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It's hard to image a film without the wonder that special effects brings to the movie-going experience. Their hard work and talent makes those things that couldn't possibly happen – believable.
Several Cogswell College alumni had the opportunity to be part of the cadre of artists who worked on the Oscar-winning "Life of Pi" and offer a fascinating peek into the life of the artists who bring these stories to life.
Most of these artists were also graduates of Cogswell's unique Project X class. One of the secrets of Project X is that it does not run like a regular class but rather a full-blown film production company. Hours are long, aesthetics are very demanding and the artists are treated like professionals and not students. This total immersion creates an environment conducive to quality, camaraderie and the highest production value.
Our Alumni talk about their work on "Life of Pi":
Title: Technical Animation Lead
Brief Description: As a tech anim lead I was in charge of half of the tech animators that we had in LA as we had two teams. Technical animation is a department that is tasked with bringing to life all of the secondary motion of a scene. Our main tasks for "Life of Pi" were skin simulations, fur simulations and simulating the tarp that was covering the boat (which actually turned into our hardest character).
Most notable work: Tech is also in charge of any interaction between live action people and the CG characters. One of my most notable memories from working on the show were the scenes where Pi put Richard Parker's head on his lap. We had to do a quite a bit of work on the shot to feel like the two characters were really sharing the same space, and that Pi's hand was really contacting the tiger and running his hand through the tigers fur. The dummy that they used on the set for the actor to act with, was just that… a dummy, it wasn't an actual tigers head. A few of the shots, Pi is running his hand from the side of the tigers face, up to the top of his head. These were very difficult to sell, as the tigers head and the dummy didn't line up perfectly. We had to do a lot of things to cheat the tracked hand to push down into the tiger's fur so that we could get some sort of interaction through our simulations. It took a lot of time and ingenuity, but it was all worth it in the end. When you watch those scenes in the movie, it's very convincing that Pi is running his hand through the fur of a real 500lb dying Bengal tiger .
Chris Evart
Job Title: Technical Animation TD
As a TD, I was responsible for the animation of muscle contraction and jiggle for skin simulation (sim), character interaction with skin and cloth and post animation geometry cleanup. Basically, the workflow was sim the muscles, sim the skin over the muscles, sim the fur over the skin and then do the interactions with the boat/set/plate actor.
I was responsible for many of the shots on Life of Pi because I worked on the show during the main production period and did a bunch of shots then, but I also was the only Tech TD (besides the supervisors) who came back and finished up the show after it came back from hiatus.
Some of the most memorable shots for me were:
An extremely long shot when the tiger first emerges from the tarp and kills the hyena. Pi rolls around on the tarp and there was a ton of tarp/tiger interaction. Simulating the tarp to get good interaction was a challenge but I'm happy with how it turned out. It's the reveal shot of the tiger and it's about 1600 frames I believe.
I did a close up interaction shot of Pi crying and petting the tigers head and then another interaction between Pi's hand and the tiger's head skin/fur as well as all the normal tech stuff. (skin sims and such.)
One of my shots was where the hyena starts attacking the dying zebra and bites his leg. The zebra kicks the hyena so I got to do fun kick recoil and interaction work. It also had OJ in the shot yelling.
Another favorite was the shot where the tiger comes out from under the tarp and turns around and roars right at the camera.
For each of these shots, I just described the shot specific stuff I did but I also did all the general tech on each of the shots.
Job Title: Compositor (the process of combining multiple footage layers or "elements" to make them appear as if they were shot with the same camera, at the same time)
Before I started compositing on the film, I was asked to help with the Stereo QC stage of production–the first step in getting every shot ready for vfx magic. I trained and helped lead artists in LA for a while, which enabled our team to refine and streamline the process. After a couple of months, I had the opportunity to fly to our Hyderabad office in India for two weeks of training a small team of artists there. Wow… what an experience! Not only did I get to see an entirely different culture, but I also made some very good friends almost instantly. It's a trip I will never forget… There is so much I could tell but I think it would end up being a book! Shortly after that trip, I started on the compositing stage of things…
First of all, it was amazing to work under Bill Westenhofer. The man is a master at his craft as visual effects supervisor. At least 95% of the time, he knew exactly what he wanted and gave very clear notes for artists to address. It's hard to put into words how important that is for us! Not only that, but he was easy-going, and relatively chill for the most part. After working with him on this show, it's no surprise that he's been nominated for three Oscars and won two!
Second, it was even better to work directly under the guidance of my sequence supervisor Chris Kenny. It seemed no matter what issue I came across, he knew a way to address it. Every opportunity he got, he was teaching me something new. I learned a lot working with him and for that I'm also very grateful. He was also able to keep a light-hearted and fun atmosphere for the team, even when things got stressful and a bit crazy.
In terms of my own personal shot work, I felt very fortunate to have a variety of shots, and four in particular that I thought were really 'cool'. One was when the whale jumps out of the water and knocks Pi off of his raft. My shot was of Pi underwater with all the jellies and bioluminescence. Another was in the flying fish sequence, when the camera whip pans from left, where all the fish are coming from, to right, where Pi and Richard Parker are in the boat trying to avoid and/or catch them. The last shot I worked on for the show was in the meerkat island sequence. It's the first shot of the night scene, when Pi awakes, surrounded by meerkats in the tree. But finally, maybe the coolest shot I composited–that I had the least to composite on, funny enough–was where Richard Parker's head takes up the entire screen for a few seconds, and you can just stare into his eyes. Beautiful imagery created by amazingly talented artists.
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of working on this film was seeing it finished in theaters. It was a wonderful feeling to have my expectations blown away–as a film, as a story, and on top of that, a visual masterpiece. Even though I'd worked on the film and seen final shots in dailies, I was still astonished by the final product. I don't know that I've seen another movie where the visual effects had so much to do with telling the story.
Working on Life of Pi honestly felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am immensely grateful for the experience.
Ben Taylor
Job Title: Systems Operations Administrator
The work I did on the film covers a wide range of technical aspects on all the shots.
Some of my responsibilities included: Managing studio resources, converting/finalizing all the shots, fixing renders and various pipeline issues, and increasing efficiencies between technology and production.
It's always fun to do work that you enjoy, although Life of Pi came at a very challenging time for our studio.
Tags: copositor, Life of Pi, technical animator, VFX artists


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...to wean from the pump. I have successfully dropped my session from work, but am still pumping on the way home. I think I can easily get rid of that one too. It's just been a struggle lately to pump enough for when I'm gone, and to be honest I'm totally burnt on pumping.
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Ginsangers set for Brown Bag show at Arts Center
At noon on Wednesday, Oct. 16, The Ginsangers will play at the Randolph County Community Arts Center for the October Brown Bag Concert.
When you take the musical tour with The Ginsangers, you take the blue highways into the heart and roots of American music. The music is real. It crosses all the lines of blues, country, rock, swing and traditional. Backed by a spirited and seasoned band, Connie Townsend and Dave Parker have taken their music all over West Virginia and the Appalachian region and from New England to Louisiana, playing honky-tonks, one bordello, coffeehouses, concerts, festivals, jam sessions, radio shows, restaurants and songwriter showcases. They have played on "Mountain Stage" and had a featured song on Sirius-XM Radio. They have shared the stage with Kasey Chambers, Tony Joe White, The Greencards, J.D. Crowe, Johnny Staats and other fine musicians.
Townsend and Parker are award-winning songwriters. Their brand of Ginsang Juice has been played on radio stations across the country. Parker and Townsend won the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest-considered by many to be the pre-eminent Americana festival in the United States. Their work has been recognized at the Mountain Stage NewSong Fest and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Their songs have been described by critics as sweet, gritty, edgy and true, and as fitting seamlessly into the canon of American music with a timeless quality.


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That means it is likely that juveniles under the age of 17 might think they can start staying out on public streets late at night.
But Assistant Police Chief Richard Cantu said that could lead to an appearance in municipal court and result in a fine not to exceed $200.
The City Council passed Ordinance 1564, years ago when the city was experiencing a rash of illegal activity on its streets during the early morning hours.
Cantu said the ordinance prohibits anyone under the age of 17 from loitering on a public street or other public venue after 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or after midnight on Friday or Saturday.
The curfew ends each morning at 6 o'clock.
BPD patrol officers have strictly enforced the ordinance every year since it was passed.
Violators will receive a citation and will be taken home and turned over to their parents or guardians, who will be told when to appear in city court.


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The new Volvo FH
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We prefer to look at the environmental issues we face today as a challenge, not as a problem. And we are not only talking about trucks. We were, for example, the first company to open a CO2-free factory. But we are not ready to rest on our laurels and we know that you expect us to deliver solutions. It's possibly the most challenging endeavour we have ever undertaken, but we are determined to lead the way towards an environmentally sustainable transportation sector.


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Cheer on the top 25 sports movies ever
Published On: Dec 26 2011 03:55:06 AM PST Updated On: Jan 26 2015 12:33:25 PM PST
Nothing lifts the spirit like a great sports movie. We pick our favorites of all time.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to our Terms of Use.


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For the last week or so I have sat by and watched vicious attacks upon myself and other blogers. Apparently the editors have given leeway in relation to content. I shall capitalize on that.
I do not care if you and the other twit are the same being but the information is convicting. I know the truth and you know I do.
You attack others and myself without consequence; let us see how you like the truth about you.
The truth is that you have been shown a liar many, many times such as your 401k, your vacation, jobs, your income investing and so many more.
Your latest few are Sam asked for a handout. He told you he went to a website where suppliers and customers were put together. In fact, you are the one that posted the site. Sam is correct in that you are envious of his success. What your kind cannot understand is reserves of money. That can be many forms and explanation would be wasted as your kind spends every penny you have and fail to set money aside. It eats you alive and permeates every minute of your day and existence. I love it!
Another lie you told is about your job, we have been over this before and now you are a caregiver. That in itself is a subsided position. I don't believe you anyway after exposing your lies for years now. You cannot defend that truth and you know it.
You will just move onto another lie soon hoping people will forget all the lies you have been caught in, just like the illegal alien American hating POC muslim.
Socialism under any definition is state or government controlled society. You like the idea because you are too lazy and a sloth to work and just want handouts. It does not work like that. Russia along with other countries admits it does not work. You just got caught posting you support socialism and now try to get out of the statement with rhetoric.
Yes, look how you attacked that Eagle Ford oil boom, typical of your kind to hate people who receive what they deserve. Where is all the pollution of which you cried and whimpered? LOL @ U!!!!
Only a selfish low life scumbag would hate people for becoming wealthy off their lands.
You deserve a ticket to Iran, one way.
You defend homosexuals as good things, and then you call Sam and me gay in a negative attacks. So which is it, do you support the abominations to God or not? You're exposed again.
Now post your one line childish single celled brain posts with some flea bitten stinking mangy cat picture for that and only that is in the realm of your capabilities.


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Patrick Henry, whose Patrick Henry Creative Promotions has developed winning beverage campaigns for Cheesecake Factory and other chains, dispensed some advice on generating excitement in beverage sales. With limited space behind the bar, Henry suggested some common-sense inventory management tactics. Decide what sells and stock those products, he said, and promote what you do stock effectively. "Premium products should be at eye level," he suggested. Up front, "a clean bar is a must," he ...
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Films of Al Pacino
Published On: Jun 12 2013 03:47:52 PM CDT Updated On: Jul 04 2013 09:23:24 AM CDT
Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino has had a legendary career. Take a look back at the films the actor has appeared in.
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Strollers are all the same and haven't changed for decades. That's why 4moms developed the Origami power-folding stroller. At the touch of a button, it folds itself. It's also a cell phone-charging, mileage-counting, LCD-sporting stroller, with generators in the rear wheels that charge it as you walk. Plus, the Origami has daytime running lights, pathway lights for low-light conditions, and sensors that detect when a child's in the seat (so it'll never fold by accident).
From power folding to cell phone charging, the Origami is what strollers should be.
It's the world's first power-folding stroller: at the touch of a button, it folds itself. To open or close the stroller, just push that button and relax while the rest takes care of itself.
Built-in generator
Products for kids consume millions of alkaline batteries each year, and we didn't want to add to that total. The Origami has built-in generators so the system recharges itself while you walk. Sure, you can plug it into a wall or even fold it manually if you need to, but a short walk is all it takes to keep the battery fully charged. It's hard to be greener than that.
We've heard it before: won't it eat my baby? Never fear: the Origami's strictly vegetarian. Built-in sensors means it won't fold a child in the seat, and the two-step activation system means you won't fold it by accident. Plus, the Origami has daytime running lights to keep it visible at all times, and pathway lights to brighten your way in low-light conditions.
LCD Screen
The LCD interface makes the Origami so easy to use our grandmothers can do it (no offense, Grandma). Plus, the Origami knows things. All you have to do is look at the display to confirm it knows a child is in the seat, or how charged the battery is, or how far you've walked. Easy, convenient, and very cool.
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Madison police have documented more than 80 cases of bicycle theft this summer, but what has them worried is the method by which thieves are increasingly using to snatch bikes.
An unusually high number of locked-up bicycles have been stolen as thieves use tools like bolt cutters to break through bike locks, according to Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain.
"For a lot of people who live downtown, it's tough to find places to park, so you use bicycles," DeSpain said. "So losing that transportation is tough on people."
One instance of bicycle theft took place Monday night on the 300 block of North Frances Street, where one resident lost her mountain bike to theft, according to a MPD statement.
In this instance and several others, the bike lock had been cut.
Yet another characteristic of the increased bike crimes is the range of bicycle types that are being taken, according to DeSpain.\
"In the past, many of the bikes stolen were higher-end bikes that were worth hundreds of dollars, if not more," he said. "Here, we're seeing a lot of bikes being stolen that are lower-end bikes, still equally as valuable to the people who own them, I'm sure."
One such bike is that once owned by University of Wisconsin student Connor Williams.
"I kind of had a crappy lock, and it just got cut off," Williams said of his own bicycle, which was stolen from his house on Dayton Street last fall.
It wasn't the only bicycle he's had taken from him this year.
"The first one was really crappy, like a less than $100, used bike," Williams said. "The second one was a little nicer, probably like $150-175, maybe."
This uptick in bicycle theft crime has been seen primarily in Madison's central district or downtown area, though the city's north side has seen higher numbers of bike thefts as well, DeSpain said.
"We think there's probably one or more people operating together, trying to steal bikes. Where they're taking them, whether they're re-selling them for the whole bike or for parts, we don't know that yet," DeSpain said.
Police are asking anyone with information on bike thefts to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014. They're also asking you to report any suspicious behavior you see around bike racks in the downtown area.


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The 1911 Census is the perfect place to start discovering your family's past. It also reveals information about your ancestors that isn't on any previous census.
To help you pick out every last detail, we've created a unique record viewer, providing several new features that you'll currently only find on our 1911 Census. To use this viewer, simply select 'Try now' from the record transcription page (the page you see when you click 'View Record' on your search results).
The first feature that most of you will notice is highlighting. Whether you've selected a relative from your tree or searched for someone new, that person will be highlighted in yellow when you view the record, making it easy to spot them. The rest of their family is also highlighted – in green – so you don't even have to go looking for other relatives.
Informative tips
If you're having trouble reading a relative's name, hover your mouse over it to see our transcription. You can then move along the row to get help with each part of their entry. As well as the transcription, you'll often get an explanation of what that information means – for example with ages we'll work out an approximate birth year for you.
Name label overlay
As you move around the record, and away from the written names, their transcriptions automatically appear on the left of your screen. That means it's always easy to see whose entry you're looking at, and you don't need to keep moving backwards and forwards to connect names with birthplaces or occupations.
Speaking of moving around the record, you have several new options to help you do that. Click anywhere on the screen and hold down your mouse button, and you can literally drag the record around your screen. You can also zoom using your mouse wheel, or use onscreen controls to zoom and pan.
Image controls
There are also new options to change how the record appears on your screen. You can rotate it, flip it horizontally and vertically, invert the colours to see if that makes it easier to read, and adjust the contrast. You'll find all these options in the Actions menu.
All these changes make it easier for you to spot your ancestors in the 1911 Census, and make sense of their stories. To start using them, search the 1911 Census now


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"Catholic Answers Live has been there for me, through God's infinite wisdom, and oftentimes answered questions I had been thinking about myself. Your radio program has been very instrumental in my conversion to the Catholic Faith."
~ Ross, Portland, Oregon
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"That is our desire, to be tortured for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and so to be saved, for that will give us salvation and firm confidence at the more terrible universal tribunal of Our Lord and Savior."
~ Justin Martyr, apologist, Saint; to the Prefect Rusticus after the prefect had threatened Justin with "torture without mercy;" from the trial transcript by Tatian (A.D. 165).


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On ABC's This Week, Speaker John Boehner admitted that there is no immediate debt crisis, but in the next breath argued that the country should gut Medicare and Social Security anyway.
Transcript from ABC News:
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA VIDEO: We've already cut– $2.5– $2.7 trillion out of the deficit. If the sequester stays in, you've got over $3.5 trillion of deficit reduction already. And, so, we don't have an immediate crisis in terms of debt. In fact, for the next ten years, it's gonna be in a sustainable place.
MARTHA RADDATZ: Is he right that we don't have an immediate crisis?
SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER: We do not have an immediate debt crisis. But we all know that we have one looming. And we have– one looming– because we have entitlement programs that are not sustainable in their current form. They're gonna go bankrupt. Washington has responsibility– to our seniors and our near seniors– that we firm up these programs so that they're there for the long term. Because if we don't do it, not only will they not get benefits, we will have a debt crisis right around the corner. We have time to solve our problems. But we need to do it now.
MARTHA RADDATZ: H– how long do we have to solve our problems?
SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER: Nobody knows where this is. It could be a year or two years, three years, four years. The– it's not an immediate problem. But we can all–
MARTHA RADDATZ: So, you agree with the president on that?
SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER: The Amer– yes. But his point, as he went on to say in that interview, is that we don't– we don't really need to do anything at this point. And I would argue that we do need to do something.
The Speaker claimed that nobody knows how long we have to deal with the debt, but this was a total lie. Social Security will be solvent until 2033, and the Republican claim that Medicare is going bankrupt is an epic exaggeration. The Medicare hospital trust fund is expected to be exhausted by 2024, but this is nothing new. As FactCheck.org pointed out, "In 1980, insolvency was expected in 1994. In 1990, the exhaustion date was 2003. But those dates have been pushed back mainly by repeated tax increases."
If there is no immediate crisis, why are Republicans so hellbent on cutting Social Security and Medicare? The answer is ideology. Republicans have hated Social Security and Medicare from the day they each became law. The ginned up fake immediate debt crisis as championed most loudly by Paul Ryan is the latest cover story for the right wing war on the social safety net.
By Jason Easley -


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Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux Out in LA
Amanda Hasaka
| March 16, 2012 - 1:20 pm
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Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Zambia
|Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in [[{{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Zambia| |6}} {{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Zambia| |7}} {{#explode:Living conditions and volunteer lifestyles in Zambia| |8}}]]
|As a Peace Corps Volunteers, you will have to adapt to conditions that may be dramatically different than you have ever experienced and modify lifestyle practices that you now take for granted. Even the most basic practices— talking, eating, using the bathroom, and sleeping — may take significantly different forms in the context of the host country. If you successfully adapt and integrate, you will in return be rewarded with a deep understanding of a new culture, the establishment of new and potentially lifelong relationships, and a profound sense of humanity.
| See also:
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyles by Country
Pre-Departure Checklist
For information see Welcomebooks
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Few countries in the world offer the level of service we consider normal in the U.S. If you bring with you U.S. standards for mail service you will be in for lots of frustration. Mail takes a minimum of 2-4 weeks to arrive in Lusaka. Surface mail may take up to five months to be delivered and is highly unlikely to be insurable. Duty fees must be paid on all packages received; the amount depends on the value (or perceived value here) of the contents. Though not frequent, some mail may simply not arrive. We recognize that when we are thousands of miles from our families and friends, communication becomes a very sensitive issue. Advise your family and friends to number their letters and to write "Air Mail" and "Par Avion" on their envelopes.
Despite delays, we strongly encourage you to write to your family regularly, perhaps weekly or biweekly. Family members will typically become worried when they do not hear from you, so please advise your parents, friends, and relatives that mail is sporadic and that they shouldn't worry if they don't receive your letters regularly.
Long-distance telephone communication is available, though it can be difficult and frustrating, especially during the rainy season with its electrical storms. It is also expensive. A call from Zambia to the U.S. can cost about $4.00 per minute. Calling cards can be used on private phones with the assistance of an operator and costs considerably less. Many Volunteers use this method when they are in Lusaka or in their provincial capitals. Each of the Peace Corps Volunteer leader (PCVL) transit houses, situated in five provinces, has a phone, so it is possible to arrange a time to receive a phone call. Most post offices in the major cities have international services but only during their regular hours. Within Zambia, telegrams take two to three days, are cheap and are sometimes the best/only way to communicate.
Zambia has an improving cellular telephone network and offers a choice between three cellphone companies: Zamtel, Telecel and Celtel. However, coverage is spotty at best outside of Lusaka and the provincial capitals.
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access
There are several Internet service providers in Zambia. There are also a growing number of Internet cafes around the country. The cost of access varies but tends to be relatively expensive. Due to the nature and quality of the landline connections, all companies offer both digital and analog dialup numbers.
Computer and e-mail access are available at the PCVL houses. Internet access is also available and free at the Volunteer resource library in the Peace Corps office in Lusaka.
Due to the lack of electricity and potential for theft, very few Volunteers keep laptop computers at their sites. It is not recommended. If you do bring a laptop, make sure to insure it.
Housing and Site Location
Most Volunteers live in earthen houses lighted by kerosene lamps. Meals are cooked over wood or charcoal. Typically, Volunteer sites are in villages where there is neither plumbing nor electricity. You will have your own mud brick/thatch roof house, pit latrine, outdoor cooking area and shower area. Drinking/washing water may need to be carried from as far as 30 minutes away on foot. Some sites will be very isolated and the closest Volunteer may be 40 kilometers or more away.
Within the first week of arriving in Zambia you will have the opportunity to choose the language that you will be speaking. Volunteers from the various provinces do a presentation to help you decide. The associate Peace Corps director (APCD) of your program may offer advice based on the various skills and interest of individuals in your group. Your placements are made in cooperation with the training staff and are based on their assessments and recommendations regarding your skill levels in the technical, cross-cultural, and language areas. Your APCD can discuss particular preferences concerning a site. You will not be able to choose your site. Site placements are made using the following criteria (in priority order):
- Medical considerations;
- Community needs;
- Site requirements matched with demonstrated technical, cross cultural, and language skills;
- Personal preference of the Volunteer.
Living Allowance and Money Management
The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha (Zkw). Between 2002 and 2004, the value of the Kwacha has fluctuated between 4,600 and 5,000 Zkw per one U.S. dollar.
As a Volunteer in Zambia you will receive four types of allowances: a living allowance, vacation allowance, settling-in allowance, and readjustment allowance.
The living allowance covers your basic living expenses. The living allowance is reviewed at least once per year through a market survey to ensure that it is adequate. In Zambia, this is typically about $200 each month, and it is paid in local currency. This allowance is disbursed to Volunteers through locally established personal bank accounts on a quarterly basis. It is intended to cover expenses including food, household supplies, clothing, recreation, transportation, reading materials and other incidentals. By comparison, your local Zambian peers working for the government will be making about $90 a month.
A standard Peace Corps vacation allowance amounting to $24 a month will be added to your living allowance. This is also paid on a quarterly basis in local currency.
A one-time settling-in allowance, also paid in ZKw at an equivalency of roughly $160, is given to buy basic household items when you move to your site. In addition, a security upgrade fund, equivalent to $40, is added to be used for Volunteers' homes.
A readjustment allowance of $225 is accumulated each month. One-third is given to you prior to your departure and the balance is sent to your home of record after you return.
When on official Peace Corps/Zambia travel, you will be given additional money for transportation and meals.
If you do bring cash for travel and vacation, only bring a limited amount because of the potential for theft. Cashing personal checks or checks family or friends may want to send is extremely complicated and should be avoided. Peace Corps/Zambia cannot facilitate any personal banking transactions.
It is also advisable to bring U.S. dollars because traveler's checks are becoming harder to cash. Some foreign exchange posts do not accept $1 or $5 bills and you will receive a lower exchange rate for $10 and $20 notes. If you plan to travel outside of Zambia on vacation, some U.S. currency may be needed for airport fees, visas, and other expenses which must be paid in cash, in U.S. dollars.
Food and Diet
Your access to Western-style foods may be very limited, but you will soon become familiar and even enamored with nshima (cornmeal porridge), cabbage, and kapenta (fish), as well as other staple foods like local leaf sauces and smoked fish. Fruits, other than mangoes in season, are difficult to obtain and can be expensive; vegetable variety is generally good, but can be seasonally difficult, and meat is not easily available for Volunteers while at their site.
Ideally, mealtime should be a time of relaxation, but, in an unfamiliar country, mealtimes will, at first, be an unsettling challenge. The available food may seem strange in type and appearance; it may even initially appear to be unpalatable. Yet, you may feel obligated to demonstrate your friendliness and willingness to accept local customs by eating food that doesn't appeal to you. You'll need to stay within your comfort zone, but remember that the local cuisine, customs, and expectations are very different from your own. If you are not prepared to make some major adjustments in your lifestyle, you will very likely experience a great deal of frustration.
During pre-service training, you will have many opportunities to become familiar with what is available, as well as how to prepare and cook a wide variety of foods. Some Volunteers will lose weight during training. This is to be expected; it is not unusual to lose up to 10 pounds during the eight to ten-week period.
All Volunteers will be expected to travel in Zambia using local means of transportation as your Zambian peers do (foot, bicycle, bus, van, or train) starting during your first days of training until the end of your service. Rural travel is very limited and difficult due to the condition of the roads and public transportation. Every trip is an adventure. Transportation from your post to your provincial capital may be sporadic, may take a full day or more, and will generally be crowded and dusty. Volunteers may find it necessary to travel on trucks carrying produce or livestock or hitch rides on one of the district or community vehicles. It may take two days or more by crowded, public transportation to reach the capital city, Lusaka. Some Volunteers walk or ride their bikes up to 100 kilometers to catch a ride at a main road. Some roads are not easily passable by bicycle in the rainy season. All Volunteers will be provided with a bicycle and helmet. Riding motorcycles is prohibited.
Social Activities
Social activities will vary depending on where you are located. These may include taking part in various festivities, parties, storytelling, and sitting around at fire a night talking with your neighbors. Some Volunteers visit nearby Volunteers on weekends and make occasional trips to their provincial capital, although we encourage Volunteers to remain at their sites to accomplish the important Peace Corps goal of cultural exchange.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
One of the challenges of finding your place as a Volunteer is simultaneously fitting into the local culture, maintaining your own cultural identity, and acting like a professional. It is not an easy act to balance, and we can only provide you with some guidelines to dress and behave accordingly. While some of your counterparts may dress in seemingly worn or shabby clothes, this will be due to economics rather than choice. The likelihood is that they are wearing their "best." A foreigner wearing raggedy, unmended clothing is more likely to be considered an affront than someone trying to "get closer to the people."
Zambians regard dress and appearance as part of one's respect for one another. They value neatness of appearance, which is much more important than being "stylish." You are expected to dress appropriately, whether you are in training, traveling, or on the job. Not doing so may jeopardize your credibility and that of the entire program.
The following guidelines have been formalized based not only on advice from Zambians, but also on the experiences of current Volunteers.
Dresses and skirts should fall below the knees. Appropriate undergarments should be worn, including slips. Men and women should wear shorts only at home, when exercising, or when doing work where Zambian counterparts are also wearing them. If shorts are worn in public, they should be of "walking" length. Hair should be clean and combed, and beards should be neatly trimmed. Men should never wear a hat indoors unless custom in the area allows, and they should always be removed when speaking to an elder. Sunglasses should also be removed indoors.
Personal Safety
More information about the Peace Corps' approach to safety is outlined in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most Volunteers complete their two years of service without personal safety problems. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to help Volunteers reduce their risks and enhance their safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Zambia. At the same time, each Volunteer is expected to take responsibility for his/her safety and well-being.
Rewards and Frustrations
The excitement and adventure of the Volunteer experience are, in some measure, due to its unpredictability. There will be unexpected joys as well as unexpected disappointments. You could find plans for a health clinic canceled at the last minute because the Ministry of Health has been reorganized. Your plan to dig a well may be held up by a quarrel between local groups over who is to do the digging or because the required materials cannot be delivered as scheduled. The official to whom you were supposed to report may be replaced by a successor who knows little about a scheduled project. Such variables can erode the enthusiasm, the patience, and the idealism of a Volunteer. Your success will often depend upon determination, patience, and the ability to find another way. A Peace Corps Volunteer always has to be able to come up with a Plan B and many times, a Plan C, D, or even E! A big part of Peace Corps is the challenge to remain flexible, energetic, and hopeful at a time when it would be easy to give in to cynicism or indifference. Accepting the community and being accepted by it is essential for success. In both your daily life and in your work, Volunteers must take care to avoid the appearance of superiority or arrogance that can be associated with an outsider bringing "change" and "improvements." Volunteers find that as they live and work in their communities, they learn as much or more from the people of their host country than they share in return.


text:
Casual Bermuda Short
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Read more… Read less…


text:
July brings the latest volumes in Fantagraphics' project to present the definitive catalogue of the two greatest ouevres in Disney comics: Floyd Gottfredson's Mickey Mouse newspaper strips and Carl Barks' Donald Duck comic books.
Volume 3 of Mickey's adventures chronicles 1934 and 1935, an era of increasing maturity and responsibility for the scrappy adventure-loving mouse as he deals with Wild West banditry and then comes home to run a newspaper that exposes racketeering and corruption at City Hall. After crusading for justice at home, he does his patriotic duty as a special agent inside a Nautilus-like submarine captained by a thinly-veiled Nazi villain several years before the war.
There's still no explanation for how some animals are "humans" while others are just animals, like how Mickey can ride a horse in the West and then come home to be greeted by his pal Horace Horsecollar. Or the eternal quandary of why Pluto is a pet while Dippy Dawg (later Goofy) is a chum. Some mysteries won't be resolved on this plane.


text:
Submit News
Apple Increases Supplier Audits by 72 Percent in 2012, Cuts Off Those that Don't Comply
Tiffany Kaiser
January 25, 2013 12:00 PM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
(Source: slashgear.com)
Apple reported one supplier and one agency to the local authorities for underage workers
Apple said it upped its
audits of suppliers
(mainly in Asia) by 72 percent from 2011 to 2012, and even cut ties with suppliers that didn't follow the code of conduct.
For all of 2012, Apple conducted a total of 393 audits -- an increase of 72 percent compared to 2011. Apple said it has even started auditing its smaller component makers in addition to the larger ones like Foxconn.
During these audits, Apple found two main issues: underage workers and excessive overtime.
In one particular case, Apple discovered that Asian supplier Guangdong Real Faith Pingzhou Electronics Co Ltd had 74 issues concerning underage workers. Apple terminated the business relationship.
In addition, Apple found that an employment agency was forging documents to allow underage workers to gain employment at its supplier's factories. Apple reported the agency to local authorities.
After auditing small to large suppliers in 2012, Apple found that 95 percent had complied with the code of conduct regarding underage labor.
According to Apple, limiting work weeks to a maximum of 60 hours was another challenge. About 92 percent of suppliers complied, while Apple corrected the remaining 8 percent.
Other issues were discovered in 2012 as well, such as bonded labor agencies that help immigrant workers find jobs (but take a significant amount of their pay in return) and discriminatory behavior against women. To correct this, Apple forced the bonded labor agencies to reimburse $6.4 million in excess foreign contract worker fees for 2012. It also stopped the discrimination against women, such as practices where women must take pregnancy tests before gaining employment.
"At Apple, we care just as much about how our products are made as we do about how they're designed," said Apple in a statement. "We know people have very high expectations of us. We have even higher expectations of ourselves."
Apple said it is focusing on
student interns
for 2013, saying that it will make sure suppliers don't abuse the internship program.
Apple's supplier problems stem from many Foxconn-related issues over the past few years, such as
employee suicides
, explosions from the
buildup of aluminum dust
used to polish devices, low wages, crowded dorms and long hours.
A year ago, a report from
The New York Times
blamed Apple for Foxconn's list of issues, saying that Apple wasn't doing enough about it. From there, Apple voluntarily
joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA)
for random audits.
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As we learn more about the top names in the Phillies minor league system thanks to Jay Floyd's Top 25 Prospect countdown, Keith Law goes and kills the mood.
That's because ESPN's minor league insider has ranked his farm systems 1-30 and does not look favorably upon the Phillies. Law ranks the Phillies farm 27th of 30 major league teams, and says:
Their highest-ranked prospect on my top 100 (no team was shut out entirely) is the lowest of any team's highest-ranked prospect. They do, however, have a number of intriguing, high-risk guys from low-A on down, especially on the pitching side.
That one prospect in his Top 100 is Philly native Jesse Biddle. Beyond that, Law says there's some intrigue, but at lower levels. Some names have burst onto the scene, like Adam Morgan, Ethan Martin, etc., but they don't have the background of some of the other prospects that litter the top teams.
Thus far, Jay Floyd is down #17 in his Top 25, which you can check out right here.
48 Comments
Seems about right
Sad assessment, but it may be true. Amaro hasn't traded well and those deals have left the farm without much to cultivate.
The Phillies PHarm system may lack at this moment, but they are truly the gold standard on the overall. Bringing in some of the marquis players they have brought in cost them. The fact that they were in a position to do so speaks more volume than where they may stand at any particular moment in time. This is a movie, not a snapshot, and the Phillies do it right.
Decimating the farm system for short term players like Oswalt & Pence may not fit everyone's definition of "doing it right".
Decimating? Who? If one of those future HOF traded for Pence and Oswalt makes it I'll be surprised. Law is very overrated. Watch Ruf will hit 35 HRs and Law will trash him.
They don't need to be HOF players (neither Oswalt nor Pence are by any stretch of the imagination) to make the Phillies rue the day. They merely need to be above-average regulars, which I think both Cosart and Singleton will prove to be.
Also lmao at the thought of the Phillies being "the gold standard" overall.
Didnt think they would be ranked that low.
If it makes you feel better, John Sickels has the Phils 20, and Atlanta 27, a flip of Law's rankings.
PUBLIUS is always a half empty glass. He is never positive. I read is comments and want to take xanax
Publius just makes me laugh most of the time. The name also reminds of two characters, Publius and Furianus, in Latin for Americans II.
Kieth Law may be right about the Phillies farm system, but i take everything he says with a grain of salt. He has a track record of hating everything. I'm not sure I've ever seen him write a positive article.
No matter whose farm system we're talking about, everyone in it is still a prospect. Some will work out, others won't. If the Phils are still #27 a couple of years down the road, then maybe I'll worry a little bit.
Law always takes a dim view of the Phils, and I'm sick of hearing his opinions recited like Gospel.
I never — NEVER — pay attention to Keith Law. What he says is usually taken from a magazine that is a month old.
…………….On the other hand, the Phils need to further develop the crucial minor league talent, find more top talent and send scouts with baseball knowledge to Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic and Mexico; We need to stock up on talent, young talent .
The dude watches more minor league games than just about anyone. This is a ridiculously ignorant and misinformed comment.
Are Publius and Keith Law related???? …..
I do NOT understand the Keith Law hate. The dude watches, yes with his own 2 eyes, a TON of minor league games each and every year and relies a lot more on his eyes than pure states. More traditional baseball fans should appreciate him. Also, the fact that he hasn't said much positive about the Phillies' moves means he's a good analyst. I *wish* I was related to him.
A quick check of Law's archives showed that he gave the team positive marks for the Pence and Victorino deals last July and for the deals in the prior seasons in which they acquired Oswalt, Halladay and Lee. He also thought the 2011 trade for Hunter Pence was a good move if Pence was acquired to replace Raul Ibanez. He gave them low marks for the Ibanez signing because he felt that they should not have given him the 3rd year, for trading Lee to Seattle and for extending Howard's contract nearly two full seasons before the Big Piece was eligible for free agency. He has also consistently been pretty consistently negative towards the Phillies farm system.
His track record seems pretty neutral to me, but I guess if you write anything negative about our beloved Phillies or the front office, it qualifies you as a hater.
I don't hate Keith Law. and I'm not so sure very many others do, either.
I do feel, however, that Law's opinions are no more valid than any other writer's. Yet so many people seem to worry inordinately about everything he says he sometimes seems like the only "expert" out there.. I can look at hk's comment below as an example that Law can be as dumb as anyone else if he indeed thought the deal for Hunter Pence in 2011 was a good move.
When the Phillies added Hunter Pence at the deadline … did you or did you not think we could and would win the World Series?
If the goal is to win a championship.. I cannot fault the Phillies for making that deal. They needed a bat – (I still would've preferred Beltran), but I can't complain about their going for it
I will defend that trade every single day…for the very reason that you stated. Yes, it didn't work out in the end but I can't fault them for making the deal. And if used properly in the lineup in the playoffs (Charlie moved him up in the order) he would have provided Howard the protection that he needed.
I'm sorry guys but that trade was awful when it happened..and even worse now.
We KNOWINGLY paid for Pence when he was at his career peak –we KNEW that, he was having an All-Star year. Buying high isn't too smart of a move, in my opinion.
Not only that, but the fact that we were WELL on our way to going to the playoffs… where we KNOW it's a crapshoot, should be enough of a reason to AVOID making a move like that. In other words, any serious observer could have warned you that even having Pence in top form during the postseason would have only marginally increased our chances of coming out with a championship.
And the kicker: the amount of talent we gave up was borderline absurd. Don't even get me started on Santana being the player to be named later… ouch. The point isn't that these players may or may not pan out.. the point is that we gave away value… which we could've kept or used it for trade bait in the future.
The cost-benefit analysis in that trade was severely flawed and a massive mistake by Amaro. There's no two ways around it.
Manny, well said. The Phillies had about a 95% chance of making the playoffs at that point, and Victorino had been tearing it up vs. lefties, including in the 5th spot.
Many fans and some in the media were calling for another RH bat to face RHPs, but there there was a sizable contingent even before the trade who thought it was a needless move.
Don M:
If your question is directed to me, YES, I did think the Phils could win. No one in their right mind would ever say they WOULD win it, though, so adding a player like Pence was never any guarantee.
I'll admit that when I first heard of the trade, I thought it was okay, but as I found out more about the players Pence cost, I grew a bit disheartened. I tried to rationalize it by telling myself and others that prospects are only that and don't always work out; but even then I knew deep down that trading the future in an attempt to reach a goal that's probably going to be reached anyway is never wise thinking.
It doesn't matter if Law watches players with his own two eyes if he happens to have 20/200 vision.
Just kidding!
On Keith Law ……. lets just hope he's wrong.
Part of what the Phillies have a lot of right now is Relief Pitching – which, while not "sexy" is definitely useful (look how much the bullpen helped the cause in 2008) . . . If you can get multiple, reliable, cheap arms from the pen (Aumont, DeFratus, Kyle Simon, … a healthy, effective Stutes). . That would be great help from the Farm – but they aren't All Stars …..
I think part of these rankings is really looking at what major impact players are in the system – and the Phillies don't really have anything on offense – That said – none of the guys they've traded in years past has made an impact at the MLB level that would help them right now (Jason Donald – Michael Taylor)……… It would be nice to have D'Arnaud, and Singleton … but they're gone – and thus our rankings aren't great …. doesn't mean the MLB team can't have a good couple years.
The farm is a great way to build, reload, restock the MLB roster – but there are also trades and free agency ….. and with Utley, Ruiz, Rollins, Halladay, etc potentially coming off the books in the next year or two (and that nice new TV contract coming soon) the Phillies will have the money available to grab impact players – and they won't need to rely on their farm as much as teams like Kansas City, Tampa Bay, etc.
Not saying it's a great strategy for the long-term, but the Phillies future can still be bright, even if the farm doesn't look so great
@ Don i do think he's wrong! if you check the minors rosters what you'll see is a ton! i mean a ton of pitching prospects. we actually have at least two prospect starters at all three of the highest levels and even more prospects as releivers. so pitching wise we are in excellant shape. fielding wise at position spots. we have quite a few catching prospects. two at 3rd base asche, franco. two at ss, galvas, quinn. second we're thin at, with hernandez, and first we have at least 2 counting ruf. and in the outfield we hava a couple but i'm not so sure i'd brag about them. the only one i really like is castro. however if ruf pans out and revere also we have time to replentish that area. it's not as bad as some of these guys like law predict. but it's also not as good as i might think.
i check the other teams minors alot and i think our pitching will match up as good or better on the whole as anybody's.and position wise the phils are set for some guys to start filtering up over the next few years so we'll see. as far as the other teams go. they all have the same as each other. some positions are strong and some are weak. not every minor leaguer is going to make it that's for sure.
the old saying goes. if you can add one player every year the the big club then your system is doing fine! now how many did we add last year? and how many are coming this year?
also Don the 4 guys you mentioned are questionable.donald isn't or hasn't done much, taylor has gone flat, d'arnaud is coming off a serious knee injury.( not good for a catcher) and singleton just got nailed for pot ? the one i worry about the most is the PTBNL Domimgo santiago? i was pissed when they gave him up.
I supported the acquisition of Pence. I have some misgivings now, but I did support it, and I refuse to be a phony about it. I thought he was the right fit for THAT team at THAT time. A complimentary piece that can help you win a championship. Sometimes you pay too much for that type of player. In a different way (money instead of prospects)The Nats paid Werth too much, and he may still pay dividends.
But Pence simply was not capable of carrying a team after the loss of Howard and Utley, and eventually Halladay the next season.
And as it turned out (by luck or karma or whatever you want to call it) , he was exactly what RA Jr. must have thought he'd be, -a good complimentary piece to add to a team to trying to win a championship. That proved to be true, it just happened a year too late.
I moved to the bay area in Californian 30 years ago. Once you are truly a fan of a team, no matter where you live, you stay emotionally connected to that team. But I also think it's easier to see the moves the Phil's have made more objectively being so far away. When the giants beat the phillies in 2010, all the experts gave the giants no chance, but even though I was not a giants fan, I had no doubt the giants would win because they were so well managed and their pitching was the only staff that could beat the phillies. Hunter pence should not be blamed for 2011. The Phil's had everything that year to win it all, but their problem is, they were not managed well. I.m sure this will be very unpopular, but we should have easily been a dinesty. I truly believe if Bruce bochy had been the Phil's manager, Philadelphia would have 3 championships. The giants had no business winning it all last year but they were run well and Washington was run very poorly. The Phil's need to do everything to get young pitching through the farm and not give it away for an easy fix.
frank, with all due respect, I couldn't disagree more that Bruce Bochy would have meant a dynasty.
Manuel didn't give up home runs to Cody F. Ross.
Manuel didn't give up a 4-run lead in game 2 in 2011.
And I haven't seen anybody blame Pence for 2011.
Pence's value to the Giants in their championship run could be debated. I'm not going to myself, but I'm just saying…
First, I didn't mean pence blamed. I think what I was trying to say was a lot of fans disagreed with the trade. I think pence did all he could do but he was not the answer. They had it all. I don't think I have ever seen a pitching staff full of aces. Yes they should have easily been a dynasty. I'm sorry, but the giants 1 thru 8 were not close to the Phil's. Charlie is a nice guy and a players manager but I don't know how many times I've seen bochy bench regular srarters for the good of their team and put in players who were playing better at a particular time. He does not care about hurting feelings but winning games.
"I think pence did all he could do but he was not the answer."
— I agree. But then there was no "answer".
"I don't think I have ever seen a pitching staff full of aces."
— Agreed — one of the best staffs ever assembled.
" I'm sorry, but the giants 1 thru 8 were not close to the Phil's."
— Maybe, but I would bet that at least once a week during the season, a team isn't nearly as good as their opponent wins a series. So I have a hard time being surprised when it happens in the postseason, when teams are, if anything, much more evenly matched.
And again, with slightly better execution (or luck, either one would have sufficed), we wouldn't be having this exchange.
For all of the time, effort, and angst spent trying to rate prospects and the quality level of minor league systems by various pundits I would only say it is a highly difficult and ultimtely subjective study. I would suggest that anyone who gets terribly upset by what Law or anybody else says – go back and look at these ratings and lists of 100 prospects in 1, 2 and 3 years later. What, I submt, you will find are usually a number, typically 15 or so, players who were clearly going to be standouts and turned out that way- see Manny Machado for instance – and a host (the majority) of others who never quite made it – EVEN in the top 100 lists. It is a combination of injuries, the higher level of competition, and the sheer extreme mental fatigue it takes to play baseball at the ML level for 162 games. So it is impossible for Law or anyone else to make these statements with any degree of accuracy – particularly when he is trying to assess 60-80 + minor league players in any one system ! It is just patently absurd…
I agree with everything that you write except your closing comment and I think that Law, Sickels, Mayo, etc. would agree with most everything that you write except your closing comment. There are reasons that these lists, especially when looked at in the aggregate, have value and are not absurd. The value that they have to fans like us is they allow us, if we are so inclined, to assess the job that our front office is doing or has done, especially in regards to trades they make in which they send prospects in exchange for veterans. If we don't know how the general prospect ranking community views prospects, we can't assess in foresight or in hindsight whether the team underpaid or overpaid in deals of this sort.
There's a debate above about whether or not the Phils made a good move in parting with Singleton, Cosart, Santana and Zeid for Hunter Pence. Without knowing the way that the prospects were viewed in the scouting community, there's no way for an average fan to form an opinion as to whether it was a good deal at the time. However, with some knowledge about the scouting community's views on our favorite team's prospects, we get some context. Further, on the same day that the Phils acquired Pence from the Astros, the Braves acquired a better and cheaper player (Michael Bourne) from the Astros for what was generally considered to be a much worse package. Therefore, with knowledge about another team's prospects and a similar deal against which to measure our team's deal, we can form an even more informed opinion of how our GM did. In this case, at the time, it looked like the Phils overpaid for Pence relative to what Atlanta paid for Bourne. To some, this is valuable information.
Schmenkman- I appreciate you're respectful answers to my comments. Sometimes I think they might sound negative.
The farm might not be great now but I'd have to think if we're not playing well we could fetch some decent prospects for halladay, utley, Rollins, maybe even lee or Howard. Howard not as likely but most teams would trade for the first 3 for a playoff run. With the way the market just went Rollins contract looks great, and lee's doesn't look so bad either. We might not get any a-list prospects for these guys but I think we could without a doubt replenish the system a little bit. Also, as stated by others, we have some decent pitching prospects throughout, if even 2 of them pan out we are in decent shape with the staff down the line.
Lefty, EXACTLY! Well said, friend. He was the right fit for THAT team at THAT time. Yeah, maybe they WOULD have made the playoffs anyway. They certainly were on the right trajectory. But bringing him in, I think, solidified their lineup and brought a certain "energy" to the team that was lacking. Sorry D Brown fans… but the still raw young "untouchable" just wasn't getting it done at the time.
I still can't understand, though, why Pence was so misused in the lineup during the NLDS. If he was brought here to be that 5 hole hitter and to give Ryan Howard protection…in effect taking Werth's role…..then why in the hell did Charlie move him up in the order during that series??
I can only imagine that he was trying to break up Utley and Howard, although then he had Howard and Ibanez back to back.
Once Pence arrived I have to admit I was grudgingly won over by his goofy, gawky "6-year-old chased by a swarm of bees" energy, and it didn't hurt that he was in the midst of the best hitting stretch of his career.
But in spite of whatever deficit in energy they may have had, in the over two months from the time Utley had returned in May until the trade, the Phillies had the second highest-scoring offense in the NL, at 4.71 runs per game. Scoring went down somewhat after Pence arrived, in spite of his hot hitting.
Getting another RH bat was a "nice to have".
Because "protection" doesn't really exist
Yeah, ok….whatever.
I think the notion of "protection" is overblown – but I don't think it's fair to say that it doesn't exist … we constantly hear players, GM's, ex-players (play-by-play, color guys, post-game Lives) . . . etc all talking about protection in the lineup – seeing better pitches, pitchers pitching differently if there are men on base, or depending on who is on the on-deck circle.
Again, I think it gets exaggerated by fans, but I think it's a real part of baseball … if you have Freddy Galvis batting next – you aren't putting anything where Howard can beat you … you'll take your chances with Galvis.
This is completely wrong. They have the WORST farm system. Thank you Rube(en).
Here is a somewhat more positive ranking, by John Sickels at Minor League Ball:
"20) Philadelphia Phillies (24 last year): Strengths: Good pitching depth with Jesse Biddle, Adam Morgan, Austin Wright standing out; they seem to find nice lefties. They also have a habit of finding Tyler Cloyd types that scouts don't like but who get people out. Some nice right-handers too with Ethan Martin and Jon Pettibone nearly ready to contribute, plus considerable bullpen material. Weaknesses: Hitting. Heavy investments in tools players have not panned out. Untoolsy Darin Ruf was a nice surprise though. Not a terrible system, clearly better than the teams behind them."
"Heavy investment in tools players" ……. that's a great comment … they've gone searching for MVP players in the past few drafts (early rounds) … and have come up short on those projections.
It would be a huge help to the organization if Cody Asche continues to hit at the next level …and if he can develop more power as he gets older/stronger
Time for some it's been said 2,000 times,around here, so who cares if it's 2001.
Subject: Darin Ruf
Date: quite current, 2/7/13
Joe Jordan was interviewed scant minutes ago on MLB Network Radio, and the subject turned to Ruf. I really liked Jordan's attitude. To paraphrase, he said, "look, I can only go by what I've seen. The guy hit 51 (or whatever it was) homers last year on all his levels, and that's not an easy thing to do. What I saw of him at the big league level, he did not look out of place."
My own feeling on Ruf is he's forced the Phils to give him a serious look this spring. Jordan didn't mention it, but I'm sure he's 100 times more aware, and qualified to judge than myself about the young man's defensive ability as well, particularly since the club's not looking to add to 7 gold glove starters.
Naturally, with any prospect, some degree of cautionary tone be's advised. I sensed an optimistic cautionary tone. There'sve been 2 kinds of people watching Daren Ruf the last few months among the masses. The perhaps correct, but still seemingly close minded folk thatgive us the older, lousyt defense, if he was any good, he'd have been heard of gang, and the yahoos that try to out bid each other on Ruf's projected homer total for '13, with nearly all entries surpassing the big league record of 27 for a guy in his first full season at age 26.
If Daren is cool, cal, and collected, within a passionate approach, he's got a better chance to tip the upside of the challenge ahead. That's what Joe Jordan conveyed to my ear. At the least, he strikes as a kid worth rooting for, even ignoring the club's sore need for him, or somebody in the outfield to overachieve.
One thing that I never understand is when a player goes to college, they do not normally start their pro career until around 22, sometimes 23. So many so called experts start calling them old for whatever level they're at. It normally takes 2 or 3 years to climb through a system. These guys need to be given time or why bother going to college if your goal is to play baseball. My point, darin ruff has had 3 full years of minor league ball since being drafted. Forget what the experts say about his age. I would not be surprised if he has a 10 year career making several all star teams.
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Geometric Matte Jersey Chemise
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Matte jersey chemise with slip-on simplicity lets a bold graphic pattern carry the day. Deco diamonds in positive/negative halves stop at a linked pattern on sleeve and hem. Shell: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex. Lining: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
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Saint Honore
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Shine like a star in slenderizing style and undeniable comfort with the fog foil coated skinny jean. With a metallic rose gold sheen and slim leg, these are not your average denim.
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Henley Rug - Ivory
- Overview
Handwoven with multicolored yarns, our Henley Rug has a unique tonal palette and luster that pairs well with a range of designs and furnishings.
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- Imported.
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- 2.5' wide x 9' long (30" wide x 108" long); 4" wide border
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I need help
Started by Jandro, Jan 01 2013 01:08 AM
7 replies to this topic
Posted 01 January 2013 - 01:08 AM
Im currently debating whether to buy paintball pants, because I already have a jersey or should i get a better mask and some knee pads because my old proto swith fs is really worn down
Posted 01 January 2013 - 01:15 AM
Def go with a new mask. I went forever with some cheap sweatpants from walmart so I could buy a good mask.
Posted 01 January 2013 - 01:20 AM
Alright thanks man for the help
Posted 01 January 2013 - 08:38 AM
Yea I also bought sweatpants from like a sporting goods store.. Def save up for a new mask
2012 Proto Reflex Rail & Empire z2 for sale- http://www.techpb.co...0
Posted 01 January 2013 - 08:48 PM
I was thinking between the v force profilers jt proflex
or the dye i4
or the dye i4
Posted 01 January 2013 - 08:54 PM
get i4s
Member of Hooligans D4 Team
Posted 02 January 2013 - 12:39 AM
Try on the i4's before you buy though, they are very small. I would say the Empire E-Flex is the best mask on the market right now and its the same price as the i4's.
Posted 02 January 2013 - 01:40 AM
This^^ I like the design of the I4's, but they just don't cover all of my face.
Try on the i4's before you buy though, they are very small.
My personal favorite mask is the Vforce Grille. It has about the same profile as an I4, but covers more of the face/chin area. The Profiler is has about the same fit, but is a little bigger.
Using a gun that's been hardly maintained and tossed from person to person more than a village whore is hardly a fair way to compare the marker.
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Brand: Fun Factory
Curling waves decorate this elegant twice-as-nice mini-vibe, one for clitoral stimulation and a G-spot-angled one at the tip of the insertable shaft. Read More
Related Products
Curling waves decorate this elegant twice-as-nice Fun Factory mini-vibe, one for clitoral stimulation and a G-spot-angled one at the tip of the insertable shaft. Fully submersible (so if those waves inspire you into the tub, Ocean can follow), made of 100% hypoallergenic, body-safe silicone, and stronger and quieter than previous-generation toys, this little beauty features 12 vibration programs (so you'll never get bored with the same old buzz), plus a deeper-frequency vibration with a more penetrating quality.
Ocean Waterproof Mini Silicone Vibrator
Turquoise Silicone and ABS
Six speeds and six patterns
5 ½" x 1 ¼" : 3 ½" Insertable
(14cm x 3.2cm : 8.9cm Insertable)
Uses two AAA batteries, not included
Volume: 1, Intensity: 4
Note: This product is not eligible for discounts or promotions
Body-safe -- Sex toys are made from many different materials, with varying amounts of information available about them, and many have not been tested for safety. We always choose better-quality items, and we give special attention to those we know to be safer.
Recyclable Packaging/Materials -- When the package and/or material for your toy can be recycled, you can reduce the impact of your purchase on the environment.
Brand: Fun Factory
Material: Silicone
Texture: Ridged
Color: Blue
Power Source: 2 AAA
Length: 6 inches
Insertable Length: 3.5 inches
Diameter: 1.27 inches
Intensity: 3/5
Volume: 2/5
Warranty: 2 Years
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Great & quiet but only had it less than 2 months & it stopped working. I would think for its cost it would last far longer. I would've given it 5 stars otherwise.
Responded By Good Vibes Customer Service - February 17, 2016
Good Vibrations Responds
We're sorry to hear your vibe has stopped working! All Fun Factory toys come with a 2 year warranty, which Good Vibrations honors, so please feel free to contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com. We'll be happy to get a replacement started for you.
Definately super quiet, feels great and strong vibrations. Just don't set it down on anything that lints - or you'll have to clean it again :)
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by Anton Shilov
Although Microsoft Corp. has been collaborating with ARM for about thirteen years now, the Friday's announcement that the software giant had licensed ARM architecture was a surprise. The new pact will now open loads of new doors for Microsoft, but it will also likely redefine the whole industry as Microsoft is on offense for smart consumer electronics, slate-type personal computers and other emerging product categories. We decided to discuss the ramifications of the new pact with two leading industry analysts.
The most intriguing thing about the announcement is whether Microsoft will actually enable support of ARM processors with its next-generation Windows 8 system, which is expected to be very flexible in terms of configuration when it comes to different PC form-factors. But there are different opinions here.
"The rumor has been circulating for a year that other ARM licensees have ported Windows to ARM," said Jon Peddie, the head of Jon Peddie Research market tracking agency.
"I would be very surprised if Microsoft moved Windows 7 or 8 onto ARM. Even if they did, there would not be any applications to run on it, since the apps all run only on x86 CPUs. I believe Microsoft will focus on ARM for Windows Phone and maybe tablets, since the full x86/Win 7 environment is a little too bulky for these low-powered devices," said Nathan Brookwood, the principal analyst at Insight 64.
The clash between ARM and x86 is heating up, even though it is not seen widely at the moment. In fact, it is more than a battle between architectures of central processing units (CPUs), it is a fight for consumers' minds, Microsoft needs that badly now that Apple and Google are escalating in smartphones.
Possibly, it is logical for Microsoft to enable ARM compatibility with Windows 8 and create some kind of emulator (which is also why it needs to license ARM architecture) to run previous-generation software.
Slides describing Windows 8 were released several weeks ago. Among other things they indicated that the OS will be tablet-friendly, whereas x86 offerings are not exactly good for very slim devices, at least now. Windows 8 is expected to be very configurable for different types of form-factors and ignoring ARM in the tablet space will at least be strange.
But maybe Mr. Brookwood is correct: Windows 8 is supposed to be out shortly and exploring ARM architecture takes time, which is why ARM-based CPUs will only work with something like next-after-next-generation, e.g., Windows 9.
In case Microsoft starts to work more heavily on operating system(s) for ARM-based devices, which are by definition low-power, there will be pretty obvious consequences for x86 low-power chip suppliers, namely Advanced Micro Devices, Intel Corp. and Via Technologies.
"[The agreement] will impact the tablet and netbook segments and that is one reason you see Microsoft countering with MeeGo and HP with WebOS," said Jon Peddie.
Indeed, Microsoft does not care about Atom or Athlon, what it cares about are deployments of its own operating systems. With ARM support and proper Windows implementation, it does allow Microsoft to compete on emerging devices' markets.
"[The decision] puts Microsoft into the game since they seemingly cannot get the right combination of features, memory footprint and power requirements with its mobile OS," implied Mr. Peddie.
The war is incoming for the market of mobile devices and consumer electronics (CE) products, and they are not exactly personal computers.
"The next-generation of HDTVs, Blu-ray players and set-top-boxes will be 'intelligent' and there is a lot for Microsoft to compete for. Perhaps, it will even release a new OS for CE (which is much unlikely)," said Jon Peddie.
Potentially, Microsoft's collaboration with ARM will enable next-generation consumer electronics with a new software platform that will compete against things like Google TV as well as various projects from Intel, Apple, etc. Only time will tell whether Microsoft's attempt is successful. Jon Peddie believes that there will be loads more intelligent consumer electronics in general and slate-type PCs (which can easily be considered as electronic book readers) and those devices are the most logical candidates for Microsoft-ARM hardware/software. But it is not that easy, according to the analyst at Insight 64.
"[Microsoft] must see opportunities to optimize an ARM core in ways that will make their own software for these emerging consumer devices (phones, tablets, game platforms, appliances, etc) run better than they could on a standard ARM processor. Enhancing an ARM core in this manner will take several years, so don't expect any instant gratification here. I certainly understand why companies like Apple or Google want to differentiate their products with custom SOCs that integrate a unique combination of CPU cores, GPU cores, and peripherals, but I'm not sure Microsoft can enhance a standard ARM core enough to make a meaningful difference in the end product," said Nathan Brookwood.
With the announcement, Microsoft is greatly projected to widen its hardware offerings with own-brand tablets, mobile phones and other things. Considering the fact that Microsoft's Kin and Zune essentially failed on the market, the new attempt should focus not only on chips inside but on the consumer qualities and services of new devices.
Microsoft quietly announced formation of its chip design group back in 2006. So far the design group seem to have worked only on various chips for Microsoft Xbox 360 console, in particular, they shrunk them in sizes and created single-chip CPU-GPU code-named Valhalla system-on-chip (which combined IBM Xenon processor with ATI Xenos graphics and memory controller). For its own Zune HD player and Kin phone Microsoft decided to use Nvidia Corp.'s Tegra processor. Thanks to the new license, the company will be able to create its own SoCs for a wide range of own-brand or third party devices. But maybe the software giant also plans chips for others?
"I doubt that they would design chips for other companies to those other companies' specifications, but Microsoft could sell a chip they optimized for their software to third parties. Microsoft understands the virtues of a leveraged business model. If they saw a way to lever a proprietary chip design that gives their software a market advantage, I am sure they would find a way to license that technology to others who want to sell their software," said Nathan Brookwood.
But Jon Peddie believes that Microsoft will only tailor software and will leave design and manufacturing to its "fab/ODM" partners.
It remains to be seen whether Microsoft starts to design its own chips and will eventually offer a variety of products directly competing with the company's customers' offerings and also Apple-branded gadgets. Based on what we have seen from Microsoft so far, there will be a long road between the announcement and actual products. Perhaps, we will not see any outcomes before Windows 8. Likely, the ramifications may only be observed by the time when "Windows 9" hits the market.