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- Advertise
- Contact Us
- Store
Submitted by Connie Paradise on January 4, 2012 - 11:56am
Linda E. Stiff
Acting Commissioner
Internal Revenue Service
1111 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20224
Dear Acting Commissioner Stiff,
As president of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), I write on behalf of approximately 40,000 enrolled agents (EAs) nationwide. The purpose of this letter is to share our concern with recent enforcement actions IRS has taken.
More specifically, we have seen a disturbing trend in the administration of the campus correspondence examination program. Many of these correspondence audits are single-issue focused or limited to a taxpayer's Schedule A. Regardless of the particular focus of the correspondence audit in question, the Service is issuing subsequent follow-up notices too rapidly.
Broadly, the issue is as follows: a taxpayer receives an initial correspondence audit, which contains a request for documentation. The taxpayer is often asked to justify a particular Schedule A deduction (e.g., non-reimbursed employee business expenses). The taxpayer's enrolled agent then submits documentation within the 30 days allowed. It seems simple enough thus far, but, alas, the taxpayer's problem is only beginning. The taxpayer then receives, in rapid succession: a proposed adjustment (i.e., a 30-day letter), which disallows the expenses questioned in the initial correspondence; a waiver and consent; a request for installment payment; and then, within 45–60 days of the proposed adjustment, a notice of deficiency (i.e., a 90–day letter).
The enrolled agents representing these taxpayers are exasperated for a number of reasons, but the primary one is that the follow-up notices are being sent without respect to information provided in response to the initial correspondence audit itself. In some cases IRS has lost or claims to have never received the response, while in at least one case IRS campus staff has informed an enrolled agent that the 90-day letter may indeed be issued before IRS is able to process the taxpayer's documentation submission. This EA was advised to file a Tax Court petition!
Other enrolled agents have attempted, without success, to have the audits moved to the field. Some are filing Forms 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance), claiming that the taxpayer is being harmed by the arbitrary fashion in which the tax law is being administered. No matter how we proceed, our clients' bills continue to rise due to premature—and in many cases, completely unnecessary—notice escalation. And perhaps even more frustrating to EAs is that we find ourselves with multiple clients in the same position (e.g., a group of flight attendants or police officers who use the same EA) and we are unable to "stop the madness."
Enrolled agents are not alone in their concern. Taxpayers themselves are unnecessarily troubled by the stream of ever more serious sounding IRS notices (and let's not forget that even the most benign IRS correspondence often produces a state of high anxiety in a taxpayer). Further, taxpayers are often tempted to sign the proposed adjustment, either not understanding that IRS has not considered their initial response or in a misguided effort to stem further enforcement activity.
Taxpayers who timely respond deserve consideration of whatever support they offer in defense of deductions or credits claimed on their tax returns. Otherwise, taxpayers are left to believe that their audits have been concluded before they even open the initial notices. Likewise, an enrolled agent should not be forced to the extraordinary action of filing a Tax Court petition simply to protect a client's right to reply to a correspondence audit.
Given the pattern our members have seen, we request that you investigate the timing of notices related to correspondence audits and make appropriate adjustments. Should you or a member of your staff wish to discuss particular cases, please contact our Senior Director, Government Relations, Robert Kerr. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this matter.
Diana Thompson, EA
CC: National Taxpayer Advocate—Nina Olson
November 28, 2007


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Kim Kardashian endorses Barack Obama
Kim Kardashian is all about the Barack Obama. While her endorsement ranks right up with there Heidi Montag's support of John McCain, Kim seems to be more aware of the issues. Haha, just kidding. She has no fucking clue. Here's what Kim told Hollywood.com last night at the launch of the new Girls Gone Wild magazine:
"He just seemed very firm about the change, and that's, like, his motto," Kardashian said, probably trying to allude to Obama's "Change We Can Believe In" campaign slogan.
Kim Kardashian? Barack Obama? And, wow, is the comment board about to get holy freaking raped. Go easy on her, guys. *ducks under desk* Mommy.
Thanks to Ryan who owes me a new website.
Photos: Getty Images

subset: commoncrawl


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A Heart of GratitudeWhen do you find it most difficult to maintain a posture of gratitude?
read more
This Week's Sermon
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Packets are displayed below on a fiscal year schedule running from October 1st
to September 30th. When entering this site, packets for the current fiscal year
are shown. You can scroll through the published packets from the previous fiscal
years by selecting the Previous Fiscal Year link and the Next Fiscal Year link
at the top of the table. To search the Planning Commission packet material use
the search box to the left. All packets in all fiscal year categories are
searched. Please note that more specific searches will yield better results.


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Nielsen flies to sci-fi Exodus
EXCLUSIVE: Swedish-Danish producer Richard Georg Engström and Danish director Tommy Ipsen are at the EFM to promote their €4m English-language sci-fi project [pictured].
"A Lars von Trier drama in the visual universe of Blade Runner" is how Swedish-Danish producer Richard Georg Engström and Danish director Tommy Ipsen are promoting Exodus, a €4m English-language sci-fi project, which they are launching at the European Film Market.
With a script, a 20-minute pilot and a lead cast including Danish actor Cyrun Melville (A Royal Affair) and Hollywood actress Brigitte Nielsen (Eldorado), Swedish actor Matias Varela (Snabba Cash) and Norwegian actor Kristofer Hivju (Game of Thrones), they will meet potential co-production partners especially from Canada, Germany and France.
"Canada has a major industry of special effects for films and games, which suits the production fine," said Engström, whose newly-established TSOMM Pictures will produce. Engström has signed Danish-Canadian lead layout artist Thomas Pringle to create the landscape for Danish writer Christoffer Örnfeldt's screenplay.
"We pitched the project at the recent Nordic Film Market in Göteborg and had a rather strong response to style and genre. We hope to package and finance the production this year, start pre-marketing activities (crowd sourcing, probably funding) and shoot the film in 2014 for delivery the following year," he added.
Set in a fantasy world, Exodus is the story of a traumatised elite soldier, Jacob, who tries to protect his younger brother Elias from the secret about what soldiers do to maintain the energy flow that empowers the human civilisation. But Elias wants to fight the giants, too, and goes into battle, followed by Jacob, and the giants capture them both.
TSOMM Pictures most recently produced Danish director Jesper Bern's novella film, Black Coffee & Vinyl (Sort Kaffe & Vinyl), which has been nominated for a Robert – the Danish Film Academy's prize – which will be announced on Feb 28.
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We don't have this item available for sale at the moment.
We can only ship Apparel items within the U.S and its Territories.
Show your passion for your New Orleans Saints with this Majestic performance tee. This D.L. IV Fashion Top is a short sleeve raglan V-neck tee with contrast color piecing for breathability at the sleeve.
* 100% Polyester Micro Knit
* Screen print graphics
* Officially Licensed NFL gear
* Performance Material
* V-Neck


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Adobe Creative Cloud is a simple monthly membership gives you the entire collection of the latest applications, tools, and more. Print, Imaging, Web? You can do it all. Plus, Creative Cloud members automatically get access to new products and exclusive updates as soon as they're released. And, with cloud storage and the ability to sync to any device, your files are always right where you need them. Creative Cloud is available for individuals or teams.
You can read reviews posted by our customers on the Creative Cloud review page. You can also read my earlier blog post, How Creative Cloud can change the way you work.
All said and done: if you feel that Adobe Creative Cloud offers your business a compelling value proposition, and you already have an existing perpetual licence to Creative Suite, Adobe offers an easy upgrade path. And some special pricing.
Upgrade to Creative Cloud
To avail of the special upgrade price for Creative Cloud, you must have a registered copy of Creative Suite.
- If you haven't registered your copy yet, open any CS application and choose Help > Register.
Switch to the Cloud
Switching to the Adobe Creative Cloud is easy. You can do it online, and you should be up an running fairly quickly.
- Visit the Switch to the Cloud page and review the current offer.
- Sign in with your Adobe ID to see if you qualify for the upgrade. You need sign in with the same Adobe ID that you used to register your existing product.
- Continue with the on-screen wizard, and complete joining the Creative Cloud.
Downloading Apps
After you've joined the Creative Cloud, you can continue over to http://creative.adobe.com and sign in with your Adobe ID.
If you've upgraded from CS3 or later, you can download the Apps from the Creative Cloud website. See an earlier blog post: How to download my Creative Cloud applications?
If you already have a CS6 Apps installed, you do not need you re-download them. You can convert a trial or a licensed version to a Creative Cloud version.
- Deactivate the product by choosing Help > Deactivate in any CS6 app.
- Launch the product again. It will now launch in trial mode.
- Click the License this Software button located at the bottom of the screen.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and Sign in with your Adobe ID.
For more information, see Convert CS6 Trials to Creative Cloud, for detailed instructions and complete screenshots.
Remember to choose Help > Update and download new features that are exclusively for Creative Cloud members.
More help
- For more information, see Creative Cloud FAQ.
- If you face issues, visit Creative Cloud forum.


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I use this simple query to determine the most popular searches on my website:
select keyword, count(*) as total from searches group by keyword order by total desc limit 500;
I want to add a column that indicates how many times a particular keyword is found in testimonials. The testimonials are in a separate table called testimonies. I'm thinking that I need to implement the following, but I don't know exactly where:
count( case when (t.title like '%s.keyword%' or t.testimonyText like '%s.keyword%') then 1 else null end ) as countInTestimonials
So how do I modify the searches query to include a count in the testimonies table?
why does the testimonials query have to be combined with the searches query?
how are the two tables related?
Oh, you're right. I guess they don't have to be combined into one query. So you are suggesting that in my PHP code, in the Do loop, for every keyword that is returned from the first query to then run the second query? To answer your question, the two tables are related in that they are both in the same database.
no, not at all
SELECT keyword
, count(*) as total
FROM testimonies
WHERE title LIKE CONCAT('%',s.keyword,'%')
OR testimonyText LIKE CONCAT('%',s.keyword,'%') ) AS countInTestimonials
FROM searches AS s
BY keyword
BY total desc limit 500;
This query never finishes. It timed out in the two times I tried to run it. Maybe the 240,000 rows in the searches table and 7,000 rows in the testimonies table is too much?
maybe you gotta ask yourself why you want to see both pieces of information at the same time
also, don't go the route of doing a query inside a loop -- that's gonna be just as slow


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Where the Wild Things Are: Wily Coyote
Coyotes maybe the species most adept at adapting to changing habitats, climates and human activities. These tricksters thrive where other predators pass away. One story stands out in my memory. I don't remember the exact words—they don't matter—but the story sticks with me: Long before European settlers touched foot in the Pacific Northwest, back [Continued...]


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No kidding on the 200 tropic. I'm still down here but friday had to be the most crowded I've ever seen it. We ended up surfing at bridges, smaller but way less crowded. Surfed dogmans sat eve, real fun, cpl feet overhead Just got out of the water from wildo, 3 to 4 and real fun. We leave wed so wildo again tomorrow. Egg sammys at puntas every morning. Got really drunk at tamboo sat night. Surfed sandys yesterday off the rocks, fun lefts. Will give my rich price channel bottom review when I get back. That things flys. Oh yeah suckers, its 80 degrees with water at 82.
Results 11 to 20 of 20
Jan 27, 2014, 08:12 PM #11
Jan 31, 2014, 12:18 PM #12
I'm reading these and getting pumped. Looks like I'm gonna have to head down in a few weeks to take a week of 4-footers and resemble actual surfing more than just a couple rides per sesh.
carter, you headed there or what you skaterat
Jan 31, 2014, 12:31 PM #13
My buddy and I just had to postpone our trip due to the craptacular forecast.... would have been leaving today.
Jan 31, 2014, 04:58 PM #14
Depends on how much dough you are willing to spend. If got a good amount, check out Villa Playa Marias right on the beach in Rincon at Marias. It's down the driveway at the Marias parking lot right below the Calypso. The pistons are right out front. Dog mans to the south, Marias point to the north. You can see how all the breaks are breaking and can get out before the crowds and the before the winds go wonky. Stu, the owner, is really cool. You rent boards anywhere. We rent ours through Green Room Rincon every year. Just google the place. It's worth the money.
Carter the best thing to do is NOT search the forum for this topic. whats next a wetsuit question kook?
Jan 31, 2014, 05:07 PM #16
Oh yeah, if you are worried about the bottom, (rightfully so, urchins suck) there is an entry point right in front of the villa's volleyball net so it's an easy marker for getting in/ out of the water. Puntas bakery is right up the hill and there is the breaks at Sandy beach in front of Tamboo 5 minutes away. If you get word that the breaks up North are working better, it's only 30 minutes or so to those breaks.
Feb 1, 2014, 12:28 AM #17
chavez... are you lou diamond phillips circa young guns?
Feb 1, 2014, 01:22 AM #18
Feb 1, 2014, 01:42 AM #19Senior Member
- Join Date
- Feb 2012
- Location
- Here
- Posts
- 845
Feb 1, 2014, 03:05 AM #20


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Blog Directory
Browse the Blog Directory
Browse blogs from wide range of categorized blogs on our blog directory. Whether you are looking for niche blogs, personal blogs, Indonesia blogs, Recreation blogs, Collecting blogs you can find them all in our blog directory.
Submit your Blog
Or, Submit your blog and be included on our search engine friendly blog directory.
Indonesia CollectingBrowsing Indonesia Blogs » Recreation Blogs » Collecting Blogs
Read the best blog sites about collecting and recreation at BlogsDB. Add Collecting blogs and advertise on our most visited blog directory on the Internet.
No blogs are found on this category yet.


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Dec 06, 2011 12:00AM
Watch: 'Comme Un Enfant' By Yelle
Pastel pink perfection.
Do you remember 2007 and 'Nu Rave' and fluro? Yelle was definitely prominent during this period, particularly frontwoman Julie Budet, and while the French group is still creating dance-y electronic music, they're back on the scene with a different look — and we love it. The latest video for 'Comme Un Enfant', which appears on the album Safari Disco Club released this March, is pastel pink perfection. Directed by Jeremie Saindon, it 8 Budet pulling some Gaga-esque choreography (but way more girly and less sexually aggressive), back-up dancers in pink Morphsuits, disco balls, really puffy sleeves, hyperbolic headwear, human pyramids and a guy dressed as a Dementor. I challenge you to tell me what's not to love.


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A MOTHER is begging prison bosses to give her son the mental health support he needs before he kills himself or someone else.
Beverley Rimmer, 47, said she is so concerned for the well being of her 31-year-old son Terry Hogan while he is in jail that she is 'living everyday in fear' of what might happen.
Hogan, who has been diagnosed with borderline schizophrenia and triple personality disorder, was jailed in April 2007 after being given an indeterminate sentence for public protection and told he would not be eligible for parole for seven years.
He was convicted of wounding with intent after slashing Andrew O'Connor across the face and neck with a stanley knife during an incident in Blackburn.
Now after serving years behind bars, in a combination of secure psychiatric units and mainstream prisons, Beverley said her volatile son was on the edge at HMP Preston.
She wants him to be transferred to a more secure unit where he can be treated.
Mrs Rimmer said: "What my son did was wrong but he is mentally ill.
"I don't think his condition is being monitored properly. He has told me he has given up. When I went to see him just last week he had tried to take his own life.
"I am petrified that someone is going to knock on my door and tell me he has died or worse still he has hurt someone else in prison.
"I don't think the guards at a mainstream prison know how to handle him, using brute force isn't the way because he just fights back.
"I have written to and called the governor of the prison, as well as to the HM Inspectorate for Prisons and visited my MP Jake Berry over the issue."
Only last month, Hogan was arrested by police on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after allegedly biting a prison guard's nose as they tried to lock him in his cell.
Hogan's family are now urging the authorities to urgently move him back to Ashworth Hospital in Liverpool.
Mrs Rimmer, of Lightbound Street, Darwen said: "Terry's behaviour has landed him in segregation, where he has been for nearly 12 weeks. Being locked in a room on your own for that long is inhumane.
"It makes me feel physically sick that I can't help him. I am just begging the prison service to do something.
"In a secure unit like Ashworth staff will monitor his behaviour and be able to keep control of the symptoms of his illness."
A Prison Service spokesperson said they were 'unable to comment on individuals.'


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THE Cathedrals Express steam train will visit Andover station as it celebrates St David's Day on Saturday, 1 March.
The train will be taking a special trip to Bath and Cardiff and will be picking up passengers from Andover at 9.15am.
The train, which is scheduled to be hauled by 34067 Tangmere, a Battle of Britain Class locomotive, will first visit Salisbury, from where it will follow the stunning route through the Wylye and Avon valleys to the beautiful city of Bath, where passengers can opt to spend the day.
Alternatively they can stay on the train as it makes its way through breathtaking scenery to Cardiff, where they can soak up the unique carnival atmosphere as the city celebrates its National Day.
Steam Dreams chairman Marcus Robertson said: "Our St David's Day trip has become a real Cathedrals Express tradition and we are delighted to once again be visiting the capital of Wales on this special day."
Tickets are available in all four classes, ranging from £99 in premium standard through to the top class of Pullman Style Dining at £225 per person.


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Cook pasta according to package directions, rinse, drain and set aside in a serving bowl. Steam the broccoli and cauliflower for 2 minutes and cool. Slice the artichoke hearts into bite size pieces. Add all ingredients, except avocado, to the pasta and mix with mayonnaise. Chill. Before serving garnish with cranberries.
Per serving - 205 calories, 7 gram fat (32% calories from fat), 7 gram protein, 28 gram carbohydrate, 6 gram fiber, 0 milligram cholesterol, 234 milligram sodium


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A-Frame #1 / 2 Beds 1 Bath / Sleeps Up To 4 Guests
This cabin is romantic, cozy and comfortable. Tucked away in a sparsely grouped setting you can soak in your private hot tub while gazing into the forests' huge oak trees with an abundance of wildlife and serenity. This special cabin is constantly updated with comfortable furnishings, linens and bedding. The 20' ceilings create a roomy feel throughout the cabin. All the comforts of home such as a wood burning fireplace, satellite/flat screen TV, kitchenette, microwave, coffee maker, cookware, and glassware are provided. Optional Wi-Fi in cabin! This cabin has a private queen bedroom on the main floor, with a full bath and a fun loft with a queen bed! Just 2 miles from our superior state parks. You can enjoy exciting activities such as zip lining, fishing, hiking, rock repelling, ATV trails, horseback riding and pure relaxation. Enjoy your next stay here at this beautiful upgraded A-Frame!
- Bedrooms 2
- Bathrooms 1
- Sleeps 4
- Nearby City Logan
- Nearby Water Lake Logan
- Open Dates All Year
Nearest Airports
- Ohio University Snyder Field (ATO) / 22.5 miles
- Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) / 42.7 miles
- Mid Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB) / 57.6 miles
* Not all airports listed here may be open to public use, or service commercial flights
Additional Information
- Gift Shop
- Swimming Pool
- ATV/Fourwheeling
- Beach
- Biking/Bicycling
- Bird Watching
- Canoeing
- Fire Pit(s)
- Freshwater Fishing
- Golf Course
- Outdoor Grill(s)
- Hiking
- Ice Fishing
- Kayaking
- Wildlife & Nature
- Sailing
Room Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Deck
- Fireplace
- Hot Tub
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Archery
- Arts and Crafts
- Go Carts
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Shooting
- Miniature Golf
- Motor sports
- Photography
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Wineries
- Free Parking
Languages Spoken
- English
Message this property
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Sarada is 16 years old and lives with her parents in the Mettupalayam Sri Lankan Refugee Camp, in the state of Tamil Nadu, South East India. Although bright and a good student, Sarada was forced to give up schooling to help support her family, because her abusive, alcoholic father was unable to do so.
The Lebara Foundation became aware of Sarada's plight, and discussed skills-training options with her. Sarada is now on a one-year government-funded tailoring course that will both enrich her life and generate vital income for her family.
Lebara helped Sarada with a scholarship of just 1000 rupees (€15) and a small donation towards educational materials


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Loma Linda University School of Public Health is celebrating 50 years! On June 23, 1967, LLUSPH w...
School of Public Health
The Loma Linda University School of Public Health prepares its students for rewarding public health careers in increasingly changing systems of health. We offer 17 public health degree programs at the master's and doctoral level. The School of Public Health also offers MPH and DrPH degrees online.
Explore Our Programs
Financial Aid
Call us
Quick Facts
Job Placement
Based off survey respondents of those who elected employment
Faculty to Student Ratio
Total faculty FTE
Countries Represented
Students enrolled 2014 -2017
Completed an international field experience during 2015-16
The Student Experience
Program Highlights
Study nutrition with world-renowned faculty. Practice global health in Peru or the Philippines. Apply business experience toward an MBA in Health Care Administration. Our degree programs offer practical experiences that prepare you to start your career in public health.
The School of Public Health is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
"I am proud of the educational institution that prepared me to not only take a whole-person approach to health and wellness, but also instilled the knowledge and values of an effective public health professional."
Ayesha Ali | Health Education & Promotion, MPH (online)
LLU School of Public Health
Fri, 06/23/2017 - 12:27
Mon, 05/15/2017 - 09:12
By: Givan Hinds, MPH Global Health
On March...
Founded in faith. Practiced in service.
Begin your career at Loma Linda University School of Public Health.


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Cover cake circle with fanci-foil. Prepare icing following package directions.
Stack cookies, securing together with dots of white icing. Use star tip and green icing to decorate pull-out star branches and attach mini multi-color candles. Use round tip and white icing to make icicles on tree branches. Attach gift packages with icing around tree. Attach star to top of tree.


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Have you started looking for a holiday dress yet? Now, that Thanksgiving is over there are going to be lots of parties and events for us to attend. I was helping someone find a dress and I was excited to find ModCloth.com's "Curvy Sizes" section.
I found 20 dresses with a vintage flair that would make perfect holiday dresses. Some sizes go up to an 18, XXL, or a 24. They vary. So, make sure to check out their size charts and any reviews that previous purchasers might have left. By-the-way I would take any of these dresses…in case you were wondering.
Which one is your favorite?
1. Well-to-Dew Dress in Noir 2. Shine and Dine Dress 3. When the Night Comes Dress in Red 4. Process of Illumination Dress 5. Cheers Leaders Dress 6. The Scenery at Sunset Dress 7. Have It All Dress 8. So Noir, So Good Dress 9. Aquamarine Accolades Dress 10. Moonlight Marvel Dress 11. Every Dot of You Dress 12. With Only A Wink Dress in Navy 13. Time of My Life Dress in Mulberry 14. Almandite If I Might Dress 15. Blazing Beauty Dress 16. Echoes of Elegance Dress 17. The Evening Unfolds Dress 18. Rose Petal Perfection Dress 19. Second Date Darling Dress 20. The Local Muse Dress


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Like the real estate market, real estate clients have changed during John Gevorkian's 22 year real estate career in Burbank.
"Clients are more sophisticated and have more sources for information," said Gevorkian, a past recipient of the Burbank Leader's, 'Best Realtor Award.'
His expertise in all areas of real estate is what has allowed him to successfully close multi-million dollar transactions throughout his career.
"The sky is the limit," Gevorkian said. "I find it very important to always be accessible. I put forth my best effort for each client regardless of the size of the deal.
"Transactions require more effort and expertise than ever these days. Thomas Realty Company has made Burbank its home for 43 years and has played a big role in my success. I emphasize customer service and a philosophy of reacting quickly to serve whatever real estate needs a client may have. This includes everything from renting an apartment to selling a multi-million dollar office building."
"John Gevorkian is the top leasing and selling agent at Thomas Realty," said company president Tom R. Tunnicliffe. "John finds ways to make deals like no one I have ever seen in this business. He has a vast client base and a relentless work ethic. We provide him whatever support he needs in today's fast moving environment."
Gevorkian currently has listed over $27 million dollars worth of commercial and residential properties in the City of Burbank both for sale and for lease.


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Grilled Cheese, Lightened Upby Dana Angelo White in Meal Makeovers, January 5, 2010
Who doesn't love the ooey-gooey goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich? We crave the comfort food year-round, but it's almost mandatory to enjoy one during April's National Grilled Cheese Month. But you don't have to throw your healthy eating plan out the window — here's how to enjoy the scrumptious bread-cheese combo without going overboard.
Bread & Cheese
A typical grilled cheese can tip the scales at 700 calories per serving. When made with hefty amounts of cheese and butter, your sandwich's saturated fat content skyrockets — not very heart-healthy!
Because the ingredients for this dish are minimal, you want them to be high quality and full of flavor (diet bread and fat-free cheese just won't do!). Choose a whole-grain bread that has 110 calories or less per slice and match it up with a small amount — only 100 calories worth — of a really flavorful cheese such as Manchego, Swiss or goat cheese. Pre-sliced, low-fat cheeses usually have about 70 to 100 calories per slice — cheddar, Jarlsberg Lite, provolone or pepper jack are all yummy choices and as long as they're low fat or part skim, you'll still get the flavor.
Layering in the Flavor
Instead of just relying on cheese to bulk up your sandwich, add flavorful ingredients that are lower on the calorie scale. Spread on your favorite condiments and toss in just about any veggie you can think of or even a fruits such as green apple slices or a tart jam spread. You can also add in some hunger-fighting protein to keep your sandwich satisfying without the fat (though, yes, we know that is veering off from the classic).
- Here are some winning combinations:
- Turkey, Swiss and sundried tomatoes on whole-wheat bread
- Low-fat cheddar, honey mustard and granny smith apple slices on multi-grain bread
- Goat cheese, tomato and baby spinach in a whole-wheat pita
- Part-skim mozzarella, basil and roasted red pepper on whole-wheat bread
- Manchego, arugula and olive tapenade on an English muffin
- Jarlsberg Lite, grilled chicken breast and BBQ sauce on potato bread
- Low-fat cheddar, salsa and spinach on multi-grain bread
Heating It Up
When it comes to grilling your sandwich, pass on the butter or oily griddle. Use a nonstick pan or panini press along with some nonstick cooking spray. The cheese will be melty and the bread toasty without adding in additional calories and fat from gobs of butter.
- Recipes to Try:
- Grilled Blue Cheese and Fruit
- Easy, Spicy, Veggie Grilled Cheese (shown above)
- Light Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Herbed Goat Cheese Sandwiches
- Pressed Cheese Sandwiches
[Photo by Annacia / Recipezaar]
TELL US: How do you make grilled cheese?


text:
We are currently searching "Store" for your search term.
If you'd like to search another section of our website,
please select another section from the drop down list.
$10 Credit is Applied on You Account
When Your friend place his first order.
Plus you will receive additional $5
For every 20 items that friend will
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Be the first to review this product
You can quickly and easily make two different flavors of cake in the same pan using the cake batter separator. After preparing the cake pan for baking, secure the separator into the pan with enclosed clips. Fill each side of the pan with the different batters. The clear plastic makes it easy to see that there is the same amount of batter on both sides. After pan is filled, unclip the separator and remove from pan.
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WATER had to be cut off to homes in Stanway as engineers repaired a leak.
Winstree Road was partially closed today while an Anglian Water team fixed the leak in a six-inch PVC pipe.
The water supply to 21 homes was stopped between 12.30pm and 1.55pm while the repair was conducted.
A spokesman for the water company apologised for any disruption caused.


text: Click here for Part 2 of this piece.NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Are you saving? Seriously, when that day comes where you can walk out of your last day of work, get in the car and go home, will you finally be able to rest easy or will you be burdened by the thought of running out of money? With significant advances in health care, we are seeing our longevity increase by much more than we might have planned or thought. We (especially the younger generation) can't count on Social Security to finance our living after we leave the workforce either. Furthermore, once we do, we don't want to live paycheck to paycheck, just scraping by. Hell, no. We want to enjoy our retirement. Go out to eat, take a vacation and treat the grandkids whenever we feel like it. But as you know, this lifestyle doesn't come without hard work, planning and sacrifice. The earlier one can start saving, the more money you'll end up with when retirement comes knocking. But what if you're self-employed? Or if your employer doesn't offer a 401(k)? If available, the obvious choice for saving is to take advantage of a plan that offers some form of matching benefits. In this type of scenario, for every dollar you contribute, your employer will usually contribute a certain amount, too, up to a point. Sometimes it's 50 cents on the dollar. Other times it's dollar for dollar. Truly fortunate individuals work for employers that offer more than that, such as two dollars for every one dollar that you contribute. Of course, there is an employer limit, such as $10,000 per year. But this is still an excellent way to save your money. If you're looking to self-manage money for retirement and are looking for the best way to do to it, perhaps this article will lend you a hand. Specifically, I want to look at individual retirement accounts, or IRAs. There are two different types of IRAs: Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. These accounts are subject to income restrictions. There are also several differences between the two (a quick Google search can provide some answers) but the main one is this: With a Roth account, you deposit taxed income up front, but don't pay taxes when you withdraw it. In a traditional IRA you deposit pre-taxed income into the account, but you must withdraw once you reach the age of 70 1/2 and at that point it is taxed.


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Shop the Trend: Cozy Sweaters
20% of proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Mane Message Hair Ties, $9.45; manemessage.com
Patricia Nash is teaming up with January Jones, Liv Tyler, Giuliana Rancic, and more than a dozen other celebrities to auction off autographed Barcellona Saddle Bags filled with each stars' handbag must-haves. 100% of final bids benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
To bid now, click over to patricianashdesigns.com
The Look: Dree Hemingway


text:
Ranked as the No. 1 French restaurant by Ranking Arizona for four years in a row, Coup Des Tartes is a charming, 15-year-old, bistro-style restaurant that patrons call one of the most engaging and intimate dining experiences in all of Phoenix.
With his exquisite attention to detail, owner Ron Pacioni has turned Coup Des Tartes into the longest-running BYOB (bring your own beer, wine or champagne) restaurant in Phoenix, while dominating that niche in the process.
Now, Pacioni is bringing his golden touch and exquisite taste to the catering and special events industry. Rendezvous Catering and Events is another masterpiece in which Pacioni has immersed himself. Rendezvous offers the same exquisite delicacies as Coup Des Tartes, just at a greater production scale. With a thoughtful and dedicated staff, Rendezvous Catering and Events vows to make any party an event. To help give those parties and events a place to call home, Pacioni has opened a new sister venue called Les Deux, which is located south of Coup Des Tartes on 16th Street.
"We can bring in a large corporation or a small group and provide great quality experiences," says Pacioni, "At Les Deux, guests can receive a hotel experience without having to rent out a banquet room."
Accompanied by an intimate setting and relaxing feel, Les Deux is designed to seat only 40-120 people. Pacioni created his new catering company because Central Phoenix was in desperate need of an eclectic special events corporation. By catering to all parties — whether they are weddings, corporate events or everyday social gatherings — Pacioni prides himself on finding a happy medium for all clients and providing a four-star meal with fantastic quality services.
"With any type of food — from Italian, Mexican or even Coup Des Tartes style — the chefs are very talented and exceptional at customizing the menu for guests," says Pacioni.
For whatever mouth-watering food the client is craving, Pacioni says his team at Rendezvous Catering and Les Deux will work with each individual to craft an eating arrangement to suit the needs of any party.
Since opening in December, Pacioni says he has high hopes and aspirations for his latest business venture. In the first quarter, Pacioni says the special events corporation has exceeded his expectations and standards as he plans to use Les Deux as an outreach to the events community.


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Published 4:44 pm, Monday, November 25, 2013
The Northeast Herald reserves the right to edit "Letters to the Editor" for length (250 words, maximum) and clarity, as well as for legal purposes.
The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday for consideration in the following week's publication. The Herald limits writers to one letter submission per calendar month.
All letters must include: 1) the author's name; 2) address; and 3) telephone number, the latter for verification purposes only. Letters submitted anonymously, as "chain letters" or missing the writer's address and/or telephone number will not be published.
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text:
BLACKBURN Rovers' warm weather training camp will be the centerpiece of their pre-season programme.
As it will be in the heat of the Algarve where Gary Bowyer's players will build up the core fitness needed to get them through another gruelling 46-game Championship campaign which, they hope, will end with promotion back to the Premier League.
But the man who has played a major part in putting the camp together, head of sports science Chris Neville, may not be there to oversee it.
As with any luck he will be flying back to England after playing his part in a historic World Cup triumph.
Neville will be one of England's conditioning coaches in Brazil – another is Manchester United's Tony Strudwick, formerly of Rovers – and so he was part of the Three Lions party that landed in Rio on Sunday.
The party yesterday headed to Manaus, ahead of tomorrow's Group D opener with Italy in the Amazon rainforest (11pm), before returning to their Rio base to prepare for their clashes with Uruguay in Sao Paulo on June 19 (8pm) and Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on June 24 (5pm).
Should England progress through their 'group of death' and to the round of 16 Neville would not be present at Brockhall when Rovers return for pre-season training on July 2.
And should Roy Hodgson's men make it all the way to the final in Rio on July 13, and attempt to win the World Cup for only the second time, then Neville would be forced to miss Rovers' week-long trip to Portugal which starts the following day.
But he has no concerns.
"From my perspective pre-season is a very important leading up to the start of the season but I'm really lucky at Rovers that I've got some great staff that work with us," said Neville.
"The manager has been really accommodating to my England commitments and we have done lots of planning for pre-season as you can imagine.
"We do have to plan far in advance – our tour has been booked for quite a while – and I'm very lucky to have some great staff here that work with us and will look out for the boys if it so happens that I don't come back early."
It will be Neville's second World Cup.
The 43-year-old acted as a masseur for Sven Goran Eriksson's squad in Germany in 2006 before being invited back on the backroom staff, in a new role, by England's former Rovers boss Hodgson before the 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
Neville admits the chance to experience a Brazilian World Cup will be the highlight of a career that included a stint working alongside David Beckham as LA Galaxy's fitness coach.
And the former goalkeeper, who was forced to retire after just one first-team appearance for Ipswich Town, headed to South America on the back of what he believes was one of his best seasons in football as revitilised Rovers just missed out on the play-offs.
"I've been lucky to work in football for a few years now and this last one has been one of my most enjoyable seasons, in terms of the changes that have been made and the demographic of the players who have come in," said Neville, who arrived at Ewood Park in January 2013 after following then manager Michael Appleton from Portsmouth.
"The players have been great to work with and the manager has worked tirelessly to make sure the environment is right, not just for the players but for all the staff.
"It was a really, really good season and we certainly progressed from last season when we finished 17th. We had a much bigger points haul and only just missed out on the play-offs.
"That, combined with our 12-match unbeaten streak, means we will go into next season with plenty of confidence."


text:
'"You definitely notice that the people here love their sports," Butler said. "You walk around St. Louis, and you don't see people in Rams hats or Blues hats. Everywhere you go here, people have a Bills jersey on or a Sabres hat. They live and die for their sports here, which is good and bad. You have great fans, but there's a lot of pressure."'
Archives for September 2008
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LagacE returns magic from the camp of the Sabres
[Rough English translation from French language newspaper]:
'"With the Sabres, I initially took part in a camp of recruits during four days, explained Jacob Lagacé. We then began the matches inter-team with the veterans from the Sabres. For the first match, there were 7000 people in the steps."'
Sabres beaten in little town
'Sloppy work on the power play cost Buffalo twice as the Canadiens scored a pair of short-handed goals in the second period against Patrick Lalime.'
Ice dreams
'I missed out on high school. I was there, but I really wasn't there.'
"I had to work extremely to return to me where I am"
[Rough English translation from French language newspaper]:
'"It is special, admitted Pominville by remembering its advance before the match of yesterday evening against the Canadian. During all these years, players saw themselves granting beautiful contracts a little everywhere in the league and I was delighted for them. They deserved it."'
Wednesday's Montreal Coverage
Habs bring cheer to Hockeyville (Montreal Gazette)
Photo gallery (Canadiens.com)
Roberval basks in the glow of NHL hockey (NHL.com)
Roberval celebrates hard work that led to Hockeyville (NHL.com)
Warm welcome greets Canadiens (NHL.com)
The following are rough English translations from French language sources:
A first victory! (Le Journal de Montreal)
"Our players had more strength" – Guy Carbonneau (Le Journal de Montreal)
Fortier and Desharnais had an insane pleasure (Le Journal de Montreal)
Marc Denis: "I must turn the page" (Le Journal de Montreal)
"I had to work extremely to return to me where I am" (Le Journal de Montreal)
Another year, another context for Josh Throats (La Presse)
Roberval CH: something of exceptional (La Presse)
A city in jubilation (La Presse)
The party was outside! (Le Quotidien)
Lagacé returns magic from the camp of the Sabres (Le Quotidien)
The Canadian beats the Sabres 3-2 front the amateurs of hockey the Roberval one (CP)
They were several to have the Roberval smile (CP)
Roberval can celebrate (RDS.ca)
Tomas Plekanec scores 2, Canadiens top Sabres 3-2
Buffalo crawled back in the third period with goals by Derek Roy and Nathan Gerbe, but couldn't get even.'
Tomas Plekanec scores two goals as Canadiens edge Sabres 3-2
'Sabres coach Lindy Ruff praised Gerbe after the game. "He's one of the players we think could play for us down the road," Ruff said. "He's got good speed, a good shot. Pound for pound, he may be one of our strongest players. In one-on-one confrontations, he doesn't go down very often. It's not easy to play against a player like that, for the simple reason that a defenceman doesn't have leverage against him."'
Montreal 3, Buffalo 2
'Derek Roy and Nathan Gerbe each had a third-period goal for Buffalo. Patrick Lalime gave up all three Montreal goals on 15 shots through 40 minutes, while Adam Dennis stopped four shots without allowing a goal in the third period.'
Sabres relegate 8 to Canadian junior teams
'Ennis, selected with the No. 26 pick in June, returns to play for Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League. Among the other notable players relegated were rookie second-round pick, left wing Luke Adam (St. John's of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), and two 2007 second round picks, defensemen T.J. Brennan (St. John's) and Drew Schiestel (Niagara, Ontario Hockey League).'


text:
Prize Recipient
Daniela Zuniga Sacks
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
My name is Daniela Zúñiga Sacks, and this fall I will be beginning my freshman year at MIT. I was raised in Michigan, and like many kids, I was always asking, "why?" But as I grew older, I never stopped. Before I even knew what physics was, I was looking forward to science class every day and dragging around books about the solar system. In high school, I watched a documentary about the physics of the universe, and I was instantly hooked. I was, and still am, dazzled by the dance of the cosmos, the unimaginable space stretching into infinities, and the beautiful equations that can describe life as we know it and much more besides. I hope to study astronomy and astrophysics at MIT and do research at observatories around the world.


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PEOPLE may have to put up with this eyesore for a while longer.
In 2010, CTG Properties was given permission to knock down this former petrol station (below) in Bristol Road, Bridgwater and the neighbouring 1930s art deco Crypton Technology building, to build 40 homes, a 50-bed hotel and industrial units.
However, two years on the scheme has ground to a halt.
Walt Koloska, a director at CTG, said: "It's stalled because we haven't been able to find a developer to build the hotel or a developer for the housing.
"It's a sign of the economic times but I'm confident the scheme will go ahead at some point."
The scheme would give the firms based at the Crypton Technology Business Park the opportunity to move into new units.
Mr Koloska said: "We would also hope to have some new commercial units as there would be extra capacity."
On Tuesday, the planning application will go back before Sedgemoor District Council's development control committee, with a recommendation for the permission granted in 2010 to be overturned.
That is because a legal agreement, called a section 106, which would ensure the developer pays towards things like flood defences, affordable housing and sports facilities, has still not been signed.
A council report says: "It is considered that adequate time has passed in order for further progress to have been made and that the application needs to be returned to committee with a recommendation of refusal and the reasons are based on the lack of progress on the original resolution regarding the Section 106 Agreement."
However, Mr Koloska said: "There were just a few technical issues but I think we've sorted that now.
"I don't think the section 106 will be a problem and I hope that we can go forward with the current planning application."
The Bristol Road garage is by no means the only eyesore around Bridgwater.
Have a look at the other pictures shown here and let us know which sites around the town give you the hump.
E-mail email@example.com or post a comment on-line, at bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news.


text:
At-bat music, closer anthems, mid-inning jingles and "Everybody Clap Your Hands". They all go through one man at Busch Stadium and that man is Damon Oliver. He started with the Cardinals in '03 and this is his 11th season as the Busch Stadium DJ.
It was finally time to have him on the JoeSportsFan Show to talk the best and the worst of Cardinals stadium music.
Total Running Time: 00:48:45
Atomic number: 40 (zirconium)
JoeSportsFan Original: our MLB insider, Skeeter Rosin
Random yet contextual references: Bacott's offspring, Daryl Doran, Ray Vinson, Guy Herbert, Rick Sutcliffe, Dan Quisenberry, Fredbird, Vince Coleman, brominated vegetable oil
Links and things mentioned this episode:
Damon Oliver's Twitter profile (link)
JoeSportsFan restaurant menu items (link)
Blues "40 OUNCES" jersey (link)
Token Dan Quisenberry baseball card (link)
The Greatest St. Louis Sports video of all time. (link)
The first interview with Skeeter Rosin (link)
How get the Show:
Subscribe via iTunes
Download the mp3
Stitcher Radio
Twitter: @JoeSportsFan
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Thermal Contact Resistance Simulation
Alexandra Foley August 28, 2014
How does thermal contact resistance affect heat transfer? As the sizes of electronic devices continue to decrease, effective heat management becomes even more important. Today, electronic packaging has transitioned from its original purpose of providing mechanical protection and interconnection to also serving as a means of heat dissipation to the outside environment. Using a model from the Model Gallery, we explore the role of thermal contact resistance on heat management in a simple electronic package and heat sink assembly.Read More
Bridget Cunningham August 27, 2014
While the concept has been around for quite some time, magnetic cooling technology has only recently emerged as a potential method of refrigeration within households. Here, we take a closer look at how this new technology offers a greener approach to preserving foods.Read More
Mranal Jain August 26, 2014
Creating animations is an effective way to present and visualize simulation results. In COMSOL Multiphysics, this is fairly straightforward using the Player node for time-dependent or parameter sweep study types. But, can we animate how the solution changes along a direction in a 3D steady-state model? The answer is yes. Here, we will learn how to combine parallel slices to create an animation for a 3D steady-state example model, using a three-step process.Read More
Alexandra Foley August 25, 2014
Hematology analysis is an important step in medical diagnoses, often determining the treatment that a patient will receive. With a patient's life on the line, it is vital that these analyses are accurate to the highest degree possible. Researchers at HORIBA Medical, a worldwide supplier of medical diagnostic equipment, turned to simulation to develop new methods for optimizing the accuracy of their hematology analysis devices. The resulting technique is currently used in some of their best-selling equipment.Read More
Bridget Cunningham August 22, 2014
In a recent blog post, we discussed the growth in 3D metal printing and its impact on manufacturing. Today, we shift our focus from the industry as a whole to a particular technique that has been instrumental in the production of metal prototypes, as well as plastic, ceramic, and glass materials — even coffee. Selective laser sintering has taken the world of 3D printing by storm.Read More
Walter Frei August 21, 2014
Coil heat exchangers are simple and easy to manufacture. Here, we consider an axially wound coil of copper carrying hot water that heats air inside of a circular duct. Since the geometry is almost invariant about the centerline, the model is solved in the 2D axisymmetric plane. Additional expressions are added to compute the temperature drop between turns of the coil, which greatly simplifies the modeling.Read More
Bridget Cunningham August 20, 2014
In the design of many structures, a particular area of concern is exposure to seismic and wind-induced vibrations. Viscoelastic structural dampers have been implemented into structural layouts as a means to limit the strain and decrease the risk of failure in building components due to such excitations.Read More
Fanny Littmarck August 19, 2014
There have been many studies of how specific materials are affected by hygroscopic swelling. Let's explore what hygroscopic swelling is and the effect it may have on engineering designs.Read More
Phillip Oberdorfer August 18, 2014
Safe and cost-effective drilling is a major issue in the oil and gas industry. In addition to the common prospecting risk, the borehole itself provides uncertainties that are not desired, but unavoidable. Today, we would like to show how numerical simulations can help here. The goal is to predict the stability of an open-hole multilateral well for deciding if the well will need expensive mechanical stabilization — or not.Read More
Alexandra Foley August 15, 2014
The chemical industry is considerably important to economies around the world, playing a critical role in processes ranging from the production of clean drinking water to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Chemical engineers are faced with the challenge of ensuring profitability in a rapidly growing and evolving market. Packed bed reactors are one of the most common reactors used in the chemical industry due to their high conversion rate per catalyst weight compared to other catalytic reactors.Read More
Edmund Dickinson August 14, 2014
Diabetes is an incurable global killer: the World Health Organization estimates 350 million diabetics worldwide, with an average annual fatality rate close to 1%. Fortunately, modern medical science enables diabetics to manage their glucose levels and intake, so many countries have seen greatly reduced danger of the disease. Many diabetics must track their glucose levels throughout the day, requiring an accurate method for measuring the concentration of glucose in blood. For modern sensor designs, the method of choice is electrochemistry.Read More


text:
A to Zee: Law School
Monday 9 A.M.
"I'm often running around in jeans and a nice top—I never know exactly where my day is going."
Cotton-blend double-breasted blazer, 3.1 Phillip Lim, $673, at 3.1 Phillip Lim, NYC. Viscose rayon top, GUESS, $39, visit guess.com. Silk-blend pants, Jill Stuart, $398, at Jill Stuart, NYC. Rock crystal gold ring, H.Stern, $3,900, call 800-7-H-STERN. Leather peep-toe pump, Christian Louboutin, $895, visit christianlouboutin.com. Necklace, M.C.L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza, price on request, visit mcldesign.net
Sizing up...
"I always wear a few big rings."
Gold ring, de Grisogono, price on request, at de Grisogono, NYC
Up in the Air


text:
"The agony and ecstasy of Steve Jobs" monologue released under open license
33 Comments
1. thnkthru3 (Posts: 73; Member since: 25 Dec 2011)
Power of the media....Apple will hopefully clean up their act and we will continue to enjoy their products with a clear conscience. All sounds good!
2. jmoita2 (Posts: 930; Member since: 23 Dec 2011)
Sure; Apple will all of a sudden grow a conscience. It will thus decide to build their products in the US, providing dignity and decent wages to their employees,as well as a profit sharing program. Why not throw into that mix peace in the Middle East and affordable electric cars for everybody as well?
What mushrooms have you been eating???
3. andro. (Posts: 1999; Member since: 16 Sep 2011)
Apple and conscience can fundamentally not exist togther because greed has rooted itself to the very core seed of apple and this combination of apple and greed has been fortified throughout the ages by the mindless spending of ifans who repeatedly buy the same apple products over and over again to the point where apple and greed cannot be separated by any means currently known to mankind
6. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)
I'm not an ifan but is it only Apple to exploit the system? They found the way to do it, any big Corporations dreams to do the same.
Unfortunately to change this will be hard and long and I don't see any will or sign of this to happen any soon. It's not pessimism just what I see.
4. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)
Btw, I tried to buy mushroom in a can at the grocery store and they were made in China. I'm not kidding, this is the world we live today.
Change this will be very hard and long but unfortunately I don't see any will or signs in our society that point in that direction. It's not pessimism but just what I see.
9. thnkthru3 (Posts: 73; Member since: 25 Dec 2011)
No one said anything about Apple growing a conscience...only the possibily that they take some real action in response to strong public opinion. I don't think this story is just going to go away. Of course that is just my opinion.
5. ilia1986 (unregistered)
This is a great read.
Every Apple consumer needs to read this. Everyone. Then - and possible only then - will they realize what I have realized some time ago.
Apple is just a f******g business which only cares about our f******g money, and Steve Jobs was nothing more than a f*******g salesman. There is no f*******g magic!
Seriously - before you thumb me down - read the monologue. All of it. Then respond.
7. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)
It's indeed a great read.
BUT I'd say every consumer need to read this, not only every Apple consumer.
8. ilia1986 (unregistered)
Yes, but it is Apple users first and foremost who need to read it. Especially page 52 which is the freaking gospel truth.
10. iBeliever (banned) (Posts: 33; Member since: 21 Feb 2012)
How old are you? Are you really so dumb to think Apple is the only company driven by profit?
11. ilia1986 (unregistered)
Nope. However Apple is the only company with such a huge blindly following fan base, which exaggerates so much in the promotion of it's products that it refers to them as Magical. Oh, and they are the richest, most popular consumer electronics company on the planet, ever.
The bigger they are - the harder they fall. And this just shows how hard their fall will be and how corrupted everything they do really is.
12. iBeliever (banned) (Posts: 33; Member since: 21 Feb 2012)
Every company promotes their products and tries to make money. Lots of companies have loyal customers. Honda does, Verizon does, Samsung does. You're making yourself look like a child which you probably are.
The sad part for you is Apple is just ramping up. With iTV, iPad 3 and iPhone 5 coming out this year their dominance will extend. And with iPads and iBooks in schools the next generation will grow up using Apple products. It's awesome because they'll learn what quality is and not use android junk.
13. ilia1986 (unregistered)
I am 25 years old, moron.
My point is that Apple - among all else - does not deserve even a fraction of the loyalty, as well as even a fraction of the money it makes. And in the field of consumer electronics, Apple has the most loyal fan base, and makes the most.
It's amusing to see the fan boys all shout how Apple is the greatest thing ever, but when it gets criticized - oh no - then Apple is just another company.
The sad part for you is that Apple is going to fall very very soon. All those iTVs iPads, iPhones and Macs are going to remain on the shelves for a long time. No company holds forever - and Apple has already reached saturation feature-wise in it's products.
14. iBeliever (banned) (Posts: 33; Member since: 21 Feb 2012)
Keep telling yourself that. And you're 25 going on 16.
15. squallz506 (banned) (Posts: 1075; Member since: 19 Oct 2011)
is that you taco?
16. ilia1986 (unregistered)
It's entirely possible. In either case - he didn't read the monologue.
18. andro. (Posts: 1999; Member since: 16 Sep 2011)
Certainly seems like taco,has the same writing style,stupidity,immaturity and blind defending of the apple overlords,but then they are inherit traits with majority of ifanatics so you'd never know.
17. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)
has anyone done a taco check? His last account mysteriously stopped posting a few days ago after the last taco check.. hopefully its not a coincidence. :)
20. ilia1986 (unregistered)
If it is taco - we should ring the taco bell. :D
22. gallitoking (Posts: 4721; Member since: 17 May 2011)
you guys deop the taco check and move on.. it could be another member of the Apple Army.. I mean there are millions and millions out there
28. parkwaydr (Posts: 572; Member since: 07 Sep 2011)
So there are millions just like you? Sweet Jesus the myians were right........
Hold on I have to make sure you can understand
So.........there millions...............like you......................world end............................2012
24. biophone (Posts: 1994; Member since: 15 Jun 2011)
Apple has such loyality because alot of people love their products. Its about the experience and if its good your consumers will come back. That is the sign of a good bussines.
29. bayusuputra (Posts: 963; Member since: 12 Feb 2012)
when you chose the word dominance, it shows that apple wants to control the whole market.. yes, all companies want profits, but to monopolise? that's just beyond me.. i, as customers, want choice, something that apple will not give when it monopolised the industry.. every companies has their own followers, i can't argue with that.. but fanatics? no, that's not right.. that's psychotic..
All companies are driven by greed, the hope to make tons of money.. who doesn't want that? money is not everything, but money can buy you almost anything.. but the difference here is that, apple, the richest, biggest company today, want to shut down competitors by no means of fair competition, instead, their greed has force them to use unfair terms of competition.. they can steal, but others can't.. they are the great artists.. and what is quality? what quality does apple products have? aluminium body? well, HTC has that too.. other than design, what other aspect of quality apple has to offer? fragile glass? they know jolly well they can't compete nowadays, but instead of pushing their technological ability to the limit, they just pushed the law and greediness to the limit.. and that's the thing that makes apple is wrong.. i respect SJ, he can single handedly transform the landscape of technology.. but the way he led his company was wrong, something that doesn't speak of a true competitor.. he didn't want apple to have competitors, he wanted apple to rule them all.. if you tell me microsoft if monopolising the PC, tell me, how many affordable machines apple has to penetrate the lower income? what about linux? they are great, but are they user friendly? the vast amount of hardware manufacturers offering hardwares in different specs and price is what draws customers.. and the relatively simpler interface compared to linux speaks itself too.. and as there are more lower income than the higher income, of course the number of adoption will be higher, and since it is higher, it will be adopted by more, just like facebook..
so, here's what, apple should not monopolising and start doing some real competition.. it's an insult to tech industry and the customers what apple is doing now..
19. ZEUS.the.thunder.god (unregistered)
agree with you
21. good2great (Posts: 1042; Member since: 22 Feb 2012)
this site has grown to be one of the best for people to stop by and get the latest news in the mobile world... thanks PA
its also awesome that its more of a forum for people to communicate their knowledge and opinions about the articles...
whats not cool is reading through the comments, we have people cyber bullying up on others because of what they like or dislike...
i believe the administrators allow this activity because it provides high site traffic which looks good overall because of the many comments it gets.
APPLE articles are the cause of these wars... 20+ comments on almost everything apple and 90% are from android users.
i know we all have rights and freedom to click and say whatever we want but come on guys... its gonna be the downfall of this site because sooner or later most of us are gonna become sick of all the foolishness that goes on here...
PhoneArena and its writers do an amazing job getting us the info in a timely manner. Thank you for that...
i just hope it doesnt end up like BGR where they "disabled" everyone's ability to comment because of the harassment and negativity...
26. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)
True, I signed up a while back and I enjoy good conversations without insults, but it's really becoming annoying to just see negativity and bullying each other trying to say my favorite brand it's better than yours when it's not about better or worse but just what you feel more comfortable using.
Now there will be some Android fans chiming in saying "but Apple fans say iPhone is magic".....BS the problem is that there are a lot of kids here and if you want to destroy the name of a Company based on what a kid say, go ahead waste you time. What? Apples says it? It's advertising, marketing, it's like a detergent company that sells its product in a green bottle and shows you on tv open green lands, the beauty of nature, clean rivers......again BS. Get over it!
27. EclipseGSX (Posts: 1743; Member since: 18 Oct 2011)
are you going to post this on every article? give it a rest, no one cares. If you don't like it, don't read the flippin comments. Its that simple
32. ilia1986 (unregistered)
Because - good2great - for many many many people, mentioning Apple is aking to going to the US congress, and mentioning the name of lee harvey oswald. You gotta expect at least some people to react to that.
Don't you ever wonder why there isn't as much negativity coming from Apple users in Android articles? Why all the negativity is based mostly on Apple articles? There is a reason for that. And it's a valid one.
23. Alistair (Posts: 19; Member since: 16 May 2011)
at this point it doesn't matter what os you prefer, or what phone company you swear too. The fact of the matter is that we in America have bigger issues then what happens in the cell phone life or what really happened behind closed doors at apple, i don't think anything will change the fact that these companies are all active in the same means of marketing and development. Why only occupy wall street why not occupy Cupertino, or Taiwan. Canada, Korea, or China.....because we all need our mobile devices....not jobs....not investments back into our own markets and economy....we all need something stuck to our faces or we can't survive. That is the danger that we don't cover our addiction to mobile and that " I can give it up anytime I wanted too" mentality.
25. jmoita2 (Posts: 930; Member since: 23 Dec 2011)
ibeliever is most likely typing at your local Apple store at the mall,where he does his best to spread the Jobs Gospel to us,the unwashed.. What an appropriate screen name,though. But it should have been iKoolaiddrinker.


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By T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton doused a fireworks bill Saturday, April 28, allowing stronger fireworks as well as aerial fireworks, such as bottle rockets, with a gubernatorial veto.
Sen. Michael Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, had carried the bill in the Republican Senate and acknowledged while some people could get hurt by liberalizing fireworks, people get hurt riding bicycles, skateboarding, doing many different things.
Bill supporters spoke of the need to be free from a perceived nanny state mentally that causes residents to break state laws in the pursuit of a little fun.
But Dayton in his veto letter indicated that he viewed things differently.
"Most Minnesotans are responsible enough to ignite and explode these inherently dangerous devices properly and safely. Unfortunately, some are not," he said.
Dayton went to say that sometimes the proper role of government is to protect citizens from hurting themselves.
"In this case, government has the responsibility to do its utmost to protect vulnerable young Minnesotans, courageous fire fights and police officers, and innocent bystanders of all ages, who could become victims of someone else's carelessness," Dayton wrote.
In other State Capitol happenings, the Republican House and Senate sent to the governor on Saturday (April 28) the game and fish conference committee report containing hunting and fishing license fee increases, provisions for the establishment of a gray wolf hunting and trapping seasons, and other provisions.
The legislation passed the Senate on a 34 to 28 vote after it passed the House on a 68 to 62 vote.
Democrats criticized the legislation for a variety of reasons.
Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, argued that recent game and fish bills have been a "grab bag of junk."
Hansen slammed Republican handing of the game and fish bill, arguing that in straining to keep their "artificial deadline" for closing the session on Monday (April 30) they never gave the public an opportunity to weigh in on the bill.
In the Senate, Sen. Chris Eaton, DFL-Brooklyn Center, pointed to the "wolf killing" section of the bill as particularly bad.
"To immediately have a hunt is irresponsible," she said of the proposed hunting season this fall for the recently federally delisted gray wolf.
Further, Eaton argued the state's handling of the entire wolf issue has shown a callousness towards Native Americans who hold the animal in special regard, she explained.
The vote in both the House and Senate on the game and fish conference committee report was bipartisan.
The Dayton Administration has been seeking hunting and fishing license fee increases — the last general increase being about a decade ago — to replenish the Department of Natural Resources' critical game and fish fund, which could, if left without additional revenue, dip into the red by next summer.


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Oh Mighty Wing
Yeah...this would be a big deal for me. I don't think I have ever....EVER raced w/out a watch. Like ever since High School XC. Not one race. EVER. But I'm thinking about it. It would be a big step for me. To run by feel.....hmmmmm
Was it all a dream?
I'm actually thinking about leaving the watch at home for this one....could be interesting.
Hobble Jogger
The Logic of Long Distance
12 Monkeys
Hmmm, adding somewhere between 5 and 30 minutes... you guys are starting to get me a bit worried about those hills...
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
Your goal?
Ben, I'd say that the hills are worth about 20s per mile; if you're in pace to run 6:00's, I'd start out with 6:30's and go from there.
Plus, one thing to note is because of the way the course is set up, the second half has more downhills than the first half. My first monkey (the one I ran well) I ran a huge negative split: 6:45's on the front half, 6:20's on the back half. If you can make it to the top of the hill at 19 feeling strong, you've got it in the bag.
TT Man
Go for it.
Thunder smash!
If you can make it to the top of the hill at 19 feeling strong, you've got it in the bag.
50,000 Miles Later


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LAKELAND, Fla. – Day two of the USTA/ITA Regional Championships presented stiff competition for the Saint Leo women's tennis as both Adrianna Daszkiewicz and Emily Singleton dropped hard fought Round of 16 matches, Friday afternoon from Wynee Warden Tennis Center on the campus of Florida Southern.
Daszkiewicz lost a 6-1, 7-5 decision to the fifth-seeded Sabine Goge of Florida Southern, while Singleton was taken down by the No.2-ranked Ioana Ivan from Lynn.
Coralie Pesenti did produce a victory in the Flight A Consolation bracket, however, as she beat Eckerd's Amy Naula in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0. She will challenge Rollins' Ashley Rosenberg in Saturday quarterfinal action.
Meanwhile, the Lions' doubles tandem of Daszkiewicz and Singleton, after earning a Round of 16 win on Thursday, were edged in a quarterfinals decision to the top-seeded Lynn tandem of Val Confalonieri and Iona Ivan, 8-6.
The women will return to action at the USTA/ITA South Regional Championship on Saturday, September 29, at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center on the campus of Florida Southern.
View Saturday's full bracket here.
For more on the nationally-ranked men's tennis team, visit SaintLeoLions.com.
'Follow' the Lions on Twitter at Twitter.com/SaintLeoLions
'Like' the Lions on Facebook at Facebook.com/SaintLeoLions
This postgame recap is brought to you by Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant. Located in Brooksville, Fla., you can contact Papa Joe's at 352-799-3904 for dine in or catering needs.


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>Racing>Marathon Tourism?
Interval Junkie --Nobby
This is getting silly. I wonder if there are any statistics on repeat customers, locals/foreigners, finishing times for these Big races that sell out in hours.
I'm trying convince the wife that my marathon schedule is a great way to plan sight-seeing vacations.
Really have my eye on a Japanese marathon Spring 2014. That would be a great reason to be in Japan.
2016 Goals: Lose the 10lbs I gained for not having goals
It is why I am touring Tennessee next month.
Running is stupid
Paris is nice, and usually takes a while to sell out. London has a ballot, but still quite a small window to get your application in. I'm doing Edinburgh (again) next year, which is a nice one to do. Amsterdam is also a great one to do, and no problem to get into if you're prompt, but it's just been so you have nearly a year to wait...
Feeling the growl again
I've gone to wanting to run primarily smaller, closer races and just focus on the sight-seeing/relaxing for the longer travel trips. Partly because it's hard to totally enjoy a vacation when I'm thinking about the upcoming race, or my body is destroyed from having just run one. And, partly because as you note a lot of the nice big ones now sell out absurdly quickly....have made their fields far too large...and jacked up their fees.
"If you want to be a bad a$s, then do what a bad a$s does. There's your pep talk for today. Go Run." -- Slo_Hand
I am spaniel - Crusher of Treadmills
Best Present Ever
I hear all the cool kids are running the marathon du Medoc.
Oooh, I want to do that one some day too!
I would suspect that a small but decent number of the spots for Berlin were reserved for tour operators. I think I've read that NY does this so I'd suspect its true for many/most of the majors.
I'm with Spaniel in that it might be a little too much business to be fun for the whole family. But then again, I'm becoming more and more adverse to the mega-scale races. I did philly with about 10k people and thought it was too big and crowded.
But if I were to do a mega/int'l race, I think Berlin would be my first choice. Awesome city and fast race.
My brother-in-law has done this for the last couple of years. It's a lot of fun, but not a fast course - and a large part of it is the food and wine. So a fun day out, but not one to try and run fast really.
...and jacked up their fees.
...and jacked up their fees.
Right, but the European marathons haven't yet got to the silly rates of some of the big US marathons. e.g. NY - $255 for Americans, $347 for foreigners. Berlin OTOH was 60 Euros for the first 10,000 people and 90 Euros thereafter. Big difference.
Right, but the European marathons haven't yet got to the silly rates of some of the big US marathons. e.g. NY - $255 for Americans, $347 for foreigners. Berlin OTOH was 60 Euros for the first 10,000 people and 90 Euros thereafter. Big difference.
Good to know. I haven't looked into running European races.
Rotterdam's pretty inexpensive, has a good shirt and crazy fast competition (when I had a DNF in 2009, the top 2 runners both finished in 2:04:27). If you can run <2:30:00 you can get a free entry.
I stayed in a hostel full of marathoners for 15 Euro per night.
From Rotterdam it's easy to take the train up to Amsterdam or down to Belgium for sight seeing.
I also ran the Marathon de Napoli this past January. Do not run this race! The course makes you run past the finish line 5x before you're done. The course is "flat" in that you don't hit much elevation gain but half the race is along the water with the road pitched steeply either left or right depending on where on the course you are. If you're not on one of those pitched roads you're running on cobblestone.
Always wondered about jet-lag for these sorts of races. Does anybody have experience with that? I mean you train for several months only to have your goal race sabotaged by travel.. that doesnt sound right.
And we run because we like itThrough the broad bright land
Always wondered about jet-lag for these sorts of races. Does anybody have experience with that? I mean you train for several months only to have your goal race sabotaged by travel.. that doesnt sound right.
After my recent trip abroad I'd be worried about this, though perhaps without work obligations it is easier to adapt.
Candice S or schneidr could give insight on this, both of them just ran simply outstanding races in Berlin.
I think BBC did a program about how to beat jet-lag. They asked the frequent international theater performers to try the solution. People who tried said it helped. Here is the solution:
Drinking water ONLY to keep well hydrated. You can sleep as much as you want. Once get to the destination, follow the local meal time.
I haven't tried myself, but I am going to try it next week.
5k - 20:56 (09/12), 7k - 28:40 (11/12), 10k trial - 43:08 (03/13), 42:05 (05/13), FM - 3:09:28 (05/13), HM - 1:28:20 (05/14), Failed 10K trial - 6:10/mi for 4mi (08/14), FM - 3:03 (09/14)


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Enjoy a Summer Full of Fun and Photography at MOPA's Signature Summer Camps
(San Diego, CA) Mar. 20, 2012 – Celebrate summer in Balboa Park with MOPA's annual summer photography camps, designed for young photographers from grades K-12. Explore the endless possibilities of photography with hands-on activities where kids can learn to produce their own music video, become a photojournalist or create a cyanotype.
Summer camps take place from Monday, June 18 through Friday, August 10 at MOPA. Parents have the opportunity to select from one week or two-week half-day camps. Each camp features a different photographic theme and includes indoor and outdoor adventures with digital cameras, alternative photographic processes and filmmaking projects. MOPA is a proud participant in the Balboa Park Collaboration, which allows parents to combine a half-day camp with another museum for a full day adventure.
One-week camps are $150 for MOPA Members, $200 for the general public; two-week camps are $300 for MOPA Members, $350 for the general public. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. View the full list of camps and register online at mopa.org/summercamp.
Press Opportunities: To request high-resolution images, additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact Kristine Page at 619.238.7559 X203 or via email (firstname.lastname@example.com).
MOPA Information: MOPA is a center for visual learning, passionately dedicated to sharing and exploring the universal language of photography. Learn more at MOPA.org.
# # #


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AVENUE Q has been a phenomenon since its onslaught on Broadway over ten years ago, becoming one of the longest running shows on the US musical stage.
'Sesame Street for adults' is how the puppet-led musical is most often described, with the hilarious (and graphic) puppet sex scene in the first act certainly proof of its mature themes.
Relaunching for a UK tour after closing on the West End four years ago, the show, as you would expect, is still slick, well written and in places hugely funny.
But through no fault of the cast or crew at the Wycombe Swan last night, the 11-year-old musical is starting to show its age and suffers as a result.
Avenue Q follows the story of a group of residents on a suburban New York Street, each disillusioned with their unfulfilled dreams and the harsh realities of life.
It charts the arrival and travails of Princeton, a wet-behind-the-ears college graduate who finds out soon enough that life in his dorm was a far more cushy existence.
Focusing on the positives, the cast are excellent and there are star turns from Tom Steedon as Rod and the undoubted star of the show Lucie-Mae Sumner as the wonderfully sultry and perfectly named Lucy the Slut.
The songs are catchy, well sung and some leave you humming away into the summer night.
And director Cressida Carre has succeeded in getting her cast to plough themselves into the characters to the extent where you focus on the puppets, not the visible actors who animate them.
But outside of the hermetically sealed, puppeted world of Avenue Q, things have moved on.
While dealing with many universal themes, some of the issues discussed, or at least how they're handled, seem a little old hat to the extent where you wonder why there is a problem at all.
The storyline of Rod and Nicky, an almost direct port of the Muppets' Bert and Ernie, revolves around Rod's closest homosexuality.
But it remains a mystery why self confessed fan of musical theatre Rod puts up so much resistance to coming out while surrounded by a cast of compassionate, understanding friends urging him to do so, even if he is a Republican.
And while we are all aware of the plethora of pornography available on the internet, it hardly needs pointing out with its very own song as it may have done hilariously a decade ago.
The show is peppered with slight anachronisms like this, including the gift of a mixtape CD which to my knowledge was a fading reference even for the noughties.
And while there are plenty of belly laughs on offer in the first half, the second half is markedly free of the sort of humour you seem promised from the beginning.
What does still work is the pointed irony of a story depicting harsh realities through rose-tinted, Sesame Street spectacles of promise and juvenile dreaming.
However, a decade of risqué TV and musical theatre has overtaken the irrerevant scenes of Avenue Q and left them perhaps a little tepid.
Don't get me wrong, there are great moments here, but anything it can do to try and shock has been blown out of the water by South Park, Family Guy or the Book of Mormon to the point where simple irony is just not enough for desensitised audiences.
But for all the references that miss the mark, some things will never change. Reflective ditty 'The more you love them you more you want to kill them' is proof enough of that.
And the writers perhaps captured it perfectly all those years ago with the closing lines - 'except for death and tax, everything in life is only for now.'


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The anniversary of the start of First World War has given rise to some interesting television programmes. Many readers may have seen Beppo's aunt, Dame Mary Corsar, being interviewed after the Drumhead Commemoration. Two of her uncles fell in action. George Buchanan Smith was mortally wounded at Loos in September 1915. His brother, who was nicknamed 'Beppo', was ambushed in East Africa fighting with the Indian Army.
As a small boy I had a keen interest in the Second World War. This curiosity was fostered by playing with soldiers, Action Man and watching numerous war films (most frequently The Great Escape). It wasn't until I was older that I read Siegfried Sassoon's Memoirs of a Fox Hunting Man, and had my mind opened to the horrendous conditions endured by both sides during the Great War.
Last week I took another look at some of George Buchanan Smith's poetry. There is no doubt that my generation is made of less stern stuff. One clear piece of evidence is our recent showing in the Law Breakers (a Scottish hill race). Race results are now freely available on the internet but anyone interested in the performance of the Buchanan-Smiths in this year's race can save some time by starting at the bottom of the results list! With these thoughts in mind I decided that it was time to remove my bottom from my armchair and get out and do something. So on Sunday I decided to drive over to the Lomonds of Fife Hill Race, which is a run I had not previously attempted.
Hill running, or fell running as it is often alternatively known, is a simple sport. You start at the bottom of a hill. You run to the top of the hill, and then you run back down the hill. Sometimes you run over several hills, but the format is more or less the same. Compared with many other sports you need very little equipment, as a minimum all you need is a pair of trainers, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt or vest. The logistics are also extremely simple and most of the time little organisation is required. You drive there, park in a lane, pay a few quid, get given a race number and four safety pins and you're all set.
For many years I thought that you had to be either an Olympian or Royal Marine to participate in this sport, until a friend kindly encouraged me try it. Anyone who goes jogging occasionally can run a hill race. In fact anyone who can manage some brisk hillwalking can participate in a hill race. That said I would advise that your try a short race that isn't too steep on your first attempt. I would also warn you not to be too surprised if the first half of the race takes much longer than the second half.
The hill running community is especially friendly and the organisers (usually local clubs) are always hospitable. The top-level runners and seasoned participants are always welcoming and encouraging. I had the pleasure of meeting Scottish legend Manny Gorman, who was signing copies of his book. Manny is an experienced hill runner and in 2009 he set out on a continuous unmotorised journey to run all of the Scottish mountains that are between 2,500 and 3,000 feet high (these hill are known as the Corbetts). On this expedition he covered a staggering 2,600 miles and 420,000 feet of ascent by foot, cycle and yacht in seventy days. I am looking forward to reading the account of this journey through the Scottish wilderness which I suspect involved fantastic stamina and determination, not to mention plenty of fresh Scottish weather.
Manny arrived at the start and said 'I am just gonna jog around'. I noticed that he positioned himself at the front of the pack however, and by the time I got back to the village hall he had already got changed (the official results report him in 21st place). I positioned myself cautiously at the rear of the field. One couple from Edinburgh told me that they regularly run the Pentland Skyline Race. It is a race that I always fancy, but feel that it is a little beyond me. It occurred to me that if I could stay in front of them it might be a litmus test of my fitness. I also heard two fellas chatting about a 65km race that they were going to run in Scandinavia next week. They agreed that they would go slowly to 'loosen themselves up' but set off slightly more quickly than I expected. I decided that I would try to keep up with them in hope that I could put some distance between myself and the Edinburgh couple.
It was a relatively warm and sunny afternoon but there was a ferocious wind. Like many fell races the Lomonds route goes through some fantastic countryside. The run takes in two peaks, East and West Lomond, which are sometimes known as the Paps of Fife. As I approached East Lomond the South Fife coast and the Firth of Forth revealed itself. The view on the ascent of West Lomond exposed the rolling fields and flatter landscape of Fife. The race continues further west from the summit of West Lomond and takes in one of the steepest descents of any hill race in Scotland. Runners are forced to glissade as if descending a snow slope. There are three forms of glissade. They are the 'standing glissade', the 'sitting glissade' and the 'out of control glissade'. This is also the order in which the runner finds themselves descending this slope!
There is a cruel sting in the tail as the descent from West Lomond is followed by a climb back up hill. I managed to stay ahead of the Edinburgh couple and on the final downhill section one of the two chaps destined for Scandinavia pulled a muscle which meant that I was able to pass them. The race was great fun and I can thoroughly recommend it. One of the pleasures of trying a new event is the reward of an inevitable personal best. The race is 16.2km (10 miles) and involves 800m of uphill. I arrived back in 2 hrs 18 mins 11 seconds, and was 137th out of a field of 197 runners. I was relieved to be some way off of the bottom of a results table this time. I also had a wry smile when I spied that a student that I taught last year came in over half an hour behind me!
Many runners and hillwalkers visit the Isle of Eriska Hotel each year and it is ideally located for a number of Scottish Hill Races. Most obviously the Beinn Lora Hill Race starts in Benderloch, but the hotel would also make a great base for the Lorne Highland Games Race which is only 3.2km. The Oban Games has a race as does the Taynuilt Games and the Appin Show. There is a much longer and tougher race between Creagan and the Clachaig Inn in Glen Coe (24km) after which the spa would be a fantastic location to recuperate.
Vernon Gayle


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IT'S been 100 years since the Theatre Royal in Winchester first opened its doors and to kick off celebrations they are hosting a fundraising ball.
Over 400 people are due to attend the event this Saturday, the first of a number of events marking the centenary, at Peter Symonds College for a theatre-themed night organised by the Fulflood Ball Committee.
Organiser, Catherine Skinner, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the theatre as a centre for arts and culture in the city, as well as recognising its important work with schools, children and young people throughout the district. Part of our fundraising effort will be a silent auction and we are fortunate to be able to offer some hugely exciting auction prizes, including a luxury yacht charter donated by businessman Jay Patel worth £15,000. The most important factor is for everyone to have fun whilst raising money for a very important cause."
Proceeds from the ball will be used to maintain the theatre in the face of progressive funding cuts from Winchester City and Hampshire County Council.
Chief executive, Mark Courtice, said: "The theatre has been at the heart of the community for a century and we intend to safeguard its heritage long into the future. The benefits the theatre offers its local community are incalculable in terms of the visitor economy as well as the cultural wealth of the city."


text:
"Game changer" is a term you hear often when people talk about how technology has changed their industry.
Immediately after meeting a prospect (please refer to the previous two installments of this column), we get down to business. But why do we ever lose a sale if we have the best offering and are competitive on price?

 We reached out to thousands of salespeople and studied top performers to answer this question. What we found was the best salespeople do something very different than the status quo: Instead of diving into product-related benefits, they discover how their leadership and company can fit in with the prospect's larger business agenda. And consequently, they win.

 Realizing a positive ROI almost always requires a new client to improve more departments and initiatives than what we're anxious to propose. Howard Stevens, CEO of the HR Chally Group, shared this advice with me: "If there is one thing, after everything we've learned over literally decades of researching salespeople, it's that most salespeople don't start the process from a strategic enough point of view."

 Our own team found 82 percent of businesspeople (our prospects) need to understand how they contribute to the success of their organization, or else they don't engage whole-heartedly.

 In our work, we have distilled some best practices around learning organizational needs, creating a strategy we call "get the express pass." It is a formal discovery of five key needs in any organization, be it a family or a Fortune 500 company.

 So what do we mean by get the express pass? Well, you've probably been to a theme park and waited in long, hot lines…only to see a group with an express pass walk right in to the front of the line.

 "Why do they get to do that?" ask all of the other frustrated people in line. Answer: because they found the right information from the right people, came early, and invested in the pass.

 We've all experienced something similar when we've lost a sale. We wait in the RFP or returned call line with a host of other vendors outside. And someone with the inside scoop from an executive about some hot, strategic initiative slips past the line and gets the business. It's like they have an express pass of their own.

 It's time for us to get this express pass, and preempt the competition before they even knock on the prospect's door. Doing so requires discovering strategic needs, initiatives, and metrics.

 In our discovery meeting, we'll use Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a memory aid. This is powerful because an organization is a group of individuals with self-actualization, esteem, belonging, security, and physical needs. If we can find overlap in needs, we can get the sale.

 For example, consider self-actualization. Does a company really have a need for self-actualization? Yes. For any firm, self-actualization is the grand purpose, the real mission discussed with clients. If we can help lead a significant impact on that mission, our proposal will align with decision makers.

 Maslow's next need is esteem—for an organization, earnings. If we can help raise revenue, improve reputation, eliminate expense, or advance reputation, we create earnings and reputation. Big plans in these areas are always among the most relevant.

 Next: belonging. Does an organization really have belonging needs? Absolutely! People need to feel like they fit or others are willing to follow. Cultures drive or hamper productivity. Dollars related to people issues, employee expenses, and leadership almost always contribute to the largest item in the expense section of an income statement. If we don't understand prospects' people and leadership needs, we can't really help lead anything.

 Now, consider the fact security for any organization is cash flow—business risks, margin, and other major outlays. Consider the use of capital gets more attention behind closed doors than our product ever will. Just listen for our prospect's moves this year that will require very large checks to be written or received.

 Finally, the physical resources of an organization involve its most strategic assets, the resources the company will focus on to compete this year. Hopefully, this is your product. But this could also mean initiatives involving real estate, software code, inventory, unique agreements—critical assets—or maintaining these. Executives watch initiatives affecting these assets like hawks.

 Now, initiatives on the bottom two layers: impact tap capital budgets. These are entirely separate budgets from the expense budgets we usually target or vice versa. New money! We like that, right?

 Initiatives involving mission, earnings, people, cash flow, and key assets have the biggest impact on the financials and are measured carefully. If we don't improve the prospect's view of the problems in this hierarchy and even recast the opportunities to shape things up, we won't get the express pass.

 In our workshops we provide instruction on discovering key initiatives in these key areas, as well as learning the related metrics prospects watch closely. Then we demonstrate how to translate the metrics into dollars, so prospects can come up with their own rough ROI instead of watching us wield our secret spreadsheet.

 Getting the express pass is a strategy requiring persistence and discovering the hierarchy of needs of an organization. This prepares us to leave the realm of order-taker and speak like the business advisor we are.

 Mark Cook is the author of "Sales Blazers" and the accompanying "Leading Client Growth." He also leads sales performance services at O.C. Tanner. E-mail him at firstname.lastname@example.com or visit www.salesblazers.com.