text:
Social business pinboard links for April 15th, syndicated automagically:
- Open Innovation als strategisches Unternehmens-Konzept – Co-Creation/Toolkits für Open Innovation Je enger die Zusammenarbeit mit den externen Wissensträgern wird, desto wichtiger werden die Prozesse und Formen der Zusammenarbeit. Social Media- / Web2.0-Technologien sind die Basis für eine effiziente Zusammenarbeit. Unter Toolkits werden Entwicklungsumgebungen verstanden, die es den Nutzer erlauben, ihre Bedürfnisse direkt und iterativ in den Produktmanagement-Prozess zu überführen. Spätestens in dieser Konstellation wird, wie generell im Social Media-Umfeld, eine offene Unternehmenskultur zur Voraussetzung für den Erfolg. Die nach innen gerichteten Denkweise des 'Not Invented Here' Syndroms würde die erfolgreiche Open Innovation-Strategie verhindern. Auch die Prozesse der Zusammenarbeit müssen geregelt werden, um die Effizienz, aber auch Motivation der Teilnehmer zu sichern. Co-Creation kann man häufiger in der Automobil-Industrie sehen. Beispiele sind Local Motors oder Streetscooter.
- Managing beyond the organizational hierarchy with communities and social networks at Electronic Arts | opensource.com – Lessons EA's experience also makes clear the need for management to support mass collaboration—management not in the sense of controlling but in the spirit of working within the community to help members refine their purpose as well as to motivate participation, generate a flow of ideas, and facilitate decisions should the community become deadlocked. Among the key lessons: Support and enable individuals, but don't add to their workload. Empower teams to make recommendations and decisions. Provide an interactive, content-filled platform that will draw people in and keep them interested and engaged Think big: what about communities of customers, partners, IT staff, and the entire business ecosystem? But start small: kick off 4-5 pilots to get started Establish governance and a competency center, but allow communities sufficient autonomy to spawn, scale and thrive The platform and toolset are critical success factors Get help and find leverage to jumpstart the platform. At a very minimum, communities should get people talking and sharing!
- Reimagining capitalism—as principled, patient, and truly social | opensource.com – It's time to radically revise the deeply-etched beliefs about what business is for, whose interests it serves, and how it creates value. We need a new form of capitalism for the 21st century—one dedicated to the promotion of greater well-being rather than the single-minded pursuit of growth and profits; one that doesn't sacrifice the future for the near term; one with an appropriate regard for every stakeholder; and one that holds leaders accountable for all of the consequences of their actions. In other words, we need a capitalism that is profoundly principled, fundamentally patient, and socially accountable.
- The Innovation Matrix Explained: Innovation Competence « Innovation Leadership Network – Elements of Innovation Competence As is the case with Innovation Commitment, we don't have a system yet for quantifying Innovation Competence. While the core metric should be something like how many new ideas you execute and diffuse successfully, here are some questions you can ask to assess where you currently are along this dimension:
How many new ideas do you successfully execute and diffuse?
Are you good at all the components of the idea management process?
Do you practice different forms of innovation?
Do you practice both small and large innovation?
Do you have an innovation portfolio
Does your firm have a culture of systematic experimentation?
Does your firm learn from failure?
- A scenario is a description of a persona using a product to achieve a goal, they describe an instance of use…in context. (Contagious ideas by PSST : spreading 2.0 social innovation. Edited by jérémy dumont, strategic planner in FRANCE) – Why Use Them There are a number of reasons that scenarios are useful for experience design. They can provide a vehicle for communication as well as a mechanism to explore design solutions. They help mediate the thinking and communication required in design. They are concrete yet flexible enough to change and morph in detail as the project progresses. They help us understand the flow of experience and are tools for thinking about design (they help us reflect and reason) They help us present and situate solutions They help identify potential problems They are easily understandable by all stakeholders as they are story-like They can provide rich descriptions of use in context which can spark ideas and help inform design They help determine if the design solution is appropriate They can help us see social factors and help understand a users multi-channel experiences (i.e.z on and off-line_


text:
OnlineMedicalTourism is your premier resource for information on medical tourism and medical travel
Health is our most precious treasure and we believe it should be a privilege of all. As your committed medical travel facilitator we wish to promote the highest standard health care on a global scale and guide patients towards the best medical solutions.
The globalization of health care has opened up a whole new perspective for both patients and health care providers. We wish to explore the potentials of this dynamically increasing trend and connect patients in need to the world's most reputable medical tourist destinations, specialist and accredited, patient-driven hospitals worldwide.
Our mission is to serve as reliable source of information for patients on quality and affordable medical options beyond the borders, raise people's awareness about the abundance of choices they have and offer alternatives where local health care fails to satisfy patient's needs. Our aim is to promote global health and the general availability of quality medical services. We closely cooperate with a number of health care providers all around the world in our joint effort to ensure high-quality, accredited and transparent health care at an affordable, clear pricing.
Quality health care is within your reach, and with the possibilities of international travel and global quality assurance systems, searching for medical treatments beyond the borders is more convenient and safer than ever. Hospitals receiving international patients dedicate themselves to professional excellence and seek multiple accreditations by international organizations such as JCI, JCAHO or ISO to ease your choice and raise confidence.
Improving technologies and standards of care in many countries will ensure the continuous thriving of medical tourism, and convince more and more health insurers in developed countries to contribute to the costs of health tourism to economize on medical treatments.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Submit News
Ford Transit Connect EV Battery Maker Azure Dynamics Files for Bankruptcy
Tiffany Kaiser
March 28, 2012 11:19 AM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
The bankruptcy filing caused a halt in Ford Transit Connect production
While the electric vehicle (EV) industry seems to be moving forward in many ways, it has also experienced some setbacks over the last year. Unfortunately, many of these setbacks involve EV batteries, and now, Ford is in the same boat.
Azure Dynamics, a British Columbia-based EV firm, has filed for bankruptcy in the United States. Azure Dynamics is responsible for installing
the battery electric powertrain in Ford's Transit Connect
Azure Dynamics filed for bankruptcy on Monday, and was forced to lay off 120 employees worldwide. Layoffs occurred in Boston, Michigan, Canada and the United Kingdom.
In addition to layoffs, Azure Dynamics said it will no longer proceed with a planned stock offering because the company just doesn't have the liquidity to move forward with an appeal of a ruling that opposed its planned stock offering.
"We wish to convey to the company's stakeholders our terrible sadness at this outcome," said Azure Dynamics in a statement.
Azure Dynamics received a four-year contract from the Government Services Administration for about $112 million. The contract gave the U.S. military and government agencies the ability to order the
Transit Connect EV
, and Azure said it had about 2,200 orders. In addition, Azure was attracted to Michigan because of the state tax credit, which is over $1.7 million over a seven-year period, and an 11-year local tax abatement approved by the city of Oak Park valued at $55,400.
On Ford's side of the situation, the bankruptcy means having to stop production of the Transit Connect EV, and it's currently unclear if this situation will be temporary or permanent.
So far, Ford has produced 500 EV Ford Transit Connect vehicles since 2010, when it began its partnership with Azure. Despite Azure's recent news of bankruptcy, Ford is standing behind the company.
"Our priority is to ensure that Azure's Transit Connect Electric customers continue to have support throughout their ownership experience," said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman.
Azure definitely isn't the only EV battery company (or alternative energy company) to file for bankruptcy within the past year. In January,
EV battery maker Ener1 filed for bankruptcy
after its subsidiary, EnerDel, received a $118 million Department of Energy grant in August 2009. Other EV battery issues that have occurred recently include General Motors' Chevrolet Volt, which experienced a series of battery fires last year, and problems with Fisker Automotive's Karma plug-in hybrid batteries, which will be replaced entirely by A123 Systems Inc. for $55 million.
Other failed alternative energy companies that have filed for bankruptcy include
solar panel company Solyndra
, which received a $535 million loan guarantee from the government despite warnings of Solyndra's viability, and
Beacon Power
, which received nearly $43 million from the government in August 2010 and filed for bankruptcy in November 2011.
The Detroit News
"Intel is investing heavily (think gazillions of dollars and bazillions of engineering man hours) in resources to create an Intel host controllers spec in order to speed time to market of the USB 3.0 technology." -- Intel blogger Nick Knupffer
Related Articles
Battery Maker EnerDel/Ener1 Received $118M DOE Grant, Now Filing for Bankruptcy
January 27, 2012, 10:01 AM
DOE Deals Another Bad Energy Loan as Beacon Power Files for Bankruptcy
November 1, 2011, 10:03 AM
$500 Million Wasted on Bankrupt Solar Panel Company; White House was Warned
September 14, 2011, 4:22 PM
Ford Transit Connect Commercial Electric Vans Ships
December 9, 2010, 10:35 AM
Ford Reveals All-electric 2011 Transit Connect with 80-Mile Range
February 9, 2010, 8:00 AM
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text:
David Akers (1975/88): The 1913 is very similar in overall rarity to the 1910, 1912 and 1915 and it is relatively easy to find in MS-63 or lower grades. Even in MS-64, the issue is available with some regularity. Gems, although certainly rare, show up sufficiently often that obtaining one is not the extraordinarily difficult task that many issues of this series present. A small number of exceptional quality (better than MS-65) examples of this issue are known to exist, including at least two virtually perfect ones.
The 1913 is typicall very sharply struck, and the lustre ranks right up there with the very best in the series. Color varies somewhat but light to medium yellow and greenish gold are the colors most often seen. Some examples also have light rose, orange or coppery highlights. The surfaces have virtually none of the granularity of the 1910 to 1912 Philadelphia Mint issues and can be either fully frosty or somewhat satiny. Top grade examples of the 1913 are among the most attractive of the series.


text:
European Commission, UN Environment step up cooperation to protect the world's oceans 20/12/2016 00:00:00
Mushrooming Cooperation 05/12/2016 00:00:00
Ladies and gentlemen,
Every day, more than 840 million people go hungry in a world of plenty.
The majority of those suffering from hunger live in developing countries, representing 15 per cent of the populations of these countries. Today, nearly one in four people are hungry across Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, the modest progress achieved in curbing hunger up to 2007 was reversed, with hunger rising 2 per cent per year since then (FAO).
Developed regions also saw a rise in the number of hungry or malnourished people; from 13 million in 2004-2006 to 16 million in 2010-2012.
Faced with the daunting task of feeding close to 10 billion people by 2050, we are challenged to produce more food; putting significant pressure on water, land, oceans and entire ecosystems.
If current population and consumption trends continue, humanity will need the equivalent of two Earths to support itself by 2030.
But the fact of the matter is, the reason the numbers of the hungry are on the increase is not because we do not produce enough food.
Research shows that the world produces more food than is actually needed; food that is lost along the supply chain or wasted due to poor consumption decisions.
Both UNEP and FAO have pointed out in recent years that at least one third, or 1.3 billion tones of food produced is wasted - an amount corresponding to over 1.4 billion hectares of crop land.
In January last year, UNEP, FAO and partners - including Messe Düsseldorf - launched the Think.Eat.Save: Reduce Your Foodprint campaign in support of FAO's SAVE FOOD Initiative and the UN Secretary General's Zero Hunger Challenge, in order to raise awareness and encourage action to stop food waste. It was the theme of the World Environment Day in 2013 which catalyzed 2,683 registered food waste prevention activities, representing an estimated 1.4 million participants around the world. Wasting food makes no sense economically, environmentally and ethically.
Food Security for All
Hence, achieving food security is not about increasing global food production, given its large impacts on natural systems. It is about creating better food systems, sustainable production and consumption approaches, more efficient policies and smarter investment patterns across relevant sectors.
Understanding the Food Loss and Waste Challenge
While patterns of food and loss waste may vary considerably between developed and developing regions, the total volume of wastage remains similar. In both the US and Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, food loss and waste is estimated at around 40 per cent of the food produced (UNEP).
The majority of food loss in the developing world occurs across the supply chain: in the field, transport and storage stages.
According to the World Bank, post-harvest losses of maize in East Africa can reach up to 35 per cent. In Asia, the post-harvest loss of rice can reach up to 25 per cent and in China, post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables are estimated to be up to 46 per cent.
Such losses have direct impact on food security and the wider domestic market in these countries.
In the developed world, waste occurs primarily at the retail and household levels. US losses total 26 per cent of the food supply at the retail and consumer levels only. Losses in the UK total 22 per cent of food bought for household consumption.
Food wastage carries direct economic and environmental costs and depletes the natural resource base that underpins food production:
Food Consumption and Inequality
People in developed countries, who represent only 18 per cent of the global population, consumed an average of 41 per cent of the global production of animal protein and 30 per cent of grain in 2008 alone, according to FAO studies. Overconsumption in developed countries has direct impacts on global food security.
For example, the inefficient conversion of cereals to animal feed or biofuels is a diversion of food resources. According to the Worldwatch Institute (WRI), the total global grain harvest of 2004, if used directly for human consumption, would feed 6 billion people. If this same amount of grain is used for animal feed, the meat produced would only feed 2.6 billion.
Moreover, overconsumption in developed countries and across more affluent societies drives up food prices, causing more poor people to suffer hunger.
What drives these trends?
In addition to growing populations and migration to urban areas, increased incomes is an important factor in driving trends that impact food security.
While poverty remains unacceptably high - particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia - the UN reports that the percentage of the population living in households below the poverty line has decreased worldwide since 1990. Additional progress has been made in transitioning low-income households to the ranks of the middle class (UNDESA).
The increase in expendable income has considerable effects on the global consumption of food.
For example, global meat and dairy consumption doubled between 1950 and 2009. If this trend continues, global animal protein consumption will increase by a factor of four by 2050 (Bouwman, 1997).
The Agro-ecological Resource Base
The increase in consumption of resource-intensive agricultural foodstuffs is directly responsible for the rising pressures on land, water and other natural resources used in food production:
The Future
At present, studies suggest that the current unsustainable trends and patterns of food consumption will remain unchanged.
In the next few years, food consumption is expected to increase by around 30 per cent due to population growth, while the effects of climate change are expected to reduce agricultural yields by up to 5 per cent in some areas.
The production of food is entirely dependent upon well-functioning ecosystems in the form of healthy arable land, healthy soils, plentiful water and resilient fisheries.
Unsustainable production and consumption patterns threaten the resilience of life's support systems and limits the expansion potential of cropland, rangeland and fisheries.
To bring about the vision of a truly sustainable world we need to transform the way we produce and consume our natural resources.
The restoration of ecosystems will not only increase the amount of food produced, but will also improve the state of the environment upon which food production is dependent.
Cutting the rate of food loss and waste in half by 2050 would close 20 per cent of the food gap, according to studies by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and UNEP.
Reducing excessive demand for animal products, particularly by developed countries, would spare hundreds of millions of hectares of forests that otherwise would be cleared for grazing.
Farmers can increase crop yields on existing agricultural land by implementing a suite of soil and water management practices, such as agroforestry and water harvesting.
Increasing farmers' efficiency levels through capacity building and access to technology can help reduce waste through the supply chain, while improving the livelihood of small-holder farmers.
Identifying innovative ways of safely capturing and converting food waste into animal feed provides one of the greatest opportunities for improving future food supplies and minimizing the global environmental footprint. Freeing cereals, currently used as animal feed, for direct human consumption could increase available food calories by as much as 70 per cent, according to UNEP studies.
But how do we create a holistic approach to solving the food waste problem?
As a key product of the Think.Eat.Save campaign, the FAO/UNEP Sustainable Food Systems Programme, as well as the SAVE Food initiative, UNEP is publishing this month a Guidance document that provides clear and comprehensive steps for governments, businesses and other organisations to develop strategies, programmes and activities to prevent and reduce food and drink waste and achieve the associated financial savings, reductions in environmental impacts and increased food and nutrition security.
This Guidance document will be Version 1.0 and it will be updated in the future, as best practices in food waste prevention and reduction continue to be implemented throughout the world. The objective of this Guidance will be to catalyse action around the world by sharing proven methodologies for food waste prevention. My colleagues, James Lomax and Dr Richard Swannell, from Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) will be giving you more information about this in the next session today.
We need to take immediate action to save food, improve livelihoods and conserve the environment.
Solutions and opportunities exist. But we need to seize the moment and create the needed momentum.
I wish you a successful meeting and look forward to working with you to Save Food now and for the future.


text:
Hill Billy Half Marathon: Run Your Pace
You Will Run Your Best Race When You Run Your Pace: Valuable Lessons learned in Washington ...
Travel—it's one of the sweetest perks about participating in a nation-wide race series. So far this early season, I've experienced the red slickrock slabs of Moab, Utah, tripped over the rocky and rooted trails of Reading, Pennsylvania, and finally, discovered the obstacles in Olympia, Washington.
I arrived to cloudy skies with a light drizzle when my plane landed in Seattle, Washington. With my face glued to the airplane window on the descent, I hoped to score a glimpse of impressive Mount Rainer. No such luck.
I was driving my rental car south towards Olympia 30 minutes later, cruising at a mach speed of 20 miles-per-hour, eyes peeled for my homestay. Bingo! I would be stationed in downtown Olympia with a Brooks-sponsored road-running stud, across from a park where they filmed Prefontaine. Hello motivation!
Race day weather included overcast skies (again) and strong 20-mile-per-hour winds, making the 42-degree temp feel 10 degrees colder. I knew I would warm up after the first mile or so, and that the wind would decrease substantially within the trees. Conditions would be perfect.
After climbing the first 1.5 miles up a cinder fire road, we turned onto Rock Candy Trail, which at first glance was a pleasant singletrack. The tall pines created an amazing canopy and the bright green flora popped up in places where the light could shine through.


text:
While brow shape is often thought of as an aesthetic choice that can enhance your overall look, it seems that your arches also affect how others perceive you. O Magazine and brow expert Eliza Petrescu recently made over a few women's arches to best enhance their face and help them to convey positive perceptions.
"Short brows make all your features seem closer together, which creates a tense expression," Petrescu told the news source. Brows can be filled in with an eyebrow mousse, which will help cover sparse areas and create a stronger arch.
And, while many makeup artists praise the beauty of bold brows, women should remember not to go overboard when creating full arches. At times, dark brows can be too severe and detract from a woman's overall look.
Angela Maria Santana, 50, sported bold brows that, according to Petrescu, made her look angry. To ameliorate the problem, Petrescu slightly lightened the brows and waxed away some hairs near the brow bone.
"People always complimented my strong brows - I realize now it was because they were the first thing you saw," Angela Maria Santana, 50, told the news source after her brow makeover. "Now you'll see me."


text:
Soul Eater
The Exciting and Embarrassing Trial Enrollment! The DWMA New Lifestyle Support Fair is Open?
Episode 26 | TV-14
Maka, Soul, and Crona investigate rumors of recent attacks by a massive earthen golem. Serious danger arises, and Death Weapon Meister Academy's newest student stands up to the threat.
Dub Expires: 12-27-2013
Official Site: www.funimation.com/shows/soul-eaterHide Details


text:
Topic: Installing Upload_Column
I am having trouble intalling upload_column. I have tried
script/plugin install svn://rubyforge.org/var/svn/uploadcolumn/tags/stable
but nothing happens. I then tried running script/plugin discover to find the repository but couldnt find it. after that I downloaded upload_column0.2.zip from rubyforge and extracted it to vendors/plugins/upload_column but I see there is no install.rb file.
can anyone help on this?


text:
The HOUR Program
The HOUR Program offers students a chance to collaborate with department faculty on their scholarly work. Each semester, students may apply to assist members of the History faculty who would like help on their research projects. This program provides real, valuable research experience working with a wide variety of historic documents and evidence. Students may receive compensation in the form of either:
- an hourly rate of $10, up to $300 (30 hours) a semester or during the summer, payable at the conclusion of the project
- credit for HIS 395 (Independent Research), providing the student completes a substantial writing assignment based on his or her research. If you choose this option, you must register for this course online and devise a syllabus with the professor with whom you work.
Please fill out an application and submit it on-line. If you want to work with a professor from whom you have not taken a course, you must also submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who has taught you. Letters of recommendations can be sent to the History Department office or submitted electronically to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Currently Offered HOUR Projects
For a list of current projects, please contact the History Department at email@example.com


text: Get the best cocktail recipes recipes from trusted magazines, cookbooks, and more. You'll find recipe ideas complete with cooking tips, member reviews, and ratings. Looking for More Drink and Cocktail Recipes ?Beer CocktailsBloody Mary Cocktails Champagne Cocktails Cosmopolitans Daiquiris Margaritas Martinis Mimosas Mint Juleps Mojitos Pina Coladas Hot Drinks Non-Alcoholic Punch Sangria Our Best Cocktail Recipes Pages1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next › last »


text:
GFW board approves Q-comp ap
FAIRFAX – The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) school board approved the district's first Q-Comp application and s Gibbon school boiler system court settlement Monday.
Supt. Jeff Bertrang said GFW teachers approved the Q-Comp application last week. It must be sent by Feb. 15, to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Commissioner, who will have 60 days to review, provide feedback and approve or deny the application.
According to the application, Q-Comp payments for leadership positions are $2,500 for site leader, $2,000 peer observer, $750 team leader, $500 advisory council and $300 mentor teacher. (Teacher) performance pay would be up to $1,500 per year.
Other payments are $500 for meeting expectations, $400 for earning satisfactory on peer observations and $300 for meeting SMART goals.
Bertrang said the district will be able to get additional Q-Comp program funding from the local tax levy and state aid.
The board approved a $149,000 lawsuit settlement between the district and MLA Architects, Dolejs Associates, Inc. and insurers regarding boiler issues at the Gibbon school.
Bertrang reported that the settlement will allow the district to move forward on a feasible plan to fix the boiler system. He said on Tuesday that the district has incurred about $70,000 in legal costs including hiring "expert witnesses" in the case, which he said should be considered in light of the settlement amount.
Bertrang said he directed Dashier Management to get boiler engineering study estimates before the board considers further options.
"Based on the results of the study, we may be looking at complete boiler replacement, installing a single, new boiler and keeping a current boiler as a back up, installing a complete hot water system, or other options," Bertrang reported.
Resignations were accepted from assistant high school football coach Dave Dose and paraprofessional Anita Weir who accepted a Learning Disabilities teaching job at Sleepy Eye Public School.
The board approved hiring junior high softball coach Tamra Kielty, $2,944.35; Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) para Tara Jackson, $11/hour, who has completed an elementary degree and is working on a special education master's degree; and bus route driver Rachel Vait.
The board also accepted donations of $700 from South Central Grain & Energy/Land O' Lakes to help the district buy instructional materials and $500 from an anonymous donor for district initiatives.
Bertrang said he invited all area legislators to the January board meeting but was declined because the Legislature was in session. He inquired about Skyping (online, live) discussions with them and got one negative reply.
Bertrang said he would continue to initiate contact and try to find common times to meet legislators. His discussion topic list includes school safety, school calendar and local control.


text:
The Role of Formal Theory in Social Work Research: Formalizing Family Systems Theory
Formal theories are critical to accumulating knowledge through scientific research to advance the discipline and practice. The use of formal theory in social work research is currently absent. Family Systems Theory (FST) is commonly used in social work; however, it currently lacks the criteria to be considered a formal theory. We use FST to demonstrate the formalization process and its potential effect on social work research and practice. Currently, FST is being used as a perspective, to develop theories and models used in marriage and family therapy, and to develop assessment tools. We identify the components of a formal theory while presenting a formal version of FST. Directions for future research are suggested including the benefits of using formal theory to direct scientific research and guide the development of evidence-based practice.
Family systems theory, formal theory, social work research
Full Text:PDF
Copyright (c)
Indiana University School of Social Work
902 West New York Street
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 46202
Voice: 317.274.6705
Indiana University - Quality Education. Lifetime Opportunities.
Last updated: November 20, 2007
Comments: email@example.com
Copyright 2007, The Trustees of Indiana University
Content ©2007 IUSSW


text:
Topic: Performance Issue... Where is the time gone?
Hi everyone,
I've been working for a few weeks on a Rails project (I am sort of a beginner... so it was longer that it should have!).
I am now testing my app in its production environment whil keeping it closed to other users, and I am facing terrible performance problems!
I've used Rawk to identify the bottlenecks in my app, and I was able to identify that many request take "infinite" time to be treated, like this one :
Completed in 14.74947 (0 reqs/sec) | Rendering: 0.92342 (6%) | DB: 1.57776 (10%) | 200 OK
The DB is bad... I know, and the rendering isn't good either, but how come I get a Completed time in 14.8 sec, with 1.6 in DB and 0.9 in renderding? Where are the 12 remaining seconds?


text:
Congratulations on your acceptance to Regent University School of Law!
To reserve your seat in the entering class, you must submit the non-refundable seat deposit using one of the payment options below. The seat deposit will be applied toward your tuition and fees for the first semester of your enrollment.
If you will not enroll in the School of Law, please complete this form so that the Admissions Committee may offer your seat to another candidate.
Enrollment Agreement and Seat Deposit Deadlines:


text:
Gravlax and Mustard Sauce
Recipe courtesy of of�Michele Urvater
- 5 -6 pound side of boneless filet of salmon, skin left on
- 2 red onions, sliced wafer thin
- bunch fresh dill, leaves pulled off the stem, chopped
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup green peppercorns, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries, lightly crushed
- juice of 2 lemons mixed with 1 teaspoon vanilla
- for sauce: 1/2 cup dark prepared mustard, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup white cider vinegar,/ 2/3 cup vegetable oil and 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
With tweezers or pliers, pull out the intermuscular bones of salmon. In a non-reactive dish (glass, porcelain, enamel or stainless) large enough to accomodate the salmon without crowding, scatter half of the sliced onions and sprinkle half of the dill on the onions. In a small mixing bowl combine the salt, sugar, peppercorns and juniper berries and mix them well. Rub half of this mixture into the flesh side of the salmon and spoon rub half the juice and vanilla on the flesh; set the salmon, flesh side down on the dill and onions. Rub remaining salt mixture into skin side of salmon and remaining lemon juice mixture over that. Lay remaining dill on salmon, then cover with last of onion slices. Cover with plastic wrap, then weigh the salmon down with bricks, small iron skillets or canned goods. Cover the dish and weights with aluminum and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. During the marination time, spoon the juices the salmon give off and marinade back over the salmon. After 2 to 3 days, or when ready to serve, remove salmon from the marinade and scrape off dill and onions from skin side, but leave it on for garnish from flesh side. Slice salmon as thinly as possible on diagonal toward tail and serve with mustard sauce. Or set slices of salmon with a dab of mustard sauce on black bread for hors d'oeuvres. To make sauce, mix two mustards, sugar and vinegar until pasty. With a wire wisk, slowly beat in oil until it forms a thick mayonnaise like mixture. Stir in chopped dill.
Recipe courtesy of of�Michele Urvater
Cooking Tips
More Recipes and Ideas
Gravlax with Mustard Sauce
Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten
Recipe courtesy of Marc Forgione
Tenderloin of Beef in Mushroom, Mustard and Red Wine Sauce
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay


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OK my camera seems to not be here... must have left it at my mom's. So, I will do some decent shots later, but for now, I'll see what I can upload from the iPhone. Don't expect any artistry, I am limited!
I got the houhin and 4 cups... which, to avoid the unlucky thing of 4 cups, I prefer to think of as 2 sets of 2 cups each. I got 2 sets because I really liked the ones on the right the best in appearance... but the 2 on the left were hand-scratch-signed on the bottom by the artist rather than just a potter's stamp. So, I ended up with 2 sets of 2.
I loved this houhin's shape, the glaze is gorgeous, and there's a heart-shaped swirl on the side. It is even more appealing in person.
Just to show the scale of how tiny the cups are... that is one of my sea cucumber Hagi yunomi for comparison.
And another example of scale on these tiny cups...
And a closeup of the glaze and the heart swirl, but my iPhone is very limited on closeup focus.
All in all, a really lovely set. I am still marveling over how tiny the cups are. Now I need to order some really good gyokuro... my cheap stuff is pretty blah.


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Enter your Email Address and click 'Continue' Example: firstname.lastname@example.com For further assistance in retrieving your
password, please call:
(800) 770-3387 Submit Cancel Forgot Password Close /TravelSmith/US/Global/Popups/forgot_password Enter your email address
false pdp {"scheme":"product1_cr"}
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Rated 4.4 out of 5 by 38 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by ontheroadagain The Best Pants Ever I live in these pants when I travel and at home. Comfortable, great fabric, no wrinkles. I don't have a problem with the waistband like others. If it does twist just stretch it out and it goes back in position. I am disappointed that my size L in black is no longer available. Please restock these pants in black!!! May 19, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Buyer2306 crop knit travel knit pants Love the fabric. A little longer than I wanted, so I had them shortened. May 22, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by gunner Awesome I wear these all the time to work. They are comfortable and fit just perfect....love them!!!! May 23, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Suer Fabulous pants I rarely review a product but couldn't pass up the opportunity to say that these pants are wonderful! The material is substantial enough to look great always, not show bulges you'd rather not be accentuated, and well worth the price. I wish there were more colors in size 1X, but I'm glad they at least come in black. June 13, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Maven123 Great crops Same great TravelSmith quality as the ottoman pants and other travel pants. Wear well, easy care...wish there were lots of colors. May 17, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by DinaW Comfy Very good, comfortable travel pants. Lots of give for a larger size like myself. May 24, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by terric best pants ever fit is true and drape is excellent,,,,just wish they had pockets. They are so versatile and will enable me to bring less clothes on my trips. July 29, 2013
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Product:32144-Original Fit Jet Set Knit Crop Elastic-Waist Pants


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46 ratings
By Event
Muscadet May Bar Crawl
Wine Riot Boston
Boston Wine Expo
Second Glass Wine Riot Boston
Loire Valley Trade Tasting: Boston
Loire Valley Trade Tasting: Houston
Loire Valley Trade Tasting: Seattle
By Style
Jessica E.
Most recently at: Muscadet May Bar Crawl
Showing wines matching:
Style: red
Tasted at event: Boston Wine Expo
2009 Esporao Monte Velho Red
Portugal, Alentejo
she loved it!
2007 Esporao Reserva Red
Portugal, Alentejo, Reguengos
she loved it!
2009 Esporao Defesa Red
Portugal, Alentejo
she loved it!
2006 Lucien Crochet "La Croix Du Roy" Sancerre Rouge
France, Loire Valley
she loved it!


text:
|Box Score
|Los Angeles Lakers
|Play by Play
|Charlotte Bobcats
Lakers vs. Bobcats
Art of D'Antoni's System
Dwight Howard's Career Top 10 Plays
Kobe Bryant's Career Top 10 Plays
Bryant leads Lakers over Bobcats 100-93
By STEVE REED
Posted Feb 09 2013 1:08AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Even though Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were able to escape with a 100-93 win Friday night over the Charlotte Bobcats, the Los Angeles star was left feeling "irritated" after the game.
Irritated at his team's shot selection.
Irritated at his team's selfishness.
And especially irritated that the Lakers needed to overcome a 20-point deficit to beat the NBA's worst team.
"We have to play the right way," Bryant said. "When we have shots available, we take them. If we don't, move the ball on. It can't be about individual touches. It can't be about that."
Still, the Lakers won.
Bryant shrugged off a scoreless first half - he attempted only two shots - to finish with 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds and the Lakers improved to 4-2 on their road trip heading into Sunday's game in Miami against the Heat.
Bryant didn't come out for warm-ups to start the second half.
But he was there to provide the spark the lackluster Lakers needed in the third quarter. He scored 14 of his points in the final period, including a driving layup with 40 seconds left to push the lead to five and help seal the win.
"In the second half I got in position where I could catch it and turn and shoot it a little bit," Bryant said. "They were reluctant to double team because we started knocking down some shots. I think that makes the game a lot easier."
Steve Nash and Earl Clark each had 17 points and Dwight Howard had 12 points, all in the first half, and 11 rebounds for the Lakers (24-27).
Howard played his second straight game despite nursing an injured right shoulder.
"Continuity," Howard said when asked of the Lakers offensive woes. "We have to do a better job of spreading everything out and moving and getting everybody involved. When we do that, we are pretty good."
Byron Mullens and Gerald Henderson each had 20 points for the Bobcats, who have lost six straight.
Charlotte led 71-51 in the third quarter, but the Lakers stormed back behind a 9-0 run. They cut the lead to one on a driving layup by Bryant with 6:06 left in the game and Antawn Jamison gave the Lakers their first lead with 4:46 remaining on a left-handed finger roll in the lane.
The Lakers took the lead for good at 92-91 when Jodie Meeks made a 3-pointer with 3:02 left in the game.
Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni wasn't pleased with the overall effort, but liked that his team bounced back after a 116-95 loss to the Boston Celtics the night before.
"We just got to be able to put our earplugs in, or mufflers on, or blinders on," D'Antoni said. "It's like the Kentucky Derby with horses, just get those blinders on and just get out there and run.
"We have so much stuff going on out here that every little thing is blown to bits and whether it is right or wrong or blown out of proportion it is. But, it affects us. It is a distraction. It saps energy. We got to be able to just close that out somehow."
The Lakers have been unpredictable this season, particularly on the road where they were 8-17 coming into this game.
Before Friday night's game against Charlotte, D'Antoni was asked if the Bobcats were a dangerous opponent for his team.
"We're playing, aren't we? (Then) there's a danger," D'Antoni said with a laugh. "If they play the national anthem, we're in danger."
He was right. The Lakers started slow, looking out of sync just as they have for a good portion of the season as pick and rolls turned into turnovers and layups on the other end.
Nash had four early turnovers and Howard threw a pass across court that hit the side of the backboard.
The Lakers turned the ball over five times in the game's first eight minutes and fell behind 20-9.
Bryant missed his only two shots in the first half, his slowest start since March 31, 2012, when he went three quarters without scoring a point before beating the New Orleans Hornets on a game-winning shot.
The game was similar to earlier this season when the Bobcats led by 18 in Los Angeles only to squander the lead.
"We had them down pretty much the whole game," Bobcats guard Kemba Walker said. "You know, they made a really good run. Kobe made a lot of good plays, made the right passes and guys just made shots."
NOTES: Bobcats rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned to action Friday after missing two games with a concussion. ... At halftime Bryant had five rebounds, two assists and no points. ... The Bobcats had been one of three teams with a .500 or better record all-time against the Lakers, but fell to 8-9 with Friday night's loss.
Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited
On the team's comeback in the third quarter:
On the importance of finding a rhythm in the second half:
On energy of team when Dwight Howard was out of the game with four fouls:
On Kobe Bryant being scoreless in the first half:
Kobe Bryant:
On what he was thinking down 20 in the third quarter:
On whether he deliberately didn't look for his shot in the first half:
Steve Nash:
On the slow start and getting down by 20 points in the third quarter:
On Kobe Bryant playing well down the stretch:
On tonight's win:
Mike Dunlap:
On tonight's game:
On Ramon Sessions guarding Kobe Bryant:
On Bismack Biyombo:
Kemba Walker:
On the game:
On what they have to do to maintain leads:
On Michael Kidd-Gilchrist:
On the fans:
Byron Mullens:
On the game:
On how tough it is to lose a big lead:
By TAYLOR BECHTOLDPosted Feb 08 2013 2:36AM
While a win didn't come easy in the first meeting, a trip to Charlotte could provide the Los Angeles Lakers with an opportunity to get back on track.
The Lakers will try to rebound from their worst loss of the season and win for the seventh time in nine games on Friday night when they continue a seven-game road trip against the league-worst Bobcats.
The Lakers had won six of seven - including three straight without Dwight Howard - to move within three games of Houston for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles (23-27), however, had that streak snapped in a 116-95 loss at red-hot Boston on Thursday.
Howard returned to the starting lineup after being sidelined with a sore shoulder, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
"There were a couple times where I felt (the shoulder pain)," he said, "but I just tried not to think about it."
Depending on how his shoulder responds, Howard could be in line for a big game against Charlotte's suspect frontcourt.
He finished with 16 points and 18 rebounds as the Lakers overcame an 18-point second-half deficit to beat the Bobcats 101-100 on Dec. 18. Kobe Bryant scored four of his 30 points in the final 1:26 to key that victory, and has averaged 32.5 points in seven career trips to Charlotte.
The 15-time All-Star had a team-high 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting against the Celtics, but finished without an assist after averaging 9.3 over his previous seven games.
Forward Metta World Peace contributed just five points on 2-of-13 shooting against the Celtics after serving a one-game suspension for grabbing Detroit's Brandon Knight and striking him in the jaw on Sunday.
The Lakers shot just 5 for 23 from beyond the arc, and they've hit 29.6 percent from 3-point range in their last five games.
"Disappointing performance, start to finish," guard Steve Nash said.
Los Angeles may be able to bounce back against the Bobcats (11-37), who return home after giving up 108.0 points per game over the final four of their 0-5 road trip.
Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap wasn't pleased with his team's finish to the trip following a 122-95 loss at Cleveland on Wednesday.
"There are three or four of those that happen to you," said Dunlap, whose team has lost 11 of 13. "They're not pretty. Obviously the physical effort is unacceptable. We don't like that."
Guard Kemba Walker, Charlotte's leading scorer (17.5 ppg), will try to shake off one of his worst performances of the season after scoring five points on 2-of-11 shooting.
Walker had 28 in the December loss to the Lakers.
Charlotte, though, has averaged just 89.4 points - off their season mark of 94.5 per game - during its five-game losing streak.
It might help getting Michael Kidd-Gilchrist back after the rookie missed the last two games with a concussion he sustained last Saturday in Houston. Kidd-Gilchrist practiced on Thursday, but is likely a game-time decision.
While the Lakers have won three straight in the series, they've lost the last three in Charlotte by an average of 15.0 points.
Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
*Statistical research assistance provided by the Elias Sports Bureau
View the Full Game Notes Here


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Foam Cup Lids
Styrofoam Cup Lids Add Convenience to Take Out Cups
Cover your foam cups with these convenient Styrofoam cup lids to prevent drips and spills. Whether your establishment serves hot or cold drinks, it's important for customers to be able to cover their beverages for hassle-free transport. Offer foam cup lids at your fast food drive-thru, take out counters, concession stands, and more for a quick and easy way to seal on-the-go beverages. Read more
Choose from foam or plastic lids in a variety of designs like dome-shaped, vented, or sip through lids. Consider using vented lids to allow steam to escape from hot beverages, and try foam cup lids with a reclosable tab so customers can keep their drinks securely contained when not drinking them. Some designs also offer a straw slot for cold beverages like soda, lemonade, and iced tea. Whatever your beverage, it's useful to include foam cup lids on your cups to prevent customers from spilling their drinks.


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Clinique Générale
Fribourg, Switzerland
Treatment of salivary gland inflammation with surgical resection (program ID: 63509)
Blaise Hugonnet
Department of Otolaryngology
Specialized in: otolaryngology
For the treatment of certain hearing problems, snoring, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis and recurrent infections of the throat, nose and ear the otolaryngologist uses a variety of operating methods. Microsurgery makes it possible to implant the ossicular prosthesis or eliminate damages in the eardrum. To ensure an integrated approach to the patient's problem and treat ENT diseases as efficiently as possible, Clinique Generale employs specialists of different branches of medicine.
Program includes:
- Initial presentation in the clinic
- clinical history taking
- physical examination
- review of medical records
- laboratory tests:
- complete blood count
- biochemical analysis of blood
- indicators of inflammation (CRP, ESR)
- indicators blood coagulation
- otorhinolaryngological examination
- x-ray/ ultrasound/ sialography
- preparation according to preoperative standard
- surgical resection of salivary gland
- symptomatic treatment
- control examinations
- the cost of essential medicines and materials
- nursing services
- full hospital accommodation in 2 bedded room
- explanation of future recommendations
- written statement
About hospital
Accommodation in hospital
- Fribourg, Switzerland
1619.00More chevron_right
8169.00More chevron_right
Total amount:
Program [Description]
Treatment of salivary gland inflammation with surgical resection
- Hospital: Clinique Générale
- Department: Department of Otolaryngology
- Head physician: Dr. med. Blaise Hugonnet
- Type:
- access_time Duration
- date_range
- Transfer
- Visa support
- Interpreter 3 hours
- Interpreter 10 hours
- Translation of medical documents 4 pages
- Insurance in case of extra expenses for the treatment of foreign patients


text:
The Top 8 finalists on The X Factor tackled chart-topping songs Wednesday, knowing that Thursday they'll face another double elimination on Fox's singing show. With only a fraction of a percent separating the Top 4 contestants after last week's show, the competition is getting fierce.
Also getting fierce? The banter between judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato, with Lovato not responding well to Cowell's criticisms of her contestants, and chiding him about everything from his age to his bachelor status. Cowell responded by telling the 20-year-old that he had sold more than 300 million records in his career. (Snap!)
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com
- Alicia Keys
- Britney Spears
- Simon Cowell
- L.A. Reid
- Demi Lovato
- The X Factor
- Carly Rose Sonenclar
- The Voice
- Diamond White
- CeCe Frey
- Emblem 3
- Fifth Harmony
- Paige Thomas
- Tate Stevens
- Vino Alan
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Location, ST | website.com


text:
Pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and service at this little cafe. Rather crowded - apparently the multitudes have found the place, but certainly one of the best food places I've run into in Tucson. Wait staff is knowledgeable and helpful, adding to the overall positive impression. Only possible negative is that in one section of the restaurant, you are in essence in a tent!
My spc needs son & I were just there tonight. It was EXCELENT. THEY A NEW STAFF & cooks. The head c


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Difference between revisions of "HOWTO Close up the space"
From i3Detroit
m (strikethrough co2 tank)
|Line 31:
|Line 31:
= Welding area =
= Welding area =
# Argon tank valve off, righty tighty
# Argon tank valve off, righty tighty
# CO2 tank valve off, as above
# CO2 tank valve off, as above
= Small rooms =
= Small rooms =
Revision as of 20:51, 12 February 2013
So, it's been a long day of hacking and you're the last one in the space. It's finally time to go home. But wait! Aren't you forgetting something?
- Put your project away. Don't leave it on a workbench. Label it so others know it's yours. Name AND contact info!
- Put tools back in the places from which you got them.
- Sweep sawdust, wires, etc. from the floor.
- Are the trash cans full? Throw 'em in the dumpster. New bags are in the white cabinet.
- Is it Wednesday night? Prep the recycling bin and put it out by the pole.
- If you did something the group should know about, make a post to the Google group!
West shop
- West shop fans (switch near men's bathroom)
- West / rear shop lights (breakers near water heater)
- Genie plugged in
Rear shop
- Windows closed and locked
- Air compressor electrically off
- Air compressor valve closed
- Machine-shop lights off
- Machine-shop radio off
- Thermostats (on wall by CNC) set back to Run (or 45 deg)
- Rooftop vent fans (switches near thermostats) off
Commons area
- Double-check tables are clear, retract cord-reels
- Stereo off (amplifiers in rack)
- Commons-area lights off (3 switches behind rack)
Welding area
- Argon tank valve off, righty tighty
CO2 tank valve off, as above
Small rooms
- Thermostat (wall by small lab) set back to Run (or 50 deg)
- Coffee pot (corner of kitchen) off, grounds basket empty, urn clean
- Front (glass) door closed and locked, just give it a yank
- Front hallway (fire exit!) clear, items on floor instantly to graveyard.
- Stinky garbage out before it gets stinkier
Door area
- Roll-up garage door latch fully engaged
- Fans off
- Twitterbot switch down, make sure light goes off
- Door-area light off
- Goodnight!
THANK YOU TREMENDOUSLY for your thoroughness!


text:
Moderator: Mike
Berkeleyan wrote:The day John met Y.O. was absolutely no lucky day for him
Among other things, Ono was/is a friend of the ocult and numerology, so that John always trusted her opinion on appointments and stuff. So if she said to him - "don't go there meet them, the stars aren't right", or "the numbers aren't good today, forget about it", he would sheepishly agree.
Bluebird wrote:My hate song with Yoko is "Kiss kiss kiss"
I can excuse you for be luke-warm to the awesome DR, but now this. I personally think it's noise pollution of the worst kind. But now there are 2 people who like the song. Part of the above was tongue in cheek, but I cant help it. Her "singing" and "songwriting" leaves me ill and cold.kylestyle wrote:Bluebird wrote:My hate song with Yoko is "Kiss kiss kiss"
I think that is a kickass Yoko song. A very cool song, I think better than the likes of "I'm Losing You" or "Cleanup Time" by John. In this isolated case.. Yoko: 1, John: 0!
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
Certification Register
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TOGAF Commercial Licensing
» Current Licensees
» Licensing FAQ
» Problem Reporting and Interpretations System
» Certification System Entry Page
Contact theTOGAF Certification Authority
TOGAF is a trademark of The Open Group
If you are an organization that wants to provide training, you need to take
the following steps:
Apply for a TOGAF 8 Commercial License
Register your organization and its contacts
Download the TOGAF 8 Training Conformance Statement template (use save as in your browser)
This document must be retained in html format and not converted to any other formats.
View a series of screenshots
If this is your first time you are also recommended to read the
slide presentations in the order given below to understand the
web certification system:
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text:
This is part of an on-going series of photographs of weather vanes in the Nutfield, New Hampshire area (formerly Derry, Londonderry and parts of Hudson, Windham and Manchester). Some of the weather vanes are historical, some are whimsical, and all are interesting. Today's weather vane was photographed by a Londonderry reader, who saw this on the West Coast. You've probably seen this weather vane, even though it is very, very far from New Hampshire.
Do you know the location of weather vane #55?
Today's weather vane is located atop the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland at Anaheim, California. How many times have you been standing in line here and never noticed the weather vane? It might even be in one of your own family photos! One of the stories played out by the "ghosts" inside the Haunted Mansion is the tale of a wealthy sea captain and his unlucky bride. That must be why the weather vane is of a sailing ship.
Please click here to see the entire series of Weathervane Wednesday posts!
Copyright 2012, Heather Wilkinson Rojo
Genealogy, local history and historical research in New England and other interesting places. Nutfield was the former land grant ................................. that is now the towns of Londonderry, Derry and Windham, New Hampshire.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Weathervane Wednesday ~ Boo!
2 comments:
Love your weathervane series!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks, Marian! Next week will be the one year anniversary of Weathervane Wednesday. I never knew there were so many interesting weathervanes with fascinating stories. I thought I'd be done in the first month or two, but I have a pile more on my desk. This series seems to have no end right now, but I'm sure I'll run out of weathervanes sometime this winter.Delete
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text:
Sparo Men's Wisconsin Badgers Turbo Watch
Product Information:
Get the team-inspired look that complements any outfit with the Sparo® Wisconsin Badgers Turbo watch. The square face and brilliant metal strap of this watch give you game-winning style and the precision quartz movement guarantees that your watch keeps perfect time. The scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens provides durability while the Badgers logo and team-colored detailing on the dial represent your team pride.
- Sparo® Wisconsin Badgers Turbo Watch
- Badgers logo and team-colored detailing on the dial
- Scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens
- Applied indexes on steel dial
- Precision quartz movement
- Stainless steel caseback
- Shock/water resistant to 1 ATM
- Officially licensed collegiate product
- Sparo
Country of Origin: ImportedWeb ID: 31278006


text:
45th Presidential Inauguration photo gallery
Area Deaths
DARLENE KALLIAS, 81, Minot, died April 15 in a Minot hospital. Funeral Monday, 1:30 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. Visitation Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Memorials are preferred to Metigoshe Ministries, Bottineau, Bethany Lutheran Church or Trinity Hospice, both Minot.
SHARON FERM, 69, of Harvey, formerly of McClusky, died Tuesday in a Harvey hospital. Funeral Saturday, 10:30 a.m., in Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey. Visitation Saturday, one hour prior to the service, in the funeral home.
EVELYN HALE, 55, Mandaree, died Monday in a Bismarck hospital. Funeral Friday, 10 a.m., Water Chief Hall, Mandaree. Wake today, 5 p.m., Water Chief Hall. (Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City)
LLOYD OPSTEDAL, 100, Rugby, died Tuesday in a Rugby nursing home. Funeral Monday, 11 a.m., First Lutheran Church, Rugby. Visitation Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m., in Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby. Prayer service and sharing of memories Sunday, 7 p.m., in the funeral home.
LYDIA WIPF, 90, Jamestown, formerly of Bismarck and Bowdon, died Wednesday in a Jamestown nursing home. Funeral Saturday, 11 a.m., Bowdon Community Church of God, Bowdon. Visitation Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., in Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden.
CHARLOTTE MADSEN, 95, Garrison, formerly of Max, died Wednesday in a Garrison hospital. Funeral Saturday, 1 p.m., Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Max. (Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison)
L. "DOLLY" ALEF, 77, Sun City, Ariz., formerly of Glenburn, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in an assisted living facility in Youngtown, Ariz. Her memorial service will be Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Glenburn. There will be no reviewal, however, family and friends are invited to sign a memorial book on Friday, April 19, from noon to 5 p.m., at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Glenburn. Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).
AUDREY ERICKSON, 79, Minot, formerly of Lignite, died Tuesday in a Minot hospital. Funeral Saturday, 2 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Lignite. Visitation Saturday, one hour prior to the service, in the church. (Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare)
AGNES CARY-BENTER, 87, of Minot, formerly of Crosby, died Wednesday in her home. Funeral Monday, 11 a.m., St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. Visitation Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m., in Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Vigil prayer service Sunday, 5 p.m., in the funeral home.
VIRGIL NEWMAN, 76, Minot, died Tuesday in his home. (Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot)


text:
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
A special legislative committee voted Tuesday not to allow Tennessee handgun-carry permit holders to be armed at the state Capitol complex.
Read the complete article: The Associated Press
Legal & Legislation
Friday, January 13, 2017
On Monday, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) – joined by co-sponsors Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Rand Paul (R-KY) – introduced S. 59, the Hearing Protection Act of 2017 (HPA). Similar legislation was introduced in the ...
Inspired, perhaps, by Oscar Wilde ("Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess"), Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced two new sweeping gun control bills, with Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle) and Rep. ...
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Today, Senate Bill 12, legislation eliminating the requirement to obtain a permit in order to lawfully carry, passed the Senate without amendment, by a 13-10 vote. SB 12 will now go to the House of ...
On January 3rd, Congressman Richard Hudson (R-N.C.8th) introduced H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which simply allows lawful firearm carriers from any state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state. The bill ...
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Tomorrow, January 18, the Senate Courts of Justice is expected to hear and possibly vote on several firearm-related bills.
In 2013, the Kansas Legislature passed the Public Building Security Act, pro-gun legislation that amended the Personal and Family Protection Act.
On Thursday, the NRA-supported case Peruta v. California took an important step towards restoring the right to bear arms in California. The plaintiffs in the case, California gun owners and the California Rifle and Pistol ...
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Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action, issued the following statement on the nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke to be the Secretary of the Interior
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Topic: Brittleness of View test cases...
(Given the derth of replies to my Test::Rails thread, this might be a poor place to ask, but...)
I'm moving into finally developing some views under TDD now that I can't put it off anymore (4 completed model/controller pairs for the first interation). The surface API of the ViewTestCase in Test::Rails appears very good for driving the embedded Ruby content in the views; however I'm finding that the lack of access to the routing infrastructure is leading me to create brittle tests.
Ie the assertions like "assert_post_form", "assert_links_to" and related all want to take a constructed URL (ie /controller/action[/id]?) instead of any other the other more common forms of specifying a URL. Thus the actual format of the URL is hard-coded into a view test; while the creation of the URL in the view/helper is normally off-loaded to the routes infrastructure.
I already have exercised the applications routing in specific tests in the controller test suite and that I feel should be the single point of route testing. Now if I update a route, I'll also need to update all the view tests to avoid the avalanache of failures, not so good. I'm surprised that the ZenTest module would have overlooked this problem, so I suspect I'm missing something. The ViewTestCase code does hard-code the urls though.
Is there a reason why hard-coding the URLs in the view tests is a good thing?
(I understand, and appreciate, that separation between View and Controller tests that Test::Rails makes. And I know that the route generating code is buried in the controller layer, so I understand why giving the View Test tools access to it might be a little odd, but this negative I'm finding seems worse....)


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Serial/Series Title: Tobacco [publication] (United States. Dept. of Agriculture)
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The principal insects affecting the tobacco plant.
Date: 1906
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On Passover eve this Wednesday, along with burning scraps of bread and grating horseradish, observant Jews will engage in an even more obscure ritual:... More.
Netanyahu Sworn In as Israel's Prime Minister
March 31, 2009 | 7:41 pm
From Haaretz:
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in late Tuesday to lead Israel's 32nd government, after cobbling together a coalition amid rising tensions within his own Likud party and with other leading political figures.
Lawmakers voted 69 to 45 with five abstentions in favor of Netanyahu's right-wing government after a six-hour debate, making Netanyahu prime minister for the second time in 10 years." Click here to read the rest of the story at Haaretz.com.


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Last week, after returning from a two-day visit to Beijing, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte testified on U.S.-China relations before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We thought DipNote's readers might be interested in what Deputy Secretary Negroponte said:
"One of the Administration's major foreign policy objectives is to engage with an increasingly influential China to affect choices that Chinese leaders make in ways that serve global stability and U.S. interests.
China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It possesses one of the world's largest and most dynamic economies. It is a nuclear power, and it is the seat of a great civilization. U.S.-China cooperation is in our mutual interest.
Before addressing three important dimensions of U.S.-China cooperation, I want to express condolences on behalf of our government to the Chinese people for the tragic loss of life from Monday's earthquake in Sichuan province. We have transferred $500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and are exploring ways to make additional assistance available to China through public-private partnerships and other means. Our interest in the immediate welfare of the Chinese people at such a moment is emblematic of our broader commitment to strategic dialogue and cooperation with China as a nation.
Today, I would like to focus on three vital dimensions of our relations with China: maintaining peace and stability in Asia; motivating China's positive contributions to global stability; and encouraging China's greater respect for human rights and freedom of expression..."
You may read the continuation of Deputy Secretary Negroponte's testimony or view video of it.
Lewis in Japan writes:
A seconding of those condolences, this has been a terrible month for disasters in both Burma and China- hopefully both nations are able to rebuild and recover swiftly and safely.
With China we witness a nation's rebirth as a major world power. The United States' interests during this process would best be served by accomodating and guiding that rise in order to determine the narrative and define success. This can be done through certain incentives: For example, the U.S. could press China to improve in certain aspects (economic or social) with the whispered promise of an invitation into the G8 dangling before them. The alternative is to passive-aggressively fight the inevitable, keeping China locked out of such groups and undoubtedly fostering the resentment of a future world power.
The gap between superpower and major power will shrink -- China may not be a major adversary en par with the Soviet Union, but nor will we be the sole voice of leadership and influence in the international community. Let us recognize the reality that is rapidly making itself clear -- with global focus on China, we should take the opportunity to give them incentive to improve rather than scold like a disapproving teacher.
I agree that the trend in U.S.-Sino relations leans towards positive, but much improvement could be made.
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
The Chinese government has made as much astonishing progress in human rights as they have in economic growth, and there is an old American proverb, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
So the burden shifts to DoS to specify precisely what more China needs to do, and why, and at what point will there be no further need for our advice. What more should we require China do in order to complete our self-proclaimed mission to improve our China's human rights? If China adopted the U.S. Constitution as its own, would that be enough? When will enough be enough? Is there no limit?
Eric in New Mexico writes:
I think one of the more positive aspects of globalization is that a global response to great humanitarian disasters is possible. Nations need not face them alone.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
"We have transferred $500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and are exploring ways to make additional assistance available to China through public-private partnerships and other means."
WHY? They haven't even put our over 100 billion back in circulation...because they don't have to. It is part of why our dollar is so weak. They won't even buy up any more of our National Debut. That is a matter of record. They openly stated the U.S. is a poor investment.
Why do we keep trying to PAY people whose weapons are killing OUR TROOPS and are deliberately killing our Economy?
Is this not simply a form of Shame in saying we are helpless against them? They can help themselves quite well with all aspects of this problem and a half billion dollars could be put to better use for OUR CITIZENS who are in desperate need of help now. What has China done for our people who were left destitute from natural disasters? Oh, we can replace household goods cheaply at the expense of our middle class structure ...that was supported by Congressional Bills since 1978 and the Global Economic referendum. Why did anyone think the rest of the world would play by the same rules? Again, common street sense ...this ideology has helped the Investors and put more American families on the street since the Great Depression. America is not in a recession, it is in a depression. That is a reality of the Middle Class in America. If you want to give away half a billion, feed your own first. Why do we neglect the long term aspects of economy of our citizens here in America as not having a National Security Interest?
Negroponte may better use of old time Italian street ideology in dealing with people who are killing both our economy and providing weapons to the enemies of Democracy world wide. It sounds more like we are paying a Tribute of appeasement to a Conqueror on a consistent basis. Why treat them differently than South America?
By the way, they are teaching Chinese in South America for FREE on national TV. The Chinese Republic is paying for it 100% ...so, I presume this indoctrination and use of propaganda in the backyard of America has either gone unnoticed or this is our answer for their Economic invasion of South America. They need food, have made agreements for immigration of their population into Brazil and other South American countries as well. They have money and soon our cost of imported food products will rise due to Chinas demand, not just shipping cost. China is also fiscally trying to back the new Eight Member Bank of South America. South America has become so solvent they won't need the World Bank. Imagine if they start another World currency with China. This isn't science fiction.
Since when does the U.S.A. have to be HAT IN HAND to the enemies of Democracy? Why be nice to someone who has rained on our parade with intent?
It is sad this event happened and may God bless the souls of those poor people; but, they can well handle all aspects of their problem. Let us put Americans back in their homes first and foremost. I fear this neglect of priorities is a reflection of all Parties which has left the Average American and not them to suffer for poor choices...unless there was another purpose for his visit.
Ronald in New York writes:
U.S.A.'s insatiable economic appetite for cheap Chinese goods will continue to back-fire as unregulated and unsafe products are manufactured and consumed by Americans.
Chinese people will experience accelerated health and safety threats, as they emulate and adopt the worst of American culture.
Chul-hong in South Korea writes:
To keep in mind is that China is not a strategic partner of U.S.A. but a strategic competitor of U.S.A..
John in Ohio writes:
@ Joe in Tennessee -- Joe in Tennessee asks "What has China done for our people who were left destitute from natural disasters?"
The Chinese government donated $5 million to Hurricane Katrina relief.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
@ John in Ohio -- $5 million? ...So we are giving back 500 million? Get realistic.
We can not have fair trade with a country who pays its people for all aspects of production, unlimited labor who has no right to strike, owns the shipping lines down to the contrainers stored and shipped to American depots. We call that a monopoly here. It's illegal for an American company to do so and the Government can not profit from manfacturing. I do realize China has had Unions since the fifties. They can only negotiate safety, hours and health benifits. That the Government ignores obviously. I couldn't even find an American made door knob at Lowes. Mexico was as close as it got and that was thrity percent higher.
China goods should be taxed/tariffed for the benifit of the entire free world economy ...and we should have legislation that provides Americans a fair Competition agreement.
China is owed nothing in any respect by the world, for any reason at this juncture. That is not to demean the good Peoples of China, simply their Governmental Policies and leadership.
Susan in Florida writes:
I second Joe of Tennessee remarks. It could not have been stated better. I have lived through the assassinations of the 60's, the Vietnam war, the racial riots and conflicts of the 60's and 70's, the Nixon years, but always felt hopeful for our country. But the prevailing philosophy of "the government of the money, by the money, and for the money" will surely destroy us. It is very discouraging. How shortsighted can we be? When our motto is no longer "a nation of the people, by the people, for the people" but a motto of "let's go shopping!" we are doomed. Please wake up America!
Chul-hong in South Korea writes:
The era of 21st century can be defined as the multipolar era after the unipolar era.
[The concert of power] is the main diplomatic strategy of U.S.A..
U.S.A. has raised regional powers such as Japan, India in the hope of deterring China from emerging as the great power.
Originally, China has tied up with Russia since the Cold War era.
In addition, U.S.A. may lose the power of control in the Asia if China broadens its influence in that region.
So, China cannot be a strategic partner of U.S.A. but a
By the way, China plays a major role in the global economy.
Nevertheless, in political view, China is based on one-party Communism which is far remote from Democracy.
As we know, there is the limit in the growth of economy under the authoritarian regime.
China, I think, will not forsake its political base because of worrying its collapse.
If China adheres to the one-party Communism, its economy will face a marginal circumstances sooner or later.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
The notion that a nation become a "responsible stakeholder" in global affairs is one that China is in process of evolving into.
They have become both partner and competitor depending on the context of the issue at hand.
But the intent of the competition is not to undermine each other as both nations are very much interdependant on one another for their growth and prosperity.
We have vastly improved relations now with China because of sound foreign policy conducted by both nations with the intent to put the relationship in a positive "win win" context.
The greater Mil. to Mil. contacts and trust generated allow for greater transparency and the communication helps prevents mistrust and misconceptions of intent from arising.
This has come from a real intent to create better relations in an era of globalization because of a basic realization I think MLK best expressed in 1967.
"Today there is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence. It is either nonviolence or nonexistence. I feel that we've got to look at this total thing anew and recognize that we must live together. That the whole world now it is one--not only geographically but it has to become one in terms of brotherly concern. Whether we live in America or Asia or Africa we are all tied in a single garment of destiny and whatever effects one directly, effects one in-directly."
These concepts are a "given" parameter in the era of globalization, as well in bilateral relations. Labels like "unipolar" and "multipolar" don't do justice to it.


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I have a waist high brick BBQ in my house. It works fine as a waist high fire place but would like to convert it to Pizza oven. It is plumbed with gas but is not shaped well for an oven. Has anyone done a conversion like this? If so do you have any tips? Thanks!


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Vol. 22, No. 564 (Nov. 24, 1893), p. 291
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Philippine Liha Table Tennis
By: Dr. Mike Babuin, At-Large Director USA Table Tennis
Philippine 'Liha' at the most basic of descriptions is table tennis played with a sandpaper racket. In truth it is much, much more. The liha rules to any American at first glance may be deemed confusing (if not frustrating) or possibly even 'primitive' in nature especially related to the serve and serve return rules. I for one in 2010 was a big skeptic. I could not understand (nor did I like) the rule which requires an easy serve with no spin or other tricks – after all, in a conventional game to 11 points, I better get a few points off my serve- right? Neither could I understand the requirement to chop the ball received from every serve (me being an attacking player, the last thing I wanted to do was chop). Finally the most confusing aspect to me was trying to figure out who serves the ball and when. What I learned was – it depends upon where the ball lands…if its on your side of the table you pick it up and serve! This to me at the time seemed extremely primitive. Only when I traveled to the Philippines in October 2012 and saw with my own eyes, real liha professionals in action did I finally understand why.
So, off I went (at my own expense) and while there I did many things. Having a full agenda of presentations, conferences, meetings, and diplomacy opportunities – I started off first being a tourist (for about 48 hours only!) to get a feel for the country, the people, the history and the culture that exists their. My first stop was Corregidor Island – a rich patch of land in the middle of Manila Bay that saw much action in World War 2 when General MacArthur defended the Philippines from the attacking Japanese forces. On this island I learned not only how MacArthur defended the country early-on in the Pacific campaign but even after he was called away by General Dwight D. Eisenhower and subsequently gave his famous farewell address to the Filipino people stating "I Shall Return" he made his promise good and returned 18-months later only to retake the island and liberate the Philippines from the Japanese. This is but one milestone in Philippine history but an important one whereas the connection between the Philippines and America is rooted on our historic bonds of friendship and allegiance. Amazingly, this was not the first time America established such a bond. In 1898, the American Marine Corps and Navy liberated the Philippines from the Spanish as part of the Spanish-American War. This time period is referred to as the American colonization period in Philippine history (see the separate article in this edition of the magazine for more information on how Liha was introduced by the Americans into the Philippines). The visit to Corregidor Island set the tone for me – it 'rebooted' me mentally to understand the cultural and historic ties between our two countries. It was indeed a well planned move for Mr. Cua to get me there within 24-hours of hitting Manila soil!
So after that indoctrination, I was eager to visit the haunts of the 'liha' underground. The 'underground' is a term loosely applied to going to the backwoods areas of the slums, ghettos, and destitute corners of the country to witness sandpaper table tennis 'money matches'. While I did not observe any betting going on, I did see the professional sandpaper players (i.e., lihadors) in their element and what I witnessed was indeed startling. Seeing these athletes play I was gobsmacked at the extraordinarily high level of skill displayed using a cheap sandpaper racket – and moreso I began to understand and become convinced as to the logic, reason, beauty, and wonder of the 'lihadors' who play this classic derivative of conventional table tennis at an extremely high level of elite skill. Amazingly, the term 'elite level' doesn't go along with the physical observations I witnessed. These lihador's play barefooted, or in sandals, and often without shirts on an antique table with little or poor lighting – but I will tell you, any of them could defeat a 2600 or higher rated player without any problem (if that opponent used a sandpaper racket and played with a 38mm ball using Liha rules). The reason for this is simple – liha forces you to develop a defensive game that is equal to your offensive game – it's as simple as that. They can hit and smash the ball with equal ease, skill, and accuracy as compared to chopping consistently back-off the table 12 feet. They do this repetitively and accurately, and with a high level of tactical cunning and technical skill and placement. I witnessed chop after chop come back two inches or less over the net time after time returning smash after smash. Seeing this is almost poetic in nature, graceful, and it constitutes the sole lingering remnant of the type of table tennis played throughout the world during the golden age of table tennis before inverted sponge rubber was introduced. Seeing it done with a sandpaper racket also defies logic in many ways.
Consider for a moment the time and dedication it takes any American table tennis player to reach a high level of proficiency using a sponge rubber racket - years yes? Well, these lihadors have been taught how to chop and smash, and how to place the ball where they want it on the table generation after generation – actually, since 1898. Its no small wonder that they have taken the culture that we introduced in 1898, preserved it, then over 114 years, they have perfected it. In my life I have seen some of the best table tennis players in the USA and some of the best ITTF Pro Tour players in the world - but I would match the skill of those players against the skill of these lihadors any day without hesitation (using a sandpaper racket) – and yet, they do so by using a $1.98 sandpaper racket that has no friction, and plays 'slick as axel grease'. But how can this be? Am I exaggerating? Hallucinating? All I can tell you is…you have to see this with your own eyes to believe it. Personally, I believe that if you take a lihador and require them to play a sandpaper match using conventional ITTF rules the odds become greater for the international opponent but even still – the master level lihador will still probably come out on top. This is a theory that I hope to prove over the next couple of years by designing and organizing an international friendship challenge tournament in the Philippines using 38mm balls and liha rules. This will be a private venture not a USATT initiative. A target of $50,000 -100,000 USD prize money purse is planned to be raised by private investors and corporations between now and 2014. it is hoped that China will be 'invited' as well as other countries. We would especially like to see some of the top Chinese men on their National team try their hand at this classic form of early table tennis. Good news is –the wheels of progress for this project are in motion – interested parties can contact me for more information.
However the story on my trip is not over! In addition to visiting the liha 'underground' I was asked to be the keynote speaker at a major international sports science conference at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City. Professor Oscar Santelices with the Department of Human Kinetics along with the Dean of the College, Professor Ronualdo Dizer invited me and were instrumental in making arrangements, providing much hospitality, and in helping me with logistics related to the presentation at the conference. The keynote presentation topic was "The resurgence of Philippine Liha Table Tennis: The Pedagogic Experience America Forgot". Following this was the 5-day "Chancellor's Cup" tournament – one of the largest table tennis tournaments in the Philippines with almost 700 participants. A majority of the tournament was collegiate and scholastic teams however, there were many liha events, hardbat events, and liha team events as well. Therefore, many of the lihador's who generally are reclusive of conventional table tennis tournaments literally "came out of the woodwork" for this very special once a year event. Watching the liha teams compete who traveled from the remote islands and reaches of the Philippines was indeed a rare treat. Describing what I saw at these events as remarkable as it was, would take several more pages of description, so for brevity I will leave that for another day.
In between the tournament and conference the main thing I wanted to accomplish from my travels was to promote and bring attention to liha – within the Philippines. As in the USA – conventional table tennis players and the table tennis leadership in the Philippines are less focused upon liha – and generally only focused upon Olympic table tennis. As with America, the Philippine table tennis association (TATAP) has not brought home any Olympic medals. In fact, the Philippines did not bring in any medals in any sport this past Olympics nor have they done so in three Olympic cycles. This is a tumultuous politically charged topic in the Philippines and there exists ample 'finger pointing' and much rhetoric between the sports leaderships and the Philippine congress - which funds many of the sport programs. Unlike the USA which receives no government funding for the Olympics, the Philippines (like most countries) do receive some funding. While it is not much, the little that is received there from the government is revered as 'critical path' to the development of aspiring athletes.
So how to spread the word about liha? Well…I was fortunate to arrange for several key meetings with some of the sports leaders. One such meeting was with the Philippine Sport Commission (PSC). I met with Chairman Garcia and had a wonderful and very meaningful dialog with him on the best kept secret in the Philippines – liha table tennis. We entertained the thought about what it would be like if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) recognized liha table tennis as a classic discipline of contemporary table tennis under the jurisdiction of ITTF. Especially considering the high elite level of skills that the Philippine athletes display in the sport. Could that not almost guarantee Olympic success for the Philippines? An interesting thought indeed…!
Also, I was able to meet with members of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and had a similar discussion. Also, with key community leaders – such as the Chairman of the Chinese downtown YMCA in 'Chinatown' Manila, as well as the current President of TATAP – same message. In all cases I believe I was successful in opening the eyes of all of these distinguished leaders to something that they all have in common and which they all should work towards together – which is to figure out a way to put your best race horse in the front of the pack at the race track. In other words, Liha has a high degree of probably success if it were introduced as a sport in the Olympics (see other article in this edition of the magazine for more on this). While this mission is not mine to make, it presents some clearly unique possibilities for the Philippines, and I believe after the planned 2014 Friendship Challenge tournament, many other 'larger' more influential countries will also support that notion.
There were also several television interviews, morning shows, and special features. I had the privilege of working with three TV stations (Channels 2, 5, 7 as I recall). During one of these occasions, I was fortunate to meet and talk with a WBC World Boxing Champion about liha and to get some publicity photos, Same topic – promotion of liha table tennis touting the benefits for potential medals, national pride, and the aerobic benefits for seniors (Note: did I mention the 93-year old lihador – Mr. Iking from the Cavite City area who uses Liha as his primary form of daily aerobic exercise?). Finally, I conducted a special 2-hour sports radio interview on DZSR Sports Radio transmitted all across the country also was an excellent opportunity to share the historical and cultural roots of Liha and tie it all into table tennis today.
In addition to myself, Ambassador Cua introduced me to two visiting table tennis delegates from Iran – Miss Fariba Ghavamzadh Alrazavi (Women's Coach and International Umpire) and Mr. Ali Jafari (Jeffrey) Nejad Coach and Umpire in Iran. Both of which are doing some amazing things with youth as related to sandpaper table tennis. Miss Fariba showed us some video clips of her instruction in teaching young Iranian who are blind to play table tennis based on purely the sound of the ball hitting the table and contacting the racket. Coach Fariba herself an accomplished chopper and former national women's team member, has embraced liha table tennis for the health and aerobic benefits realized and uses liha as a tool in teaching the disabled children how to play (note: sponge rubber rackets have a much more subtle and more undiscernable sound associated with the contact between ball and racket, thus she prefers liha rackets for her students).
All of these events and wonderful people, including the personal invitations from many accomplished table tennis clubs such as the Marikina TTC, Marinduque TTC, UP Diliman TTC (and Teams) and many, many more will always be something I remember and cherish in years to come. I had a very productive, busy, and action packed series of meetings and adventures during my stay in the Philippines. The folks there (Administrators, Coach's, etc..) are absolutely wonderful, kind, caring individuals, and without ego or pretenses. I truly look forward to going back and interacting with these wonderful people and promoting 'cultural exchange' friendship, and more ideas related to working together on future projects between the USA and the Philippines. Thanks to Coach Oskie, Coach Karen, and most especially my personal day to day guide 'Liha' Ambassador Mr. Peter Cua for helping make all of this happen. Hopefully – "I Shall Return" in the near future.
Underground Liha Hubs – 'Somewhere' in the Philippines
Group photo of the lihadors found at just one of the many 'underground' liha hubs throughout the Philippines. Pictured are Coach Fariba from Iran and Mike Babuin/USA
Meeting with Philippine Sport Commission (PSC)
L-R Ambassador Cua; Col. Tamayo (Chairman of the Philippine Tribal Games); Mike Babuin; PSC Chairman Ricardo Garcia; Professor Oscar Santelices
Meeting at Downtown Manila YMCA
TATAP President Ting Ledesma; Mike Babuin; and Ambassador Peter Cua


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Born this Way: The UK Millennial Loyalty Survey
January 10, 2012
Aimia, a loyalty marketing firm, surveyed Millennial (or Generation Y) consumers in the UK to learn about their attitudes and behaviors with regard to brand loyalty, data privacy, social media and mobile marketing, and rewards marketing.
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