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5 Memorable Mistakes and the Lessons I Learned
by John Deysher
As a mutual fund portfolio manager, once a year I review the stock market mistakes I made during the past year.
It's a useful exercise. Mistakes occur for a variety of reasons including greed, fear and errors in reasoning, facts and judgment.
Once you realize you've made a mistake, your objective is twofold—first, to try to salvage the position and, secondly, to minimize the damage.
All investors like to talk about their winners, few about their losers. With this in mind, I'd like to share some of my most memorable mistakes I've made over the years.
Mistake #1: Bally Entertainment
One of my first trades as a young investor was the purchase of Bally Entertainment for $15 a share in November 1979.
At the time Bally, which also made slot machines, had just opened its Park Place Casino in Atlantic City where casino gambling had recently been legalized.
The Park Place Casino is a gem sitting atop eight acres at the famed intersection of Park Place and Boardwalk. At 2.2 million square feet, it's one of the largest casinos in town with a huge gaming floor, 1,300 hotel rooms and numerous shops, cabarets and eateries.
Having grown up in Philadelphia, about 90 miles from Atlantic City, I'd seen firsthand how gaming transformed the economy and skyline of Atlantic City.
While I didn't know much about Bally, its management or financials, I did know three things:
1) Park Place is a well-known brand with staying power (remember Monopoly?).
2) The central location of the Park Place Casino is terrific.
3) Millions live within a 100 miles of Atlantic City and some of them like to gamble.
So, in November 1979, I plunked down my hard-earned cash to buy some shares of Bally Entertainment at $15 per share.
About a year later, the position was sold at $17 per share for a small gain, after commissions. So, in spite of picking a good company to invest in, I did not profit—I merely broke even. This taught me two very important lessons.
First, it is important to try to anticipate rather than react to major events that move stock prices. My guess is that the smart money was moving into Bally shares months before Atlantic City gambling was legalized. Getting in early earned them multiples on their investment. If gambling had failed to pass, they would've still owned shares in a darn good slot machine maker.
Second, Wall Street is a place where the patient take from the impatient. While Bally was a great company, it was priced like a great firm when I bought it. The shares had already had a nice run following the legalization of gambling in Atlantic City.
But even if I had not anticipated properly (lesson No. 1), I still could have profited if I had been more patient. My error was not giving the earnings enough time to catch up with the share price. Like many investors, I became impatient and sold early. Earnings per share eventually reached $3.20 a share, pushing the stock to $30 a share in 1981. By being a bit more patient, I could have doubled my money in another year.
Early in my brokerage career, I was caught up in the tech mania of the mid-1980s. Perhaps some of you remember that time. The American public was just starting to realize the power of the personal computer, and Wall Street was awash in hot numbers like Coleco, Commodore, DEC, Data General, Verbatim and Wang Labs.
An associate mentioned a company named Onyx-IMI, which made hard disk drives for personal computers. It was a start-up, launched to capture the burgeoning PC demand.
Without knowing much about Onyx other than they made disk drives (a hot area), I bought some shares. Sure there was heavy competition from established players like Seagate, Quantum and Western Digital… Sure, I hadn't the foggiest idea of why Onyx made a better product that would take market share and drive revenue growth...
Sure there were other disk drive makers coming public like Micropolis...
And sure, Onyx was a start-up firm that had never experienced a downturn...
So what?
All I knew was this was a hot start-up stock, just beyond it's initial public offering, and it was going UP, right?
You know what happened next. Onyx never delivered on expectations and became just another me-too disk drive maker that evaporated with the next tech slowdown.
While painful, Onyx taught me two valuable lessons.
First: Don't chase hot stocks in hot industries. The easy money has probably already been made. Instead, identify stocks you'd like to own for fundamental reasons, do your homework and be ready to buy when they return to reasonable valuations. Don't be caught up in a buying frenzy.
Second, stay within your circle of competence.
Back then, I didn't understand technology. And truth be told, I still don't. The rate of change is fast and the obsolescence risk is high.
Stay with what you know, and you'll improve your chance of success significantly.
A few years back, I owned a position in a small company called Open Plan Systems (PLAN), which refurbished workstations.
They would buy used workstations (cubicles) originally made by Herman Miller or Haworth, at pennies on the dollar, refurbish them and then sell them at a significant discount to new merchandise prices. Open Plan went public in May 1996 at $10 per share. But because of several missteps and earnings disappointments, two years later the shares were at $2.
At this point, I bought a few shares because of their strong balance sheet and sound strategic position. It was encouraging when in June 1998 the board replaced both the firm's CEO and CFO with a couple of proven turnaround pros.
They were highly motivated, owning 4% of shares outstanding with options on another slug of shares that would give them 15% ownership if the turnaround succeeded.
At first the new management team delivered as promised—they fixed the business and restored profitability by reducing expenses and closing unprofitable sales offices.
However, the next step was to grow the company, and here management fell flat.
I'll spare you the gory details, but the fundamental culprit was an attempt to build a multi-brand platform with several plants and offices before the sales level justified the expansion.
Losses mounted, the balance sheet got leveraged and PLAN couldn't survive the collapse of the workstation market following the dot-com bust. The turnaround experts left, PLAN was liquidated, and shareholders got nothing.
Through it all, I held the shares—they were too cheap to sell!
The lesson: Now, I'm much quicker to sell merchandise that becomes impaired, as PLAN did. It's tough selling at a loss, but it's often your best choice for preserving capital.
Metals USA (MUSA) was a Houston-based network of steel service centers that emerged from bankruptcy in November 2002 with a clean balance sheet and intact customer base.
The company had a new CEO who was making open market purchases along with several other executives. I spoke with him about his plans and liked what he said. In short order, a nice position was built at an average cost of $4.40 per share, a significant discount to tangible book value and potential earnings power.
The new CEO delivered as promised, and within months the stock doubled to around $9. The entire position was sold and I felt like a genius.
Well, the following quarters were better than expected and the shares promptly doubled again to $20 a share. Ultimately, Metals USA was acquired at $22 a share in 2005. Clearly I sold too soon and left some serious money on the table.
The problem?
I was thinking like a value investor instead of like a growth investor. Instead of worrying about what price-earnings ratio and price-to-book-value ratio the stock traded at, I should have been thinking about what price-earnings ratio a growth investor would pay for Metals USA's rapidly increasing stream of earnings.
That's an important lesson: Buy value, sell growth.
Now, once a stock starts to run, I replace my value hat with a growth hat and try to figure out what a growth buyer will pay. That's when you capture multiples on your investment: When a stock transitions from value to growth.
Mistake #5: Transkaryotic Therapies
Transkaryotic Therapies (TKTX) was a Cambridge-based biotech company that developed and commercialized human proteins to treat rare genetic diseases.
TKTX ran into problems in late 2002 when management turmoil, product development missteps and a bloated expense structure sent its shares plummeting. The shares fell below net cash of $7 to $8 a share, and Wall Street feared their excessive burn rate would devour the cash in short order.
The board replaced the CEO with a friend of mine, Mike Astrue. I'd worked with his father, Jim, 20 years earlier (he taught me about Graham and Buffett) and we'd stayed in touch.
Mike is one of the brightest guys I know, a Harvard-trained lawyer who held high level health-related positions in government and industry. I didn't know a thing about TKTX except that it was selling at less than cash in the bank so the downside was probably limited. What I did know was Mike probably wouldn't have taken the top job unless he thought he could make it work.
At this point, I should have bought shares when they were being given away. But, I didn't. Although I thought Mike had an extremely high chance of succeeding, I didn't understand what TKTX did and why it would succeed in a highly competitive field like biotech. My gut told me the stock was a winner with minimal downside but my brain ruled the day.
However, sometimes you must have the courage of your convictions and move ahead even if the outcome is not entirely clear—and particularly if the risk is limited.
You can guess the rest of the story—TKTX recovered as expected and was sold to another biotech firm for $39 a share in 2005.
These are a few of the mistakes I've made over the years. Perhaps you can learn from them as I did. Winning in the stock market is often about not losing and keeping your capital intact. One of the ways to avoid losses is to learn from your mistakes. All investors make mistakes, but the smart ones learn from them.
Lessons Learned
- Anticipate, rather than react, to events and news that move stock prices.
- Be patient with your holdings, and allow stock prices and earnings to properly align when incorrect market expectations have thrown them out of kilter.
- Don't go after "hot" stocks. Chasing a hot stock is a good way to get burned.
- Stay within your level of knowledge and competence when analyzing companies.
- Don't sell a stock too late, know when to fold. When management stumbles, a key signal is sales that either drop or do not justify management plans.
- Don't sell a winner too soon. To avoid this, think: "buy value, sell growth." You can capture multiples on your investment when a stock transitions from value to growth, but it requires you to shift your way of thinking about your holding.
- Stick to your convictions if you have some basis for thinking that a stock could do well.
Curt from GA posted over 4 years ago:
Hind sight is 20:20. It always is easier to reflect on past actions and see how you could have acted differently. It is more difficult to visualize how to act when the problem/situation is out in front of you. That said, the author has made some excellent points that novice and even experienced stock investors should consider.
Harold from MO posted over 4 years ago:
Always be well diversified. The good part of portfolio can cushion the small percentage of mistakes.
John from KS posted over 4 years ago:
I would like to read more about 'thinking like a value investor' and 'thinking like a growth investor.'


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From St Louis to Hotatlanta to Los Angeles.
30 Comments
GREAT PICTURE of Andre and you + friend. This has been the longest road trip ever. I am glad that the won this series. They deserve it. Well I hope both BLAKE & BILLZ are doing good and can join the crew soon. LONEY had a scary moment when he got hit with the ball, while at bat. OUCH. 22 HomeRuns for ETHIER…GOOOOO ETHIER…! The NEW pitcher, SHERRILLwas excellent.
Well I hope that they have a win tonight. I will be attending, but I still don't know where to see. No kids, it is date night, for me and husband.
yeah, I am sure the boys in Blue are ready to come back. I hate those ESPN games on getaway days.
Doesn't Ethier look so handsome? Well he always does. Who would have thought at the beginning of the year that he would have more HRs than Manny? Oooooh, date night and you got Kershaw on the mound. Should be a good game. I forgot my phone so I might have to go home… well actually 5 minutes away from the stadium where I am kitty sitting this week. My friends are again on vacation.
Aww, sorry to hear about your laptop. & I bet you are glad to come home. It just stinks that Vic was traded. I hope he will be happy with the Red Sox. http://tribechick.mlblogs.com/ -TC
5 minutes from the stadium…that is great. I am in Riverside, so that's over an hour drive + traffic. ETHIER always looks great. He has the most beautiful smile…..LOVE IT! I am still debating if I wear my MARTIN jersey or my girly Dodger shirt! MARTIN did well yesterda but Saturday…I don't know. Well I do believe in showing my support for MARTIN….GOOOOO MARTIN.
Very weird that Loretta pitched and Schmidt pinch hit! I'm sure you'll be glad for the Dodgers to be home. I love your vest in the pic, btw. Very colorful!
I am closer to work and 5 minutes to Dodger Stadum. That is why I don't mind if my friend wants me to kitty/house sit. Hmm, girly or Martin's shirt? Ethier…oops either choice is good.
I got my laptop working late Sunday. Now the only thing is I forgot my blackberry but at least is close to the stadium so I'll pick it up on my way there after work. I heard Vic got 5 hits.
It was "Carne Asada Day" after the game so I was looking for something with Mexican colors to wea. I have the hat and I forgot that someone had given me that vest some time ago. I wanted a more Mexican shirt but I did not have time to look for one.
so glad they did well on ESPN and Billz was dealing yesterday! I am looking forward to watching Kershaw tonight!
Well girl I am heading home to get ready for the game….GO DODGERS!
Have a fabulous time! If you want to see me, you know where I sit Top Deck aisle 3. There is a beautiful view from there of the game, the mountains, th sunset and downtown. We got it all
Emma: O M G. A picture with Andre Ethier!? I think I'm going to faint! To answer your question, NO ONE IS HOTTER THAN ANDRE ETHIER, ON THE FIELD, OR MAN WISE! I am a bit jealous, Emma, I have to say. That is incredible. You yourself look cute in that sombrero, it's very stylish. Wow. I still can't get over it. If I was that close to Ethier, I don't know what I would've done. I might have fainted right then and there. Well, anyway, I'll talk to you soon, hopefully about baseball instead of men! Later, girl! -Virginia
LOL. Andre sure got the looks and he is a great player! When Ethier comes to bat you could definitely hear the female fan base over the male ones. Dodgers sure scored big on that one when they got him from Oakland for Milton Bradley and Franklyn Gutierrez. Ethier was in the minor league then so he has only played with the Dodgers in the majors. Thanks!
Emma: I appreciate you looking for more pictures of Ethier for me. I hope the Yankees get a cozy lead, too. Usually, I like competition, but this year I think I want them to have a nice lead in the AL East. But then again, the Yankees seem to get a bit lazy when they are ahead. As long as they win, I don't care how they do it. I'll talk to you again soon, Em. -Virginia
Hey I didn't get a chance to go up to the TOP DECK. We were acutally seating down below near HeartRussell. She sat on the box seats and we sat not on the box seats but behind it. The game was very interesting. Man we should of won. But Kersh was sooooo off. Jetlagged, east coast time…who knows??? But we stayed for the whole game and enjoyed our only chance to great seats. Was a bit disappointed that MARTIN did not play (I got to see him during his pinch hit…but that was it). But I am glad Ausmus did great a batting. I made it early to the game and I got to see our boys during stretching time. I was mad cause I forgot my camera. So the only pictures I have are in my phone. HeartRuss did go up to both Kemp & Ethier. Lucky. I took a picture of her with her Jersey autograph by some of the players. She was soooooo sweet to my and my husband. She is awsome! Date night ended up being a wonderful night…it would of been fantastic, but we didn't win. Did you see me in the Kiss Cam? (Girl with the Black freezy hair wearing a blue shirt…lol aren't we all wearing a blue shirt….LOL) I am glad the boys were able to atleast get some energy during the ninth and score some more points.
Hey Virginia,
yep, we don't care if is an ugly win as long as we get the "W". Do you think your team can make it all the way? I don't think ours can, we need some help..Need a starter and Manny is in a slump now.
I did see you then on Kiss Cam! Wish I would have taken a picture! The older gentleman was so funny at the end when he jumped over to kiss his wife. I could not make it early, in fact I walked in there when our boys were at bat. Is not like me to arrive at that time. Normally I already have eaten, so that I can watch the game, listen on the radio and keep score. Glad you had a good time. I got the company seats for Wednesday so I'll be in the field level.
Well Wednesday game will be a win….LOL They were a cute couple…the camera kept going to them…how sweet. Told my husband that will be us when we get that old. Well we normally arrive during the 2nd inning cause of traffic. But we had no traffic what so ever. We got there so early that we had to circle around the stadium entrance for awhile waiting for the gates to open. No prefer parking! My husband said…no kids…let get good seats. So we did, plus we had discount tickets…LOL! But it was a bit scary, I did not want to get hit by a ball. Usher kept telling us that she got hit, her usher friend got hit, CAT got hit. OK I ended up wearing my girly Dodger shirt (long sleeve)…but then I got a stained on it so I put my Martin Jersey over it. Well I got soooo hot that I ended up buying another Dodger t-shirt…YEY!
Good for you that you had discount tickets. One time I had my 6 year old niece with me , and I had the company seats so I am sitting in the field level with her and I am looking at her eating a choco malt when a ball hit me on the inside of my left leg. Boy did that hurt! I had a bruise the size of a corn tortilla. I was just glad it hit me instead of her. I still have that baseball. Heep Sop Choi hit me with that foul.
It was such a nice breeze in the Top Deck that I put my jacket on but I had to take it off when we went to the Reserved to go see a friend there.
The day of the tour, I checked out the view. WOOOOOW, BEAUTIFUL. One day we will seat up there. I think my husband wants to try the Beach Section next. That day I will go and visit you and hopefully catch the sunset….. Hey we are checking out all the sections. Pavillions will be visited with no kids, they get routy there. But seems fun. OOHHHH did you see the guy in the green suit? Suites, we are for sure planning a Suite at Dodgers…someday. My ultimate locations: behind catcher and behind Dodgers dugout. We usually seat in Lower reserve.
Yes, I saw the guy in the green suit. You noticed that eventually they kicked him out? The fans were booing but is the stadium policy that you cannot have a mask over your head. Was the guy advertising a movie? He had good dancing moves.
I sat in the suites once when we got upgraded in the Top Deck but you know what? My friend went back to the Top Deck and I wanted to but I did not want them to see us that we preferred our top Deck. It was nice though sitting there for a few innings. It was toward the LF foul pole. Work has rented the suites that include food as a thank you to everyone that worked on a particular project. Did you see that they are advertising suites with a particular Dodger figure? They were showing Ron Cey on one suite on the Diamond Vision. Upcoming suite events are with Garvey, Sweet Lou and Fernando. Wonder how much those cost.
I did not see the Suites thing. Yeah for us will like a one-time event to be in the suites.
I have no idea what the GREEN MAN was advertising or just trying to distract the batter??? LOL he was dancing pretty cool. But he was a big distraction to our players aswell. I just kept seeing KEMP, BLAKE & MANNY looking back each time the crowd will get loud booing at the secutities for kicking him out. I did not know that they had a policy regarding masks….hey whatever is good for our protections and our players protection. The good thing is that each time some fool decide to be the attention grabber… streakers across the fields, GREEN MAN, or just crazy fan wanting to run and hug a player (I promised I won't do it again…J/K) will not be aired on TV so that the fool will not get the satisfaction of being on TV.
Yeah Rosie, they do not air those people but the young woman (no, it was not me!) that ran into the field and kissed Fernando back when he played still gets shown on Diamond Vision. Have you seen tapes of that? She kisses Fernando I believe on the cheek and then waves to the crowd. I wonder what ever became of her.
I did see that….LOL! Sure…it wasn't you…LOL! One day since I am only 5′ tall I will dress up like a kid and take the field with the kids and chase after ETHIER & MARTIN…mmmm ??? I wonder if I can get away with it? LOL
You can get away with that.
So I am talking with a friend about bringing holy water and spray it on Randy Wolf. He tells me, if it burns on him, you have to use something else. LOL.
LOL! Kersh needed some holy water on him yesterday…
Emma – From all the comments it sounds like you're really having a great time!! Great pics!
They won Emma!! Evan Longoria got a two run walk off homer in the bottom of the 13th! Hope the Dodgers win tonight too!!
Yes Ginny, I try to have a good time. I try not to get things get me down. Wohoo! Walk offs are a so much fun! and wow! 13th inning?! Dodgers sure did win by a lot today. They scored 2 touchdowns and a field goal.
Emma- I LOVE Andre Ethier! What a great picture of you with him!
Thanks Emily! I had forgotten I had that picture from the "Carne Asada Sunday" after the game. We love our Andre too. We are just waiting for him to be honored with a BBH.
I remember that game in Atlanta when Bills pitched. The sweat was POURING off his cap like a water fountain.
Like they say, it's not the heat, it's the stupidity….I mean humidity.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hurricane Sandy Relief
Unimaginable destruction, Mother Nature strikes again. Please everyone, if you're able (I've been unemployed since March and I've done it a couple of times since then), text 'REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10 to their Disaster Relief Fund. It couldn't be easier to do, and if the timing is right, it won't show up until your December bill !
"Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to"


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Hi, with the holidays I am posting this hoping to get some information until I can talk to my physician.
I am going into my 5th day with no mil as of yet. My newborn needs to eat as he is jaundiced and his levels are going up which can happen if hes not getting enough. He has not had a poopy diaper as of today and only 2 wet diapers. Is it ok to supplement every other feeding or a few times a day until I can speak with someone about this. He is nursing about every 10 x a day but Im concerned about how much colustrum (sp) he is getting if any. He seems tired after each feeding and sleeps immediately and almost all day. Today I gave him a bit of formula and he ate it right away and stayed alert and bright eyed for over an hour.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.


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On man's argument against the Reproductive Health Act
Please, regardless if you are a Democrat, Libertarian, Independent or Republican, I urge you to contact our governor and our various representatives to Albany about this terrifying Reproductive Health Act that encourages abortion at any stage of the pregnancy, including late term. Why? Because a scared pregnant woman needs help and understanding not a supposed quick fix, as if abortion is just another form of birth control.
Think this through: just because it's legal doesn't make it good or true. The apple of God's eye, the Jewish people, could be robbed, tortured and murdered legally in Nazi Germany. I hope we all agree that was a horrifying holocaust. What about this? If the police knew of a ring of doctors who were murdering one-day-old babies they would show up with a SWAT Team to arrest them.
However, we continue to vote people into office who make laws that say [when] the baby is still inside the mother, or on the way out the birth canal… the infant boy or girl is not yet a person but rather a viable choice.
Please, I lovingly urge you to contact Albany and tell them to have the Reproductive Health Act removed from the agenda.
Lastly, separation of church and state and our U.S Constitution in general was never set up to keep God awayfrom the people or faith out of government. It was set up to protect the Christian Church and citizens from U.S. government. Please check out the excellent Judeo-Christian history website www.wallbuilders.com. I also recommend watching the Kirk Cameron film "Monumental."
John Pasquale
Livingston Manor, NY


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alasdair is 16 months. still nursing, though mainly only at 'sleep-times,' naps + nighttime, at least 3 times throughout the night.
i am 14 weeks pregnant, and---honestly----really ready to wean him. i was ready about 4 months ago, but but but....
i thought things were going in the right direction. he was cutting down during the day and doing alright going to bed with dh most nights. so, we decided to introduce another transition and move him into his own room + big bed (on the floor). i slept in there with him for about a month, then the plan was to have dh sleep with him + start night weaning. he got that far for about a week, then, suddenly, alasdair decided he must have milk + mama.
my poor husband is devastated that he can't console alasdair anymore. it's sad. mostly, it's really frustrating. he gets sooooo pissed, to the point of waking, screaming, running down the hall screaming, kicking. everything. the longest it has lasted was about 45 minutes---then i went into the room and he calmed, immediately, with milk.
my point + question: he goes nuts without nursing. it hurts me terribly lately (probably sensitive due to pregnancy) and it makes for a ****ty night's sleep. what can i do to subside his need to nurse?
sidenote: his molars + 1 canine are now in---worked on those last month.


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Mountain UniformsNo Reviews Available | post a review
Incline Village, NV US
(775) 831-7670
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About Mountain Uniforms
|We are the #1 provider of technical uniforms to winter resort areas. We offer industrial waterproof-breathable jackets and pants, radio vests, and fleece items to groups and limited overrun items to individual ski and snowboard industry insiders. Items are made to be fashionable and functional, specific to the needs of the group. Prices are wholesale.
Mountain Uniforms began operations in 1996
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Mountain Uniforms Website
New Gear From Mountain Uniforms This Season
|1) Radio Jacket with zip-off sleeves - had 13 pockets plus light stuff-away hood.
2) Softer, more pliable waterproof-breathable softshell jackets, custom for groups, with some overrun options for individual purchase.
3) Lighter, mountaineering weight cargo pant with inside vents - wholesale prices.
4) Heavy-duty black pants, with removable knee pads and extra waterproof lining in the butt. Order the #007 full side zip or the #008 cargo pant both w/zip-off high back and removable front suspenders
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You can also purchase Mountain Uniforms directly from their website
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|We provide custom uniforms for large groups. We offer design assistance of your custom product if you prefer. We make the same style and colors available year after year, as long as ordered. Our gear is industrial quality - made with the best waterproof-breathable fabrics available on the market, 100% seam sealed, extra features necessary for the comfort and convenience of those who wear our products day in and day out. Our outerwear is derived from the input of our end users, who are primarily professionals. Because we only do uniforms for cold-weather environments, we don't compromise our products. They are not sold in retail stores.
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|We are listed as the #1 uniform provider, according to the SIA resort survey. More resorts use Mountain Uniforms than any other uniform vendor. Check out our updated online store for industry insiders to purchase overruns on standard items we carry for resort customers.
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FIGURE. No caption available.
Here is a colorful brain twister called the Stroop effect, invented by John Ridley Stroop in 1935. The color names below are written in a variety of colors. Try reading the list out loud, as fast as you can. It's harder than it looks, because your brain gets confused between reading the word and naming the color, a phenomenon that psychologists call interference.
Now try naming the colors of the words out loud, as fast as you can. Ignore what the words say; only pay attention to the actual colors. Most people find this task harder, because it is difficult to suppress our well-trained impulse to read what the words say—what psychologists call response inhibition. But with practice the task gets easier and easier, demonstrating our brain's incredible ability to rewire itself.
To test your Stroop effect prowess, see if you can answer these two questions.
1. Find the six words that correctly name the actual color the word is written in.
2. Find the 12 words that correctly name the color of the following word or preceding word. Note: Consider that the word at the end of one line is followed by the word at the beginning of the next line.
Enjoy the Stroop effect? Play Color Match, a game based on the Stroop effect, on the brain game site lumosity.com .
Scott Kim


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Returned Volunteers FAQs
Keeping former Peace Corps Volunteers informed and involved is very important to us. The topics below are drawn from our most commonly asked questions from RPCVs. We hope you find them helpful.
- 1 How can I get assistance with financial issues, taxes, or a copy of my Description of Service (DOS)?
- 2 Where can I get assistance with Early Termination (ET) issues?
- 3 Where can I get assistance with medical issues?
- 4 How can I change my address?
- 5 How can I find an RPCV?
- 6 How can I locate the RPCV group nearest me?
- 7 How can I stay connected to the Peace Corps?
- 8 Where can I order Returned Volunteer Services publications?
- 9 How do I apply for employment with the Peace Corps?
- 10 Campus Recruiting Positions
- 11 Temporary and Short-Term Positions
- 12 Associate Peace Corps Director (APCD) Jobs
- 13 What is a GS level? Where do I rank?
- 14 What is non-competitive eligibility?
- 15 What is an SF-50? Do I have a performance appraisal from the Peace Corps that I can use in the federal hiring process?
- 16 What if I have other questions about services for former Volunteers?
- 17 External Links
How can I get assistance with financial issues, taxes, or a copy of my Description of Service (DOS)?
For Readjustment Allowance questions; verification of Peace Corps service for an employer or college (verbal and/or written); copies of your Description of Service (DOS), income tax questions and W-2 forms; loan deferment, cancellation, and economic hardship certifications; and, savings bonds, contact:
Volunteer and PSC Financial Services
800.424.8580, ext. 1770, or
Where can I get assistance with Early Termination (ET) issues?
For ET consultation/personal counseling, or if you wish to ET while in the United States on home leave or emergency leave, contact:
Office of Special Services
800.424.8580, ext. 1470 or
Where can I get assistance with medical issues?
If within the first six months of your COS you are having a particularly difficult time with your re-entry adjustment and feel you need a medical evaluation, contact the Office of Medical Services to discuss your situation with a medical professional.
For general medical issues, contact the Office of Medical Services.
Office of Medical Services
800.424.8580, ext. 1500 or 202.692.1500
Learn more about general RPCV health benefits.
To obtain copies of your medical records, contact:
Medical Records Department
800.424.8580, ext. 1553 or 202.692.1553
For Medical billing/reimbursement, contact:
Health Benefit Program
For RPCVs with medical problems resulting from their Peace Corps service, requests for authorization of evaluation or further diagnostic work-up of service-related conditions; authorization for treatment after diagnosis of injury or illness incurred while a PCV or other illness or disability issues related to your Peace Corps service contact:
Post Service Unit
800.424.8580, ext. 1540 or 202.692.1540
For Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) claims or Re-entry difficulty, contact: Office of Medical Services 800.424.8580, ext. 1500, or 202.692.1500. Additional information is available from the FECA Benefits page on this site.
Sometimes RPCVs encounter problems in obtaining assistance from the Office of Medical Services or the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). OWCP is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for administering the FECA program. An RPCV group has been formed to help RPCVs secure health care and other benefits that they are legally entitled to (see OWCP Yahoo! Group in the external links section, below).
How can I change my address?
Use our online form or send an e-mail to: firstname.lastname@example.com
You may also send your information via regular mail. Include your name, address, social security number, country, and years of service to:
RPCV Database Manager
Peace Corps Domestic Programs
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20526
How can I find an RPCV?
Peace Corps no longer has resources available for contacting returned volunteers; however, there are a number of search resources available on the Web including Yahoo People Search and Google. The National Peace Corps Association maintains a "Seeking" area on its website under the News section. Also, every five years NPCA publishes a directory of RPCVs and former staff.
How can I locate the RPCV group nearest me?
Contact the National Peace Corps Association via their website (www.peacecorpsconnect.org) or call them at 202.293.7728. First year of membership is free to recently returned volunteers.
How can I stay connected to the Peace Corps?
There are many ways to stay connected. Visit our Stay Connected section or select from the following list:
- Assist with recruiting potential Volunteers.
- Help RPCVs with their career and life transition back to the United States by agreeing to be listed in the Career Information Consultants Guide.
- Participate as a Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools speaker.
- Share your experience during Peace Corps Week.
- Become a Crisis Corps Volunteer.
- Submit a story for the Peace Corps Web site.
- Let Peace Corps help pay for graduate school. Learn more about the Peace Corps Fellows Program.
- Join the National Peace Corps Association and get involved with one of its 140 geographic or country of service affiliate groups. First year of membership is free to newly returned volunteers.
Where can I order Returned Volunteer Services publications?
RVS publishes a series of career manuals. These are available free of charge to all RPCVs, but can only be mailed to addresses in the United States. Most are now available online. Learn more.
How do I apply for employment with the Peace Corps?
Visit our Jobs section for a comprehensive look at working at the Peace Corps, plus listings for open positions at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., as well as regional, overseas, and short-term jobs.
Campus Recruiting Positions
The Peace Corps occasionally places Peace Corps campus coordinators/graduate assistants ("strategy contractors") at certain colleges and universities that are good sources for potential Volunteers.
Strategy contractors are returned Volunteers who work half-time on campus as Peace Corps recruiters while pursuing degrees. The recruiter is actually employed by the university which has been awarded a contract by the Peace Corps for recruitment activities.
If you plan to attend school, you might contact the local Peace Corps office responsible for the state in which your school is located to inquire about these positions.
Temporary and Short-Term Positions
RPCVs can inquire about current temporary openings by contacting the specific office that interests them, or by visiting the RVS career center at the Regional Recruitment Office in Rosslyn, Virginia, where these openings are sometimes posted. You may also inform any office of your availability in the event that the office has an upcoming temporary need.
For short-term jobs or consulting, the Short Term Assistance Unit (STAU) of the Peace Corps provides trainers for Pre-Service Trainings when requested by a Peace Corps overseas post. To identify trainers, the STAU maintains a database of potential short-term contractors and actively recruits new candidates. Learn more about STAU.
To submit your résumé or federal application by mail, send it to:
Short-Term Assistance Unit
of the Center for Field Assistance
and Applied Research
Paul D. Coverdell
Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20526
Associate Peace Corps Director (APCD) Jobs
Competitive APCD candidates usually will have position-specific education, several years of managerial experience, technical skills, and cross-cultural language skills. Check the Peace Corps Employment Center for current APCD openings.
Or, send a federal application or résumé to:
Paul D. Coverdell
Peace Corps Headquarters
Overseas Staff Recruitment
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20526
What is a GS level? Where do I rank?
The Peace Corps uses a Foreign Service (FP) system rather than the GS hiring system used at many government agencies. The majority of recently Returned Volunteers may qualify for positions at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 levels. This will of course depend on the amount of relevant experience and the education level of the applicant.
For more information about the federal government's GS system, see the RPCV Benefits section.
What is non-competitive eligibility?
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) is a special mechanism through which RPCVs can be appointed to federal GS positions without competing with the general public in order to be hired.
What this means is federal agencies are permitted to hire a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer without posting a vacancy announcement, interviewing candidates or going through the other steps that often cause the hiring process to idle. This does not mean Returned Volunteers are entitled to federal employment. Also, state and local agencies fall under separate laws and do not have the NCE benefit.
RPCVs may provide a non-competitive eligibility letter (PDF) to prospective federal employers explaining their non-competitive eligibility.
Noncompetitive eligibility can be used at expected service agencies. USAJobs.gov lists these expected service agencies here:
For more information about the federal government's GS system, see the RPCV Benefits section.
What is an SF-50? Do I have a performance appraisal from the Peace Corps that I can use in the federal hiring process?
Federal employers sometimes ask RPCV applicants for a copy of their SF-50s. This form is called a "Notification of Personnel Action." As a PCV/RPCV, you did/do not have an SF-50.
You may use a copy of your Description of Service (DOS), instead, as a formal description of your Peace Corps work. The DOS is a factual account of your service. It does not evaluate your work as a PCV.
Most federal job applications ask for a copy of your most recent performance appraisal. Try to get a general letter of recommendation that gives an account of your work habits and character, from an overseas Peace Corps staff member familiar with your work.
It is advisable to get a letter of recommendation before you leave or shortly after you return from overseas. The longer the time since you left service, the more difficult it is to get such letters. This letter can be used in lieu of a performance appraisal.
What if I have other questions about services for former Volunteers?
Refer to the Career Resource Manual presented to you at your COS conference, or contact Returned Volunteer Services: firstname.lastname@example.com
External Links
National Peace Corps Association a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization connecting, informing and engaging returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs), former Peace Corps staff and friends of Peace Corps committed to fostering peace through service, education and advocacy.
Returned Volunteers FAQs Official US Peace Corps Website
OWCP Yahoo! Group An Online Community of RPCVs that Advocates for Better Post-Service Health Care from Peace Corps and the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.


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- Administration
- Health and Community Wellness
- City Clerk
- Communications
- Economic and Housing Development
- Engineering
- Finance
- Fire Department
- Law
- Neighborhood and Recreational Services
- Police Department
- Water and Sewer Utilities
Municipal Departments execute the policies and initiatives of the Mayor and the Municipal Council. Use the listings below to access contact information and learn more about the important role the departments play in the delivery of services.
The Department of Administration
Visit Administration Page
The Department of Administration directs, facilitates, and assists municipal departments and agencies in delivering services to Newark residents, businesses, and visitors as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.
Office of the Business Administrator
920 Broad Street, Room 205
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Michael E. Greene, Esq.
Assistant Business Administrator
Office of the Business Administrator
Room 210, City Hall
(973) 733-6666
Darlene Tate
Budget Director
Office of Management and Budget
Room 109, City Hall
(973) 733-3840
Jerome Wakefield
Purchasing Director
Division of Central Purchasing
828 Broad Street
Dorian Herrell
Office of Emergency Management
480 Clinton Avenue
(973) 733-3669
Kecia Daniels
Personnel Director
Division of Personnel
Room 212, City Hall
Seth Wainer
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
Room 113, City Hall
(973) 733-3217
Division of Office Services
Room B-1, City Hall
(973) 733-6453
The Department of Health and Community Wellness
The mission of the Department of Health and Community Wellness is to provide and advocate for comprehensive health care, social, and environmental services for Newark citizens and other consumers to ensure an optimal level of health and well-being.
Visit Health and Community Wellness Page
Hanaa A. Hamdi, PhD, Director
The Department of Health and Community Wellness
110 William Street
(973) 733-5310
Marsha McGowan, Director Of Personal Health Services
The Department of Health and Community Wellness
Div. of Surveillance & Prevention
110 William Street
(973) 733-7592
Peter J. Dillon, Jr., Director
The Department of Health and Community Wellness
Div. of Environmental Health
94 William Street
(973) 733-4315
Deborah Edwards, Assistant Director of
Personal Health Services
The Department of Health and Community Wellness
Div. of Health Planning
(973) 733-6430
Dr. Kathyann Duncan, Interim Medical Director
The Department of Health and Community Wellness
Medical Care Services
394 University Ave
(973) 877 6170
Office of the City Clerk
The purpose of the City Clerk, as mandated by New Jersey State law and local ordinance, is to provide complete administrative support to the Municipal Council, including budget and legislative research, maintenance and access of official city records, and performance of other administrative functions such as certain licensing requirements. The Office of the City Clerk is also responsible for the conduct of municipal elections and carries out the ministerial and statutory requirements for primary and general elections.
Visit Office of City Clerk Page
Kenneth Louis, City Clerk
Room 306, City Hall
(973) 733-6574
Kathleen Marchetti, Deputy City Clerk
Room 309, City Hall
(973) 733-7578
Jerusha Schulze
Administrative/Legislative Services
(973) 733-3802
Edith Gil
Records Management
(973) 733-3669
Jose Da Silva
(973) 733-5607
Randy Mantion
Manager, Fiscal
(973) 733-4847
Sonia Carvalhoso
Marriage Bureau
(973) 733-3835
Ana Golinski
Department of Communications
The Department of Communications reports to the Mayor's office and oversees external and internal communications, public relations and events, brand identity, and communications/marketing strategy for the City of Newark. The Department also manages the branding and direction of city of Newark website and NewarkTV government access channel.
Visit Communications Page
Communications Office Staff:
- Frank Baraff – Communications Director
- Marjorie F. Harris – Press Secretary
- Taquan Williams – Chief of Staff
- David Lippman – Senior Press Information Officer
- Brenda Jones – Senior Press Information Officer
- Angela Daniels – Press Officer and Assistant to the Director
Contact the City of Newark
Contact the Press Information Office
City of Newark Office of Communications
920 Broad Street, Room 214
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Submit a Press Inquiry: Please submit any press inquiries for the Mayor or the City of Newark in writing via email at email@example.com.
Request an Interview: All interview requests with the Mayor must be submitted in writing and sent to email@example.com.
Send an Invitation: All invitations for the Mayor must be submitted in writing and sent to email@example.com.
Connect with the City of Newark
Connect with the City of Newark's official social media pages for information on how Mayor Ras J. Baraka and his administration are working to transform Newark into a city we can all believe in. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook, to get the most up-to-date information about upcoming events and opportunities, catch up with the work Mayor Baraka and his team are doing on Instagram and check out our Flickr page for photos of exciting events happening across the city!
The Department of Economic and Housing Development
The mission of the Department of Economic and Housing Development is to create economic opportunity for Newark residents and enhance the vibrancy of our city. To this end, the department seeks to position Newark to take advantage of its unique assets, including its strategic location, a diverse and underutilized workforce, a large amount of developable land, concentration of corporate and business service firms, several major universities, and a wealth of arts and cultural assets.
Visit Economic and Housing Development Page
Baye Adofo-Wilson, Director
Department of Economic and Housing Development
Room 218, City Hall
(973) 733-6575
Mark Barksdale, Director
Department of Economic and Housing Development
Room 218, City Hall
(973) 877-9414
Ade Afolabi, Zoning Officer
Office of Boards
Room 112, City Hall
(973) 733-6684
Jacquea Lee, Rent Regulation Officer
Office of Boards
Room 110, City Hall
(973) 733-3675
The Department of Engineering
The mission of the Department of The Engineering is to improve, maintain, plan, operate and repairs the city infrastructures. The department is also responsible for improvements and enhancement of roadways, traffic and transportation, public buildings, municipal parks, and the City's automobile fleet are among the major responsibilities and tasks carried by the Department of Engineering. Through strategic planning and quality management, we ensure that our facilities provide citizens and constitutes of Newark favorable and safe living conditions, saving energy and improving the quality of their lives.
Visit Engineering Page
Phillip Scott, P.E. Director
920 Broad Street, Room 412
Newark, NJ 07102
Division of Traffic and Signals
255 Central Avenue
Newark, New Jersey 07103
Van Crossen, Manager
Division of Motors
233 Wilson Avenue
Newark, New Jersey 07105
Khalif Thomas, Manager
Division of Public Buildings
920 Broad Street, Room B31
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Neil Mitgard, Construction Official
Office of UCC, Building Division
920 Broad Street, Room B23
Newark, New Jersey 07102
The Department of Finance
The Department of Finance oversees the city's assets and protects its resources for Newark citizens. In this way, the department supports the City of Newark's overall mission to provide security and opportunities for economic prosperity to all of its citizens and to create an environment that is nurturing and empowering for families.
Led by the city director of finance/chief financial officer, the Department of Finance provides fiscal policy recommendations to the mayor and Municipal Council and is responsible for all financial activities and functions of city government. This includes paying all employees; paying all vendors; collecting all revenue; investing all idle funds; billing all taxes; recording all receipts, expenditures, and other financial transactions; preparing all financial reports; and raising all capital funds on behalf of the City of Newark. The department is also responsible for the city's assets and resources, including investments, revenues, budgetary appropriations and expenditures, and fixed assets.
Visit Finance Page
Danielle A. Smith, Acting Finance Director/CFO
828 Broad Street, 5th Fl.
(973) 733-3930
Eric Adams, Assistant Finance Officer(ADD)
828 Broad Street, 5th Fl.
(973) 733-8841
Paul Barton, Assistant Municipal Treasurer
Division of Treasury
828 Broad Street, 5th Fl.
(973) 733-3970
Victor Moneme, Acting Comptroller (ADD)
Division of Accounts and Control
828 Broad Street, 4th Fl.
(973) 733-6414
Ernest Turner, Tax Collector
Division of Revenue Collections
Room 104, City Hall
(973) 733-4799
Romal Bullock, Tax Assessor
Division of Assessments
Room 101, City Hall
(973) 733-3950
Kevin Waters, Pension Fund Supervisor
828 Broad Street, 2nd Fl.
(973) 733-5447
Juanita Jordan, Manager
Division of Tax Abatement and Special Taxes
B26, City Hall
(973) 733- 3770
Newark Fire Department
It is the mission of the Newark Fire Department to protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the City of Newark during all emergencies and disasters, whether natural or man-made. We will maintain and uphold the integrity of our neighborhoods through effective emergency management, fire prevention and public education. We will effectively and efficiently utilize all available resources to provide service deemed excellent by the people.
Visit Newark Fire Department Page
Fire Department webpage:: Click Here
James Stewart, Director
1010 18th Avenue
Newark, NJ 07107
(973) 733-7424
John G. Centanni, Fire Chief
1010 18th Avenue
Newark, NJ 07107
(973) 733-5187
The Law Department
The goal of the Law Department is to provide exemplary legal services and achieve urban transformation by addressing the legal challenges facing the City of Newark in a professional, ethical, and cost effective manner. The Law Department is comprised of a cadre of attorneys specializing in corporate counsel, civil litigation, labor, real estate and tax, contracts, and worker's compensation, as well as the prosecutors who make up the Municipal Prosecutor's Office. The department also leads the Victim/Witness Advocacy Program, which assists individuals who have been victims of or witnesses to crime.
Visit Law Department Page
Willie L. Parker, ESQ., L.L.M., Corporation Counsel
Angela G. Foster, First Assistant Corporation Counsel
Avion M. Benjamin, First Assistant Corporation Counsel
Department of Law
Room 316, City Hall
Newark, NJ 07102
The Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services
The mission of the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services is to provide services that promote a clean, safe, and attractive city. The department also ensures that diversified recreational and cultural activities are developed and implemented for all citizens of Newark to enjoy.
Visit Neighborhood and Recreational Services Page
Patrick Council, Director
920 Broad Street, Room 216
Newark, NJ 07102
Amos Crudup, Assistant Director
920 Broad Street, Room 216
Newark, NJ 07102
Joe Monteiro, Deputy Director
920 Broad Street, Room 216
Newark, NJ 07102
Thomas McDonald, Manager
Code Enforcement
920 Broad Street, Room 216
Newark, NJ 07102
Obalaji Jones, Manager
Division of Recreation
94 William Street, 2nd Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Kim Greene, Manager
Division of Sanitation
62 Frelinghuysen Ave, Newark, NJ 07114
Richard Kirkland, Manager
Division of Parks and Grounds
920 Broad Street, Room
Newark, NJ 07102
Cathy Lenix-Hooker, Manager
Division of Watershed Development
233 Echo Lake Road
West Milford, New Jersey 07840
Newark Police Department
The Newark Police Department is entrusted to protect and serve the residents of the City of Newark's by securing neighborhoods, business districts and municipal assets. The Police Department not only combats crime and maintain order, but strengthen substantive relationships with with resident, neighborhood and business organizations.
Visit Newark Police Department Page
Click to visit the NPD website NPD Homepage
Eugene Venable, Police Director
Darnell Henry , Chief of Police
Police Headquarters
480 Clinton Avenue
Newark, NJ 07108
(973) 733-6007
2nd Precinct
1 Lincoln Avenue
Newark, NJ 07109
(973) 733-6080
3rd Precinct
649 Market Street
Newark, NJ 07105
(973) 733-6190
4th Precinct
10 17th Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103
(973) 733-6060
5th Precinct
480 Clinton Avenue
Newark, NJ 07108
(973) 733-6070
Detective Bureau
(973) 733-5400
The Department of Water and Sewer Utilities
The mission of the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities is to provide safe drinking water to all Newark customers and provide the safe conveyance of waste water to the treatment plant.
Visit Water and Sewer Utilities Page
Andrea Hall Adebowale, Director
Department of Water and Sewer Utilities
920 Broad Street, Room B-31F
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 733-6303
(973) 733-6578
Customer Service (Account Information, Final Reads, etc.)
(973) 733-6370
(973) 733-6396
(973) 733-6397
(973) 733-6479
(973) 733-6483
Meter/MXU Repair and/or Replacement
(973) 733-8023
(973) 733-3964
(973) 733-6399
(973) 733-5366
(973) 733-5615
24 HOUR Customer Service
Water Infrastructure Repair & Maintenance
(973) 733-3654
(973) 733-3655
(973) 733-3715
Permits and Inspections
(973) 733-3896
(973) 733-8151


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So far I've pumped 4 times and am setting up for my 5th pumping since midnight. I feel confident that I can get in at least the min of 8 pumpings today!
I am so proud of myself! I woke up at 4am and again at 8am to pump! YAY ME! Both times were a bit difficult, especially since I had just done to bed at 12:30. But I made myself get up. I made sure to set 3 alarms (All on cell phones so they were all different and annoying sounding) and DS woke me the 2nd time.
I've taken one dose of dom today and will take 2 more totaling 30mg for the day.
I hope everyone else is doing good as well!
ETA: DH goes to work at 1pm (EST) and that's when things might get a bit tough in terms of pumping. DS has been cranky the past few days (growth spurt, ear infection AND cutting a tooth!)...


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5 1/2 month old nurses almost exclusivley. She only gets 3-4 bottles per week when I work. Today she pretty much refused the breast. She didn't seem overly fussy or hungry for the majority of the day and wasnt crying when she pulled off until her 6 pm feed. At that point I offered her a bottle b/c she seemed too frustrated at the breast to eat. Assuming it wasnt lactating properly I tried to hand express and was able to get a pretty good flow. Perhaps she was irritated that my let down wasnt happening immediately?
Going to the doc tomorrow to check but could an ear infection make her be okay with a bottle and not breast?
also, when I tried to pump I wasnt producing but 1 oz. - when i pump away from her I pump 5-7 oz.


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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/206504
|Download Shafriza Nisha Basah Thesis (Adobe Acrobat PDF, 2 MB)
- Title
- 3D-rigid objects motion segmentation: a study of practical limitations
- Author(s)
- Basah, Shafriza Nisha
- Abstract
- Motion segmentation or recovering structure-and-motion (SaM) from images of dynamic scenes plays a significant role in many computer-vision applications ranging from local navigation of a mobile robot to image rendering for multimedia applications. Since in many applications, the exact type of motion and camera parameters are not known, a priori, the fundamental matrix is commonly used as a general motion model. Although the estimation of a fundamental matrix and its use for motion segmentation are well understood, the studies of conditions governing the feasibility of segmentation for different types of motions are largely unaddressed. In this thesis, the feasibility of motion segmentation using the fundamental matrix is analysed. The focus is on a scene including multiple SaMs viewed by an uncalibrated camera. The quantifiable measures for the degree of separation were theoretically derived for the types of motion that are usually seen in practical applications, namely, motion from background, translational motions and planar motions. Sets of condition to guarantee successful segmentation were proposed via extensive experiments, the design of which was based on the Monte Carlo statistical method, using synthetic images. Experiments using real image data were set up and executed to examine the relevance of those conditions to the problems encountered in real applications. The experimental results show the capability of the proposed conditions to correctly predict the outcome of several segmentation scenarios. In addition, they also show that the Monte Carlo experimental results are very relevant to the problems encountered in real applications. In practice, the success of motion segmentation could be predicted via the value of the degree of separation between two motions estimated from obtainable scene and motion parameters. Therefore, the proposed conditions serve as a guideline for practitioners in designing motion segmentation solutions for computer-vision applications.
- Publication type
- Thesis (PhD)
- Research centre
- Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences
- Publication year
- 2011
- Keyword(s)
- Computer vision; Fundamental matrix; Motion segmentation; Robust estimator
- Coverage
- Australasian Digital Theses collection
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2011 Shafriza Nisha Basah.
- Thesis Supervisor
- [Alireza Bab-Hadiashar]
- Thesis Note
- [Submitted in total fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Swinburne University of Technology, 2011.]
- Full text


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Thursday, April 10 13, 2014 7:00 - 9:00 PMMill Valley City Hall Upstairs Conference Room26 Corte Madera Avenue
7:00 PM Call to Order
Public Open Time
Approved April 10, 2014 minutes.
Introduction of New Commissioner's Steven Martin and Benjamin Moglen: Chair Vidal
Chair Report: Chair Vidal
City Staff Report: Battalion Chief Welch
New Business:
Old Business:
9:00 PM Adjournment
Next Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 2014, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Mill Valley City Hall Conference Room
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Emergency Preparedness Commission after distribution of the agenda are available for public inspection at Mill Valley Fire Station 7, 1 Hamilton Drive during regular business hours. Such documents are also available on the City's website at www.cityofmillvalley.org subject to staff's ability to post the documents prior to the meeting.
The City of Mill Valley does not discriminate against any individual with a disability. Upon request, City publications will be made available in the appropriate format to persons with a disability. If you require assistance or auxiliary aids in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 388-4033 (TTY 711) at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The accessible entrance and parking are located behind City Hall.
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Guy GREY-SMITH
Australia 1916 – Australia 1981
England 1939-47, 1952-54
Perth from Kings Park
oil on canvas
50.5 (h) x 65.6 (w) cm
Gift of the artist's son Mark Grey-Smith 1991
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Guy Grey-Smith is known for his work as a painter, printmaker and potter and his championing of cultural activities in Perth. Perth from Kings Park shows a traditional view of Perth through gum trees and across the Swan River. Painted with intersecting planes and a high-key colour, this bold modern image expresses the artist's optimism about this growing city.


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2011 Celebrity Makeovers
"I wanted to showcase her shoulders, neck, and beautiful earrings," says Fekkai hairstylist Renato Campora about the '60s-inspired pony he crafted for Reese Witherspoon.
Coiffeur Giannandrea, known for teasing Drew Barrymore's strands into voluminous updos, likes the look. "Adding height to the crown can be tricky, but when done in the right proportions, it's very glamorous," he says. "A ponytail with volume on top is always stylish."
When prepping for a red-carpet event, Jessica Biel turns to Fekkai hair guru Adir Abergel. He recommends Biel's dual-texture bun—sleek in the front and messy in the back—when wearing a sparkling dress. "When hair is touchable, approachable, and a little disheveled, there's something supersexy about it," he says.
Guido, Redken's creative consultant and runway mane master, also prefers understated hairstyles: "When you're wearing a beautiful gown, it's more modern to simplify your hair."
Winter Skin Care Guide


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Dantoni advocates should read your post carefully and if they still don't get it then obviously have a problem seeing what's really going on.Someone said fire D and hire Herb? Where was this? We all know this isn't a fabulous roster, but I doubt you can argue the coaching staff has hardly maximized the abilities of the players. That's what coaching is. Anyone can win with an all-star squad, but how can you make the most of the strengths of your players while do your best to hide or minimize their weaknesses?
I liked the D'Antoni hiring, but he hardly seems like he's bothering to coach this year. Certain players are never held accountable no matter what, while others have a couple bad games and are buring in the rotation. The rotation is bull****, he didn't even know his players well halfway through the year (see starting Nate at pg over Duhon then deciding gee, Nate isn't meant to be a prototypical point guard). They don't defend well, my 8th grade CYO coach could invent better plays out of a time out in late game situations than the offensive genius has managed to, he doesn't get consistent effort, and he doesn't even seem to have their respect. Now if Lebron and Bosh sign here he can be a great coach and get us 55 plus wins... give me a break. That's like me validating myself by betting you if I had a roster of Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard I could probably coach them to the playoffs even though I lack coaching experience. Wow, great for me! Perhaps with the players he wants and proper motivation D'Antoni can be a good coach, but for now he doesn't seem motivated and has failed on many levels. He can't even communicate with players effectively and manage egos to keep players happy. Since he's been here, fallout with Marbury, fallout with Hughes, fallout with Nate, fallout with Darko, fallout with Al... mainly because he doesn't have a man to man discussion with people on where they stand, he just ****s them over without explanation. But on the bright side, the more players he pisses off while we continue to lose, the more superstars are going to want to sign here... oh... ****, nevermind


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Mr. Best was born Sept. 23, 1925 in Ranger to John Boyd Best, Sr. and Nannie Louise Kelly Best. He graduated high school and then went on to serve his country in the United States Army; having fought in World War II. After serving in the Army, he began his career as an accountant for Exxon, from which he later retired. On July 10, 1982, he married Jeanne Jimerson in Kenedy. He was a former resident of Portland for many years, later having moved to Choate then settling in Victoria the past 6 years. Mr. Best was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Portland.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Jeanne Best of Victoria; his daughters, Carol (Jim) Calvert of Austin, Maggie (Rick) Malek of Robstown and Linda Woods of Kenedy and his son, John (Janice) Harvey of Lansing, Mich.; grandchildren, Kelley Hoelscher, Amy Malek, Julie Mumfrey, George Grimes, Heather Guerra, Brian Harvey, Zachary, Jacob and Sydney Harvey and his great-grandchildren, Evan Hoelscher, Nate and Sam Guerra, Miles and Luke Mumfrey, Jack Grimes, and Isabelle, Dylan, Natalie and Logan Harvey and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Best is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Billie Mills Best; his son, Don O. Harvey, III; his sisters Evelyn Wolf and husband Gordon, Elizabeth Kerr and husband Bill and Lois West and husband James and his 2 nephews, Bobby and Jim Kerr.
Visitation was held from 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 26 at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m., at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Lyman Mereness of Crown Hospice officiating.
Interment with Military Honors followed at 2 p.m., at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Serving as pallbearers were Bob's grandchildren, Kelly Hoelscher, Amy Malek, Julie Mumfrey, George Grimes, Heather Guerra, Zachary Harvey, Jacob Harvey and Sydney Harvey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Winters Public Library; 120 N Main Street, Winters, Texas 79567 or Crown Hospice; 1101 Salem Road, Victoria, Texas 77904.


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Mommy to
Logan 5-23-07
Colby 12-14-09
So sweet, what a wonderful ending to that chapter of your journey together
Mommy to Gabriel born 12/25/06 Breastfed 12/25/06 - 12/09 and possibly here and there still
Madelyn born 9/24/09 delivered at home and caught by my husband
"To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right."
you have one little sweetie! i love the picture (in my head) of the nursing together and patting each others faces. What a sweet story.
Julia and Maxwell (and Dan and Haddie)
Maxwell, born January 3, 2010
A year on Mama's milk and still loving it
That is sooo sweet! Congratulations!
Mom to
Matthew born April 2009
Jonathan born March 2011
loving and
Yeah, that is super sweet! enjoy the cuddling and that precious little girl as she continues to grow up.
Nursed my sweet daughter 3 years, 3 mos.


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I have a mail command as follows:
Code: Select all
mail("$to_email","$subject","$content","From: $from_address");
I need to be able to read the variable '$content' in from a database. '$content' will read something like this:
"Hi $fname,
Your account is as follows:
Username: $username
Password: $password".
So I need PHP to parse '$content' and fill in the variables within it ($fname, $username, $password), however when I run the script I get the following email:
From: firstname.lastname@example.com
Subject: Subject
Content: Hi $fname,
Your account is as follows:
Username: $username
Password: $password
Thanks in advance.


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I'm not going to ask why you need to meet new people. Maybe you transferred to a different school, or you took a job in a new town, or all of your old friends changed their phone numbers and names. Whatever the case, you now find yourself alone, lonely, and wanting to do something about it.
Something constructive, I should clarify.
As it happens, I've moved around a bit in my life, and I've also, if we're being honest here, had at least a few friends figure me out and stop taking my calls. A lifetime of bitter, tear-choked alone time -- aside from providing me with the necessary foundation to build a career in comedy -- has led me to develop a fairly comprehensive system for how to make new friends. I present this system to you below, illustrated with a few examples from my own experience, so that you can learn from the failure pile that is my life.
6Reassess Your Social Skills
Before we get too deep into this, a question must be asked: Do you deserve to have friends? Because the success of the next few steps will hinge on your ability to handle yourself in social situations, and if you consistently find yourself, as they say, shitting society's bed, then maybe we shouldn't progress any further.
Never, ever, ever shine a UV light on society's bed.
This is a slightly tricky balancing act we're talking about here, and it doesn't always come naturally to everyone. In general, you're going to need to be outgoing, but at the same time very cautious, always alert to signs that someone isn't interested in talking to you. If you're trying to have a conversation with someone, and they're ...
- Barely replying to your questions.
- Looking away.
- Reading a challenging text.
- Sprinting away from you.
... then you may be talking to someone who doesn't like you. Picking up on these conversational cues is important, because you're going to be doing a lot of talking, and you don't want to piss anyone off.
Not before they get a chance to really know you, anyways.
An Example:
Me: So how was your weekend?
Co-worker: Pretty good. Went up to the lake with some friends.
Me: -noticing he's engaged in the conversation; a good sign- Awesome. Awesome. I love lakes.
Co-worker: Yeah, it was fun.
Me: -noticing he didn't immediately invite me to the lake, wanting to back off, play it cool- Yeah, I'm kind of over lakes now.
Co-worker: You just said you loved lakes.
Me: -noticing that fucking Sherlock here is at least engaged in the conversation- Well, I mean, how are we defining love? Like would I marry a lake? No, of course not. Have I had an erection when inside a lake? Of course. So. You know. Catch-22.
Co-worker: -long open-mouthed stare- What was your name again?
5Leverage Any Existing Connections You Have
Unless you're coming from hermit levels of isolation, you're probably not completely alone. If you have any casual acquaintances at all, that's the first place to start to make new friends. I used a workplace in my example above for a very good reason -- this is one of the most common places people begin building out their social circles.
What better place to make friends than a pit filled with bitterly unhappy people?
Every conversation with a co-worker is an opportunity to find a shared interest, hobby, pastime, or drug habit. And once you're talking about that shared interest, you're far more likely to stumble upon another one, and another one, and before you know it, you've made a friend, or failing that, a hook-up to get buddy prices on some real good shit. Also, the next time your new not-quite-friend has a party, your shared interests make it a lot more likely that you'll score an invitation.
An Example:
Me: Me? Oh, I just furiously disagreed with people on the Internet all weekend.
Different Co-worker: Hah!
Me: Right? -excited we've found a shared interest in Internet misanthropy- Those stupid jerks had it coming.
Different Co-worker: Having different opinions than you. Who do they think they are?
Me: Exactly! See, you get it. Hey, you know something, I'm sorry about all that lake talk earlier.
Different Co-worker: What lake talk?
Me: Uh.
Different Co-worker: Are you confusing me with Ryan?
Me: It's just that, you know. You're both Asian.
Different Co-worker: But I'm a girl.
Me: Of course you are. Which means I didn't tell you about fucking a lake. Until now.
Different Co-worker: -long open-mouthed stare- What do you do here again?


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The Miz "Haters Wanted" T-Shirt
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The Miz "Haters Wanted" T-Shirt is a T-Shirt of WWE superstar The Miz.
T-Shirt details
- Men's Size:
- XS:Bust 92cm, Shoulder 48cm, Length 64cm, Sleeve 21cm for Height (145-155)cm
- S: Bust 96cm, Shoulder 50cm, Length 68cm, Sleeve 22cm for Height (155-165)cm
- M: Bust 104cm, Shoulder 52cm, Length 72cm, Sleeve 23cm, for height (165-175)cm
- L: Bust 114cm, Shoulder 54cm, Length 76cm, Sleeve 24cm, for height (175-185)cm
- XL: Bust 118cm, Shoulder 56cm, Length 80cm, Sleeve 25cm, for height (185-195)cm
- Product Type: T-Shirts
- Age Group: Adults
- Feature: Anti-Pilling,Anti-Shrink
- Fabric Weight: 220 grams
- Technics: Printed
- Design: With Pattern
- Sleeve Style: Short Sleeve
- Gender: Men


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[edit] Game Info
Can you survive the Pachinkeet Temples of Planet Pachinko? In the future of the future, an ancient civilization has sealed away their riches in elaborate temples dedicated to the game of pachinko. Now the Robot family must fight through the dangerous temples in search of their lost puppy. Using their rockets, lasers, grenades, and slime launchers, will they be able to survive the challenges? They aren't the only ones adventuring through the temples. The pirate Vile Vill and his minions are looking to loot the temples, and take on the Robot family as well. Play single player or with a friend in exciting two-player co-op.
[edit] Wii Points Cost
North America: 500 Points


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View Full Screen [opens new window]
Perimeter is a project commissioned by the Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University, in which Kevin J. Miyazaki was invited to create new work addressing the topic of fresh water and the Great Lakes. The resulting photographs capture a contemporary portrait of Lake Michigan through images of everyday people whose lives are closest to it. Miyazaki photographed a diverse group of individuals who all have connections to the lake: residents, beachgoers, scientists, dock workers, environmentalists, artists, community leaders, commercial fishermen, ferry captains, boat builders, and surfers.
The majority of these portraits were made during a two-week, 1,800-mile drive around the lake's perimeter. Miyazaki traveled with a portable studio, constructed with PVC pipe and black velvet, which he set up on beaches and in parks, on boat docks and in backyards. Sometimes he photographed groups of individuals in the same location, and other times he set up to photograph just one person. There were some specific, compelling subjects he identified in advance, but most in the project are people he simply met while traveling, and always within eyeshot of the lake.
This exhibition and accompanying programs are sponsored in part by the Friends of the Haggerty and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Click here for Perimeter on Kevin Miyazaki's website.
Saturday, April 27
Open Galleries/Viewing, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
All programs take place at the Haggerty unless otherwise noted.


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In Today's installment of our series "Better You," we highlight CrossFit East Oahu in the Niu Valley Center.
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A look from the shuk at the Hazon Food Festival —Liberty, Food and Justice for All.
Finding a new Jewish deli in Jenkintown rekindles a bit of food nostalgia.
Remember Warheads, everyone's favorite pre-Sour Patch Kids mouth-puckering candy? If you are nodding your head in agreement, then surely, as an adult, you are hyped on sour beer.
Flea market season is here! Check out this new one at the Piazza at Schmidt's.
Stay connected with the Philadelphia region's food scene as blogger Stephanie Singer dishes ideas for holiday meals, features restaurants that you must try, interviews chefs and guides you on ways to create healthy eating habits. Follow the Bubbi Project on Facebook or Twitter. Food related blog ideas are also welcome! Email [email protected]More from this author


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I think your climate is slightly warmer than here (-11.8 ° C this year) Tim.
If you like small ferns in rockery, you should try the Pellaea. They are little beauties, Pellaea atropurpurea, Pellaea rotundifolia (which is often sold as indoor plant, but fits comfortably in the outdoors in pots or in rockery, the sun), Pellaea falcata (ditto).
Cryptogramma crispa is also a good rockery fern, not necessarily easy to culture, it grows on acid rocks.
Woodsia polystichoides is not bad either.


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Eating more fiber may lower stroke risk
A new study shows that each seven-gram increase of fiber intake was associated with a 7 percent decrease in first-time stroke risk. Read More
A new study shows that each seven-gram increase of fiber intake was associated with a 7 percent decrease in first-time stroke risk. Read More
Former NFL players are having a lot of problems dealing with the concussions and injuries they suffered while playing that game. Read More
Whether it's long-term planning or day-today issues, Chris Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, wants to know immediately about any problems or potential issues cropping up in his department. Read More
What causes domestic violence? What are the warning signs that violence is happening and how can women, kids, and family members get help? Read More
More than 180,000 deaths worldwide in 2010 were linked to a high intake of sugar-laden drinks, a new study estimates, including 25,000 deaths in the United States. Read More
More than 200 medical students at UT Southwestern found out where they will spend the next three years of their career. Read More
If you're having trouble falling asleep at night, blue light from various sources – including electronic devices - might be a problem. Read More
Dr. Eric Olson, Department of Molecular Biology chairman, has received the 2013 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for identifying key genetic pathways in the formation of the heart and other muscles. Read More
During a recent lunch break, Jodi Philippson chose from menu options that had nothing to do with food. Read More
A top scientist at UT Southwestern is the 2013 recipient of the March of Dimes Prize in developmental biology. Read More
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Go back to live like a laird at auchinleck house the home of the lairds boswell and enjoy a 4 day experience living in 1799. full board and accomodation for 250gbp plus optional events . we run historic parties and reenactment events all welcome
Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is set against the serene backdrop of a leafy London square in Belgravia, London. The hotel offers 88 bedroom and suites, all-day dining, an intimate meeting room and complimentary access to The Peak Health Club & Spa.
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Dear members,
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
Who has the most op devil fruit in one piece?
for me it kizaru what about you
luffy always.
i would have to say Blackbeards darkness fruit
I would say Enel's fruit. But Enel lost to Luffy because he was the only one who could beat him.
Yeah it is obviously a Logia fruit.
Probably Blackbeard because he csn use his fruit power while negating the use of an enemies......sadly Blackbeard is retarded and can't use it right.
Otherwise I'd say Kizaru (Endor comes close, but lightning doesn't move as fast as light)!!!
Blackbeard, his simply absorbs damage he takes and negates the power of those he touches o-o not to mention he can even steal abilities >____>
Enel or Blackbeard.
Blackbeard cuz he seals ur ablities and he can steal ur abilities
Originally Posted by HiruzenSwag
i would have to say Blackbeards darkness fruit
This...that ***** as the ability to take away your devil fruit powers so you're weak against him.
Boa Hancock. Luffy is arguably the only one she can't turn to stone. Once she has, there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Law, Hancock, Blackbeard
Cant really deside on one but
1.WB-can destroy the planet it he felt like it
2.Law-warping cutting people heads off and putting them on somebody else
3.BB-absorbing pain
4.Marco-its part logia paramica and zoan
5.CC-can take oxeygen out of your lungs
Whitebeard I think
I would have to say Magellan fruit the doku doku or poison poison fruit or venom venom fruit what ever you want to call it that would have to be the most op fruit out there. No one could even get near you without the fear or being poisoned. You become immune to any physical melee attack, and just the very poison gas from your breath will weaken the enemy. Think about it Magellan defeated black beards whole crew with a single attack, they all would have died if it wasn't for the antitode that they were given. Also think about this out of every one that they have ever fought if I recall correctly that is the only guy that they never defeated they ran away from him even having such strong people with them.
trafalgar law. did you see that shit? better than mihawk
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Another darn castle
The Columbus Dispatch - October 09, 2013 03:31 PM
It's a bit gauche to rank the chateaux, but I'm going to do it anyway….
Chambord (first photo): This is the biggest castle by far, but what I like the most about Chambord is the approach. You ride through the woods, and there, literally in the middle of nowhere, is this tiny speck of a castle that gets bigger and bigger as you get closer and closer and then it seems to keep getting bigger and bigger. It's also got this amazing double spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in the nearby town of Amboise the last few years of his life.
Chenonceau (second photo): This one is literally built across a river, which is kind of amazing when you think about it. Toss in the magnificent gardens, and it's a can't miss attraction, as the hundreds of tour buses that invade every day prove. If you're on a bike, you can cross the river a kilometer or two to the east, and ride back along a trail on the river for a view of Chenonceau all those car and bus tourists never get. Ha!
Villandry (third photo): This one is all about the gardens. In fact, I only bought a ticket for the gardens, and didn't even go inside. I'm mean, really … do I need to see another royal bed? Or portrait of a king? Even the vegetable gardens at Villandry are ornamental. Pack a lunch and stay for a while. Take a nap.
Chinon: Now this is what a medieval castle should look like. High on a hill, overlooking the town and the river below, fortified walls, moats and guard towers. Spectacular views, but they overdid it a bit with the giant - and real, or so they say - dragon statues honoring famous dragons from French history who were murdered by brave knights and kings.
Azay le Rideau: Perhaps the most romantic of the castles, but then again, what do I know about romance? It's surrounded by water and the castle casts perfect reflections. They have a night, light show that is sensational.
Blois: I like that the Blois castle was built right in the middle of the city and everything revolves around the castle. Plus, the place/square in front is a great place to sit and relax, and there's not one, but two excellent restaurants right there.
Saumur: This castle dominates the skyline of this large town. Today, on the way back from a day trip, I took a different route into up, the hill, and rounded a corner and was eye-to-eye with the castle.
I still have a few more to see, so this list could change.
Speaking of tourists and castles … I'm starting to think that tourists (including me at times) only look at the sights through the back of our smart phones and digital cameras. A few times, I've had to say to myself: "Put away your iPhone, sit down and just take in the view without taking a picture … Facebook can wait."
Speaking of tourists taking photos with their smart phones … I've stopped stopping to avoid getting in the way (and the picture) whenever someone takes a picture of their significant other with one of the castles in the background. Enough already! At Chenonceau I had to stop 127 times (OK, I'm exaggerating a little, but only a little). Sorry my fellow tourist, but my time is just as valuable as yours.


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James Pennington
James "Jim" Laddie Pennington, 75, of Durbin, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital in Marlinton.
Mr. Pennington was born Nov. 18, 1937, at Slaty Fork, and was the son of the late Edward "Ed" and Flossie Varner Pennington.
Jim was a retired security guard with 21 years of service at the NRAO, three years with Interstate Lumber Company and worked with Belcher's Sawmill. Jim was a U.S. Army Veteran, member of the American Legion and a former Moose member.
Preceding Jim death other than his parents were grandson, Will James Pennington; sisters, Retha Doyle, Hazel Pennington, Catherine Dillon and Luella Pennington; brothers Roy, Paul, Carl and Steamboat Pennington.
Surviving are his daughter, Catherine Pennington of Beverly; son, James L. "Jimmy" Pennington and wife, Lucille, of Bartow; grandchildren Felicia Smith (Josh), Rodney Mallow, Timothy Mallow, Jason Mallow and Luke Mallow; great grandchildren. Easton and Tanner Smith; sisters Lebell Gum of Cass and Betty Swink of Cass.
Funeral services for Mr. Pennington will be Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale with Pastor David Plank officiating. Internment will follow with the Pocahontas County Veterans Honor Guard at the Arbovale Cemetery Annex. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.


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Where others may have seen a shed's metal roof falling apart, Rob Jones saw an accordion.
"The thing about painting on a found object is you don't have to stretch it. You don't have to build a frame for it. You don't have to prime it. You don't have to stain it," Jones said. "You just have to find it."
Jones is a painter whose gritty portraits and paintings on found items are beloved by in-the-know indie art buyers and restaurants (his work has been all over Chile Verde and Old Mohawk, for instance); however, his upcoming exhibit at Ray's Living Room, called "Tackle Box Fulla' Blues," is his first solo show in a Columbus gallery.
"It's pretty awesome. I'm trying to crank out my best work ever. In my opinion it's the best stuff I've ever done," Jones said of the new work that will be on view. "It's taken me a while to get to the point where the painting doesn't necessarily overtake the object and the object doesn't necessarily overtake the painting."
The 30 paintings in "Tackle Box Fulla' Blues" reference fishing and historically obscure blues, zydeco and jazz musicians. Wooden slats, fishing line, beer bottle caps and sawdust-enriched paint act as Jones' blue-collar canvas.
The point of the work lies somewhere at a storm-lit backwater crossroads where storytelling, memory and myth merge. (It was THIS big!) The icon-esque styling of these lost men of music and the passionate blue hues of which they are made allude to the artist's devotion to carrying on their songs.
"The main reason I pick the artists I do is because I don't want them to be totally forgotten," Jones said.
The lessons the stories hold are as powerful as the beat-but-not-broken-eyes Jones gives the men. For example, the painting with the shed-roof accordion is of early-20th-century Creole musician Amede Ardoin. The story of Ardoin's mysterious death says that he was severely beaten by people who were angry that he used a white woman's handkerchief to wipe sweat off his face as he played music at a party. Mental anguish from the injuries eventually led to his death.
Beneath the layers of storytelling in the paintings is a celebration of the music and passion for art that is innate in Jones' beloved musicians — and in Jones himself.
"What attracts me to this music? I think it's the passion," Jones said. "A lot of the music I like is raw. It's got a guitar, a harmonica and a bottle of whiskey. They go in, record a couple songs and come on out. There's no polish on top."