text:
Operation Snowflake 2013: A perspective
Operation Snowflake 2013: A perspective
When snow is falling on the Golden State Freeway (I-5) in the Grapevine, temperatures are in the mid-20s and the conditions on the highway become icy and slippery. That's when Caltrans and the CHP activate Operation Snowflake. Once the operation is activated, the I-5 closes from Parker Road to Grapevine (approximately 30 miles) and the freeway looks post-apocalyptic with little-to-no lights for miles. Sometimes, Operation Snowflake can be activated on the Antelope Freeway (SR-14) or the Pearblossom Highway (SR-138). To meet the call, several experienced Caltrans staff are prepared to clear the ice and snow, and help motorists get to where they need to go.
When Operation Snowflake is activated, Senior Transportation Engineer and Traffic Management Team Manager Sam Esquenazi jumps in his department SUV at the Los Angeles Regional Transportation Management Center (TMC) and heads north to the Lebec Maintenance Yard, which also doubles as Operation Snowflake Operations Center for Caltrans and CHP. Esquenazi oversees the changeable message signs (CMSs) and detours put in place to inform and redirect traffic. Operations activates CMSs five, ten, and fifteen miles out from the closure.
"We've got it nailed, it's almost routine," said Esquenazi. "We plan early for this operation and we have a lot of very experienced staff." Also, in the area is 26-year employee Maintenance Superintendent Tom Cowan, who too oversees the coordination of plow trucks during Operation Snowflake. Sometimes the conditions on one side of the Grapevine can be sunny and warm, but the other side could be covered in snow and ice. "We're ready for anything that Mother Nature can throw at us," said Cowan. "We rely on each other and we use radio communication to keep up with the road conditions."
In addition to the plow trucks, several sheds with sand, cinder (crushed lava rocks), and Ice Slicer (a de-icing agent similar to salt) are stationed along I-5, SR-14, and SR-138.
Unlike in other parts of the state or the country, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) requests the closure generally because motorists and truck drivers do not slow down or change their driving behavior for the icy conditions and occasionally cause traffic collisions. "If and when there is a traffic collision or a vehicle gets stuck, more problems could ensue," said Cowan. "Drivers unwilling to change their driving habits, bald tires with no traction, and snowy conditions are a bad combination."
For the most part, Operation Snowflake was smooth during the district's snowfalls this year. "We're just doing our jobs," said Esquenazi. "When the closures happen, we'll be ready," said Esquenazi.


text:
After attending the 61st Cannes Film Festival that was held from May 14 to 25, the hip hop mogul admitted that he's been working on a comedy movie script.
He is an established rapper with lines of awards listed under his name. He has become one of the most successful hip hop moguls who has launched many successful musicians under his Bad Boy Records. He has an acclaimed clothing line of his own as well as a movie production company. Thus, what else Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has in store for himself. The 38-year-old apparently is going to explore his writing talent.
Latest report concerning Diddy claimed that the former lover of singer Jennifer Lopez is going to bring his multi-talents to the next level by becoming a screenwriter. The musician who has tried his luck in acting through movies like Jon Favreau's "Made" and Marc Forster's "Monster's Ball" confessed that he is developing a script for a comedy movie stating, "I'm writing a film, a comedy."
Further, the producer of MTV's "Making the Band" revealed that he has thought of about whom he thinks perfect for the roles. "For actresses (who could be cast), I'm thinking Angelina Jolie or Sienna Miller. For actors, Eddie Murphy," so claimed Diddy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The buzz that opens Jeff the Brotherhood's Heavy Days album could be a swarm of bees - or an early sign of the excitement that would soon surround the Nashville brothers.
Jake and Jamin Orrall recorded their 2009 album in just three days. The same year they played about 250 shows, taking their frenetic, brilliantly crafted songs far and wide across the US.
There were other limited releases before Heavy Days as the brothers honed their sound, but the title track from that album best captures the build-up to what has become a genuine roar of excitement - it is music that slips past the brain and goes straight for the heart.
Two years later they recorded the follow-up, We Are the Champions, also in three days. Again, the pair toured relentlessly. In between albums they visited Australia, playing a handful of unforgettable shows in small venues, plus a blistering set at the Meredith Music Festival.
The signs were becoming clear that Jeff the Brotherhood, like the Black Keys, were building a dedicated following with their raw songs and relentless touring.
Fittingly, it was the Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach who saw the brothers' potential, calling them ''the next big name'' in music and tracking them down to work on their third album and first major label release, Hypnotic Nights.
''He came and knocked on our door,'' Jamin says. ''He just turned up and said, 'Let's do a record, guys,' and we were like, 'What are you doing here? This is weird … people have [mobile] phones these days, you shouldn't just knock on people's doors.'''
It was the first time Jeff the Brotherhood had worked with a producer. ''It was Dan's first co-production, too, and it really worked,'' Jamin says of the recording process at Auerbach's Nashville studio.
''He let us do our thing and helped when we needed it,'' Jake says. ''We write songs without anyone else in mind, so Dan brought in this idea of, 'Well, you guys do what you do and I'll present it so everyone else will understand.'''
''Every record we made before Hypnotic Nights we made in two or three days, so it was nice to go into the studio for a week and then mix it [and] use all the cool instruments,'' says Jamin, the band's drummer.
''There was freedom to do whatever we wanted,'' says Jake, who plays a three-stringed guitar. He says Auerbach ''is a wild man; we called him Wild Man Dan, he's got quite a temper in the studio.''
Playing a three-stringed guitar might sound limiting, but that's exactly what Jake was aiming for when he and Jamin started banging about on instruments together at their home in Tennessee. It was there they learnt about the music business from their father, Robert Ellis Orrall, a producer and singer-songwriter with No.1 country songs to his name and a co-producing credit on Taylor Swift's debut album.
Still, the brothers chose their own path.
''When we started, I didn't know how to play guitar,'' Jake says. ''I thought it would be easier to play if I simplified it [and] started with two strings, but you can't really play any chords that way, so I added a third string and that forced me to create my own style and approach.''
Jake's style now extends to ripping songs and whole shows to shreds as he and Jamin build an impressive catalogue of music and bring it to the stage with startling effect. Their blend of stripped-down psychedelic rock, pop and punk warmly embraces the best of those styles with generous lashings of humour, raw talent and passion.
The brothers played to a huge crowd in sweltering heat at last year's gigantic Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago. The night before they packed a club called Subterranean on West North Avenue and turned up the heat themselves.
''I was down to two strings on the last song,'' Jake told Spectrum the next day, after his guitar almost didn't make it through a set featuring a handful of songs from the latest album. ''We really enjoy playing the new material. It's like a refreshing mist in your face,'' Jamin says.
Jeff the Brotherhood play the Standard, Darlinghurst, on Friday and the Big Day Out the following day.


text: Posted April 29, 2013 We got FA receivers that are just as good if not better than any receivers we could have drafted. We are fine at WR and we completely beefed up our defense which I'm extremely excited about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
LaVerna G. Mariette, age 87 of Princeton, died January 26, 2012 at the Elim Care and Rehabilitation Center in Princeton.
LaVerna Genevieve Mariette was born September 13, 1924 in Minneapolis to Henry and Ida (Anderson) Norman. Her family moved to a farm in Upsala where she was raised and attended school, graduating from Upsala High School.
On September 15, 1945 LaVerna married Charles Mariette and they made their first home in Minneapolis. In 1955 they moved to Burnsville and in 1970 to rural Princeton. Most recently she lived in Foley at Heritage Place for two and a half years and then at the Elim Care Center since November 2010. LaVerna loved gardening and photography. She also enjoyed country music and traveling. Family was central to her life and she especially loved time with her grandchildren.
LaVerna will be lovingly remembered by her sons Larry (Janet) Mariette of Princeton and Craig (Carolyn) Mariette of Princeton; daughters Karen Rockhold of Princeton and Debbie George of Princeton; 10 grandchildren: Christy, Karen, Danielle, Derek, Tracy, Jerry, Jim, Sarah, Jake and Emily; eight great-grandchildren: Nicole, Josh, Elizabeth, Hannah, Brianna, Leandra, Amanda, and Justin; great-great-grandson Logan; and by other relatives and friends. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 1992; three brothers, Ray, Wally and Chester; one sister, Edna; and one granddaughter, Becky Dehn.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 31 at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel with Rev. Howard Skulstad officiating. Pallbearers were Derek George, Jake Mariette, Jerry Rockhold, Jim Rockhold, Dennis Dehn and Brad Ruberg. Interment was in Isanti Union Cemetery.


text:
Technical assistance and direction for Turning Point: Collaborating for a New Century in Public Health
The Foundation's program, Turning Point: Collaborating for a New Century in Public Health, was designed to transform and strengthen the public health infrastructure so that states, local communities, and their public health agencies may respond to the challenge to protect and improve the public's health in the 21st century.The purpose of this project is for the National Program Office (NPO) to provide technical assistance to the Turning Point states still operating with Foundation grants. This will include site visits, conference phone calls, and a grantee meeting. The NPO will effectively communicate innovations in public health systems change through sharing successes and lessons learned through the Turning Point initiative. These dissemination efforts will be at national meetings of public health professionals as well as meetings with federal and nonprofit organizations such as ASTHO, NACCHO, APHA, and PHF. The NPO will advance the knowledge and evidence about best practices in public health system improvement by publishing research papers in national journals and developing a book that articulates Turning Point findings. The NPO will also conduct a descriptive study to examine the amount and nature of funds leveraged by Turning Point states to augment activities both during the grant and to sustain ongoing efforts.
Grant Details
Amount Awarded $841,422.00
Awarded on: 4/21/2005
Time frame: 5/1/2005 - 11/30/2006
Grant Number: 47897
University of Washington School of Public Health
Box 357230
Seattle, 98195-7230
Bobbie Berkowitz
Project Director


text:
Skip to Content
Home > Services > Ear, Nose and Throat > Voice and Swallow (Laryngology)
View Additional Section Content
The Ear, Nose and Throat specialists at MU Health Care provide comprehensive treatment for laryngological disorders and diseases of the larynx, pharynx, and throat.
This includes
Treatment includes voice therapy, botox therapy, and surgical options.
525 N Keene St
Columbia, MO 65201
Copyright ©2017 — Curators of the University of Missouri. All rights reserved. DMCA and other copyright information.
Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. For website information contact the Office of Communications. Disclaimer


text:
Wow! I saw it coming and wondered how long it would take..well here we are. I just don't understand? I'm a gadget freak and embrace technology for what it it. If you've been around cell phones for awhile as i have, then you know the blackberry was wanted by ALL at one time or another. I mean why didn't they just stick Android or Windows phone 7 in it?? Competition is good as its made android and iOS better..particularly iOS :] Guess we shall see where the new CEO steers this sinking ship..heave ho? haha!
RIM needs better engineers and a more innovative approach to the mobile device market. Their devices no matter of how new still lack features that other devices are getting right and the operating system is far from user friendly. With active sync becoming more popular, mostly due to the costs of licensing with BES, they sure need a new business plan. Hopefully this event will allow people with new & fresh ideas to take the reigns and steer the company into a different direction. We'll see they aren't in the red yet so don't count them out just yet!
RIM's collapse is inevitable. They will all jump ship, trust me.
RIM's collapse is inevitable but they do still sort of have a good product. I've had each & every iPhone since day one of them coming out but I have always envied the hype of BBM. The phones were sort of cheap yet very unreliable & the young generation of kids wanting phones that are easily accessible have gone for them. BBM is the company's best feature they just lack vision in where to go with this technology. There touch screen failed so why not follow the technology of the iPhone & HTC its not hard to grasp for the tech giants! RIM is a sinking **** that with a LOT of inspiration can save thereselves from near disaster but it is only down from here at the moment! RIM will go nowhere if they drop blackberry altogether & it will just open a more demanded percentage on the hotly desired phone market.
Let's face it, BB is basically a one-trick pony (messaging : BBM and email).
And that makes it a very vulnerable pony.
And whether the BBM outage/s were malicious or not, they were still an eventual inevitability.
It's known as putting all your eggs in one basket.
Only the delusionally optmistic would leave the entire fortune of a business model open to that kind of risk.
Textbook stuff really.


text:
Sleigh RideLeroy Anderson - Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
A superb, secular holiday selection! Known and loved by all, this happy, light-hearted piece is perfect for evoking the joy and happiness of the holiday season in the minds of everyone who hears it. �
Copyright: : ©1948
Select a Product
My Library
Powered by Rating-System.com


text:
Customers can take advantage of five or ten passes to a choice of leisure facilities including gym, swimming pool, workout classes and sauna
Customers can keep fit with up to eight boot camp or insanity sessions run by a qualified personal trainer and insanity instructor
Work towards personal health and fitness goals with an access to a range of classes available at this 32-station gym
Customers can have a helping hand on their way to achieve weight management goals with vibration plate classes or vibrocise sessions
Clients can work towards attaining their fitness goals across multiple locations nationwide, including gyms and swimming pools
Customers can benefit from this CrossFit membership that aims to boost strength, flexibility and help with weight management
A variety of online classes, from basic flow to inversions, ensures yogis of all levels can refine and develop their practice
Turn up the heat with hot yoga sessions suitable for all abilities and experience levels; includes mat hire
Customers can address their weight management goals with a three-, six-, or 12 week program
Benefit from up to six high-intensity interval training sessions or up to eight drum and bass workouts at a choice of locations
Work towards your fitness goals with up to 12 boot camp sessions including cardio and resistance exercises
Workout in the relaxed atmosphere of a female only fitness club, with membership including access to classes such as boxercise and Pilates
Customers can attend as many 20-minute vibration plate classes as they wish over the period of a month
Learners can use online modules to learn more about the meditaion and relaxation history, breathing techniques and music therapy
Get motivated with a series of modern, military-style outdoor fitness sessions held at five locations across Wales
Learners can use online modules to learn more about the history and philosophy of yoga, various yoga paths and breathing techniques
Participants will challenge their bodies with a combination of strength and cardio exercises during high intensity interval training
Clients can work towards attaining their personal fitness goals during this online, tailor-made course
Pure Pilates, Pilates bootcamp, kettle bells, bootcamp yoga and Nordic walking are all available at this gym in Cathays
Women can kick and punch their way to fitness with a choice of kickboxing and Box4Fitness classes
Enjoy this fitness experience with a mix of house music, cardio and boxing in a nightclub setting with a live DJ accompanying every session
Clients can achieve their fitness goals with a fully equipped gym and enjoy a range of workout classes
Receive 12-month access to this course covering topics such as colour and sound therapy
Specially designed for beginners, this course covers seven modules and is designed to help participants meditate confidently and effectively
One or two people can train with a former world champion, using a mix of cardio and martial arts
Receive 12-month access to this online course providing well-being techniques and teaching how important diet is to a healthy lifestyle
Clients can attend as many classes as they like over one month, combining military discipline with various forms of martial art training
Clients can attend classes combining military discipline with various forms of martial art training over the period of four weeks
These classes aim to improve physical and mental attributes and are designed for children aged between 8 and 11 years
Participants learn about personal training with course content covering topics such as anatomy, fitness goals and nutrition
Discover new workout horizons by learning African and Latin American dances, with kizomba, salsa and bachata classes available
Discover new restaurants, spas, things to do & more great deals added daily!
You can change your email preferences at any time
Please send me personalised Groupon emails for the latest offers for great local services, shopping and travel. By clicking Continue, I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
No Thanks
Valid on 1 unit per transaction, for Local deals. New customers only. Max discount £15. Exclusions apply.
Full details: gr.pn/promofaquk


text:
About Us
Gift Shop
Get Involved
WDVA Home
Plan Your Visit
Military History - Persian Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War, which included Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, was the United States' first major armed conflict since the Vietnam War. The Wisconsin National Guard saw its first major mobilization in thirty years. The units activated consisted of the 13th Evacuation Hospital, the 132nd Military History Detachment, and the 1122nd Transportation Detachment from Madison, the 32nd Military Police Company from Milwaukee, the 107th Maintenance Company from Sparta, the 229th Engineer Company from Prairie du Chien, the 1157th Transportation Company from Oshkosh, and the 1158th Transportation Company from Monroe. In addition to the National Guard, more Wisconsin men and women served in other branches and units. An estimated 10,400 men and women from Wisconsin served during the Persian Gulf War, with eleven dying.
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum preserves the stories of Wisconsin's role in the Persian Gulf War. An annotated
of published works relating to Wisconsin's role in the war includes first-hand accounts, memoirs, and books about the home front. Remember to
the museum's collections
to find artifacts, books, oral history interviews, letters, photographs, and more from Wisconsin Persian Gulf War veterans.
Contact us
if you have any questions or comments.
Wisconsin in the Persian Gulf War: A Bibliography
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM) is dedicated to preserving the memory of Wisconsin men and women who have participated in America's military conflicts, from the Civil War through the present. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center contains published materials including books, periodicals, newsletters, maps, and audio visual items as well as unpublished archival materials including letters, diaries, photographs, and scrapbooks that document the service and sacrifice of Wisconsin's citizen-soldiers in all wars.
Military History
Civil War
Spanish American War
World War I
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Persian Gulf War
Iraq - Afghanistan
Honors & Memorials
Rules & Regulations
Search Collections
Subscribe/Email Updates
About Us
Contact Us
Hours, Map & Directions
Copyright © 2011-16 Wisconsin Veterans Museum
30 W Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 267-1799
Copy Right and Legal Information
Web design by
Makin' Hey
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.


text:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Trial Advocacy Program hosted a one-man show performed by Paul Morella entitled "A Passion for Justice: an Encounter with Clarence Darrow." Clarence Darrow is one of the most revered and well-known American trial lawyers. The show brought to life some of Darrow's most sensational cases such as the Scopes "Monkey Trial" and the Leopold-Loeb murder case and provided a glimpse into the life of a man The Legal Times called "The Most Influential Lawyer of the 20th Century."
Tuesday, January 31, 2011
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Room 524
The Trial Advocacy Program, Mock Trial Honor Society and Office of Career and Professional Development are co-hosting a panel presentation including three of the area's best litigators as they discuss Careers in Litigation. The panelists include Bernie Grimm, a Partner at Cozen O'Connor who specializes in Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense and Government Investigations, Megan McCarthy, an Attorney at Armstrong, Donohue, Zeppos, Vaughan & Rhoads, who specializes in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury, and Tiffany Sizemore, Public Defender at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia.
"The Little Known Trial of Wyatt Earp"
Use of 21st Century Technology in a 19th Century Trial
Presented by Jim O'C. Gentry, Esquire
November 9, 2011 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Room 603
Discover how high-tech visual storytelling can be both effective and impactful in the courtroom. The fascinating and compelling story of Wyatt Earp will demonstrate how you can apply some of these techniques in trial. The seminar will begin with a presentation by Jim O'C. Gentry, Esq. of Salsbury, Clements, Beckman, Marder & Adkins, LLC followed by a panel discussion including Mark L. Austrian, Esq. or Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP and the Honorable Irma Raker of the Maryland Court of Appeals (retired). Refreshments will be served following the presentation.
"The True Rules of Cross-Examination"
Presented by Professor Michael Tigar
April 21, 2011 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
6th Floor Student Lounges
The Trial Advocacy Program at the American University Washington College of Law (WCL) sponsored a seminar entitled "The True Rules of Cross-Examination" on April 21, 2011 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. presented by the highly esteemed and well known trial attorney and WCL Professor Emeritus Michael Tigar. Professor Tigar is the author of numerous law review articles and the editor of more than a dozen books, including Fighting Injustice, Examining Witnesses (2d ed.), Persuasion: The Litigator's Art, and Law and the Rise of Capitalism (2d ed.).In law practice, Professor Tigar has represented The Washington Post, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Scott McClellan, Rep. Ronald Dellums, Mobil Oil, Fernando Chavez, and Terry Lynn Nichols. He has tried cases before myriad courts across the country and argued seven cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
On April 21, Professor Tigar discussed cross-examinations, including examples from trial counters, thoughts on the difficult problem of cross-examining experts, and how to plan a cross-examination. Follow this link to view the webcast of the program.
Social Networking and Litigation: Friend or Unethical Foe?
November 30, 2010
On Tuesday, November 30, the Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program hosted a conference entitled "Social Networking and Litigation: Friend or Unethical Foe?" to introduce the new Master of the Laws in Advocacy. The conference explored the ethical issues attorneys face in litigation in the digital age involving social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and LinkedIn.
The conference presenter and panelists included Susan Carle, Professor of Law at the Washington College of Law; Glenn Grossman, Bar Counsel for the State of Maryland and chief disciplinary officer; Thaddeus Hoffmeister, Professor of Law at University of Dayton School of Law; Kendell R. Kelley, a Lifestyle Lawyer and strategist specializing in intellectual property and social media; James McCauley, Ethics Counsel for the Virginia State Bar; Caren Myers Morrison, Assistant Professor at Georgia State University College of Law; Ken Strutin, Director of Legal Information Services at the New York State Defenders Association; and Hon. Dennis Sweeney, judge who presided over the trial of Mayor Sheila Dixon, where the defense raised allegations of error due to juror communication through Facebook.
Overall, the conference boasted 98 attendees during the 2 two hour panel presentations and formal reception dinner.
The conference was video and audio taped. View the first panel presented by Ken Strutin with commentators Glenn Grossman and Professor Caren Myers Morrison or the second panel including The Honorable Dennis M. Sweeney, Kendell Renee Kelly, James McCauley, Ken Strutin and moderated by Professor Susan D. Carle.
Strategic Litigation in International and Domestic Fora
October 12, 2009
2:00-3:00 p.m. First Distinguished Lecture: Michael Tigar
Professor Emeritus of American University Washington College of Law (WCL), Professor of the Practice of Law, Duke Law School, and Founder of the UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic
Topic: "Narratives of Oppression"
3:15-4:30 p.m. Panel I: UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic
For more than four decades, the people of the Chagos Archipelago have pursued their claim, in different jurisdictions on two continents, that they were forcefully removed from their island home in the Indian Ocean by the British and U.S. governments to make way for a military base.
David Vine discussed the role of empirical data, sociology and anthropology in developing a reparations model to remedy the damages.
Richard Gifford is a UK solicitor who has represented the Chagossians for more than three decades, and in several fora.
Olivier Bancoult is the leader of the Chagossian people. He has been an articulate voice for the Chagossians' aspirations, and is lead plaintiff.
4:45-6:00 p.m. Panel II: Impact Litigation Project in the Americas
Francisco Uson was prosecuted and sentenced to five and a half years in prison for "dishonoring and disrespecting the armed forces of Venezuela" during a media interview in May 2004. His case was the first before the Inter-American system to deal with criminalization of speech against a state organ at a time when more governments in Latin America are resorting to it, silencing criticism and curtailing democratic debates. He discussed the alleged offense, the trial and conviction and his experience before international courts.
Dean Claudio Grossman led the Project's litigation efforts before the Inter-American Commission and Court;
Alejandra Gonza was the staff attorney leading the efforts in the Uson case at the Office of the Special Rapporteur within the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights;
Gonzalo Himiob Santome was Mr. Uson's criminal lawyer and a key witness in his case before the Inter-American system;
Agustina Del Campo was one of the lawyers representing Mr. Uson before the Inter-American system and moderated the discussion.
6:30 p.m. Dinner (Sixth Floor Student Lounge)
Welcome Remarks by the Dean
Free Trial/Free Speech Media Impact on Litigation in the 21st Century
October 23, 2007
in Celebration of the Naming of
This Conference examined ethical concerns and policy issues arising from the interaction of counsel with the media and the impact of mass media news and entertainment on the fairness of the trial process. Distinguished prosecution and defense lawyers, a national public radio broadcast journalist, an experienced federal jurist, and law faculty to participated in two panel presentations.
Strategic Ligitation in International and Domestic Fora
Media Impact on Litigation in the 21st Century
Ethical Issues Arising from the Interaction of Counsel with the Media
Media Impact on Litigation in the 21st Century Panel Presentation
Naming Ceremony


text:
StopTech big brake upgrade - F30 328i
View Single Post
'Fest Sponsor
Location: Fairfield, NJ
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 959
Mein Auto: 2012 BMW F30 328i 8-Speed
View My Garage
StopTech big brake upgrade - F30 328i
A few months ago, StopTech released a big brake upgrade for the F30 335i. This new kit is specific to the F30 328i, with slightly smaller caliper piston sizing for proper brake balance and a smaller diameter parking brake drum than the 335i kit. This is the world's first installation of the new 328i kit. (Well - it's the first
installation. Obviously the test car StopTech used had one installed briefly, but it's now back to stock.)
I had planned the 4-wheel upgrade on my 2012 BMW 328i Luxury Line this Saturday, with some friends coming over to "help" (meaning hang out and talk cars), followed by a parade over to Panevino Restaurant in Livingston, NJ for lunch. But the pressure of the incoming hurricane, plus the sexy StopTech boxes in my garage combined to make delay of gratification virtually impossible. So I installed the front kit last night. It was probably the easiest installation I've ever done.
The rear kit installation is still scheduled for tomorrow morning in Maplewood, so the "brake-fest" is still on!
If you're on Facebook, here's a link directly to the photo album, which gets you higher resolution shots, if you want:
328i Installation Album
Otherwise ...
Lifting the car just high enough to get the front wheels off easily.
After spreading the front brake parts out on my workbench, it was too hard to resist installing them. I grabbbed a set of Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic brake pads from our warehouse, since I do not plan on tracking this car. That's what the Corvette (with StopTech Trophy brakes!) is for. These Posi Quiet pads will be less dusty and smoother than the standard StopTech Street Performance pads.
Front wheels off and brake fluid reservoir is exposed - a plastic panel with several quarter-turn quick-release fasteners. Much easier access than past BMW models, like the E39 5-Series and E90 3-Series.
The puny stock front brakes. That's a single-piston floating caliper.
I'm really loving this new garage and the mid-rise lift. It makes tire changes and brake work so much easier and faster.
First step is to disconnect the stock brake line and snap a rubber cap over the end, to keep fluid from draining out. Then pull the pad wear sensor, remove the 6mm rotor retaining screw from the hub, and remove the two 18mm bolts holding the caliper in place.
The caliper and rotor are off. I've already bolted the StopTech caliper adapter bracket in place, using the stock BMW caliper mounting bolts. Torque to 81 lb-ft.
The new StopTech 355x32mm floating race rotor is installed, held in place by the stock 6mm rotor retaining screw.
The StopTech ST-60 6-piston caliper slides over the twin mounting studs and is retained by two 1/2" Jet nuts, torqued to 40 lb-ft.
Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic pads drop right in from above.
The caliper stiffening bridge also holds the pad retaining springs. Four bridge bolts keep it in place. It's a good idea to coat the bridge bolts along their entire length with Permatex Anti-Seize paste, to make it easy to remove them later. This is especially important if you race or if you drive on roads covered with snow-melting salt and chemicals.
Time to bleed the brakes. Thanks for working the pedal, Maria! :-)
All done with the driver's side!
Wheel back in place and on to the passenger side installation.
A comparison of the factory front rotor thickness with the StopTech floating rotors. Although they are substantially larger, the StopTech floating rotors are several pounds lighter. I'll weigh the stock parts tonight and follow up shortly with a comparison of stock vs StopTech components.
Another comparison, this time of rotor diameter.
The StopTech 6-piston caliper is much more impressive than the BMW factory 1-piston caliper. It's also dramatically stiffer, meaning the pedal feel will be much better.
All done! Start to finish was less than 2 hours. It would have been faster if I wasn't taking photos, stopping in the middle of the install for dinner, and having to spend time coaxing Maria downstairs to push the pedal when it was time to bleed the brakes!
Stay tuned for the rear brake installation on Saturday. I promise not to install them tonight! ;-)
Dave Zeckhausen
Zeckhausen Racing
2015 BMW X1 xDrive28i M Sport
2012 BMW F30 328i Luxury Line 8-Speed
StopTech 4-wheel big brake upgrade
2001 BMW E39 540i 6-Speed
(Traded-in for F30)
StopTech 4-wheel big brake upgrade
View Public Profile
Find all threads started by DZeckhausen
Find all posts by DZeckhausen
View My Garage
Add DZeckhausen to Your Ignore List


text:
Feminism | Posted by Heidi L on 04/23/2012
Girls Leadership Institute: The Summer That Changed Me
A-woo, GLI, that is my heart's desire!
A-woo, GLI, I love it, I love it, I love it!
So goes the celebratory chant of the Girls Leadership Institute. For three weeks over the summer of 2011, GLI was my camp. For the rest of my life, it will be one of my fondest memories.
I did not want to go, for no other reason then I felt lazy and the idea of an all-girls camp seemed silly to me. I'm a feminist, but I feel no need to seek out sisterhood. Reluctantly, I packed my bags and arrived at Smith College.
Every day and every night, something happens at GLI. I can't think of a single moment I was bored there. Between the projects, the impromptu Bananagrams, and legitimate adventures like rope climbing, there isn't enough time for boredom.
Another daily part of GLI is workshop. Workshop is the "school" of GLI, if school taught with skits and bubble paints and handed out life lessons instead of trig problems. I was not the most open person to the idea of sharing feelings. I've always been closed off from my emotional side. GLI taught me when and how to use my feelings. Very rarely do we get the chance to genuinely discuss how we really feel and what that means, but GLI teaches you those rare things. Like most rare things, its value is immeasurable.
There are several projects and intensives each year at GLI, and I took a theatre class and a poetry and movement class. I've always loved writing, and this gave me a chance to experiment and learn from truly amazing teachers. This was the first place I preformed my pieces in public. The amount of confidence that comes from sharing the words you love with people you love is incomparable. Sharing my writing has become part of my life and my relationships, creating some deep bonds.
The teachers, by the way, are the most amazing women in the world. Seriously, I think I talked to all of them at least once, and I felt comfortable with all of them. My fellow campers were equally impressive. The pure love could be felt every step of the way. My grandmother died while I was at camp, and the support was unparalleled. I will never forget that. I still keep in touch with the counselors and campers. Always, the support remains. We talk about our latest projects and remember our adventures and the spirit lives on. I know that as long as I can find my way to the GLI group, I can find my way to amazing, interesting, inspiring, fierce, fabulous females.
Sometimes, I'll stop and think "They would be so proud." When I'm confronting a friend without exploding, or sharing how I feel with a significant other, I know that this skill is one of the most important tools that I have. Being able to realize that I'm not just angry, but also hurt, has helped me identify and deal with issues that I've had with the people I love.
I haven't mentioned everything. I wouldn't dare to try to do that. It's better to find out on your own. GLI has something for everyone, from the freaky artist to the infamous good girl. If you have a goal, this is the place to realize it.
A-woo, GLI, that is my heart's desire!
A-woo, GLI, I love it, I love it, I love it!
Read other posts about: communication, female empowerment, Girls Leadership Institute, GLI, life skills, Rachel Simmons, summer camp, women's leadership
Post Your Comment
Katrina W @ at 1:13 pm, April 24th, 2012
GO HEIDI!! I was with Heidi at GLI last summer. I can totally relate to what she wrote here. Good for you, this was a fabulous post. Miss you!! <3
Elena T @ at 8:05 pm, April 24th, 2012
heidi girl ROCK ON this is fabulous i couldnt stop reading everything is so true!! miss you so much this made my week
Emily @ at 8:33 pm, April 24th, 2012
YAY!!! Congrats!
Lena C @ at 1:42 am, April 27th, 2012
Heidi you are such an amazing writer and I loved EVERY single part of this. You managed to completely capture GLI I miss you, and Im so proud of you!


text:
4800 West 92nd Avenue Westminster, CO 80031
Home | City Government | Finance | Purchasing
The City of Westminster is funded by tax dollars. As such, the city's purchasing procedures have been established to ensure that tax dollars are spent in the most responsible way. The city uses competitive means for the purchase of all products and services whenever possible. The city also utilizes contracts and price agreements established by the State of Colorado, the Multiple Assembly of Procurement Officials (MAPO) and other cooperatives or agencies when it is to the city's advantage. The city believes in open, fair competition and strives to ensure that all vendors have equal opportunity to compete for city business.
The City of Westminster's Current Bids Page
IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer ID & Certification)
Joe Lachermeier, Purchasing Officer, 303-658-2048
City's Bid Process
The City of Westminster operates under a decentralized purchasing system. That means that any purchasing decision up to $7,500 is made independently by the divisions in the city. When the estimated amount for a product or services falls between $7,500 to $50,000, the divisions are required to obtain three written quotes.
On purchases beyond $50,000, the city requires the divisions to use the city's bid process. The bid process is initiated through either a Request for Bid (RFB), used when the city knows exactly what specifications it needs for the purchase; or a Request for Proposal (RFP), used when the exact specifications or process is unknown.
Participating in the city's bid process is simple. Businesses may register their products or services based on the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) code with a company called Demand Star. After registering with the site, when a bid comes up that matches the selected NIGP code, the vendor is automatically notified via email that there is a bid available in their area of interest. If interested, the vendor can download any and all documents related to that particular bid for a onetime cost of $5.00. Businesses interested in Westminster should register access for Adams County. This site can be accessed by clicking on the "Current Bids Page" link above.
Most, but not, all RFB's and RFP's are posted on Demand Star. Each RFB and RFP put out by the city is listed on the Demand Star web site by NIGP code, and by county. The status of the bid is kept current on the Demand Star site. Direct inquiries can by made via e-mail by clicking on the "Contact" box in the upper right corner, and then clicking on bid information for contractors and vendors. Or a vendor can contact a customer service staff at Demand Star directly at 1-800-711-1712. Questions can also be answered by calling the city directly and asking to talk to someone in the division who initiated the bid.
The city's general telephone number is 303-658-2400.


text:
Government, Industry and Health Care Leaders Announce Safe Sharps Disposal
WHAT: Press Event
WHEN: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 15, 2012
WHERE: Executive Council Chambers, NH State House, Concord, NH
WHY: At a special event Thursday morning, Governor John Lynch will
proclaim November as "Safe Disposal of Medical Sharps Month."
The Medical Sharps Subcommittee of the Health and Human
Services Oversight Committee of the New Hampshire Legislature
has collaborated with government, industry and health care
leaders to help educate New Hampshire residents about the
proper disposal of medical sharps.
A representative of Waste Management, Inc. will announce an
agreement to bring sharps disposal boxes to the State House and
Legislative Office Building in Concord. The secure, metal
boxes will be provided courtesy of Waste Management. The
company will also provide free, regular collection and disposal
of the used sharps.
State Representative J. David Knox, Chairman of the Medical
Sharps Subcommittee will also announce efforts to provide
20,000 free labels for NH sharps users reading "Medical Sharps
Container – Not for Recycling." The labels, designed to be
applied to sealed detergent bottles filled with used household
sharps, will be available at many local transfer stations
throughout the State and will also be distributed by the
Granite State Diabetes Educators
NH DHHS - Governor Lynch to Proclaim November as "Safe Disposal of Medical Sharps Month"
Government, Industry and Health Care Leaders Announce Safe Sharps Disposal


text:
Troy Bilt Bronco CRT Garden TillerMFG #: 21D-64M1066 SKU #: 1371592
Shipping Couriers
We offer different courier options.
In Store Pick Up
This product is available in store for pick up.
Troy Bilt Bronco CRT Garden Tiller.
It might be lightweight and smaller in size, but it's powerful. Designed to be small enough to fit easily between garden rows, the Troy-Bilt Bronco CRT rototiller has the power and durability to handle your tough garden jobs. And Bronco's counter-rotating design and smaller size make this tiller easy to use.
Counter-rotating tines for easy use and greater control
• Cast-iron transmission with bronze gear drive
• 1 forward speed
• 14" tilling width
• 10" tine diameter
• Adjustable tilling depth up to 6"
• 11" ag tires for greater maneuverability
• 2 year limited manufacturer's warranty - refer to online owner's manual for exclusions
• Limited lifetime warranty on transmission
• 208cc Troy-Bilt engine with 2 year manufacturer's warranty


text:
People love eating at restaurants because the food is as delicious as a home-cooked meal, but you don't have to eat at a table with your 14 strong, hungry teenage brothers. Get some eating room with this Groupon.
The Deal
- $10 for $20 worth of burgers and other grill classics
- See the menu

Big Moe's Burgers will be hosting a special, live MMA fight night event on August 17th at their Lawrence Avenue East location. The event will feature a live match in an outdoor ring along with menu favorites such as Big Moe's burgers, funnel cakes, and fries.

Big Moe's Burgers
A halal burger joint, Big Moe's Burgers takes its juicy burgers straight from the grinder to the grill, for creations such as the signature Juicy Lucy—a 5-ounce burger filled with cheese. Along with burgers, the chefs prep sugar-dusted funnel cakes year-round, with ice cream and strawberries to top them off, plus freshly cut fries.


text:
After thirty years in business we have decided to go back to our roots, which is a business without a retail outlet.
With ever increasing rents, and a noticeable decrease in passing trade, it was getting uneconomical to keep a large shop open.
Buying habits have changed drastically over the past couple of years with UK online retailers taking a huge proportion of retail sales away from the island. This affects all local retailers not just us.
So we now run the business entirely from our home office, and a small showroom and display area on site.
All of our hire items, of which we have many thousands, now live in a secure, dry off site storage area ready for us to supply them to a venue at any time.
Please note that our core business has not changed in any way, we are still one of Guernsey's leading wedding, party and event planners.
To coincide with the move we have rebranded the event planning side of the business as Creative Events, and launched our dedicated event planning website.
More expansion is planned for the future with dedicated wedding and party planning sites, our popular Candy Cart Buffet site (these are simply awesome party add-ons), and a soon to follow Linen Hire site.
Also the Guernsey balloon delivery side of the business has expanded with a new range of photo and personalised balloon deliveries available to you.
Due to now having reduced operating expenses we now offer free delivery on any order over £15 in value (£5 delivery charge on orders below this)
You can still call us and place your order as before and we will make sure that it is ready for collection… Or we can deliver it to you.
So despite some rumours doing the rounds, we are here, expanding our services, and offering an even bigger service than before.
To keep up with all the changes you can either join our newsletter or follow us on Facebook


text:
I've been wondering what version of an energy policy we're going to be seeing from President Obama now that he's won a second term: The one the embraces the gloriously robust economic growth that comes from allowing unfettered access to our abundant natural resources and embracing our productive, energy-rich destiny; the one that refuses to take full advantage of our resources and innovative technologies, insists on pouring more money into crony clean-energy venture socialism and imposing more regulations, and champions the cause of impending man-made doomsday; or some combination of the two that tries to have it both ways, as Obama did in the run-up to the election (hence the "all of the above" attempt to please everyone).
As much as the true eco-zealots of the world would adore "necessarily skyrocketing" energy prices that forced us to artificially and quixotically bankrupt ourselves in the pursuit of an all-renewable, bureaucratized world order, that full-blown scenario of self-inflicted poverty would be good for neither Obama's legacy nor the Democrats' long-term outlook, so I'm guessing we're going to be subjected to an energy policy that tries to have its cake and eat it, too — i.e., going piecemeal on the traditional energy stuff while continuing to loudly tout "investments" in green energy and stricter environmental standards.
Earlier today, the White House pursued none of the fanfare that often accompanies President Obama signing a bill into law — because its a bill that's good for consumers, businesses, and the American economy at large, but not so great in the eyes of the green-lovin' globo-environmentalist crowd. Via The Hill:
President Obama has signed into law a bill that requires U.S. airlines to be excluded from European carbon emissions fees.
Environmentalists had framed the bill as the first test of the president's commitment to fighting climate change in his second term and urged him to veto it. Obama signed it over their objections, though the move was not publicized by the White House. …
McCaskill's Republican co-sponsor on the bill, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), said it will shield American carriers from an "illegal tax."
"American sovereignty will no longer be threatened by the E.U.'s illegitimate and disingenuous 'environmental' tax on our country," Thune said in a statement. "My bill will ensure that we protect U.S. air carriers and passengers from this illegal tax, freeing up billions of dollars that can instead be invested in creating jobs, modernizing or purchasing new aircraft and stimulating our own economy."


text:
Home > National News > Article
The first of some 400 Tamworth residents evacuated on Saturday due to flooding were moving back into their homes yesterday as the Peel River receded.
The flood waters around the city might have gone, but someone has to pay for the damage left behind, including the bill for the evacuation of up to 3000 Country Music Festival campers.
The NSW Government yesterday declared Tamworth, Perry and Moree Plains shires natural disaster zones.
Gunnedah and Moree in the state's north-west were preparing for minor flooding today as the Namoi River peaked overnight at Gunnedah and the Mehi River peaked at Moree.
Gunnedah was expected to have road closures today and several properties in the district were expected to be isolated for several days. Local flooding was expected in Moree's west.
The Macintyre River was swollen at Boggabilla in the state's far north-west, causing further road closures. At Kempsey on the north coast, the swollen Macleay River was not expected to cause trouble.
In the far west, heavy rain in the Paroo River catchment area is expected to cause major flooding over thousands of hectares and will isolate the towns of Hungerford and Wanaaring.
The deputy president of the NSW Farmers Association, Richard Clark, said the rain had brought huge relief to the north of the state where the subsoils had been seriously dehydrated. The north and centre of the state have been worst hit by drought.
The mayor of Tamworth, James Treloar, said that relocating 3000 campers was as costly moving 3000 residents.
A spokeswoman for the Emergency Services Minister, Tony Kelly, later said the cost of repairing roads in Moree Plains Shire had been estimated to be at least several million dollars.
She said the disaster-area declaration was made on the recommendation of the State Emergency Service after an initial assessment of damage.
The acting Premier, Andrew Refshauge, said in Tamworth that significant damage had been done to some of the area's infrastructure, and the declaration was necessary because the flood "happened so fast".
George and Esmay Smith were asleep in their tent with their 13-year-old son, Marcus, when a policeman woke them early on Saturday morning and told them to move it.
"It came that quick, the water," Mr Smith said. "I lost everything." By that, he meant their tent, sleeping gear and clothes.
The family has spent the past two nights bunking at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall.
Despite that, they praised the actions of emergency workers and said a little bit of rain, some flooding and a washed-away tent would not force them back home to Armidale.
Like the Smiths, Cr Treloar was confident the floods would not stop the music festival.
|Print this article Email to a friend
|Latest news by email
Get free news emails from The Sydney Morning Herald
|text | handheld (how to)
membership |
conditions |
Copyright © 2004. The Sydney Morning Herald.
|advertise | contact us


text:
Will there be green tea in CNN's green room?
Blog ››› ››› JAMISON FOSER
With Candy Crowley set to take over CNN's Sunday State of the Union broadcast, let's take a moment to review some of her most memorable moments.
Like the time Crowley insulted Iowans in a ham-handed attempt to portray John Kerry as a coastal elite for drinking green tea -- revealing her own elitist attitudes in the process.
And the time Crowley claimed Democrats "message" was "we don't support the troops and we're not tough on national security."
Or the time Crowley said it wasn't her job to tell viewers which politicians were lying more.
Or the time Crowley accused then-presidential candidate Barack Obama of rooting for economic difficulties.
That's the kind of track record that gets you a high-profile gig hosting a Sunday political talk show on CNN.
- Network/Outlet
- Person
- Candy Crowley
- Show/Publication
- State Of The Union
Instructions for signing up and claiming your comment history are located here.
Updated rules for commenting are here.


text:
Steelers notebook: Browns' Haden quick to praise WR Brown
As Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley was walking off the field Sunday, Browns cornerback Joe Haden ran up to him — not to complain, but to compliment.
"He had very positive things to say about him (Antonio Brown)," Haley said.
Brown had the biggest game this season (6 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD) again Haden, who came in allowing only 30 yards per game. Haley has coached receivers such as Larry Fitzgerald and Keyshawn Johnson and, while he won't compare any of them, he is heaping considerable praise on Brown, the first NFL receiver to hit the 80-catch mark this season.
"He is having a very, very good year, and he's a big part of us turning this around," Haley said. "He comes out every day trying to be the best he can be. It was a big challenge for him last week, playing a really good corner in Joe Haden, and he clearly held his own."
• Ben Roethlisberger is taking the "one game at a time" mantra to a new level. He is declining to discuss the Steelers' three-game winning streak, saying, "We're 0-0. We don't even know what the last game was. We're looking to this one (Ravens) game because that's all that matters and that's the only thing we can control. There's no hot streak, there's no win streak, there's no streak. We're looking for our first win this week." Roethlisberger took the approach following the 0-4 start and has stayed with it since. "I'm just going to keep answering the same way. We're trying to get one win," he said. "That's all that matters."
• The Browns sent tape of Steelers cornerback William Gay's hit to QB Jason Campbell's head to the NFL office for clarification; they'll trying to determine why there was no penalty.
Gay struck Campbell in the face mask, causing his head to snap back as he fumbled. Campbell apparently sustained his concussion when his head slammed into the turf.
The Browns believe the hit was worse than the penalized hit by the 49ers' Ahmad Brooks on Saints QB Drew Brees the week before. Brooks also was fined $15,750.
• Defensive end Brett Keisel (foot) practiced Tuesday for the first time in three weeks, improving his chances of playing against the Ravens, but linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) was limited. Keisel and Woodley both missed the past two games. Also limited were right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle), tight end Heath Miller (rested) and safety Troy Polamalu (rested).
• Successfully running the no-huddle offense will be more difficult because of the crowd noise in Baltimore, according to Ben Roethlisberger. "We'll have to figure out how to communicate," he said. "We'll call a muddle huddle where the line kind of turns around and it will look like a huddle, but it will be the same mode of no-huddle. (It's) just being alert for audibles and checks; (making sure) everybody hears me and is on the same page."
• Ravens running back Ray Rice is having the worst season of his career with a 2.9 yards per carry and one run of 20 yards or longer. But he worries Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. "Ray Rice is one of best backs who ever played," LeBeau said. "As long as he is in there, they're going to have a good one in the run game." In 10 games against the Steelers, Rice has a 59.4 yards per game average and one TD run; he had 45 yards on 15 carries against them earlier this season.
• Mike Tomlin on playing the Ravens in Baltimore on Thanksgiving: " We're going into the lions den." The Steelers are 3-3 there under Tomlin.
• Le'Veon Bell was surprised by the amount of on-field talking the Ravens did during their 20-17 loss in Pittsburgh on Oct. 20. "There was a lot, from the first play to the last," Bell said. "I love it, I enjoy it, I embrace it. There are plenty of guys in the NFL who are real funny; if they weren't playing in the NFL, they'd be stand-up comedians. You can't repeat nothing that was said. You just can't do that."
• Cornerback Curtis Brown, out for the season with an ACL injury, went on the injured reserve list, and cornerback Isaiah Green was activated off the practice squad. Green has made multiple trips on and off the roster as the result of various injuries.
• Polamalu is the Steelers' nominee for the third annual Salute to Service presented to an NFL player for his efforts in working for and honoring those who serve in the military. Polamalu set up a foundation that works extensively for veterans' causes and is named for his grandfather, a World War II veteran.


text:
A former law enforcement officer in Platte County is accused of some disturbing crimes against children. Northmoor, MO, is a small community between Riverside and Parkville. It's been 20 years since the accused was the top law enforcement officer in the town, but the allegations are just as upsetting."Obviously you're disappointed anytime you hear anybody who worked with you or for you at one point in time gets in that kind of trouble," said Northmoor Police Chief Larry Davis.
Former law enforcement officer accused of disturbing crimes - KCTV5
Current Status: Published (4)
Seeded on Sat Dec 1, 2012 2:47 PM
keyboard shortcuts: V vote up article J next comment K previous comment


text: "The irony is, homosexuals already have all the same civil rights as anyone else. But that fact that all people are created equal as individuals does not mean all sexual behavior is equal or that all personal relationships have an equal value to society at large."Watch this fool in this clip after the jump


text:
Few can now doubt that Japan's economy, hardly in the most robust of shapes anyway, has taken a battering from last year's tsunami. On Monday, data showed that output fell between October and December for the third time in four quarters as companies battled a perfect storm of problems. Read more
© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT and 'Financial Times' are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.


text:
Shop Artist products Yinka Shonibare
Range of homeware for fine dining designed by Yinka Shonibare with unique drippy illustrations inspired by the Tate archive. Including a teapot, jug, sugar bowl, plates and tea cup.
View all
View Less
price Range:
View all
Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to hear about our new products, exclusive offers and limited editions.


text:
The Greatest Name In Television Is The Newest Name In Radio
We reserve the right to remove comments deemed inappropriate. We also reserve the right to delete comments that are off-topic or abusive, and do not allow messages that sell products or promote commercial ventures. Posted comments do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Duke University Libraries. Please contact John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History with research questions.


text:
Serta iComfort User Reviews
Brand: Serta
Type: Memory Foam
Showing 55 to 57 of 139 reviews.
This mattress makes me HOT
Serta iComfort
Jun 25, 2012 11:54 AM
My husband and I bought the iComfort Revolution on May 4th. At first we did have the oder problems as I have seen others complain about. It did take about 2-3 weeks for it to become bearable. Other then that I did not have any real complaints until now. About 3 weeks ago I started noticing that I was waking up between 3 & 5 am extremely warm. To the point I would have to sleep the rest of the night on the couch. I am normally a person that is cold in 80 degree weather. No joke. My husband and I are 46 years old and yes you can say that I may be going thru menapause. I would think that if I had other symptoms and if it wasn't the same time every single night. My husband does not seem to be having the issues but I am and I don't like it. This mattress was very expensive and I paid that amount in the hopes of sleeping well & not waking in pain. I have constant pain in my back do to a auto accident in June of 2010. Because of the accident I have a back injury that causes me pain and muscle spasms everyday all day. I would just like to find out what I can do to make myself more comfortable or if I can get a different mattress from Serta. No one likes to be extremely warm when they are trying to sleep.
Date Purchased: 5/2012
Price Paid: $2000
Recommend: No
nice looking, comfortable when you first get in bed
too hot
Wonderful First Night - Hope the smell goes away soon!
Serta iComfort
Jun 22, 2012 10:26 AM
I'm sure all will agree that this is a scary investment. We knew our worn-out innerspring mattress was shot, as wife and I both had aching hips and lower back issues. I have been developing SI joint pain as well. We agreed on the iComfort line for initial feel when doing comparisons in the stores. We selected the Savant model, which fell right in the middle between entry-level and top of the line. Our king-size iComfort Savant was delivered and set up yesterday. ( I have not seen a review of this model yet, and wonder if it also appears under a different name??) In any event, two major first impressions: #1- This mattress DOES have a noxious odor to it. When it was set up, I was told that "The smell will go away." No mention of HOW LONG it will take. Ventilated bedroom immediately and until we made the bed and crawled in. Upon getting up this morning, all bedding off and into the wash again and fans going to ventilate. #2- The bed was exceptionally comfortable on the first night's sleep! I found it a bit on the warm side, but threw back the comforter at some point and was fine. I'm sure a 'learning-curve' will have us in fine form. I believe I will try to call Serta today and ask about the smell. My wife is SUPER-SENSITIVE to smells/odors and I was concerned whether she would be able to stay in bed the first night, but I covered the head-end of the mattress with a double layer of blankets before the sheets went on, and she slept fine. She commented on the smell again when we got up, but it did not interfere with her sleep.
We have a pair of the scrunch-pillows coming too, and I figure we will have to air those well before using them. Who knows- maybe they won't smell??
Will update review after a few weeks, but after one night, I will personally give this an A-1 in spite of the initial odor.
Date Purchased: 6/20/12
Price Paid: $2500
Recommend: Yes
SUPER comfortable first night's sleep
Woke feeling great with NO BACK OR HIP PAIN!!!
Love the factory cover and sides of the set
Noxious odor upon set up.
Revolution -- Better But Not Great
Serta iComfort
Jun 21, 2012 8:51 AM
First, this is a follow-up to my review of the iComfort Genius (It's No Genius). That mattress was returned for reasons outlined in that review and exchanged for the iComfort Revolution.
Again, my initial impressions on delivery were positive. The appearance and apparent build quality of the mattress are good and we have not had any problems with off-gassing on either of the iComfort mattresses we've had in our home. Unlike the Genius, the Revolution was much closer in firmness to the model in the store. It is significantly softer than the Genius which never never lost its board-like feel.
After several weeks of sleeping on the Revolution I have not had a return of the intense back pain the Genius caused. I have experienced some minor stiffness on occasion but nothing horrible and my wife is much happier with this mattress. That said, this is simply not the bed we had hoped it would be. I am not persuaded that I seep any better or more comfortable on this bed than on the innerspring Simmons in our guest room that cost much less than half the price of the iComfort. I understand mattresses are subject to a great deal of individual preference but I simply don't think the iComfort is worth the money. If I weren't concerned about putting my wife through the hassle and the additional delivery costs this one would go back as well.
For those of you who found this forum researching a new mattress I'll attempt to provide some more specific observations:
- The Revolution, like the Genius does seem to "soften up" more where one usually sleeps but we haven't found this to be a problem.
- The Revolution does seem to sleep slightly warmer than a standard mattress but not so much that it becomes uncomfortable.
- In my opinion this mattress is uncomfortable for side sleeping
- The mattress (ours is a queen) does seem slightly undersized compared to an innerspring. This means you may have a gap if you use a frame that has an attached headboard and footboard.
Finally, for those considering the motion base for this bed I'd encourage you to think that through carefully. In our case it was an expensive solution to a problem that didn't really exist and the solution creates new challenges:
- In my opinion the lounging and sitting positions of the adjustable base are no more comfortable than strategically-placed pillows
- If you have nightstands placed where most people put them be aware they will be largely unreachable when the bed is in any sitting position. Reaching books or drinks becomes a contortion act.
- If you enjoy reading in the lounge or sitting position be prepared to turn in or scramble for pillows when your partner gets tired and wants to put the bed flat.
- The "massage" function is simply a gimmick -- it's a cheap vibrator for the bed that makes more noise than anything else. The vibration motors seem to inexplicably pause or change frequency at any given setting and often set up a harmonic between themselves that makes it seem like they've quit working completely. We assumed this was a defect and had the company send out a technician -- it appears this is "normal" operation
In all, I'd recommend saving your money and investing in some comfy pillows if you like reading or watching TV in bed.
Our bottom-line: we're tired of the mattress shopping experience. We can live with the iComfort Revolution but wouldn't recommend the product to others.
Date Purchased: 05/2012
Price Paid: $1600
Recommend: No
Looks good
Adjustable base


text:
FOUR tries and two conversions saw Bassett Colts retain top spot in their division with a 24-0 victory at Marlborough.
Marlborough Colts 0
Royal Wootton Bassett Colts 24
Two tries from winger Corey McLaran-Hunt, one from centre Josh Lewanituva and one from second row Ben Barstow, plus two conversions by Matty Loader, got Bassett home against a solid and determined Marlborough defence.
The win keeps Bassett top of the Dorset & Wilts Merit Table Div Two (North), one point ahead of Minety who have played two more games.
Melksham are the next opponents for Bassett at Ballards Ash (2pm) on Sunday (February 9).
Corsham U16s 7
Royal Wootton Bassett U16s 31
JAKE O'NEILL scored two second-half tries in inside seven minutes as Bassett showed their liking for Divison One Cup rugby having been promoted this season.
While Corsham scored first after just eight minutes, Bassett ran out winners with further tries from Sam Haskell, Matt Hayes and Dan Graham.
Accomplished full back Scott Douglas knocking over two conversions and Dan Sweeney added another.
Bassett now travel to Chippenham in an end-of-season, top-of-the-table finale in three week's time.


text:
This content has been marked as final. Show 4 replies
1. Re: Want to learn Oracle SOAvladodias Nov 19, 2012 10:43 PM (in response to 975020)Hi,1 person found this helpful
This may be a good start point... Have a look at the document, install the tool and then try to build some of the samples...
2. Re: Want to learn Oracle SOAkiransaravi Nov 20, 2012 7:15 AM (in response to 975020)Hi
Oracle documentation is the best resource to learn SOA.
If you are a beginner and now aware of the concepts of SOA, you may take a look at various blogs like www.soatutor.com.
And regd. time to learn SOA, it completely depends on how much time you spend. If you have your basics right, it is not very tough to learn. It probably might take around 2 months to have a good understanding on SOA Suite(most of the components) spending around 2 hrs a day :)
Edited by: kiransaravi on Nov 19, 2012 11:13 PM
3. Re: Want to learn Oracle SOA975020 Nov 21, 2012 12:20 AM (in response to kiransaravi)Thank you Kiran.....
4. Re: Want to learn Oracle SOA975438 Nov 21, 2012 9:46 AM (in response to kiransaravi)Thank u for the information...


text:
Home > Sunglasses > DKNY > DY4121 (366111)
New Releases
Size and availability
Free outbound and return shipping
30-day money-back guarantee
Low prices
Free outbound and return shipping
30-day money-back guarantee
Low prices
DY4121/366111 Ophthalmic Glasses
These sunglasses are the perfect accessory on the beach, on the way to the office or in the city. There is only one slight drawback: all the envious looks you will attract. Would another colour not be a better match for your favourite outfit? Check also the other styles of DY4121in our 2016, and 2017 DKNY range.
Expressive lines add character to the classical approach, making the glasses a must-have for women. Wearing full rim eyewear, you make it unmistakably clear that you are going the whole hog. The cat-eye shape makes your gaze look tempting and mysterious. The DY4121 has an almost titillating effect. Wearing this model, you will definitely attract attention. Plastic frames like these combine durability and are comfortable to wear. The DY4121 is a very snug fit on the ears and nose. Brown is the perfect alternative for those who find black too high in contrast. Brown flatters the face unobtrusively. Grey lenses are a classic in sunglasses. Their high degree of neutrality with regard to the field of view, makes them particularly suitable for everyday use. Functionally, you are, of course, on the safe side, too. With 100% UV eye protection, the sun can immediately start shining.
If you press the button "order with prescription lenses', our digital dispensing optician will install the lenses in the original tint or as you wish. Your dioptre values are the only thing we require from you.
Even if this DKNY is presently not in stock, it is worth ordering now, because the current price can't be beaten. And because Edel-Optics is a paradise for bargain hunters, you can get this top model at an incredibly low price. What is labelled as "in the sale" at other online shops, is for us "all-day-everyday" prices.
New Releases
Need help?
Don't hesitate to call us at
payment methods


text:
BWW Exclusive Interview: Sutton Foster Chats BUNHEADS, Working With 'Bro' Hunter Foster & Returning to Broadway
Award-winning actor, singer and dancer Sutton Foster portrays Michelle Simms on the ABC Family series BUNHEADS. She has appeared on Broadway in "Grease!," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "Annie" and "LES MISERABLES," prior to her big break and Tony Award-winning performance in "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Foster has also originated roles in the Broadway productions of "Little Women," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Young Frankenstein" and "Shrek the Musical." In 2011 she starred in the revival of "Anything Goes," a role that earned her the 2011 Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Astaire Awards. She has also performed solo shows all across the county and has released two solo albums - "Wish" and "Sutton Foster Live at the Cafe Carlyle."
The multi-talented actress chats exclusively with BWW about the upcoming season of Bunheads, (which features a guest star appearance by her real-life brother, Broadway star Hunter Foster!) and reveals why she hopes to return to Broadway 'sometime soon'!
It was just announced that your brother Hunter was going to be guest starring on Bunheads this season in the role of your fictional brother.
He does! He's playing my brother on the show. We've actually been filming the episodes last week and this week and it's been so awesome to work together and to have him on set. It's really, really cool.
Is this the first time the two of you have worked together?
In this capacity, yes. We did shows when we were kids, like community theater growing up. And then we've kind of overlapped in some shows on Broadway, randomly. He was in 'Les Mis', and then I was coming into 'Les Mis' when he was leaving and I think we overlapped for three performances. And then we did the revival of 'Grease' together back in the '90's that Rosie O'Donnell was in. He was playing Roger and I came in to play Sandy and we did that for like three weeks together on Broadway. But we've never really acted with one another so it's been really cool. The other day I said, 'I don't think I've ever looked at you quite so much in my life!' So it has been like, 'Oh my God, I'm like acting with my brother!', so it's been really, really fun. It's been a really cool opportunity.
Well I'm looking forward to seeing that! Last season, things didn't end on a good note for you and your mother-in-law Fannie, played by the great Kelly Bishop. Is there any hope for your relationship?
I know right, Michelle kind of made a big mess up at the end there. But yeah, heading back from all that this season, there's a bit of a time jump. We have a couple months and we discover that Michelle has left, she's back in Vegas. She left Paradise. I do think that Fannie and her are destined to be in each other's lives. Michelle does eventually come back to Paradise, but how she gets back there is pretty cool.
Great. What about on the romanctic front? Last season there was a brief encounter with the wealthy mystery man Grant who lived on the hill. Will that character return or are there other romantic possibilities for Michelle?
You know what's been interesting, I keep asking Amy [Sherman-Palladino] as far as the romance goes, and there's definitely people that will pop up in Michelle's life. But I think the big priority for Michelle is to find sort of stability without a man. Sort of this idea that maybe that a man was always her answer, that's how she got to Paradise in the first place, she married this guy thinking maybe that would be the answer. And I think before Michelle can really find love, or the idea of love or romance, she has to find herself first. So while I think there will be little flicker of stuff here and there, my hope for her is that her answer doesn't lie in a man. That would just be an added bonus.
Can we hope to see more singing and dancing from you this season?
I was wondering if you may be able to persuade any of your Broadway pals to guest star on the show.
Ahh, it would be so awesome! Even the thought of my brother on there is so cool. Down the road, I have a feeling, the show is beginning to open up in a new direction and that is definitely a possibility. So we'll see. Hopefully more Broadway will start popping up on Bunheads.


text:
HMRC's failure should be a lesson in how not to conduct
public-service reform.
HMRC is the flagship of UK public-sector reform.
Its astonishingly bad results should be read as urgent warning
signalswhich unfortunately they are not, since to do so
would be to fatally undermine the current narrative or set of
beliefs/ideologies of the "reformers". The shortcomings
are the consequence of poor organisation design, which, in turn,
is based on flawed but conventional thinking. HMRC should give
pause to all who believe in industrialising the public sector;
it is a profound source of knowledge about what not to do.
1.1 I, John Seddon, am managing director of Vanguard
Consulting. Vanguard's purpose is to help service organisations
change from a conventional "command-and-control" design
to a systems design. I have received academic awards for original
work on the design and management of service organisations.
1.2 This evidence is provided at the request
of the Committee, as I have "written about failure demand
in the context of HMRC" (from your invitation to submit evidence).
1.3 I have had no opportunity to study HMRC on
the inside; my evidence is based on what I have learned from publicacademic
research, newspapers, presentations by HMRC staff, announcements
and articles by HMRC leadersand private sources, essentially
moles. The evidence also draws on my knowledge of service organisations.
1.4 I regard HMRC as an indictment of current
approaches to public-sector service reform.
2.1 It has emerged that 1.4 million people have
unwittingly paid too little tax through the PAYE system, while
4.5 million have paid too much; another 17.9 million might have
paid the wrong amount, but HMRC is not sure. This amounts to 23.8
million people whose tax affairs are uncertain, a sizeable proportion
if not the majority of people who pay tax via PAYE. Apparently
people on PAYE nowadays move jobs more often, and many more people
have more than one job. The problem has occurred over the last
two years. It is a signal that HMRC's "reformed" service
is failing to absorb the variety of "customer" (taxpayers
and their agents) demands.
2.2 More broadly, the Committee has reported
that HMRC is failing to collect £28 billion in owed taxes.
Of relevance here is that this failure has become worse, twice
as bad, over the last three years, ie in a period when performance
might have been expected to be on an improvement track.
2.3 Failure demand
2.3.1 I define "failure demand" as
"demand caused by a failure to do something or do something
right for the customer" (Seddon 2003). It is a phenomenon
I first observed in the mid-1980s and is critical to understanding
and improving service organisations. All my sources indicate that
HMRC does not study demanda cardinal omission.
2.3.2 Accountants have established web sites
to complain about the increasing number of transactions it is
taking to resolve clients' tax affairs, imposing extra costs which
they believe should be met by HMRC. Customer blogs and HMRC's
failure to pick up high volumes of calls to call centres are likewise
indicative of high levels of failure demand, which will cause
increasing costs and reflect poor-quality services for users.
2.3.3 The only study of failure demand attributable,
in part, to HMRC has been published by Advice UK ("It's the
System, Stupid"). Its report showed that as much as 40% of
demand into advice centres is caused by the failure of HMRC and
DWP to provide the primary service to citizens. The knowable cost
is estimated at £500 million per annum; the unknowable indirect
and knock-on costs will be considerably higher.
2.3.4 One example of these knock-on effects:
A charity provides volunteers to resolve problems arising from
the increasing difficulty getting adequate service from HMRC.
The charity helps about 20,000 people a year. It estimates that
95% of this work would not occur if HMRC provided a service that
2.3.5 Although all of the above illustrate palpable
failure demand, HMRC management appears to have no knowledge of
the phenomenon and its extent and causes. (It should not be assumed
that reference to "avoidable contact" is the same as
understanding and removing failure demand.)
2.4 Morale
2.4.1 Finally, morale among HMRC personnel is
reported to be shockingly bad, along with sickness and absence.
Instead of understanding that these are symptoms, HMRC management
commissioned something called a "cultural inventory"a
waste of time and moneythe results of which pointed to
middle management as the problem. Any action among management
will be counterproductive. Low morale is always a signal of poor
job design and a malfunctioning system.
3.1 HMRC's failures are systemic. That term is
often used to infer that no one is to blame, but not here. The
blame lies squarely with management as custodians of the system.
It may be argued that final responsibility lies in the Treasury,
as HMRC managers do the Treasury's bidding.
3.2 HMRC has, over the last few years, been an
experiment in service industrialisation. Industrialisation is
believed to generate economies of scale. In fact the reverse is
the case. Industrialisation increases costs. For a more complete
argument see: "Why do we believe in economies of scale?"
This can be downloaded from: http://www.systemsthinking.co.uk/6-economies.asp
3.3 Two of the features in HMRC:
3.3.1 Activity
(the calls workers take and the folders they work on) is assumed
to equate to cost, so all workers' activity is monitored and managed.
Close monitoring and lack of autonomy are the primary cause of
low morale. It is simple to establish the counterintuitive truth
that 95% of the variation in workers' performance is due to the
systemthe way work is designed and managed. Working on
the "5%", the people, is not only a cause of demoralisation,
it is to ignore the enormous potential for improvement in attending
to the system.
3.3.2 The
assumption behind standardisation is that it will reduce costs.
This is false. Management is concerned with reducing transaction
coststhe cost of a telephone call or other discrete processbut
the true costs of service are end-to-end from the taxpayer's or
agent's point of view. Standardising work simply prevents the
system from absorbing variety. It increases the volume of transactions
(causes failure demand) and thus drives overall costs up.
3.4 The ideas of work standardisation and activity
management have been reinforced through HMRC's so-called "lean"
PaceSetter programme. This travesty of "lean" has made
the mistake of treating both organisational problems and the tools
developed in the Toyota System as universal, thus ensuring that
the real lessons are lost in translation. Rather than become an
economic exemplar (as Toyota did), HMRC performance has worsened.
For the full argument about the folly of "lean" see
"Re-thinking lean service". It can be downloaded from:
3.5 It is a travesty, for example, that under
the guise of lean, HMRC employees are encouraged to problem-solve
management's wrong problems; why they haven't met today's targets.
Employee initiative is directed away from where it could be of
enormous benefit.
3.6 HMRC's enormous investment in IT systems
will only exacerbate the situation. IT is notoriously bad at absorbing
variety. The costs of the new IT will continue to rise as more
effort is poured into attempts to solve the wrong problems.
4.1 HMRC is an important lesson in the failures
of service industrialisation. Unfortunately, just as HMRC managers
ignore the signals, successive ministers and HMRC leaders have
done the same. The reason is identical: the signals don't fit
the narrative. The narrative of reform that ministers adhere to
is economies of scale. But economy of scale is a simplistic and
dangerous myth. Economy comes from flowminimising end-to-end
time and effortnot scale, as was originally demonstrated
by Toyota and is now being confirmed in a number of forward-looking
public- and private-sector organisations throughout the country.
See for example: "Managing for the Better" a review
of a The Vanguard "Leaders Summit" by Simon Caulkin.
Download from www.systemsthinking.co.uk .
4.2 Call centres, back offices, shared services,
standardisation, specialisation, transaction-cost management,
people management, IT-dominated processesall these features
of today's scale approach to service reform can be shown to drive
overall costs up. Evidence to support that claim does not need
to be disputed, however: it is simply excluded from the narrative.
5.1 A thorough understanding of "customer"
demand would enable HMRC managers to design a service that would
reliably and economically absorb the variety of ("value")
demand. This in turn would remove most or all the failure demand,
with consequent dramatic impact on effective capacity. Advice
UK, already mentioned, is an encouraging example of the principles
at work in this sector (there are many examples in other sectors,
including the private). It should be noted that Advice UK's results
have been achieved despite the lack of cooperation from government
agencieswith positive engagement they would be even better.
These designs increase the amount of expertise provided at the
point of transaction (while reducing costs), which in turn
means better service and happier workers.
5.2 Examples from housing benefits services show
how service can be improved as costs fall. As well as delivering
all benefits in a matter of days, local authority exemplars provide
a "complete" service to their clients, attending to
their broader individual needs. The implications of such examples
are profound. They demonstrate, as just one instance, how using
these proven principles a single universal credit could be delivered
locally, at much lower costs, today. But the exclusive belief
in scale means we will wait for an industrialised design (one
UK call centre and web-based service) that is to be delivered
in seven years and is doomed to fail.
6.1 The Committee should:
6.1.1 Forcefully
encourage HMRC senior managers to study the extent of and causes
of failure demand. It is a vital re-educational step.
6.1.2 Demand
evidence from those in the Treasury and elsewhere who promote
the unquestioned belief in economies of scale (when Geoff Mulgan
worked at Number 10 he commissioned such a study, unpublished,
which failed to find the anticipated benefits).
6.1.3 Conduct
a complete review of the true costs of service provision by HMRC
as a lesson to others.
6.1.4 Call
for a halt to further scale initiatives pending rigorous examination
of the alternatives.
January 2011


text:
How Much Water is Needed for Public Health and Safety?
State agencies are working to determine how much water will be needed through the dry months to meet essential public health and safety needs while legally protecting threatened and endangered fish.
The Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation are now gathering data to identify the amount of water that needs to remain in state and federal reservoirs to meet these needs.
They expect to complete their assessment by the end of March when projections can be given to water contractors.
Photo: Delta Smelt courtesy of AP Images.


text:
Product details
Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt provides a high quality, non-reflective matt finish that is ideal for hiding minor surface imperfections.
- Colour: Magnolia
- Size: 5L
- Coverage (per litre): 14sq m
- Coverage per tin: 70sq m
- Effects and finish: Vinyl matt
- Usage: Walls & ceilings
- Suitable surfaces: Multi surface
- Number of coats recommended: 2
- Drying time: Touch dry in 1 - 2 hours
- Time to recoat: 4 hours
- Interior exterior usage: Suitable for interior use
- Coverage disclaimer: Coverage is dependent on the kind of surface being painted and should be used as a guide only
Leyland Vinyl Matt Magnolia Trade Paint 5L 249767
Was £26.99
Save Over £4
Select product options
Leyland Vinyl Matt Magnolia Trade Paint 5L
Free collection in store.
{"calculators": { "calculator": { "pimProductAttr": ["14.0", "L", "5.0", "2"], "calcType": "paint-calculator" } } }
Calculate how much you need?
Enter your area
sq m
sq ft
x Coats recommended
Packs needed:
* Total may not include discounts or offers


text:
Wants to Meet Up
- Last login 12 months ago
Join Couchsurfing to see Jeff's full profile. It's free!
About Me
To engage in random conversations with interesting people in New York City while I search for a job and an apartment.
I am a 23-year-old college graduate (University of Illinois) and recent AmeriCorps volunteer. My Bachelor's degree was in Creative Writing, with minors in English and Cinema Studies. As such, I love to read, write, and watch and critique movies (especially foreign/indie pics).
My goal with this CS account is to meet interesting people and have odd, enlightening, and random conversations about everything. Also to buy myself some time in New York City (which I visited recently, love, and am determined to move to) as I look for work.
Interested in letting me stay? Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Hoboken are all good with me.
My personal philosophy is that having personal philosophies is lame and pointless. I can't live my life based on a pithy quote from Ben Franklin or Edgar Allen Poe or Gandhi or the Dalai Lama. No one can.
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
At some point, I would like to have my own place in NYC and allow others to CouchSurf. For the time being, however, I'm looking to surf and not to host.
I couch surfed at four friends' places in Chicago last week. I find it interesting to understand people by seeing their living spaces.
Modernist literature, postmodern novels, the New Hollywood, French New Wave, Blaxploitation, samurai films, indie movies from all over, Cubism, Futurism, Impressionism, Seinfeld, Swedish Fish, cooking infomercials, late-night televangelists, public transit, politics (occasionally), fine coffees, import and microbrew beers, nicotine, autumn, originality, digressive conversations, board games, card games, casino games, sometimes video games, History Channel, doing things for free
- fish
- arts
- writing
- literature
- impressionism
- cooking
- beer
- politics
- movies
- video games
- board games
- fishing
- history
- volunteering
Music, Movies, and Books
MOVIES -- Pulp Fiction, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Apocalypse Now, Vivre sa Vie, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasss Song, Taxi Driver, The Good The Bad and the Ugly, Mishima, Lone Wolf & Cub
AUTHORS -- Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Gertrude Stein, William Carlos Williams, David Sedaris, Jean-Philippe Toussaint, Douglas Kearney, Sherwin Bitsui, e.e. cummings, Raymond Carver
Music -- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, the Flaming Lips, Led Zeppelin, Beastie Boys, Dr. Dre, Miles Davis, Rage Against the Machine, funk, soul, jazz, blues, and afrobeat
One Amazing Thing I've Done
I was hit by a car in my sophomore year of college. It was one of the most surreal events I've ever experienced. Time slowed down . . . but it also went so fast. And afterwards I wasn't sure what to do.
Teach, Learn, Share
I think everyone needs to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey on the big screen. It is a sublime experience that can't be summed up in words. Just do it.
I know almost nothing about the manly arts of car maintenance, wielding firearms, and home improvement. I also have no desire to learn any of those. Well, except for the guns part. Those are kinda cool.
Countries I've Visited
Germany, United States
Countries I've Lived In
United States


text:
Beneficial reasons for Small Business
Every dreams start off with small idea and seeding this mall idea can lead to the start of wonderful business. The idea has to be new and approaching towards the customers. Satisfying More »
Things To Consider Before Starting A Business
There are many people who do not want to get dominated by others and want to run their own venture. Moreover, they want freedom and like to work as per their wish. More »
Beneficial reasons for Small Business
Every dreams start off with small idea and seeding this mall idea can lead to the start of wonderful business. The idea has to be new and approaching towards the customers. Satisfying different customers with your idea can escalate your business. Small business is trending a lot and one day this small case enclosed idea can flourish into a bigger business. The creator of the idea needs to find the spot of gap in the market or commercial opportunity. There are actually four types of business and those include wholesale, manufacturing, retail and service. If you have a focused idea or you know how you can renovate some other business plan. For taking an example of small business as like food plaza or restaurants, they always try novel approach to satisfy with different cuisine. You can always find something different from the other restaurants. BTC and small business approach is flourishing a lot nowadays. So before you think of running a small business let's have a view about the beneficial sides.
Why small business?
To excel in the success of economy running a small business is vital. They not only set the success stories reserved for future but also you receive good contacts of people like financial consultant, plumbers, writers, etc. They are the small contributors for building your business. Being an entrepreneur means setting right standards at right place with better attitudes and initiatives to innovate contribution towards your organization. Small business can be run by single person or by few members. It requires essential correlation and support to each other. In the competing market running a business can be risky. It is essential to make the bridge of support towards your colleagues or employees all the time by inspiring them.
Benefits of small business
Firstly, small business develops personal relationships. It can be customers, employers, colleagues or suppliers. It helps how to deal with small scale of persons. Secondly, which is very important is responsibility. How you respond to problems and challenges in the business. It is where large business is less flexible but small business has much flexible. Thirdly, seeking new ideas and applying them is much easier in small scale business. Large scale business requires lots of approbation before you successfully place the idea. Here you can easily seed the idea with small discussions. Finally, there are low overhead costs. Here the employers are less but customers are huge. Although you need to put your efforts hard but the profit is better. BTC and small business help these small scale opportunities to meet in the frontline of huge business platform.
Things To Consider Before Starting A Business
There are many people who do not want to get dominated by others and want to run their own venture. Moreover, they want freedom and like to work as per their wish. These people start their own business to become financially independent. But starting a business is not an easy task. If you are also thinking of starting your own venture then must remember that there are certain things that you must take into consideration while starting a BTC and Small Business. Consider the below mentioned steps before starting your new venture.
Business type
Choose the right business that you think capable of handling in terms of money and timeline. Starting a business means either you build your business from the root, entering into a franchise agreement or buying a business that already exist. Each option for starting a business has its pros and cons depending on the available resources and situation of the person. Explore all the options before you start your business in detail because there may be some different business which you may find suitable according to your requirement than the business you initially anticipated. Adequate time needs to be devoted to starting a new venture.
Analyze your competitors
In recent time competition has increased to a great extent in all spheres and when it is a business you will find that competitors are striving hard to secure their position in the market and are doing something new every day so that they do not lose their ground and stay in the market upright. If there is no competition there is no BTC and Small Business. So when you start a business, you should take a close look that your competitors are doing to stay in the market and what strategy they are following to keep going. If you understand the challenge that your competitors are throwing then you will able to survive in the market and deal with the challenges.
Keep adequate funds in hand
The main cause of failure for small businesses is inadequate capital. So it is imperative that before you start your business you must have funds in hand. Consider the money that you need to have for covering the start up fees and initial cost. If you understand this properly then you will be able to arrange for the money before hand. Apply for loan quite early so that you have the money in hand when you start the venture.
If the above-mentioned points are followed then you will surely achieve success in your business.