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wp home > general info > blast 2010-04-09The Weekly Blast: April 9, 2010
TECHNOLOGY FELLOWS PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION -- April 12, 2010
4-6pm, Bartlett 101:
Hand-picked from the ranks of 112 instructors each year, the Technology Fellows have been exploring the outer edges of technology and writing pedagogy since 2007. Their goal: design a unit that integrates technology in new and challenging ways in the writing
classroom. After several months of planning and teaching, the current Fellows would like to share what they have discovered with other teachers in The Writing Program. Come and join in a thoughtful discussion of their projects and outcomes. Information on becoming a Technology Fellow next year will also be distributed.
For more information on the current projects, please visit
Applications are now being accepted for the Writing Program's Technology Fellows program for 2010-11. Technology Fellows are graduate TOs in the UMass Amherst First Year Writing program (Englwrit 111 or 112) who together engage questions about teaching writing with technology through academic reading, discussion, and hands-on play with technologies. Fellows meet in a small-group setting, under the leadership of the Tech Fellows co-directors, on the Mondays opposite Writing Program practica (i.e., every other week). Participation is for the entire academic year 2010-11. A small stipend accompanies the Fellowship; Tech Fellows share an office in Bart 303. If you're interested, submit a letter of 1-2 paragraphs expressing your interest to David Fleming, Director of the Writing Program, Bartlett Hall 305, Amherst MA 01003. Email submission is fine: email@example.com. The deadline for the letter is noon on Friday, April 16.
The Resource Center has openings for five staff members for next year. We will be hiring 4 mentors and 1 technology coordinator. All members of the Resource Center staff work to enhance our teaching community, are involved in the planning and running of orientation, assist with the Resource Center on-line database and blog, and attend biweekly meetings.
Mentors mostly work with first-year teachers in the Writing Program. Mentors attend bi-weekly course director meetings, observe classes, and video-tape first-year teachers. Applicants must have taught College Writing for at least two semesters. No prior teaching experience required. We look for applicants who are reflective and thoughtful teachers.
Technology Coordinator maintains the Resource database and blog, serves as the mentor for the Teaching with Technology practicum, and works to develop the Writing Program's technology resources. The Technology Coordinator works with all teachers in our program to incorporate technology into their classrooms. We look for applicants who are interested in exploring and reflecting on how technology can be used in the writing classroom. Applicants do not need to be computer experts, but should have some experience and knowledge of SPARK, blogs, and multi-media programs such as Movie-Maker, Dreamweaver, etc.
All positions are for one year. However, it is possible to serve for two years. Resource Center staff members teach College Writing (EnglWrit 112) both semesters. Staff members must be available for this year's orientation which is August 30, 31, September 1, and 2 and for a planning day session during the week of August 23rd. Resource Staff positions will have a 1-1 teaching load (sections capped at 15 per section) and carry a slightly higher stipend.
We think it is important the Resource Center be representative of our teaching staff so we welcome applications from people in the MFA program, in the MA/Ph.D program in all fields of English, and from other disciplines. Applicants must have taught College Writing (EnglWrit 112) for at least two semesters and have a full assistantship with the Writing Program for 2010-11.
To apply, send a letter of interest by noon on Wednesday April 21, 2010 to Peggy Woods (firstname.lastname@example.com). Please include a brief philosophy of your teaching and the qualities you would bring as a mentor and/or tech coordinator. Please indicate which position (mentor or tech coordinator) you are interested in. It is possible to be considered for both. Interviews will be arranged after April 21st. Decisions will be made before the end of classes.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Resource Center please contact any member of the current staff: Leslie Bradshaw, Jensen Beach, Andrea Lawlor, Emma Howes, Matt Weingast, or Peggy Woods.
We are looking for someone to teach one section of College Writing during the second session of summer session. The class will be held from 6/8-7/13. The class will meet Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:00-12:00noon. If interested please contact Heidi (email@example.com) by April 28, 2010.
Placement Test Readers. The Writing program seeks new and veteran placement test readers to read for this summer's testing sessions. We will read the placement essays of the incoming 4000+ first year students to determine placement in Basic and College Writing. No prior experience necessary—just be eager and willing to read many, many essays in an exciting, collaborative environment. Placement test readers must be available for both sessions: June 28-July 2 and July 26-29. The compensation for this work is $115.00 per day worked.
If you would like to apply to be a placement reader, please send an email to Deirdre Vinyard email@example.com by Friday April 23. In you email, please state your prior experience in placement test evaluation (if any—not required!) and your expected graduation date from UMass.
We are seeking an interested graduate student to serve as assistant to the Placement Test Coordinator, Deirdre Vinyard for the 2010-2011 academic year (including summer 2011). This position begins in September 2010.
Responsibilities: Assist the coordinator in developing essay questions, selecting training essays, revising the rating criteria, and conducting the summer 2011 placement test readings and reader-training sessions. The dates for summer 2011 have not been set yet, but we anticipate that they will occur in June and July.
Applicants must be available to serve as readers during summer 2010. Readings this summer will be held from 9-4 on the following dates:
June 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2 and July 26, 27, 28, 29
The Assistant Placement Test Coordinator will also participate in two readings during the year: During the first week of the fall semester and the first week of the Spring semester, we will do group readings (100+ tests).
Required: Experience as a reader, interest in placement for writing courses, organizational and planning skills, and a good sense of humor!
Preferred but not required: graduate area or course work in Writing and the Teaching of Writing and interest in working with the placement exam administration for more than just this summer.
Pay: $1,750
If you are interested please let Deirdre Vinyard know, by email, by Friday April 23. In your email, please explain briefly why you are interested and tell the ways you believe that you are qualified for the position.
If you have any questions, please contact Deirdre Vinyard email@example.com
By having students turn their annotative bibliographies into skits, this exercise by Nick Sansone helps students figure out how comprehensively they have researched their "conversation" for Adding to the Conversation. To see the full details of "Lights! Action! The Annotative Bibliography" click on: http://www.umass.edu/writingprogram/teaching/database/_resourcecontents.html
The weather has been beautiful. And the students are asking, "Can we go outside?" Share your thoughts about taking your students outside on the Resource Center blog: http://blogs.umass.edu/pmwoods/
Plans are under way for the Writing Program's Celebration of Writing. The experimental writing classes promise to have great displays and readings. We are also looking forward to presentations from this year's Technology Fellows. Several College Writing sections will also have displays. Henk Rossouw, former foreign correspondent for The Chronicle of Higher Education and current MFA student will be our keynote speaker. If you would like to display any of your students' work from last semester or this current semester, please contact Peggy (email@example.com).
Wow, I can't believe I am posting this already! End of semester course evaluations will be ready for pick up on Friday April 16. Please remember that, unlike midterm evaluations, these evaluations are required. Directions for administering evaluations are on the envelope. Please read them carefully and convey the directions correctly to your students. Becky will answer any questions you have. These evaluations take 20-30 minutes for your students to complete and are best administered at the start of class. Course evaluations must be done and return to the office by Tuesday, April 27.
You may be wondering how to handle the requests from UMass to post textbook prices on SPIRE for your courses. The Writing Program will be responsible for posting textbook information, including prices, on the website and attaching this information to all sections on SPIRE. You do not need to do this yourself.
Friday, April 23 is the deadline for requesting magazine publications at Print Services.
Since I have received a few inquiries about the date of the last paycheck I thought I would let everyone know that date is Friday, May 28.
Don't miss our department's upcoming interdisciplinary conference on how performance and performativity intersect with everyday behaviors, as well as performances in literature, theater, language, visual culture, and politics.
Attending the department conference is a great way to show support for your colleagues both in and outside of the department and also helps you develop contacts and experience for upcoming professional conferences in the field.
Panels include a dynamic range of papers and performances from graduate students in English, African American Studies, Communication, Comparative Literature, French, German Studies, Performance Studies, and Theater & Dance.
Presenters and performers will be in attendance from UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, Brown University, CUNY Graduate Center, NYU, Smith College, St. John's University, SUNY Albany, Temple University, University of Colorado-Denver, University of Rhode Island, and Yale University.
The final schedule for the conference, as well as information regarding registration and attendance fees, can be found online at our website: http://www.umass.edu/umassego/index.html . If interested, attendees can pre-register with Wanda Bak in the Graduate Office (452 Bartlett Hall) until Tuesday, April 13th. There will also be on-site registration the day of the conference.
We encourage those only interested in attending the reception following the conference to bring $7 or donate 5 books. Books will be used towards fund raising for next year's conference.
So come out, support, and enjoy listening to the hard work of your fellow grad students! We hope to see you there!
April 12 Tech Fellow presentation and discussion
April 16 Tech Fellows application deadline
April 16 Course evaluation ready for pick up
April 21 Resource Center staff applications due
April 23 Placement Test readers applications due
April 23 Placement Assistant applications due
April 23 Deadline for magazine publication
April 27 Completed course evaluations must be returned to the office
April 28 Deadline for Summer Continuing Ed Instructor
May 5 Celebration of Writing: Words Near and Far
May 28 Last paycheck


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drooling over such luxury was supposed to result in a cathexis of the Ralph Lauren label.
[T]his is not a book review—it is an act of drooling voyeurism.
Both of them stared into that opening, drooling a little, the same eagerness in their pose as they had displayed when hunting.
It doesn't sound natural, but you certainly seem to know what you're drooling about.
Then I'll get him to make me a real assistant in the drooling ward, with forty dollars a month and my board.
Harkaman was drooling over the mass of historical material he had found.
The terrible sound shook the cabin, but Tara still made no movement, except now to swing his head with open, drooling jaws.
Belchy's ogle had been of the straightforward, loose-lipped, drooling variety.
They pitted one group against another dangling carrots aplenty in front of the drooling vassals.
It was the thought of ending my days as a drooling, mewling infant—or worse!
1802, apparently a dialectal variant or contraction of drivel. Related: Drooled; drooling. The noun is from 1860s.
To talk foolishly or stupidly; utter inanities (1900s+)

subset: commoncrawl


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About Our Neurosurgical Brain Services
At Neurosurgical Associates of Central Jersey, our NJ neurosurgeons specialize in treating complex brain disorders using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technologies.
The brain is the main organ of the central nervous system and drives our language, reasoning, memory and creative capabilities. It works by collecting information from nerve cells and processing this information to perform particular actions. While the brain stem, thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebellum make up the base of the brain, the cerebrum constitutes the largest part of the brain and is divided into right and left hemispheres, each of which is associated with specific higher brain functions. Tumors in the brain can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous), but all can cause serious symptoms such as hearing or vision loss and lead to complications like stroke.


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
The Hotel staff was great. Charlie gave us a free upgrade to the lakeside view. Celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Nothing
location was amazing restaurant was mediocre at best, service was very slow and they double charged us and it took over a week to fix...
Computer system was down and staff was unprepared to handle it. Multiple interruptions to our room
Pools were awesome. Rooms were large. Only 1 restaurant. Location nice for waterfront or golf, but out of the way for anything else. If you want food after 10pm you have to drive. Adult pool closes at same time as children pool (11pm), Hot tub has same hours. On last night appr 1130pm very loud group of "21 y/o's" in hallway, staff did nothing. Saw them later in lobby, still loud.
So nice...kids loved the pool and slide. Dinner in the restaurant was fantastic. Rooms were great! Everything was really so nice. Thank you.
Loved the grounds, location, view, setting. Room was nice - I'd say better than most. Had a balcony room overlooking the lake. Grounds are beautiful. Generally very relaxing. You feel like you're in a secluded resort. Breakfast buffet was very great too. Hearing the toilet flushing above us all night. The staff was nice, don't get me wrong, but there was a "cavalier" attitude. Pool wasn't cleaned up until 15 minutes before closing. Towels & used cups everywhere. Tables at the pool were dirty, room service trays left in the halls for hours, things like that. $25 resort fee when the Internet didn't work at the pool. Staff said it had been out for quite a while Drunks from the wedding party yelling making enjoying the firepit a bit of a challenge
The rooms were nice. Comfy beds. Nice shower. Friendly staff. Pool has broken built in toys in kiddy area. Lots of gravel in splash pool. Had a drink with my husband that the waiter talked us into and was awful. Wanted a hot tub for all of us to go in. Grounds looked unkept off the concrete slab by pool area dirt patches.


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CPG Sec. 550.155 Apricot, Peach and Pear Nectars and Purees - Adulteration with Mold
- Apricot, Peach and Pear Nectars
The following represents criteria for direct reference seizure to the Division of Compliance Management and Operations (HFC-210) and for direct citation by District Offices:If the average Howard mold count for six or more subsamples is 12% or above.
- Apricot, Peach and Pear Purees
The following represents criteria for recommending legal action to CFSAN/Office of *Compliance*/Division of Enforcement (HFS-605):If the average Howard mold count for six or more subsamples of purees is 12% or above.
After mixing nectar or puree well, make mold count according to the procedure specified in 44.096 AOAC, 13th edition, that begins "Clean Howard cell ..."
After September 16, 1983, prepared nectar and puree samples according to the AOAC Official First Action method for Howard mold count of Fruit Nectars, Purees, and Pastes.
Seizures involving these products must be discussed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture because some lots may have been graded by them. Submit the following information to CFSAN/Office of *Compliance*/Division of Enforcement (HFS-605) and await reply before proceeding:
Article (apricot/peach/pear nectar) (apricot/peach/pear puree) adulterated (when introduced into and while in interstate commerce) (while held for sale after introduction into interstate commerce), within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(3), in that it consists in part of a decomposed substance by reason of presence therein of (moldy/decomposed apricot/peach/pear material) (mold).
- Samples of nectars and infant food purees (apricot, peach, pear) collected during the FY 1977 Retail Market Survey contained such low levels of insect and rodent filth that an action level is not established for such filth. However, since this indicates that significant amounts of insect and rodent filth are avoidable, the absence of an action level does not preclude recommending legal action to CFSAN/Office of *Compliance*/Division of Enforcement (HFS-605) based on findings of relatively low levels of insect and/or rodent filth in either infant or adult foods.
- Only use direct citation authority when prosecution is anticipated and evidence to support a prosecution is included with the adulteration charge. Evidence necessary to support a prosecution is specified in existing regulatory issuances.
*Material between asterisks is new or revised*
Issued: 4/1/83
Revised: 3/95, 5/2005
Updated: 11/29/05


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Prof. J. Lindqvist selected participate in the 2nd Heidelberg Laureate Forum
Prof. Janne Lindqvist was selected by the Scientific Committee of the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation (HLFF) to participate in the 2nd Heidelberg Laureate Forum, held from September 21 to 26 in Heidelberg, Germany. Only the 200 most qualified Young Researchers were given the opportunity to participate. The HLFF cover the costs for board and lodging.


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Terrance D. Gulley
Black male
Age at time: 27
Weapon: unarmed
Julio Cruz
White male
Age at time: 49
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Neighborhood dispute
Case year:
Location details: The parking lot of an apartment complex in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, on Dec. 09, 2008
What happened: Terrance Gulley said he and his wife had stopped by to chat with a friend outside the friend's apartment and were still in their vehicle when Julio Cruz began banging on the hood. Cruz told police he had been woken up by Gulley and his friend's loud arguing and went out to confront them. When Gulley got out of the car, Cruz told police, he thought the man might hit him. So Cruz pulled a handgun from under his bathrobe and yelled, "Get the f___ off my property or I'll shoot you.'' Gulley left without incident and flagged down a police officer. Cruz was charged with assault and later argued he was standing his ground. Cruz told police he did not have a concealed weapons permit.
The outcome: Cruz appealed after judge denied his "stand your ground" motion. An appeals court ordered a trial court to reconsider, not based on the merits of the case, but on the original judge's decision to deny the motion simply because there were disputes over key facts.
Case decision made by: Pending
Trayvon Martin's death became controversial because circumstances leading up to the shooting cast doubt on who was to blame. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed other "stand your ground" cases for similar circumstances. The Times relied on available information, some of which may not tell the whole story. When the situation was unclear, that was noted.
Did the victim initiate the confrontation?
Was the victim armed?
Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation?
Did the defendant pursue the victim?
Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict?
Was the defendant on his or her property?
Did someone witness the attack?
Was there physical evidence?
Source: Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Dec. 9, 2008.
Source: Fourth District State Court of Appeal, Feb. 23, 2011. Link to original source
Click here for more information about how we compiled these cases. Know of something we missed or have a photo to share? Submit a case here.
Case last updated: Aug. 10, 2013


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Only one long-only Australian equities fund manager managed to post positive returns during the three months to May as market volatility hammered investment performance, Mercer research shows.
The average Australian shares fund manager suffered a 4.5 per cent loss during the quarter, compared with the median benchmark's 4.4 per cent loss.
Investors Mutual was the only fund manager out of about 100 other investment firms to rake in a positive 0.6 per cent return during the three months to May, Mercer says.
Second placed Clime Australian Value Fund netted a 0.6 per cent loss, while the third best performer, Lazard Select Australian Equity, lost 0.9 per cent during the same period.
Investors Mutual senior portfolio manager Hugh Giddy said defensive stocks such as telecommunications giant
"You can't use a scatter gun approach to investing. It's a market for stock pickers right now," Mr Giddy said.
"We've managed so far to avoid virtually every major disappointment [such as] media stocks and retail."
Mercer's survey showed utilities and telecommunications were the only Australian equities classes to finish the month higher as global economic woes hit home last month.
Resources, materials and energy stocks suffered sell offs, Mercer principal David Carruthers said.
"The traditional defensive sectors such as telecoms and health care have done pretty well; fund managers who held these stocks would have done better," he said.
"The resource type [stocks], now, these companies are more exposed to the global economy and were more affected."
Clime chief investment officer John Abernethy said stocks such as Telstra, salary packaging provider
The firm's Australian value fund strategy is tilted towards income producing companies, Mr Abernethy said. "The trick is to be index unaware – focused on income, and being patient as we don't turn our portfolio very much."
For Shaun Manuell, chief investment officer at Equity Trustees, hanging on to a long-term performance strategy remains crucial to riding out continuing market volatility and raking in returns.
Picking stocks that provided sustainable cash flows was key, he said.
"We've got positions in CSL and Telstra for instance – those really helped," he said.
Volatility continued to be a major cause of shaky returns among local equities fund managers, a trend that shows few signs of abating in coming months, Mr Carruthers said.
The turbulent conditions mean investors would need to keep a close eye on their fund manager's performance. While short term volatility could be ridden out, investors would need to take a good look at their manager's strategies and decide whether they were suited for their investment needs, he said.
"We're going to have another negative year [for returns] unless we see a rally in the next few weeks," he said.
"It's Europe, it's the Spanish banks . . . it's extremely hard at the moment with volatility continuing – investors may have to consider all of that and look at the underlying strategies of their managers."
The Australian Financial Review


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Tor.com's Irene Gallo gathers together an absolutely fantastic gallery of science fiction artwork that quotes famous works of fine art. I'm all over John Mattos's Mos Eisley reimagined as Picasso's Three Musicians.
Tor.com's Irene Gallo gathers together an absolutely fantastic gallery of science fiction artwork that quotes famous works of fine art. I'm all over John Mattos's Mos Eisley reimagined as Picasso's Three Musicians.
An 83-year-old woman with a badly infected lower jaw had the entire thing replaced with a 3D printed titanium/bioceramic replica. The surgery was performed by doctors from the University of Hasselt (Belgium) in collaboration with Dutch surgeons.
The 3D printer prints titanium powder layer by layer, while a computer controlled laser ensures that the correct particles are fused together. Using 3D printing technology, less materials are needed and the production time is much shorter than traditional manufacturing. The mandible was finally given a bioceramic coating compatible with the patient's tissue by BioCeramics in Leiden. The artificial jaw weighs 107 grams, it is only 30 grams heavier than a natural jaw, but the patient can easily get used to it.
The operation was performed in June last year in the hospital in Sittard-Geleen. One day later the lady could start talking and swallowing.
83 year-old woman got 3D printed mandible (Thanks, Don!) Read the rest
Chris sez, "My name is Chris Peterson. I run web communications for MIT Admissions and have been a loyal BB reader for years. For the last several years we have been sending our admitted students their acceptance letters in cardboard tubes. First because we sent a poster, but now it's its own thing. 2012 is the anniversary of an old MIT balloon hack, so we put a letter in all of the Early Action admit tubes telling them we wanted them to hack the tubes somehow, and set up http://hackthetubes.mitadmissions.org to collect responses. Lots of them are great, but this one, from Erin King (MIT '16) in Georgia, is the best."
Update: Erin sez, "I goofed on my Erin king 'MIT admit letter in space' submission. She is 17. I plain forgot what year it was - been too buried in applications!!"
16 year old girl from Georgia launches her MIT acceptance letter into near space (Thanks, Chris!) Read the rest
I don't know an awful lot about fingernail painting, but this seems like a pretty straightforward painting task, and the effect is pretty awesome.
Joly sez, "Rebecca Mackinnon discusses her new book 'Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom' (Basic Books) with Mark Whitaker, managing editor for CNN Worldwide, at The New America Foundation NYC on Feb 1 2012."
I've got a copy of this book at the top of my read-for-review pile. I can't wait. Rebecca's views on international relations and the Internet -- especially the role the Internet plays in both the struggle for freedom and the suppression of freedom in China -- are the most thoughtful, best informed in the field. Here's the site for the book.
Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle For Internet Freedom (Thanks, Joly!) Read the rest
Gmoke sez, "This statistical model uses 'zipcode-level energy consumption data to estimate the average annual energy use for every tax lot—at practically building level—through all five boroughs of the city.' Included are estimateans for space heating, space cooling, water heating, and base electric applications such as lighting. 'This map will enable NYC building owners to see whether their own building consumes more or less than what an average building with similar function and size would,' said Professor Modi. 'This is the first time anyone has provided an estimate like this for New York City and the first time anyone has offered information to the public in the form of an interactive map.'"
"This is a critical issue," said Modi. "While discussions frequently focus on electricity use, homes in New York City, whether a townhouse or a large apartment building, use far more energy in form of heat rather than electricity. Nearly all of this heat is obtained from heating oil or natural gas. In addition, current electricity distribution infrastructure in many urban areas relies on large amounts of electricity brought in from outside the city, making it difficult to support increased future use without requiring significant investment of resources and funds. We are looking at ways we can address both these issues—reducing our heating bills and increasing local electricity generation capacity."
Model Created to Map Energy Use in NYC Buildings (Thanks, Gmoke!) Read the rest
Dan Sayers ("I am not a type designer") decided to explore "generative" type-design by seeing what happened when he "averaged out" a large number of fonts. Once he got his teeth into the problem, he realized that "averaging out" is a complicated idea when it comes to shapes, and came up with a pretty elegant way of handling the problem, which, in turn, yielded a rather lovely face: Avería, "the average font."
Read the rest
Then it occurred to me: since my aim was to average a large number of fonts, perhaps it would be best to use a very simple process, and hope the results averaged out well over a large number of fonts. So, how about splitting each letter perimeter into lots of (say, 500) equally-spaced points, and just average between the corresponding positions of each, on each letter? It would be necessary to match up the points so they were about the same location in each letter, and then the process would be fairly simple
Having found a simple process to use, I was ready to start. And after about a month of part-time slaving away (sheer fun! Better than any computer game) – in the process of which I learned lots about bezier curves and font metrics – I had a result. I call it Avería – which is a Spanish word related to the root of the word 'average'. It actually means mechanical breakdown or damage. This seemed curiously fitting, and I was assured by a Spanish friend-of-a-friend that "Avería is an incredibly beautiful word regardless of its meaning".
This afternoon some friends and I will be playing this new game we really like in Yerba Buena Gardens, and you're welcome to join us.
Johann Sebastian Joust is basically like high-tech tag. Each person has a Playstation Move controller, and the object of the game is to jostle other people's controllers so that you're the last man standing. The twist is that as you play, a Bach concerto will also be playing and its tempo indicates the upper threshold for how much your controller can be jostled before you're out.
If you want to play, we'll be in Yerba Buena Gardens today at 5PM. You don't need to bring anything, we have a full set of controllers, and we'll trade off. See you there! Read the rest
The NYT's Scott James recounts the insane red-tape endured by Juliet Pries, an entrepreneur who decided to open an ice-cream parlour in San Francisco's Cole Valley. She had to pay rent on an empty storefront for over two years while the necessary permits were processed, and tens of thousands of dollars in fees (including the cost of producing a detailed map of nearby businesses, which the city itself seemed not to have). If the story sounds familiar, it's because it was the subject of a notorious Xtranormal-produced Hello City Planner video that used it as an example to lampoon the planning bureaucracy in San Francisco.
Pries's restaurant, the Ice Cream Bar, is a popular hit, and employs 14 people, but "Many times it almost didn't happen," as she says, due to the incredibly administrative hurdles she faced in opening it.
Read the rest
Ms. Pries said she had to endure months of runaround and pay a lawyer to determine whether her location (a former grocery, vacant for years) was eligible to become a restaurant. There were permit fees of $20,000; a demand that she create a detailed map of all existing area businesses (the city didn't have one); and an $11,000 charge just to turn on the water.
The ice cream shop's travails are at odds with the frequent promises made by the mayor and many supervisors that small businesses and job creation are top priorities.
The matter has also alarmed some business leaders, who point out that few small ventures could survive such long delays.
I blogged "Extermiknit!", a knittable Dalek, back in 2007, but it turns out that an even cooler knittable Dalek of the same name was created on Feather and Fan in 2010, with an opening hatch containing a Kaled mutant, and here it is.
After completing the top of the Dalek as specified, I created an opening in the front by steeking carefully along the vertical line between the knit "instrument panel" and the purled rest of the midsection–just used some sewing shears and cut straight through the middle of the rightmost line of knit stitches, along the entire height of the midsection. I then carefully unraveled the stitches from right to left on the rows above and below the desired door area, to the left end of the "instrument panel", and placed these two horizontal pairs of exposed stitches on DPNs.
This creates a kind of door flap, hinged vertically along the left-hand side. I sewed down the outer edge of the door with one yarn tail, and used a sewn bindoff and the other two yarn tails to fasten the top and bottom of the door flap. The door flap was now bound off and would not unravel.
FO: EXTERMIKNIT! EXTERMIKNIT! « Feather and Fan (via Making Light) Read the rest
If you need me to explain why you should spend 1:26 watching a man wielding an iron guitar in a Faraday suit playing Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" on MIDI-compatible Tesla coils, you are in the wrong place, pal.
ArcAttack is performing a Tesla Coil version of Iron Man by Black Sabbath. The Guitar Player is using an iron guitar in a faraday cage
ArcAttack testing out the world's first lighting-proof MIDI guitar in their warehouse in Austin, Texas.
The MIDI signal from the guitar is routed through a fiber optic cable to control the Tesla coils.
Update: From the comments, ArcAttack clarifies, "The guitar isnt iron though, its actually made out of wood with shielding and a couple of micro-controllers hooked up to a switch bank (the fret board) and is all optically isolated. The giant fan in the back isn't for sucking ozone. It was 100 degrees that day and being in a metal suit can get pretty hot. And in reference to Manny's comment, our interview went as follows "THEM: What happens when something goes wrong? US: We have many safety controls to minimize any major problem. If something goes wrong we just turn it off. THEM: is lightning deadly? US: Lightning is very deadly, but our machines arnt nearly as dangerous as real lightning."
ArcAttack performs a Tesla Coil version of Iron Man by Black Sabbath with a Faraday Guitar (via Making Light) Read the rest
Derryl Murphy sez, "Drew Smith's lovely new song 'Smoke and Mirrors' needed a video, so he decided to outsource it. The result is wonderful."
So I outsourced my video to Bangalore, India. Why? Well, I figured the last thing the world needed was another low-budget singer songwriter video. Fortunately, the first Virtual Assistant I found on google also happened to be a dance choreographer. After a couple of emails and phone calls, I received this beautiful video in my inbox. Many thanks to Asha Sarella and Vishwas Avathi. I can't thank you enough!
Drew Smith - Smoke And Mirrors (Thanks, Derryl!) Read the rest
In Slate, Dahlia Lithwick examines the impact that Stephen Colbert's SuperPAC is having on public perception of the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United, which establishes that "corporate personhood" means that corporations can make unlimited contributions to political campaigns. Dahlia implies that the Court, which has always maintained an aloofness from public life (no cameras, no press office) is smarting under Colbert's withering sarcasm, and that people are responding as well. For example, Colbert's SuperPAC backed Herman Cain (not a candidate) in the South Carolina race, and the voters put him ahead of Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman, and Michele Bachmann.
Read the rest
Then last June, like a winking, eyebrow-wagging Mr. Smith, Colbert went to Washington and testified before the FEC, which granted him permission to launch his super PAC (over the objections of his parent company Viacom) and accept unlimited contributions from his fans so he might sway elections. (He tweeted before his FEC appearance that PAC stands for "Plastic And/Or Cash.") In recent weeks, Colbert has run several truly insane attack ads (including one accusing Mitt Romney of being a serial killer). Then, with perfect comedic pitch, Colbert handed off control of his super PAC to Jon Stewart (lampooning the FEC rules about coordination between "independent PACS" and candidates with a one-page legal document and a Vulcan mind meld). Colbert then managed to throw his support to non-candidate Herman Cain in the South Carolina primary, placing higher on the ballot than Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman, and Michele Bachmann.
The line between entertainment and the court blurred even further late last month when Colbert had former Justice John Paul Stevens on his show to discuss his dissent in Citizens United.
Apparently inspired by the Polish parliamentarians who showed up for work in Guy Fawkes masks for the signing of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (a US-driven secret copyright treaty), members of Bulgaria's parliament repeated the trick.
The MPs say they support copyright laws, but oppose ACTA over its possible turning into an instrument to limit freedom of speech, to control internet use, and to turn into an obstacle for the exchange of information and knowledge online.
On January 26, the Bulgarian government signed in Tokyo the international ACTA agreement, vowing to make downloading content similar to forgery of brands.
The agreement was sealed by Bulgarian ambassador to Japan Lyubomir Todorov, based on a decision by the Bulgarian cabinet taken hastily on January 11.
Bulgarian MPs Wear Guy Fawkes Mask to Protest ACTA (via Techdirt) Read the rest


text:
The $440 million company, which does not have a big exposure to live export, also marginally reduced the book value of its leasehold property by $1.2 million to $169.8 million. NAPCO's largest shareholder is the London-listed
The result follows a combined $68 million in total writedowns from
NAPCO chairman
"In 2012, the revaluation of all the company's stations saw some significant reductions in the value brought to account," Mr Lyndon said.
"However, the impact on the company has been less than that upon the industry generally, due in part to the quality of our assets, but also because of the ongoing yearly maintenance and improvement to those assets."
In the previous year, 2011, the value of the company's freehold land increased by $252,000 to just more than $71.5 million, while the value of its leasehold land fell $1.7 million to $171 million.
A combination of difficult factors, aside from the oversupply of cattle caused by the live-export debacle, are considerably affecting cattle-station values.
The strong Australian dollar is hindering the export market and there is a serious drought in western Queensland and the Northern Territory, which has increased cattle sales and put pressure on prices.
This translates to lower income for operators and weakens the serviceability of debt.
Furthermore, there is a large number of cattle stations on the market. Versatile and respected cattle barons such as
Sir Graham is selling his portfolio of cattle stations, once valued at more than $300 million.
The high-quality portfolio includes the Tartrus and Glenprairie aggregations, totalling more than 61,000 hectares and carrying 12,000 head of organic cattle.
Mr Daley is selling his profitable 125,000 hectare Lotus Vale and Stirling stations in far north Queensland.
An abundance of surplus, lower quality assets from separate vendors is also on the market, putting pressure on values. Earlier this month a small cattle station near Katherine, NT was contracted for sale, reflecting a discount of 35 per cent on its 2009 purchase price
The Australian Financial Review


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The NFL Draft is quickly approaching. Mock drafts are flying off of every writer and blogger's desk. NFL franchises are sending out smoke screens, talking up players that they may have no interest in, hoping that someone else takes them and leaves their player to be selected.
But who is the guy that the Bills should get? If appointed general manager, who would you select? That's the very question that the writers at buffalobills101.com answered. And here are the responses:
Paul Lane
"There's a lot of talk going around about the Bills drafting Mike Evans. But I'd avoid another receiver. They drafted two in the early rounds last season in Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin, and they also traded for Mike Williams this offseason. So this does not seem an area of urgent need. If they want to improve the offense, then adding Eric Ebron at tight end is the way to go. He's a big target and has a knack for making tough catches, which would be a great complement to give EJ Manuel. But if Khalil Mack is somehow still available, I'd scrap all plans and land the best prospect ever to come out of UB. He could push an improving defense over the top."
Anthony Custode
"I really want Jadaveon Clowney. I think the Bills should do whatever it takes to get him. The thought of Clowney, Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus as the front four makes me salivate. I also wouldn't be opposed to Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans if Clowney isn't a possibility. Though, defense wins championships. If they draft a tackle, I will lose my mind."
Richard Wade
"I believe the Buffalo Bills should select Eric Ebron, tight end, from North Carolina in the first round. The Bills haven't had a tight end that scared other teams since the days of Pete Metzelaars. The trend now in the NFL is to have more of a receiver/tight end hybrid. Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski instill fear into opposing defenses. Scott Chandler is more of a backup. EJ Manuel would thank the heavens if Ebron fell to the Bills with the 9th overall pick."
Mike Matisz
"If the Buffalo Bills were ready to pick at nine and Sammy Watkins were available, I wouldn't let a single second run off the draft clock. I understand the amount of receivers on the roster, but how many of them have the potential to be an elite talent? The Bills front office has made it clear that they need to surround quarterback EJ Manuel with as much talent as possible this season. When you hear names like Julio Jones being thrown around this kid, there has to be something special. Perhaps the football gods will be kind after the James Hardy — experience and bring the Bills an elite talent. You won't see a tremendous leap forward for Manuel by drafting a tackle. You will see improvement when there's another target to hit in the end zone."
Our four writers have weighed in and it does appear that there's a bit of a trend that offense should be addressed. Ebron has been a name talked about for months in Buffalo as well as Watkins and Evans.
While there have been a decent amount of rumors tying the Bills to a trade for the top overall pick, the chances of that happening are quite slim.
The NFL Draft kicks off Thursday May 8 from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.Tags: Buffalo, Buffalo Bills, EJ Manuel, Eric Ebron, Football, Jadaveon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Mike Evans, NFL, Sammy Watkins


text: LOL! Mike Murfy Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: Dennis Lawrence <denlaw at gojade.org> Sender: gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:18:32 To: GDG<gettysburg at arthes.com> Reply-To: GDG <gettysburg at arthes.com> Subject: Re: GDG- Lincoln Vs Davis Esteemed GDG Member Contributes: At 11:14 AM 12/9/2010, you wrote: >p.s. I know we don't proofread, but, dammit, I've been fighting for >years to get people to spell it correctly. Hello, I understand, Leio. Take Care Dennis >>>>>>>>>>>> "I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly who threw me across a pack-horse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines. " Dr. Watson describing his escape at the Battle of Maiwand ----------------http://www.arthes.com/mailman/listinfo/gettysburg_arthes.com -to unsubscribe http://arthes.com/pipermail/gettysburg_arthes.com/ for Archives


text:
Chris Bagnall wrote:
>>Don't know if this is correct place to submit this, but would
>>it be possible to add NNTP (News) option to the Magic Shaper
>>interface. This would give someone the option of setting
>>NNTP to low priority like the P2P option.
>I would have to caution against that. There are a number of organizations
>(especially universities and the like) which operate their own NNTP feeds
>for the purpose of providing user-to-user support and for making network
>announcements. Certainly this was the case when I was at university - they
>ran an NNTP server precisely for this purpose.
Then those universities (or users therein) can create their own traffic
shaper rules with or without the magic shaper.
>To be honest, if your users are using Usenet for large downloads, they're
>probably already using one of the NNTP to HTTP gateways out there like
>Giganews, Easynews, etc, since those will automagically re-assemble the
>files for you.
1) Giganews doesn't offer a NNTP to HTTP gateway.
2) Why would they? Unless they're especially stupid NNTP isn't that
hard to manage using some of the better binary clients out there.
Reality is a nice place, but I wouldn't want to live there.


text:
Midnight Designs Photographer
Mackenzie LeighModel Female Orient, Ohio, US
My MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/mxmac20
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About MeHello! My name is Mackenzie and I am an aspiring model. I'm currenty a graduate student at the University of Phoenix Online and majoring in Dental Hygiene. I'm new to the modeling world and still working on my portfolio. With everything I do whether it's racing motocross or modeling, I give it 120% all times. I am prepared to be rejected from time to time and criticized. I take the good with the bad and let nothing stand in my way. I am up for new and exciting idea's so feel free to message me and we can work something out! :]
OCTOBER 3rd- 7:00pm @ THE SHOT. CENTER, I'm representing the 2009 Endurocross Podium Girl. Be there so we can get together and get gigs lined up! :]
Have you worked with Mackenzie Leigh? Add Credits for Mackenzie Leigh! >>
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text:
Mix 93-1 Has Your Free Gas
Know Your Mix Music To Win Free Gas From Super 1 Foods!
Mix 93-1 and Super 1 Foods will be giving away $75 gas cards to give you a little relief at the pump.
To win your $75 gas card – jump on the Mix 93-1 Facebook page and look for the FREE GAS link (under the logo) - to get the list of songs you'll be listening for to win.


text:
Winter Fashion Tips From the Runway
Make It Through the Winter Without Shivering Once!
- These hot-off-the-runway tips will keep you warm this Winter — InStyle
- How to start off 2014 with a new look (without breaking the bank!) — Lucky
- The secret to becoming a street style success — Elle
- How to go from lawyer to magazine intern to EIC — Fashionista
- The most scandalously stylish things to happen in 2013 — The Daily Beast
- The women we want to cover Vogue in 2014 — HuffPost Style
- Think twice before putting that LBD up on eBay — Racked
- A former Tiffany exec has been sentenced to jail — Vogue UK
- Did Chiara De Blasio start a new fashion trend? — The Cut


text:
Complete Calendar of Events
GALLATIN COUNTY YMCA WINTER/EARLY SPRING PROGRAMS Looking for some fun winter activities for your kids? Interested in expanding their minds while teaching them skills for healthy living? Check out this winter's programs being taught by the Gallatin County YMCA.
YMCA Winter Program Brochure
Back to Previous Page


text:
Create50 founder, author, filmmaker and directors of LondonSWF and TEDxEaling
YOU PROMISED Draft 2 by Sherri Chandler written for The Impact:50 // Idyllic nature hike
Yarn Mother Draft 2 by Melissa Szydlek written for Twisted50 vol 2 // She has knitting needle fingers and crochet hook thumbs...and if you are very bad, Yarn Mother comes...
Yen-Lo-Wang In "Scream Weaver" Draft 3 by Steve Pool written for Twisted50 vol 2 // How does a group of bored death gods entertain itself on vacation in Las Vegas? How about holding a contest to see who can get a human to scream the loudest?
You Always Hurt The One...Well, You Know Draft 2 by Steve Pool written for Twisted50 // How many people do you think, if asked who scares them most, would say it was their husband? Lucy would...
You Forgot This Draft 1 by Ross Aitken written for 50 Moments // A teenager spots an opportunity for a meet-cute of her own.
You Owe Me One Draft 3 by Kathryn Hollingworth written for Twisted50 vol 2 // Some people say that the closer you are to God the more Satan comes after you. Joe believes that this is definitely true in his case.
You Too Draft 3 by Tracee Beebe written for The Impact:50 // A father and son take one last drive together.
You Used to Bring Me Flowers Draft 1 by Jo Buckman written for 50 Kisses // A woman attempts to re-kindle her lost love with her…exceptional ex.
You Will Not Die Today Draft 1 by Kerry Dye written for The Impact:50 // Death is coming. Only one woman can stop it.
You and Me Makes Three Draft 3 by Natalie Ekberg written for The Impact:50 // A young couple relives their love story and finds the last, missing piece.
You can't stop me Draft 1 by Leart Rama written for The Impact:50 // A woman talking with her cancer and fighting with it not letting to kill her before the worlds ends
You will see so many things Draft 1 by Michael Barry written for The Impact:50 // Tanya wants to see the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the jungle, will she have time?
You'll Never Guess Draft 3 by Richie Brown written for Twisted50 // Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been ...?
You're Going to Be Just Fine v1 Draft 1 by Hugh Brune written for The Impact:50 // A lone mother goes into labour at the worst possible time.
You're the Cancer (draft 4 for shortlist judging) Draft 4 by Melissa Szydlek written for Twisted50 vol 2 // Stage IV Cancer Has It's Own Personality
Your Call Is Very Important to Us. Draft 1 by Stuart White written for Singularity 50 // Sometimes technology offers the simplest solutions.
Your Lucky Day Draft 2 by Diann Beck written for The Impact:50 // Your last day might just be your lucky day.
Youth Draft 1 by Andrea Stephens written for The Impact:50 // A boy refuses to let the end of the world stop him and his friends from spending their last few moments having fun.


text:
Bravo's Jeff Lewis: Champion Photobomber
Interior Therapy and Flipping Out star Jeff Lewis isn't just a guy with good taste. He's also exceptional at making fun of other people.
This morning, Lewis tweeted a photo of some poor bastard sleeping in baggage claim, most likely waiting for luggage that will never, ever show up.
That's $25 you'll never see again.
So, folks. When you get to the airport, weary from waking up at the crack of dawn only to find out that your flight is delayed four hours, think before you snooze in those cozy terminal chairs. For a Lewis could be lurking, waiting for his moment to photobomb you and your double chin (which we all get when we're asleep sitting up).


text:
The Adobe MAX 2007 Conference will be held in just over a week and Mars will be making an appearance. There will be two dedicated Mars sessions at MAX , as well as session by Jim King (the PDF architect), looking at the future of PDF (including Mars).
So, if you have any interest in finding out more about the exciting Mars format, come to MAX!


text:
He became the first rider to win in all three classes in Sepang.
The 22-year-old Australian won in Sepang in the 125cc race in 2004 and the 250cc race in 2005.
The Ducati rider started second on the grid on Sunday but stormed into the lead on the first lap and stayed there to win by almost two seconds.
Italian Marco Melandri was second with Spaniard Dani Pedrosa third.
Stoner, who clinched his first world title last month in Japan, also equalled Colin Edwards' 2005 record by claiming his 17th finish among the points this season.
"Riding conditions were difficult," he said. "It was also difficult to be in front all by myself."
Malaysian Grand Prix MotoGP result:
1. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 43:04.405 2. Marco Melandri (Italy) Honda 43:06.106 3. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 43:06.731 4. Randy de Puniet (France) Kawasaki 43:08.170 5. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 43:09.178 6. Toni Elias (Spain) Honda 43:22.072 7. Chris Vermeulen (Australia) Suzuki 43:25.355 8. John Hopkins (U.S.) Suzuki 43:26.603 9. Nicky Hayden (U.S.) Honda 43:26.855 10. Colin Edwards (U.S.) Yamaha 43:34.151
What are these?


text:
In a stunning display of poor taste, an electronic billboard sponsored by The Ralph Smeed Foundation in Caldwell, Idaho compares President Obama with alleged Aurora, CO shooter James Holmes. Huffpost today picked up the story reported in the Idaho Statesman. The billboard features side-by-side pictures of Holmes and Obama with the respective captions: "Kills 12 in a movie theater with an assault rifle. Everyone freaks out." and "Kills thousands with foreign policy. Wins Nobel Peace Prize."
According to former state lawmaker Maurice Clements, who is continuing the libertarian stance of the late Ralph Smeed, "We're all outraged over that killing in Aurora, CO, but we're not outraged over the boys killed in Afghanistan." Clements states, "We're not saying Obama is a lunatic." And goes on to say that he's merely making a statement about the reaction of society.
Public reaction, however, has been negative. NBC News has reported that local residents are outraged and have called the message offensive, abhorrent and pathetic.
"It's way over the line and I am not an Obama supporter," wrote Lynn Davis Halsey on the KBOI2 News Facebook page, the station that broke the story.
"This billboard is offensive to all those lives lost and affected by the shooting," said Fabiola G. Monrroy on the same Facebook page.
In a statement to the Idaho Press-Tribune, Judy Ferro, Canyon County Democratic Party communications director, said, "I think even Ralph Smeed would object to it. There's no factual basis to it at all…it's just offensive."
Idaho Billboard Compares Obama To Aurora CO Shooting Suspect James Holmes | Addicting Info
Current Status: Published (4)
Seeded on Sun Jul 29, 2012 4:55 AM
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text:
2014 is here and creative professionals have to start looking ahead to ensure that they're ready for the coming year. The next 12 months will bring a great deal of change, and those who are prepared to for the road ahead will be able to thrive.
Whether you're actively looking for a new job or passively searching for opportunities, now's the time to start looking at which positions will be in-demand once 2014 starts. The following is a look at some of the hottest careers so you'll know who employers are looking to hire.
Construction on the information superhighway
Web developers are likely in for another busy year in 2014. According to Forbes, 13,364 positions were created between 2010 and 2013, which means that the field grew 11 percent in that time. The news source expects this trend to continue over the next 12 months.
This is mostly because companies are always looking for ways to optimize their online presence. The only way to achieve this end is by having a strong team of developers and administrators who can build great web pages that consumers love visiting on a regular basis.
Getting graphic
Companies long ago realized that graphic design is an important element for branding and advertising. As a result, professionals who specialize in the visual medium have had a wealth of opportunities over the last few years, and that won't stop in 2014. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job growth rate for graphic designers at 13 percent, only slightly below the rate of all professions (14 percent).
Part of the reason for the steady demand is the continuing proliferation of electronics. From laptops and PCs to smartphones and tablets, companies need to ensure that all of their content is optimized for every gadget. The BLS notes that graphic designers who work in advertising and marketing will likely be tasked with developing imagery for a variety of devices.
Speaking of mobile devices...
Businesses are beginning to realize that they can't risk losing out on the mobile audience. As consumers snap up smartphones and tablets, enterprises are searching for ways to cater to those tastes.
That's why mobile developers and designers will be in high demand in 2014. Whether a business chooses to go with a responsive design for its website or create a mobile version, professionals in the field will likely have little trouble finding work. Furthermore, Gartner points out that apps will grow so developers may be in luck next year.
You may also like: Is Atlanta an emerging business epicenter?, How to stay creative in a corporate environment, and How to use creative staffing agencies to boost your freelance business.
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Join as a member. There's a certificate with your name on it.
Is there a way to change the order of the shipping services? I have several flat rate services and i'd like to change the order.
|Screen Shot 2012-04-17 at 4.03.40 PM.png
Comment #1googletorp CreditAttribution: googletorp commented
Are you talking about the order in the backend?
Comment #2googletorp CreditAttribution: googletorp commented
Are you talking about the order in the backend?
Comment #3BWPanda CreditAttribution: BWPanda commented
|» 7.x-2.x-dev
I too would like the ability to change the order the shipping services appear in on the checkout form.
I have two shipping options, standard and express. As the standard option is cheaper, I'd like it to appear first as the default, but it seems they're listed in alphabetical order and so standard appears last...
Adding those drag 'n drop weight things (found on most other Drupal forms) to the form from the screenshot above would be perfect.
Comment #4googletorp CreditAttribution: googletorp commented
|» Postponed (maintainer needs more info)
Have you tried using the rules weight system to do sorting?
Comment #5BWPanda CreditAttribution: BWPanda commented
|Postponed (maintainer needs more info)
|» Active
I looked for some weights in Rules to change originally (and again just now), but I can't seem to find anything... There's only one Rule for shipping, and the two shipping services (express and standard) are implemented as Rules Components which don't have weights...
Could you help point me in the right direction?
Comment #6googletorp CreditAttribution: googletorp commented
Sounds like this is a flaw in the way the 2.x branch has organized the Rules, since this is possible in the 1.x. I'll assign Ryan to this, since he made the most of this and knows why it was built the way it was.
Comment #7Summit CreditAttribution: Summit commented
What I can see that the services are placed in alphabet from a-z as a workaround for now.
Off course +1 for Weight possibility on Shipping Services!
Greetings, Martijn
Comment #8FAAREIA CreditAttribution: FAAREIA commented
Hi people, if anyone has large amount of services here is a link to make them in a select box. Plus an incomplete (i'm not a programmer so i can't figure it out how to complete the sort function) code of a callback sort function.
Comment #9rszrama CreditAttribution: rszrama commented
As with the core Tax module, the Shipping 2.x branch abstracts the calculation of shipping services for an order through a single rule with an action that collects all the available rates for services of each method. If you look at your Rules list, you'll see the
Collect rates: [Shipping method] rules in there for each shipping method module you've enabled. The action on that rule will loop over all shipping services for the given method and manually execute the rule components for each one to determine if it should be on the order or not. Inside that action, we can't change the execution order of components, as they're governed by the service's weight, but what could happen is you simply remove the default action and replace it with the necessary actions to manually call your various service rules components.
That said, on testing, it didn't matter if I split it out, flat rate services were still ordered alphabetically. What we could do is change the checkout form code to respect the order these things were added to the array, but I'm not sure that's the easiest solution. It seems it would be easier to add a "sort order" weight to flat rate services, which would be a simple feature request to that module rather than something the Shipping module itself needs to take care of. Perhaps a hybrid approach would be the best, as it would be most flexible.
So the task for this issue:
Update the checkout pane so it displays shipping services in the order in which they were added to the order's data array.
Comment #11juan.pompa CreditAttribution: juan.pompa commented
I agree with you. We have the same problem here, as we have 7 different shipping services. Adding a sort order "weight" to flat rate services would be very helpfull. It would allow to present them to the client in a particular order.
Thanks a lot for your work. There are many of us using your insights and comments.
Comment #12olegel CreditAttribution: olegel commented
Hi, guys!
I have faced with the same problem, that I couldn't sort shipping services in the way Id like to. I've read all above comments and didn't understand clearly what means update checkout pane (what to change there). Then I started to experiment and I found out the order is being changed if to write machine names of the shipping services in alphabetical order. So I deleted all my services and added them again with respect to machine's names alphabetical order. I had to delete them first since I couldnt edit machine names. So it can help to those who cant programm and write sorting functions!
Comment #13kingandy CreditAttribution: kingandy commented
|Commerce Shipping
|» Commerce Flat Rate
|» 7.x-1.x-dev
By the time the shipping services are passed to hook_commerce_shipping_service_info_alter, they have been assigned a 'weight' property. This weight appears to be based solely on the order the various modules return their methods (commerce_shipping_services() steps through each module that implements the hook, then each of the shipping services, and sets each weight to "$weight++"). I guess this means the 'Commerce Shipping' part of this issue, as described by Ryan in #9 above, is complete. I'm moving it over to Commerce Flat Rate so we can actually tackle the issue eswiderski originally raised.
FWIW it looks like this should be fairly trivial - just add a 'weight' integer field to the commerce_flat_rate_service table, create some way of editing those weights (either on individual forms or using the tabledrag method), and respect those weights inside the commerce_flat_rate_commerce_shipping_service_info function instead of just
'SELECT * FROM {commerce_flat_rate_service}'.
In the meantime I've used this hook to re-order my shipping rates manually by simply overriding the weight property:
* Implements hook_commerce_shipping_service_info_alter().
function mymodule_commerce_shipping_service_info_alter(&$shipping_services) {
if (isset($shipping_services['my_flat_rate'])) {
$shipping_services['my_flat_rate']['weight'] = -10;
Comment #14Memes11 CreditAttribution: Memes11 commented
what if we have more than 20 rates? how to order them properly as weight is only from -10 to 10.
I have many shipment rates as there is no module (known to me) for HK post and I am setting up a shop for worldwide shipment and the weight base rule is not suitable, I end up having one rate for each country and each 500g section from 0 to 20kg. I do not want to take any shortcut as I do not want my customer to get over charged for transportation.
Comment #15rszrama CreditAttribution: rszrama commented
In that case you'd need to alter them via code I suppose. Weights don't have to be integers, but only integers can be set via the UI.
Comment #16maxchock CreditAttribution: maxchock commented
i am also in the middle of the limitation. I need to run a Shipping calculation after another 2 shipping calculation..
Comment #17Infinitee CreditAttribution: Infinitee commented
kingandy, where exactly did you add the hook?
Update: I really don't like hacking modules but, to get my preferred shipping set as the selected default, I added: 'weight' => -10, to line 70 of...
Of coarse this only works for Commerce Kickstart but, you can search your flat rate module for express_shipping to find what you may be looking for.
Comment #18marktheshark CreditAttribution: marktheshark commented
+1 for being able to reorder within flat shipping rates. I currently have premium listed before standard shipping which is quite inconvenient for the visitor...
Comment #19kingandy CreditAttribution: kingandy commented
@Infinitee, I think I made a new module just to introduce the hook. Either that or I used an existing custom "site-specific utilities" type of module...
Comment #20iwant2fly CreditAttribution: iwant2fly commented
This seems to be an issue for the FedEx shipping module as well (http://drupal.org/node/1955574) It seems to me that this ability to sort the displayed rates by price should probably be a feature in the overall Commerce Shipping module rather than in some of the various shipping method modules. Thoughts?
Comment #21marktheshark CreditAttribution: marktheshark commented
Used the approach in #13 as well, thanks for sharing!
Comment #22mesch CreditAttribution: mesch commented
As I see it there are two distinct goals discussed in this thread:
1. Sort services by name.
2. Sort services by price.
The two don't necessarily work together, since in many cases the rates depend on the order contents.
iwant2fly (post #20) sponsored a solution to #2. I'm posting it here for feedback and in case it is of use to others. In words the approach is to fetch the rates from the $order object, and then use that array to sort the $options displayed on the checkout pane.
* Implements hook_commerce_shipping_service_rate_options_alter()
function [module_name]_commerce_shipping_service_rate_options_alter(&$options, $order) {
// If there is more than one shipping service available, sort them by line item unit price
if (count($order->shipping_rates) > 1) {
// Collect rates from line items
$service_prices = array();
foreach ($order->shipping_rates as $service => $line_item) {
$line_item_wrapper = entity_metadata_wrapper('commerce_line_item', $line_item);
$unit_price = $line_item_wrapper->commerce_unit_price->value();
$service_prices[$service] = $unit_price['amount'];
// array_multisort can be used here because $options and $order->shipping_rates contain the same number of elements (i.e. services).
array_multisort($service_prices, SORT_NUMERIC, SORT_ASC, $options);
This could be integrated into the commerce shipping module by adding a toggle switch somewhere in the UI to turn this sorting on/off.
Comment #232ndmile CreditAttribution: 2ndmile commented
Nice one MEsch. Exactly what I was looking for.
Comment #24mengi CreditAttribution: mengi commented
#22 Works for me. Using only Flat Rate shipping services, and shipping options are listed by price now.
Being able to assign weights to the shipping options would definitely give greater control but ultimately I simply wanted the options ordered by price so I think this is a great solution.
Comment #25MrPeanut CreditAttribution: MrPeanut commented
#22 is working for me as well. I would second the request to assign weights for more control. (In my case, I'd like to show all USPS options first, sorted by price, then all UPS options, sorted by price.)
Comment #26frost CreditAttribution: frost commented
no. 22 works for me, thanks!
Comment #27lukasss CreditAttribution: lukasss commented
$form['commerce_shipping']['shipping_service']['shipping_1']['#weight'] = 0;
$form['commerce_shipping']['shipping_service']['shipping_2']['#weight'] = 1;
Comment #28ShaneOnABike CreditAttribution: ShaneOnABike commented
I think that adding the above feature is pretty important. It makes it easier for the person (user) to recognize what price is what.. it's a bit all over the place right now with all the shipping items listed one after another (unless you have a favourite provider I can't see any reason to do it without sorting by price)
Comment #29fhdrupal CreditAttribution: fhdrupal commented
My problem is not exactly the same but somehow similar, if anyone have any idea, can share with me please.
Basically I need a condition in the calculation rules by product weight, to get the whole cart/order products weight and to compare it with maximum weight this rules is valid for. If the weight exceeds the limit, change shipping service.
Thanks in advance,
Comment #30lukasss CreditAttribution: lukasss commented
You can this through hook_form_alter. There you have to write your code and starting from change weight:
$form['commerce_shipping']['shipping_service']['shipping_1']['#weight'] = 0;
$form['commerce_shipping']['shipping_service']['shipping_2']['#weight'] = 1;
Sorry for bad england
Comment #31faerykisses CreditAttribution: faerykisses commented
Has any progress been made with this issue? i am unsure where to implement the code in #22 as I am new to coding and drupal commerce . This issue however is causing me issues in that people keep choosing the most expensive option as default.
Many thanks
Comment #32kleinermann CreditAttribution: kleinermann commented
No 22 works for me. Thanks to mesch
Comment #33kevster CreditAttribution: kevster commented
Excellent - #22 works for, many thx @mesch
Comment #34merauluka CreditAttribution: merauluka commented
Mine is similar to #22, but I added an additional "multiplier" to my function to force International options to the bottom of the list.
* Implements hook_commerce_shipping_service_info_alter().
* Reweight the shipping options so:
* 1) Non-international methods appear first.
* 2) The lowest cost options are shown first.
function CUSTOM_MODULE_commerce_shipping_service_info_alter(&$shipping_services) {
$shipping_weight = array();
foreach ($shipping_services as $key => $row) {
$shipping_weight[$key] = $shipping_services[$key]['base_rate']['amount'];
// Default multiplier is 1.
$multiplier = 1;
// Compute the weight based on the cost of the service in dollars.
$weight = round($shipping_weight[$key] / 100);
if (strpos($key, "international") !== FALSE) {
// Add a multiplier to international methods so they float to the bottom.
$multiplier = 100;
// Set the weight on the shipping service.
$shipping_services[$key]['weight'] = $weight * $multiplier;
// Sort the output array using our newly set weights
array_multisort($shipping_weight, SORT_DESC, $shipping_services);
Comment #36rszrama CreditAttribution: rszrama commented
|» Fixed
I had a need for this (combined with adding support for a default value), so I implemented it via a simple weight column on the commerce_flat_rate_service table that turns into the $service['weight'] property on load. Sorry it took so long to get this in. :-/
Commit diff: http://cgit.drupalcode.org/commerce_flat_rate/diff/?id=b667d27
Comment #37Khumbu CreditAttribution: Khumbu commented
kudos...works like a charm...


text:
Will the new Chevy Spark interest?
You come to expect what you'll get from a car just by looking at it. When we're talking small, budget friendly, compact cars we expect small tires, small engines with low output and a rather bare bones interior. The sacrifices mentioned are acceptable to many as a trade off for higher MPG and a lower sticker price. Thing is, not all budget friendly cars meet our expectations. So what are the highs and lows of the Spark?
Let's start with appearance. Chevy has incorporated a range of atypical colors for this compact car. I see this as a smart move. After all, paint is an inexpensive way to add flair to a scaled down vehicle. The vehicle we were loaned was that flamboyant green you see in all the commercials (it's called Jalapeno). The stubby appearance of the Spark mixed with a loud bright color really does demand attention. So as I cruise around town, heads turn and people smile. Now are they laughing with me or …. Never mind that. Climb into the Spark and you'll find that the cockpit is adequate and pretty much on par with what you would expect from a budget friendly car. I was actually surprised that I fit into it so well considering my 48" shoulder span. Head room was also acceptable. That said, I wasn't actually comfortable. I blame this on the seat and pedal positioning. The seat feels too tall and the pedals feel too close. So it starts to feel more like you're driving a John Deere then a Chevy. Obviously a consequence of the short wheelbase. Even though I don't find this position relaxing it didn't cause me any pain or leg cramping. So perhaps it's a matter a preference or body type.
Looking through the steering wheel at the dash, you'll find a simple speedometer nestled dead center with a smaller digital multiscreen to the right displaying RPMs, fuel gauge, gear selection etc. It's functional enough for those gauges I just mentioned, but when it came to reaching around the wheel to scroll through the other settings, I found its positioned annoying and the buttons too small and awkward. Unlike the controls on the steering wheel. These are well placed and convenient. But, you better memorize them because there is no back lit LED on these controls to help you identify what's what at night. The entertainment unit is truly the highlight of this car. The new Chevy mylink touch screen radio is both stylish and innovative. The 7" color screen looks so nice it's almost out of place on this budget car. Bluetooth for your phone calls and music works well and with the proper app installed, you can access your cell phones navigation through the 7" color radio screen. So the source of the navigation is your cell phone, no more expensive CD updates! Now why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
As I rode around town and through the city the appeal of the little car started to come to light. As I slipped into tight spots and quickly spun the little car around in quick u turns , giving no regard to reverse, it suddenly became a bit more practical. This little crush however was short lived once I entered the highway. As I merged into traffic I gave the throttle the usual 50%…. But nothing's happening. I go 80% still nothing. 100% I hear something happening up under the hood, but my butt-o-meter isn't picking up any readings. The 1.2 liter produces a max 84 HP and does 0-60 by… ummm evening? However this doesn't really put me off. As I mentioned, you understand the trade off of power for fuel efficiency. However, I was not impressed with the MPG either. I averaged about 29 MPG with mixed driving for the week. The engine size and feel led me to believe those numbers would be higher. They do climb to a more respectable 34 combined should you choose a manual gearbox. Aside from fuel economy, the rest of the ride was surprisingly good. The handling was better then what I expected as was the suspension. The Spark does a good job specifically in the area of absorbing the type of bumps and pot holes you come across on old, well traveled city streets. Giving it another "check mark" as a city commuter car.
The Spark certainly has an appeal. Along with the pocket friendly price, you also get Swanky colors a great radio, a comfortable cabin and a decent ride. However I would highly recommend that you take the Spark for a long test drive to see if both seating position and acceleration suits you. I would also recommend the manual transmission option. With better MPG and performance it's a double win.


text:
This perky dog gets its name from the French word for "butterfly" because its ears resemble butterfly wings.
The Basset Hound's adorably long ears are also irresistibly velvety.
This breed's long, silky ears reach its nose.
The Bloodhound's long, droopy ears resemble the Basset Hound's ears.
Photo: @iStockphoto.com/dcdebs
Has your dog tried a treadmill?


text:
Just order $100 or more in Products and we pay for shipping.
Tennessee Civil War Regimental Histories Book Collection on CD
The Tennessee Civil War Regimental Histories book collection is a group of 12 books that detail the histories of various Tennessee based regiments during the Civil War. Many of the books are illustrated with specific events relating to their service as well as portraits of some of the members. These books are an excellent resource for the Civil War history buff as well as for those doing Civil War genealogy research.
All the titles contained on this CD are listed below.
This CD runs on all Windows and Macintosh computers. You must have a web browser and Adobe Acrobat Reader - (available for free download if you do not have it installed on your computer.) The book index is organized in an HTML menu that is compatible with all browsers and the books themselves are in PDF format to allow them to be universally accessed. All books on this CD are searchable and printable.
|Back To List


text:
Honda Accord 03-07 Stereo Removal Instructions
Honda Accord 03-07
Step 1: Unclip airvent assembly.
Step 2: Remove 3 screws holding top of radio.
Step 3: Unclip trim around gear shifter.
Step 4: Remove ashtray insert and remove 2 screws below insert.
Step 5: Remove ashtray and lighter assembly.
Step 6: Remove 2 screws at base of storage compartment.
Step 7: While keeping the lid closed, unclip storage compartment.
Step 8: Remove 2 silver screws securing radio.
Step 9: Unclip radio and climate controls.
Step 10: Remove 6 gold screws securing radio body to control panel.
Use caution as some dash pieces may be fragile.


text:
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text:
Shakespeare Electronic Conference, Vol. 5, No. 0733. Tuesday, 13 September 1994.
Date: Tuesday, 13 Sep 94 10:59:43 SAST-2
Subject: Mary Wroth's Urania
Can anyone tell me whether the complete edition of Lady Mary Wroth's
_Urania_ has been published yet? If so, could you let me have the
publication details, including price and ISBN no, if possible? Thanks
David Schalkwyk


text:
Swashbuckling BBQ Sword
I can think of no other thing I'd want my BBQer shaped like.
Make a playful statement in your wall! Set of three Stainless steel darts with a special wall fixing. A unique hook for hanging your favorite hat or jacket. These are an original design by Anthony Chrisp.Added 8 Years Ago from Perpetualkid