to put this screenplay together. Too comical, and it ventures into the realm of just being mean-spirited and in bad taste. Too serious, then the few bits of comedy may not be as effective. But, as with many of the films on this list, 50/50 hits its sweet spot. This movie is filled with memorable characters and provides just as many laugh-out-loud moments as it does genuinely moving ones. Inspirational stuff.
Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2011 (5-1)
3 years ago
5. The Muppets
Just in terms of the sheer number of times that I laughed my ass off, this may be my favorite comedy of not only 2011, but of the last two or three years. There's this infectious self-awareness to it that just doesn't show up in many comedies. It doesn't hurt, either, that the musical numbers are catchy as hell.
4. X-Men: First Class
Not as big of a surprise as Planet of the Apes, as director Matthew Vaughn had proven himself with Kick-Ass the year before. Still, though, after the last two X-Men films, I was not expecting this one to rejuvenate the franchise to such a degree. It even de-canonizes the crappy movies, it seems. Love the comradery among the crew – Charles and Eric's relationship, especially. And Kevin Bacon makes for one scary villain.
3. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
To be honest, I don't think that this movie is particularly remarkable in regards to the story itself, as it's a pretty typical "who-done-it" tale. No, it's the way that the story is told that distinguishes Girl With the Dragon Tattoo from other films of its ilk. It relies pretty heavily on atmosphere – Trent Reznor's haunting score, the drab color pallet, taking place in the dead of winter. Then there's Rooney Mara's performance as the titular character, which elevates the film by several new levels.
2. Hobo With a Shotgun
Yeah, I probably shouldn't even be putting this movie on this list, let alone at the number two spot, but I just had an absolute blast while watching it. Everything about this stupid movie – the grindhouse aesthetic, the over-the-top performances, the intentionally heavy-handed message, the insane, yet strangely likable hobo – it all works. Oh, and something happens – some characters are introduced – in the last third of the film. This scene and every one that follows it make no sense whatsoever, but for this movie, it comes across as unmitigated brilliance. I'm not trolling, either. Hobo with a Shotgun reminds me just how much fun that the movies can be. And how much of a sick bastard I am for liking this kind of stuff.
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
This is just pure, classic storytelling. Good versus Evil; themes of loyalty, friendship, standing up for what's right. The trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue to be some of the most endearing characters that I've seen on film, and Alan Rickman's performance as Snape provides a new perspective on the series as a whole. On top of that, there's this awe-inspiring sense of scale that really sells the idea of this being "2012 with wizards." I laughed, I cried – felt just about every emotion that I would want to feel from a film. Mr. Potter, I salute you.
Top 10 Video Games of 2011 (5-1)
3 years ago
5. Portal 2
This is one of those rare puzzle games for me that, while being increasingly challenging, never managed to feel irritating. It's the perfect blend of having fun while thinking that you're a rocket scientist. What really puts Portal 2 so high on this list, though, is the witty script, as well as the insanely memorable characters – all few of them.
4. Batman: Arkham City
Entries 4, 3, and 2 on this list are so closely tied that I'd almost like to say that they're in no particular order. I will say that, of all of the games on this list other than Mortal Kombat, Arkham City represents the most substantial leap forward in quality when compared to its predecessor. While I love Arkham Asylum, this sequel just dwarfs it, to the point where I'm not sure if I could go back to the original game. Obviously, Arkham City isn't the most expansive open-world[ish] game out there, but I think that a case could be made for it being one of the most detailed. Not only is there more freedom in the way that you tackle the main game, but the stellar voice work and gritty art direction really sell the world of Arkham City. Oh, and making you feel like Batman is a pretty big accomplishment, too.
3. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Hyperbole comin' at ya: This game's got it all, from the tight platforming, to the jaw-dropping set-pieces, to the bombastic, yet still inspired musical score, to what are probably the most awe-inspiring visuals that I've seen all year. And it's all grounded in a very introspective tale that puts both Drake and Sully, especially, in a new light. If you like video games, just go play Uncharted 3.
2. Gears of War 3
These last two spots will be a bit tangential, so bare with me. The final installment of this trilogy, while playing it safer than most of these sequels in terms of gameplay, is a hell of a blast for someone who thoroughly digs the established Gears mechanics. The single player campaign is absolutely thrilling, with seemingly innumerable set-piece moments. While the dialogue between each of the characters can get a bit grating at times ("Putting it scientifically, we need to blow his brains out his ass"), I was surprised to find that a few scenes had me getting a bit misty-eyed, and one in particular that put me in stunned silence. From a Gears of War game, I know. Wasn't expecting to react to it that way, either. Additionally, Horde Mode has consumed at least a few days worth of hours of my life, which is something that very few multiplayer games are able to do. Overall, it's just a brilliant capper to the trilogy, and – again – probably the game that I played the most of in 2011.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The funny thing about Skyward Sword being number one is that I seem to have more problems with it than any of the other games on this list. Similarly to Dragon Age II, Skyward Sword is limited to just a few different locales, so variety isn't exactly the name of the game as far as the environment is concerned; there really isn't any control over the speed of the text when conversing with another character; the game feels the need to essentially pause and alert you that you obtained an item, even if it's one that you've already picked up; Link's companion, Fi, feels like a step back from Twilight Princess' Midna (though perhaps it's unfair to compare her to my favorite video game character); and the story, when placed into the context of the larger Zelda universe, seems to bring forth more questions than it does answers.
Yet, those are just nitpicks when compared to the things that this game gets right. The painterly, impressionist art style feels right at home within the game's whimsical aesthetic; the dungeon design is among the best in the series, with equally impressive boss fights; the soundtrack has an identity all its own, without relying on more than a couple classic Zelda tunes; and the characters – I think – will end up being some of the most unforgettable of the series. Groose, along with being one of the relatively few Zelda characters with a genuine character arc, is absolutely hilarious. Ghirahim represents a refreshing new take on the Zelda villain, rather than just being another Ganon. Even Fi, despite being the paragon of stating the obvious, is actually pretty endearing in her own way.
Really, Skyward Sword just made me feel like a kid again, and not so much because of its references to prior games in the series, but just in the overall presentation. Seriously, check it out if you haven't already. It's not half bad.
Top 10 Video Games of 2011 (10-6)
3 years ago
I don't typically put together these kinds of lists, primarily because – most years – I'm compelled to play through about only ten games. Even then, I find only a few of them to be truly memorable and worth paying recognition to. 2011, however, was littered with exceptional games, to the point where it was actually a bit difficult to narrow my favorites down to ten. Now, while that's not to say that this year didn't have its share of disappointments (I'm lookin' at you, Duke Nukem Forever), I would argue that 2011 was perhaps – just in terms of the breadth of remarkable content – the best year in gaming.
So, let's get started:
10. Super Mario 3D Land
Serving as yet another reminder of just how timeless the series' core mechanics are, Super Mario 3D Land is good, ol' platforming bliss. The imagination behind the level design is among the best that I've seen from the portly plumber's adventures, and while I'm not exactly the biggest fan of 3D, the way in which it's used here is surprisingly effective. My perceptions of what could be accomplished on a handheld system were challenged on more than several occasions, which has me feeling pretty hopeful about what the future holds for the 3DS.
9. Mortal Kombat
Talk about breathing new life into a series! Bloodier and gorier than ever, this title brings the series back to its roots. On top of that, the story mode – set in an alternate reality a la J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot – is cheesy fun that feels like it came straight out of the '90s. And even though Shao Kahn is among the cheapest of cheap bastards, the overall experience is just the kick in the ass that Mortal Kombat needed.
8. Dead Space 2
As with the majority of the entries on this list, Dead Space 2 takes more evolutionary steps forward than revolutionary ones from its established formula. Virtually everything that I loved about the original 2008 title – the foreboding atmosphere, the management of resources, the nightmarish enemy encounters – are all back and more refined. Admittedly, though, I couldn't really recall any survival horror games that have scared me enough to have one of those scream-loud-enough-to-wake-up-the-family-at-two-in-the-morning moments, as fun as they may have been. That is until I played Dead Space 2, and had my first encounter with the Stalkers – those enemies that'll hide behind crates, then ram at into at full-speed when you're not looking. Thanks for that.
7. Dragon Age II
This game's a polarizing one, from what I've seen; to be sure, I've got my own problems with it. Being confined to only a few locations throughout the entire game is frustrating, my decisions don't exactly impact the world as much as I'd like them to, and there's a character shift towards the end of the game that's just hilariously stupid. However -- when thinking of Dragon Age II -- what immediately comes to my mind is the rewarding combat, the rich mythology, and Bioware's trademark dialogue tree system [that I sometimes wish was in every video game]. Also, despite BioWare being responsible for who I consider to be some of the most endearing characters in the medium (particularly with the Mass Effect series), I was still surprised by how much Hawke's companions grew on me. Especially Varric. Dude's a champ.
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
This is just a freakin' monster of a video game. I've heard the phrase "no two people will play this the same way" for other games before, but here, it's especially applicable. It's the sort of game where you can spend a good three hours just wandering around – not doing any quests – and by the time that you're back in the real world, you've got at least five entertaining stories to tell your friends in regards to all the weird things that you came across. Magic swords, talking dragons, annoying internet memes – it's the stuff that legends are made of.
Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2010
4 years ago
Honorable Mentions:
- The Social Network
- Hot Tub Time Machine
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
- The Kids Are All Right
- True Grit
10. The Fighter
Since the plot of The Fighter is, admittedly, nothing earth-shattering for the genre, the two elements of this film that cause it to stand out are the stellar performances from the entire cast and the authentic sense of place. And while it is Christian Bale who gives what might be the most memorable performance from an actor this year as Dicky Eklund, there hasn't been a whole lot of attention given to Marky Mark's portrayal of Micky Ward. Some argue that he was essentially playing the same Mark Wahlberg from all of his past films, but I maintain that the film would not have worked nearly as well without him. Personally, I feel that he really captured what was necessary for us to root for his character --- to hope that he would eventually become his own man and overcome the obstacle that is his own family.
9. The King's Speech
This is a film where the main driving force, for me, is in the relationship between the two main characters. Honestly, there really isn't anything that I can say about the performances of Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush that hasn't been said already. It's just great to watch the two of them play off of eachother – to watch this member of royalty and this commoner treat one another as equals. If there are any male performances that I would say are on par with Christian Bale's, it's those two. Oh, and it's also nice to see Helena Bonham Carter play a normal person for a change.
8. How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon, while including a surprisingly engaging, character-driven story, is an awe-inspiring experience. Similarly to 2009's Avatar, while the basic story may not be the most original, what these artists do with it makes it extremely lovable. On top of that, the characters are particularly endearing, and the visuals are used to actually enhance the story (all of which are qualities that are rarely seen in a DreamWorks Animation film).
7. Kick-Ass
The first of two films on this list that earns its spot by encapsulating the purest essence of fun, Kick-Ass is a film in which just about everything works, from the Superbad-esque humor, to the often over-the-top action sequences, to the surprisingly believable cast of characters. Nicolas Cage also reminds us that he's capable of delivering top-notch performances with the Adam-West-Batman-inspired Big Daddy, and Chloë Moretz's introduction as Hit Girl is sure to go down as one of the great character intros.
6. Machete
Here's a movie that, while being an absolute blast to watch multiple times, still manages to have something to say. Whether you agree or disagree with where the film's coming from in terms of its statement regarding the United States' immigration policy, Machete is undeniably bold. While it's certainly lacking in subtlety, the film's heartfelt rage and frequent ultraviolence compliment eachother brilliantly. Easily the most fun that I had at the movies in 2010.
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Definitely my biggest surprise of 2010. This, to me, is the gamer's movie, expressing an understanding of the culture to an almost scary degree. Scott Pilgrim is among the most unique movies of the year, with its sharp, witty dialogue (making it the funniest movie of the year), and a visual style that gives the film an identity all its own.
4. Black Swan
"What the hell was that?!"
- Audience Member as the credits for Black Swan started rolling
3. Tangled
Despite a mildly slow beginning, Tangled is one of the most entertaining, as well as one of the most emotionally resonant, movies that I've seen this year. Directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno (who were also behind 2008's Bolt, which – I dare say – is my personal favorite animated film of all time) prove themselves to be more than just one-hit wonders by providing a film with mesmerizing visuals, extremely catchy musical numbers, and a cast of characters that is almost entirely memorable.
2. Inception
From Memento, to The Prestige, to The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan is quickly becoming one of the premiere directors of intellectual, yet crowd-pleasing entertainment. Inception definitely continues this trend, while demonstrating more creativity than perhaps any of his other films. With its challenging narrative structure, likable characters (if somewhat lacking in depth), and sheer visual splendor, Inception is easily among my favorite movies of the year. It was a pretty rough summer movie season in 2010, but thankfully, both Inception and my #1 pick were there to remind me why I dig this medium so much.
1. Toy Story 3
I've said this before, but I'll say it again: Pixar has shown with their initial ten films that they haven't the faintest clue how to make a bad movie. And yet, somehow, I always find myself feeling doubtful whenever a trailer for one of their new films is released. With Toy Story 3, I got the impression that it would be just another adventure with Woody and the gang for the sake of having one.
Worst Movies of 2010
4 years ago
10. Saw 3D
A film that barely manages to make this list, Saw 3D is the movie that a small part of me feels a bit reluctant towards even mentioning here, as I, admittedly, consider myself a fan of this series. As ridiculously labyrinthine as the plot had become, I had been more than mildly interested as to how it would all pan out, as the filmmakers assured fans that they had a plan set out in terms of how they wanted to end the series. Too bad that that plan entailed having a series of subplots that had no connection to one another, some laughably horrible performances (even by this series' standards), and a twist ending that fans had jokingly guessed about since the release of Saw II. Even as far as the traps are concerned, Saw 3D still doesn't deliver. Aside from one particular scenario involving a car seat and a ton of super glue, all of them feel uninspired, and, in some cases, pretty silly. The series has had its ups and downs (and, personally, I feel that only the first one stands as a legitimately great film), but this entry just takes it to embarrassing new lows.
9. Salt
Don't have a whole lot to say about this one. Angelina Jolie does the best job that anybody could do with a character such as Salt, and really, there isn't anything in the film that's particularly horrible. It's just the ultimate, mediocre material that bugged me, with a ludicrous plot that I found a tough time getting in to, and plot twists and character betrayals that could be seen from a mile away.
8. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
I'm still not even sure if this movie belongs on this list, as I was having a fun time with it from virtually beginning to end – just probably not for the reasons that the filmmakers intended. The way that Bella Swan manipulates Edward and Jacob – these two boys who are in love wit her – easily makes her one of the most monstrous lead characters who I've seen on screen in a while. And the fact that the movie wants us to buy her as this sweet, innocent girl makes it all the more hilarious. Beautifully bad stuff.
7. The Wolfman
This is a movie that really only suffered in one department – the most important one for a movie like this: suspense. While none of the performances stuck out, they weren't horrible either; and despite all of the grandeur of the special effects, the surprising lack of thrills really kept this film down for me.
6. Green Zone
This is one film that I initially had some hope for, what with Matt Damon reteaming with Paul Greengrass after the satisfying conclusion of the Bourne trilogy. But with the clichéd script and hollow characters (particularly the almost cartoonishly evil villain), I really found it difficult to get into this film, even remotely. Similarly to Salt, it just boiled down to being a dumb action movie, though without anybody to really root for, or even any semblance of fun.
5. Shrek Forever After
This is the first movie on this list that I'd go so far as to say that I really hated. The movie just screams "direct-to-DVD sequel" throughout, as it just rehashes elements from the previous films. And while the first two entries stand among DreamWorks Animation's best films, by this point, the pop culture-laden humor has begun to feel so tired that it's actually cringe-inducing.
4. Skyline
A movie that occasionally shows hints of something remotely interesting, yet never follows through with any of them, Skyline further proves that special effects don't compensate for unlikable characters and uninspired storytelling. The movie at least has its moments of unintentional hilarity, so it's not completely irredeemable.
3. Vampires Suck
Another spoof movie by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, the diabolical masterminds behind Epic Movie, Meet the Spartans, and Disaster Movie? Vampires Suck was almost destined to make this list. Even after three movies, this duo continues to surprise me by how often they fail to make me laugh, with pop culture references that are thrown in simply for the sake of having pop culture references.
2. The Bounty Hunter
This is a film that just meanders its way to the 111-minute mark, unsure as to what to do with its story or its two lead characters. Neither Aniston nor Butler display any chemistry together, and the story is formulaic to the point of almost being physically uncomfortable. Whereas Vampires Suck at least got a couple of chuckles out of me, The Bounty Hunter failed to do even that.
1. The Last Airbender
Otherwise known as Exposition: The Movie, M. Night Shyamalan's most epic disaster yet was the one movie of 2010 that I was almost unable to finish all the way through. The Last Airbender commits the worst crime that any movie can: it's boring. This movie fails to provide so much as a laughably over-the-top performance, or a protagonist to despise, as this movie has no characters, but merely cardboard cutouts of people who serve no other purpose than to expose the details of a story and a world that I have no investment in. With supposedly tremendous problems being discovered and solved within a matter of seconds, the gravity of each and
4 years ago
"The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale gets a lavish CG makeover as directors Glen Keane and Dean Wellins team up to tell the tale of a fair-haired beauty (voiced by Mandy Moore) with long-flowing locks, a gallant hero with a heart of gold, and the evil witch who plots to keep these lovelorn innocents apart."
With John Lasseter having gained creative control over the studio several years ago now, it's more than fair to say that Walt Disney Animation has become a force to be reckoned with in the industry. While I felt that Meet the Robinsons was a fairly middling entry in the "classic" canon, it was 2008's Bolt that proved that it was still capable of creating films on par with those of its sister studio, Pixar. For me personally, it was the film that quickly found its way among Pulp Fiction and The Big Lebowski as one of my all-time favorites. So, when I heard that Tangled (or, as it was initially titled, Rapunzel) would also be under the helm of Byron Howard, along with Nathan Greno, Bolt's head of story, I naturally got pumped. Thankfully, Disney Animation's 50th feature continues the trend of excellence set by the duo's last project.
If there's one area where Tangled challenges Pixar, it's in the animation. Much like in the studio's previous computer-animated entry, all of the environments in the movie, while looking incredibly realistic, don't contradict the cartoon-esque design of the characters. The film also provokes feelings of nostalgia, due in part by the painterly backgrounds that are reminiscent of films from Disney's first Golden Age.
As far as the plot is concerned, it's more or less what one would expect. That said, what Disney Animation tends to do best is have characters that are so relatable and different from one another that they make an otherwise traditional, borderline-formulaic tale feel virtually brand new. Definitely, that's pulled off here. The two leads, Rapunzel and Flynn (played with genuine sincerity by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, respectively) make for one of the most likable Disney couples, and the two side characters that accompany them along their journey are just as endearing. Often, when going into an animated film in particular, I'm afraid of running into agonizingly annoying "sidekicks." However, Rapunzel's pet chameleon, Pascal, got quite a few laughs out of me, and Maximus, the horse of the Head of the Palace Guard, pretty much steals the show. The less said about him, out of fear of spoiling anything, the better.
You probably wouldn't know it based on the way that this film was marketed, but Tangled is a musical. While I don't see the soundtrack as a whole going down in history as one of the studio's greatest, there are a couple of truly memorable musical numbers, one of which coming from the film's villainess, Mother Gothel. Voiced excellently by Donna Murphy, she's a character who constantly kept me guessing. If Gothel isn't on par with Keith David's Dr. Facilier from last year's Princess and the Frog, she's close.
Despite a mildly slow beginning, Tangled is one of the most entertaining, as well as one of the most emotionally resonant, movies that I've seen this year. Directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno prove themselves to be more than just one-hit wonders by providing a film with mesmerizing visuals, catchy musical numbers, and a cast of characters that is almost entirely memorable. If nothing else, it's the first film since Inception that's reminded me why I dig this medium so much.
The Expendables
5 years ago
Plot Synopsis:
"Sylvester Stallone gears up for a men-on-a-mission film with the Nu Image/Millennium Films war picture The Expendables. Jason Statham and Jet Li co-star alongside the brawny filmmaker as a group of mercenaries who undertake a near-impossible operation to overthrow a dictator in South America. Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, Terry Crews, and UFC star Randy Couture co-star.'
For anyone growing up during the '80's and early '90's, the notion of having a film including all of Hollywood's most legendary action heroes seemed like little more than a pipe dream. So, when I initially heard that Sylvester Stallone was going to be putting together a movie titled The Expendables for just that purpose, I literally freaked out. But does this supposed "culmination of wishes' deliver the goods? Absolutely.
One thing that I was worried about going into Expendables was that, despite how exciting the idea of having all of these guys together sounded on paper, the filmmakers wouldn't be able to give each of them the amount of screen time that they deserved. Personally, very seldom did I find this to actually be the case. Perhaps one or two members of the crew could've received a bit more time in the limelight, but on the whole, I thought that they balanced the focus considerably well, without making the whole venture feel like a cluttered mess.
Say what you will about Stallone as a director, but the man knows how to handle action. Not only do these heroes of yesteryear provide the film with such a tremendous sense of nostalgia, but the action sequences, as well as the way in which they're shot, harken back to their time as well, before - and I know that I'm about to sound like a curmudgeon here - action scenes were plagued by the infamous shaky-cam. I won't go into describing how any of these sequences play out, but suffice it to say, it's some delightfully brutal stuff.
Now, as far as the plot is concerned, what you read in the synopsis is... Well, that's pretty much it. Sure, there are a few twists and turns along the way, but if you've watched any action hero classic, you'll see them coming from about a mile away. On top of that, I found the main villain to be pretty silly, and a good portion of the dialogue is just hysterically awful. But, admittedly, that's kind of the fun of the whole experience, as I simply looked at it as a cartoon. A very gory, decapitation-heavy cartoon, but nonetheless!
Overall, I got just about everything that I could want out of a movie like The Expendables: sheer badassery. Sure, the plot is paper thin, and the scene involving a couple of cameo appearances felt just a little anticlimactic, but as far as mindless action films go, this one's tough to beat, at least compared to what else we've been given this summer.
The Other Guys
5 years ago
Plot Synopsis:
"NYPD Detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) are the baddest and most beloved cops in New York City. They don't get tattoos â€" other men get tattoos of them. Two desks over and one back, sit Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). You've seen them in the background of photos of Danson and Highsmith, out of focus and eyes closed. They're not heroes â€" they're 'the Other Guys.' But every cop has his or her day and soon Gamble and Hoitz stumble into a seemingly innocuous case no other detective wants to touch that could turn into New York City's biggest crime. It's the opportunity of their lives, but do these guys have the right stuff?â€Â
From Anchorman to Talladega Nights, the duo of Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay has become one of my favorites â€" comically â€" in the industry as of late. And based on the trailer for The Other Guys, the quirky spirit of those two films in particular seemed to be relatively intact, but does it hold up over the course of the entire film? Unfortunately, no.
To start off with aspects of this film that I enjoyed, virtually every cast member involved does a solid job in their respective roles. Both Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg play off of each other much better than you might expect as the titular characters, and Michael Keaton â€" once again, this summer â€" steals just about every scene that he's in as the Guys' more-calm-than-he-probably-should-be captain. Also, for what little screen time that they have, both Sam Jackson and Dwayne "The Rock†Johnson shine as the two celebrity-status-garnered cops, being responsible for what could be the funniest movie moment of this year so far. Even Eva Mendes (who I'm typically not the biggest fan of) shares a couple of enjoyable moments with Ferrell as his purposely-out-of-his-league wife.
It's unfortunate, then, that the plot of The Other Guys is an absolute mess. After about the first forty-five minutes, the movie begins to shovel in unnecessary parts of the story, and by the time that the climax hit, there was simply too much going on for me to even care (despite some surprisingly well-shot action sequences). Also, don't confuse this with last month's Inception, whose complicated narrative was used to challenge the viewer.
Still, though, I'm a firm believer in that, no matter how much I may not like the plot of a comedy, if it makes me laugh, it's done its job. A similar rule goes for horror films in my book, where the primary goal should just be to frighten me. Even in this area, The Other Guys only succeeds during its initial half. Similarly to Knight and Day from earlier this summer, once the second half rolls around, most of the appeal is lost, and the movie becomes more of a financial thriller than a buddy-cop comedy.
The Other Guys, while still enjoyable to a degree, with the laughs being nearly consistent throughout the first forty-five minutes, is yet another film from this summer in which a significant chunk of its steam is lost within the latter half. Overall, my suggestion would be to pay half of the ticket price to see half of the film. Doesn't sound too unreasonable, does it?
About Me
Comments (208)
5 years ago
5 years ago
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6 years ago
Congrats on being Featured User fellow Tulsan...
6 years ago
vvith an A: RT featured user of the day is "Sargebro"
vvith an A: which is a pretty awesome character idea
inked in pink: omg
inked in pink: the adventures of young sarge
inked in pink: except
inked in pink: what would we call him if he's not a sarge
vvith an A: people totally still called him Sarge XD
inked in pink: lieutenant sarge? XD
vvith an A: XDDDD
6 years ago
Congratulations on becoming Featured User!
I really like your journal, it has definitely been the most intellectual journal I have seen in a while.
6 years ago
congrats on becoming the featured user for today
6 years ago
Congrats on being FU.... Im not sure whether I want that to be a complement or and insult yet...... I mean think about it.... I could be giving you credit for all the humor and knowledge you have posted to the site which helped to make RT a better site for all its community members...... or i could be just saying F U why wasn't I the FU....... hmmm............... tricky
6 years ago
Congrats on the FU thing, I guess... So... What do you want? A cookie? A cheap noisemaker? A lottery ticket? How about a crappy nickname? You are now Victor HardCheese.
6 years ago
Congratulations on being featured user!
You win a... um... mod-point! >_>
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Peter Burwash, the founder and president of Peter Burwash International (PBI), the largest tennis management company in the world, will become the 10th inductee into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame in a ceremony during the TIA Tennis Forum on Aug. 31 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.
10sPortal.com Joins TIA As Technology Business Member
To help tennis providers manage and grow their businesses, the Tennis Industry Association is working with technology development companies that offer "software as a service" (SaaS). The newest partner is 10sPortal.com, a web-based suite of highly integrated tennis-club management software services.
TIA's Comprehensive Business Directory Covers Industry Products, Services and More
The Tennis Industry Association has recently updated its comprehensive online industry resource, the TIA Business Directory, designed to help quickly locate products, services, and information that tennis industry professionals and tennis players seek. The TIA Business Directory lists more than 10,000 tennis industry businesses. It can be accessed at TennisIndustry.org by clicking on "Directory."
Retour Tennis Joins TIA As a Supporting Member
Retour Tennis, the maker of the AD-IN Bin for tennis ball recycling, has joined the Tennis Industry Association as a Supporting Member.
TIA Tennis Forum and 2016 T.O.M. Conference Dates Set
The eighth annual TIA Tennis Forum will be on Monday, Aug. 31, on the Ballroom level of the Grand Hyatt New York City, right before play begins at the 2015 US Open. In addition, mark your calendars for the third annual Tennis Owners & Managers (T.O.M.) Conference, which will be held March 23-25 in Miami during the 2016 Miami Open.
Nearly 2,000 Tennis Facilities Offer 'Try Tennis Free' in Nationwide Campaign
As the tennis-industry-wide "Try Tennis Free" national campaign passes the midpoint in the month of May, nearly 2,000 facilities across the country have signed on to offer free tennis sessions designed to bring non-players and former players into the sport. Consumers, particularly new or returning players, can visit PlayTennis.com or TryTennisFree.com to find local facilities and tennis teaching professionals offering a free introductory session, lesson, clinic or other event.
U.S. Tennis and Fitness Pros Attend Cardio Tennis Trainer Summit
Thirty select tennis and fitness professionals from across the U.S. took part in the Cardio Tennis Trainer Summit, held at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. At the two-and-a-half-day event, attendees learned the skills and knowledge required to be a TIA Cardio Tennis Trainer.
PlayTennis.com Gets Key Upgrades In Support of 'Try Tennis Free' Campaign
The PlayTennis.com website, which is a "central portal" for bringing people into tennis, has been upgraded with new features and functionality, which will further help to boost play during the tennis-industry-wide "Try Tennis Free" campaign.
The Pope Talks Tennis at the Vatican; Cardio Tennis Debuts to Coaches in Italy
During the qualifying tennis tournament for the Italian Open in Rome in early May, the Italian Tennis Federation (FIT) hosted a special session at the Vatican with Pope Francis, who used the encounter to speak about sports and tennis as an "educational experience." The audience with the Pope was the opening session for the 2nd Annual International Tennis Coaches Symposium.
Timothy Russell Appointed New CEO of ITA
Dr. Timothy Russell has been appointed by the ITA Board of Directors as the new CEO of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, with his role set to begin on July 1, 2015. A special appointed ITA Search Committee, chaired by David Benjamin, worked closely with a highly respected executive search firm, GSI Executive Search, to successfully complete an extensive selection process.


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#538 of 1175
Clarence, NY
Comment, Like, Favorite
Expert Printing and Assembly
Shipping Within 2 - 3 Business Days
Millions of Satisfied Customers
Crystal Beads
Kathleen Struckle
Photograph - Photography
Tree with Ice look like crystal beads-Clarence,New York
November 23rd, 2011
Viewed 370 Times - Last Visitor from Mcallen, TX on 07/18/2015 at 7:52 PM
Sales Sheet
More from Kathleen Struckle
Killingworth, CT - United States
Beautiful and shimmery!
Thank you Marjorie
Clarence, NY - United States
Thank you Vicki for the feature in Photography Around the world Group
Pryor, OK - United States
Nice capture, interesting work.
Thank you Robert.
Clarence, NY - United States
Thank you Dora for the feature in Winter Wonderland Group
Clarence, NY - United States
Thank you Shawn for the feature in Wonders of Nature Group
Clarence, NY - United States
Thank you Robert for the feature in Nature Photography Group.
Surrey, BC - Canada
Great abstract. vf
Thank you Sabine.
Stamford, CT - United States
Lovely capture and perfect title Kathleen! v
Thank you Judy
Hullbridge, Es - United Kingdom
Stunning image!!! :)
Thank you Vicki
Barrie, ON - Canada
Love the sunlight against the icicles
Thank you James
White Hall, MD - United States
Thank you Robert
Asheville, NC - United States
Cool capture! L
Thank you Carol
Sofia, Bu - Bulgaria
Lovely v
Thank you Diana
Central District, ne - Hong Kong
Beautiful! liked
Thank you Janet
Guntersville, AL - United States
Beautiful! They do indeed look like crystal beeds!
Thank you Debra
Wenatchee, WA - United States
Very nice ice shot, beautiful! v
Thank you Andrea
Reno, NV - United States
thank you Donna
Lake Country, BC - Canada
Kathleen~~an exceptionally stunning winter ice photograph! Magnificent work!! F&L&T!
Thank you Will
Iola, WI - United States
Colorful sparkles of nature's beauty, Kathy! It is a pleasure to see so much variety and beauty in the works that are submitted for FEATURING on our WFS site. It is an honor to FEATURE this piece of work on our Homepage of our site. Thanks for sharing and being active in our group membership. Liked Forever, Elvis
Thank you Randy for the great comment and feature in WFS Group
Pianoro, Bo - Italy
Great! L
Thank you Veronica
Clarence, NY - United States
Thank you jrr for the feature i n Loving Van Gogh
Clarence, NY - United States
thank you for the feature in Collectors treasures Krista,
Swadlincote, De - United Kingdom
Nice work Kathy, thanks for making me feel cold..!!!
thank you so much Geoff.
Apopka, FL - United States
Brings me back to my NY days of Ice Storms. Brilliant and great contrast v
Thank you Barbara. Its been nice here this winter.
Clarence, NY - United States
High place finisher in the winter contest.
Langhorne, PA - United States
Im cold and warmed at the same time................this has my heart my friend..........well expressed.!!!!.............................................................allen
Thank you allen.
Clarence, NY - United States
High finisher in Happy Solstice contest. Thank you for the votes.
Clarence, NY - United States
Thank you Al for the feature in Winter Snow and frost group. Very much appreciated.
Pawtucket, RI - United States
Wow! a crystal tree! Very pretty.
Thank you Betty.
Riverside, CA - United States
Brrrrr....this looks c-c-c-c-cold, and very beautiful!
Thank y ou Sophia.
Please Wait...
Beverly Hills, CA (United States)
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|Project Name
|Price (USD)
|Project Name
|Price (USD)
|Sip Vicious NEW Scanner password method implemented
|New method implemented like password tool generator for sipvicious ver2.6.0 , or new exploit to defeace
|C Programming, Python, C# Programming, Asterisk PBX, C++ Programming
|Feb 24, 2011
|Feb 24, 2011Ended
|J2EE business application need single method implemented
|...for a single method. I need this method to be completed ASAP The project is implemented using J2EE ...Deliverables Will be the class with all methods implemented, and before payout it will need to pass 2 test;...source code ( limited to that method ) I also want a review of this method because I'm pretty sure I have
|Java, J2EE, Software Architecture
|Oct 7, 2010
|Oct 7, 2010Ended
|Sip Vicious NEW Scanner password method implemented
|New method implemented like password tool generator for sipvicious ver2.6.0 , or new exploit to defeace
|C Programming, Python, C# Programming, Asterisk PBX, C++ Programming
|May 4, 2012
|May 4, 2012Ended
|Computer Supported Cooperative Work
|...needed). The site is to relate to Computer Supported Cooperative Work. Users must be able to log in...online, either using an existing document sharing method (i.e. hypertext) or just by uploading/downloading
|PHP, Adobe Flash, Internet Marketing, Web Security, Engineering, Training, Sales, Computer Security, Marketing, User Interface / IA, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Website Testing, MySQL, Amazon Web Services, Website Management, Web Hosting
|Feb 22, 2004
|Feb 22, 2004Ended
|Algorithim Protocols and java implemented
|...results, I need to be analysed and evaluated by using method. deadline Tuesday, 27 January.
|Matlab & Mathematica, Algorithm, Academic Writing
|Jan 25, 2015
|Jan 25, 2015Ended
|CAD and FEA of simply supported composite beam
|...sawmill carriage. Spans 7.2m and is simply supported at both ends but no support anywhere else, and...two pieces, it needs have a very good jointing method that will not distort in use. Before we commit
|Industrial Design, CAD/CAM, Solidworks, AutoCAD
|Jun 17, 2015
|Jun 17, 2015Ended
|VNC viewer implemented as a Silverlight v4 control (repost)
|I need VNC viewer implemented as a Silverlight v4 control. The previous worker, who was working... The control must support all the settings supported by TightVNC viewer, such as: * View-only mode
|Windows Desktop, Project Management, Engineering, C# Programming, Software Architecture, Software Testing
|Oct 4, 2010
|Oct 4, 2010Ended
|Modal windows implemented in one html page
|...Write out the instantiation to invoke the modal() method. Here is the plug in documentation: http://www
|PHP, CSS, Software Architecture, HTML5, jQuery / Prototype
|Jul 3, 2012
|Jul 3, 2012Ended
|Need Custom Shipping Selection Implemented on Shopping Cart
|...like to add $x if shipped this method, and $y if shipped that method, and so on. The freelancer with
|PHP, Javascript, Website Design, Software Architecture, HTML
|Jul 10, 2011
|Jul 10, 2011Ended
|Need Zombaio Payment Merchant implemented on my site!
|...Adult Website. I now have access to add the payment method onto my site along with the different prices allowed
|PHP, Project Management, Engineering, Joomla, Game Design, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Website Testing, MySQL, Amazon Web Services, Market Research, Website Management, Game Consoles, Web Hosting
|Mar 30, 2010
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|Small C# Method/Function
|I am in need of a small C# function/Method where i can print some images into a specific order in a A4...Awaits your bids! ## Deliverables Should be implemented in C#.net 2.0. Good if you can provide me the
|PHP, Windows Desktop, Project Management, Engineering, C# Programming, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Microsoft, MySQL
|Apr 16, 2009
|Apr 16, 2009Ended
|Webshop with paying method Ideal
|...basket and checkout. IMPORTANT: The paying method Ideal (http://mail.mollie.nl/support/documenta...tie/betaaldiensten/ideal/en/) must be supported. Also some other basic things like a contact form
|Windows Desktop, Linux, Project Management, Engineering, Joomla, Software Architecture, Mac OS, Software Testing, Chrome OS, MySQL, Amazon Web Services, UNIX
|Oct 1, 2010
|Oct 1, 2010Ended
|WordPress SMS Payment method
|...am looking for someone who can develop a payment method for Wordpress. It is for classifield ads. The payment...been payed. I have example code which should be implemented in WordPress.
|PHP, Wordpress, MySQL, HTML
|Nov 23, 2012
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|Implement Simple Java Method
|Hi, I would like the getAspectRatio() method to be implemented below: Given any random ScreenResolution
|PHP, Java, Engineering, Software Architecture, Software Testing, MySQL
|Apr 18, 2006
|Apr 18, 2006Ended
|Writing method of JAVA Programming
|...One reader method for the name, one for the quantity and one for the price • One writer method for the...for price, and one for the quantity. The writer method for the quantity must not allow the quantity attribute...similar policy is to be implemented for the price writer method. • A method which returns the 'value'
|Report Writing, Academic Writing,
|Dec 14, 2013
|Dec 14, 2013Ended
|write a method of java programming
|...One reader method for the name, one for the quantity and one for the price • One writer method for the...for price, and one for the quantity. The writer method for the quantity must not allow the quantity attribute...similar policy is to be implemented for the price writer method. • A method which returns the 'value'
|Dec 14, 2013
|Dec 14, 2013Ended
|Help with my masters degree project work. It should be implemented in Verilog
|...VISION USING PARABOLA FITTING METHOD is my topic and it should be implemented on image processing techinques
|Engineering, Civil Engineering, Academic Writing, Mathematics, , Physics
|Nov 13, 2014
|Nov 13, 2014Ended
|Design and develop a program that validates the value a user enters into a TextBox control to ensure that the entry is a valid telephone number. The application should accept a maximum of 12 characters. When the user clicks a button, the program should determine if the entry is of the form **999-999-9999**, where the character 9 represents any number. If the entry is determined to be a telepho...
|PHP, Visual Basic, .NET, Windows Desktop, Engineering, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Microsoft, MySQL
|Oct 18, 2004
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Item 3829330
GO! Fabric Cutting Dies-Strip Cutter 3 1/2 in. (3 in. Finished)
Product Actions
Additional Information
This GO! Strip Cutter makes quick work of cutting precise 3 1/2" strips for borders, wide binding, tote bag handles and more. You'll love using it!
- Item Includes: 1 die cut
- Content: Plastic/Foam/Steel
- Care: Use adhesive roller to clean lint and thread from dies. After each use, with the die pick provided with the cutter, remove any threads imbedded between blades and foam. It's normal for threads to get caught where blades meet in a die. Remove with tweezers or die pick. Die blades never need to be sharpened.
- Size: 10"W X 24"H
- Brand: GO!
- Manufacturer: AccuQuilt
Made in China
GO! Fabric Cutting Dies-Strip Cutter 3 1/2 in. (3 in. Finished) is rated out of 5 by 1.
Rated 5 out of 5 by angelpooh from excellent product and price This die is excellent for strip quilts and quilt borders i bought it for. Hancock had a great sale and thats why i bought it. i will continue to search the website to look for sales like this.
Date published: 2015-03-14


text:
Select Local Merchants
Tahitian TanRead MoreTahitian Tan in Rockledge offers affordable and sunless tanning beds and stand-up booths. Tahitian Tan offers a wide selection of tanning services, including custom airbrushing. If alternative treatments are more your style, this salon has a range of options perfect for you, including acne treatment. So get rid of those pesky tan lines with a touch up full-body tan from Tahitian Tan.5410 Murrell RdRockledge, FL US
Tenacious TanRead MoreReceive a professional hair treatment from Tenacious Tan in Cocoa and let your hair run wild and free. Whether you are looking for a pedicure or manicure, this salon has you covered. Become the new you with a chic new hair 'do courtesy of this salon's professional stylists. This salon provides client with a wide array of alternative remedies, including acne treatment and more. Keep that summer glow all year long with Tenacious Tan's tanning services, including tanning beds, spray tan, and airbrush tan. Spa lovers of all budgets can take advantage of the menu of services here. When you come to Tenacious Tan, you can leave the cash at home. All major credit cards accepted and welcomed. So get rid of those pesky tan lines with a touch up full-body tan from Tenacious Tan.2300 Highway 524Cocoa, FL US
L.A. Tan & Lavie MassageRead MoreSince opening in the early 1990s with just four stores, L.A. Tan has expanded into a national brand that counts more than 180 locations in six states. Members can tan at any location they wish, selecting from services that range from at least five levels of high-end UV beds to spray-tan booths from top brands such as Mystic Tan and VersaSpa. Anyone unsure of how to navigate all the options can seek advice from one of L.A. Tan's certified tanning professionals, who know each tanning bed on a first-name basis. They also give consultations, build custom packages based on individual skin type, and offer take-home products that help tans last longer. Dependent on the location, spray tanning systems will vary; call desired location for further details.2711 Clearlake Rd.Cocoa, FL US
La TanRead MoreLying out in the sun for hours often leads to an unpleasant sunburn. Get a pain-free tan instead at La Tan in Cocoa. Want to get a tan without the risk of sunburns? This salon offers you just that with tanning services like tanning beds, spray tan, and airbrush tan. For effective and worthy beauty alternatives, head on over to this salon and leave feeling satisfied. Don't let these great tanning deals from La Tan go to waste - book your appointment today.2711 Clearlake RdCocoa, FL US
Beach Babe TanRead MoreA tan often indicates a recent visit to an exotic locale, but with Beach Babe Tan, clients can darken their skin tone without leaving their homes. The mobile tanning company carts its organic airbrush-tanning equipment to locations around the area, instantly bronzing bodies to prepare clients for trips to the beach, weddings, or other events.MobileHollywood, FL US
Cocoa Beach SpaRead MoreLooking tired? Cocoa Beach's Cocoa Beach Spa has so many options for you to help re-invigorate your look. Enhance your skin and get your glow back with a facial from this salon. Want velvety smooth skin? Indulge in Cocoa Beach Spa's skin treatments, including a body wrap and a steam bath. Cocoa Beach Spa's hair removal services will leave you feeling bikini ready. This salon is your one-stop-shop for nail care and color needs, including manicures and pedicures. Loosen up your tensed and overworked muscles with one of the relaxing massages offered at this salon. Bored with your haircut or color? Get creative with the stylists at this salon and give yourself the ultimate hair makeover. Book an appointment at Cocoa Beach Spa and put your nails in the best care possible.117 Barlow AveCocoa Beach, FL US


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If you have been reading for a while, you know that I am freaking obsessed with really like cornbread. The original recipe I made a while ago has been removed from it's site, but I think I have made enough changes that I can post this one as my own. (Edit: I just googled and Erica has made a vegan version of the original )
Coconut Corn Muffins
1) Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Spread coconut on a baking tray lined with foil and bake 5-10 minutes until golden.
2) Turn oven to 325 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3) Add wet ingredients and mix well before adding coconut.
4) Pour into muffin tray- I just sprayed a silicone tray with oil which worked well, but use liners if you are using a metal tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
(I made 6 large muffins which took about 25 minutes- adjust the time depending on the size you make).
Question: What was the last thing you baked?