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Justin Upton traded to Atlanta Braves in seven-player deal
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PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona has traded outfielder Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves in a seven-player deal that sends former All-Star infielder Martin Prado to the Diamondbacks, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not officially been announced.
The Braves also get third baseman Chris Johnson. Atlanta is giving up four minor leaguers in the deal, including top pitching prospect Randy Delgado. The other minor leagues headed to Arizona are right-hander Zeke Spruill, shortstop Nick Ahmed and first baseman Brandon Drury. Prado can become a free agent after this season.
Upton, who has five-plus major league seasons but still is just 25 years old, will join older brother B.J. Upton, who recently signed a free agent contract with Atlanta. The younger Upton, who has three years and $38.5 million left on his contract, had been the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason and vetoed a trade to the Seattle Mariners.
Prado made the All-Star team in 2010 as a second baseman and played mostly in left field last season. A versatile infielder, Prado was projected to move to third base for the Braves this season to replace the retired Chipper Jones. He is expected to play third for Arizona.
Arizona had accumulated a glut of outfielders, signing Cody Ross as a free agent last month. Upton was the most marketable.
Upton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft, raced through the minors and came up to the big league club in August 2007 at age 19.
Upton has played five full major league seasons, so his best years could well be ahead of him. Last season, he hit .280 with 17 home runs and 67 RBIs but did score a career-high 107 runs. In 2011, while helping Arizona to its surprising NL West crown, Upton hit .289, with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs; the latter two categories are career bests. Overall, he's a career .278 hitter with 108 home runs.
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POMONA — "Journey to Bethlehem," a holiday program at Pomona First Baptist Church, offers a glimpse into what life may have been like over 2000 years ago in Israel.
The program will be Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 and 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Visitors can sign the census, avoid the Roman soldiers, interact with the potter, weaver, carpenter and other merchants. Spend some shekels, visit the animals, and make your way under the giant star to visit baby Jesus. Entrance and parking are free.
Food is available for purchase at the Bethlehem eatery (lentil stew, beef kabobs, and citrus punch).
Information: 909-629-5277 or www.pfblive.tv

subset: commoncrawl


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Game Time Start: 7:00 PM ET
Where: The Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Officials: M. Smith, M. Boland, N. Buchert
Media Notes: Indiana Notes, Milwaukee Notes
Television: FOX Sports Indiana / FOX Sports Wisconsin
Radio: WFNI 1070 AM / WTMJ 620 AM
NBA Feeds:*NBA Audio League Pass (available free to NBA All-Access members)
*NBA League Pass Broadband (subscription req'd)
REMINDER: Per PD policy, please do not share a link to, describe how to search for, request a link to, or request a PM about streaming video of a NBA game that is not coming directly through the NBA. Not even in a "wink-wink, nudge-nudge, know-what-I-mean" round-about sort of way. Thank you
Season Records: (W-L) 19-14 Home: 11-3
East: 9-6
16-15 Away: 7-7
East: 14-7
Upcoming Games: Jan 08 Jan 10 Jan 12 Jan 13 vs vs vs at 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm
Projected Starting Lineup: HIBBERT WEST GEORGE STEPHENSON HILL Projected Starting Lineup: SANDERS UDOH MBAH A MOUTE ELLIS JENNINGS
Danny Granger - left knee tendinosis (out)
George Hill - right groin strain (game time decision)
Lance Stephenson - strep throat (probable)
Sam Young - sprained left ankle (out)
Beno Udrih - sprained right ankle (questionable)
Perpetually Disappointing Trader Joe Minimally Relevant Video:
Semi-Relevant Video:
Eight Points Nine Seconds: Jared Wade: How Lance Stephenson Has Been Critical to the Pacers Success
I wanted to try really hard to bail on this game, but the truth of the matter is that there
was nothing else to do, and I was too lazy to try really hard. Despite my first version of
these grades, I ended up watching the whole game, which really came down to the
Pacers showing up and being absolutely dominant for one quarter, then making plays
down the stretch.
Early in the season, the Pacers looked lost without Danny Granger. The offense was
abominable. Despite a relatively easy schedule to start the year, Indiana simply could
not put points on the board.
The season-long numbers have not changed much. The Pacers still have the leagues
third worst offense, producing a measly 98.4 points per 100 possessions. The absolute
bottom limit that should be considered acceptable for an NBA team is one point per
possession, and Indiana needs to show some sustained improvement to reach even
that paltry benchmark.
As with most of the Pacers problems, however, a lot of this is due to the bench. Since
Thanksgiving, the starting lineup has actually been producing.
One of the key reasons has been Lance Stephenson.
Stephenson came off the bench in the teams first six games of the season. To replace
Granger, coach Frank Vogel first tried Gerald Green (for three games). That didnt work,
as Indiana dropped a game to the Bobcats and needed an overtime to beat the Kings at
home. In the process, Green missed 14 of his first 19 shots and looked more like the
guy who played his way out of the NBA than the man who resurrected his career last
year in New Jersey.
Sam Young then got the nod.
Indiana lost those three games.
Sitting at 2-4, with an offensive rating of 92.3 points per 100 possession, the team
turned to Lance. In his first start, he scored 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting as the Pacers
beat the Wizards. It was, after all, just the Wizards, but Vogel found something that
worked and he stuck with it.
Stephenson has started every game (as long as he has been healthy), but especially in
the early going, the fourth quarter lineup varied. It almost always included the four
undisputed starters (George Hill, Paul George, David West and Roy Hibbert), but
Stephenson was sometimes interchanged with Young or Green depending on the game
Lately, however, Lance has been playing so well that his production has demanded he
get the vast bulk of the important minutes on the wing next to Paul George.
My trust level with him, on both ends of the court, is as high as its ever been, said
Vogel of Stephenson in a pregame press briefing on Monday. But it certainly needs to
maintain itself he needs to maintain the play to keep that trust. Hes still a young
player. Hes still going to have some inconsistent moments. And hes got to keep building
that trust.
Coaches love certainty. They abhor not knowing what they will get from a player.
No doubt, Stephenson is still a wild card. He has his bad games, he blows defensive
assignments, and he over-dribbles at times. But compared to the other options at Vogels
disposal, the flaws are something the coach will likely just have to live with until Granger
One chart shows all you need to see.
(statistics as of January 2)
The numbers are indisputable: the Pacers have not been able to score when Gerald
Green and Sam Young play with the four true starters, but they have put the ball in the
hoop just fine when Lance Stephenson plays alongside Hill, George, West and Hibbert.
The number of minutes played by each does allow for some statistical noise, but all the
lineup data points in one direction. The Pacers shoot better and score better (and turn
the ball over less, which isnt show in the chart above) when Stephenson is on the floor
with the starters. They also have shoot a blistering 40.7% from three-point range,
thanks in large part to Lances 39.0% shooting from behind the arc this year.
Yes, Lance Stephenson has been the Pacers best three-point shooter this season.
And this offensive output hasnt come only when he plays with the starters.
In addition to the 497 minutes Stephenson has played this season with Hill, George,
West and Hibbert, he has played another 294 minutes in various other lineups. Overall,
the team has scored 104.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor versus a
depressing 92.1 when he sits. That is the type of differential you would expect from the
2006 Cavaliers without LeBron James or the 2007 Celtics without Paul Pierce.
Not Lance Stephenson.
To put that 10.6 point swing in perspective, it is exactly the same difference that exists
between the NBAs best offense, Oklahoma City (at 110.6 per 100), and the 22nd best
offense, Minnesota (100.0 per 100).
Lance Stephensons individual numbers dont bowl you over.
He generally produced throughout December, finishing the month by scoring double
figures in five straight games, including a season-high 16 points not to mention a
career-high 7 assists during a win in Cleveland on December 21. But given his high-
minute totals, there isnt a single stat line that makes you say Whoa Boy.
It has just been steady contributions paired with accurate shooting.
Setting aside individual numbers...CONTINUE READING AT 8p9s
140 Characters of (Non-PD) Coverage
Mike Wells @MikeWellsNBA
Jared Wade @8pts9secs
Tim Donahue @TimDonahue8p9s
Tom Lewis @indycornrows
Charles F. Gardner @cf_gardner
Jeremy Schmidt @Bucksketball
K L Chouinard @AnaheimAmigos
Frank Madden @brewhoop


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Offering 325 lbs. of muscle-sculpting resistance, Precision System™ Components and seven convenient workout stations, the Weider Pro 4950 gives you all the tools you need to get the most out each and every workout. The expandable Chest Fly Station allows you to build your chest, while increasing your workout range, while the fold-away Military Press Station lets you tone your back and shoulders. The 4950 also offers a Leg Press, a 4-Rolled Leg Developer and a Low Pulley Station with a flip-up Row Plategiving you everything you need to build great legs and glutes.
- Up to 325 Lbs. of Resistance-The Pro 4950's cable-and-pulley system offers up to 325 lbs. of resistance, providing a full-range of muscle-sculpting, workout options.
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- Fold-Away Military Press-Build and tone your shoulders and back muscles with this versatile military press station that quickly folds out of your way.
- Adjustable Sewn Seats-Get a more comfortable workout with these sewn, adjustable seats that allow you to quickly customize the seat and backrest to better fit your body.
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- 4-Roll Leg Developer-Build and develop quads, hamstrings, glutes and hip-flexors.
- Leg Press-The leg press isolates your leg muscles so you can target your hamstrings and gluts.
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|Setup Requirements
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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelHotel in London's The City neighborhood near Tower of London
Collecting Nectar Points
Special Offer: Book by 2 August 2017 and collect double Nectar points!
Simply enter your Nectar card number when you check out. Your points will be credited 35 days after you return from your trip.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Popular property highlights
In city center
Situated in London's The City neighborhood, this hotel is close to Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Area attractions also include Big Ben and Trafalgar Square.
24-hour room service
Grange Tower Bridge provides a 24-hour business center, a bar/lounge, a conference center, and a business center.
32-inch LED TVs
LED televisions in guestrooms come with satellite channels. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers, makeup/shaving mirrors, beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, and rainfall showerheads.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Grange Tower Bridge
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Grange Tower Bridge offers a coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is on site at the hotel where guests can unwind with a drink. Business-related amenities at this 5-star property consist of a 24-hour business center and audio-visual equipment. High-speed wired and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Event facilities include a multiple conference/meeting rooms, and banquet facilities. This London hotel also offers a concierge desk, tour/ticket assistance, and multilingual staff. A stunning Wellness Center featuring a beautiful 25-meter swimming pool, spa tub, and gymnasium with state-of-the-art life fitness with Hybrid technology and fitness classes. Grange Tower Bridge is a smoke-free property.
- Total number of rooms - 370
- Number of floors - 14
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Coffee shop or café
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Conference space
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Computer station
- Luggage storage
- Concierge services
- 24-hour front desk
- Laundry facilities
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Meeting rooms 10
- Multilingual staff
- Porter/bellhop
- Restaurant
- Conference center
- Conference space size (meters) - 1088
- Year Built 2011
- 24-hour business center
- Conference space size (feet) - 11707
- Sauna
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 2
- Spa services on site
- Spa tub
- Steam room
- Indoor pool
- Television in common areas
- Wedding services
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Room Amenities
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Air conditioning
- Free newspaper
- Soundproofed rooms
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Phone
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Designer toiletries
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Rainfall showerhead
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Satellite TV service
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Dial-up Internet access (surcharge)
- iPod docking station
- Private bathroom
- Room service (24 hours)
- Egyptian-cotton sheets
- Hydromassage showerhead
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
Where to Eat
Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast for a fee.
Tower Grill - This restaurant serves Modern European cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the bar.
Tower Bar - This Tapas bar serves lunch, dinner, and light fare.
24-hour room service is available.
Nearby Things to Do
A stunning Wellness Center featuring a beautiful 25-meter swimming pool, spa tub, and gymnasium with state-of-the-art life fitness with Hybrid technology and fitness classes, such as aerobics and Pilates.
Children hours apply in Health Club as follows
Children's Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 10 AM - noon, 2-4 PM
Saturday, Sunday, & holidays: no restriction.
- Fitness classes on site
- Pilates classes on site
- Yoga classes/instruction on site
Spa Services
- Number of treatment rooms 3
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Sauna in spa
- Massages
- Minimum age to access spa is 16
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available.
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- No onsite parking is available.
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: GBP 23 for adults and GBP 10 for children (approximately)
- Late check-out fee: GBP 20
- Rollaway beds are available for an additional fee
Hotel Name
- Grange Bridge
- Grange Tower
- Grange Tower Bridge
- Grange Tower Bridge Hotel
- Grange Tower Bridge Hotel London
- Grange Tower Bridge London
- Tower Bridge Grange
- Tower Grange
- Grange Tower Bridge Hotel London, England
We should mention
This property offers transfers from the airport. Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.


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Volunteers Needed for Income Tax Program
Fairfax County Office of Public
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Nov. 17, 2005
Volunteers Needed to Help Low-Income Residents
File Income Taxes
The Fairfax County CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) program is now recruiting volunteers to help meet the goal of getting $2 million back into the hands of low-income residents by helping them claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (worth up to $4,000 a family).
Volunteer tax preparers, screeners and translators will assist residents who make less than $37,000 per year claim tax refunds that can help pay current bills, reduce debt or pay education expenses. Those who participate in the tax credit program also save on tax preparation expenses, which typically cost more than $150. The tax preparation is done online and submitted electronically to the IRS.
Volunteers also will help participants open bank accounts if needed so they can receive their refund by direct deposit within 14 days. The quick turnaround can eliminate the possibility of taking out refund loans at high interest rates.
Volunteers are required to pass an IRS certification test that qualifies them to prepare basic 1040, 1040EZ and 1040A returns. Free certification training is provided online or in classroom sessions. On average, volunteers spend eight hours learning the material and passing the 40-question test.
According to Tom Meagher, program manager, "Volunteering for CASH is very rewarding. We have volunteers who return year after year because they can see their volunteer hours make a big difference in their communities."
Program partners include county government, IRS, nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, credit unions, banks, Fairfax County Public Schools and county businesses.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Tom Meagher at 703-324-5139, TTY 711, firstname.lastname@example.com or Meredith Eisenberg at 703-324-5194, TTY 711, or visit the Office of Partnerships Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships.


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Agriculture equipment demonstrations, expert insight and timely topics are all part of a national tour coming to central Illinois in July. Those interested in participating can register online. Early registration ends June 12.
The Conservation Technology Information Center's (CTIC) 2013 Conservation in Action Tour will take place July 9-10 at several sites around Livingston County, Illinois. Area producers and regional experts will share conservation success stories with a diverse audience of agriculture leaders, including farmers, crop advisers, regulators and lawmakers, from more than 20 states.
"Because our audience is so diverse and brings such a variety of perspectives and experiences, the dialogue that happens throughout the tour is always unique and beneficial," said Karen A. Scanlon, executive director of the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) in West Lafayette, Ind. "The tour gives the audience the chance to interact with others and to get up close to soil and equipment. Our goal is to give each attendee new information or new contacts that they can use to advance conservation in their own community."
Soil Health
The tour stops first at the Bachtold Farm to discuss soil health. Four sessions feature crop and livestock producers discussing topics related to soil health.
- Participants can examine a soil pit for an up-close look at cover crop roots with Roger Windhorn, a soil scientist with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and local producer Ken Lehman.
- Dan Towery and Hans Kok of the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative and area producers Greg and Ryan Myers will discuss no-till and soil core comparisons.
- Mike Plumer, a retired University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator and researcher and renowned cover crop consultant, along with local producer Daniel Steidinger, will share insight on cover crop varieties, challenges and benefits to soil.
- Terry Bachtold, Paul Youngstrum and Lori Younker of the NRCS, and a local veterinarian will discuss prescribed grazing and animal health.
- Local producers Tim McGreal, John Traub and Marcus Maier will share their conservation systems stories and answer audience questions.
The session at the Bachtold farm also will feature a GreenSeeker demonstration on a corn plot. GreenSeeker is a monitoring device that is attached to a tractor and measures the nitrogen in corn by evaluating the color of the crop in the field. Using these results, producers can more accurately apply the amount of nitrogen needed by the growing crop.
Nutrient Management
The second tour stop will be at the Kilgus Dairy, a local dairy farm that sells its own products in a store on the farm's property, for sessions on nutrient management. Lunch will be served and Denise Keehner of the Environmental Protection Agency will share insight about the National Water Quality Initiative.
Howard Brown of Growmark, which is sponsoring this stop, will set the stage for discussions about nutrient management and the 4R approach – using the right nutrient source at the right time and right rate and in the right place.
Presenters include:
- Producers Kevin and Danny Harms, together with Tim Smith, crop consultant, who will review nutrient management demonstrations and efficiency studies within CTIC's Indian Creek Watershed Project.
- Dan Schaefer, with Illinois Council on Best Management Practices, who will share information from the N-Watch program, an effort to quantify available nitrogen in the soil, and ongoing nitrogen rate plot work.
- Laura Pepple, livestock Extension specialist for the University of Illinois, who will discuss manure management, while Dewey Haag, pork producer, demonstrates a manure drag line.
Drainage Water Management
At the Trainor Farm, producers and other experts will discuss drainage water management, the practice of using a water control structure to control the drainage outlet for agronomic and environmental purposes.
- CTIC, the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, Trevor Sample of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Mike Trainor, producer, will discuss the Trainor farming system, tile outlet monitoring water quality monitoring.
- Phil Algreen, Agri Drain Corp., Jack Trainor, producer, and Dennis Davis, Davis Excavating, will demonstrate tile installation, show a control structure at work, talk about saturated buffers and discuss producer perspectives on drainage water management practices.
The final stop at the Rooster Heaven Hunt Club in Forrest, Ill., offers a meal prepared with local foods and features Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, as the tour's final speaker.
Transportation will be provided from the hotel to the stops and back to the hotel. A bus also is available for local tour participants. It will leave from Rooster Heaven Hunt Club on the morning of July 10. The local bus reservations are filling fast.
Special rates for hotel rooms are available at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Call reservations at 800-627-7468 before June 16, 2013, and mention the CTIC Tour to receive a special rate. Registration also is available online.
Those interested in attending the tour must register through CTIC. Registration includes the July 9 evening social and drinks, snacks, bus transportation, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the July 10 Tour. Early registration ends June 12. Discounts for early registration are:
$75 -
CTIC member ($125 after June 12)
$100 -
Non-member ($150 after June 12)
$25 -
Producer ($60 after June 12)
$25 -
Media ($60 after June 12)
$25 -
Federal/State Employee ($60 after June 12)
$25 -
Online registration is available at https://www.ctic.org/registration/23/step/0.
Tour updates and other information, including a video featuring a virtual preview of this year's tour, can be found at www.ctic.org/CIATours. For more information, contact Nicholle Vaughn at firstname.lastname@example.com or 765-494-9555.


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Spring M&M Pretzel Treats
I realized I've posted these little treats on my blog, not once, not twice, but three times already. But they're seriously so simple and delicious, I decided it was ok to post them again.
I was at CVS yesterday browsing through the 50% off Easter candy when the M&Ms caught my eye. I had some almond bark in the pantry so I instantly thought of these treats. The last time I was home in the Midwest, I stocked up on almond bark at the grocery store. I haven't been able to find it in the Boston area anywhere. The Wilton candy melts work ok, but I definitely prefer using almond bark.
These are perfect for spring and we'll be taking them this weekend when we visit Hubby's family.
One Year Ago: Fauxstess Cupcakes
Two Years Ago: Summer Squash
Don't forget about my giveaway. Be sure to enter by Midnight TONIGHT for your chance to win a Make-Ahead Meals Cookbook.
Pretzel M&M Treats
Yield: ~120
1/2 lb mini-pretzels
1 big bag of M&Ms
1 packages of Almond Bark or 1 bags of Wilton candy melts (white)
Line 2 cookie sheets with waxed paper. Lie pretzels (flat side down) on the waxed paper. They can be very close to each other.
Melt almond bark/candy melts according to the directions on the package. Using a spoon, scoop some of the melted almond bark into the holes of the pretzels OR using a squeeze bottle, squeeze melted candy into holes of pretzels.
13 Responses to "Spring M&M Pretzel Treats"
I love this simple recipe, and it will be a great idea for my sister-in-law's bridal shower (both she and her fiance have M names). You mention in your other posts about using a squeeze bottle – is this any particular type of squeeze bottle? I'm not sure how to find one that would work for this purpose. What do you use? Thanks!
Awww, totally cute! It came up in my google reader and my stomach growled!!! YUM!
Yum! I'm making these this weekend for birthday treats. Can't believe you can't find almond bark. There are stacks of it at our small-town grocery store in Iowa.
Thanks Jen! These are awesome. I have so many new pages bookmarked since finding your blog. P.S. I was in TJ Maxx tonight and found a jar of polka dot sprinkles, like true big polka dots, and I thought of you!
Do you have any Super WalMarts near you? I get them there all the time in Massachusetts. They are carried year round in the baking aisle. I'm not sure if regular WalMarts have them too.
These look yummy and I think that my college-age nephews would love them…how whould they travel? Have you got suggestions for things that will travel well in the mail? Thank you
mrs. c – these would travel really well. I like them straight from the fridge or freezer. I would freeze them for a few days prior to mailing. That's what I do with anything I ship. I have great luck with cookies and brownies going in the mail.
have you tried coloring almond bark before? I tried a couple months ago and it was a disaster, so just curious
KV – I have not tried to color almond bark. The Wilton's candy melts do come in a variety of colors though, so you could use those. They are sold at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
Just wanted to clarify that I meant I find almond bark at Super WalMart here in MA. I went back to see if you had responded, and I realized my comment didn't really make much sense!
Thanks. I don't shop much at Walmart… It's probably better that I can't find this stuff anywhere, otherwise I'd be making these all the time!
Retirer en discernement en visitant cette d?mes plaisanteries tel cette contradictoire localité.


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Hey, I'm studying a 3D design for gaming module at uni, and for an assignment I have to create a 3D building, a replica of a real building, and a 3D dancing character, a replica of me. I'm going to be using Autodesk 3ds max to do this but i'm not too confident in doing so.. any tips or guidance would be great!
3ds max is a standard tool for this kind of work. You really can't go wrong there.
@Geon yeah i'm okay with creating with buildings, but its the animation and texturing and mapping that i'm not too confident with..which kin d of sucks as we get graded mostly on the level of detail we put in to it....
If this is for a school project, you should talk to your teacher about your concerns. Their job is to teach you, so if you're not learning how to do the things they're assigning you then you need to work with them to fix that.


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I recently saw an old episode of "Law & Order" in which a captive was held in a basement torture chamber. I could relate. While certainly not being tortured in the physical sense by whips and chains, I do feel badly bruised mentally by the daily twists and turns in research gathering. I have a high level of anxiety that something with major implications for the portfolio could happen at any moment. Forget attempting to read through a 10-k to uncover possible Bill Ackman truths on a company -- in the back of my mind, there is a dark cloud that questions all positive findings on future performance.
On top of this, I feel helpless. What if I go to refuel on caffeine and miss a headline, will clients put me on public social media blast for not sending an update immediately that reads in the subject line: "BUY, BUY, BUY!"? That's totally unbridled lunacy, and I refuse to participate, and prefer to maintain a central focus on the fundamentals. But, wait a second, what are the fundamentals? It has become a term tossed around as freely as beer at a frat party.
No, fundamentals are not U.S. data points inside an economic release. If they were, it would be really difficult to argue that the U.S. economy entered the fiscal-cliff quarter with resounding momentum. Mediocrity has been universally accepted; in the grand scheme of things, the December Philly Fed stunk. It doesn't matter if the month-on-month numbers were optically more pleasing (compared to the Empire State). GDP revised higher? Yeah, that was mainly due to government spending and that crutch is about to be yanked away for future quarters. Fundamentals, in my happy world of realism, are corporate sales and earnings.
Look at the overview of items scored this week on the fundamental front:
- Nike (NKE): The company missed estimates on its overall future orders for Europe, running counter to widely held views that the land mass has stabilized and would be a pal to corporate income statements in the first half of 2013. As for the U.S., numbers were solid, though Nike's gross margin continues to show there is resistance to the price increases assumed on lower-end product lines found at mid-tier retailers (Finish Line (FINL) and Foot Locker (FL) only sell the pricey swag). Plus the China recovery was not in the Nike results. Disclosure: Nike is a top pick of mine for 2013, but I would wait for a better entry point as the quarter lacked the oomph many were hoping for beforehand.
- "Sad U.S. Consumer" was a headline stamped on the Darden (DRI) earnings release. There was no positive same-store sales from any division, even as marketing adjustments were made to emphasize value is a red flag.
- Baltic Dry Index, que pasa?
Watch this period of torture from outside the soundproof room. Once that fiscal cliff deal is reached, it will be appropriate to strike as the simple removal of "fiscal cliff headline risk" will bring temporary relief to Mr. Market.
Weekend Deep Thoughts
- Don't expect a 2013 capital expenditures (capex) boom; there remains excess capacity inside of companies (hence, new mid-2012 restructuring announcements) and that means a mindfulness on capital preservation by executives.
- Brace for the time running out to enact a place-marker fiscal-cliff deal by adding put options under core holdings in the portfolio. Secure protection now on the cheap (while the market continues to feel optimistic).


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Stealthy Ninja Assassin Readies For Release...
Sideshow has released new photography showing off their latest GI Joe statue: Storm Shadow. Pre-orders begin on Thursday, August 16th, 2012.
Two versions of the stealthy ninja assassin will be offered: a Sideshow Exclusive which will include switch-out hands for alternate display, armed with bow, and a standard edition without the additional switch-out hands. Both versions will be priced at $299.99.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, RedfordFilms.com, Toynk.com, PastGenerationToys.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonkeyDepot.com.
For action figures, statues and sculptures, go to CSMooreStudio.com.


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Children watching TV
NEW YORK (AP) - The nation's largest cable company is offering viewers a chance to binge on many of television's most popular series during the last week of March.
The Comcast Corp.'s "watchathon" for March 25-31 serves as a grand look into what may be the future of TV viewing.
Broadcast networks generally make a limited number of series episodes available to on demand customers, but will offer entire seasons during the binge week. Customers who don't normally get pay networks like HBO and Showtime will get free access to the entire runs of series like "Homeland" and "Girls."
Comcast is also trying to encourage use of its service that allows customers to watch TV on mobile devices.
Roughly 20 percent of the nation's TV households are Comcast customers.


text: Herd hosts struggling Rice tonight By Doug Smock February 12, 2013 Story Share HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - On paper, a visit from Rice seems to be the prescription for what ails any Conference USA team.Thus far in league play, the Owls (5-18, 1-8) have suffered seven double-digit losses, including a 61-39 stinker last weekend against Southern Methodist.The Owls own an 0-7 road record and have lost all 10 games away from their nest in Houston. They have yet to come closer than seven points, a 73-66 loss at Tulane.They have functioned all season without seven of their top eight scorers from a year ago, when they finished 19-16 and made the quarterfinals of the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Several were seniors, but other departures hurt - all-conference pick Arsalan Kazemi took his Rice degree and transferred to Oregon, while 7-foot-2 Omar Oraby moved to Southern California.And there were four others departures to boot. Suddenly, much of what coach Ben Braun had taken four years to build was reduced to ashes.Tonight at 7, those youthful Owls fly into Cam Henderson Center to tangle with similarly struggling Marshall (10-14, 3-6) at Cam Henderson Center. The Owls have lost their last three games; Thundering Herd has lost its last two."They've gone through a transition with guys leaving," said MU coach Tom Herrion. "They're led by a senior in Tamir Jackson, but they've got a lot of young guys getting a lot of minutes."The Herd has played much better at the Henderson Center (9-2 vs. 1-12 elsewhere), but still has a lot to correct from last week, a road trip that resulted in losses to Tulane and Alabama-Birmingham. Those two opponents combined to sink 20 3-point goals in 41 attempts and outrebound the Herd by a plus-12 margin. The Herd has been outrebounded in seven of its last eight games, a sticking point for a coach who is a stickler for strength on the boards."I'm very concerned, at this point, in our rebounding in conference play. It's unacceptable," Herrion said. "We have not been able to understand what our identity is, night in and night out. Rebounding has to be a component and it's not been."These Owls could be ripe for feather plucking on the glass. They have 6-foot-8 Bahrom Firozgary and two 6-7 regulars, but their top rebounder, Jackson, is 6-3, 194. Rice has a minus-11.6 rebounding margin.Jackson (16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds per game) is not only the Owls' only fourth-year player, he would also be their only third-year man. Sophomore Julian DeBose is the No. 2 scorer at 10.0 per game, and freshman Max Guercy average 10.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in league games.Guercy has emerged since the new year, being named the conference's freshman of the week three times. In his last eight games, his assist-to-turnover ratio is a solid 32-to-12.Braun, the former California coach with 608 career wins, is always a steadying force that makes a difference between being mashed every game and being competitive. He's been in worst situations, such as when he inherited a Rice team went 0-16 in league play the previous season."Coach Braun has been around a long time," Herrion said. "I don't really know all about what happened there; they've got their own issues. But his track record has proved he's a terrific coach." Reach Doug Smock at 304-348-5130, email@example.com or follow him at twitter.com/dougsmock. Story Share Story Share Trending Now 1 Innerviews: Dual-identity surgeon riding high in horse racing world 2 WVU seeking improvements during off week 3 Former State Police captain now chief in Winfield 4 Huggins, WVU tap South Florida hoops talent 5 Man charged after motorcycle pursuit early Sunday Five games today in Civic Center 'Shootout' Previous Story IOC vote should bug us in West Virginia Next Story


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Moderators: Timko, Fritz, Solty, Booter, Blake_T, Frank Delicious
Mark Ellis wrote: Is a new manufacturer about to launch?
keltik wrote:Well Mr. Ellis you are more of an insider than most of us. why don't you divulge some key information and then let the speculation and conjecture fly from there.
Mark Ellis wrote:keltik wrote:So if you had the financial backing to start a new company and bring in some top players who would you pick? We know that the ability to throw a disc is different than the ability to promote a company (if this matters at all) so in descending order who do you invite onto the new team? What is a top player worth to a new company? What will it cost to lure them away? How big a team do you build? How diverse do you want the team (gender, race, age, geography, division, titles) to be?
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The Barn Players Present NOISES OFF, 7/18-8/3
"NOISES OFF" is Michael Frayn's uproarious play-within-a-play that follows the high-jinks and stage antics of a not so talented theatre touring company's cast as they blunder through a side-splitting bedroom comedy titled "Nothing On", with very bad dress rehearsals, crazy backstage antics and a disastrous performance of the show - its simply a festival of delirium. Rated PG-13.
"NOISES Off" is quite possibly the funniest farce ever written -- someone forgets the sardine plates, actors flub their lines, miss connections and cues, props are misplaced, doors slam and the fun rolls out fast and furious - you'll laugh until your sides hurt. The Barn Players production is directed by Bill Pelletier and features Vickie Kerns, R. Kevan Myers, David Martin, Rachael Redler, Bob Stewart, Victoria Hoffman, Michael Juncker, Laura Burt and De De Deville.
This purely genius, dizzy, stage romp opens Friday evening July 18th and plays through Sunday August 3rd at the Barn Players, 6219 Martway in Mission. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2:00.
Tickets are $18.00, with discounts for seniors and students - go to the theatre website www.thebarnplayers.org, call 800-838-3006, or purchase at the theatre box office prior to each production; groups over 10 call 913-432-9100.


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Tacoma Rainiers manager Daren Brown to join Mariners coaching staff
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today Daren Brown, the Mariners Triple-A Manager, will join the Mariners and be in uniform (#52) tomorrow in Toronto as an extra coach. John Stearns, the Mariners minor league catching coordinator, will take over the helm of the Tacoma Rainiers.
Brown, who has managed the Mariners AAA Tacoma Rainiers affiliate in the Pacific Coast League for the past seven seasons, will serve as an extra coach and fill in as a third base coach when needed. He has extensive minor league managing experience, with a career mark of 948-856 (.525) in 15 seasons managing in the minors, including the last 13 years with Mariners organization. The Rainiers are currently atop the PCL North Division with a 17-10 mark, including winning the last eight straight games. The Holdenville, Oklahoma native became the all-time leader in managerial wins in Tacoma franchise history last season when he notched his 376th victory with the Rainiers on May 28 vs. Tucson. He led the Rainiers to back-to-back divisional titles in 2009 and 2010, including winning the PCL Championship in 2010. In 2010, Brown also served the Mariners interim manager for the final 40 games of the 2010 season (19-31).
Stearns, who is in his second season as the Mariners minor league catching coordinator, will take over as manager of the Mariners Triple-A affiliate the Tacoma Rainiers. Stearns has also spent three seasons with Seattle as a professional scout (2009-11) prior to his role as minor league catching coordinator. A four-time All-Star and 11-year Major League veteran, Stearns has spent over 39 years in professional baseball, including roles as a Major League coach (Yankees, Reds, Orioles, Mets) minor league manager (9 seasons), scout and even as an ESPN analyst.


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Image: Redtooth Triggerfish, Odonus niger
One of the really beautiful fishes collected at the Reef Islands was the Redtooth Triggerfish, Odonus niger. The species is recognised by its red teeth, blue to purple-blue background colour, blue margins to the second dorsal, anal and caudal fins, elevated anterior portion of the second dorsal and anal fins, lunate tail shape with long lobes in adults and about seven rows of spines mostly on the posterior half of the body.
The Redtooth Triggerfish grows to a maximum total length of 40 cm. It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific and feeds mostly on zooplankton.
- Photographer:
- Jeff Williams
- Rights:
- © Jeff Williams
Last Updated:
Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Redtooth Triggerfish, Odonus niger, Solomon Islands, 1998, Fieldwork, Balistidae,


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Why Are Facts Not Enough?
Jennifer Briselli (bio)
March 5, 2014
When we talk about science, we often assume that people are simply misinformed; if we could just explain the facts clearly, then everyone would think the way we do. Unfortunately that's not how science understanding works. Research consistently shows that giving people more information does not persuade them – it polarizes them, depending on how that information threatens or affirms their values and group identity. By the end of this workshop, attendees will learn to identify the values of four archetypal world-views, know which ones they fall into, and develop strategies for how to reach everyone else.
Seminar Materials
This seminar closely resembled the 2013 version of the seminar, for which materials are available here.


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CABAZON — Sheriff's deputies found the body of a man in a wash Saturday.
Riverside County sheriff's deputies received a call at 7:48 p.m. about a body west of Elm Street and south of Bonita Avenue.
The man's cause of death is pending an autopsy, but foul play is not suspected.
His name was not released because his identity hasn't been confirmed, sheriff's officials said.
Anyone with information may call the sheriff's Cabazon station, 951-922-7100 or dispatch, 800-950-2444.


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Photo Fitousi-Jacovides-Moreau/Bastimage by Corinne/Dead It's no secret Bono is on holidays in the South of France, the French Riviera to be accurate, with his family and has been seen partying, biking and even sailing with lots of people. Anyhow, we know The Edge was in Ireland, yesterday or so, to promote Music Generation… but it doesn't mean he couldn't fly back to Eze where he also happens to have a house on the beach next to Bono's. On August 11th, Concept K tweeted about a clip in Nice in French that said: "Concept K Design is in Nice with Impact …read more
Source: http://www.u2france.com/actu/And-we-have-a-winner,57892.html


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Thierry Breton, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Atos
Thierry Breton has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Atos SE since 2009.
Prior to that, he held several global leadership positions, including CEO of electronics multinational company Thomson (1997-2002) and CEO of Europe's largest telecommunications company France Telecom (2002-2005).
He served as France's Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry (2005-2007) before becoming a professor at Harvard University (2007-2008).
Thierry Breton has been named one of The 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World (2010) by the Harvard Business Review and has been granted the Montgelas Prize (2015) for outstanding actions in favor of French-German cooperation.
He has been elected President of the French National Association for Research and Technology (2015) and member of the French Academy of Technologies (2016).
A Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, Thierry Breton graduated from the Paris École Supérieure d'Électricité (Supelec), and the Institut des Hautes Études de Défense Nationale (IHEDN, 46th class).
The Executive Commitee
Composed of the General Management Committee and:
Group functions
Elie Girard
Chief Financial Officer
Philippe Mareine
Head of Human Resources, Logistics, Housing and Head of Siemens Global Alliance
Marc Meyer
Head of Executive & Talent Management, Communications
Alexandre Menais
Head of M&A and Corporate Development, Legal, Compliance and Contract Management
Gilles Arditti
Head of Investor Relations & Financial Communications
Olivier Cuny
General Secretary
Global Divisions
Peter Pluim
Head of Infrastructure & Data Management (which includes BPO)
Philippe Vannier
CEO of Bull, Group Advisor for Technology
Ursula Morgenstern
Head of Business & Platform Solutions and Head of Cloud
Jon Pritchard
CEO Unify Software and Platforms
Marc-Henri Desportes
General Manager
Sales & Markets
Patrick Adiba
Chief Commercial Officer and CEO Olympics & Major Events
Bruno Fabre
Head of Telcos, Media & Utilities
Kari Kupila
Head of Siemens Account
Geographic Business Units
Chad Harris
President of North American Operations
Adrian Gregory
Head of UK & Ireland
Winfried Holz
Head of Germany
Jean-Marie Simon
Head of France
Peter 't Jong
Head of Benelux & the Nordics
Hanns-Thomas Kopf
Head of Central & Eastern Europe
Ivan Lozano
Head of Iberia
Herbert Leung
Head of Asia-Pacific
Francis Meston
Head of GBU Middle East, Africa & Group Digital Transformation Officer
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors determines the strategy and trends of the Company's activity and oversees their implementation.
Thierry Breton
Atos Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Worldline Chairman (French)
Nicolas Bazire
General Manager of Groupe Arnault SAS (French)
Valérie Bernis
Executive Vice-President of Engie in charge of Communications, Marketing, Environmental & Societal Responsibility (French)
Roland Busch
Member of The Management Board of Siemens AG (German)
Jean Fleming
Operations Director, Business Process Services at Atos IT Services UK Ltd (British)
Bertrand Meunier
Managing Partner of CVC Capital Partners Ltd (French)
Colette Neuville
Chairman & Founder of ADAM (French)
Aminata Niane
Interim Manager for the return of the African Development Bank to its registered offices in Abidjan (Senegalese)
Lynn Paine
Senior Associate Dean of Harvard Business School, John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration (American)
Pasquale Pistorio
Chairman of the Pistorio foundation (Italian)
Vernon Sankey
Officer in companies (British)


text: Brushed tie clip Item E9301 Color: LIGHT GOLD Size: ONE SIZE All sizes are US sizes. ONE SIZE Size Charts Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Prices do not include taxes. Add to Bag Wishlist Add to Bag Add To Wishlist share: size & fit 1 7/8"L x 3/16"W. Product Details This brushed tie clip adds a subtle statement to your everyday tie. Sterling silver. Import. Item E9301.


text: This is Zazzle Canada's labels area, in which you'll find a wonderful assortment of labels set up for customisation or purchase. Almost all Zazzle labels get made within 24 hours. Several of the styles on Zazzle are return address labels and shipping labels. personalise label orders of all sizes. Upload your designs at no cost! To browse more products, please take a look at our main area.


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VideoGamer: It's arguably a difficult time to be getting into the Fantasy MMO market. What do you think makes The Elder Scrolls Online different? What makes you think there's room for it?
Nick Konkle: Well I think there's a large number of reasons. I think it all starts with the first one, which is it's The Elder Scrolls and you can play it with your friends. So many people have been asking for that - it's a common anecdote. I've played the game, I'm telling my friend about it, I really wish we could just be in the same place and this is the realisation of that game. It really provides that opportunity. Things that are the hallmarks of The Elder Scrolls series are available, like exploration, walking around and finding things that are interesting - not ping pong quests or anything like that. Immersive UI and the kind of action combat, the sorts of things that you expect from an Elder Scrolls game, but now with friends.
VG: So would you say your main audience is going to be The Elder Scrolls fans or people that already play MMORPGs?
NK: We absolutely want both. All the way along the development process we've been very aware of the fact that there are these two groups. And of course there are also people that play both, but there are a set of people that have only played single-player Elder Scrolls games and this might be their first MMO experience.
VG: So you know how to lure in the singleplayer guys. You can say Elder Scrolls with friends and you'll have their attention. What about those people that have only played MMOs within the same genre. What convinces them that TESO is worthwhile?
NK: It's interesting to hear that switch. For such a long time we were actually a little bit more worried about the opposite. Like, are we doing enough to support The Elder Scrolls players? But I think it's safe to say that during the last year, we've made some pretty significant pushes to ensuring that there are more Elder Scrolls things included. Things like adding the compass, putting in the first-person mode. Important parts of the franchise. As we've done that, the game has felt more and more like Elder Scrolls. That being said, it's not like we've abandoned all the original goals: providing a social experience, providing a significant amount of end-game for every style of play - solo, group PvE, PvP. Those all a part of the game.
VG: With some of the big guys, like World of Warcraft - and I'm sure you hear this all the time - they're dropping numbers now. How do you see that from your point of view? An opportunity? A warning?
NK: You know, in all honesty, I feel like the market space for MMOs is expanding. Maybe there was a time when there was only room for one big MMO out there, but honestly I see what a lot of next-generation MMOs are doing and I'm excited. I think this is really good stuff. We're bringing what we feel is really important to the table: immersion, action and the game's story, and I think other games are working on other elements. There's room for us all.
VG: You've recently announced a subscription model for TESO. Why did you opt to go with that model, rather than a free-to-play setup?
NK: I think it comes down to the fact that it's what felt right for the IP. With free-to-play you're always thinking about gates to different content. Like okay, now we've got to hit this situation where players will want to pay more, because they didn't need to pay initially. Elder Scrolls is very much about open-world exploration, doing and finding things. If you're constantly getting into situations where you've say, found a cool item and then you need to pay $0.50 to unlock it or whatever, it just wouldn't feel right. Instead we wanted to the player to be able to pay up front and now you can do anything you want to do with unlimited restrictions. The subscription made sense.
And the other part of it is that we're super-committed to two things that the subscription model allows us to achieve. First of all, we want to offer ridiculous top-notch quality service. We have a huge additional office that's completely dedicated to customer service and it's ready to run a very committed live support team.
VG: How's that going to work? Similar to Warcraft's Game Master system?
NK: As far as I understand it, we've made some advances in terms of integrating it into the game, making it easier to get help without needing to call or wait around. There's a number of things that will be coming online to make us a premium service when it comes to customer support.
VG: And you want to do a good portion of that in-game?
NK: Wherever possible, of course. There are some issues that may prevent players from getting into the game and we have support for that as well.
VG: Moving back to the benefits of a subscription model...
NK: The last thing I wanted to mention is having that subscription allows us to maintain a really large team that can produce additional content at a very fast rate. We're targeting a DLC-level of content coming out every four to five weeks. That also feels appropriate to the IP. Making sure we can constantly fill out more of the world.
VG: What sort of things do you have planned for these DLC-level updates?
NK: At this point it's speculation, because when the game comes out... anything could happen. But we just had a meeting recently where we planned out the first ten chapters of what would happen. If you're going to have that kind of content coming out regularly, we needed to start well before we hit live. They tend to be things like additional packages of features. An example would be adding in The Thieves Guild questline: a series of story-driven quests for an individual player. Adding in a justice system within the game, so when people steal things, there's a consequence to that action. And then adding in a skill line that lets you distract guards and that sort of thing, so you'll have a package that includes story, some gameplay elements and maybe a new system. That'd be a patch. Some of them will be things like a new zone, or something for a large number of players. Each one contains different elements.
VG: Do you see these chapters telling an over-arching story as well?
NK: There is an overall arc to the ten chapters, including the ones that include the justice system and the Thieves Guild, that is part of the reveal as things go on. Some advance the arc significantly and some will give you hints. I'm talking about things that are pretty far from happening right now, but that's what we're committed to deliver.
VG: Some MMOs struggle to find a balance between providing big updates for the PvE players and also the PvP players. How do you keep both parties happy?
NK: The short answer - that's hard to prove until people start playing - is that we want every update to be for everyone. Every update has to contain something for all types of players. Now we have something going for us, in the fact that a lot of our systems are tightly integrated. The skill progression system that you use when leveling throughout the world is still going to be useful in PvP. So if we add a new skill, like with the Thieves Guild distraction stuff, you know that PvP players are going to love messing with that. Certain elements to the game apply to all parts of it and so you make sure to keep those updated. But with the rest of it, we have to make sure that each time, if we're going to have the Thieves Guild then let's make sure we add a new siege type for the PvP, let's make sure we add an extra component to a dungeon, or a new dungeon. Each patch can potentially contain all of these things, to make sure that all players are receiving additional content.
VG: Later down the line, will you be thinking about fully-fledged expansions?
NK: As far as I know, that sort of thing is far enough into the distance that even I don't really know what we have in mind. The main thing we're focusing on post-launch is supporting the content updates for the game and progressing down the line.
VG: I've got a couple of queries following my time with the demo itself. I went for an Argonian rogue character who tended to get a little overconfident about his sneaking skills. At one point my character inevitably died and I had the option to revive immediately in the same position, or go to a nearby wayshrine. Is there a penalty involved when reviving immediately? There didn't seem to be one in the demo.
NK: For press builds we tend to keep the death penalty pretty light, just so people can progress through the game. There's some pretty varying skill levels... The cost in-game will basically be that you'll need a filled soul gem to revive at the same place, which you can acquire by getting an empty soul gem and using the Soul Trap ability which you'd expect in an Elder Scrolls game. So as long as you have those you can revive right there and then, but it's not like you'll have an infinite number of filled soul gems so you'll want to use them strategically.
VG: Speaking of consumable items and items that players can create themselves, what are you thinking in terms of player economy? How will it be structured? An auction house?
NK: Yeah, there's actually a number of different options. We have what you call a Guild Store, which isn't quite an auction house, as there isn't a bidding system. You just put something up for a price and people can either buy it or not. Basically eliminating the bidding aspect. Now you can be a member of multiple guilds and our expectation is that people will form trade guilds and use the Guild Store to, you know, produce and sell specific items or weapons. There will hopefully be an interesting friction involved, in which players try to buy from one guild and sell to another at a profit. If you don't want to be a member, there are locations you can go to in the world where you access certain guild's stores, that choose to put them up there. If you want to, there are options to take advantage of different markets being created for different things. If you're really interested in min-maxing the economy, as I know a few players are.
VG: The guilds you're talking about. They're player-made, right?
NK: Player-made, yup.
VG: You've also got the NPC guilds or factions as well, which work similar to the single-player games?
NK: Yeah we have the Mages and Fighters Guild at launch. Each of them has a questline for a solo player to play through in an episodic fashion. Every five or ten levels there's going to be a new chapter of the quest for you to take on. You can do it whenever you want, but it's unlocked at a specific time.
VG: Going back to the player economy, are you hoping that's going to grow and operate without too much influence from yourselves? You mentioned player guilds specialising in different items. If you look at an MMO like EVE Online, which has this huge, natural economy that's grown on its own accord. Is that what you're striving towards?
NK: Absolutely. I think our economy has some interesting player components and friction to it. I really think the people that like managing economies will be really interested in that. Maybe your average player will just go to one of the store locations and buy a weapon if they want one, or buy one from a vendor instead. But if you do really want to min-max the different components of it, there is an economy there to take advantage of and try out.
VG: I noticed when I met a few other players to try out some of the PvP there wasn't an option to duel at the item. Is that a limitation of the demo?
NK: That's certainly on the list of features of things that we could support at some point. I expect that one will make it, because it's not too hard to implement. We'll see, but the way that PvP actually works is specifically in certain locations. Once you hit level ten, you can go to Cyrodil (the entire province) and PvP is completely enabled there. That doesn't just include the Dark Age of Camelot style of taking keeps, there's also town and cities in Cyrodil that give quests. So if you want to try to complete those quests whilst having that air of danger that somebody could gank you at any time, you can do it.
VG: With the three factions that players can pick and the idea of open PvP, are you worried about server balance? How do you encourage players not to just pick the most popular faction?
NK: We have a few things going for us. First and foremost we have the main server, so all the players are all in one place. So we can actually distribute things to ensure an even balance as need be. But that being said, this is one of the beauties of using the three faction system rather than the two faction system. If on say, the Friday night, one faction has less players log on, or one faction has more players and gains a lead, you can guarantee the other two factions will gang up on them. It won't necessarily be an alliance, but more of a temporary truce whilst you stop the other faction. This is what made the PvP in Dark Age of Camelot work so effectively and what we like about this type of system. It's self-regulated.
VG: With the skills systems that you have in place, there's the classic approach as you level up and earn more skill points to spend, but you also The Elder Scrolls idea that as you use a skill it improves. How does that work?
NK: Absolutely. So a skill point is just a way of acquiring a skill, but the skills also advance and allow you to get new abilities based on how you used them. It's very similar to the perk system in Skyrim, if you're familiar with that. Unlike Skyrim where the perks are directly tied to your level, you can get perks all over the world: from doing a quest; or finding certain shards scattered across the world and make them into a perk; you can get them for doing PvP. There's no end to the number of abilities you can ultimately learn.
VG: There isn't a cap on that?
NK: No you can keep getting new skills. You can theoretically, if you had a whole lot of time, get every ability in the game. It would take an extremely long time to do that, but I'm sure some players will aim for it over some extreme period.
VG: So will it be the limited skill slots that keep the game balanced and ensure that a character doesn't become too powerful?
NK: It's always five skills and one ultimate and then the potions of course - so seven abilities. But at level 15, you'll unlock a second bar, which you can use with a different weapon. So if you wanted to use a restoration staff and healing abilities, you could swap to that and use those skills, or you could go for a melee weapon and a ranged weapon and alternate between them. There's no cost to doing it, other than the time it takes to swap the weapon out. It starts to really allow you to experiment with different combinations of builds.
VG: Is there any cost of actually switching your abilities out when out of combat? Replacing abilities on those skills bars with different ones?
NK: Nope. You can't be in combat, but that's the only restriction.
VG: But you can play any of the traditional roles of an MMO?
NK: If you were the person that had managed to acquire every ability, you could switch between a tank and a healer whilst in combat, for example. Out of combat and providing you have the appropriate gear, you could switch to anything you wanted. It gives you plenty of options, but you still have to make the smart choice to make the build that works well.
VG: You mentioned the idea of switching between a tank and a healer. In the PvE content, are you expecting groups to form in that traditional style? Having a tank, a healer, and the rest of the players being damage dealers?
NK: Well it's interesting. Because of the way the progression system works where there isn't a class that actually defines that, instead your role is defined by what you choose to use. I was wondering what would happen when people aren't presented with a class that should be the tank and a class that should be a healer. But what we found, oddly enough, is that people tend to assign themselves those roles anyway. One will wear heavy armour and use a sword and shield and it doesn't matter what class they are: they can be the tank. They can go and stand in the front and make sure the enemies hit them.
VG: Some classes will be better at that than others though, right? I was playing as a rogue. Wouldn't more of a classic warrior be a better tank?
NK: I would say the only thing you get from going with a stealthy character is more breadth, as far as that goes. No, you can absolutely start wearing heavy armour, use a sword and shield. You'll be as just as good a tank as anyone else. All the tools you'll need will be in there.


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Doctors know omega-3 fatty acids help those with heart disease and wanted to see if omega-3s would lower the chances of heart problems in healthy people.
Researchers in one heart study measured the amount of omega-3s in the diets of over 57,000 healthy adults. Over the next eight years, doctors wanted to see who would develop acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a condition where plaques partially or completely block coronary arteries, causing sudden chest pain and which may lead to a heart attack. Chances of ACS began to decrease as men consumed more than 390 mg of omega-3s per day. While chances of ACS in women did not change with omega-3 levels, men who got more than 390 mg of omega-3s per day were 27 percent less likely to have ACS than were men who got less.


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Founded in 2000, Ash Shoes is the creative and collaborative result of Leonello Calvani and Patrick Ithier. Their partnership was formed out of their mutual stylistic and commercial tastes, and a shared desire for edgy and unique contemporary footwear. Styles are inspired by French luxury design, which are combined with Italian leathers and craftsmanship, resulting in excellent quality and chic footwear. Ash believes in glamour and originality of styles, a philosophy that reaches even to the aesthetically-unique interiors of each of their retail stores. The company is constantly expanding beyond the U.S., opening shops in Europe and Asia to satisfy international demand.
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[19 March 2007]
Once I became dependent on CDs and, later, digital audio, I honestly thought I'd miss listening to cassette tapes to feed my musical addiction. I thought I'd go through the world's first fully documented case of cassette withdrawal, my hands shaking as they struggled to press "rewind".
With cassettes, you had to be willing to contribute some elbow grease. You couldn't sit back and "shuffle" the songs on your cassette deck—you either listened to the whole side of the tape or you got real friendly with the "fast forward" button. If you wanted to get fancy, you'd get a system with dual cassette decks and alternate between the two, or a stereo with that freaky button that would reverse the rotation of the reel and play the opposite side for you.
Tapes made you work for your music, which might explain why, when cassettes reigned supreme, you didn't see many headlines about lawsuits between the recording industry and consumers looking to score copies of tapes from their friends. I'm not talking about bootleggers; I mean the usual 'Joe's' and 'Jane's' who didn't mind paying for music but preferred to free up some money by trading copies. It's like, "Hey, I'll copy Whitney Houston's first album for you if you'll copy Bruce Hornsby & the Range for me. I'm not sure I wanna buy the whole tape just to listen to 'That's Just the Way It Is'."
Photo from PocketCalculatorShow.com
Problem was, making a mixtape was a labor of love. You had to build your mix carefully, placing the original tape in one deck and the blank in the other. Then you would cue the original and press "record", and you had to sit there and record the cassette, minute by minute. You could do it faster with the "high-speed dub" function—if the song had lyrics, it sounded like Alvin & the Chipmunks—but sometimes the quality wasn't so good. If you were cherry-picking the songs you wanted to record from multiple cassettes, the process was even more painstaking, which means you couldn't multitask the way we do now—no listening to tracks and videos from the PopMatters Media Center or downloading wallpapers of the cast of Heroes.
You could eat up an entire afternoon doing this, especially if you wanted to make the perfect mixtape. For that, though, you'd want a dependable brand of blanks, not the cheap ones that snap or get tangled in the deck after you've spent hours on your compilation. You'd also need some math skills and the ability to solve basic word problems to ensure that you use as much space on the tape as possible. Having too few songs meant you'd be leaving a lot of space at the end of a side, which would cause you to waste battery power on your Walkman (your portable tape player) if you had to fast-forward and rewind. Having too many songs meant you'd end the side in the middle of a song, which was terribly irritating. To avoid all this, you had to calculate:
If Latifah has a 60-minute blank tape, which means both sides have a duration of 30 minutes, how many of Latifah's favorite songs can she fit onto the cassette if the songs have a running time of approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds per song?
If everything went according to plan (in spite of interruptions or technical difficulties), you would experience the euphoria of filling a cassette with the right number of songs in the most enjoyable order.
Nowadays, "mixtapes" are on CD. The professionals—the rappers, in particular—use mixtapes to promote upcoming projects, to start "beefs", or to release excess or remixed material. For consumers, the homemade "mixtape" is a drastically different experience from the days of the cassette. With digital media, you build a playlist of songs on your computer's audio program, you slide a blank CD into the CD-ROM drive, and you press the "burn" button. It's ridiculously simple. And, oh yeah, about those songs you're burning—they are your own original works that were produced, written, arranged, composed, and performed completely by you, right? And with no contributions from anyone else? Of course they are.
As fate would have it, I don't miss cassette tapes as much as I thought I would. I'm spoiled by technology; my friggin' computer even has a remote that will control television, music, and DVD functions from across a hallway. Why would I want to fool around with a cassette? Nevertheless, I recently went digging through one of my many boxes of tapes and…well, I became nostalgic. I could tell you a personal story about each one (but, fortunately, I won't). It was my nostalgia that motivated me to make a few mixtapes for you.
I'll share the first one with you now. It's a 60-minute tape of "oddball" hip-hop tunes. Whenever my friends have criticized hip-hop, I've had a tendency to make mixes with "socially-conscious" and "positive" songs, erring on the side of Brand Nubian, Paris, and Dead Prez. That's one of our knee-jerk reactions as hip-hop fans—when we battle criticism, we start naming the "good guys". "Oh yeah? Well, Public Enemy's still around…sort of. And there's Common, there's Talib Kweli, there's the Roots, there's the Coup. Things aren't so bad."
In our zeal to defend the genre, though, we forget to hype the songs that don't fall into neat categories, songs that aren't about partying or fighting the power. Yet, these are the songs that surprise us, the songs that tap into humor and imagination, the songs that are just plain weird, and the songs that ultimately make us proud to listen to all those rhymes and all those beats. So, without further ado…I present the P.M. Mixtape: Volume One.
SIDE A (Running Time: 29:53)
"Intro [Call from Mom]" (0:47)—Boss, from Born Gangstaz (1992)
Back in the '90s, Boss was the woman to beat. Straight outta Detroit, Michigan, her flow was impeccable, with a frightening "gangsta" glare from a female perspective. She explored the psyche of street life in songs like "Deeper" and "Progress of Elimination", and flipped the script on male chauvinists in "Recipe of a Hoe". But the true masterstrokes of the album were the intro and outro. The intro, an answering machine message from Boss's mom, gave Boss's "gangsta" boogie a different spin. In response to Boss's outgoing message ("I don't give a fuck, not a single fuck, not a single solitary fuck. Yo, what's up, motherfuckas, I ain't even home so leave a message and I'll get back wit'ch'y'all"), Mama Boss implores her to remove the message, saying, "Hi, Lichelle. Look, you should take that off your answering machine. It does not sound nice." Mama Boss reveals that Boss went to Catholic school for 12 years and studied tap dance, jazz, and piano before going to college. She says, "I did not spend out all of my money on you for that gangsta stuff."
"Autobiographical" (5:30)—Black Sheep, from Non-Fiction (1994)
Black Sheep hit the spotlight from the shadows of the Native Tongue family that included A Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New School, De La Soul, and Jungle Brothers. Black Sheep featured Andres "Dres" Titus and William "Mr. Lawnge" McLean and the group is best known for the revisited version of its hit "The Choice Is Yours" (remember the hook, "You can get with this / Or you can get with that") from A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (1991). Unfortunately, the duo didn't sustain the momentum on its second album, Non-Fiction, though the first full track, "Autobiographical", painstakingly described a young emcee's journey from humble beginnings and meager living ("For the first years of my life I thought food stamps were money") to a life in hip-hop. Rappers love to tell stories, but they don't always share the details as Dres does here. Just when you thought Ghostface Killah's "Whip You With a Strap" was the definitive rhyme about getting spanked, "Autobiographical" pauses the rhyme to reenact the ass kicking, mother's voice and all. *Shiver*.
"Please Listen to My Demo" (3:01)—EPMD, from Unfinished Business (1989)
In the late '80s and early '90s, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith (EPMD, or Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) were always open for business, dropping one-liners and deft flows over stacks of funk tracks. "Please Listen to My Demo", however, puts a hush on the funk and the big beats, kicking a softer, more serene side of the crew. It's the age-old story of a man, his microphone, and his demo tape (notice I said "tape", not "mp3" player), in search of an audience with little more to say than, "Pl-pl-please, please listen to my demo". That urge to communicate, to say something and know someone out there is listening—EPMD brings it to life and makes it urgent and compelling. I always found "Demo" to be a poignant contrast to De La Soul's tune, "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)", which showed De La's rather callous dismissal of demo hustlers. Got a demo? All you get from De La is the answering machine.
"The Showstopper" (5:00)—Salt & Pepa, from Hot, Cool & Vicious (1986)
A Salt with a deadly Pepa is a lethal musical combo. As the story goes, "The Showstopper" was the result of an assignment for friend Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor's audio production class. It turned into a record deal and blossomed into a legendary career. "The Showstopper" is a fun record that steals "The Show" (literally) from Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh. Rick and Fresh's "Oh-Oh-Oh My God"s were replaced by Salt & Pepa's "Please-Please-Please—Stop it!"s. Hilarious.
"Zodiac" (2:45)—MC Lyte, from Bad As I Wanna B (1996)
MC Lyte goes astrological on this ode to the stars. Lyte interprets the zodiac in first person (she's a Libra), taking the symbols of the sky and turning them into the freshest of rhymes. As she drops the "soul-ar facts", you might be tempted to say, "What a weird song." But, as always, Lyte ties it all together in the end: "Of course, if you check the math, it's all symbolic / Horoscopes are purely logic." Naturally, I considered including Lyte's pre-Starbucks tale of adventure, "Cappucino", but, damn it, I only had 30 minutes on this side and "Cappucino" is more than a minute longer than "Zodiac". *Sigh*. I know, I know—this problem has been virtually obliterated in the digital age.
"Bridging the Gap" (4:03)—Nas, from Street's Disciple (2004)
Joining forces with his father, jazz musician Olu Dara, Nasir "Nas" Jones reinforces the links, rather than the divisions, between blues, jazz, and rap, and infuses "the history of music in this track". In addition to bridging musical gaps, the song bridges the generation gap. As opposed to the Fresh Prince's humorous "Parents Just Don't Understand", Nas says he "discovered his father's music like Prince searchin' through boxes in Purple Rain". Meanwhile, his father handles the chorus:
See, I come from Mississippi
I was young and runnin' wild
Ended up in New York City
Where I had my first child
I named the boy Nasir
All the boys call him Nas
I told him as a youngsta
He'll be the greatest man alive.
I think it's important for older listeners and younger listeners to understand each other's music—I don't really get why there's such a divide, perceived or otherwise, in the first place. But, for hip-hop, there seems to be a generational conflict within ranks, as the "old school" fans square off against the "new school" fans. It's almost turning into a new beef amongst the fans, replacing geographical and posse allegiances held by the performers. The "old" crew longs for the "golden age of rap" (circa 1990), while the "new" crew says, "Face it, yesterday's gone." So listen up, Old School Heads and New School Fans—if you all don't get it together soon, or get Afrika Bambaataa to peacefully mediate the dispute, I'll have to put together my own canon of hip-hop essentials and the result won't please you. Trust me, I'll leave off Kool G. Rap and Young Jeezy just to show both of your camps I mean business.
"Swiney Swiney" (3:11)—Monie Love, from Down to Earth (1990)
Believe it or not, U.K. rapper Monie Love has beef with pork, dedicating a few minutes out of her best album, Down to Earth, to explain why you shouldn't "boil it, fry it, or even buy it". What's that noise, you say? Monie answers, "Somebody's fryin' bacon / Without realizin' the great risk they're takin'." Monie wasn't alone in her attempt to upgrade our menus. Dead Prez tried it later on their isn't-it-a-great-day-to-eat-vegetables track "Be Healthy" from Let's Get Free (2000). A Tribe Called Quest did it too, on "Ham 'N' Eggs", from 1990's People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, singing, "I don't eat no ham & eggs 'cause they're high in cholesterol." And people say hip-hop is all about killing people! *Gasp*. Look, the rappers tried to warn everybody about eating the pig's feet and chitterlings ("chitlins"). I guess it's true what they say—you can lead music fans to the rap section of the record store, but you can't make 'em listen.
"Want It All" (5:32)—Digital Underground, from Future Rhythm (1996)
You could probably make a mixtape of "oddball" rap with nothing but Digital Underground songs. Popularly known for doing the "Humpty Dance", with group leader Shock-G dressed up alter ego Humpty Hump (he reminds me of Groucho Marx with a big brown nose). But Digital Underground was deeper than the Humpty Hump disguise. One of my favorite D.U. tunes is "Want It All", a manifesto for all of us who want more out of life, but are so unsure of what we really want that we end up wanting everything and nothing. At times, our desires cause us to lead contradictory lives—wanting to live forever while wondering what it's like to die; wanting to live "righteous" but going back into the street to "act crazy"; wanting to "smoke the fool tryin' to take mine" but also wanting to fight crime. Best lines: "I want to be a real humanitarian / Eat fish and become a vegetarian / But after the party's over at 2AM—then I WANNA GET A FATBURGER!"
(That's the end of Side A. Turn the tape over for Side B.)
SIDE B (Running Time: 29:54)
"Something 2 Dance 2" (3:24)—NWA, from Straight Outta Compton (1988)
No introduction is necessary for NWA, the self-proclaimed "world's most dangerous group", the group that put Compton on the hip-hop map and put the police on notice that some people, at least on wax, were no longer confusing the carotid chokehold for a friendly hug. Described as thuggish, violent, misogynistic, and a host of other characteristics we didn't find so objectionable in the movie Goodfellas, NWA had this one really strange track on Straight Outta Compton: "Something 2 Dance 2". You don't hear anybody discuss it much, but the song proves the Compton boys genuinely enjoy music, as they prance around on this deejay-techno groove at the tail end of an album that includes "Fuck the Police", "Gangsta Gangsta", and "Dopeman". Delightfully bizarre.
"Club That Much" (4:15)—Superiority Complex, from Stand Up (2006)
Okay, so you're at the club, having a good time, when a fight suddenly breaks out. The "authorities" arrive to question you, even though you had nothing to do with it. What do you say? Well, if you're like me, you'll probably say what Superiority Complex said, "Man, I don't even go out to the club that much!" In the middle of the bass-heavy club track, there's an interrogation between an officer and Iron Monk, one of the group's emcees, in which the officer assures Iron Monk that he's not going to get in trouble over the incident. Iron Monk responds, with increasing irritation, "I know I'm not in trouble, I didn't even do shit!" The genius of the dialogue is Iron Monk's insistence that he's famous, "You need to stop askin' me all these questions. Don't you know who I am? I'm the Iron Monk! I'm the motherfuckin' Iron Monk! I'm a ce-le-bri-tee, you know what I'm sayin', I'm a ce-le-bri-tee…you betta recognize game all up in yo' face."
"Ode to Tanya" (5:03)—Tanya Morgan, from Moonlighting (2006)
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: Tanya Morgan isn't a woman. Okay, I'm sure there are plenty of women out there with that name but, in this case, it's the name of a hip-hop group. These three male emcees—Ilyas, Donwill, and Von Pea—decide it's not enough to record rap songs under a band name that sounds like a "neo-soul" singer; they take the social construction of reality further with an ode to the dream girl. In doing so, they trade verses dissing each other in order to win "her" affections. In the end, she's not havin' any of them, responding, "Are you guys too busy hatin' on each other to fuckin' even realize that I'm a woman?! Y'know? Hellooooo? I thought you all were supposed to be 'boys'."
"Underwater" (2:03)—Ghostface Killah, from Fishscale (2006)
After the initial splashing noise, Ghostface Killah pulls an Aquaman, accompanied by the loveliest flute you'll hear this side of Bobbi Humphrey. He travels through murky waters filled with the usual sea residents, plus "mermaids with Halle Berry haircuts" and Sponge Bob smackin' his boo for eyeing Ghostface too closely. Do I really need to say more? This track is dope.
"New World Water" (3:11)—Mos Def, from Black on Both Sides (1999)
If Mos Def hadn't recorded this song, maybe Al Gore would've done a conservationist rap of his own. Mighty Mos strikes again, this time on the environmental tip, promoting the virtues of hydration. You can drink trendy alcoholic bubbly and fancy wines if you want, but it doesn't mean anything if you don't have water. That's right, folks, good old-fashioned H-2-O: "There are places where TB is common as TV / 'Cause foreign-based companies go and get greedy / The type of cats who pollute the whole shoreline / Have it purified, sell it for a dollar twenty-five." This song makes me incredibly thirsty, yet ghastly afraid to drink anything.
"Bitties in the BK Lounge" (5:39)—De La Soul, from De La Soul Is Dead (1991)
What would hip-hop have been without our quirky De La Soul buddies? I don't know and I don't wanna find out. "Bitties in the BK Lounge" is a comical ditty set in one of these fast-food joints that claim you can "have it your way" in their commercials, but nevertheless give you the mayo you told them to hold and the cheese you wanted them to leave off. The best part is the insult-fest between the rapper behind the "BK" counter and a female customer. She goes, "Excuse me, would you take my order, I've got to go. Shashawna's got a real job, dag, don't you know?" and he goes, "Oh yeah, it's you. Now I recognize. The real, real bitty with the fake, fake eyes." Irreverent and petty, along the lines of the Pharcyde's "Ya Mama" and Common's "A Film Called (Pimp)" (featuring MC Lyte), "Bitties" gets props for its unusual setting and fantastic dialogue.
"The Mission" (3:50)—Special Ed, from Legal (1990)
The very lyrical Special Ed takes us on a James-Bond-meets-The Karate Kid fantasy trip. Apparently, a "five-foot-ten black-belt karate master" named "Liu Chin Chin" stole some rhymes, forcing Special Ed to undertake the mission to hunt him down. Special Ed says, "You can smile now, but you won't for long / 'Cause, sucka, you'll be sorry that you stole my song." Word.
"DJ's Get No Credit" (1:54)—Big Daddy Kane feat. Mr. Cee, from Prince of Darkness (1991)
Step aside, Big Daddy Kane, it looks like your DJ's got something to say. Long-time pal and mix master Mr. Cee shares a few choice words with the Big Daddy. People just don't know what DJ's have to go through to make sure the party gets started and stays in overdrive. Mad as hell, he says, "I'm always in the background, supplyin' the sound, but my props has yet to be found." We feel your pain, Mr. Cee.
Photo from PocketCalculatorShow.com
"Outro [A Call from Dad]" (0:31)—Boss, from Born Gangstaz (1992)
And so we end where this mixtape originally began, with an outro from Boss. This time it's Boss's dad who objects to Boss's "I don't give a fuck" outgoing answering machine message. But after expressing his disapproval, Daddy Boss ends his message with, "Oh, by the way, baby—thanks for the Rolex!" And hasn't that been the story of hip-hop in a nutshell? "You hate my style," Hip-Hop might've said, "but you don't mind consuming it."
Published at: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/pm-mixtape-vol-one/


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BARC is 100% dedicated to pet adoption. In addition to sheltering and providing veterinary care to all animals brought to the shelter, we work diligently to place these animals in new homes. We collaborate and coordinate with our Houston Pet Rescue groups and through social media networks to cast the widest possible adoption net. We also provide intensive neo-natal and adult pet fostering programs, along with hands-on volunteer training classes and continuous workshops.
We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership through spaying/neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, and training class services. Campaigns and programs to educate and raise community awareness about these services are ongoing.
Houston has the largest urban land area in the U.S. Its size and unique characteristics create challenging circumstances in regards to animal population and control. In addition to a year-long breeding season that steadily increases the area's animal population, our semi-tropical climate serves as an incubator for fleas, ticks and other parasites harmful to animals. Houston is an urban metropolis, but it is also home to various species of wild animals and reptiles including coyotes, bobcats, bats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, snakes and even alligators. Because of this, rabies outbreaks are a special concern. A rabies vaccination is required to license your pet, and a pet license is mandatory in Houston. BARC serves as the licensing facility. We work hard to educate the public about rabies prevention and about co-existing with our extensive wildlife population.
Our goal is to provide animal control and care services that minimize fear, pain, stress and suffering to animals in and out of the shelter and we work to ensure safe and healthy human-animal interactions. We work closely with the City of Houston Police Department and Houston Animal Control to respond to animal cruelty and abuse reports, behavioral complaints, dog bite cases and animal/gang related issues.
MAP: http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/map.html
BARC Adoption hours are:
7 days a week 12:00PM-5:30 PM
Please allow at least 1 hour to meet our animals and complete the adoption process.
Volunteer at BARC!
Everyone is welcome to volunteer at BARC. Come to our Volunteer Orientation on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month at 10am and we'll help you get started!
If you've found a pet online or wish to come in person to view our dogs and cats, the BARC shelter is located at 3200 Carr Street, Houston, Texas 77026. We also have offsite adoptions. Animals that are already spayed/neutered are able to go home the day of the adoption. Otherwise, they are scheduled for surgery the next available weekday and the adopter may pick up their new pet that same afternoon. BARC supplies cardboard enclosures for transporting cats and leashes for adopted dogs.
Because BARC cares first and foremost about the safety and well being of our animals, people who want to adopt must complete an adoption application and agree to an interview with BARC respresentative. BARC encourages responsible pet ownership; we only adopt out animals to people who are qualified to meet the needs of bringing a new pet into their lives.
BARC only allows adoption of companion animals. Companion animals are just that, companions...they are adopted as pets and for no other reason. BARC uses criteria based on the animal's behavior and health to determine whether an animal is fit to be a companion. This decision is solely in the discretion of BARC. BARC's decision in this matter is final in all cases.
Animals that arrive at BARC may not be immediately available for adoption. We set a specific timeframe that gives us sufficient time to assess the animal's health and behavior, as well as to allow owners a chance to claim their lost pets. Once that time frame has passed, the animal will become eligible for adoption. Animals that are too immature or not healthy enough for spay/neuter surgery are not available for adoption but may be available to be fostered. Please check with the shelter for our foster requirements.
Take one of our pets home and receive the gift of the unconditional love. Our standard adoption fees are as follows:
•Dogs - $50
•Puppies (4 months and under) - $75
•Cats - $20
•Kittens (4 months and under) - $35
•PurrFurred Pets (animals that have been at the shelter 20 days or longer) - $20 for cats/dogs
•Veterans' Companion Program – Half off the full adoption fee for all dogs/$20 for all cats for Active Military & Veterans with proof of service
•Seniors for Seniors – Animals 2+ years old are FREE to qualified adopters over 60 years old (City of Houston residents must pay $5 for city license)
With your new pet you will also receive:
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Microchip with lifetime registration
Initial Vaccinations
Rabies Vaccine
City License (if within Houston city limits)
Enrollment in AKC Canine Good Citizen Obedience School
and more!
Thank You!
Your message has been sent to BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions.
You'll receive a copy, too, at to help you keep track of which pets you've inquired about, and which shelters and rescues you've emailed.
NOTE: Some shelters have physical locations you can visit; some of these shelters may only have pets for a limited time, so please do not wait for a reply—just go visit the shelter! Other organizations are rescue groups run by busy volunteers who may take a while to reply. You can find information about the shelter or rescue group caring for this pet, and their adoption procedures, on the pet's details page on Adopt-a-Pet.com.


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All existing venture investors in RainDance participated in the Series E round including Mohr Davidow Ventures, Quaker BioVentures, Alloy Ventures, Acadia Woods Partners, and Sectoral Asset Management. RainDance will use the proceeds of this financing to drive global expansion of its products: the ThunderStorm system for targeted next-generation sequencing, and the recently launched RainDrop™ digital PCR system for ultra-sensitive multiplexed quantitative detection of circulating nucleic acids. In addition, the financing enables the company to substantially expand its commercial operations and manufacturing capacity, including relocation of the company headquarters to a new facility in mid-2013.
"We are seeing a significant acceleration in customer adoption and commercial growth, and these funds will carry the company through several value inflection milestones in the coming year," said Roopom Banerjee, President and CEO of RainDance Technologies. "We are pleased to welcome Myriad as a strategic investor and are grateful for the continued support of our existing shareholders."
"RainDance's strong team and innovative products are delivering tremendous growth, and all the investors are excited by the company's recent successes," said Bill Ericson, General Partner at Mohr Davidow Ventures and a member of the RainDance board of directors. "Myriad's strategic investment validates RainDance as an emerging leader in genetics research, positioning the company to build substantial value in the new era of personalized diagnostic medicine."
RainDance has an innovative portfolio of genetic research tools used by customers for the early detection and monitoring of complex diseases more accurately, reliably, and cost-effectively. The company focuses on genetic research in cancer and inherited diseases, and its customers include more than 70 leading translational, genetic and commercial laboratories worldwide. For more information, please visit www.RainDanceTech.com.
About RainDance Technologies
RainDance Technologies is a leading life sciences company developing innovative products that enable more accurate, reliable, cost-effective and early detection of disease and predisposition risk in order to improve human healthcare. Today, RainDance is focused on better healthcare outcomes and lowering costs for the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancers and inherited diseases. The company's innovative RainStorm™ digital droplet technology powers next-generation sequencing and genetic testing systems that deliver dramatically superior performance, cost, interpretability, and ease of use. RainDance systems are used routinely in major academic research institutions, clinical genetics laboratories, and hospitals around the world. Based in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company supports customers through its international sales and service operations as well as a global network of distributors and commercial service providers. For more information, please visit www.RainDanceTech.com.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostics procedures.
RainDance Technologies, the RainDance Technologies logo, ThunderStorm, RainDrop RainStorm and Digital Biology are trademarks of RainDance Technologies, Inc. All other brands may be trademarks of their respective holders.
For RainDance Technologies
Colin Sanford, 203-340-2441


text: Order and Chaos: the Gathering Part 2 of 2 A Sonic battle that has been building for ages comes to its penultimate chapter. With Sonic's father and closest allies in the Freedom Fighters out of commission, it's left to Super Sonic, Super Shadow, and Turbo Tails to help save the day? but how do you defeat an enemy so evil that they don't even have an identity! That mysterious enemy, simply known as "Anonymous" hopes the answer is "you don't!" PLUS!: "For a Friend": The Chaotix undertake a secret mission of revenge against Dr. Robotnik. But when the covert mission goes wrong, can even the stealthy Espio make it out alive?


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The second fine effort from the New Amsterdams is a solo outing from the Get Up Kids' Matthew Pryor. He delivers an emotionally nostalgic trip through rich melodies, creating some very nice imagery in the process. 2/15/2002 - John Richards