text:
Are you sure?
This action might not be possible to undo. Are you sure you want to continue?
The case study workshop 'World Cup 2014 Urban Scenarios', Porto Alegre, Brazil
Antje Kunze1, Jan Halatsch2, Carlos Vanegas3, Martina Maldaner Jacobi4, Benamy Turkienicz5, Gerhard Schmitt6
ETH Zurich, Chair for Information Architecture, Switzerland, 3Purdue University, Department of Computer Science, USA, 4,5Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, SimmLab, Brazil
1,2,3,6 4,5 1 4 1,2,3,6
http://www.ia.arch.ethz.ch/, http://www.simmlab.ufrgs.br/
2 3 email@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com, email@example.com, 5 6 email@example.com, email@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
Abstract. This paper focuses on the definition of a conceptual participatory design framework for urban planning. Traditional planning methods can no longer satisfy the growing demands on sustainable urban planning in regard to factors such as complexity, problem size, and level of detail and these limitations make the development of new approaches necessary. Expert knowledge as well as insights from stakeholders and community members needs to take part equally in the decision-making process since they are responsible for a broad understanding and acceptance of final planning decisions. Therefore, a participatory framework is presented in the following, which integrates needs and requirements of stakeholders. In order to enable diverse groups of stakeholders to act conjointly, we propose the application of interactive decision support tools, which will leverage general conclusions especially to solve crucial planning decisions. Keywords. Decision-making process; stakeholder participation; shape grammars; procedural model; urban planning.
Figure 1: Final visualization of the proposed scenario for 2050 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Area 1 (Jan Halatsch, Matthias Bühler)
This article describes a conceptual participatory design framework for urban planning that integrates various forms of available knowledge and provides enhanced support for stakeholder participation within urban planning. This framework has been initially implemented and tested as a participatory planning workshop in Porto Alegre, Brazil, called World Cup 2014 'Urban Scenarios', which took place from 19. to 28.06.2010 at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). As a result urban design scenarios for the years 2014, 2025 and 2050 were developed with the support of participatory planning techniques during a workshop. The main challenge was to evolve, access and combine cross-disciplinary planning knowledge within a team of stakeholders with manifold personal and professional backgrounds, such as architects, urban and traffic planners, representatives from the municipality, and public community. This paper provides insights and suggestions for implementing similar workshops for increasing the success of participative planning processes.
Motivation Global Situation
A multitude of facets need to be considered when it comes to sustainable urban planning besides the planning of the pure urban fabric. Especially, new planning approaches have to be developed within the process of designing (UN-Habitat, 2009), which are rather flexible and iterative instead the traditional master planning approaches. Further, these new approaches need to include an orientation towards participatory actions and implementations, e.g., through links to budgets, projects and citywide or regional infrastructure. There are several concepts to understand a city as a dynamic system consisting of stocks of resources and flows of interrelated networks that need to be tightly coupled to participatory approaches because of their interrelating and iterative nature. These concepts structure the urban fabric into systems of resources such as people, material, energy, water, waste, space and information and are used to derive models for the interrelated behaviour of urban systems. Angélil and Hebel (2010) even went so far to abandon the classical understanding of urban system modeling and addressed a "paradigm shift to a circular understanding of urban metabolisms".
Participatory Urban Planning
A brief look on modern cities reveals that rapid environmental, social and economical changes are seriously affecting urban qualities. Thus, the goal of such planning processes is to raise urban qualities through benefitting especially from the participation of stakeholders for sustainable urban planning. The interactive distribution of insights and intelligence can significantly increase the effectiveness of planning proposals and create new perspectives that are usually not considered within the formal planning process. Stakeholders represent an important stock for decision-making. Sustainable developments must make use of this and involve participatory approaches for urban planning to organize and manage the continuous demand for efficient stocks and flows in order to regard the needs of future generations (Laws et al., 2004).
Decision Support Tools in Urban and Regional Planning
The following three areas can be distinguished for supporting a participatory design and planning process: describing design, providing tools to support design, and automating design generation. According to Erhan (2003), design support research emphasizes (a) how computers can assist designers, and in what area, (b) how design problems can be represented for computational support, (c) how computers can generate solutions using these representations, and (d) how computers can help to evaluate the quality of the generated solutions. In architectural and urban design several design decision support tools exist (Achten, 2009; Kieferle, et. al., 2007; Turkienicz, et. al, 2008; Beirão, et. al, 2008). However, new requirements exist for decision support tools to support community design, e.g., in the field of participation, new urbanism and sustainability (Toker, 2007). An exemplary tool for design diagnosis during early phases of architectural design is 'Architectural programming (AP)'. Some initial decision support tools have been developed as urban simulation models and implemented in regional planning processes (Waddell, 2002; Borning et. al, 2008). The visualizations generated from these systems are then used to assist regional planning agencies to evaluate alternative land use regulations, transportation investments and environmental protection policies. A further development is an environment supporting the interactive design of urban spaces that integrates behavioural and geometrical city modelling (Vanegas, et. al, 2009). Urban design variables can be more intuitively accessed and visualized within such an environment, resulting in urban scenarios that consider proposals for highways, accessibility studies, population and projected employment distribution, among others.
A Conceptual Participatory Design Framework for Urban Planning
New approaches for sustainable urban planning need to consider stakeholder or community feedback besides expert knowledge – especially when the goal is to achieve urban quality-related development such as environmental protection, social inclusion and local identity. However, one major problem in participatory urban planning is to provide a common information base suitable for integrating the comprehensive and interdisciplinary explicit (expert) and tacit (local stakeholder, experience) knowledge (Polanyi, 1966) on urban patterns and processes. Therefore, design support tools are heavily challenged to provide an integrative solution for participatory design workshops. The 'World Cup 2014 Urban Scenarios' participatory design workshop applied a collaborative modelling platform that was first presented within the Swiss National Research Project NRP 65 'Sustainable Urban Patterns' [4]. This platform is the base for the presented participatory design framework. The workshop served as a first real-world test case with three interconnected steps: collaboration, simulation and design. These steps facilitated the iterative modification of an urban model through a series of participatory meetings and decision steps. Within the process of the workshop, first, sustainable development guidelines for Porto Alegre were conceived. These were later recorded as views of different stakeholders on requirements. Next, these were formulated in the form of design briefings in order to deduce sustainable urban design patterns. The stakeholder group suggested key variables for the identification of the focus areas in Porto Alegre using their expertise and knowledge about local problems and potentials. Afterwards simulation and
evaluation tools were used to compare the performances of different scenarios with each other. This enabled the stakeholders to validate and weight trade-offs of their decisions. As a mutual conclusion the stakeholders made the point that the participation of a crossdisciplinary group is of great importance to strengthen the design process. Even more worth mentioning is the observation that this approach seems to support sustainable developments through the combination of future planning techniques with local awareness of the stakeholders. A participatory design framework was developed that integrates the needs and requirements of stakeholders and supports a broad-based understanding and acceptance of final planning decisions. In order to support the participation of various stakeholders, including planners, architects, policy makers and concerned parties during participatory workshops, we propose the use of a set of interactive decision support tools that facilitates achieving a consensus on the planning decisions (Table 1).
Modules Collaboration Simulation Design Simulation Design Simulation Design Collaboration Description Definition of the requirements and development tasks Definition of street network and accessibility Assignment of the super grid and highway network Derivation of the internal grid Definition of building types and urban patterns Evaluation Optimization, quality metric needed, loop until criteria Definition of the grid style Plot subdivision, implementation of building types and urban patterns Assessment (solar radiation, shadings, e.g.) Development of different urban design scenarios (2014, 2025, 2050), reporting, final renderings Evaluation, presentation and information about the entire process Tools Architectural Programming AxiMagic PurdueSim PurdueSim AxiMagic PurdueSim, AxiMagic CityEngine CityZoom CityEngine, CityZoom, E.on software Vue Social Network Interface, Exhibition
Table 1 Modules of the Participatory Design Framework
In the following section the interactive decision support tools will be associated with the three modules of the Participatory Design Framework.
The participatory method 'Architectural Programming' is a decision support tool used in the early stage of architectural and urban design. It is used and evaluated for the gathering of needs and requirements of stakeholders (Kunze and Schmitt, 2010; Pena, 1977). The concept of an architectural programming workshop (Fig. 2 and 3) is to provide stakeholders with an integrated view on the planning facts and concepts for potential planning solutions and to incorporate personal and expert knowledge.
Figures 2 and 3: Architectural programming workshop with experts, urban planners, architectural students and public.
Each of these programming cards describes one particular aspect represented by a simplified sketch or diagram, which is accompanied by textual and numerical attributes. The results are (a) a structured card matrix and (b) development task definitions (Fig. 4) which can weighted and jointly agreed inside a stakeholder workshop.
Figure 4: Development tasks for the urban design scenarios
A website establishes as a Social Network Interface like a channel of communication between the workshop participants and the population of the city and a network of national postgraduate programs in architecture and urbanism. The website can used by workshop participants to post updates on the results from each workshop session, and from the community to provide ideas and feedback to the workshop. Final results of the workshop could be published in form of an exhibition for a bigger audience.
AxiMagic [1] is a spatial analysis tool utilizing the Space Syntax model to represent the potential pedestrian and vehicular mobility in the urban street network (Fig. 6). Correlations in the utilized Space Syntax model permit the identification of the main thoroughfares and also the identification of the districts most central streets and spaces. This information is strategic for the location of commercial activities and to the identification of potentially unsafe areas. With 'PurdueSim' urban spaces can be interactively designed. Highways, accessibility, population and planned employment can be interactively simulated (Vanegas, et al., 2009). Editing of urban design variables is performed intuitively and visually using a graphical user interface (Fig. 5). Any design variable can be constrained
or changed. The design process uses an iterative dynamical system for reaching equilibrium. This system includes an interactive agent-based behavioural modelling system and adaptive geometry generation algorithms.
Figure 5: Interactive visualization of the scenario of Porto Alegre in 2025 with the simulated highways, accessibility, population and planned employment (Carlos Vanegas)
CityZoom [1] provides a computational environment where different performance models can be interactively operated, seeking to optimize urban planning regulations (Turkienicz, et. al, 2008). The developed models include building construction potential, solar radiation impact, pollution dispersion, luminance and illuminance (Fig. 7). Each of these models corresponded to a module that implements them in the computational environment. The correlation between the results of different performance models enables the designer to optimize urban regulations according to different attributes. Comparative assessments are made possible between different urban configurations related to one or more than one attribute.
Figures 6 and 7: AxiMagic and CityZoom (Pablo Colossi Grazziotin, Vaneska Paiva Henrique, Karen Paiva Henrique)
The Architectural Programming matrix is finally used to derive the internal grid and to define design rules and design guidelines in form of conceptual sketches (Fig. 8). These guidelines are validated in a participatory process and translated and described as building types and urban patterns (Fig. 9). The paradigm of an urban pattern is used as an interface for the implementation of the procedural model (Kunze and Schmitt, 2010).
Figures 8 and 9: Sketches (Benamy Turkienicz) and implemented urban pattern (Jan Halatsch)
Building types and urban patterns could be implemented in a procedural urban model with the CityEngine software [2]. The procedural urban model offers several advantages compared to 3D analog models (Halatsch, et. al, 2008). Different urban design scenarios for the years 2014, 2025 and 2050 could be communicated to participants already during the workshop. Jointly identified problems could be optimized and evaluated immediately. The CityEngine consists of several procedural and interactive tools to layout street networks, align and subdivide shapes, and procedurally generate architectural 3D content by using CGA shape grammars. This set of tools supports the generation and editing of very large and detailed 3D models while significantly reducing the design time. Final renderings were created with E.on software Vue [3] and were discussed with stakeholders on the final exhibition of the workshop.
Case Studies
We studied five areas in Porto Alegre, Brazil, which are locations for the World Cup 2014 (Table 2). Twelve cities in different states were chosen as World Cup host cities. Manaus, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Salvador, Cuiabá, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre. In this paper we will present the results of the three mainly researched areas in Porto Alegre (Fig. 10-12): (a) area 1 GreenTech, (b) area 2 Protásio-Norte and (c) area 3 Integration District. With the application of the participatory design framework urban design scenarios were developed and evaluated for these areas in 2014, 2025 and 2050.
Case Studies Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Description Entrada da Cidade - Tecnoverde/GreenTech Rua Tenente Ary Tarrago - Protásio-Norte Avenida Manoel Elias - Bairro Integração/Integration District Campus do Vale, Agronomia - Vale do Conhecimento/Knowledge Valley Estaleiro do Só - Passeio do Sol/Sunwalk Size 1.142 hectares 52 hectares 100 hectares 51 hectares 51 hectares
Table 2 Case studies in Porto Alegre, Brazil
Figures 10, 11 and 12: Case studies: areas 1, 2 and 3 (Martina Jacobi)
Area 1 GreenTech
The GreenTech area was originally devised for the city's industrial expansion and still exhibits characteristics such as industrial plants, warehouses and large storages. The area presents serious problems regarding water drainage and sewage infrastructure. Some of the most important facilities located in this area include Salgado Filho International Airport, metro stations, the Docks, the Nautical Park and single family and collective housing. The Arena do Gremio will be built in this area. Inside the stakeholder workshop it was figured out that this area is a strategic urban plan for the development of the northern area of Porto Alegre, using the airport as a pole for development. The urban design scenarios for the GreenTech area showed that this area will be the centre for high tech and environmentally friendly industries, services and logistics (Fig. 1). The strategy to attract industries to GreenTech is the convenient proximity to the airport, highways, industrial clusters in the metropolitan region, and waterways leading to a major seaport in the Atlantic Ocean. To compensate for the inherent air pollution produced by air and ground transportation, a large portion of the existing vacant land in the district, will be established as a natural reservation laying at both sides of BR290, the main highway connecting Porto Alegre to the north of Brazil.
Area 2 Protásio-Norte and Area 3 Integration District
These two areas are mainly occupied by low density single family housing. ProtásioNorte is located at an intersection between one of the major radials of the city. Important educational facilities are located close these areas. Recently, new residential developments in the area are being promoted, in spite of its lack of commercial, health and leisure infrastructure. The area Protásio-Norte is part of the strategy of integration between the south and the north of Porto Alegre. The plan for this area consists of a sustainable residential development using a commercial centre to stimulate the upgrading of the area. Special attention will be given to green housing design and to encouraging the use of public and private green spaces (Fig. 13). Protásio-Norte is also devised as an alternative transportation hub allowing the population of Porto Alegre and neighbouring towns to access the rest of the metropolitan region, eliminating the need to pass by the city centre. The Integration District is the main part of the strategy of integration between the south and the north of Porto Alegre. The district is intended to be a subsequent development of Protásio-Norte area. It consists of residential developments adequately adapted to the terrain and local vegetation conditions, particularly to a creek surrounded
by dense vegetation that runs through the middle of the district from south to north, and serves as a natural green corridor in the development.
Figure 13: Final rendering of the areas 2 and 3 shows the urban design scenario in 2050 (Jan Halatsch, Matthias Bühler)
Conclusion and Acknowledgements
This paper presents a conceptual participatory design framework for urban planning. As contributions, the framework integrates various forms of available knowledge and provides support for stakeholder participation at crucial decision-making phases in urban planning. Since urban revitalization and enhanced urban qualities are becoming the challenging tasks for planners in the coming decades new methods need to used to leverage implicit and tacit knowledge and to make both available to planning processes in general and in a meaningful way. The presented framework is about to give a vision what might be possible if planning and simulation tools are combined and accelerated with human cross-disciplinary knowledge. We would like to thank Pablo Colossi Grazziotin, Vaneska Paiva Henrique, Karen Paiva Henrique, Matthias Bühler for their support and for many helpful discussions as well as the students from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil and ETH Zurich. Special thanks go to the stakeholders and the architects, which participated inside the workshop World Cup 2014 'Urban Scenarios'. This work was supported by the SNF Grant 130578 of the National Research Program NRP 65 'Sustainable Urban Patterns (SUPat)'. Also, we are very grateful to the reviewers for their valuable comments.
Achten, HH 2009, 'Experimental Design Methods - A Review', Journal International Journal of Architectural Computing, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 505-534. Angélil, M and Hebel, D 2010, 'Addis Ababa by design', in Adler, O., Müller, O., Kaiser, U. (eds.), Global Investor. Urbanization: Investing in Cities, Credit Suisse Group, Global Research, vol. 2.10. Zurich: Gilles Keating. pp. 22-26.
Beirão, J, Duarte, J and Stouffs, R 2008, 'Structuring a Generative Model for Urban Design: Linking GIS to Shape Grammars', Architecture in Computro, 26th eCAADe Conference Proceedings, Antwerpen, Belgium, pp. 929-938. Borning, A, Waddell, P and Forster, R 2008, 'UrbanSim: Using Simulation to Inform Public Deliberation and Decision-Making' in Chen, H., Brandt, L., Dawes, S., Gregg, V., Hovy, E., Macintosh, A., Traunmuller, R., Larson, C.A. (eds.), Digital Government: Advanced Research and Case Studies, Springer, pp. 439-463. Erhan, HI 2003, Interactive support for modeling and generating building design requirements, Doctoral Thesis. School of Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA. Halatsch, J, Kunze, A, and Schmitt, G 2008, 'Using Shape Grammars for Master Planning' in Gero, J.S. (ed.), Design Computing and Cognition DCC'08, Springer, pp. 655-673. Kieferle, J, Wössner, U, Becker, M 2007, 'Interactive Simulation in Virtual Environments - A Design Tool for Planners and Architects', Journal International Journal of Architectural Computing, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 116-126. Kunze, A, Schmitt, G 2010, 'A Conceptual Framework for the Formulation of Stakeholder Requirements', Future Cities, 28th eCAADe Conference Proceedings, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, pp. 697-705. Laws, D, Scholz, RW, Shiroyama, H, Susskind, L, Suzuki, T, Weber, O 2004, 'Expert Views on Sustainability and Technology Implementation', International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 247-261. Pena, WM 1977, Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer, CBI publishing Company, Boston - Mass. Polanyi, M 1966, 'The Logic of Tacit Inference', Philosophy, vol. 41, pp. 1-18. Toker, Z 2007, 'Recent trends in community design: the eminence of participation', Design Studies, vol. 28, no. 3, Participatory Design, pp. 309-323. Turkienicz, B, Goncalves, BB, Grazziotin, P 2008, 'CityZoom: A Visualization Tool for the Assessment of Planning Regulations', International Journal of Architectural Computing, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 79-95. Vanegas, CA, Aliaga, DG, Benes, B and Waddell, P 2009, 'Interactive Design of Urban Spaces using Geometrical and Behavioral Modeling', ACM Transactions on Graphics, also in Proceedings SIGGRAPH Asia, vol. 28, no. 5. Waddell, P 2002, 'Modeling urban development for land use, transportation, and environmental planning', Journal of the American Planning Association, vol. 68, pp. 297-314. UN-Habitat 2009, 'Planning sustainable cities: global report on human settlements 2009', United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Earthscan/UN-Habitat, London, 2009. [1] CityZoom, http://www.cityzoom.net/ [2] CityEngine, Procedural Inc., http://www.procedural.com/ [3] E.on software Vue, http://www.e-onsoftware.com/ [4] NRP 65 Sustainable Urban Patterns (SUPat), http://www.supat.ethz.ch/


text:
Pellet Guns: A lethal way to control protesters in Kashmir
Ahmad Mukhtiyar
Business & Politics ,
News - India & You
In 7 days more than 50 youth have been blinded
People in India's Himalayan region of Kashmir turned to streets protesting against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen (a militant organisation in Kashmir) commander Burhan Wani along with his two associates, in a joint operation by Indian army and State police. The encounter took place last Friday at Bumdoora village of Kokernag in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
The situation turned out of control after police and paramilitary forces used live ammunition like bullets and pellet guns, in which more than 35 people were killed and over 1500 received injuries.
On the eighth consecutive day there are restrictions on free moment in Kashmir and mobile services have been suspended. Hospitals are flooded with injured people and most of them have bullet or pellet injuries. So far, more than 50 people have lost their eyesight and doctors are not sure if others could recover.
As per the doctors in Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS hospital), in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, they have operated more than 130 eye injuries and the chances of eyesight recovery are very low in many cases.
Insha Malik, a 14-year-old girl from south Kashmir's Shopian district, lying unconscious on a bed at SMHS hospital Srinagar is one of the victims of pellet guns.
Insha stood on a window of her house looking down on to the streets of unrest, violence and turmoil. Little did she realize that within a few minutes she would lose her vision, as she would be hit by pellets.
"She was never a part of any protest. Things were bad on the street and she was at the window when she was hit by pellets", Mushtaq Ahmad, Insha's father, told journalists.
Insha was hit on her face, resulting in multiple injuries. Her face was badly injured and her eyes damaged. Doctors have operated on them, but are not sure if she will be able to see again.
A single cartridge can fire hundreds of small iron pellets in a single shot, the particles can pierce deep into one's body. In the last five days across the Kashmir valley, doctors have performed more eye operations than in last five years.
But they find it extremely difficult to remove all the particles, as the size is too small and they say the remaining portions may further damage the organs.
"The pellet is quite lethal for the eye, which is a soft target, compared to other organs like bones and muscles. Once a pellet pierces the eye, it makes a hole in it and rotates inside. It causes then a lot of damage to the optical tissue and can cause permanent blindness", Dr. Tariq Qurashi, H.O.D ophthalmology, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar was quoted by media.
Pellet guns are used as a crowd control tool in Kashmir and have been described by the police as a "non lethal weapon". Yet, its use has been controversial, as scores of youth have lost their eyesight partially or totally, after being hit by the pellets.
Security establishments in Jammu and Kashmir say they have no other option than using it to control a challenging public demonstration. Unfortunately, the question of alternate modes of protest control on unarmed civilians remains unanswered.To View the article buy our magazine
Similar Articles:
Amarnath Yatra, a 45 days long pilgrimage to South KashmirA trek through daunting mountains, to seek the divine
New Delhi
ISRO successfully launches high thrust cryogenic engineIndia's 30 years of research paid off with GSLV Mk-III
Narendra Modi in FranceNew energy to drive Indo-French ties
Women no longer need to change their surname in passports after marriage: ModiWomen empowerment or 'conquering' the great Indian gullibility?
New Delhi
Global investors looking for a piece of India's booming economyEconomic reforms must imbibe ease-of-doing-business
India and the world react to Donald Trump's immigration banSeven Muslim-majority countries at the receiving end
New Delhi
State of Muslims in IndiaRenewed focus fails to deliver inclusive growth
New Delhi
Brexit presents jeopardy for Goans in BritainEnd of the road for non-EU migrants to Britain in 2017?
New Delhi

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- Product Information
Product DescriptionQuench partygoers thirst with our rainbow celebration 12oz cups. These brightly colored cups match our rainbow celebration party supplies perfectly and can also accent any party theme or color scheme. Each pack comes with 8 cups. Please order in increments of 1 pack.
- Questions & Answers
- Reviews
Halloween Costume Accessories: Must-Haves for Completing Your Halloween Costume
Our Halloween costume accessories are just what you need to make your costume pop! Try our tips for perfecting your look this Halloween.
Halloween Decorations: Tips for Turning Your Home Sweet Home into a Blood-Chilling Haunted House!
Halloween is associated with bloodcurdling visits to haunted houses. With our tips, turn your home into a spine-chilling haunted house!
All Hollows' Eve Barware: Tips for Throwing a Fun Halloween Party for Adults
Planning a Halloween party? Try our tips for making your upcoming bash fun and spooky!


text:
Customer reviews for Mamma Mia
Avg. Customer Review (4.5 Stars):
Number of Reviews: 54
Email a friend about this musical.
Print this page
Write an online review and share your thoughts.
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 reviews
|| 1 |
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 reviews
|Back to Previous Page
|Show other reviews for this item


text:
Filter by:
Avg. Daily Rate
Wedding Services
Wedding Venue
Wedding Capacity
Wedding Guest Rooms
Showing 1-1 of 1 Wedding Resorts
Whether you envision a cozy indoor ceremony or a breathtaking outdoor event, Predator Ridge has it all. Speak with one of their Conference Services... more
Resort features:
- Wedding
- Spa


text:
Hack Linux
View Single Post
August 14th, 2007, 03:07 PM
Nice Poster
Join Date: April 5, 2004
Re: Hack Linux
Depends. For a machine you have Physical Access to, the funniest one I have found is to hit "e" at the grub screen to edit the boot menu, and remove "quiet splash" and append "single" or in some cases "1" and boot the machine up. It logs you in with root access to the machine, without a password. Good to know if you *forget* your password.
Do that, then type "passwd" and enter the new password, and you've changed the root password. Fun.
- Bill


text:
Best online casino to play blackjack
Top 5 Best Sites to Play Blackjack Online. choose the Best 5 Online Casinos where to play BlackJack. find online but there is no match for online casino.The following online casino accept players from United States and Rest.
Play Blackjack for Money OnlinePlay all your favorite online casino games at Casino com. looking to play blackjack online,. at our online casino today to enjoy the very best in online.
Look at our Blackjack software table for the best Blackjack download in the online gambling.Rebecca has best online casino can not be too many projects a.
Be sure to review whether any casino you choose to play Online Blackjack at offers any bonuses and to examine the details pertaining to.How to Play Online Blackjack. The best possible score is 21. Blackjack. and the same is true of the online casino world.
Free Poker Casino Games OnlineThe casual casino player rarely thinks to consider recommendations about the best online blackjack. the right game and the right online casino where to play.Welcome to best online casino reviews portal. NetBet.org is a valuable source of information for online gambling fans.
Guide to playing online blackjack for real money including the best.
Blackjack Basic Strategy ChartThe faster play,. of the best online casinos to play blackjack on,.
Blackjack Strategies
Best Online Casino To Play Blackjack Blackjack at Golden Riviera Casino.Although I usually always play some blackjack at each casino I review,.You can also play many variations of online blackjack. the best of all worlds.Take advantage of the bonuses on our site and play Blackjack Online today to.
CasinoTopsOnline.com recommends the best online Blackjack games.
Play Free Casino Blackjack GameGolden Riviera Casino provides an Online Blackjack playing experience for.Enjoy Vegas style Blackjack action Online when you Download or Play.
You will find breakdowns on which of the best Blackjack casinos have.
Blackjack Casino Card GamesThe result is a complete set of online blackjack casino ratings that will.
Play Blackjack Online CasinoOur updated casino reviews and top 10 online casinos list make it easy to find the best online. a casino a top online casino. want to play at the casino.
Atlantic City Blackjack Game
Online Casino Blackjack
Blackjack Card Counting
How to Play Online Blackjack by:. and hone your casino skills.Finding The Best Blackjack. which is why a smart blackjack player would never play this game.Virtually every single online casino will give you a welcome bonus to you so.The game was created for blackjack lovers and suits for beginners who can learn how.Many players who play at the best UK online. but when they are looking for a specific game like Double Attack Blackjack, they may have to play at a casino that.Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Blackjack 21 - play free.
Play Online Blackjack For Real Money. Blackjack is the perfect game to play with friends or in a casino.Play FREE blackjack and learn best casino strategies and practices.
Welcome to our free blackjack page where you can practice your blackjack skills and strategy on our flash.Live dealer casino games are the natural. experience while playing online.


text:
When Dr. Edward Weil arrived at Brooklyn Poly in 1987 to begin his position as a research professor at the Polymer Research Institute (PRI), he was already known in the field for his impressive patent work with polymers.
Ana is something of a coding superstar. She acquired these skills from her obsession with computer games, which she has played since she was 14 in her native Rio de Janiero.
When she came to NYU Tandon in 2015 to complete a pre-college program for high school students, Isabella DeSimone fell in love. Like many teenagers, Isabella was imagining where she might want to go to college.


text:
Greenwich (GNIS FID: 1437572) is a populated place located in Piute County at latitude 38.431 and longitude -111.923.
The elevation of Greenwich is 6,854 feet. Greenwich appears on the Greenwich U.S. Geological Survey Map. Piute County is in the Mountain Time Zone (UTC -7 hours).
Piute County: Cities & Towns | ZIP Codes | Features (airports, churches, hospitals, etc.)
BIG Map |
Driving Directions |
Data Source - USGS GNIS FID: 1437572
BOUNDARY MAPS: Circleville Division | Piute County
Burrville, UT
(10.1 miles NNE)
Lakeside Resort, UT (12.3 miles NE)
Angle, UT
(12.9 miles SSW)
Fishlake Resort, UT (13.4 miles NE)


text:
Western Star Trucks
The finest quality truck lighting solutions are available through Truck-Lite. Using
state-of-the-art lighting technology, Truck-Lite makes a light for virtually every
trucking need.
Starters and Alternators*
Leece-Neville alternators and starters are known for reliable, heavy duty
performance along with being designed for high-output over a broad range of operating
Spring Brakes*
You can't go wrong when you're choosing the strongest, most reliable spring brake in
the industry. OEM standard on trucks and trailers.
Professional CB Radios*
Enjoy unsurpassed range and sound quality with Cobra professional CB radios. Cobra
CB radios feature the Sound-Tracker system which cuts noise coming in up to 90% and
strengthens signals going out. The result is a cleaner, clearer sounding CB with more
powerful transmissions.
National Seating
Air Suspension Seats*
National Seating Cush-N-Aire II air suspension seats are the comfortable seats that
last. Standard features include contoured cushions, 7" slide, front cushion
adjustment, power air lumbar and much more.
Western Star
Maintenance Free Batteries*
Get reliable starts time after time with Western Star heavy-duty batteries. Special
computer aided design for more durability. Anchor-locked elements with radial grid resists
AlliedSignal Bendix
Air Dryers*
For quality when it counts, insist on AlliedSignal Bendix air brake system products.
Integral turbo cut-off valve on new and reman air dryers saves horsepower. Reman dryer and
cartridges are remanufactured to OE specs.
U-Joints and Center Bearings*
Meritor (A Heritage of Rockwell Technology) quality U-joints and center bearings are
specially engineered for today's trucks. Insist on Meritor for longer component life and
extra miles down the road.
For safer driving, insist on Cham-Cal. Mirrors feature mirror-bright finishes designed
to look good and help compliment your truck's appearance.
Safety Specials
Travel Safe and be ready for any emergency with these essential safety items no trucker
should be without.
Fifth Wheel Products*
Holland Fifth Wheel replacement parts are built rugged to provide the needed strength
for heavy-duty applications. Insist on the best and buy Holland Fifth Wheel products.
Tie Rod Ends*
For safe and reliable steering, be sure you choose TRW Tie Rod Ends. TRW manufactures
the highest quality products with the newest technology. Many popular applications for
outstanding value.
Mufflers and Clamps*
Fleetguard/Nelson offers higher technology for today's products
and tomorrow's
needs. Made from heavy gauge, premium steel, Fleetguard/Nelson mufflers help control
engine exhaust noise without decreasing engine performance.
Electrical Cables and Air Lines*
Philantron Coiled Air and Electrical Cables offer superior flexibility and strength,
even in the coldest or hottest climate. Air Line hoses are twice the thickness of nylon
brands. Electrical cables will withstand an accidental pull force of up to 352 lb.
Brake Drums*
For performance and safety, make sure you ride on Guinite. Popular brake drums for your
truck and trailer. Engineered to OEM standards.
Chrome Accessories*
Give your truck a "winning" look with high quality, built tough, Dieters
stainless steel truck accessories. Dieters uses higher grades metals-the best of the best.
All hardware and mounting brackets included.
Web site design and
categorical structure Copyright 1999-2001 � Web-Site-Designs.com
All Rights Reserved


text:
Update 11:56 a.m.: Well, we got more details on this incident -- and they're kinda nuts. Sgt. Danielle Newman told us that the suspect -- identified as 23-year-old Adam Rowbury of Fairfax -- had walked into the store two hours prior to his arrest. He browsed the store that entire time, but touched nothing until he came across something that he did fancy: a blue superman shirt.
Rowbury allegedly stripped naked, put on the shirt, a pair of underwear, and a pair of socks and walked up to the counter where he paid for everything but the socks. The security guard, who had his eye on Rowbury the whole two hours, took note of this. After Rowbury left, the security guard looked at the receipt which confirmed the suspect had paid for everything but the socks. The guard chased after Rowbury where a fight ensued -- punches were thrown on both ends. Eventually, the security guard got the suspect in handcuffs, and called the cops. Rowbury was arrested on suspicion of robbery and a probation violation. Here's what he looks like, sans the Superman shirt.
Original story 10 a.m.: A 23-year-old man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly shoplifted a pair of socks after buying underwear and a shirt from a Mission District store.
Details were scarce this morning, but Officer Gordon Shyy says that at about 2:38 p.m., the man walked into a store on the 2600 block of Mission Street to a little shopping. According to police, the man grabbed a shirt, underwear, and a pair of socks, and dressed himself in the new clothing.
The man then paid for the shirt and underwear, but for unknown reasons, he refused to pay for the socks, police said. The sock thief bolted out of the store with his new items, and a security guard chased after him.
The guard caught up with the thief who then turned around and punched him several times in the face.
The suspect was arrested and hauled to San Francisco County Jail where he got a free pair of scrubs.
Comments are closed.


text:
The Shadows(Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 13)(80) by J.R.Ward
God, he was rather pathetic, wasn't he.
More to the point, what was he going to do?
With the cocaine sizzling in his veins, his brain made a sudden A + B = C calculation that was based on a totally … preposterous idea.
Which nonetheless offered him a rather stunning solution to all this.
Straightening in his seat, he frowned and looked around the room, his eyes going on a wander as his brain pick, pick, picked apart the plan. When he could find no fault, he cleared Sola's digits from the screen of his phone and dialed Ehric. When he got voice mail, he figured they were probably still dematerialized.
A second later, his phone rang and he answered, not bothering with a greeting. "Have you left the symbol for him yet?"
Ehric's reply was muffled by the wind down by the river. "We've just arrived."
"Wait for him. Do not reveal yourself."
Assail continued to give instructions, and at the end of it all, Ehric's response was perfect: "As you wish."
Assail ended the call and sank back into the chair. Taking a deep breath, he cursed. This was going to be a lot of work. But it was the only solution he seemed to have.
Plus, the fact that this would consume him for the appreciable future? Was exactly what he wanted. And if it didn't work? Well, then he'd be dead and he wouldn't care about anything anymore.
Not even the woman he longed for with every inch of his body and all of his black, misbegotten heart.
Her mother had gotten it right with that name of hers.
Marisol had indeed stolen his soul.
iAm had not intended for Trez's words to sink in any more than the cold breeze had when they'd been standing in the courtyard. He had planned to go inside, eat something fast, and forget that whole interaction had occurred. Go about his night. Head over to the clubs and the restaurant. Push papers, take control, make some decisions that were concrete and solid.
Instead, he was stuck in the foyer, staring up at the three-story-high ceiling that had been painted by some great artist. The subject matter was, he supposed, inspirational: heroes on venerable steeds, fighting in the clouds, heavenly warriors who were brave and strong and on the side of the righteous.
But all that glory wasn't why he'd gone into pause mode.
Trez's destiny was a house of cards, a delicate, tricky thing that had had to be managed all of both their lives. Every move iAm took had to be careful, deliberate, and calculated with the goal of survival.
His brother's.
He was a centuries-old virgin because of it.
Hell, he hadn't even looked at a female, like, ever.
Whether Trez had been banging them in the clubs, or throwing porn up on the TV, or talking about what he'd done all over his desk, in the back of his car, outside in the fucking parking lot, iAm had never had any interest in any of it.
He'd been a flatline motherfucker.
Mother-not-fucker, as it were.
And yeah, he'd tried on the whole gay thing for size, wondering if maybe he was attracted to men and males.
It had gotten to the point where, if it weren't for the fact that he washed them every night, he'd have wondered whether or not he had any balls.
Ask yourself what's going to be left for you after I'm gone. If you're honest, I don't think you're going to like the answer any more than I do.
Without being aware of having come to a decision, iAm turned on his heel and went out through the vestibule. On the front stoop of the massive gray mansion, he stood in the wind …
… and then took flight.
On the journey to his destination, flashes of the past battered at him: Trez escaping from the palace. iAm being held until he promised to bring the male back—which had been the last thing he'd actually intended on doing. The mad hunt.
The cabin on Black Snake Mountain.
As iAm resumed his form, he had a moment of straight-up nausea as he took in the ragged, weathered structure with its rough vertical siding and its cedar shingles and that rock chimney which extruded from the roofline like a bad tooth. It was … exactly the same. Not even kind of the same, with different windows or shrubbery growing or trees that had fallen or overgrown.
No, for a split second he wasn't sure whether this was years ago or right now.
Shaking himself, he walked to the front door. The hinges creaked as he opened things up, and at least he was better prepared for what he saw.
Precisely the same. From the placement of the no-frills furniture, to the old-fire smell, to the drafts that wheedled their way through the walls.
He closed the door behind him and walked around, his boots making the rough-cut floorboards clap and groan. Over by the river-rock hearth, he found a generous supply of wood—guess the last hunters who had used the place had been good little helpers and ready to pay shit forward.
His hands shook as he laid logs on the andirons and shoved pine needles underneath. Taking out the lighter he kept on him thanks to having worked with a lot of temperamental gas cooktops, he lit things, fanned them, got the flames up and rolling.
He told himself it was a waste of time and heat. She wasn't going to come. There was no way she was going to come.
He was just going to hang here for a half hour or so, play witness to his brain sinking into some dark, dangerous territory, and then put out the fire and head back to Caldie.
The clubs. He would go to the clubs first, and then—
The sound of that creaky door opening made him stiffen.
maichen's scent flooded the interior.
Cranking his head around, he lifted his eyes. There in the doorway, she stood in the flesh, her robes flapping in the cold wind rushing in from behind her.
She was both a ghost … and soul-shatteringly vital.
And as he looked at her, he knew exactly why they had both come.
Selena took the long underground tunnel to the training center slowly. It was a case of one foot after the other, from the base of the short stairs that led into the subterranean passageway to the door that opened into the office closet. Every time she had to enter a passcode or push her way through a jamb, she waited for the reconsideration to hit her. The turnaround to happen. The back-upstairs to be made manifest.
Instead, she ended up not just emerging into Tohr's work space, but going through its glass door and coming out into the concrete corridor beyond.
The clinic was about thirty yards down, that collection of doors coming after all kinds of alternate destinations presented themselves: weight rooms, gyms, locker rooms.
Her feet didn't stop at any of those.
No, they took her right to the one place she had resolved never to return to voluntarily.
Her knock was quiet, an opportunity for a no-reply either because nobody was there (score!) or they were busy helping someone else (sad, but a relief, too) or so engrossed in work they didn't hear her (which was like leaving a voice mail for someone you didn't really want to speak with anyway).
Doc Jane opened up. And did a whoa-hey! recoil. "Selena, hi."
She lifted her palm up lamely. "Hi."
There was a pause. And then the doctor said, "Is this a social thing or do you need…"
"You're probably pretty busy, right."
"Actually, after having been slammed for about three days straight, I've just been catching up on medical records." The female eased back. "Come on in if you like."
Selena braced herself. Stepped over the threshold. Tried desperately not to look at that exam table.
Meanwhile, Doc Jane went over and sat down on a rolling stool, folding her white coat around herself and crossing her legs. The scrubs she had on underneath were blue. Her Crocs were red.
Her eyes were forest green. And grave.
Selena started to walk around, but everywhere she looked, all she saw were glass-fronted stainless-steel cabinets with torture instruments in them. Rattled, she eyed the door to the corridor, which was shutting slowly, silently, on its own.
Like the lid of a coffin.
"Hey," Doc Jane said, "I was just going to go stretch my legs. You want to join me for a couple of laps around the gym?"
"Oh, God, yes. Thank you."
The pair of them went out together, heading down passed a number of doors and many, many yards of corridor. When they got to their destination, Doc Jane opened the heavy steel panel and turned on the caged ceiling lights.
"I know it's weird, but I love this place," Jane said. "The wood with that beautiful honey-yellow color and everything smells like floor cleaner. Which is kinda nuts, because I hate chemicals in the air or on things."
As the doctor started them walking around the far edge of the basketball courts, Selena was pretty sure that the pace was kept slow on purpose.
They'd made it down the short side, under the hoop, and through the left turn to head along the bleachers before Selena said anything.
"I think…" Tears came to her eyes and she realized she was terrified.
"We have all the time you need," Doc Jane said softly.
Selena wiped under both eyes. "I'm afraid to talk about it. Like if I do…"
Copyright © 2015 by Read Best Books Free Online


text:
Paper Basics - Rustic White Cardstock (50 Sheets)
Price: $9.00
Product ID : 64528
Our Rustic White cardstock falls right in between Stamper''s Select White and Vintage Cream. It features small flecks of natural fibers & flecks, giving it just a hint of a recycled nature. The flecks & fibers are small enough that they don''t end up interfering with a stamped image, yet it has a bit more character and warmth than our regular white. It is reminiscent of birch bark! 8 1/2 X 11 50 sheets
Related Products
Perfect Match Ocean Tides Cardstock (24 Sheets)
Price: $5.00
Perfect Match Terracotta Tile Cardstock (24 sheets)
Price: $5.00
Perfect Match Pure Poppy Cardstock (50 sheets)
Price: $9.00


text:
P&G alumni trade show planned
The Procter & Gamble Alumni Network has scheduled its second showcase trade show, for March 4, with plans to expand upon the numbers of attendees and exhibitors since its last show back in September 2005.
The show, which is open to the public, will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. The last event, which attracted more than 30 exhibitors and more than 225 attendees, also was open to the public, but it was not promoted as such, said Jeff Goldstein, chair emeritus of the network.
The P&G Alumni Network is an international organization of former P&G employees that share ideas and resources. A nonprofit, it donates any profits to charitable groups around the world.
Goldstein does not know how many people will attend the trade show this year, since the network is still taking exhibitors. But the event will showcase local businesses, charities, educational organizations and others.
Tickets cost $10 through Feb. 18. After that, the price rises to $15 until the day of the event, when tickets will cost $20 at the door.
The alumni network also hosts a biennial reunion. The last, in March 2007, was held at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza downtown. Attendees included Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay and former P&G director; Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit Inc.; Neil DeFeo, the head of Playtex; and several former Procter CEOs, including John Smale, Ed Artzt and John Pepper.
The showcase is different from the reunion. But it can still benefit P&G, should its representatives be there, since P&��s own Connect + Develop program is designed to link it up with outside resources and their innovations. For more information, see http://cincinnati.pgalums.com/
Cincinnati-based P&G (NYSE:PG) is the world's largest consumer products maker.


text:
What should be determined immediately is if "brand bible" is just being used as a cute term for core policies and procedures or do they really mean "Brand Bible."
The concept of using the term brand bible conveys that this document is the foundation or reference for belief, trust and faith. Inherent with the behavior, attitude, attained skills, knowledge and experience that are associated with belief, trust and faith there is the assumption that the business will grow in power, strength and resilience. However, this is faulty logic if there has been no process through which the brand bible has been proven as the source of strength as in Bible. In the absence of a profession of belief and faith by the rank and file employees and managers who are integral to the strength in the mystical powers of branding the use of the term bible is very assumptive. Actually, a safer presumption would be that all those exposed to the brand bible the first time will have doubt or even cynicism.


text:
Of all the pictures in the Smell story, I think this one sums it up. I also look at the kid on the right and think "Thats how I feel, too." I always had a best friend who would make that face anytime a camera was whipped out. That insane 15 yr old boy face, commonly featured in yearbook photos of the arcane and lesser science and language clubs. You could write a hundred stories about friendship of those two boys and that bike. They might read my story about the Smell, but they will think it's fucking stupid. I can't imagine what they do on the internet. Like do they play games? Do they download leaks of the Wolves in the Thronewoom record? Do they look up sick shit on Youtube? I imagine they listen to records together. And then they burn down the school, like in Over The Edge.
This picture proves that Dybek line about "most boys are washed up by seventeen" wrong. These kids are waiting to explode.


text:
In an amazing offer by Tradus
Get Nike Eliminate Sports Shoes worth Rs. 1999/- at just Rs. 999/-
Limited Period offer
Shoes Specifications:
Type: Sports Shoes
Brand: Nike
Color: White, Black
Gender: Men
Material: Synthetic
How to get Nike Eliminate Sports Shoes at just Rs. 999/-:-
* Add the Backpack to cart
* Proceed to pay Rs. 999/- only


text:
Sample Video Devotional Minute from Luke 1:1-4
Fast Facts
Sign Up Today!
"My day begins with your spiritual video. It is so nice to start the day inspired!" - Terri Stanley (Premier Appraisals)
"This program is a great way to start your day and will help you have a great attitude." - Sami
"Powerline is a great daily devotional for my husband and I to explore Gods word together." - Barbara (Hairstylist)
"With this tool I can hear from God's Word even on the busiest and most hectic days!" - Jaime (Mother of two)
"I love how Ezra uses each chapter of a book in the Bible and illustrates how it applies and is relevant to our lives today. " Ron Klause, engineer, retired
"Thanks, Ezra for the reminder to "Take time to be Holy and speak oft with thy Lord." -Larry Dunn (Retired Teacher)
It's a great devotional or supplement for one, and the messages are helpful. Bro you check it out! - James (College Student)
"I find the daily devotionals to be both thought-provoking and encouraging. I appreciate the focus on specific chapters and verses which gives me the desire to dig deeper into God's word. A great way to start my day!" - Paula Vandegriff
"My husband and I enjoy the devotionals so much. We usually start our day while we are getting ready by turning on our "Powerline Kingdom Ministries" first thing to give us a boost for the beginning of our day." - Pam Hahn
"A great way to start the day! I encourage anyone, if able, to utilize this wonderful video tool." - Bonnie (Retired)
"I really appreciate Ezra's Powerline Minute. It is a quick easy way to get a biblical perspective every day." - Lynn (Buyer at A.F.E.)
"I really like that it is short. So many daily 'devotionals' (for lack of a better word) are so long that I put off listening/watching/reading them." - Lynn
"I enjoy listening to the Powerline Minute each day. Ezra gives good insights." - Unknown
"Powerline's Daily Video devotional is a creative way to engage people in Bible Study and personal growth. I recommend it to anyone." - Joel Byer (Pastor)
"I look forward to participating in this devotional. It not only encourages me to connect everyday with our LORD, but also provides a sense of connection with the community of faith we enjoy in Christ." - Dawn Schneider
"Powerline Minute has been an amazing blessing! It has gotten me daily into God's Word and has been encouraging and enlightening!" - Jennifer (Stay At Home Mom)
"This is such a great way to start understanding what you are reading!" - Cassie
"The Powerline Minute has been a big help to me in starting me day with a good attitude, and assurance knowing that He is with me all day long." - Unknown
"My walk through scripture has grown with your Powerline Ministry. A wonderful way to grow in the word." - Dianne
"Powerline Minute is such an easy awesome way to get into the word. Its fast and it challenges you daily." - Carol (Realtor)
"This daily thought from God's word is always compact and practical. Goes great with coffee!" - Melvin Adams
"Daily Powerline Minutes offer me a way to maintain a steady devotional life by listening, reading, and applying the Word." - Heidi (College Student)
"Nothing like taking a few minutes out of your day to get it kick started. This is great for that!" -Josh (HVAC)
"It was what I always needed at the right time. Unique way to share the gospel and convenient for us to look back on!" - Kaitlin (Student Nurse)
"I really like the fact that your 'sermons in a second' are short and to the point with a focus on a certain aspect of the Bible chapter that can readily be applied to everyday living." - Alan Vincent
"We listen to it together every morning before getting out of bed. It's a good way to start the day." - Jimmy & Harriett Bocckinfuso
"Enjoy your message each morning. A great start to the day!!" - Ruth Bernau


text:
One of the best places to visit in NY, if you're into great music, a great selection of books and magazines, delicious coffee and drinks, plus…if you're a vinyl lover, or collector, is Rough Trade.
The New York store, based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the biggest one they have and it's definitely a special place. We love the containers they installed in the space and the effortless decor!
It's huge and pretty easy to get lost amidst the many amazing works spread throughout the huge 15,000sqft warehouse. You'll find everything from old all-time favorites, to new, upcoming artists and great hits. A vast variety of musical instruments and accessories are found around the store too.
As they explain:
"Rough Trade first opened in 1976, West London, on the doorstep of punk. Forty years on, we continue to celebrate and focus on simply the most exciting music. As our stores have grown in size and popularity, so has their scope and ability to embrace a wider celebration of independent thinking, creativity and fearless self-expression, from literature to DIY technology. Fundamentally, our stores provide creative, independent minds a shared place of discovery and congregation."
They also host great gigs with local artists in the back of the store and offer a full bar service. Tickets sell out quickly, so do keep your eyes opened in advance!
- Monday - Saturday 11.00am - 11.00pm
- Sunday 11.00am - 9.00pm
Location: 64 North 9th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn


text:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One suspect is dead and three others are in custody amid a stolen car investigation in Nashville.
The situation unfolded Friday afternoon in Antioch around the South Shore neighborhood off Hamilton Church Road, not too far from the La Vergne city line.
Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said the incident actually began two days ago when a woman left her keys and purse inside her Oldsmobile on Meridian Street in East Nashville.
The woman worked with her dealership to track the GPS signal to Sunset Drive near Hart Lane. Police said the woman found her car, saw it was empty, and went to have an extra key made, but when she arrived the second time, her car was gone.
Metro-Nashville police were called on Thursday and an investigation began.
The car's GPS was tracked again Friday, and both K-9 officers and a helicopter were used to pinpoint the location.
According to Aaron, the Oldsmobile was found driving down Oceanfront Circle in the South Shore neighborhood as a police cruiser was driving up the same street.
The Oldsmobile collided with the driver's side of the police cruiser, pinning the officer inside. Four people inside the Oldsmobile then bailed out of the passenger's side and took off running.
Aaron reported a K-9 officer spotted two of the suspects run into nearby woods a short time later.
The officer let his K-9 go after the suspects and one shot as heard. Once police got to the scene, one suspect was captured by the K-9 while another was found dead.
Aaron said the suspect was either shot by his accomplice or himself; two guns were found on the ground, and no Metro police officer ever fired a weapon.
A third suspect was also caught by the K-9 about eight-tenths of a mile away, while the fourth was located inside a shed back near the homes in South Shore in the area of Beachfront Avenue and Oceanfront Circle.
None of the suspects' identities have been released at this time.
The investigation is ongoing.
Aaron said police still need to determine who shot the suspect that was killed in the woods—himself or an accomplice.
He also said two bullet holes were found on the top of Oldsmobile, "strongly suggesting" one of the suspects got out of the vehicle and fired two shots toward the police car.
"The bullet holes are angled in such a way that they are facing toward the police car," Aaron explained. "The shots were fired in that direction."


text:
Blackburn sham marriages gang sentenced
Five people from Lancashire have been sentenced for taking part in sham marriages in Blackburn and Darwen.
Kevin Donnelly, 34, of Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle and Jason Proctor, 40, of Prices Street, Blackburn, were jailed for 10 months at Preston Crown Court.
Amanda Nolan, 28, Denny Wallace, 22, and Gemma Nelson, 28, all from Blackburn, were given suspended prison sentences.
The weddings took place between October 2008 and October 2010.
The gang was involved in three sham marriages, receiving money to help Vietnamese people remain in the country, Lancashire Police said.
Donnelly, Proctor, Nolan and Wallace were all found guilty of assisting unlawful immigration in to EU member states.
Nolan, of Windsor Road, Blackburn, was given a 44-week sentence, suspended for two years and Wallace of Preston New Road, Blackburn, was given a 36-week sentence, suspended for two years.
Nelson of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, was found guilty of assisting illegal entry into EU member states and given a 36-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Police said the gang arranged wedding ceremonies with some exchanging rings and holding wedding breakfasts.
They took pictures of the ceremonies and presented them to the Home Office as proof of their relationships.
Police said they were given a tip-off from a member of the public on 4 October 2010 - the day after Nolan's £1,500 wedding at Whitehall Country Club, Darwen.
Det Supt Julie Cross said: "They were paid large sums of money to enter into marriages of convenience, which were a complete sham.
"I hope the case acts as a warning to those who abuse immigration rules to help people to illegally remain in the UK."
Police are still trying to trace a further four people who are believed to be involved in the sham marriages: Tuan Hoang Luu and Trang Thi Thuy Luu, both 24, and Thi Le Quyen Le and Dat Van Vu, both 23.