text:
Corona Productions originated in "Eclipse '79," an interdisciplinary conference held at Montana State University-Bozeman in February of 1979. Located on the lower edge of the path of totality, Bozeman became, for three days, home to a gathering of artists, scientists, philosophers, historians, business people, and uncatagorizable others seeking common ground through the experience of one of the most dramatic of natural events.
Out of this event emerged Corona, a journal of arts and ideas which is available in four print volumes and as a "box of wonders" or "cabinet of curiosities."
To view samples from the box and to read the "letter to the reader." Another key project from Corona Productions is My Book & Heart Shall Never Part, a film about the role played by children's primers and pamphlets in the getting of literacy in America.


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
JERUSALEM (Aug. 29)
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said this week his shuttle effort to restart Israeli-Syrian peace negotiations had failed to bridge the gaps between the two sides.
Specter returned to Israel Wednesday after talks in Damascus with President Hafez Assad and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa.
Specter said he hoped the two sides would resume peace talks, but gave no indication that it would be soon.
"President Assad said he did not see hope for peace or realism for peace based on what Mr. Netanyahu has been saying," the Jewish senator told reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday.
Syria has accused the Likud government of dropping the land-for-peace principle which guided negotiations until now.
Syria demands the Golan Heights back in exchange for a peace accord.
While the previous government indicated a willingness to negotiate territorial concessions, Netanyahu has opposed an Israeli withdrawal and has offered to resume talks with no preconditions.
Negotiations with Damascus were broken off by the previous Labor government in March, after President Assad refused to condemn a series of suicide bombings in Israel.


text:
[SMH | Text-only index]
Date: February 05 2013
Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at close on Tuesday:
AGO - ATLAS IRON LTD - up 4.5 cents at $1.565
Atlas Iron says estimates for its Pilbara iron ore reserves have increased by 21 per cent to almost 500 million tonnes over the past seven months.
AIO - ASCIANO LTD - down four cents at $4.82
Workers at one of Australia's largest coal haulage operators will strike on Friday after pay negotiations broke down.
COH - COCHLEAR LTD - down $7.50 at $72.96
Hearing implants maker Cochlear has made a first-half net profit of $77.7 million after a record six months of sales.
MQG - MACQUARIE GROUP LTD - down $1.57 at $37.16
Macquarie Group expects a substantial rise in net profit, due to improving financial market conditions.
NVT - NAVITAS LTD - down five cents at $4.90
Global education services provider Navitas is poised for earnings growth following a pick up in student enrolments.
TCL - TRANSURBAN GROUP - up six cents at $6.16
Toll road operator Transurban's first-half profit has fallen by 16 per cent but the company has increased its payout to securityholders.
This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.
[ SMH | Text-only index]


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Just curious to know how you all would handle this. I have had issues with my MIL over the years over various issues--here is the latest. lol We are planning on sending DD to Waldorf kindergarten next year (she is in a home-based Waldorf preschool right now). We have purposefully not taught her academics up to this point in keeping with Waldorf principles, but MIL is forever trying to teach things to her. I wish she would just play with her, but lately she has been teaching her how to count and spell her name, DH has major trouble talking to his mother, so it is on me. Would you say something, or let it go? We see her once every couple of weeks or so. I am sure she will see this as just another example of our crazy parenting choices. To her, any young child who doesn't have computer access, or who doesn't know how to spell by age 4 is behind the curve. She is normally very close-minded to any real information about our choices. I am pretty sure I am going to talk to her, but if anyone has BTDT and has some good suggestions about how best to handle this I would love to hear about your experiences!
I really think your MIL is just trying to relate/engage with her grandchild. Spelling names addresses or whatever seem to be common among grandmothers. I don't think she is doing any harm and her "lessons" are unlikely to "stick" or make any difference in your DS's long term education. And if they do, if your child grasps the alphabet or phonics or reading simply from spending time with her he probably would have done it on his own.
I'd probably refrain from discussing the matter and just let it go. The conversation won't go well, however you phrase it. And I have enough similar experience to know that the walking away from minor (totally annoying) situations usually works best.
Unless she starts pulling out the flash cards and worksheets, I would just keep an eye on her for now.
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Thanks for your replies. Funny you should mention the flashcards--she used to quiz DD with them when she was around 2 years old. I finally hid them in a closet where they couldn't be found. She definitely has a teaching agenda with all the grandkids, but SIL doesn't mind since her children are going to public school and they are much more mainstream...
I thought about gently telling her what we are doing with Waldorf and why they do not think teaching the very young child is age appropriate in a more indirect way instead of putting her on the spot and saying, "don't do that!" Hmmm. You have given me more to think about.
While 4 is a little early, he can certainly be doing a lot of pre-reading activities with her and you. You know, recognizing signs, choosing groceries by matching a coupon to the product at the grocery store, helping to sort dishes or laundry.
That totally happened to us, up to an excessive point. MIL didn't like that fact that we plan to homeschool our kids, so she took it into her hands to run her home like a preschool, up to the point of drilling my ONE year old on letters. That was kind of the last straw. No talking or anything was going to get through to her. We see her once every few weeks now, most of the time at our house. It's not bad anymore, and it's a healthy grandparent/child relationship. My almost 4yo seems very less stressed now that she's not being drilled on stuff. It became excessive. Once every few weeks I wouldn't have really cared as much. Just maybe nip it in the bud before it snowballs, if Waldorf is really what you want :)
Me (25) DW (26) DD1 (8) DD2 (6) DD 3 (3)
Two cats, two dogs, complete chaos.
Why don't you want your child to know how to spell their name? I can guarantee you that if you go to a waldorf kindy, more than one child will know how to spell their name, and know their phone number, and possibly their address. This doesn't mean "academics".
I had the SAME question when my eldest was little. It was so freaking annoying to watch her. I actually asked our teacher what she thought about it, and in our case MIL saw him for a couple of hours once a month, at most. She wasn't babysitting, so we were there. She said she'd just let it go to avoid hurting the grandparent relationship.
It really really irritated me that she couldn't just come over and play that she tried to 'teach' them stuff. She was a kindergarten teacher all of one year. *eyeroll* MY grandmother was a kindergarten teacher for many years including my early ones and didn't pull that with me. Anyway...I remember at one point watching Ds purposefully answer things wrong (I think she was holding up letters or numbers from a puzzle and quizzing him). It amused me. In retrospect, I think *SHE* wanted to be responsible for something with bragging rights. As in to her friends, "I taught my grandson xyz" or along those lines. Especially as she had a (time) limited relationship. If we (LOL) couldn't take it anymore one of us would redirect her to something else, or redirect Ds to something else to do with her. Have you tried that? As in "Dd why don't you get book/game/toy to share with Grandma?" or "Grandma, Dd really likes this (then physically hand it to the woman if she's suggestion-averse)."
It isn't that they don't teach academics or reading until 9, they just respect that children learn at a different pace and some may not be ready until 9. I have seen at that point the teachers/school help parents find extra help for their child.
ETA: I totally hear you on the 'close minded to hear our real information,' too. I think MIL takes any choice we make differently than her personally (and in this regard she used to regularly brag that she taught Dh to read by age 2. *eyeroll*). We invited her to the Rose Ceremony at school one year and she spent the 20 minutes beforehand discussing with Dh how we felt about our kids missing out on so much by not watching Disney movies. Yeah, that was a treat. She's totally clueless and doesn't care to understand. Guess who didn't get invited to Grandparents Day? Though in retrospect that might have been a GOOD idea for her!
And ITA, most kids will know to spell their names. I suppose it depends upon the 'purity' of your school as to if they actually use name labels in the kindergarten or not. We've gone to one of each. I was shocked the first time I saw names used on things in a Nursery, but it happens so if it's just the 'name' issue, I wouldn't worry. But I realize it seems to go beyond that. I think in my eldest's first grade class there was exactly one child who didn't know how to spell their name on the first day (there was something I was helping with where we were putting their names on things and asking them how to spell their names to make sure we got them correctly, else I promise you, other parents don't really keep track of things like that. LOL).
I wouldn't have a big issue with it. My MIL tries to drill my kids, but they see her infrequently. My mother gives my dd workbooks. . . I just put them in a drawer and dd rarely, actually, I don't think ever, takes them out. My mother is out of state, but sees the kids more frequently than their in-state grandmother.
And, sooooo many of the kids in my daughter's Waldorf pre-school (she's in her kindergarten year there, now) can spell their names. I see them on the birthday drawings presented to dd each year. Can they read? Probably not; although I do know of one child who could and went to Waldorf first grade this year reading, but she was in the minority. My daughter will be 6 next month and can spell her given name, nick name, her brother's name and mami and papi. That's about it. She in no way would be considered a reader. I think it's important to take a close look at what your child is actually doing with the information he or she does get. Many times, to the extent a child is actually interested in what is being offerred, the interest is very limited. Like in my daughter's case where she is content to just know how to spell the names of her family members.
Mama to a dd 10/05; ds 3/09, dd 2/15 and two angels. Expecting another miracle 7/16!
Thank you all for your posts! Very interesting to see that my situation isn't all that uncommon! I have to admit, I do agree with Steiner on this one and I think there are good reasons for waiting a couple of years. That creativity and imagination are so important that I want to do everything I can as a parent to foster that in my kids. Here where I live, the children start reading in 1st grade--age 6/7.
I have been asking DH to have the talk with his mother about what Waldorf education is all about, but he has put it off and avoided it very effectively. I think he might have mentioned before that in Waldorf the reading/spelling/writing is put off a couple of years, but she has continued to act as though she either doesn't care or doesn't remember.
I was pretty P%$#^ed off when DD went to MIL's house and MIL asked her to write her name on a drawing she had made and DD had to say she didn't know how (I heard about this through DD--I wasn't present). Again, I am pretty sure she already knew DD couldn't write her name, so this was all done to make a point to DH, I suppose. Lovely.
Also, we visited MIL for her birthday this last weekend and the grandkids all drew a picture. When it was time to leave DD couldn't find her picture. MIL made a big deal about how the cousins could all write their names so they wouldn't have taken her picture. Then DD said sadly, "I don't know how to write my name." And MIL replied in a righteous tone, "Well, they know how to write theirs." I so so wish I had said something. Just so you know who I am dealing with here. Who would ever try to make a little girl feel badly just to get her selfish point across? Yah, I guess she and I should talk.
Also, we visited MIL for her birthday this last weekend and the grandkids all drew a picture. When it was time to leave DD couldn't find her picture. MIL made a big deal about how the cousins could all write their names so they wouldn't have taken her picture. Then DD said sadly, "I don't know how to write my name." And MIL replied in a righteous tone, "Well, they know how to write theirs." I so so wish I had said something. Just so you know who I am dealing with here. Who would ever try to make a little girl feel badly just to get her selfish point across? Yah, I guess she and I should talk.
Now THAT, is not okay with me. That's awful, and ITA, time for a direct talk. Good luck, and for your sake I hope your Dh can do it. I find these things go over better when not coming from the DIL. I really try not to turn my children against how other people do things, I think it's important that they feel all parents make the best decisions for their children. But I might have said something to a sad little Dd along the lines of, "It's okay - it's not yet time for you to write you rname. It will be soon, and it will be beautiful."
Thanks again for your responses. Yes. MIL tends to not be very respectful of our choices, and is often making (barely) veiled comments to us about this or that. Unfortunately, DH is COMPLETELY oblivious to all of it. As you can imagine, that is not helpful. LOL
I spoke with DD's preschool teacher yesterday about everything and she thought that as long as MIL wasn't sitting her down and drilling her on things it was ok. Learning to write her name, if she was interested in learning and initiated it, was fine. I didn't get to into it with her about the other things I wrote about in my previous posts, but it did ease my mind a bit.
That said, I am still going to have my husband explain Waldorf to his mother, at the very least.
In that situation with your MIL, I probably would have said something like, "but we know her picture is the one with the beautiful shapes, colors," etc. You get the picture. When we were vacationing with my brother and his family two months ago, my nephew who is 10 mos younger than my daughter was adding and multiplying. She was suddenly very interested in numbers. And she is quite competitve. I had to be careful not to overindulge her interest. I answered her specific questions about what x + x is, but didn't get into the why's and how's of arithmetic. This is what I mean by meeting the child's immediate, but limited interest. It's all they really want. She can learn how to spell her name without being damaged goods in Waldorf first grade, ya know? Hopefully, your husband will be able to make some headway with his mother.
Mama to a dd 10/05; ds 3/09, dd 2/15 and two angels. Expecting another miracle 7/16!
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Dirty Pick Up Lines For Women
Guys have had the same lame pick up lines for years..."Do you wash your pants in Windex?? Cuz I can see myself in them" Is one that comes to mind. Its good to see the women taking it to the next level with lines like "Im not wearing any socks, and i have the panties to match" Check out 13 other dirty pick up lines from Cosmo!


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Looks like Gatewood Village Apartments is no longer available on Rent.com which means this information is likely out of date.
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text: Well I just finished reading Red Sonja Unchained issue 1. This is a follow up to the Red Sonja One Shot BLUE which was perfect. Now that said The artwork in Unchained was not to bad (although I prefer Walter's work on Sonja to anyone who is working on her at this time) I think that the artwork will hold up thru the 4 issue run. The story however was not told in a way that left me wanting more. In BLUE (one shot) Peter Brett nailed it! I was totaly into that story. So, I was very excited to see this 4 issue mini run coming out. But I hope the story improves in the next issue. I do not want to give any details that might give away the story in issue 1.But the one thing I do hate about the Sonja stories tho, is that she seems to with very little efffort defeat any males she faces in combat, however females always give her a good fight. just always works out that way, hmm...........I get it that she (Sonja) is super BA, as a female warrior, but to have so many other females that fight and give her a challenge, when no men can is getting a little old.


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Sapphire Wrap by Melissa Wehrle
Welcome! You are browsing as a guestWould you like to see 6 projects made from this pattern and much more? create a free account What am I missing?
© Melissa Wehrle
Sapphire Wrap
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website
buy it now or visit pattern website
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)
A discount code is included with the purchase of this pattern good for 10% off Black Pearl DK Cashmere.
For more information, see: http://www.neoknits.com/patterns/sweaters/sapphire-w...


text:
I am a keen sport climber and boulderer.
I would like to get into trad climbing and mountaineering proper.
I work in electroacoustics.
Best Climbing Experience
A weekend at Malham Cove.
Favourite Climbing-Related Discussion Topic
The relevance of traditionalism.
Recent Postings
Interests Outside Climbing
Electronics, Acoustics and Sound.
About My Photography
I am not a photographer.
Photo Gallery
Click to view SED's gallery. (4 photos)
Click to search for photos of climbers called SED.
Click to list photo comments written by me. (2 comments)
Been Climbing For
1 to 3 years
Best Onsights
Bouldering - f6B+
Trad - HVS
Sport - 6c
Worked Grades
Bouldering - V7
Trad - HVS
Sport - 7c
Main Sport/Activity
Favourite Crag/Rock
Malham Cove
Favourite Wall
The Foundry Sheffield
Best Magazine
Summit (BMC)
I Climb...
Several times a week
In the UK
Favourite Climbs
Seventh Ardvark
Latest Climbs
Last Stand f7A
Sit Down Wall 6a
Sit On It 5c
Sitting Bull 6a
Rose Coronary 7a
Rose Coronary 7a
Begozi and the Ledge Lizards 6a+
Blind Bat f7A+
The Wave f5+
Little big pocket f6B
Blind Bat Stand Start f6A+
Ebola Buttress Right Wall f5
Ebola Buttress Left Wall f5
Ebola Buttress Centre Wall f5
The Undercut f6B
... list all 226 climbs
Ticklists BETA
Roofism 30%
Gritstone Science - Roofism 33%
Peak District Highballs 3%
... list all 6 ticklists
Climbs Wishlist
Fury Road 8a
Voyager f8B
Isla De Encanta f8B
Dig Deep For Victory 7c
Ming the Merciless 8a+
Little Plum 8a
Tom Et Je Ris 8b+
Virgin King 7b+
Ozone Bozo 7c
Evolution 8c+
... list all 10 climbs


text:
2 Min Read
GRESHAM, Oregon (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama said on Sunday he would pursue a vigorous antitrust policy if he becomes U.S. president and singled out the media industry as one area where government regulators would need to be watchful as consolidation increases.
"I will assure that we will have an antitrust division that is serious about pursuing cases," the Illinois senator told an audience of mostly senior citizens in Oregon.
"There are going to be areas, in the media for example where we're seeing more and more consolidation, that I think (it) is legitimate to ask...is the consumer being served?"
Obama, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination to contest November's presidential election against Republican Sen. John McCain, criticized President George W. Bush's administration for lax supervision of major mergers, though he did not cite specific examples or companies.
"We're going to have an antitrust division in the Justice Department that actually believes in antitrust law. We haven't had that for the last seven, eight years," he said.
"Some of the consolidations that have been taking place, I think, may be anti-competitive."
Obama advisers have said previously that he would crack down on any competition lapses in the energy sector that have resulted from big corporate mergers.
Reporting by Jeff Mason


text:
Lets see how long we can keep this going --
Van Dykes
Submitted by Mike on 3/30/05 at 5:32 PM. ( ) 22.214.171.124
Has anyone ordered from Van Dykes lately? I put in an order for a form on Sunday, I still have not gotten a confirmation letter so I have e-mail them and they told me it should be shipped in two to three weeks. Has anyone else experinenced this?
Return to Deer Taxidermy Category Menu
Ordered on a Weekend...
This response submitted by Reid on 3/30/05 at 5:35 PM. ( ) 22.214.171.124
A few weeks back and it seemed like it took a long time. Then I ordered during the week and it cut the time in half. I think the weekend orders get placed and shipped slower than the rest. Why that is, who knows.
This response submitted by Sam on 3/30/05 at 5:55 PM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
I ordered some books last Friday and just got them today. I think they had friday and monday off for easter holiday.
They don't care
This response submitted by Josh on 3/30/05 at 6:02 PM. ( ) 220.127.116.11
This has happened to me a few times and I ask the customer service and they don't even care they just say they are sorry, they don't think about us having deadlines or anything.
Yep Great IMPROVEMENT BY CABELAS
This response submitted by Never ordering from VD's again. on 3/30/05 at 6:55 PM. ( ) 18.104.22.168
Someone at CABELAS must have been wound up on crack when they bought Van Dykes. Then they tried to improve the system hahaha, an already slow system made worse!
Cabelas needed a tax write off. screwed the rest of us in the procces.
Never had a problem ordering from...
This response submitted by Craig on 3/30/05 at 7:04 PM. ( ) 220.127.116.11
Cabelas. Always on time!
2 1/2 weeks and still no confirm letter
This response submitted by Ronnie on 3/30/05 at 7:38 PM. ( firstname.lastname@example.com ) 18.104.22.168
I have even thought about canceling the order,just not sure how to
This response submitted by Drew on 3/30/05 at 8:24 PM. ( ) 22.214.171.124
I ordered a form from them about a week ago and got it within 3 days. I was concerned because they had not charged my card the second day and they replied that it was being processed and that I would have the form within a day. They were right. Did you check to make sure it was in stock?
This response submitted by Mike on 3/30/05 at 8:53 PM. ( ) 188.8.131.52
They told me in an e-mail that all their forms are made when they get ordered so I don't know how it can take between 3 or 14 days? She said it was because of teh Taxidermy season, isn't always taxidermy season for a taxidermy supplier?
What form did you order?
This response submitted by Drew on 3/30/05 at 11:04 PM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
Just curious what form you ordered? This was the first time I ordered a form from them. It is the Hi-Country mulie form. The first thing I noticed is the eye set is off. The eyes look angled up, not 10 degrees down! So I called and spoke to a taxidermist there and asked if the eyes were positive set, and he hesitated. He told me to grind out the bottom of the eye socket on the form to pitch them down. Probably the last form I buy from them, I don't have time to modify the eyes on every form before mounting.
I'm not
This response submitted by John M on 3/30/05 at 11:39 PM. ( ) 126.96.36.199
a brain surgeon, but I think Van Dykes may be going through some changes (ones I'm sure that will benifit us) and it's taking some time to work out (maybe more than they thought it would). I think Van Dykes is a great company that will work with you on any problem you may have. I've never up until the past few months have had to wait more than a couple working days to get a order in but have waited a couple weeks for some items recently. I'm definatley not going to jump ship on them though. They have always been good to me in a number of ways. Not only are they a good supply company but if you have a technical question call Gary or Olaus and ask them any taxidermy question and they, being pros in the field will happily help you out.
John you are
This response submitted by You all know on 3/31/05 at 1:28 AM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
definelty not a brain surgeon. Every company has customer service to help answer your questions. But the Real Pro's in the field are Joe Meder, Dennis Behn, Joe Ferebee, Tom Weikum, Cally Morris, Tom Sexton, Roger Martin, Phil Helms, Mike Gillis, Perry Stout, Chris Barnhardt, all from Team McKenzie I could go on with the list and AWARDS they have achieved and innovative ideas for the industry. That's just team McKenzie not including the Noonkester, Buckeye, and Rhinehart teams.
You want me to tell you about Research Mannikins Bill Lancaster, Joe Kish, Stefan Savides, Erich Carter, Jim Pits, Bob Elzner, Mike Frazier, and many, many others. How many awards have they won, what have they done for the industry.
Still not a brain surgeon, How about Matuska Supply Company ever heard of them Brain Olson, Pat Wagner,Mike Yeska, Cory Caruthers, and Tom Matuska.
Should we go onto WASCO - Sallie Dahmes, Rick Carter, Ken Edwards enough said.
I could go on and on with the other companies, but I don't have the time. Sorry but I know you all have great service and products.
These are the "pros in the field"! What awards have Gary and Olaus won what have they done for the taxidermy industry. Who are they?Not much considering that Van Dykes does have -- John Schmidt, Don Holt, and Danny Owens sculpting for them. It looks like they are getting smart and getting Doug Roffers, Jodi Green, and DeWayne Dewey on board. Those guys are the pro's.
HEll-- everything you need to know about taxidermy is documented in the archives-- you want or need to know something hit the orange button and study. Order the books and videos read, watch and learn.
Any company will work with you with problems- but order some where else and you wont have these problems. Waiting a couple of weeks let alone one week for delviery of goods is unacceptable. If I sold something on here to you and I didn't get it to you for a couple of weeks my name would be mud smeared up and down the forums. So why defend a company that provides service with a sorry were run by some big outfitter that doesn't know the taxidermy industry.
Not a brain surgeon either............
but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express
This response submitted by Doug on 3/31/05 at 5:56 AM. ( ) 220.127.116.11
Sounds like we've got a GR Jr. in the making!
Just a opinion
This response submitted by Wildwood on 3/31/05 at 5:58 AM. ( ) 126.96.36.199
I haven't orderd a lot lately from Van Dyke's simply because of the shipping time thing (SD to IN). Van Dyke's is still a good company with the products we need as taxidermists. With the posts on here about poor service certainly someone from Van Dyke's are reading these weekly posts. I would like to here their response on this forum. As they know we are their customers.
you all know
This response submitted by John M on 3/31/05 at 8:45 AM. ( ) 18.104.22.168
that was kind of rough don't you think? Thanks for leaving your name. Van Dykes offers everything I need and more. That's my opinion.
This response submitted by You all know on 3/31/05 at 10:57 AM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
George Jr, your damn right! But they (VD's) cannot bully me around like they did to him. (I believe that was in the archives but was removed at the request of VD's) but we won't open that can of worms.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I respect your opinions but be sure that you're going to get mine and that is what makes this site so great. We can all go round and round and round on here, but it makes the industry that much better.
It is so sad that Van Dykes can't wake up and realize the potential that is out there. I mean every other week there is a post concerning orders and products from Van Dykes taking sooooooooooooooo long to be filled.
Kind of rough? The truth does hurt, but I was not slamming you, but I was slamming Van Dykes/Cabelas if you couldn't figure it out.
They won't respond to any posting on here, especially if they are bad, they just want the problems to go away, be forgotten, swept under the rug, etc, etc... They don't know enough about taxidermy and the industry to do anything other than that. As far as their products and materials go -- yeah I get stuff from them but you always get what you pay for.
Most all should know who this is anyways, leave your email address and I will email you back and let you know in person if you haven't figured it out.
This response submitted by Pot Stirrer on 3/31/05 at 12:31 PM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
.......Little Buddy, you truely are the "Pot Stirrer Jr." If you're a republican, I'll vote for ya in a few years for President! But you said it like it is.....truely is!
Half the problem is the fact that they have a quicker turnover time with their employee's than they do product. Wonder why that is?
And to say that they make their mannikins to order is a total lie! On large "Lifesize" yes. But deer manninkins,Elk,Mulies,Antelope and small mamal lifesize and the such are cranked out on a daily basis.
As a customer, NEVER accept that as an excuse when talking to a Rep.
But the "Hi COuntry" Muliee were sculpted by both Schmitty and Joe Kish.I have mounted off of them and love them. Never had a problems with the eyes. The "Product Specialist you talked to Drew needs to do a bit more research on the products in question and not give you a guessing answer. If he truely knew the answer, there would be no need for any hesitation,ESPECIALLY if he knew the product. If it was Randy Life......hell,he mounted off one on page 40 of their new catalog. If he knows of a positive set eye problem,then he should address it to Gary Beigh,the "Product Manager".
But stay away from any and all Don Holt Mannikins. There is truely semetry problems with ALL his stuff. But they do make good artifical rocks.
John Schmidts Lifesize Mamals are some of the finest in the industry. Thats a step in the right direction. If McKenzie pulls him from VD's,VD's may as well call in a night. But because he's VD's sculpter, I guess the industry will never take his sculptings serious. Hell, John was on The Outdoor Channel with Taxidermy Trails with Dan Bantly where john won 1st place for his mountain lion sculpting and a wolf I believe That was at the last WORLD show. Now that says something about the guy!
But I truely believe that "Customer Service" starts with in a company. If you treat your employee's good,they'll try harder to please,which inturn rewards the customer with good product as well as a quict turn around time.Something they have yet to figure out.
Till then,Van Dyke's will remain "The World's Formost Sad Story"!
This response submitted by Jeff F. on 3/31/05 at 12:49 PM. ( NaturesTrophies@aol ) 188.8.131.52
Most of us know who "you know who" is. I'll not say who but he KNOWS VD's inside and out. I called VD's yesterday about a product and they said it would take 7-10 days to get to Indiana when IT WAS IN STOCK! I told them I would call McKenzies. It really seems so simple of a solution that I can't believe it's not being dealt with. I only deal with them when I have to now and even that's to much. Plain old PISS POOR business. It's a shame too. They could pay for a new warehouse in no time flat if they just woke up and took care of business! Jeff F.
You All Know
This response submitted by John M on 3/31/05 at 2:24 PM. ( ) 126.96.36.199
I guess I figured it out. Your one of the reasons I'm a VDs fan. email@example.com
It Would be nice
This response submitted by John M on 3/31/05 at 3:12 PM. ( ) 126.96.36.199
if Van Dykes would try to defend themselves and explain what they are trying to do to remidy the problems they're having. I did not mean any disrespect to You All Know
Anyone Ordered
This response submitted by Mike on 3/31/05 at 4:06 PM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
Just curious has anyone order a form since Sunday and already recieved it? I think Van Dykes was just lying their way out of every question I aske them, I replied again with more questions yesterday and I still have not heard back.
John M
This response submitted by Pot stirrer on 3/31/05 at 8:23 PM. ( ) 22.214.171.124
...you'll NEVER hear a response from Van Dykes about this matter on this Forums! WHY ? Glad you asked.Its because the big shots within Cabela's forbid it. Right Mike W.?
Trust me, all eyes are on this one at VD's today,and will be tomorrow as well. Olas is reading it, Randy is reading it, Gary is reading it, Michelle is bad mouthing us as she's reading it, even though they know its the truth. But all true puppets are operated by the strings of their masters. Sad! Until the strings are cut, the company will never be a threat to the likes of a McKenzie and the consumer will continue to suffer for it.
Don't get me wrong, there are many good people working within the company. There are many that fight every day to make it better. But it is NOT going to happen if Cabela's does not want it to happen! What is their reason? I think you all can figure that one out on your own. I fought a fine fight, "You know who" fought the fine fight and we all lost. The ones after us will lose as well. Its like bringing a knife to a gun fight. You're going to lose. Its a well laid out plan that none of you even know about, and none of us knew about going into the fight.T rust me when I tell you that there are/were many of us that fought for you, the consumer and lost the battle.
But there is still hope. You have the Brian Hellman's & Susie Smith's, Kathy Northrups, Michelle Hellman's, the John Schmidts, Toby, Kara's, Shawna's and several others in the "Taxidermy Division" of VD's that are trying to make VD's a better place to shop. I just look forward to the day where I won't hear "there is another clean up on isle 5"
Stirer out!
Thanks Stirer
This response submitted by John M on 3/31/05 at 8:57 PM. ( ) 188.8.131.52
I just sent you an e-mail before i read your last post. There are good, great people that work there. It sounds like the episode on South Park where Wal Mart was involved and the people that worked there were apprehensive to say anything. Alls I'd like to say to the GOOD people that work at Van Dykes is keep trying I appreciate what you do, I'm sure your watching.
This response submitted by Drew on 3/31/05 at 10:54 PM. ( ) 184.108.40.206
Why does everyone suck McKenzie's D***? Their mulie forms suck, they make the chest area too big, and the profile is off. They only look good from the front and they are a bitch to get the last 6 inches of sewing done because the chest is too large and you fight it the whole time. The elk? I guess they think elk look like heifers, the eye sockets sit up too high and the last one I ordered from them was not symetrical at all. I'll admit, they make nice whitetails, but lots of their forms suck.
Back to VD, the mulie form I bought from them has a problem with the eye angles. They need to be pitched down, but the main problem is they don't match each other. Simple fix, and I am not willing to write them off yet. I have always had great service from them, if you have a problem, just call them, don't email. Emailing companies hardly ever gets you a timely response.
All you need do is call Van Dyke
This response submitted by Tenbears on 4/1/05 at 9:33 AM. ( ) 22.214.171.124
Customer service. and ask them why shipments are taking so long. I DID. I have been a customer for years. And regularly place orders from them. Although I would have liked a heads up when they realized they were going to fall behind. I now understand their situation, and will see it through. Seems That With all the other Taxidermy supply houses forging toward a monopoly. Some of the economic minded shops have decided that they can remove a bump on the back of the head. Or alter an eye socket. to get forms at half the price. It seems that this year Van Dykes has seen a 400% increase in orders. They were not prepared for that. In spite of the fact they have put on additional employees. they have gotten behind. And cannot keep up. The big ordering rush that follows hunting season. Should be tapering off. this will allow them to get caught up. And begin to work on stockpiling forms for next year. they are in the process of revamping their system. But were simply caught off guard. This is what I was Told. And believe me I asked every question with the outlook of a cynic.
I ordered from them
This response submitted by Bradlee on 4/1/05 at 10:47 AM. ( ) 22.214.171.124
A few months ago . Recieved my order but it did take three weeks to arrive . I'm not sure they send a conformation letter because I never got one here . Good advice from me ? Never ever order a squirrel kit from them ! LOL The form you recieve could easily take a racoon instead of a squirrel ! LOL They send you a giant nuclear mutant thing that looks like a big house cat and you get they joy of sanding off about three quarters of the foam all day long ! LOL Bradlee
That's exactly what's wrong
This response submitted by You know Who on 4/1/05 at 11:22 AM. ( ) 188.8.131.52
Ten Bears,
I find alot of that very hard to believe and most of what you said to be the problem. Economics or not why would you buy an inferior product to save a couple of bucks and a bump on the back of the head. I know most shops cannot alter a form for the few bucks they may have saved, if you break it all down, time to recieve form, labor, equipment and supplies, electricity etc. etc...
Taxidermy is supposed to be fun and I know reworking and altering a form is part of the game but is not fun. Drew hit the problem right on the head when he said he hates fighting the McKenzie mule deer form. Why do some companies push junk that they even know is not accurate? Because they can, because people think that by saving a buck or two up front they can get the same thing. Well there are a few talented artists that can and personally I'm not one, so I am going to buy the most accurate forms possible. Just go and look at some of the mounts on E-Bay to see that.
That's part of the game though, you find forms that you like and fit your critters best and then stick with them. Joe Meders whitetails fit my whitetails like a glove and that is why I use them.
Along those same lines what companies are doing the most to improve there products and product lines? I for one don't see Van Dykes buying all of Bob Snow's junk and selling it in a sale catalog as a way of improving products. With compare at prices- not even sale prices -- from other companies --now that is a a joke -- How can you compare a Bob Snow bear form that will take hours of alterations and compare it to a Rayline form. Yeah it is worth the extra hundred. Even just by looking at the pictures of some of those forms you can tell they are junk. And how do they justify advertising a line of white tail forms the Timber Edge series as being new? It has been in the last three sales catalogs. I mean I was born at night but not last night. They didn't change the forms or add to the line, Steve Rottrammel sculpted that line probably in the late 70's early 80's and now they are a NEW product. Does Van Dykes really think that us taxidermist's are that stupid? I think they do and therefore don't do much business with them, except for products I know are ok, and trust me I know which ones they are.
This does not only apply to foam products but other products too. How many maches do you really need? McKenzie carrries ONE as do most other companies one that works. If you want it to set up faster or slower add salt or baking soda no big deal. But Van Dykes has 5 different maches and they are all worthless. The fast set sets up in three days and the slow set sets up in 10 minutes sometimes is never sets up at all. But they mass produce it and when someone has a problem they replace it at no cost. Now your thinking hey they took care of me and I can live with this stuff I saved a buck or two and they will replae it if it doesn't work. Hell I can add salt or baking soda to make it work and spend the extra time messing with it. Well BULLSH$T there went that penny saved.
Just my opinion
You know who
P.S. To those who recently talked bad about me down there and you know who you are I haven't even reached the tip of the iceberg.
Food for thought....especially Ten Bears
This response submitted by Pot Stirer on 4/1/05 at 3:36 PM. ( ) 188.8.131.52
Whith all the Taxidermy Suppliers Forging forward and merging together as 1 company,why has Van Dyke's never been approached by McKenzie to sell out to them as did Noonkester,Rinehart,Tom Powell,Rayline and many,many more? Because they DONT wnat them,period.
They dont need 1 1/4 pages of strictly Turkey Tail Mounting Kits.They dont need a fuill page of sheirs. They dont need several "Cheap" deer mounting kits that dont cater to the Profesional taxidermist.They dont want old,outdated Bird Mounting kits.They dont want fish mounting kits that you just fill the skins up with mache. McKenzie does not need a Rabbit mounting kit whereas the photo of the rabbit is not even mounted,but rather frozen to the shape of a mount because there was not a taxidermist there at teh time that knew how to MOUNT a Rabbit. No, McKenzie does not need these things. WHY? because these products do not cater to the professional taxidermist,but rather to those who have never mounted a thing in their lives.
Van Dykes has 5 full pages of strictly tanning chemicals,most inwhich are junk!Another 2 pages of tanning product from Knobloch's. Another 2 pages of "Tanning Kit's". Man...do they ever love their "Kit's".JUNK!
Lamp Shades dated back to the hopping 30's. Good greif!
Do you want to make a DeerfootThermometer? I'll bet all your customers have these on their "Must Have" lists.Call VD's...they have them!
If you need Bird Bodies from the 60's-70's, Van Dykes is your place.
Dakota Bark.....now that a product that the industry was fighting over!
11 full pages of Panels. McKenzie wants those. Yah,right. JUNK!
Bob Snow's stuff.........JUNK!
Hmmm....But there are good things VD's sells. They have the best wire out there.
Their "Natural Earliners are some of the finest on the market as is their "Natural Deer Eyes" and their "Natural Fish Eye's". The Aqua eyes.......PLastic JUNK!
Elzey's Squirrel Mannikins.....good stuff.
Doug Roffer's BEar Shoulder Mannikin as well as his "Tundra Caribou" series...great stuff.
Jody Green's Whitetail series....some of the very best on the market.
Now the "Synchron Eyes? JUNK! Just another item that does not cater to the professional.
I believe that this is,in part,what "You know who" is trying to get across.They have not and are not catering to the Professional Taxidermist,but rather to the 1st timer/once in a whiler.
Again, till Van Dyke's catches up with the rest of the industry,they remain the "World's Formost Sad Story"!
Thats also my opinion,
Stirer out!
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Ok let me just give my 2 cents worth on this matter. First of all I have been doing taxidermy for over 34 years and who help create my interest in the business? It was Van Dykes Northwestern School of Taxidermy. There have been a lot of us old timers who owe our beginning to them. Although their methods and ideas are out of style now they were a big part of launching peoples careers in the field. Now having said that I do agree that they do have some manufacturing and customer service flaws in recent years. I must say that not one of the other suppliers that others have mentioned is without the same flaws. I have dealt with them all that were mentioned,McKenzie,Research,Coombs Classics,D.C.(whos name can not be mentioned on this sight)and this sights host,WASCO,and I have gotten some pretty sorry forms from them all at one time or another. Heck I live about 300 miles from the WASCO supplier and I rarely ever get my order in less that 5 to 6 days and on a lot of occasions they have to back order items for 2 or 3 weeks or sometimes more! So I would not just be ripping Van Dykes over this problem. Now to another sore spot with you guys! There are a lot of holier than thou people on here I have noticed. As I said I have been in this business for a long time and I worked in and out of 3 different shops for other taxidermist during that time. I must say I was amazed at just how crooked some of you guys can be. Just how many of you have mounted up an item for a customer that was not actually the one he or she had brought you? Maybe you screwed up his deer cape or squirrel or lost his fish or your freezer went out and you lost some items or you were just to darn lazy to flesh and do the needed prep work! You were to worried about your "Good Name" so instead of being honest and calling the customer and explaining the problem you went out on EBAY and bought another cape for their deer maybe you get lucky and get one that has had all the prep work done for you or you buy some older fish mount somebody is selling and you fix any flaws if any and repaint it and pass it off as the fish the customer caught. Heck I even saw one taxidermist buy a high quality mount in another area of the country and enter it in his local state competion as his own work and win 2nd place. It did'nt matter that he spent a high price for it cause he kept his good reputation in place! I could go on and on with different things that I have seen at all 3 of those shops. Now any of you who have not done this or worse please raise your hands! I would say there are few of you out there for sure!
What kind of people do you hang out with that did all those crappy things to their customers?
I too have worked for 3 different taxidermists, never seen anything shady going on. Didn't like the look of some of their mounts, or their techniques sometimes, but never anything crooked. I am sure it happens, but you imply we all do that crap.
I am not the one that posted about anyone being George Jr in this post. William I agree with you. However, I'm sure that if you have been with them for so long ( as have I though not as long as you) you may have for the past couple years missed the personally signed Christmas cards signed by everyone, customer service, tech reps etc... and my wife miss's the candy. Am I going to stop ordering from them because of it? Heck No! As Pot Stirrer said They do have some really good forms from Jody Green and Doug Rouffers that I can't get anywhere else ( please don't tell me to try someone else's, I have) It would be nice if someone from Van Dykes would come on and let us know in what direction the company is going. With my original post in support of Van Dykes ( which I still do ) I almost feel like I've been left out to dry, shellac me and hang me on the wall.
i have had the same problem with.i called today and they said it should be shipped next week.it has already been two weeks.this is the last order they will get from me.
slow,slow,slow,,sss,ll,,ooooooowwwwwwwww. The Cabela's store is super fast, but not Van Dykes
That Professionals In an Industry. with an average turn around time of 12 months. are crying about not getting their orders fast enough. HELLO! you have 11 months to order the form.
I have some ocean front property in Arizona for sale. It real cheap to but the view is fantastic and a greaat investment. You send me your money and in a couple of weeks I'll ship it out to you.
.....you're really out there pal.
Sure, Van Dyke's was there when you started Taxidermy in the late 60's early 70's, but they're still there and not moving forward,other than switching their molds over to accept foam instead of mache.Do you know that many of their molds were origanally from the Mache erra? Yah, and these forms are still in circulation and being sold to the customer.
When I go into a Dodge Dealership to buy a new Ram,I dont expect to drive off with a "67" clunker.Sounds to me like you neeed to join your State Association,go to the meetings and demo's and catch up to the times. Are you even aware that it is now 4-2-2005. Yes, Busch is now president,not Nixon.
And who the hell do you hang with? Give a customer something thats not his because we're to laxey to do the work ourselves? There are medications that just may help you. Holey crap man. Did you learn Taxidermy in Prison?
And b......I think you're missing the point here.When you pull through the drive through to get your big mac, how would you like waiting 30 minutes for it to be made and brought out to you. Hell, if that were the case,you could have gone out for fine dining and got your food within that time frame.
So why would I want to order a product from a company that I can recieve my order in 1-3 weeks when I can order the same product,if not better within 3-5 days without any BS or lies as to why my order has not yet been shipped out? But hey, if you want and like the wait,I really dont care. You must have WAY more time on your hands than these other guys and gals have.Willie has a legit beef here. 3 weeks for a mannikin? Hell no!
3 weeks for Bradlee's order? acceptably? Hell no!
Is Van Dyke's a bad company? No way,but there is certainly miles of room for improvement if they even WANT to compete with the likes of McKenzie.Cabela's needs to let go of the reins and the choke hold and let Van Dyke's propell themselves forward to the 20th century.
Thats MY opinion,
Stirrer out
PS...."You Know Who", I'm STILL waiting on the Swamp Land in Florida I bought off you in January!
And as John M. states, whats wrong with wanting a company showing a little "Thank You" for their devotion as a good customer all these years.Van Dyke's used to do it. Why toss them aside now. John can take his business elsewhere, but he doesn't. He loves the Jody Green series of whitetails and wants to stick with them. I dont blame him in the least. Why change something that works well for you? But a simple thank you at the end of the year is not asking for much.He does good work. He's had a shoulder mount bear in the VD's catalog for the past 2-3 years now and deserves a litle respect too!
S.W. in billing and C.Service has helped me out in many ways during my affiliation with them and her help has had very much to do with my staying with them as much as the forms I like. Thanks Pot Stirrer for the kind words.
They are definitely the SLOWEST retail in the taxidermy trade there is. If you are in a hurry, forget it. The best in the west is Research Mannikins or McKenzie. Van Dykes are go but VERY SLOW.
Just so you know I have been in associations and use the most modern of forms. I was just making a point about what I had seen in the 3 shops I worked in . I used to do wholesale work for them but became uncomfortable with some things I had seen so I stopped and went into my own business. I have retired now from doing work for the general public and just do work for select customers. I doubt that it was just bad luck that those 3 shops were the only ones who done that. I would say that is more the rule rather than the exception. If your not one of them that does those kinds of shady things then that is a plus for you! For 20 years I had a money back guarantee if my work failed or was not to their liking and not one customer ever claimed it. I have done work for people from Alaska to New York and any place in between.As for all this whining about slow shipping I would say if your in that big a hurry to get your supplies then you don't have enough business. Most quality taxidermist stay a good year or more behind and I would think you could find other things to work on while your waiting for your supplies. Maybe your to busy scanning Ebay or the want ads on here trying to take a shortcut! LOL
... I totally understand what you're saying. But its not the point here. I'm sure that most taxidermist out here DO have enough work to keep them busy for the next year and so on.
But when you realize that you are out of something,or another job just took priority, is waiting 2-3 weeks justified to the customer?
And when you started off in a totally different direction than the topic matter,turning it into taxidermist on this Forums beeing basically criminals, giving customers a product that was not theirs ETC,ECT......well.......that was just WAY out there in left field man.
I will not argue with you that there are not dishonest people out there. I have seen certain things transpire that are questionable at best. But I would like to think that it is not main stream with these folks out here. But thats an entirely different subject. Maybe something you would like to post in its own catagory.For now,the focus is how Van Dykes Supply Co.can satisfy the customer!
And as far as Ebay......honestly, I have NEVER been on it. Just does not appeal to me. Your closing coments really discredited yourself. On the childish side,dont you think?
First let me apologize for the EBAY remark. In reading your reply post it just seemed that you were taking a cheap shot at me and in reading some of your post you seemed to like doing that to others but your are right I should not have lowered myself to that level. As for the change of direction in the format for this forum I really do not think it was all that far off. I addressed the Van Dykes issue and was just making a side point that a lot of these whinners that are ripping Van Dykes for sorry service are some of the same people that are guilty of giving their own customers sorry service. I guess it is a far twist to tie the two together but that is just the way I looked at it. You are right it is probably a subject just for itself but if you noticed there were only 2 responses,yours and Drew, who seemed offended so I do not think I am to far off base on my observation. Thanks for taking the time to at least make note. I am getting to old to get all worked up over something as little as this ! God Bless Ya Stirrer!
As a Taxidermy Product Specialist for Van Dyke's, I am here to help anyone who requests it. If you have any questions I will be glad to give you a honest answer. As to who I am ? I am just a guy who has spent my life in a taxidermy shop and have managed to make a living for my family for over 25 years in the taxidermy industry.
Olaus Lyons
for responding Olaus, I appreciate it and what you do!
...my apologies to you as well if I appeared to be taking a pot shot at you or others as well.I too get worked up from time to time.
Even though it may not seem like it, I have as well as some of the other's a pashion to see Van Dyke's improve in both quality and customer service. Not the "Customer Service Dept.". As you've read some of the other's coments here, VD's Customer Service is some of the best out there,which amazes me with what they have to work with.
I personally dont have the temperment to be bitched at every day by distraut customers!
But I understand where you were going with the Taxidermist that also offers "Sorry Service". But I truely hope that this is NOT the case with Taxidermist that use this Forums. We all should strive for "Quality" and fight to maintain it.
Mr Lyons, Thank you so very much for for coming on here and offering your assistance to the customer.Reading some of these recent concerns from this post from VanDyke customer gives you something to work with and go on.Please do not take these things as a personal attack on you as a person.You have a bigger fight on your hands than you realize, but is worth fighting for in my humble opinion.Other's with the passion to improve the company have failed to do so in the past. I hope that the "New Blood" ,2 new Product Specialist's" instead of 1 as well as a new Product Manager can "Getterdone". But I am,unfortunately,in heavy doubts that you can. A person cant swim with cement boots on !
I think we ALL would like to see Van Dyke's cater more to the Professional Taxidermist instead of the Hobbiest,no matter what your Black Books says!
Again,thanks for your willingness to help us out here and have a gerat day
Stirrer out!
PS....Say Hello to Peanut for us!
Im frankly tired of all the b.S about Van Dykes. If you don't like them, shut up and Don't buy from them. Simple as that. A lot of the bitching seems to be from some one with some inside information.
could this be from a disgruntled ex employee? As to who their pro staff is let me enlighten you. I have met Gary Beigh at several of our state shows as well as the nationals. I know he has been with Van Dykes for well over 20 years. knows the ins and out of a supply company and knows products. He is a wealth of information. I don't know Olaus personally, but have spoken to him on the phone more than a few times. I do know that he has over 20 years in the commercial taxidermy field and came from one of the largest taxidermy studios in w.v. He helped me with questions on some of my first african pieces. Thanks Olaus! I know Randy the best. He has thumped my butt more than once in competion.
as for credentials, I can remember at least 5 best of shows, several taxidermist's choices, and just about every other major award out there. He has had mounts pictured in Breakthrough and other publications. His trout systems are the finest available, period. He is an NTA judge, Judged many shows and has critiqued several of my mounts. I have attended seminars,at various shows he has done on bobcats, bears, fish, and molding. I hope he will be able to judge our show again as he is fair and very knowledgeable. nuff said on that. These guys aren't stupid and know there are problems. Has it ever occurred to any of you that this company might be suffering from growing pains? If you were trying to update and improve a supply company can you think of 3 better guys? I'm guessing You will be seeing many more new forms from the likes of John Schmidt, Danny Owens, Jody Green, Doug Roffers, Dewayne Dewey, and probably some other known names. As far as McKenzie and the other companies, They aren't perfect either and I have had my share of problems with them too. Keep plugging Van Dykes. There are some of us out here that can see some improvements and are looking for some great things from you in the future. Rome wasn't built in a day!
R.P. in ohio


text: "He never painted either of the Death Stars blowing up, he never painted Obi-Wan and Darth Vader fighting with light sabers," DiTerlizzi said.So in planning, he had to decide which parts of the story would be focused on the text and which would rely on the art."That's how a picture book is constructed," he said. "It's a symbiotic relationship.... But we had many conversations about how to handle the art. For instance, in the climax of Luke's battle with Darth Vader, McQuarrie painted Luke with both hands. Do we tweak that in Photoshop?"


text:
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text:
This amazing recovery isn't just a great miracle story. It's also a reminder for all of us...
Posted in , Apr 11, 2014
God works his wonder in many ways–even through baseball.
The other day I watched I'll Knock a Homer for You: The Timeless Story of Johnny Sylvester and Babe Ruth, a documentary about a truly amazing miracle that occurred during the 1926 World Series. One that involved none other than the Great Bambino, Babe Ruth.
Back then, Yankees fan Johnny Sylvester was just 11 years old, recuperating from a horseback riding accident that resulted in a bone infection. The prognosis wasn't good. Doctors didn't think he'd make it.
The New York Yankees got word of Johnny's illness and, during a rain delay in Game 3 of the World Series, a few ballplayers signed a baseball just for Johnny. Babe Ruth inscribed more than just a signature, though. He wrote a promise: "I'll knock a homer for Wednesday's game."
On Wednesday–Game 4 of the series–Babe Ruth did more than just that. He hit three home runs for Johnny. After the World Series, he even paid him a special visit at home in New Jersey.
And something incredible happened–Johnny actually got better, against all odds. According to Andrew Lilley, director of the movie and Johnny's great-nephew, the encounter changed everything.
"Babe Ruth's home runs and his subsequent visit helped Johnny find the will to survive," Andrew said.
Johnny didn't just survive, he thrived. He became a successful business owner and well-loved family man. He even served during World War II. Years later, when Babe Ruth was dying, it was Johnny who paid him a visit. He thanked the baseball great for changing his life.
"The story had come full circle at this point," Andrew said. "Here was the kid all grown up going back to the Babe and showing the same generosity to his hero–just as the Babe showed him all those years ago."
Johnny's amazing recovery isn't just a great miracle story. It's also a reminder that all of us can be miracles to one another. It can be something as grand as a series of home runs in the middle of the World Series. Or as simple as a kind word to a coworker on a stressful day. We may not realize it, but God equips all of us to change each others' lives.
"God works through human beings like Babe Ruth and Johnny Sylvester," said Andrew. "It is through each of us that a miracle of God occurs."
To find out more about the film, visit Andrew's film company site and Facebook page. Or watch the documentary here. And don't forget to share your thoughts below!
Photo: Johnny Sylvester and Babe Ruth in 1928


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Civil and Environmental Engineering
M.S., Ph.D.
Faculty: Associate Professor Gindy, chair; Professor Tsiatas, director of graduate studies. Professors Baxter, Lee, Veyera, and Wright; Associate Professors Craver, Hunter, Thiem, and Thomas; Assistant Professors Akanda, Bradshaw, and Das; Adjunct Professors Harr and O'Neill; Adjunct Assistant Professors Badorek and George; Professors Emeriti Kovacs, Marcus, McEwen, Poon, and Urish.
Environmental engineering: water supply and treatment facilities, municipal and industrial waste treatment, flocculation and coagulation of wastes, solid waste and hazardous waste management, modeling of environmental systems, groundwater pollution, groundwater exploration, coastal groundwater, nonpoint source pollution, stormwater management, river and estuary hydrology, hydraulics and water quality.
Geotechnical engineering: geoacoustic modeling and properties of marine sediments, sediment sampling, in-situ testing, deep-sea sedimentary processes, sediment transport, creep processes, environmental geotechnology, dredge material disposal, experimental geomechanics, soil-structure interaction, constitutive modeling of geological materials, particulate mechanics, applications of nonlinear finite element and discrete element methods to geomechanics problems, earthquake engineering, wave propagation in granular media, dynamic soil properties, liquefaction, geosynthetics.
Structural engineering: matrix and finite element analysis, computer and numerical methods, deterministic and stochastic structural dynamics, earthquakes, system identification, fatigue, design of steel and concrete structures, marine structures, structural stability, thin-walled structures, coastal structures, vibration control, soil-structure interaction, condition assessment and rehabilitation of bridges, structural safety and reliability, structural health monitoring, extreme event analysis.
Transportation engineering: properties of pavement materials, pavement theory and design, pavement management system, highway location, geometric design, traffic operation and control, transportation cost, transportation supply and demand analysis, and transportation system analysis.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering. Candidates in other engineering or closely related fields may be accepted with the possibility of additional undergraduate prerequisite courses being required.
Program requirements: thesis or nonthesis option. Thirty credits plus CVE 601, 602 except for part-time students. For the thesis option, the thesis counts as six to nine of the required credits. The nonthesis option requires a comprehensive technical report and a written comprehensive exam.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: master's degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field. Exceptional students with a bachelor's degree will also be considered.
Program requirements: a minimum of 42 credits plus CVE 601 and 602 except for part-time students beyond the M.S. degree. Students take between 18 and 24 dissertation credits, including the two-course minor outside of the candidate's area of specialization, where required by the candidate's committee; a comprehensive examination; and a dissertation. Although there is no formal departmental language requirement, the committee may require proficiency with a research tool or in a foreign language.
Accelerated Five-Year B.S./M.S. Degree Program
See Civil Engineering in the Undergraduate section of this catalog.


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TWO hospices in north Hampshire have received a one-off funding boost, to help support carers.
Hampshire County Council has given £10,000 each to St Michael's Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, and Naomi House, in Sutton Scotney.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and public health, said: "These grants will help ensure that carers have access to services to help them stay mentally and physically well at a time when they most need it.
"This could be through provision of information and advice to minimise the risk of financial hardship, being able to talk to others in a similar situation or by helping them to have a life outside of their caring role."
The other hospices to receive money as part of the £80,000 scheme are Countess of Brecknock House, in Andover, the Rosemary Foundation, in Petersfield, Oakhaven Hospice, in Lymington, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, in Farnham, The Rowans Hospice, in Purbrook and Countess Mountbatten Hospice, in Hedge End.


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I wander around a lot, and connect to a lot of wireless networks. What is the best way to manage all the networks and keys?
I am thinking of something that scans for networks and gives you a list of available APs, then lets you pick one and type in the key, then remembers it until next time you wander over that way.
Or just let me know what people that wander quite a bit like to use to get online quickly. This is all assuming I have the necessary key, or the AP is open.


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Political comedy draws huge audiences so why is no one interested in taking part in the real stuff, like this week's local elections?
Will Glennon met a New Statesman as he tried to find out.
Hundreds of people flocked to hear a politician speak in Bristol this week, every night from Monday to Saturday, and some afternoons too.
The trouble is, he wasn't a real one. It was Alan B'Stard MP, the odious, sleazy parliamentarian character played by comedian Rik Mayall.
He has defected from the Tories to New Labour for this latest run of stage shows touring around Britain. The humour is as cutting as ever.
Rik Mayall himself tells me that Alan B'Stard is a character he loves playing and with good reason.
"I am really enjoying being him again. Alan is good for me.
"The characters I love best are the ones that contain all the characteristics that I try to suppress in order to live a normal life," he says.
"Alan used to be a nasty Yuppie but now he is completely right-wing, he is a really bad man, and he is just great fun."
I ask Rik why he thinks it is that his shows are selling out across Britain but no-one is voting in the local elections.
"That is a very good question. I do not know."
The show-goers do not know either.
They know their current affairs, understand the political jokes and most of them say they vote.
But they come to the show for the humour or Rik Mayall.
"He is the reason I came to the show", says a 20-year-old girl, "and if I learn something about politics or it makes me more switched on to it then that can only be a good thing."
Maybe. But as I look in on a few official polling stations on Election Day Thursday, they are pretty much deserted.
The staff smile broadly when I walk through the door each time, hugely grateful for a slice of human contact!
It is a sunny day so perhaps the voters are having a relaxing afternoon before popping along to the polls?
At College Green in Bristol, in the shadow of the Council House itself, there are more than 100 above-voting-age individuals.
Have any of them voted? No. Are they going to? No. Did they even know the elections were on? Mostly not.
But when I tell them a political joke, they all get it and they laugh. Well, some of them do.
Perhaps the main point is that while people do understand politics - many actually have quite a in-depth knowledge of the issues that matter - they are just apathetic about going to actually vote because the options just are not that distinct or attractive.
I meet up with Rik Mayall after one of his shows.
It was gone 10pm and he was leaving the stage door round the back of the theatre and there was still a decent crowd of fans waiting to get autographs and have their photos taken with him ...
... And one or two of the ladies managed to sneak a little peck on the cheek too.
You do not need to be a genius to know that when the local councillors leave work, it is a very different picture.
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