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You remember Crossroads, right?
The movie, released on Feb. 15, 2002, starred Britney Spears as a high school graduate named Lucy. The sweet, naïve brainiac with pop star dreams was—you guessed it!—at a crossroads in her life. Not yet a girl, not yet a woman, she and two childhood friends, played by Taryn Manning and Zoe Saldana, reunited for a cross-country road trip after previously going their separate ways. The comedy, co-starring Dan Aykroyd, Kim Cattrall, Justin Long, and Anson Mount, earned $61.1 million on a $10 million budget. Crossroads also gave Shonda Rhimes her first major screenwriting credit.
To celebrate the number of women involved in its production (and to find out how the film was made), Broadly interviewed Rhimes, producer Ann Carli and others last year.
More than 14 years ago, Carli left Spears' label, Jive Records, to begin a new career in film. She came across a spec script written by Rhimes, a then-unknown screenwriter who had worked mostly in TV. They pitched the idea for Crossroads to Spears, her mom and her manager, Larry Rudolph. Once they got the green light (and $10 million from Jive founder Clive Calder), they got to work.
Here are 7 little-known facts about the making of Crossroads and its legacy:
Paramount Pictures
1. MTV had already been developing a project for Spears.
After Davis was attached to direct Crossroads, Carli and Jive Records brought it to MTV Films executive David Gale, who later signed on as the film's executive producer. Gale's team had already been working on a musical update of Alice in Wonderland that would both star Spears and feature other hot pop acts, including 'N Sync (and her then-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake).
MTV Films/Zomba Films
2. Rhimes wanted to show a different side of Spears.
"I was much more interested in the young woman that I met than the image that people had of her. She was a person, and I don't think anyone at the time was looking at her—because it's such a misogynistic society—as a person," Rhimes said of Spears, who had at that time released two No. 1 albums (...Baby One More Time and Oops!...I Did It Again) and was recording a third CD. "The idea that we could portray her as a three-dimensional young woman was interesting to me. To have mean-girled her and turned her into a caricature would have been a mistake."
MTV Films/Zomba Films
3. Robert De Niro convinced Anson Mount to do the movie.
Then a relative unknown, Mount was initially reluctant to play Spears' love interest. But De Niro, his co-star in City by the Sea, managed to persuade him to join the cast. In fact, De Niro was such a fan of Spears that he even ran lines with Mount on set, reading the pop star's part.
MTV Films/Zomba Films
4. Spears was anything but a diva on set.
Before filming began, director Tamra Davis says, "I knocked on her hotel room door, and she opened it up, and she was wearing, like, a little pink T-shirt and little shorts, and she was just hilarious. She opened the door and she was like, 'Man, I was hammered last night!' I was like, 'What! You're Britney Spears, and you were hammered last night?' She was, like, the funniest, really good girlfriend-y type of girl." Her food requests were limited to two items: tuna Lunchables and edamame. Spears also asked production to pick her up 30 minutes early so she could go to Starbucks. As Carli recalled, "She said, 'I don't mind. I actually like going in and getting to decide.'"
MTV Films/Zomba Films
5. Timberlake was a fixture on set.
"It was just the most beautiful relationship, seeing the two of them together and how love-y they were," Davis says of Spears' former flame. "They were just so close, and she was such a supporter of his. He worked just as hard as her. It was like, she would be doing rehearsals and he would be doing rehearsals. They really knew that life together." Davis still owns a notebook that Spears doodled in on set. "All she was writing was 'Britney and Justin,' all these little curlicues. It was like looking at a teenage girl's musings—hearts and butterflies and Justin's name."
MTV Films/Zomba Films
6. Rhimes keeps a signed Crossroads poster in her office.
"I think it really was, for me, a lesson in both fame," Rhimes said. "I really did get to see what extreme fame was like close up—and how to cope with it, how to protect my casts against it, and how to be prepared for the problems that come when it happens to people in your cast."
MTV Films/Zomba Films
7. Crossroads 2 isn't off the table.
"We've actually talked a little bit, in a weird way, about a sequel. There's a lot of people [involved], and they're really busy," Carli says. "Who knows? I think it would be a lot of fun, but everybody's in different places, from Taryn to Zoe to Britney to Shonda." Rhimes isn't sure she would return to write it, though. "It's 20-something years later. I don't know what Crossroads 2 would be!" the TV titan explained. 'Would I work with that group of people again? Absolutely!"
(Originally published on Friday, March 18, 2016, at 8:27 a.m. PDT.)


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Crash's Landing's Axel Needs A Loving Home
Summer travel is a lot of fun, but it can be exhausting at times too.
It makes you appreciate having the opportunity to relax at home with friends and family.
Share some of those special summer moments relaxing at home with a new friend this year.
Meet Axel, from Crash's Landing.
Crash's Landing is a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue center. Since opening in Grand Rapids in 2002, Crash's Landing has helped over 2,500 cats, but there is still work to be done.
Every Friday is Purrrfect Friday on 100.5 The River. We feature a cat from Crash's Landing that needs a home. This week we're spotlighting Axel.
Axel and his brother Slash were both born in spring of 2008.
The two brothers came to Crash's Landing in February, 2011. Both were in rough shape. Axel had scars and Slash needed treatment for gunshot wounds.
Of course, Crash's Landing nursed them back to health.
Last year, Slash was adopted. But Axel is still looking for a Paradise City.
Axel is easy-going, loves to snuggle, and would make a great addition to your family! Oh, won't you please take him home?!
Can't adopt, but still want to help?

subset: commoncrawl


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Bob's Ultimate Pinball Glass...and more!
Shop Online
Contact Us
Yes there IS glass on this pinball machine!
Welcome to Pinballglass.com. Home of Bob's Ultimate Pinball Glass.
If you are looking to improve the look of your pinball machine or collection of machines you have come to the right place!
Standard pinball glass is full of glare and green color and is only 3/16 thick. Bob's Ultimate Pinball Glass is clear glass that is
made without the green color
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the next step in pinball restoration and modification.
Side by side comparison of the edge color.
Bob's Ultimate on the right, standard glass on the left. Bob's is clearer and thicker!
I am happy that I can contribute to the improvement of something as awesome as pinball. As you can see by these edge pictures, Bob's Ultimate Pinball Glass is thicker and much clearer. Almost like fine crystal! The Standard Glass edge is so dark because of all the green. Not good! We also can create custom orders; call or email and let us know what you want. Also, please remember that standard pinball glass is available at low prices and can be shipped directly to you! No more dealing with that local glass company! Not to mention your time and travel!
We look forward to doing business with you.
All types of pinball glass are available at low prices!
Please procede to the "Shop Online" page to view our catalog of different types of Pinball Glass! Please note that if the glass you are looking for is not listed in the catalog you can most likely still buy it here! Custom sizes are available and soon I will list more in the catalog. We accept the following credit cards:
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Bob's Ultimate Pinball Glass
Thicker, clearer, and beveled!
Bob's Ultimate Pinball Glass 480-987-1600 480-987-1300 Fax
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Gallery: Cooking Demonstration In Rowland Heights
A few dozen Rowland Heights residents were treated to a healthy cooking seminar recently as part of Project Access' efforts to provide resources in low-income communities.
About 30 residents of The Palms in Rowland Heights attended a demonstration by Christopher Wilmoth, corporate chef at Lee Kum Kee, a popular sauce-maker that specializes in producing Asian cooking products.
"A lot of residents don't have the income to purchase healthy foods, many work multiple jobs to pay rent, but when they see how easy it is to cook healthy they get excited," said Project Access Marketing Director Rachel Sanchez. "They all want to (cook healthy), they want to be good parents."
Wilmoth did a cooking demonstration of grilled salmon, a mango salsa and fresh gazpacho, which is a cold tomato soup that requires no stove-top cooking. Residents were able to taste the food and even take home recipes and jars of Lee Kum Kee sauces.
"They (Lee Kum Kee) really took into consideration the population" when choosing the healthy, easy-to-make recipes, Sanchez said. "The residents were asking, 'where did you get this?' and he said he just went shopping at Vons for the ingredients."
Project Access is a nonprofit organization that provides services inside select affordable housing communities by operating resource centers. The nonprofit partners with community businesses to help residents in a variety of areas, Sanchez said.
"We partner with people who own affordable housing communities and they hire us to come in and provide services on site, increasing residents' access to services they need to be successful," she said.
"Our mission is to keep children in school, families employed and seniors active so we'll provide after-school programs, ESL classes, resume-building workshops and even translation services."
While the resources are only available to residents of the nearly 50 communities they serve in California, Sanchez said businesses can partner with the organization or find volunteer opportunities.
"We met Lee Kum Kee at a conference in May," Sanchez said. "They told us of a volunteering program they have where they do healthy cooking demonstrations," which is how they held the session at The Palms.
For more information, go to project-access.org.


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Celebrities Rachel Bilson Page 1 Raquel Allegra
Hart of Dixie fashion: Zoe's splatter tank from If It Makes You Happy
Hart of Dixie Style and Fashion: Rachel Bilson, as Zoe Hart Raquel Allegra Wife lover tie-dye tank in Hart of Dixie episode 'If It Makes You Happy'
The Top:
posted: Oct 17, 2012
Dec 17, 2014
Dec 17, 2014
Celebrity Style Finds
Currently Obsessed
July 23, 2017
Your new wardrobe secret weapon is the playsuit! The perfect alternative to a dress, easy-to-wear, and can take you from work to play with stylish ease. Rock your next festival, shopping trip or date night with this pinstripe playsuit.


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NORWAY-L ArchivesArchiver > NORWAY > 1999-06 > 0929457275
From: "Virginia Lindsey" <>
Subject: Bø,Telemark
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 07:34:35 -0700
Can someone help a friend of mine?
She is looking for information about her familyfrom Telemark and will be visiting the area soon.
Halvor HELLEKås b.1707 Hellekås farm at Eikajordet
Halvor Halvorson b.1762
Neri Halvorson Hellekås b. 1803
Hans Hellekås b 1829
Hans Nerison b. 1882
The family surname, as you see, changed a bit.
We have attempted to find the farm Hellekås which is supposedly near Bø in Telemark but cannot find it on any list.
Does someone know where this is? Is anyone researching in that area so she could contact them
Thank you for any help.
Virginia Lindsey
Virginia Lindsey
This thread:
|Bø,Telemark by "Virginia Lindsey" <>


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Cancer Message Board
Bush advisor had federal government perjuried itself in methymercury cancer case
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John Brady Kiesling
|John Brady Kiesling
Houston, Texas
|United States
|Alma mater
|University of California, Berkeley
Swarthmore College
|Notable work
|Diplomacy Lessons: Realism for an Unloved Superpower
John Brady Kiesling is a former U.S. diplomat and the author of "Diplomacy Lessons: Realism for an Unloved Superpower" (Potomac Books 2006). He was the first of three U.S. foreign service officers to resign, on February 25, 2003, to protest against the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell was posted by the New York Times and circulated widely.[2]
An archaeologist/ancient historian by training, Kiesling entered the foreign service in 1983. He served in Israel, Morocco, Greece, Washington, and Armenia, returning to Athens as chief of the political section of the U.S. Embassy in 2000.
After his resignation, Kiesling spent a year as a visiting fellow/lecturer at Princeton University, and then returned to Athens. Until May 2009, he wrote a monthly column called "Diplomat in the Ruins" in the "Athens News" in Greece.[citation needed] Kiesling supported the multilateralist foreign policy of former President George H.W. Bush and the limited purposes of the 1991 Gulf War.[3]
|Mr. Kiesling's personal crisis began in October, at a diplomatic party in Athens. He ran into an old friend and source from a stint in Athens 15 years earlier, a Communist who had spent years in Greek prisons. The pair had always sparred politically, but a warm friendship endured.
He holed up and read, but the cloud of despair wouldn't lift. Finally, in late February, when Mr. Bush made clear he wouldn't be defied, even by the U.N. Security Council, Mr. Kiesling drafted his resignation letter and quit. Suddenly, he felt "a certain lucidity, a strong, liberating feeling," he says.[4]
- Rediscovering Armenia: An Archaeological/Touristic Gazetteer and Map Set for the Historical Monuments of Armenia. Yerevan: Tigran Mets, 2001. ISBN 99930-52-28-0. ("PDF version" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-04-30. Retrieved 2006-04-30.) 2nd ed. Matit, 2005. ISBN 99941-0-121-8.
- Diplomacy Lessons: Realism for an Unloved Superpower. Washington, DC: Potomac, 2006. ISBN 1-59797-017-4.
- Greek Urban Warriors: Resistance and Terrorism 1967-2014. Athens: Lycabettus, 2014. ISBN 9789607269553.
- ^ Kiesling, John Brady. "Personal Information". bradykiesling.com. Retrieved 2011-06-04.
- ^ Kiesling, John Brady (2003-02-27). "U.S. Diplomat's Letter of Resignation". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ Deep Smarts: How to Cultivate and Transfer Enduring Business Wisdom - Page 137 by Walter C. Swap, Dorothy Leonard-Barton
- ^ After Resigning to Protest War, A Diplomat Turns Peace Envoy - The Wall Street Journal, Peter Waldman


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Measure 1210mm long
Fits standard 3/4 inch BSP fitting.
Anode rods extend the life of you water tank and should be checked regularly. Replace when 75% of the anode rod has been consumed.
What is a sacrificial anode?
Most tank-based hot water systems feature what's known as a 'sacrificial anode'. A sacrificial anode is a metal rod, normally made from aluminium or magnesium and coated in zinc, which hangs down inside your hot water tank.
The sacrificial anode is designed to attract minerals and impurities in the water which would otherwise react with the inside of the tank and cause it to rust and deteriorate. This 'sacrificial' rod slowly rusts and degrades, sacrificing its own life for the greater good of your hot water tank.
Perhaps the most important aspect of hot water system maintenance is routinely replacing your sacrificial anode as and when necessary.
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Every time we drive into town, I say that when I see this:
It's a bit blurry because we were driving in the car. I love the movie A Christmas Story and can't wait until tomorrow night when TBS will begin to play it non-stop for 24 hours. We have it on all day on Christmas... even though we own the DVD.
Here are some cookies I made:
I gave them to my neighbor who is traveling to South Carolina today. She might be there already. I made more cookies tonight, mini cheesecakes, Russian Teaballs, Reese Cup Tassies and more of the Kolache cookies. I did the nut ones on Sunday, today I made apricot. I'm of Slovak decent, so you must make Kolache and nutrolls for Christmas and Easter. YUM!
I've had these really neat tin snowflakes for about 6 years... they're really cool, but too heavy to hang on the tree. This year, I decided to hang them on my pot rack in the kitchen. I also put a silver berry vine around it, too. I love how it turned out. I think the snowflakes found their home. I might even leave them up past Christmas.
Here's a random picture of my dog... I thought it turned out good. She looks so innocent... who would have thought just a bit earlier she ate an entire dozen of the Kolache cookies! I asked her why oh why did you have to pick the hardest cookie to make! Silly dog.
Well, that's it. I'm finished shopping. Finished baking. Just need to clean a bit tomorrow for our guests on Christmas. I'm getting excited!!
Off to bed, I'm bushed. Take care!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
4 comments:
- angie worthington said...
did she really eat a whole plate of cookies?...did you laugh at her?...bet she slept like a baby afterwards!...
your cookies look great..i made spritz cookies, sausage balls, peanut butter balls & cheese wafers today...need to take some pics of my treats!....
- December 24, 2008 at 12:56 AM
- Melissa and Emmitt said...
happy holidays!
your cookies are wonderful and your dog is so cute! it is so nice to meet her!
- December 24, 2008 at 8:36 AM
- Stacy said...
I just got finish watching that movie, LOL! I never get tired watching it. One of these days I want to go to the house where the movie was filmed. :)
- December 24, 2008 at 2:00 PM
- Harley Dee said...
Just wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!! :)
<3 Koala Love
- December 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM
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Wholesale Yarn Shopping Cart
Note: All prices in US Dollars
Welcome to your Ribbon Yarn Shops
We have a wide collection of knitting yarns here, especially the ribbon yarn of all kinds. We like to let you know that whoever is looking for ribbon knitting yarn shops here because of the quality of the knitting yarn, wide yarn collection, and the service as well. Our ribbon Yarn & ladder yarn, are in our knitting yarn shops and sold as wholesale yarn discount. Kindly browse the below ribbon knitting yarns categories and enjoy shopping yarn online.
Browse Ribbon Yarn by Category or see them all below
Enjoy Shopping Ribbon Yarn for knitting


text: "Yao Gomez" <yao.gomez at gmail.com> wrote in message news:pdyvfpeaigfvorkfnddi at forum.dlang.org... > On Saturday, 25 February 2012 at 16:08:40 UTC, Nick Sabalausky wrote: >> "Trass3r" <un at known.com> wrote in message >> news:op.v98sager3ncmek at enigma... >>> http://twitter.com/#!/ID_AA_Carmack/status/173111220092682240 >> >> It's not showing the actual quote, can someone paste it? > > It works for me. God bless Javascript. > > Anyways, here's the quote: > >> Using D for my daily work is not an option, but I applaud thier inclusion >> of a "pure" attribute. Interesting. I wish he'd elaborate on why it's not an option for his daily work.


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The Santa Clause
Complete with eight pages of full-color stills, this novelization of the upcoming holiday release starring Home Improvement's Tim Allen is filled with all the humor and adventure sure to make it a hit with American family audiences. Just what is the Santa Clause?--"Once you're Santa, you're Santa for life!"
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This article is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
mycobacterium tuberculosis
multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
IFN-gamma release assays
latent TB infected
IFN-gamma release assay
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Bacille Calmette Guerin
region of deletion 1
After MTB exposure, usually via inhalation, lung macrophages are infected, spurring inflammation and an adaptive immune response. MTB-antigen-specific immunity usually successfully controls the pathogen, although viable bacteria do remain in granulomas for extended periods of time [
The only effective vaccine to date is BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin), which limits pediatric MTB but is not as effective in preventing adult pulmonary disease [
MTB infection is traditionally and still widely diagnosed using the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). In this method, an individual is injected with Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) and evidence of antigen-specific immune memory is assessed via swelling of the injected site within 48 to 72 hours. The simplicity and ease of readout are clear advantages; however, TST often provides ambiguous results in immuno-suppressed individuals [
In the last decade, new assays were FDA approved to diagnose MTB in the United States: the TSPOT™.TB (Oxford Immunotec), the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT), and the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) (Cellestis Limited). In the TSPOT™.TB and QFT, blood is drawn from the subject and IFN-gamma is measured after stimulation of PBMC with Early Secreted Antigen Target (ESAT-6) and Culture Filtrate Protein (CFP-10) antigens, both found within the RD1 (Region of Deletion 1) genomic segment of MTB. The QFT-IT includes the TB7.7p4 peptide coated to vacutainer tubes for cell stimulation without the need for cell isolation. These Elispot or ELISA-based methods, collectively referred to as IFN-gamma-release assays (IGRAs), offer noted advantages in the detection of latent MTB infection over TSTs. IGRAs demonstrate high specificity for MTB and, unlike the TST, are far less likely to give positive results from individuals who are BCG vaccinated and never MTB exposed. Also, the sensitivity of IGRAs increases the likelihood of detecting MTB infection in immuno-suppressed subjects, such as those who are HIV+ and are most likely to progress to active infection [
When a naïve T cell encounters peptide antigen and MHC, it will differentiate into an antigen-experienced (memory) T cell. Depending on the cytokine milieu and other factors in the microenvironment at priming, T cells can differentiate into Type 1, Type 2, or other functional lineages, such as Th17 [
Furthermore, as IFN-gamma can be rapidly produced by recently activated effector or fully rested memory T cells, measurement of only this one analyte will likely reveal very little about the state of infection/disease in an individual. The IFN-gamma response after ESAT-6 or CFP-10 stimulation are different in MTB subjects in different states of disease when measured
Therefore, while IFN-gamma measurement can serve as a useful biomarker of previous antigen encounter, its value when measured alone at determining disease state or vaccine efficacy is often limited and can be very misleading. Multiple effector functions secreted by the composite MTB-specific T cell memory pool must be simultaneously measured to perform accurate T cell diagnostics of LTBI
In recent years, analysis of cytokines other than IFN-gamma and also multiple effector functions in combination from the MTB-specific immune response of LTBIs and active MTB subjects were compared. Some interesting trends are emerging to suggest that a functional bio-signature for LTBI subjects, distinct from active infected individuals, is attainable.
Flow cytometric analysis allows the simultaneous measurement of multiple cytokines from individual T cells after short-term stimulation with MTB antigens. Comparison of the percentages of T cells secreting all possible combinations of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha after ESAT-6 or CFP-10 stimulation of PBMC from individuals with LTBI
While analysis of TNF-alpha and IL-2 in addition to IFN-gamma shows great potential to conclusively distinguish LTBI from active MTB subjects, either no differences in the profile of the IL-2+, IFN-gamma+, TNF-alpha+ responses to ESAT-6 or CFP-10 between active and LTBI subjects [
IL17 is a cytokine associated with inflammation and anti-viral responses, and is produced by the Th17 lineage of memory T cells. In MTB infection, the frequency of IL17-producing CD4+ T cells after PMA and Ionomycin stimulation was significantly lower in active MTB subjects compared to both LTBI and healthy donors [
While Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) and the Th17 cytokine IL-17 are well established as integral components of a successful immune response to infection, these functions can cause significant immuno-pathology to the host. Therefore, T cell effector functions with immunosuppressive roles, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, TGF-beta and the direct T cell inhibitory T regulatory cells (Tregs), are often a substantial and integral component of an antigen-specific immune response. TGF-beta and IL-10 are produced in response to PPD from PBMC of infected subjects
This immunosuppressive arm of the immune response may arise to dampen the inflammation and reduce immuno-pathology during onset of active disease, or alternatively, MTB may have evolved to induce type 2 responses to inhibit autophagy in macrophages, as IFN-gamma promotes while IL-4 and IL-13 directly inhibit this process [
Taken together, the findings of Th1, Th2, Th17, and other effector functions in LTBI as compared with active MTB subjects indicate that combinational analysis of multiple functions will likely provide a cytokine bio-signature that will conclusively distinguish these two states of infection. Elispot assays present clear advantages over other methods currently used for analysis of
Elispots, like flow cytometry-based Intracellular Cytokine Staining (ICS), can directly determine the frequency of immune cells responding to a particular antigen, a core competency for immune diagnostics. In fact, while the putative naïve T cell repertoire is comprised of a vast number (≥1012) of TCR specificities, for any single infective agent, the frequency of circulating antigen-specific memory cells is quite low, typically in the range of 1:10,000–1,000,000. While capable of single-cell resolution, detection of this rare cell pool can be a challenge for flow cytometry, whose lower limit of sensitivity for identifying functional T cell frequencies is reported to be 0.02% [
While ELISAs and bead-based measurement of cytokines from culture supernatants offer some advantages [
Elispots not only provide superior quantitative performance, they are also amenable to multiplex analyses carried out simultaneously (single well), in parallel wells, or in multi-color assays. Given the relatively small sample size required per test, multiple cytokine Elispots can be performed in parallel. Well established dual and even triple-color Elispots, both enzymatic and fluorescent, allow multiparameter resolution at the single cell level and are currently used in many research settings, including clinical diagnostics as well as therapeutic design [
Beyond performance criteria, the Elispot assay possesses a number of other characteristics favorable for widespread adoption in developing countries where MTB is most devastating. Compared with flow cytometry, Elispots require one-tenth less cells per test, a fact that is crucial under conditions where samples are precious (remote testing) and/or limiting (pediatric test subjects). Smaller sample sizes also mean less reagents used per test. Also, Elispot data acquisition/analysis is far easier to perform, less time consuming, and dramatically lower in cost than flow cytometry. In fact, data from a 96-well Elispot plate can be acquired and analyzed by an image-based platform, such as the ImmunoSpot, in the same amount of time it takes a skilled flow cytometer operator to collect one sample. Also, while flow cytometry struggles with a lack of user-independent gating capabilities, and therefore suffers from inter-user and inter-lab subjectivity [
When assay sensitivity, ease of use in the field, and cost are all taken into consideration, a combination Elispot platform is likely the superior choice for the development of a multifunctional T cell assay to distinguish LTBI from active MTB disease status. Due to the wide variation in cytokine secreting cells per donor within both the LTBI and active MTB subjects [


text:
About Us
Tennis guides
Choosing a Racquet
Choosing a Grip
Choosing a String
Stringing service
Racquet customisation
Contact Us
With 25 years of experience in stringing and customising racquets, Serving Aces offer you Melbourne's best knowledge and expertise that will make a difference to your game. We know racquets and strings like nobody else! We have a stringing station and racquet customisation facility that is unmatched in Melbourne. Our range of strings is Australia's largest to suit all needs. We carry about 200 different kind of strings, some of them not available anywhere else in the country!
Copyright 2010 - 2015 Serving Aces.
Visit us at 644 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039. Ph: 03 9375 4949
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You are entitled to register up to 3 devices in your beIN SPORTS CONNECT account. However, only two devices can be used concurrently.
To add a new device simply remove an existing device and login to the new device; the new device will automatically be added to your devices list. You can remove/replace up to 1 device per month.


text:
Choose Between Two Options
- $10 for two adult and two child admissions (a $20 value)
- $20 for four adult and four child admissions (a $40 value)
The value of this deal is based on regular ticket prices and doesn't reflect student, senior, or military discounts. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.
World of Wonders
Lego cars zip down ramps, giant bubbles bobble in the air, and lightning strikes inside a glass orb. At World of Wonders, these are just a few of the more than 50 hands-on experiments designed to excite the imagination and nurture a love of science.
The World of Wonders opened in March of 2009. There, kids and adults learn how light, sound, motion, and sight work at manipulative exhibits such as the shake table, which shows how buildings can withstand earthquakes. By placing one hand on a copper plate and the other on an aluminum plate, visitors learn how their bodies are conduits for electrons while observing their electric current on a meter. It's permanent features like these, as well as rotating events, that inspire the minds of future engineers, astronauts, and mad scientists whose Frankenstein-like creations are actually just misunderstood by society.


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If the limited-edition, 530-horsepower, $600,000 Nissan Juke R is out of your price range, the Juke Nismo from Nissan's Nismo (Nissan Motorsports) performance division can be your consolation prize.
The sport-tuned Nismo version of Nissan's compact crossover was unveiled this week at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
Nissan says the Nismo version uses a tuned-up version of the Juke's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. In regular Jukes, it makes 188 hp; there was no word yet on the Nismo's power rating.
Nismo versions get also stiffened suspension tuning and steering modifications for sportier handling. And the all-wheel drive will get a torque vectoring system for better cornering ability, according to Nissan.
The Juke Nismo also will look fast -- its distinctive curvy exterior lines made even more dramatic with a body kit featuring lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and side skirts, a unique grille and a new tailgate spoiler. Wider 18-inch alloy wheels complete the more aggressive look. Suede-trim Nismo sport seats are the biggest change to the interior.
No word yet on pricing, but details will be announced closer to the vehicle's launch date. It goes on sale first in Europe in January. Japanese and U.S. markets will follow.
-- Jennifer Geiger, Cars.com's Kicking Tires
Chris Woodyard is an auto writer for USA TODAY who covers all aspects of motoring. He revels in the exhaust note of a Maserati and the sharp creases of a Cadillac CTS. Chris strives to live a Porsche life on a Scion budget. More about Chris


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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Monica Abbott feels a different vibe on the national team that has put the United States back atop the softball world. She calls it "serious with a smile."
Not many of the Americans' opponents are grinning these days, though.
Jessica Mendoza doubled twice and drove in four runs, Abbott threw a one-hitter and the U.S. beat rival Japan 8-0 Saturday night at the World Cup of Softball.
The Americans (4-0) have yet to allow a run or an extra-base hit in four victories at the World Cup, yielding only nine singles in 26 innings.
"If you don't let them score, it's hard to lose, so that's our plan," U.S. coach Jay Miller said. "We're just going to keep going with that."
EARLIER SATURDAY: USA Softball blanks Futures team
Abbott, who threw a two-hitter in the World Cup opener against Canada, allowed only Naoko Matsumoto's leadoff bloop single in the fourth that landed in front of a charging Kaitlin Cochran in right field. That followed a dominant performance by Eileen Canney, who threw a two-hitter in the national team's 1-0 victory against the USA Futures team earlier in the day.
And the scoreless stretch has come without ace Cat Osterman, who tore the biceps in her pitching arm in the Americans' victory in the world championship game against Japan three weeks ago.
"We're trying to be perfect," Abbott said. "We're trying to strive for excellence every time we go out there."
Abbott credited this year's strong performances to the team being a more fun-loving group that can stay loose on the field. The national team had an infusion of youth last year, with 10 rookies replacing the slew of veterans who retired after the Beijing Olympics. The sport won't be played in the Olympics for at least another decade, if ever.
"We're very serious still, don't get me wrong," Abbott said. "But we're serious with a smile. So don't be fooled by our beautiful faces, I guess."
Natasha Watley had an RBI single and scored three times and Cochran homered for the third time in as many days to end the game after six innings because of the mercy rule.
Jennie Finch, playing in her final international tournament, also drove in a run.
The Japanese (2-2) have been the Americans' top rival in recent years, beating the U.S. in the gold-medal game in the 2008 Olympics. But they're dealing with heavy roster turnover, too. Only four players who started in the gold-medal game were on the field for Japan on Saturday night. Most notably missing was Yukiko Ueno, the ace who's given the Americans fits in recent years.
Mendoza, who took last year off while pregnant with her first child, was involved in a collision at home before helping the U.S. pull away.
On Finch's bloop to shallow center that scored Watley, Mendoza slammed into catcher Yukiyo Mine, jarring the helmet off of Mine's head. She was able to hold onto the ball as her head crashed into the ground, and she stayed down for a few moments before being helped to the dugout.
Mine did not return to the game. Mendoza, however, kept doing damage.
Her next time up, she swatted the first pitch from Sayuri Yamane off the fence in right-center for a three-run double to give the Americans a 4-0 lead. After Watley's RBI single in the fourth, Mendoza drove her in with a second straight double — this time to left.
"You have some nights or days where you're like, 'Can I hit really?' You've got to remember nights like tonight just to remember that you can, because this sport will challenge you as quick as it will pick you up," said Mendoza, who also singled and walked and finished 3-for-3.
Canney continued to accumulate fond memories in Oklahoma City, striking out 14 in a two-hitter in the early game a day after she accepted her boyfriend's marriage proposal. Alissa Haber homered for the only offense in the game that featured a squad of the nation's top players against the best players who didn't make the national team.
"It's been a great week, and it's nice because my family is here and friends are here to support us," Canney said. "I just love Oklahoma City. Really great memories here."
Canney (1-0) pitched on the same field for Northwestern at the 2006 Women's College World Series, when the Wildcats made it all the way to the finals before losing to Arizona. She and her fiance, Andrew, started dating shortly before that.
So Friday along the Bricktown canal near downtown, he dropped to one knee and popped the question.
"Oklahoma City is really special for us," Canney said. "So it was a perfect place for it."
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Climbing in Gozo is increasing popularity with locals and visitors alike. There is a great diversity of climbing in Gozo from deep gorges cut out of the limestone rock to the cliffs of the southern coast and rocky inland crags. With 300 days of sunshine a year the weather is often perfect for climbing in Gozo with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
The Ultimate Gozo Luxury Farmhouse Diving Tour
Family activity holiday on the beautiful Island of Gozo
Coastal vistas and hidden hilltop hamlets


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Registrar of Vital Statistics: Marriage/Civil Union Licenses
License Requirements:
1. Both Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and at least one or both of the applicants must be a resident of Bordentown City.
2. Applicants must show proper identification and proof of residency; i.e. driver's license, birth certificate, passport, etc. (A current utility bill, bank statement, or document of this nature may be used to establish residency)
3. If either applicant has been divorced or spouse is deceased, divorce decree and/or certified record of death must be presented at time of application.
4. When applying, you must have one (1) witness with you at least 18 years of age or older; must know both applicants; may be a family member, co-worker or friend; must speak and understand English
5. Information to be supplied by the Applicants shall include:
a. Name of Father
b. Maiden name of Mother
c. Birthplace of each parent
d. Name and address of person performing ceremony
e. Date ceremony will take place
f. Social Security numbers (if applicable)
6. After you apply, there is a 72 hour waiting period before the license can be issued. Once the license is issued to you, the license expires after 30 days.
7. The license may be used to perform the ceremony anywhere in the State of New Jersey
8. You must have two (2) witnesses for the ceremony at least 18 years of age.
9. Marriage/Civil Union License applications are taken by appointment as follows:
a. Tuesday and Thursday Mornings – 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
b. Wednesday afternoons – 1:45 PM until 4:15 PM
c. Please call the office at 609-298-0604 ext. 6 to schedule an appointment.
d. Marriage/Civil Union License fee is $28.00 and is payable at time of application. (Cash or Money Order)
10. You may download an Application for Marriage/Remarriage, Civil Union/Reaffirmation of Civil Union by clicking here: Application for License
11. You may complete the application and bring it with you to the Registrar's Office; however, DO NOT SIGN the application until requested by the Registrar.
Blood Tests Are No Longer Required To Obtain A Marriage/Civil Union License in New Jersey.
Registrar of Vital Statistics: Certified Copies of Marriage/Civil Union License, Death and Birth Certificates
Records of all events which take place within the boundaries of the City of Bordentown are maintained as a permanent record in the Registrar's Office. Certified copies may be obtained Monday through Friday 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. The fee for a certified copy of a marriage/civil union, death or birth certificate is $10.00 per copy.
The applicant for a certified copy must:
1. Complete an Application for Certified Copy
2. Provide proof of your identity
3. Provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the vital record you are requesting
Certified records may be obtained by mail. You may download the Application for Certified copy, complete the portion for the Applicant and Vital Record being requested and send to the Office of the Registrar, City Hall, 324 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, New Jersey 08505 along with the appropriate fee and copies of identification.


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Slideshow: Glitter & Gold At The Daytime Emmys
Dude, I love the Daytime Emmys. There is so much glitter and beading and cleavage, it's not even funny. Soap stars have the most flamboyant style in Hollywood, like they don't learn to tone it down until they land their first sitcom deal or movie role. After the jump, ten of the hottest ladies on the red carpet and picking up their awards. Forgive me if I resort to calling them by their character names. Previously: Slideshow: Celebrity Vegetarians


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Chain Link Eternity Scarf by Vickie Howell
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 7 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
© 2011 by Caron International Yarns
© 2011 by Caron International Yarns
© 2011 by Caron International Yarns
Chain Link Eternity Scarf
This pattern is available for free.
Also available at AllFreeKnitting, as "Knot Your Grandma's Cowl".
Get ready for fall with Vickie's new free pattern in Stitch.Rock.Love, Sheep(ish). Her Chain Link Eternity Scarf is doubly fabulous as it's knit with two strands of this soft-on-the skin, wool blend roving yarn. A simple stitch pattern creates intriguing texture and easy elegance.
For more information, see: http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/knitting/knit-...


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Soviet Star Wars
SF Weekly's Exhibitionist blog has a funny post about Star Wars as explained to citizens of the Soviet Union in a 1978 US propaganda magazine called Amerika. If you read Russian, the article is here. If you don't, follow the link to the blog's Google-aided (mis)translation of the story. Some excerpts:
What is the movie's story? "If these [Death Star] plans zakompyuterizirovannye fall into the hands of the rebels friends princess, steeped in corruption, the Empire could fall, and the Galaxy will be restored freedom."
What kind of creatures inhabit this galaxy?
"In addition to robots, Lucas picked up a menagerie of monsters and freaks, which may arise, perhaps, only in a drunken stupor ... Make-up artist Stuart Freeborn went to work and mutilated these freaks even more, turning them into nightmares of genetic, something like giant flies, cobras or monsters that pop out of the deep sea."
Do the monsters get along with the robots?
"Uttering sounds like the hoarse roar of the lion or the sharp cry of a perturbed ass, [Chewbecca] oppresses Erdva little robot, then -- in a dangerous point -- retreats, do not hide your cowardice."
SF Weekly: The Joys of Russian Star Wars: Meet Tripeo, Erdva Dedva, and Obi-Wan Knob


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My name is David Steinberg. I am an OS Services intern on the Automation team at Apple and a co-founder of SimpleWash.
I am a Computer Science and Electronic Media Production double major at Kent State University, where I help run a web and mobile programming club, hacksu. I am currently writing my honors thesis: The Internet is Public... What Have I Done?
sqrt() have a deep fascination with and passion for languages (programming and natural), phonetics, linguistics, and etymology.
I am proficient in Objective-C, C++, PHP, AppleScript, r?e(gular|xpressions), JavaScript/jQuery, HTML, and CSS, and I have rudimentary knowledge of Italian and Turkish.
I wanted a slicker, shorter syntax for making webpages - something for front-end development that matched Flask's lightweight feel and ease of use - so I built this templating language.
It has a basic (highly customizable) symbol set with a few keywords and a few idiomatic structures, but I think it's pretty easy to look at.
I have been developing wrapper languages and grammars since I began programming, and this was a quick and dirty way to try out a lil' syntax I dreamed up.
I thought it would be cool to think of a webpage as a bunch of objects, each with content, style, and functionality. Oh wait, that's HTML, CSS, and JavaScript! Right. But how about all of them linked more tightly under one roof? It will break. Please have fun.
I love words and puzzles, and I thought it would be awesome to bounce off of Wordsmith.org's phenomenal Internet Anagram Server by creating a drag-n-droppable way to rearrange the letters in names/sentences to create other names/sentences.
I grew tired of testing and debugging in black and white, and I challenged myself to produce a "caveman's style suite" for C++ development. Because the name CSS was already taken, and I felt that the code looked "sick" after the styling, I chose siC++.


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Monday, March 24, 2008
On Formality In Query Letters
But lately people have been pushing informality in query letters just a tad too far. At the end of the day, while I'm really not a wild and crazy guy, I don't think of myself as a stickler. Don't worry about calling me "Mr. Bransford," even if we've never met ("Nathan" is fine). Don't sweat a typo. And by all means, crack a joke or two.
With your query letter you are proposing that we enter into a business relationship, and breeziness can be taken too far, particularly when it interferes with conveying the tone and spirit of your project. Yes, be funny and cool, but don't give the impression that you're taking the query lightly. With me and with other agents, err on the side of formality.
So for instance, do not call me "Nate," "Nat," or "Nate Dogg" (and yes, people do this). Don't use your language casually, unless you're specifically trying to convey the tone of your project. And if we've corresponded before, please don't assume that I will definitely remember you -- include the backup correspondence so I can refresh my memory.
As always, the goal of a query is to give the impression that you are talented and professional. Don't lose sight of professionalism as you show your talent.
Nate Dogg signing off.
84 comments:
- Linnea said...
I suspect a large part of the reason people do that is to create the illusion of an already close relationship with the agent.
- March 24, 2008 at 1:32 PM
- Erik said...
While I appreciate how to address Nathan, I have to wonder how formal other agents and publishers are - or for that matter, what the standard conventions are.
For example, where I grew up people tend to be known by their last name without title; in my case, "Hare". It's not exactly formal, but it isn't informal, either. In the Midwest, people invariably use first name only. This has caused problems when working with people from Germany, where culture demands that you are very formal with people you don't know well.
I would guess that the appropriate level of formality among agents is a function of region and age, but when in doubt wouldn't it be best to be very formal?
But, then again, how do you really feel when someone plays it ultra-safe and addresses you as "Mr. Bransford"? Is there even a tiny penalty for being a bit ... rigid and distant?
[I know, the short answer is "Get to know them before you query", but I like the long answers.]
- March 24, 2008 at 1:54 PM
- Adaora A. said...
Wow Nathan.
When they called you "Natedog" did they carry on with
"what's crack-a-lackin?"
Why do I remember you saying in a much earlier blog post that you don't like being called "Nate" at all. Either my memory is at A-game (as it tends to be sometimes), or something else is afoot. Either way.
I'm not a jean person at all. I can't stand pants, I never wear them. People do tend to look at me strangely on campus for this.
Nate Doggggggg
- March 24, 2008 at 1:54 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
"Mr. Bransford" is totally fine, and for other agents, unless you know their preferences I'd err on the side of formality.
- March 24, 2008 at 1:56 PM
- ChristineEldin said...
Hahahahaha at "Nate Dogg!"
Okay, sorry this is off-topic,
but number 91 reminded me of you. Though I've never been to San Fran.
- March 24, 2008 at 2:03 PM
- Scott said...
So, like, the following's a bad idea?
Yo, Nate Dogg:
I want to submizzle my shizzle.
Maybe I should see if I can delete the submission I just sent you...
- March 24, 2008 at 2:12 PM
- Ello said...
I was going to use Nate the Great, not in an informal way, but in a more "All hail the benevolent, gracious and powerful Nate the Great!"
- March 24, 2008 at 2:16 PM
- mlh said...
So, Nathan, what you're saying is don't be so formal as to have a butler hand-deliver the query letter, but at the same token don't be so informal as to have your butt hanging out your pants while saying "Word Up" all over the letter.
Hear you loud and clear.
- March 24, 2008 at 2:17 PM
- pjd said...
Do people not realize that there are lots of examples of traditional business letter formatting?
The best business advice I ever got was, "It never hurts to be overdressed." Yeah, OK, you don't want to wear the business suit to the company pool party, but the advice is applicable to many business situations. Including query letters.
- March 24, 2008 at 2:19 PM
I suppose Naterino is out too.
- March 24, 2008 at 2:51 PM
- Conda V. Douglas said...
Yes, the key word is "business." That's the relationship--and that's the relationship I want with an agent. Sell my novel! Make money! Business!
- March 24, 2008 at 2:53 PM
- Josephine Damian said...
I too remember your not liking "Nate" which is why I refer to you in my blog posts as Agent Nathan but also "The King of Nice."
- March 24, 2008 at 3:06 PM
- Josephine Damian said...
pjd: Thanks for the link. Good advice all around. I've said it before, I think these e-mail queries are a mistake because, by nature they are informal communications and un-business like in general. Yeah, I'm just as "green" as the next guy and get why paper queries are bad for the environment, but hell, if agents and writers recycled, then the paper is not wasted.
Adaora: I never heard that phrase before. Now, I'm gonna go around all day saying: "what's crack-a-lackin?" because of you. lol
- March 24, 2008 at 3:12 PM
- Nadine said...
I grew up in California and now live in Hawaii which is even more casual - yet I still address all of my queries to either Mr. or Ms. To me, it is just proper etiquette.
- March 24, 2008 at 3:17 PM
- La Gringa said...
My pet peeve in being addressed is "MS."
My inner English major screams whenever I see this. It's always bothered me. I would prefer people just call me "Colleen".
"Miss" is not offensive in any way and I don't understand why cranky feminists decided to replace a perfectly good honorific with one that is not actually short for anything.
But I haven't seen any inappropriately informal salutations in any of my queries so far.
- March 24, 2008 at 3:28 PM
- Nadine said...
Good to know about the "MS." - I thought it was a safe bet to do Ms.
Maybe I'll just switch to full names from now on...
- March 24, 2008 at 3:32 PM
There is a man in my writing group who slightly rises from his seat, subtly, every time a woman stands.
It is entirely unnecessary, and completely wonderful.
What a man...
Manners and polite behaviors always make an impression.
My brother was a most desired date in high school. One of the things the girls gushed over him about was that he was the ONLY boy, they knew, who actually opened the car door for a girl.
When formalities are voluntary, they probably mean even more.
But I personally, do not want to sit down to eat with someone who burbs or isn't wearing a shirt or slurps their soup.
I think it is great that blue jeans are the new causal suit, but, my, my, a man sure looks good in those dressy threads too.
- March 24, 2008 at 3:35 PM
speaking of which,
I have seen more dumpily dressed writers than i could believe possible. I mean, like they sleep in their clothes for days on end like it was a trademark art form.
I mean, even a nice jacket and a classy, fresh, ironed shirt really stand out with blue jeans.
And a tie means to me, you want the job.
- March 24, 2008 at 3:44 PM
but keep the tennis shoes, they mean you are fun too!
- March 24, 2008 at 3:46 PM
and cowboy boots...
- March 24, 2008 at 3:57 PM
As an add on to Anon 12:35, I was raised in a 2nd generation immigrant family. Grandpa and Dad insisted that everyone is "Mr." or "Mrs/Ms" "whoever" unless and until they specifically ask you to call them something else. To this day I feel wrong calling someone by their first name, first crack off the bat - and I *hate* it when sales clerks do that to me in stores. I'm not stuffy, it's just that a) I don't know them, b) it's such an assumption on their part, and c) I don't go by my first name (which is on the credit/debit card) I go by my middle name - so their calling me *wrong*!!
I think erring on the side of formal courtesy can't go wrong. It shows respect for someone else, and it gives them the opportunity to tell you by what name they *would* like to be called.
Err toward formality, dress your best, be courteous - it's not boring - it's a tremendous show of respect for others, and it translates so much better across all cultural lines.
- March 24, 2008 at 4:00 PM
It is a tremendous show of respect for yourself too.
Ask yourself, how would I like my talent to dress? act? represent itself?
It doesn't have to be stuffy either to be elegant or have flair or show individuality. It just needs manners.
- March 24, 2008 at 4:15 PM
- Michelle Moran said...
My husband is British by way of Zimbabwe, and he always calls my mother Mrs. Moran. After ten years together, I finally told him, "Umm... I think it may be time to use her first name, don't you?" Though I have to admit, it was really cute!
I always try and err or the side of formality. I don't think anyone will ever hold that against you, whereas the flip side could be slippery territory, especially in any sort of business relationship, as erik pointed out.
- March 24, 2008 at 4:20 PM
- Jackie said...
I didn't use any formalities with my Querries. Natedoo (ha ha, sorry couldn't resist) I didn't even form a nice Business Letter. My Query just consisted of the meat. I am a Business person, when doing business, and hate all the fluff and like to get straight to the case. As a social person I love to laugh and joke. What I am reading between the lines is you are suggesting a happy balance between the two?
- March 24, 2008 at 5:00 PM
- Jackie said...
correction...you are suggesting a more, polite Business Letter?
- March 24, 2008 at 5:08 PM
- Marissa Scott said...
Nate Dogg? In a query? Why, oh why do people sabotage themselves this way? Insanity is all I can think of.
Even if I had met you somewhere, taking those kinds of liberties is pushing the comfort zone me thinks.
- March 24, 2008 at 5:38 PM
i have had people shorten my (female) name to a male name -ugh!!!!!
I have heard pompous people formalize a name that is NOT formalized (think "Patti" as assumed "Patricia" or visa versa)
People: NO! DON'T DO IT! NO!
(P.S. Is the "word verification" to insure the writer is not drinking?)
- March 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM
please walk the line
- March 24, 2008 at 6:10 PM
- A Paperback Writer said...
Whoa. People actually call you "Nate Dogg" in a formal letter? Oh my.
But perhaps they also show up in their boxer shorts and flip-flops at formal weddings as well.
Honestly, we're all more comfortable when we can be casual, but there are times when casual just won't do. A formal business letter is one of those times. Blogging is not.
- March 24, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Nadine, even though La Gringa dislikes "Ms" it is still the only appropriate prefix for a female agent. Why? Because you have no way of knowing her marital status, and you ought not to ask. If you really can't stand "Ms" for your own aesthetic reasons, simply use both first and last name. But I assure you "Ms" is considered appropriate in the business world, at least in NYC.
By the way, the feminists had a very good reason for insisting upon "Ms." It's not fair that a title reveals to the whole world a woman's marital status, and not a man's. Just a thought for all those of you in the younger generation.
- March 24, 2008 at 6:42 PM
By the way, according to Wikipedia:
"Ms. is an English honorific used with the last name or full name of a woman. Ms., like Mrs. and Miss, is a contraction of the honorific 'Mistress', which is the feminine of "Mister" or 'Master'."
- March 24, 2008 at 6:53 PM
- La Gringa said...
But dropping "Mrs." and just keeping "Miss" would have been just as good. It may be accepted but most women I know despise it just as much as I do.
I don't care what people think of my marital status when the write me, to be honest. As long as they spell my name correctly. :-)
- March 24, 2008 at 6:56 PM
- Mary Paddock said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- March 24, 2008 at 6:58 PM
- Mary Paddock said...
What a relief to have a line drawn. I've actually worried about how much use to make of humor in queries. I have a pretty good idea as to what a business letter should sound like, but queries are also about selling yourself a little and humor can useful in that regard.
With respect to salutations, when there's a doubt, I opt for full names. It's simply easier than trying to decide if I'm dealing with a Ms, Mrs, or someone whose name gives no hints about whether they're male or female.
March 24, 2008 3:58 PM
- March 24, 2008 at 7:02 PM
- Other Lisa said...
Put me down with a vote for "Ms." "Miss" just feels weird to me, and I'm not a "Mrs."
I agree with the poster who said that it isn't right for a woman's title to reveal her marital status when a man's does not.
- March 24, 2008 at 7:03 PM
La Gringa, I am curious as to why you dislike "Ms." Is it aesthetic or otherwise?
The women I know have no problem with it. And we both live in New York. Go figure.
- March 24, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Ms. finally gave me -and other women- a respectable title that did not judge or value us on whether we were mated or not.
As a girl, I liked "Miss" because I was romantic about being single.
But as a fully independent woman, (AND I AM Married)
I hate to think my title is dependent on my marriage status.
When I use Ms. I use it respectfully.
When I receive that title, I feel respected as a professional, regardless of my marriage status.
- March 24, 2008 at 7:18 PM
In all queries, I go with the standard:
"Dear Mr. FirstName LastName":
or if it's a woman:
"Dear Ms.FirstName LastName":
Don't see how one could possibly lose with this standard business letter opening.
- March 24, 2008 at 7:33 PM
- Cam said...
I suppose "Dude" is out of the question, too.
Too bad. I was going to use that one.
- March 24, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Aww, are you sure we can't call you by Nate Dogg in a query? It's such a cute nickname for you!
- March 24, 2008 at 8:06 PM
- Moose said...
Bow wow yippee yi yippee yay.
- March 24, 2008 at 8:26 PM
- Furious D said...
How about I just call you THE NATHANATOR!
And if you sell one of my novels to a publisher I can call you my pimp!
But in a nice way.
- March 24, 2008 at 8:43 PM
- JaxPop said...
Being laid back is fine. I prefer boots n' jeans or, better yet, flip flops n' shorts, but a query is still a business letter. Being too casual isn't businesslike. Just because you (Mr Bransford) happen to be a down to earth 'not full of himself guy' (so far) shouldn't change the importance of a respectful approach from those that decide to query you. As Josephine also mentioned - email tends to detract a bit but it's still best to err on the side of formality & that's still possible via email.
By the way - I have no problem with using Ms. On the flip side - I HATE it when Ms, Miss, or Mrs calls me 'Honey' - 'Sweetie' - 'Babe' or 'Sugar' (pronounced Shugah down here). Unless it's Mrs JaxPop - after 33 years of wedded bliss (& she's still a hottie) she can call me anything she wants.
- March 24, 2008 at 8:56 PM
I usually use the Ms. or Mr. format when addressing agents or other people I don't know well, such as someone I'm interviewing. Then if they address me informally or return an email using their first name or a shortened version of a formal name (such as Bob instead of Robert), I interpret (hopefully correctly) this as a green light to address the individual in a more familiar. manner.
- March 24, 2008 at 9:07 PM
- Adaora A. said...
Where are my dogs at?
You were channeling Little Bow or er, Bow Wow, as he is now.
- March 24, 2008 at 9:09 PM
- Aimless Writer said...
I kinda like that "Nate Dogg". However here in Jersey we'd be saying, "Yo Nates! How the F are ya?" To which you'd reply, "WTF".
So, you're saying dat wouldn't fly in da query?
Thanks for the info.
- March 24, 2008 at 9:12 PM
- Kimberly K. said...
Dear Mr. Dogg,
... sorry - couldn't resist.
This actually reminded me about a web piece I read about interviewing no no's. I would think that some of these are quite similar in theory. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Applicant claimed to be so well qualified that if he didn't get the job, it would prove the company's management was incompetent.
Applicant asked to see the interviewer's resume to see if the personnel executive was qualified to interview him.
Applicant wore a jogging suite to interview for the position of financial vice-president. (Yes, dress codes are getting more casual. But please.)
and my favorite...
Applicant sits down in interviewer's office, leans back, puts his feet on her desk, and proceeds to tell her why he should have her job.
(grabbed from http://www.gradview.com/careers/big_mistake.html )
- March 24, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Don't even get me started on the whole sweety/honey topic. I interviewed a swimmer the other day who addressed me as dear, sweetie and honey until I wanted to end the interview with a crazed, ear-piercing scream!
- March 24, 2008 at 9:26 PM
- The Anti-Wife said...
So I guess Natie Pooh is out too, hunh?
- March 24, 2008 at 9:34 PM
- Wanda B. Ontheshelves said...
Ms.-ing The Wire
I'm so heartened others have posted in defense of Ms., and I don't need to say anything at all. But of course I will - working on my website in HTML, so need to keep my hand in the literary pot somehow! Or spoon, or something...
Last week I'd wanted to post about The Wire, but didn't get around to it. In reading David Simon's interviews, etc., I'd noted that his experience of the inner city is gendered - one might say, "mistered" - Mr.'d:
He says of the Baltimore Sun: "Whenever they hear the word 'Pulitzer,' they become tumescent."
He says: "...the thing that makes me giddy as a schoolgirl is this..."
He says: "I am your new lord sovereign of buried, latent, subtextual argument. I dragged it past sarcasm, past cynicism, and all the way to balls-out snide. Crown me up and kneel, ya bitches."
I looked up pictures of David Simon online - he's a big beefy man, who'd have a much easier time "hanging around" a dangerous street corner (or part of city) than say, a small petite woman...or even any woman for that matter...or even a small man...I knew a small man in Detroit in the early 90s. He was showing me around the city - we went past a certain intersection, and he said, "This used to be Viet Nam." Because of all the drug dealing. But that day it wasn't, that year it wasn't, there was nobody around. All dead or in jail! Even the drug trade has its rhythm, its peak and ebb...
And then he took me to this house whose roof had half-caved in, that had belonged to a dentist. A beautiful house! Full of trash, halfway to your knees, in all the rooms, not the hallways - I wondered if it was to keep people from using it as a crack house, they didn't want to get high and have to wade through all those magazines and clothes and blankets and whatnot. I mean, it was clean trash, not food or waste or anything. Dry trash. And the woodwork was in excellent condition, just waiting to be stripped to be sold to someone who wanted the authentic touch to their home in the suburbs!
Well, then he took me up into the attic, to show me how the dentist kept bee hives up there! A beekeeping dentist! And so there, in the part of the attic that wasn't caved in, were the old beehives - boxes containing wooden frames, which were strung loosely with wire - most of the honey and beeswax had been eaten away by mice or whatever, but there was still some clinging to the frames - I asked him, "can I have one of those?" So, it was like chivalry, I'll say that - and I on principle avoid words like chivalry! - he went from joist to joist over to the beehives (the roof was low) and got me one of those wooden frames strung with wire. Lovely, sweet man!
Get it, wire? Not wiretap wire, or tripwire, or barbed wire, The Wire - but beehive wire. And it still had the scent of honey to it, or beeswax. So that's kind of my gendered experience of the inner city - my "Ms.-d" experience of it - that's in my novel - I probably feel about that wooden frame the way some people feel about possessing a Faberge egg, or John Lennon's psychedelic Rolls Royce, or Harriet Tubman's gun. So 48 Hours sometimes has episodes about Detroit murders - the Detroit Mayor and ex-chief of staff were arraigned today - our auto industry is disappearing - but I've still got that piece-of-a-beehive - and a possible trajectory into the future.
The more I read about David Simon, the more he seems like my long-lost twin brother – well, except that I already have a twin brother. And we've had as much conflict as I imagine I'd have had with Mr. David Simon through the years – the wall of gender, scraping away at it with little clamshell words like "Ms."
- March 24, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Get any cracks about Nate the Great?
Being old fashioned, I'd stick with "Yo, Dadd-y-o."
- March 24, 2008 at 10:29 PM
- Moose said...
Adaora A, George Clinton used it first.
- March 24, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Michelle- My husband is British as well and also calls my mother Mrs! Maybe it's a British thing!
- March 25, 2008 at 12:55 AM
- Diana said...
Nate Dogg? NATE DOGG?
I really like Ms. for the fact that 1) it's correct in terms of etiquette and 2) it's appropriate regardless of marital status.
Of course, if you want to err on the side of over-titling, you could always address the recipient as "Dr." You'd be amazed at how infrequently people are offended if you call them Dr.
- March 25, 2008 at 2:05 AM
- Jessica said...
I'm with you, Colleen. I have always disliked being addressed as a 'Ms.' both when I was unmarried and married. I understand why other women prefer 'Ms' and I respect their decision. For me, I don't feel I have to hide my marital status.
I notice that in the U.S. 'Ms.' seems to be the default. I like that, here in the U.K., I am usually asked for my preferences when in a new situation.
- March 25, 2008 at 6:29 AM
- Chris Redding said...
You'll hate Ms until the first time you get called Ma'am. Unless yoiu're from down south and then that's pretty common I think. A sure sign of respect.
- March 25, 2008 at 7:50 AM
- WitLiz Today said...
With all due respect to Mr. Bransford and other blogging agents, if you want a query letter to reflect a more businesslike tone, then perhaps your blog should reflect this tone. You are, after all, setting an example. If however, you prefer to have your natural personality shine, as it seems to be the case with Mr. Bransford, that's ok, but then cut the damn writer some slack if he falls on his ass. Which we will. Why? Because most likely we are all reading multi-agent blogs giving conflicting advice.
That means when a lurker or a regular commenter, anonymous or otherwise, gets a rejection from a blogging agent because they broke rule number 101, it stings a lot more than some newbie writer who queries out of the blue, and blithely sends off a query letter without a clue in their head about what's appropriate or not.
Hell, if I wanted to be born a ping pong ball instead of a writer, I would've put my application in way before I was born.
When did writing query letters become such an act of torture for a writer? When Literary Agents started to blog.
I guess my patience is running thin, because I'm reading so many comments from countless writers who agonize over these letters like they're a Mercedes Benz with expensive tires about to drive over a spike strip.
Literary agents need to realize that many gifted writers have to write under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, be it financial, mental, or physical. They would do well to keep that in mind and be a little more compassionate when they read query letters that didn't make the grade or that offended them. Bearing in mind too, that the offended is more often the offender.
But, I also realize there are two sides to the equation. Inasmuch as these same literary agents generously donate their time to educate a writer, it's important I cut them some slack when they cause a 50 car writer pileup. It works both ways.
- March 25, 2008 at 7:52 AM
WitLiz, while I appreciate your rage at this and think you make some good points, it's important to understand what the agents go through with slush.
Every year I sit on a judging committee to award a lot of money to nonprofits where people volunteer. We get between 700 and 1,000 nomination forms, which we have to read (in our off hours) in a few weeks. Each nomination form is anywhere from 1-3 pages, single spaced, answering a number of questions.
There are quite a few that are astonishingly good stories, so when we run across the ones where the applicants clearly have not put in any effort, or clearly have taken liberties, we just put them into the "no" pile.
Nathan is not being nitpicky here. He is simply pointing out his triggers that cause something to go into the "no" pile without serious consideration. It's not, "If this person doesn't use Mr. Bransford, they're done" so much as, "Oh, geez, Nate Dogg? Forget it."
In my judging, the triggers are different, but they exist nonetheless. And nearly 100% of the time the correlate with an application that would have gotten a "no" anyway. That's a conclusion based on experience.
- March 25, 2008 at 9:55 AM
I get where the above commentor, Witliz Today, is coming from. Agent blogs complicate everything, it seems.
Reading agent blogs (I won't name names) has significantly decreased the respect I have for agents. I've been horrified by how they refer to/treat their clients in their posts. Recently one agent bragged about finally getting around to reading some partials she's had for 6 months and then proceeded to tell in a blog post how she only read 1-2 pages of EACH partial before saying nah, and sending a form reject. This agent also excitedly announced she's writing a book. I thought, hell, let's hope editors give your book more than a ONE page read after a six month wait. Or better yet, let's hope they don't.
Unless you are a best-seller, writers have no power in this business. Or respect. At all.
I'm agented and published, so it's not sour grapes, but lemme tell ya, if a writer actually told you the crap that they've had to take from agents/editors it would pale in comparison to someone calling you NATE DOG.
- March 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
- Christian said...
Dear Mr. Bransford,
Really? Strangers have actually called you "Nate-Doggy-Dog" or some such inappropriate informality? I believe that it's a symptom of the erosion of respect for others, made worse by perceived barriers of anonymity like emails, text messaging, and the like.
And what's up with automatically shortening people's names? I have the name Christian, which invariably gets shortened to "Chris," which, I might add, is NOT the root word, but rather Christ...though when I suggest that as a viable option, it gets met with looks of horror and furtive glances at the sky, surely awaiting heavenly lightning bolts.
I say: if they don't respect your position in the industry enough to show that in a query, then may said lightning bolt visit them whilst they're performing some unmentionable function in their bathrooms. so there. :~)
- March 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
WizLit and Anon-
Well, I confess I didn't anticipate that a suggestion to not call me "Nate Dogg" would touch a nerve.
I'd just like to point out that 1) I never blog about my clients and 2) trust me, I take far more abuse from aspiring authors than I dish out.
- March 25, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Anonymous 7:01. I think I know which agent you are referring to, and IMHO there are many reasons not to like this agent from what she writes in her blog.
But I have to disagree with you about the reading 1 or 2 pages of a partial being disrespectful. Many, many times you can tell in this amount (or even far less) that a person can't write. That's just the way it is. Why waste time reading more?
- March 25, 2008 at 10:12 AM
- La Gringa said...
Christian -
I tend to address people with the same name they have used to sign a letter to me. I don't shorten names. But I do find it difficult sometimes when an author (and a lot of them do this) use their initials only when writing to me. I feel silly addressing someone as "T.L." in a response to a query.
As for the use of Ms. - I certainly don't penalize anyone for using it in addressing me. They don't know I hate it, and it's a commonly accepted form of address. But once enter into a business relation with someone, I always tell them that I prefer that they not to use any honorific with me.
As for whether Nathan's blog is formal or informal, well - here's the thing - that has absolutely no bearing upon how someone should present themselves in a query letter.
Richard Branson at Virgin is a huge hippie, but I doubt very much that people write him business letters that start "Yo, wussup, dude!"
Don't blame the agents for your own bad instincts and poorly written queries.
- March 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM
- December/Stacia said...
*shrugs* I liked "Miss" just fine before I was married, and now that I am married I resent having that status taken away from me by the use of "Ms.", just as I object to having my husband referred to as my "partner".
It doesn't bother me in business, because I know Ms. is generally considered business form. But socially, I get very irked when people take away my "r".
- March 25, 2008 at 10:33 AM
- Scott MacHaffie said...
I just looked it up in Miss Manners.
"Nate Dogg" is definitely incorrect.
It should be
"Nate Dogg Baby".
- March 25, 2008 at 10:40 AM
- Angela said...
That Nate Dogg, he's a real cool cat!
- March 25, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I'm Anon 7:01 --
Nathan, I wasn't referring to YOU! For pete's sake your one of the good ones! (and no, people shouldn't adress you as Nate Dog).
But sometimes, good agents like yourself assume that all of the OTHER agents/editors treat people the same way you do. It isn't so. At all. Trust me. Whether or not you follow their rules, meet their deadlines, and offer nothing but professionalism you get disrespect. I'd prefer someone calling me Nate Dog, in comparison. I've got stories to tell. But I won't.
- March 25, 2008 at 11:31 AM
- Nathan Bransford said...
Oh! Sorry I misunderstood, and thanks for the kind words.
- March 25, 2008 at 11:36 AM
- Isak said...
I'm sure there's a whole load of reasons why queries come out the way they do. First and foremost, we all forget that as personable as we can be, writers are generally an introverted bunch, so social etiquette might be a foreign concept to the more withdrawn. Formality becomes an analytical puzzle. And what about sheer desperation? Hundreds of queries later, maybe they're just trying too hard.
- March 25, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Mr. Nathan Bransford, sir--
I always try to err on the side of formality, but . . . when an agent writes you back and signs the email with their first name only, are they trying to signal that they'd like to be called by their first name?
Being the chicken that I am, I still end up calling them "Mr. So-and-so," just in case they didn't really mean it. But if they do it more than once, I might be likely to shoot my next reply back addressed to "Joe" or whatever they signed with. And sign off with my first name, too.
Bad idea?
- March 25, 2008 at 12:26 PM
- Nathan Bransford said...
I'm probably the wrong person to ask because I feel like people should feel free to call me by my first name even if we haven't met. But yes -- I'd say that if the agent signs with just their first name you've moved to a first name basis.
Anyone else a manners specialist? What's the protocol on this?
- March 25, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I'm no manners specialist, but I think it's pretty obvious that if someone signs their mail "Bob," they mean for you to call them "Bob."
- March 25, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Nathan, you're completely within your rights to say that addressing you as "Nate Dogg" or other similar name isn't approprate -it isn't. It seems that having the wonderful privilege of these agent blogs has blurred some people's sense of propriety, and they feel that they have the right to be as chummy with agents as with their friends. Yet an agent/writer relationship *is* first and foremost a business relationship, and I think it's good you reminded us of that -the internet does have the tendency to informalise communication, and that seeps easily into other formats of communication, too.
Yours is my favourite agent blog, and I love your humorous style. Please keep at it! :-)
- March 25, 2008 at 1:00 PM
- Christian said...
Dear Ms. La Gringa,
I'm not sure why that was addressed to me, but thank you for making my day a little bit more surreal! ;~)
- March 25, 2008 at 1:05 PM
- Diana said...
When you're sending someone a letter for the first time, you might not know his or her preferred form of address. In that case, erring on the side of formal is good. When you get a letter back signed "Nathan," or "Nate Dogg," then you know how to address the next letter.
When I am meeting someone for the first time in a business setting, I always start with a "Mr." or "Ms." or "Dr." and then when they wave that away and say, "Call me Nate Dogg, everyone else does," I say thanks and then use Nate Dogg from then on.
- March 25, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Well, sometimes I don't have any idea whether a person is male or female in a business letter.
I have, in the past, chosen either:
Dear Jan Areyouamanorawoman,
full name, no title
Dear M. Areyouawomanoraman,
Using "M." means I am trying to be polite but I don't know what sex they are really.
What do you think of that?
- March 25, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Anon @ 11:08,
In French, "M." is short for "Monsieur," the masculine honorific (like "Mister").
That may not be your best choice, really.
- March 25, 2008 at 2:57 PM
- melissalobianco said...
I wasn't going to comment on this; to me, the formality - it's sort of obligatory. My thinking is similarly alined with pjd, below.
Still, I did want to comment briefly on your mention of casual, Mr. Bransford. I feel fortunate to have found this 'blog: in the few days I've been visiting, taking away with me the wisdom of your merry band of sages here, I've found great encouragement. With your open discussions and jeans-and-T-shirt approachability, you've managed to provide a dress-down Friday everyday for those of us neophytes (okay... maybe it's just me) otherwise reluctant to don Sketchers in your presence.
Kudos. And, thanks.
- March 25, 2008 at 2:59 PM
- La Gringa said...
Christian -
Only the first paragraph was meant for you. My bad!
- March 25, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Miss La Gringa:
It is thrilling to some of us *ahem* older women that Miss/Mrs. is now a choice for form of address -- not a flag flown to announce we had bagged a man, not a hankie to wave one down. I was "Ms." years ago in order to ensure my marital status was not part of my name and/or identity -- especially professionally. Once I was married (not a Miss) and did not take my husband's name (not a Mrs.) I remained a Ms. and that works for me. Brava, Miss La Gringa! It is progress when we may decide for our own reasons how we shall be known.
- AnonyMouS
- March 25, 2008 at 5:46 PM
maybe just Mms.
- March 25, 2008 at 7:19 PM
- Polenth said...
But you said it was okay to sign our queries with 'Snuggles'.
Well, you said you'd notice it. That's almost the same as it being okay.
- March 25, 2008 at 10:16 PM
- Scott said...
I know this post is old news now, but I'm dying to know: Has is set off a spate of people querying Dear Nate Dogg because they think it'll be funny or cute or that will personalize the query and make you more likely to accept it because it shows how closely they read your blog?
- March 27, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Ms. is simply short for both rather than neither. There is an 's' in both Miss and Mistress.
The thing about Ms. is, it's not all about you. It's about a larger social issue, parity with men in the workplace and society in general. Ask yourself why it is that women have titles indicating their marital status in the first place, while men do not and never have done.
It is my understanding that M. may apply to both men and women. I used to use it, but in the US, too often I found myself wondering if the recipient would think I had their name wrong and it was an incorrect initial, so I now use first and last name.
- March 27, 2008 at 1:37 PM


text:
Williamsville East student places second on "Jeopardy! Teen Tournament"
Thursday was a big day for 16-year-old Ananya Nrusimha. The Williamsville East High School junior was recognized by the Erie County Legislature, and then she appeared on the "Jeopardy! Teen Tournament" at 7:30 p.m.
During the entire episode, Ananya was practically neck-and-neck with Alan Koolik, a senior at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton, Fla. The two vied for first place up until Final Jeopardy, at which point Alan clinched the title of semi-finalist, ending Ananya's chance to move on. The third contestant on last night's show was Kevin Huang, a recent graduate of Irvine California's University High School.
Ananya started off the night by answering the first question, which asked what kind of a vehicle Marine One is. She correctly responded with "helicopter."
She also knew that Franklin D. Roosevelt had been elected president a total of four times and that the name for the kind of architecture often associated with medieval churches is "Gothic." She also showed her true Western New York colors by getting the one question related to hockey and the NHL correct: She knew the Ottawa Senators are the one other team, aside from the Washington Capitals, to be located in a capital city.
It all came down to the last question. Ananya was only slightly behind Alan going into Final Jeopardy, the topic of which was "Novel Words." While the other two were able to correctly answer the question – "This word for a person without certain abilities has made it from the realm of fantasy to the OED" – with "muggle," Ananya was unable to think of the term before the 30 seconds ran out. She ended up with $6,801, putting her in second place to Alan's $31,001.


text:
Islands vulnerable to rising oceans are seeking an insurance program to protect against damage related to climate change, adding to pressure on industrial nations to increase aid committed to fight global warming to more than $US100 billion a year.
The islands are proposing a "loss and damage" mechanism that would insure and compensate countries that suffer from extreme weather, erosion and drought.
The request is raising tension levels among more than 190 industrial and developing nations at United Nations climate talks in Doha this week.
"We ask that they help us with these issues that aren't our doing," said Malia Talakai of Nauru, lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States. "We are saying if you pollute, you must help us."
UN Secretary General
Industrial nations three years ago pledged to boost aid to $US 100 billion a year by 2020. Those funds would cover projects including renewable energy and sea walls that would help countries adapt to and fight climate change.
The US, the European Union and other developed countries are wary of the proposal because it may have the potential to create open-ended financial and legal liabilities, said Saleemul Huq, a Bangladeshi scientist based in London at the International Institute for Environment and Development.
"Developed countries hear that phrase, 'loss and damage,' and they think of an international fund for compensation and liability -- taboo subjects for them," Huq said in Doha. "The US has said there is no way they are going to do it."
US State Department Envoy Todd Stern dodged a question on the matter after arriving in Doha, saying there are "some issues that are of concern there, but I don't want to weigh into that without being certain".
EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said that the EU had been supportive of the concept, though there were some reservations on how to proceed.
Envoys at the UN talks have yet to nail down details of where the $US 100 billion will come from and what it will be spent on. Questions remain about how to pay for the Green Climate Fund, which would channel a portion of that aid.
Island nations say rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones are dangers to their aquifers, agriculture and in some cases, the very existence of their countries.
The Australian Financial Review


text:
MARJACK Fruit Snacks, Fat Free, w/ Vitamin C/A/E, 2.25 oz., 12 BG/BXItem#: YYSP-MJK3124 | Model#: 3124
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WELCH'S FRUIT SNACKS Product Details
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( Length:13, Width:4, Depth:3)
Shipping Weight: 1.6800 pound(s)
Click here for full warranty and support information
- Marjack logos are registered trademarks of Marjack. All others trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.


text:
The link between Edinburgh and Fife, with its Forth bridges crossing the river is a classic landmark of the Scottish landscape.
Getty Images, the leading worldwide digital media provider, high quality and every field is covered.
Shutterstock contains literally millions of images, is the cheapest place where royalty free can be found on the web.
Dreamstime is in the middle tier of the image banks, its characteristic is about the diversity of photos.
Copyright © 2017 Daniele Carotenuto Photography. All Rights Reserved.


text:
2010 Esri International User Conference Map
As my introduction to the ArcGIS platform (and Adobe Flex) I was tasked with building a routing and mapping application for the 2010 Esri User Conference with the help of several cartographers (who designed and cached the basemaps) and a routing expert (who helped design the custom routing engine in ArcGIS Model Builder).
This application consisted of several components on both the server and client-side. At its base lies a complex hand-digitized, cartographic-quality network dataset used with a custom door-to-door server-side routing service. The client was built in Flex to consume several map services and the routing service to help conference attendees find their way around the massive San Diego Convention Center (and associated hotels).
Available here: uc2010.esri.com/map
Thank You!


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Jason Bramble does not belong to any Nations, yet.
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After years of planning, the residents and leaders of Mt. Juliet now have their own fire department. Fire Station 1, on Belinda Parkway, is the city's very first fire hall.
Dr. Sydney Payne moved to Mt. Juliet three years ago and said she made it a personal goal to help improve fire protection for the growing community.
"I started going to commission meetings. I was going to carry this until we got fire service and ambulance service, so this is a very special day," Payne said.
Mt. Juliet Mayor Ed Hagerty said this is the first time in nearly three decades that something has been done to improve fire protection in west Wilson County.
"This has been 27 years in the making, but it really all came together over the last two years," Hagerty said. "The community has embraced this 100 percent."
The mayor said the city commission put together a funding plan that allowed the city to pay for the new building in cash.
Station 1 is the first of two fire halls for Mt. Juliet. The other will be built on the south side of the city in 2016.
Copyright 2013 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.


text:
London (UPI) Dec 16, 2010
It can hit enemies more than 1,200 miles away, its nuclear reactor could power an entire city and it makes less noise than a baby dolphin -- meet HMS Ambush, Britain's new super submarine.
The British navy's largest-ever nuclear sub was officially named Thursday during a ceremony at a BAE Systems shipyard in the northwestern English seaport of Barrow-in-Furness.
The ceremony, attended by around 2,000 people, took place inside the dock as a technical glitch prevented the sub from being laid down to water, the local newspaper North West Evening Mail reports.
"Due to a last-minute technical issue involving some of the equipment required to move the submarine," the $1.9 billion HMS Ambush won't leave the dock Thursday, a BAE Systems spokesman told the newspaper.
Expected to enter service next year, the 291-foot long HMS Ambush is Britain's most modern submarine.
Using saltwater, it can produce oxygen and fresh water to keep its crew of 98 under water for months, if necessary.
Its advanced radar and sonar equipment allow the craft to spot enemy vessels at a distance of up to 3,000 nautical miles, meaning the submarine could comfortably screen the U.S. East Coast while diving in Scottish waters, the Daily Mail newspaper writes.
Armed with a mixture of Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, the Ambush can pulverize targets at sea, on land and in the air. The nuclear-powered engine, which has a lifetime of 25 years, enables the submarine to propel through the water at more than 20 knots, meaning the vessel can travel 500 miles in one day.
The submarine was built by BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, which operates one of the few shipyards in the world capable of building nuclear submarines.
The company has been building the Astute class submarine, the first of which, the HMS Astute, was launched in 2007. The HMS Ambush is the second submarine of the Astute class, with five more being built over the next decade. While the $10 billion project is delayed and nearly $2.2 billion over budget, Britain in its latest defense review nevertheless decided to go ahead with the full complement of seven sub orders.
The HMS Astute dominated headlines when it ran aground on a sandbank off the Isle of Skye in October. Bad luck continued when a tug collided with the sub during the rescue and another technical failure at sea. The incident cost at least $12 million. The sub's commander has since been fired.
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Zoot's Performance Tri Shorts (8-inch) have everything you need for racing and training. They feature a plush, tri-specific chamois and Zoot's gripper-free BIOwrap leg hems for added support, stabilization and comfort on every outing. Cut from Zoot's supportive Performance Endura+ fabric with Endura 3D side panels, these sleek shorts offer optimal moisture management, breathability, and stretch. The wide, yoga-style waistband includes a drawcord for a secure fit, and the Hip Holster pockets hold your nutrition.
• Performance Endura+ fabric to help you stay dry and comfortable
• Endura 3D panels at side for enhanced stretch and breathability
• Yoga waistband with drawcord for secure fit
• Teksheen BIOwrap hem provides targeted muscle support for increased endurance, reduces damage caused by muscle vibration and eliminates leg gripper
• Integra SBR 1D pad construction
• Hip Holster pockets for nutrition storage
• Reflective accents for enhanced visibility
• SeamLink construction for minimized chafing
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• 8" (20.3cm) inseam
• Fabric - Body: 228g. 74% nylon/26% spandex Endura+
• Fabric - Inset 1: 228g. 79% nylon/21% spandex Teksheen
• Fabric - Inset 2: 222g. 82% nylon/18% spandex Endura 3D
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Back at the end of July I posted an item about a very popular singer from Lebanon named Suzanne Tamim who had been brutally murdered in her Dubai apartment. Well in the past few days the case has finally started to come together, and it is incredibly shocking.
One of the world's richest men has been arrested and charged with paying a hit man $2M to follow Tamim and then kill her. The man who was arrested for hiring the hit man is the equivalent of say, a US Senator here in America and was considered for a cabinet post in Egypt. Allegedly the man hired a policeman to be his hit man, and the police man followed Tamim from London to Dubai, bought a knife in Dubai and then stabbed her, and decapitated her in her apartment.
The policeman who allegedly served as a hit man was actually arrested about two days after the killing, but the information he provided was so spectacular that it took this long to check out everything he said.
I suppose when you are a billionaire many times over, $2M is nothing to pay for a hit, but maybe the married father of three should have been more concerned with his family and taking care of them, and not getting revenge on some poor woman who didn't want to have an affair with him anymore.


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Animal Canes
Animal-Handle Walking Canes
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