text:
re: Survey
Dear readers,
I first want to preface this post by saying, I admire and love all the models that I have worked with and are currently representing the plus size industry. Without them, there would be no industry to speak about. I have also been a huge fan of Crystal Renn for a long time and I admire all the work she has done to bring plus models into the main stream media. The reason for this survey, is for PMM to know and to share with our clients what you have to say, since there is so much conflicting information out there about the way plus size women feel about themselves and how they are marketed to.
It seems like every conversation I have with a model, retailer, designer or agent, the topic of "size" always seems to come up.
Ten years ago, plus size models were curvy size 12's through 18's and coveted magazine covers, national campaigns and advertisements. In recent years we have seen a drastic change in the size of the plus size model. Plus size models are no longer "plus size", and as Crystal Renn explains it, they are now PLUS what the size of straight size models are in the straight size industry.
Agencies are pointing the finger at the clients, and the clients are pointing the finger at the agencies, and there has been no clear indication as to why things have changed so drastically. While I love the plus size models we have today, I do feel there is a significant void in the plus size modeling industry. We seem to be asking for the main stream industry to include us as REAL WOMEN, but "real women" also include size 16, 18 and 20's, but only the smaller models are being considered as models.
Was this the original idea behind plus size models? Should plus size models BE plus size? Does the size of the plus model, matter? Does the size of the model, affect how you shop?
If modeling is about selling and about inspiring a woman to buy a product, can it be true that bigger models are not selling, or are brands just too scared to "LOOK" like a plus size brand? There is only one way for everyone to know, and it's by voicing your opinion.
As we move forward to another year, we are eager to find out from you, Does Size Matter?
43 Comments
When I walk into a store for the plus sized woman or enter a plus department, I want to see someone who looks like me modeling the clothes. This is what catches my attention to a piece of clothing or outfit. This also is what inspires me to add more flavor to my style as a full figured woman. Clothing that I may have not have taken the time to look at because I thought it may not work well with my shape may get more attention if I saw it on a thick model. I love all of my smaller sized sisters but I think that it is crazy and annoying when I see straight sized models modeeling plus sized clothing. Why? Mainly because it is an unreal representation of what the clothing is going to look like on us. We are all different and we have more pronounced curves in certain areas, breasts, but, hips thighs, stomach, legs back…you get my drift. Our curves are a part of us therfore I'd like to see a variety of actual plus sized models modeling the clothes.
A size 14 in my book is not plus size its the average every day women. I agree with what Limarie said I want too see models that I can identify with and know I can go out and buy those pieces being show cased I appreciate seeing a bigger girl. I think the industry and retailers use average size models because its safe for them . They still are in their comfort zone. It would really be nice too see a model that is all the different sizes .
Crystal Renn is just an over sized size 8 model and I think it is shameful for her to call her self a Plus Model. I saw her on the View and she said that any model with a hip measurement over 34 inches is Plus Model, this is just not true. What about all the size 8 fit models that their hips measurements can be up to 38 inches. Crystal Renn is misleading the public and the allowing the designers to use their fit samples on her and state that they are using a Plus Model when in truth they are not. It is time that all Plus Women stand up and state that they know the truth. A real Plus Model is someone who wears the product.
What is shocking and discouraging is that even in plus-size stores, the mannequins are all smaller. I was in Lane Bryant this past weekend and noticed that all of the clothing on the mannequins was pinned in the back. Apparently these mannequins are too small for LB's smallest size which is a 14. What's up with that?
Great article!
I honestly believe it's about baby steps…20 years ago there wasn't even a place for models over a size 8. While a size 12 or even 14 isn't "that big" to many PMM readers, it's still better than nothing. Also, (this may anger some readers by not being politically correct-sorry) the majority of the public does not want to see a morbidly obese "model". Now remember, there is a big difference between athletic, plus sized, overweight, obese and morbidly obese. In my opinion, no one over a size 20 should model, seeing as that it totally contradicts the very definition of a model. Yes, all sizes can be beautiful (beauty is in the eye of the beholder), but just like I don't want to see a sickly anorexic, I equally have no desire to see an extremely overweight (and just plain unhealthy) woman model clothing.
Keep up the great work!
As a plus size mum – I want to see how the garment will look on me (even if that is a size 22 or 24!)
I understand from a marketing & media editorial view point a size 14 is going to look way more appealing (and be more accepted in the market place) in the garment – but there has to be a point where plus size clothing designers & manufactures along with their retailers make a conscious choice to represent their brand on real women, women who will wear the clothes!
I have curves & lots of them – clothes that hang beautifully on a 180cm size 14 (plus size model) look very very very different on me. I want to see the clothes I am paying good money for (after all I pay a premium for being plus size, I understand that more fabric is required, the small amount of additional fabric does not explain the cost – but that's another issue) on some one like me.
If a large % of women are "plus size" then how about the media support to go with this women?? Don't bash them for being overweight, fat or obese! I have started a brand of plus size clothing (plus maternity.com.au) for exactly that reason – I couldn't find things to wear in Australia whilst I was pregnant.
I am now dealing with the media who want to "support" my range on a "skinny model"……………I am fighting so hard to get my product represented as a true plus size range, which is what it is (and no I don't have skinny sample garments for photography purposes – plus size all the way!!)
I actually don't think much has changed in the "size" of plus models from 10 or so years ago to today. Some models are size 10/12 – while others are 16/18. You can see that while flipping through past issues of Mode. The plus size industry has the unique opportunity to employ models at varying sizes – which is the closes reality to what a woman is. We are not just a plus size "14" or a straight size "4". We change and grow over the years. Our own bodies transform as we age or have children. And withing the straight size modeling industry – being a size 10/12 is huge – let's face it – a size 8 in that industry is huge! Ultimately it's up to the client to decide on what image it wants in it's advertising. Because of the plus-size industry – clients now understand that these images can and should be of all shapes and sizes. To argue someone is not "plus' enough is taking away the unique power of "plus sized" modeling – to be an industry embracing and representing all shapes and sizes – who are model material.
Its so great to see the changes that have happened regarding the size of models over the years. All that matters is being healthy and what I have seen on magazine covers lately doesn't depict this at all, in fact some movie stars look quite sick. Model sizes need to depict the average size women and it isn't a size 0 or 8 or 10 or even 12. Over the years our shape changes and what really matters is if we are happy with life – thats all that counts.
Its so great to see the changes that have happened regarding the size of models over the years. All that matters is being healthy and what I have seen on magazine covers lately doesn't depict this at all, in fact some movie stars look quite sick. Model sizes need to depict the average size women and it isn't a size 0 or 8 or 10 or even 12. Over the years our shape changes and what really matters is if we are happy with life – thats all that counts. Numbers don't mean a thing.
I agree 100% with what Erin said!!!
I've given up on the industry to reconize plus size women and I create my own style. Some of my clothes are tailored made and others are store brought with alterations tailored to how I want an item to look. I am comfortable with my girth size 22 and I wear heels and get just as much attention as my smaller sisters. The industry continues to make clothes for the human clothes hanger. When the industry reconizes the full figured woman, we will buy, buy, buy – the first designer that shows us they care about our curves, will be a success.
Size does matter. I have been working in this industry for over 20 years – OK folks, I am not afraid to date myself, and am represented in the industry as the standard PLUS size – an 18. Period. I worked as a fit model, a runway and showroom model and did editorial work. But I had measurements that I had to maintain. And they were to spec for a manufactor's size 18.
I love the models in our industry. I love our industry. But I would love to see mainstream shows and editorial campaigns feature beautiful size 18 women, as well as size 16 and 20…..and, in addition, would not mind seeing a few of us "silver foxes" in these campaigns. Buying power is in the hands of the consumer – and that consumer is size 14 and larger – and is from "tween to 50, the new 40, which was last year's 30!" So, it is true – everyone points the finger at someone else. But we, in our own industry, need to celebrate size 18 as the standard, the model, so to speak, for our models. If we believe and stand firm, can the rest of the industry do anything other than follow?
Speaking for me, the model's size isn't the main determinant of what I buy. I live in California and shop brick-and-mortar primarily rather than the Internet. But I do like seeing models who have similar physical characteristics as I, like Tara Lynn and Fluvia Lacerda, both of which are probably around 16s.
And I remember Mode very well. Former subscriber (who still has some copies in my storage unit) and I recall they featured size 18 and above models — Dee Dee Knoche and Tomiko Peirano come to mind.
Keep in mind, though, we're dealing with business and sometimes there's an aversion to risk. They are focused on making money for their owners/investors/shareholders. And if 10-14 models bring in a higher amount of sales and that's validated by market research, the industry will stick with it.
My name is Darryl Evans of Pure Enchantment Photography. I Love seeing plus size models because not only do they represent a large portion of women in the world today but there are also men who enjoy plus size models and prefer to see them represented in main stream too. I wish that the survey was geared toward men too but I will say my comments here. I think size does matter. I think that if the job is for a plus size model it should be a plus size model applying for and getting the job. When I see a plus size womens store and the girl on the add out front is a size 6 I think how does that make that size 18 girl feel. If the size 6 represents plus size then what size is she? And is that size acceptable? Lets get some plus size models out there in main stream again showing that being a plus size woman is not just a good advertisement for plus size stores but plus size women are beautiful!
I also want to add a couple of comments too. First I believe the same goes for men and yet there is less talk about plus size or king size men. I know that this is a plus size womens site and magazine but where are the bigger men? In this industry I hear lots of requests to team the plus size woman with the ripped man… Why not 2 pluses together???
Last but not least I want to say that I would love to see more pictures with class. I see lots of great pictures on here but when it comes to the outside world I see the focus on a plus size woman being her butt and her cleavage or just her face. There is so much more to these beautiful women! I just hate that there are photographers out there that claim to be supporters of plus size women and yet try to hide them in tons of fabric or just shoot the chest etc…
Thats my 2 cents. My face book site is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Enchantment-Photography/82116458269?ref
And my official website is http://www.pureenchantmentphotography.com/
Come by and check it out and become a friend. And know that you have our total support
I so love the nude photo of the plus size model. If you can have pregnant nude mothers on covers then why not a plus size female with all her naturalness (if thats a word) showing! I support this magazines
existence to the fullest. I too am plus size and would love to be a part of it any way I CAN. keep up the good work.
I'll cosign to Maryellen:-). I am a beautiful, Freelance Plus Model & I've had a lot of significant accomplishments over the past 3 years. People are often shocked that I'm not signed to a modeling agency yet (Heck, so am I!). It's all because I am 5″7 and a size 16. I just recently hit size 16, down from an 18. I've lost 18 pounds and 11 inches off my body over the past couple of months, and I plan to continue until I get all the way down to a 12. "NO! Don't do that Nikeya! Then you won't be a Plus size model anymore!" my Plus model friends typically say. Actually, I would. How scary is this industry when I could shrink another 50 to 60 pounds and still be considered a PLUS model?
I've just about given up on trying to understand this modeling industry's IMPOSSIBLE standards! I can't do anything about being 5'7" but if losing weight will get me working, and I'm certain it will, then that's what I'm doing! Meanwhile, I do realize that I am GORGEOUS now:-). I realize that while the industry "may" grown more accepting of the size 16, 18, 20 models, they'll only do it with the ones who are Amazons! And while 5'7″ is the average height of women in this country and not "short" by any means, I might as well be a midget to the modeling agencies.
SMH…while we're pushing for size acceptance, can we push for women of all heights to be equally represented in the modeling industry too! SHEESH!
I have been a plus size since I was a teenager from size 14-20. I know what its like to shop for clothes and look at the models wearing them. What you would hear me say is..I wish I was that small or had a body that looked like hers so I could buy that to wear. I knew from seeing the model in the clothes that it was not going to look good on me because of my shape. But now with having real figured models advertising…clothes should sell like crazy!!! Most woman including myself..would look at her and say…If she can wear it and look that good so can I. Woman checkout other woman..its just our nature to judge eachother. Everyone gains weight for different reasons in their life but that does not mean they are not still beautiful. Woman inspire other woman. We need more dept stores with "normal" sizes for the average woman. I will not go into to most clothing stores in the mall because I know they will not have anything to fit me. Im sure there are others that feel the same. I want to walk into a store like Lane Bryant that caters to me. But we need more to have a bigger variety. Most stores tell you to order their bigger sizes online. What a hassle…you do not get to try it on…see the color up close, feel the material or see how well it is made and will it feel right when you get it on. It comes in the mail..it doesnt fit..to big to small…now you take it back or send it back….It should not be this hard to buy bigger size clothes.
for me, i've always been taller and thickher than the other girls i hung out with even when i wasnt plus size. then somewhere in my early twenties i started tipping the scale. ok 14, 16. i could still find some
decent but fashionable clothes in most stores, then i slowly moved up several sizes and gradually becoming disappointed in my findings. not that i welcome the weight but i when i went into the
plus size fashion boutiques it was whack!. I mean we are all built different, I always compare the clothing sense at that time for "plus size " was like they thought we all wanted to look like "Mrs Roper"
from "three's a company". Big huge afghans, big floral print. I think the designers concept was were probably all ashamed of weight and just wanna be covered not seen. It was horrible and these are some of the big name plus size stores(u know who u are). I mean if you are a size 28 does it mean your size 28 all the way down to your ankles or wrist. Really?? However times are SLOWLY changing.
the styles are more with the times and not drab. We definitely need more stores to cater to us, our money spend just the same. I dont love my weight or particular am fond of passing up the cutesy styles rack to get to the back of the store to find 'MY stuff. But at the sametime I LIKE TO LOOK PRESENTABLE.' I like my clothes to fit, not tight but fit every definition of a curve i have I want accentuated. the designers are stepping up there game. and for the record size shouldnt matter
I got a friend who' about 5″3 115 who doesnt want me to meet her boyfriend because she thinks he'll be checkin me out. I'm married and get compliments and doubletakes from guys on a daily basis. I have confidence in myself and size, Does the fashion world have confidence in us.
@ Darryl Evans – God Bless you!
@ Amy Lu – That is SO true! I can't tell you how many times I've gone into a store that "carries plus sizes now" only to be told "Oh sorry, we only have those online, not in the store." How would straight sized people feel if they went into a store to buy something & got referred to a website?!! SMH…
I've been size 6, I've been size 26. Currently I'm down to a 14/16. Finding clothes as a size 6 was easy…open a catalog, look at a pic and think "wow…look at the movement of that skirt" and order it. Same senario as a size 20…open up a plus size catalog…and it's the same skinny, somebody needs to feed them size 6…and trust me…the clothes drape a bit differently on rounder figures. By the way…I'm 5'9″…once I find something that fits properly…then I have to worry about if it's long enough…will it ride up when I sit down, etc.
So when I shop…I like seeing models that are shapely…different "shapelys" so I can pick my shape out of the lineup and see how the clothes fit…making me more confident that they will fit right on me.
One thing I have noted…different companies have different ideas of what plus size is…some put a built in fat pocket in the waist…which doesn't work for everybody in the plus catagory. Where's the extra room in the hip and thigh area…hello, that's where some of us need extra room. This baby got back…not front. Some companies simply make the clothes a larger version of the smaller clothes…also doesn't work. Lets not even talk about tops and dresses that assume that EVERY plus size is ample in the chest…some of us …are smaller.
Friend of mine was labeling folks…she says she's "rubenesque" and I'm "amazonian", before I could bother to feel offended…it occured to me it was accurate. I look like a fitness model only larger by sizing standards, taller by average standard, with long limbs. When it comes to clothes, frankly, regular clothes in a larger size look dumpy on me, plus size clothes that are designed for folks not built like me look like I borrowed someones ill fitting stuff and tried to play it off.
Mostly I wear gym clothes…cuz they fit…and stretch where I need it too. For church…tshirt and a skirt. If I see someone large like me with stuff that fit right I ask them where they get their clothes. Plus size models are important for plus size clothes. Just as smaller sizes have petites, and enjunue, and juniors….plus size clothing companies should have sizes differences based on shape….and a model that fit them.
Anyway…that's my two cents worth.
I want to see fat chicks in these ads. I am a fat chick and let's face it, clothes look different on big girls than they do on thin girls. I don't want to see a size 4 woman wearing a dress that I am going to buy in a 24. It just wouldn't look the same. Our bodies are not the same. I frequent plus-size blogs, not even to see the fashion as much as to see different bodies in the outfits. I love to see women who look like I do. Since it seems out of the question to expect a blended ad or magazine or runway show, I insist on looking at large women wearing large clothes.
Does the size of the plus size model, affect the way you shop? Should plus size models BE plus size? Take the survey! http://ow.ly/3aKLZ
#callingallCURVYgirls! RT @Plusmodelmag: Should plus size models BE plus size? Take the survey! http://ow.ly/3aKLZ
Hello, I took your Plus Model "survey" yesterday. Unfortunately, you managed to omit my entire age group, so I couldn't select it. I pointed this out to "Survey Monkey," who says it was YOUR mistake-they set them up technically and and they are not responsible for the actual content. And when I go to your website, there is no easily accessible contact information. So, I am reporting it here. Must be really scientific!
NO, It wasn't. I am not fitting on to any group.
RT @Plusmodelmag: When you shop, does the size of the model matter? Take the survey! http://ow.ly/3cUnX
I have worked in this industry for 10 years. First behind the scenes at a major plus retailer as an in-house showroom/fit model, as a print model with Ford since 2003, and now I work as a fit model freelance and thru an agency. I started as a size 18 and am now closer to a 20-I still have print clients I book thru Ford but they WILL NOT put me back on their official board (on website) ever since they 'cleaned house' and searched for thinner and younger models about 5 years ago- I will tell you right now it has a lot to do with the agencies own personal hang-ups however I also know that the marketing teams of the major plus retailers also have their personal hang ups also- they will out right ignore customers letters complaints about using such small models to feed their own egos and say they're using 'aspirational' marketing.
Nobody wants to be associated with fat chick brands so they have to make it as cool as possible.
The problem is, I believe in skinny world it works to make people feel crappier so they spend more to feel better about herself…but it's different for us. We already feel crappy a lot of the time about our bodies, we need an ego stroke to make us feel worth spending the cash 😉
we are psycologically different.
I think the problem is the small clothing may look bad when it is sized up. We have curves and plus size clothing should be made to let us look are best. If they are going to sell plus sizes then they should take the time to learn what looks best on a group of plus size women. We are not cookie cuts of each other.
Yes, Size does matter !
W le Donne con le Curve, W la Vita !
Women with Curves are the SUN of Life !
I guess 2011 will be the Year of Curves…
Greetings from Italy
If I am looking online for a size 5x teddy I want to see it modeled by a 5x woman. I want to know what the item of clothing is going to look like on me. I see Lane Bryant catalogs with their little models. The clothes are draped over them like loose bedsheets and I find it rediculous. There is nothing wrong with being fat. Fat is an adjective, not an insult. I am a size 26/28 and I models quite succesfully. There is a whole underground BBW model world underground. It's sad that we are kept hidded from the masses. I have made it my mission to social us and help us all leap right out of the closet.
I am turned off to the point where I will not buy plus-sized clothing from catalogs and retailers who don't use larger women in their modeling, displays, and advertising. How are we supposed to know how we might actually look in the clothing? Granted, there is a sweeping diversity in body sizes and shapes even among plus-sized women (top-heavy, bottom-heavy, hourglass, apple, etc.), but demonstrating clothing on a size 10 or 12 model is just an invitation to customer dissatisfaction.
RT @Fennimas: RT @Plusmodelmag: One more day to take the PMM Survey! Does Size Really Matter? http://ow.ly/3eq6H
Hello Everyone!
I so agree with what you all are saying, but I will add one other thing!!! I have another problem too, and my problem is that I am not short! I am 6'2″ and it is very hard to find plus size long enuf for me!! It may sound bad but what ends up happening to me is I have to buy them even bigger then what I am so that I can have them baggy enuff to look long enuf for me, and then I will say I hand wash them and never dry them in a dryer or they will srink on me!!! But also in my area we have yeah walmart, fashion bug and layne bryant, and that is manly it, I mean i love the cloths from fashion and layne but they are getting to be too much for me anymore and so I just don't buy new cloths……. But I am glad that we are starting to see that there is more to live then living to be skinny!!! I love who I am and I don't care what others say!!!! BIG IS IN!!!!
Hi, All,
I believe proportions matter more than size. I'm a pear-shaped plus size woman. It's helpful to know what designs are better suited for someone my shape. Sometimes I get the impression that some designers don't care about plus size women. Plus size doesn't always mean out-of-shape or round. That's the problem right there. There isn't a clear understanding of what "plus size" means. There are some of us who considered "plus size" and yet are too small for "plus size" clothes. Others feel they are the "true" plus-size size. Yet, they measurements are mixed-matched and they have a hard time finding clothes. What I have a hard time understanding is why all of us who are beyond size 22/24 are slighted? We have to order our sizes "on-line". O.k. Plus size stores only care the "fat skinny" women clothes. Well, if "plus size" means size 8 to a size 18, it makes sense. Hmmm….
I agree with Ms. Nikeya Young. It is amazing and a bit ridiculous what the fashion industry and society deems Plus-Size. I am a size 8 at my fittest, size 16 right now and a local freelance glamor and art model, and it is challenging to find photographers as well as designers who share the vision of the beautiful and healthy curvy woman, yet so rewarding when it happens.
A lot of folks want Victoria' secret to stay "what it is" and not go Plus size, as Frederick's of Hollywood is. Victoria's Secret has lost me as a customer long since I was a teenager because they did not feature my size anymore. I often shop at Torrid because they always carry my size, and just recntly have gotten lucky with Hot Topic and some other stores leaning towards a larger variety of sizes. I just hope a few more retailers will soon catch on.
"The model with the cotton candy,now that's plus size at it best."


text:
NCB postpones IPO -Offer not cheap enough
National Commercial Bank Jamaica (NCBJ) has delayed listing its US$258 million worth of shares on the New York Stock Exchange based on pricing concerns by investors.
The bank, however, claimed high interest in the initial public offering (IPO) even as it announced that the scheduled February 6 pricing had been postponed.
The IPO did not make sense at this time for the brokerage community, said president and CEO of Stocks & Securities Limited, Mark Croskery, in agreement with NCBJ's decision.
"Why go at this time when Jamaica does not have an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement and stocks are low and undervalued and trading in NCB is at around J$22 rather than J$30. This does have an impact on pricing for overseas brokers and has impacted the price. So NCB's overseas [investment bankers] did the right thing," said Croskery.
The Jamaican economy currently suffers from crime, joblessness, recession, deteriorating international reserves, and dollar depreciation. It currently awaits an IMF agreement in order to boost its reserves, while also unlocking access to other multilateral funding.
Within this context, NCBJ wanted US$13-US$15 per share in an attempt to raise as much as an US$258 million, but expected to net US$158 million after IPO-related expenses.
Overseas investors, however, wanted a cheaper share price which better reflected the local reality.
NCBJ trades on the local exchange at the equivalent of under US$0.22 a share.
"The transaction was met with strong investor interest, but price was forming below the range that the company was willing to accept," said NCBJ in a market filing posted by the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
The filing followed a two-week travel tour to tout the investment in big cities in the US, United Kingdom and Canada. The travelling party included Michael Lee-Chin, chairman, Patrick Hylton, group managing director, Denis Cohen, deputy managing director and Yvonne Clarke, chief financial officer.
NCBJ added that potential investors raised specific concerns on the local macroeconomic uncertainty that weighed on their investment decision.
"On the advice of the company's investment bankers, the company has decided to postpone the IPO until conditions become more favourable," stated the bank.
The bank started marketing the offer on January 24 and was expected to finalise the offer price on February 6 for more than 803 million shares up for subscription.
Queries on an expected new timeline for listing were unanswered up to press time. NCBJ remains a cash-rich bank making over J$10 billion net profit in the latest financial year ending September 2012.
Croskery remained unclear as to the precise use of funds for the IPO which would have added justification for the pricing.
The IPO documents filed with the US Securities Exchange Commission speak only in broad terms of strengthening operations, increasing loans volumes and building out the bank's nationwide network - already at 38 branches and 170 automated machines.
"We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include funding organic growth through an increase in loan volume, portfolio investments and other income-generating activities; financing expansion of and improvements to our infrastructure; and pursuing potential future acquisitions and other strategic investments," the IPO document states.
This month, Portland Equity, a venture fund chaired by NCBJ's largest shareholder billionaire Michael Lee-Chin revealed plans to raise US$300 million for various projects across the region including Latin America. These projects, while undisclosed, would cover financial services, infrastructure/energy, ICT, agribusiness, consumer-oriented/retail, health care and property.
Lee-Chin, who owns about 63 per cent of the bank via various companies, is prepared to give up 13 per cent of the holdings of AIC Barbados and AIC Global Holdings to facilitate the IPO.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Testing before minimums???
View Single Post
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 909
Re: Testing before minimums???
Chad Banister
I have been putting in about five or more hours a week. I am just curious as to the minimums. Are they written in stone for organizations such as the USAF or are they flexable to the abilities of the student. If a student is ready to test then I am sure the instructor will let me know, but what if I need 100 training days, but am ready at 60? Can the sensei bypass those required days to allow the student to test?
In the USAF they are pretty much in stone. There are minimal for kyu ranks within the USAF, both in ability and in hours. Your individual Sensei who would be either a fukishidoin or shidoin
advance you through the kyu ranks at their digression, irregardless of hours if they think you are of a certain ability. I'm not at liberty to judge whether allowing students to have an exhilarated advancement through the kyu ranks is a respectable action by a Sensei or not. All I know is that some sensei think it is okay, other's think it isn't okay!
(If you sensei is a shihan, you are at luck to not have to worry about traveling to a shihan to test black belt.)
Now as for Black Belt. There are standards, and if you aren't up to the standards in both hours and ability, I wouldn't bet on a black belt within the USAF. USAF also requires you to attend two seminars a year. Basically, go out and see the Shihans! lol
If your ability or days are not up to snub, you won't pass. (Typically when your hours aren't up, your ability isn't up either, generally! There are exceptions.)
And I don't know if you have been keeping up with Yamada Sensei's new letter or not; but I was at Winter Camp last year and Yamada Sensei held the black belt tests. There were a few people testing who didn't have their hours, and didn't have their basic skills in order for a Dan testing. Those people flat out failed. And their Sensei reportedly had a good talking to! Which was followed by a less than happy newsletter by Yamada Sensei, reporting his concerns. (Yamada Sensei's writings are on Aikido online)
Basically he was pissed off.
It is always best for your career within any organization to not piss off the chairman of that organization
So basically what I'm saying is that there are no exceptions, other than physical limitation, to the minimal standards of the dan testings.
Much love!
Last edited by RED : 09-14-2010 at
View Public Profile
Find More Posts by RED


text:
Definition of strut one's stuff in English:
strut one's stuff
informal Dance or behave in a confident and expressive way: tonight you'll be strutting your funky stuff on the dance floor next season he'll be strutting his stuff in Europe
More example sentences
- In 1985, aged 20, she met her future husband while strutting her stuff on the dance floor and they were married four years later.
- Elsewhere the Bratton School Dance Club strutted their stuff with Olympic and English numbers.
- Rap music reigned in the background, and others were on the dance floor, strutting their stuff.
Definition of strut one's stuff in:
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
Comments that don't adhere to our Community Guidelines may be moderated or removed.
= trending


text:
TOWN OF NEWBURGH — A pair of construction workers took a frightening tumble Tuesday while working on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
The men were working on the underside of the bridge when temporary supports failed, leaving them dangling in their safety harnesses above the Hudson River.
The men were able to climb to another part of the bridge, climb up and walk away unharmed, New York State Bridge Authority spokesman John Bellucci said.
The men were stringing steel cables to support a containment system designed to keep debris from falling into the Hudson River during a painting and lead abatement project.
Bellucci said the Bridge Authority will conduct a full investigation to determine why the temporary supports failed and to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
2:32 minutes
Just as Jane narrows down the Red John suspect list to seven, Red John strikes at a victim with links to Jane's past, on the fifth season cliffhanger finale of THE MENTALIST, Sunday, May 5 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS!
2:32 min
View other videos
for "The Mentalist"
continue viewing.
Video Player : Video ID


text:
The Escort Passport 9500ci is a high-end, custom-installed radar/laser detector designed to remain hidden from sight and radar detector detectors. It offers extremely fast, 360 degree all-band protection while its GPS-enabled AutoLearn function greatly reduced false alarms.
Loading latest prices from ProductWiki...
Additionally, the Passport 9500ci comes preloaded with thousands of red-light and speed camera locations for further ticket protection.
The Passport 9500ci's radar/laser detection operates on the X-band (10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz), K-band (24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz), Ka-band (34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz) and Laser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth with optional laser shifting which jams laser guns pointed at your vehicle. Its AutoLearn function automatically processes and identifies false alarms in less than a second, locking them out via its GPS-enabled system which remembers all radar locations. Meanwhile, the Passport 9500ci's preloaded red-light and speed camera locations offer further protection against tickets while Escort's online database allows users to update their Passport 9500ci with the most up-to-date camera locations.
9500, ci, 9500ci
Run an online store?
Use ProductWiki Connect for Merchants to enhance your product page and improve conversions.
ProductWiki Inc. © 2013. All rights reserved. ver: 4.1.6
Powered by Bootic Inc.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
SubscribeFollow Us
Get the free iPhone App!
Don't have an account yet? Create one!
Already have an account? Log In
Login normally by cancelling.
Enter the e-mail address you used to register with the site and we'll send you a new password.
We've noticed that you've made a few contributions, but haven't yet created an account.
Click here to register for an account.
Benefits of registering:
If you would like to continue without an account, just close this box and it won't reappear.


text:
SANTA CLARA -- Colin Kapenerick downplayed the six delay-of-game penalties he and the 49ers' offense have been assessed this season, citing how they're a "minor" blip in their overall methodology.
Same goes, he said, for their early usage of timeouts.
But play-clock issues, in particular, seem to have plagued the 49ers throughout this season, not to mention last season, when Kaepernick and Alex Smith each took four delay-of-game penalties.
"I feel like it's a minor thing in the grand scheme of what we're doing," Kaepernick said. "If we snap the ball with one second, that's not a problem to us. Because we know we're getting to something we like vs. their defense."
Kaepernick got hit with two delay-of-game penalties in the Super Bowl XLVII loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
So what exactly goes on before that 40-second clock expires, during which time coach Jim Harbaugh relays in a play, Kaepernick relays it in the huddle and then analyzes the defense before their snap.
"It can vary on what we're trying to get done that play, when the play call comes in, and if there's multiple layers to the play," Kaepernick said. "Is there something we need to check to? Did the defense show something that we need to change what we're doing? All that has to happen within that 40 seconds.
"There are times when you get to the point you're just running out of time to get to what you want to. And we have the feeling if we take the timeout to get something right and we end up getting points out of it, that's a beneficial timeout for us, whether it's early in the game, late in the game. Regardless, if we end up with points out of that timeout, we feel like that's a good timeout used."
On Tuesday, Harbaugh likened their timeout usage to a chess move, where he's willing to sacrifice a pawn in order to capture an opponent's queen.
Kaepernick said there are times where he must decide which play to audible into depending upon the defense's different alignment.
"And it could be something based on what the defense is doing that week that we want to run this versus this look and this versus that look," Kaepernick said. "The defense is always changing. So they might change, and then we have to change late. I think that's where a lot of the time factor comes in for us."
For more on the 49ers, see Cam Inman's Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CamInman.


text:
Green Pet Compost Company is a company dedicated to making a difference.
With over 10 Million Tons of pet waste entering our landfills each year, and
most of it preserved in non-biodegradable plastic, we saw a real opportunity to
provide a valued service to our clients and impact our environment at the same
Protect your family, enjoy your yard again and do it the environmentally friendly way with Green Pet Compost Company.
Join Us:
|Join Them:
Your FIRST
WEEK is
No CONTRACTS,
Strings Attached.
We Now Have Our Own Brand of Doggie Bags
100 bags for only $10.95
and they are 100% Compostable
click here to request some
|our new best friend:
our process \
residental service \ commercial service
\ helpful links
See our story in
|Our Vision
|Our Commitment
|Our Goal
We saw an opportunity to provide a service that betters our clients' lives and at
the same time addresses a widely unknown issue; the amount of pet waste
accumulating in our landfills each year. Being conscious of our impact on
the planet is not a passing fad, we all need to lessen our footprint and this is
a great way to do just that.
Protecting your family and the environment at the same time? That sounds pretty good to us...
learn more...
We are committed to conducting our business in a way that is
environmentally aware. Recycled sales materials, paperless billing,
compostable collection bags and waste composting are only a few of the ways we
can make a difference.
Our commitment also extends to our clients. We are staffed by professionals that truly love animals and will always conduct themselves in a way that is courteous to your family, your residence and your pets.
learn more...
Our ultimate goal is to turn something bad into something good. We are
producing chemical free, completely natural compost to be utilized in
landscaping and gardening - with your help, bringing the process full circle.
learn more...


text:
|· Portal
|Help Search Members Calendar
|Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )
|Resend Validation Email
Create your own social network with a free forum.
Learn More · Sign-up for Free
|Welcome to Captain SNES. We hope you enjoy your visit.
You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.
Join our community!
If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:
|Pages: (4) « First ... 2 3 [4] ( Go to first unread post )
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 05:33 AM
Group: Members
Posts: 290
Member No.: 1,232
Joined: 11-March 11
My stance is presently, "The Desert feels right to me, but we really don't have enough info: anywhere (or nowhere) wouldn't surprise me."
As for the 'all FF's linked by the Void,' it's not a possibility I'd considered. I'm not so sure about that, but some of it might be a bias; I'd always seen FF VI's X-Zone like the Phantom Zone (for some reason), so seeing the nature of FF V's made me say, "Oh, I guess each world has its own version of that spell."
On the topic of X-Zone, the following may be an interesting point: Vicks and Wedge have no interaction with it,* but FF V Gogo X-Zones itself away.** FF VI Gogo hasn't appeared in-comic (and may not ever, depending), but I'm curious if there's going to be a connection. A few theories on the topic have cropped up over the years.
* They just blink with a... slashing (?) sound effect.
** Provided Alex didn't try to straight-up fight it, which... could be the case.
This post has been edited by Gaius on Feb 22 2012, 05:34 AM
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 11:45 AM
Group: Members
Posts: 21
Member No.: 1,272
Joined: 29-November 11
I think I'm more biased towards it being the Desert because I hate the idea of Roll just being left alone there, and it seems like her being teamed up with Locke (just like Locke teams up with Terra when she's in dire straits at the beginning of FF6) is just the sort of pairing Videoland would make.
As for Locke ending up somewhere based on where Alex logically deduced X-Zone would take someone, this seems like a long-shot since few things have happened based solely on Alex's logic. Wherever he went, we're probably going to have to wait a while to find out.
On to old business, who wants to place bets on the effect of sorrowglow across the FF6 landscape? I hope Celes doesn't become the ice version of Lucca (Mistress of Fire and whatnot), but after losing Locke it does seem like something that would occur.
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 03:41 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 25
Member No.: 1,221
Joined: 8-August 10
Personally I can only think of one reason for Celes to X-zone Locke away.
The world of FF6 is finished.
Which is so filled with sorrow...
Terra's going to die... *feels a little guilty about caring for Terra more than the others*
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 03:57 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 171
Member No.: 447
Joined: 15-November 07
Unless something happens to spirit away the Figaro Brothers in the next few minutes, I don't think it's imminent apocalypse...
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 04:40 PM
Group: Demi-mod
Posts: 29,040
Member No.: 7
Joined: 30-September 04
I think Celes doesn't want Locke to see what comes next. It's her "Is it in?" moment, if you like. She's driving Locke away.
Because she knows how to save everyone from the Shard, but it's not pretty.
Oceans rise, empires fall
I need to know
If the world says it's time to go
Tell me will you freak out?
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 06:11 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 538
Member No.: 54
Joined: 20-October 04
I'm glad someone beat me to the punch saying that FF6's Biggs and Wedge weren't X-Zoned.
If we're gong with the "Final Fantasy Worlds are linked" theory, how does FF4's world link up? FF5 and FF6 both have X-Zone. FF4 doesn't. Hell, even Chrono Trigger has gates (Or Magus's Black Hole), which could theoretically link it with them.
Posted: Feb 22 2012, 07:30 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 21
Member No.: 1,272
Joined: 29-November 11
Oh god.
What if she kills the girl?
I think she's going to kill the girl.
EDIT: That's what she can't let Locke see. That's why she had the flashback.
She's going to burn that little girl's barricade to ashes.
This post has been edited by Kawaresksenjajok on Feb 22 2012, 07:33 PM
Posted: Feb 23 2012, 06:00 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 446
Member No.: 1,261
Joined: 5-September 11
Just noticed, either the comic was mislabeled or we just timewarped a hundred comics in the past.
Please do not "help" me by merging threads I make into the ridiculously large ones that seem like they have everything but the kitchen sink related to that topic.
Posted: Feb 23 2012, 11:48 PM
Group: Members
Posts: 19
Member No.: 1,253
Joined: 24-July 11
Well, I think Wrexsoul would be in there at least.
I really think Alex would Xzone that fight, wouldn't you?
|Pages: (4) « First ... 2 3 [4]


text:
Faust Realty Group
0  Reviews
Naples, FL 34116-6962 Claim Your Listing
Phone Numbers
- main:
(239) 331-7131
Vanity City Name
- Naples
3.7 Miles
3103 Terrace Ave, Naples, FL 34104
"Horrible company. If you are a homeowner stay away from this company as they hire unlicensed...">
5.1 Miles
2220-2 Venetian Ct, Naples, FL 34109
"I tried for 3 months to find a foreclosure home and get a contract without any success. I fo...">
14.5 Miles
3401 Pelican Landing Pkwy Ste 3, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
"As a business traveler, I always depend on One Price to get my clothes cleaned professionall...">


text:
Ellen Rose Hummel
Ellen Rose Hummel (© Chris Hardy)
Greeneville, South Carolina
Company Membership:
Named apprentice in 2011. Joined in 2012.
Ellen Rose Hummel was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and trained at North Carolina Dance Theatre and San Francisco Ballet School. Named an apprentice in 2011, she joined the Company in 2012.
Hummel has danced principal or featured roles in Tomasson's Giselle (Giselle's Friends), Nutcracker (Spanish), and Romeo & Juliet (Harlots); Tomasson/Possokhov's Don Quixote (Gypsy Queen); Cranko's Onegin (Nurse and Friends); Wheeldon's Cinderella (Stepsister Clementine); and Caniparoli's Ibsen's House (Rebecca West) and Lambarena. She created a principal role in Caniparoli's Tears and corps de ballet roles in Tomasson's Caprice and Scarlett's Hummingbird.
Her repertory includes Tomasson's Criss-Cross and The Fifth Season; Balanchine's Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet (3rd movement), Divertimento No. 15, The Four Temperaments, Scotch Symphony, Serenade, Symphony in C (4th movement and finale), and Symphony in Three Movements; Makarova's (after Petipa) "The Kingdom of the Shades" from La Bayadère, Act II; Morris' Maelstrom; Nureyev's Raymonda—Act III; Possokhov's Firebird, The Rite of Spring and Swimmer; Ratmansky's Shostakovich Trilogy (Chamber Symphony); Robbins' Glass Pieces; Thatcher's Manifesto; and Wheeldon's Number Nine and Rush.
In 2015 Hummel performed at Gala de Estrellas de la Danza in Menorca, Spain.
Join Friends of SF Ballet today to support the performances you love and enjoy exclusive benefits that enhance your Ballet experience.
If you are a member, please log in for personalized options.


text:
Read Othello's Like To The Pontic Sea soliloquy below with modern English translation & analysis:
Spoken by Othello, Othello, Act 3, Scene 3
Like to the Pontic sea,
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on
To the Propontic and the Hellespont,
Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace,
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love,
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up.
"Like To The Pontic Sea" Soliloquy Translation:
Just like the Pontic Sea, whose icy current and compulsive thrust never relaxes in a retiring ebb, but keeps pushing on to the Propontic and the Hellespont, just like that, my bloody thoughts with their violent pace, will never look back, never ebb to the calm I felt before until a huge revenge swallows them up.
See other Othello soliloquies >>
Leave a ReplyWant to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!


text:
The Boyce Branch of the Rapides Parish Library is hosting a day of fun and games for grandparents and grandchildren … Read More →
Senior Adult Day – Sept. 24
Speakers: Dr. Bruce Baker, Director of Missions Carey Baptist Association Rev. Alan Knuckles, Director of Missions Mt. Olive Association Rev. … Read More →
See You At The Pole Rally Sept. 21
Students fellowship together and plan school prayer event. Cost: No charge for admission. A love offering will be taken. Speaker: … Read More →
NSU faculty to perform The Soldier's Tale Sept. 6 and 8
NATCHITOCHES -The Northwestern State University Faculty Chamber Players will perform Stravinsky's "L'Histoire du Soldat" (The Soldier's Tale) Friday, Sept. 6 … Read More →
Rapides Symphony Orchestra Presents Pops On The River
Alexandria, LA – To open the 2013-14 season, the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Joshua Zona will once again … Read More →
CLEDA Quarterly Innovation Luncheon
At a pivotal time in the history of higher education in the state and nation, Dr. King Alexander has taken the … Read More →
NSU sets Oct. 7 Houston-area golf event
HOUSTON – Entries are being accepted for the first-ever Houston-area Northwestern State University Demons Golf Scramble on Monday, Oct. 7 … Read More →


text:
Portland Oregon
Posted: April 17, 2013 at 12:36:43 PM
In IMBA Trail Solutions | Bike Parks | Portland Oregon | The Lumberyard | Liquid Development | Indoor Bike Parks
Technology improves the bike park visualization process in this article in Wired. Read More / Post Comments
Posted: March 8, 2013 at 6:41:43 PM
By Shane Wilson
In IMBA Trail Solutions | IMBA Trail Solutions | Portland Oregon | Bike Parks | Instructor Certification Program | ICP | Shaums March | Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Indoor Bike Park in Portland, Oregon played host for the newly launched IMBA Instructor Certification Program (ICP). Headed by Lead Instructor Shaums March, a two-time masters world champion in downhill racing, ICP courses like this... Read More / Post Comments
Posted: January 21, 2012 at 7:02:13 PM
Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA), a chapter of IMBA, has worked dilligently to provide riding opportunities in Portland, Oregon, a location known to mountain bicyclists as one of the worst large cities in North America for trail access. Not to be... Read More / Post Comments


text:
Definition of pikestaff in English:
The wooden shaft of a pike.
Example sentences
- The judge will refrain from any references to his quill, or his gavel, or his pikestaff, and allow the defendant to be released to spread its insidious gospel.
- Stick your head through and hey presto, it looks to have been impaled on a pikestaff above York's royal gateway.
- Skewered on a pikestaff high above the city, the silenced heads spoke eloquently of the fate awaiting those who dared plot against rulers of city and country.
(as) plain as a pikestaff
- But after the battering that it has taken this week, it is as plain as a pikestaff that most observers will be lining up with the Department of Finance on this one.
- The Attorney General filed an immediate petition to rehear saying "it is as plain as a pikestaff that a judge has no authority to impose a sentence above the presumptive minimum unless an enhancement factor is found."
- "It is plain as a pikestaff, is it not, say the Crown that this attack on Mr Turner was committed by men who had looked for and found weapons and had chosen a fence as a suitable source for those weapons.
- "Queer child, that Hatty!plain as a pikestaff", and Mr. Lee took up his newspaper, and put his feet on the mantel.
- Good god, man, she's plain as a pikestaff with a wardrobe fresh out of the Salvation Army.
1Very obvious.
Example sentences
2Ordinary or unattractive in appearance.
Example sentences
Alteration of as plain as a packstaff, the staff being that of a pedlar, on which he rested his pack of wares
For editors and proofreaders
Line breaks: pike|staff
Definition of pikestaff in:
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
Comments that don't adhere to our Community Guidelines may be moderated or removed.
= trending


text:
Recent Posts
Author Archives: Jennifer Merschdorf, YSC CEO
The Power Lies with You
As October winds down and we all begin to shift our focus to Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, it is important to remember that our voice matters and we can each make a difference. We are all so busy balancing … Continue reading
I Will Never Forget Tour de Pink 2012
Tour de Pink is hard. Some think it might be too hard … but I think it's just right. It's supposed to be hard. Because it's about proving to yourself that you're just as strong, if not stronger, than … Continue reading
"I've got this hill … I've been training for 8 hours a day for the last 2 days!"
Well, I did it! I needed to prove to myself that cancer had not beaten me … and I did. With the amazing support of friends who rode with me (specifically, Kristin Westbrook and Marcia Donziger who never left my … Continue reading
Breast Cancer Isn't Pretty, and It's Not Pink
Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't understand that October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). Sure, I might have noticed pink around this time of year and maybe given a donation to support women with breast cancer, … Continue reading
This Ride Is Not About Winning
The first of two Tour de Pink rides happening this weekend starts tomorrow, and I can't tell if I am nervous that it will be too hard, excited for the challenge or anxious to have this behind me … probably … Continue reading
Community and Celebration
This past weekend I flew to Kansas City to attend YSC Kansas City's In Living Pink gala. It was awesome! Everyone looked beautiful and the energy throughout the event was electrifying, filled with love and compassion. My favorite part of … Continue reading
Staying in the Moment
"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." — Buddha All of us have given … Continue reading
A Letter to Family & Friends about My Journey – Part IV
Letter #4 March 7, 2011 A letter to my friends and family It appears my Pink Elephant and I have kicked cancer's butt and this will be our last email! You have been incredible beyond words in your support and kindness … Continue reading
Categories: YSC SYNC - Survivors
East Coast versus West Coast
I bet if we all took a look at our friends and where they live, we would have people close to us on BOTH coasts … and everywhere in between! Take me for example. I grew up in the Bay … Continue reading
TdP East Coast is 6 Weeks Away!
Tour de Pink East Coast is six weeks away. When I decided to ride TdP last fall, I was so weak from all my surgeries the year before that I was not able to walk up a flight of stairs … Continue reading


text:
You can still stay small and benefit from cozying up to the big dogs
When Gerry Phillips got a call from massive auto parts manufacturer TI Automotive, he pulled out all the stops. As co-owner and vice president of Michigan-based Prism Plastics, he had never played supplier to a company of TI's scale.
"We had to work like crazy to get everything into production and meet our deadlines," he says. Primarily, it became a question of implementing systems. "For us, variation is the enemy, so it's all about perfecting repeatable processes and using technology to get the best-possible results."
Many small companies like Prism dream of becoming suppliers to major national chains—but it isn't easy to do. The major players may be wary of a smaller firm's ability to deliver, or a minor shop may simply fly too low to make it onto the majors' radars. Looking for an "in" with the top players? Here are some tips.
Be prepared.
When the call comes, you'll need to be ready with scalable technology, appropriate insurance and concrete plans for rapid expansion. "Check that you have the latest communications tools from mobile phones, secure email, and software to handle opening and editing contracts, spreadsheets, and files," says Ried Elenich of Airfoil Public Relations in Detroit. "Big projects may require you to add more staff both long- and/or short-term. Prepare potential job descriptions and identify freelancers or consultants to contact if needed."
RELATED: How to Make Your Home-Based Business Appear Larger
Stop apologizing.
Tell big buyers your size is a liability, and they will believe you. In fact, a small player has a lot to bring to the table that a larger supplier might not be able to offer. "They can sell the idea that because they are small, they are much more flexible than large companies and can handle design changes and demand changes much faster. In addition, smaller companies can be more responsive than larger companies due to the lack of internal bureaucracies," says Rick Pay, principal of The R Pay Company, an operations and supply chain consultancy.
RELATED: High-Profile Product Delivery: How One NFIB Member Did It.
Get registered.
In 2012, as part of the Obama Administration's American Supplier initiative, IBM created a coalition of more than a dozen corporations that together spend $300 billion on outside suppliers. This Supplier Connection effort invites businesses to register online (http://www.supplier-connection.net) for a chance to play in the big leagues. Companies with less than $50 million in revenue or 500 employees fill in their basic information; large businesses then search the site looking for potential suppliers.
Sell the big picture.
"Small companies should open the doors to larger companies by focusing on the value they provide rather than just price," Pay says. "Often, larger competitors can achieve lower materials costs through volume that small companies cannot achieve. However, by focusing on the total cost of ownership (TCO), smaller companies can often offset that disadvantage. 'Total cost' includes things like inventory costs, logistics costs, cost of quality, and reliable supply. By addressing issues of total cost, smaller suppliers can often gain the upper hand on larger competitors."
RELATED: 3 Big Vendor Contract Blunders to Avoid
Get trusted.
Big nationals don't know you from a hole in the wall. To earn their trust, small businesses can spend $80 for a TRAC number. Those registered with TRAC have shown that they can meet due diligence requirements as part of the greater supply chain. You'll verify your identity, ensure you don't have a history of bribery issues and generally commit to being as transparent as possible. All this helps build the confidence level of potential big-business buyers looking for trustworthy partners.
From there, it's largely a matter of knocking on doors. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for finding and reaching out to just the right buyers.
RELATED: 5 Ways to Make LinkedIn Work for Your Business
Trade shows are an ideal place to meet representatives of potential partners. For those willing to spend the money, a buyer's rep can use existing relationships to open doors a small-business owner might never have been able to reach.
RELATED: Trade Shows Do's and Don'ts


text:
Study, due to be completed in April, disproves widely held view that
philanthropic donations from the United States have dropped over
economic, political reasons.
Revital Blumenfeld
Donations by U.S. Jews to Israeli nonprofits have doubled
during the past 12 years, according to a first-of-its-kind study
conducted by professors at Brandeis University.
The study, scheduled to be
completed in late April, disproves the widely held view by many Israelis
that philanthropic donations from the United States have dropped over
time due to economic and political reasons. In fact, the study -
previewed last week during a hearing by the Knesset Subcommittee for the
Relations of Israel with World Jewish Communities - suggests quite the
In 2007, various Israeli organizations received $2.1
billion from U.S. donors through the Jewish Agency and various
"friendship" associations, according to findings by professors Theodore
Sasson and Eric Fleisch, of the Cohen Center of Modern Jewish Studies at
Brandeis University in Massachusetts. This is double what U.S. donors
contributed 12 years earlier, when only $1.08 billion was raised in the
United States for Israeli organizations.
"Most of the income of the
leading organizations in Israel increased also when adjusted for
inflation," Professor Sasson said in an interview with Haaretz. There
has also been an increase in the number of U.S. organizations supporting
Israel, he said, with the emergence of some 150 new pro-Israel groups
in the United States in the 1990s, and some 280 emerging during the past
While the research indicates that
there was a 10-25 percent drop in donations during 2008 and 2009 -
during the period of severe economic crisis in the United States - it
suggests there was a substantial rise in donations in 2010, when the
crisis began to subside.
"According to the partial data we
have on the volume of contributions for 2010, we see that there is a
clear rise in the amount of contributions," Sasson said. "Since some of
the new organizations who joined did not yet file the data on their
contributions, it is not possible to know definitively the size of the
increase, but I believe that we will reach the record of 2007." Because
of a drop in contributions to the Jewish Agency in recent years, "It was
thought that Jews care less about Israel, but the situation suggests
that U.S. Jewry is deeply committed to Israel," he said. Sasson says the
main reason for the increase in contributions is not necessarily linked
with a rise in Zionism, but to the increase in the number of donor
collectors and their improved professionalism over the years.
"There is also the rise in the
number of NGOs and the fact that since 2000 there have been NGOs who
raise funds directly and not through the Jewish Agency or the [American
Jewish Joint Distribution Committee], as in the past," he said.
By: FUCK_S0PA
In: Other Middle East
Tags: Israel, US, jews, donations, Israel, settlers, traitors, treason, AIPAC, aid
Location: Israel (load item map)
Views: 1740 | Comments: 14 | Votes: 0 | Favorites: 0 | Shared: 0 | Updates: 0 | Times used in channels: 1
Comment of user 'T0M65' has been deleted by author (after account deletion)!
@T0M65 Actually, money sent to Mexico decreased for a few years when the recession hit. It may be back up now. In the early 2000's it was Mexico's second highest source of income, next to oil.
Posted Apr-1-2012 By
(0) | Report
Everything related to money will multiply over 20 years...way faster then the salary.
Posted Mar-31-2012 By
(1) | Report
Many Christians donate to Israeli charities too. But that fact isn't gonna help your anti-semitic agenda is it?
Posted Apr-1-2012 By
(1) | Report
Comment of user 'wargypzy' has been deleted by author (after account deletion)!
Muslim donations to Israel are up by 400%.
Posted Mar-31-2012 By
(0) | Report
Not only to Israël. In Holland the PVV also is funded by them. Their distinct Pro Israel agenda is bought. It is bought by American lobby offices. Speaking of 'interferance with internal political business'. On the other hand : the Russian communist party used to fund leftist parties in Holland in the past. So : nothing new under the sun.
Posted Mar-31-2012 By
(0) | Report
ofc its dubbled, how else are they gonna be able to rebuild a western society ?
Posted Mar-31-2012 By
(0) | Report
That's about 2/3 the amount the US government admits to giving.
Posted Apr-1-2012 By
(0) | Report
Advertisement below
|Liveleak on Facebook
|LIKE Liveleak.com
Israel Troops Seize Rachel Corrie Aid Ship
Israel steadily increasing number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza
Join With Us: Jews Against Obama
Israel - Security Dir. warns of settlers planning assassinations
US Jews Break Israel's law of Return
Video: US Jews break Israel's "Law of Return"
Obama squeezed between Israel and Iran
US Attorneys Act Now before its to Late!!!
Israeli Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz told US won't cut aid to Israel
87% of US Jews favor two-state solution
US confirms it has suspended North Korea food aid plans
Signatories in the House to the US-Israel Alliance from AIPAC


text:
The Future of Energy? Coal
From Smart Planet
By Mark Halper
Grim news for environmentalists: Coal is on pace to match oil as the world's leading energy source within 10 years.
A report by the International Energy Agency notes that abundant supplies from places like Indonesia, India and Australia, combined with "insatiable demand" from China and emerging markets will drive coal's surge unless international energy practices shift.
"Coal's share of the global energy mix continues to grow each year, and if no changes are made to current policies, coal will catch oil within a decade," IEA executive director Maria van der Hoeven said in a press release, noting that the trend would assure continued growth in CO2 emissions and their climate change implications.
Van der Hoeven was announcing IEA's annual Medium Term Coal Market Report, which forecasts that coal will nearly catch oil by 2017, when global coal consumption will hit 4.32 billion tons of oil equivalent (btoe), compared to 4.4 billion tons for oil. Demand for coal will increase everywhere other than in the U.S., where natural gas is high on the rise, the report notes.
"The world will burn around 1.2 billion tons of coal per year by 2017 compared to today – the equivalent to the current coal consumption of Russia and the United States combined," Van der Hoeven said.
That, in turn, "means CO2 emissions will keep growing substantially," she added, noting that carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies "are not taking off as once expected."
Other key observations from the report:
- China became the world's largest coal importer in 2011, surpassing longtime leader Japan
- Indonesia overtook Australia as the world's leading coal exporter, although Australia should leapfrog back to the top as its coal industry recovers from floods
- India will become the world's second largest coal consumer by 2017, surpassing the U.S.
- As U.S. coal demand declines, the U.S. is exporting more coal to Europe, where unlike in the U.S., gas prices are high
- The overall growth rate in coal is slowing down from its "breakneck pace of the last decade"
Paris-based IEA consists of 28 member countries from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It emerged from the 1973/74 oil crisis, and promotes reliable, clean energy. Last month it warned that the world's continued use of CO2-intense fossil fuels has put the planet on a catastrophic warming path.
Related posts
Add Comment
By posting your comment, you agree to abide by our Posting rules


text:
Sun 12/Sep 2010
Mon 13/Sep 2010
Tue 14/Sep 2010
Wed 15/Sep 2010
Thu 16/Sep 2010
Fri 17/Sep 2010
Sat 18/Sep 2010
Sun 19/Sep 2010
Mon 20/Sep 2010
Tue 21/Sep 2010
Wed 22/Sep 2010
Thu 23/Sep 2010
Fri 24/Sep 2010
Sat 25/Sep 2010
Sun 26/Sep 2010
Mon 27/Sep 2010
Tue 28/Sep 2010
Wed 29/Sep 2010
Thu 30/Sep 2010
Fri 01/Oct 2010
Sat 02/Oct 2010
Sun 03/Oct 2010
Mon 04/Oct 2010
Tue 05/Oct 2010
Fri 08/Oct 2010
Sat 09/Oct 2010
Sun 10/Oct 2010
Detroit is a city full of underrated DJs and producers, but The Godson might be the least appreciated of them all in the wider world. RA's Todd L. Burns catches up with the oft-forgotten third chair.
The Ibadan boss is as busy as ever, 15 years after the label began. RA's Todd L. Burns visits his Berlin apartment to find out how he makes house (and techno) look so easy.
In advance of his appearance at Time Warp Holland, RA catches up with the head of Electric Deluxe to talk about his lengthy career in the world of techno.
Small set-up, massive music. RA discovers how just a modest amount of gear has propelled the Hessle Audio co-founder to a position among UK bass music's foremost names.
With one of the most energetic live shows in electronic music, this California-based producer has made his mark in the crowded Los Angeles beat scene. As RA's Jeff Weiss finds out, though, he's still fighting to be understood.


text:
Prospective Students
We do not offer direct application for the Cormier Honors College, but use a two-tiered process. Check out our Eligibility tab to learn more about this process.
Honors Requirements
There are signature curricular components of the CHC; they provide students with important international experience as well as meaningful, integrative, upper-level work. Check out the Honors Requirements tab to learn more.
The Cormier Honors College has so much to offer for you:
- Early Registration
- Housing
- Scholarships
- Study Abroad
- Conferences
- Extracurricular Activities
- Internships
- Research
Learn more about the benefits of Honors!
For general inquiries about the Cormier Honors College, please email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 434.395.2904.


text:
Sales of Greek-style yogurts have been picking up lately, according to two retailers that SN spoke with recently. "Greek style and probiotics are the big things now. We sell a lot of Greek-style yogurt, both full fat and light," said Bryan Jackson, dairy manager at Ralph's Thriftway, Olympia, Wash. Jackson said that total yogurt sales have risen 10% during the past two years at Ralph's Thriftway. Other retailers, too, said that Greek-style yogurt is a star right now. The two major yogurt ...
REGISTER TO VIEW THIS ARTICLE - Register for a Free Account
Why Register for FREE?
Registering for content on Supermarket News will give you INSTANT access to invaluable articles and media content that industry professionals rely on. You will have access to our special reports, feature articles, and industry analysis. It's FREE, easy and quick. What are you waiting for! In addition you will also receive complimentary access to the SN salary survey data tables.
Click here to read the FAQ page if you have any questions (opens in a new window)
Attention Paid Print Subscribers: While you have already been granted free access to SN we ask that you register now. We promise it will only take a few minutes! Or visit your profile and add your print magazine account number and zip code.


text:
A Salad for Sweet Tooths
Desserts are often an afterthought at restaurants. Casual eateries especially tend to offer a menu of tired classics, led by crème brûlée.
But at Sydney's Baroque Bistro — a relative newcomer to the city's scene, having opened 18 months ago — the setting is casual but the desserts are hardly simple. Yes, crème brûlée is on offer, but thanks to Baroque Bistro's sharing an owner with La Renaissance, a French bakery that's been pushing out top pastries and cakes for more than three decades, it's just the start of an extensive sweet menu.
One such intricate treat is described on the menu as "a salad of winter and preserved fruits, violet crumble, elderflower granite." The floral and fruity dish may look simple on the plate, but it requires liquid nitrogen, dehydrated fruit powders and floral essences.
Peter Robertson, Baroque's 29-year-old chef de cuisine, explains how the dish, which he describes as a bit like "rubble on a plate," comes together.
Elderflower granité and peach sorbet: There are two iced treats in this dessert. The bottom layer is an elderflower granité — ice flavored with elderflower syrup — that adds a base floral note to complement the intense violet flavors of the crumble (see below). The peach sorbet — a sorbet differs from a granité in that it includes gelatin and fruit purée — adds sweetness to the dish and is served atop the granité.
Blueberry meringue: While a regular meringue is made from egg white and sugar, here the chef creates a purple blueberry-infused version by rehydrating egg-white powder with blueberry juice. He then adds blueberry powder to turn up the flavor. "I'm a big fan of this," says Mr. Robertson. "It's a nice way to create a creamy texture without the cream. Add the blueberry powder and you get an intensely flavored meringue." The meringue is broken into chunks and scattered about the plate.
Violet crumble: The most dramatic touch is the chef's play on Violet Crumble, the Australian candy bar. Mr. Robertson's version skips the outer chocolate layer and instead focuses on remaking the honeycomb-like inner part, which he does with blueberry purée, egg whites, sugar and cream, with a dash of violet essence. Like potatoes going into a deep fryer, the mixture is submerged in liquid nitrogen for 10 to 20 seconds. "A nitrogen bath is quite similar to a deep fryer: The end result is something crunchy, crispy," says Mr. Robertson. The crumble is sprinkled atop the dessert.
More fruit: The chef also tosses in other fruit — recently he used poached pear, blueberries, raspberries and freeze-dried lychees ("hollow and incredibly sweet, like candy," the chef says). He then adds whatever fresh herbs he can get his hands on, from violet flower to chocolate mint and lemon verbena. "A lot of things in this dish have subtlety," he says. "There aren't any big flavors."
Liquid nitrogen: For a dramatic finish, Mr. Robertson drizzles liquid nitrogen on the dessert just before serving, creating a dry-ice effect with vapors rising from the plate.


text:
I had the delight of meeting with 3 women from the Jewish Federation of Seattle yesterday. They have made the classy decision to rent glassybaby for a fund raising event in February. Mia Farrow, their keynote speaker, will give a compelling address and the event will be bathed in the glow of pink and brown glassybaby...maybe a few creams as well...gorgeous...I want to go.
Tis the season now of auctions and fund raisers...the harbingers of Spring...and they give us hope. It has been so dreadfully dark and gray and rainy in Seattle...color therapy is the answer. We have gone from the deep reds and golden warm colors in the store to the pleading, lighter colors that beckon Spring...like Lavender, Verdant, Fearless and Dream. It is lovely and lighter.
For fun I jotted web order destinations the other day. I love the trajectory of our glassybaby ecommerce. Here is where some glassybaby were flying to:
- Woodmere, NY
- Park City, UT
- Tiburon, CA
- Wayzata, MN
The list went on and on. Where is Wayzata? I'll consult my atlas or my geography oracle friend.
Last note. Before the holidays were in full frenzy...I had a marvelous store encounter. Perfect blog material. A woman came in to purchase herself a glassybaby. She spent time with our 'shadow box,' lighting and considering...living in the quintessential glassybaby moment. I learned that before arriving to us, she had spent most of the day helping her special needs brother move out of an apartment where he had lived for several years...skip a beat... then she gave me a slightly wincing half smile and added: '...and he does not like to get rid of any of his things.' She bought herself an Angel.
Until Next Time, Nicola


text:
Jindal book to be published in July
Published: Friday, February 19, 2010 at 6:20 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, February 19, 2010 at 6:20 a.m.
BATON ROUGE -- Gov. Bobby Jindal's upcoming book will be more than just an autobiography of the Louisiana governor, including a political treatise on his vision for the Republican Party.
"On Solid Ground: Returning to America's Core Values," to be written by Jindal and Hoover Institution research fellow Peter Schweizer, is scheduled for release on July 12. A variety of online book outlets like Amazon.com and Borders.com are already listing the book for pre-orders.
Jindal spokesman Kyle Plotkin said the title is a "placeholder." Plotkin said Jindal's income from the book will depend on sales.
A product description says the book will offer a "bold vision for renewing the GOP and our nation" — making it sure to fuel speculation Jindal is preparing for a national campaign.
"Jindal tells his own inspiring story and reveals his plan for putting conservatives and America back on solid ground," the promotional description says. "From health care and national debt to how we can fundamentally transform Washington, Jindal tackles controversial issues and offers fresh solutions."
The book's hardcover discount price varies from about $17 to $19, depending on the vendor.
The publisher is Regnery Publishing, which has released books by conservative politicians and commentators such as Newt Gingrich and Ann Coulter. Schweizer has credentials as a conservative writer, having authored columns and books about the Bush family and Ronald Reagan.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Indigo Books & Music at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Get it today!Shop Now
OrAdd to Wish List
This beautifully colored Peacock puppet has a full-hand design that splays feathers with an easy open-hand movement. DR. TOY BEST VACATION PRODUCTS 2006, 2006 PARENTS' CHOICE-Recommended Honor Award, 2006 iPARENTING MEDIA AWARDS Good for ages 3 & up. Full-bodied stuffed animal puppets help bring characters to life during storytelling, make excellent teaching tools in science and nature curriculums, and dazzle audiences during puppet performances. Even shy children open up to interact with these lifelike animals, and older children can develop manual dexterity and exercise their imaginations while learning to manipulate the puppets. The realistically designed and heartwarming creatures also make wonderful companions for allergic or elderly people who are not able to care for real live pets. Each puppet in the Folkmanis? line comes with a hangtag listing facts of interest and/or a story or poem from folklore or literature, featuring the animal. Originating in 1976, Folkmanis Incorporated is still a family business, and consistently garners top awards for its design excellence.. Price: $39.95
© Copyright 2016 - Christmas.com. All rights reserved and protected by Christmas Spirit


text:
February 06, 2012
Shelton named vice chair for research in psychiatry
Shelton joined the UAB faculty on Feb. 1 to hold a chair in psychiatry.
Published in Faculty Excellence
December 19, 2011
Make the season bright for a hospitalized loved one
From decorating a patient's room to arranging for music or massage therapy, UAB experts offer tips to bring the holidays to the hospital.
November 18, 2011
UAB TASC's Bessemer Drug Court celebrates 10th anniversary
A long-running treatment alternative for non-violent substance abusers helps reduce the jail population and repeat offenses.
October 24, 2011
Why do Halloween fears give thrills for some, chills for others?
Do you dread the dead or kill for the thrill? Real fear lies in the reality of the scare, UAB psychologist says.
October 13, 2011
Don't let Halloween haunt your children
Supermarkets, drugstores and neighbors display tombstones, ghosts and vampires; simple steps help protect your child from being scared to leave the house.
September 29, 2011
Fall sports can cure kids' inactivity, improve character
UAB experts in pediatrics and child psychology say fall sports aren't just for getting another trophy for your child.
July 19, 2011
UAB launches new schizophrenia studies
UAB researchers garner two new NIH research grants for studies to better understand schizophrenia and search for new targets for therapy.
June 02, 2011
Students' return home changes life for everyone
Published in Student Experience
September 30, 2010
Birmingham Fatherhood Initiative gains funding for 2011
September 22, 2010
Kinney appointed Professor Emeritus
Published in Faculty Excellence


text:
Agent of S.T.Y.L.E. - THOR the God of Fashion
Marvel 1st Look: THE MIGHTY THOR #2
Don initially concluded that Thor must have been a real person once and that somehow, by obtaining this hammer, he had been given the ancient warrior's strength and powers. He embarked on a double life as a superhero, becoming Thor whenever a super-villain or some otherworldly menace threatened innocent life. Later, he was brought to Asgard, home of the Norse gods, and eventually he learned the truth. The Asgardians were power, long-lived alien beings that used a form of cosmic science that was indistinguishable from magic and who had been worshiped as gods by humans for a time. Donald had originally been born as Thor, son of Odin, the All-Father and ruler of Asgard. But after many centuries of battles, he had grown arrogant and Odin eventually had enough. The All-Father then sent the thunderer to Earth, transforming him into the human named Donald Blake with no memory of his true identity, crippling one of his legs so he would have to learn humility and the strength of willpower over physical ability. After several years, Odin had been satisfied with how Don had dedicated his life to healing others and so he had mentally guided the doctor to Norway, leading him to his birthright. Mjolnir could only be lifted by someone it deemed worthy and the fact that Thor could now wield it was the final proof of how he had grown.
Considering himself as much a part of Earth as he was of Asgard, Thor continued his life as a hero, both on his own and as a founding member of the famous super-team the Avengers. He has fought aliens, cosmic forces, super-villains and, most often, his stepbrother Loki, god of lies and mischief. He's a pretty epic hero and he can also be seen in the cartoon Super Hero Squad Show, in the animated series Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, in the film Thor (and its upcoming sequel), and in next year's film The Avengers, where he'll team-up with Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk and others.
This outfit is simply inspired. It says both "superhero" AND "viking warrior." You have a standard superhero cape, but clasped onto shoulder pads rather than tucked into a shirt collar like Superman or tied around the neck like Captain Marvel. The circle designs on the shirt give an impression of the armor discs that some old warriors would wear to help deflect arrows and blades, causing the weapon to slide away from the body rather than pierce a flat armor plate.
But this outfit doesn't only speak of the past and that's why it's effective. A sleeveless black tunic extending over the sleek blue trousers marks this as a very superhero style of dress. Notice also that this outfit is all primary colors, another classic comic book hero trait. In fact, Thor's blonde hair acts in tandem with his golden belt and boot bandages, giving balance to the color.
So it's natural and significant that Thor, god of thunder, wears a cape as well. This makes him seem a bit grander when standing next to other Marvel heroes and it gives a great sense of wind and motion when he's summoning a storm or hurling his mighty uru hammer Mjolnir. It's also a subtle reminder that he is technically a prince of Asgard.
As snazzy as this design is, there are a couple of problems I have. First, we again have the issue of too much gold being used. Second, I question how much Thor can really move when he has such thick, golden plates covering his limbs. Even his skirt is metal. When you consider how much gold weighs and how thick all those plates are, it makes Thor seemed seriously weighed down (even though we know he has superhuman strength) and that's not a great impression to leave when you're dealing with a God of Thunder who's supposed to be able to ride the winds.
THE '90s STYLES
In some ways, this outfit puts Dargo's to shame. Again, we have metal pants which indicate Thor isn't too into mobility. We've got spiked kneepads that I'm guessing would slam into each other if Thor tried to run. We've got huge shoulder pads that seem to be attached to nothing since Thor forgot most of his shirt. What are the yellow octagons here meant to imply? "Slow down, red light is next"?
And let's talk about this helmet. A widow's peak cut worked for Beta Ray Bill but it does not work for Thor. This new helmet makes him look older and implies he has a receding hairline.
This is just a lazy look. There's nothing to imply that Thor belongs to a world of superheroes or of mythological gods and warriors. The only thing you can take from this is that Thor may be trying to start a new hair metal group or a Bon Jovi cover band that only plays 1980s songs.
And why is there a protective jockstrap on the outside of his pants? Did the clerk at the Sports Authority deliberately lie to the thunder god about how you're supposed to wear that? The jerk! And let's not forget my favorite useless addition. There's now a huge chain attached to the hammer Mjolnir. Because, you know, chains are cool!
This outfit doesn't say "superhero" or "Viking warrior" to me. What it does say is: "Man, I can't wait for Mel Gibson to remake Mad Max."
Immediately, my mind says "too fancy." Thor is a warrior. This gold trim everywhere and the design on the skirt-let makes this seem like something he would wear for a formal event. This isn't battle-gear. The design of the trousers is also just odd. It seems to be cloth or leather but is implying metal and I find it a bit odd that they form directly into boots. Thor later adopted a slightly suit during his time on Counter-Earth. Most of the same problems occur. The overly busy style is just not as effective as the classic Kirby design.
In this world, Thor appeared and was a mystery. Even the readers were not sure if he was truly a seemingly magical alien who had once been worshiped as a Norse god or if he were an environmentalist who gained superhuman abilities through his suit and simply had delusions of grandeur. It's not a bad take on the character and the outfit does imply that the latter may be true.
Thor's metal armor discs have been replaced by roundels that light up with energy whenever he summons the lightning. It's not a bad idea, but a bit to similar to Iron Man's repulsor discs. And what's more, since there is no sense of old world majesty or myth in this suit, it comes off too strongly on the side of implying that Thor gets his powers from technology. It's fine if you want readers to wonder, but Thor himself was aware of the truth and it seems like he would wear something that gave a nod to Asgard in some small way, especially when he was trying to convince others that he was indeed the thunder god of myth. If you had never seen Jack Kirby's version of Thor to compare this suit with, there's nothing about it that says thunder god or Viking warrior. It's just a suit with a large belt and glowing discs that may as well be CD players.
Since then, many artists have followed this idea, even placing metal discs on Thor's costume in stories that take place in the past or that modernize older comic book stories.
This look isn't bad. The helmet implies Thor's new authority, as does the fur trim on the cape. And this still works as a superhero costume, I think. But the chains bother me. They honestly make the metal discs look like metal bras. And frankly, I think wearing chains around your torso is a danger if you go into battle. What's to stop the other guy from just grabbing you by the chains and throwing you off balance?
During the events of the story Avengers Disassembled, Thor and Asgard vanished for a while, seemingly destroyed. After a few years of being absent from the Marvel Comics universe, the god of thunder came back from the void in a new series written by J. Michael Straczynski. Once more, the hero was dividing his existence between being an Asgardian warrior and living as the healer Don Blake (before this, he had not transformed into Don Blake since the early 1980s). In his warrior guise, he has been wearing this new take on his classic costume/armor.
It's still a big change from Thor usually having bare arms, but let's consider that Thor is older now and has faced not only new responsibilities as king of Asgard but has also now gone against many opponents over the years who are strong enough to kill him. It makes sense he'd take an extra precaution or two now that he's no longer the young, sometimes reckless firebrand he used to be. And while the chain-mail may signify a centuries old warrior, the streamlined design of the entire outfit still gives us the impression of a superhero.
A couple of times, this armor has lit up similar to Ultimate Thor's power effect. But in this case, we don't mistake it for technology because the overall design reminds us that this is a warrior of old. So the effect works here, blending a sense of science and myth rather than choosing one or the other. A nice effect for what is essentially an alien who has been viewed as a god.
Another thing going for this style is that it keeps that great silhouette that the classic Kirby Thor design had. In fashion, people always talk about how important the silhouette is. It can apply for superheroes too. Look at Batman. And it works for Thor as well. Even in shadow, before he lifts Mjolnir into the air, you can tell exactly who this guy is.
Hope you've enjoyed this look at Marvel's god of thunder. Be sure to pick up Avengers Origins: Thor next Wednesday for a crash course on the character's beginnings. This has been Alan Kistler, Agent of S.T.Y.L.E., signing off!
Alan Sizzler Kistler is an actor and freelance writer living in New York City. His work can be found on various websites and he has been recognized by publishers and news media outlets as a comic book historian and Doctor Who historian. He is a contributor to the book Star Trek and History, coming soon. He knows entirely too much about superheroes, time travel stories, Muppets, and vampires that don't sparkle. His website is AlanKistler.com and his twitterfeed is @SizzlerKistlerGot a comment? There's lots of conversation on Newsarama's FACEBOOK and TWITTER!


text:
AESTHETICON was founded by two enthusiastic plastic surgeons and hand surgeons, who dedicated the past 20 years of their professional life to the demanding and fascinating field of Plastic/ Aesthetic Surgery and Hand Surgery.
Dr. Afschin Ghofrani and Dr. Martin established the clinic with the strong commitment to offer the best possible treatment in the field of Plastic/ Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery as well as non-surgical treatments to all citizens of the UAE and abroad.
They believe that their specializations can be best performed when founded on an excellent education and a broad experience. Dr. Afschin and Dr. Martin stand each for more than 20 years of experience and more than 30.000 successfully performed surgeries. Both of them have headed successfully departments of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery at renowned hospitals in Germany for the past 8 and 10 years respectively.
We at AESTHETICON ensure that the aspiration to perform the best possible treatment on our patients is also followed by our specialized staff.
In order to get further information, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team speaks English, German, Arabic, Farsi, and French.
Dr. Ghofrani"Being a doctor is both a profession and passion for me".
Read More
Telephone: +971-4-4311863


text:
Huh, so many great entries so far! Still, let's give it a shot.
Entry name: Stortinget
Category: Landmark Series
It was dark times in Norway, after centuries of Danish occupation, now being in a union with Sweden, slowly but surely paving its way towards independence.
In a design competition for the new parliament building, the winner was a young Swedish (oh, the irony!) architect named Emil Victor Langlet. The building was finished and formally opened in 1866.
The two ca...lions guarding the entrance were designed by two convicts serving their sentence at Akershus Fortress. Later, (at least) one of them was pardoned for his contribution to the parliament.
Anyway, enough talking, here are some pictures:
...and a few pictures of the original building and the lions (courtesy of Wikimedia):
Edited by Rufus, 08 April 2012 - 08:19 PM.


text:
Woodstock Harley-Davidson in Woodstock, Ill., is supporting an 80-mile Ride for a Cure Poker Run May 14 with prize donations.
The ride supports The Rack Pack, a group of women raising money to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
The ride starts and ends at Horizontals Saloon in Wonder Lake, Ill. Advance registration fees are $20 per rider and $10 per passenger without a poker card, or $15 per passenger with a poker card. The cost after May 1 increases by $5. The best hand at the end of the run will win a grand prize to be determined by the number of participants.
Second prize will be a one-day Harley rental from Woodstock H-D. The event also will feature 50-50 raffles and a raffle for a 40-inch TV, and other prizes. The registration fee includes lunch at Horizontals, one draft beer and one poker card.
Onsite registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The first bike rolls out at 10 a.m. and the last bike out at 11:30 a.m.
For information, call Cyndi Sarabia at (815) 703-3973 or email her at email@example.com.
Posted by Holly Wagner


text:
The Certainty Dream, Expressway nominated for Lampert, Lowther!
The morning of April 1, the League of Canadian Poets announced its shortlists for the 2010 Pat Lowther and Gerald Lampert Memorial Awards, and Coach House Books published one title on each distinguished list.
Kate Hall's debut collection The Certainty Dream was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Award. The Lampert, given in the memory of arts administrator Gerald Lampert, recognizes the best first book of poetry published by a Canadian in the preceding year.
Sina Queyras's Expressway was shortlisted for the Pat Lowther Award, given, in memory of the late poet, to one book of poetry by a Canadian woman published in the preceding year.
The winners of the two awards will be announced during a special ceremony at the annual League of Canadian Poets' Poetry Fest and Conference, held in Toronto from June 11- 13, 2010.
The entire shortlists (they're good!) can be found on the League of Canadian Poets' website.