text:
|Name and Link
|Type of Resource
|'Manufacturing Consent -- The Political Economy Of the Mass Media'
Chomsky, Noam and Herman, Edward S. 1988
Link to bookseller
|"We normally think that the press are cantankerous, obstinate, and ubiquitous in its search for truth. In "Manufacturing Consent", Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky show how an underlying elite consensus largely structures all facets of the news. Far from challenging established power, the media work hard to discover and mirror its assumptions. The authors skilfully dissect the way in which the marketplace and the economics of publishing significantly shape the news. They reveal how issues are framed and topics chosen, and contrast the double standards underlying accounts of free elections, a free press, and governmental repression.The authors conclude that the modern mass media can best be understood in terms of a 'propaganda model'. News and entertainment companies dedicate themselves to profit within the established system. Their interests require that they support the governing assumptions of state and private power. The propaganda model provokes outrage from journalists, editors and broadcasters, but twenty years after first publication, "Manufacturing Consent" remains the most important critique of the mass media."
|Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media.
A Film by Mark Achbar and Peter Wintonick
Watch it online here
Trailer on Youtube Extracts available on YouTube
|Film about the role of the Corporate Media
|"Funny, provocative and surprisingly accessible, MANUFACTURING CONSENT explores the political life and ideas of Noam Chomsky, world-renowned linguist, intellectual and political activist. In a dynamic collage of new and original footage, biography, archival gems, imaginative graphics and outrageous illustrations, the film highlights Chomsky's probing analysis of mass media. A mammoth two-part project, MANUFACTURING CONSENT is nonetheless light on its feet, favoring a style that encourages viewers to question its own workings, as Chomsky himself encourages his listeners to extricate themselves from the "web of deceit" by undertaking a course of "intellectual self-defense." Appearing in the film are major journalists and critics, including Bill Moyers, William F. Buckley, Jr., Tom Wolfe, Peter Jennings, Jeff Greenfield, philosopher Michel Foucault, White House reporter Sarah McClendon, New York Times editorial writer Karl E. Meyer and revisionist author Robert Faurisson "
|Edward Herman
'The Propaganda Model Revisited'
Monthly Review, July 1996
Article available here
|Paper on specific issue
|"In Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media (Pantheon, 1988) Noam Chomsky and I put forward a "propaganda model" as a framework for analyzing and understanding how the mainstream U.S. media work and why they perform as they do…… In this article I will describe the propaganda model, address some of the criticism that has been leveled against it, and discuss how the model holds up nearly a decade after its publication.1 I will also provide some examples of how the propaganda model can help explain the nature of media coverage of important political topics in the 1990s."
|The Corporation.
A Film by Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott and Joel Bakan.
Link to website and purchase details
|Film covering a variety of issues, including the Corporate Media.
|"WINNER OF 26 INTERNATIONAL AWARD. 10 Audience Choice Awards including the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Provoking, witty, stylish and sweepingly informative, THE CORPORATION explores the nature and spectacular rise of the dominant institution of our time. Part film and part movement, The Corporation is transforming audiences and dazzling critics with its insightful and compelling analysis. Taking its status as a legal "person" to the logical conclusion, the film puts the corporation on the psychiatrist's couch to ask "What kind of person is it?" The Corporation includes interviews with 40 corporate insiders and critics - including Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, Milton Friedman, Howard Zinn, Vandana Shiva and Michael Moore - plus true confessions, case studies and strategies for change. "
|Corporate Breakdown - Media
by Julian Oram
Publisher: New Economics Foundation
Available online here
|Report by NEF
|Guardians of Power, the Myth of the Liberal Media
by David Edwards and David Cromwell, December 2005
Link to bookshop
|"Can a corporate media system be expected to tell the truth about a world dominated by corporations? Can newspapers, including the 'liberal' "Guardian" and the "Independent," tell the truth about catastrophic climate change - about its roots in mass consumerism and corporate obstructionism - when they are themselves profit-oriented businesses dependent on advertisers for 75 per cent of their revenues? Can the BBC tell the truth about UK government crimes in Iraq when its senior managers are appointed by the government? Has anything fundamentally changed since BBC founder Lord Reith wrote of the establishment: "They know they can trust us not to be really impartial"? Why did the British and American mass media fail to challenge even the most obvious government lies on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction before the invasion in March 2003? Why did the media ignore the claims of UN weapons inspectors that Iraq had been 90-95 per cent "fundamentally disarmed" as early as 1998? This book answers these questions, and more. ."
|The Media Lens website
|"Media Lens is a response based on our conviction that mainstream newspapers and broadcasters
provide a profoundly distorted picture of our world. We are convinced that the increasingly centralised, corporate nature of the media means that it
acts as a de facto propaganda system for corporate and other establishment interests. The costs incurred as a result of this propaganda, in terms of
human suffering and environmental degradation, are incalculable….....
See http://www.medialens.org/about/ "
|FAIR, a US national media watch group.
|"FAIR, the national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. We work to invigorate the First Amendment by advocating for greater diversity in the press and by scrutinizing media practices that marginalize public interest, minority and dissenting viewpoints. As an anti-censorship organization, we expose neglected news stories and defend working journalists when they are muzzled. As a progressive group, FAIR believes that structural reform is ultimately needed to break up the dominant media conglomerates, establish independent public broadcasting and promote strong non-profit sources of information. Uniquely, FAIR works with both activists and journalists. We maintain a regular dialogue with reporters at news outlets across the country, providing constructive critiques when called for and applauding exceptional, hard-hitting journalism. We also encourage the public to contact media with their concerns, to become media activists rather than passive consumers of news. "
|OUTFOXED : Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism
Watch it online here
Website for film and issues here.
|"Outfoxed" examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a "race to the bottom" in television news. This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of ever-enlarging corporations taking control of the public's right to know. The film explores Murdoch's burgeoning kingdom and the impact on society when a broad swath of media is controlled by one person. Media experts, including Jeff Cohen (FAIR) Bob McChesney (Free Press), Chellie Pingree (Common Cause), Jeff Chester (Center for Digital Democracy) and David Brock (Media Matters) provide context and guidance for the story of Fox News and its effect on society. This documentary also reveals the secrets of Former Fox news producers, reporters, bookers and writers who expose what it's like to work for Fox News. These former Fox employees talk about how they were forced to push a "right-wing" point of view or risk their jobs. Some have even chosen to remain anonymous in order to protect their current livelihoods. As one employee said "There's no sense of integrity as far as having a line that can't be crossed." "


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Sacking's, 3 points and oh yeh, A semi final with the blues
Blacburn vs Liverpool wasone of the weirdest football games I have a seen in a good long. The game was not really coming to life over the first 15 minutes with both sets of players feeling the game out. Liverpool had provided the game with much live besides for some clever passes by Shelvey and lots of good running by Bellamy. Other then that this had all the makings of a tight 0-0 affair.
One of the weirdest football games I have a seen in a good long while when Liverpool went to Blackburn on Tuesday night. The game was not really coming to life over the first 15 minutes with both sets of players feeling the game out. Liverpool had provided the game with much live besides for some clever passes by Shelvey and lots of good running by Bellamy. Other then that this had all the makings of a tight 0-0 affair.
After 15 minutes the game came to life after some good defensive work by Carroll allowed Skrtel to play the pass of the season, some 60 to 70 yards to wide open Bellamy. He burst into the box and played a ball across the face of the goal for who else, but Maxi, to slot home. A few minutes later, after some nice play by Shelvey, who's shot was fumbled but Carroll was on hand to stab at the ball, itl rebounded to Maxi who still had some work to do but finished with aplomb. At this point Blackburn's defending was shocking and a route looked on the cards. No one would have bet against Maxi getting his third Liverpool hatrick either. Then Flanagan took over and it's not unfair to say the young lad a a bit of nightmare.
He had committed a poor foul early on as was correctly booked. Then he went for a ball that he couldn't really win and committed another foul. Certainly this was borderline and some referees would have made the incorrect decision and sent him off but a harsh warning was all that he received. I think this rattled the youngster as his next involvement provided costly as he played a horrible back pass that was intercepted by Hoilet.
Hoilet went round Doni who clearly fouled him and was deservedly sent off. Up stepped Brad Jones, new father and a father that recently lost his son to Leukemia, making his Premier League debut for Liverpool Of course he saved the pk, which was one of the worst I have seen (except for Charlie Adam's in the Carling Cup final). It was a special moment for Brad Jones.
Liverpool dodged that bullet but it was short lived as some woeful marking by Johnson and Carroll allowed the Yak to head past Jones and Blackburn were right back in the match. Next up was a calamity of goal keeping errors. The ball was played back to Jones who should have kicked it first time but didn't. The Yak closed him down and his clearance rebounded off Yak straight into the air. My 7 year old daughter would have caught the rebound but somehow Jones dropped it and collided with Yak. I didn't think it was a pk, still don',t but I understand why the ref gave it. Jones could do nothing at this point but watch the Yak make it 2-2 from the spot.
Liverpool were the better team after that. Bellamy was everywhere, left back, right midfield, up front and he was my man of the match for his work rate, closely followed by Shelvey. Kenny made a good change giving Agger some much needed time on the pitch and at the death Liverpool snatched victory. A combination header from Agger and Carroll allowed the big man to power home in the 91st first minute. Carrolll did just ok in my opinion. He still does not work hard enough to get into the 6 yard box and he missed a complete sitter at 2-1 but give the big man credit, he was in the right spot to head the ball home and give us a much needed 3 points.
Damien Camolli left Liverpool today but mutual consent, which was hardly mutual after reading our Chairman's interview. I'm not quite sure of the entire reasons why he left the club but in looking at it no one can say that our last three transfer windows have been a total success. We have signed some very good players for a decent transfer fee, Coates, Enrique, Suarez, Bellamy. We have over spent for some average footballers, Downing, Henderson, Carroll and Adam. Overall someone had to pay the price for our poor league form and that was Comolli. I'm not bothered about the timing and I don't' think the players will be either. It does show that FSG have a ruthless streak about them when things don't work out as planned. I'm also pleased that I didn't read one rumor about this prior to it happening. Everything was kept in house, the way it should be. I also understand that our in house lawyer was fired, which can't be a bad thing given how SuarezGate was handled.
Oh yeh, and finally we have a little game down in Wembley against Everton this weekend. Should be interesting. It's over 48 hours hours to kick off and my nerves are already taking a beating.
RSS feed

subset: commoncrawl


text:
HourlyLess than 30 hrs/week
Start DateDecember 28, 2012
We are building a server to setup a "Dropbox" alternative for our customers. We've decided to use SparkleShare, as it's opensource and appears to work well.
We need you to customize the windows download client to replace the SparkleShare brand with our company brand- OR just add our brand with SparkleShare, if that's easier.
We will also need the server SparkleShare customized to display our brand for our customers.
We make working fun and take good care of our people. If you are able to work fast and communicate well with our team, this will be a long-term position for you.
Bonus, but not required: You can also write Android & iPhone apps.
Skills: software-development, windows-7, windows-api, windows-xp
About the Client
United States
Edina 12:33 PM
Jobs Posted
71% Hire Rate, 1 Open Job
Over $40,000
Total Spent
90 Hires, 0 Active
Avg Hourly Rate Paid
3,982 Hours


text:
Chipotle Pork Tacos - Two flour tortillas topped with honey & chipotle pulled pork, tangy salsa, soured cream, red chillies and spring onion.
Crispy Breaded Squid - Crispy breaded squid served with tartare sauce and a wedge of lemon.
Moules Frites - Mussels in a shellfish bisque sauce,served with sliced crusty baguette, fries and mayo.
Supercharged Salad with Chicken - Jam packed with goodness! Red rice, quinoa, kale, beetroot, spinach, broccoli, rocket and pine nuts. Topped with sliced chicken breast.
Strawberries & Cream Sundae (v) - Strawberry and vanilla clotted cream ice cream layered with strawberries, raspberry coulis and meringue, topped with whipped double cream.
Sunday Roast Beef Topside - Served with seasonal vegetables, mash and goose fat roasted potatoes, home-baked Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and gravy.
We offer a great range of pub classics for you to enjoy. Choose from a range of delicious burgers, steaks and pies. Don't forget to join us on Sundays for a delicious roast...
Please use the form below to book a table, or alternatively call the below number to make a reservation:
Drop us a line on the form on the right or simply give us a call on the telephone number below, we look forward to HU18 1NJ
hearing from you.
East Yorkshire,


text:
There is no doubting that when Southampton sacked Nigel Adkins many people though that this move by the Saints board had signed their own death warrant in terms of survival in the Premier League, but as it turns out, it may have been a stroke of genius.
Nine games into Maurico Pochettino's rein as Southampton manager and the Saints couldn't have hoped for a better response from the players of the relegation threatened club.
The South coast club have only lost three games since the arrival of their Argentinian saviour and there is no doubting that he has instilled a sense of belief among his players and none more so than Jay Rodriguez.
The Lancashire lad has picked up four goals and six assists since Pochettino's arrival and having notched up three goal and two assists in his last three games he looks to be emerging as a real fantasy differential for fantasy managers to consider.
As far as the fixture list is concerned with home games against West Ham and West Brom and a trip to Swansea in the next three, he looks to have the right games to continue his recent run of form and at the rate he is going it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore him.
The worry of course for many is that once the Saints hit that magical 40 point mark, of which they are only three points away from, their performances may begin to taper off, but with huge sums of money at stake and with the former Burnley lad looking for his first cap, he and Southampton could well charge on until the end of the season and if that is the case then fantasy managers will want to have him in their side.
"Like Us" on Facebook for all the latest Fantasy Premier League news, tips and advice every day
Follow us on Twitter for all the daily news, tips and advice


text:
This is a discussion on Linux MIddlware/SW Evangelist opening- Digital Media Solutions- Austin, TX - VxWorks ; Linux Software/Middleware Evangelist - Digital Media Entertainment and Computing Solutions Location: Austin, TX (Relocation assistance is available.) Contact: Dee Dee Dial, Sr. Executive/Technology Recruiter Pedley-Richard & Assoc., Inc. 512/418-3260 firstname.lastname@example.com (** All resumes are submitted in confidence and will NOT ...
Linux Software/Middleware Evangelist - Digital Media Entertainment and
Computing Solutions
Location: Austin, TX (Relocation assistance is available.)
Dee Dee Dial, Sr. Executive/Technology Recruiter
Pedley-Richard & Assoc., Inc.
(** All resumes are submitted in confidence and will NOT be forwarded
to any cllient company without the expressed consent of the
This opportunity is with a global leader in the semiconductor industry
and they are just at the beginning of building a brand new Digital
Media Solutions division. This is going to be a brand new division
that will be developing computing and connected platforms that
anticipate and satisfy the digital media needs of consumers worldwide.
As the consumer electronics world transitions to one of digital
content, our client will provide next generation microprocessors,
software and systems design that will be aimed at the latest and
greatest digital media entertainment and consumer electronics devices.
This is a chance to get in from the ground floor and be part of the
very beginning of a cutting edge solutions offering that will be taking
this company into the digital media market place on many levels. This
is a highly visible and key position in the digital media division and
will be considered the "expert strategist" on all future Linux Digital
Media Middleware/OS platform solutions.
As part of a team to drive a rapidly growing business, this digital
media professional will have a broad experience base in Linux and other
non-Microsoft Software/Middleware. Experience in STB, IPSTB, pay per
view, or other media related software middleware is required. The focus
will be on developing optimized solutions for computing and connected
platforms for digital media entertainment applications and consumer
electronics devices.
The position is part Architect, part Business Development, part
Strategy. This person will work inside and outside the company, with
key partners, customers, architects, and consortia to create, represent
and lead the company's Linux Middleware solution strategy in the
consumer digital media market. This includes driving external
requirements in the industry and driving internal requirements which
will ultimately result in product/platform requirements. The
evangelist role will also require participating, and ideally leading,
standards bodies where applicable. Ability to drive direction and
communicate clearly is required. Ideal candidate has an advanced
degree or commensurate experience directly related to the field of
interest. Excellent communication skills are expected.


text:
Grant your members anytime, anywhere access to your online community with Higher Logic's Mobile Membership application with complete integration to gomembers AMS solution. From the palm of their hands, members can:
Extend your member reach and attract new members with this powerful application. Download the datasheet to learn more.
If you have a CDCSoftware.com account please Login below.
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text:
Hey Liberals ___ Please tell me has Obama or Holder called the Boston Bombers what they really are yet?
_______ Radical Muslin Coward Terrorist Killers _________ That Obama Administration dropped the ball on.
Fact: Obama & Holder are soft on muslim terrorist. Why?
Obama First President to repeat the Holy Qur'an and tell us the Islamic call to worship is the most beautiful sound on earth.
Liberals haven't answered you because they don't know about that, they get all their information in the NY Times.
We should hang him~~!


text:
The price of electronic cigarette varies by brand, but generally, it is cheaper than the traditional cigarettes or analog tabacco as others call it.
Commonly, most brands offer starter packs that includes everything you need to get started. Famous brands starter pack can cost $55-$60 and contains 25 cartridges, which actually is almost equivalent to 17.5 packs of traditional cigarettes. For computation, say that generally, at $5/pack, 17.5 packs would cost you $87.50 so even the starter pack is cheaper than traditional cigarettes.


text:
BAY MINETTE, Alabama – In an attempt to square its rules with the state's firearms law, the Baldwin County school board passed a weapons and firearms policy at its Thursday night meeting.
The policy, which passed on a vote of 5-2, reads: "Weapons of any type are prohibited in schools, school facilities and school events, unless possessed by a certified law enforcement officer in the performance of their official duties."
Board members David Cox and Shannon Cauley voted against the policy.
At the start of the meeting, James Hall, a parent of two children in the school system, urged the board not to pass the weapons policy, saying it wasn't the best way to keep students safe. By restricting the ability of citizens to carry firearms, he said, "The only people you prevent from fighting back are the good guys."
Last November, the school board asked Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange for clarification on the state's newly-passed firearms law. Strange's response said that the newer law did not change the 1990 law, meaning that weapons are prohibited on school campuses, said board President Norm Moore.
"We're basically doing the same thing we've always done," Moore said.
Cox said he didn't understand why the state Legislature had passed the new law, and predicted that the school board's new policy would cause controversy. "This is something I suspect we, or some other school system, will be challenged about," he said.
After the meeting, Hall, whose children attend Stapleton Elementary School, clarified his stance on the weapons policy. "My biggest argument is the philosophy of a 'gun-free zone' is preposterous," he said. "When you make laws that restrict firearms, it affects law-abiding citizens. … It's just a big decision that doesn't make sense to me."
The law, which took effect Aug. 1, was sponsored by Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, and designed to clarify the state's concealed- and open-carry laws and ensure that law-abiding citizens had access to guns.
In November, several Baldwin school board members had expressed concerns about how the policy could be implemented at school events attended by the general public, such as a football game.
The new firearms law says those with a conceal-carry permit can bring guns to sporting events sponsored by private or public schools and colleges, as well as professional sporting events.
However, it also says that, without express permission, an individual cannot carry firearms in any building or facility that limits access of unauthorized individuals with guards and other security features such as turnstiles or metal detectors.
Last August, State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice sent out a directive to school system superintendents, recommending that they stick with previous policies, which generally banned firearms and other weapons from school grounds.
Other local school systems, including those in Mobile, Saraland, Chickasaw and Satsuma, did not change their weapons policies after the law went into effect. According to the Mobile County school system's code of conduct, weapons are prohibited on all school properties, "except for those individuals who lease undeveloped system property for hunting or sporting activities."
In all other cases, the Mobile County code states, no one is allowed to bring a firearm onto school property, whether or not a person has a legal permit to carry a gun.


text:
A few of my favourite things1 2
I realised recently that most people on with accounts on lomography.com have a scanner at home, do their own developing and so on and so forth. I keep trying to decide whether or not me and my boyfriend should get a scanner and start to do our own or not (he is very firmly in the yes camp).
The problem I have with this is, my 2 favourite things in life (where photography/lomography is concerned) are getting my photos back from the lab with no clue of what is going to come out, and now that I have started to send my photos off to a lab in London to be developed and scanned etc is not knowing when I will get them back, often it is weeks or months after they have been snapped.
Obviously this way is a lot more expensive, but the suspense makes it all just a little bit exciting!
written by kneehigh85 on 2010-11-11


text:
There was 5:20 remaining in the third quarter, New Orleans Hornets down 11, when Monty Williams summoned the last man from the bench, the only player who'd yet to remove his warmups.
Suddenly, there seemed to be hope. And Marcus Thornton didn't want to disappoint.
Thornton scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, then six more in overtime, including the winning layup moments after making a key defensive deflection on a Grizzlies' inbound pass as the Hornets rallied for an improbable 103-102 overtime victory, their sixth straight, and third overtime victory in six games.
"He won the game for them," disgusted Memphis Coach Lionel Hollins said. "Seventeen points in 22 minutes . . . ."
Thornton, who has struggled to earn new coach Monty Williams' confidence, never lost the adulation of the crowd — Wednesday night's body count of 15,951 lowers the benchmark total for the last two home games this month to a makeable average of 14,891 – as he persevered through sometimes long stretches of inactivity.
"That's every time," Thornton said of the fans' throaty approval of his first appearance. "The fans are great. That's what keeps me going. I tell people when I'm tired out there, and see the fans cheering me on, that gives me an extra boost. I appreciate them a lot."
As it has during the Hornets' current winning streak, a familiar yet troubling trend continued: New Orleans had to battle back from a deficit, this time a 15-point Grizzlies' lead, to ensure a victory.
Memphis, true to form, was pounding away inside against the Hornets, enjoying a 52-46 advantage in the lane.
But bolstered by Thornton's energy, and recognition of yet another mountain to climb, the Hornets switched gears late in the third quarter, closing on an 18-3 run that tied the score at 67 heading into the fourth.
"We were joking about it," said guard Chris Paul. "It's like we wait until we get down 15 to turn it on sometimes. I looked up at the clock and it said 62-47. And at that time, we realized it was getting embarrassing. And we picked it up."
Twice, once with 15.2 seconds to go in regulation, and again with 14.5 seconds to go in overtime, Memphis failed to cleanly inbound a sideline out of bounds play.
In the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 92, Trevor Ariza stripped the ball from Mike Conley and the Grizzlies could not get off a potential game-winning shot.
In overtime, Thornton tipped the ball away on Conley's inbounds pass, Ariza tipped it to Paul, who sprinted up court and looked for Emeka Okafor, who somehow found sprinting Thornton with a pass that Thornton took in for the winning layup.
"The only breakdown was us not throwing the ball to our team when all we had to do was in-bound the ball and get fouled," Hollins said. "We didn't take care of the ball. Guys making the plays when you're supposed to make in those situations. That's how you win those games. That was our game to win. All we had to do was get it in and they foul. And if we couldn't get it in, call time out. We had two time outs yet. Instead of throwing the ball to the other team, we should throw it to our team."
Thornton said he timed out the last inbounds play and knew Conley was close to a five-second violation.
"I just counted the seconds in my head," Thornton said. "When he got to four, I knew he had to get it off. I kind of sensed that all the players were behind me to my left. So I just kind of jumped to that side and got a hand on it."
Making the layup on the other end was equally huge.
"Yeah," Thornton said, grinning. " 'Preciate that, Mek."
Three Hornets had double-doubles: Okafor had 11 points and 11 rebounds, David West had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Paul had 20 points and 12 assists.
But it was the 16th and 17th points from Thornton that brought the biggest reaction of the night, including the one from Williams, who leaped in the air and pumped his fist when Thornton's winning layup found the bottom of the net.
"I'm happy for him," Williams said. "He and I have had rough times since I signed. I've been up his tail like a you-know-what. And I want him to succeed. Sometimes I think he thinks I'm his worst enemy. It does me no good if he's not playing well. I want him to do well. When he has those moments . . . . if he knew how happy I was for him, he'd be surprised.
"When he made that basket, I was happy for him. You can't draw it up any better than what he had tonight. To be close to home, to come in and help the home town team and hit the game-winning shot, you can't draw that stuff up. I probably lost my composure a little bit," Williams said, smiling. "I'll get it back."
Jimmy Smith can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3814.


text:
Garmin Vivofit review
Garmin is well known for its navigation products and running watches, but it's a company with more to offer in the wider consumer space too. That's exactly where the Garmin Vivofit activity tracker is aimed: a wearable wrist device able to track your... >>
Garmin Vivofit ANT+ compatible band available to buy exclusively at John Lewis
The Garmin Vivofit activity tracker is now available to buy, but only at John Lewis, for £100. The Garmin Vivofit will track your progress, presenting you with goals and reminders so you can keep active and monitor your steps, goal countdown, calories... >>
Hands-on: Garmin Vivofit is a long-lasting and affordable fitness band
Wearables are everywhere. But when a company such as Garmin, renowned for its fitness and GPS products, announces a new product it's time to stand up and listen. Welcome the Garmin Vivofit, a wristband fitness device that we got to see at this year's... >>
Garmin's Vivofit fitness band is ANT+ compatible, syncs with Garmin Connect
Garmin has expanded its line of fitness products with the launch of the Garmin Vivofit fitness band. Looking to capitalise on the popularity of products like the Nike+ Fuel Band, Garmin is turning its sporting experience to a new segment. The Garmin... >>


text:
Some members have reported fraudulent attempts to gain access to their sensitive information through bogus emails. Such emails, which appear to be coming from Twlb2bmp.com, request sensitive personal information (e.g., Twlb2bmp.com passwords, credit card numbers or registration information). Twlb2bmp.com will never ask you to provide your password, credit card information, or other sensitive information in an email.
The key to reducing the adverse effects of this type of email is awareness, education and vigilance. We encourage you to be cautious when responding to any email request for sensitive personal information.
Below are some basic measures you can take to ensure the safety of your account on Twlb2bmp.com. If you suspect that an unauthorized party has already accessed or has attempted to access your account, please contact Customer Service immediately.
Submit a unique email address and set a good password
Please do not submit a public or another person's email addresses and please do not choose a simple password like your birthday or name. It is better for you to set one with numbers and characters together.
Log on regularly at Twlb2bmp.com
Regularly signing into Twlb2bmp.com ensures your account information stays current.
Be cautious when you receive requests for sensitive information
Do not use the links in an email to access an Twlb2bmp.com web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic. Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for your personal information, such as amail address and password, credit card information and so forth. Be sure you are using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information through your browser. Most
Twlb2bmp.com sign-in pages can be identified by addresses that begin with "http://www.Twlb2bmp.com/login.php(.php and .html)".
Use anti-virus software and a firewall
Some computer viruses steal your password and financial account information by recording your keystrokes. For this reason, it is recommended that you install anti-virus software and update it on a regular basis. A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized parties (usually referred to as "hackers") from gaining access to sensitive information stored on your computer. Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware and software, or a combination of both.
Search Tips (for both buyer and seller searches)
Contacting Buyers
FTC Warns Consumers About Bogus E-Mail That Claims to Be From Agency
Strong passwords: How to create and use them
Viruses & Risks


text: Greenville Chamber of Commerce 'Hunt County Days' March 3-4 at state capitol By John Mark Dempsey • Jan 22, 2015 Skyscrapercity.com Dr. Graham Sweeney, the superintendent of the Boles ISD and chairman of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs committee, says "Hunt County Days" March 3-4 will send a busload of county leaders and others to Austin. There they will meet with state legislative leaders on issues of concern to the county. Reservations can be made for the trip. Gray named interim Greenville Chamber manager; Hunt County Jail suit settled By John Mark Dempsey • Nov 20, 2014 Herald-Banner and Commerce Journal editor Caleb Slinkard discusses recent developments, including Jack Gray, long-time public relations man with Texas A&M University-Commerce and Hunt Regional Healthcare, being named interim manager of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Also, Hunt County has reached a settlement of more than $3 million in its long-running lawsuit over construction flaws in the County Jail building. 'Rally Round Greenville' this weekend By John Mark Dempsey • Sep 19, 2014 Milton Babb with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce says Rally Round Greenville has grown from an attendance of a few hundred to 8-10,000, and a budget of $600 to $52,000. Major musical performers this weekend include the Emerald City Band of Dallas playing for a street dance Friday night, the Rev. Horton Heat, James McMurtry and Great White. 'Worthy Citizen' to be Revealed By Brad Kellar • Jan 16, 2013 City of Greenville The identity of the next Greenville Worthy Citizen will be revealed Thursday night. A few tickets are still on sale for the combined installation banquet of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Development, the 92nd annual event for the Chamber and the 16th joint meeting of the two agencies. Chamber Banquet Coming Soon By Brad Kellar • Dec 24, 2012 City of Greenville Tickets are on sale for the upcoming combined installation banquet of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Development. Those attending the event on January 17 will be the first to learn who will be named as Greenville's next Worthy Citizen, they will also have an opportunity to hear from an inspiring local resident and author. Video: Greenville Halloween Ghost Tour Preview By Scott Harvey • Jul 26, 2012 www.youtube.com GREENVILLE - Just a handful of spots remain for a ghost tour and séance Halloween weekend surrounding Greenville's biggest conspiracy, a more than century-old triple drowning. Care to join a Hunt County ghost tour? By Scott Harvey • Jun 27, 2012 Milton Babb / Greenville Chamber of Commerce GREENVILLE - Reservations are filling up for the Halloween weekend ghost tour and séance in Greenville when Texans visit the site of the city's biggest conspiracy. Greenville Ghost Tour Revolves Around Century-Old Mystery By Scott Harvey • Jun 16, 2012 Facebook GREENVILLE -This Halloween in Greenville citizens are invited to embark on a tour which focuses on a 115-year-old triple drowning. Swanson named Most Worthy Citizen By Scott Harvey • Jan 26, 2012 GREENVILLE- Al Swanson received Greenville's Most Worthy Citizen for 2011 during the annual Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Board of Development banquet held Thursday. Greenville to name next worthy citizen Thursday night By Brad Kellar • Jan 26, 2012 GREENVILLE - The annual combined banquet of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Development begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and the banquet to follow from the Fletcher Warren Civic Center.


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You're probably tired of hearing about President Obama's Benghazi cover-up and the IRS attacks on conservative groups and the Department of Justice's targeting of news media.
And you probably don't much care about the other big story of the week - unions turning on the president and demanding that Obamacare be repealed or at least changed to their liking.
So let's move on today and talk about the president's push to raise the federal minimum wage. Gallup finds that most Democrats and Independents and half of all Republicans support an increase.
The current minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and the president wants to bump it to $9. (Some Democrat lawmakers want $10.10 an hour.) The president also wants to tie the rate to the Consumer Price Index. (He favors reducing CPI adjustments for Social Security recipients.)
He launched his minimum wage campaign during his State of the Union address in February. He said, " Let's declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, and raise the federal minimum wage to $9 an hour. This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families."
Nice words and a pretty good reflection of the utopian principles constructed by John Rawls, a political philosopher and the source for much of Obama's social and economic policies. (Rawls' books are required reading in colleges and universities throughout the country.)
But nice words aside, the president's all wet.
First, his premise is wrong. No one in America is forced to live in poverty.
Second, his conclusion is wrong. Various studies have found that minimum wage increases are, in the words of one analyst, "ineffective as an antipoverty device."
Third, raising the minimum wage means people lose jobs. Low-skilled workers are hit hardest.
And finally, the president's suggestion that minimum wage workers support "families" is misleading. Most minimum wage jobs are entry level and held by unskilled single young people.
Let's give the president four "Pinocchios."
The wrongheadedness of Obama's minimum wage position brings to mind another Democrat's scheme to reduce poverty President Lyndon B. Johnson and his "Great Society" and "War on Poverty" in the 1960s. Those programs have cost taxpayers untold billions of dollars.
So, look around now to see what we've gotten for our money. Find a "Great Society?" Nope. And as for the "War on Poverty" well, let's just say we lost. For more information, contact the good people of Detroit, Mich.
Johnson's economic programs were "a gigantic waste of taxpayers' money," and his social programs were "an almost preposterously bloated collection of social-engineering projects," to one critic.
Nevertheless, we now have Barack Obama and his minimum wage proposal, which, by the way, would be strapped to the back of an already crippled "free-market" economy.
The consequences of raising the minimum wage: Businesses will offset the higher costs by cutting man-hours and the wages of higher-paid workers. And the prices of goods and services will rise. And poverty will remain.
But hold on. There's one group that would benefit from a minimum wage increase. Unions.
Peter Roff, writing in U.S. News & World Report, notes that many union contracts, especially federal ones, require that union workers be paid at least the "prevailing" wage rate in a particular area.
The prevailing rate is driven by the minimum wage, so when the minimum rises, the prevailing wage also rises. And that means union wages and dues go up. Roff calls it "a well-disguised give back" to the unions who supported Obama.
And what about the poor?
Some may eventually realize that the quickest way out of poverty is to work hard.
But most will continue on a fool's errand of voting for fast-talking Democrats and relying on a government that is, itself, $16 trillion in debt.
Go figure.


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THE ASSOCIATION of sexual precocity and hypothyroidism was first reported in 1905.1 Since that time ten cases have been documented, most of which have been published within the past five years.2-8
This communication concerns a child who developed hypothyroidism at approximately 9 years of age. Her first menstrual period occurred within 12 months of the onset of symptoms. Periodic menstruation continued until she was again euthyroid after thyroid replacement therapy. Clinical evidence of sexual precocity subsided after the hypothyroidism was adequately treated, there being no recurrence of menstruation over the year since thyroid replacement was begun.
Previously reported cases will be briefly reviewed.
Report of a Case
The patient, a 10½-year-old female, was first seen in the pediatric endocrine clinic at the age of 9 years 10 months for precocious menstruation and rapid weight gain. Her first menstrual period had occurred four months prior to her initial visit.
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Go, Grow, and Glow food
Go foods
food that are divided inot three groups: bread-cerial group, fats-sweet groups, and dairy group
Bread-cerial group
examples of this Go food group are: bread, rice, cerials, noodles, pasta, corn, potatoes, and cassava
Fats-sweets group
examples of this Go food group are: beverages like softdrink, tea, and coffee (have low nutrient content)
is a nutrient that helps build muscles and bones. It helps heal cuts, bruises, and wounds. It also builds and repairs body tissues.
Grow foods
food that includes: eggs, chicken, fish, read meat, (beef & pork), organ meat (liver and kidney)


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Aquaventure Water Park
Dubai is a city full of wonderful attractions but few are as fun-packed as the Aquaventure Water Park. That was certainly the opinion of voters in the recent top attractions contest run by Radisson Blu who voted the waterpark winner of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City leg of the competition.
It is no surprise that the Aquaventure Water Park was so successful in the contest. The massive recreational centre has an incredible range of aquatic activities for all the family – there is no better place to cool off under the Arabian sun.
Thrills and spills
The Aquaventure Water Park is spread over an impressive 42 acres and every part of it has something fun to enjoy. The unique design of the park means that visitors can have a go on every ride without having to get out of the park once.
Amongst these rides are some spectacular thrills. The near vertical 27.5 metre 'Leap of Faith' fires sliders through a shark-infested lagoon, while the 2.3 kilometre tidal river has 1 metre high rapids to negotiate as it winds through lush tropical scenery.
Relaxing in the sun
When visitors to the Aquaventure Water Park need a break from the more thrilling rides they have the opportunity to relax on a 700 metre long private beach, a tidal pool and numerous sun loungers. There are also a number of restaurants and shops around the park.
Aquaventure is the number one water park in the Middle East and Europe and a big hit with voters in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City contest. Along with attractions like the JBR Walk, the Water Park is one of the reasons Dubai is such a hit with travellers.


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Answer to this week's 'Images from Saginaw, Bay City and more: We show it, can you identify it?' from September 10.
The window details are from The Eddy Building on the northeast corner of North Washington and East Genesee in downtown Saginaw.
The crosses are atop Trinity Episcopal Church, 815 North Grant in Bay City.
There were no correct answers this week.
Look for a new "details" challenge next week on MLive.


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From 152.10 GBP
Meetings and Events
Number of meeting rooms: 55 | 1300 pax
Award wininng Inspired Meetings concierges help you organize London meetings and conferences for anywhere between 2 and 1300 guests.With 45 unique rooms this London conference venue has a dedicated welcome desk and offices for rent by the hour or day.All aspects cuisine technology lighting decor are tailored to your event. Hold a prestigious seminar in the Lecture Theatre a banquet or exhibition in vast Arora Suite a board meeting in a dedicated boardroom followed by dinner at a Chefs Table.This impressive and incredibly convenient London conference hotel has the largest meeting capacity in the Heathrow area along with plentiful accommodation 400 spaces in an underground car park and a superb location in Heathrow airport.
Plan your event at this Sofitel hotel Request a proposal
Meeting rooms
Meeting room fittings
- Flipchart
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- Audio and video equipment
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- Airconditioned meeting room
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Hotel classifications (1 to 5 stars for France) correspond to criteria laid down by local regulations.
Discover the only hotel directly linked to T5 Heathrow Airport via a link-bridge. The hotel has easy access arriving by air, road, underground or by Hoppa bus and just 21 min from central London via the Heathrow Express.
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Wolves Suffer First Loss
By TJ Fontenot
LSN Sports
The Rayne Wolves attempted to continue their undefeated season Friday against another unbeaten in the Beau Chene Gators. This time, the Wolves came out as the defeated team falling to the Gators in a 20-41 decision, capping off Homecoming Week.
"Beau Chene is a good football team," commented Rayne's Curt Ware of his team's first loss of the 2010 season.
Ware continued, "They (Beau Chene) have a lot of athletes that we played with for most of the game. We just let the big plays get the best of us."
The Wolves began the contest on offense at their own 38 and moved the ball well. Wolf quarterback Clarence Leger connected with Brody Bourque to get across mid-field for a Rayne first down. Bourque got the ball into the red zone, but when the Wolves faced a fourth and one, they failed to convert and turn the ball over at the Gator 16.
The Gators wasted little time getting into Rayne territory when Beau Chene quarterback Michael James found Martin Bob for a 44 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was good and Beau Chene was up 7-0.
A short kick-off caught Rayne off guard as the ball popped out and into the hands of a Gator, giving Beau Chene good field position and a chance to extend their lead. Rayne's defense steped things up and pushed the Gator offense back, forcing a punt from the 30. The snap sails over the punter's head and Rayne's Patrick Charles covered, giving Rayne the ball at the Gator 35.
On the drive, Bourque took the ball on the very first play down to the 23 for a first down, where Leger finishes the drive off with a 21-yard touchdown run. Andrew Abshire's extra point attempt was good to tie the game at 7-all.
The Gators returned the kick to the 27 where Jacob Carmouche got a big chunk of yardage down to the Rayne 43. But, with the Gator offense threatening, Abshire forced fumble, recovered by the Wolves at their own 48. On a big third and long, Jaylen Williams came up big for a first down to keep the drive alive. This allowed Tre Leon to get around the left end for a 23-yard first down to the one-yard line. Brody Bourque finished the deal with the touchdown, but Abshire's extra point was wide for a 13-7 Rayne High lead.
Rayne High's lead was short-lived. The Gator kick-off return saw Jamal Chevis goes 93 yards for a Beau Chene touchdown. A bad snap on the attempted conversation kept the score 13-13, sending the game into the half.
The second half of play was all Beau Chene as speed started to kill the Wolves. The opening kick-off put the Gators at mid-field and quickly into the Rayne red zone where Jamal Chevis rumbled into the end zone from 9 yards out for the score. Another missed extra point put the score at 19-13.
With a Rayne High three-in and out, Jacob Carmouche took the first play 69 yards to pay dirt. A two-point conversion was good for 27-13 Beau Chene lead.
Rayne's offense continued to struggle and was forced to punt yet again, this time seeing Jamal Chevis maneuvering his way through Rayne defenders 82 yards for his third score of the night. The extra point extended Beau Chene's lead to 34-13.
Gator fullback Jimmy Francis found the endzone for Beau Chene on their very next drive, scoring from four yards out. With another extra point, the Gators increased their lead to 41-13 in the third quarter.
Rayne couldn't find the endzone again until deep in the final quarter of play as Bourque hit the seam from two yards out. Abshire's kick was good for the eventual 41-20 final score and Rayne's first loss on the season.
Brody Bourque led the ground attack for the Wolves with 76 yards and two touchdowns, while Clarence Leger was 2-7 in the air.
Defensively, Andrew Abshire accounted for 14 takedowns, while Patrick Charles, Lacy Granger, and Jaylen Boutte all recovered fumbles for the Wolves.
Ware concluded on Friday's loss, "We have to learn from this. But, at the same time forget about it. We can't carry this loss with us the rest of the season. We have a number of teams ahead of us that we have concentrate on."
Ware's Wolves will take on the Church Point Bears on Friday in week four of high school football. The road trip to Church Point will begin at 7 p.m. with fans urged to attend.


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18 Homemade Christmas Decorations: How to Make Christmas Decorations
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Candy Cane Crochet Wreath
By: Donna's Crochet Designs
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This red and white crochet wreath is adorned in candy canes and looks perfectly sweet for the holiday season. This soft and plush wreath is great for indoors or out and is a fun way to celebrate the sweetness of Christmas. This is a great pattern for amigurumi fans and would be a great project for a beginner crocheter who's looking for a bit of a challenge. You could also add some glittered gum drops or sugar plums to create a wreath that's sweet and satisfying!
- 4 balls of yarn in White and Red
- 1 package Chenille stems
- 12" Styrofoam wreath
- Florist U shape pins (found in the floral area most craft store usually with the Styrofoam wreaths)
size H crochet hook or hook needed to obtain gauge
Gauge: 4 hdc sts = 1", 3 rows hdc = 1"
Carry dropped yarn behind sts as you work.
With White and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.
RND 1: Ch-1, work 2 hdc in ring, join Red, drop White, 1 hdc in ring, drop Red pick up White, 2 hdc in ring, drop White, pick up Red, 1 hdc in ring, drop Red, pick up White, 2 hdc in ring, do not turn
REMAINING RNDS: (Drop White, pick up Red, hdc next st, drop Red, pick up White, hdc next 2 sts) around until piece measures 5-1\2"
Insert a chenille stem that has been folded in half and twisted slightly to hold tog. Fasten off Red, pick up White, hdc dec next 2 sts until opening is closed, fasten off.
Bend into the shape of a candy cane.
Continue until you have 13 candy canes.
Reverse color and make 5 candy canes.
Now you're going to crochet a ribbon to wrap around the wreath. ROW 1: With White and H hook ch-8, hdc 3rd ch from hook, hdc next 2 ch, join Red, drop White, hdc last 3 ch, ch=1, turn. (6 sts)
ROW 2: Hdc next 3 sts, drop Red, pick up White, hdc last 3 sts, ch-1, turn.
ROW 3: Hdc next 3 sts, drop White, pick up Red, hdc last 3 sts, ch-1, turn.
Rep row 2-3 until piece measures 137" long, fasten off.
Using the U shaped florist pins, pin one end of ribbon to wreath, carefully wrap the wreath with the ribbon being careful not to overlap the edges, fasten with another U pin.
- Carefully arrange the candy canes onto the wreath holding them in place with the U pins.
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Jul 27, 2010
I love this....
Jul 27, 2010
My daughter saw this and said, "Please, Mom!" So, it looks like I'll be making one for her very soon. It is an unusual wreath but I like that!
Melissa Ryan
Oct 26, 2012
@yarncrazy So glad you like it! It is a different style wreath, but I love that, too!
Dec 15, 2009
This is a pretty neat wreath. I like it because it is not very traditional and doesn't include fake trees(lol). One thing that would make it better was if at had a little extra decoration at the bottom. You know, like a Merry Christmas or something.
Melissa Ryan
Oct 26, 2012
Great idea, @craftfanatic! I think a simple "Merry Christmas" sign would look great on this wreath.
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Top Definition
An abbreviation for the Union of Reform Judaism. This organization provides Jews with different way to learn and communicate with the large reform Jewish community. It includes camps such as Eisner, Harlem, and the 6-point sports academy as well as NFTY (see NFTY).
"The URJ has allowed me to find awesome people in NFTY and in Eisner Camp where I had the best experiences of my life"
by Jonny Likes NFTY February 23, 2010
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Can you define these popular missing words?


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WQED and the Dominion Foundation Present a Year of Volunteers
September 24, 2012
George Hazimanolis
Dan Donovan
WQED Multimedia and The Dominion Foundation
A Year of Volunteers
A special luncheon celebrating the contributions of the
2012 Dominion VITA Awards winners
Friday, October 12, 2012
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Downtown Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH - For 24 years, the Dominion VITA (Volunteer In the Arts) Awards, coordinated by WQED Multimedia, has honored dedicated individuals who have given their time and talents to ensure that the arts thrive in our region.
"The VITA Awards recognize the vitality volunteers bring to arts organizations," said James Mesloh, executive director of the Dominion Foundation. "It is no surprise that Western Pennsylvania has wonderful arts organizations – it has wonderful arts volunteers. Dominion is proud to help honor them."
A committee of Pittsburgh area professionals interested in celebrating this invaluable volunteer arts force selects the winners. Since its inception in 1988 Dominion has honored more than 240 volunteers from more than 170 arts organizations throughout western Pennsylvania. As a result numerous individuals and their organizations have been given recognition on WQED-TV, WQED-FM 89.3 and at the annual VITA Awards reception.
"As the nation's first community-supported broadcaster, WQED has always relied on volunteers for support," said Deborah L. Acklin, president and chief executive officer of WQED Multimedia. "Without dedication from members of the community, no arts organization could survive. We are so pleased that with Dominion we have been able to recognize, thank and be the voice for volunteers who have given of their time, talents and energy to support the non-profit arts community in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region."
The 2012 Dominion VITA Award winners are:
• Judy Eckler – Greenville Symphony Orchestra
Judy Eckler is president of the Greenville Symphony Society (GSS) where she also served as its librarian and producer of the Greenville Area Community Theatre. Under her leadership, the Greenville Symphony Orchestra (GSO) has evolved from "your grandfather's orchestra" to more innovative programming offering something for every taste. Committed to developing a love of all musical genres and the arts in children, Judy developed a special program with the GSO for students of the Keystone Blind Association and continues to offer free regular concerts to area students along with her GSS board of directors. When Judy isn't cultivating a love of music and the arts she enjoys being a "mother" to the hundreds of children her Family Daycare Home has served since 1970 as well as a wife, mother and grandmother.
• Alex Jones – Pittsburgh Philharmonic
Alex Jones has been principal clarinetist of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic since 2005 where he has served as a guest conductor, featured soloist, president of the board of directors from 2008-2010, and acting artistic director from 2010-2011. In 2003 Alex, co-founded the Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh and the Morningside Trio in 2006, both of which have been featured on Classical WQED-FM 89.3's Performance in Pittsburgh. A recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Award, Distinguished Service Award of the ACM SIGDA and Pitt Innovator Award, Alex is a noted researcher at the University of Pittsburgh where he currently serves as director of the undergraduate Computer Engineering program, has raised over three million dollars in funding and written more than 70 publications.
• Sam Newbury – Chatham Baroque
Sam Newbury has been a leader at Chatham Baroque for the past decade. Sam has helped to develop and obtain funding for a competition where three new pieces of music were created for Chatham Baroque and a school program at McCleary Pre-K Center. He has increased Chatham Baroque's exposure by producing its first high-definition music video and DVD and secured new funding and volunteer support as president of the board of directors. Recently retired from 30 years of service as a public television professional at Family Communications, Inc. (Fred Rogers Company) where he produced Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Sam creates wood-fired, functional pottery in porcelain and stoneware in his spare time.
• George Seeley – Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
George Seeley retired in 2006 and has been actively involved with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh board of directors ever since. A member of the John McMillan Presbyterian Church choir for more than 20 years George has served his church as corporation president, ruling elder and led a pastoral nominating committee. Actively involved in his Bethel Park community for 43 years, George was president of the Bethel Park Band Boosters twice. A graduate of Cornell University and veteran of the United States Army, George resides with his wife Marcia with whom he has two sons and a daughter.
• Katya R. Shaffer – Greensburg Civic Theatre
Katya R. Shaffer was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and has been involved in theater since the age of five when she auditioned for Annie. Katya performed throughout Europe as part of the International Schools Theatre Association until graduation and moved to Greensburg, Pennsylvania where she obtained her bachelor's in Theatre Performance and Scenic Design from Seton Hill University. While a student at Seton Hill she discovered the Greensburg Civic Theatre where she has since volunteered her time for the past 11 years. For the past three years, Katya has served as president of the board of directors and has overseen the productions of such shows as Cabaret and A Piece of My Heart. Katya is currently directing the Theatre's upcoming musical, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and hopes to continue helping the Theatre to grow. Katya is married with three children.
WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 128 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation's first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED's Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 28,000 megawatts of generation, 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,300 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system with 947 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.
| Community Engagement | website


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An Oklahoma City man was stabbed nearly a dozen times by a man he invited into his home last Tuesday, according to officers.
The victim told police he was approached by a man in the parking lot of the Union Bus station. The man claimed that he knew the victim through a mutual friend who police describe as a transient.
The victim said he then gave the man a ride to his house in the 1000 block of Northwest 31st Street. While having a conversation inside the victim's bedroom, the victim said the man hit him over the head with a beer bottle and took out a pocket knife and began stabbing him.
The victim said that is when he picked up a shovel and hit the attacker. The victim then drove himself to the hospital where he is listed in critical condition but is expected to survive.
Police have released convenience store surveillance video of the attacker.


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Directions and Transportation
The Museum is located at 79th Street and Central Park West and is easily reached by public transportation. The main entrance to the Rose Center for Earth and Space is located at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
View Larger Map
Subway Entrance (Lower Level): Every day from 10 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Rose Center Entrance (81st St. between C.P.W. and Columbus Ave.): Please note, this entrance is closed through March 5. An alternate wheelchair-accessible entrance is available at the lower level on Central Park West.
Every day from 10 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
The 77th St. Entrance (between C.P.W. and Columbus Ave.) is not currently open to the public. The 77th St. Entrance is open for special events and education programs only.
The Weston Pavilion Entrance (Columbus Ave. and 79th St.) will be open both weekdays and weekends from July 1 through Labor Day.
For evening programs and lectures, please refer to your ticket for specific entrance information. In addition you may enter the Security entrance which is under the main stairs on Central Park West. A staff member will be there to inform you of the location of your program or lecture.
By Subway:
Take the B (weekdays only) or C to 81st Street. Two blocks west of the Museum, the 1 train stops at Broadway and West 79th Street. For a full size subway map, follow this link to go to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Web site.
PLEASE NOTE: For the duration of the construction on the Manhattan Bridge the B subway line will not operate on the Upper West Side during the weekends. Weekday service will not be affected during visitor hours, but the B train will stop running weeknights on the Upper West Side at 10:45pm.
By Bus:
The M79 bus travels east/west on W. 79th Street across Central Park, with a stop next to the Museum on W. 81st Street. Other buses also stop at or near the Museum, including the M7, M10, M11, M86 and M104 buses. For more information on local bus transportation, click here to go to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Web site.
From North of New York City:
If you are traveling from north of New York City, please visit the Metro-North Railroad Web site for convenient maps and schedule information.
From Long Island:
If you are traveling from Long Island, please visit the Long Island Railroad Web site for convenient maps and schedule information.
From New Jersey:
If you are traveling from New Jersey, please visit the New Jersey Transit Web site for convenient maps and schedule information.
From Outside the New York City Metro Area:
If you are traveling from outside the New York City Metro Area, please visit the Amtrak Web site for route and schedule information and to purchase tickets.
Parking is available at our facility conveniently located within the Museum; enter at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The hours of operation are 8am – 11pm. Rates are as follows:
Up to 1 hr $24
Up to 2 hrs $27
2 to 5 hrs $34
5 to 10 hrs $44
Max to close $49
For more information please call (212) 313-7278.


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The acquisition of Robin Van Persie has been adjudged to be the main reason for Manchester United's current place at the summit of the Premier League.
But it's not just the Dutchman's goals that have helped to launch Sir Alex Ferguson's men back above their noisy neighbours from across the city.
Van Persie's mesmeric left foot has also been on set piece duty at Old Trafford since his arrival, and because of this the likes of Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, and a certain Serbian have profited from his services.
But, over the years the club's success has been built on their dominance from dead ball situations. So to celebrate, here are Manchester United's five deadliest Red Devils off of corner kicks.


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One of Texas' top running backs is headed to Oklahoma to play his college football.
Samaje Perine, who is from Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville (Texas), told reporters that he picked the Sooners over Alabama and TCU after the decision this week. He also reported scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Houston and Purdue. He is 5-foot-11, 215 pounds.
"It feels great to be going to such a great school," Perine told Sporting News. "It was close between them and TCU but I felt more at home at OU. Right now I'm focusing on my senior season coming up, but I think once it gets closer and closer, it is all going to hit me."
As a junior, he rushed for 2,017 yards and 15 touchdowns—that came after tearing his ACL and MCL in December 2011. He was able to recover and surpass the 2,000-yard mark.
"I'm the type of guy that, once I commit to something, I don't back down," Perine told The Tulsa World. "I can safely say that I'm 100 percent committed … They were very excited. I got a chance to talk with (assistant) coach (Cale) Gundy and coach (Bob) Stoops and they were both very excited. The whole coaching staff was excited that I was a part of the family now and they can't wait to get me in there and start getting to work."
Oklahoma is off to a nice start for 2014. Perine is ranked a 4-star prospect by some services, while fellow Sooner recruit Armanti Foreman is a consensus 4-star prospect. DB Vontre McQuinnie rounds out the class to date, while many other programs have yet to land a commitment.
— RB Jalen Hurd commits to Tennessee
— CB Kalvaraz Bessent headed to Alabama


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We Bring Another Dimension to CRM Implementations
August 08, 2016
We offer proven solutions that focus less on technology and more on people, process and strategy.See what you can do with SugarCRM
We've aligned with partners to increase the scope of our CRM solutions.Check out our story
For companies who sell stuff: .We Connect CRM with sales-i Business Intelligence!
We help you get more leads and convert more leads into customers.See how Act-On drives this strategy
We're not a typical CRM implementation company. We have a consultative approach to CRM and marketing automation.


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Sage (Season Two Mastery)
2,680pages on
this wiki
this wiki
|"You belong in a museum!"
|Utility Mastery Tree
|Other Mastery Trees:
|Offense · Defense
Effect per rank
- Gain 40 bonus experience on kills and assists (50% reduced effectiveness on the Crystal Scar)
- Requires 12 points in Utility.
- This mastery is strong on roaming gankers such as LeBlanc, who would otherwise lose experience from leaving the lane.
Patch History
- Removed.
- Redesigning of masteries.
Other versions
- Season Two


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Thematic Maps
Search Potomac Sites
Nearly the entire Southwest area of the District of Columbia was redeveloped during the 1960s. Hundreds of early buildings, many of them run down beyond restoration, were bulldozed and replaced by high-rise and townhouse developments. Along the Washington Channel, the waterfront was rebuilt under federal and city ownership; large restaurants and marinas operate with long-term leases from the city. A one-mile long walkway is provided along the bulkhead from P St. S.W. up the Channel to the Municipal Fish Wharf.
The District government runs the Police and Fire pier for waterfront safety (pier 5) at the southern tip of the developed area. Other piers are used by the Spirit of Washington, the Gangplank Marina, and the Odyssey, a new cruise ship that made its debut in 1995.
The Maine Ave. waterfront area is accessible by Metro. An underground subway stop on the Green Line is at 4th and M Streets S.W., about two blocks from Water Street.


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Dermarolling breast enlargement scam
White Lotus claims that dermarolling can give an up to 10% increase in breast size.
They call it "Anti Aging Acupuncture Breast Enhancement treatment". This is of course complete nonsense, as dermarolling thickens the skin only – and by less than a millimeter. Dermarolling or microneedling certainly can't in any way, shape or form increase breast size. More about that later in this article.
Apparently to maximize profits whilst at the same time being able to defend themselves against the exposure of the absurd claim that microneedling can increase breast volume, they say: "It is essential that the roller is used with the Anti Aging serum, the herbs are vitally essential to the process". Amazing. They have a magic potion that can make your breasts larger. Magical thinkers may believe such claims, but us scientific folks prefer to see some evidence before we pay 85 + 30 dollars for a tiny bottle of self-made liquid and a roller which familiar design looks identical to that of the worst dermaroller in our dermaroller review.
White Lotus Anti Aging presents some pictures, for which we found evidence that they are fraudulent:
They go through great lengths assuring us that their images are in no way manipulated, and that 99% of all images online are photosshopped but theirs aren't. They are in fact correct in saying that their images are not manipulated. But that is the only truthful thing they say about those pictures that we republish here, for review purposes (fair use). The breast pictures are deliberately misrepresented, and do not at all show breast enhancement, if anything at all, they show in fact breast reduction, as we will show below.
First of all, we need the original photosgraphs on their website, not the reduced versions that you see in your browser. In order to save an image in a browser, you right-click and select "Save". However, White Lotus has disabled that, because when you right-click, this message appears:
That's strange.. The common way of protecting images is to put a Copyright message on them, the so-called "watermarking". That way, if people reuse your images, they'll be advertizing for your site, so that is an effective deterrent. Of course, putting a copyright message on an image that is in fact copyrighted by someone else is an illegal act, so if you do not really own the copyright, you can't do that and have to resort to other means. The message gives the impression that White Lotus owns the copyright, but in fact it only says that they are "copyrighted". Clever.
We do not have the same budget as White Lotus but our badly paid webmaster is not born yesterday and knew a way to download "their" photos anyway: He simply did "File – Save page as HTML". Then he had the actual images as they are stored on White Lotus' server, and a timestamped copy of their entire "dermarolling before and after" page. He said we needed it in case they would deny our evidence or even sue us, or take them offline or alter them. Update: We received a legal threat from White Lotus, saying they consider suing us for defamation-related damages. They did not explain how their "before" picture is dated after their "after" picture.
Fake before and after pictures
Our webmaster told us something we were very surprised about but it is true: When you make a photos with a digital camera, the camera embeds a lot of information into the image. Invisibly. This is called EXIF and the details can be read on Wikipedia here. If you have a way of retrieving that EXIF information, you can see when the picture was taken. The camera puts the date and time into the Jpeg image. Digital camera's have an internal clock, like video recorders etc. have. And that information survives image editing – it keeps being preserved, even when you cut and paste it into photosshop. This is to make the life of professional photosgraphers and media people easier. They need to have a reliable method of verifying the "credentials" of the photos, so to speak. Scanners also embed EXIF data. EXIF data is reliable – it has been used as evidence in court cases involving the manufacture of child porn.
There is an online service where you can paste the URL of an image and get some of that EXIF info:
I encourage you to go to White Lotus' before-and-after pictures and verify for yourself that what say is true. Here is the "before" picture, taken from
Update: White Lotus has removed the evidence, as was to be expected.
..and here is the "after" picture:
Update: White Lotus has removed the evidence, as was to be expected.
The "after" picture was taken 33 days before the "before" picture!
We asked our technical wizard webmaster to go through all before-and-after pictures on that page and he told us the following:
– Almost all photosgraphs are made with the same camera, the Olympus FE210. Meaning, they were not submitted by individual customers of their dermarollers but rather their source is a clinic of some sort.
– The photos's that have (sometimes obscured) faces on them are in his opinion not created with a camera or scanner, but they have in his opinion been copied from a PDF displayed on screen because they lack EXIF data and they are of much lesser quality than the other images.
Conclusion: These photos's are likely not copyrighted by White Lotus. In our opinion, those photos's were neither made by White Lotus, not were they submitted by their customers. In addition to that, White Lotus' assertion that they portray "before" and "after" pictures is demonstrably false.
White Lotus has crossed the line of what can be tolerated when they started to claim that dermarolling can increase breast size. It's scamming, plain and simple and we do not want our customers to tell us that there is something wrong with our rollers and our vitamin creams because "Their breasts didn't get bigger, as they do when White Lotus' products are used".
Another reason is that White Lotus has crossed another line when they started to spread deliberate nonsense on their site. Nonsense intended to take sales away from bona-fide, ethical competitors and move those sales to them. White Lotus spreads the rather monstrous lie that using vitamin A products in association with microneedling may cause "liver damage". They keep stressing that their serums are "natural" and that anything else is "artificial" and "toxic". This FUD is part of their business strategy – vitamin creams are much more expensive than self-made herbal potions, and their business model requires big profits in order to be able to grow large, using affiliates and aggressive, expensive marketing. They claim many things and most of it is utter nonsense, but those wild, unsubstantiable claims serve to move customers away from us conscientious, scientific-oriented small-scale vendors and towards their multi-million dollar business with their magical Chinese herbal potions that make your boobs bigger. Their pictures prove it – or do they?
We have no problem with healthy competition, but White Lotus is a cynical company. They peddle quackery. They charge outrageous prices for dirt-cheap, low-quality products and they spread fear, uncertainty and doubt about competitor's products. They use every dirty advertising trick in the book to win confidence and to increase their Google ranking – including paying seedy search-engine-optimization companies to spam the whole internet with links to their sites. White Lotus does not care about your skin – they care about their bottom line. If they truly cared about your skin, they would not bash proven vitamins in favor of their unproven "herbal serums". White Lotus runs a multi-level marketing business, where you can sign up as an affiliate to peddle their wares. Such a scheme is only feasible when there is a huge margin on the products. That's why they sell the cheapest dermaroller on the Chinese market. That roller costs around three dollar fifty, bulk wholesale. It has such a floppy handle that it's impossible to apply constant pressure or even hold a steady course, to give but one example why this is a bad roller.
The claim that dermarolling enhances breast volume by increasing collagen is ludicrous.
Breasts consist mainly of fat. There are also mammary glands, blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissue but the main "structural material" in the breasts is fat and the size of your breasts depends on how much fat you have in them.
Breasts themselves have no muscles (apart from nipple muscles to erect the nipple and nodule muscles). That is why you cannot enlarge breasts by exercising and female bodybuilders have almost no breasts (most of them have implants) due to their extremely low body fat content. There is a muscle behind breasts and underneath breasts but not in breasts.
There is no way a dermaroller can cause the production of fat or anyhow enhance breast volume. A dermaroller cannot even reach the fatty tissue. A dermaroller affects the skin only and to the depth of the needles used. That means that not even if White Lotus magical miracle potion would do everything it claims to do such as "increase blood circulation", it would only increase blood circulation for a while in the skin.
Dermarolling increases collagen production in the skin and can thicken the skin somewhat, but microneedling can't possibly increase breast size by more than half a millimeter or so. Half a millimeter of gain is a great improvement for the skin because the skin itself is only a couple of millimeters thick. Thickening the skin by for example 0.2 mm will noticeably reduce wrinkles, scars and improve overall skin texture but anyone claiming that this will improve the volume of your cleavage is trying to fool you.
Microneedling can improve the skin texture of your breasts, it can improve the appearance of stretch marks on the breasts, it can improve pigmentations, sun damage and other skin related problems. Dermarolling/microneedling is excellently suited to improve scars that were the result of breast augmentation surgery though.
But there is no way it can enhance breast volume or lift the breasts – regardless of what expensive "serums" you roll into the skin on your breasts. Contrary to what the miracle serum peddlers want you to believe, increased blood flow and other phenomena can't possible result in larger breasts, even if their claims were true about increased blood flow in the breast tissue, which they are not.
Silicone/saline solution implants, or injections with one's own fat are used to enhance breast size. Microneedling can't help you with that, and if your goal is to enlarge your breasts, you should not buy our products. Neither should you buy from White Lotus.
How to recognize the scammers
You know how you can immediately recognize dermarolling scammers? They sell their own "miracle serums" instead of clinically proven vitamin creams and ointments. Vitamin creams are expensive. They are made in pharmaceutical companies and sold in pharmacies. They have proven themselves in countless medical studies and conform to strict quality requirements. Such vitamins are expensive and not much money can be made with them, hence the need to sell self-produced "serums" that cost nearly nothing to produce and can be sold at a huge profit margin. The most expensive part is the bottle and the cost of sending. Stay far away from those peddling their own serums, potions, herbal extracts and essential oil mixtures. More on how to recognize dermarolling scammers.
Scammers are recognized by how much they spam on forums and on how many "spammy" sites link to them. We do not post on forums. We do not advertise. We do not sell magical miracle lotions that cost half a dollar to make. If you want bigger breasts, don't try dermarolling – it's a waste of time.


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UN Deputy Secretary-General: Addressing Recent Multiple Crises Should Not Deflect Efforts to Tackle Climate Change
15 December 2008: Speaking at a meeting of the UN General Assembly on the "follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit: specific meeting focused on development," taking place in New York, US, on 15 December 2008, UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro warned that the food, fuel and financial crises threaten to undo poverty reduction efforts.
She underlined that while dealing with these crises, "the threat of
climate change is also upon us," and stressed that attention should not
be deflected "from tackling this challenging problem." She noted
advancements in establishing sustainable development as a primary
objective, highlighting that climate change is a widely acknowledged
challenge. She called for the successful conclusion of the Doha Round
of trade negotiations and access to clean technologies to enable
development without exacerbating climate change. [UN Press Release]


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Natural Remedies for Cleaning Drains
Natural Remedies for Cleaning Drains. No matter how often you clean your sinks, the bathtub or shower, clogged drains are bound to happen once in a while. Hair, food particles, toothpaste, bits of soap, you name it -- all these things over time contribute to buildup in a drain, and if not maintained, eventually a clog. Many commercial drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are toxic and also potentially damaging to some pipe types such as plastic. Natural household items can be used instead of harsh chemicals to clean and clear drains.
Salt, Baking Soda and Boiling Water
If your drain is merely slow and not completely clogged, pour boiling water from a full kettle down the drain. Wait a few minutes and run tap water to see if the clog has cleared. If not, pour a mixture of half cup salt and half cup baking soda down the drain, followed by another kettle of boiling water. The salt/baking soda mixture produces a chemical reaction which loosens some types of clogs, and the boiling water helps soften materials which can be liquefied, allowing them to flow down the drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar, will create a foamy eruption that calls to mind elementary school volcano projects. This foamy volcanic action also cleans away some of the goo clinging to the insides of the pipes. Once it's finished foaming, run hot water down the drain. The vinegar will also help keep the drain smelling fresh as an added bonus.
Plastic Zip Tie Unclogger
Long plastic zip ties can be turned into drain cleaners that work like some of the commercially available plastic drain tools. Cut slits down the sides of a large plastic zip tie, alternating the cuts on either side. The slits will work like hooks as you shove the tie down the drain and pull it back up, catching and bringing up things stuck within the drain. This method works well on hair-based clogs. Try one of the other methods immediately after doing this for even better results.
Keeping Drains Clean
A bit of preventive maintenance will prevent clogs from happening, or at least keep them from happening often. Use a strainer-style drain cover over all drains when using sinks, tubs and showers. Replacement covers are available from hardware stores. Once a month, pour half pound of washing soda down the drain followed by two cups of boiling water. Flush with tap water after a few minutes. This will help flush away any build-up that's starting to occur within the drain and pipes.
- The Tolman Guide: KPW Tips; Deborah Tolman et al; 2008
- Wise Bread: 10 Really Easy Ways to Unclog Drains; Paul Michael; March 2011


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With the Western Massachusetts high school swimming championships approximately a month away, Meriza Werenski is rounding into late-season form.
The Holyoke Catholic sophomore posted the area's best time of the season in two events Wednesday, as her Gaels edged visiting Longmeadow 95-91 at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.
Werenski won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:55.56, besting the previous best of 1:56.30 held by East Longmeadow freshman Julie Lajoie. She also took first in the 100 breaststroke in 1:06.88, bettering her own best time of 1:07.86.
Abbey Craig was also a double winner for Catholic (5-1, 1-1 Minuteman League), taking the 200 individual medley and the 100 freestyle.
Longmeadow (4-3, 0-3) made it a close meet by taking second place in several events.


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Ones to Watch | By jamie hartford
Back in 2007, the team at Dallas Restaurant Group noticed an opportunity. The company already operated a fine-dining seafood restaurant, Go Fish Ocean Club, but for Dallas residents looking for seafood at a lower price point the options were mostly fried and fattening. They set out to create an alternative.
"We wanted to provide something healthy for our guests, so we created a fast-casual concept that would bridge the gap between fine dining and Long John Silver's," says Nafees Alam, vice president of Dallas Restaurant Group. "We didn't set out to be another fried-food joint."
The first Fish Express restaurant opened in north Dallas in February 2007, and the company added another location in Frisco in 2008. While the menu does include the requisite fried fish, french fries, and hush puppies, most options are not the typical limited-service seafood fare. Fish Express specializes in grilled fish, including Atlantic salmon, mahi mahi, tuna, and catfish. Entrées such as salads, po' boy sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos, and wraps are supplemented by healthier side options, including mango slaw, grilled vegetables, and jasmine rice pilaf. From its chipotle salmon sandwich to ginger Thai noodle salad to seafood gumbo, the menu borrows from a number of cuisines. Check averages range from $10 to $11 per person.
"We take great pride in providing the freshest and best-quality food at that price point," Alam says.
To prove its commitment to offering healthy fare, Fish Express partnered with Medical City Heart, the cardiovascular program at Dallas's Medical City Hospital, to certify heart-healthy options on its menu. Based on American Heart Association guidelines for calories, total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and dietary fiber, dietitians evaluated the restaurants' offerings and identified choices worthy of a heart-healthy label. Nearly half of the offerings at Fish Express have earned the distinction, according to the company.
Setting Fish Express apart from other limited-service options is the fact that the concept's parent company is already known around the Dallas area for its two fine-dining restaurants—Go Fish Ocean Club and Dallas Fish Market. Dallas Fish Market was named one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in 2008 by Bon Appétit magazine.
"That gives us a little bit of an edge over our competition," Alam says.
Both Fish Express locations also serve beer and wine, along with nonalcoholic drinks like soda and iced tea. At 5–6 percent, alcohol makes up a relatively small portion of sales but is nonetheless an option some of the restaurants' customers appreciate, Alam says.
"This summer, to quench people's thirst in the hot Texas heat, we're launching a mango sangria," he says.
The demographics shift depending on the time and day, Alam says. Lunch typically brings in 21- to 40-year-olds from the shopping centers, gyms, and offices that surround both locations. Weekends tend to draw more families with kids from the residential areas within three to four miles.
"On the weekends we see a lot of parents encouraging their kids to eat fish and kids trying fish for the first time," Alam says.
Fish Express
PRESIDENT: Mike Hoque
HQ: Dallas, Texas
ANNUAL SALES: $1.3 million
WEB SITE: www.myfishexpress.com
At the original north Dallas location, business is evenly spread over the lunch and dinner dayparts, whereas the Frisco store has a stronger showing at lunch followed by a moderate dinner. Three-quarters of the restaurants' customers eat in, while the remaining 25 percent of business is takeout. Both locations open at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. seven days a week.
The restaurants are housed in corner spots in in-line shopping strips. They range from 2,400–2,500 square feet and include patio space for outdoor dining. The modern, minimalist interiors have an ocean theme.
Both existing Fish Express locations are company-owned, as will be two others that are in the works—one in Southlake and another next to the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The company plans to finish construction of those locations by the end of 2009 and hopes to open another four, all in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, in 2010.
"I think there is a lot of room for growth here in the area," Alam says. "We feel comfortable in our ability to grow restaurants here as time progresses."
Alam says franchising could also enter the picture as soon as 2011.
"Once we are finished with our current expansion plan, we will know how things are going and can start thinking about franchising," he says.
Over the next five years, the company hopes to grow at a rate of four restaurants per year and is considering locations as far away as Austin, Texas, and Atlanta.