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Tomorrow, the new Serpentine Pavilion officially opens in London's Kensington Gardens and judging by the photos on Bustler and elsewhere this year's creation by architects Herzog & de Meuron and artist Ai Weiwei may be one of the most beautiful yet. Partially submerged into the site, their pavilion, the 12th in the popular series, appears to be a zen cove of reflection.
The design builds upon and reveals the previous structures that came before it. According to the press release:
This year's Pavilion will take visitors beneath the Serpentine's lawn to explore the hidden history of its previous Pavilions. Eleven columns characterizing each past Pavilion and a twelfth column representing the current structure will support a floating platform roof 1.4 metres above ground. The Pavilion's interior will be clad in cork, a sustainable building material chosen for its unique qualities and to echo the excavated earth. Taking an archaeological approach, the architects have created a design that will inspire visitors to look beneath the surface of the park as well as back in time across the ghosts of the earlier structures.
The designers appear to have cultivated the sense of history in their work and the team of Ai Weiwei/Herzog & de Meuron explains:
"A distinctive landscape emerges out of the reconstructed foundations which is unlike anything we could have invented; its form and shape is actually a serendipitous gift. The three-dimensional reality of this landscape is astonishing and it is also the perfect place to sit, stand, lie down or just look and be amazed. In other words, the ideal environment for continuing to do what visitors have been doing in the Serpentine Gallery Pavilions over the past eleven years."
The roof is the most distinctive feature of the building and it captures rainwater as if to respond to the city's rainy realities but also reverse the traditional concept of a reflection pool. Most of the reflecting happens underneath. The designers explain:
"The roof resembles that of an archaeological site. It floats a few feet above the grass of the park, so that everyone visiting can see the water on it, its surface reflecting the infinitely varied, atmospheric skies of London. For special events, the water can be drained off the roof as from a bathtub, from whence it flows back into the waterhole, the deepest point in the Pavilion landscape. The dry roof can then be used as a dance floor or simply as a platform suspended above the park."
This is not the first collaboration between Ai Weiwei and the Swiss architectural firm, the two collaborated to create Beijing National Stadium, which was built for the 2008 Olympic Games and became the iconic centerpiece for Chinese global rebranding efforts. Ai Weiwei, who is still facing legal troubles in China for tax accusations he calls baseless, was not able to attend the opening but contributed to the opening with a video statement.
According to Wallpaper:
"'Every year, architects impatiently and jealously wait for the announcement of the Pavilion,' said Jacques Herzog at the opening. 'Working with Ai Weiwei again makes it even more intriguing'. Meanwhile, Weiwei made his presence felt at the launch with a video statement. 'As an artist, I am always very interested to put art, design, architecture and social change together to make new possibilities,' he said."
The current pavilion has been purchased by Usha and Lakshmi N. Mittal and will enter their private collection after it closes to the public on October 14.
The Telgraph has posted a video of the structure from the press event.


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How immense was Frank Zappa's "electric orchestra" experimentation circa 1972? The first track on a vintage live recording takes a mind-numbing three minutes and 47 seconds to introduce the band.
The 20-piece symphony bore little resemblance to previous incarnations of traditional rock acts. Maybe it was the euphonium and contrabass sarrusophone? Zappa, then 31, is credited on guitar and white stick with cork handle.
The new two-disc "Wazoo" live recording celebrates the 35th anniversary of Zappa's "The Grand Wazoo" album, which came out during his big-band fusion tangent when noodling progressive rock was commonplace. As evidenced by this fine audio document, he aspired to create a group "capable of performing intricate compositions at the same sound-intensity levels normally associated with other forms of pop music."
The experimentation didn't end onstage. The cover of this archival release pays homage to Salvador Dal

subset: commoncrawl


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quote:Originally posted by rextaboogyA few years ago a friend of mine took me to a Chinese restaurant somewhere in the Twin Cities, that served what he called Sunday Dim Sum. I always thought Dim Sum was just one dish, but this was a rolling buffet whereby the various dishes were wheeled around to each table.My friend has since moved back to Malaysia, I lost contact with him, and I can't for the life of me remember the name of the establishment or whether it was in Minnesapolis or St. Paul.Anyone know of this place or its location?ThanksRex
quote:Originally posted by rbpalmerSince Dim Sum is a rather leisurely affair, most Chinese restaurants that I am familiar with do limit it to Sundays AND Saturdays. However, several places in the DC area have it every day, from late morning to early afternoon. And two of the Chinese restaurants that I have patronized in San Francisco have Dim Sum available every day, all day!
quote:Originally posted by aharsteDoes anyone know if any Twin Cities restaurants serve weekday dim sum besides Yummy?


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Syria attack
Dear Editor: Who would Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. bomb? Remember the refrain, "Assad must go?" The Syrian conflict had barely started, yet Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama repeated that statement many times. Of course we'd like to see him go, but replaced by whom and what? Now chemical weapons appear to have been used. Our track record as a nation through many different administrations has been anything but consistent. We supplied Saddam Hussein with the very chemicals needed for his weapons program, knowing what was in store, but later called him a war criminal. "Saddam must go," was the refrain a few years later.
As horrible as the chemical attack was, we must bare witness to realities and not create more chaos by pretending to be the world's disciplinarian. We have backed some dictators with arms and cash as well as excuses and vetoes in the United Nations, yet demanded that others must go. War criminals must be held accountable, but careful accounting is needed. The best examples were the Nuremberg proceedings after World War II. Oh, and we need to hold to the very same rules, by the way.
Mike Caggiano,
San Mateo
• • •
Dear Editor: As the U.S. sends warships in the Mediterranean nearer to Syria, will members of Congress return from their vacations to go to Washington for a declaration of war? After all, that is required by the Constitution.
Carolyn. M. Frake,
Palo Alto
• • •
Dear Editor: Secretary of State John Kerry says there is strong evidence that Syria's Bashar Assad has gassed his own people, and President Barack Obama is weighing options on a response to Assad for his use of gas. Russia says the U.S. can't legally take action until complete proof of such use is confirmed. Russian President Vladimir Putin is suckering Obama into military action that Russia will control to hit its goal of becoming the world's leading power and reducing the United States to No. 3 status.
Syria is a con job like Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and Obama's fate will be that of former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Norman P. Higby,
Menlo Park


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Lakecliff Golf Course
- 1700 Kahala Sunset Dr, Spicewood, TX 78669
- www.lakecliff.net
Lakecliff Golf Course is an 18-hole regulation length golf course in Spicewood, Texas. This medium-length layout has adequate length for a regulation course. Some holes are quite challenging and interesting, but overall it can be somewhat forgiving. Online tee times may be available at Lakecliff Golf Course or at nearby golf courses, often at a substantial discount from the going green fees rate.
Note: Sometimes there will be errors, even though the info about these courses is normally right. Should you find any inaccuracies, please point it out to us here.
Beneath this text, aerial imagery should load of Lakecliff Golf Course at 1700 Kahala Sunset Dr, Spicewood, TX 78669. If you can't find the course, try panning around and looking at the surrounding area.
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Phase 4 pages:
Cambrian Crossing
Recent updates are underlined and in red.
The route section of the site includes detailed illustrated descriptions - Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert and Beddgelert to Porthmadog.
This visually unremarkable location on the edge of Porthmadog is one of the WHR's unique features; it is the only place in Britain where the tracks of two different railway companies cross on the level - and on different gauges to boot. The first three pictures below show the site looking towards Harbour - with the water tower base of the 1923 Portmadoc New Station visible - while the last two are looking the other way.
The narrow gauge was here a little before the standard gauge, in the form of the Croesor Tramway, part of which was upgraded as part of the WHR in 1922-3, just as the Cambrian Railways were absorbed into the GWR group. By this time the other narrow gauge crossing was long gone; the Gorsedda Junction and Portmadoc Railways crossed the Cambrian at a point adjacent to the present WHR (Porthmadog) café. The GWR seems to have regarded the crossing as an irritation, and the charges imposed on the WHR for manning it led to the practice of terminating most WHR trains north of the crossing from 1929 onwards - a commercially suicidal move, as it meant a trek well outside the town centre for intending passengers.
There could not be more of a contrast with the present relationship with Network Rail about the reinstatement and operation of the crossing. A comprehensive agreement has been signed which is to the satisfaction of both parties, and certainly does not affect the commercial viability of the WHR in the way that the old crossing did.
Design and planning for the new crossing covered a period of years, at no cost to the railway, and was done by a team of specialist railway engineers led by David Bateman and including consulting engineers Arup. The crossing will be automatically controlled by signal lights on both railways.
On October 20th 2006 David High (WHRC Ltd Cross-Town Link Project Manager) led a team of WHRCL design consultants, contractors and Network Rail engineers to inspect the Cambrian crossing manufactured by Corus Cogifer at their Scunthorpe workshops.
The components supplied by Corus comprise:
The two metal sleepers visible in these photos (one on a panel in the left-hand picture, and one on the crossing unit) are galvanised steel hollow bearers, which allow cables to be passed across the narrow gauge line without ducts. There is also a duct crossing laid in underneath the standard gauge.
The components were delivered to private land adjacent to the crossing site in Porthmadog on October 25th, ready for installation by crane during a three-day possession (October 31st - Nov 2nd) the following week. The narrow gauge spurs of the crossing unit were removed for transport, so it could be transported much like an ordinary panel of standard gauge track.
The crossing and panels are seen below on October 29th, with the narrow gauge spurs back in place on the crossing unit. Ballast and other supplies were also on site ready for the arrival of the contractors and their machinery.
The site was cleared on October 31st, including removal of all old ballast. This work revealed remains of retaining walls understood to be part of the original Croesor Tramway formation, predating the arrival of the standard gauge.
The trackwork installation was done on November 1st, as seen below, with November 2nd taken up with top ballasting and tamping of the standard gauge line with a tamping bank mounted on the road-rail excavator vehicle (RRV) used by the contractor, and other finishing works.
WHR (Porthmadog) kindly deployed one of their cameras for a few days to provide a view of part of the crossing works area. The camera showed a view between the Cambrian Crossing on the far left and the level crossing leading into Gelert's Farm Works on the right. The trackbed leading into the old Portmadoc New station runs across the view almost horizontally beyond the Cambrian line, on a level with the word "Listen" on the crossing board on the right. The views below from the webcam are reproduced by kind permission of WHR Ltd. The second picture shows the crossing itself on the left, shortly after it was lowered into place. The camera recorded around 4000 visits over three hours on November 1st.
The crossing is seen below from the Gelert's Farm crossing on November 5th, by which time Cambrian Coast services had resumed. Of the narrow gauge panels outside Network Rail land, the 113lb panel on the Gelert's Farm side had been connected up, with the 80lb panel resting on top of it for later installation, while the 113lb and 80lb panels on the Portmadoc New side had been put on the trackbed (right-hand picture) but not yet positioned or connected up.
The operational name Cae Pawb Crossing has been agreed on for use by both the WHR and Network Rail, as for reporting purposes it makes sense for both railways to call it the same thing. The name is one applied to this area of the town, and all the alternatives were already in use elsewhere on NR or the FR/WHR. It has also been agreed that the crossing's signalling will interface with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), whose UK pilot installation will be on the Cambrian Coast Line.
The WHR has been beaten to the honour of running the first steam trains to use the crossing...
The crossing is seen from the air in these pictures taken on August 6th 2007, which show the proximity to Gelert's Farm Works.
The crossing is protected on either side by "wide to gauge" trap points on the narrow gauge. The blades and stockrails for one of these are seen laid out at the South Wales premises of Holdtrade (UK) Ltd.
The surroundings of the crossing are the focus of a Welsh Highland Heritage Group initiative and appeal to provide a replica of the original crossing cabin, which will also serve a useful purpose as the crossing will often be manned. At times when it is not manned, manually operated gates will be closed across the narrow gauge, and these and the signalling will be operated by train crews rather than the crossing keeper. The gates are to a heritage design, and have been purchased by the WHRS West Midlands Group; they are seen in store at Carillion's Llyn Bach compound in December 2007.
David Allan of the Heritage Group has kindly provided the following statement about the costings for the cabin appeal:
Cambrian/Cae Pawb Crossing - Costing
"Welsh Highland Railway Construction Ltd has a budgeted cost of Ł20,000 for this item. This sum includes not only the cost of the "box" itself (to provide cover for both the equipment and the operator) but also the concrete base and the associated and necessary other works, including the protective gates. The Heritage Group, as part of its contribution to the whole Welsh Highland construction project, agreed to raise, co-ordinate and to ensure that Ł20.,000 was available to the Construction Company for the project. The Group saw this not only as an ideal opportunity to recreate a very visible aspect of the original WHR scene, but also to demonstrate its committment to both WHR heritage and the project as a whole. Its ideas were approved and agreed by FR Heritage Ltd., Welsh Highland Railway Construction Ltd, and the FR Company. The actual replica box itself will cost in the region of Ł9,500, which includes the authentic Welsh-slated roof. The remainder of the budget covers the other necessary works (including the concrete base for the box, the signalling installation and the provision of the various services, water and electricity). Welsh Highland Railway Construction Ltd has put Ł5,000 into the scheme, while other monies have come from the Heritage Group, from an appeal organised by the Group (Ł8,000) and from the WHR Society. The replica wooden gates have been provided an paid for by the West Midlands branch of the WHRS."
The gateposts on both sides of the Cambrian had been erected when seen in mid-January 2008. The foreground also shows the start of ballasting on the Cross-Town Link.
The gates had recently been installed when seen here on January 24th 2008.
These views show the crossing in mid-April 2008. Just visible on the right in the first picture is Network Rail's recently installed cabinet for ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) equipment, receiving its UK pilot installation on the Cambrian.
The WHR trap points on both sides of the crossing were installed in the week beginning August 4th 2008. The contractor doing the work (K.G.J. Price Railway Contractors Ltd, of Caerphilly) was active south and north of the crossing on the 4th; on the south side, volunteers assisted in positioning the trap point adjacent to the old water tower, and moved a pair of rails into position between the trap point and the crossing, in addition to laying another length onwards from the previous day's CTRL Head of Steel. The last picture shows work north of the crossing. In the first picture, the WHR crossing is underneath the first carriage of the Cambrian steam service.
On a very wet August 5th 2008 the volunteers assisted the contractors north of the crossing, moving a pair of rails into position between the transition panel leading away from the crossing (seen in the first picture after Thermit welding) and the trap point. The latter was moved into position, having been resting on the track a short distance to the north for some months.
On August 7th 2008 Jack Lane was used to deliver ballast to the contractors working on the trap point north of the crossing, demonstrating that 21st-century Quarry Hunslets can do the sort of job that their older cousins were designed for.
The crossing and trap points are seen below on August 8th 2008, with the contractor's work done and signed off. Top ballasting remained to be done once the ballast hopper wagons can reach this point from the north, but the tracklaying across the crossing was complete, leaving the signalling installation (including the actuating mechanisms for the trap points) as the last major task to be done here.
6th July 2010
The following description of the works to complete Cae Pawb has been submitted by Quentin Macdonald, the Signalling Project Engineer for Cae Pawb crossing:
The WHR Construction Ltd invited tenders from signalling contractors and in August 2008, a contract was placed with MGB Signalling to construct, install, test and commission the system.
The installation work began on Monday 22nd February 2010 and testing was completed on Wednesday 24th March 2010. This was just in time to allow the empty stock working topped by Vale of Ffestiniog and tailed by Palmerston the next morning on the 25th March. This was the first train to be signalled over the crossing but it was done under possession of the Cambrian because although we know that the release from Machynlleth does actually work it has yet to be tested and commissioned and thereby hangs a very long tale!!
There is that last piece of testing and commissioning to do, as well as building the crossing keeper's cabin, moving the panel into it, training crossing keepers and agreeing maintenance routines. Last but not least the whole system needs the blessing of the Railway Inspectorate. Then, and only then, can we say "Job Done".
Meanwhile on Network Rail they are still planning on commissioning the ERTMS on the Harlech to Pwlleli section over the weekend of 4/5 September with ERTMS only trains running from first train on Monday 6th September 2010. The rest of the ERTMS is planned to be commissioned in one go in October.


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*When have you known Sherri Shepherd merely appear to hold her tongue? Probably never.
Because the host hasn't reached the five-year milestone in her, ahem, second marriage, she refuses to drop pearls of wisdom about the life-long commitment. But she went all the way in (in a good way) about Beyoncé and Jay Z's relationship.
It was after watching the Beyoncé interview on "Oprah's Next Chapter" that Sherri felt she needed to say something to the world.
The singer told Oprah it's nice to go home to her man because it gives her "such a foundation." She went on about how it's important to be with someone "that you just like."
Sherri saddled up on Twitter and gave Bey some props.
"Beyoncé told Oprah that she wouldn't be who she was if she didn't have Jay-Z to go home to … that's pretty awesome," tweeted Sherri, who pointed out a popular relationship double standard.
"When a woman's career is great no one says 'she must've had a good man,' but when it goes south everyone blames 'that damn husband,'" she wrote. "When a man does well or is powerful, we tend to say 'he must've had a good woman behind him' but it also goes the other way."
Sherri also admitted though she's divorced, her first husband played an instrumental role in her success, and her current husband has been a motivator for her most recent projects.
"Sometimes a hubby helps U w fear," she said; yet she also warned women not to be too dependent on their men.


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Fall Issue
Read Online | Download
As many of you may already know, the owner of Rusty Tin Roof Magazine has recently purchased a printed publication entitled Mercantile Gatherings. As of 2016, DJdoodle LLC will be publishing the quarterly Primitive Magazine, beginning with the Spring 2016 issue. Since this endeavor requires so much time and resources, especially during the transition of new ownership, it is with a sad heart, that I find it necessary to put Rusty Tin Roof into temporary retirement, in order to allow for enough time, energy and resources to successfully takeover and begin Mercantile Gatherings Magazine.
I would like to take a moment to thank my most wonderful Editorial Staff who, through the years, have contributed their talents and efforts faithfully, bringing crafts and joy to our many loyal readers. I would also like to thank our many, many loyal readers who have been steadfast since the inception of Rusty Tin Roof back in 2007, as well as our new followers whom we have happily picked up along our crafting journey.
It is my hope to be able to bring Rusty Tin Roof back out of retirement in 2016 or 2017, and therefore, all of our issues will remain online for Viewing and/or Free Downloading.
Just a reminder should you choose to Download the Issue, you will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. Adobe Reader is a FREE program which allows you to read files in PDF format.
The year 2016 holds much promise and adventure for DJdoodle LLC, one which I personally look forward to with an open heart, as I invite you all to share in my new Primitive Journey of Mercantile Gatherings Magazine. My very best wishes to you and your families for a Happy New Year!
DJ Williams
Rusty Tin Roof Offers 2 types of affordable advertising opportunities: Magazine Advertising and Website Advertising. Our goal, at Rusty Tin Roof, is to offer extremely economical Advertising for Crafts and Craft-Related Businesses. For sample ad sizes, pricing, and online ordering, click here.
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Start Slideshow
- HalloweenFor those of you who have yet to create a Halloween costume, GrowNYC is offering two earth-friendly, low-cost options. This Friday, October 12th, or if you miss that one, October 20th at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria.1
- HalloweenThe Socrates Sculpture Park Costume Swap encourages the public to clean up past costumes, accessories, and funky clothing and contribute it to the wealth of disguise options for this year's spooky night. Even those without old costumes to trade are welcome to rummage through what's available. Artists will be on hand to provide additional inspiration in the creative process. In addition to the costume swap, there will be live music, special art making workshops, the 7th annual Canine Costume Contest and seasonal foods from local restaurants.2
- HalloweenKids can enjoy face painting by Agostino Arts and spoken word and hip hop by the youth of Urban Art Beat NYC. Entertainment also includes breakdancing by RadioHead Entertainment and a "Beat-n-Brass" concert by William B. Johnson's Drumadics. Long Island City's Breadbox Cafe will be on hand offering the freshest seasonal-themed dishes to warm up your insides. The celebrations runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.3
- HalloweenIf you're busy this weekend (or just like to procrastinate, like we do!), stop by the Gowanus Costume Swap on Friday, October 28th and preview the new Build It Green! location. The swap follows the same format as the Socrates Swap and takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be Halloween themed games and movies for the whole family to enjoy.4
- HalloweenSusana Herreras and Kestrel Jenkins pieced together old items from the closet to come up with these burlesque outfits.5
- HalloweenPablo del Amo transformed into a woman with the help of some thrift store items.6
- HalloweenAnything goes with wigs from years past and some colorful clothing.7


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It seems that Wiley's Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published some taxpayer-financed research showing that mixing alcohol (and some other less interesting substances) with fruit may improve its shelf life and antioxidant qualities. Shelley Batts, one of Seed's collection of bloggers, published a chart from the article in the original version of this post.
The result was this letter:
Re: Antioxidants in Berries Increased by Ethanol (but Are Daiquiris Healthy?) by Shelly Bats
The above article contains copyrighted material in the form of a table and graphs taken from a recently published paper in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. If these figures are not removed immediately, lawyers from John Wiley & Sons will contact you with further action.
I'm not really up on intellectual property law at all, let alone American copyright law, and I hesitate to opine as to what the law is (as opposed to what it would be if I had the dictatorial powers necessary to straighten things out.) But even if Wiley is within its legal rights, it should have to pay something in its reputation for this. The whole academic publications business survives on a business model of nothing but path dependence and inertia. To heck with them.
Update: Wiley has folded, blaming the misunderstanding on a junior staffer.


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Secret of Mana (USA) ROM
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) ROMsGenre: Role-Playing
Rating: OFLC: G, PEGI: 7+, ESRB: E10+
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Game Description & Reviews:
Secret of Mana is another amazing game made by Squaresoft and one of the only RPG's that's a 2 player!
The gameplay is similar to that of Zelda - in the way that all the monsters are live. Meaning as you walk through the dungeons there are monsters prowling about and you must physically fight them using different weapons such as a sword, spear, bow and arrow, etc. right there. There is no battle menu or the like. You do have an hp meter, though. Personally I prefer this sort of combat, for I feel it is more of a challenge of skills versus the Final Fantasy style combat where it only is a matter of strategizing to get through a fight.
The storyline was pretty good. The game really didn't focus on that aspect much, but on surface it wasn't bad. The main focus really is the gameplay and dungeons, there's really not much to the storyline of Secret of Mana or its characters.
I'm a Final Fantasy fan, and this game was a wonderful addition to my collection. Try it, you're bound to love it!
Secret of Mana is a great action RPG. You start off as a young boy who gets banned from his village. Secret of Mana is a real time RPG. You can move around the map, but enemies can attack you at anytime. You fight enemies to gain experience and level up. The ring system is also a unique system, a system where you select your weapons and items. Graphically Secret of Mana is great looking, the soundtrack is also amazing. If you're RPG fan, you've got to play Secret of Mana.
Secret of Mana is the SNES sequel to the Gameboy game Final Fantasy Adventure. Here, you step into the shoes of a young man who has been chosen by the legendary Sword of Mana - and exiled from his home village for removing it and unleashing monsters. It turns out that the power of Mana, which nearly destroyed civilization ages ago, is threatening to be unleashed again. Naturally, it's up to you to bring an end to it. Along the way, you meet a young girl and a fairy sprite who join your cause.
You adventure through the world, collecting and upgrading weapons, learning magic, fighting tons of bad guys in real time, all while trying to figure out why these things are happening. The combat is a lot of fun - it's one of those games you won't want to skip enemies in since they're fun to fight. The bosses are challenging, and the weapons upgrading system is rewarding. You get several different kinds to play with, including the classic sword and a few odd things like a boomerang and whip.
It's a wonderful game, and exemplifies the kind of gold that existed on the Super Nintendo. If you somehow haven't played this game, give it a try!
There is one force in the universe that keeps good and evil in perfect balance. It is called the tree of Mana. But a magic sword has tricked a young warrior into upsetting the balance, spreading evil throughout the land. Thus the warrior must undertake a dangerous journey to find the seeds of the Mana tree which has been hidden for centuries. Only then can perfect harmony be restored. In this incredible adventure, things are not as they seem. It's a world turned upside down that you must help the warrior make right. And the only way to succeed is to solve the Secret of Mana.
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Chapter 3 : Chapter 3
|Rating: Mature
|Chapter Reviews: 3
Background: Font color:
*Written by Gale*
Disclaimer - Again, Dracos not mine. Just about everyone else is, though, even my ideas on how this school works are mine. One or two characters belong to other people, not other fandoms, tho, but they were used with permission. Once more, this chapter has not been betad. So excuse the mess. This chapter stands as just an introduction to the rest of the house, and itll be less static-y once I can stick to just two characters at a time.
Chapter #3: Bloody Americans
One thing that Dracod come to accept about Buckland Academy, and America in general, was that people tended to be just as they appeared until they opened their mouths. Thisd been his first impression with the Dean, and then with the Head of House Number Three, Molly Strauss.
The Dean had the little woman, whom Draco came to learn was called Miss Wilson, escort him to his respective prison, where hed been introduced to a fairly plain, mousy looking girl -- a seventh year more than likely. The first room once inside the door had been something much akin to the Common Room back at Hogwarts, and this was where she sat waiting, nose stuck in a book. She seemed the basic quiet type -- not leadership material.
And then Miss Wilson greeted her, and she rose and spoke rather jovially, So youre taking Lysandras place, huh?
Lysandra? he echoed.
She nodded to herself, Accents a dead giveaway. Im Head of Household. Call me Molly. A meaningful look was reserved for Wilson, Thank you. And the little woman left.
About time. Draco wasnt sure if he trusted that lady, and his narrow gaze followed her until she was well out of sight, even from the front windows.
I take it youve already seen the Dean. Talkative man, isnt he?
He blinked and turned back toward Strauss, still a little surprised that she was speaking to him at all. Um, yeah, he muttered.
Well, Molly marked a place in her book and quite fearlessly grabbed one of his hands. As she led him toward a flight of stairs, he tugged back against her pull rather unsuccessfully. Your rooms up here.
I can walk without being led around by the hand! he snapped, finally wrenching away.
She shrugged. Kay. Then come on.
What about my things?
The House Elves already moved them up there. You get the second biggest room in the whole house. Consider yourself lucky.
And I take it that you have the larger, he said with a roll of his eyes.
Yup. Im in the attic. No one else likes to sleep up there because it can be pretty loud when it rains. She stopped when they reached the end of a hallway, and she pushed a door open. Here you are.
Draco strode past her, his boots sounding loudly on the hardwood floors. So different from stone, which hed been used to, and he was pleased to see that not only had his trunks been brought up, but theyd been unpacked as well. He supposed a charm was used, because the room was situated to look almost exactly as his space at home did. At least the service is decent -- to some extent. He raised an eyebrow and turned back when he realized that the Head of Household was still in the doorway. Yes?
Just to let you know, dinner is at six. Despite the whole quiet kid look, she had a fairly firm and commanding voice. She held eye contact, and she didnt stutter, not like some of the wet-behind-the-ears prefects hed encountered back at his own school. That would make getting things he wanted a bit difficult. You can go about your business until then. Youll meet the rest of the boarders, then, and Ill go over the rules at that time. She turned to go, then as an afterthought, If you need anything Ill be downstairs. The place isnt so huge that you shouldnt be able to find your way around by yourself.
How well do the house elves cook? he asked as she began to shut the door.
Molly gave him a blank look, I wouldnt know. Im the one in charge of the meals here. They just keep the place clean. And theyre only in charge of the bathroom, the halls, the kitchen and the den. Everyone here is responsible for keeping their rooms tidy.
Fair enough But why cook when youve got two perfectly good servants to do it for you?
Her next comment sounded almost insulted, like she was telling him and letting him know it wasnt any of his business in the first place, Because practicing culinary skills is one of the best ways to improve your performance in Potions Class. And with that, the door shut.
Americans, he thought with a shake of his head. He wondered when it would be the best time to send an owl to his father to let him know how much he was making him suffer, then considered otherwise. Father was impossible to guilt trip. If he wrote back at all, hed tell him that his misfortunes built character.
Draco nearly fell over when his door burst open, and a girl about his age came rushing in. She wore thick glasses that made him think sourly of Potter and wore a huge smile on her face -- until she saw him, that is. Do you mind? he asked her.
Youre not Lysandra.
Glad to know you learned something at this school.
And with a pout, she trudged away.
This is going to be the longest half-year of my life.
* * * *
Maybe you should have the House Elves cook dinner from now on.
Draco did not expect to get a round of Evil Eyes from the entire table, and he felt his shoulders hunch. Not having Crabbe and Goyle nearby was going to be a trying experience for him. His confidence did not take such terrible dives with them around. He cut and popped another piece of chicken into his mouth and chewed mechanically. It didnt taste terribly bad, but seeing the look on Strauss face was worth it until everyone else joined in.
You might want to be careful how you talk here, Draco, she said evenly. Your conduct within this house goes into your grade.
He scowled, And the teachers at this sorry establishment think its wise to entrust people like you to report behavior?
Dude, you need to shut up before she starts screamin. We had enough of that last year. This came from a skinny individual sitting next to her. He was very dark in coloring, and carried himself, even while sitting, in a very effeminate manner that made Draco happy that he wasnt close to him.
No no, Salem. Molly waved a dismissive hand at him, Let him talk. Hes new here, but hell get the idea eventually.
Does she think thats supposed to scare me?
Thats an original name, he quipped.
The thin upper-classman shot him a glare, Its my stage name. And what about Draco? What kind of name is that supposed to be? He sat forward intently, Were your parents Hippies, by any chance? Be honest.
Draco could deduce that the word hippy must have been some abstract Muggle term, and he turned his nose up. Bet hes a MudBlood.
Stop it, Salem. Molly started in on her own dinner.
The girl with the glasses was there, too, and shed begun looking around, as though she were confused, I thought we had a second year coming in?
Molly nodded, Bus ran late. Hell be up here in the morning. The Dean just sent me word.
What on Earth is a bus? Draco demanded.
Mode of transportation, she responded through a sigh, I believe you European wizards call it Muggle. Non-magic.
He remembered the Dean talking about using Muggle transportation for going to Quidditch matches. But for something simple as coming to the school, why not use floo powder?
Fathers constant speeches about the Damned Conformists flitted into his mind, and he found himself frowning. He wondered if Father knew hed just thrown his only child right into the middle of them. Maybe if I tell him that, hell reconsider this Exchange Student rubbish and bring me home.
And this would involve going to Hogwarts, where many people might have been waiting to try their hands at the Unforgivable curses on him.
But at least hed have Crabbe and Goyle there protecting him and keeping his morale up.
For now, though, with the five of us here, I dont see any sense in waiting on just one more to go over the rules and such. Molly appeared almost apologetic to the other three at the table. I know you guys already know most of this, but Ill repeat it for Dracos sake. The one that remained unidentified in Dracos mind had been leaning over his plate for the entire course of the evening, and a curtain of black, shoulder-length hair barred his vision from any clear looks. He was dressed just as everyone else at the table, sans their work robes: wearing black t-shirts and odd pants made of a very strange fabric. Lars, you awake over there?
Finally, he sat up, and Draco blinked.
He could have been a year, maybe two years older than the blond was, but aside from the obvious youth and the sadly Muggle-ish clothing, the one now known as Lars looked very much like Professor Snape. Brooding scowl and all.
Yeh, he grunted.
Again, much like just about everyone else there, Draco found that this older boy was all he appeared to be until he spoke. The voice wasnt nearly resonant enough, almost too high-pitched.
Kay, Molly offered a slow smile, Just checking. And then her attention went back to Malfoy. Wakeup call is at seven in the morning. There are two bathrooms in this house, so if you want to get in showering and stuff, I suggest you set an alarm for an earlier hour. Theres one right next to your room. Use whats in there for now -- shampoo and such, and tomorrow afternoon well go into town to pick up our own necessities. Dont bother bringing your own money; they dont accept Wizarding currency around here unless youre having something imported. Follow so far?
Draco tilted his head to the side, This is a Muggle town?
Youre quite stuck on that subject, if you dont mind my saying so, she said flatly. Yes, its a Muggle town. Moving on. Everyone around them smirked. Classes start at eight-thirty sharp, and its your job to be dressed and at your first lesson of the day on time. If youre tardy to class, you get detention. At noon, youll be dismissed to return here, where youll have your lunch. You must be back in class by a quarter to One. There are fireplaces in all the classrooms. If youre in a hurry, you can use the floo powder in the den to get to the right place. Its a special kind. Just say the room number and off youll go. She waited for him to nod before continuing. Class ends at three-thirty. Clubs and Intramurals wont start for another few weeks, so come straight back here. No magic is to be performed outside of the campus, and dont fly your broom save out on the quidditch field. You wont attend classes on Saturday or Sunday, and you may not go into town save with the group.
Not like Ill be going there unless its an emergency. Is that all?
Strauss produced a book and tossed it at him over the table. It barely missed his dinner plate. Thats the code of conduct. You know how to read, so Im not going to bother telling you. Just get it into your head, and youll be fine. Any questions?
Where do I get my textbooks?
Most of them will be issued to you by the teachers. Theyll give you lists of whatever extra reading they recommend, and those can be picked up either in the library at the main building or at the bookstore in town.
I thought you said the town was Muggle? Why would their bookstore sell our materials?
They throw almost everything into the New Age section these days, kiddo. Its just how the system works.
New Age?
Someonell explain it to you later. Molly rested an elbow on the table, chin in her hand, So, Draco. Tell us about yourself. And about Europe.
Well, the wizards there, in most cases, are brought up a bit better. This didnt seem an awkward statement in the least, not to him, and since hed been placed on the subject of himself, he did not notice all the death glares he got. We keep away from non-magic folk, and the schools are quite a bit bigger.
Well thats understandable. Molly seemed to be the only other person that was in on the conversation. Draco did not pay any mind to the fact that the rest of the occupants seemed to be bearing it solely for her sake. So, I was told that you played on a Quidditch team.
Yes. He puffed his chest up proudly, Im a Seeker.
Cool. And youre a fifth year, right?
He nodded.
That means that if you tried out, you could be placed on either the Junior or the Varsity teams. They dont give the fourth and fifth years distinctions unless their performance is exceptional.
Well, that shouldnt be a problem, then. He popped another piece of chicken into his mouth and spoke between chews, But I heard a few things, mostly about the Salem Academy, that Quidditch is different over here.
Ah, Molly set her fork down, Salem is completely different from the other schools because its on the coast, and areas on the borders of the country are heavily surveyed, especially nowtimes. They cant get the proper altitude or speeds to play a good game of Quidditch without the Muggles picking it up. So theyve changed the rules and even branched out some new games.
Picking it up?
Yeah. See, they have the means to detect objects in the air. It should only be electrical signals, but magic gives off its own energy. We can fool the eyes, but not the machinery. The Ministry of Magic has had several departments working on patenting a broom that can be used for situations like that, that Muggles wont be able to trace, but that started before even I was born. I dont think theyll ever manage it.
But if you insist on living in such close vicinity to the Muggles anyhow, why bother hiding something like that?
Because the people in this country are really stupid when it comes to practicality. In technical terms, we have every right to live and go about our business without hiding anything. But the reality of the situation is that if we did, things would go all to shit. The Constitution protects us if anything is discovered, but it really is best that the country, as a whole, did not know about what goes on here at the schools. Molly Strauss got a few enthusiastic nods from the other people at the table. Anyhow, lemme formally introduce everyone else here. She pointed first at the Snapish Lars. This is Bob Masterson, but he prefers that people call him Lars. Aint that right, Bob?
What she got in return for the jest was a brandished middle finger. Draco blinked in surprise.
She waved a hand dismissively, Thats just how he is. Dont worry too much about it. Then to the crazy girl with the glasses. This is Tiffany Ponce, your next door neighbor.
Hi. She seemed to have gotten over the whole him-not-being-lyssy dilemma.
And lastly we have David Pabon. Molly indicated Salem and patted him on the shoulder. Call him Salem.
What is a stage name, exactly? Draco asked, remembering that itd been said earlier.
I dance, Salem said evenly, arms crossed over his chest. If he werent so brittle looking, he might have looked threatening.
Dance? Malfoy echoed. He knew there were a few iffy people back at Hogwarts, but this was the first blatant example hed ever run into. Youre joking, right?
He shrugged, Keeps the reflexes sharp. Youd be hard-pressed to find a duelist thats better than me.
And thats a fact, Molly concurred. Salems the assistant instructor at the club meetings. She shot him a meaningful look. Hed be running the whole thing, too.
So why doesnt he?
Salem finished the last of his dinner. Didnt pass some of my classes last year. He made it sound like it was do big deal. Dracos father would have murdered him if he actually failed a class.
But hes going to graduate this year if I have to forge his finals myself, Molly stated.
Yeah yeah, he drawled, Whatever.
Strauss glanced at something attached to her wrist and sighed, Its late. Each of you remember to clear your plates from the table and take them to the kitchen. Get to bed at a decent hour, and Ill see the lot of you in the morning. She rose, grabbing her plate and silverware.
Gnight, Molly, seemed to be the collective response.
All Draco could do was stare for a moment. The utter disarray of this place, as compared to Hogwarts, still had his mind racing to catch up. I am definitely writing home to Dad the first chance I get, he decided.
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The God of War series closed out the PlayStation 2 with a bang, but it's been a long time coming for Kratos and crew's high definition debut. As the capper of the trilogy, is it even possible for God of War III to live up to expectations? If the ghost of Sparta has anything to say about it, it's a done deal.
Starting, literally, at the conclusion of God of War II, the third installment finds Kratos and his posse of titans attempting to scale Mount Olympus and fell Zeus. Of course, things are never as simple as they sound, and the god of gods gathers a group of his toughest immortals to keep the ghost of Sparta at bay. Getting to Zeus quickly becomes the problem, and this cat and mouse carries the game as Kratos uses anything and anyone to achieve his vengeance. The story here is much simpler than the last game, though the writing is just as strong. There's one clear goal, and the twists and turns rarely distract enough to dilute the main arc. Best of all, it doesn't use any cheap gimmicks or corny twists. If it's possible to make Greek Mythology even more interesting than it already is, God of War III does it.
If you've played either of the first two games in the series then you'll know exactly what to expect from the design. The quest is completely linear, with no branching paths and very little room for exploration. Invisible walls are everywhere, keeping Kratos from accessing areas he should be able to reach, yet keeping the player on track at all times. There are just a handful of areas in the game and you'll revisit most of them using newly-found powers to unlock previously sealed doors. The levels are expertly designed, taking you down avenues so unique that you're surprised when you pop back into a familiar area. It goes a long way towards squashing the feeling of backtracking.
Kratos comes armed to the gills. He has four main weapons including the electrified nemesis whip, the Blades of Exile, the Claws of Hades, and powerful gauntlets called Nemean Cestus. Typically, these weapons are handed down from the bosses that fall to your blade. All can be powered up multiple times by collecting red orbs, and each level unlocks a new set of attacks. By the time you reach the conclusion, the move list rivals that of Ninja Gaiden, with a focus on offense. Magic is governed by a meter that's replenished with blue orbs, and Kratos' special items are limited by another meter that rebounds over time. It's a tried-and-true system that isn't broke, so why fix it?
The game is basically an even split between combat and platforming with a few token head scratchers. You'll also acquire items throughout the game. Some are mostly used in context sensitive situations like the boots of Hermes, while others like Helios' head can be used at any point in the game. The other collectibles come in the form of gorgon eyes, phoenix feathers, and minotaur horns. Collect three of each and either your health, magic, or special attack meters are extended.
Of course, boss fights are a hallmark of the franchise, and the third iteration doesn't disappoint. In addition to the epic, quicktime-heavy sequences, you get plenty of traditional brawls where you must master the ebb and flow of combat. Clocking in a bit shy of God of War II, you'll get around nine hours of play from the campaign with multiple difficulty settings if you're so inclined. There are also challenge and arena modes to conquer, and some items you find in the campaign can only be used in these extras, or during your second playthrough.
God of War III doesn't stray far from the franchise formula. The path to the end is clearly defined, weapon upgrades work exactly the same, and the percentage of platforming to combat remains untouched.
God of War has managed to carve its own gameplay niche when compared to the Devil May Crys and Bayonettas of the industry. With a clear focus on offense, there's a certain rhythm to using each of the weapons. When you get in the groove, and couple that with using the right analog stick to roll out of harm's way, there's little need for counters and blocking, even though they're available.
All of the weapons have been expertly balanced so that you can truly choose the armament of your choice, power it up, and then watch the body count rise. You can quickly switch from one to another by pressing a direction on the D-pad. Juggles, area effects, and straight-up blunt force trauma are the precursors to the gruesomely awesome quicktime finishers. Because you have so much latitude, no two players play it the same-even if they use the same weapon. The caveat is that there are only so many buttons on the PlayStation 3 controller and you'll use every one of them, with L2 a modifier to use your magic and special items. Toss in Rage of Sparta mode by clicking both sticks and it may seem confusing, but the game does a great job of easing you into it and constantly supplying on-screen hints.
On normal difficulty, the combat isn't much of a challenge. Orbs are handed out like candy, and it always feels like your weapons are a level or two more powerful than they should be. We recommend stepping up the difficulty if you're a vet. No matter what difficulty you play on, the platforming can be tough. Kratos dies a lot more from falling into bottomless pits than from blood loss. The gauntlets you're forced to run through will test your dexterity and your patience as the fixed camera angles don't do you any favors. The puzzles are of the "pull a lever here, drag a crate there" variety, and if you die several times in a row, you're offered to switch to easy mode.
The titans were a big promotional point of the game during its development, but we're surprised how little of the game these instances account for. Yet what's here leaves an indelible mark. Like a flea on Andre the Giant, Kratos scales their body parts searching for a weak spot to exploit through quicktime events. These sections are given scale thanks to cleverly-placed titan body parts at the edge of the frame, and the very first encounter destroys anything the prior games accomplished.
Much like the design, the gameplay in God of War III is extremely similar to that of the first two games. While the titan element definitely adds a twist, if you've spent serious time at the helm of Kratos' blades in the past, you'll be able to jump right in and decimate.
God of War III definitely gives the PS3 a workout. The scale of the game, from top to bottom, is its most outstanding visual achievement. Creatures three times the size of the Empire State Building fully animating while scores of enemies battle on their surface is something we haven't seen before. The attention to detail in the gore borders on disturbing. Pull out Helios' head and watch as the veins and arteries sway underneath it. Innards spill out, skin stretches and then tears, and the blood is the best we've seen. The texturing and character models are so convincing that some of the real-time cinemas border on CG-quality. Couple all this with hardly any loading times and a silky smooth frame rate and it's apparent that this is some next level stuff. If there's one caveat it's that the fixed camera angles are almost torture. With such eye-popping landscapes you want to stop and just take a gander at times, but you have no control whatsoever.
Voice acting hits the mark time and again and the brooding music hits all the right notes at the right time. The sound effects are the real audio highlight, though. When the Claws of Hades go to work you truly feel as if you're wielding a weapon that's not of this world.
It's incredibly familiar and a bit brief, but God of War III still stands as a herculean achievement. A lot of TLC went into its creation and it comes shining through at every turn. The tweaks to the gameplay are minimal and the lack of titan interaction feels like a missed opportunity, but when Kratos is swinging his hypnotizing blades it's easy to forget that the rest of the world even exists. Packed with so many memorable moments, it will be talked about for a long time to come. If you aren't awed in some way, shape, or form, not even the gods can help you.
Reviewed on Sony PlayStation 3.
Source: SCEA


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|You are in: World: Middle East
Saturday, 4 March, 2000, 00:24 GMT
Israel and Syria deny accord
An Israeli television report that a peace accord between Israel and Syria will be finalised within the next few weeks has prompted strongly worded denials from both governments.
TV Channel One's correspondent Amnon Abramovich said in his report: "I would say that within three to five weeks we can expect [Israeli prime-minister Ehud] Barak to submit to the Knesset, the cabinet and the Israeli public an agreement with Syria, which would also include a solution to the Lebanon problem."
According to the correspondent, "the border line between Israel and Syria will pass between the 4 June 1967 border and the international border, with Lake Tiberias and the Jordan River remaining under full Israeli control and sovereignty."
The agreement would also provide for security arrangements satisfactory to Israeli negotiators, control over water sources and "the preservation of Israel's national dignity.
'Good guess'
Israeli Education Minister, Yossi Sarid, who was in the television studio, called Mr Abramovitz's information "a good guess."
"It's not impossible that an agreement between us and Syria will be sealed within several weeks," Mr Sarid said.
But later the Prime Minister Ehud Barak's office denied the report.
"Israel has no information concerning the possibility of resuming the talks with the Syrians and the date when they will be renewed," said an official from Mr Barak's office.
A Syrian official in Damascus said: "The report by Israel's Channel One was totally baseless. All the details in that report were wrong."
He said Syria was still committed to the principles of the peace process, but added that "Israel's full withdrawal from the Golan Heights was not a subject for bargaining."
US dismissal
The US State Department spokesman, James Rubin, also dismissed the report.
"There is no new development to justify reports of a breakthrough," Mr Rubin said.
The Israeli public television report came after weeks of speculation that peace talks between Israel and Syria would continue soon.
The talks resumed in December after a halt of almost four years, but broke down in January over Israel's refusal to agree to a withdrawal to the lines it held on the eve of the 1967 Middle East war, when it captured the Golan Heights.
Any return of Golan land must be approved by the Israeli parliament and through a national referendum.
On Wednesday, parliament gave preliminary approval to a bill that would make it more difficult for a peace deal to win approval in a referendum by requiring a majority of all eligible voters, rather than just a majority of those who vote.
Country profiles
See also:
11 Jan 00 | Middle East
Washington's 'roadmap' to peace
10 Jan 00 | Media reports
Media optimistic over Mid-East talks
10 Jan 00 | Middle East
Washington's push for peace
08 Jan 00 | Middle East
Israel warned against sidelining Palestinians
09 Jan 00 | Media reports
Peace talks media review
09 Jan 00 | From Our Own Correspondent
Water wars and peace
03 Jan 00 | Middle East
Analysis: Golan the key
05 Jan 00 | Middle East
The Golan: Territory and security
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GarySayswrote a review of UrbanEars Plattan Headphones on March 7, 2013
ballin on a budget
UrbanEars Plattan are where it's at - I picked up the grape ones. The design is so sick from the matte earcups, braided wire, and even the plastic connection hardware and cords. Buying these headphones you get something that's unique with a one of a kind look, but not for a one of a kind price!


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American Sixgun
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"American Six Gun formed in April 2009. Over the next three weeks ASG wrote and recorded the demos that would become "The Devil In Your Bones". ASG sent the demos out to a few A&R and one month later they were signed to Eulogy Recordings. Two weeks after that the band was invited to perform for a month on the Vans Warped tour as a variety band along side other cross over tastes like Shooter Jennings and The Gallows. While on Wapred ASG made fans in a variety of genres chanting "Fuck 3OH3 and Millionaires" everyday from stage. Catching the attention of larger acts on the tour ASG was invited to support dates later in the year." (Smartpunk.com) Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
Top SongsTotal plays on Last.fm over the last 6 months
- Friends And Lovers - 4,221 plays
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- All For Lovin You - 1,257 plays


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Preliminary designs for the next generation of Staten Island Ferries would do away with the outdoor seating that has helped turn the big orange boats into a popular tourist attraction.
The Staten Island Advance reports that a design report prepared by a naval engineering firm calls for new ships that would be run with a smaller crew and cut fuel costs by 40 percent.
But the early blueprints also lack the breezy outdoor promenades, which some consider a romantic way to see New York Harbor.
Ferry Riders Committee Chairman Nicholas Zvegintzov tells the Advance he is confident the outdoor decks will be restored.
City Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Gastel says the designs are only preliminary and the public will be asked for input before anything is finalized.


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March 2, 2013 BY Aaron Hope
The latest addition to Nike Sportswear's Essential lineup is the Air Max running classic that's carved out quite a niche in Europe. The Nike Air Classic BW Essential is sure to find fans on both sides of the Atlantic in this dope new Squadron Blue suede and mesh rendition that adds a tonal textile on the wraparound layer as well as bold red branding hits. The Big Window has put in more work in leather bases in recent years, so have a look at this nappier build and look for them at select NSW stores in April.
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Job training could be ramping up with Alamance Community College working with Goodwill Industries in Burlington after a shaky start.
�Sometimes, if you�ve been in a job for 25 years, the thought of going to a community college can be extremely intimidating,� said Debbie Tuggle, vice president of career development at Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina.�But going into a Goodwill � not so much.�
Goodwill Industries opened its Community Resource Center at 3740 S. Church St. in 2012. Most people think of thrift stores when they think of Goodwill, Tuggle said.
The stores raise money, but Goodwill�s goal is putting people to work.
The community resource centers offer job-skills training, and this one is large with lots of classroom space and computer stations.
�They�re one of our best-kept secrets,� Tuggle said.
The centers work with community colleges, and while �there was buy-in on the front end,� the partnership with ACC got started more than a year after the center opened.
A few weeks before they opened, Tuggle said, she got an email from ACC�s then-president, Martin Nadelman, saying the college would not be moving forward.
Tuggle said it was a shock.
�Oh my goodness, we have a 6,600-square-foot facility we thought was going to be filled,� Tuggle said. �What�s the next plan?�
Other groups Goodwill was working with stepped in, Tuggle said. Elon University faculty taught classes, and the Department of Social Services and Burlington Housing Authority got involved, too.
�I don�t know much about that,� said Algie Gatewood, ACC�s current president. �That was before my time.�
Not long after Gatewood took over last fall, Tuggle said, he got in touch, and the partnership was back on. She calls it a great relationship.
�I�m glad we�re moving a positive direction where both entities can work together to help serve the people of Alamance County,� Gatewood said.
Ed Williams, ACC spokesman, said Nadelman thought the resource center�s location was not ideal for the college�s purposes, but the college now does consider the South Church Street center a good satellite location for ACC.
THE BURLINGTONcenter already offers classes on basic computer skills, resume writing, job-interview skills, professional dress and starting careers after 40. There are also GED and English-as-a-second-language courses, and workshops on passing certified nursing exams and making the transition to normal life after prison.
In the next year, Tuggle said, she would like to see more options at the center. She said she and Gatewood met last month to talk about starting certification courses in certified nursing, child care, small engine repair, retail customer service, and basic detention-officer training.
There are a lot of needs in all those fields in Alamance County, Tuggle said, and opportunities for many of the people textiles and manufacturing left behind when they moved overseas.
The Burlington center served about 2,200 people in this budget year, Tuggle said, and aims to serve 2,500 next year. In time, she would like to see that grow to 3,000 or 4,000.
THERE AREadvantages of having job training off site, according to Gatewood. It is closer to many people than the main ACC campus in Graham and, Tuggle said, a lot of people needing job training do not have cars. It also frees up space at the college�s Dillingham Center on Plaza Drive in Burlington Outlet Village, Gatewood said.
One of the biggest advantages, Tuggle said, is the comfort level of people who have been out of school for a long time.
Once they get going, she said, school seems possible.
The center is also a good opportunity to work with Hispanics, Tuggle said. The population is large here, but is not taking advantage of continuing education, and Goodwill is in a good position to get the word out and promote self-improvement.
The five community resource centers and two career centers Goodwill of Central North Carolina has in five counties served about 16,000 people last year.
People do not always tell them when they get jobs, Tuggle said, but a least 3,000 of those reported job placement for about $47 million in potential earnings.


text: The newborn baby hat is soft and light weight yet still warm and cuddly. The ribbed pattern gives the illusion of diagonal stripes. For this pattern, you will need to know the knit stitch and purl stitch. Although it is fairly simple, the result will be stunning. The pattern consists of 8 repeating rows it is recommended that you keep track of each row by using a row counter or use the grid at the end to mark off each row. Sizing can be altered by using different weight yarn and changing the size of the knitting needles. Following the pattern below will create a hat that will fit newborn to 6 months. SIZING / FINISHED MEASUREMENTS newborn to 6 months


text:
Tomorrow we have our second ultrasound, where they'll check every little inch of the baby's body. I wanted to find out what exactly they do during this appointment, as some of my pregnant pals have told me that this is a very long ultrasound. So this is what I found online that the sonographer will check during the appointment.
- The shape and structure of your baby's head. At this stage severe brain problems, which happen very rarely, are visible.
- Your baby's face to check for a cleft lip. Cleft palates inside a baby's mouth are hard to see and are not often picked up.
- Your baby's spine, both along its length and in cross section, to make sure that all the bones align and that the skin covers the spine at the back.
- Your baby's abdominal wall, to make sure it covers all the internal organs at the front.
- Your baby's heart. The top two chambers (atria) and the bottom two chambers (ventricles) should be equal in size. The valves should open and close with each heartbeat.
- Your baby's stomach. Your baby swallows some of the amniotic fluid that he lies in, which is seen in his stomach as a black bubble.
- Your baby's kidneys. The sonographer will check that your baby has two kidneys, and that urine flows freely into his bladder. If your baby's bladder is empty, it should fill up during the ultrasound and be easy to see. Your baby has been peeing every half an hour or so for some months now!
- Your baby's arms, legs, hands and feet. The sonographer will look at your baby's fingers and toes, but not count them.
- As well as this detailed look at how your baby is growing, the sonographer will check the placenta, the umbilical cord and the amniotic fluid.
One other thing they will be able to look for, is the sex of the baby! Oh sweet baby Koz! I wonder what you'll be? Whatever you are in there, we'll have to wait one more week to find out. Sunday March 30th is our reveal party with our family and friends. We're so stoked to have everyone together to find out. 7 more days!! ahhhhhhhhh
Here are my stats for the week....
How far along are you: 20 WEEKS!!! We're 1/2 way there!
Total weight gain/loss: I'd like to take a wild guess and say I'm 15 pounds heavier than when I first got pregnant. I'll find out the real total on Thursday at my doctor's appointment. Dun dun dun!
Maternity clothes: I lucked out once again and scored 2 wicked pairs of maternity jeggings that I'm absolutely in love with! Not only do I love them, but I bought one and got the other for free. Yup, that's 2 for $40. Woooo! I needed a dress for this past weekend and I wasn't sure what kind of dress I was looking for. Looking at maternity dresses, is a bit depressing because they are so awful looking on a human body. I decided that instead of paying for a maternity dress that I may only wear once (or twice) during this pregnancy, that I might as well start really looking into a dress that I can wear when I'm back to being one person again. With the tunic style dresses that have recently become popular again, I decided to take another look at how I would look in them with a belly. And you know what?! Not too bad! So fellow preggers, I highly recommend trying on a tunic dress for any event you may have coming up. See my progress photo for what I mean.
Sleep: let me put it to you this way. Either I'm waking up to go to the bathroom every 2-4 hours, or I'm dreaming about some really wacky things. On a good note, I dreamt I had a glass of wine! Only to be turned down when I asked for a second helping. After all, they told me one is enough since I'm pregnant. hahahaha
Best moments of the week: This sweet little babe, has been moving alot and giving me such a fabulous feeling all throughout my days. It may be a coincidence, but it moves A LOT at the sound of me talking about cake, or actually eating cake. I'm going to say it's taking after it's mumma on this one and will be a lifetime cake lover :)
Food Cravings: Ahhhhh this one is so hard to say. I still haven't had one of those moments where I'd step on Paul's face to get to a certain food. (yet) But I have had situations where I've come across a certain food, for example we'll say that food was a pineapple upside down cake or a white birthday cake (thank you Karen and Cathie for bringing cake to work) I can't necessarily work, or talk, or breathe or sit still without thinking about inhaling a piece of the cake that I spotted on the counter at work. So it's safe to say that once I see a type of food in my visual periphery that is to my liking, I will take the time to have a taste. (or 2, or 3 or all of it) Word to the wise my friends; Don't put your cake in my way. You might not get it back. Oh and I also ate a whole bag of microwave popped popcorn to myself one night that may have taken me 15 minutes to polish off. Good grief.
Wedding rings on/off: Still on. Thank you cold weather for keeping my fingers skinny. (and cold)
Symptoms: Back pains. Oh boy..... I didn't see this one coming. I've read about it and continued to exercise and strengthen my back and core to ensure that the weight that I'm gaining in the front of me will be supported by my strong core. Well that all hard work went out the window when I found myself sitting in uncomfortable chairs for an hour or more a day without getting up to walk around and stretch every hour on the hour. I wish I could work in a lazy boy.... or from my bed. One or the other. I'm not that picky:)
Moods: Happy or annoyed. Today I was both. At least I'm not emotional and crying..... yet?


text:
|Home > Loraina
♀ Loraina
What does Loraina mean?
Loraina as a name for girls is of French origin, and Loraina means "from Lorraine". Loraina is a variant form of Lorraine (French).
VARIANT Lorraina
OTHER FORMS VIA LORRAINE Laraine, Larayne, Leraine, Lerayne, Lorain, Loraine▼, Lorayne, Lori▼, Lorine▼, LorrayneCREATIVE FORMS
Loraina Renee (L.R.), ..
How popular is Loraina?
Loraina is an uncommonly occurring first name for women. Loraina is an equivalently uncommon surname too for both adults and children. (2000 U.S. CENSUS)
Which version is better?
Prominent varying forms of Loraina (NOT RANKED) are Lori (#1608 LAST YEAR), Lorraine (#1723), Lorine, Lorrayne, Lorayne, Lorain, Loraine and Laraine. Other variants, like Lerayne, are seldom used. Adoption of these forms of Loraina was common 55 years ago (USAGE OF 1.47%) and has become significantly lower since (USAGE 0.01%, 99% LESS), with forms such as Lorine becoming somewhat outmoded. (TOP 2000 NAMES, 2015)
Similar Names
Loraina is alike in pronunciation to Lareina, Larena, Larina, Larrayna, Larreina, Laurana, Laurina, Loranna, Loreanna, Lorena▼, Lorenia, Lorenna, Loriana and Lorrina. Other recommended sound-alike names are Coralina, Corina▼, Corrina, Corvina, Doralina, Doreina (see Dora), Dorina, Jorgina, Karaina, Korina, Korrina, Laina, Laraene, Lareine, Larine, Larraine, Larsina (see Lauren), Lauraine, Loirane (see Loire), Loreen, Loreene, Loren▼, Lorene▼, Lorenn, Loria, Lorian, Loriann, Lorianne, Lorin, Lorinda, Lorita, Lorna▼, Lorne, Lorren, Lorrin, Lorrna, Lorryn, Lorrynn (see Lauren), Loryn, Louanna, Lovina, Lowran, Moraia, Morwina, Norina, Normina, Zoraida, Zorana and Zorina. These names tend to be more commonly used than Loraina.


text:
The yet-to-release Nokia E6-00 based on Symbian^3 mobile operating system has its specifications leaked online. The smartphone is reportedly going to be launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month.
The Symbian^3 OS was launched in 2010, and this year, it will be one of Nokia's important platforms aside from MeeGo to compete against other smartphone manufacturers. There has been many Nokia smartphone released with Symbian^3, but recently, the new flagship E6-00 was exposed and many speculate that it will be officially announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February.
From the above leaked XML file, we can tell that the Nokia E6-00 display supports 640×480 pixel resolution, a standard among Symbian^3 members. It also sports a 4-inch capacitive touch screen, powered by ARM processor and features 8-megapixel rear camera with dual LED flash. No word as to whether the camera has auto-focus.
The Nokia E6-00 is reportedly to be similar to the X7-00 and will be unveiled by AT&T at MWC together with X7-00, E7-00 and N9.
Source: imobile.com.cn


text:
Shannon Brockmeier, Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Brockmeier grew up in Shillington, PA. and received her degree in veterinarian medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1999. She has been practicing at our hospital since 2000. She enjoys crafts, especially scrap booking, and yard sales! She lives with her husband Dave and dog Phoebe, 2 cats, a guinea pig, and fish.
"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge."


text:
A large, luxurious rear-wheel-drive sedan available with either V-6 or V-8 power arriving in 2008. An Audi MMI-like system for the car's electronics is under consideration, as is a base price of less than $30,000. This car will be the successor to a Korean model called the Equus, although Hyundai may opt to use a different name for the U.S. market. We really hope it does, because otherwise those of us who have read Peter Shaffer's play of the same name, about a horse-obsessed boy who pokes out their eyes, would be terrified of this thing.
2009 Hyundai Equus


text:
During the month of October, customers relished a five-course menu prepared with American
pistachios at Isola, Shanghai's popular Italian Restaurant. The month-long event was promoted
with a full-page advertisement in Shanghai's leading lifestyle newspaper the Shanghai Times, a
micro-blog that attracted over 2,000 visitors, and a dinner reception with guests from 30 media
outlets. The media reception featured their five-course pistachio menu along with cooking
9 River Park Place East, Suite 410
Fresno, CA 93720
Telephone: 559.475.0435
Facsimile: 559.475.0624


text: looking to buy a dump insert, working, we can make it beautiful again, just needs to work. Looking for a deal. wanted to buy a leaf loader good condition.Has to be working and in good shape, dont want a project. I will travel or arrange shipping if price is right, please send private message or post me a pic, thanks.


text:
Yankees give Burnett $82.5m
- |
The New York Yankees reeled in another pitcher with a rich offer, reaching agreement with free agent A.J. Burnett on an $82.5 million, five-year contract yesterday.
CC Sabathia and the Yankees struck a deal for $161 million over seven years Wednesday during the winter meetings. After missing the playoffs following a 13-year run, the Yankees again showed they were more than willing to shell out big bucks for pitching.
Burnett's agreement was confirmed by the office of his agent, Darek Braunecker. The pitcher still needs to take a physical before the deal is completed.
He joins a rotation that also includes holdovers Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. New York is hoping to re-sign Andy Pettitte and has looked at Ben Sheets as an alternative.
Burnett won 10 of his last 12 decisions and finished 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA for Toronto. He set career highs in wins, strikeouts (231), and innings (221 1/3).
After the season, the 31-year-old righthander opted out of his $55 million, five-year contract with the Blue Jays and became a free agent. He had two years and $24 million left on his deal with Toronto.
Burnett has done especially well against American League East rivals Boston and New York. He went 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts against the Yankees this year; he is 5-0 lifetime vs. the Red Sox.
Burnett, however, has been plagued by injuries over the years and has made several trips to the disabled list with elbow and shoulder troubles.
Phillies land IbañezThe world champion Phillies reached a three-year, $31.5 million preliminary agreement with Raul Ibañez to become their everyday left fielder.
Ibañez's signing, pending a physical, signals the end of Pat Burrell's tenure in Philadelphia. Burrell filed for free agency after the season, and Ibañez, 36, will take his place.
Last season with the Mariners, Ibañez hit .293 with 23 homers and 110 RBIs, the third straight year he knocked in more than 100 runs.


text:
The 0-8 Jacksonville Jaguars are back from their bye week, and they stand a half-decent chance of competing against a so-so division rival in Tennessee Sunday. Just in case they accidentally win, let's review just how bad the Jags have been thus far. Four figures:
1. The Jags have been outscored by 178 points. That, through only eight games, is the 74th-highest point differential in NFL history. They're on pace to allow 356 more points than they score. Only five teams in NFL history have been lower than 256 in that area, and nobody has ever hit the 300 mark.
2. The Jaguars have lost all eight of their games by double-digit margins. No team in NFL history has lost more than 12 games in that fashion. Even the winless 2008 Lions managed to get within 10 points in six of their losses, while the the 0-14 1976 Buccaneers did so on four occasions.
3. The Jags have scored a league-low 86 points, putting them on pace to score 172. Only five teams in NFL history have given up fewer than that over a 16-game season. They've also surrendered a league-high 264 points, putting them on pace to give up 528. Only the 1981 Baltimore Colts (533) have allowed more.
4. They've scored just seven offensive touchdowns in eight games. The Washington Redskins have scored five on defense and special teams in the same number of games.


text:
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor [BBC profile; JURIST news archive] will serve his 50-year sentence for war crimes [JURIST report] in the UK, according to a written statement to Parliament [text, PDF] from the UK Ministry of Justice [official website] on Thursday. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Jeremy Wright [official profile] said that Taylor will be transferred to the UK, pursuant to a request by Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) President George Gelaga King [official websites]. Wright said that the UK's "offer to enforce any sentence imposed on former President Taylor by the SCSL was crucial to ensuring that he could be transferred to The Hague to stand trial for his crimes." SCSL sentences may be enforced in the UK pursuant to the International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Act 2007 [text, PDF], and the UK will cover any associated costs. Wright said that Taylor's conviction is a "landmark moment for international justice."
In September the SCSL rejected an appeal [judgment] by Taylor. According to a press release [text] from the court, Taylor's lawyers appealed his convictions on 42 grounds, arguing that the Trial Chamber erred in evaluating evidence and that the 50-year sentence was "manifestly unreasonable." The court ruled that his guilt had been proved beyond doubt and upheld Taylor's 50-year sentence. The sentence came after Trial Chamber II convicted Taylor of planning as well as aiding and abetting crimes committed by rebel forces in exchange for diamonds during the civil war, including acts of terrorism, murder, rape, sexual slavery, conscripting or enlisting children into armed forces, enslavement and pillage.


text:
PITTSBURGH -- Ronald Sams, a former offensive lineman with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, has been sentenced to six months home detention for failing to make child support payments.
Sams, 39, of Duluth, Ga., also was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay more than $113,000 in child support dating back to his divorce in 1994.
Sams could have received up to three years in prison and been forced to pay a $250,000 fine.
This article published in the Athens Daily News on Sunday, April 8, 2001.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


text:
A school and a church are locked down as Longmont police moved in to make a major drug bust, arresting a suspect. Lindsey Sablan reports.
Merce Gonzales, left, and Matthew Starin, right
LONGMONT, Colo. -
Three people were arrested and four others were detained when a SWAT team executed a search warrant at a suspected drug house Friday morning.
Det. Cmdr. Jeff Satur, of the Longmont Police Department, said officers suspected drugs were being sold out of the small home at 330 Collyer St.
Because the search warrant was considered "high risk," the nearby St. John the Baptist School was put on "lockout" as a precaution during the operation.
According to Satur, one of the people taken into custody Friday was also arrested last year during a bust called "Operation Bad Cowboy." That man, Merce Gonzales, 49, was arrested for distribution of schedule II controlled substance, possession of schedule II controlled substance and sales within 1000 yards of a school.
"Everybody knows him. We knew where he lived and we watched, and it didn't take him long to start up his business again," said Commander Satur.
Gonzales has several prior arrests for larceny and posession.
Neighbors in the area said there's constant activity in the home. Robb Shimp lives next door and said he's heard fights and had people knock on his door, looking for Merce.
"Your first instinct is sell the house, move, go somewhere you don't have to worry about it, but at the same time that's how neighborhoods get taken over, said Shimp. "Unless things get a whole lot worse we'll still probably be here, hopefully we'll be able to outlast them ."
Ralph Nunez, 73, was arrested for possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Satur did not have his photo to release.
The third person arrested, Matthew Starin, 20, was arrested for a pawn broker violation.
Satur said the four others who were detained will not be facing charges. They've all been released.
Editor's note: Satur originally told 7NEWS that a total of 9 people were detained.


text:
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Look stylish while supporting your team in this vintage "Retro Fleece" hooded sweatshirt from Genuine Stuff. Features garment washed material for soft feel and vintage look large distressed print team logo and name hood with drawstrings front pockets thermal hood lining and cuffed wrist and waist. Made of 80% polyester 20% cotton. Officially licensed by the NCAA.
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text:
"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better."
Related quotes
"I'm me, I like being me, And being me is what makes me, me. There is no one who can relate more to me then me. no one knows how I'm feeling other then me, And if you don't like me, then there's the door because nothing will make me change besides me. -Elliott"


text:
Q: How do I know that I'm ready for the transition to digital television?
A: Currently, many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in both analog and digital TV formats. By June 12, all full-power TV stations will broadcast only in digital. The DTV transition will affect those who watch free, over-the-air television through a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears." If you watch over-the-air programs on an analog TV, you must take action now.
* Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner);
* Subscribe to a paid TV service, such as cable or satellite television; or
* Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are in stores and have a one-time cost of $40 to $70. To help you pay for the boxes, the U.S. Government is offering two $40 coupons per household. For information on the coupons, go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 (TTY (877) 530-2634).
This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


text:
HOLLYWOOD -- Continuing to make good on his pledge to remake Paramount Pictures, Chairman Brad Grey on Thursday fired the co-heads of the studios' specialty films division.
According to sources, Grey called Paramount Classics co-presidents Ruth Vitale and David Dinerstein into his office one after another to say their contracts would not be renewed. The duo were hired eight years ago by the studio's former chief Sherry Lansing and her boss Jonathan Dolgen.
Thursday's move has been expected since last year, when Tom Freston, co-president of Paramount-parent Viacom Inc., dismissed the studio's specialty division as "an also-ran." Freston has made clear that he wants Paramount Classics to be more competitive and lucrative. Because specialty films are made for lower budgets, when they catch on with audiences they can potentially yield handsome profits.
Although Vitale and Dinerstein's operation has consistently been in the black, it has never matched the revenues generated at rivals like Fox Searchlight, which has made $70 million to $80 million in recent years with such breakout hits as "Sideways."
When Freston brought in Grey this March, it was with the mandate to make edgier movies aimed at younger audiences. Grey has been vocal about his plans to reinvent the specialty division and has made no secret that he is interviewing candidates to lead it.
The most recent name believed to be in the running is Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Films Releasing. Lions Gate spokesman Peter Wilkes declined comment.
Sources close to Grey say he does not yet have a lead candidate in mind, but narrowing the field is a top priority.
Among others he has interviewed are producer Michael London ("Sideways" and "Thirteen"), Endeavor agent John Lesher, who represents a number of independent filmmakers, and New York attorney John Sloss, a savvy dealmaker and producer known for his good relationships with indie filmmakers.
Grey declined comment Thursday, but a Paramount spokeswoman confirmed that the two executives' contracts, which were to expire in mid-February, would not be renewed.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


text:
you were handed these fruit, which on would you pick?
are quick to decide and even quicker to act.
You are brave in asking career changes, if that is
what is to your advantage.
You have exceptional organizing
abilities and are undaunted by the size of the
task at hand.
You tend to be self reliant, sincere and
honest in your dealings with others.
Though you are
not given to making friend verys quickly, but once you
do, it is for life.
You rarely, if ever, make romantic
Your partner is often impressed with
your sterling qualities but disappointed in your ability
to show affection


text:
Big Players and Big Deals Needed to Help Solidify New York's Tech Scene
(Page 2 of 2)
a better mousetrap then the large mousetrap manufacturer will copy your innovation and out-produce you.
Most innovation happens inside existing companies like Wal-Mart and IBM by the sheer amount of dollar value, but it's not the kind of innovation people in the entrepreneurial sector talk about. We're talking about disruptive innovation, the kinds of things big companies can't copy. Those are the things where you create a lot of value really quickly if it works.
The Huffington Post was doing content aggregation as opposed to original content production, for the most part. Within six years they had as many people reading their outlet as The New York Times. The New York Times could not compete with that because they would have to lay off all their journalists and most of their editorial staff and completely revamp. They would be getting rid of what made them special. That kind of innovation doesn't happen inside big companies because it can't.
When somebody says "It would be better if we cannibalized ourselves than let somebody else cannibalize us," there is always somebody else who says, "No thanks, that's my revenue you're talking about and I'm not letting that happen." If someone in The New York Times said let's build our own Huffington Post, the people who get revenue from the current New York Times would say no. Since that person is in charge of most of the revenue in the company they have more political power than this insurgent.
X: Does bureaucracy get in the way of innovation at larger companies?
JN: It's not bureaucracy so much. You can have these two people standing in front of the CEO, and one promises to build something to bring in $300 million. The other person says building that $300 million thing will cost $1 billion in revenue elsewhere.
Usually the guy in charge of all the revenue somehow starves the other side of its resources. It's typical of corporate politics aimed at the one who has no power. That kind of innovation is really hard to do inside existing companies.
There are not a lot of companies that do sustaining innovation from the outside. It happens, but they tend to be less noticeable because they are not rocket ship-like growth stories.
X: Does the growing presence of big companies such as Google, Facebook, and AOL in New York help solidify the local startup technology scene?
JN: Not so much today. It makes it harder today. Startups today, as opposed to one year ago, are having a much harder time finding, hiring, and being able to pay for engineers. If you raise $500,000 in a seed round and Google is hiring engineers for $200,000, then you just can't do much. A few years ago engineers would join companies for a lot less, for a piece of equity.
New York had a bit of a boom four years ago when engineers didn't want to go to work for Wall Street. That freed up a lot of talent to work on startups. Things are tightening up again but the good thing is the economy is cyclical. When things get hard again and Google decides they can't actually pay engineers that amount of money, then you'll have a ton of engineers in New York City who are interested in working for startups again. It creates a huge pool of talent the startup community can draw on at some point in the future. It's definitely a plus to have the big companies here. It's a little painful to pay the price right now.
X: Is the current buzz surrounding the convergence of SoLoMo technology a real trend or just a way to repackage and rebrand technology we've already seen?
JN: I think at the moment it's more talk than reality. It's not mainstream yet. It's useful to remember that most people still don't use Twitter. They may have an account but they don't actually use it. It's an interesting concept. I'm a believer that someday social, local, mobile is going to be an extremely important part of the economy. I don't think it is yet or that it has proven that it will be.
Mobile is clearly a huge force now. It wasn't 10 years ago. People now use their smartphones for everything as their information device. The local piece is pretty obvious; if you're searching for something on your phone, you are probably more interested in stuff that is nearby. The social piece makes sense but it's still early. It's hard to see how the world doesn't go in that direction. I have no idea who or what is going to be the killer app in that sector.
We're in that grinding it phase. If you look in the advertising world, there's not enough hyper-local inventory. Part of the reason is because there are not enough people buying hyper-local ads. They aren't buying those ads because there's no hyper-local inventory.
In between, we have these entrepreneurs pushing and pulling and at some they'll reach that critical mass. That's the phase we're in. If you want to do local and social, you have to enable your apps and infrastructure to transmit that information from the phone. There's work that has to be done but people aren't going to do that until they think the rewards are definitely there.
X: Has the New York technology scene matured from its infancy?
JN: It's early. When you look at other places that have had sustainable technology economies, there's usually been one company that was big. A lot of people who worked there knew each other; they left and started other companies. There's a tree effect. Look at Silicon Valley and Fairchild Semiconductor and all the companies that grew out of that.
In New York we've had a few of those. We've had DoubleClick; we've had a few companies that have gotten big enough to have a bunch of people who left and started their own companies. The best place to learn how to start a company is working at a startup. Now we're seeing that second wave of companies since then who have been acquired, the Admelds of the world. Some of those people will want to start their own companies and it spawns a bunch more.
We've only had two, maybe three iterations of that. We need a couple more before we have a large enough tech scene that is sustainable. Right now it's a little fragile. It's expensive to live in New York. It's hard to pay people enough to live on if they are startup entrepreneurs here, which is also true of Silicon Valley. New York needs to be careful and supportive to keep this growing.
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