text:
The BMW 5-Series (E39 chassis) was introduced in the United States as a 1997 model year car and lasted until the 2004 when the E60 chassis was released. The United States saw several variations including the 525i, 528i, 530i and 540i. -- View the E39 Wiki
|Thread Tools
|Display Modes
Strange transmission/engine sound
Hi All, I have found lately that my 525i sounds too loud. The car is 2003 E39 with M54 engine, manual gearbox and 52000 miles on it.
The sound is mostly noticeable when I apply gas slightly in second, third and forth gears. I think I do not hear it in fifth gear or first or whenever it is in neutral or whenever gas is not applied. Also when I push it to floor I do not hear it either, I think.
Here it is the Unusualy loud sound/whining sound I recorded while I shifted from first all the way to forth gear.
I thought it was the transmission, but now I think it can be sound from engine and sound/vibration just gets transferred via gearbox or something like that.
I have changed transmission and differential fluids just in case. It did not improve the situation at all. I think I also here how engine kind of growls on second gear. It is like valve chatter, but very soft one.
Here is what was done during last couple of months and I think there was no sound before, but I took long vacation in between so I am not sure about that now:
Does anybody have any ideas what that can be?
I used to have an E46 with the same engine/transmission (5spd) 2006 coupe, even same mileage and I never heard that. I was going to guess fan clutch... the M52 uses an electronic fan right? So it can't be that. You should have someone stand over the engine bay as you rev it up. Maybe ask a smog station if you can borrow their dyno rollers so you can drive through the gears. Pay for a smog check.
Complete BMW E46 Cooling System Guide
Shop at FCPEuro.com and use code MangoFCP5 at checkout for 5% off your order!
The one more thing I can feel by hand light know-knock-knock sound on cover of double VANOS on this car. Compared it with E46 and it does not do it on ever there.
The strange thing to me is that it coincidentally started after just another engine oil change. I even started to read about VANOS seals replacement procedure.
Dyno rollers is good idea or even having it on lift would help.
I took the car to Curry's Auto for state inspection and also asked them to see if they can guesstimate what the problem is. They said it is probably one of transmission bearings.
So I wonder is it possible to DIY the bearing replacement? And how much would it cost? What do you think?
It is me again :-). I am looking to replace entire transmission for another used one, but without the problem.
But where would I get one? Does anybody knows somebody who parts his e39 after the accident perhaps?
BTW, Do I need the same kind of transmission like I have Getrag now on my 2003 525i, but will ZF from let's say 530i. And do I even need to care what year of the vehicle is or can I take transmission from any 525 e39 ?
Last time something like this happen to me was the water pump. The engine fan was wobbling at idle and I thought the fan was loose, but that is where the water pump is tie to. It vibrates when I apply little throttle, but when I push little more, it vibrates less, but make louder noise. I am not quite sure if you have the same problem.
I'm no expert but it would seem most of the BMW 5-spd manuals would fit. Any similar year E46/E39 trans (getrag) should bolt right up! dont quote me though... That sounds pretty terrible to replace the trans because of a noise.. how bout having it looked at by a trans shop? or at least rebuild it.. thats a weird problem. Transmission bearings?? doesnt sound common at all..
Complete BMW E46 Cooling System Guide
Shop at FCPEuro.com and use code MangoFCP5 at checkout for 5% off your order!
BETTER YET, pay a couple hundred and have BMW dealer diagnose it. PLEASE do that before replacing the entire trans!!!
Complete BMW E46 Cooling System Guide
Shop at FCPEuro.com and use code MangoFCP5 at checkout for 5% off your order!
I took it to pretty good independent shop. They do not work on transmissions themselves, but at least they confirmed my guess that the noise is coming from transmission. They also called transmission shop that they usually work with. So the next thing they say is to figure out exactly what is wrong with it and how much it is going to cost to rebuild, but they will have to remove and take it apart.
Here is why I think replacing it with used one will be more cost effective than rebuilding it. I hear that street price for such transmission is around $700. That could be a little off since I just could not find exactly the same transmission on either ebay or craigslist. But the transmission shop quoted something $2500 to rebuild and $3100 for factory remanufactured one. Given that price difference I would rather spend a little more and factory rebuilt one.
But if you compare even $2500 to $700 it make a lot of sense getting used one. Of course there is also a risk of getting totally screwed up piece if garbage, but I hope that if person is known here on forums his reputation will be my warranty.
So I guess it is also possible that the local transmission shop is charging too much or that it may not be a really good shop so I wonder. Do you guys know any transmission shop on Internet that is very good?
one time on my 528i i heard a similar noise it ended up being bad motor mounts.
- is it happening when you gas during idle/neutral?
if yes then not tranny issue
- is there any code being thrown?
this car checks itself all the time. if there is a tranny problem it's likely it would be detected.
- does it do the same when you reverse?
i know it's hard to drive reverse that fast. but just checking it in an empty parking lot probably won't hurt
- anyone drove it during your vacation?
you will be pissed if someone else screwed it up..lolz.
Nope it does not do it in neutral. It even does not do it when gas is not applied. It also does not do it in fifth gear and probably first as well. Although I am not so sure about first one now. There are no codes either. I checked with reader some time ago.
I did not notice anything in reverse either. Although you are right I did not drive it fast in reverse. I'll try tomorrow. Although driving forward in second gear does not required any significant speed for sound to appear. It is almost immediate once gas is applied.
Nobody drove it while I was off. I think I noticed it even before I went on vacation. I probably did not pay attention to it. As I said there were only two things done to car during the period. I changed engine oil, and had all tires replaced by local shop. Well they test drove it after that.
pinkslip1, regarding bad engine mounts. When mount were bad did you see a problem when not in gear? What are other symptoms of bad engine mounts? I visually inspected mine and did not see anything suspicious.
with me it only happend in gear while applying the gas. the engine would lift and the fan would hit the fan shroud.
Reviving this thread and hoping to connect with OP. It appears I may be having the exact identical symptoms with my slush box (manual 5 speed). I have had the car looked at by a tech, but this person is not a transmission expert. They do seem to think it could be internal to the transmission, specifically the input bearings which would still require either a rebuild of existing tranny or purchase a rebuilt used tranny. I've also seen several posts in my research that seem to suggest the tranny whine as yet another quirk of BMW E39's that some owners simply put up with and choose not to repair such as, seat twist, steering wheel shake, valve clatter, engine inefficiency due to bad vanos, etc. I did perform a fluid change on the tranny and diff about a year ago (documented on this forum) using redline (no record of previous owner doing a fluid change). For added measure, the tech also performed a fluid change to just the tranny, but the sound remains.
The symptoms I have started appearing last week. My 2003 BMW 525i manual has 130K miles and I get a whining sound when
- car is in 3rd and 4th gear and slight acceleration (load)
- no sound in first or 5th or neutral
that said, today, i did notice that when I am in neutral and coasting with no acceleration I can just barely hear (above the road noise and engine idle), an almost indiscernable sound like marbles in a washing machine filled with styrofoam.
Anyway, hoping the OP sees this and can shed some light on what he ultimately ended up doing about 3 years ago.
As of now, I am considering putting into the tranny some time of additive like TransX, Rislone or Lucas to quiet the whine and just living with it. The tech ruled out center shaft bearing, wheel bearings, diff and guibo. A strange comment my tech made is 'well we did do a fluid change and in some of my customer's experience, the sound actually went away'. My optimistic side is really hoping for this one. :shrug
- 2008 R350 Mercedes Wagon
- 2003 M3 Coupe - Alpine SMG
- 2001 530i - 5 speed, Anthracite Metallic, Sport Package
Last edited by aa240sx; 10-10-2011 at 11:59 AM.
I am still driving that car with the same transmission.
At the time I talked to BMW dealer service department. They said they'd not repair transmissions. They would have to replace it.
I also took it to really good (based on Internet reviews) independent transmission shop in our area. They said it was most likely the bearing on one of the shafts in the transmission although they could not tell more without disassembling it. Although they said it does not make sense to take it apart because they did not have parts to repair it. And I kind of knew that taking it to their shop. They just comfirmed my findings.
What I read was that those are the Getrag transmissions and Getrag did not make any repair kits or any spare parts. The only way to fix it is to send it back to a factory. In other words to buy factory remanufactured transmission.
At the time I figurred if needed I would buy new tranny for like $2-3K from the dealer and would replace it by myself. In meanwhile I have decided to drive it as is until it breaks or becomes much worse. I also played with idea of doing the repair myself, but I could not find any parts as well. And I would probably not start the repair until I had another transmission laying around. Also there are few things in there that require like 30 ton press. That I did not have.
Well it has been over 30000 miles since then. The noise it still there. It does not get any better nor worse. But it is annoying.
I did check for metal shavings in the transmission fluid when I changed it couple of months ago. I did not find any. So it gave me some confidence. Also I always used OEM fluid. And I think I changed the fluid twice already since that time.
Last time I have put in some additive. I do not remember the name of it. But it did not change anything so it does not matter. If situation ever improves I will dig out the name from some place and will report over here.
Last edited by oaksenov; 10-10-2011 at 10:30 PM.
Thanks for the update Oaksenov. Glad to hear that your tranny is still working since 2008 and 30K miles later! While I'm certainly encouraged that the 'leave it alone and just drive it' option seems very doable, your car's transmission is really only around 90K miles. My Tranny is currently at 130K and is just now starting to experience this sound...hope I can at least get it to 160K.
Also see that you continue to change the fluid at the recommended intervals. I changed the fluid myself about a year ago and when it was at the bmw mechanic (for good measure), he changed it as well this past week. When he did, he said the fluid looked totally normal, had no metal shavings or particles and no burnt/rancid smell. He did comment that he's had customers simply ignore the whine and drive their BMW another 100K miles (without even commenting on what actually did or didn't happen once those miles were put on).
I'm 100% sure we have the same transmission since well, we have the same car, 2003 E39 BMW 5 speed. I listened closely to your .wav file and it really sounds exactly like my tranny and it's uncanny that you only experience it in the same gears I experience in as well.
If any other 5 speed owners out there have similar experiences, maybe we should just post to this thread with those symptoms.
By the way, I have an appointment with AAMCO this Wednesday at 9am. They will diagnose the issue and give me essentially a second opinion on the matter. Let me know what additive you tried using. I plan to use Rislone or Trans X and have not read too many good things about Lucas Oil Stabilizers.
May I ask if the additive didn't really do anything, did you only add it once early in the 30K miles since driving with the whine? Did changing the tranny fluid do anything? Lastly, does the whine still only occur in 3rd and 4th?
Again, really appreciate you getting back to me on this one.
- 2008 R350 Mercedes Wagon
- 2003 M3 Coupe - Alpine SMG
- 2001 530i - 5 speed, Anthracite Metallic, Sport Package
Last edited by aa240sx; 10-11-2011 at 12:40 AM.
Stop worrying about it, and just drive the car....if the trans fails completely (highly unlikely), THEN you have something to worry about. BMW`s manual trannies (like their inline 6s) are hell for stout, and rarely suffer catastrophic failure....
The road goes ever onward....
(R.I.P. Jever)
*Please support the Disabled American Veterans*
When faced with choosing between two evils, always go with the one you`ve never tried before....
Okay - Just got back from AAMCO. Good news and not so good news.
Although I still don't think they really understand BMW's at this shop (didn't know this particular Getrag tranny doesn't have a rebuild kit), they do know tranny's. AllData charges 6.5 hours of shop time to remove and reinstall the tranny.
This shop scoped and test drove the car and came to the same conclusion that my mechanic has come with, Oaksenov, and this forum. Whine is coming from the bearings in the transmission. The good news is they did confirm the noise is not diff, driveshaft, or wheel bearing related. Also, they said the clutch was working fine and gear shifts were perfect. Even more good news, they believe it would not be a good idea to have the tranny replaced at this time. The owner says in all his 25 plus years of being in business, he's never seen a bearing explode in a transmission that was properly topped off with spec fluid. He further showed me a couple spare bearings and began to explain that these bearings are put around gears which are so tightly spaced in terms of tolerance, that they could never have the opportunity to explode. He also said that the sound that I am hearing is probably either some pitting in the bearing races or the balls themselves being pitted from metal to metal contact. He said worst case the sound will eventually get so loud that the car can't be driven, not because of the tranmission but only because of the noise it will make. Best case, depending on whether you go with a thicker gear oil, the noise could also be completely eliminated. Truth be told though, he also said he was speculating because he's never had one come in with that condition.
The fact that the OP continues to drive his 5er 3 years since posting this and now 30K miles later, and not noticing any change in tranny behavior good or bad, seems to verify that this statement has merit.
As for the use of oil or metal chemical additives, he didn't seem to encourage or discourage the use of it.
One final question he asked is if I knew of any TSB's or recalls on the transmissions. I said I didn't know and he proceeded to check into it and came up with the following comment,
'MTF-LT2 superseded MTF-LT1. MTF-LT2 is not yet available in the US market. In the interim MTF-LT1 can be used.'
Anyone here know what the oil properties are for LT2. Is it thicker or thinner? I definitely plan to change out my fluid for this one or possibly add an additive to it.
Oaksenov - Any update on the additive, did it quiet down 3rd or 4th gear for you? I actually plan to use this stuff, Lubro Moly MoS2 Anti-Friction For Gears. Looks like it's specifically for transmissions and for reducing friction and/or whine.
- 2008 R350 Mercedes Wagon
- 2003 M3 Coupe - Alpine SMG
- 2001 530i - 5 speed, Anthracite Metallic, Sport Package
Last edited by aa240sx; 10-13-2011 at 11:25 AM.
Interesting issue with the 525i Getrags.
Has anyone had similar issues with the ZF? My second to third shift can be a little crispy on cold days if I change gears quickly but after it warms up, that particular gear change is fine no matter how fast I do it.
The road goes ever onward....
(R.I.P. Jever)
*Please support the Disabled American Veterans*
When faced with choosing between two evils, always go with the one you`ve never tried before....
Almost a month has passed now. Just a quick update. The Lubro Moly MoS2 Anti-Friction For Gears didn't do squat for my tranny whine. The good news is the noise basically remains the same. I only hear it in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear and does seem to quiet down when the engine warms up. I know I'm driving a ticking time bomb here, but so far so good. I've already got three different tranny sources to go to once it fails and will be tackling my biggest mechanical job to date - a transmission drop and replace only when this current tranny does fail. Hope to do this at a local shop that rents out garage time.
In the meantime, I'm definitely going to try a thicker transmission oil to see if that does anything to quiet it up. Oaksenov - How did your mystery oil work out for you?
- 2008 R350 Mercedes Wagon
- 2003 M3 Coupe - Alpine SMG
- 2001 530i - 5 speed, Anthracite Metallic, Sport Package
What are you transmission sources if you have to replace? What are the prices I wonder?
|See More Related BMW Stories
|bmw e39 noise, noise
|Forum Navigation
|Today's Posts Search
|Thread Tools
|Display Modes
Hybrid Mode


text:
Meprolight Tru-Dot sights are up to 20% brighter than other tritium sights. The front dot is slightly brighter than the rear sight to help the shooter focus on the target. Light tubes are sealed with a patented bonding process that makes them impervious to solvents and oils. Tru-Dot sights have a 10-year illumination warranty.
Meprolight Tru-Dot Sight Set Springfield XDM, XDS Steel Blue Tritium Green
- Product Family #: 1005915099
- Product #: {{availableProducts[0].id}}
- {{availableProducts[0].vendor}} #: {{availableProducts[0].sku}}
- UPC #: {{availableProducts[0].upc}}
Product Information
No {{attribute.name}}s match your search.
|Compatible With
The statements and opinions expressed within Customer Reviews reflect each author's personal perspective and do not imply endorsement by MidwayUSA, its Employees or any other organization. Customers should in no way infer that MidwayUSA has validated review information as safe, accurate or appropriate.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
stick with tapoot and stuff lyke that and yer divven hava problem.
Ah ordered strayte fr om UFC and got a hoodie exactly when expeckted it to com. Caged Steal have yer hough about ordering ffom UFC for your desynes cos theyve got stuf in stock all the tyem I think.


text:
Report: George Zimmerman arrested
(NEWSER) – George Zimmerman is in police custody once again. He was arrested today on domestic violence charges, WFTV reports. It's not clear what happened (although WESH says a girlfriend is involved in the dispute), but the disturbance occurred at a residence in Apopka, about 24 miles from Sanford, where Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin. It's also where the Seminole County Jail is located; Zimmerman will be locked up there shortly, the Orlando Sentinel reports.


text:
Hello together,
i'm new in this forum and I have a question.
BackTrack is a nice tool with many functions. I have testet a lot of programs like aircrack, pyrit and other tools to crack WPA2.
At the end all WPA2 cracking you have to bruteforce or the WPA-Key is included in a wordlist. I read about hole 196. Theres a opportunity to crack a WPA2 Network without a wordlist or bruteforcing. Do you know any how to or tutorial or a function in Backtrack? I would try it gladely. I hope you can help me.
Thank you
Many greetings


text:
UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION ... The commission plans to consider three power-purchase agreements for photovoltaic energy; discuss changes to the PaloAltoGreen program; discuss the financial forecast for the fiber fund; and hear a presentation on the update to the Utilities Strategic Plan. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.).
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ... The board plans to discuss 50 El Camino Real, a proposal to expand the Ronald McDonald House; and 567-595 Maybell Ave., a proposed development that includes 15 homes and a 60-unit affordable-housing complex for seniors. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.).


text:
4 colors
Trotters 'Stormy' Waterproof Bootie (Women)
Was: $99.95
Now: $59.9940% off
BELLA VITA Petra Demi Wedge Bootie
Airy mesh panels and a stacked demi-wedge heel heighten the timeless sophistication of a round-toe bootie shaped from smooth, burnished leather. Color(s): black leather, burgundy leather, navy leather, stone leather. Brand: BELLA VITA. Style Name:Bella Vita Petra Demi Wedge Bootie (Women). Style Number: 5202571. Available in stores. Learn More
BIONICA 'Gilford' Wedge Bootie
An elastic-gore cuff perfects the fit of a comfort-centric wedge bootie featuring a cushioned dual-density insole and traction-enhancing outsole along with a casual-chic slouched silhouette. Color(s): black leather, indigo leather, russet red leather, smoke leather. Brand: bionica. Style Name:Bionica 'Gilford' Wedge Bootie (Women). Style Number: 5213882. Available in stores. Learn More
BP. 'Tripp' Bootie
An essential almond-toe bootie is shaped from supple suede and equipped with elastic gore insets for a comfortable fit, while a burnished toe and a stacked woodgrain heel finish the look with trend-savvy appeal. Color(s): black leather, black suede, charcoal sport suede, taupe sport suede, taupe suede. Brand: BP. Style Name:Bp. 'Tripp' ... Learn More
FLY LONDON Yaba Lace-Up Platform Wedge
Oversized laces ladder up the vamp of a velvety suede peep-toe bootie detailed with daring cutouts at the sides and heel. A grippy platform wedge provides a modest lift with added surefootedness. Color(s): black suede, concrete suede, taupe suede. Brand: FLY LONDON. Style Name:Fly London Yaba Lace-Up Platform Wedge (Women). ... Learn More
FLY LONDON Yahl Open Toe Platform Wedge
Pinpoint laser-perforated leather adds subtle texture to this peep-toe bootie outfitted with a wide slingback strap and a grippy lugged platform. Color(s): black nubuck leather, blue nubuck leather, rose nubuck leather, silver metallic nubuck leather, taupe nubuck leather. Brand: FLY LONDON. Style Name:Fly London Yahl Open Toe Platform Wedge (Women). ... Learn More
FRYE Madeline Bootie
Subtle Western stitching adds rustic appeal to a casual-chic bootie grounded by a sophisticated tapered heel. Versatile enough for workday and weekend wear, the style carries on Frye's 150-year tradition of bench-crafted quality. Color(s): tan. Brand: FRYE. Style Name:Frye Madeline Bootie (Women). Style Number: 5316956. Available in stores. Learn More
ISOLÁ Darnell Bootie
A distressed suede finish and dual buckle straps add understated rustic style to a block-heel bootie modernized with breezy side cutouts. Color(s): black suede, havana brown suede, sturdy brown leather. Brand: Isola. Style Name:Isolá Darnell Bootie (Women). Style Number: 5207689. Available in stores. Learn More
J. RENEÉ Yarall Square Toe Wedge
A notched topline and a squared toe detail this day-to-night pump set on a modest wedge heel. A burnished metallic bar adds a nicely understated finish. Color(s): black faux patent, taupe leather. Brand: J.RENEE. Style Name:J. Reneé Yarall Square Toe Wedge (Women). Style Number: 5267287. Available in stores. Learn More


text:
Draper • Victoria King was enjoying Saturday afternoon with her family when Traci L. Vaillancourt and Timothy "Troy" Walker showed up at her Draper home. It was the first time King had heard from her sister in months. Predictably, King said, the couple needed money.
King could not anticipate that less than a day later, Walker would be suspected in a shooting spree that left a police sergeant dead and Vaillancourt and Walker critically wounded.
Now detectives are waiting for the couple to stabilize before they can learn what led to the fatal shooting of Draper Sgt. Derek Johnson.
Looking back on Walker's behavior Saturday afternoon, King recalls details that are chilling in retrospect but at the time seemed characteristic of the dysfunction that estranged King from the couple in the first place.
Walker, 35, and Vaillancourt, 34, appeared to be on drugs when they arrived, King said. Vaillancourt had struggled with addiction for nearly a decade, since she started taking painkillers to deal with swelling from a blood disorder. Walker, meanwhile, was talking "a mile a minute," King said.
Inside King's home, Walker was "excited" to show off his weapons, King said. Little knives or daggers were stashed in his socks, and a machete was in the side pocket of his backpack, King said.
"He said, 'Check this out!' and got out a gun," King said. Her teenage son's friend gasped. King said Walker retorted, "You'd understand if you had a wife."
Walker and Vaillancourt said they had been camping for awhile and brought the weapons for protection, King recalled. The two had been living in and out of hotels for years, she said. King gathered $4.50 from her purse, tossed it in a plastic bag for her sister and shooed them away. They drove off in a silver car she had never seen before.
"For years I have kept them away from my children. They chose a different path," King said.
Growing up in Sandy, Vaillancourt had been "drop dead gorgeous" and had done some modeling, King said. But about a decade ago, she began to slip deeper into addiction, King said.
"She would cry, 'I never pictured my life turning out like this,'" King said. Walker gave Vaillancourt attention, King said, and Vaillancourt "was attached to him at the hip."
Five years ago they had a daughter, who has lived most of her life with her grandmother, according to court records. Shortly after the girl's birth, Vaillancourt suffered a series of strokes that left her impaired, King said. In 2009, Walker signed an agreement granting temporary guardianship of the girl to the grandmother; on July 31, 2013, the grandmother received permanent custody. King said Walker and Vaillancourt never responded to the custody notices.
In the meantime, the couple have been in and out of legal trouble. Walker was charged in February with three counts of possession or use of a controlled substance and had a warrant for missing an Aug. 7 court date. He also pleaded not guilty in December to charges of labeling or packing a controlled substance. Walker was convicted in 2008 of using plates registered to another vehicle, operating a vehicle without insurance, driving on a denied license and failure to appear on a citation. In 2003, he was convicted of driving on a suspended license and no proof of insurance.
Vaillancourt was charged Aug. 20 with misdemeanor shoplifting. She also pleaded guilty in 2004 to third-degree felony theft in exchange for the dismissal of six other misdemeanor counts of theft by deception.
"We tried and tried and tried to help her," King said. "But you can't help someone who won't help them self."
On Sunday morning, King saw a picture of a silver Volvo in news coverage of a lockdown in Draper.
"I had a bad feeling," she said. She told officers that it looked like the car Vaillancourt and Walker were driving. She gave a description of the couple. It matched, she said.
Police reported that Johnson, 32, pulled up to the silver Volvo, which was parked at an odd angle at 13200 South and Fort Street (900 East). Soon thereafter, police said, the man in the Volvo pulled out a gun and ambushed Johnson, shooting the officer as he sat inside his police car.
Johnson later was pronounced dead at Intermountain Medical Center.
At some point, Walker apparently shot Vaillancourt and then himself in an apparent attempted murder-suicide, police have said. Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal said Tuesday that the two remained in critical condition at Intermountain Medical Center, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Hoyal declined to further specify their injuries, but King said she was told that her sister was shot in the back.
"I know she was a victim, but I felt like I already lost her a long time ago. My heart is absolutely bleeding for Derek Johnson's family," King said, choking back tears. "I just want them to know I'm sorry."
The motive for the shooting remains a mystery "and we won't know until our detectives are able to interview [Walker and Vaillancourt]," Hoyal said. He could not estimate when the two might be able to answer questions; Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder said their injuries are not life-threatening, and police are proceeding as if they both will survive.
Draper Police Chief Bryan Roberts said Vaillancourt and Walker appeared to have been living in the car, which King said was packed full of belongings on Saturday.
The Volvo is not reported stolen, though Winder declined to say at this point why two transients were in possession of a higher-end vehicle. King said she believed a friend had sold the car to them. Investigators began searching the car for evidence Tuesday morning.
The handgun is not reported stolen either, Winder said.
Johnson had been a full-time Draper police officer since 2004. He was promoted to sergeant in December 2012.
Johnson's funeral will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple, on Friday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., and a viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Salt Palace, according to Draper City officials. Salt Palace officials confirmed that Comic Con, expected to draw about 40,000 revelers Thursday through Saturday, also is expected to go on as scheduled. The comic book convention and the funeral will take place at opposite ends of the convention center, officials said.
Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, according to staff at Larkin Mortuary.
Johnson's family received a donation from the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation on Tuesday. The group primarily maintains the officer memorial at the Utah State Capitol, but also collects funds to help the families of fallen officers.
Draper City also announced that there are two ways for the public to donate. Any Wells Fargo Bank branch accepts donations to the Sergeant Johnson Memorial Fund, and people can donate online at mydadsahero.com.
Reporter Michael McFall contributed to this story.
Twitter: @remims


text:
707 Parnassus Avenue, D3000
Dental Clinics Building, Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone number(s):
(415) 514-3546
Days/hours of operation:
Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
Description of Services:
Endodontic specialty clinic providing the following services: nonsurgical root canals, nonsurgical root canal retreatments, and apicoectomies. A comprehensive exam will be performed at the beginning of every appointment to diagnose orofacial pain and/or pulpal infection to determine whether the tooth is a good candidate for endodontic treatment. If indicated, we will utilize an in-house state-of-the-art-technology Kodak 9000 3-D System Cone Beam CT to aid in our diagnosis.
Outpatient services:
Insurance plans accepted:
The clinic accepts a wide variety of insurance plans and is a PPO provider for Delta Dental. We will assist with completing and submitting forms electronically and/or by paper.
Special instructions for new patients (OUTSIDE AND IN-HOUSE REFERRALS):
Your first visit is a screening appointment only. You will not receive any treatment on this visit unless you need a referral to an emergency clinic.
Special instructions for referring providers:
Please send: UCSF Faculty Referral Form, current x-ray, copy of insurance card and picture ID, and patient contact numbers. Emergency Dental Services: Please call 415-476-5814 for dental emergencies.
Emergencies are defined as minor dental and/or oral problems which may cause slight to severe pain, swelling, or negative esthetic condition which require immediate attention.


text:
State Sen. Jim Banks (R-Columbia City) made the following statement regarding Governor Pence's State of the State Address:
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 22, 2013) – "Gov. Daniels left Indiana in an excellent financial position, and it's great to see Gov. Pence taking the reins to continue that legacy.
"Gov. Pence and I agree that the economy and jobs are top priorities for our state. Like him, I want to ensure higher education keeps Hoosier students competitive in a global job market. To accomplish that goal, I'm prepared to pursue plans this session to make college more efficient and affordable."


text:
Magellan, manufacturer of portable navigation devices, gets into the wrist-wear business with the Switch series. These wristwatch-shaped activity monitors aren't very good at telling the time, but they are great for monitoring a host of parameters related to running, biking, hiking, walking, and swimming, thanks to built-in GPS location technology. They're rugged, waterproof, and compatible with an array of ANT+ fitness monitors.
The Magellan Switch
Magellan's Switch Series of GPS activity monitors starts with, of course, the Switch. This small device uses a wristwatch design with a 1.26-inch screen to display information about your current activity -- for example, a run.
It gathers this information from its internal SirfSTAR IV GPS receiver, which reports positioning data with accuracy of 3-5 meters. Out of the box, it can monitor your latitude, longitude, and altitude. More importantly, it can use that data to calculate total distance traveled, pace, total activity time, and lap averages for all of those values. The unit can also calculate caloric burn based on your age, height, weight, and observed heart rate when paired with an optional ANT+ device (more on this later).
There are nine available activity profiles accessible via the Switch's menu system including road running, trail running, marathon running, road biking, mountain biking, criterium biking, swimming, walking, and hiking, and a tenth multisport setting for tracking triathlons, for example. Each of the activity profiles features customizable displays, activity goals, recording preferences, training alerts, pace keepers, and other preferences.
The Switch is shockproof and waterproof with a maximum submersion depth of 50 meters, making it useful for tracking swimming activities, running and cycling in the rain, and dealing with sweat. Flanking the Switch's monochrome LCD are five rubberized buttons, most of which have multiple functions. To the left are the buttons for manual lap marking and activity start/stop, which double as confirm and back buttons when in the unit's menu, and serve the third functions of saving the current GPS location and resetting the current activity when held. To the right of the screen are the status and menu buttons, which double as up and down selectors when navigating a menu screen. Finally, there's the power button (also on the right side of the unit), which simply powers the device on and off.
An 8-hour battery life from a full charge and the fact that the current date and time (automatically set by GPS) are hidden under a menu somewhat limits the Switch's usefulness as a wristwatch when you're not actually running, swimming, or biking, but I won't hold that against this device. When it's time to charge the Switch, simply attach the included USB cradle to the back of the unit's body. While connected to a PC or Mac, users can log onto Magellan's Web site to upload their activity data (saved in a FIT format) for analysis, comparing, and sharing.
The Switch Up
The Switch Up is the step-up model in the Switch line and is largely identical to the Switch. It can do everything that the standard Switch can do and more.
The wrist-worn Switch Up is thicker than the Switch, but that's because the unit can be separated from its wrist strap and attached to an included bike mount that attaches to almost any bike tube in seconds with a pair of rubber straps (also included). The Switch Up's design means that you'll also have to remove it from the wrist strap or bike mount to attach it to the USB charger.
Internally, the Switch Up adds a vibration motor, which allows users to feel notifications for pace, time, laps, etc., in situations where they may not be able to hear the audible beep -- running while wearing headphones, for example.
Additionally, the Switch Up features a barometer, for more accurate monitoring of elevation changes, and a thermometer, for monitoring ambient temperature.


text:
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Query Points System and Rulebreaking
So during the contest two weeks back there was quite a bit of angst about rules and the breaking thereof. And one of the things that was pointed out in the comments section by our friend Patricia Wood (LOTTERY out in paperback!!!) was that she broke all sorts of rules when she queried her agent and it worked out swimmingly.
Needless to say, for people who spend months combing the interweb for information about how to write the most perfect, proper, and impeccable query letter known to publishing and then spend weeks drafting a squeaky clean query, such news about successful rulebreaking makes heads explode aplenty.
If there are plenty of stories about people who successfully cast the rules out the window and yet we agents still blog obsessively about things we do and don't want to see in query letters, why should anyone listen to the rules? Allow me to try and explain why all this is so (and it be so).
I think when someone's query is rejected they want to know why, and when people want to know why something happens, they tend to look for that one reason to explain why. It's human nature, I think, to want to find one thing to explain everything. Such as: Oh, I spelled his name wrong. That's why my query was rejected. Or: it was that joke about monkeys, wasn't it?
There is No. Such. Thing. as an automatic rejection. Well, one such thing: if it's screenplays or poetry. Otherwise I'm looking carefully and weighing a host of complex factors, and yes, you can spell my name wrong, write an entire query out of rhetorical questions and/or insult the Sacramento Kings, and I still might request a partial.
Does this mean you should cast all rules out the window? NO!
Once you've set aside the idea that there's only one reason for a rejection, the query points system begins to make sense. Now, just FYI, I'm not sitting at my computer with a pen and scoresheet, but here's what's happening in the back of my mind as I'm reading a query.
Let's say you have to get to 10 points in order to for me to request a manuscript. Here are the categories, which I'm scoring 0-10:
- Professionalism (appearance of query, spelling of name, personalization, absence of strange pictures)
- Book Idea (presentation of hook, marketability, writing style/quality, resonance with me)
- Qualifications (writing credits, celebrity status)
So let's just say someone writes a query letter entirely out of rhetorical questions in purple typeface (0 points for professionalism), the book is one day in the life of a literary agent, told in second-person stream of consciousness (0 points for book idea), but the qualifications section of the query is "I am Michael Chabon." 10 points!! I'm requesting the manuscript!!
Or, let's say the person has no writing credits, wrote an unprofessional letter, but the book idea is incredibly awesome and even involves a jelliquarium. 10 points! Manuscript requested!
But most importantly for the average querier out there, you want to earn points however you can. Sure, you can break the rules if you want, and if your idea and writing makes a perfect 10 you may find success. But your odds are so much better if you earn as many points on the "professionalism" scale as you possibly can. I have requested a large number of partials where the idea did not immediately strike me (let's say 3 or 4 points), but the query letter was so impeccable (8 or 9 points!) I wanted to check it out.
I still say your chances are better if you try and stick to the rules, but I'm also not going to miss out on a perfect 10 book idea just because someone misspelled my name.
57 comments:
- Ulysses said...
Thanks for the explanation. I hadn't thought of things this way before, and it makes a lot of sense.
- June 5, 2008 at 1:29 PM
- Conduit said...
All my anguishing over query letters came to nothing when my agent queried me, rather than the other way round. Now, from that direction, the Query Points System is fairly simple:
Agent Emails Me = 10 Points.
But the point I'm trying to make is there are no hard and fast rules to this. For every contest here and at Miss Snark's, I'm sure I'm not alone in having read the entries that have ticked the agent's boxes and been at a loss as to why that particular collection of words clicked with that particular agent. There does seem to be an undefinable X-Factor in queries that connect, and I feel it's a subject agents don't blog about so often. They list the tangible aspects of queries, and we lap them up, but there is that whole nebulous unknown thing that makes a query the right one for an agent.
Or something.
- June 5, 2008 at 1:43 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Absolutely. That's actually going to be the subject of a future blog post -- that "resonance" factor (i.e. whether an agent connects with a project) is completely out of an author's control.
- June 5, 2008 at 1:45 PM
- Kristan said...
Dear Nathen,
Thank you for this enlightening post. I think a lot of young authors will really appreciate it. I know I do.
By the way, can we discuss my new idea for a fictional novel? It involves a jelliquarium, for which I have heard you have some fondness. Have your people call my people.
Michael Chabon
- June 5, 2008 at 2:03 PM
- BookEnds, LLC said...
LOVE the point system Nathan. That's exactly how it works. However, I will say, that when the query is purple ink on bright pink paper it is possible it will never be read. Oh, My Eyes!
-jessica faust
- June 5, 2008 at 2:10 PM
- Chro said...
Nathan, I think people focus on the 'professionalism' aspect because it's something that can be easily improved upon.
I mean, if given a choice between obsessing over spelling the agent's name right, improving the entire plot of my novel, or somehow getting a slew of publishing credits (by taking courses or writing short stories or whatever), the first option looks much easier and more appealing.
It's also easier to give advice about. When you say 'include a SASE', it applies to everyone. You can't say, "Hey you, AspiringAuthor212, your problem is you have too many PoV shifts in your sample pages!"
- June 5, 2008 at 2:24 PM
- Bruce Judisch said...
Thanks. This helps. I've seen such a variance in guidelines/suggestions on different agents' sites regarding content and quality of the query letter. I guess it's like any other first impression: you walk into a room and ten people instantly form eleven different impressions of the one and only you. Hopefully, the cutest one decides you're worth a shot and--if the planets are perfectly aligned--she's an agent.
Cheers! Bruce
- June 5, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Great to see this, Nathan. In my very slow, selective and deliberate querying process I've come to learn that if the query itself is clean, professional and includes all the critical elements, the "resonance factor" seems to carry the most weight.
- June 5, 2008 at 2:45 PM
- Shelli said...
Makes perfect sense to me.
- June 5, 2008 at 2:56 PM
- Sam Hranac said...
My fish have informed me that this fits into the bad things category.
- June 5, 2008 at 3:04 PM
- Irate Teacher said...
I wonder how much of the resonance factor is, "Yep. You can write incredibly well," and how much is "I can point out the few flaws to fix, but this idea really hits home and I wanna know more." That in itself may differ from agent to agent, I don't know. I just wonder.
- June 5, 2008 at 3:09 PM
- sylvia said...
I think people focus on the 'professionalism' aspect because it's something that can be easily improved upon.
I think this works in both directions - a lot of the basics (what's wrong with purple?!?!) are so easily fixed, it is frustrating to watch would-be-published-authors get it so horribly wrong. So not only are the authors obsessing (because it's easier to deal with) but the people writing these kinds of helpful blogs are obsessing (because they are still getting submissions where it's just all wrong).
- June 5, 2008 at 3:09 PM
- Margaret Yang said...
The resonance factor is also why one must query widely. There really is no such thing as a perfect query. Just do the very best you can and send some out. It is much better than obsessing.
- June 5, 2008 at 3:16 PM
- Elissa M said...
There is also no such thing as the perfect book. Aspiring authors should realize the world won't end if their totally awesome life-changing breakthrough novel doesn't get published. Write another one. And query widely.
- June 5, 2008 at 3:28 PM
- Natalie said...
Thanks for saying this so clearly. It really helps to see where the points go. And you're right, it's better to grab a few points in the professionalism category than hope your idea will get you all the way to 10.
- June 5, 2008 at 3:36 PM
- Dennis Cass said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- June 5, 2008 at 3:44 PM
- Dennis Cass said...
When I worked for a literary agency, the queries that turned me off the most were the ones that tried way too hard. It's like when you meet someone for the first time, and right away they want to get into a debate about politics, or share their personal problems, or find out what you're doing next weekend. It's like, dude: we just met. Let's start with the basics, and feel each other out, and see where it goes. A query is no different from any social interaction. Everybody like polished, smart and charming. Nobody likes sloppy, weird and needy. Now go score you some points!
- June 5, 2008 at 3:47 PM
- JES said...
Really appreciate your laying all this out, Nathan.
It's kinda common sense: take care of everything you can, and don't worry about what you can't. Well, worry maybe -- just don't obsess to the point of immobilization over it. Or read too much into what you hear about others' success (or failure) stories.
Jeez, it almost sounds like you want us to be level-headed! :)
- June 5, 2008 at 4:01 PM
- Miss Viola Bookworm said...
I received a rejection once that simply said, and I'm not kidding, "Sounds boring." This was written in pencil on the top right hand corner of my query letter which was mailed back to me. That same day, I received three requests for partials. Initially, I was pretty ticked about the "boring" comment simply because I thought it was rude and unprofessional, but at the end of the day I was laughing and felt more confident about my manuscript. What sounds boring to one agent may resonate quite well with another, and I always try to remind myself of that.
Oh, and no, I haven't queried (nor will I in the future) the "sounds boring" agent again. :)
- June 5, 2008 at 4:10 PM
- Vinnie Sorce said...
I'm so sick and tired of people breaking the rules and getting ahead for it. Why even bother... I gave up sending out queries.
- June 5, 2008 at 4:13 PM
i'm surprised you would indicate that professionalism counts so much--mostly because I have a hard time believing you would request something that is an awful idea with no writing credits regardless of clean letter. Professionalism counts, but I would have ball-parked a maximum of 5 points rather than the 8 or 9 you indicate towards the end. Professionalism could get you halfway there, but not completely.
- June 5, 2008 at 4:18 PM
- Kristin Laughtin said...
It's all about the resonance factor because everyone's taste is subjective, after all.
I think a lot of the angst regarding the last contest was that the guidelines were short and straightforward, and people thought they should be more strictly adhered to as a result. (I did, even though you seem more easygoing than most contest organizers, but I didn't cry over the outcome either.) With queries, the situation is a bit different, because every agent I've read wants different things. Other agents profess their love for rhetorical questions. Some claim that doing X WILL be an automatic rejection. Some get annoyed if you spell their name wrong. Not sure about the Kings, but I wouldn't insult them anyway--I need to have some hometown pride.
Like you said, I think you'll be better off if you can bring both professionalism and a great idea to the table, and qualifications aren't too shabby a thing to have either. I'm looking forward to your post on the resonance factor, because it'll be interesting to read, even if it's not something you can control.
- June 5, 2008 at 4:30 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Update -- I'm up to date on my queries, so if you queried me in the last week you should have heard from me.
However, I have 28 partials in my Inbox and more on the way, so please bear with me if you're waiting for me to respond on a partial submission.
- June 5, 2008 at 4:53 PM
- Just_Me said...
Thank you, Nathan.
I'm not an agent but I love critiquing queries when agents blog about them. Sometimes, well written (or even loved by the blogging agent) the query doesn't grab me. It may be well written but there's the infamous X-factor.
It is good to know the rules can be broken though. I harbor the secret suspicion that most authors break the rules, if not on their query sheet then in their book. It's what makes them stand out (What do you mean vampires avoid the moon and live on garlic?!?!?).
And I'm very glad to hear that you don't require a perfect 30 before you ask for a partial. It gives me hope :)
- June 5, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Good Lord, Agent Nathan... As per professionalized, I'd have as much chance with you as a whisper in a torna'duh!
Haste yee back ;-)
- June 5, 2008 at 6:38 PM
I think of it this way: Yes, there are people who break the rules and succeed anyway. But they are in the minority. Most of the success stories come from people who do their homework and follow the rules. The unwritten message of a professional query letter is, "I respect you and myself enough to do a good job. I can be trusted with a book contract."
- June 5, 2008 at 7:14 PM
- Richard Mabry said...
Dear Nathan,
Thank you for your post. It's quite professional and the concept is very interesting. I'm not sure you have the necessary name recognition to make something of it, but I'll take a chance. Please send me a partial.
- June 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM
I think there's a little something more here, too, namely that, if you're going to break the rules, you have to be doing so both deliberately and to some end. I think many writers (myself included) have broken rules without realizing it, just because we've been green.
The "rules," such as they may be, are, I think, more than anything, a foundation. A sort of template to start from. "Professionalism: check. Idea: check," etc. But they are a foundation, and I think that writers who break them to accomplish some effect, whatever it may be, can be successful. For example, writing a query full of rhetorical questions in the voice of the protagonist who happens to speak solely in rhetorical questions.
Or suchlike.
There are hard and fast rules, and they were made to be broken, but you gotta learn 'em first, and you can't just break 'em for the sake of breakin' em. That's why they're rules.
- June 5, 2008 at 9:19 PM
- Adaora A. said...
I loved this post. But I have a few questions:
What if I was famous for tripping over air - I am in my community- does that count as celebrity status? ^_^
You know what struck me when I read the thing about misspelling names? How a lot of authors complain that their name was missspelled as well. It's like a back and forth thing or something. My name is such a tongue twister I've come to terms with it. I sign up for gift/member cards like The Running Room and they spell my name Adoeara or something ridiculous. Don't know how you can mess up Nathan and Bransford. But I can't help but think that if you really want an agent you'd take the time to double - and tripple - check that you've spelled their name correctly and put in the right address.
You must have read a lot of great queries if you've got 28+ partials. So the tide turns in your favour? More blog readers ticking off your Essentials list before they actually query. Break out the Crystal.
- June 5, 2008 at 11:35 PM
- ORION said...
Hey I heard someone was talking about me all the way here in LONDON... Thanks for the mention!
I love this post!
The thing is there were some rules I didn't break (spelling, organization of query letter etc.)
It was interesting as during the Orange Prize Party where I was tripping over literary agents everywhere I turned (including my own LOL!) this actually came up as Dorian was asked how she "found" me...all of them talked about this indefinable resonance that must be present in a query letter.
- June 6, 2008 at 12:18 AM
- Kalynne Pudner said...
Another brilliantly useful post! Now, if only the rejections would come with scores for those three areas. Okay, maybe just the first two; most of us can figure out on our own whether we are Michael Chabon.
- June 6, 2008 at 2:08 AM
- Whirlochre said...
I don't envy you at all — it must be like sorting blood cells by sheen.
Seems like you have a workable blend of fluid/rigid.
- June 6, 2008 at 3:48 AM
- Julie Weathers said...
My editor at the magazine once said she would rather have a writer with natural talent and a teachable mind, than a degree and the latest copy of (insert famous style book) in their hand. Her absolute biggest pet peeve was to have someone fresh out of school, explaining to her the way she writes is all wrong and they will "help" her.
Her theory is you need to know the rules, but, if you have the right style, you can break them creatively.
I doubt many people would get away with multiple pov and massive epic fantasies, but George R.R. Martin seems to have mastered that.
It's all about how well you do it.
- June 6, 2008 at 8:36 AM
A question, Nathan. If two agents are reading fulls, and one comes forward and offers representation, say, via phone call, is there a way to give the other agent a chance?
- June 6, 2008 at 8:58 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Yes -- you should tell the other agent that you've been offered representation.
- June 6, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Rule #1: Life isn't fair.
Rule #2: Get over it.
Rule #3: Follow the rules even if others don't.
Rule #4: Follow the rules even if agents don't request your manuscript.
Rule #5: Never give up.
Look, I have to get back to work now.
- June 6, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Hey anyone-
Just started querying agents (queried Nathan first - he said no!) but two agents did ask for fulls and a one asked for a partial...
Now does anyone know what the timeline for a full/partial is? I've heard a month is about average.
Seems to me (after two weeks of dealing with literary agents) that in this business good news travels fast...
How long does it take to read partial/full manuscript?
- June 6, 2008 at 1:19 PM
- Wanda B. Ontheshelves said...
Picking Up the Pieces
Of writing a good query letter. One piece: Your personality shining through. Who you are. Your "resonance." I recently completed a query letter that had this quality - it may have had nothing else going for it, but it had my personality in it, or rather, my project's personality. Not just my self-enthusiasm, the dreaded 'wishing myself all the success in the world,' tumbling words and run-on sentences spilling out after (or in the midst of) the mind-numbing "day job."
Personality: Thumbs up!
Self-enthusiasm: Run and hide!
Look forward to your post on resonance (I think of pine resin for some reason, that adheres to skin so unpleasantly, usually in a situation at a park or other outdoor area where there is no water available (not that water would help much). I guess that's the bad kind of resonance: "Reading this query letter was like stepping barefoot into pine resin. I apologize for the brusque tone of this rejection, but all my toes are stuck together."
Back to dayjobsville...my eyes adhere to my computer screen, as if with pine resin...
- June 6, 2008 at 2:13 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Just FYI in case you don't see your comment, I'm deleting all posts about the contest.
For the love of Tyra, people, it was two weeks ago, it was for fun, it's over, it's done with, it's finished, it had a Survivor theme, some people had fun, I said the rules would be subject to my interpretation, take up golf.
- June 6, 2008 at 2:30 PM
I just started working at a publishing house and am now reading manuscripts/queries. It's so odd to be on the other side and finally understand what Nathan Bransford (Or Kristen Nelson or Miss Snark) have been trying to communicate. All that matters in the end is a good idea and good writing. Sometimes ideas that could be good get rejected too. Sometimes publishers are on the fence but decide they can't pursue because they aren't sure. Sometimes I just have too much to do to take the time to write out WHY this manuscript doesn't work. In the end, I have rejected a manuscript because:
1. The first page was so boring I didn't want to go on. Ideas or premises are not necessarily boring. The writing did not present the idea well.
2. Good writing, bad plot.
3. Bad writing, good plot.
4. Poor character development.
5. I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing happened.
6. Writing talks down to the reader.
7. Some combination thereof.
What I realized in the end: literary agents and publishers DO CARE. They DO want good, publishable stories. All I want is a story that'll grab me and that'll make me go YES! I found you!
- June 6, 2008 at 3:18 PM
- Sophie W. said...
but the qualifications section of the query is "I am Michael Chabon." 10 points!! I'm requesting the manuscript!!
Thanks, Nathan. Now I need a new keyboard.
- June 6, 2008 at 5:48 PM
- AstonWest said...
I think when someone's query is rejected they want to know why, and when people want to know why something happens, they tend to look for that one reason to explain why. It's human nature, I think, to want to find one thing to explain everything.
Unfortunately, when little to no reason is given for a rejection, it lends itself to wanting to find that reason.
I actually enjoy the rejections where an agent will explain...for example, "not enthused about the premise" or something similar. That sort of response makes it easier for me to narrow down my query list for later works.
- June 6, 2008 at 6:23 PM
- flyswatted said...
Ha. I totally spelled your name wrong when I queried you -- but I sent another email to apologize because I felt rude, not like you'd reject me out of hand for it.
I think a lot of writers end up stressing about the small things like fonts and spelling errors because it's much easier to blame those things than to confront the idea that maybe the book is the problem.
- June 6, 2008 at 7:11 PM
- ChristaCarol said...
Jelliquarium? Hmm.....*jots down notes and begins an outline* This just might work.
Thanks for the insight. Makes me less anxious to get that query letter written.
- June 6, 2008 at 10:28 PM
- WitLiz Today said...
With all due respect Mr. Bransford, I think it was a mistake to delete the comments about the contest, particularly as you brought it up in your blog and even created a link to it.
And in the future, you might wish to forgo contests if you truly don't understand the validity behind the complaints.
There is rule breaking which pisses people off, and then there is rule-breaking which hurts no one, such as Ms Wood's query letter.
It's the first I'd be concerned about, because it showed a complete lack of integrity and respect on the part of the poster who exceeded the word count by a great margin.
It caused all sorts of problems for you even two weeks later, and for the writer who worked hard to keep the word count to what the rules stated.
Contests aren't really fun, Mr. Bransford. Maybe you want them to be, or at least have the spirit thereof, but in the final analysis they are not fun for the serious writer who puts a lot of time and effort into the entry only to get blown away by a rule-breaker.
When you have loads of complaints you need to respect the writer's who are making them, otherwise have a contest where there are no rules.
Now that would be fun.
- June 7, 2008 at 7:48 AM
- Julie Weathers said...
Contests aren't really fun, Mr. Bransford. Maybe you want them to be, or at least have the spirit thereof, but in the final analysis they are not fun for the serious writer who puts a lot of time and effort into the entry only to get blown away by a rule-breaker.~
You know, I try to be civil on other people's blogs because I feel it's kind of like visiting someone's home. Their home, their rules.
If the hosts asks a guest to stop doing something annoying, most people have enough common sense to stop. Where is it written just because a person is a writer, agent, editor, publisher, that anyone has the right to come into their space and be insulting to them?
If you are this "serious" about your writing, enter contests with prizes, publication and glory.
Some people enjoy the more informal chances to just toss something out there and look at how others handle a situation.
I once entered a rodeo queen contest. These things are usually based on beauty, horsemanship, poise, horse knowledge, etc. This committee decided they would give the most validation to the girl who sold the most advanced tickets.
Fair? Hardly. Crap happens. Move on and get over it.
- June 7, 2008 at 8:58 AM
- La Gringa said...
Witliz -
If you don't think contests are fun, there's a simple solution: don't enter them.
Anonymous 12:18 -
It really is amazing the first time you wade through the sea of bad slush, isn't it?
At the publishing house I worked at, they would regularly have slush lunches for the interns and editorial assistants, who would then open the unsolicited manuscripts, reject them and toss them away. Every year some intrepid editorial assistant was determined to try to find the next great American novel out of the slush pile. And by the third or fourth month, after reading so much bad prose, that intrepid editorial assistant was just as jaded as all the others.
- June 7, 2008 at 10:05 AM
- Julie Weathers said...
Anon 12:18
I hope you don't mind if I print that out. Good advice.
- June 7, 2008 at 10:44 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Well, let me just say that the first rule of the next contest is that anyone who is going to take it overly seriously should go play a nice game of backgammon instead. And that rule is going to be followed like it's written in gold.
- June 7, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Nathan, you poor thing. THANK YOU for running the contest. And thank you for being so gracious with the complaints. I noticed that one of the entries was longer, yeah. Did I care? No. Why? Because that is real life. Life is not bound by rules and regulations. The entry by the person who had too many words caught your eye. The rest of us didn't. That's real life. It doesn't mean that our life works are any less than this other person's work. Sheesh.
- June 8, 2008 at 9:15 AM
I personally think rule one should be all type As should take a sedative before entering. And I personally prefer agents and others who are willing to accept the human mistakes we all make.
Last year I paid good money to enter a writing contest and got disqualified because I accidentally put the agent's name on my query letter and got a "critique" that sounded like I was written by my 13-year-old. Wow-cool metaphor, good description. Your writing is nice. I will never enter that contest again because their rules are designed to trick you to reduce the numbers.
Another time I attended a writing workshop where we were inundated with daily emails asking us to respond immediately (as if we have nothing else to do all day) and they made us pay extra fees if we sent our submission "wrong" - ie. you taped the envelope shut, wrote in blue in instead of black, had the page number on the bottom right instead of top right. Give me a break! I was ready to strangle the workshop director by the end of the week.
- June 8, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Interesting that your example of the most boring possible plot is "a day in the life of an literary agent", Nathan. And yet here we all are, reading a blog about a day in the life of a literary agent instead of all those vampire/thriller/romances we're supposed to be scarfing up...
- June 8, 2008 at 5:33 PM
It's ridiculous that anyone who writes as poorly as you do, with such awkward sentence structure--seriously, it's almost as if you speak a second language--should have anything whatsoever to do with the written word.
- June 22, 2008 at 12:26 PM
- sylvia said...
Nathan may well speak a second language. I speak three; it doesn't actually affect your ability to speak your native language.
But I suspect the issue is simply what you wrote isn't what you meant. I'm sure if you keep an open mind, your writing will improve.
- June 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM
- jsph123 said...
I read your FAQs, and I have a question:
I've written a book that I feel is needed, it fills a niche, but I have absolutely no credentials nor any platform.
How do I get around this, or through this, as I query agents?
Thank you!
- August 19, 2008 at 10:21 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Well, you either write a proposal so amazing it doesn't matter that you don't have a platform, or, if your lack of credentials is a true impediment, the book may just not work.
- August 19, 2008 at 10:49 PM
- Ethyrical Artist said...
Nathan - in my agent research over the past couple of months I came across your blog. I was sad to see you're no longer agenting as of recently, but wish you the best with your writing!!
I've never commented on your entertaining and informative blog before, but your "jelliquarium" has prompted me to do so now because:
1. I was always jealous and fascinated by the scene in Mickey and the Beanstalk when Goofy jiggles around on the Giant's jello.
2. When I was a bit older and saw a Pink Panther movie, I thought it was awesome and hilarious that Clouseau sent the chief an enormous amount of jello for his birthday. Where could he have put all the jello? The chief wonders, mounting a diving board as he splats onto his swimming pool full of it...
I still remember those scenes with fondness and yes, a twinge of desire :-)
- November 27, 2010 at 6:58 PM


text:
California State University, Dominguez Hills • 1000 E. Victoria
Street • Carson, California 90747 • (310) 243-2322 Fax: (310)
Copyright © 2003 CSUDH. All rights reserved.
If any of the material is in violation of a copyright, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
The statements found on the (departments /college / auxiliary) Web page are for informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate, official information can be found in the University Catalog and Class Schedule.
Last updated August 1st 2005 by Patrick Naranjo. Original design by Annie Watanabe-Rocco.


text:
Bhadrak Overview
You can reach Bhadrak from Agra by road in about using a cab upon driving using a cab.
Bhadrak is a city and a municipality in Bhadrak district in the state of Orissa, India. Bhadrak is an ancient land noted in legends dating from the age of the puranas, contributing to Orissa's maritime & agrarian prosperity, trade and commerce down the ages and recorded in History. If you are looking for car rental Bhadrak let us know and we will be happy to provide you with best budgeted deals for . Book cabs in Bhadrak


text:
Welcome to DinoRidge.org!
Explore our website to see all that Dinosaur Ridge has to offer!
Visit our About Us section to learn about how our Exhibits and trails here at Dinosaur Ridge and at Triceratops Trail were created to help the public explore ancient Colorado and the creatures that once lived here.
Walk with 90-foot, long-necked giants across a floodplain lined with streams, ponds, and watering holes! Trace the ripple patterns left by Colorado's ocean on Morrison's sandy beaches! Muck through Golden's swamp under the shade of palm trees with Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex at Triceratops Trail!
Come have an adventure at Dinosaur Ridge!
Ticket Price
We've updated our full Calendar of Events. Click to see what's going on this year!
Upcoming events:
Join Us on Facebook!
Dinosaur Ridge | Promote Your Page Too


text:
Promotional price valid on web orders only. Your contract pricing may differ. Interested in signing up for a dedicated account number?
Learn More
Learn More
BrandTech Replacement Parts for Dispensette Organic Bottle Top Dispensers: Filling Valves
Manufacturer: BrandTech 6679
Specifications Description & Specifications
|Filling Valve
|0.5 to 10mL Dispensette™ II bottletop dispenser
|Sealing washer
Provide Content Correction
We continue to work to improve your shopping experience and your feedback regarding this content is very important to us. Please use the form below to provide feedback related to the content on this product.
Product Title
Thank You!
Your feedback has been submitted. Fisher Scientific is always working to improve our content for you. We appreciate your feedback.Ok


text:
Sorry to bring up an old thread, but wanted to help others who Google for this. I had the same problem in easy-creds which uses airbase-ng in the background. Seem to be an issue with the MTU. I set my tunnel to use a smaller MTU:
ifconfig eth1 mtu 567
and that made things work better. Got packets for web traffic through.
Not sure if there is a more elegant solution.


text:
- All
- Angels and Demons
- Atonement
- Basic Reformed Theology
- Irresistible Grace
- Limited Atonement
- Perseverance of the Saints
- Total Depravity
- Unconditional Election
- The Church
- Church Discipline
- Church Leadership
- Creeds and Confessions
- God
- Holiness
- Sovereignty
- Heaven and Hell
- Heresies
- The Holy Spirit
- Jesus Christ
- Cross
- Incarnation
- Resurrection
- Justification
- Last Things
- Man and Sin
- Reference
- Sacraments
- Salvation
- Faith
- Regeneration
- Scripture
- Systematic Theology
- Theological Views
- Roman Catholicism
- Music
- Apologetics
- False Teaching
- Atheism
- Book Reviews
- Children's Books
- Christian Classics
- Christianity and Culture
- Creation
- Ethics
- Fiction and Literature
- Philosophy
- Science
- Bible Figures
- Bible Interpretation
- Bibles
- Books of the Bible
- Gospels
- Covenants
- General Reference Works
- Introduction to the Bible
- Jesus' Ministry
- Life of Jesus
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Parables
- Prophecy
- Sermon on the Mount
- Ten Commandments
- The Lord's Prayer
- Controversies in the Church
- Alcohol
- Arts
- Bible Translation
- Covenant Theology
- Creationism
- Education
- Gender-Neutral Language
- Law and Gospel
- Lordship Salvation
- New Perspective on Paul
- Politics
- Race
- Sabbath
- Spiritual Gifts
- Women in Ministry
- Marriage and Family
- Divorce
- Parenting
- Practical Theology
- Discipleship
- Evangelism and Missions
- Grief and Death
- Pastoral Ministry
- Preaching
- Worship
- Spiritual Growth
- Anxiety and Worry
- Apostasy
- Assurance
- Conscience
- Depression
- Doubt
- Fellowship
- Godliness
- Guilt
- Humility
- Joy
- Knowing God's Will
- Legalism
- Love
- Money and Stewardship
- Oaths and Vows
- Prayer
- Pride
- Repentance and Forgiveness
- Sanctification and Growth
- Service
- Spiritual Fruit
- Suffering
- Thankfulness
- Vocation
- American Church History
- Ancient Church
- Biography
- The Byzantine East
- Eighteenth Century
- Enlightenment and Modernism
- Historical Theology
- Medieval Church
- Nineteenth Century
- Puritanism
- Reformation
- Seventeenth Century
- Twentieth Century
Seeking Forgiveness
One humorous privilege dog owners enjoy is watching their pet respond to unfamiliar sounds. It's almost impossible not to laugh when you see a dog cock its head to the side and stare with confused curiosity. These foreign sounds have …Read More
To Be Blessed
Bless your heart." "Have a blessed day." "God bless this house." "Let us say a blessing." The words bless, blessed, and blessing are thrown around quite a bit in everyday conversation. So, when we read about the blessed ones in …Read More
Absorbing and Applying God's Word
In The Horse and His Boy, C.S. Lewis, there is a certain refrain: "In the presence of the Tisroc (may he live forever), the only acceptable response was the enforced litany, 'To hear is to obey.'" Lewis repeats this refrain …Read More
Biblical Authority
It's one of those moments we wish we could have seen firsthand. It took place in the square before the Water Gate. At daybreak, Ezra brought out the law. He unrolled the scroll and began reading. He kept on until …Read More
The Courage to Be Reformed
When we come to grasp Reformed theology, it's not only our understanding of salvation that changes, but our understanding of everything. It's for this reason that when people wrestle through the rudimentary doctrines of Reformed theology and come to comprehend …Read More
God's Covenant People
God's covenant commitment to His people, made in successive promise-bonds, forms the scaffolding within which He builds His church; its shape and growth are determined by it. But like a medieval cathedral, the church is built over centuries; and like …Read More
God's Sovereignty and Glory
God is sovereign in creation, providence, redemption, and judgment. That is a central assertion of Christian belief and especially in Reformed theology. God is King and Lord of all. To put this another way: nothing happens without God's willing it …Read More
Justification by Faith Alone
Celebrations in 2017 of the five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation will return again and again to the subject of justification by faith alone, one of the Reformation's most critical rediscoveries. That subject is so important that in one sense we …Read More
Passing Down the Truth of God
I learned a vital spiritual lesson while participating in a track meet during my college years. I was running in the 4x400-meter relay at the Orange County Invitational. As a baseball player moonlighting in track and field, I wasn't the …Read More
Salvation Is of the Lord
The central truth of God's saving grace is succinctly stated in the assertion, "Salvation is of the Lord." This strong declaration means that every aspect of man's salvation is from God and is entirely dependent upon God. The only contribution …Read More


text:
happy anniversary. 11 years on the 11th.
Friday, September 10, 2010
27 comments:
WoW! I'm crying! You still look the same as you did on your wedding day...beautiful! :) So amazing. and so glad you're living your dream. With your dream man. What a wonderfully sweet post.ReplyDelete
What a beautiful post! Happy Anniversary! I loved looking at all your old pictures. My husband and I also got married in '99 - it was a good year. =)ReplyDelete
Loved the photo tour. Congratulations and God's richest blessing on your next 11 years (and more.)ReplyDelete
Happy Anniversary!ReplyDelete
sweet, sweet post honoring your man!
14 years later...those three things are the things that hold you together when life throws you a curve ball.....
What a sweet post! Happy Anniversary! I love the old pics, the sweater and the prom dress...LOVE! :)ReplyDelete
Happy Anniversary! I LOVE love stories, and yours is so sweet :)ReplyDelete
That was beautiful, every word and every picture of it! I love that you added all the history you have with your sweetie! The pictures are lovely, you are even lovelier! I hope you have a happy day and celebrate together in some special way! Wishing you 11...and many more!ReplyDelete
Beyond Beautiful......it warmed my heart so much to see this! Happy Anniversary to you both. ~Susan~ReplyDelete
That's amazing! Congratulations:D Have a happy anniversary day!ReplyDelete
Congratulations on your anniversary. You both look very happy and in love.ReplyDelete
Congratulations!! Beautiful pics...so sweet.ReplyDelete
Love this! What a beautiful story of coming together and making a life. You are just gorgeous in all the photos Sara!ReplyDelete
I love this September 11th story.
I love ya'all's story! Thanks for sharing, such a beautiful post :)ReplyDelete
Happy Anniversary!!! You are so wise (and so young!) Y'all are a beautiful couple on the outside and from everything I read/see here on the inside too. I love that scripture and try to live it daily too. Blessings,ReplyDelete
Awww, happy anniversary!ReplyDelete
That's amazing:) Love the story post:)
Happy Anniversary! What a blessing to be married to the man of your dreams! Here is to many more years!ReplyDelete
{ps, makes me think of our story, very similar}
What a beautiful romantic story and photos! Congratulations on your anniversary! Rachael:)ReplyDelete
love how much you love my dear brother!ReplyDelete
Such a sweet story! Its great to hear about such a great love and much happiness. You have a beautiful family!ReplyDelete
Awww. happy anniversary! this post reminds me of one a did in may. big hair, prom dresses and all! :) much happiness to you both!ReplyDelete
so neat. so wonderful. congratulations.ReplyDelete
how wonderful it is to have a photos.
happy anniversary. hope it was great!!!
Awwwww.... congratulations ! May you be blessed with only good health and ever so much happiness in the years to come !ReplyDelete
thanks for sharing,
Happy anniversary!! what a cute love story, you were a beautiful bride!!ReplyDelete
Happy Anniversary! We are celebrating today.. 13 years on the 13th!ReplyDelete
Happy 11th anniversary!!!ReplyDelete
Hello and Happy Anniversary, I found your blog today and wanted to share that I have something in common with you too! My wedding date was also on Sept 11th but in 2004.ReplyDelete
~kashya form candidkoosh
Love your blog! ...your hubby reminds me of Matthew Perry ;)! God bless you and your gorgeous family!ReplyDelete
Jen xo


text:
Los Angeles—Presiding Justice Norman Epstein announced today that the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four will hold a special oral argument outreach session for students from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on March 27, 2014.
This program is designed to introduce first-year law students to the appellate court system, and as part of this educational program, the justices will attend a luncheon with students to answer questions and discuss the appellate court processes and procedures.
The program is a collaborative effort involving Presiding Justice Norman Epstein, Associate Justices Thomas Willhite and Nora Manella of the Court of Appeal, and the Legal Writing and Advocacy Program at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. The cases to be argued are:
9:00 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
1:30 p.m.


text:
Disclaimer. Sponsor, all participating sponsors and any of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, professional advisors, employees and agencies will not be responsible for: (a) any late, lost, misrouted, garbled or distorted or damaged transmissions or entries; (b) telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or other computer- or communications-related malfunctions or failures; (c) any Contest disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events beyond the control of Sponsor; or (d) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the Contest.
Contest Period: The Contest shall commence June 23, 2010 at 12:00 AM PST (8:00 AM BST) (the "Commencement Date"), and shall continue in duration until 11:59 PM PST August 23, 2010 (7:59 PM BST, August 23, 2010) (the "Deadline"). All entries must be received by the Deadline to be eligible to win a prize.
Entry in the Contest: Beginning on the Commencement Date, you can enter the Contest by submitting short story based upon Sponsor's products, character, themes, locations, etc., and then upload your submission to Sponsor at http://www.blizzard.com/en-us/community/contests/form/writing2010.html, as well as completing the digital questionnaire found on that page. Your submission must be in English, and must be between 2,500 and 7,500 words in length to be considered for the Contest. You are limited to one (1) entry in the Contest. Any entries or submissions which depict or glorify overly graphic, lewd, obscene, vulgar or profane behavior, or which utilize lewd, obscene vulgar or profane language, either as part of the submission or as the name of the submission, will be disqualified at the sole discretion of Sponsor.
A. First Place. One (1) qualified entrant will be judged to be the winner of the contest, and will receive one a prize package consisting of a trip to Blizzard headquarters in Southern California that includes round trip coach air fare, two nights lodging, and a meal with Blizzard employees with an estimated value of $1,000.00; and the winner's choice of one of the following prizes: A Frostmourne™ sword, with an approximate retail value of $429.00; or a Diablo® "OVERTHROWN" barbarian diorama, with an approximate retail value of $299.99.
B. Runner Up Winners. Seven (7) qualified entrants will be judged to be runner-ups of the contest, and will receive prize packages consisting of one (1) Diablo® Archive, Warcraft® Archive, StarCraft ® Archive, and the Warcraft: War of the Ancients Archive, each signed by Chris Metzen, cover artists, and the Blizzard writing staff, with an approximate retail value of $65.85.
ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECEIPT OR USE OF ANY PRIZES ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNER. No more than one Grand Prize and two Secondary prizes may be won by any one Entrant to the Contest. All prizes will be awarded. Prize Winners must execute an affidavit of eligibility and liability release before they can receive their Prize. Prizes returned as undeliverable or otherwise not claimed within fifteen (15) days after delivery of notification will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. Prizes are not transferable. Each trip prize Winner's travel companion must also sign a release before ticketing. No substitutions or exchanges (including for cash) of any prizes will be permitted, except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value for any prize. Limit one prize per household or address. All prizes are awarded "AS IS."
Judging. Sponsor shall choose the winners from all entrants who have submitted an entry prior to the Deadline. Winners shall be chosen by Sponsor at its sole discretion based upon which entrants display the most original, authentic, and accurate, and compelling submission. Blizzard shall announce the winners of the Contest on or about October 8, 2010. The decision of Sponsor is final. Prizewinners will be notified by e-mail within fourteen (14) days thereafter. To claim a prize, winners should follow the instructions contained in their notification.
Sponsor Use of Entries. All entries and materials submitted to Sponsor in connection with the Contest (collectively, "Entry Materials"), along with all copyright, trademark and other proprietary rights associated therewith, become the property of Sponsor upon submission, including the right to use your name, voice, bio, and likeness if requested by Sponsor. The Entry Materials will not be returned to any entrant. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you acknowledge that Sponsor shall have the right to use, modify, reproduce, publish, perform, display, distribute, make derivative works of and otherwise commercially exploit the Entry Materials in perpetuity and throughout the universe, in any manner or medium now existing or hereafter developed, without separate compensation to you or any other person or entity. You agree to take, at Sponsor's expense, any further action (including, without limitation, execution of affidavits and other documents) reasonably requested by Sponsor to effect, perfect or confirm Sponsor's rights as set forth above in this paragraph 7. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may not sell, sublicense or distribute the Entry Materials or any derivative of the Entry Materials without the express, written permission of Sponsor.
Original Work of Authorship. You hereby warrant and represent that (a) you own all rights to all Entry Materials submitted by you; and (b) all such Entry Materials are original works of authorship on your part and have not been copied, in whole or in part, from any other work and do not violate, misappropriate or infringe any copyright, trademark or other proprietary right of any other person or entity.
Collection of Information. The Entry Materials include a survey that requires you to enter your name, e-mail address, and state of residence. By entering the Contest, you consent to Sponsor's use of this information to inform you of open positions with Blizzard, and to associate your name with your submission in promotional materials for the Contest in the event that you are chosen to be a winner. As stated above, the contest is not open to anyone under the age of majority in your country of citizenship. In the event that Sponsor becomes aware that you are under the age of majority in your country of citizenship Sponsor will delete, erase or destroy any and all personally identifiable information that is obtained from the Entry Materials. In the event that you are a citizen of France and/or any of the other countries whose citizens are eligible for this Contest, and pursuant to French law pertaining to data collection and processing, you are informed that the data collector is Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., and the data collected will be transferred to the United States of America. Upon request, you will be provided with access to your personal data. You also have a right of opposition to the data collection, under certain circumstances. To exercise such right, you may write to "Blizzard Entertainment Creative Writing Contest" —Personal Data, c/o Blizzard Entertainment, P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92612. You may also withdraw your personal data upon request, however you will be disqualified as a entrant in the Contest if you withdraw your personal data prior to the determination and fulfillment of the prizes listed in Section 5 herein.
General Release. By entering the Contest, you release Sponsor, participating sponsors and any of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agencies (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Contest or delivery, misdelivery, acceptance, possession, use of or inability to use any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory, to the extent permitted by law.
Winners List; Rules Request: For a copy of the winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope after October 31, 2010 and before April 30, 2011 to Sponsor at the following address: "Blizzard Entertainment Creative Writing Contest" -Winners List, c/o Blizzard Entertainment, P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92612. To obtain a copy of these rules, send a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope to Sponsor at the following address: "Blizzard Entertainment Creative Writing Contest" -Rules Request, c/o Blizzard Entertainment, P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92612. Residents of WA and VT may omit return postage, and please specify if you want the rules in English, French, German, Spanish or Korean.
Copyright Notice: The Contest and all accompanying materials are copyright © 2010 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
Miscellaneous: The Contest and these Official Rules will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the United States. Entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. Sponsor reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, in its sole discretion, and to suspend or cancel the Contest or any entrant's participation in the Contest should viruses, bugs, unauthorized human intervention or other causes beyond Sponsor's control affect the administration, security or proper play of the Contest or Sponsor otherwise becomes (as determined in its sole discretion) incapable of running the Contest as planned. Entrants who violate these Official Rules, tamper with the operation of the Contest or engage in any conduct that is detrimental or unfair to Sponsor, the Contest or any other entrant (in each case as determined in Sponsor's sole discretion) are subject to disqualification from entry into the Contest. Sponsor reserves the right to lock out persons whose eligibility is in question or who have been disqualified or are otherwise ineligible to enter the Contest. In case of dispute, entries will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet Access Provider, on-line service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Automated entries are prohibited, and any use of such automated devices will cause disqualification. If you have any questions about these Official Rules or the Contest, please e-mail them to firstname.lastname@example.com or send written questions to Blizzard Entertainment," Blizzard Entertainment Creative Writing Contest ", c/o Blizzard Entertainment, P.O. Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92612.
Contest Sponsor: The sponsor of the Contest is Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.


text:
Bountiful •
How did it come to be that a Greek pharmacist opened one of northern Utah's most popular Chinese restaurants in a quiet residential neighborhood in Davis County 35 years ago?
The story of the wildly popular Mandarin restaurant involves the Korean War, 84-year-old Greg Skedros who still works 60 hours a week and a building that once served as a corner drug store, beauty salon and pizzeria.
Skedros said he earned his pharmacy degree in 1950 and then served in the military during the Korean War, primarily in the Philippines. But he did get to Hong Kong, a fact documented by a photo that hangs in the restaurant above a shot of what the Chinese city looks like today.
He opened a corner drug store at 900 N. 400 East, where the award-winning restaurant is now located, in a tiny shopping center in 1961, working 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
"As things progressed with the pharmacy, I noticed that almost every grocery store was going into the drug store business, and I could see the handwriting on the wall," said Skedros. "Corner drug stores would not be around much longer, so I looked into something else."
A pizzeria in the little complex had just closed, so there was space available.
Working with a friend, Skedros began making plans to open a Greek-Italian restaurant.
But the friend got cold feet. The space was available, but Skedros had nothing to put into it. Looking around Bountiful, he noticed that the only Chinese restaurant at the time was a tiny hole in the wall. So he decided to try that cuisine 35 years ago.
He found a couple from Vernal to help set things up and hired a wait staff and two cooks. During that time, he began developing the nearly 30 different kinds of homemade sauces that would be a hallmark of the Mandarin dining experience, one that his daughter Angel Manfredini helps maintain as a co-owner.
Max Mercier, who owned a famous French restaurant in Salt Lake City for years, gave Skedros an important bit of advice:
"Know the sauces," Skedros recalls Mercier telling him. "Whatever you do, learn the sauces. Guys will come and go, but you always will have the sauces, so nothing will ever change."
Skedros closes the restaurant for three weeks every fall for a thorough cleaning. This year, he took a trip to China to check on recipes and get new menu ideas.
Touring the kitchen and coolers with him, it is obvious that he knows every inch of the Mandarin. He should. The owner did much of the finish work on the restaurant's unique design as it expanded from 60 seats to its current 210. The entire place, inside and out, is spotless.
It's also quite international. Skedros hires Chinese cooks from San Francisco, giving them room and board nearby. There are also Spanish speakers in the kitchen. Throw in English and a little Greek, and it's an interesting mix of nationalities.
"It's a tough business," he said. "My presence in the kitchen is so important. They see me at my age, as hard as I work, and I think they know I expect them to work as hard as I do. And it has worked."
That fact is obvious. There is often a wait to get into the restaurant, which offers monthly specials such as the upcoming "Woktoberfest" that gives diners a chance to try different small dishes, Shanghai meatballs or Dan Dan Noodles. This month, the Mandarin offered a dish made from fresh local produce. One weekend, he purchased a fresh 80-pound halibut that was then encrusted with cashew nuts, a lemon-lime sauce and curry.
If you dine there, don't be surprised to see Skedros greet you at your table, something that remains a big part of the Mandarin experience.
Twitter: @tribtomwharton


text:
This is a precise replica of an original 1923 garden telescope designed by the father of amateur astronomy, Russell W. Porter. Combining Porter's formal education in engineering, architecture, and art, this model - one of only 20 currently existing - faithfully presents the graceful Art Noveau lines of the world's few surviving Porter originals (one of which resides in the Smithsonian), making it ideal for luxury gardens, solaria, or formal spaces. Requiring 400 hours of labor by craftsmen whose work has graced the homes of celebrities and heads of state, each telescope is cast in bronze and hand-finished with knurling and burnished highlights. Updated with modern optics designed by two military satellite engineers, it delivers views of the heavens with stunning clarity with a 6" primary mirror and two eye pieces (50X and 75X). The optics remove easily for storage in a velvet-lined, leather-bound case, leaving the telescope to serve as an intriguing sculpture atop its bronze pedestal. Special conditions and guarantee limitations apply. 70" H x 12" Diam. (125 lbs.)
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at 1-800-321-1484.
May we recommend:
COPYRIGHT © 2016 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W106147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


text:
.ls Domain Names
Origine: Lesotho
Creation date: 1993
Description: .ls is the official extension of Lesotho
Note: .LS is only available in subdomains. Gandi manages .CO.LS.
Whois: here
Important note: This extension is only available for customers that have subscribed to a Gandi Corporate contract. For more information please contact our Corporate team.Purchase a .ls


text: MAKE 08 is shipping! Phil over on the MAKE Blog has a great post telling us all the juicy details of the new issue that's all about Toys and Games. There's also a bevy of kits in the MAKE store that you can tinker around with. Read more over on the MAKE Blog. Link.


text:
A story that follows the life of a grandmother who...
My Movellas
- by NHSPatel
- Rating:
- Published: 18 Apr 2014
- Updated: 31 Dec 2015
- Status: In Progress
This is a book with all my poems, stories and scripts. This is to celebrate the 20th Movellas I have made. From 26th February 2013 - Present Chapter 1-7 are poems and stories, Chapter 8-16 is the Dani's House Two Episodes and Tracy Beaker Returning, Chapter 17-32 are the Dani's Castle: When House Met Castle, Chapter 33-83 are the episodes of Native Ways from 1 to 100
Join MovellasFind out what all the buzz is about. Join now to start sharing your creativity and passion
Loading ...