text:
Bobby Valentino
Bobby Valentino
Bobby Valentino has been in the music business for more than ten years, having first hit the scene with the group Mista, with their hit single "Blackberry Molasses."
Read our exclusive interview with Bobby Valentino »
Bobby gets the crowd hype as he jams in New York City.
The ladies swoon as Bobby performs his catchy ballads.
Bobby attends the opening of "The Color Purple" musical in Los Angeles.
The Atlanta singer isn't afraid to step outside the box when it comes to fashion. Here he complements the red carpet in pink.
Bobby takes his time as he performs.
Bobby attended Clark Atlanta University after leaving Mista and entered the spotlight again as a solo artist.
Along with music, Bobby has a passion for fashion.
Bobby loves his female friends and they love him right back, as he gives out roses during a show.
Bobby is excited to go to higher heights with his new album, after big hits with Ludacris and Lil Wayne.
"The Rebirth" signifies his growth as a man and musician.
Bobby Valentino is excited to bring his smooth sound back to the airwaves.


text:
Suwannee- Hamilton Technical Center
415 SW Pinewood Drive
Live Oak, FL 32064
United States of America
(view map)
Find an Instructor
- Wall Systems
Cavity Walls
Single Wythe and Barrier Walls
- Details
Masonry Details
A library of quality masonry construction details from across the country that can be downloaded and used in your masonry projects.
Spec Sheets
Find and download guide specification sheets for masonry products.
- Benefits
Masonry Benefits
Using a Masonry System for your next project will help you deliver a completed, structurally sound building in the shortest period of time.
Masonry Facts
Masonry materials do not emit volatile gases.
- Gallery
Project Galleries
Featured Project - Pasadena Police Headquarters
The City of Pasadena (incorporated in 1928) has experienced dynamic growth requiring the police department to grow from one vehicle to a fleet of 240 and from four officers to approximately 260 officers and 78 civilians. The police station has changed from three offices to a three story 31,000 square foot building to the new 80,000+ square foot facility. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. supplied and installed over 225,000 St. Joe brick, 150,000 regular weight concrete masonry units containing 570 cubic yards of grout and 1,430 pieces of cast stone (many of them having radiused faces). All perim... View project
- Knowledge
Knowledge Base
Masonry Basics
Want to learn more about the materials and accessories that make masonry wall systems work? Search our glossary of essential terms for a primer on the essential components of well-built masonry walls. View glossary
- Communication
Communication Center
Recent Discussion
What are your thoughts on robots on the job site? Join Discussion
- Resources
Masonry Resource Directory
Find a Contractor
Find a Designer
Find a Supplier
- Details

subset: commoncrawl


text: Well I've went from a 12x6 single mower to a 6.5 X16 double mower set up. the 12 ft trailer had plenty of room for extra equipment. With two mowers on the 16' trailer I need some accessories for the gas cans, and hand blower, etc. Any one have pictures of their set up to give me ideas. Where is a good parts catalog for trailer accessories? I'm not really seeing what I want in the J-Thomas catalog. I'm thinking a tongue box will help a lot but I could still use some more room. Maybe an extra toolbox in the bed of the truck. Pictures and ideas anyone. Much appreciated.


text:
I was spending the weekend with a bunch of old college chums when I heard the news that iconic film director John Hughes had passed away. Since I went to school during the height of Hughes' popularity in the mid-80s, it was somehow appropriate that I would be in the company of the very people with whom I saw his movies.
Hughes directed, produced and/or wrote some of the most memorable films of my generation.
He directed Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, She's Having a Baby, Uncle Buck, and Curly Sue.
He wrote Mr. Mom, Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, and all three Home Alone movies.
And in the process, he created the "Brat Pack" and helped launch the careers of Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, Lea Thompson, John Cusack, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Jennifer Grey and Macaulay Culkin. It's hard to imagine what the 80s would have been like without Hughes' influence on the decade.
Who's your favorite John Hughes protege: Matthew Broderick, Anthony Michael Hall or Molly Ringwald ? Voice your choice in today's featured poll. I'm off to light a candle — or sixteeen — in his honor.
For the latest pop culture news and voting, make sure to sign up for the People's Choice newsletter!


text:
Steering Committee
Tracey Easthope
Tracey Easthope directs the Ecology Center's Environmental Health Project, and the Center's new Green Chemistry and Safer Chemicals Project. She has 21 years of experience in strategic campaign development, organizing, policy analysis and development and technical assistance on environmental health and chemicals issues. She serves on the Governor-appointed State of Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable. She founded and still advises the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health, a statewide environmental health coalition working to advance chemicals policy at the state level. She is a founding member of the international Health Care Without Harm campaign, and continues to help lead the Coalition's chemicals policy work. She founded the Center's Healthy Food in Healthcare Initiative, and organized the Ecology Center's collaborative pollution prevention initiative with the Michigan Hospital Association, helping to launch their greening initiative. Ms. Easthope is an editor of the New Solutions journal.
Kathy Gerwig
Kathy Gerwig is Vice President, Employee Safety, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Stewardship Officer for Kaiser Permanente, one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans serving about nine million members. Ms. Gerwig is responsible for developing, organizing and managing a nationwide environmental initiative for the organization. Under her leadership, Kaiser Permanente has become widely recognized as an environmental leader in the health care sector. Ms. Gerwig has testified twice to Congress on the need for federal chemical policy reform, and she has appeared at numerous hearings on environmental issues. She is also Kaiser Permanente's national leader for Employee Safety, Health and Wellness, responsible for eliminating workplace injuries, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and reducing health risks for the organization's 167,000 employees and 15,000 physicians. She is on the boards of several leading non-governmental organizations focused on safety and environmental sustainability in health care.
Richard Liroff
Dr. Richard Liroff is founder and Executive Director of the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN), a group of investment advisors and managers working to reduce business' "toxic footprint"—their production and use of toxic chemicals. With Green Century Capital Management in Boston, Dr. Liroff also leads investor efforts to promote increased disclosure by energy companies on reducing the environmental and business risks of hydraulic fracturing operations for natural gas. Dr. Liroff developed IEHN after more than two decades' work at World Wildlife Fund, where as a Senior Program Officer he directed domestic and international projects on toxic chemicals and other environmental concerns. Dr. Liroff is an appointed member of the Green Ribbon Science Advisory Panel for the State of California's Green Chemistry Program and an elected member of the advisory council for the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council. His previous experience includes positions at The Environmental Law Institute and The Brookings Institution. Dr. Liroff is an author/editor of six books and numerous articles and reports on environmental policy, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability
Roger McFadden
Roger is President and Senior Scientist for McFadden and Associates, LLC., is a nationally recognized leader in the fields of green cleaning products and ecological sustainability. He previously worked as Vice President and Senior Scientist at Staples, Inc.. As the creator of Staples' exclusive line of Sustainable Earth cleaning products, he has developed the commercial cleaning industry's most stringent standard for evaluating environmental, health, and safety impacts of cleaning products. Prior to joining Staples, Mr. McFadden was Chief Science Officer for Corporate Express and before that, Vice President of Technical Services and Product Development for Coastwide Laboratories. Earlier in his career, he worked as a consulting chemist and product engineer for several chemical manufacturing companies in both the U.S. and Canada.
Mr. McFadden is a charter member of the Green Chemistry Commerce Council and currently chairs a committee to advance Green Chemistry and the EPA Design for the Environment Formulator Initiatives. He is a member of the California Green Ribbon Science Panel and has served as the chairman of former Oregon governor Kitzhaber's Community Sustainability Council Workgroup for Cleaning. Mr. McFadden is a frequent speaker on environmental, safety and health topics to health care organizations, educational institutions, public agencies and private corporations.
Ted Smith
Ted Smith is founder and former Executive Director of Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, a grass roots environmental coalition formed in 1982 in response to environmental pollution caused by electronics manufacturing in Silicon Valley, California. Mr. Smith is also co-founder and Chair of the steering committee of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, which is working to promote life-cycle producer responsibility within the high-tech electronics industry. In addition, he is co-founder and Coordinator of the International Campaign for Responsible Technology (ICRT), an international network committed to working for the development of sustainable, non-polluting technologies. He has served on the boards of several environmental non-profit organizations and is an environmental stakeholder in formal processes convened by Hewlett-Packard and Dell. He is a widely published author and respected speaker and is co-editor of "Challenging the Chip: Labor Rights and Environmental Justice in the Global Electronics Industry," published by Temple University Press, 2006. In 2001, Mr. Smith was recognized by the Dalai Lama for his environmental leadership. In 2006 he was named a Purpose Prize Fellow. In 2008 he was named "Environmentalist of the year" by the Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters.
Rachelle Reyes Wenger, MPA
Rachelle Reyes Wenger is the Director of Public Policy and Community Advocacy for Dignity Health. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is one of the largest, private, not-for-profit healthcare system in in the nation. Dignity Health's mission is to deliver compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor, vulnerable and underserved.
Ms. Wenger has been with Dignity Health since 1996. She is primarily responsible for advancing the organization's Public Policy & Advocacy Priorities, mobilizing grassroots advocacy efforts, developing community partnerships, advocating at the local, state, national, and international arenas. Ms. Wenger manages policy issues core to Dignity Health's commitment to health care access and coverage, community health and health equity, as well as its foundational concerns focused on social and environmental determinants of health. These include: safer chemicals, climate change, homelessness, immigration reform, human trafficking, nutrition/hunger. She serves on various boards and committees: Community Hospital of San Bernardino; Housing California; California Immigrant Policy Center; Mercy Housing's Southern California Advisory Council; Health Care Without Harm Climate Council; The Root Cause Coalition's Advocacy Committee, and Business for Innovative Climate Policy (BICEP), a project of Ceres. Ms. Wenger actively co-chaired BizNGO's Policy Committee for many years, seeking meaningful reform to the Toxic Substance Control Act (ToSCA).
Howard Williams
Howard Williams manages and directs the business activities of the Construction Specialties (C/S), Inc. Interiors Division (USA, Latin and South America), which includes five business units, a staff of 450, and over 300,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing. Howard initiated the Division's environmental program in 1990. The Division received the 2003 Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for reducing its use of persistent organic pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and solid waste, and for building reuse. Mr. Williams leads the division's Chemicals Policy implementation, MBDC Cradle-to-Cradle product certification, environmental education, and on-site carbon sequestration initiatives; and led the Acrovyn Business Unit's complete transition away from PVC. For this work the Division received the US EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region 2011 Award for Environmental Excellence. Mr. Williams has testified at hearings before the US Senate and US House of Representatives, as well as at House Staff briefings, in support of federal chemical policy reform. He participated in United Nations Environment Programme, Chemicals in Products Workshop in Geneva and its Open Ended Working Group Meeting in Belgrade. He is LEED AP certified, a member of the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council, and serves on the Center for International Environmental Law's Innovation Advisory Council. Together with Chris Youssef of Perkins+Will (PW), Mr. Williams initiated the C/S and PW development of the C/S Transparency product life/ingredient labeling program.


text:
We are spending the weekend at the Inn at the Presidio this weekend and I'd like to know if you have any favorites there. Trails? Viewpoints? Secret spots? Anything. Other than brunch at Greens on Sunday, we will probably not want to venture too far from the Inn. Thanks!
Recent ActivityView all United States activity »
- 1 Need Help Picking a Neighborhood in Boston
- 2 Grand Canyon trip from Breckenridge
- 3 US cities that enforce jaywalking?
- 4 Biogenic XR
- 5 Mold Removal Grand Island
- 6 Boost up your Body Harmones With Zyflex Testosterone Complex
- 7 Dulles to BWI
- 8 Christkindlmarket in Chicago
- 9 Our next summer trip
- 10 Not a Typical Trip Report
- 11 Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion..
- 12 Family winter holiday
- 13 Lodging in Yellowstone Park
- 14 Asheville, SC to Knoxville, TN Transportation
- 15 Kauai for a week: advice needed
- 16 Drive Time from Philadelphia to Gettysburg?
- 17 Advice Nashville to Washington D.C please!
- 18 February trip San Fran to Yosemite...
- 19 glacier national park to yellowstone route
- 20 Where to Eat on Kauai?
- 21 Muir Woods - new rules
- 22 Will Travel for Food - A Long Weekend in Philly to try a restaurant
- 23 Padre Islands
- 24 Brooklyn dinner? Bronx Breakfast? And opinions on the zoo?
- 25 safe travel idea within US to travel alone with preteen daughter and Mom
Your Favorite Things to do Nearby the Presidio in San Francisco
Report Abuse
The Disney Museum is much more interesting than I expected.
Report Abuse
Try to pick up a copy of the excellent paperback book of walking tours, "Stairway Walks in San Francisco," by Adah Bakalinksy. She describes two very cool walks in/next to the Presidio (walks 8 and 9). I haven't done the main Presidio walk yet (#9), but walk 8, the Presidio Wall and Marina Waterfront, was great. It includes the grounds of the Letterman Digital Arts Center (a George Lucas venture) where you can enjoy the grounds and see the Yoda statue. If you want to avoid walking uphill, you can take a bus uphill to Pacific Street (in beautiful Pacific Heights) and walk down Lyon Street along the Presidio, including the popular Lyon Steps (great view from the top).
Report Abuse
Agree, the Disney Museum surprised us too. We enjoyed it and since it isn't really for kids, there were none!
We did this free walking tour, it too was really enjoyable:
It is offered Sat. pm, so you could do the Disney museum first.
We also did this one as well:
They are at same time on Friday, so you'd have to choose.
Check out the list for the next few days, we have done close to 20 of them.
Report Abuse
If you like art the Legion of Honor is very close. Some good shows on at the moment including Impressionists:
Report Abuse
@aprillilacs: I have that book and love it! I think we are going to do walk #9 tomorrow afternoon. We are coming from the south and will probably get on 25th to Lincoln and take Lincoln up and park where it says to by Barnard Hall.
I have been to the Disney Museum twice with my class of second graders and thought we might go back. Interestingly enough, it seemed like it was geared more towards adults than children.
I was thinking about stopping in at National Park Visitor Center before checking at the Inn and get some maps and maybe talk to a ranger to get some suggestions.
Thanks for the city guides link. I will look at that also.
Deb, How long did the tour of the Presidio last?
Report Abuse
Hmm, maybe 75 mins. You can always leave when you want. If we need to leave before the end, I make sure to let the guide know we are going and ask for "the envelope" before we go. We usually give $10 - 15 per tour, $20 if the tour is more involved like hike etc.
Report Abuse
That sounds great. Thank you.
MmePerdu, that is a good idea. I have been wanting to see that show. Hmm..we might have to add another day.
Report Abuse
>>Interestingly enough, it seemed like it was geared more towards adults than children.<<
Yes -- it wasn't really intended as a 'children's' museum. But they do offer a summer program for kids. I'd think a 2nd grade class would be bored by a lot of it. Maybe middle/high school art students would enjoy it. But mainly nostalgia/Disney history for adults.
Report Abuse
janis, what my students really enjoyed was that they got to go downstairs where they have an animation studio. They worked with an animator and created their own 5 minute movie. They loved it and the movies they created are really cute.
Report Abuse
We walked all over this morning and afternoon. Went out to Baker Beach and walked along the coast along the Bluffs Trail to the Golden Gate Overlook. We did walk #9 from the book mentioned above. We got lost and roamed around and found some interesting little places. It is a really interesting place. Lots of restoration and construction going on.
The Inn at the Presidio is very nice. We have a suite on the top floor with a view of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Not sure what we will do tomorrow, but there are lots of possibilities.
The weather is lovely. Sunny, not too breezy and very warm. Perfect late September weather in San Francisco.
Dinner tonight will be at Baker Street Bistro. More later...
Report Abuse
On our way to dinner last night we walked along what is called "Lovers Lane". It is straight pathway that goes through a bunch of really old, tall eucalytpus trees. At the top we picked up the very famous Lyon Street Stairs that descend several levels below. This is very charming and lovely area of San Francisco. Huge, old mansions and large buildings with roof decks and large windows to capture the views dominate here. The stairs are fun. We cut over to Baker Street and found the Baker Street Bistro. and had a very good dinner of French classics. It is a local, neighborhood place, with the owner seemingly knowing half of the diners. We loved it. It is not Gary Danko of La Folie, but they know how to cook duck and the desserts were excellent.
Walking back the Inn through the Presidio at night was an adventure. M had his smart phone aimed out in from of him like some sort of divining rod as if it might find our for us. We went in circles. Finally, we asked a jogger running by where the hell we were. He helped and as it turned out we were not far, just going in the wrong direction!
The beds here are very comfortable and cushy, but still nice and firm and we both slept well. Coffee in the room, followed by brekky downstairs soon. We'll nab a paper and find a bench somewhere and hunker down. Weather looks to be nice again!
Report Abuse
After breakfast, I noticed that the archaeologists that were digging up the lot across the street were back this morning. I walked across the street to find out what they were doing. I ended up having a very interesting conversation with one of the scientists who was in charge of the dig. Section by section they are digging up what used to be the foundation of the original Spanish adobe that occupied a HUGE rectangular section of what is now the main parade grounds. She showed me little pieces of pottery, bones and other things that date from the era. She expects to be working on this project for at least another 20 or 25 years. Very cool.
We then embarked on a trek that had us starting on the east end of Crissy Field. We walked along the beach and the pathway that took us eventually all the way out to Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was another beautiful day and lots of folks were out enjoying the sun. That part of beach seems popular with bod owners. Lots of happy dogs were chasing sticks and balls into the water.
An added bonus to the walk along the grassy field are the gigantic steel art structures of Mark Di Suvero that are sprinkled all over the lawn. This is a collaboration with SFMOMA. Read more here: http://www.sfmoma.org/exhib_events/exhibitions/568
We stopped in at the Warming Hut just before Fort Point. It is a good place to shop for National Park items and as we would find out later, a good place to get a sandwich. On our way to Fort Point we stopped and paid homage to Kim Novak's character in Hitchcock's film, Vertigo. In the film she jumps off the rock wall there along the drive and plunges into Bay to be saved by Jimmy Stewart. I did a mock reenactment of the scene. I am no Kim Novak.
Fort Point is interesting with lots of history and on a day like today it is a place with the most spectacular views of the city, the bay and the ocean.
We walked up the hill and back towards the Inn. It is hard not to notice all the road work and construction going on. It looks there is a lot more to do. In fact, all of the Presidio seems like it is a massive unfinished work in progress. It is a lot of fun getting to know this part of the city better.
Dinner tonight is at Sociale.
Report Abuse
dog owners, yikes.
Report Abuse
We went for a spectacular jog around there. Hard on the legs, but what a great work out. Highly recommend if you are fitness types.
Report Abuse
BostonBlondie: J>>Highly recommend if you are fitness types.<<
Just in case . . . The OP's trip was two months ago . . .
Report Abuse
Hey bostonblondie,
Thanks for topping this as I sort of "forgot" to finish it.
Sociale was great. Another neighborhood place. Unique setting. Semi-upscale. Delicious.
Looking back on the trip, the only thing I would do differently would have been to walk to Greens for brunch that Sunday instead of driving. Turns out that on Sundays there is a farmer's market at Fort Mason that everyone shops at and parking was impossible. I had to drive almost as far back as the Presidio to park, so it would've been easier and quicker to walk. We were meeting friends at 11:00 and finally sat down to eat about 12:30. I like brunch at Greens, but not THAT much.
It was a great trip and perfect way to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary.
Report Abuse
Weke - did you walk along the Marina Green - and out to the Golden Gate Bridge? Used to jog along there from our apt on Union St (near Gough) and loved it. Also used to like to get a Proscuitto and Provolene sandwich from a little deli on Chestnut Street and take it to the benches by the little Marina Green and watch the windsurfers go over as far as Sausalito.
My friend also saw Joe Dimaggio once - in line ahead of him at the Marina Safeway - a "social" market of sorts.
Report Abuse
Interesting article about the future of the Presidio...
Report Abuse
Interesting indeed! Haas money is hard to resist---just ask Stanford. thanks for the link
Report Abuse
How true.
And one doesn't want to mess around with anyone with the last name of Bechtle either. Dianne Feinstein/Nancy Pelosi/Jerry Brown vs.Nancy Bechtle.
My money is on Bechtle.
Sign in to comment.


text:
A CATHOLIC principal didn't trust or like a pedophile teacher, but never reported child sex abuse complaints against him to police because he did not want to compromise the bishop.
Terence Hayes, who currently works as a year seven teacher, was principal of a Queensland primary in 2007 and 2008 when serious child sex abuse complaints were made against teacher Gerard Byrnes.
But Mr Hayes says he never reported any allegations to police, as the school's child protection manual and state laws required, because he was always told to go to his superiors first.
"In the Catholic system, principals are not autonomous. We are virtually middle managers. So as, per the advice that had been given to me, we were constantly told we can never do anything without going to the office and getting advice of our superiors," he told a hearing of the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Brisbane on Tuesday.
"Principals were of the understanding that CEO (Catholic Education Office) was the first port of call, and that the bishop must not be compromised."
Counsel Assisting Andrew Naylor SC asked the former principal why the school's child protection manual existed if it wasn't being followed.
"That's a question for my superiors, but we were told by our superiors to 'come to us, we would help you, we are the first port of call, we work together'," Mr Hayes replied.
Mr Hayes said after the first sex abuse complaints against Byrnes were made, he didn't tell Byrnes that any action would be taken because he wanted to keep an eye on Byrnes secretly.
"I didn't trust him. I didn't like him. He was a very difficult person on staff. I didn't enjoy the guy on staff," Mr Hayes said.
But Byrnes wasn't stood down as a student protection officer at the school up until he resigned in June 2008.
He was then rehired as a relief teacher one month later.
Mr Naylor asked if Mr Hayes had made his opinion about Byrnes known to superiors before he was rehired.
"I'm a very system-orientated person and it's not for me to make a judgment on that information," Mr Hayes said.
Mr Naylor then asked if he had felt comfortable about the CEO making a decision to let Byrnes come back to his school and teach children.
"If the system had said yes, I'm comfortable," Mr Hayes replied.
Byrnes' employment at the school only ceased when he was finally arrested by police in November 2008.
He pleaded guilty to 44 child sex abuse charges, including 10 of rape, and was sentenced to 10 years jail in 2010.
The hearing is set to continue on Wednesday.


text:
Ed Miliband said that the Labour Party remained in favour of a democratically elected second chamber adding the best way to decide the issue would be to ask the country.
"I believe there should be a referendum because this is a major constitutional change and I think the best way of making sure House of Lords reform happens is by giving people a say," he said.
Although Lords reform features in the 2010 Conservative manifesto and in the Coalition agreement, Mr Cameron is coming under fire from members of his own party over the proposals, with some Conservative ministerial aides threatening to resign if it goes ahead.


text:
Posts tagged "pastels on paper" User news
Hyperrealistic seascape drawings by Zaria Forman
She traveled around the world with the artist photographer mother in her childhood years, and now Zaria Forman is an artist herself. Unlike her mother she doesn't use a camera, but she can take pictures with soft pastels on paper that looks like photographs. » read moreleggi tutto


text:
The bill calls for a tougher assault weapons ban and provisions to try to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill who make threats.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, who pushed hard for the legislation, signed the bill within an hour of it being passed by the state assembly.
"Common sense can win," said Gov Cuomo. "You can overpower the extremists with intelligence and with reason and with common sense."
Owners of an estimated one million previously legal semi-automatic rifles, like the Bushmaster model that was used to kill 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary, will be able to keep their weapons, but will have a year to register them with police.
"When there's a pile-up of events, when the federal government does not do it, the state of New York has to lead the way," said state Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, a Brooklyn Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill.
In addition to outlawing a broader array of military-style weapons, the measure restricts ammunition magazines to hold seven rounds, down from the current 10.
It also creates a more comprehensive database of people barred from owning guns and makes New York the first state to require background checks on people buying ammunition.
The system will also help flag up customers who buy large amounts of ammo.
In another provision, therapists, doctors and other mental health professionals will be required to tell state authorities if a patient threatens to use a gun illegally. The patient's weapon could then be taken away.
The National Rifle Association said: "These gun control schemes have failed in the past and will have no impact on public safety and crime.
"While lawmakers could have taken a step toward strengthening mental health reporting and focusing on criminals, they opted for trampling the rights of law-abiding gun owners in New York, and they did it under a veil of secrecy in the dark of night."
President Barack Obama will unveil his own proposals in response to the Newtown tragedy later today.
The president favours sweeping gun legislation, including a ban on assault weapons. But because of powerful opposition from the gun lobby, he is said to be weighing 19 steps he could take through executive action alone.
Those could include ordering stricter action against people who lie on gun-sale background checks, seeking to ensure more complete records in the federal database and striking limits on federal research into gun use.
New York's law passed the state Senate, which is run by a Republican-dominated coalition, by 43-18 on Monday night. The Democrat-controlled Assembly approved it 104-43 on Tuesday afternoon.
Republicans complained the measure had been rammed through the legislature and said it infringes on the second amendment right to bear arms.
"A lot of people say 'Why do you need these guns?'," said Assemblyman James Tedisco, a Schenectady Republican.
"It's part of the freedoms and liberties we have. ... It's for our public safety. It's to protect us from our own government."
He said the bill was dangerous because it would give people a "false sense of well-being".
"You are using innocent children killed by a madman for your own political agenda. You are actually making people less safe," Mr Tedisco said.
Tom King, the president of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, questioned whether other states or the federal government would follow New York's lead, and said he expects the law to be challenged in court.
- Related Stories:
- Newtown: Obama To Unveil Gun Proposals


text: The window of your living room is not only the source of natural light and air but also the real life of the room. However, you can use different tricks to give the room an open feel and make for the lack of window. This article will provide you a few tricks and you will use your imagination and the …Read More »


text:
Man Actually Arrested for Failing to Return Library Book [VIDEO]
This is one for the books.
This is one for the books.
It's never a bad time to show your mom how much she means to you.
Hurling your child several feet through the air—legally—and sending him crashing into the water is a high point in life for any dad.
Halloween is here, finally! But just because you've got a sweet zombie outfit on doesn't mean that some clever homeowner might not turn the tables and give YOU a major fright.
Shane Victorino had two hits and four runs batted in, and the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-1, in Boston on Wednesday night to win their third World Series in 10 years.
Oh, to be a kitten and be able to just go to sleep anywhere, anytime.
Do you have a monkey? If so, keep a close eye on him.
Jeff Gordon passed Matt Kenseth with 20 laps to go and held on to win the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 at Martinsville, Va. on Sunday.
Dogs seem to understand very well that human babies are there to be licked.
A butterfly must be fascinating to a dog.


text:
Rent Seeking in Hierarchical Firms
Hierarchical firms are enterprises with rigid internal job ladders. We examine the state enterprise as the prototypical hierarchical firm. In the state enterprise, promotion of employees through the internal hierarchy is determined by the workers' allocation of time between rent seeking and productive activity. Our model shows that given the incentive structure of the state enterprise we tend to see less productive and more adept rent seekers at senior management positions in such firms. Moreover, as we move up the firm's hierarchy, a decline in the productivity levels of the workers will be observed.
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the proper application to view it first. In case of further problems read the IDEAS help page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
|Date of creation:
|30 Jul 2002
|Contact details of provider:
| Postal: New Jersey Hall - 75 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1248
Phone: (732) 932-7363
Fax: (732) 932-7416
Web page: http://economics.rutgers.edu/
More information through EDIRC
References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
- Michael Keren & David Levhari, 1979. "The Optimum Span of Control in a Pure Hierarchy," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 25(11), pages 1162-1172, November.
- Sah, Raaj Kumar & Stiglitz, Joseph E, 1986.
"The Architecture of Economic Systems: Hierarchies and Polyarchies,"
American Economic Review,
American Economic Association, vol. 76(4), pages 716-727, September.
- Raaj Kumar Sah & Joseph E. Stiglitz, 1984. "The Architecture of Economic Systems: Hierarchies and Polyarchies," NBER Working Papers 1334, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Epstein, Gil S & Hillman, Arye L & Ursprung, Heinrich W, 1999. "The King Never Emigrates," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 3(2), pages 107-121, June.
- Rosen, Sherwin, 1986. "Prizes and Incentives in Elimination Tournaments," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 76(4), pages 701-715, September.
- Sherwin Rosen, 1985. "Prizes and Incentives in Elimination Tournaments," NBER Working Papers 1668, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Arye L. Hillman & John G. Riley, 1989. "Politically Contestable Rents And Transfers," Economics and Politics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 1(1), pages 17-39, 03.
- Arye L. Hillman & John G. Riley, 1987. "Politically Contestable Rents and Transfers," UCLA Economics Working Papers 452, UCLA Department of Economics.
- Jack Hirshleifer, 1989. "Conflict and rent-seeking success functions: Ratio vs. difference models of relative success," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 63(2), pages 101-112, November.
- Keren, Michael & Levhari, David, 1989. "Decentralization, aggregation, control loss and costs in a hierarchical model of the firm," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 11(2), pages 213-236, March.
- Epstein, Gil S., 1996. "The extraction of natural resources from two sites under uncertainty," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 51(3), pages 309-313, June. Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)
This item is not listed on Wikipedia, on a reading list or among the top items on IDEAS.
When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:rut:rutres:200218. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.
For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: ()
If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.
If references are entirely missing, you can add them using this form.
If the full references list an item that is present in RePEc, but the system did not link to it, you can help with this form.
If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.
Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.


text:
City News Service
SANTA ANA (CNS) – A former federal prosecutor who is now an Orange County Superior Court judge will be called to testify today at a hearing on an alleged conspiracy to violate the rights of multiple Orange County defendants, including convicted mass killer Scott Dekraai.
Scott Sanders of the Orange County Public Defender's Office will question Orange County Superior Court Judge Terri Flynn-Peister about a case involving a defendant whose murder conviction was tossed out this week, stemming from allegations Sanders made in a 500-plus page motion he filed earlier this year.
The motion claimed prosecutors illegally withheld evidence from defense attorneys and sheriff's officials and had jailhouse snitches question defendants who had asked for an attorney, a Sixth Amendment violation.
The case against Leonel Santiago Vega was vacated on Monday, meaning he will receive a new trial for a 2004 gang-related killing.
Vega's appellate court attorney, Todd Melnik, had planned to seek to have the 2010 murder conviction of his client overturned by a federal court judge. However, he changed tactics after hearing testimony from Oscar Moriel, an informant who testified against Vega, during Dekraai's hearing.
Melnik asked prosecutors to vacate the conviction and give his client another chance at a trial. Assistant District Attorney Marc Rozenberg, who is in charge of the gang unit, said he was already working on revisiting the conviction in light of the testimony in the Dekraai hearing.
"We were going through all the cases trying to make determinations what we were going to do," Rozenberg told City News Service.
Prosecutors recognized there were problems with Vega's conviction, which included failure to turn over evidence to Vega's attorney as well as the way Moriel questioned Vega in custody, Rozenberg said.
"We decided we're not going to make (Melnik) jump through hoops and file writ of habeas corpus stuff if the fair thing is to give him a new trial," Rozenberg said.
Prosecutors intend to try to convict Vega again, Rozenberg said. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12 to set a trial date.
This is a highly unusual arrangement between attorneys, made all the more unique that a sitting judge will be quizzed about it, Melnik said.
Vega's attorney during the his first trial, Rob Harley, complained to Orange County Superior Court Judge William Froeberg that prosecutors were withholding evidence, but Froeberg said he was confident prosecutors understood their obligations.
"Rob was asking the right questions and the information was there all along," Melnik said.
Sanders is expected to address claims that federal prosecutors withheld information on some informants from the Orange County District Attorney's Office, leading the violations.
Melnik predicted the Vega case won't be the last to lead to new trials or overturning of convictions on appeal.
"The situation in Orange County is a big, fat mess," Melnik said. "My case was the first domino."
Sanders is seeking to have the District Attorney's Office removed from the case and have the death penalty eliminated as punishment for Dekraai.
The hearing, which started in mid-March, could reach the completion of testimony on Thursday. Goethals said he would like the attorneys to file their final briefs on July 21, with closing arguments on July 25. A ruling could come be issued by the end of July.
Dekraai, who opened fire at a Seal Beach beauty salon where his ex-wife worked, pleaded guilty to eight counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in May. The penalty phase of his trial is scheduled for August.


text:
Energy Research Area: Marine hydrokinetics, including device development and impacts; efficient use and impacts of alternative gaseous fuels
The Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) is a partnership of Oregon State University and the University of Washington, established by the US Department of Energy in September 2008. Wave energy is the focus at OSU, while tidal energy research is performed at the UW. In particular, Prof. Malte studies in-stream tidal energy conversion, with a focus on site and device development and impacts, as well as extension of research to constructed channels. Industrial and national lab partners working with the UW are Snohomish PUD, BioSonics, Sound and Sea Technology, Verdant Power, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
In addition to hydrokinetics, Prof. Malte investigates alternate gaseous fuels, with focus on interchangeability with conventional natural gas, and examination of efficient use and impacts.
Record last updated on January 6th 2012 PDT.


text:
- Description
DetailsMessy children, pets, and neighbors don't normally go well with light-colored upholstery—until now. Sit back, relax, and worry less with Canvas Bird's Eye 5472-0000. It is part of a special collection of Sunbrella fabrics that look and feel like the finest cotton but comprise a 100% solution-dyed acrylic that is resistant to stains, soil, UV rays, mold, and mildew. A versatile, resilient set of indoor or outdoor fabrics that can endure both the salty seas and your child's favorite ice cream, Canvas is our most popular collection for a good reason. Bird's Eye 5472-0000 offers a classic neutral tone, fitting for many foundations.
Sunbrella Canvas Bird's Eye is 54 inches wide and is sold by the yard.
- Width: 54 inches (137.16 cm)
- Collection Name: Sunbrella Canvas
- Color Name: Birds Eye
- Fabric Colors: Beige, White
- Contents: 100% Sunbrella Acrylic
- Cleaning Code: Mild Soap and Water
- Finish Treatment: U.V. Resistant, Mildew Resistant, Water Repellent, Soil / Stain Resistant
- Flame Resistant Codes : California Bulletin 117-Section E,UFAC Class 1
- Product Weight: 8 oz. per square yard
- Put Up: 40-60 yard(s)
- Specification(s)
Additional Information
Application Drapery, Indoor - Outdoor Upholstery, Multipurpose Brand Sunbrella Fabric Collection Sunbrella Canvas Pattern Name Canvas Pattern Number 5472-0000 Color Name Birds Eye Fabric Design Solids Fabric Type acrylic Contents 100% Sunbrella Acrylic Product Width 54 inches (137.16 cm) Put Up 40-60 yards Performance fire retardant Unit Yard(s) Flame Resistant Codes Cal. TB 117-2013, UFAC - Class I Fabric Weight 8.00 oz. per Yard Warranty 5 year limited warranty Warranty PDF PDF Download Cleaning PDF PDF Download
- Reviews


text:
Home > Childrens Beds > High Sleepers
No stock, delayed despatch
Brand: Stompa
Product Description:New High Sleeper from the Stompa UNOS range! The beautiful UNOS 20 High Sleeper comes complete with both a comfortable sofa bed & storage cube. The unique Stompa UNOS design offers your child a stylish High Sleeper, sofa-bed perfect for sleepovers and additional storage to keep their room tidy.
Key Features:
Stompas high quality, white lacquered finishCurved built-in ladder with easy to grip handles (Can be installed on left/right of frame)Flat ladder steps providing both comfort and safetyComfortable pull-out sofa bed (Red)Additional storage with the practical storage cube (Door colour options available)Included Products:
White bed frameSofa bed frameFoam cushion setStorage cube w/ coloured doorsWooden bed slats(Not Included: Tv, additional cushions, mattress or pillow, chair)
Dimensions:H: 178cmW: 121cmL: 208cm
Mattress:We have a selection of mattress options available for this unit. The Irish bed base standard size is 190cmx90cm, the Stompa bed bases are 200cm in length. Our 190cmx90cm & 200cmx90cm mattresses are both suitable for this base, however for our customers we recommend the 190cmx90cm mattress as the fit allows greater ease in fitting and changing bed sheets.
About the Brand:Stompa is, formerly a Norwegian brand, which is now a UK based company specialising in high quality and long lasting childrens furniture to make small rooms larger. Their products are made from a mixture of MDF & Scandinavian Pine sourced from sustainable forests. They work hard to ensure that every detail of their products is of the highest quality and ensure their products meet the EU entrapment and safety standards.
**Stompa offers a 2 years warranty with this range of furniture**
Be the first to Write a Review for this item!


text:
To do this task
Go to the Lists menu and click Currency List.
Double-click the currency you want to enter an exchange rate for.
To enter a new rate, select a blank row in the Exchange Rates section and then enter a date and rate.
To change an existing rate, select the exchange rate you want to change and enter the new rate.
To insert a date between two entries, use the calendar to select the date. QuickBooks inserts the date for you, and then you can enter the rate.
To delete entire lines, select the entry and then go to the Edit menu and select Delete Line.
You can change
The exchange rates for any active currency
format for an active currency
The currency name or code for currencies you manually added
You can't change
The currency name or code for currencies included with QuickBooks.
The exchange rate of your home currency.
The addition of currency symbols. QuickBooks uses standard currency codes and doesn't use currency symbols.
See also
What to know about exchange rates
Use the currency list


text:
Skip to Navigation
فارسی/ دری
Search this site:
Dossier 17: Cultures and Religions in Senegal
Senegal has eight million inhabitants, 95% of whom are Muslim, with the remainder predominantly Christian. There are very few animists who formally practice traditional religions. I say formally because in fact traditional practices are present in the daily life of all Senegalese, be they Muslim or Christian, because these practices are profoundly rooted in their cultures.
Soon after the introduction of Islam to Senegal, Muslims organized into Confreries*. This meant that the first religious leaders taught Islam according to the tradition of their spiritual leaders.
Dossier 17: Women in the Discourse of Crisis
Editors note:
The work of Prof. Nasr Abu-Zeid has been subject of concerted attack by fundamentalist groups in Egypt. He is currently in exile following charges of apostasy brought against him and the ruling of the Apex court in Egypt ordering his divorce from his wife Dr. Ithal Younis.
The following extracts from the book "Women in the Discourse of Crisis" by Prof. Nasr Abu-Zeid have been translated from Arabic by Marlene Tadros.
The discourse over women in the Arab world is generally discriminatory.
Dossier 17: Kabul, ban on women working, the cold, the misery and trading in human remains
The seizure of power by the Taliban has reduced the Afghan capital to a ghost city. Half of the men are out of work, the women find themselves forbidden from the work place. To top it all, winter is particularly trying.
Dossier 17: Afghanistan goes to absurd lengths to implement Islamic laws
The innumerable bans imposed by Taliban renders everyday life a veritable punishment.
The latest orders for regulating the life of Afghans came into force yesterday. Their severity reveals the determination of the Taliban, out to capture the parts of the country that have so far evaded them.
In Kabul, life has become a never-ending punishment. Since the enforcement of law on "the commandment of the good and interdiction of the evil", whose latest measures are applicable as of yesterday, everything is forbidden. For the Taliban government, gaiety is suspect.
Dossier 17: Letter to the Taliban
We the undersigned representatives of Muslim women's organizations concerned about the negative media reports of the apparent transgressions and abuses against our Muslim sisters in Afghanistan.
Wish To:
Ask the leadership of the Taliban to clarify their position on the status and role of Afghan women in society.
Recall That:
Fourteen centuries ago Islam liberated women and guaranteed them dignity and full rights to participate in the building and well-being of their communities at all levels.
The right of women to work outside
Dossier 17: NGO Sign-on letter to the UN Secretary-General regarding Women's Human Rights Abuses in Afghanistan
We seek to have a large international response to stress to the Secretary- General the outrage that women feel. We also want to show our solidarity with our sisters in Afghanistan, who have been asking what we in the international community are doing to assist them. Therefore, it is important to have NGOs from as many countries as possible sign-on to this letter.
Dossier 17: Middle Eastern Cultures: The Real Boundaries
In referring to Middle Eastern cultures, writers and speakers often allude to the Arab, Persian, Turkish etc. Cultures. What do these terms mean? What do they imply? Are these the true cultural boundaries in the Middle East?
Dossier 17: Stretching The Limits: A Feminist Reading of the Shari'a in Post-Khomeini Iran
Women's issues are now an integral part of modern Islamic discourses, as evidenced in the plethora of 'Women in Islam' titles in religious publishing projects all over the Muslim world.
In practice, this has entailed re-readings of the old texts in search of solutions - or more precisely, Islamic alternatives - for a very modern problem, which has to do with the changed status of women and the need to accommodate their aspirations for equality and to define and control their increasing participation in t
World Social Forum opens - continued campaign 'Against Fundamentalisms, People Are Fundamental'
Over 70,000 women, men, youth and children marched through the streets of Porto Alegre on Thursday for peace and to oppose war and neo-liberal economic policies.
Dossier 4: The State, Religious Fundamentalism and Women - Trends in South Asia
One of the crucial issues affecting women in South Asia today has been the growth of state sponsored religious fundamentalism. This is occurring in the context of increasing evidence of violence against women - dowry murders, sexual harassment, rape often by the police and army, and the throwing of acid on women in the streets. (1) As a result of campaigns and agitations by women's movements, these incidents have been highlighted and the governments have passed some preventive laws, albeit with many loopholes and limitations.
« first
‹ previous
next ›
last »
Donate to WLUML
Copyright Notice
Contact WLUML
Log in
Facebook WLUML Page


text:
Merchant Services
- Banco do Brasil Americas
- Business
- Cash Management Solutions
- Merchant Services
Accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club cards
In-store, online, and mobile processing
Take orders through mail or telephone
Reach customers and accept payment from around the world
Quickly and easily receive transaction updates
View and reconcile transactions in one place
Secure processing and reporting
Award-winning 24/7 customer service
Banco do Brasil Americas, in partnership with Cielo,¹ offers cost-effective payment solutions to meet all of your customers' needs. Our merchant service solutions allow you to accept credit and debit cards with mobile, online, and in-person processing, while improving your cash flow and increasing security.
¹Service is subject to credit approval. Merchant services are provided by Cielo. Banco do Brasil Americas and third-party merchant services vendors are separate legal entities, which are not affiliated with each other in any way by common ownership, management, control, or otherwise. The content, availability, and processing accuracy of their websites and products are the responsibility of each respective company. Banco do Brasil Americas makes no representations or warranties as to the suitability, accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided, including any information provided by third parties.


text:
Trading 100 codes for these Pirate Ship Middle sections.. Each code gives you 2 pieces. Great for designing guest rooms. I worked many hours getting these 100 codes for a trade earlier, then the person backed out, so they are up for grabs now.
Also Full Pirate Ships for 500 Credits each.
This weekend only!! --> 1 Nemo 5/5 Pin (on sale Friday) for each Full Ship.


text:
Richie Incognito could be making his return to the National Football League as he is set to meet with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, according to ESPN.
Incognito has been on the outside looking in since he was suspended by the Miami Dolphins last November for taking part in a bullying scandal. The highly publicized matter put a dark cloud over the season for the Dolphins. In the end, Incognito's suspension was labeled as being for conduct detrimental to the team.
The suspension itself was lifted on February 4, but with Incognito a free agent at season's end, his time in Miami had come to an end.
Until Monday's scheduled meeting in Tampa Bay, Incognito's name had not been seen or heard much in recent months. It's not a guarantee that Tampa Bay brings Incognito on board but it is considered a possibility.
Incognito played for parts of four seasons in Miami and there is a decent chance that he would still be with the team on a new contract if not for the scandal. The guard did a good job while with Miami and even earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2012.
Also in 2012, Incognito would pick up another honor. The Pro Football Writers Association in South Florida voted him as the "Good Guy Award" winner. This award is given to the player that is considered to help the media the most.
While Incognito prepares to move into his next chapter, another former Dolphin right in the mix of the scandal continues to make his own headlines. Jonathan Martin has started in all three preseason games for the San Francisco 49ers and could end up being a starter in week one.


text:
Rings are potent symbols of power, the circle of life, and promises to keep. At Gemvara, we believe that the rings you wear should be one of a kind, like you. That's why all our rings are made from scratch in your choice of gems and precious metals. Choose Blue Sapphire and Palladium or White Sapphire and Yellow Gold: it's your choice. Mix and match gems and precious metals for a look that's exactly you. Our impressive selection of Round Tanzanite Gemstone Rings by talented jewelry designers means you can find a style that's perfect for you. Because all Gemvara Round Tanzanite Gemstone Rings are made to order, we can hand-select the finest quality materials to perfectly suit your design. Tanzanite is one of the world's rarest gems, found only in Merelani, Tanzania, in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro. This gem's mesmerizing color mixes blue and purple in its velvety depths. Tanzanite is a December birthstone and the 24th anniversary gem.Be careful when washing your hands: rings can easily slip down the drain! Clean Round Tanzanite Gemstone Rings in a bowl of water with a little mild dish soap. You can use a soft brush where dust collects. Gemvara's fine quality Round Tanzanite Gemstone Rings are designed to be passed down for generations, hand-crafted by skilled craftspeople in the United States.
We can help right away. Chat with a jewelry expert now!


text:
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada has set aside charges against four suspects in an alleged al Qaeda-inspired terror plot, nearly two years after their arrest, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office said on Tuesday.
"If there is no further action in a one-year period then basically they have the same effect as being dropped," said Dan Brien of the government's decision to have the charges stayed.
Three of the men who had their charges stayed on Tuesday also signed peace bonds, which promise good behavior, set a curfew and limit their association with certain people.
The four were among 18 people who were arrested in June 2006 on charges that included planning bomb attacks in major Canadian cities, belonging to a terrorist group, and giving or receiving training in terrorism.
Last year, charges against three young offenders who were arrested in the police sweep were also stayed. Charges are proceeding against 10 adults and one young offender.
Police arrested the group after members allegedly attempted to buy three metric tons of what they thought was ammonium nitrate, the bomb-making ingredient that was used in the 1995 Oklahoma City blast that killed 168 people.
According to police, members of the group discussed bomb targets that allegedly included the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Toronto headquarters of Canada's spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
One of the defendants allegedly talked of storming the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa and taking legislators hostage to try to force the government to withdraw Canadian troops from Afghanistan.
Reporting by Frank Pingue; editing by Rob Wilson


text: The sockets come available in four versions, including 1-3 GHz, 3-5 GHz, 5-9 GHz, and 10-18 GHz, the new socket is ideal for manual, high-speed testing of devices such as CSP, μBGA, DSP, LGA, SRAM, DRAM, and Flash, with pitches as low as 0.4 mm. The socket's solderless, pressure-mount, compression spring probes allow the socket to be easily mounted to and removed from the test board. It provides minimal signal loss for higher bandwidth capability via a signal path of only 0.077 inches (1.95 mm). With an overall size of 1.200 inches (30.48 mm) × 0.840 inches (21.34 mm) × 0.440 inches (11.18 mm), the socket provides the maximum allowable space for board components and connectors.


text:
by Nate Wooley | December 14, 2012 11:15 am
[1]On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would make it illegal to sell software that enables the tracking of individuals.
The legislation against so-called "stalking apps," introduced by Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), also requires that an app disclose its existence to those being tracked, the Associated Press reports[2].
While stalking is illegal already, and older technologies are already barred from tracking or disclosing information about users, Internet-based systems are not yet covered by federal law. Currently, mobile devices can communicate via email, web links or apps and disclose a user's location to suspicious spouses or advertisers and marketers.
Some publicly available apps allow third-parties to record text and voice messages, call logs, website visits and a users location. All these functions are performed without the knowledge of the holder of the phone, or even the knowledge that the app is present at all.
The bill would make the companies that manufacture these apps liable under civil law if they disclose information without the phone holder's permission. Companies also would be required to have the software disclose, within seven days of installation, the software's existence on the device.
The opinions contained in this column are solely those of the writer.
Want to share your own views on money, politics and the 2012 elections? Drop us a line at email@example.com and we might reprint your views in our InvestorPolitics blog! Please include your name, city and state of residence. All letters submitted to this address will be considered for publication.
Source URL: https://investorplace.com/investorpolitics/senate-wants-to-make-spouse-tracking-apps-illegal/
Short URL: https://investorplace.com/?p=278103
Copyright ©2017 InvestorPlace Media, LLC. All rights reserved. 700 Indian Springs Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.


text:
Letters To The Editor A Real Community? — A Real Joke!
Last weeks column "Let's Become A Real Community" by Maxine Hamilton Alexander is a real joke. It is a wake up call for the remaining white families who still live in Canarsie to seriously consider moving. It is the perfect example of why those who have stayed in Canarsie through its cultural change have been slapped in the face.
Some of us did not run from this neighborhood because we were not, and are not, racially prejudiced. We remain in Canarsie because we feel that, basically, people are people. Apparently, this is not the case here. Maxine Hamilton Alexander says, she "is constantly thinking of how I can assist in mobilizing the Canarsie Community". Is this a joke? If you are trying to establish a Caribbean community, then you have succeeded.
Does she think that the average remaining white families in Canarsie want another Caribbean restaurant or another bodega? Perhaps she wants more stores selling more Caribbean foods. Let's forget other types of foods that other cultures might enjoy. Our new neighbors of Caribbean descent have established this as their community.
I say to those remaining white families who are thinking of moving from Canarsie, hold your heads up high. When you move, you can honestly say that you are moving not because you are biased, or that you are prejudiced, but that you were forced out, by no fault of your own, due to the lack of respect you were shown on a cultural basis.
I just love going to the local food store and fail in my attempt to buy a product my family enjoys. Then the manager will look at me as if I am from another planet. All I hear now is, "we don't carry that anymore." There is no call for that product in this neighborhood any longer.
Ms. Alexander states, "I can easily close my eyes and envision a Canarsie which emanates warmth and sophistication."
I guess she has never been on Avenue L. There is enough plywood on the storefronts to build a house.
She wants the residents of Canarsie to reflect cultural diversity — a bookstore and a community art gallery. With whose books? With whose art? Would it be culturally diverse? I doubt it very much if it follows the current trend of new things in Canarsie.
The last paragraph of her article goes on to say that we would be better off if we would come out to a diner with our families. If there were a restaurant that I enjoyed, with types of food I am accustomed to eating, I would say she is right.
Where are the places that other people besides those from the Caribbean can enjoy? Where are the traditional types of American food, or foods from other nationalities? Maybe we should all get together and eat some of the fast food junk that is so popular in Canarsie! Foods like, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Wendy's. We all know how healthy they are.
I find it insulting when she writes, "…so now that we've established Caribbean neighborhoods, let's work on building real Caribbean communities."
I guess she feels the heck with everybody else, let's concentrate on our own people.
In closing, I will relate to you an incident that happened to me. I got in to an argument with a person who was of Caribbean descent. During an exchange of words, he said to me, "who do you think you are. John Gotti, this is not your Canarsie anymore, it's our Canarsie", I took that as a racial slur towards my ethnicity. Wouldn't you?
Adding to the problems above, there has been a total disregard for the white community in Canarsie over the last few years from our newly elected, so-called politicians.
Signed, Insulted


text:
Wait! We think you're in the US - Lovehoney.com is a better site for you.Shop there and get 10% off!Go to Lovehoney.com
Laveila's review of Lelo Smart Wand Medium Rechargeable Vibrator
Average customer review 4 out of 5 stars56 reviews
£119.99Offer 20% off when you buy any 2 vibrators
Mouse over image to zoom
Product Description
It's not called a wand for nothing, you know: with its velvety smooth silicone surface, intuitive SenseTouch technology, and 8 individually adjustable vibration settings for tailored pleasure, the sensations of Lelo's Smart Wand are truly magical.
Winner of the 2013 Red Dot Design Award for Excellence in Product Design, Lelo Smart Wands boast premium style, high-quality silicone and a rechargeable motor.
The cordless Smart Wand offers smooth, soothing vibrations without compromising on power, and features a lightweight, curved handle to give you the ability to twist, tilt and turn it during massage and play.
Apply a generous serving of water-based lubricant, then roll the head over tired shoulders or your clitoris and other sensitive spots to take full advantage of its array of pleasure settings.
Lelo's SenseTouch technology offers a personalised, intuitive approach to your pleasure time, responding with an increased strength in vibrations the harder you press it into your skin, and decreasing as you release pressure. Simply hold the central button down for 3-5 seconds to explore this innovative and incredibly satisfying function.
Key Features:
- Mains rechargeable wand vibrator for powerful cordless pleasure
- 8 individually adjustable settings create a completely tailored experience
- SenseTouch technology responds to your touch
- Whisper-quiet for discreet fun and 100% waterproof for aquatic playtime
- Includes satin storage bag, mains charger, sachet of personal moisturiser and 10-year warranty
- Up to 4 hours of uninterrupted pleasure time from a 2 hour charge
How it measures up
- Base diameter: 1.1
- Circumference: 5.5 inches
- Length: 8.5 inches
How it feels
- Contains latex: No
- Contains phthalates: No
- Flexibility: Firm
- Material: Silicone
- Waterproof: Submersible
Power and speed
- Controller Type: Built in - push button
- Power Type: Rechargeable
- Vibration speed: Speeds and patterns
Essential info
- Duration: 240 minutes
Product Videos
Lelo Smart Wand Medium Rechargeable Vibrator
Discover luxury and power with the Lelo Smart Wand, a sensual magic wand vibrator with a quiet rechargeable motor. Annabelle shows how this curvaceous vibrator is not only completely waterproof, but has easy-to-use buttons and a compact shape that's ideal for travel and indulgent massage.
Buyer's Guide: Luxury Vibrators Explained
Discover why spending a little more on a luxury vibrator is worthwhile. Annabelle Knight explains why you should take the plunge and reap the rewards of something more upmarket. Read more: Guide to Luxury Sex Toys.
Buyer's Guides
Buy the best magic wand for you and learn how to get the most out of your new sex toy with our advice guides.
Sex Toys Guides > Vibrators Guides > Which is the Best Magic Wand Vibrator?
Sex Toys Guides > Vibrators Guides > How to Choose Magic Wand Attachments
Sex Toys Guides > Vibrators Guides > Beginner's Guide to Vibrators
Explore more from our collections…
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Magic Wand Vibrators
- Gay Sex Toys for Men > Strokers for Gay Men > Cock Vibrators
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Extra Powerful Vibrators
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Luxury Vibrators
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Mains & Rechargeable
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Massager Vibrators
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Rechargeable Vibrators
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Silicone Vibrators
- Sex Toys > Vibrators > Waterproof Vibrators
Customer Reviews
Lelo Smart Wand Medium Rechargeable Vibrator 56 4 out of 5 stars
See all 56 customer reviewsOrder by:Write your own review
- 5 star
- 38
- 4 star
- 10
- 3 star
- 3
- 2 star
- 1
- 1 star
- 4
- Newest
- Most helpful
- Rating
Laveila's review of Lelo Smart Wand Medium Rechargeable Vibrator
Order by:
My first wand experience
Reviewed: 24 July 2013 by Laveila, a Straight Single Female
I was wondering about wand vibrators for some time, but I was always scared by wand vibrators for 2 reasons. Firstly I was scared about how loud they can be and also I was worried about using the mains while running it as I do not always have convenient wall socket to plug it in. Secondly I was not sure that a wand wound be for me as I usually prefer direct clitoral stimulation, rather than spread stimulation. It was one reason while I did struggle a bit with the Lelo Siri, although I now do enjoy using it.In the end I decided to go for the Lelo want for few reasons. It is rechargeable and not so big and it is not supposed to be really noisy, at least compared to other wands vibrators.
First impressions:
As always the toy arrived in high quality Lelo box, which makes it great for giving it as present or storing your toy. I really enjoyed the feel and looks of the toy after I took it out of the box.
After charging the toy I was pleased to discover that the vibrations offer a good variety ranging from weak to strong vibrations.
I would say that the vibrations are strong enough for most people, although real power queens may find them bit too weak. I believe that this toy is bit weaker compared to mains plugged in wands, but you get a portability, which may be important for some people. You also get a waterproof toy, which can be used in shower or bath. It also comes with variety of vibration patterns, and with sensor mode, which reacts to the pressure applied to the head of the toy and allows you to change the vibrations that way more easily during use.
In use:
I have to admit my first encounter with the toy and first attempts to use it left me feeling a bit like meh. I was not sure if the toy is even for me or if I just should go ahead and return it. I know the sensor mode is not for me, I can go bit annoyed if I lessen the pressure and d the vibrations go down at the wrong time. So personally I am not using this mode. Personally I do not use the vibration patterns much either, but this is mainly because I have never been a huge fan of patterns.
The good thing about the patterns is that like with many other Lelo toys you can change the intensity and speed for patterns, which is something not all other toy making companies allow. I personally find this a really good option. The vibrations are bit more buzzy, rather than the deeper type, so those who like deep vibrations may want to look elsewhere.
During the first few times I used the toy, I found it impossible for me personally to orgasm.
I always could feel the pleasure building, but I could not get over the edge. The first time I actually managed to orgasm was thanks go using my bombshell balm. Since then I had more chances to use the wand and I find that actually I can reach orgasm fast now, or that I do not even need to use the maximum power.
Personally, rubbing the head over my clitoris works best for me which is one reason the sensor mode is no good for me. But if you like to just press the toy on your clitoral area and hold it there, you may have a better success with it.
One thing which I personally did not like about the toy is that sometimes during the play I take different grip on it and then suddenly I find I must have pressed the button to decrease speed or change pattern, which can be bit annoying. Luckily it does not happen that often.
As far as the noise goes, this toy is rather quiet considering that it is a wand, plus the power it delivers. It is not the most quiet toy, but I would not worry too much someone in another room would hear it. I did test it by putting the toy on full power and letting it on on my bed. I went to the hall, and closed the door. I believe I could just hear it if I focused on it and as I knew it was there. So I believe unsuspecting person may not even know about it.
In the end I am very glad I bought this toy and I am very glad that I did not return it. The toy is definitely worth the money I spent on it and will be used a lot in the coming future too.
The Lelo wand was a toy that I personally had to get used go and experiment with. It was not toy I loved from the first moment. But in the long term run I am more than happy with it and its performance and now it very rarely fails me.
I would personally recommend this toy to people who would like to try a wand, but for various reasons are not too keep to try the mains powered one. The Lelo wand is decently quiet, but also decently strong to satisfy most users, although real power queens may find it too weak. People who prefer deeper vibrations may also get bit disappointed.
Overall I find this wand worth the money.
- Pros
- Quiet for wand vibrator, rechargeable, waterproof, good variety of vibration.
- Cons
- Takes time to get used to.
- Bottom line
- Good quality, relatively quiet rechargeable wand vibrator with nice choice of vibrations.
- Was this review helpful to you? Yes
- Newest
- Most helpful
- Rating
See all 56 Lelo Smart Wand Medium Rechargeable Vibrator reviews…
Return to main Lelo Smart Wand Medium Rechargeable Vibrator page


text:
5-hour Energy Introduces Extra Strength Strawberry Watermelon Flavor
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Living Essentials, LLC introduced its new Strawberry Watermelon flavored Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY® shot, which is available now in a wide variety of retailers including convenience, food, drug, and mass merchants. The new flavor joins sour apple, grape and berry to become the fourth extra strength variety of the popular energy shot, which also has six regular strength flavors as well as decaf.
The launch will coincide with a week-long giveaway, starting today, on the 5-hour ENERGY® Facebook page. Fans can answer fun trivia questions each day for a chance to win two Strawberry Watermelon flavored Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY® 12 packs; one to keep and one to gift.
"Our extra strength varieties have always been favorites among 5-hour ENERGY® fans, and we are pleased to add another great flavor in to our product line," said Melissa Skabich, Director of Communications for 5-hour ENERGY®.
About 5-Hour ENERGY®
5-hour ENERGY® is a liquid energy shot that provides a feeling of energy and alertness that lasts for hours. It contains a blend of B-vitamins and amino acids, zero sugar, four calories, and caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee. Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY® shots contain caffeine comparable to 12 ounces of the leading premium coffee. It is available at retail outlets in the United States and Canada as well as throughout the U.K., Ireland, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and South Africa.


text:
Dropbox, the personal cloud based storage provider, has just rolled out a new feature to make the lives of application developers a bit easier. Now both iOS and Android devs can enjoy a new API that allows Dropbox syncing to apps locally, allowing for app-building offline. Dropbox will wait until back online to update the application system.
Also with the new update, developers can easier incorporate Dropbox Sync features into their apps, creating a dedicated cloud storage service for an application.
Interested developers, you can find the API here.
Straight from the release:
Dropbox, built in
The Sync API lets your app work with Dropbox as if it were a local filesystem on the device. We take care of syncing and caching for you so you can work on delivering the best apps and a seamless experience to your users across different devices and platforms.
Write locally, sync globally
You can quickly list the contents of a folder, or move, delete and create files and folders locally and see the results immediately. The Sync API handles caching for you, retrying uploads and downloads, and quickly discovering changes, leaving you with a simple view of files and folders.
Work offline too!
Because the Sync API caches locally, your app works great even without an Internet connection. We'll sync things up when your app comes online.


text:
Fri 21 Oct 2005
Filed under: News,On The Border
Three weeks after the Indian Army called off its operations in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, in the easternmost part of Assam bordering Arunachal Pradesh, forces are still present in the area as officials aim to prevent possible attempts by rebel outfits to regroup.
Army sources said a battalion was still posted in Laika forest village, as the presence of troops was necessary to ensure the area remained free from militants.
"Operation Balwan has been suspended temporarily but the troops are keeping a close watch on the possible movement of the militants," the sources said.
Following last month's offensive, one group of the United Liberation Front Asom (ULFA) taking refuge in Dibru-Saikhowa escaped to Burma through Nagaland. Another group is still hiding in the jungles of upper Assam. Army officials are reportedly worried the group will attempt to increase its numbers in upper Assam.
A month-long operation against the ULFA in September resulted in the destruction of two of the group's major camps and the deaths of three members including one militant leader. Huge quantities of arms, ammunition and cash were also recovered.
But there have been no reports major encounters between the army and the ULFA since the formal suspension of operations in the area. Villagers near the forest are reportedly growing accustomed to the military presence.
"Though the army is still having a strong presence, we have not heard any guns firing in the last couple of weeks," a villager of Laika said.
The September offensive caused medicinal and food shortages in several of the villages in the area as the army laid siege to the group. The incident caused concern that a humanitarian disaster was imminent. Operations were suspended on September 17.


text:
Start Slideshow
- Critter Calendar 2013Just in time for holiday gift giving, the 2013 Night Paper Owl Calendars have arrived. Night Owl Paper Goods' take on the basic annual calendar is far from just a functional tool. Their calendars are tiny works of art that will keep you in good spirits all year long. Night Owl Paper Goods has released calendars in previous years, but this year they are debuting 7 different styles and designs, and all of them are eco-friendly. From adorable owl shaped calendars to delightful plaid to elegant flower swirls to the cutest set of critters you've ever seen, Night Owl Paper Goods has a calendar to suit everyone's taste.1
- 2013 sloth Critter CalendarNight Owl Paper Goods' desk calendars, like the critter calendar shown above come landscape style with 6 flat pages made of sustainably-harvested wood, sliced thin to resemble real calendar pages.2
- 2013 Plaid CalendarThe natural wood grain varies from month to month and the entire calendar is 100% biodegradable and recyclable with paper goods at the end of 2013.3
- 2013 Country Western Owl CalendarThe super cute Country Owl hanging calendar is made of sustainably-harvested wood and features 100% cotton cord eyes/hanger.4
- 2013 Botanical CalendarStarting at just $15, and not going above $24, these calendars are eco-friendly gifts you can afford to give for the holidays.5
- 2013 AZALEA CALENDARThe calendars feature different patterns and colors that will match any decor scheme.6
- COLORFUL CURLS CALENDARTheir other calendars of the year include yearly calenders, also printed on eco-friendly, sustainably-harvested wood.

 <big><big>+ Night Owl Paper Goods Calendars $15.00 - $24.00</big></big>

 <big><big>+ Night Owl Paper Goods </big></big>7


text:
This is the third part of a series that describe specific methods for organizing and writing a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. The first part of this series described the process for developing a thorough disaster recovery plan. The second article described specific methods for organizing and writing a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. This article presents particular methods and materials that can expedite the data collection process.
Disaster recovery is a concern of the entire organization, not just data processing. To develop an effective plan, all departments should be involved. Within all departments the critical needs should be identified. Critical needs include all information and equipment needed in order to continue operations should a department be destroyed or become inaccessible.
To determine the critical needs of the organization, each department should document all the functions performed within that department. An analysis over a period of two weeks to one month can indicate the principle functions performed inside and outside the department, and assist in identifying the necessary data requirements for the department to conduct its daily operations satisfactorily. Some of the diagnostic questions that can be asked include:
1. If a disaster occurred, how long could the department function without the existing equipment and departmental organization?
2. What are the high priority tasks including critical manual functions and processes in the department? How often are these tasks performed, e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.?
3. What staffing, equipment, forms and supplies would be necessary to perform the high priority tasks?
4. How would the critical equipment, forms and supplies be replaced in a disaster situation?
5. Does any of the above information require long lead times for replacement?
6. What reference manuals and operating procedure manuals are used in the department? How would these be replaced in the event of a disaster?
7. Should any forms, supplies, equipment, procedure manuals or reference manuals from the department be stored in an off-site location?
8. Identify the storage and security of original documents. How would this information be replaced in the event of a disaster? Should any of this information be in a more protected location?
9. What are the current microcomputer backup procedures? Have the backups been restored? Should any critical backup copies be stored off-site?
10. What would the temporary operating procedures be in the event of a disaster?
11.How would other departments be affected by an interruption in the department?
12.What effect would a disaster at the main computer have on the department?
13.What outside services/vendors are relied on for normal operation?
14.Would a disaster in the department jeopardize any legal requirements for reporting?
15.Are job descriptions available and current for the department?
16. Are department personnel cross-trained?
17. Who would be responsible for maintaining the department's contingency plan?
18. Are there other concerns related to planning for disaster recovery?
The critical needs can be obtained in a consistent manner by using a User Department Questionnaire. As illustrated, the questionnaire focuses on documenting critical activities in each department and identifying related minimum requirements for staff, equipment, forms, supplies, documentation, facilities and other resources.
Once the critical needs have been documented, management can set priorities within departments for the overall recovery of the organization. Activities of each department could be given priorities in the following manner
- Essential activities - A disruption in service exceeding one day would jeopardize seriously the operation of the organization.
- Recommended activities - a disruption of service exceeding one week would jeopardize seriously the operation of the organization.
- Nonessential activities - This information would be convenient to have but would not detract seriously from the operating capabilities if it were missing.
A systematic approach to records management is an important part of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. Additional benefits include:
- Reduced storage costs.
- Expedited customer service.
- Federal and state regulatory compliance.
Records are not only retained as proof of financial transactions, but also to verify compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, businesses must satisfy retention requirements as an organization and employer. These records are used for independent examination and verification of sound business practices. Federal and State requirements for records retention must be analyzed by each organization individually. Each organization should have its legal counsel approve its own retention schedule.
As well as retaining records, the organization should be aware of the specific record salvage techniques and procedures to follow for different types of media. Potential types of media include:
- Paper
- Magnetic
- Microfilm/Microfiche
- Image
- Photographic
- Other
Other information that can be compiled by using preformatted data gathering forms include:
- Equipment Inventory to document all critical equipment required by the organization. If the recovery lead time is longer than acceptable, a backup alternative should be considered.
- Master vendor List to identify vendors that provide critical goods and services.
- Office Supply Inventory to record the critical office supply inventory to facilitate replacement. If an item has a longer lead time than is acceptable, a larger quantity should be stored off-site.
- Forms Inventory Listing to document all forms used by the organization to facilitate replacement. This list should include computer forms and non-computer forms.
- Documentation Inventory Listing to record inventory of critical documentation manuals and materials. It is important to determine whether backup copies of the critical documentation are available. They may be stored on disk, obtained from branch offices, available from outside sources, vendors and other sources.
- Critical Telephone Numbers to list critical telephone numbers, contact names, and specific services for organizations and vendors important in the recovery process.
- Notification Checklist to document responsibilities for notifying personnel, vendors and other parties. Each team should be assigned specific parties to contact.
- Master Call List to document employee telephone numbers.
- Backup Position Listing to identify backup employees for each critical position within the organization. Certain key personnel may not be available in a disaster situation; therefore, backups for each critical position should be identified.
- Specifications for Off-Site Location to document the desired/required specifications of a possible alternative site for each existing location.
- Off-Site Storage Location Inventory to document all materials stored off-site.
- Hardware and Software Inventory Listing to document the inventory of hardware and software.
- Telephone Inventory Listing to document existing telephone systems used by the organization.
- Insurance Policies Listing to document insurance policies in force.
- Communications Inventory Listing to document all components of the communications network.
There are several PC-based disaster recovery planning systems that can be used to facilitate the data gathering process and to develop the plan. Typically, these systems emphasize either a database application or a word processing application. The most comprehensive systems use a combination of integrated applications.
Some PC-based systems include a sample plan that can be tailored to the unique requirements of each organization. Other materials can include instructions which address the disaster recovery related issues that the organization must consider during the planning process such as disaster prevention, insurance analysis, record retention and backup strategies. Specialized consulting may also be available with the system to provide on-site installation, training and consulting on various disaster recovery planning issues.
The benefits of using a PC-based system for developing a disaster recovery plan include:
- A systematic approach to the planning process.
- Pre-designed methodologies.
- An effective method for maintenance.
- A significant reduction in time and effort in the planning and development process.
- A proven technique.
Recently, other PC-based tools have been developed to assist with the process, including disaster recovery planning tutorial systems and software to facilitate the testing process.
Disaster recovery planning involves more than off-site storage or backup processing. Organizations should also develop written, comprehensive disaster recovery plans that address all the critical operations and functions of the business. The plan should include documented and tested procedures, which, if followed, will ensure the ongoing availability of critical resources and continuity of operations.
The benefits of developing a comprehensive disaster recovery plan include:
- Minimizing potential economic loss.
- Decreasing potential exposures.
- Reducing the probability of occurrence.
- Reducing disruptions to operations.
- Ensuring organizational stability.
- Providing an orderly recovery.
- Minimizing insurance premiums.
- Reducing reliance on certain key individuals.
- Protecting the assets of the organization.
- Ensuring the safety of personnel and customers.
- Minimizing decision-making during a disastrous event.
- Minimizing legal liability.
Geoffrey H. Wold is the National Director of Information Systems and Technology Consulting for the CPA/Consulting firm of McGladrey & Pullen. He has written four books on disaster recovery planning.
This article adapted from Vol. 5 #3.


text:
Borderland Speakeasy #18: "Do you have fish swimming in your forehead?"
Indie auteur's return to crime showcases taut storytelling and moments of film-influenced, surreal suspense.
Mia Fleming doesn't like her stepmother, Suzanne. More importantly, Mia doesn't trust her. One fateful weekend, when Mia's dad takes his new wife with him on a cabin retreat with some friends, Mia seizes the opportunity for some heavy duty snooping.
With a handful of clues and the help of some friends, a few prank phone calls ensue, and before you can say "psycho killer," Suzanne seems significantly more mysterious, paranoid and capable of violence. Even worse, Mia and her friends have drawn the attention of a man named Daniel, who takes his orders from a school of demonic fish living in his brain.
"Now the damn fish are swimming!" When Daniel starts talking like that, it's time to hide the sharp objects and leave the area.
Writer-artist David Lapham created a modern crime classic in the mid-90s with Stray Bullets (a still-unfinished, 40-issue series that told an interwoven collection of stories spanning dozens of characters and two decades). After garnering critical acclaim (and Eisner awards) for his work, Lapham spent a few years working on mainstream projects. In 2007, he returned to crime comics with the astounding Silverfish, published by Vertigo.
Where Stray Bullets covered epic territory, Silverfish presents a taut, concise and masterfully-constructed one-shot tale that feels like a cinematic fever dream collaboration between Lapham, John Carpenter and David Lynch, with one other film auteur exerting more influence than any other: Alfred Hitchcock.
"I describe it as a Hitchcockian teen horror coming-of-age story," Lapham said in a 2007 interview (newsarama.com). "The unique aspect of it is that it's one story, 155 pages. No fitting chapters into 22-page bits. Just one, big 155-page thrill ride."
Set in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, Silverfish takes place over a few suspenseful and terror-filled days in December, 1988. It's an evocative time and place, and it's a wonder to consider how Lapham captures the feel of it so effortlessly. One key element seems to be his effective dialogue, which manages to feel suitably teenage and 80s-ish, with references to era-specific music, clothes and slang, without sounding forced.
In comparison to Stray Bullets, his mainstream superhero work and recent projects like Young Liars, Silverfish almost seems to have slipped under the radar, in terms of the attention it received, and it could even be considered an under-appreciated modern classic. Along with its crisp storytelling and blending of noir elements (Suzanne and Daniel's relationship alone seems like a James M. Cain story on acid), there's an amazing set of resonances with film in this work.
The teens-terrorized-at-home motif recalls John Carpenter's Halloween, and the hallucinatory sequences depicting the swarm of monster-fish in Daniel's brain brings to mind the surreal aspects of David Lynch's work in films like Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks--in fact the opening page is an isolated image of an ear, recalling the famous opening of Blue Velvet. The fish also bear resemblances to the giant bug that Ginny hallucinates in an early issue of Stray Bullets.
But above all else, the spectre of Hitchcock stands tall (and wide) over Silverfish, and there are a number of fascinating motifs that seem to resonate between this work and various films of the master filmmaker.
For example, the element of voyeurism represented by Mia's snooping and prank calls bring to mind similar plot devices in Rear Window and Dial M for Murder. There's an intense mid-story interlude involving Suzanne, a shotgun and a staircase that recalls the infamous staircase scenes in Psycho. The climactic chase scene has a hallucinatory moment that recalls James Stewart's surreal visions in Vertigo, and the chase through the Seaside Heights amusement park seems to echo the climactic chase scene from Strangers on a Train.
Lapham's signature style--his expressive faces, pitch-perfect dialogue, bold lines and marvellous action sequences--seems even more developed and evocative here than in Stray Bullets, and there's a strong sense of foreboding and dread precipitated by the jet black galleys on every page.
The cinematic qualities of Silverfish seem to have caught the attention of more than a few comic book readers. According to an MTV report, a film adaptation is in the works with Joel Schumacher attached as director.
Borderland Speakeasy appears every other week and explores classic and contemporary horror and crime comics.
#2: "They Found The Car"—Gipi's Inverted Noir
#4: In Praise of Modesty Blaise
#6: Moral Bankruptcy and the Smell of Fear
#7: Creepy's Cabinet of Wonders
#8: Arnold Drake's Secret Identity
#11: The Strange Case of Igor Kenk
#12: Beelzebub and that Other Devil: Mezzo and Pirus' "King of the Flies"
#13: "Look down, or look hard"
#14: The No Wave Noir of "La Pacifica"
#15: "Nothing is as lost as I"
#16: Sherlock Holmes and the Public Domain
#17: "Annoyed as hell and dead"