text:
Blue Felt-tip Pen and Blank Sheet of Paper
While we embrace technology – largely the reason we offer reasonable fees to our clients – many of our client initiatives start with simple tools called paper and pen. We let the technology serve us, not we the technology. Our ideas and our visions – whether for corporate identity, creative story platforms or corporate sponsor targets – are the tenets of our comprehensive, results-grabbing work.
Content First, Vehicle Second
We craft messages that harmonize with business and branding objectives. Only after the message is honed can a proper vehicle – amidst the breadth of marketing communication tools – be accurately chosen and employed effectively to generate messaging that sticks with your target audience.
Know-How, Not Know-It-All
Our clients know the inner-workings of their business better than anyone else – hands down. We listen. We collaborate. We don't pontificate. We offer our strong recommendations – not mandates. Our skill-sets in public relations, marketing, graphic design, Web solutions and social marketing enable us to get the job done for our clients – hassle- and ego-free – with spectacular, lasting results.
Loose Lips Sink Ships
While we may orchestrate campaigns to generate "word on the street," there is a time and place for everything. Many times our clients wish us to keep our mouths sealed . . . and we do. Confidence is paramount in the sensitive client-agency relationship; privileged information should stay just that. The release of information and conceptual developments is all about timing and selectivity.
Which is why we encourage our clients to sign non-disclosure agreements with our firm prior to any commencement of work. This process facilitates free information flow and working relationships built on trust. Watt + Company's employees, contracting consultants and vendors are legally bound to our strict confidentiality policies.
We're Explorers + Messengers Who Deal in Ideas
At Watt + Company our stock in trade is creative exploration – taking full advantage of the power of ideas to help you surmount your challenges, take advantage of market opportunities, reach your business objectives and fulfil your dreams for your organization, your products and your services.
We are the messengers to help you get there. We put the premium on creativity, ideas that have practical application and have an immediate impact in your marketplace and with all the audiences you wish to reach. We do so at the highest level of quality and resolution but at surprisingly lower costs than you would incur with traditional agencies.
We do Big League work regionally, nationally and internationally always at a ticket price that you will find affordable and fair. Our virtual approach to our business, with a strong core of talented ongoing WATT staffers in all phases of the PR and marketing field, makes this possible. That's the way we keep our clients and generate new ones.


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Macmillan's Magazine, widely agreed to be the first ever shilling periodical in Britain, was envisaged by its co-founder, the UCL Professor of English David Masson, as a forum for fiction and non-fiction. With his support and that of lawyer John Ludlow and author Thomas Hughes, the new magazine was its name from its publisher, the bookseller Alexander Macmillan. Before this point, it was standard policy for periodical articles to be written anonymously, something which was much disputed in the mid-nineteenth century, as its opponents saw it as encouraging puffery and defamation, while its proponents argued that it encouraged writerly freedom. Macmillan's was the first periodical to have all its articles signed by their authors.
Please log in to consult the article in its entirety. If you are a member (student of staff) of a subscribing institution (see List), you should be able to access the LE on campus directly (without the need to log in), and off-campus either via the institutional log in we offer, or via your institution's remote access facilities, or by creating a personal user account with your institutional email address. If you are not a member of a subscribing institution, you will need to purchase a personal subscription. For more information on how to subscribe as an individual user, please see under Individual Subcriptions.
Editors. "Macmillan's Magazine". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 August 2013
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1416, accessed 30 September 2016.]

subset: commoncrawl


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Some would say it's a no-brainer.
If you don't buy a ticket in the Mega Millions lottery, no way you're going to win the all-time record jackpot, just raised to $540 million freaking dollars.
The drawing is Friday night.
On the other hand, the odds stink.
One chance in 175.7 million.
How long is that? I'm thinking of a random person in Pennsylvania. Guess who. You did? Not good enough. Still gotta guess the person's astrological sign.


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Mottco Roofing & Construction Inc - Lago Vista, TX - Phone: (512) 267-9777
Res-Com Industries - Lago Vista, TX - Phone: (512) 835-7168
Roofing Contractors, in Lago Vista, are people who engineer the construction of roofs after taking into consideration the area, climate and other factors. A roof is the uppermost part or covering of a building that protects the building from the effects of weather like rain, sunlight, heat, cold, snow and wind. The characteristics or type of roofing depends upon the purpose of the building that it covers, and also the local traditions of construction and wider concepts of architectural design.
Governor Cuomo Launches $5 Billion Clean Energy Fund To Grow New York's Clean Energy Economy
Clean Energy Fund will advance solar, wind, energy efficiency and other clean tech industries to spur economic development and reduce harmful emissions (New York, NY) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New York State Public Service Commission's approval of a 10-year, $5 billion Clean Energy Fund to accelerate the growth of New York's clean energy economy, address climate..


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YOUNGSTOWN - In 2013, the Youngstown Phantoms set a franchise mark for wins, advanced to the playoffs for the second-straight year and were one game away from advancing to the Clark Cup Finals.
That's not enough to please fourth-year coach Anthony Noreen.
"We were happy with what we produced last year," Noreen said at the team's Media Day on Wednesday at the Covelli Centre. "On the other hand, we were nowhere pleased with the final result. Everyone within our staff and organization knows what our final goal is. We feel the way to do it is from within. The wins on the ice will take care of themselves. We need to outwork the competition with our preparation - the results will come in the end."
Article Video
Youngstown went 37-27 in 2012-13, its 10th season in operation as a junior league hockey team. Since 2009, the Phantoms have been a member of the United States Hockey League, a Tier One junior league. There's currently 190 former USHL players under contract by the NHL. Former Phantoms defenseman Scott Mayfield and goaltender Matthew Mahalak were drafted by the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes in the 2011 Entry Level Draft.
Brandon Saad, a Pittsburgh native who played when the franchise was billed as the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, plays for the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. On Monday, Nathan Walker signed a contract with the Hershey Bears. The Sydney, Australia native became the first Phantoms player to make a jump straight to the AHL (an equivalent to baseball's Triple A). Walker split time in preseason camps with the Phantoms and Washington Capitals.
"There's a lot of great history here and a lot of great players who kind of got their start in Youngstown," said first-year Phantom Alex Carle, who's made a college commitment to Merrimack. "With the success they had last year, I know we're hungry for more."
Co-captain Sean Romeo joined the Phantoms midway through the 2010 season. The goaltender went 31-20 in starts last year, made 1,398 saves and turned in five shutouts. In his first year, Youngstown went 23-30. The Phantoms have improved by an average of 11 wins since Romeo has been a consistent starter in the net.
"I don't think I have to even say anything about it," Romeo said when asked if he has to preach the team goals to new players. "They walk in and see the group we have and it's a championship-caliber team. Anything less than that, we're not going to be happy with."
Youngstown knocked out defending USHL Clark Cup champion Green Bay in the first round of the playoffs last season. It fell in a best of 5 series, three games to two, against the Dubuque Fighting Saints, who went on to win the league title.
"(The playoffs were) the most-fun thing I've ever experienced in my life," said Luke Stork, who enters his third season with the Phantoms. "Every little thing mattered and it was amazing how we all came together and played for each other."
Over the offseason, Stork committed to playing college hockey at Ohio State.
"I visited down there twice, but fell in love with it the very first time," he said. "I'm excited to be a Buckeye."
Eleven players have made college commitments already. There are seven returning veterans and 14 newcomers playing in the USHL for the first time, including Frederic Larsson, a native of Sweeden who was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012.
"It's a good mix," Noreen said. "This group is going to take our legacy to the next step."
The oldest player is Tyler Spezia, a Michigan native born on June 7, 1993. Kyle Connor, also of Michigan and a University of Michigan recruit, is the youngest. He was born on Dec. 9, 1996.
"We want to help these players get prepared for the next level of their life," Noreen said. "Whether that's college hockey, pro hockey or going out into the business world. We help guys come to Youngstown and have them look back at Youngstown in 20 years they say, 'I'm a better person, a better hockey player and I'm more prepared for life because of the time I spent in Youngstown.' "
The Phantoms started this year 0-2 with both losses coming to Team USA. They open the home slate on Friday against the Green Bay Gamblers.


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MUSKEGON, MI – A billboard carried on a trailer made its way through downtown Muskegon on Friday afternoon and no one could miss that the state's two largest public utilities are against state ballot Proposal 3.
Known as the "25-by-25" amendment to the Michigan Constitution, Proposal 3 on Tuesday's ballot mandates that 25 percent of Michigan's electricity must be from renewable sources by 2025. Michigan "renewable portfolio standard" is currently 10 percent by 2015.
The traveling billboard is sponsored by CARE – clean, affordable, renewable energy. The billboard began its tour three days ago in Mount Clemens and is traveling 800 miles "around the mitten," CARE officials said. The opposition shown against Proposal 3 included stops at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Carmen's Café, a downtown Muskegon restaurant.
Officials from Consumers Energy and DTE Energy – providers of electricity and natural gas to the Muskegon area, respectively – hosted the CARE group as it made its way through Muskegon. The two public utilities are the major supporters of the anti-Proposal 3 coalition.
The billboard group began its day in Manistee Friday morning and planned to end its trip around the state in St. Joseph later in the day.
The renewable energy mandate under Proposal 3 would need 3,100 new wind turbines built in Michigan, opponents argue. That would be one for every quarter mile the CARE group traveled with the billboard this week, group spokesman Tom Dryer said.
"We are out here to remind people about the three C's – cost, control and Constitution," Dryer said.
Proposal 3 will cost state electric users $12 billion in new renewable energy, while local communities will lose control on the location of wind farms, CARE argues. The group believes energy policy should not be placed in the state Constitution.
The proponents of Proposal 3 – Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs – come from labor unions, concerned scientists and supportive small businesses. They argue that Proposal 3 will lead to stable electric rates, job creation and improved air quality in Michigan.
"This is not about resistance to renewable energy," Dryer said. "That is important for Michigan. This is about a more sensible and flexible approach to energy policy."
Email: email@example.com
Facebook: Dave Alexander


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Jim Crow move over, the Wisconsin GOP is here
Voters will for the first time be required to show photo identification this summer in recall elections seeking to unseat several Republican legislators.
Labor independence: Not much to do with a party label
A recent article by Mike Elk illustrates what is wrong with too much of the left's thinking on labor today.
GOP: Gay friendly?
How do the potential 2012 GOP presidential nominees view the LGBT community?
Will Obama meetings on immigration reform bear fruit?
The meetings were apparently a response to pressure on the administration to back off of its aggressive immigration enforcement efforts.


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Mavericks Gallery
Mavs lose at home to the lackluster Knicks, 92-80
Photo: Brad Loper/Staff Photographer
Dallas Mavericks point guard Jose Calderon (8) is pressured by New York Knicks power forward Amar'e Stoudemire (1) and guard Beno Udrih (18) in the second half of NBA Basketball action at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, January 5, 2014.
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Diabetes Nutrition
Helping clients of all ages plan healthy diets, improve blood sugar control, lose weight, and better manage their type 2 diabetes.
Weight Management
Sustainable weight loss doesn't happen overnight. Our three and six month programs help you make changes in small increments and build upon success to develop long term changes in your lifestyle.
Pediatric Nutrition
Working with parents, children, and adolescents create habits that shape nutrition for life. From infant feeding issues to teenage athlete nutrition, we're here to help.
Providing strategies for healthy lifestyles for individuals with nutrition concerns related to:
- Chronic illness (diabetes, heart, GI, kidney or liver disease…)
- Food allergies/intolerance
- Eating disorders
- Under weight/failure to thrive
- Over-weight/obesity
- Desire to improve general health and well being.
We provide personalized nutrition therapy to help you achieve optimal nutritional health.
- Individuals: Infants, Children, Teens, Adults, Breastfeeding Moms (lactation consultation), Nutrition through the life cycle
- Families: Couples, Moms and Dads with children
- Groups: Parent groups, Professional Groups, Childcare Providers, Sports Clubs, Healthcare Providers
- Weight Management: Tailored to your needs. We work with adults and children, individuals and families. We focus on the whole person–physical, mental and spiritual health, recognizing that lifestyle change requires all three. We are very aware of the self esteem issues associated with overweight, and strive to help our clients focus on their strengths rather than weaknesses. We provide single consults as well as 3 and 6 month weight management programs .


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Marketing Coordinator
- Employer
- Music Choice
- Location
- New York
- Posted
- Feb 28, 2013
- Closes
- Mar 30, 2013
- Contact
- Ms. Human Resources
- Category
- Marketing
- Duration
- Full Time
We currently have an opening in our New York office for Marketing Coordinator.This position will be responsible for supporting the team in the promotion of all our platforms.Primary Responsibilities-Coordinate and execute marketing's inventory (stings, overlays, interstitials, LADI panels), in conjunction with Ad Sales, on all platforms (including music channels, LADI, Broadband, Basic VOD and SWRV).-Support Marketing Managers by monitoring and analyzing ShowOff, music video and Original usage reports and key metrics, by creating timely status and post-analysis summaries.-Project manage back-end traffic systems, i.e., MCS, Traffic Manager and maintain/make recommendations for system enhancements.-Collaborate with PR Manager to execute joint Marketing and Media Outreach Campaign through building label relationships to promote both Music Choice's Originals, Video Premieres and Video Milestones.Qualifications-1 - 3 years Brand Marketing and/or Promotions experience-Excellent communication and project management skills-Highly organized, collaborative and critical thinker-Self-motivated, good writing skills and the ability to positively influence people internally and externally-Outgoing, enthusiastic personality, and a "can-do" attitude.Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Music Choice offers a competitive salary and benefits package! Please copy and paste link below to apply for position or fax to (212) 563.0109****PLEASE SUBMIT COVER LETTER AND RESUME******Please note that your cover letter must be included as an additional page of the same document as your resume when uploading to your application.**http://musicchoicecareers.iapplicants.com www.musicchoice.comEOEMusic Choice offers a competitive salary and benefits package! Please copy and paste link below to apply for position or fax to (212) 563.0109****PLEASE SUBMIT COVER LETTER AND RESUME****http://musicchoicecareers.iapplicants.com www.musicchoice.comEOE


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Pinaceae -- Pine family
Robert M. Frank
Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is one of the more important conifers in the northern United States and in Canada. Within its range it may also be referred to as balsam, Canadian balsam, eastern fir, and bracted balsam fir. It is a small to medium-sized tree used primarily for pulp and light frame construction, and it is one of the most popular Christmas trees. Wildlife rely extensively on this tree for food and shelter.


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DeLand, Fla. - Sophomore Katie DiGirolamo (Bradenton, Fla.) of the Stetson sand volleyball team has been named the inaugural Atlantic Sun Conference Sand Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the league office announced Friday. Junior Alisha Hoffman (Leesburg, Fla.) was also named to the All-Conference Academic Team.
DiGirolamo ranked second on the Hatters with 16 victories, earning A-Sun All-Tournament honors with freshman partner Stephanie Marin (Naples, Fla.) to help lead Stetson to second place in the nation's first sand volleyball conference championship event. The Hatters finished 9-8 in their inaugural year as a program.
Hoffman won 11 matches in 2012, including seven times when paired with DiGirolamo. Hoffman, a Management major, and Business Administration major DiGirolamo were honored for pairing athletic achievement with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
FACEBOOK - Stetson Athletics (facebook.com/stetsonhatters); TWITTER - @StetsonSID (twitter.com/stetsonsid)


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I love tiny girls like these. So easy to pick up and throw around.
woowwwwwwwwwwwwww nice fuck......
looks like the other girl needs occupying while the brunette gets fucked, nice vid thou and lucky guy
wow these girls are cute
Any idea of the original video/movie? actress names?
two very hot ladies beautiful bodies
Hello there hello there very sexy love the body
gotta be the vogue shirt!


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Ping An Insurance
Native name
|Public company
|Financial services
|Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Area served
|People's Republic of China
Key people
|Ma Mingzhe, Chairman & CEO
|Diversified Insurance
|US$ 64.5 Billion (2012)[1]
|US$ 4.9 Billion (2012)[1]
|Total assets
|US$ 645.7 Billion (2015)[2]
Number of employees
|190,000 [1]
|China Ping An Insurance Group
Ping An (Chinese: 中国平安; pinyin: Zhōngguó Píng Ān), full name Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. is a holding company whose subsidiaries mainly deal with insurance, banking, and financial services. The company was founded in 1988 and has its headquarters in Shenzhen and Shanghai. Píng Ān (平安) literally means "safe and well".
Ping An Insurance group is the holding company of Ping An Life Insurance Company of China, Ltd. and Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance Company of China, Ltd. It also controls China Ping An Insurance Overseas (Holdings) Limited and Ping An Trust & Investment Co., Ltd. Ping An Insurance Overseas, located in Hong Kong, is a second holding company for subsidiary companies located outside of China.
Ping An Trust & Investment has the subsidiaries of Ping An Securities and Ping An Bank.
Ping An began as only a casualty insurance company. Since the mid-1990s Ping An has been diversifying into financial services from its core business of insurance and began taking investments from overseas firms. Ping An accepted investments from Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs in 1994. In 2002 HSBC took a large equity interest in Ping An. In early 2008, Ping An agreed to take a 50% share in Fortis Investments,[3] which had taken over ABN AMRO Asset Management as a result of the split up of ABN Amro in late 2007, but the deal was cancelled in October 2008.
In June 2009, Ping An became a strategic investor in Shenzhen Development Bank.[4]
Ping An has the classification as being a private company. Richard McGregor, author of The Party: The Secret World of China's Communist Rulers, said that "the true ownership of large chunks of its shares remains unclear" and that the ownership of Ping An is a "murky structure".[5] In October 2012, The New York Times reported that relatives and associates of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao controlled stakes in Ping An worth at least US$2.2 billion in 2007.[6] They paid the equivalent of 40 cents a share, others buying in the same time frame paid as much as $1.20. Thanks to favorable regulatory treatment and licensing, the firm was able to build a diverse financial firm with interests in insurance, brokerage, and banking.[7]
Although Ping An styles itself as a local Chinese insurer,[citation needed] HSBC acquired 48.22% of H shares by means of different HSBC subsidiaries. HSBC hold 16.8% of total shares of Ping An, making itself to be the biggest shareholder.[8][9] Charoen Pokphand Group of Thailand has got the clearance of USD 9.39 billion purchase of HSBC's stake.[10] On May 10, 2013, in spite of a lack of loan from the China Development Bank,[11][12] HSBC said "it was selling the 15.6 per cent stake at HK$59 a share" in Ping An to Charoen Pokphand Group.[12][13]
Since June 24, 2004 Ping An has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. SEHK: 2318 Now, it has a listing on stock exchange in Shanghai, SSE: 601318.
Ping An was chosen as an index stock of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI) replacing Anhui Expressway.
The Hang Seng Index Services Company announced on 11 May 2007 that Ping An will join as Hang Seng Index Constituent Stock (Blue Chip Stock) since 4 June 2007.
Ping An has operations across all of the People's Republic of China, and in Hong Kong and Macau through Ping An Insurance Overseas. Ping An has branches or a representative agent in 150 countries.
In 2010, Ping An's asset management arm implemented DST Global Solutions' Hiportfolio investment accounting system to run their back office operations.
- McGregor, Richard. The Party: The Secret World of China's Communist Rulers. Harper Perennial: New York, 2012. ISBN 978-0-06-170876-3. Originally published in 2010 by Allen Lane, a Penguin Books imprint.
- ^ a b c "Ping An Insurance Group Financials". Financial Times. December 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
- ^ http://www.forbes.com/global2000/list/2/#header:assets_sortreverse:true
- ^ The Ping An-Fortis Deal: Who Really Wins?, Caijing Magazine, 3 April 2008
- ^ "Ping An to invest in Shenzhen Development Bank - BusinessWeek". businessweek.com. 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
- ^ McGregor, p. 204-205.
- ^ David Barboza, "Billions in Hidden Riches for Family of Chinese Leader", The New York Times, 25 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ^ David Barboza (November 24, 2012). "Lobbying, a Windfall and a Leader's Family". The New York Times. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
- ^ http://www.cz88.net/stock/stock/601318/010/
- ^ 2009 Annual Report
- ^ "Thai tycoons go for it in multi-billion deals". Investvine.com. 2013-02-04. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
- ^ Chen Xiaoyi (January 8, 2013). "China Development Bank stops loan to Charoen Pokphand to buy Ping An". Morning Whistle. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
- ^ a b Yam, Shirley (9 February 2013). "Still too much murkiness around the details of the Ping An deal". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
- ^ "Ping An rises on HSBC stake sale to Charoen Pokphand". Bloomberg Honk Kong. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
External links[edit]
- SSE 50 companies
- Hang Seng Index Constituent Stocks
- Hang Seng China Enterprise Index Constitute Stock
- Companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Companies listed on the CSI 300
- Financial services companies of China
- Warrants issued in Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Companies based in Shenzhen
- Insurance companies of China
- Companies established in 1988
- 1988 establishments in China
- Chinese brands
- Charoen Pokphand Group
- Multinational companies headquartered in China


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on April 12, 2013 - 12:01 AM
, updated April 12, 2013 at 6:41 AM
You don't need to know that next week is National Painting Week to feel the itch to add fresh color to your home. A splash of Rapture Blue in the laundry room, perhaps? A taste of Zesty Apple in the bath? A little Late Day Sun in the foyer?
Spring has a way of making us hungry for a new palette. As one design writer put it: "Spring = painting projects." Even a small change can make a big difference.
And so can gathering a few pointers. Anyone who has fretted days, weeks, even months over paint chips knows there's much more to the process than throwing down a drop cloth and cracking open a paint can.
Turn the page for six tips to get you started – before you pick up that brush:
Tip 1: Sample the color
Whether you tape several large-size paint chips to the wall or spend a few dollars on a sample-size container of the actual paint, it's best to first live with a block of the color you're considering.
"You have to see how it looks on your wall because one color in someone's home is a completely different color in someone else's home," said Sandy Nelson, a local interior designer who runs Designs of the Times.
Among the options: Schuele Paint Co. loans out 8-inch square samples of its Benjamin Moore paint colors, for example. At Lowe's, 8-ounce color samples from Valspar's spring palette collections are among those available. Priced at $2.98 each, these contain enough paint for a 4-by-4-foot sample board or section of wall.
However you do it, get the paint color on the wall in the room. Throwing a sample on the coffee table won't work. Place it where and at the angle you intend to put it.
"Look at it over the course of a few days – in the morning, in the evening, with natural light, with sunlight, with gray skies – so you can really see how the paint changes with the available light," Nelson said.
"This is especially true with neutrals. Any of the pale earth tones – your khakis, your warm tans – change so much. They can be a beautiful paper-bag brown in the daytime, and at night they can look a sickly green. They definitely take on different tones depending on the light," she said.
Tip 2: Be a better painter
Whether you take advantage of online tools, watch HGTV or pick up pointers from a paint store or home-improvement center, it's worth taking the time to learn. The website of your favorite paint brand is one place to start. Here you'll find tips, advice, videos and more on picking colors/finishes, prepping rooms, applying paint and more. Also, keep an eye out for color-themed publications. The February issue of Better Homes and Gardens is devoted to color, with more ideas and inspiration on the website, www.bhg.com.
One tip from the magazine: "Choose colors based on the use of a room. Morning rooms can be brighter; rooms used at night can go dark," said Beth Kushnick, a set decorator.
Tip 3: Get off the walls
Be creative and put some paint in different places. You can add fresh color to the insides of cabinets, the back walls of bookcases and, a popular look now, the risers on stairs.
"You can also hand-paint shapes like headboards on a wall," Nelson said.
Tip 4: Look up
Many people think white when they think about ceilings. But a painted ceiling adds depth to a room, said color consultant/painter Jason R. Kruszka of Kruszka Interiors.
He's been painting more colored ceilings the last couple of years. He even recently painted a 10-foot-high ceiling black in a 6-by-10-foot entryway, with the walls a light gray and the trim cream.
"It's stunning. When you walk in there, it has this dramatic impact. Sometimes, the statement isn't always made on the walls. The ceiling can be the focal point. Painting a ceiling – especially a darker color – really puts a twist on the whole room," he said.
Your eye is not used to seeing it that way, so when you throw a bold color up there it is really something quite new.
Tip 5: Use the right tools
Another tip from Kruszka: A lot of people rely on tape to do their edging. The most accurate way to get a straight line is freehand, not that everyone has the skill to do that. If you have to use tape for a nice straight edge, he recommends FrogTape.
As for brushes, his top choice is an angled sash.
"I've also learned through the years to pay the extra money for a better brush. It will hold its shape better and hold its point when you are cutting in. I can get a much crisper line with the brush I use, but my brushes are 20-some dollars a brush. Not everyone wants to spend that," he said.
Tip 6: Keep an open mind
Neutrals are nice, but bold hues – what Nelson calls "Lilly Pulitzer colors," referring to the late designer's exuberant hues – are really catching on.
"I'm not a pink girl; I'm not a girly-girl. I like black, silver, white and gray. But I'm really liking these hot fuchsias, turquoises and apple greens. You can use them anywhere," Nelson said.
Try them in black and white bathrooms (picture one with apple green or turquoise walls); kids' rooms; bedrooms; backs of bookcases.
"Say you have a gray room, which is a great neutral these days. Paint the back of your bookcases a deep fuchsia and throw some fuchsia pillows on your sofa, and it really brings that exciting spark to your room," she said.
It's going to be a colorful spring.
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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The Sequencing of Reform in Transition Economies
David Barlow
Newcastle University (UK) - Economics
Roxana Radulescu
Newcastle University (UK) - Economics
Journal of Comparative Economics, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 835-850
In this paper, we examine the consequences of sequencing on the progress of reforms in transition economies. The paper uses panel logit models to determine whether or not progress in some reforms enhances the prospects for other reforms. We find that progress on small-scale privatization is associated with advances in several other reforms, perhaps because small-scale privatization creates lobbies for reform. Our estimations suggest that a comprehensive program of small-scale privatization is needed to stimulate large-scale privatization, trade, and banking reform in a country that has undertaken little reform. Moreover, if restructuring is to occur banking reform is necessary. We also find that relaxing the fiscal constraint stimulates large-scale privatization, restructuring, and trade reform. Finally, we find that negotiations about EU accession negotiations advance the transition but only in banking reform and competition policy.
Keywords: Panel logit, Transition, Reform
JEL Classification: P26, P21, C23
Date posted: March 27, 2006
Suggested Citation
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Steelers' Ryan Clark Defends Mike Tomlin
Steelers safety Ryan Clark defended Mike Tomlin on Monday, saying the seventh-year coach never intended to interfere with the Baltimore Ravens' Jacoby Jones during a kickoff return Thursday night in Baltimore.
Tomlin hopped off the field just before Jones ran past him on the way to a 73-yard return. Tomlin's right foot caused a slight change of direction by Jones and may have prevented a touchdown.
"No intent at all," Clark said following the Steelers' first practice of the week. "If he had tripped him or tackled him it would have been a different story, but he didn't. When he noticed he was in the way, he dived away."
Source: Scott Brown, ESPN.com


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Peoria Rivermen are pleased to announce that this year's "Teddy Bear Toss" will
take place during the Rivermen game against the Grand Rapids Griffins on Dec.
11, at 7 p.m. The team will also be collecting coats to donate to the Salvation
Army's Coats for Kids efforts.
are encouraged to bring a new or gently-used stuffed animal to donate by
tossing it onto the ice following the first Rivermen goal of the game. The toys will be collected and donated to the
Crittenton Centers and the Salvation Army to distribute during the holiday
season. Over the past three seasons, more
than 1,000 bears have been collected.
Salavation Army will be holding their Coats for Kids drive at Carver Arena
where fans can bring new or gently-used coats to drop off as they enter the
first 500 fans who donate a coat or bring a teddy bear to toss onto the ice
will receive a ticket voucher as they enter the arena good for any game for the
rest of the 2010-11 season (excluding April 9).
About Crittenton Centers
Crittenton Centers has been serving Peoria and all of central Illinois
since 1892. Originally conceived as a
maternity home for unwed mothers, the agency has evolved into a multi-service,
multi-million dollar not-for-profit (501c3) child welfare organization. They
serve a diverse population of children, adolescents, young adults and parents.
Crittenton is a service provider for several code Departments of the State of
Illinois including the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois
Department of Children & Family Services and the Illinois State Board of
Centers is the Rivermen's Captain's Cause for the month of December. For more information on Crittenton Centers
and the Captain's Causes program, please click HERE.


text:
Robert Baxter, 69, of Cherry Hill, a longtime performing-arts critic whose writing helped advance the South Jersey arts scene and who through the Opera Club amplified interest in opera on both sides of the river, died of pancreatic cancer Wednesday, Aug. 25, at his home.
Sweet and soft-spoken in person, Mr. Baxter was tough and authoritative in writing.
The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia revoked his free review tickets because of his constant harsh criticism of its shows.
And staffers at the Ritz Theatre Company in Haddon Township stuck pins in a stuffed walrus, like a voodoo doll, when Mr. Baxter was critical of shows they thought deserved better press.


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The Margin: San Antonio Spurs 101, Oklahoma City Thunder 98
The Margin is a quick one topic per difference in the final score, a format originated by Rob Mahoney over at the Dallas Mavericks TrueHoop blog The Two Man Game, borrowed initially by our own Graydon Gordian, and written by me for this edition. Since a last second, irrelevant James Harden three-pointer trimmed the number of points at my disposal, I will try to cram as much as I can into these three bullets:
- Oklahoma City certainly has an explosive trio in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Beyond them, however, there is little offensive depth and almost no shot creating to speak of. Even with their top three players in the game, the Thunder often field lineups with two complete non-factors on offense. The most obvious advantage is that the Spurs can clog the driving lanes that Westbrook (7-21, 17 points) and Harden (7-17, 19 points) thrive on. The underrated one is with a stationary matchup to defend the Spurs can finally play sharpshooter Gary Neal extended minutes alongside Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in the clutch. In Game 1 Neal scored seven of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, connecting on 3-4 shots and playing almost the entirety of a 39-point fourth quarter.
- In that fourth quarter the San Antonio Spurs attempted 18 free throws. Prior to that they managed a meager seven for the game. Some of the credit belongs to backup center Tiago Splitter for drawing two quick fouls to start the fourth. Though his free throw shooting has dropped of a cliff in these playoffs, his ability to draw fouls still remains an overall plus, especially when it helps get the Spurs in the bonus early–at which time Manu Ginobili feasts on drawing fouls and getting free throws (five fourth quarter attempts).
- His role has lessened since his first stint here in San Antonio, his numbers declining, but Stephen Jackson still has some valuable contributions left for this team. Gregg Popovich and his teammates have an unwavering trust in Jackson, as evident by him playing the entirety of the fourth quarter–all of it guarding the NBA's most potent scorer. In Game 1 Jackson validated that trust, doing an admirable job in denying Durant easy catches and holding him up long enough for help defenders to arrive. That he hit a big three-pointer in the fourth quarter just adds to the mythology of Stephen Jackson in San Antonio.


text:
Your medical chart could include exercise minutes
CHICAGO -- Roll up a sleeve for the blood pressure cuff. Stick out a wrist for the pulse-taking. Lift your tongue for the thermometer. Report how many minutes you are active or getting exercise.
Wait, what?
If the last item isn't part of the usual drill at your doctor's office, a movement is afoot to change that. One recent national survey indicated only a third of Americans said their doctors asked about or prescribed physical activity.
Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest nonprofit health insurance plans, made a big push a few years ago to get its southern California doctors to ask patients about exercise. Since then, Kaiser has expanded the program across California and to several other states. Now almost 9 million patients are asked at every visit, and some other medical systems are doing it, too.
It's a challenge to make progress. A study looking at the first year of Kaiser's effort showed more than a third of patients said they never exercise.


text:
Sajal Ali has cute and innocent smile.
Biography of Sajal AliBirthday January 17, 1994 at Lahore
Residence at Karachi
1st Debut Play Mehmoodab Ki Malkayn
We are Creative Blogger Theme Wavers which provides user friendly, effective and easy to use themes. Each support has free and providing HD support screen casting.


text:
The Sysadmin's Daily Grind: Mod_evasive
The Apache web server can fight back against DoS attacks. You just need a little help from Mod_evasive.
Every admin knows and hates Denial-of-Service attacks. No matter whether the perpetrator is plain stupid, malevolent, or sick, a massive barrage of incessant requests directed at the server causes the server to freeze and pushes the admin's adrenalin levels way up. Web servers are most commonly attacked. AEMM gives Apache a self-defense mechanism. The package name "Apache Evasive Maneuvers Module" is too long for many people's liking, and most admins simply refer to it as Mod_evasive [1] – although this is actually just the name of the AEMM Apache module. Under the hood, Mod_evasive uses a blacklist. The module checks incoming requests against the list to find out if multiple requests of the same type have been received from the same IP in the last few seconds. The threshold values are configurable. At the same time, Mod_evasive checks if the requester has called more than 50 objects in the last second.
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Nextcloud Announces Raspberry Pi-Powered Home Cloud Box
Innovative system adds a hard drive and Ubuntu Core to the RPi for an IoT hub.
Linus Torvalds Confirms the Date of the First Linux Release
Linux is two weeks younger than we thought!
End of OpenOffice?
The Apache Software Foundation considers retiring OpenOffice
Adobe Gives New Life to NPAPI Plugin for Linux
Adobe won't kill the plugin in 2017
LinuxCon North America Convenes in Toronto, Canada
Linux Foundation's big event celebrates the 25th anniversary of Linux
Linux Turns 25
Linux has evolved from "won't be a professional" project to one of the most professional software projects in the history of computers.
Mirantis Joins Hands with SUSE To Offer RHEL Support; Red Hat Not Happy
Competitors get in the game with RHEL without Red Hat
Linux on Windows 10 Poses a Security Risk
Security researchers have already notified Microsoft; some fixes are available
Mirantis to Refactor OpenStack Fuel for Kubernetes
The company is collaborating with Google and Intel to use Kubernetes as an engine for Fuel
Canonical Joins Document Foundation Advisory Board
The upcoming release of LibreOffice will be available as a snap package


text:
The reference library is a non-lending library comprising approximately 46,000 volumes, among them 150 current periodicals, 5100 manuscript catalogues, 550 incunabula catalogues, 2400 facsimiles and 2000 antiquarian books catalogues, furthermore over 2200 microfilms and numerous microfiches covering manuscripts which are not kept in the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek. Apart from this, also numerous photograph albums are available, containing image material from the manuscript collection of the department.
The collections of the reference library - recognizable by the initial shelf mark component "Hbh" - are indexed and catalogued in the OPACplus; a part of the shelf marks still has to be searched in a dictionary catalogue (containing authors, anonymous titles, keywords in alphabetical order).
The volumes of the reference library are shelved according to subject areas. Wherever necessary, the subject areas are subdivided into countries, locations and/or persons, respectively in alphabetical order, thus e. g. the manuscript catalogues (E) are subdivided geographically according to locations in alphabetical order (Ea - Ez). The literature on printed books has not yet been categorized systematically. All the works belonging to this area are kept behind the lending desk of the reading room. They bear the shelf mark "Zw" and can be ordered using a yellow order slip.
Media units taken from the shelves in the gallery should not be returned there by the users themselves, but be put in a specially marked shelf compartment for this purpose.
New acquisitions are regularly presented to the visitors of the reference library on an extra table.


text:
News & Events
A-Z Index
Quick Links
Search UTPA
UTPA Helpdesk
About WRSC Facilities
Virtual Tour
Facility Usage Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Faculty & Staff
Personal Training
Certifications / Special Programs & Events
Intramural Sports Home
UTPA IM Leagues
Policies and Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Club Sports Home
Current Clubs
Policies and Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheer and Dance
Meet the Team
Try-outs »
General Information
Cheerleading Responsibilities
Photo Gallery
UCA Summer Camps
Instructional DVDs
Contact Us
Bucky (Mascot)
Cheerleading Responsibilities
Cheer Team members are representatives of The University of Texas-Pan American in and out of uniform and will be expected to uphold the highest standards of moral conduct at all times. This includes social networking, Facebook, twitter, etc.
A respectful and positive attitude must be maintained toward all team members, coaches, and UTPA representatives including faculty and staff.
Any Cheer Team member under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a practice, game, event, or function will be terminated from the team immediately. Moreover, unannounced drug tests can be administered.
All members of the UTPA Cheer program are expected and required to comply, on and off campus, with the Student Code of Conduct and to observe standards of conduct appropriate for an academic institution. Violations of University-established policies or regulations, the Student Code of Conduct and the Handbook of Operating Procedures are subject to referral to Student
Judicial Services and are grounds for termination from the squad.
Academics and Cheer Team activities will be Cheer Team member�s top priorities.
Cheer Team members are required to attend and participate in all practices and conditioning sessions, athletic games, and all other designated UTPA events. Absences can be excused at the discretion of the Cheerleading Coaches and /or Administrator. Three unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the team. Extenuating circumstances should be discussed with coaches and or administrators to make reasonable accommodations.
All team members must be on time and dressed with the appropriate uniform including accessories or any wear to all practices and events. All tattoos must be covered for games and appearances. Failure to show up on time will result in team conditioning. Excuses for being late will not be tolerated.
Safety of all members is crucial so therefore anything that would put teammates at risk for injury will not be tolerated. This includes horse playing at any time, wearing any type of jewelry, nails should be groomed and no longer than the end of the finger, hair should be off shoulders and out of face and no stunting without certified coach or administrator.
Sportsmanlike conduct must be maintained at all times. Verbal abuse and cursing, at any event, will not be tolerated.
Cheer Team members will actively participate in fundraising projects, benefit performances, and volunteer work for the community however in all circumstances University Events will take priority.
Cheer Team members must commit themselves to UTPA and the Cheer Program for the term of one school year, both Fall and Spring semesters.
Dismissal or voluntary resignation from the team will result in revocation of the member�s scholarship (if applicable).
The University of Texas-Pan American
1201 W University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Division of Student Affairs
Contact UTPA
Internet Services


text:
No Jitters For Alex Cobb Throwing BP
RHP Alex Cobb said there were no nerves or anxiety as he stepped on the mound Sunday to face hitters for the first time since being struck in the head with a line drive June 15.
Cobb (concussion) didn't even use a protective screen in the three-inning live batting practice session because he wanted it to be "gamelike." And though Cobb's command wasn't game-ready, he was happy with how he felt in taking a significant step in his recovery.
"It's a relief," Cobb said. "When the incident happens, you think the worst naturally. So being back out there kind of settles your nerves and you realize that you can do it again. So I'm happy."


text:
Edinboro's Watts steps down as track and field, cross country coach
For decades, the track and field and cross country teams in the PSAC West were trying to scale the bar set extremely high by Edinboro coach Doug Watts.
On Thursday, Watts, who coached cross country and track and field for 44 years at Edinboro, announced that he will step down as head coach at the end of the season.
Since Watts arrived in 1969, Watts' teams collected six national titles, six Division II runner-up trophies and a plethora of All-Americans, especially distance runners. In cross country, his men's teams have won 29 PSAC titles, 22 regional crowns and four national champions. His women's teams were in the top five in nationals five times, with 15 PSAC championships and 11 regional titles.
This past season, the men's team finished ninth in the NCAA Division II championships and the women 14th.
Three runners earned All-American honors, giving him 102 in cross country plus many more in track and field.
That success meant induction into the U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010.
"Needless to say, this is a large loss for Edinboro University in the sport of running,'' athletic director Bruce Baumgartner stated in a news release. "We knew eventually that this day would come, but it seemed that he was getting younger, not older. I don't know if you'll ever see a coach stay for so long at one school, and I do know that any coach will be hard-pressed to match his standards from a running and academic sense."
Watts will maintain a role as a volunteer assistant while aiding in the coaching transition in the years to come.
Slippery Rock cross country and track and field coach John Papa, who has been with the Rock 27 seasons, said Watts set the standard in PSAC.
"We've been chasing Doug for years, because he set the bar so high,'' Papa said.
"He made the PSAC what it is, especially in the West. In the late 1970s, when I was competing, he not only had dominant runners in cross country, but his track and field teams were also exceptional," Papa said.
Papa said Watts sought out the best competition.
"Doug set a trend by taking his teams to meets against teams from Division I during spring breaks, which was never done before, and Edinboro would be very successful,'' Papa said.
Considered a "legend" who is both humble and humorous, Watts took a great joy in academic success.
His 2012 women's cross country team had a 3.63 GPA, highest among all 32 teams qualifying for nationals.
"I only wanted to be a teacher,'' Watts said. "I don't know if I ever considered myself as a coach first. Education is not the same objective as professional sports. Winning is not the only thing. All I ever aspired to do was try to create an environment where kids had the support to attempt to achieve the best they could be.''
A 2004 inductee into the Edinboro Athletic Hall of Fame, Watts won his 10th PSAC men's cross country coach of the year honors in 2012 and has won the women's award seven times, and has five national coach of the year awards.
"My image is defined by the many, many miles of hard training and dedication to performing at the best of one's ability by a lot of quality student athletes,'' Watts said.
A 1964 graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Health and Physical Education, Watts, who began his coaching career at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, resides in Edinboro with his wife Margaret and have two adult children, Wendy and Christopher.


text:
HUBBARD - East Palestine's perfect regular season translated well into the Inter-Tri County League upper tier tournament on Wednesday at Pine Lakes Golf Club.
The Bulldogs shot 338 as a team to claim the ITCL upper tier crown. East Palestine posted a 14-0 league record as well as a 17-0 overall match record in the regular season.
"It was a long day but a rewarding day," East Palestine coach Bob Hall said. "The course was playing tough but our guys hung in there and did a terrific job."
For the Bulldogs, Ryen Kemp led the way with an 82, Alec Dumbauld 83, Andy Ellis 86 and Phil Gerner 87. Of the low scorers, only Dumbauld is a senior.
"It's been a team effort for us all season long," Hall said. "We don't have guys that will shoot really low scores, but we won't shoot any really high ones either. We've just been very consistent week in and week out."
The Bulldogs have lost one regular-season match in the last two years. The Bulldogs begin sectional play on Tuesday at Elms Country Club in Massillon. Sixteen teams will compete, with the top four advancing to districts.
"These kids have done a great job building this program the last few years," Hall said. "When I started four years ago there weren't many kids out for the team, but interest has grown and these guys did a great job working during the summer to improve their games. The results have shown."
It was East Palestine's first league title in the eight years of the ITCL.
United senior Bradley Miller took medalist honors for the second straight season with 6-over-par 78.
Jackson-Milton topped the lower tier teams in Tuesday's tournament, but Western Reserve took second to capture its third league title in four years.
Western Reserve went 13-1 in the regular season and 16-1 overall.
The Blue Devils shot a 350 on Tuesday, one stroke behind Jackson-Milton.
Western Reserve's Nolan Snyder topped all golfers with a 75.
See Thursday's Morning Journal for complete tournament results.


text:
Ultra USB Graphics Adapter - 1 Port, USB 2.0 to DVI, 1920 x 1080, With DVI to VGA and HDMI Adapters - U12-40889Item#: U12-40889 | Model#: U12-40889
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Ultra USB 2.0 to DVI/VGA/HDMI Graphics Adapter Product Details
Add additional displays to your computer effortlessly with the Ultra U12-40889 USB Graphics Adapter. The Ultra USB Graphics Adapter features a maximum 1080p resolution of 1920 x 1080 and its USB powered. The Ultra USB Graphics Adapter allow up to 6 devices* to work simultaneously on a single PC. The Ultra U12-40889 USB Graphics Adapter includes DVI to VGA and DVI to HDMI adapters. Purchase the Ultra USB Graphics Adapter today!
Important Note: The USB Graphics Adapter does not feature an audio option or support for non Intel processors under Mac OS X 10.8 or earlier. Additional display adapters are also required for multiple monitors (one per device).
What It Is and Why You Need It:
- Supports 1080p Resolution
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text: High-End Adult Halloween Costumes (Up to 50% Off) Flag this deal What's the matter? Choose a reason Dead deal Duplicate Bad link Spam Inaccurate No value Alive again Edit deal nofilter Oct 10, 2012 This discount prices at groupon.com we enjoy much. We choose what to buy, thanks. Reply Load More Comments


text:
Nikon D80 Review
Latest Camera Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 Review
The new Nikon D80 is Nikon's latest entry into the fiercely competitive "enthusiast" DSLR camera sector. Effectively replacing the 15 month old D70s, the Nikon D80 retains the same body and general design, whilst borrowing features from the newer and more expensive D200 camera. So is the D80 a worthy upgrade to the popular D70 / D70s, and does it compete with the growing number of mid-range DSLRs?
Website: Nikon D80 Review
Your Comments
5 Comments | Newest Oldest First | Post a Comment
Small correction: the D80 body is based on the D50 and the main addition is an extra command dial. The D70 body was much bigger.
I love Nikon D800!!! I want buy, please send me information to email...
I bought this Nikon D80 with a 28 - 210mm Nikkor D lens - it is simply be best camera I have ever used. I thoroughly recommend it. I upgraded from a Nikon F90X with a combination of lenses and a pentax optio 555 compact - the latter of which I still use. The Nikon takes astonishing pictures. I dropped it onto a concrete floor within 10 mins of buying it (nearly a year ago) - you could hear the gasps of sympathy of the rest of the bar - as they had just watched me upwrap it and set it up!! The Nikon was unblemished and completely unscathed to my amazement! Since then it has been round the world and taking pictures of my 3 year old - the point and shoot is what I use the most and I have some astounding pictures of her which are blown up to large sizes and fantastically clear. Even my sceptical wife is very impressed (I buy far too many expensive gadgets for her liking!) and has commented that when we went to Canada to go whale and bear watching - the camera paid for itself with the pictures I took - with minimal effort. As a final note - I have had several Canon's - camcorder, still 35mm and digital cameras - and all of them have broken down several times - I will never buy that make again as most disappointed. (Same for Sony TV's and videos in the past - now buy Philips and Panasonic - no problems ever since doing so)
I bought the D80 to replace a Coolpix 8700. Having used both together for the last year I can tell you the the simpler and lower resolution 8700 delivers better and more consistant results.
a very good review
thanks for sharing


text:
Sales Engineer | FAMCO | Dubai
Al Futtaim Group - UAE
Ref. JB1774795
Job Description
FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co.) is a market leading supplier of products & services to a diverse range of industries & commercial undertakings covering the transportation, construction, manufacturing, warehousing, oil & gas and marine sectors. FAMCO serves these industries with world-class brands like Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Volvo Construction Equipment, Merlo, Ingersoll Rand, Linde, Dexion, Yanmar, Himoinsa, Stanley Proto, Fenner, Bruynzeel, Mobel Linea, Meco, Bott, Stertil, Hart & Nassau.
FAMCO has operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & Ras Al Khaimah. The company's development and success has been based on an in-depth understanding of customer needs and the dedication of its skilled staff.
FAMCO is committed to providing outstanding second-to-none service levels to customers and to maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards at the highest possible levels. FAMCO is an ISO 9001:
2004 certified company.
About the Job:
We are looking to recruit a Sales Engineer for our Dubai branch.
Key functons and accountabilities of this role include;
- To plan and carry out direct sales and marketing activities to major accounts.
- To identify and develop new sales accounts leading to the implementation and delivery of the set budget in the accountable territory.
- The job holder shall continuously strive to achieve outstanding customer service, have an excellent understanding of the customer's commercial transport applications and be able to translate our product features into added value benefits to our client's.
Key Tasks
- Implement divisional set strategies to achieve growth objectives and enhance overall sales achievements.
- Plan and carry out direct field sales activities within the assigned territory to meet agreed budgets, sales volumes, values, product mix and timescales.
- Manage and follow up existing key accounts in the different market segments within the territory. Aim to achieve outstanding customer service performance as measured by monthly CSI's.
- Implement the Market segmentation strategies; geographically and by type of business. Screen the designated territory and classify customers accordingly.
- To prepare tenders technical offers and to check all legal terms and conditions.
- Support local marketing activities to agreed budgets and timescales, and integrate efforts with other organized marketing activities, eg., product launches, promotions, advertising, and exhibitions.
- To regularly review sales targets as well as ensure proper collection of receivables & debtor days.
- Attend training and to develop relevant knowledge, techniques and skills.
- Prepare and deliver product technical presentations that explain product features, competitive advantages or services to prospective customers.
- Negotiate terms and condition of an agreement and conclude sales deals;
The selected candidate will have the following skills and qualifications and;
- Degree in Business administration or Mechanical /Electrical Engineering
- Team player, Exceptional Presentation Skills, Proactive work style, creativity, energy
- Proficiency in the use of Personal Computers, and knowledge of Microsoft applications.
- Professional experience in the Truck Business, medium or heavy duty. Commercial Automotive or Heavy Equipment.
- Vast Knowledge of the local Gulf market dynamics. Able to communicate fluently in English and Arabic written and spoken.
- Minimum of 5 years of Sales experience
Job Details
- Ref.:
- Job Location:
- United Arab Emirates
- Company Industry:
- Automotive; Mechanical
- Company Type:
- Employer (Private Sector)
- Job Role:
- Other
- Employment Status:
- Unspecified
- Employment Type:
- Employee
- Monthly Salary Range:
- Unspecified
- Number of Vacancies:
- 1
Preferred Candidate
- Career Level:
- Mid Career
- Years of Experience:
- Unspecified
- Residence Location:
- Unspecified
- Gender:
- Unspecified
- Nationality:
- Unspecified
- Degree:
- Unspecified
Follow This Company Unfollow This Company
About This Company
Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim is one of the most progressive regional business houses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into six divisions; automotive, retail, electronics, engineering and technology, real estate, financial services and general services, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 60 companies and maintains a decentralised approach, giving individual businesses flexibility and versatility to maintain a competitive stance. Employing in excess of 20,000 people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore and Europe, this approach benefits employees, providing a clearly defined work culture where individuals are empowered with authority and responsibility for their work. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change whilst upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility. The majority of businesses, built on a portfolio of world leading brands, dominate their sector.


text:
Milla wrote: HAS ANYBODY TAKEN NOTICE OF THE FACT THAT THE "OTHER ACTORS" BOARD HAS BEEND INVADED BY megmeg122 AND HER ASHTON?! BIZARRE!
i finally had a belly button piercing
my hair is now as short as mandy moore's
then i dyed it auburn brown
i moved in to a new apartment with some friends
chantoir wrote: 2. my hair is now as short as mandy moore's
for me, i'm interest about a man, and he said that you're damn pretty cactus!!! (quite jalous lise !!)
Where did you have yours done? I've no plans of getting one but I'm looking for a decent tattoo place.
Wow, I've never cut my hair that short since grade school. I color my hair with reddish tints too.
Robinson's Place Ermita. There's a "tiangge" near the food court and you can find Mr. I-forgot-his-name's tattoo/piercing area alongside displays of accessories, clothes,...He's a friend of my friend that's why I obliged to have my navel pierced there. So far, it's all good, no infection whatsoever (that's the only thing I was so concerned about). Now I'm thinking of having just a small tattoo hehe...
Somewhere in Pasay. Not really as chic as the apartment of the SATC girls. But it's definitely more decent than the room I used to rent in Sampaloc. How about you? Living alone or living with someone?
how are you doing...?
oooh...but i cant stand all this christmas sh** around me right now,to early...plus,my city is very kinda traditional when it comes to X-mas!!!
anyway,i alway just let it pass me by and try not to notice the holy-commercial-overkill
BTW,where has the dirty stuff gone...seems like we're getting old and rotten eh???
i need some boys talk ...FAST...or i come down to wondering what santaclaus is hiding underneath!!! Â
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
• Tumor-specific T-cell clones were derived from spleen cells of mice bearing a syngeneic PHS-5 tumor (a P815 mastocytoma mutant). Cells were expanded in vitro and characterized and assayed for activity against the relevant tumor in vivo. Clone cells were CD4−, CD8+ T lymphocytes, as determined by fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis and were specifically cytotoxic against P815 tumor cells in vitro, as shown in chromium 51 release assays. These cells require both antigen and interleukin 2 to proliferate; neither alone is sufficient, even with the addition of interleukin 1. In an experimental P815 liver metastasis model, the adoptive transfer of GD11 or GD11.17 clone cells and injection of recombinant interleukin 2 (7500 U intraperitoneally) 3 days after infusion of tumor cells reduced the number of tumor nodules, while the adoptive transfer of lymphokine-activated killer cells was ineffective.
(Arch Surg. 1991;126:447-452)
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text:
Samsung reconfirms Galaxy S II is getting ICS
39 Comments
1. nmerry77 (Posts: 39; Member since: 28 Mar 2010)
I wish the GS2 had a Keyboard!!! I have the Orig. Epic 4g and I love it!! But i dont want a phone with out a physical keyboard....guess il have to pass on this Amaizing Device! :(
3. roldefol (Posts: 4242; Member since: 28 Jan 2011)
Good luck with that one. Keyboards are going the way of the dodo. Ask around here... phones with 4"+ screens are easy enough to type on that the physical qwerty is no longer a necessity. There will be a few coming to the market like the Captivate Glide and Droid 4, but not many.
16. Ivan6479 (Posts: 249; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Well I have to agree with \"roldefol\" on this one. I was hesitant to convert myself as my last device was the Nokia N97 (Which is touch with a slide out keyboard), but I made the choice to go with the GS2 and I must say I couldn\'t be happier!! The thing is, things are always changing, so we have to be willing and able to adapt to change or else we will get left behind. Physical keyboards may soon be a thing of the past. Oh and to be totally honest I think I can text much faster with the swype keyboard that comes pre-installed on the GS2, but that's just me.
24. McLTE (Posts: 821; Member since: 18 Oct 2011)
I agree. I was a die-hard former physical keyboard guy who INSISTED on having one.
Well.. my physical keyboard for my D1 failed me so I have been forced to use the virutal.
At times, I can get the physical keyboard to work, but I've found that it's just not nearly as fast to type on anymore, and my thumbs get a bit tired!
I'm ready for the Nexus keyboard in it's 4.65" screen glory.. I think it will be a very easy device to type on.
I will say this about physical keyboards though.. I STILL absolutely love my blackberry keyboard.. if I could get an awesome high end Android phone with a blackberry type keyboard, it would be VERY difficult to pass up.
26. KingKurogiii (Posts: 5711; Member since: 23 Oct 2011)
well the Droid Pro is due for a successor. c:
you should get a warranty replacement for your Droid before you get your Nexus. they might send you a Droid 3 or at least a Droid 2 Global. you can sell either of those for more than what you can your Droid but if they send you a Droid 3 you might like it and decide to keep it until the Droid 4 comes out and you can use your upgrade on it. i still very much like my Droid 3. it even beats out the Bionic for me when i compare my dad's Bionic with my 3.
2. GALAXY-S (Posts: 701; Member since: 07 Jun 2011)
ICS will go perfect with this phone! i just wonder when the update will be pushed in the U.S maybe Q2 of 2012 or Q3 ??? (stupid U.S carriers )
4. ajac09 (Posts: 1481; Member since: 30 Sep 2009)
a 4.56 in screen phone + keyboard omg that would be incredible.
5. nmerry77 (Posts: 39; Member since: 28 Mar 2010)
i know right!!! Thats exactly what im looking for!!!! I love My orig. Epic 4 G and wont be givin it up anytime soon unless an amaizing phone with a Keybord comes out!
6. roldefol (Posts: 4242; Member since: 28 Jan 2011)
And you'll be looking for a long time! The fanbase for keyboards is so small, you're not going to see one on a super high end device because they're designed for the masses. The closest thing coming is the Droid 4 (similar to the Razr), but that's only a 4" screen.
I love my keyboards, but you gotta change with the times.
7. faisal8708 (Posts: 104; Member since: 15 Nov 2011)
I love Fandroids praying,hoping and sometimes even begging for an update thats pathetic
8. EclipseGSX (Posts: 1717; Member since: 18 Oct 2011)
attempting to insult them is even more pathetic
10. JonGarrett (Posts: 29; Member since: 06 Aug 2011)
wanna know whats really pathetic?
waiting 16 months for a "flagship" iPhone that has 6 month old Android features, a s**tty battery, the same antennae issue as the iPhone 4 and going on its 3rd OS version within 30 days of the phone's launch.
oh, and still trying to fix the muted calls and echo problems.
11. windowsRocks (Posts: 152; Member since: 28 Oct 2011)
Becoz fandroids know that Android's next version is gonna be awesome unlike Battery draining iOS 4
38. abdane (Posts: 494; Member since: 07 Oct 2011)
you are a pathetic arabian dude ! f**k off -_-
9. windowsRocks (Posts: 152; Member since: 28 Oct 2011)
Becoz fandroids know that Android's next version is gonna be awesome unlike Battery draining iOS 4
12. JonGarrett (Posts: 29; Member since: 06 Aug 2011)
you mean battery draining iOS 5.0, iOS 5.0.1 and in a about a week, iOS 5.0.2
3 versions of their OS within 30 days release of its 16 month old flagship phone !!
23. NotaFanBoy (Posts: 10; Member since: 17 Nov 2011)
They're minor updates which Android has had plenty of. Also, the android os has always had battery issues.
35. networkdood (Posts: 6330; Member since: 31 Mar 2010)
Not on my GALNET MIUI ROM captivate....
13. windowsRocks (Posts: 152; Member since: 28 Oct 2011)
iOS has got something new to steal from Android-How to solve battery draining problem?
14. mozes316 (Posts: 142; Member since: 30 Sep 2011)
Meanwhile in the Middle East...
15. taz89 (Posts: 2014; Member since: 03 May 2011)
cant wait to get it...my guess the unlocked versions will get it some time after the gs3 is announced/releasded with tw5.0
17. gallitoking (Posts: 4718; Member since: 17 May 2011)
and they say i talk a lot and dont say anything... this article... was written by a foghorn leghorn wannabe....
30. RORYREVOLUTION (Posts: 3108; Member since: 12 Jan 2010)
Are you okay? You seem....to...be...out...of...breath...when...you....post....
32. gallitoking (Posts: 4718; Member since: 17 May 2011)
actually first time I heard that one .. so.. will not respond in my typical matter... good one... surprise it came from you.. it made me laugh..
18. KingKurogiii (Posts: 5711; Member since: 23 Oct 2011)
i still prefer my keyboard too. i actually had a chance to trade my Droid 3 for a Droid Bionic but i didn't do it. i've compared my phone to my dad's own Bionic a few times and i just don't like it as much as my Droid 3. they perform the same, the Droid 3 feels better to me, pixel density is better on the 4.0" display and the keyboard is fantastic on the Droid 3, i can probably go without a keyboard now but i still like having my keyboard because i can type faster on my keyboard than i ever can on a touchscreen. it's pure control. my next phone will either be a Droid 4 or a Droid 5 that comes after that.
21. remixfa (Posts: 14255; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)
dude, it took me FOREVER to work up the nerve to get rid of the keyboard. If the SGS1 wasnt so awesome compared to everything else out at the time, I probably wouldnt have.. I'm just too clumsy lol. That n swype.
I still miss the keyboard some days, but its not so bad.
u can do it KK! :) throw away that big hefty and thick keyboard!! :)
39. roscuthiii (Posts: 2217; Member since: 18 Jul 2010)
The one problem I've always had with the touch-only interface is that I can't see through my hands. It could be a colorfully vibrant 1080p 3D display but using it still means I'd be looking at the back of my knuckles.
I think this is one of the reasons everyone has been clamoring for larger screen sizes. So they can actually use and SEE the boasted beautiful display at the same time
It's why I still prefer keyboards, other then the actual tactile feel, not just haptic vibrations that is.
19. nyamo (Posts: 274; Member since: 19 Mar 2011)
thats the joy of xda. i may have a carrier phone, but my updates will come months ahead of the official release. anyone not wanting to play the waiting game with carriers just need to root their phone. thats what android is all about
20. imkyle (Posts: 1073; Member since: 18 Nov 2010)
Samsung you are making my purchase of this phone for $750 unlocked worth the money :-) keep em coming.
22. NotaFanBoy (Posts: 10; Member since: 17 Nov 2011)
What I find funny is that an Android device requires a powerful processor just to run efficiently while the iPhone 4S was reportedly clocked at 800mhz. So which is the more secure os(Android's malware is now at a 472% increase), smoother running, and is less of a battery hog (since android has always had battery issues)? Hmmm!
25. KingKurogiii (Posts: 5711; Member since: 23 Oct 2011)
you have no idea what you're talking about guy.
27. NotaFanBoy (Posts: 10; Member since: 17 Nov 2011)
This a post was actually a response to another post, not on the article itself. But what I'm saying is 100% accurate. If you can correct me where I'm wrong, then go right ahead. It's obvious that you're an Android over iPhone person. I will admit that ICS does look good.
28. KingKurogiii (Posts: 5711; Member since: 23 Oct 2011)
i don't care what you're responding to. i didn't call you a troll or anything i'm just saying you don't understand what you're saying. the iPhone's A5 may be clocked at 800MHz but it's still the most powerful mobile SoC available (other than the Tegra III but that's not quite available yet) the processor doesn't really need to be clocked higher because the iPhone is an App Launcher. Android is a true multitasking platform which requires more power. visualize the two platforms like Jenga Towers. the iPhone's Jenga Tower is only two levels of blocks high and a Galaxy S II's Tower is five levels high. naturally the iPhone's tower is more stable but that's only because it doesn't have as much to keep stable, that's due to limited iOS functionality and Apple's Tight Grip on the platform. Android's Tower on the other hand stands taller which represents the added factors to the platform such as more extensive functionality and being an open platform, there's a few wobbly blocks every now and then due to bad coding by amateur third party developers or OEMs but the support is stable and as the tower is growing the blocks are becoming more stable and uniformed. as far as battery life is concerned it's true Android isn't the most battery efficient platform on the market but what would be more battery efficient than an App Launcher with limited multitasking capabilities? battery life isn't that bad considering what you're getting in return and besides i've read about "Battery Gate" guy so make sure your door step is swept before you come inspecting anyone else's.
31. NotaFanBoy (Posts: 10; Member since: 17 Nov 2011)
I understand exactly what you're saying and agree 100% but I'm standing by what I said based off of personal experience and doing a little reading on both operating systems. Granted the Android OS requires more power because of multi-tasking (like you said) but iOS is still more superior due to Apple's "Tight Grip" on the platform leaving less room for error and better quality apps. Both have their advantages over one another. Just leaving my opinion for the Android Fanboys who say that iOS is a crappy system compared to Android.
36. networkdood (Posts: 6330; Member since: 31 Mar 2010)
....you mean "DEATH GRIP?"
33. KingKurogiii (Posts: 5711; Member since: 23 Oct 2011)
anyone who dispute Apple\'s quality is a fool but being a Android Fanboy myself i think there\'s a lot more allure with Android especially with Ice Cream Sandwich.
34. NotaFanBoy (Posts: 10; Member since: 17 Nov 2011)
I can also agree with that. Looks like there's a lot to ICS. Definitely interested in seeing what comes out of it.
37. networkdood (Posts: 6330; Member since: 31 Mar 2010)
CUSTOMIZATION......ANDROID wins every time...


text:
63 User Reviews of Norwegian Star Cruise Ship
This was cruise #6 for my wife & me. We have previously sailed in the Caribbean on Premier-Oceanic (now defunct, was the official cruise line of Disney when we sailed on it back in 1989), Royal Caribbean-Sovereign of the Seas, Celebrity-Century, and Windjammer-Polynesia. We also sailed on Princess-Dawn in Alaska.
We were in room 10730, an outside stateroom with a balcony on deck 10. The room was above average; the shower and fixtures are very nice. However, the patio sliding doors are a major pain. When you go outside on patio, you can slide door shut, but not lock it. As the ship tilts from right to left and back, the door slams open and shut. If left open, all the air conditioning escapes from room. We complained twice without any response. Our neighbor's patio doors slamming back and forth woke us up several mornings. Eventually, we figured a way to jam the tail end of my scuba fin in door and prevent it from sliding. This problem is probably more acute in the front and rear of ship than the sides.
Cruising down to Fanning, the sea was rough. I heardit should be calmer in the summer. How rough? Well they had to drain the small pool in Spa area because the water was splashing out and hitting ceiling. The rocking was from the front to the rear, not side to side. Neither of us has ever been seasick and it did not bother us in the least. I find it soothing to sleep with the ship rocking.
I like the concept of Freestyle dining as an option. They advertise eat when you want, where you want. That is not reality. This was a Christmas cruise and it was jam packed; 1800 adults & 600 kids. Dinners on Christmas Eve and day were nightmares in main dining rooms. People were stacked in stairways complaining. I know some waited over 2 hours. Of course, they were some parties of 20 to 25 people and this backed things up. My wife & I learned it was best to eat late. We would typically eat appetizers in Las Ramblas on Deck 13 (very good), go to early show, lounge around at then eat dinner at 9:30PM. At that time the crowds had thinned. Also, when booking reservations at alternative restaurants (we dined at La Trattoria and Endless summer), the only times available were late around 9:30PM. So, if you are flexible on when you eat, it is not that bad. We found the food to be good, not exceptional and not on same level as some of the other cruise ships we have sailed. We never dined in the pay restaurants. Not once, did I think the service was exceptional. Occasionally it was good, but mostly it was slow. In traditional cruising, you have a wait staff that knows you and the little things, like learning you want ice tea and bringing it before you ask. With Freestyle, you never get to know your wait staff and never receive this personalized service.
The Star tenders at Kona, Fanning, and Lahaina in Maui. You will dock at Nawillwilli in Kauai and in Honolulu. If you book an early shore excursion through NCL, you will leave ship on first tenders and do not need to get a tender ticket. Your shore excursion ticket will list that its serves as a tender ticket. They glance to ensure you have these tickets before letting you off ship.
On the 12-23-01 sailing, no passengers were allowed to go ashore at Fanning Island. It was for "our safety". It was a rough when we arrived but by 9:00AM it had calmed down. At 9:15AM, they announced the decision not to go ashore. I think it was because they knew from the week before they would not be able to get everyone off and then back on in time. So, they played the safety trump card. You don't have to refund any money if you make a decision based on safety. We did complain to Front Desk manager and asked for same consideration as 12-16 sailing, $200 per cabin credit. We were denied. However, they did grant us $150 credit for another problem we discussed.
My wife & I are fairly active. We went kayaking and snorkeling in Kona, booked a Luau on our own in Maui, went scuba diving in Kauai, and took some pictures from ship of Fanning :.). In Honolulu we stayed an extra couple of days and went snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Hike up Diamond Head, drove up and saw waves at North Shore, and visited Pearl Harbor. Kauai was by our favorite Island, less crowded and more lush and tropical.
Disembarkation was typically of all cruise lines despite NCL's promises of a relaxing day. Luggage was to be set out by Midnight. They said we had to settle account from 5:30 AM to 7:30AM, which is way too early. Reality was they did not even delivery finalized bill to room till after 7:30AM. It was correct, so we did not have to go down to front desk.
What about the positives? The shows were the best of any cruise ship we have sailed. The seating at show is great; stadium style seating with no bad views. They have a lecturer on board discussing Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures through which I learned a lot. Of course, the ship is gorgeous. The spa area is great; they have a wet steam room, dry sauna, two different hot tubs, and a small pool. These are free to use even if you do not book spa services. Also, they do not allow children in spa areas, so it is a good place to escape and leave the crowds behind.
Overall, I would not recommend this cruise as a good way to see the Hawaiian Islands. If you like days at sea, and don't care to see Fanning Island, and don't mind slow dining service and waiting in lines to eat, then book this cruise. Otherwise, I would suggest visiting Hawaii without cruising until they repel the Jones Act.
This is an Addendum to the comment form from the Norwegian Star Panama Canal Cruise
To Whom It May Concern:
I expect that several of the passengers on this cruise have already made their comments, complaints and concerns known to you. I tried to keep a positive attitude throughout this voyage but the difficulty was that it seemed every new passenger I met soon turned the conversation to the deficiencies in the ship rather than the virtues. The overriding problem, as I experienced it, was not with the items that were not up to NCL standards as might have been expected on a maiden voyage, but with the fact that those in charge were not even acknowledging or attempting to address the problems that existed. The general attitude seemed to be that this ship was going from Miami to Honolulu and the people booked on it were rather secondary.
The first sign of trouble was the delayed departure which was blamed on late arriving passengers, when it was obvious that delivery trucks were lined up unloading cargo onto the ship. People didn't like being misinformed from the very beginning, and were suspicious from thenon. "They should have been loading the ship instead of shuttling travel agents," was a commonly voiced criticism.
The freestyle concept was so foreign to this group of mostly seasoned travelers, that they never got over being turned away from the main dining room the first few nights. The solution that was immediately obvious to almost every passenger after the first night, was on the second night to open all the restaurants without additional charge, and offer an open bar happy hour for the evening. Word of mouth from the "cover charge" restaurant patrons, along with a thorough explanation from the ships management and the mellowing effect of free drinks would have gone a long way towards decreasing the surliness of the passengers. Unfortunately any chance of discussing this with the restaurant manager, Beatrice Moine was out of the question, as nothing but her name was available for comments after the cruise was over. During the cruise, I couldn't find a "contact us" button anywhere on your web site.
The re-boarding of the ship in Aruba was a disaster. Having one of the ships officers inquire about the well being of the passengers in line after over an hour in the heat, and then blame the situation on the Taliban, didn't go over very well. Lack of preparation created the problem. by the time I re-boarded security was non-existent. Those doing the processing then seemed like they would rather die than irritate the passengers any further. I walked through the metal detectors carrying a six-pack of canned colas, beeping all the way, and nobody cared.
My concern for NCL extends only as far as the concern NCL appeared to have about their customers on this particular voyage, but I do have some concern for the staff of the ship. The probability of the disenchanted passengers punishing them through the withholding of the automatically deducted tips was high. For the most part, the staff was publicly pleasant right to the end. Privately, I think they felt like management had cut them loose to fend for themselves. Talk of jumping ship in Honolulu was widespread. Here again, with a ship full of seasoned travelers, it probably wasn't a good time to initiate an unfamiliar tip policy.
I am assuming that by now the ships sound system has been balanced. The music was particularly loud in the Market Place and at the pool. People were actually leaving the pool area in mid-afternoon because of the "rock concert" atmosphere. Complaint calls from the library to the front desk required name and cabin number so a report could be filed.
We presume that the three NCL cruises we had taken prior to this one were before the "Latitudes" program was initiated. It was disappointing to find out that a third of the other passengers had gotten a substantial "previous passenger" shipboard credit, while we got none. I would expect that your future cruise bookings during this trip were probably not very great. However, we did say several times during the trip that we would like to try the Star again in November in Hawaii to see how much everyone had learned since we plan to be over there anyway.
Even with the deficiencies, our cruise was still enjoyable. . I am sure things would have gone smoother if it was the twentieth time for this two-week trip, or even if it was the first of a series; then everyone would have been more inclined to learn from it rather than just get it over with. I hope that the problems mentioned above have been completely fixed by this time, and if not, that my comments will be helpful in doing so.
The following letter was sent to NCL ... I might add I did not include any comments about the cold food at the Market Cafe breakfast buffet. They were serving cold hashbrowns, scrambled eggs that were more like soup, and cartons of sour milk. If they were to be inspected by the USA health department the buffet lines would have been shut down in my and others opinion.December 8, 2001 Norwegian Cruise Line 7665 Corporate Center Drive Miami, Florida 33126 Attention: Public Relations Re: Norwegian Star Inaugural Voyage Miami to Los Angles . November 19 - December 3, 2001
Let me start my trip review by saying that overall this is a very beautiful ship and we went on the trip knowing this was an Inaugural Voyage, or first time with paying passengers. The ship was full; the Captain stated we had 2240 passengers when he notified the passengers we would be late leaving the Miami port. We were scheduled to leave port at 4:00 PM and finally got underway at midnight. Many people said this set the tone of the trip, I don't quite agree with that opinion, but theydid have a point.
It would appear, that loading of provisions took 8 hours more than scheduled. Not sure if NCL's concentration was more to provide the hundreds of Travel Agents tours / overnighters and trip provisions took a back seat to that PR event or what. But it should not have happen, at least not 8 hours late. For the many first time cruisers wanting pictures of leaving the port of Miami it was a great disappointment.
Our cabin was quite nice, decor very pleasing. We were on deck 9, cabin # 9572, Group BB. Some what forward of mid ship, portside. The cabin layout was comfortable and adequate even for a 14-day cruise. I had read many reviews that mentioned lack of clothes hangers, laundry line, shelf space, etc. We found that those concerns were no longer valid for our cabin. We had brought along clothes hangers, laundry line, and etc. but they were not needed. The cabin is 171 sq. feet, excluding the small balcony. They advertised coffee pots in the cabins, but this is not really true. Our cabin had a pot which you could heat water in for tea or instant coffee or whatever. Only problem was that the power cord was too short to reach the electrical outlet in back of the TV. If it is placed on the shelf above the TV the power cord just reaches the outlet. But this is not really a very safe place to use it; a person could easily spill the scalding water on himself or herself. I was rather surprised that they had not removed the Pots from the cabins until they had extensions cords made up or at least notified the passengers of the design deficiency. But sorry to say that was not done. Maybe they were over whelmed by passenger concerns by this time, but safety concerns should be in the forefront of any business.
Another cabin problem, at least with many cabins on deck 9 was the cabin noise ... ceiling / wall panels creaking and rubbing together. Now it came across the Atlantic Ocean so you think they had somewhat a handle on this type of condition. Even in light seas it was hard to sleep and when we had a little sea swell you could really hear the noise. Others stated they had chirping birds in their cabin. What was rather insulting was when they sent a Security person to investigate the complaint. Now really, it was more than obvious this was not his field of knowledge. I finally put paper wedges in the ceiling panels / lavatory wall panel where most of the noise was coming from and was able to bring the noise level down to were it was tolerable.
Our cabin steward and helper were very good. He was an old hand at his job and did it very well. By the end of the cruise he had his helper well trained and were working as a team.
The pool area, Deck 12, is very nice and well laid out. Lots of sunning areas, which was laid out in layers overlooking the pool area. I used it almost daily that is until the afternoon music started. It was so loud that you had to move well away from the pool area to not be overwhelmed by it. This was a problem that lasted through out the trip. Many, many people would not use the area because of the assault to one's hearing. The music content was quite good, but just to darn loud. For some reason, they could not get the music level to a reasonable level. Maybe the market they think they are targeting will enjoy it. Not so with many of the people I talked to on the ship. And I did talk to many people; I really wanted to be sure it wasn't just me. I would suggest that they provide earplugs for those that loudness offends. They did not have any on the ship when I inquired. The ear plugs could even be similar to those we used at work when running up a jet engine. And yes my hearing is poor.
The evening dinning experience, which one looks forward to, was more a dreaded event than an enjoyment More on why will come a little later in my review.
The main restaurant, Versailles, is really beautifully done. The Versailles, with out a question is the show case restaurant on the ship. The decor is very pleasing with out being too gaudy. Service was broken, which was understanding with so many new people trying to do their best and really unprepared to serve so many Americans / English / Canadians passengers. One problem that was constant through the trip was the time lag between finishing your entree to ordering your dessert / coffee. It was at least 30 minutes or more. Needless to say the waiters were in such a rush the service was very broken. I would think after a number of months of working together these areas should show a great improvement. The food, taste and presentation, was not what you would write home to mother about. Really needs some professional attention.
I tried most of the restaurants, missed the SoHo, Las Ramblas and Endless Summer. We had tried to get into the Endless Summer the 3rd or 4th night out but were told it would be at least ½ hour or more. This was rather concerning when there was only about 50 people being served. This is a very large restaurant. We were then told that they could only handle 50 people at one time! Too bad they did not have the consideration to say that upfront. Made for very poor customer relations.
Le Bistro was good, the Dinning Room Hostess, little Romanian lady by the name of Reka Varada, really made the place sparkle with her ready smile, helpful, positive attitude. That really could not be said for the Maître. I think our best meal was here. The Ginza was fairly good. I had Sukiyaki, which was cooked at your table in the Japanese style. Very enjoyable. They even had Kirn beer, even though it was not brewed in Japan.
One last truly negative comment, which was the talk of the ship, "Free-Style Dinning" is so much hype. In theory it sounds great and even works if you want to eat after 9 - 9:30 PM. It was obvious this group of passengers were not that type that liked to eat that late. It was so bad one night at the showpiece Verailles restaurant, they had a 1 -2 hour wait. Not much fun standing for a couple of hours with about 75 - 100 people waiting to eat dinner.
One evening, the line was so bad, and they were going to let some other passengers in front of the line, a shouting match occurred. The only thing that saved the day was the professional, dynamic personality, smiling face of the Dinning Room Hostess, Florentna Popa. A young Romanian lady, that handle the stress (nightly), angry and frustrated passengers for 14 days with a wonderful pleasing attitude and always with a smile. The type of person everyone would like on his or her team.
I could go on and on, but this is not a review of why not to go on NCL, but to beware this ship has a huge learning curve to go through before you get the reasonable serve a cruise person is accustom to.
I would suggest anyone interested in a evenly written ship board review that they go to http://www.cruise-forums.com/read.php?f=16&i=1363&t=1363 and read Ernie's review, dated 11/19/2001.