text:
Some people seem to challenge the idea that most (if not all) free software projects need a benevolent dictator--that is, somebody who has the last say on every decision. They are quick to point out Linus Torvalds' past "mistakes" (see the speech marks): using BitKeeper to manage the kernel, not allowing "pluggable" schedulers in Linux, etc. As a software developer, I feel that a dictator is absolutely necessary in every free software project. Here is why.
Respect earned by the BDFL
The first reason is probably the most important one: respect. The benevolent dictator for life (BDFL from now on) needs to make decisions -- in fact, a lot of decisions -- and at the same time maintain other people's respect. Decisions are not always popular, and are not always right (especially in other people's eyes). However, the BDFL needs to have the personal and technical charisma in order to keep the team's respect. Nobody would ever dream of forking Linux, because very few Linux developers would abandon Linus and follow the forker. This is true for most projects, and that's why forking is so rare. It must be said, however, that sometimes the BDFL does manages to alienate the development team so much that somebody ends up forking and bringing over most of the original developers. At that point, normally a new project is created (with a new name and inheriting the codebase) and the old one disappears after a while. This is a good thing: the DBFL is there because the crowd wants him or her to be there. It's a dictatorship, but it's an odd one: anybody can walk away at any point, create a new state, or join another one.
The BDFL knows the project inside-out. He or she is the person who will know if a decision will break the project's foundations -- and who knows how to solve a problem keeping the structure as solid as it needs to be. I see this with Drigg (a popular project I maintain) pretty much every week: I realise that my deep knowledge of the project protects it from bad patches and bad feature requests. A BDFL is crucial -- and he or she needs to be the person in charge of making decisions. In commercial software, a dummy-like manager (who doesn't know how to code) will sometimes manage to impose some features or modifications that will necessarily break the software's structure. This happened to me as well -- and I think it happened to most people who worked on proprietary, client-based software.
Free software development is often really fast. Sometimes design and technical decisions need to be made very quickly. While the BDFL can ask for opinions, he or she will be in charge of the final decision. The saying "A Camel is a horse designed by committee" is probably a little too harsh --it obviously depends on the committee -- but it's generally (and sadly) true. Decisions need to be made, and looking at some project's mailing lists, you really wish people stopped discussing things, and somebody said "enough, we'll do it this way".
Making feature requests is a fundamental right. (Please note that demanding features isn't.) Team members can talk about those feature requests and discuss how to implement them. However, code is better. If a user makes a request, and one of the other coders thinks it's a priority, much can be discussed forever, but normally "something must be coded if you want something to happen". A team member will gain respect and credibility if he or she comes up with a patch, and the patch doesn't break the project's structure. This means that contributing team members will take on things they care the most about, and will need to code those things in such a way that the BDFL won't reject them. This helps both the code and people's motivations. And other team members' code needs to be good. Which brings us to the next point...
Sending good patches, and consistency
If a developer knows that his or her patches will be reviewed by somebody who knows the project intimately, and will look for problems, then his or her patches will be better. If instead of the BDFL there's a committee who will decide on each patch by voting, bad patches will end up in the codebase -- patches that will cripple the project's structure, or will have some obscure, hard-to-debug side effects. This can also happen if the BDFL is behaving like a trusting and caring father rather than like a BDFL. And yes, I have accepted patches a little too quickly sometimes, and found myself in this very situation.
Keeping things non-political
A committee will bring politics to the projects. This equation is often true: Politics + Technical project = Disaster. If a committee decides on patches etc., a bunch of members might end up teaming up to get things through for reasons that are not purely technical (see: returned favours, asked favours, and so on). It's true that the BDFL might make political decisions, but they will always focus on the political decisions of one person -- the BDFL himself or herself -- who will know that any bad technical decision will cost the project a lot of development efforts.
To conclude...
I am not a big fan of committees. I believe that a merit-based oligarchy with a BDFL is much more functional, and gets things done much more quickly. I have managed a free software project for nearly a year, and have experienced -- although in a much smaller scale -- what many free software maintainers face every day. If you don't agree with these ideas, you can try forking a project and managing it through a committee. But, you aree likely to end up with a dromedary rather than a horse.
Feel free to prove me wrong.
In general, I agree with this point of view.
It definitely makes sense for many existing projects.
However, I keep an open mind for a collaborative process which is less dependent on one person.
Speaking of Drigg, wouldn't Drigg be an interesting tool to apply for organizing a software project?
I have gone to forums for various software projects and found them lacking in the egalitarian social design of the user-moderated forum.
Let users rate each others patches, comments and blog writings about the software project and let leaders emerge by the positive or negative feedback of their peers.
It's worth a try, in my opinion. I'm going to approach projects both ways - as an individual "BDFL" as well as through an open framework for collaboration probably using Drigg for the user-moderated forum.
That's a nice concept
A voting system for ideas or to judge which patches and bugfixes should jump to the front of the queue is a good concept but I think that bugzillas already have this functionality no?
"dictator": quotation marks please!
It's important to realize that calling the leader of a free software project a "dictator" is an exaggeration to make a point. There are a number of important ways in which the term is utterly inappropriate from a literal perspective.
The authority of a FS "dictator" exists solely in the willingness of people to follow their lead. There is no coercion or force involved and there are few consequences for failing to follow them (other than that the rest of the crowd probably won't follow you if you break off -- unless of course, you have a really good reason).
It is this freedom of everyone involved in the project that makes all the difference.
In fact, a better analogy is a republic rather than a dictatorship: every contribution to the particular strain of the project that is maintained by its leader is a vote of confidence in that leader, and so long as they maintain the respect of the community, they continue to lead (since it is consensus and direct support rather than voting that determines the leader, an even better analogy is a tribal chief -- but not that many people are familiar with that form of leadership). But of course, the actual decisions are made by the leader rather than by direct voting or consensus.
What the "dictator" thing is really about is that strong, visionary leadership by a single leading person is important to the cohesion of a particular project's mission, quality, and progress.
There is also a strong "founder effect" in free software projects: most people feel that the person who started a project is the most appropriate person to lead it.
Direct democracy isn't the best way to go, and weak leadership in a consensus group can often lead to endless bickering or wavering and no progress. Someone just needs to stand up and say "this is what we're going to do" to cut through that.
Which I think was the real point you were making.
However, a project leader is much less a dictator than (for example) the owner of a sole proprietorship business.
In a world where there are real dictators who seize power and hold it through military force, I think it may be a little insensitive to throw the word around too lightly. You and I may feel confident that we will never have to seriously defend against a true dictatorship being imposed upon us, but not all the world is so lucky. Let's not lose sight of the fact that this "dictator" is a mere abstraction, and not a literal reality. Nor do we want to give credence to the idea that free software's freedom is somehow a sham covering up some form of coercive behavior.
Terry, not sure where you live, but the U.S.A. has a dictator.
Bush stole the elections of 2000 and 2004. Everything he's done has been un-American, un-Constitutional and 180 degrees opposite of democratic. Bush is a dictator and it's literally torture for some who suffer his merciless authority.
I agree with your opinions on the word dictator. I think there are already more than enough people who say "this is how it's going to be" rather than people who ask "how are we going to do this?"
But Tony didn't just write "dictator"
In a world where there are real dictators who seize power and hold it through military force, I think it may be a little insensitive to throw the word around too lightly.
Whilst I completely agree with your point on sensitivity regarding the use of the word, to be fair to Tony he didn't just write "dictator" - he wrote benevolent dictator[1]. Tribal leader may be a good analogy but isn't that form of leadership just as open to abuse?
IMHO the key attributes (in no particular order) for any leader are: a willingness to take responsibility, the ability to arbitrate and to be a good listener.
Nor do we want to give credence to the idea that free software's freedom is somehow a sham covering up some form of coercive behavior.
But haven't you heard? Apparently we're all communists anyway!
[1]Well except in one case where the acronym came out as "dictator benevolent for life"!
Interesting, but perhaps counterfactual
The article is interesting and well-argued, but seems to me to have one basic Achilles' heel: There are many Free Software projects that don't, in fact, have "dictators" and yet are strong and successful.
Apache dominates the field of web-servers. It has a quasi-democratic structure. Neither Gnome nor KDE are run by dictatorial individuals. Some competing desktop environments are, and one notes that while often artistically successful these others are also-rans in terms of both number of users and richness of capability. Debian springs to mind. For projects of more ordinary size, a very typical model actually seems to involve a small core group of "committers", none of whom really dominate the others, who control the project; Abiword, for instance, is an example. That is to say, an awful lot of Free Software projects are run by committees--and in practice, whatever the jokes about committees, this seems to work. So whatever the theory may say, in reality BDFLs are not necessary for Free Software projects to either exist or be successful.
Yet this is not an unusual argument. So my next question is, why would people often go around talking about the dire need for unitary leadership when in the real world it doesn't seem to be very necessary?
Modern business culture is very accepting of, to the point of often seeming dependent on, the idea that "leadership" is of primary importance and that it is necessary to have someone who will make unpopular decisions. I've tended to suspect that this has less to do with the actual importance of leadership and more to do with justifying the actual structure of business and the power and massive income of CEOs.
But it depends on the idea that popular decision will be the wrong one, and the populace cannot be trusted with decision-making. This is somewhat dangerous at the best of times. But if everyone involved in the decision-making is knowledgeable (as will usually be the case in Free Software), it doesn't even make any sense. Given expertise in everyone involved, chances are that unpopular decisions will be unpopular simply because they are wrong; a lone leader is more likely to mess up than a democratic decision.
One thing a single leader does provide is a clear-cut decision-making process. The process is that the single leader decides. A project without a solid decision-making process of some sort is likely to have problems. A single leader also provides a very *fast* decision-making process; this makes it useful in the military at the tactical level. But in software development it's not too likely that decisions will be made with bullets whistling around your head; split-second decision making is on average rather less important than sound decision-making. There are other kinds of decision-making processes than one-person rule. As long as *something* is in place that will stop discussion from dragging on for eternity with no resolution, there's no particular reason for the something to be benevolent dictatorship.
One thing to be wary of is informal decision-making processes that depend on the group dynamics of the particular people involved. As a project grows and changes, new committers arrive and old ones leave, an informal process that worked can become broken for no obvious reason. That's why as a project grows it may be wise to formalize processes somewhat. But formalizing doesn't require centralizing. Formalizing without centralizing just requires a little more thought.
I think it depends on the project
I think the sort of leadership that is required really depends on the type of project. If a project is providing utilitarian infrastructure, can be measured in a very objective way, and requires relatively little creativity, then a "committee" approach can work fine.
If on the other hand, the project requires a creative vision, then somebody has to be the one whose vision it is. The extreme of this is an artistic production, like a movie -- it's long been considered essential to have one guiding vision in creating a movie. Usually the greater the number of people involved in decision-making for a film, the worse the film will be. Some software projects are like that, too.
Of course, you've no doubt noticed that an operating system or kernel probably falls into the former category, so this doesn't explain why Linux should need a "dictator". And maybe it doesn't.
apolitical BFDLs?
Tony seems to assert that leaders of free software projects should be apolitical. This is ridiculous; just by choosing a free software license, the BFDL is engaging in an important political act.
We need more BFDLs who are aware of the political issues surrounding Software Freedom.
politics not politics
I read it as Tony suggesting BDFLs should be adept at handling the internal politics of the project not that they should be unaware of or apathetic towards national or international politics.
Committee vs. dictator model
I don't mean to start of war, as my response does not pit *BSD against Gnu-Linux but just committee vs. a dictator model.
I have read about how politics affects committees. For instance, at how a NetBSD release was delayed by certain key committee members so that a certain commercial NetBSD based OS could launch on the same date. But actions to prevent this manipulation in the future have been implemented, although I don't know what they are.
I disagree with the dictator model producing better code. If this were true, BSD could would have to be inferior to Gnu-Linux code, but in all my reading BSD code is better. This is easily demonstrated by what's become a joke by now, that Gnu-Linux programs run faster on *BSD, this via FreeBSD's Gnu-Linux compatibility layer. When have you ever heard that a program runs better on a non-native OS? Well, Gnu-Linux apps do on FreeBSD. Now, I've talked to a friend that makes his living as a systems administrator with FreeBSD, and he says that's it's the inferior quality of the Linux kernel, and inversely the better quality of the FBSD kernel why this occurs. I've read this elsewhere, too.
You also see this with BSD wireless drivers, where *BSD (OBSD?) developers have taken a Gnu-Linux wireless driver and rewritten it (at least with what applicable), and doing it in a drastically smaller amount of code. "Less code = better code because there are less things to go wrong", to paraphrase professor Tanenbaum's philosophy. I don't recall which driver this was but googling should bring it up.
IpTables vs. PF, where PF is so simple there is no official graphical program to it, and a few simple lines produces a lot of protection. I know that iptables is such a mess to set up that few people are brave enough to attempt a manual set up. I never have set even attempted this, but I've set pf all by myself. I've also read that iptables is ancient, backwards technology while pf isn't, but I don't know if this is accurate --as I'm not a firewall expert.
Lastly, you can see how the BSD committees held out for better firewire code, waiting years before implementing it because they felt the code was unacceptable, while Gnu-Linux implemented it asap. I personally tried firewire on Mandrake(ppc) (as it was called back then), Yellow Dog (a Red Hat PPC port), Debian (ppc), and Ubuntu (PPC), and perhaps a few more distros that I don't recall. I can personally attest that that Gnu-Linux firewire code was trash, overall. It __only__ worked reliably on Debian and Ubuntu. And this really only counts as one distro, as Ubuntu was/is really just Debian testing.
In the last scenario, Linux fans can claim developmental speed, not quality, and certainly not both (unless you claim that Debian got it right, offering both quality [as per reliability] and speed, but this still does not look good for Linux as only one distro in my testing got it right).
Overall, I tend to agree that a dictator model gets things done. I'm just not sure if it gets it done with better code. I can also see how the dictator model may be necessary, but this probably depends on the circumstances, co-developers sensibilities, and needs. An important question to determine this might be, "Is the project moving forward or is it getting stuck while members are just talking/arguing?". I used to live in a housing coop, I used to be coop president, thus I know too well the sort of problems associated with what can only be described as herding cats.
I don't see a problem with the dictator model as much as a problem with Torvalds, and his short-comings as a leader. I personally don't have too good an opinion of his expertise. I even consider him somewhat ignorant, as per my readings and his critiques of Tanenbaum (read third party assessments of Torvalds by way of academic professors). I don't think the Linux kernel is the product of a genius, just something that snowballed into a better "product" because someone (Torvalds) had the drive and guts, followed and supported by a huge community of admirers, and then millions of dollars of investment (if not more now; IBM is important here) created it so.
As for other issues with the dictator model (mainly associated with Kolivas' leaving Linux development), I've written a bit on it already. Maybe FSM would be interested in publishing it.
Maurice Cepeda
Linux code runs better on BSD?
This is easily demonstrated by what's become a joke by now, that Gnu-Linux programs run faster on *BSD, this via FreeBSD's Gnu-Linux compatibility layer. When have you ever heard that a program runs better on a non-native OS? Well, Gnu-Linux apps do on FreeBSD. Now, I've talked to a friend that makes his living as a systems administrator with FreeBSD, and he says that's it's the inferior quality of the Linux kernel, and inversely the better quality of the FBSD kernel why this occurs. I've read this elsewhere, too.
Well, I can't say what's true in general, but...
My own personal experience with running Linux-targeted code on BSD systems is that it crashes and is finicky. After investigating, I found out that this was apparently because BSD provided very limited file-handles. This caused bugs with Python code (like Zope) ported to BSD, and in a production situation it would fail in annoyingly unpredictable ways.
I would develop code and test it on my Linux system at home, then I would attempt to deploy it on a BSD server. Invariably it would crash and require extensive work-arounds of mysterious resource problems in order to get it to work again.
This is why I currently run my web hosting services on a Debian GNU/Linux O/S, despite claims that BSD is a "better" server O/S.
So, at this point, I remain skeptical of this sort of claim!
I realize that this is a subjective issue. It may also have been fixed, because I don't think there even was a "Linux-compatibility mode" when I was having those problems.
However, I think that the much better hardware support for Linux outweighs any advantages that BSD has in the kernel design, anyway. That too, is a management issue -- for some reason, many more people contribute hardware/driver code to Linux than to BSD. And as a result, Linux supports more hardware.
Is that because of the BDFL vs committee styles? Maybe.
I think it's most likely due to the difference in licensing, but it might be a challenge to prove that.
Committee vs. dictator model
Rather than, "As for other issues with the dictator model (mainly associated with Kolivas' leaving Linux development)", I should have written, "As for other issues with Torvalds' dictator model"(associated with Kolivas' leaving Linux development) ... ".
" ... running Linux-targeted code on BSD systems is that it crashes and is finicky"
The compatibility layer isn't perfect, as not everything runs on it, but what does just flies. It is recognized that it needs work, and to this end it was accepted to be part of Google's summer of code.
"So, at this point, I remain skeptical of this sort of claim!"
I must admit that the notion that the FreeBSD kernel is better than the Linux kernel is mainly based on FreeBSD 4 and Linux 2.4. Well, things have moved on since these versions. I have heard that the latest versions of FreeBSD have lost performance, if only anecdotally, certainly stability. I think Matt Dillon of DragonFly warned of this.
As for Linux's better hardware support, yes, that doesn't escape me. I had Gnu-Linux install on almost anything I've tried it on. Yet, installing *BSD is more like flipping a coin.
Even so, I'd argue that good hardware compatibility is not a sign of good code quality, just that it lacks support. I'm not sure compatibility layer glitches are either, unless we compare it to a *BSD binary Linux compatibility layer, and there isn't one. Let's compare apples to apples, and that's what I did in my earlier comment, I compared *BSD firewire support (or lack thereof) to firewire in Gnu-Linux, wireless to wireless support.
I don't mean to argue for installing *BSD over Gnu-Linux. You can run different OSes depending on what installs and/or what you want/need, and philosophical orientations. I'm just trying to make sense of the idea that the dictator model produces better code than that of the committee. I just don't think this holds, at least not universally.
Generally speaking, I think things either get done fast and sloppy, or slow and well done.
design by committee
Even so, I'd argue that good hardware compatibility is not a sign of good code quality, just that it lacks support.
The fact that Linux is "better supported" is fair game as regards "quality". A lack of support means lower quality. Why isn't BSD so well supported? I think you have to realize that these things are all parts of the "package deal" that comes with the different developer cultures surrounding BSD and Linux. There's a lot to think about there, and I'm not sure how to draw a full comparison between the two.
I'm just trying to make sense of the idea that the dictator model produces better code than that of the committee. I just don't think this holds, at least not universally.
You're probably right. But I don't think it argues for the reverse case, either. I also suspect that the management model has little to do with the relative success of BSD versus Linux.
I think that the committee approach can work well when the basic product is widely understood. Once you know what a "word processor" or a "CAD system" or an "operating system" is, then you can easily imagine a bunch of people coming together and deciding what specific features it ought to have and how much they are willing to contribute to make them happen.
I think where you really need leadership is in designing something new, or taking an original approach on an old problem. In those cases, someone has to imagine a solution and then define that solution well enough through their design choices and acceptance of contributions. The more creative the task, the less easy it is to distribute the decision-making.
But even then, "dictator" is quite a misnomer -- it's more of a question of whether anyone will follow your lead. If they will, then great. If not, then you just toil alone or you give up on the project. Most projects of this type involve a lot of individual toil before they ever get high enough profile to receive significant contributions. So, when they do, is it any surprise that people defer to the person who put in all of that unrewarded effort? They've earned it. And they obviously know the project better than anyone else. I think that's why most people are awfully reluctant to fork the project.
Who has better code?
As for arguing the reverse case, whether if the BSD management model can account for the relative success of BSDs vs *Linux, I think that BSDs held out till firewire code stabilised, does suggest this.
How does this affect success (acceptance) of BSDs? Well, what this means for the server admin is that --if it'll install--- he can have confidence in that the system will be ultra reliable and stable.
In Gnu-Linux terms, this is the rough equivalent of the enterprise edition of a distro, which receives tweaks to smooth out rough edges that the community edition never incorporates. We all know distros that produce half baked products. There are a plethora of them around, some of which are produced by well known companies. We all know who they are. It's in their best interest anyway, to have the tweaked version only available for paying customers. Debian is the one well known player that doesn't play this game, what with their high quality control.
Getting back to the BSD model, they don't play this "enterprise" game, and they can't because of their management model demands a stable product right from the start, not afterwards. What does all this mean? *BSDs don't have a more unstable community edition, followed by a "better" enterprise edition because every release is ultra stable and mature. This may account for the little success that BSDs have had. If the BSD product was slightly inferior, so as to be able to create an impressive enterprise/payware edition, then *BSD might be able to garner more visibility and mind share in the general consumer consciousness. After all, for profit companies do advertise their tweaked OSes. The only exception to the BSD "enterprise" edition that I can think of is Wasabi systems, that provides a supposedly polished NetBSD. There was also Wind River, and they retired their BSD/OS in Dec. 31, 2004, and stopped funding FBSD in 2001. Walnut Creek merged with BSDI in 2001, and BSDI properties got bought by Wind River in 2000. So, there isn't a lot in the way of "enterprise" *BSD, as as far as I can tell, just Wasabi. (Perhaps visiting the NetBSD pages will demonstrate otherwise.)
Now, before this sparks a flame war, do we remember the Mandrake community editions that always felt beta and even alpha-ish before becoming Mandriva? Do we remember Red Hat default installs installing with important ports wide open? (Yes, this has been duplicated in computer classes.) Do we remember the dependency hell of Red Hat's package management system? Think about these examples of unmature Gnu-Linux products that resulted in bad user experiences before posting, and therefore bad code.
Of course, I do speak in general terms, mixing the desktop user experience with that of a server, and Gnu-Linux traditionally has *BSD beat on the everyday user experience. But even here this is quickly changing with Desktop BSD, PC-BSD, and Midnight BSD, although I don't think they'll be able to duplicate the Gnu-Linux feature rich experience. To do so, they'll have to incorporate the corresponding missing features. I don't mean to write that this can't be done, just that this means incorporating relatively untested, unstable code, and that's not what *BSD are about. If they do, all the best to them, it'll sure be interesting to test.
Lastly, about BSD code being inferior just because it doesn't install on as much hardware as Gnu-Linux, is salt inferior to sugar because you can't throw salt into your favourite apple pie? No, I don't think so. Maybe (if I can perhaps backtrack a previous argument of mine for a second) they just are good at different things, and in different scenarios. To say the contrary (that Linux code is better), you'd have to prove that both sets of code have as objective to run on as much hardware as possible. I don't think either sets of code have this stipulated. It just happens that one has received more hardware support than another, probably because it has the backing of major hardware manufactures such as IBM.
On the other hand, NBSD does pretty darn good without this sort of backing. So if you want to make this sort of argument, one could say that NBSD code is better hinging on two things combined, 1) the large amount of hardware it installs onto, and 2) that it doesn't receive the support that Gnu-Linux does. Also, remember that NBSD still supports an enormous amount legacy hardware that the 2.6 linux kernel dropped long ago, so you're best to not argue that Linux is better than *BSD on account of hardware support.
Maurice Cepeda
PS-I know that enterprise means you're paying for support. I was solely referring to the tweaked factor that also is part of the payware version. I also used "unstable" in a loose fashion, meaning things don't "just work", necessitating fine tuning or even hacking. About *BSD installing being the luck of the draw ... well, that's my experience with FBSD and OBSD specifically, NBSD installing onto almost anything --if only by way of a painful experience. In any case, if you can't install one BSD, another one will probably install. As for Gnu-Linux installing on almost anything, that's my experience with Debian, specifically.


text:
We were at a party last night in Shanghai and met a fellow bike racer … a perfect topic for Huggacast Episode Thirty Five.
Here's my quick list of stuff that I'm still pissed for spending money on. I'm sure there's plenty more out there, but here's my start. Please jump in on the comments and let us know the items that stung you.
I should have known when I saw it was from Hong Kong Imports, but at under a $1 - I had to buy 12. I put one on each of my bikes, on by messenger bags, on my kids stroller. Why not? - it was only a buck. Turns out the thing sucks - mostly the mounting hardware. I'm sure it's fine on a wooden velodrome, but any roads that have, say - a bump, they take off. I think I have 4 left on my messenger bags. The rest are strewn throughout the greater Seattle area - probably near a tree root or a pothole. Instead: Planet Bike Superflash
Now that's a sport-utility bike – just imagining that in hugga green with our logo on the side and Cap'n the pug riding along.
Uploaded by Reverb And Whiskey
The Civia Hyland is the perfect bike for someone who wants a bike to get where they're going in a one-stop, high performance package, provided you've got the cash to back your desires. Civia's paid meticulous attention to a huge number of details to get things just right – the frame, the ride, the look, and the componentry. The Hyland's not without any flaws of course, but for those looking to drive a luxury ride off the lot tonite this might just be the ticket. See our previous coverage here, and here. Check inside for more details and photos via the Bikehugger urban bike pool. Note: We've recieved some feedback asking for a more forthcoming review, so I've added in a few additional notes, leaving the original text in place.
Video from day one in Shanghai at the Intel Developer Forum and riding the Bund.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hey all!! Might not be playing for a bit becuase I'm a Daddy.....again
Luke Thompson
9 lbs. 4 ozs. 20.5" long
Everyone is doing great..Hmmmmm wonder how high that PDGA # will be...
Sex Advice Forums
Moderators: GDL17921, Clue, shane
Return to Des Moines Disc Golf Club
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
FREMONT -- In their only matchup before the June 3 primary election, U.S. Rep.Mike Honda on Saturday night said he would continue to be a voice for the powerless in his Silicon Valley district, while former Obama administration official Ro Khanna said the region needs a new, more tech-minded representative.
The two Democrats, locked in one of the most closely watched congressional races in the United States, met at a packed candidates' forum at Fremont City Hall attended by more than 300 people, many of them waving signs and chanting before and after the event.
The biggest news of the evening, however, may have come afterward when Honda, in response to a question from this newspaper, agreed to debate Khanna in the future. For months the congressman, seeking an eighth term in a district that runs from Fremont to San Jose to Sunnyvale, has turned down multiple invitations to debate. Khanna has blasted Honda for agreeing to participate only in scripted events.
Honda promised that after the primary, in which only the top two candidates will advance to the November election, he will go head-to-head with Khanna on a debate stage.
"I think that makes sense because it will be one-on-one," said Honda, D-San Jose.
Khanna beamed when he heard the news.
"Great!" he said. "I look forward to them. I've always said the debates aren't about me or Congressman Honda. This is about the 17th District. This is the most unique district in the world, and I would love to have five or six substantive conversations on the economy, on the environment, on education and let's really excite the district and have a debate that elevates the dialogue."
Saturday's event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, was billed as a forum, not a debate, because the rules prevented the candidates from asking each other questions.
The two men largely agreed on nearly every issue. Both said they support the right of women to have an abortion. Both said they oppose the Supreme Court decision to overturn parts of the Voting Rights Act. Both said they support immigration reform that will allow a path to citizenship for most people who are in the country illegally.
Honda, who was interned as a child during World War II because of his Japanese ancestry, emphasized his work to secure $900 million in federal funding to bring BART from Fremont to San Jose, along with his familiarity with Washington leaders, noting that he just met Friday with President Barack Obama to discuss the immigration reform bill.
"From my earliest memories in an internment camp to the two years I spent in the Peace Corps in El Salvador, I have not lost faith in our government," Honda said. "I am continuously trying to provide a voice for those people who don't have a voice."
Khanna said the federal government needs to do more to prepare young people for the 21st century economy. He urged that the government spend more on education, that computer coding be taught in public schools and that programs to bring women into engineering and science jobs be expanded.
"There are a lot of good people in Washington," he said, "but the system is broken and we need new ideas and new energy to move this nation forward."
Also on the stage was Republican Joel Vanlandingham, 47, a San Jose industry recruiter. Another Republican candidate, Dr. Vanila Singh, a Stanford anesthesiologist, did not participate.
Vanlandingham agreed with the two Democrats on a number of key issues, including calling for a carbon tax to reduce global warming emissions, and reducing military spending. Describing himself as "a man of faith," Vanlandingham said he opposes abortion, noting that he and members of his church hand out food to the homeless.
"If you are going to send me a check, send it to a charity. I don't want your money," he said. "I want you to sit down and evaluate the candidates and see who is going to represent you the best."
Under California's new open primary system, candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot. Even if one candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote in primary, the two candidates who receive the most votes on June 3 will face off in the November election, regardless of their party affiliation.
But it's quite possible, given the Democrats' dominance in the district, that both Honda and Khanna could end up on the November ballot.
Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 44 percent to 19 percent. Of note, however, a significant number of its voters -- 32 percent -- are registered with no party preference, the most of any of California's 53 congressional districts.
Honda, 72, is a former schoolteacher and principal. He served as a San Jose school board member, a Santa Clara County supervisor and state assemblyman before beating Republican Jim Cunneen in his first race for Congress in 2000. In every re-election race since, he has won by landslide margins of 30 percentage points or more. In Congress he has focused on civil rights, education and immigration issues, with votes that have consistently ranked him among the most liberal members of the House of Representatives. He is endorsed by President Obama, U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and a long list of labor organizations.
But this year Honda faces the race of his life. He has raised $1.91 million during the campaign, barely half of the $3.73 million that Khanna has raised.
Khanna, 37, is a former deputy assistant secretary in Obama's Commerce Department. He now works as an intellectual property attorney at Wilson Sonsini representing high-tech firms. He has been endorsed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and a long list of tech executives, including Eric Schmidt of Google, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Marc Benioff of Salesforce.com and venture capitalist John Doerr.
Typically, political challengers seek to have as many debates as possible in campaigns as a way to raise their visibility. Incumbents -- particularly those whose internal polls show them with a lead -- try to avoid debates, which can spark verbal miscues or visual images that can harm their campaigns.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford's campaign took a hit when he incorrectly insisted in a debate with Democratic challenger Jimmy Carter that Poland was not dominated by the Soviet Union. Similarly, President George H.W. Bush faltered in 1992 when he repeatedly glanced nervously at his watch in a debate with Democrat Bill Clinton.
Sometimes incumbents can use solid debate performances to knock out their opponents, however, such as in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan, then 73, was asked about age and said: "I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." The audience roared with laughter as Democratic challenger Walter Mondale watched his chances of victory evaporate.
"Ro Khanna is trying to offset a quarter-century of name recognition, and the best way he can do it is if he's face-to-face with his opponent," said Larry Gerston, a San Jose State political science professor, while Honda is "guarding what he believes to be a very good reputation and not exposing that to direct confrontation."
Joe Tuman, a San Francisco State professor and political communications expert, said incumbents often balk at doing many or any debates because they already have the name recognition and bully pulpit of elected office.
"If you're enjoying that advantage, why would you want to get up on a stage with challengers and basically lend some gravitas to their campaigns by your presence?" asked Tuman, now running his own Oakland mayoral campaign. "But whether incumbents like it or not, debates are now a regular tradition of every political race in this country. It's very difficult in this environment ... to have a good reason to avoid them."
Incumbents who have refused to debate include Sen. Feinstein, an entrenched Democrat who wouldn't face her shoestring-financed Republican challenger, Elizabeth Emken, in 2012. Although she was criticized for it, Feinstein won that race with 62.5 percent of the vote.
Some challengers take their debate demands to extremes: In 2010, Democrat Ray Lutz and Libertarian Mike Benoit went on an 11-day hunger strike to compel Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, to debate them. Hunter finally did, and he won the election with 63 percent of the vote.
Contact Paul Rogers at 408-920-5045. Follow him at Twitter.com/PaulRogersSJMN. Contact Josh Richman him at 510-208-6428. Follow him at Twitter.com/josh_richman. Read the Political Blotter at IBAbuzz.com/politics


text:
John McCain had one of his patented hissy-fits on the floor of the Senate yesterday — this time implying that his Republican colleagues are dishonoring the memory of Ronald Reagan with their insufficient response to Russian meddling in Ukraine.
�You can call yourself Republicans," said McCain. "That�s fine, because that�s your voter registration. Don�t call yourself Reagan Republicans. Ronald Reagan would never � would never let this kind of aggression go unresponded to by the American people.�
McCain's rant is typical of the ignorance of 21st century Republicans about the real Reagan record, a subject I've written about on numerous ...
Read more


text:
I recently bought a U3 compliant USB key, the hype and packaging was amazing and for the most part the U3 drive lived up to the expectations. Thunderbird was included on the key, and I was excited about being able to make any computer "my computer", do my work, and then go without leaving a trace.
But, I was disappointed to find that very few free software products where available from the U3 site. Now, I know what you're probably thinking and you're wrong, this isn't U3's fault. They have opened up all of their hooks and an amazing amount of docs. Sure, they should open source their product, but they come close enough to still do a pretty good job.
The blame rests on the free software projects. I applaud those that took the initiative—OpenOffice.org, Firefox and Thunderbird. (Oh, and don't give Sun and the Mozilla Corporation the credit, they don't officially make these releases; their volunteers did it.) But, the fact that free software projects don't make the few changes necessary to put their tools on smart drives is disappointing.
Now we get the news that Google is doing another Summer of Code (Google should have the admiration of even more people for this, unfortunately the conspiracy theories continue...). Here is a suggestion for Google and the SoC projects: turn making free software projects portable and U3 compatible into a project.
Portable free software projects can help everyone, let's hope more free software projects recognize this, and provide these tools.
PS: PortableApps.com has worked hard to port some of our favorite software to be portable friendly. Although, most of them still do not support U3, it is a start. More effort should be made to expand this collection. (Hint, hint google.)
Google takeover
Just what are the conspiracy theories surrounding google and the takeover march that they are on?
which software?
As you pointed out, they've got Oo.org, Fx, and Tb already. They also have abiword, filezilla, gimp (though probably not with lots of plugins), and even XAMPP (Apache+PHP+MySql+PhpMyAdmin, LAMP without Linux).
Hmm, I could use that USB Drive with XAMPP to demo some web developent stuff to my customers, without actually putting on a public site. And Linux is "coming", although that means that they'll need to start creating two versions of everything (a Windoze version, plus a Linux version). My old computers don't boot from USB, I don't know how that works... maybe a boot CD, plus the USB drive?
Anyway, I think that they've got most of the stuff I use... except K3B, and games. And I don't need MORE access to computer games, do you?
What else did you have in mind?
XAMPP Lite not for Linux
The problem is, that Portable Apps and ApacheFriends (distributor of XAMPP) don't give us a Linux Version of XAMPP Lite, so you can hardly install it on your USB-Stick. Actually I'm looking for an alternative...something like XAMPP Lite, but you can execute it directly from your USB Stick/Drive on Linux. Have you seen something like this?
Couldn't agree more with this comment: "turn making free software projects portable and U3 compatible into a project." Hopefully they did do it during this summer.
SOC homepage
Why U3
I have a USB stick with about 50 portable applications running without U3. I cannot see the real advantage of U3. It saves me one click I guess, but at the same time it creates other problems. Like warning me that I may have to restart the computer, locking up, stores the apps with hashed up ids, etc, etc. Why not keep it simple?
YOU can make apps U3 compatible
...Although, most of them still do not support U3,...
Remember, Google is your friend...
This is open source, you know. If you want to whine about stuff not being available, you could, like, you know, acutally participate and do the work yourself and then, you know, like, post it back for the rest of the world to use! Come on in, the water is fine!
Hope this link helps.
re 'Why U3?', protection. I lost a U3 drive and have no worries. In order to launch anything, you have to put in a password. You can 'reset' the device, but that deletes everything on the drive. I'm sure there are ways to recover crap off the disk, but most folks just don't have that kind of time or knowledge so I'm not too terribly concerned about my lost stick.
There's a better way
Shortcut Creator 4 U3
This a very simple program that allows you to add shortcuts to the U3 interface of programs that you "installed" on the drive. This really does nothing more that create a shortcut for you, but isn't this what you want anyway? Simple UI for convenience and it does all the work for you. Props to the coder.
And I personally like the U3 drives. Yes, it does take a bit to get used to, but a ported program becomes easier to manage and integrated rather than using other launchers and managing it all yourself. Just one less thing to think about for me.
Another way...
Another good program is PackageFactory
I agree though. U3 is horrible. I had a U3 drive, then uninstalled it.
A few thoughts
First, U3 isn't free software. If you really want free software on your stick, use the afore-mentioned PortableApps.com.
Second, there are ways to create launchers to make a non-portable app portable. Here's one such link.
Good information
Good information


text:
You will all recall yesterday's whiny post about trying to get vegan food at an upscale restaurant. The comments and commiseration starting coming almost immediately, but I was really challenged by Natjenn's observation that "I don't think improvement can happen if we don't speak up." Natjenn was right, of course. Although a good cry fest about about veganophobia certainly is cathartic, it does not create change. So, I emailed the restaurant asking for the addition of a vegan entree to the menu, and providing some links to recipes on my blog. The owner responded today saying, and I quote, "I think it is time that we make room on our menu for at least one fantastic vegan dish." And, in the short term, if I give them a bit of notice that I am coming, they will "come up with a creative vegan dish" just for me. This is great news!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Making a Difference
11 comments:
- Jenn said...
I am delighted to see that they are open to change - it seems so many other restuarants are not. I went to CinCin in Vancouver here for a staff Christmas party - $70 a head, and with 4 months notice my vegan dinner was plain edamame appetizer, pasta with an over salted tomato sauce, and sorbet. My server who happened to be a vegan was mortified and apologized profusely. Me? Well I guess like so many times before I was just too frustrated to send a letter to the restuarant. Since I don't intend on ever returning there I'm not sure if I will now, but I am going to send on to Moxie's here - been there twice now, while they've been nice enought to check every label, it seems they have next to nothing in their kitchen veggies aside that are vegan...
- April 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
- VeggieGirl said...
This is FANTASTIC news!!!! Hooray!!!! I had a similar experience, and I was able to get a top chef at a steakhouse (yes, a steakhouse!) to prepare a scrumptious vegan meal. I blogged about it in September, I believe :0)
Kudos to you for speaking up!!
- April 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
- jessy said...
hooray! i'm so happy to see they're open to creating a vegan dish (or two, or maybe three). a very good point indeed on speaking up. what a great idea! i'm going to have to do that! :)
- April 11, 2008 at 11:51 AM
- jessy said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- April 11, 2008 at 11:51 AM
- Noelle said...
That's so inspiring! Great work! I guess at the end of the day, they're running a business, and serving their customers, and all they needed was a suggestion.
- April 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
- magpie said...
That's so exciting! I never even thought to give a restaurant feedback like that, but I'm so glad it worked! That makes me very happy and maybe I will start doing the same :)
- April 11, 2008 at 12:45 PM
- Beazle said...
That's really wonderful! Hooray for speaking up and hooray for the manager being so open-minded. I hope whatever they create for you is fantastic!
- April 11, 2008 at 1:15 PM
- Lisa (Show Me Vegan) said...
Woo-hoo! You've inspired me to keep this approach in mind as well. I think vegan food will be as accessible as vegetarian in restaurants one day, but it will take a while.
- April 11, 2008 at 6:40 PM
- Veg-a-Nut said...
Fantastic! I am so glad that the owner opened his eyes and is willing to make a change. I hope you go back so we can all hear about the great meal you will have this time. Great job, Vegan Dad!!!
- April 12, 2008 at 11:42 AM
- Happy Herbivore! said...
Boston was extremely un-veg friendly when I moved there. So I always complained when there were no options except the $10 crappy iceberg lettuce salad... and then THANKED the manager when there was a veg option on the menu. Sometimes I got free meals out of it! Other times I received discounts, etc. By the time I left Boston the majority of restaurants had at least a veggie burger on the menu. I'm not saying I'm responsable but I do think my "speaking up" helped!
Way to go!
- April 12, 2008 at 1:02 PM
- Natjenn said...
That is great news! And a lesson to all of us to speak out and be clear with what we want. I better take my own advice! :)
- April 12, 2008 at 9:28 PM


text:
The WYO Theater will present "Live from The Met: Dvorak's 'Rusalka'" on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.
The performance is part of the series "The Metropolitan Opera: Live in High-Definition" which transmits opera performances to movie theaters and other venues around the world as part of The Metropolitan Opera's efforts to reinvigorate opera and reach out to a broader public.
The program allows audiences to experience the production at the same time as the audience in New York.
"Rusalka" stars Renee Fleming in one of her signature roles alongside Piotr Beczala, Dolora Zajick and maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wyotheater.com, on the phone at 672-9084 extension 100 or in person at the box office, which is located inside the theater at 42 N. Main St.
The Buffalo Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold their 30th annual membership banquet, dinner and auction on Feb. 8.
DU works to meet the needs of waterfowl in Wyoming by creating and enhancing wetlands and associated upland habitats.
The evening will include dinner, raffles and an auction.
Auction items available will be wildlife art, firearms, sculptures, antique wood decoy, gift certificates, dinner and lodging packages, a battlefield tour, fishing and hunting trips, golf packages and more.
Tickets are $35 per person if purchased by Feb. 1 and $45 per person or $80 per couple after Feb. 1.
Tickets are available at The Sports Lure, the Bank of Buffalo or by calling Dean Knauer at 684-5621.
The evening commences at 5:30 p.m. at the Bozeman Trail steakhouse and seating is limited. The steakhouse is located at 675 E. Hart St., Buffalo.
The fourth annual Sheridan College Rodeo Banquet will be held Feb. 8.
The event is a fundraiser benefitting scholarships and operating costs for the men's and women's student-athlete rodeo teams.
The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Silent and live auctions will be held and live entertainment will be provided by Justin Beasley and After the Rodeo.
Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance.
Tickets are available at the SC information desk, the SC Foundation or through the rodeo teams.
For more information call 674-6446 extension 4006.
The Holiday Inn is located at 1809 Sugarland Drive.
Sheridan College is located at 3059 Coffeen Ave.
Sheridan County School District 2 Board of Trustees meeting Monday 6 p.m. Central Office Board Room 201 N. Connor St. • Call to order 1. Pledge of Allegiance • Recognition 1. All-State Music participants: Diane Knutson, Razmick Sarkissian and Ashley Lecholat 2. We the People: Tyson Emborg • Approval of agenda • Welcome 1. Audience comments • Consent agenda items 1. Approval of minutes from Jan. 13 2. Approval of bills for payment • Old business 1. Capital construction update (action) a. Fort Mackenzie/the Wright Place and Behavioral Center to Old Highland Park 2014-2015 school year 2. Approval of policies (action) • New business 1. FY14 quarterly financial update (action) 2. Approval of donations for Sheridan High School (action) 3. Fort Mackenzie High School 1:1 MacBook Airs and Da Vinci Lab (information) 4. Flare Gas on School Trust Lands Draft Resolution (Action) – Richard Bridger • Reports and communication 1. Board of Trustees 2. PTO, parents, students, organizations 3. Site administration and staff • District reports 1. Superintendent a. Board goal updates (information) • Executive session 1. Personnel matters 2. Legal matters 3. Real estate matters • Adjournment
Town of Ranchester Planning Committee meeting Tuesday 5:30 p.m. 145 Coffeen Street, Ranchester • Stoneridge Meadows Subdivision Phase 1 preliminary plat
Tongue River Power Board meeting Tuesday 7 p.m. Lucile Alley Room Daton Town Hall 608 Broadway St., Dayton. • Vote to accept the SLIB Grant Application for the natural gas line to the Tongue River Valley
The Bushnell Center will present "Warriors Don't Cry" at the WYO Theater on Wednesday. Part of the Children's Education and Family series at the theater, the play tells the story of the Little Rock Nine who risked their lives in 1957 to end segregation at Central High School. The play received the American Library Association award, 1995 Nonfiction Book of the Year award and the Robert F. Kennedy Book award. The performance will commence at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for students and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available at the boxoffice located inside the theater at 42 N. Main St., online at www.wyotheater.com or by calling 672-9084. For more information on the play see www.bushnell.org.
Tongue River Fire Protection board meeting Wednesday 7 p.m. TR Fire Hall 249 Highway 14, Ranchester • Bylaws
The seventh annual Fireman's Ball will be held Feb. 15 at the Historic Sheridan Inn.
From 7-11 p.m. entertainment will be provided by the Teka Brock Band, appetizers will be served, a silent auction will be offered and a wine ladder and Harley will be raffled off.
A cash bar will be available.
For the Harley raffle, 250 raffle tickets will be sold prior to the ball for $100 each. Each purchase includes two free tickets to the event. The grand prize will be a "Firefighter Edition" Harley Davidson. Runner-up cash prizes will also be granted.
Professional photos of attendees in fire fighter outfits will be taken by FFF Photography and available for purchase.
Proceeds from the Harley raffle will benefit a scholarship for an area student. Proceeds from the event and photos will go toward the installation of a firefighters statue in front of the station.
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the station, Red Velvet Bakery, Sheridan Stationary and Twisted Hearts.
For more information call Greg Luhman at 751-8588 or email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The inn is located at 856 North Broaway.
Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday 9 a.m. Second floor commissioner's library #220 Sheridan County Courthouse Addition 224 S. Main St. • Call to order and pledge • Consent agenda 1. Minutes from staff meeting Feb. 3 2. Minutes from regular session Feb. 4 3. Minutes from staff meeting Feb. 10 4. Affirm C.A.S.T. legislative funding request letter 5. Findings of Fact for Q-13-007: Wolf Creek State Land Quarry • Consider agenda • Announcements • Public comments on matters not on the agenda • Consider fee waiver request for the Brinton Museum water treatment plant • Consider written review of TRVJPB SLIB project • Consider MOU with Wyoming Dept. of Health, Public Health Division for Public Health Nursing Services • Consider resolution 14-02-006 Depositories of Public Funds • Consider resolution 14-02-007 Alteration of County Road #74, Soldier Creek Road • Consider amendment IV to agreement with Johnson County for termination and dissolution of LDCC • Consider change order #4 with Diamond Point Construction Inc. for Sheridan County Storage Building • Public hearing for election district boundary changes
Board of County Commissioners staff meeting Tuesday immediately following board meeting Second floor commissioner's library #220 Sheridan County Courthouse Addition 224 S. Main St. • Call to order • Staff reports • Adjourn
The WYO Theater will host "The Monster Who Ate My Peas" on Feb. 18.
Based on the multi-award winning book written by Danny Schnitzlein and illustrated by Matthew Faulkner, this musical play is part of the Children's Educational and Family series.
Commencing at 6:30 p.m., the performance will tell the story of a young boy who doesn't want to eat his peas so he makes a deal with a monster to give the creature anything he wants if he'll eat the boy's peas.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for students and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
Tickets are available at the boxoffice located inside the theater at 42 N. Main St., online at wyotheater.com or by calling 672-9084.
For more information on the play see www.artspower.org.
Sheridan County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday 4:30 p.m. Sheridan Fulmer Public Library 335 W. Alger St. • Call to order and welcome guests • Approval of agenda • Disposition of minutes of Jan. 15 meeting • Treasurer's report • Communications 1. Library correspondence 2. Board correspondence • Director's report 1. Monthly statistics 2. Items of interest 3. Departmental and branch report • Committee reports 1. Friends of the Library (next meeting March 11) 2. Foundation (next meeting March 17) • Continuing business 1. 2014-15 draft budget preparation • New business 1. Accident claim 2. Wyoming Room newspaper project 3. Revision to the non-smoking policy 4. Disposal of inventory from Tongue River • Convene executive session pursuant to W.S. §16-4-405(a)(x) to discuss a personnel matter (Director's annual performance review) • Return to regular session • Adjournment
Dayton Town Council Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Dayton Town Hall 608 Broadway St. • Recite Pledge of Allegiance • Approval of agenda 1. Additions 2. Deletions • Approve minutes of the Feb. 3 council meeting • Announcements and correspondence • Old business update 1. Confirm banks to be depositories for the town of Dayton for 2014 2. Crazy Women Saloon to discuss having outside music Friday night of Dayton Days 3. Act on catering permit for Crazy Women Saloon for Friday night of Dayton Days • Citizen communiqué • Jr. Council comments, questions and request for future agenda items • Council comments and requests for future agenda items
Tongue River Valley Joint Powers Board meeting Thursday 7:00 p.m. Dayton Town Hall 608 Broadway Street • Call to order • Approval of minutes of Jan. 22 and Feb. 11 meetings • Addition or deletions to agenda • Old business 1. Treasurer's report • New business 1. Update BOCC meeting 2. Update District #1 meeting 3. Update grant information 4. MDU representatives • Public comments • Adjournment
SHERIDAN — The Kiwanis will host "Stars of Tomorrow" Feb. 21.
This youth talent show will present children in three categories: elementary, junior high and high school.
First-, second- and third-place winners in each category will receive a trophy and a certificate.
There will also be an overall winner who will receive a scholarship toward the college of their choice and is given the opportunity to compete at the district level.
The show will commence at 7 p.m. at the WYO Theater located at 42 N. Main St.
Tickets for the performance are $8 for adults, $5 for students under age 18 and free for children five years old and younger.
For more information contact Katie Dehn at 683-6170.
SHERIDAN — The annual Pheasants Forever Banquet and Auction will be held Feb. 22.
The fundraising buffet banquet benefits the Sheridan/Johnson County chapter of Pheasants Forever and will be held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall from 5:30-10 p.m.
Tickets are $60 each or $90 per couple and purchases include a membership in the organization.
Raffle tickets for a Can-Am 500 four-wheeler and a raffle for 10 special guns will be sold separately for $20 each.
Raffle tickets and banquet tickets are available now at Parker Glass, located at 125 W. Brundage St., and Sheridan Stationery located at 206 N. Main St.
For more information call Matt Parker at 674-7515.
The fairgrounds are located at 1753 Victoria St.
Board of County Commissioners staff meeting Monday 8:30 a.m. Second floor commissioners' library #216 Sheridan County Courthouse addition 224 S. Main St. • Call to order • Staff reports • Adjourn
Sheridan County Juvenile Justice Joint Powers Board meeting Tuesday 5:30 p.m. 41 W. Whitney St. • Meeting called to order • Approval of the agenda • Approval of the Jan. 28 minutes • Approval of the vouchers for payment • Financial report • JJJPB staff reports 1. Juvenile probation report 2. Truancy probation report 3. Diversion report 4. Milestones youth home 5. Administrator report – Neal Madson • Old Business 1. Funding and budget 2. Board appointments • New business 1. One cent funding requests 2. Juvenile Justice services report
The Wyoming Women's Legislative Caucus invites all community members to attend "Leap in to Leadership 2014" on Feb. 27 and 28 in Cheyenne. The caucus will feature national experts on women in politics, campaign planning and board governance workshops and a roundtable discussion of women in Wyoming politics. A dinner will be held on Feb. 27 featuring Kellyanne Conway and Celinda Lake discussing how a united women's power base is changing the state of our nation more than two-sided politics. Registration before Feb. 10 for the two day event is $60 and for the dinner is $25. Registration after Feb. 10 for the event is $75 and for the dinner is $30. A limited number of scholarships are available. For more information or to register see wyowlc.org.
SHERIDAN — Warehouse 201 will host the next Thankful Thursday event on Thursday.
From 5:30-8 p.m. Sheridan Foster Parents Exchange will be honored with the fundraiser.
Admission is free, a silent and live auction will be held, live music will be played by Terry Garrison and all proceeds will benefit the organization.
Tickets will be sold at the door for $25 and will offer 10 percent off purchases made throughout the evening, a $250 cash give-away, door prizes and other surprises.
For more information call Carla Trier at 310-977-6101.
The restaurant is located at 201 Broadway St.
Northern Wyoming Community College District Board of Trustees meeting Thursday 7 p.m. • Call to order and roll call • Agenda additions and deletions • Consent agenda 1. Minutes from Jan. 16 • Financial reports • President's report 1. Capital construction progress, Cheryl Heath • Gillette College Advisory Board report, Nathan McLeland, Mark Englert • Johnson County Advisory Board report, Jack Tarter • Organization reports 1. Administrative staff council, Jess Bank 2. Sheridan College student senate, Trapper Rieniets • Public comments • New business 1. 2015 – 2016 academic and holiday calendars, Cheryl Heath, information, action 2. Consideration of appointment of Dr. Susan Bigelow to the Center for a Vital Community Board, Dr. Young, information, action 3. Consideration of new appointments to the Gillette College Advisory Board, Mark Englert, information, action 4. Consideration of new appointments to the Johnson County Advisory Board, Mark Englert, information, action 5. Math initiatives presentation, Jay Araas, information 6. English presentation, Dr. Jane Wohl, information 7. National Legislative Summit report and ACCT Member Communication & Education Committee meeting report, Jerry Lekel and Walter Wragge, Mark Englert, Susan Bigelow, information 8. WACCT / WCCC, trustees Lekel and Wragge, Dr. Young, information • Adjourn
SHERIDAN — The WYO Theater will present "Live from The Met: Borodin's 'Prince Igor'" on Saturday at 10 a.m.
The performance is part of the series "The Metropolitan Opera: Live in High-Definition" which transmits opera performances to movie theaters and other venues around the world as part of The Metropolitan Opera's efforts to reinvigorate opera and reach out to a broader public.
The program allows audiences to experience the production at the same time as the audience in New York.
"Prince Igor" is a Russian epic famous for its Polovtsian dances and hasn't been to the Met in nearly 100 years. Star bass-baritone Ildar Abdrazakov takes on the title role with Gianandrea Noseda conducting.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wyotheater.com, on the phone at 672-9084 extension 100 or in person at the box office, which is located inside the theater at 42 N. Main St.
Board of County Commissioners staff meeting Monday 8:45 a.m. Second floor Commissioners' library #216 Sheridan County Courthouse addition 224 S. Main St. • Call to order • Voucher review • Staff reports • Adjourn
Sheridan County School District #2 Board of Trustees meeting Monday 6 p.m. Central Office Board Room • Call to order 1. Pledge of allegiance • Recognition 1. Pam Moore, Wyoming Music Education Association's Northeast District Music Educator of the Year 2014 2. SHS Merit Scholars • Approval of agenda • Welcome, audience comments • Consent agenda items 1. Approval of minutes, Feb. 10 2. Approval of minutes, Feb. 24 3. Approval of bills for payment 4. Acceptance of out-of-state tuition request • Old business 1. Capital construction update 2. Bid award recommendation for Henry A. Coffeen (HAC) Elementary School fixtures, furniture, and equipment 3. Approval of policies • New business 1. Memorial fund scholarship recommendations for 2014-2015 2. Kindergarten registration update 3. Special education update • Reports and communication 1. Board of Trustees 2. PTO, parents, students and organizations 3. Site administration and staff • District reports 1. Superintendent 2. Board goal updates • Executive session 1. Personnel matters 2. Legal matters • Adjournment


text:
medicinal funk wrote:
Too good of gif use to not get any recognition.
medicinal funk wrote:
peyton wrote:But once you pay your money "I" can change any rule or award I want. Isn't it painfully obvious your missing the point on this whole thread.
Chase20460 wrote:Yes. Yes it is. And it is sad.
"AO wrote:You explained the ROY and I was fine with that. Knew nothing about Avg as I know little about BW in being my first year.
LMAO, you guys have always had at least twice as much as us, and yet we had to give you players the first two years.."Man, D.M. doesn't travel"diskey river wrote:On a different side note, since we have twice as many players as DSM, how do you determine who gets to play in the WhackOff?
diskey river wrote:I'm a rook + changing the subject in this thread is the main point, all think we've heard all sides by now & it's time to move on ...
diskey river wrote:^
Sweet! Ill b there!
Return to Iowa City/Cedar Rapids
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


text:
|Date Posted
Electrifying the Automotive Market
The battery in the Chevy Volt is based on a cathode technology developed at Argonne that makes the battery safer, longer-lived, and more powerful.
|October 6, 2015
Best X-Ray Tools for Battery Development and Testing
Argonne's Advanced Photon Source is your one-stop shop for nanoscale to bulk analysis beyond the reach of industry.
|October 6, 2015
Tiny Particles with Big Magnetic Power
Magnetic nanofibers have wide-ranging applications
|October 6, 2015
Harnessing Light in the Fight against Cancer
Bioluminescence more accurate, forgiving than typical targeting methods
|October 6, 2015
Using Nanotechnology to Fight Friction and Wear
Diamond and graphene "nanoscrolls" could revolutionize lubrication.
|October 6, 2015
Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science
ACCESS: Bridging the gap between industry and Argonne energy storage expertise
|October 6, 2015
ACCESS and NDW Press Kit
ACCESS: Bridging the gap between industry and Argonne energy storage expertise
|October 6, 2015
Predictive Modeling of Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Processing
Understanding some of nature's most promising materials
|October 2, 2015
How to Reduce Counterintelligence Risks
The following practices and general guidance can help reduce your risk to targeting by potential adversaries.
|July 13, 2015
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant Fact Sheet
Argonne National Laboratory's Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, expected to be operational in June 2016, will provide electricity and steam heat for the laboratory's campus and will replace agin
|June 15, 2015


text:
Naomi Watts, Anne Fontaine on Forbidden Love in 'Two Mothers'
Warning: This article contains spoilers.
In the new film, "Two Mothers," actress Naomi Watts plays Lil, a middle-aged Australian woman who, with the help of her best friend Roz (Robin Wright), has raised her teenage son after her husband passed away. Roz's own son is about the same age, and together their two families enjoy life in a remote seaside town.
In an early scene of "Two Mothers, which premiered this past week at Sundance, Lil and Roz sunbathe while watching their sons ride the waves on their surfboards. "Look at them, they're like gods," Roz says, as the camera follows the strapping young men as they command the forces of the sea.
The scene foreshadows the unexpected, some would call forbidden, turn in the lives of these four people. (Again, spoiler warning.) When Roz's husband is pulled away to Sydney for a career opportunity, the two women and their sons spend more and more time together, eventually leading to secret love affairs between Roz and Lil's son, and Lil and Roz's son.
"Two Mothers," based on a book by Doris Lessing, is written by Christopher Hampton and directed by France's Anne Fontaine. Exclusive Releasing bought the film and plans a theatrical run and VOD launch later in 2013. Watts and Fontaine sat with The Wall Street Journal after the film's premiere.
Anne, in the post-screening Q&A, you said you were surprised at some of the reaction from the audience, which was often laughter. What were you expecting?
Fontaine: It was the first time I saw it with an audience. I think part of the laughs, some of them found it stimulated and funny and surprised – they have a surprise when they see where the story goes. But some of them were because they felt uncomfortable. It was a way to say "Oh my god," and that's more an American way to react than a European way, I think.
Naomi, what was your reaction to the audience?
Watts: I always watch a film that I'm in through the audience. It was definitely, like Anne said, a surprise, and I agree that when we are processing a feeling and we're sort of in shock or taken by surprise, it's a heavy piece of news, it manifests itself in different ways. I think collectively a group of people, you can't scream, and somehow the laugh is their way of responding. You don't know what laughter means sometimes. I have a thing where I laugh nervously if someone tells me bad news. It's because I can't cry. And I've got another friend who does it all the time, much worse than me, and I never know what she's thinking. I think that's what happened. Last night we were a little bit shell-shocked because we didn't know how to interpret it.
It's such a unique story that perhaps most people couldn't even imagine it.
Fontaine: I think that's the fact that they say "No, it's not possible that it goes there," and then it's there—
Watts: And then you actually move to a place of willing it to happen and continue it. And then you're sort of like, "Oh, I'm not that person! I'm not part of this!"
Naomi, your character Lil is the more vulnerable of the two women, but in some ways she's also stronger because her love can encompass pain. How did you approach her?
Watts: I fell in love with her right from the first read. I just loved that she had this contradiction in her, that she was able to continue loving him as a strong woman and also deal privately with her pain. But also wanting it, like craving it. At the end, when she's explaining why she couldn't say no, you understand that human desire, even knowing it wasn't right, yet she couldn't live without it. I forgave her and sort of empathized with that contradiction.
Did you and Robin have many conversations about your characters and this situation they find themselves in, before filming began?
Watts: We spent a good deal of time together rehearsing it. We both talked about this friendship, how powerful it was and how they had been through everything together. Childhood to puberty to marriages, boyfriends, and then husbands leaving and my husband passing and her husband drifting, that divide. I just loved that they were going through the exact same things at the same time. That fear of okay, now we've reached this point. This is the last summer, the boys are going to go off to their lives, and I think it was absolutely not premeditated but it just happened. And then it was a way of keeping the circle connected, and the fear of "If I lose you, then who am I? My role of motherhood is finished, I have to let you go." I understood that pain and anxiety.
When Lil explains that Roz is the only one who didn't do anything wrong, she says that maybe it's because she didn't do anything wrong that she ruined everything. What does this say about human relationships and the role of morality?
Fontaine: It's a very complex thing because Roz is listening, and Lil says that she couldn't resist and it's very touching to hear that. She breaks their relationship in a way at this moment. You see the face of Roz completely immobile, and I thought it was interesting to have the two faces there and only one shot. You can see one and the other, and you do the work yourself to see the faces. I think you don't know if she's going to forgive or not at the end, but you can understand that she could understand her friend. Even though Roz sacrifices her relationship with Ian, but as Lil says, she couldn't do it if [her boyfriend] was not so light. That changes everything. It was something without a future, but after that it goes on and on.
The film represents love in many different guises: maternal love, best friend love, spousal love, love out of wedlock. Was your intention to question our assumptions about true love?
Watts: It's not as traditional and conventional as we read about in the classics. It knows no shape. It comes as it comes. That's what I loved about it.
Fontaine: We can't judge them because to judge is to be only secure. I think the story goes very deeply inside love – forbidden love, but love. And it's not really forbidden. It's almost forbidden. Any person can have something like that.
Naomi, how does this role compare with other lead female roles you read?
Watts: I thought it was just so powerful. What's rare about this one is that it has an equally rich role in the same film and in the hands of a female director. It was just wonderful to be involved in such a female-centric picture.
For more Sundance Film Festival news, follow @barbarachai on Twitter.


text:
Carbon Offset Program Support programs that reduce or prevent carbon emissions
Sign Up Today!
You can sign up online or by calling 800.943.7585.
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
Whether you're driving to work, cooking dinner, or heating or cooling your home, you're directly or indirectly producing carbon dioxide (CO2) – a greenhouse gas that's associated with global climate change. These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, which amplifies the earth's natural greenhouse effect, commonly referred to as global warming.
Through photosynthesis, trees do their part to help offset CO2, and you can too. By participating in the Carbon Offset program, you can balance out or "offset" the environmental consequences produced by our energy-intensive lifestyles. It's easy and inexpensive, but makes a big impact.
Prevent CO2 emissions with offsets
We offer customers an easy and convenient way to reduce their carbon footprints. Each offset supports programs that reduce or prevent the release of CO2 emissions. Here's how it works:
- Purchase carbon offsets online or by calling 800.943.7585.
- Each offset costs $4 per month and offsets 1,000 pounds of CO2 – the equivalent of 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy use or about an average residential customer's monthly electricity use.
- In turn, Duke Energy will pass donations to NC GreenPower, a statewide nonprofit, to purchase carbon credits which support certified carbon offset projects on your behalf. The carbon projects may include methane capture from landfill or hog lagoon projects that are certified by a third party that provides accurate and transparent measurement, verification and tracking of greenhouse gas reductions and their inventories.
You may also elect to purchase additional offsets to help compensate for the emissions from your other activities, like driving and flying.
Sign up today by calling 800.943.7585 or sign up online.
Monies paid to participate in the program go directly toward the purchase of carbon credits and program administration.


text:
Nokia's Lumia Sales Rise Distracts From Ongoing Problems
By Sven Grundberg and Juhana Rossi
Amid a swirl of media reports asking if Nokia is minded to adopt the Android operating system for future smartphones, Chief Executive Stephen Elop had a crisp and clear message for investors: Windows Phones are doing just fine, thank you.
Mr. Elop, who is struggling to turn around the Finnish handset giant, announced Thursday that fourth quarter results are trending better than expected as sales of the new Lumia are brisk and performance at a wireless network joint venture with Siemens has turned the corner. He even said the company would sell more Lumias if it could simply find the means to make more.
Shares rose significantly, but investors have seen this movie before. Earlier in the year, the company reported better-than-expected performance on cash flow, to the acclaim of analysts. But the shine soon wore off as it became clear that the trek back atop the mountain is still steep.
Microsoft operating system for smartphones, dubbed Windows Phone, had a 2.4% global market share in the third quarter, far away from the plus 10% market share that Nokia has said it hopes the platform will reach.
And while Nokia said it has shipped 4.4 million Windows-powered Lumia devices in the fourth quarter, this isn't much more than the 4 million Lumias the company shipped in the second quarter last year, after it launched its previous the Lumia 900 flagship phone.
Neil Mawston, an industry analyst at Strategy Analytics, said that while Nokia seems to have done a good job in cutting its costs, Lumia smartphones volumes were actually lower than he had expected. Nordea's analyst Sami Sarkamies agreed, noting that better-than-expected results from Nokia's mobile phones business were driven more by lower-than-expected costs than by higher sales numbers.
Adding further perspective, Nokia's smartphone volumes are still way below the numbers delivered by the big boys in the mobile industry Apple and Samsung Electronics Just during the first weekend after launch, Apple had sold over five million units of its new iPhone 5, while Samsung's Galaxy S III smartphone has become the world's best selling smartphone ever, having sold more than 30 million units since its launch in May last year.


text:
Education News and Events
Happenings in the School of Education
International Reading Association
The Mayan Calanders: Myths and Meaning
Montessori At Westminster
International Reading Association
Prof. Kristi Jones and Kiley Dewey, a student in the MED Reading program, presented a paper at the 59th Annual Conference of the International Reading Association in New Orleans in May. The title of the presentation was "Culturally Relevant Comprehension Instruction as an Intervention in a First Grade Setting".
The Mayan Calanders: Myths and Meaning
Dr. Peggy Cain presented The Mayan Calanders: Myths and Meaning at the Clark Planetarium Night School.
Montessori At Westminster
The Montessori Teacher Education Program is now in its second year. In the first two years, over 50 students have taken summer courses in Montessori education, and thirty have gone on to a year-long student teaching experience in a Montessori school. The program has greatly increased the number of trained Montessori teachers in Utah.
Content and Language Integrated Learning
Dean Robert Shaw was the plenary speaker at a conference for English Language teachers in Lima, Peru sponsored by the Universidad de Piura and the University of Dayton Publishing Company: "Empowering the English Classroom", September 14, 2013. While in Peru he also held workshops in English and Spanish for four groups of school teachers and administrators on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
International Transformative Learning Conference
Dr. Peggy Cain and Dr. Jennifer Kushner (University of Wisconsin-Extension) presented a paper at the 10th International Transformative Learning Conference entitled Community leadership: Transforming our models and ourselves. The paper focused on leaderless organizing and collective impact as transformative learning processes.


text:
Embark on an award-winning, customized guided tour of China—the world's fastest-changing nation. The sheer sweep of Chinese geography, history, culture and cuisine makes it perfect for tailor-made private tours. With your knowledgeable guide, hike along a particularly picturesque (and relatively uncrowded) section of China's Great Wall for stunning v ...iews of craggy peaks, lush green forests of pine and cypress, and classic watchtowers. Lose yourself in mystical, storybook landscapes while cruising the Li River where tall picturesque formations of the karst mountains delight at every bend. In Shanghai, meander amidst the fragrant scents of one of China's finest gardens promising pagoda-style pavilions, carp pools and shimmering reflections of blossoms and bamboo. For families, our award-winning Kung Fu Panda Family Adventure tour will have your kids gazing in wonder at China's silent Terra Cotta army, learning tai chi in a Beijing Park, applauding amazing acrobatics from VIP seats and admiring playful pandas at the Panda Research Center. Let our experts give you China, both classical and contemporary, with a personalized tour created just for you.Show More
A passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your trip is required for both U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter and depart the country. Please ensure that the name on your passport matches all travel documents we have issued. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately.
Please make a photocopy of your passport's identification page and keep it separate from your original. It's also a good idea to leave a digital copy with someone at home. This may speed up the replacement process should you lose your passport.
Visas are required by all nationalities to enter China; except when visiting Hong Kong and Macau. Single-entry visas are normally valid for three months, double-entry for six months, and multiple-entry for six, 12 or 24 months. You will need to apply for your visa independently, through a local consulate or using a visa issuing service.
For more visa information please visit:
America: www.travisa.com
Canada: www.travisa.ca
Cancellation and Medical Insurance is highly recommended as it can safeguard against the expenses associated with in-country medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage and emergency cancellation or interruption of your trip. Please ensure your policy will provide you with upfront medical coverage so that you are not responsible for a hefty doctor's bill while away. Insurance can be purchased through us.
No vaccinations are required to enter China. We do recommend the following vaccinations:
Some vaccines require more than one dose or a major length of time to be effective. For that reason, it is recommended to see your doctor or health provider at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip. For all vaccinations and health requirements, you can also refer to the recommendations from:
World Health Organization (WHO): http://www.who.int and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) http://wwwnc.cdc.gov.
If there are any medical items essential to your health, such as prescription drugs or corrective eye wear, bring duplicates and divide them between your checked bags and hand luggage. While non-prescription drugs such as aspirin are generally available, it is difficult to replace prescription items.
Other recommended Items:
China's extreme size means it has a great diversity of climates, but being located entirely in the northern hemisphere means its seasonal timings are broadly comparable to those in Europe and the US. The northeast experiences hot and dry summers and bitterly cold winters. The north and central region has almost continual rainfall, hot summers and cold winters. The southeast region has substantial rainfall, with semi-tropical summers and cool winters. For up-to-date forecasts, check www.weather.com.
What clothes to wear depends on the season you travel and what kind of activities you are taking part in on your trip. China has varied weather systems from North to South, and so you may need to prepare for multiple climates. If visiting the mountainous regions, bring along a jacket for cooler evenings. In general, we recommend packing multiple layers for the changing temperatures.
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: Video camera, camera with zoom lens in a dust-resistant case, sufficient memory cards, a spare camera battery and charger. Photography is not allowed in certain religious buildings, especially temples. So be sure to ask permission before you take a photo.
Electricity: 220V is used across the whole of China. Socket types and sizes do vary however, but adapters can often be borrowed from the hotel. Laptop and phone chargers usually work on both 110v/220v. Do not use 110V outlets marked 'FOR SHAVERS ONLY' for anything else as they will not work and may even get damaged.
Phone: Roaming charges vary between carriers, but tend to be quite costly. Consult your phone provider prior to departure to discuss overseas rates and international package options.
Internet: High speed and Wi-Fi connections are readily available in the major towns and cities, but once you enter rural areas the internet becomes harder to find. Please note that it is extremely difficult to access Facebook in China. Wi-fi and internet service provided in properties is at the discretion of each establishment and Kensington Tours has no control over this. Please feel free to check with your Sales Consultant before travel if you'd like to know internet set up at each of your properties or contact the properties directly so you are aware of their internet policy if this is important to you. You may like to speak to your internet provider prior to travel to arrange a roaming package.
The currency used in China is the Renminbi (RMB). We recommend that you get a small amount of local currency from your bank before you leave home. Your bank card will likely work, and Visa or MasterCard are widely accepted. You will need a 4-digit PIN to be able to use your cards. Please note that it is much cheaper to exchange US dollars at a hotel in China. For current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com
Capital: Beijing
Language: Mandarin and Cantonese
Currency: Renminbi (RMB)
Religion: Buddhism and Taoism
Time Zone: GMT +8
Electricity: 220 Volt, 50 Hz
Telephone: Country code for calling is 86
Calling North America: Dial 001 plus area code and your 7-digit number
Emergency numbers in China: 999 Beijing and Shanghai. Rest of the country: 110 for police; 119 for fire; 120 for ambulance; 122 for traffic accident


text:
The black 700 TVL 2.8 to 10mm Day/Night Indoor Mighty Dome Camera from VITEK is a true day and night CCD dome camera that offers superior color reproduction. Featuring Sony's Effio DSP along with a 1/3" Sony High Density Exview CCD, this dome camera delivers 700 TVL of resolution with extremely low noise. Advanced on screen display and True ICR day/night function are some of the features of this camera.
- Secondary video output (cable included)
- Motion detection
- Flush or surface mount
- UTP interface
- 1" conduit knockout
- 24 VAC / 12 VDC dual voltage
Found a lower price? Complete this simple form:
See any errors on this page? Let us know.


text:
SNOWMASS VILLAGE - The third annual Hockey for Hope event, a fundraiser for the Aspen Hope Center, will be March 2 at the Aspen Ice Garden.
A free skate is at 5 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by the Battle of the First Responders, a faceoff between the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Protection District firefighters and the Aspen Police.
Food and beverages will be available. DJ Echo Dafunk will provide music, and the public can participate in a chuck-a-puck contest.
General admission is $10. VIP tickets are $100 and include food and drinks.
RSVP to firstname.lastname@example.com or 970-544-1298.


text:
A Louisville resident has been named chief operating officer of Northeast Ohio Medical University, according to a news release.
Carrie Bast, who has worked at the university since 2007, will oversee the division of administration and finance.
She previously worked as the director of finance at Walsh University and was an auditor for KPMG.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Game of Thrones is a site for the HBO-series based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.
New to the series? Read our spoiler-free review of A Game of Thrones.
Read our Privacy Policy.
A slim, dark-haired young woman of nineteen years, Shae is a prostitute and camp follower. Her face is very expressive, her smiles alternately shy, innocent, and wicked.
The actress playing the role is approximately 10 years older than the character, and her features are not typically European (as with all the other Westerosi actors).
The Westeros network consists of several different sites, including a forum and a wiki, for all your A Song of Ice and Fire needs.


text:
Tottenham Hotspur Message Board
A Yahoo! User Aug 14, 2012 12:53 Flag
Jermain Defoe
If only Luka Modric showed the same sort of loyalty has Jermain Defoe he might come out with some credit, Defoe does not want to leave his beloved Spurs, he hardly figured in Harrys team last year and still scored 17 goals, he clearly wants to stay and be part of the set up and does not want to warm the bench as he has to much to offer, Modric however who lets be fair is a quality player, but for me he should be scoring 10-12 goals a season instead of his meagre 4 which seems to be about average for his time here.
To be honest i am sick and tired of this story now and when you here former players feeling sorry for him because he cannot get his own way with the move it makes my blood boil, if he wants away and we cannot agree a fee let him make up the difference out of his own pocket if he wants it that badly lets say Real Madrid offered 34 million and we want 40 million let him go and make him pay the 6 million himself im sure he can afford it.
I hope Jermain stays i would hate him to play against us with another premiership side he will always score as he did when we let him go to Portsmouth before. Bye Bye Modric thanks for your service but your loyalty stinks!Sort: Newest | Oldest | Most Replied Expand all replies
Defoe is playing superbly against Italy,
Ok its a friendly, but as our only proven striker its nice to see him on form. Lets hope Levy/AVB have a more physically assertive player to partner him on the way in! Llorente, maybe I'm dreamin?
Also, congrats and well done to Jake Livermore, England debut and looking good even with his bleached strip!- erck.
- 1 Reply to Joe
u can imagine what harry would have done after defoes stunner for england..... thats right, drop him for vdv.
then when we need a goal....thats right, leave him on the bench!
well done to defoe. englands most natural finisher & goal poacher.
i want defoe & either llronte or damiao!


text:
BEAVER CREEK - These guys are going pretty fast.
Aside from stating the obvious about the best men's alpine skiers on the planet, these guys are going really fast, even by Birds of Prey standards as training continued for a second day Wednesday at Beaver Creek.
American Travis Ganong was the fastest with a time of 1 minute, 41.67. That's a cause for optimism for the hometown fans. But more importantly, Wednesday was the second-straight day training times dipped down into the 1:41 range. (Austrian Klaus Kroell took top honors Tuesday with a 1:41.52.)
The course record for a full downhill at Birds of Prey is 1:39.59, set by Daron Rahlves in 2003. So taking into account that a lot of field has likely been holding speed back in training to avoid injury and/or scout the course, will the times drop come downhill day on Friday?
"The snow conditions are extremely fast," Ganong said. "This is my fourth year here and this is the quickest the snow's been. The speed coming off the bottom here off of Harrier Jump and Red Tail Jump, we're going really fast. You can feel the speed down here. Definitely faster than years in the past."
As for 1:39.59 going down Friday, Ganong was mixed.
"The course set's a lot turnier than it used to be in the past, so there's no way it can be that much faster," he said. "It will never be 1:39. But we're getting close. Hopefully, on race day, I can get that. It would nice."
The first two days of training have been nearly 4 seconds faster than their counterparts last year. Bode Miller won last year's downhill in 1:43.82, which would have tied him for 30th in Wednesday's training run with Finland's Andreas Romar.
Unseasonably-warm day-time temperatures are clearly making the Birds of Park racecourse a faster track. In the interests of disclosure, the finish line has been moved up 15 meters, but that accounts for 3-tenths of a second, not four full ones. Beaver Creek crews have worked on Screech Owl turn, but a turn, by its nature, slows racers down.
"I think it's two things," Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal said. "The top flats are a little faster because they're a little straighter. I think also, to me, the bottom part is faster. Even though they tried to down the speed going into Golden Eagle, I can pick it up fast again. This last section is fast. I also feel Pumphouse is faster."
Svindal brings up two interesting points. The "top flats," or The Flyway, are where racers must glide well to pick up speed. It's exposed up there, before The Brink, where the world falls away. You've got to tuck there to keep speed. That's exactly how Rahlves won with his 1:39.59 in 2003. He beat the field on that interval.
The lower portion being faster is also intriguing. That's traditionally where racers lose speed.
In an informal survey of racers, the jury is still mixed, though.
"No, it doesn't feel faster, said Canadian Erik Guay, who won the downhill globe in 2010-11. "It could be because the snow is really good. I wouldn't say it's quicker."
After he heard that times in training were considerably faster, he said, "Is it really? That being said, I can't feel the difference."
American Marco Sullivan, on the other hand, thinks the course is ripe.
"I'd say (the record)'s definitely within reach this year because the weather's staying good and it's only going to get faster as we're running it," he said.
While Ganong took top honors Wednesday, Italy's Siegmar Klotz was second with Austria's Joachim Puchner third and France's Guillermo Fayed fourth.
Italy's Christof Innerhofer punched in at fifth, his second good training run in a row. Hannes Reichelt of Austria finished sixth. He's a guy to watch as he's won twice here in super-G. Sullivan was seventh, as he continues his resurgence after a third-place finish in downhill last week up in Lake Louise, Alberta.
Switzerland's Carlo Janka checked in at eighth. He has quite the history here, having swept all three events (downhill, super-G and giant slalom) in 2009. Germany's Tobias Stechert and Italy's Dominik Paris rounded out the top 10.
Do keep in mind that some big Austrian names like Max Franz, Benni Raich, Georg Streitberger and Klaus Kroell all took the day off from specific downhill training. Most downhills traditionally have two days of training, but Beaver Creek added a third because the weather usually wipes out a day of training. Naturally, having added a third day of practice, there's barely been a cloud in the sky this week.
Sports Editor Chris Freud can be reached at 970-748-2934 or firstname.lastname@example.com.