text:
[BackWPup] function.ftp-delete: : No such file or directory
Hi there,
I've instructed backwpup to save daily on a specific ftp directory, which I named ftp/backups. Moreover, I instructed backwpup to allow 20 backups. After the limit of 20 was reached, backwpup startet to generate a warning followed by an error message into the report file.
The warnings/weeors looked like this:
– WARNUNG: ftp_delete() [function.ftp-delete]: <path-to-file.zip>: No such file or directory
– Fehler: Kann "<path-to-file.zip>" auf dem FTP-Server nicht löschen!
Obviously, after the limit of twenty files is reached, backwpup tries to locate the file for subsequent deletion and fails.
I set the directory's permissions (ftp/backups) to 777 and applied this setting later to all files contained in the directory. The behavior wouldn't change. However, it bears some logic, that if backup was not able to locate the file, it was also not able to delete it.
Has anybody observed the dame or similar behavior?
kind regards
- The topic '[BackWPup] function.ftp-delete: : No such file or directory' is closed to new replies.


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There is a good reason why Texas is on the list of states that have to get approval from the federal government whenever someone tinkers with the voting process. Since 1975, when this kind of oversight was mandated because of chronic and documented misbehavior, about 200 challenges have been filed over the way local and state officials choose to run elections.
We should be grateful that the feds are waiting in the wings. The latest challenge to the voting process is the redistricting map passed by the Dallas City Council, which ignored the demographic reality all around us and instead opted for a version that pretty much preserves the status quo. Given the prevailing winds leading up to the vote, this newspaper was prepared for a flawed map. Thanks to last-minute machinations, our city has ended up with one that is both flawed and manifestly unfair.
It is easy to be confused by all the numbers and maps thrown around during a redistricting debate. When you add politics and race to the mix, the most affected population — the voting public — can easily get lost. But in Dallas, you only need to examine basic demographic data to see clearly that the redistricting map approved by the City Council does an injustice to Latinos.
Simply stated, Latinos are the largest group in the city and have the biggest share of the voting-age population (42 percent and 37 percent, respectively). Hispanics have driven the population growth in the city and in the state in the last decade and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
But under the just-approved redistricting map, the racial makeup of the council will likely remain unchanged. Latinos, a plurality when you look at the key numbers, will still be a minority on the council. They could even end up with the same number of seats, which defies logic and the numbers. The probable makeup: seven seats held by whites, four by blacks and three by Hispanics. Going into the process, Latinos were justifiably looking to gain two seats.
In a city where race plays a significant factor in elections, the only way to ensure representation is to come up with a map that guarantees a seat. Under the Voting Rights Act, communities have an "affirmative obligation" to create new opportunity districts to reflect changes in population. The redistricting plan approved by the council fails to meet that standard.
Unless there is a change — and some are still holding out hope — litigation is the inevitable and expensive outcome. The mandatory review by the U.S. Department of Justice could also play a role if the map is found to be "retrogressive," meaning that Latinos stand to lose representation. That is harder, though not impossible, to establish because Hispanics are currently guaranteed the same number of seats.
In the case law regarding voting rights, Texas shows up often, and not in a flattering way. Dallas could have rejected its past here. To its shame, it seems bound to repeat it.
Dallas voting-age population
Hispanic: 323,902 (37%)
White: 229,351 (34%)
Black: 221,143 (25%)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Courses of Study: Health
Number of Standards matching query: 28
Health, Grade 3, 2009
1.) Recognize media messages affecting consumer health decisions.
2.) Relate common health problems to environmental factors.
Examples: flu and colds due to germ transmission indoors, sunburn due to overexposure to the sun
3.) Describe factors that may cause changes in family units.
Examples: death, divorce, remarriage, birth, adoption, promotion, relocation
4.) Identify behaviors that should be reported to responsible adults.
Examples: use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol; incidence of abuse, neglect, or physical fighting or threats
5.) Explain why having friends with health conditions or special needs can be safe.
6.) Identify ways to create and maintain healthy friendships.
Examples: using assertive communication skills, disagreeing respectfully
7.) Identify resources that assist with mental and emotional health.
- school—nurse, guidance counselor, administrator, resource officer
- community—parent or other trusted adult
8.) List a food source for each of the major nutrients.
- proteins and fats—meat
- carbohydrates and vitamins—vegetables
- water and minerals—fruit
9.) Identify portion sizes and number of daily servings needed from each food group using MyPyramid.
Choosing food and beverages based on balance, moderation, and variety
Explaining nutrient and caloric information found on a nutrition facts label
10.) Describe types, causes, and symptoms of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
11.) Identify skills needed to make healthy decisions regarding the use of drugs or other harmful substances.
Examples: resistance skills, resilience skills
12.) Identify safety rules for using medicine.
Examples: following directions on personal prescriptions, avoiding sharing personal medications with others
13.) Distinguish between legal and illegal drugs.


text:
By default Piwik provides five custom variables. You may configure Piwik to track more custom variables. New custom variable slots will be created in both the 'visit' scope and 'page' scope.
First you need to be able to connect to the server running Piwik over SSH, so you can type commands to the Piwik console. To increase the custom variables slots from 5 to 10, type in the terminal:
$ cd /path/to/piwik
$ ./console customvariables:info
Your Piwik is configured for 5 custom variables.
$ ./console customvariables:set-max-custom-variables 10
You can now track up to 10 custom variables in the visit and page scope. Enjoy!
Note: this console command will update your Piwik Database schema and will add columns in several tables in order to track more custom variables.


text:
I got a toshiba external harddisk, 2+yrs of age.
Just yesterday, it was recognised as USB 1.0 instead of USB 2.
I power it down and plug in again, it is then recognised as USB 2.
I tried in on another pc, same problem and solution.
Where may the fault lie?


text:
Morning Ireland News Quiz
What should you do, according to the Local Government Management Agency, if you've paid your household tax but still receive a letter reminding you to do so?
Ignore it
Contact the LGMA and let them know
Pay the tax again; it will be credited to your account for next year
Ireland made the big switch from analogue to digital television on Wednesday morning with the launch of Saorview. After the special programme to mark the switchover, what was next on air?
Murder She Wrote
Leaders' Questions
Ahead of the switchover, there had been a multimedia information campaign about the arrival of Saorview. What are the names of the cartoon double act that were used in the campaign?
Tommy and Peter
Tommy and PJ
Timmy and Pete
HMV has instructed its shop assistants to do what?
Stop illegally downloading music
Sing for customers
Cover their tattoos and tie back their hair
As the fallout from the Lance Armstrong drugs scandal continues, Pat McQuaid, president of the International Cycling Union, has come under fire for how much he did or didn't know. Which of the following Tour de France winners has called publicly for McQuaid's resignation?
Alberto Contador
Greg LeMond
Bradley Wiggins


text:
Artist description:
Just to try. �-�
Flash Draw Created Aug 03, 2012 338 x 470px Unless noted Copyright 2012 Cheere04.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
Post a comment
awesome I bet you've played a few amazing tunes on that wonderful guitar great work like fav
Wow! This is amazing! I love the detail in the jacket and the guitar~! Plus his very handsome face~! Very nicely done! :D
Fantastic flashdraw and Great style! Collect
i like the way u captured it... 5hearts !
epic epic epic epic
wow, beautiful!
WOW! great draw! 5/5 :)
lovely drawing, sweet style 5/5
awesome~ XD


text:
" A conception not reducible to the small change of daily experience is like a currency not exchangeable for articles of consumption; it is not a symbol, but a fraud.
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text:
New mothers will have continued support to bring healthy children into the world through a new county program. At-risk women can enjoy long-term family improvements in health, education, and economic self-sufficiency through the Nurse-Family Partnership program.
"This program makes the family more cohesive by providing help with parenting, sustainability, education and beyond," Genesis VNA and Hospice Community Health Supervisor Michele Cullen said. "It's a great opportunity for Clinton and Scott counties. We see this as a great resource for our community."
The partnership is part of an evidence-based federal program designed to help transform the lives of vulnerable mothers pregnant with their first child. Each mother served by NFP is partnered with a registered nurse early in her pregnancy and receives ongoing nurse home visits that continue through her child's second birthday.
These home visits offer low-income, first-time moms the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy, provide responsible and competent care for their children, and become more economically self-sufficient, according to the Nurse-Family Partnership web site.
While the program will help first-time mothers of all ages, the issue of teen pregnancies is prevalent in Clinton County. In the 2012 County Health Rankings, the county had one of the highest teen birth rates with 44 per 1,000 females ages 15-19, high above the state rate of 33 and the national benchmark of 22. Only 10 of the 99 counties in Iowa reported rates above 44.
The county also ranks 14th in teen birth rate among all counties in Iowa and sixth among Iowa's 29 counties with populations from 20,000-100,000 people, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Cullen has spearheaded the partnership for Clinton and Scott counties that is set to begin in late March. The county currently has a maternal health program that addresses teen mothers still in school. This partnership will offer a more in-depth and personalized approach for first-time mothers through a continuation of home visits.
"I'm looking forward to offering education and nurturing," Nurse Beth Meyer said. "There really hasn't been anything like this. It's great to be able to reach out right when they find out their life is going to change."
The program will employ three nurses; so far Cullen has hired two. Through the collaborative efforts of this program and teaming up with Lutheran Health Services of Iowa, the team of professionals will be able to serve 62 women in Clinton County and 294 women in Scott County.
"It will be great to get going and provide resources," Nurse-Family Partnership Supervisor Yolanda Podolski said. "This is a great opportunity starting for a community from the ground up."
To be eligible for the program, clients must participate voluntarily, meet the low-income criteria, be a first-time mother and enroll in the program early in her pregnancy, receiving the first home visit by no later than the end of week 28 of pregnancy.
Nurse home visitors and nurse supervisors must complete core educational sessions required by the Nurse-Family Partnership National Service Office and deliver the interventions with fidelity to the Nurse-Family Partnership model. They will use professional knowledge, judgement and skill to apply the Nurse-Family Partnership guidelines, individualizing them to strengths and challenges of each family and apportioning time across defined program domains.
Setting the standard for excellence, Nurse-Family Partnership transforms lives through the power of relationships serving every eligible family in every community, according to the program's vision statement. Staff at Genesis and LSI are eager to get the program started and begin helping new mothers as soon as possible.


text:
Police Officer Brian Lorenzo loved his family, loved Philly and loved being on the force.
"He loved being a police officer more than he loved the Eagles," his Uncle, Tony Lorenzo, tells NBC10.
The two men were only six years apart so they grew up more like brothers.
Officer Lorenzo died early Sunday morning on his way home from work. A car going the wrong way on I-95 slammed into his motorcycle, head on.
"And it's a shame that it's always the good guys that are takenout in such a tragic way," Tony says.
Officer Lorenzo, who Tony called B-Lo, was 48 years old. He married Linda, his high school sweetheart. Together they raised two adult girls and also had a four-year-old boy.
"They're taking it hard because Brian was a family man. He made sure that whatever time he had available, he spent with his family."
Tony says Brian's son can't understand why he can't see his father.
"He's on his wheels, riding with angels."
Officer Lorenzo was a member of the city's elite highway patrol. He often escorted dignitaries and on July 4 worked alongside Mayor Michael Nutter.
"I told his men that if they ever have that unknown shadow that they can't explain why it's there, don't worry, that's B-Lo."


text:
Union leaders say proposal will create much-needed jobs for GTA workers
TORONTO, March 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Four major Toronto unions are supporting Porter Airlines' proposal to operate the Bombardier CS100 jet from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to longer-range destinations such as Vancouver, Los Angeles and Miami, saying that approval of the plan will benefit Toronto's economy and support much-needed manufacturing jobs.
UNIFOR Downsview; Carpenters Union Local 27; Local 506, Labourers' International Union of North America (LiUNA); and International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), District Council 46, have made official submissions to Toronto City Council to express their support for Porter's proposal. Approval of the plan, according to a City of Toronto study, will generate $250 million of additional annual economic impact and 2,000 new jobs, including 1,000 directly at Porter.
"Porter Airlines and their fleet of 26 Q400s manufactured at Bombardier's Downsview facility have been very important to us and our workforce," said Merv Grey, plant chairperson for UNIFOR. "I speak on behalf of myself and our membership when I say that Porter's investment of over $600 million in Toronto-built aircraft has produced significant benefits for our employment base, the aerospace industry and the local economy."
The union leaders pointed out that more than 60 companies in the Greater Toronto Area will manufacture parts for the landing gear, the auxiliary power unit and various other components of the CS100 to be assembled at Bombardier's facility outside of Montreal.
"This story is about more than buying airplanes," said Joe Russo, Business Manager, IUPAT, District Council 46. "Porter's initiative to invest in Billy Bishop Airport has already supported a lot of work for skilled trades. These latest plans offer more opportunity to sustain good jobs."
"LIUNA supports the economic spin-off that Porter will provide to the convention centre, and area tourism and hospitality," said Carmen Principato, the business manager for Local 506 of LiUNA, which represents 8,000 Toronto workers. "The travel and tourism industry is important to Toronto and Porter is part of the plan to continue growing Toronto into a top-notch tourist destination."
The proposal would see significant work take place for projects such as runway development and local infrastructure in support of managing efficient airport traffic access. In addition, the increased travel options will add to the attractiveness of working and living downtown and support further development of both downtown office towers and residential condominiums.
"We need to take opportunities like this to build our city, not just through infrastructure, but by making Toronto more accessible and visible to those who want to visit and do business with us," said Mike Yorke, President, Carpenters Union Local 27. "Our members want equally to enjoy Toronto's revitalized waterfront and the chance to take a vacation that is actually affordable. We can support both efforts and have even greater benefits for everyone."
About Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines has revolutionized short-haul flying with a warm and effortless approach to hospitality, restoring glamour and refinement to air travel. Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating® by Skytrax, and rated Best Small Airline in the world by Condé Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards.
The airline currently offers flights to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Moncton, Halifax, St. John's, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Windsor, New York (Newark), Chicago (Midway), Boston, Washington (Dulles) and has seasonal flights to Mt. Tremblant, Que., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Burlington, Vt. Vacation packages are available from Porter Escapes at www.porterescapes.com.
Visit www.flyporter.com or call (888) 619-8622 for more information.
SOURCE: Porter Airlines Inc.
For further information:
Media contact:
Brad Cicero
Porter Airlines
(416) 619-8593
Porter Airlines Inc.
Browse our custom packages or build your own to meet your unique communications needs.
Fill out a CNW membership form or contact us at 1 (877) 269-7890
Request more information about CNW products and services or call us at 1 (877) 269-7890


text:
Firefighters extinguish small fire in Waldo residence
Waldo — Firefighters were able to extinguish a small fire that started near a wood stove in a Waterville Road residence on Friday, Jan. 25.
Crews were dispatched shortly after 11 a.m. to a residence at 1162 Waterville Road in Waldo for report of smoke in the basement and possibly in the walls. Waldo Fire Chief Jacob Hepner said a wood stove ignited some nearby plumbing and wiring, which then spread to some of the woodwork in the home.
Hepner said crews were able to quickly extinguish the flames and little damage was done to the home. He said the homeowners were in the residence at the time of the fire, but no one was injured.
Firefighters from Belfast and Morrill assisted at the scene.
Republican Journal reporter Ben Holbrook can be reached at 338-3333 or at email@example.com.


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Beer Soap
All natural moisturizing soaps made from real beer.
You may also like:
Two things we know to be true: Being dirty is bad, and beer is good. Therefore, soap made from beer must be goodness squared, right? Yes!
Our line of hand made cold processed beer soaps are made using real beer. Don't worry, they don't smell like a day-old frat party. In fact, they're all pretty light and refreshing. And they're natural, too, so they don't contain any artificial hardeners, synthetic surfactants or foam inducers like commercial and industrial soaps.
The traditional cold process of soap making retains 100% of the soap's moisturizing glycerin. So, not only will these glorious soaps keep you clean, they'll keep your skin from drying out. And they're made from beer!
Choose from Corona, Guinness, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Sam Adams, Stella Artois, and Red Stripe.
Features & specs
- Dimensions: 3" diameter x 1" tall
- Made from real beer
- Size: 4.5 oz
- All natural ingredients
- Cold processed soap retains 100% of its moisturizing glycerin
- No artificial hardeners, synthetic surfactants or foam inducers
Watch our Beer Soap video
It's handmade soap...from beer!
We know what you're wondering. So, here are the answers:
- Yes, each 4.5 oz soap contains real beer.
- No, they do not smell like yesterday's skunked Studweiser that has been sitting in the new day's sun for six hours.
Each Beer Soap is made using one delicious brew in addition to a variety of all natural ingredients. Each soap variety has a different fragrance (depending on its source brew), but none of them can be described as overly beer-like.
There is a hint of hops, a tinge of an herbal aroma, and sometimes a citrus note (depending on the brew). However, none of them are overpoweringly fragrant. In fact, there are two varieties that have been left unscented (Guinness and Sam Adams). Check out the table below to get an idea of each individual soap's fragrance 'notes'.
All natural ingredients are great for your skin
Our Beer Soap is all natural and made by hand in the US.
Unlike commercial soaps, handmade Beer Soaps do not contain any artificial hardeners, synthetic surfactants or foam inducers. And they're cold processed, which helps retain the natural by-product of the soap-making process: glycerin. Glycerin is an organic compound that is very moisturizing. Commercial soap, on the other hand, is typically a pure detergent that dries out the skin.
Furthermore, Beer Soaps are not tested on animals, they're vegan friendly, and only essential oils are used for fragrance.
Pick your favorite brew to keep you clean!
Beer Soaps are available in six different varieties: Corona, Guinness Draught, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Red Stripe, Sam Adams Boston Lager, and Stella Artois.
An herbal tinge with a hint of citrus, black pepper, and lime.
|Made with Corona Extra Beer, Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Castor Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Unrefined Cocoa Butter, Essential Oil Blend, and Calendula Petals
Guinness Draught
This soap has been left completely unscented. Guinness lovers will detect the faint sweet aroma.
|Made with Guinness Draught Beer, Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Castor Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Unrefined Cocoa Butter, Australian Clay
Pabst Blue Ribbon
The aroma of hops, spices, and berries is clearly present. Truly has the refreshing smell of a fresh beer!
|Made with Pabst Blue Ribbon Lager, Saponified Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Canola Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sodium Stearate, Fragrance
Red Stripe
A refreshing fragrance (designed for men or women) made with essential oil of lemon, green tea, and black pepper.
|Made with Red Stripe Jamaican Beer, Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Castor Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Unrefined Cocoa Butter, Fragrance and Essential Oil Blend
Sam Adams Boston Lager
This soap, made from Sam Adams Boston Lager, has been left unscented.
|Made with Sam Adams Boston Lager, Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Canola Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Unrefined Cocoa Butter, and French Clay
Stella Artois
A blend of pine, lime and woods (typically agarwood, sandalwood and cedarwood) make for a fresh and clean scent. A dash of dill pickle adds a pleasant slant to your usual everyday aroma.
|Made with Stella Artois Lager, Saponified Olive Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Castor Oil, French Clay, Fragrance, and Colorant
Can't live without it?
Smash that 'Add to Cart' button!
Burning Questions: You Ask, We Answer
Want to ask your own Burning Question?
video to the right. It explains the Burning Question feature and answers some common questions.
Now, if there is something that you need to know about this product that we've omitted, please send us an anonymous question and we promise to answer it within 1 business day.
Now, if there is something that you need to know about this product that we've omitted, please send us an anonymous question and we promise to answer it within 1 business day.


text:
Sooo... strange stuff. I'm working in video layers for my animation and on many, many, many occasions I have copy then pasted into the frame I'm working on. Twice now in the middle of my project this has magically ceased to work and the program suddenly decides that this isn't possible anymore and and starts putting all my pastes into new layers.
Typically when copy and pasting I've been using the magic wand to get my selection, copy it, move over a frame without deselecting, then paste into the selection.
Restarting the program and reopening the file doesn't work, but this has happened to me in two separate files now at random for no apparent reason. Is there a hotkey I'm hitting that's either changing the settings or letting me paste into the active layer?
I'm assuming that any function that would let you paste into the active/selected layer should work even if it's normally used for regular layers.
I haven't been able to find the answer to this anywhere, and everyone else I've asked said that they've never gotten pasting into video layers to work but it WAS working for me for hours. Please help!


text:
Suspects picked up by police soon thereafter
Two men allegedly broke into the Alternative Shop in the 3600 block of West Vernon Avenue around 3:35 a.m. on June 28, taking with them hundreds of dollars in novelty swords, along with a hookah and a Bob Marley T-shirt.
According to a Kinston Department of Public Safety report, officers found the suspects walking along the 2900 block of West Vernon Avenue, novelty swords in their hands. When officers received a report of the shop break-in moments later, the men were arrested and shop management confirmed the loss of the merchandise.
In all, the swords were valued at $670, the hookah at $20 and the T-shirt at $10. There was an estimated $2,500 in damage done to windows and a display case.
The suspects � Tavon Rashad Green, 18, and Kenneth Warren Bailey Hall, 20 � were both charged with felony counts of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering, placed into the W.E. �Billy� Smith Detention Center and given $10,000 bonds.
They�re both due in Lenoir County District Court on July 14.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.


text:
- About ABA
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- ABA Shop
- Membership & Giving
Shorebirds can present even the most seasoned birder with identification challenges. This is particularly true when we can't see an entire bird well. Most field guide poses illustrate birds from the side, so when we see a bird from behind, it can present us with even more difficulties.
Luckily we can see most of the bird quite well. Most importantly, we can see the structure and coloration of our bird's bill. This bird has a slightly decurved bill that is relatively short (compared with something like either yellowlegs or a dowitcher) but certainly longer than a plover. The general shape is similar to some species in the genus Calidris. Some Ruff may appear similar to our bird, but the tertials on an adult Ruff would have dark bars, unlike our bird, while a juvenile would have extensive pale edging to all of the upperparts.
We also see that the base of the bill is appears pinkish becoming darker toward the tip. Most peeps have all dark bills. White-rumped Sandpipers, often show a pale base to their bills, but not as extensive as this individual. Furthermore, White-rumped Sandpipers, are grayish overall, not warm brown coloration like this bird. Looking carefully, we can also see the legs of our bird appear yellowish, or at least not black. This may call to mind a Least Sandpiper, which has upperparts that are similarly colored. But Least Sandpiper would have a finer bill that is uniformly black.
We could start thinking about Long-toed or Temminck's Stints (which we would eliminate for similar reasons as we eliminated Least Sandpiper), but before jumping to rarities, we should consider one other common Calidris: Pectoral Sandpiper. Structurally this bird looks perfect for a Pectoral Sandpiper, with a body that appears stockier and a neck that appears a bit longer than on, say, a Least Sandpiper. The blush of rufous on the crown and auriculars are also perfect for an alternate-plumaged bird. Some observers may consider Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, but most Sharp-tailed would have a much more prominent rufous crown, and all would show more extensive rufous on the scapulars. I also suspect that on an alternate plumaged bird, we would be able to make out at least some dark chevrons on the bit of undertail coverts that we can see.
This adult Pectoral Sandpiper was photographed in April outside Concan, Texas.
The following people (listed by submission date beginning with the earliest) submitted correct answers for the April Bird Photo Quiz—Pectoral Sandpiper:
As stated in the quiz rules, answers must consist simply of the Common or English name exactly as it appears in the ABA Checklist.
The following list shows the number of submissions for each species guessed.
The photo and answer for this quiz were supplied by Chris Wood.


text:
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Diane stabbed at the intercom switch near her and shouted, "Close hatches and launch!" It took her almost thirty seconds to run to the bridge. Just before she reached it, a voice sounded over the intercom, "All hatches secure!" Diane barely reached her seat and strapped in before the G-forces hit her while her ship climbed up into... more...
Attack Butterfly: Book 2, The Rust Bucket UniverseBitingduck Press 1999; US$ 2.99
Attack Butterfly is the second in The Rust Bucket Universe series from Boson Books . Susan's eyes gleamed with the intensity of a natural born killer instinct. She was always ready to play rough. Susan watched the fixed sight sweep onto another destroyer as her ship came from behind the enemy fleet. She fired her Mark VI and peppered the enemy... more...
The Basketball ExpatriateBitingduck Press 1999; US$ 7.50
When is a story about a basketball player not even about basketball? When the basketball player spends a couple hundred pages trying to convince you that it is. A nameless man boards a plane in Los Angeles, headed for London. A ballplayer. Or at least until recently. Injuries have compelled the worst team in professional basketball to cut him from... more...
In The Wink of an EyeBitingduck Press 1999; US$ 7.50
In The Wink of an Eye is a modern fable in the form of a novel. Or a romantic satire. Or a social burlesque. Or an ironic fantasy. Or all of the above. Whatever the label, it's a joy to read. This tale is about a revolution—a small, upstart, none-too-promising revolution—that succeeds too well. A band of inept guerrillas in the Bolivain backcountry... more...
Our Fathers: Book 1, Connor Beach Crime SeriesBitingduck Press 1999; US$ 2.99
When Matt Carlsberg is found dead in a cottage on Connor Beach, the police must find not only who killed him, but why. The investigation is conducted by Harry Chervenic, a detective with too much experience, and his sometime partner Mickie Wilder, young and ambitious. They find Matt's older brother, who still remembers an old grudge, and his sister,... more...


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Stefanie Loh, who joined U-T San Diego as a sports reporter on Aug. 27, was elected as AWSM's president in June.
She formerly worked at the Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News and Morgantown (W. Va.) Dominion Post.
Loh offers her outlook on the organization below:
Q: What are your main goals to accomplish as AWSM's president?
A: I want to raise the profile of the organization and to help us grow into our role as media members of the 21st century. We have evolved from our origins as a newspaper-oriented group, and I want our programming and membership to reflect that growth. So we'd like to get more women from different spheres of the media involved with AWSM. Additionally, by the end of my term as president, I hope to leave behind a flourishing network of AWSM college chapters all over the country.
Q: What inspires you about AWSM?
A: AWSM is the voice for women in sports, but it's more than that, it's a family. We're small enough that there's a level of intimacy inherent in everything we organize, but big enough that we have members in some of the biggest media outlets in the country.
Q: What do you think AWSM needs to do better?
A: think AWSM needs to do a better job of providing resources and programming for its membership in between conventions. We want you to stay in touch with your friends more than once a year, and we want to give you programs to help you do that! We've got some great ideas in the pipeline.
I think AWSM also needs to start taking a more active role in cultivating the future of women in sports, and to do that, we must look to the colleges, where a whole generation of female sports professionals is currently learning the ropes. We want them to look to us as a useful resource for years to come.
Q: What do you see as the membership's role in the coming years?
A: Our membership should serve as a sorority for one another, and a both a professional and personal network. But more importantly, we need to be visible advocates for women in sports media. We want to put on programming to help increase the profile of women in sports, and to help female sports professionals cope with the issues they might encounter in their lives — be it in the newsroom or at home.
We all share a common bond in the frenetic, often fluctuating environment that characterizes the lifestyle of a journalist or media professional in sports. Let's help one another discover ways to better manage that lifestyle, and to raise the level of awareness of the issues that female athletes and media members continue to face in the sports world.
Q: What role has AWSM played in your life?
A: I first heard about AWSM in the mid-2000s, when, as a college student and journalism major at the University of Oregon, I ran into AWSM member Rachel Bachman on campus. Rachel was a reporter for the Oregonian at the time, and she told me about AWSM and encouraged me to apply for the scholarship and come to the convention. I applied for but never actually got the scholarship, then decided to come to the convention anyway.
From the time I attended my first convention in Dallas, I was struck by how much of a sisterhood this organization is. At that convention, I met women from a multitude of media outlets, all of whom were friendly, personable, and most of all, willing to share their experiences and help newcomers in any way they could. I'm still friends with many of the women whom I met at my first convention, and I will say with certainty that the people I met at AWSM have had a tremendous impact on my career. They've served as sources, sounding boards, friends, and mentors, and that's what AWSM does — it gives you a network to count on, and a group you can say you belong to. Being a woman in sports media can sometimes be a very lonely thing, with AWSM, you're never alone.


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TSMC posts mixed Q2 results
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SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) reported consolidated revenue of NT$88.14 billion ($2.87 billion) for the second quarter, up a mere 0.8 percent from the previous period and up 17.6 percent a year ago.
Silicon foundry giant TSMC reported net income of NT$28.77 billion ($939 million) in the quarter. Year-over-year, second quarter net income increased 12.9 percent. On a sequential basis, second quarter results represent an increase of 2.2 percent in net income.
Advanced process technologies (0.13-micron and below) accounted for 63 percent of wafer revenues with 90-nm process technology accounting for 28 percent and 65-nm reaching 18 percent of total wafer sales.
''Even with a weakening macroeconomic environment, our second quarter results were either in line with or slightly higher than guidance announced at the end of April, thanks to our continual effort in driving cost reduction and increasing utilization rates,'' said Lora Ho, vice president and chief financial officer of TSMC, in a statement.
The outlook could be dim for TSMC. "Based on our current business outlook, management expects third quarter revenue growth to be below seasonality,'' she said.
For Q3, revenue is expected to be between NT$90 billion ($2.93 billion) and NT$92 billion ($2.998 billion).
Taiwan foundry rival United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) this week also posted mixed results in the second quarter and warned about the overall business climate in the third period.
This week, China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) posted another loss. And Singapore's Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. will ramp its 45-nm process technology this fall amid a bleak business outlook for the chip foundry.
The Singaporean chip maker last week released upbeat results of 18 percent sequential revenue growth and 88 percent capacity utilization for its second quarter. But revenue growth will slump to about four percent and utilization will fall to 84 percent in the coming quarter, executives predicted.


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Greenlee Plumbing 185 ReviewsExcellent Service
We have used Greenlee Plumbing three times over the years. They have replaced water pipes from the road to our house, replaced a garage disposal, put new faucets in bathtub, bathroom sink and kitchen sink. They did an excellent job each time. The best when it come to scheduling and keeping the appointments. I would not consider using anyone else.
Atlantis Plumbing LLC 349 ReviewsSpeed, Pricing, Politeness, Planning and Execution
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Johns Creek-Plumbing 40 ReviewsThe Best!
Johns Creek Plumbing is wonderful. They arrived on time, figured out the problem, fixed it in the amount of time quoted and gave a more than fair price. Ivan and his son were very friendly and honest. Definitely my new go to company for plumbing issues. I couldn't have asked for better service at a better price. Thank you!
Plumbing For Less 101 Reviewsgood job
He was very helpful. We bought a big house that needed a lot of work and we are doing it bit by bit. He did a good job!
Royal Flush Plumbing, Inc 112 ReviewsAND JUSTIN SUCCEEDED!!!
Ben and Justin came to our home on Saturday to snake our main sewer drain. Ben gave me all the different scenarios and options. I asked a few questions, was given the pricing and signed their invoice to authorize requested work. Ben made the first attempt and I had told him it usually takes two or three passes. We have thirty foot trees in the front yard which the pipes go under but the blockage is always near the street (at the edge of our property). Ben turned it over to Justin to make the next pass and wahlaa - SUCCESS!!! Thank you to Jessica for keeping us informed when they would arrive which was the exact time we were told and for Ben and Justin for taking time to spend on our...


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Alte KameradenCarl Teike / arr.Marc Oliver - Ayotte Custom Musical Engravings, LLC (ASCAP)
Publisher Desc. "Alte Kameraden" (German for "Old Comrades") was written by Carl Teike in 1899, and has since become one of the most popular marches in the world. It was written to honor the loyalty among those comrades-at-arms who have served together in the military in their younger days,a loyalty that remained strong for the rest of their lives, long past their military experiences. You can still see that same strong loyalty among the comrades-at-arms of today, displayed by veterans of World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, 9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq. This transcription of "Alte Kameraden" is derived from the original German march, and not the American version published later.
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It appears that Kingpins Bowl and Brew, which closed at the end of July, will live again under a new banner and owner in the same location of Homewood Village on Jefferson Road.
Wayne Carson, who served as a manager at the 5-year-old bowling alley/ bar/restaurant, plans to reopen the business in a few weeks, but it will bear a new name. Carson had not decided on a name as of the newspaper's press time.
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Application Information
Scholarship Overview
This scholarship is for graduating seniors from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be accepted to a two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and financial need. Applicants receiving other scholarships will not be considered.
How easy is it to apply?
Not too bad
This scholarship's application process may have items such as essays that could take a couple hours.
How much competition is there?
Relatively little!
This scholarship has a relatively low number of applicants.


text: Hi guys!! > > > all the kvim authors moved over to kyzis (already working better then > > > kvim ever did IMO). It sounds like a dream coming true!! > > Could you specify what is better with yzis compared to kvim? I can't find > > anything that is better. I, for example, could never set vim to use a specific font. If i'd do so, kvim would freak out and display the text very badly. Example: <text_diplayed_in_vim> Mary had a little lard. </text_diplayed_in_vim> <text_diplayed_in_kvim> M a r y ha d a lit t le l ar d <text_diplayed_in_kvim> Then I simply put kvim aside. Kyzis is promising good things, let's wait for it. See you. ____________________________________________________ Yahoo! Mail, cada vez melhor: agora com 1GB de espaço grátis! http://mail.yahoo.com.br


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Surgery to remove part or all of the esophagus (esophagectomy) is key to effectively treating esophageal cancer. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the cancerous part of your esophagus, lymph nodes in the area, and other nearby tissue. The surgeon connects any remaining healthy part of your esophagus to your stomach so you can swallow normally. Your stomach or part of your intestine may be used to make the connection.
Typically doctors recommend surgery for early stage cancers (stage I) and for many locally advanced cancers (stage II and III).
Choose an Experienced Surgery Center
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) patients receive esophageal cancer surgery from top surgeons at the Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Center for Esophageal & Gastric Surgery at UW Medical Center. These specialists perform a high volume of esophagectomies every year and often are on the leading edge of developing the newest, latest techniques and teaching these techniques to other doctors.
UW Medicine is one of only a few sites in the United States that specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating esophageal and gastric diseases. When you have esophageal cancer, it is very important to choose a surgeon and hospital experienced in performing esophagectomies. Studies show that the volume of these surgeries performed by a hospital is a strong predictor of patient outcomes.
Esophagectomy Techniques
There are many ways to perform an esophagectomy. The method your surgeon uses will depend on the location of your tumor.
Transhiatal Esophagectomy
Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy
In this method, the surgeon makes one incision in the abdomen and one in the chest along the ribs. The lower half of the esophagus is removed through the abdominal incision, and the stomach is attached to the upper esophagus in the chest.
Total Esophagectomy
This surgery is used to remove the entire esophagus when there are large tumors in the middle of the esophagus. The surgeon makes incisions in three places: the abdomen, chest, and neck. The esophagus is separated from other chest structures and organs through these incisions, and then it's removed. The surgeon will create a new passage for food from the throat to the stomach, typically with a segment of the small intestine or colon.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
For many patients, surgeons can use a minimally invasive approach to remove the part of the esophagus affected by cancer.
The surgery is performed through five small incisions that are one-quarter to one-half inch long. The surgeon inserts a fiber-optic camera through the incisions in order to see the esophagus and other structures without having to make any large incisions in the neck, chest, or abdomen. Through the other small incisions, the surgeon operates using small surgical instruments.
When the incisions are made in the chest, this type of surgery is called a thoracoscopy. When the incisions are in the abdomen, the surgery is called a laparoscopy. The benefits to both are less pain, faster recovery, and fewer problems with incisions.
Most SCCA patients who need surgery for esophageal cancer can have minimally invasive surgery. Our surgeons are among the country's leading experts in minimally invasive surgery. You and your doctor will discuss whether this approach is right for you.
Surgery Risks
All surgeries carry some risks. A major complication that can occur with esophageal surgery is that the esophagus leaks where it was cut and reattached. Other complications can include atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, lung collapse, bowel obstruction, and vocal-cord paralysis or long-term hoarseness. To reduce your risk of major complications from esophageal surgery, it is important to go to a hospital where the surgeons have extensive experience performing these procedures.
After Surgery
After surgery is performed, it is typical to spend a week or more in the hospital to recover. In some cases, recovery can take up to six months. Your SCCA team members will work with you to ensure you receive the care and support you need during your recovery time.
After esophageal surgery, dietary habits often have to change. Eating smaller portions of soft foods, avoiding high-fat and spicy dishes, and not drinking liquids with meals are all common changes patients make after esophageal cancer surgery. Many people find it easier to puree meals. You may also find it helpful to eat more slowly and to stand or sit upright for a few hours after meals to reduce reflux and regurgitation. We provide nutrition support to help you make these adjustments while getting the nutrition you need.


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I am overwhelmed today, but not too overwhelmed to participate – albeit briefly – in the Spin Cycle. The subject is "food."
I have no recipe or diatribe today, just a picture to give you an idea of where we spent the weekend:
This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of G Man photos, folks. Tip of the iceberg.
Have a great Monday, y'all, and I'll be back tomorrow with a recipe.


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of Animal Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
North Carolina State University
Research Interests: Effect of rumen undegradable protein and specific amino acids on milk yield and milk composition in early lactation dairy cows; investigating nutritional strategies to improve growth and performance in the neonatal dairy calf and dairy heifers.
Extension Interests: Dairy cattle nutrition and feeding; dairy heifer growth and performance; coordinator of the North Carolina Dairy Youth Program.
Commodity Interests: Dairy
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Last Modified August 2009


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"To evangelize means giving witness with joy and simplicity to what we are and what we believe in."—Pope Francis
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Two Little Films that Gave Me Big Pleasure
So last week, sifting through the summer dreck of action and explo, I gave her two choices: "Norman," starring Richard Gere as a New York "fixer"; and "Megan Leavey," about a female Marine who serves as a dog handler, sniffing out IEDs in Iraq.
Now we've seen them, and although we both enjoyed "Norman" more, I particularly liked "Megan Leavey." My wife rightly commented that it is manipulative in the way that it systematically pulls on your heart-strings. All I could say by way of rejoinder was that "Megan Leavey" is the first dog movie to make me cry since "Old Yeller."
"Megan Leavey" is aimed at a Venn diagram of demographics in which dog lovers and veterans (preferably female) intersect. Oh, and there's a wonderful father-daughter scene, which probably sealed my deal.
"Norman" is something stranger. Gere's character is all but homeless and stays that way. In the last scene—and this is not a spoiler—he is seated on a park bench with, as Bob Dylan wrote, no direction home. Yet his life is shown to be a triumph.
It's not clear that by befriending an Israeli politician and trying to connect him with a big New York financier while also raising a $7 million matching grant for a synagogue (where, seriously, Steve Buscemi is the rabbi!), it's not clear, I say, that Norman even wants riches. He just wants to matter. He wants a meaningful life, and Norman finds his meaning in establishing such connections and making them click.
Whether they do click in the end is the drama of this lovely little film, and I won't tell you more. But see "Norman," please. And if you are a female vet (in either sense of vet) and you need a good cry, see "Megan Leavey" too. They are two tiny gems waiting for you in the huge pile of summer crap still steaming at your local megaplex.
Posted by Webster Bull at 5:39 AM
Labels: Films
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A self-proclaimed art curator, Aaron Rose can also be described as an artist, writer, or even cultural facilitator. Since his late teens he has been spreading skateboarding/alternative art culture from California to New York and back again, and is credited as the one who actually gave birth to the current alternative art scene. Available now, the DC x Aaron Rose Artist Project™ is an exclusive model used only for this series and comes in a full grain leather low in Dark Beige or mid in Dark Olive for Summer 2009.
Once again the collaboration of DC Shoes and Aaron Rose results in a subtle, well designed footwear collection, with just the right amount of details.
Have a detailed look at both shoes from the Summer 2009 collection after the jump.


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GBP/USD (a 4-hour chart)
General overview
All traders' attention will be focused on the 4th quarter UK GDP release. On the one hand, the manufacturing and service sector slowdown points out to the weak report. On the other hand, the average earnings growth and the unemployment reduction spurred private consumption. The Bank of England economists expect growth by 0.6%.
Buyers correct the price upwards amid the lower volumes. There is the strong resistance level of 1.5100 breakthrough and the level of 1.5200 testing amid the formed correction.
The price is finding the first support at 1.5100, the next one is 1.5015. The price is finding the first resistance at 1.5200, the next one is at 1.5300.
There is a confirmed and a strong sell signal. The price is under the Cloud and it is under the Chinkou Span. The Tenkan-sen and the Kijun-sen show a horizontal movement. The downward movement will be until the price is under the Cloud.
The MACD histogram is in a positive territory. The price is growing.
Trading recommendations
The level of 1.5200 test may lead to a price rebound down. The potential rebound targets are the support levels of 1.5015, 1.4920.


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Ex-partners made history
Legends Cardenas, Jarrin shaped Spanish broadcasts
By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com
He's 75 now. His hair, once stylish and curly on top, has receded. His glasses are thick, in frame and lens. He still has the passion that made him Nicaragua's most famous baseball expert, but he is content to sit in his marked spot and write for La Prensa, the same paper he worked for as teenager. He usually has a friendly handshake holstered on his right side just waiting to be drawn.
But Cardenas, the man largely responsible for the modern expansion of Spanish language sportscasts, writes in silence and without recognition.
About 1,550 miles away in Los Angeles, Jaime Jarrin, the Spanish broadcaster for the Dodgers, stands high above the fans as the top man in a broadcast booth with legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yniguez. Jarrin, who is royalty in this stadium, was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame seven years ago, one of only three Spanish broadcasters to receive the honor. He can barely take a walk at Dodger Stadium without an autograph seeker at his back.
"I was at the right place at the right time," Jarrin said. "I have been extremely lucky in this country. I have never lost one minute of sleep worrying about tomorrow because I have always been able to have three and four jobs at the same time."
When Jarrin, 70, first started with the Dodgers, his partner and first boss was Cardenas. At the time, Cardenas was already an established baseball man with a mind for business and a vision for the growing Hispanic population in not only Southern California, but across the country.
Jarrin was a newsman.
"When I first met Jaime, he thought a baseball was something you eat," Cardenas said. "There is no rivalry at all. He's my pupil, and I am his master. That was the relationship."
Cardenas and Jarrin worked together for three seasons, calling games in Spanish for the Dodgers starting in 1959 and again for 16 seasons starting in 1982. When Cardenas left for a job in Houston in 1961, Jarrin was still a rookie. When he returned several years later, Jarrin was a grown man who had learned under the tutelage of Jose Garcia, Cardenas' replacement. Jarrin was also on his way to solidifying his status as a Dodgers legend.
"I learned more from Jose than from Rene," Jarrin said. "I heard somebody say Rene was telling people he was my teacher, but, as they say, 'the pupil became better than the teacher'."
Apart, Cardenas and Jarrin would make history. Together, they helped shape the way baseball games are broadcast in Spanish today.
"We are not doing this and viewing it as ice cream or whipped cream on top of the cake." -- Angels owner Arte Moreno
There are currently 14 teams that offer Spanish broadcasts of baseball games on the radio on a regular basis and as many as 20 that offer some form of Spanish broadcasts on the radio throughout the season. Four teams -- the Dodgers, Padres, Marlins and Angels -- have two Spanish broadcasters who travel with the club on the road to every game. The Rangers have one broadcaster for the 81 road games.
Some things have changed. Others have not.
Spanish broadcasters who do not travel call their games from a studio with sound effects in a style similar to Cardenas' and Jarrin's first broadcasts almost 50 years ago.
"It's tough for us to get people to recognize how valuable we are, but little by little, we are gaining ground," Jarrin said. "But there is still lots to do. I see a bright future. Hispanic communities and Hispanic markets are growing. Hispanics will spend money, and they love sports and baseball."
Of the teams that regularly broadcast games in Spanish, only a few claim to make a profit. A club's market, radio rights fees, sponsorship and commitment are among the many variables that contribute to a broadcast's success. Not surprisingly, the value of the Spanish broadcast varies with each team.
"A lot of teams, with exception of Los Angeles and Miami, will say Spanish broadcasting to them is not very profitable, and I say 'Shame on you for not getting your broadcasters out in the community and not getting your players out in the community,'" said Rosie Hernandez, the Astros' vice president of marketing. "If you do that, it's a win-win and it will be profitable. You need to build it and nurture it. It won't grow by itself, and it won't grow overnight."
The Astros, like many clubs who broadcast baseball games in Spanish, maintain their broadcasting rights and are partnered with Univision Radio. Such a union provides for exposure on the conglomerates' stations, a ready-made sales staff and a split in the revenue generated. Clubs assist the bottom line by launching their own Hispanic initiatives and advertisement campaigns.
"Some immediately associate the Hispanic consumer as being frugal and being a consumer that cannot afford the good things in life, which is not true," Hernandez said. "It is true in some instances because of immigrants who come trying to make a life better, but there is also an immigrant population that comes with dollars to spend. There are also second- and third-generation populations that are coming of age economically that emphasize family events and entertainment and creating memories for the family. What is better family entertainment than a good, old-fashioned baseball game?"
The Dodgers maintain the rights to the broadcast and package the Spanish broadcast with the English broadcast. The Angels, who are also partnered with Univision, eventually would like to take control of their entire on-air inventory. Like the Dodgers, the Angels do not differentiate the Spanish market from the English market. It's simply the market.
"We are aggressive in the rates we charge. We don't view it as a throw-in because our Spanish broadcast has tremendous value," said Sergrio Del Prado, the Dodgers' vice president of sales. "Some markets make sense and some don't. We also have most the competitive Spanish media market in the country, so we are all competing for listeners and viewers. Our market demands a first-class, quality product."
Bill Kulik purchased the rights to broadcast games in Spanish for the Red Sox, Devil Rays and Phillies for a third party named the Spanish Beisbol Network. He is involved in virtually every aspect of the broadcasts, including calling games, selling sponsorships and reading commercials. He has discovered first-hand the hardships of trying to establish a fan-friendly broadcast while also trying make money.
"It is so tough to sell to corporate America, and I did not expect that," Kulik said. "The top markets might not feel the pain as much as me, but I'm trying to reach the fringe markets and I can't convince corporate America to support us. That drives me crazy because they talk the talk but don't walk the walk. I'm thinking they just don't get it."
What Kulik believes some people don't get are the numbers.
Hispanic buying power nearly hit $700 billion in 2004 and is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2010, according to Hispanic Business Inc. Buying power -- personal disposable income, or after-tax income available for purchasing goods and services -- is a measure of the relative economic importance of a market segment.
Additionally, U.S. Hispanics are the fifth-largest Spanish-speaking community in the world behind Mexico, Spain, Colombia and Argentina, according to Pew Hispanic Center. There are an estimated 41.3 million Hispanics living in the United States with a real medium income of $34,241, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
"The Hispanic population is something every club has to be aware of," Padres owner John Moores said. "The markets are going to have to perceive the effect of the growing Hispanic population, which is very real. As economic power increases by Hispanics, it has to be reflected down the road by additional television and radio presence down the road. It will happen because that's where the dollars are and marketing arms of every ballclub will continue to chase the dollar. It's about an enlightened self-interest by the clubs, and that follows dollars."
Angels owner Arte Moreno has quickly gained a reputation as fan-friendly owner, but his commitment to the Angels' broadcast is a well-calculated endeavor to bring in fans and turn a profit. It has nothing to do with the fact that he is only Hispanic owner in Major League Baseball.
"We are not doing this and viewing it as ice cream or whipped cream on top of the cake," Moreno said. "What we are trying to do is offer a service. If we were losing money on it, we would not be doing it. We believe we are stretching the market out, and I think we can do a better job. I don't believe we are as good as we can be in anything we are doing."
But how do you make money in Spanish broadcasts?
Many believe a strong commitment from the club and a sales staff that is trained to understand the similarities and differences between operating in the English and Spanish markets are crucial. Tapping into monies earmarked by sponsors specifically for Spanish initiatives -- as well as creating partnerships with less traditional businesses like health companies, pharmaceutical companies and banking services -- could also create opportunities for "fringe" teams.
Team alliances and a well-connected third-party partner might make also a difference.
"The hardest thing in the world is to find is somebody who can sell," said Ralph Paniagua, a New York entrepreneur who has a long business history in Major League Baseball. "It's hard to find people who have contacts. That's why certain teams are successful and others are not. You have to have professionals who know what they are doing."
"He had a terrific speaking voice and a wonderful command of the Spanish language. He was, in effect, Vin Scully in Spanish. -- Stan Evans, former senior vice president, Gumbinner Advertising Agency
The desire to reach the Spanish market followed the Dodgers when team owner Walter O'Malley moved them from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958. So did their method to target the audience -- peddling, among other things, Tareyton cigarettes. The Dodgers also needed a Spanish broadcaster to call games and assist in the marketing to bring in new fans. Dynamic and dapper, Cardenas was a perfect fit.
"The first time I met him, I flew to Dodgerstown in Spring Training, and he blew me away," said Stan Evans, who represented the American Tobacco Company as the senior vice president of Gumbinner Advertising Agency. "Rene not only knew baseball, but he had a terrific speaking voice and a wonderful command of the Spanish language. He was, in effect, Vin Scully in Spanish."
Cardenas was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and shined at age 16 as a reporter and later the sports editor of La Prensa, the largest paper in his country. He began his radio career by calling boxing matches and basketball games in Spanish throughout Latin America. He moved to Los Angeles in 1951.
Upon the recommendation of a friend at KWKW, he was given an interview for the Dodgers' job in 1957, and under the guidance of Dave Van de Walker and station manager William Beaton, the first regular and most recognized Spanish broadcast production of home and away games started in 1958. The broadcast was based on Cardenas' proposal.
"I knew it was very special at the time," Cardenas said. "I knew it was history being made, and we were out front."
It was an eventful start. Cardenas' first broadcast partner was a disc jockey named Milt Nava. He was a nice guy, but he didn't know the game. The next hire in 1959 didn't know the game, either, but he had potential.
Anybody could see Jarrin was something special even with his limited knowledge of the sport.
"I was like, 'Wow, what is going on here?'" Jarrin said. "What is this game?"
The Dodgers called every home game in Spanish in those days and recreated the away games with sound effects and tricks from a studio by following Vin Scully's English broadcast. Cardenas' popularity seemingly grew with every game.
"Rene could have been elected mayor at the time. He could have been elected president of half a dozen countries," Evans said. "He could not even go into a grocery store without being mobbed."
The Dodgers' success did not go unnoticed. In Houston, Roy Hofheinz, a prominent business man who had been successful in his bid to bring a Major League team to Southeast Texas, wanted Cardenas to direct his Spanish broadcast.
As president of the powerful Houston Sports Association, Hofheinz had plans in the works for a dome facility he would later name the Astrodome for his team, the Colt 45s. Judge Hofheinz, as he was widely known, also had the support of, among many other powerful entities, the American Tobacco Company. Cardenas left the Dodgers for Houston in 1962 to become the head of all Spanish-language broadcasts, including basketball and boxing at the Astrodome. Cardenas' voice went statewide, also reaching Mexico and parts of South America.
"It was my Dad's vision," said Fred Hofheinz, an attorney in Houston. "He was into getting marketing every way we could find it. He hired Rene and got it started. Looking back, I think Rene deserves an awful lot of credit. Hispanics in Houston in 1961 were the not powerhouse they are now."
Cardenas had it made in Los Angeles, but the move to Texas was a risk worth taking. His decision to leave the Dodgers can still be viewed as the biggest decision of his career.
"It was easy to leave even though I was making good money that season with the Dodgers," Cardenas said. "When the American Tobacco Company decided to buy the rights for broadcast in Houston, they were my biggest sponsors in LA. It was an important step for the agency to cover the games for Texas, to open up a new baseball market, and they were willing to give me a job year-round."
Cardenas spent the next 15 years flourishing in Houston, and Jarrin did the same in Los Angeles. In 1969, the San Diego Padres launched their Spanish broadcast with Mario Thomas.
Cardenas eventually returned to Nicaragua in 1977 to retire, but it didn't last long. The Sandinistas took over in 1979, forcing Cardenas to return to the United States in 1980.
It had only been four years, but times had changed.
"... he was better than anybody who is doing Spanish radio today" -- sportswriter Juan Vene
Long before Cardenas or Jarrin, there was Eloy "Buck" Canel. Canel was born in 1906 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the son of a diplomat and the proud descendent of artists and poets in Spain. He grew up an avid sports fan in Staten Island, N.Y., and later developed a love for baseball in his travels to Cuba. The well-traveled Canel had a knack for telling a good story and making people laugh.
"He loved to joke around, and he was always kidding," said Juan Vene, Canel's friend and a longtime sportswriter. "He had such a grand sense of humor and would tell stories in Spanish for us and in English for those who didn't speak Spanish."
Canel began his career in journalism as a writer for the Staten Island Advance and later as a correspondent for The Associated Press. He worked for the French-wire service, Havas, and the French news agency, Agence France-Press.
"I can still sing the song from Cabalgata Deportiva Gillette," said Mexico-born Eleno Ornelas, the Texas Rangers' Spanish broadcaster. "Buck was the first to do it. He opened to doors for all of us today."
Canel also provided a sneak peek into the business side of broadcasting baseball games in Spanish that still exists today.
The Brooklyn Dodgers' television and radio broadcasts had two major sponsors in the early 1950s, Schaefer Beer and the American Tobacco Company -- a corporation looking to market its Lucky Strikes cigarettes into the Spanish market.
It was decided that the best way to reach the target audience and sell cigarettes was through baseball. The most popular Spanish voice of baseball at the time was Canel, so he was hired in 1954. He would broadcast selected games for the next three seasons at Ebbets Field, including 40 in 1957 for New York's WHOM. The strategy would resurface a few years later when the Dodgers moved to California.
"It was the mid-1950s, and there was a big Spanish population in New York," said Tom Villante, a former Dodgers broadcasting coordinator. "We would do the games, and we would take ads out in the Spanish papers. We would tell them to watch the game in English and listen in Spanish."
Canel was the staff's Spanish expert, doing everything from reading advertisements, writing copy and hosting a radio show. He appealed to fans in New York because of his genuine approach and likable demeanor. He appealed to sponsors because he was helping them sell their product.
"He was the most popular Spanish speaking sportscaster in the world," Vallenti said. "He had a very deep voice, and he spoke English fluently. You would never suspect he was Spanish by listening to him speak."
For almost 50 years, Canel called baseball games in Spanish. He participated in his final World Series in 1979 and died in 1980. In 1985, he was named recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, becoming the first Spanish broadcaster to be honored by Hall of Fame.
"Buck lived a good life, and he was better than anybody who is doing Spanish radio today," Vene said.
"The stomach is very important, and family. I know exactly who I am." -- Rene Cardenas
In 1981, Cardenas took a job with a radio station outside of the city and worked his way back into the Astros' Spanish radio broadcast. He simultaneously helped expand the Texas Rangers' broadcast by becoming the club's first Spanish broadcaster the same year.
"I have no regrets about coming to Houston," Cardenas said. "I had two children -- one was three and another was six -- and they offered me very good money to leave Los Angeles. It was a hard opportunity to turn down, and I didn't. I made my home here, and I love it."
Cardenas left Houston and returned to Los Angeles in 1982 when Jarrin's partner, Garcia, left because of an illness. Cardenas was back in LA, but as the No. 2 man.
"I remember everybody welcoming me back, and it was wonderful," Cardenas said. "Jaime had his professor back with him. It didn't bother me that I was not the No. 1. I was eating. The stomach is very important, and family. That was no big deal."
At least not initially. Not being honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame had long become a sore subject for the veteran broadcaster and was brought to the forefront when Jarrin was honored by the Hall in 1998.
Cardenas returned to Texas the same year.
"He felt he should be the first considered for the Hall of Fame, and I don't think that he will never rest peacefully because he did not get the recognition he felt he should have," said Tommy Hawkins, a former vice president of communications with the Dodgers. "It was not as if the Dodgers or Jaime were promoting Jaime. That's just the way the mop flopped. After Fernandomania in 1981, there was no stopping Spanish radio or Jaime. It was Fernando, Mike Brito and Jaime as this strong troika. Rene was never able to challenge that."
Jarrin heard the grumbling and could sense the tension, but his relationship with Cardenas, on and off the field, was strong. It was also being tested.
"I like Rene a lot, and I have a lot of respect for him," Jarrin said. "He accepted his role and understood in the beginning, but he became a little bit bitter because he was trying hard to get into the Hall of Fame and he did not. He couldn't. For the last 25 years, he was doing only two innings a game, maybe.
Since his return to Texas, Cardenas has been a staple in the Astros' pressbox. He writes for countless publications and remains one of the most accomplished sports writers in the history of Latin America.
He has fans across the globe and friends all across the country.
"I hope that one day or somehow, Rene can get the recognition that he deserves," Hawkins said. "If I remember clearly, Rene started here in Los Angeles, went to Houston and came back, but things were not the same because Jaime was in control. I hope he finds peace"
Perhaps he already has.
Cardenas has found salvation in front of his laptop with a pencil in his hand on the second row in his favorite city's best-known ballpark. He doesn't talk about the Hall of Fame anymore. Nobody brings it up, either.
"I'm an old man," he said. "I don't think about the Hall of Fame because it's not in my heart. I have lived a good life and have been blessed so much. I love one place, and that is Houston."
Jesse Sanchez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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KARMA: Operation Barbarossa Heads into Closed Beta
December 15, 2009
WWII Yields to ijji.com's Imagination, Nightmares as KARMA: Operation Barbarossa Heads into Closed Beta
Gamers should prepare to see history in a new light. The leading hardcore online gaming portal, ijji.com, announced the kickoff of closed beta testing (CBT) for its World War II-inspired multi-player online first-person shooter (MOFPS), KARMA: Operation Barbarossa. KARMA's version of the Second World War isn't the war from history books - the Germans never lost and their death grip on Europe continues to widen. And just when players think they've seen the entire nightmare of war, zombie-riddled maps pit them against an ultimate adversary, the undead.
"ijji.com strives to provide a well-rounded, hardcore gaming experience for its nearly 10 million community members, and the addition of KARMA, with its unique twist on World War II and zombified maps is a no-brainer," said Philip Yun, CEO, NHN USA, Inc. "ijji.com is a one stop shop for seasoned gamers' needs, especially those seeking variety in the FPS genre - from science fiction to modern day warfare to the wars of our ancestors, to name a few."
In KARMA: Operation Barbarossa,tenacious gameplay and thrilling missions will transport gamers to a time when battles relied on soldiers' gut instincts and raw skills to attain glory on the battlefield without the aid of technology. Fast action combat ensues in a war-torn Europe that is completely under German control, enveloped in a similar storyline as that of World War II. Players choose which side to fight for; many must put cowardice aside and go head-to-head with violent and ruthless German soldiers in order torestore peace and save innocent lives in Europe, while others will enter the battle to defend the tyranny of the Axis nation.
The battle begins with the living pitted against each other - and the undead - as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Players interested in getting an early glimpse at what's behind the Iron Curtain sign up here: http://karma.ijji.com.


text: Fly on the Wall understands that the DeSoto County Civic Center is looking for some willing corporation to put its name on the place. Well, The Memphis Flyer would like to humbly submit its name to the arena. For this rare privilege, we would only charge the DCCC a mere $2 billion, payable over the next three years. We understand that Pappy & Jimmy s also has a pretty strong offer on the table, but we feel competitive.


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County approves new policies to boost employee morale
WORTHINGTON -- Tuesday morning marked the final Nobles County board meeting for outgoing commissioners David Benson, Diane Thier and Vern Leistico, and while there were well wishes, a break for birthday cupcakes for Leistico and a bit of reflection on the trio's combined 38 years of public service, there was also much work to be done.
Much of Tuesday's discussion focused on new policies and programs for county employees. Discussions have been ongoing since the county formed a management team last summer. The team is comprised of several department heads, two county commissioners and the interim county administrator, and they were tasked with helping the county move in a positive direction.
Nobles County Community Services Director Stacie Golombiecki and Attorney Kathleen Kusz brought forth policy recommendations Tuesday on establishing a flexible work schedule for non-union county employees.
The goal is to reduce overtime costs for employees and help boost morale. At the same time, a flexible schedule will allow some departments the ability to serve clients outside the traditional work hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"From the community service perspective ... many of those people (we need to assist) work the same hours that we are," said Golombiecki, referring to the new policy as a win-win.
"The ultimate goal was to better treat our clients," added Commissioner Bob Demuth Jr.
Despite a motion by Leistico to table the policy until January, when the new board of commissioners can take action, the motion failed on a 3-2 vote.
Kusz asked for trust to put the responsibility on department heads to oversee the flexible scheduling, and commissioners ultimately supported that request. Department heads will come up with a plan that works best for their nonunion employees and implement it Jan. 1. A review by commissioners will be done in six months.
"I think it's long overdue," said Commissioner Marv Zylstra. "I think it's something that can work out and ultimately we'll be serving the clients better. We haven't had that flexibility before and I think it's needed and long overdue."
Commissioners also gave support for another proposal by a team of county employees Tuesday -- an employee wellness and recognition program. The program will be funded by the county at a cost not to exceed $5,000 annually.
Justin Stevenson, secretary of the Nobles County Library, said the wellness program will promote health screenings and offer seminars or fitness programs -- perhaps even a Biggest Loser contest among county employees. The recognition program would include an annual employee awards ceremony each May during Public Service Awareness Week. Employees would be recognized for 10 years of county service, and in five-year intervals after that. Awards of excellence and performance would also be presented.
"We're very excited to be part of this program for employees," said Nan Henning, a Community Services employee. "A year ago, we didn't know any program of this type would be possible for Nobles County employees."
Demuth said he was in support of the program, sharing a story of a retirement of more than 30-year county employee that involved fellow staff sneaking in a cake because it wasn't allowed by the previous administration.
Under the employee recognition program, retirement receptions for employees with 10 or more years of service to the county will be funded and include cake and coffee or punch.
"I think that going forward, this will not only define us ... from surrounding counties, but give us a new look in Nobles County going forward," said Stevenson of the policy, which takes effect Jan. 1.
In other action, the board:
* Adopted the 2013 property tax levy at $10,942,427, a 4.79 percent increase over 2012; and set the 2013 budget at $27,868,975.
* Approved a step increase for Kusz. Her salary for 2013 will be $98,191. Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) of 1.25 percent were approved for other elected officials, with salaries as follows: $77,235 for Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Balster; $64,540 for Recorder Lynn Wilson; and $91,538 for Sheriff Kent Wilkening. Budgets for their departments were also approved.
* On a 3-2 vote, a motion to keep county commissioner salaries the same -- at $17,500 per year -- was approved. Commissioners Marv Zylstra, Diane Thier and Vern Leistico voted in favor of not changing the salaries, while David Benson and Bob Demuth Jr. were opposed.
"In the past, I've recommended little increases annually rather than a big increase a few years down the road," Demuth said.
The 1.25 percent pay increase that was discussed for commissioners would have amounted to a total impact on the 2013 budget of $1,300, or .01 percent of the overall levy.
* Approved a contract extension with interim Nobles County Administrator Vijay Sethi. The current contract expires Dec. 31, and the extension will carry Sethi's employment through Feb. 28 -- or until such time that his services are no longer needed prior to the end of February.
* Approved payment of $29,189.52 to Vetter Johnson Architects for energy efficiency improvement projects completed Nov. 1-30; and approved payment of $4,808.57 for professional services related to the Nobles County Library study.
* Approved payment of $2,295 to Clair Van Grouw Construction for partial window replacement in the Government Center.
* Learned Nobles County Human Services will receive nearly $143,000 in 2013 funding from the Minnesota Department of Health for health programming. Also, it was announced that Pat Stewart, with Cottonwood-Jackson Community Health, will serve as interim public health supervisor in Nobles County until the position can be filled.
* Approved purchase of a $60,000 hydraulic pipe jetter for the public works department. The equipment will be purchased in 2013 with revenues in the county's ditch system budget. The jetter will replace an aging pipe rodder in the department.
* Received an annual report from Sara Wahl of the Southwest Crisis Center. The agency endured a 20 percent cut in its budget in 2012, resulting in a loss of $52,000. Wahl said that the five-county collaboration lost one position and combined an office as a result of the funding cut.
Nobles County continues to have the highest workload of any of the five counties, followed by Cottonwood County.
While funding for the crisis center does not cover prevention education, Wahl said donations to the organization have been used to bring programming into several schools in Nobles County. Subjects covered in those sessions range from bullying, healthy relationships, good touch-bad touch, sexting and cyber-bullying.
* Approved membership to the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce at a cost not to exceed $1,000 per year.
* Approved a radio tower agreement with Worthington School District 518 for an antenna the district has on the county's tower.
Daily Globe Reporter Julie Buntjer may be reached at 376-7330.


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Texaco Press Release - Texaco Secures UK Government Approval for Development of North Sea Galley Field
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 19 - Texaco announced today that it has received approval from the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and field partners Enterprise Oil Exploration Ltd and Lasmo (TNS) Ltd, to develop the Galley oil and gas field in Block 15/23a of the UK North Sea.
Commenting on the announcement, Texaco Ltd Chairman Don Bennett, said: "Galley is an exciting demonstration of the flexible and imaginative approach Texaco brings to the North Sea. The field will produce oil quickly and economically using an innovative combination of development and production options, created in collaboration with our partners and contractors."
Adding his commments, Galley Project Manager Randall Kubota notes, "the use of established UK companies has assisted with the project's risk management process, both in the conceptual design and in the development plans of the project."
Phase one of the Galley project calls for the development of the North and South accumulations using Seatankers' Northern Producer floating production facility (FPF). The Northern Producer is one of the first FPFs to be re-used in U.K. waters. Originally called the Emerald Producer, it was previously used on the Emerald Field. While full production processing will be carried out on the FPF, produced oil and gas will be exported, by pipeline, to Texaco's Tartan A platform. From there, oil will be piped to the Flotta terminal, and gas to the St. Fergus terminal.
First production from Galley is anticipated in the first quarter of 1998. Peak production from the initial wells will be 43,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Two development wells will be pre-drilled, one in each of the North and South accumulations. The drilling, which commenced in early March 1997, is being carried out by the Stena Forth semi-submersible drilling rig.
Texaco will lease the Northern Producer from Seatankers, which has awarded a ten-year management contract to Atlantic Power (AP), with a minimum period of four years. AP has contracted Granhearne to perform the engineering for topsides conversion and front end engineering design work, and Noble Denton to perform marine conversion work. Seatankers is currently tendering for a facilities yard to carry out the topsides facilities modifications. A contract has been awarded to a Coflexip Stena Offshore Ltd./Allseas U.K. Ltd. joint venture for the supply and installation of pipelines and subsea hardware.
Updated: March 1997