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1st Quarter 2012 Commentary - ASTON/Silvercrest Small Cap Fund
1st Quarter 2012
The first quarter of 2012 was generally a low-quality, "risk-on" quarter where smaller, riskier stocks led the charge amid a broad rally that saw most major indices post double-digit gains. As profiled by Steven DeSanctis of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, within the Russell 2000 Value Index the largest market-cap quintile of stocks underperformed the smallest quintile by eight percentage points, companies in the highest quintile for return-on-equity (ROE—a measure of earnings quality) lagged the lowest quintile by six percentage points, and high-beta (volatility) stocks in the first quintile gained 17% versus only 5% for the lowest quintile. Moreover, stocks priced at less than $5 (typically considered lower quality) gained 23%, companies with no earnings 15%, and those with no dividend outperformed dividend-payers by four percentage points.
Aside from the defensive-oriented Utilities sector, all sectors within the Fund's Russell 2000 Value Index benchmark were positive—with six posting double-digit gains. The rally was led by the Consumer Discretionary, Materials, and Healthcare sectors, while Utilities, Energy, and Consumer Staples lagged the overall index. All in all, it was not a good relative environment for the higher-quality names that comprise the bulk of the Fund's portfolio, which lagged its benchmark by more than two percentage points. Some of these lower-quality trends did ebb in March, however, and the Fund gained considerable ground during the month against the index.
Lagging Consumer Picks
Sector allocation was modestly negative during the quarter, with an underweight position in Consumer Discretionary and an overweight stake in the poor performing Consumer Staples sector serving as the biggest drags. Stock selection detracted from performance within the consumer sectors as a number of the portfolio's holdings were hit by higher costs and we have struggled to find palatable specialty-retail exposure within the Consumer Discretionary sector. Lancaster Colony, which we continue to think is a wonderful company, struggled with high commodity costs within Staples. Matthews International was the weakest holding in the Discretionary, as company earnings faced pressure from higher raw material costs. The portfolio also performed relatively poorly in solid performing Materials where an overweight position wasn't enough to overcome lagging stock picks. Schnitzer Steel has put up disappointing results of late, with weaker than expected volumes and margins in its core recycling segment.
Stock selection in Technology and Financials was the primary positive contributor to relative returns during the quarter. Electronic payment software developer ACI Worldwide reported earnings above expectations and also completed its acquisition of competitor S1 during the quarter. Fuse manufacturer, and top-10 holding, Littelfuse notched impressive gains on continued solid results. Despite being underweight Financials in general, and strong performing REITs in particular, holdings led by insurance provider Protective Life's helped the group to modestly outperform the benchmark sector as well as the overall Index.
Portfolio Positioning
During the quarter we initiated positions in five stocks, most notably MKS Instruments, Thermon Group, and Innophos Holdings. MKS is a company we have followed and admired for several years as a leading sub-systems supplier to the semiconductor and other advanced process industries (solar, LED, flat panel display, medical, environmental). At the time of purchase the company had a high return-on-invested-capital (ROIC) with sizeable net cash on its balance sheet. The company has been a consistent free cash flow generator, with positive free cash flow in 15 of the past 16 years.
Texas-based Thermon is a global provider of highly engineered thermal solutions, known as heat tracing, for process industries. The company's products provide an external heat source to pipes, vessels, and instruments for the purposes of freeze protection, temperature maintenance, environmental monitoring, and surface snow and ice melting. The company generates solid free cash flow and appears attractively valued on expected earnings growth near 20% over the next few years. Innophos is a leading producer of specialty grade phosphates used in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets. The company has a clean balance sheet with low net debt. The business is relatively slow growth, but stable, with emerging market strength and has the potential for capital deployment through its strong cash flow and unlevered balance sheet. We think earnings can grow at around a 10% rate, with possibilities for more robust growth through acquisitions.
Four holdings were sold during the quarter, including Highwoods Properties, Standard Microsystems, Cantel Medical, and Brady. Highwoods was a small position that we decided to eliminate to focus on other REIT holdings. We sold Standard Micro and Cantel as they appeared to be fairly overvalued. We have been increasingly frustrated with the results at Brady over the past few years and decided to deploy the funds elsewhere where we had greater conviction.
Given the headwinds caused by the strength in the lower-quality segment of the small-cap market and the dramatic rebound of many of 2011's poorer performers, we were generally pleased with the relative performance of the portfolio during the first quarter. In recent meetings with company management teams, we detect a greater sense of optimism over U.S. business trends. We continue to hear references to increased merger and acquisition activity in the small-cap pipeline, from which we think the Fund could benefit. Although concerns over slower economic growth in China, still tenuous sovereign debt issues in Europe, and a potentially nasty election circus in the U.S., we believe small-caps can build on the gains realized during the period. We are cognizant, however, that given the robust performance of the past six months we may be in for a digestive pause. Still, we see long-term potential given the reasonable valuation of the portfolio, solid free cash flow generation, and generally healthy balance sheets.
Silvercrest Asset Management Group
New York, NY
As of March 31, 2012, Lancaster Colony comprised 2.03% of the portfolio's assets, Matthews International – 1.66%, Schnitzer Steel – 1.51%, ACI Worldwide – 2.53%, LittleFuse – 2.64%, Protective Life's – 2.85%, MKS Instruments – 1.81%, Thermon Group – 1.72%, and Innophos Holdings – 2.01%.
Note: Small-cap stocks are considered riskier than large-cap stocks due to greater potential volatility and less liquidity.
Before investing, consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact 800 992-8151 for a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this and other information. Please, read it carefully. Aston Funds are distributed by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC.
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The Dave Collucci Show
"The Dave Colucci Show"
"Let the Good Times Roll"
An incredible music variety show featuring some of the greatest singers and songs of all time!
From the swinging days of Sinatra, to the Golden Oldies of the 50's, 60's, along with some Classic Country favorites, you'll truly enjoy this spectacular music variety show.
The songs will be performed by the fabulous Dave Colucci as he brings his passionate and dynamic voice & interpretation of these world class entertainers to the stage. Special guest will include female vocalist Judy Brinn & keyboardist extraordinaire Richie Mitnick.
So let the good times roll as you get ready to go on a musical journey that will have you laughing, singing, and dancing in the aisles as you participate in this highly entertaining show!

subset: commoncrawl


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Oh, my. So, as my regular readers both know, I am a Tom Waits fan. Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan are incredible songwriters; I know personal tastes differ, but if you disagree, you are quite simply wrong. And Mule Variations is a great album, with a taste of all the different facets of a musical life; it has some of my favorite songs ever–which I would elaborate on, but I would go on forever, and that's not my point.
My point is, somebody (Buddy Peace, is his internet name) also loves that album, and a couple of months ago put out a tribute, "Donkey Kong Variations", in the 8-bit musical stylings so familiar to video game enthusiasts of a certain age. I am roughly of that age, but was not a gamer, so the Waits/Brennan angle is the hook for me–and Kathleen Brennan herself linked to Buddy Peace's version of "Hold On", which is how I found it. "Hold On" was the most successful single (do they still use that term?), so the most likely to be known by those of you who are not necessarily fans… anyway… [Read more…]


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WAILUKU - Mark Pillejera had seen enough. James Heron seconded the notion.
After four teammates lost final matches, the pair of Lahainaluna High School seniors - both B wrestlers last season - won the 173- and 191-pound titles, respectively, on Wednesday night in the 43rd annual Maui Invitational Tournament at War Memorial Gym.
The Lunas, five-time defending Maui Interscholastic League champions, rolled to the boys team title with their depth, but Pillejera and Heron put a fitting cap on the evening in front of a crowd of about 500.
Article Photos
King Kekaulike High School's Jonathan Pico lifts Lahainaluna's Nathan Pallett in the first period en route to winning the 162-pound championship at the Maui Invitational Tournament on Wednesday.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
Lahainaluna High School's Makana Hussey tries to bring down Mililani's Dakota Truitt on her way to winning the 142-pound title at the Maui Invitational Tournament on Wednesday.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
Molokai's Charisse Manley controls Maui High's Samantha Morris en route to winning the 132-pound championship.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
"When I went out there I just thought, 'Just wrestle as well, as hard as I can,' " Pillejera said after pinning Carlton Pukahi of Kahuku in 3 minutes, 1 second. "It felt good. I got lucky, I had two byes in the beginning and then I had two matches after that, but those two matches I pinned two people, too, so I just thought I would leave it all out there on this match."
Pillejera is a boarder from Lanai City and he knows that even after a title in a tournament like this - there were 300-plus wrestlers in the event - a lot of work is still on the table until the state tournament rolls around in February.
"I have a lot of confidence right now from this, but there is still a lot of stuff to work on," he said.
Fact Box
Maui Invitational Tournament
At War Memorial Gym
Team standings-Lahainaluna 203, Iolani 160, Pac-5 142.5, Kahuku 107, Baldwin 102, Molokai 100.5, Maui High 97, King Kekaulike 78.5, Voznesenka, Alaska 62, Damien 56, Lanai 47, Mililani 46, Kamehameha Hawaii 41, St. Thomas More (British Columbia) 29, Kamehameha Maui 22.5, Kaiser 22, Waiakea 21.5, Keaau 15, Konawaena 14, Hawaii
Prep 4.
110-Josh Terao, Pac-5, def. Eleomar Cabbat, Baldwin, 6-2.
116-Cassidy Oshiro, Pac-5, def. Logan Yamamoto, Iolani, 8-4.
122-Ryan Nakagawa, Kaiser, def. Nalu Kekona-Souza, Kamehameha Hawaii, 4-3.
127-David Terao, Pac-5, def. Kelvin Cruz, Lahainaluna, 17-2.
132-Holden Takahashi, Iolani, pinned Robert Kim, Mililani, 5:34.
137-Simon Blair, Molokai, pinned Chase Tantog, Mililani, 4:34.
142-Shayvis Wilson, Damien, def. Joe Martishev, Voznesenka, Alaska, 5-3.
147-Ian Akamine, Iolani, def. Chanse Uyeda, Lahainaluna, 8-3.
154-Zenon Martishev, Voznesenka, Alaska, def. Nalu Scott, Lahainaluna, 9-5.
162-Jonathan Pico, King Kekaulike, def. Nathan Pallett, Lahainaluna, 19-4.
173-Mark Pillejera, Lahainaluna, pinned Carlton Pukahi, Kahuku, 3:01.
191-James Heron, Lahainaluna, def. Totauhe Lotulelei, Maui High, 8-6 (OT).
217-Jheryl Makaiau, Kahuku, pinned Ryo Chow, Iolani, 2:49.
287-Jordan Hao, Molokai, def. Tyman Hayashi, Pac-5, 7-1.
Fastest Pin: Jonathan Pico, King Kekaulike, 5 seconds; Most points for team: Holden Takahashi, Iolani, 31; Most pins (quickest): Zenon Martushev, Voznesenka, Alaska, 3 in 1:38; Most outstanding (142-below): David Terao, Pac-5; Most outstanding (147-above): Ian Akamine, Iolani.
Team standings-Kahuku 110, Mililani 92, Lahainaluna 86, Molokai 84, Pac-5 74, Maui High 49, Baldwin 46, Kamehameha Maui 45, Iolani 42, Lanai 35, St. Thomas More (British Columbia) 33, Kailua 25, Kamehameha Hawaii 21.5, Konawaena 16, King Kekaulike 6.
100-Allene Somera, Kailua, def. Megan Aina, Kamehameha Schools-Big Island, 4-1.
105-Nikki Davis, Kamehameha Schools Maui, def. Aarica Barcina, Kahuku, 9-1.
110-Quinn Nagatani, Pac-5, pinned Selena Ryder, Mililani, 1:22.
116-Kristy Rabaino, Kahuku, pinned Aryanna Ebrahimzadeh, St. Thomas More, British Columbia, 1:05.
122-Kaela Shiigi, Iolani, pinned Michal Torres-Umi, Molokai, 3:46.
127-Morgan Yamaguchi, Mililani, def. Shannon Paaaina, Pac-5, 8-1.
132-Charisse Manley, Molokai, pinned Samantha Morris, Maui High, 4:19.
142-Makana Hussey, Lahainaluna, def. Dakota Truitt, Mililani, 1:12.
157-Anela Santiago, Kahuku, pinned Haylie Namauu, Baldwin, 1:03.
177-Joreece Peapealalo, Kahuku, pinned Courtney Taua, Baldwin, 3:24.
222-Gina-Bella Mataafa, Lahainaluna, def. Libby Petrie, Kahuku, 4-3.
Fastest pin: Quinn Nagatani, Pac-5, 16 seconds; Most points for team: Nikki Davis, Kamehameha Maui, 27; Most pins (quickest): Kazia Lecker, Lahainaluna, 3 in 47 seconds; Most outstanding (122-below): Allene Somera, Kailua; Most outstanding (127-above): Charisse Malney, Molokai.
The first title for the Luna boys certainly seemed to inspire Heron in what was the match of the night. He scored a takedown at the buzzer - the two referees discussed the decision before awarding the points - to tie Maui High's Totauhe Lotulelei at 6-6 and then Heron pulled out the win in sudden-death overtime with a takedown 18 seconds in.
"I was pretty worried, I didn't know what to do," Heron said. "I just kept looking at the clock. I knew I had to get the takedown as soon as possible, so I just went for it, nothing to lose."
Heron had watched teammates Kelvin Cruz (127 pounds), Chanse Uyeda (147), Nalu Scott (154) and Nathan Pallett (162) all drop decisions in the finals before Pillejera came to the mat.
"I'm bummed all my teammates didn't win - hopefully I would be the first one - but Mark got it done so I am glad for our team," Heron said. "It felt pretty good. I got fifth at the officials tournament (last weekend) and that felt good and then to win out here, it gives me confidence."
The 191 final - all the weight classes were given a two-pound allowance for this tournament - could be a recurring theme all season.
"I will be facing him all year, so we will be battling it pretty good," Heron said.
The Luna boys placed 10 wrestlers in the top three of their weight classes and 17 walked away with medals as they easily won the team crown. Lahainaluna's 203 points were 43 more than Iolani, while Pac-5 (142.5) was third, Kahuku (107) fourth, Baldwin (102) fifth, Molokai (100.5) sixth and host Maui High (97) seventh.
"All of our finalists had tough matches," Lahainaluna coach Todd Hayase said. "You are talking about defending state champs, so we expected that. It is preseason, this definitely was not the Officials Tournament, it was a lot smaller, more younger wrestlers. But, yeah, we are happy for (Pillejera and Heron). We're proud."
Hayase was quick to add there is a long road between this event and the state tournament.
"Winning ugly is better than losing ugly, but it is still ugly and we have got a lot to work on," he said.
"I'm talking from our A wrestlers on down. I don't know who is going to step up on this team, but somebody is going to have to because every weight class is pretty much up for grabs at this point on our roster."
The other MIL boys champions were Molokai's Simon Blair at 137 and Jordan Hao at 287, and King Kekaulike's Jonathan Pico at 160.
Blair pinned Mililani's Chase Tantog at the 4:34 mark after trailing 5-4.
"I could tell that he was worn out so I just went hard at him," Blair said.
"It feels great, it feels like everything I wanted. It is not how you start, it is how you finish, so I just got to keep working hard and do good at states."
Pico recorded the fastest pin in the tournament, five seconds, in his first-round win. His quarterfinal pin came in 23 seconds and his semifinal on Wednesday took just 3:52 before the official's hand hit the mat. His final win was a technical fall, 19-4 over Pallett.
Pico has been working under King Kekaulike coach Grant Nakamura, a former Baldwin state champion and three-time NCAA qualifier for Iowa State.
"I boosted my confidence a lot," Pico said. "I mean, I have always had confidence issues and Grant has been helping with that a lot. It is helping me a lot that I could come in here and get my moves as easily as I could. To see that I can do the things (Nakamura) says I can do is a big confidence booster."
On the girls side, the MIL won four titles - Kamehameha Maui's Nikki Davis at 105, Molokai's Charisse Manley at 132, and Lahainaluna's Makana Hussey at 142 and Gina-Bella Mataafa at 222.
Kahuku overtook first-day leader Lahainaluna in the girls team standings on the strength of three champions and two runners-up. The Red Raiders finished with 110 points to best Mililani (92) and the Lunas (86). Molokai (84) was a close fourth.
Manley's title was No. 4 for the family of Farmers head coach Randy Manley. Clinton Manley, currently a senior at the Air Force Academy and a three-time state runner-up, won one MIT crown and Colton Manley, a freshman at Azusa Pacific, won two. Charisse Manley was named the most outstanding wrestler among girls 127 pounds and over - Colton also was a recipient of the award.
"It feels really good, I have been working really hard at practice," Charisse Manley said. "I finished third at Punahou (tournament), so I wanted to improve and I tried to improve on my mistakes and I just felt rewarded."
Matching her big brothers was a bonus.
"They are actually home right now - when I go home I am going to be, like, happy, yeah," Charisse Manley said. "Clinton will probably say, 'Good job.' He is not going to praise me too much Colton will be, like, 'I'm proud of you. Good job, you are following in the family footsteps.' "
The other outstanding wrestler awards went to Pac-5's David Terao for boys 142 and under, Iolani's Ian Akamine for boys 147 and above and Kailua's Allene Somera for girls 122 and under.
* Robert Collias is at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Action packed
The first season is my favorite season of this show. At first I though this was just a TV show that tried to copy resident evil, but after watching the first couple of episodes I was wrong. This has action, drama and suspense. And some times can be scary as hell. The seasons after this one start to get a bit to drama for me so it kind of fell off but the first season does not disappoint.
Was this review helpful to you?YESNO


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With a Portuguese water dog taking up residence in the Obama White House, New Jersey Porties breeders say interest has surged.
Mitch Horowitz, owner of Furball's Pet Grooming in Bayville, breeds about one litter of Portuguese water dogs each year. He has two female Portuguese water dogs, one of which will come into heat soon. He expects puppies in about two months.
"People are going to reproduce these dogs however they can," he said. "Prices have already gone up a lot. It's going to be general mayhem."
See the facts on Portuguese water dogs -- America's first puppy
Read the full article.


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Growing up in the UK, Graeme Sinden ingested a steady diet of hip-hop, house, jungle and grime, influences which he chops up, reconfigures and then spits out in the form of fun dancefloor bangers with real personality. Sinden always has great collabos, working on twisted future garage with SBTRKT, grime tunes with 5kinandBone5 and sexy house with Brenmar, among many others. In this interview, Sinden takes us through his early days working with Made to Play's Jesse Rose and Dave "Switch" Taylor (of Major Lazer and Solid Groove fame) and into the present, explaining the ethos behind his eclectic label Grizzly and his approach to DJing.
Check out below to stream the EPMD remixes from Sinden, frequent production partner Herve (a.k.a. The Count) and their buddy Duke Dumont. And if you like chunky, jacking house the way certain Brits are so good at making it, then check out a free compilation from Mr. Rose's Made to Play label from us as well.
EPMD "Run It" Remixes
Made to Play Compilation


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Tomorrow night at 9 on ESPN, either Louisville or Cincinnati will win the Big East football and basketball championship. A part of both is still a part. The Cardinals haven't quite beaten Notre Dame yet, but if they lost, it would be the greatest collapse ever. Louisville. Cincinnati. Love it.
Photo from the GoBearcats twitter.


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Senators compromise on gun control
By ALAN FRAM
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Conservative senators from both parties announced their support for expanding background checks for gun buyers Wednesday, giving a burst of momentum to supporters of stronger restrictions. But big questions remain about whether President Barack Obama can push significant gun controls through Congress.
The compromise between Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., boosted the chances that the Senate will agree to broaden required background checks, a step gun control groups laud as an effective way to keep weapons from criminals and the mentally ill. The senators are among the most conservative members of their parties, both have received "A" ratings from the National Rifle Association, and their endorsements could make it easier for hesitant colleagues to back the effort.
Gun control advocates still face opposition from many Republican senators and resistance from moderate Democrats.
Under the agreement the two senators announced at the Capitol, background checks would be expanded to all for-profit transactions including sales at gun shows and online, with records kept by licensed gun dealers who would handle the paperwork. Exempted would be non-commercial transactions such as between relatives. Currently, the system applies only to sales by the country's 55,000 federally licensed firearms dealers.
The agreement also contains provisions expanding firearms rights, and that concerns gun control supporters. Some restrictions on transporting guns across state lines would be eased, and gun dealers could conduct business in states where they don't live.
"Truly the events at Newtown changed us all," said Manchin, citing the Connecticut town where December's murders of 20 first-graders and six educators propelled gun control to the top rank of national issues. "Americans on both sides of the debate can and must find common ground."
Emotion, always prominent in the gun issue, cropped up late Wednesday when Manchin met with relatives of the Newtown victims in his Senate office, telling them that "this will not be in vain." He became choked up when a reporter asked about the impact of the family members' visit, saying, "I'm a parent, a grandparent … and I had to do something."
Said Toomey: "Criminals and the dangerously mentally ill shouldn't have guns. I don't know anyone who disagrees with that premise. He said that expanding the checks wasn't gun control, "just common sense."
The agreement makes it all but certain that the Senate will reject a conservative blockade and vote Thursday to begin debating Democrats' gun legislation. That bill would also toughen laws against illicit firearms sales and provide a small increase in school security aid.
Underscoring that the fight was far from over, NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said the organization opposes the Manchin-Toomey accord. The group, which has fought most of Obama's gun proposals and claims nearly 5 million members, said the focus should be on improving the nation's mental health system and sources of violence like gangs.
"Expanding background checks at gun shows will not prevent the next shooting, will not solve violent crime and will not keep our kids safe in schools," the NRA said.
On a day when first lady Michelle Obama was visiting a violence-plagued high school in Chicago, the Obamas' hometown, the NRA said, "President Obama should be as committed to dealing with the gang problem that is tormenting honest people in his hometown as he is to blaming law-abiding gun owners for the acts of psychopathic murderers."
Also criticizing the deal was conservative Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who participated in a failed effort with Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to reach a separate compromise. Coburn called the Manchin-Toomey effort a "good faith but unworkable plan" that "prioritizes collecting records over protecting citizens."
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, repeated his view that the Senate should act, saying, "It's one thing for two members to come to some agreement. It doesn't substitute the will for the other 98 members."
In a written statement, Obama said he'd prefer stronger language than the compromise, but he said it represented progress.
"It recognizes that there are good people on both sides of this issue, and we don't have to agree on everything to know that we've got to do something to stem the tide of gun violence," he said.
Other highlights of Obama's gun agenda — including bans on assault weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines — seem to have little chance of winning approval in the Senate, let alone the House.
Polls show more than 8 in 10 people back expanded background checks. Even so, the fight will be difficult in both chambers, especially the House, where increasing numbers of district lines are drawn to protect incumbents, said James Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police.
"They're not going to have a constituency in every instance that is champing for that bill," said Pasco, whose group has backed the drive for expanded background checks.
The director of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, one of whose leaders is New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said the compromise was a major improvement and showed that Republican support was possible.
"Opposing yet another reform, which has Americans scratching their heads, is not a place where a national political party can afford to be," said Mark Glaze.
Reflecting concerns about unseen details about some gun rights language, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence took a more tempered view.
"While we continue to review the legislation, we believe a majority of the components are a good step forward," said Brian Malte, director of the campaign's network mobilization.
There are no current, definitive statistics on how many gun sales occur annually and what portion occur without the checks. A study in the 1990s found that up to 40 percent of transactions involved no checks.
Associated Press writers Jim Abrams, Andrew Miga and Kenneth Thomas contributed to this report.
Follow Alan Fram at (at)asfram
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Watershed Planning
Surface Water
Best ManagementPractices
Building Green Cities
Water QualityEnhancementCommittee
Watersheds are basin-like landforms defined by highpoints
and ridgelines that descend into lower elevations and stream valleys. Even
in the relatively flat topography of East Baton Rouge Parish, there are
ridgelines that form boundaries between watersheds. The East Baton Rouge
Parish is within the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, and the Lower Mississippi
Within a watershed, the natural and built systems capture and move
precipitation, filter and store water, and control its release over time.
Impervious surfaces – anything that prevents rainfall from soaking into the
ground, such as buildings, roads, or parking lots – have a significant
impact on the watershed functioning because they prevent infiltration and
increase stormwater runoff. Watersheds are nested systems meaning that many
small watersheds make up the larger regional watershed. The hydrology of the
Parish naturally divides into three main watersheds, which are subdivided
into a total of 704 micro-watersheds.
The eastern part of the Parish drains into the Amite River and the southern
part of the Parish drains into Bayou Manchac. The northwest portion of the
Parish drains into the Mississippi River. Water management and management of
biodiversity and other natural systems, is best handled at the watershed
level. Remediation or mitigation of such changes, therefore, should take
place within the same watershed to achieve ecological benefits and maintain
the integrity of the watershed.
Under the Clean Water Act, waterways on the Impaired Waterbodies List must
undergo watershed modeling to assess the loads of each pollutant for which
they are listed. Termed "Total Maximum Daily Loads" (TMDLs), these models
calculate the reduction in the pollutant that will be necessary for the
waterway to be removed from the Impaired Waterbodies List. TMDL calculations
performed in the Pontchartrain Basin so far have resulted in substantial
reductions in pollutant loads.
In addition, under the Clean Water Act, urban areas are mandated to meet
standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Program. The MS4 Program requires that urban areas
eventually monitor their stormwater discharges as a point source of
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Sneak previews earn $2.5 mil in two days
TOKYO — "The Golden Compass" has had a golden bow at the Japanese B.O.
Skedded for a 700-screen release by Gaga on Saturday, the pic scooped Y270 million ($2.5 million) in sneak screenings last Saturday and Sunday.
The audience demo was wider than expected, mixing families, teens of both sexes and fans in their 50s and 60s.
Gaga has not set a B.O. target, but the pic's take was 159% better than sneaks for "Night at the Museum," which scooped $33.4 million in Japan. A reasonable B.O. projection would be $51 million — not bad for a pic that finished in the U.S. with $70 million.


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The 1-way i515 models only have one processor /available/, whereas
the 1/2-way i525 models come with a second available processor included
awaiting its activation for an upgrade to 2-way. The upgrade to a 2-way
i515 model from a 1-way, requires a replacement of part(s).
Regards, Chuck
All comments provided "as is" with no warranties of any kind
whatsoever and may not represent positions, strategies, nor views of my
tomasz wrote:
> We've just bought new i5 model 515.
> I think it should have 2 processors on board. One active and one
> inactive. When I check it I see:
> Resource Type-model Status Text
> MP01 8327 Not detected System Processor Card
> MP02 8327 Operational System Processor Card
> Is it correct? Is my 2nd processor inactive or perhaps there isn't any
> 2nd one?


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Do you think that giving a high five is one of the most stressful things in life? It doesn't have to be. The subtle nuances of high five etiquette are broken down for you in this instructional video. Please grab a pad and pencil and take some notes.
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Huntsville Tornado, Nov. 15, 1989 - Southern Region Disaster Survey
Findings and Recommendations
The National Weather Service performed in an exemplary manner in carrying out its public safety mission. A Tornado Watch issued by the National Severe Storms Forecast Center (NSSFC) had been in effect for Madison County since 12:30 pm CST. WSO Huntsville had been issuing warnings and statements since mid-afternoon that detailed severe storms in counties to the west of Madison County. Because WSO Huntsville received no reports of, nor had any radar indications of tornadic activity in Madison County, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued at 4:13 pm for Madison County based on the large hail report in Decatur (Morgan County just west of Huntsville/Madison County). The Severe Thunderstorm Warning lead time was 17 minutes which is considered to be significant with the current state of severe weather detection technology.
Important dissemination service was provided by the television and many radio stations serving the Huntsville/Decatur area. The positive and quick reaction by the news media was due in part to previous storm history, interest of residents in the area weather, and a close working relationship with WSO Huntsville. The NWS staff are known by media personnel involved in the warning effort. Several stations discontinued regular programming, including commercials, before, during, and after the tornado to provide continuous coverage of the severe weather event. Those with emergency power provided special service as most commercial radio and tv stations lost power when the tornado struck.
All Huntsville television stations visited used a combination of "crawls or cut-ins" to pass on severe weather information to viewers. One station displays a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch/Warning symbol in a lower corner of the screen when a Watch or Warning is in effect in their viewing area. These are effective methods to enhance public awareness of fast-breaking weather events.
The National Weather Service should continue to encourage television stations which do not currently utilize such techniques to implement those procedures in order to enhance the dissemination of severe weather information.
In one of the first real tests of the new high speed Weather Wire in a major severe weather episode, the NWWS proved effective in speeding critical weather information to subscribers. While there were only five (5) subscribers (2 TV stations, 1 radio station, 1 newspaper, 1 county EMA) in the Huntsville area, they benefitted from the receipt of warnings and statements within seconds of the time of entry into the system.
Renewed efforts should be made to encourage media, EMA officials, law enforcement, and private sector interests to subscribe to the upgraded Weather Wire.
Many people perceived that they were not "warned" about the possibility of severe weather or a tornado even though a Tornado Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning were in effect when the tornado struck.
The NWS must continue to stress the dangers of severe thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes with little or no advance warning.
WSO Huntsville issued a Tornado Warning at 3:40 pm (valid until 4:45 pm) for Lawrence and Morgan Counties, followed by a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 3:54 pm (valid until 5:00 pm) for Lawrence, Morgan, and Limestone Counties. The latter warning did not mention the status of the Tornado Warning previously issued leading to the conclusion that both warnings were in effect simultaneously for Lawrence and Morgan Counties. This proved to be confusing to the media, according to comments made to members of the Survey Team.
Unless they are specifically cancelled, warnings remain in effect until their expiration times; consequently, if a subsequent warning is issued for the same area, it should include a sentence in the text referring to the status of the earlier warning.
Many people in Huntsville were aware of basic tornado safety rules, and there were numerous instances of individuals taking proper protective actions. While it is difficult to estimate the number of people who are alive because of the knowledge of safety rules, the death toll would have been higher had not many individuals reacted properly. Discussions with survivors clearly indicate that last minute protective measures did save lives and reduce injury.
The NWS should continue preparedness and public safety efforts. Since 1975 when some of the first organized tornado awareness weeks were begun, NWS offices have promoted public education about weather hazards. These mass media campaigns as well as group and individual awareness/educational efforts have a cumulative effect in raising the consciousness level of the public resulting in proper responses during severe weather.
There are a number of instances where persons took quick action to save themselves or others. The Survey Team was privileged to meet two individuals deserving of special note; they are Mrs. Dawson, Principal of the Jones Valley Elementary School, and Ms. Penney Cato, teacher in charge of the Extended Daycare Program at the school. It was Mrs. Dawson who because of her knowledge of tornado safety rules and her awareness of the severe weather potential that day, instructed Ms. Cato to take 37 children and several teachers to a place of safety on the lower level of the school. Ms. Cato followed these instructions and showed real courage under difficult conditions as she prepared the children for the approaching storm. Without a doubt, these two ladies aided by the other teachers and several painters who were in the building at the time, were instrumental in saving the lives of the children.
NOAA/National Weather Service Public Service Awards were presented to Mrs. Dawson and Ms. Cato by Mrs. Marilyn Quayle, wife of the Vice President of the United States. The presentation by Mrs. Quayle was made in a special ceremony conducted at the temporary Jones Valley Elementary School during the 1990 Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama.
Attrition of the WSO Huntsville staff due to deaths and transfers limited the time available to conduct outreach activities associated with the severe weather awareness program. The Survey Team noted that in spite of these limitations, there exists a good rapport between the staff and the user community.
Weather information currently reaches the Alabama Department of Public Safety via NOAA Weather Wire where it is then manually entered into the Alabama Law Enforcement Teletype System (LETS). This episode showed that significant fast breaking weather can overwhelm a manual relay system.
Since automated interfaces with LETS has proven effective in the rapid relay of weather information in other states, any state without this capability should seek a means to automatically relay severe weather information into their LETS.
The Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) Operational Plan for Huntsville, four other Alabama Operational Areas, and the State of Alabama EBS Plan are still in draft form. EBS is used for local emergencies and tested routinely as required by FCC regulations; however, it is not used for weather warnings.
State and local media, EMA officials, the FCC, and the NWS should renew efforts to make EBS a viable system for weather emergencies in Alabama.
Media accounts and Survey Team interviews revealed that individuals, schools, etc., utilize NOAA Weather Radio; however, many of these users have NWR receivers which are not equipped with battery backup capability. These receivers and NWR service became useless when electrical power was lost.
The advantage of having NWR receivers equipped with a battery backup should be stressed to all interested parties utilizing NWR. Users may want to upgrade their NWR units.


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I had previously blogged about UCSD's OpenStack Swift Storage Cloud. Subsequently I had the good fortune of chatting with Stephen Meier, manager of the storage group at UCSD SDSC, to get more details about their Swift implementation. Here's a synopsis.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed here are my own and don't necessarily represent my employer Emulex's positions, strategies or opinions.
OpenStack Swift Installation
UCSD's Swift installation is pretty close to the stock OpenStack release with swauth authentication. There were some minor patches required to correct auth URLs for Cyberduck and Commvault. Otherwise there were no major challenges. [Amar: Learn here how to install OpenStack Swift on a set of EC2 machines].
UCSD used ROCKS, a UCSD clustering tool with support for different roles, instead of Puppet or Chef for install. This was done mostly due to familiarity with the tool which enabled an easy launch. Fortunately ROCKS also comes with monitoring also which is very helpful.
For charge-back/ billing, UCSD wrote a set of PERL commands to sample the account, make the right calculations for billing, and then tie it back into the accounting system.
For the future, USCD might consider Keystone and hook it into the UC wide authentication LDAP system which would make things more seamless for users.
Managing Swift
Managing Swift has been pretty good so far. No real issues encountered. Though, the cluster has not been stressed fully yet to see operation at scale. The Swift team operates during regular working hours, although there is a NOC that could provide 24x7 support. More tools/ scripts with automation are required to fully utilize the NOC.
Disk failures are easy to deal with by replacing them. However, nodes are a little trickier. Since the nodes are so dense (100TB), the team can't just replace them at the first occurrence of a failure. They have to ensure that the node is truly dead.
Using Swift
This is an area where there is room for improvement. Getting good clients that can support greater than 5GB files has been difficult. UCSD has been enhancing their web browsing client and is also working on a Java client that will support files greater than 5GB. The Swift CLI is great for sophisticated users, but is missing a number of management features like rename, copy, move etc.
Another area for improvement is in mounting Swift as a file-system. SDSC is looking at FUSE modules but no ideal solution has emerged yet. Some have performance issues. Some like S3backer work well and get around 5GB limit by making blocks; but then other tools can't view the data.
Interest in Swift in Academic Community
There is a lot of interest from other educational institutions. At least 4-5 institutions are asking UCSD how they can copy UCSD's Swift "recipe".
Value-proposition in a nut-shell
Tape has been a massive repository of data at UCSD SDSC. Researchers use tape for writing a lot of data. Swift offers an online way (significantly lower access latency) to do the same and may prove to be more popular over time for this reason [Amar: see my cheap & deep storage tier characterization of this type of private cloud storage]. With no access fees or meta-data access fees and the attractive pricing, the Swift cluster is very useful for researchers.


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The policy of requiring a police check for volunteers working with children increasingly applies, which is why it takes about two months to get one. Laws that treat everyone over 14 as a potential pedophile are just the latest obstacle to volunteering. It is time governments considered how the weight of regulation is strangling community work.
Within a few years voluntary groups have had to absorb GST compliance and privacy legislation and the extra paperwork they created, plus insurers raising public liability costs and making everybody afraid of organizing anything. In Victoria, state food-handling regulations have more recently added to the time and cost of events serving food. You might have cooked for your family for 20 years but the regulations treat you as a likely poisoner.
On its own, each one of these is enough to stop some activities, but as layer upon layer of bureaucracy builds, they discourage participation and make community work more difficult for volunteers and paid workers who are already stretched. A huge amount of resentment has built up among volunteers. Many organizations now think twice about whether activities require too much effort for the benefit obtained.
A friend who attended the Anglican Church's annual synod said people from several churches told her they had stopped holding fetes because of the Victorian food regulations. "It just isn't worth doing any more," is a frequent comment in the sector these days.
It is often said that people won't volunteer, but there are many people of goodwill who expect to pitch in and run their local kindergarten, sporting club or school fete. It is getting harder for them, though, as events that were once organised simply and quickly among friends become complex operations.
These days every voluntary group needs a seasoned hand who knows about council permits, public liability and food safety laws. The complexity discourages younger people and newcomers from joining in and deters people in paid work.
When I was working full time and on the committee of a community-run kindergarten, a complaint was made and, as the responsible officer, I was interviewed by a state official. The interview started when I was presented with a written statement saying that anything I said could be used in evidence against me. Although I understood this was a standard procedure, and no criminal activity was suggested, it was very unnerving.
My ignorance of child-care legislation became obvious during the interview and I was shown a copy of the legislation and told I was expected to know it. I said it was a lot to expect from a parent volunteer. Only a child-care professional could be expected to know the regulations and keep up with regular government directives, which is probably why the corporate child-care businesses have grown so fast; it's too hard for the rest of us.
I would not volunteer for a kindergarten committee again because the requirements are too onerous and I don't have the time. Unlike paid employees, volunteers can choose to give up activities because they are fed up with being treated like idiots.
As the volunteer pool shrinks, groups in disadvantaged areas will fail because they lack expertise. As more money is spent on compliance, less will go to the people who need it most and for whom it is raised.
How important is the community sector? Although community work is hard to value, it does greatly improve economic efficiency, and not only by raising funds. The sector retains and uses the skills of retired people and helps others gain confidence and experience they can take into a workplace.
Getting involved prevents people from being lonely and alienated.
People find paid work through their voluntary network and generate funds spent at local businesses.
The sector lessens the strain on government through these networks as well as services it provides. There would not be a Country Fire Authority or State Emergency Service without volunteers.
In a research paper on social capital, published in 2003, the Productivity Commission found the many benefits attributed included improved health and child welfare and lower crime rates. There are many good reasons to support the voluntary sector and governments do give money and other benefits. But it often seems that they give with one hand and slap us across the face with the other.
The Productivity Commission has recommended that governments "at least consider the scope for modifying policies that are found to damage social capital".
It's a sensible suggestion that needs to be implemented before volunteers are swamped by officialdom. Just hope it happens before your local community group is regulated out of existence.


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Detectives are investigating a possible robbery, carjacking and shooting.
Police they received a call about 7:45 p.m. Monday that a person had been shot in a parking lot of a business at 1800 Benton Blvd. in Kansas City, Mo.
Rescue crews said the victim suffered possible life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said the attacker robbed the victim before the shooting and drove off in the victim's car.
Officers said they do not have a description of the shooter or the car.
Stay with KMBC.com and KMBC 9 News for the latest updates.


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Source: AT&T
quote: Not only do they pay my cell bill, they expect me to be on time on calls some over 100 miles apart across some rural areas. And they track me with the cell phone using the teen tracking app. If I pull over to use the apps I'm late, if I don't answer / lookup I can't manage my calls. It's a horrible situation where the best I can do is wait for a long stretch of road with no traffic.


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Carlos Beltran's decision to have surgery caught the Mets off guard, so they had yet to determine how it will affect their offseason plans Thursday. But filling the void Beltran leaves both offensively and in center field is no easy task.
"Certainly, you're talking about one of the best players in the game, and us losing his services at least for the early part of the season," assistant GM John Ricco said. "To the extent that changes our viewpoint, we're discussing that right now."
The Mets' options appear to be limited. Angel Pagan is the best in-house candidate to start in place of Beltran. Rick Ankiel (another Scott Boras client) and Alfredo Amezaga are the only center fielders remaining on the free-agent market (it's unlikely Johnny Damon can still cover enough ground to play the position).
So while the Mets will explore ways to add outfield depth, they will still be left waiting and hoping for a star player to return.
Sound familiar?


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As the leaves drop from the trees it becomes easier to spot sparrowhawks, sitting on a branch looking out for passing tit flocks or sweeping between the boughs before pouncing with their talons. The balance of advantage in winter probably remains the same: the hawks can see their prey more easily, but the tits can spot their enemy coming.
That gift for speeding between the branches of a tree also has a defensive use for the sparrowhawk, especially for the slightly smaller, blue male birds. Crows hate sparrowhawks and I once saw a pair pursuing a hawk across a woodland


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During a press call on Thursday, Travis, 27, recounted how her first date required her to don a bald cap and body paint to look like the calendar shoot's ugly mutt, and how the ex-soccer pro peeped her sans makeup when he arrived unexpectedly early to fix the ladies breakfast.
She also explained why she wants to be this man's best friend first, which ladies are barking up the wrong tree, and just how much Victoria's drunken bark bites.
With "dog lover" as your job description, some people are having a hard time taking you seriously.
I think it was supposed to be funny. I didn't think viewers would assume I'm unemployed. I do business development for a construction company. Because I'm passionate about animal rescue and know I have a great job that I'm good at, it doesn't bother me.
How did your dog wind up coming on the show with you?
It came up in casting. Producers asked what I was hesitant about. I didn't want to board my dog for nine weeks, so I jokingly said, "Can I bring my dog?" They said, "Sure." I didn't realize that no one had ever brought a dog on, or that it was going to be such a big deal.
How did the other women react to a canine roomie?
The girls loved her. She's a great dog. She did great in the house. There were girls who were jealous. Chelsie loves her dog and throws it birthday parties, and she told me she wished she had her dog. Two girls weren't dog people, which I understand, but after night two in the house, everyone adored her. She makes it feel like a home.
Did Molly like Juan Pablo?
Every time he comes to the house, she greets him, jumps on his leg and wags her tail. He says hello to her. It's cute. Dogs are good judges of character, and she likes him, so that's good.
Were you worried that your hairless-pooch calendar-shoot costume would make it hard for Juan Pablo to see the sexy?
Oh, the dog costume! Juan Pablo shared a story about how he had been put in a bald cap so he made it comfortable. I'm very easygoing. It was not a big issue. There were definitely worse costumes. I'd rather be painted than nude.
But then the next week, he popped in to cook breakfast at the mansion and caught you without makeup.
I had an eye injury and couldn't wear contacts. I had on glasses. I don't like myself in glasses. I go downstairs to let Molly out, and he was making breakfast. He was like, "Good morning," and I was running outside [trying to figure out] how to sneak upstairs to put on makeup.
It was such a sweet gesture. I felt like such a jerk. But typically, in the real world, after one date, I wouldn't let someone see me without makeup. I wouldn't let a guy see me that early without getting ready. You're still trying to impress. It was not ideal, but if he can get past those two things, we have something to work with.
Is this an insecurity issue for you?
I don't look like a totally different person without makeup. But my grandmother is very Southern and old-fashioned, and she always said, "Never let a man see you without your face on." That was ingrained in me growing up. I feel like if they are taking the time to take me on a date, I should take the time to get ready. It threw me for a loop.
Did you sense that good looks were most important to him?
Men are visual creatures, so it plays a part, but I didn't get that vibe. He tried to get to know us on a deeper level, and some gorgeous girls went home night one.
What is Juan Pablo's best quality? Worst?
His best quality is he's extremely fair. He made sure we all got time with him. His worst quality is that there is a little bit of a language barrier. I joke all the time, and I had to explain some of my jokes. That didn't work in my favor.
I thought he would be more serious based on Des's season. He has this outgoing personality. The first night, we had a photo booth and a dance party, and that's who he is. He's very relaxed, easygoing, stays out of the drama.
Do you think he's sincere in his quest for love?
Yes. He's a very genuine person. He has passion for everything he does. He made it very clear that he was there to find a wife and a stepmother for his daughter. Camila is the biggest part of his life, and every time he talks about her, his face lights up. He's putting himself and his daughter out there. [If he ended] up with someone who was just there for a joyride, he'd definitely get his heart broken.
Are all the women ready to be stepmoms and moms?
The only one I question as mom material is Lucy. It's hard to take Lucy seriously because she made a comment that she doesn't know how she would be a mother when she acts like a child herself. She's the only one where you get the sense of "Hmm, why are you here?" But she's a character, the last unicorn, so he was probably intrigued at first.
There are some young girls in the house, but the youngest, Cassandra, is already a mother. The other girls are very mature for their age, with the exception of one. I can only go off what they say, but when I talked to them, that seems like what they want.
At this point in the process, did you think he was the one?
I don't believe in love at first sight. I move slower than, say, a Clare. I need more than just a few one-on-ones to say, "This is husband material." That's just not how I'm wired. He's fun, and I want a deeper connection, but I'm not head over heels at that point.
I went in trying to create a friendship first, because for me, relationships start with laughing and friendship. But this show can work and bring people together who may not have found each other otherwise. Crazier things have happened.
Who are the front-runners?
Sharleen. There's definitely some chemistry between them. She got the first-impression rose, and he's intrigued by her. She's a very classy girl and the epitome of a woman. Clare got the first one-on-one date. There's an initial attraction there.
Anyone you didn't worry about at all?
I didn't think Lucy was competition at all. Lauren S., because she is so quiet and awkward around him. Elise. I didn't see a connection.
And Victoria took herself out.
Victoria had been drinking all day. She was very loud. In my head, I envisioned that happening, but not to that extent. It was like a light switch. One minute she was being the loud drunk girl, and the next she was throwing stuff and crying.
Watching, it didn't look as bad as it actually was. Worst drunk mess I have ever seen. A disaster. I don't know how she didn't wake up with the worst hangover.


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Dublin, Ireland Attractions
Guinness Brewery and Storehouse
Founded in 1759, the Guinness Brewery is one of the world's most famous breweries, producing a characteristic dark stout. During a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, visitors can explore the Hopstore, tour a converted 19th-century building housing the World of Guinness Exhibition, watch a film of Guinness production, wander through a gallery of graphic designer JohnGilroy, and saving the best for last, sample a glass of the famous Guinness brew in the Gravity Bar with a 360 degree view of the city.
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Joni Mitchell
Like artist Georgia O'Keeffe, a woman she admires, Joni seems stubbornly loyal to her muse. Perhaps it is a fidelity that springs from a recognition of the fickle nature of public acclaim. The artistic stops on Joni's artistic hegira in recent years have been in the exotic jazz territory, culminating with her arcane 1979 collaboration with the late jazz behemoth Charlie Mingus. That this new collection is more accessible than some recent works is no indication of a creative U-turn. The sound does not trek back to her acoustic folkie days but conjures up the style of her best-selling 1974 Court and Spark album. This rich song cycle about love opens with a womanly lament on growing older (Joni's 39) and bidding farewell to the carefree passion of adolescence. It's called Chinese Cafe and ingeniously blends snippets of Unchained Melody, a tune from her own adolescence. Man to Man (featuring background vocals by former flame James Taylor) is about a long succession of lovers. Underneath the Streetlight depicts the flash and trouble of urban romance, and Ladies' Man is about a gent who "could charm the diamonds off a rattlesnake." (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care is Joni's funny send-up of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's clever vintage tune. She reaches somewhat further back—to the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Corinthians—for the inspiration behind Love: "Love is kind!/Enduring all things/Hoping all things/Love has no evil in mind." The gem of the collection, though, is the spirited, haunting title cut, which uses a wild pony as a metaphor for love that is tempted by security, but finally opts for the risks of unbridled freedom.
Picks and Pans Review: Wild Things Run Fast
updated 12/06/1982 AT 01:00 AM EST
•originally published 12/06/1982 AT 01:00 AM EST


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This past inaugural week, Justice Sonia Sotomayor presided over the swearing-in of Vice President Joseph Biden—and then flew to New York to spread the word about her new memoir, My Beloved World, including this appearance on The Daily Show.
In the segment below, Sotomayor doesn't really describe her South Bronx childhood or the challenges she faced in her early career, though she also says she wrote the book to "make sure that I don't forget the real Sonia" as she finishes her third year on the Supreme Court. She also hints at some of the dynamics that enable nine strong personalities, who often disagree, to craft the nation's jurisprudence "all with the same passion." We learned quite a bit from the interview, and confirmed our early enthusiasm about this most historic of Justices.


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There are many tests of kidney function. Some of them are fundamentally unsound because the kidneys are not working to their fullest capacity at the time of the test. The most commonly used test belonging in this category is the estimation of the blood nonprotein nitrogen. Addis1 has shown that the activity of 50 per cent of the kidneys is sufficient to remove the nitrogenous wastes at the normal rate. It follows that the nonprotein nitrogen of the blood will not be elevated until the disease has destroyed at least a half of the kidneys. The test is, accordingly, inadequate at the time when it is most needed.
In order to obtain the information desired earlier in the disease, Addis2 proposed to put the kidneys under a maximal strain by giving large doses of urea and by forcing fluids. By comparing the ratio of urea in a one
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Apple has been a longtime pick of Motley Fool superinvestor David Gardner, and has soared 219.20% since he recommended it in January of 2008. David specializes in identifying game-changing companies like Apple this long before Wall Street is on to their disruptive potential. I invite you to learn more about how he picks his winners with a free, personal tour of his flagship service, Supernova. Inside you'll discover the science behind his market-trouncing returns. Just click here now for instant access.
Austin Smith: All right, guys, we're here in The Motley Fool Dojo, doing an After-Hours Stock chat.
I want to throw a question your way and see which stocks really surprised you guys in the tech space in 2012. I know you guys both cover the sector. What stocks really surprised you with their outperformance?
Eric Bleeker: Andrew, do you want to go first?
Andrew Tonner: I can say at least that, over the last several months, a couple of stocks that people left for dead -- Nokia (NYSE: NOK ) and Research In Motion (NASDAQ: BBRY ) -- have both been some of the top performers in the sector over the last three months.
They're at least up 75%, almost approaching a double from these companies that people largely had given up on. I think, in the case of Research In Motion at least, now you're seeing the conclusion of the storyline where they had no products to ship because we know BB10 will be coming out on Jan. 30, and then they'll be launching a series of products in the following months.
They keep kicking this product launch down the line and down the line; I think that was a drag on the stock. That's not to say they're going to make money any time soon, but at least there's a timeline for that now. Investors have something they can anchor their expectation on. I think that's been a real boost.
The second thing I think has turned around the stock as well has been a little bit of consistency coming from management. They got rid of the two-CEO structure now, there's some clear leadership.
Say what you will about Thorsten Heins, he's largely still unproven. He hasn't really shipped a flagship product that he can really hang his hat on, but again, now there's some level of consistency, and at least investors know what to expect here.
That being said, I'm definitely not bullish on this continuing. I think Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL ) are going to still retain their spots at the top of both the tablet and smartphone space, but you want to talk about surprising, those are two stocks I wouldn't have said would be some of the strongest performers going into the end of the year.
Austin: Yeah, I definitely did not see that one coming.
Eric: Not a lot of us did.
Austin: What about you, Eric?
Eric: I think we really need to look at the death and rebirth of social media as a real interesting storyline this year. It's a tangent storyline to mobile in general. We saw Facebook (NASDAQ: FB ) immediately come down after its IPO. It was the story of the year; it was getting absolutely crushed, and now people are rebuying on mobile.
Not only that, but a company like LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD ) -- I love LinkedIn, I love its recurring revenue model -- I think it is incredibly disruptive to recruiting itself. I think investors out there who aren't buying in should take a second look, but they didn't collapse at all during the entire Facebook thing, and they're now sitting very pretty.
You've got a company that, by all means, I was expecting to crash with the rest of social media stocks, and LinkedIn soaring, and now you've got Facebook with this negativity cycle, making a comeback. I think it's a really fascinating storyline across the year.
Whether they can continue that mobile storyline in 2013 now becomes a dominant mobile theme across the next year for investors to watch.
Austin: Definitely.
Eric: What about you?
Austin: I don't have one.
Eric: You don't have one at all?
Austin: No. [laughs]
Eric: That was interesting.
Austin: I already did three videos on it, so I can't do any more.
Andrew: I would note too, though, that we are seeing a lot of the companies are kind of tied to the same sector, the Web 2.0 companies as well, that are trading in lockstep with Facebook -- the Zyngas and Groupons -- have also been strong performers the last several months as well; probably something investors didn't really see coming their way.


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Popular This Week
Fresh Photos
Everyone loves the iPhone, which is well-known as one of the best smartphone's in the world. Sadly, not everyone can own it because it's very expensive. But now you don't need to get an iPhone, all you're gonna need is your good old iPod touch and the cool new MorphCase and viola you got yourself a cool iPhone.
The MorphCase is actually a great mobile phone alternative to save money and also get some use out of your iPod touch. It is a VoIP adapter developed by a start-up company called Dexterity. The MorphCase smartcase basically transforms the iPod touch into a Wi-Fi phone. It has a built-in speaker and a mic at the bottom. So, once you gear up the iPod touch with the MorphCase you can plug it into the audio jack and use a voice over IP (VoIP) app to make calls via Wi-Fi. No headset or Bluetooth required.
The MorphCase is currently collecting funds on Indiegogo website, if you hurry up you can pre-order it early for just $35 and save $15. Check out the video after the break to take a closer look at this awesome case.
(All The Images, Trademarks, Logo's Shown on this Post are the property of their respective owners)
[…] "…now you don't need to get an iPhone, all you're gonna need is your good old iPod t… […]


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|Boxing Champions | Boxing Schedule | Boxing Video | Boxing History | Pound For Pound | Lounge | The Wire | Arcade
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Jungle Fever
HBO been showing Jungle Fever a lot lately.
You guys liked it? I respect and like ****e Lee a lot as a director but I feel he often exaggerates scenes to force his own hidden agenda.
One of the things is casting Wesley Snipes, who is a good actor, but he's dark as hell and the lead white chick could have been hotter but she did ok too.
Can't really buy Hallie Berry as a crackhead whore she looks too pretty even when they tried to make her look like a crackhead. She should have been one of Wesley's wifeys girls or something instead.
Samuel L. Jackson was believable as a crackhead.
I've smashed and dated all kinds of honeys but no ones ever once in real life told me I had "jungle fever" or at least to my face.
Obviously now a days interracial dating is a lot more common and accepted than when this movie was made. Especially depending where you live. I live in LA which is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
I personally prefer mixed chicks anyway because I myself am mixed but again I never thought it was a big deal to date all kinds of women.
What do you guys think of the movie?
The ending was really awful but the rest was decent to me.
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For Wes Ganucheau playing pinball games is a blend of technology, music and physics.
"I've been playing pinball since I was about 8 years old," said Gauncheau, now 30, and the director of technology for St. George's Episcopal School in New Orleans. "I've always been fascinated with the technology behind pinball machines and as a musician and technical professional the pinball machine really speaks to me."
Ganucheau was among the 16 pinball aficionados who competed Feb. 8 in the Louisiana state pinball state championship. The event was held a the PinChurch, formerly a church building in Metairie that has been converted into a building that houses various styles and models of pinball machines dating back to the 1950s.
The Louisiana state tournament was sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association. The winner of the Louisiana tournament earned the opportunity to advance to the national pinball championships, which will be held May 18 in Lyons, Colo.
In addition to the state tournament, a side tournament was also held, which drew another 23 competitors.
The Louisiana state tournament was hosted by the Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball, which formed almost two years ago to promote the sport of pinball in the New Orleans area and Louisiana.
"Pinball, a playful pastime from the 1950s to the 1990s that died out with the advance of video games is making a comeback with more than two dozen new producers of machines in the marketplace and conventions popping up around the country," said Mike Perry, one of the founders of the Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball.
Perry has spearheaded the effort in the New Orleans area to bring pinball enthusiasts together.
"Until now people have had a machine here or there in a garage or arcade," Perry said. "But now we're getting organized, meeting, collaborating and participating in social events and sanctioned competitions."
The PinChurch in Metairie houses a large collection of pinball machines that have been restored by members of the Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball.
"We have the largest collection of pinball arcade machines in the south," Perry said. "Pinball is a great metaphor for what we (members of the Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball) like about American culture and technology. Its ultimate evolution was a uniquely American creation with great hand drawn artwork on the games and the themes often depicted topical social issues from sports and entertainment that was important to people."
Kelly Grigg, 51, and a Metairie resident, was one of the 16 pinball enthusiasts who competed in the state tournament.
"I started playing pinball when I was about five," Grigg said. "As a kid, pinball was just a game. But now I enjoy the camaraderie that you have with other pinball players. "
Mike Cousins, 48, also competed in the state tournament.
"I had never played pinball until I was 18," said Cousins, a structural engineer who lives in New Orleans. "I used to play video games as a kid, but now I'm into pinball. I especially love the old pinball machines. And in pinball it's pure physics. It's not preprogrammed like video games. The ball is going to go where it wants to go."
The Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball brings together people of all ages who share the same interest in pinball machines, Perry said.
"Our desire is to fix and restore pinball machines," Perry said. "We collaborate together on repairing and restoring all types of machines. And we teach each other various skills from welding to video editing and stained glass work."
For information about the Mystic Krewe of the Silver Ball visit the website at www.MysticKrewe.com
Earl Hodges can be contacted at email@example.com or 504.887.4731.


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Renault reckons you can mix business with pleasure
Michael McAleer
This is the Renault Frendzy, which is an odd-looking thing which will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Autumn.
Check out the video below:
In two four letter words: UGLY ASSIN.
Janey we're a long way from th'oul Hillman Hunters with their exhausts tied up and their boots tied down with balin twine. Serious design there. But my question is: does she GO, lad??? Hah? Plus ca change.


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Jo and Jimmy Gouge of Amarillo are planning a family cruise to the Caribbean later this summer to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. The event will be hosted by their children and their spouses Denise and Jeff Gulde and Darci and Matt Darby, all of Amarillo.
Gouge married the former Georgia Annette "Jo" Traves on June 17, 1966, in Happy.
The couple have lived in Amarillo all their married life.
Gouge works for the city of Amarillo. Mrs. Gouge works for The Plaza Restaurant as a bookkeeper.
The couple are active in TopTex Square and Round Dance as president, caller and members of Whirley Birds Square Dance Club and founder and caller of Crazy A's Square Dance Club.
Grandchildren of the couple are Joseph Daniel "Joey" and Jacquelyn Darci "Jacki" Gulde.
Amarillo Globe-News, June18, 2006
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Thank you notes
I ran across an idea on here and the FI and I thought it was a nice personal touch and we would love to do this at our reception but I'm having a hard time finding the right resouces. One couple had placed custom thank you notes on each place setting at the reception tables to match their invites. The place we're ordering the invites from carries thank you cards, but I would really rather have something that is on flat card stock that can be done in our colors...any thoughts or suggestions?