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Publications › AIR-Commissioned Papers
Below, view the list of AIR-PIAAC commissioned papers. The AIR PIAAC commissioned papers, funded through a contract with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education, are intended to broaden the base of research through exploration and use of the PIAAC dataset and its analytical tools.
Table of Contents
2016 Research Papers
2015 Research Papers
2014 Research Papers
2013 Research Papers
2016 Research Papers
Numeracy Skills, Health Information-Seeking, and Preventative Health Behaviors among Middle to Older Aged Adults in the U.S. (Takashi Yamashita, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Anthony R. Bardo, Duke University; and Darren Liu, Des Moines University)
This paper will analyze numeracy skills in the context of health information-seeking and preventative health behaviors to develop a detailed demographic and socioeconomic profile of middle to older aged adults (aged 45 to 74 years) and their numeracy skills using PIAAC data. Using statistical models to estimate the impacts of numeracy skills on selected health information-seeking and preventative health behaviors, the authors will answer the following research questions:
- Are there differences in numeracy skills across subgroups of middle to older aged adults by demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics?
- Are numeracy skills associated with the sources from which middle to older aged adults seek health information?
- Are numeracy skills among middle to older aged adults associated with their adherence to recommended preventative health behaviors?
Explaining Relationships between Numeracy Skills, Soft Skills, and Occupational Status among U.S. Workers (Huacong Liu and Frank Fernandez, Pennsylvania State University)
This paper will use PIAAC data to examine relationships between numeracy skills, soft skills and occupational status among adults working in the United States. In the research literature, soft skills have also been called noncognitive skills, personality traits, socialization, and social skills. They are often contrasted with technical skills, which are necessary but not sufficient for workers who wish to move beyond entry-level jobs or who aspire to enter professional fields. The authors will use measures of soft skills available in this dataset across following four elements: Readiness to Learn, Planning, Influence, and Task Discretion. The authors will answer the question:
- After controlling for cognitive ability as measured by PIAAC numeracy skills, are soft skills significantly correlated with workers' occupational status?
Associations between Adults' Numeracy Skills and Employment Status (Leah Katherine Saal, Loyola University Maryland; Melissa Gholson, West Virginia Department of Education; Ryan J. Machtmes, University of Minnesota; and Krisanna I. Machtmes, Ohio University)
This paper will explore the relationship between academic skills/proficiencies and employment status in the United States. Using PIAAC data, the authors will answer the following questions:
- Is the relationship between numeracy skills and employment status stronger than the relationship between the other skills measured in PIAAC (literacy and problem solving in technology-rich environments) among U.S. adults?
- Is there a relationship between numeracy and employment status by the levels of numeracy-related skills used in everyday life?
Numeracy, Occupational Skills, and Gender: Using PIAAC and O*NET to Assess Gender Pay Gaps and Occupational Gender Segregation (Lisa M. Frehill and Katie Seely-Gant, Energetics Technology Center)
This paper will use data from PIAAC and the Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET database to examine the relationship between numeracy skills, gendered wage gaps, and occupational gender segregation. The following research questions will be addressed:
- To what extent are numeracy skills associated with occupational gender segregation and, subsequently, the gender pay gap?
- To what extent are there correlations between assessed numeracy skills (PIAAC), numeracy requirements (O*NET), and female representation?
- What are the returns to income associated with these different measures of skills (i.e., PIAAC and O*NET) and the level of female representation in occupations?
An Examination of PIAAC Data for Unemployed Adults aged 45 to 74 (Phyllis A. Cummins, Miami University; and Takashi Yamashita, University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
This paper will focus on middle to older age groups (ages 45 to 74) who are either unemployed or not in the labor force (in comparison to those who are employed). The authors will examine their characteristics to gain a better understanding of health and economic well-being in relation to educational attainment, continuous learning behaviors (a.k.a. lifelong learning), and skill indicators including literacy, numeracy, and problem solving skills in the second half of life course, with additional consideration given to the roles skills and technology play in the context of employment status. The following research questions will be addressed:
- Is there any relationship between health status, education, lifelong learning behaviors, and skill indicators including literacy, numeracy, and problem solving skills by employment status?
- Is there any relationship between the timing of retirement, health status, education, lifelong learning behaviors, and skill indicators including literacy, numeracy, and problem solving skills?
- Is there any difference in use of practical skills including communication technology, computer application, and reading/writing skills among individuals who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force?
- How frequently do unemployed and not in the labor force adults participate in Adult Education and Training (AET) programs and what are the reasons for non-participation?
2015 Research Papers
The 2015 AIR PIAAC commissioned papers, funded through a contract with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education, are intended to broaden the base of research through exploration and use of the PIAAC dataset and its analytical tools.
Using the PIAAC Literacy Framework to Guide Instruction: An Introduction for Adult Educators (Amy R. Trawick, Center for Adult Learning Leadership and Advancement)
The purpose of this introductory guide is to describe how adult literacy practitioners--such as teachers, lead instructors, and professional developers--might enhance their efforts with adult developing readers by incorporating relevant tools from PIAAC's literacy framework to support the goals of WIOA, the CCRS, and adult learners themselves.
Using the PIAAC Numeracy Framework to Guide Instruction: An Introduction for Adult Educators (Donna Curry, Center for Adult Numeracy, TERC)
This guide is designed for practitioners, including teachers, lead instructors, and professional developers, who are ready to take up the challenge to change how numeracy is taught in adult education. If instructors shift their teaching to focus more on the use of numeracy skills, they might find that their students not only score better on formal assessments but that they are more effective in using numeracy in their daily lives.
Using the PIAAC Framework for Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments to Guide Instruction: An Introduction for Adult Educators (Jenifer B. Vanek, University of Minnesota)
This brief is a guide for Adult Education and Literacy practitioners who are ready to teach the PS-TRE. One goal of the guide is to nudge practitioners to reconsider current technology integration in ABE classrooms, adding a cognitive dimension to their technology use instruction. In doing so, teachers can include instructional activities that help learners to not only use technologies, but also develop an understanding of the complex processes required to employ them. Whether teaching in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), or English Language Acquisition programs, practitioners can refer to the brief when creating curricular activities that teach how to solve problems or handle day-to-day activities in the digital environment.
Examining Gender Differences in the Mathematical Literacy of 15-Year-Olds and the Numeracy Skills of the Age Cohorts as Adults (Alka Arora and Emily Pawlowksi, American Institutes for Research)
Using PIAAC and PISA data, this paper examines the relationship of the mathematics proficiency of fifteen-year-olds to the proficiency of their age cohort as adults. The mathematical literacy performance of fifteen-year-olds in PISA 2003 and the numeracy performance of the relevant age cohort that participated in PIAAC 2012, which assessed adults aged 16 to 65, is compared. After exploring similarities or differences in the performance of countries on these two assessments, and looking at performance by gender, this study then focuses on factors that may contribute to changes in gender differences over time, such as field of study, occupation, and skill use at work and at home.
Education and Work in the 21st Century: Credential Inflation or Transformation? (Frank Fernandez and Mark Umbricht, Pennsylvania State University)
This paper will analyze data from the U.S. PIAAC Main Study, the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey (ALL), and the International Adult Literacy Skills Survey (IALS) to test two competing paradigms in educational and social science research: credential inflation (the idea that degrees are becoming more costly and less valuable in the labor market); and educational transformation (the idea that education is not becoming less valuable, but rather that education, skills, and work are evolving in the knowledge economy).
The analysis will be guided by a series of related questions:
- Do respondents with similar levels of education tend to have similar levels of employment (and, among those who are employed, similar job duties) over time?
- Do respondents with similar levels of education tend to work similar numbers of hours per week and have similar earnings over time?
- Are education credentials or literacy and numeracy skills better predictors of labor market outcomes over time? View full research paper › View Excel file ›
Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Second-Generation Young Adults: A Comparative Study of Canada, France, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. (Jeanne Batalova and Michael Fix, Migration Policy Institute)
This paper will examine the characteristics and competencies of young adults between ages 16 to 34 by immigrant generation--the population that should benefit the most from targeted educational and workforce training programs to improve employment prospects and increase national economic productivity.
Specifically, the authors will analyze the PIAAC data in order to answer the following research questions:
- What are the key demographic and social characteristics of young adults (16-34) by generation? How do they vary across countries?
- How do literacy and numeracy skills of the second-generation young adults (ages 16 to 34) compare to those of the first, immigrant generation?
- Do the second-generation young adults in Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom catch up with the third generation as in the United States? View full research paper ›
Literacy and Fertility Across OECD Nations (Jane Seymour, Rosemary Frasso, and Ian Bennett, University of Pennsylvania)
Demographic, public health, and medical research indicate that total parity—that is, the number of children born to each woman—is associated with individual and population health, as well as national economic health. The health and educational impacts of the number of children born per woman are particularly important to consider as developed countries, including the United States, propose changes to parental policies, which encourage childbirth.
This paper will offer insight into the degree to which literacy can mediate the effects of age and other sociodemographic factors on parity across the countries participating in PIAAC. It will also offer insight into the role of literacy in the relationship between race/ethnicity and parity in the United States. View full research paper ›
Reconstructing the Evolution of the American Supply of Cognitive Skills: A Synthetic Cohort Analysis (Marilyn Binkley and T. Scott Murray, DataAngel Policy Research; Richard Shillington, Tristat Resources)
Changes in average literacy scores of adult populations and population subgroups are the product of the net impact of significant skill gain and skill loss. By conducting a synthetic cohort analysis with data from the PIAAC Main Study, the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey (ALL), and the International Adult Literacy Skills Survey (IALS), we reconstruct an approximation individual skill trajectories over time. These data allow for a comparison of differences in the distribution of skill gain and loss in population sub-groups. The data also provide a means to explore the factors that are associated with skill gain and loss, including characteristics of the jobs held. Because skill has a significant impact on labor market, social, health and education outcomes at both the individual and macro levels, there is a strong policy interest in understanding the social and economic processes that underlie skill gain and loss. View full research paper ›
Persisting Gaps: Labor Market Outcomes and Numeracy Skill Levels of First Generation and Multi Generation College Graduates (Karly Sarita Ford and Mark Richard Umbricht, Pennsylvania State University)
This paper will use the PIAAC data to focus on economic mobility in the United States and the relationship between social origins, education, individual skills, and occupational destinations.
It is widely believed that a college degree erases any social advantage or disadvantage an individual had as a child. Many scholars have tested this relationship—in the United States and abroad—using nationally representative datasets. However, few have been able to assess this relationship while taking into account individual cognitive skills, defined in the paper as numeracy skills. PIAAC provides researchers with the unique opportunity to analyze the relationship between individual numeracy skill levels and education credentials and social mobility.
Specifically, the authors will investigate the following questions:
- Is there a difference in numeracy scores between first-generation college graduates and multi-generation college graduates? In other words, are the advantages of having highly educated parents associated with educational attainment and cognitive skills in adulthood?
- Is college graduate generational status related to employment outcomes after controlling for numeracy score? Or, are the advantages of having highly educated parents associated with employment outcomes in adulthood?
View full research paper › View Excel file ›
Earnings and Employment Benefits of Adult Higher Education in Comparative Perspective: Evidence Based on the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) (Richard Desjardins, University of California Los Angeles)
This paper seeks to examine comparatively across OECD countries the earnings and labor force status differentials of adults who completed their higher education (HE) degree at older ages than the normative age of graduation. Statistical differentials in labor market outcomes such as earnings are compared between adults who completed their highest qualification before or after the normative age. Results reveal comparative policy insights, for example, regarding the potential effects of HE institutions that open up their doors to non-traditional students.
The paper will build on the work carried out by Margaret Becker Patterson and Usha Paulson who made use of the PIAAC data to study post-secondary transitions of adult in the US (paper entitled Adult Transitions to Learning in the USA: What do PIAAC survey results tell us?). Those authors had focused exclusively on US data. In contrast, this paper will be based on comparative analysis of data to draw out policy insights for the US case. Moreover, the analysis of the labor market outcomes will be much more detailed and linked to the existing international literature on this topic.
The proposed research will address the following questions:
- What is the incidence of adult higher education in comparative perspective?
- Who participates in adult higher education in comparative perspective?
- What does research say about the higher education outcomes for non-traditional students compared to traditional students?
- What are the comparative earnings differentials of traditional vs non-traditional students using PIAAC data?
- What are the comparative employment differentials of traditional vs non-traditional students using PIAAC data?
- What is the link between the openness of HE systems to non-traditional students and the overall employment rate?
- What is the link between the openness of HE systems to non-traditional students and cross-country skill profiles? View full research paper ›
2014 Research Papers
The 2014 AIR PIAAC commissioned papers, funded through a contract with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), are intended to broaden the base of research based on exploration and use of the PIAAC dataset and its analytical tools.
Adults' Learning Strategies, Uses, and Literacy Proficiencies (M Cecil Smith, West Virginia University; Amy Rose, Northern Illinois University; Jovita Ross-Gordon, Texas State University; Thomas J. Smith, Northern IIlinois University) looks at PIAAC's "readiness to learn" index in a U.S. context and examine the extent to which it is related to skill levels in literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments (PS-TRE) and whether it mediates the effects of demographic and socio-economic factors on skill levels. The paper also examines whether the relationships among readiness to learn, skill levels, and skill use vary by selected demographic factors, such as gender, age, work experience, and education, and examines whether the index is correlated with the U.S. adults' participation in learning activities, such as open/distance education and on-the-job training. View full research paper ›
Gender and Numerical Skill Use: Cross-National Revelations from PIAAC (Danielle Lindemann, Rutgers University) seeks to understand whether there are significant gaps in the extent to which men and women use numerical skills at work; what the importance of a variety of covariates including education level, age cohort, job title, and country of residence are to these gendered outcomes; and what relationship, if any, there is between gender disparity in deployment of numerical skills and gender disparity in earnings. It also seeks to assess the relationship between gender, type of occupation, and use of numeracy. View full research paper ›
Revisiting the effects of skills on inequality: Within- and cross-country comparisons using PIAAC (Anita Alves Pena, Colorado State University) By conducting analysis on PIAAC data, this study adds to the existing literature on the relationship between wage inequality and the literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills of adults in an international context. The analysis includes both individual-level and country-level data from PIAAC and supplemental sources and takes into account both demographic and educational institution differences within and across participating countries in order to explore the effects of education and training opportunities on wage inequality across groups of people. View full research paper ›
A Comparative Study of Immigrant and Native Employees in the United States and Canada (William Smith and Frank Fernandez, Penn State University) examines whether, after matching on occupation, there are wage differences between native citizens and immigrants with similar skills, cognitive abilities, and education levels. The U.S. and Canada comparison is important, given that the United States and Canada receive more than half of all OECD immigrants and two-thirds of the OECD immigrants who have attended tertiary institutions. The research specifically examines whether there are differences in the educational attainment of immigrants in the United States and Canada, how immigrants differ from natives in terms of educational attainment, cognitive abilities, and technological skills, and examines whether the factors that influence wage disparities differ between countries. View full research paper ›
Cognitive and non-cognitive factors that affect how people seek health information (Iris Feinberg and Daphne Greenberg, Georgia State University; Jan C. Frijters, Brock University) aims to shed more light on the complex and interactive relationship between health, literacy, and health-information seeking. The research explores whether there is a relationship between SES factors, English literacy skills, and the sources people use to seek health information (i.e., Internet, television, family members or friends). It also looks at whether people with different health status and preventive health practices seek health information in different ways, and if so, what role literacy levels play. View full research paper ›
Examining Associations between Adult Health and Literacy, Numeracy, Technological Problem-Solving Skills, and Post-Initial Learning in the U.S. (Shannon Monnat, Esther Prins, Carol Clymer, Blaire Toso, Penn State University) examines how U.S. respondents' health outcomes are shaped by literacy, numeracy, and information and communication technology (ICT) skills, and how this varies by race/ethnicity and educational attainment. In addition, the project identifies which types of post-initial education (a) have the strongest association with health and (b) matter the most for the health outcomes of different racial/ethnic groups and individuals with different levels of educational attainment. View full research paper ›
An Analysis of Adult Education and Training of Older Age Adults (Phyllis Cummins, Ryan Walker, and Suzanne Kunkel, Miami University, Scripps Gerontology Center) examines outcomes for adults in the U.S. and several other countries, including Japan, Sweden, and Germany, who participated in varying levels of adult education and training (AET). The research examines what types and intensities of AET relate to labor force participation, employment, and income, as well as how these outcomes vary by selected demographic factors, such as age group, gender, educational attainment. In addition, this study reviews policies and practices for AET in the countries included in this research. View full research paper ›
2013 Research Papers
In 2013, the American Institutes for Research, through a contract with the National Center for Education Statistics, commissioned four white papers on the following topics:
Adult Transitions to Learning in the USA: What Do PIAAC Survey Results Tell Us? (Margaret Patterson and Usha Paulson, Research Allies for Lifelong Learning)
This paper uses PIAAC data to examine U.S. adult transitions into post-secondary education and training. The paper compares data on post-secondary education and training participation reported in PIAAC for traditional vs. non-traditional students. Traditional students are defined as those who have graduated from high school and attended or graduated from college in the 16-24 age range. Non-traditional students are those who did not complete high school but attended college, regardless of age; or those who are 25-65 years of age and indicated attending or graduating from college at age 25 or older. The paper examines their motivations and hindrances for further formal and informal training, as well as their PIAAC skill levels and current earnings. Along with the PIAAC data, the paper uses nationwide data available through other sources to provide a richer picture of the educational transitions opportunities available for Americans today. View full research paper ›
Digital Inclusion and Digital Literacy in the United States: A Portrait from PIAAC (Stephen Reder, Portland State University)
This paper uses PIAAC data to explore the various pathways and background characteristics that lead towards digital inclusion and digital literacy. It also examines the ways in which problem-solving in technology-rich environments is related to other skills and activities of Americans. Building on the reported low performance levels of the adults in the United States compared to their international peers, it examines the conditions and pre-conditions which limit skill development opportunities in such a technologically-rich environment as the United States. In the process of exploring these topics, the paper develops indicators of digital inclusion and digital literacy based on the data available in PIAAC and other closely related data sets. View full research paper ›
What Does PIAAC Data Tell Us About Immigrants in the United States? (Michael Fix and Jeanne Batalova, Migration Policy Institute)
This paper uses PIAAC data to examine immigration and social and economic integration of immigrants into various aspects of life in the United States. Comprising less than a sixth of the total population, the American Community Survey reported foreign-born adults as more likely to be in the labor force than the native-born population. At the same time, the foreign-born are reported to have both lower educational attainment and lower performance on direct assessments of competencies, such as PIAAC, than native-born adults. This suggests that while immigrants are being integrated in some aspects, they are being excluded in other very important aspects of U.S. life. This paper integrates PIAAC data with data available through other sources to provide a rich picture of the level of participation of foreign-born adults in United States. It examines indicators of immigrant integration using PIAAC data and explores the education and other characteristics that are associated with greater integration of this segment of the population. View full research paper ›
Skills Proficiency and Job Market Outcomes in the United States: Evidence from PIAAC (Harry Holzer, Georgetown University and AIR; and Robert Lerman, American University and Urban Institute)
This paper extends the analysis of the relationship between skills proficiency and labor market outcomes well beyond the findings in the OECD report on the United States. Among the questions it examines are the following:
1) How do proficiency levels in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving vary between and within demographic, education and occupational groups? For which subgroups is the lack of basic skills proficiency most pronounced? Do we find skill shortfalls in one of the three areas even for native-born groups with postsecondary credentials or in middle-skill occupations?
2) Do weak skill proficiencies significantly limit the ability of workers from obtaining middle-skill credentials and jobs or do those holding such jobs vary widely in their proficiencies?
3) To what extent are earnings differentials related to differentials in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving levels, even within occupations that do and do not require some postsecondary credentials?
4) To what extent does skill proficiency correlate with worker perceptions of the skill demands of jobs? How do differentials in skill use on the job differ from measures of proficiency? How do these relationships vary across occupations?
The answers to these questions highlight key facts and relationships and suggest subsequent analyses of the U.S. PIAAC micro data. View full research paper ›


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With one game to leave a final impression, A.J. Price practically locked up the starting point guard job that was up for grabs while John Wall is sidelined, Earl Barron made a solid argument for keeping him as a fill in with a depleted front line, Jan Vesely's confidence swung upward and led to an inspired game, and Bradley Beal had an outing that he would just as soon forget.
The Wizards lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 100-85, on Friday at AT&T Center in the last of eight games that won't count. But the contest was hardly meaningless, given what was at stake for players seeking rotation spots and employment in the NBA.
Coach Randy Wittman rested Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor, who injured his right shoulder in practice the day before. That allowed Martell Webster and Barron to get starting spots, alongside Price, Beal and Trevor Booker. Barron found out he would start at the morning shootaround and made the most of his opportunity as he finished with preseason highs of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
"Felt great, man. Tried to go out there, be as relaxed as I could. Got a good sweat and once I got out there, I was fine," said Barron, who is playing on a non-guaranteed training camp contract.
Injuries to Nene, Kevin Seraphin, Booker, Singleton and Okafor opened up an unusual chance for Barron, Brian Cook and even Shavlik Randolph to get more playing time than Wittman planned to allot.
"It's kind of tough, but if you just work hard and show up to practice everyday, anytime I touch on the court, I just leave it on the court. It's really not in my hands," said Barron, who also had 10 points and eight rebounds in a loss to Toronto this preseason. "I just pray, work hard and leave it up to the coaches and the management to make their decision. I feel good. I just have to wait and see."
Barron certainly didn't hurt himself as he matched up against future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan and stayed active on both ends of the floor. He had three offensive rebounds, and followed one with a jump hook over Duncan to give the Wizards a 50-47 lead at halftime.
"I thought Earl did a nice job," Wittman said. "Knocking down awesome looks. I thought he defended well. And was in good position."
The Wizards had 19 players in camp and 13 players signed to guaranteed contracts, leaving two spots up for grabs for four players – Barron, Cook, Shelvin Mack and Jannero Pargo. Randolph and the seldom-used Steven Gray are probably out of the discussion, since they didn't get much action in the last three games.
When asked about his leanings, Wittman said, "I ain't telling you."
Pargo didn't play against the Spurs and Wittman said he wanted to get a more extended look at Mack, who finished with just two points and four assists in about 24 minutes. Mack, on a partially-guaranteed contract, played in all eight games and posted 22 assists to just six turnovers and averaged 4.1 points on 41.2 percent shooting.
"You really can't think about that too much. Just do the things you can control. Playing hard," Mack said of the stresses of playing for a roster spot. "Every time there is competition, everybody is going to rise because you can't have a bad day. You have a bad day, somebody is going to take your spot. It's great to come in, compete and play against these guys."
Pargo appeared in five games, made two starts, and had his best performance against Miami on Wednesday, when he had 11 points and six assists after failing to play in Milwaukee. He averaged 7.6 points but had as many turnovers as assists (16) and shot better from three-point range (41.2) than the field (39.5).
"Not too great," Pargo said, when asked how he thought he played. "It was a tough situation coming in late. I don't want to make no excuses. I think I played well some games. I think I could've done better in others."
Price created even more separation against the Spurs as he finished with a team-high 13 points, connecting on 5 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the three-point line, and held his own against all-star point guard Tony Parker.
"I'm confident. I am pleased with how I played," said Price, who averaged 9.6 points, 3.9 assists and made 52 percent of his three-point attempts. "I got better each practice, each game. That's what I really wanted to do. From first game, started off a little shaky, not really knowing personnel, not really knowing plays, to where I'm at now. I feel I progress."
Vesely finished the preseason on a high note, as he matched Price with 13 points. He made his first four shots and was perfect from the foul line (3 for 3). He was self-assured when he got the ball and wasn't hesitant or indecisive. He made a baseline jumper in the second quarter that put the Wizards ahead by 13 points.
"I try to bring intensity. I try to stay aggressive all the time and it paid off," Vesely said. "I try to work hard everyday and put everything in the game and in practice. Coach told me to shoot with confidence and play more aggressive. I think it is working out."
Vesely had an up-and-down preseason offensively, as he scored a combined 10 points in his previous two games. He averaged 5.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, with some dramatic swings in production. Wittman said, "Consistency has to be his No. 1 one thing."
Beal had been consistent until the last two preseason games, when he failed to score in double figures. He failed to score at all in San Antonio, going 0-for-6 from the field and hitting the top of the backboard on a three-pointer.
"Guys were telling me, you're going to have nights like that," Beal said. "I'm glad it happened now and not later."
Decisions for Wittman as preseason closes
Emeka Okafor: Wizards' walking Wikipedia

subset: commoncrawl


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The Cheerleading Worlds Cup Race
The USASF just announced an additional opportunity for Level 5 and 6 cheer teams to earn their way to The Cheerleading World Championship!
Here's How:
All Level 5 and 6 Teams must enter one or more of 49 designated USASF Worlds Cup Race events will earn points that are tracked all season long. At the end of the season, the top six Level 5 and 6 Teams with the highest point totals will receive Paid or At-Large Bids to the 2017 Cheerleading Worlds.
Bids will be awarded as they always have been at events hosted by Tier 1 USASF Event Producer members. The Worlds Cup Race is an additional opportunity offered by all 42 Tier 1 Event Producer members and seven Tier 3 Event Producer members. Points will be calculated at all 49 events to determine bid recipients. (Details below)
2016-2017 Competition Season (November 1, 2016 – April 10, 2017).
New Worlds Bids Awarded by USASF:
Three Paid Bids ($650 per athlete/plus two coaches) and three At-Large Bids.
- At the conclusion of each designated event, the Event Producer will post their Level 5 and 6 Team results in the Worlds Cup Race database to be calculated and ranked nationally.
- Current standings will be available on USASF.net at the end of each week.
- Points are calculated based on final rankings and the number of teams in the division. (When divisions are combined, the Event Producer will enter results as if the divisions had not been combined.)
- A maximum of the five highest calculated scores per team will be used in the Worlds Cup Race totals.
- After April 10th, 2017, once all USASF Cheerleading Worlds Cup Race results are complete, the USASF will award three (3) Paid and three (3) At-Large bids to The Cheerleading World Championship to the Level 5 and 6 Teams with the six (6) highest point totals (Paid: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams / At-Large: 4th, 5th and 6th place teams). If any team already has a Paid or At-Large Bid, the Cheerleading Worlds Bid(s) will go to the team(s) with next highest score(s).


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" Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, 'She doesn't have what it takes.' They will say, 'Women don't have what it takes.'
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I've been using Cellbone's C20ie for years. Ingredients in this are very similar, with the major difference being NuFountain uses niacinamide, while Cellbone uses Idebenone. The cost of the NuFountain was 1/3 the cost of cellbone, so I decided to give this a try. I love it. It seems to be more effective and much less expensive. Vitamin C and Nia24 (main ingredient is niacinamide) have evened my skin tone considerably over the past year. This just seems to have kicked it up a notch. I'm a convert.
on 8/9/2011 3:21:00 PM
Age: Unknown
Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool
Hair: Black, Straight, Medium
Eyes: Brown
Now, last month, I also start on NuFountain's 20% Vit C + Lightening. Before this serum, I have been using MUAC's 40% Lactic Acid since February, with minimal results. Small scars are gone, but I still have scars from a bad cystic break out from last year. Starting around June, I got lazy and stopped doing the peel. Then in July I bought the serum. I have been using it for a month now and the result is AMAZING!!! The huge scars I have on both of my cheeks have faded, I can still see it, but my sisters have been telling me that it's not as noticeable as before, unless they really get up in my face. It's amazing how I got more results in that one month than those few months that I did the peel. I've been using the serum a.m. and p.m., 4 drops for all over the face, and it's been a month, and I've still got more than 50% left.
Will repurchase!!!
on 6/27/2012 10:16:00 AM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Other, Fair, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
So far, so good. I had been buying the original Vitamin C20 serum for additional sun/antioxidant protection, with decent results. Or so I thought; I do so much stuff to my skin that it's sometimes difficult for me to tell, frankly. However, when I decided to give the C20 + Lightening a try, I was shocked at how quickly I could actually discern some improvement! My skin tone seemed to even out and there was definite yet moderate lightening occurring. I have dark hair with light skin, so these are qualities that I seek in a product's effectiveness. The price is super reasonable, the shipping efficient and, when kept in the fridge, one order can stay fresh and usable for a very long time. Love!
on 9/15/2012 10:59:00 PM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Other, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Other, Other, Other
Eyes: Other
Ok, so after seeing the stellar reviews of this product I was excited to try it. I have pretty good skin, just a few mild freckle/hyperpigmentation spots from sun exposure that I wanted to get rid of. I am middle eastern and thus have olive toned skin. After using this for 4 days it left two large swaths of HYPOpigmentation across my face (the freckles though remained unchanged, despite this) so I stopped using it and contacted NuFountain. They issued me a refund immediately and were friendly but couldn't tell me if the hypopigmentation would resolve. On a side note, it also broke me out, but having sensitive skin, I am not shocked about that. So, although this seems to work for fair-skinned caucasians, I highly encourage anyone with any color in their skin to think twice about using this product.
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text:
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PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
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- PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
- my 2v2 tier list
Top tier: These characters all share the trait of being good with just about any partner.
Sly: A character that can play hit and run, covering his partner, poking, and evading a lot. He can play pressure or runaway depending on the team. Level 1 is hard to avoid and easy to be set up by partner. His only flaw is not being combo friendly for his partner.
Fat Princess: Controls a huge space wherever she is, takes advantage of the chaos with lots of easy to land level 1 confirms, locks down multiple opponents with ease, hard to hit and combo. Only flaw is no mobility.
Kratos: Best crowd control and AP building in 2v2 by far. He can play aggressor, defensive, support, ANYTHING and do it while easily building up a level 3 per game. When this character is on the screen, he can't be left alone.
Drake: The ultimate support and defensive character, with barrel and cover fire, he locks down opponents with ease and gets his partner out of a jam, his supers are all easily setup by his partner or thrown out willy nilly.
Raiden: Even with the nerf, this character is a huge asset. He has lots of mobility and safety which allows him take advantage of any openings while not putting himself at much risk. He can approach easily and has partner friendly combos. His level 1 and 2 take advantage of the chaos caused by 2v2.
High Tier:
Evil Cole: A great defensive character and great at pressuring with his partner, his mobility, projectiles, and variety of level 1 confirms let him keep a distance and harass. His supers are very easy for partners to combo into and he extends combos well. Problem is he relies on a partner who either camps with him or pressures hard because he can be overwhelmed or punished for using his level 1 otherwise.
Ratchet: Amazing at camping and support, outcamps every other character and sniper lets him interrupt opponents very easily, sniper also sets up partner level 1s. Flaw being he can't build AP or kill that well, so he relies on a partner who can land lots of kills.
Good Cole: Amazing mid and long range poking and combo starter game, some mobility, consistently builds AP and threat of level 1 confirms. Handles pressure, even 2v1 pressure exceptionally. Problem being he can't pressure well in dubz.
Toro: Does a bit of everything and does it well, combos into and off of partners for ap bursts or kills. Able to stall supers with his trick at the top of the screen. Problem being what he does, someone else always does better, also can't rack up a lot of kills with his supers.
Looking for a competitive hub for Playstation All Stars? Want tournaments and events with CASH PRIZES? Visit this site: http://allstararena.com/
psn: dabuz18
Mid Tier:
Jak: Hard to hit character with lots of lockdown and setups for partner, able to interrupt every character easily. Really solid in every way except for the fact that he needs level 3 to get a lot of kills and against good teams, he struggles to build that much AP in 3 minutes.
Nariko: Takes advantage of openings created by partner or the general chaos of 2v2 and builds easy meter off of those openings, making it a reliable strategy to get her level 3. Pretty good at combat in all ranges but because her level 1 and 2 supers are bad, teams need to revolve around her getting level 3.
Sir Dan: His role in doubles is obvious, use that shield to counter projectile users and close the gap for him and his partner. His standard square combo lets his partner followup easily and Axe controls a huge space. Can't do much against mobile teams and his supers still lack potency.
Sackboy: Really good at creating a wall that him and his partner can hide behind and poke from, only losing the poke war to Ratchet. Somewhat good at being a support. Doesn't have much else in dubz, similar to nariko, most teams with him revolve around getting that level 3 or bust.
Spike: Character who excels at anti melee pressure and cornering opponents, decent supers for 2v2. Nothing too bad about him but isn't good at assisting his partner.
Parappa: Really good at closing gaps, moving around opponents, partner combos, and builds AP fast enough that using his level 2 is a reliable strategy since it's almost a guaranteed double kill. His big flaw is he can't lock down more than one person at a time and he can't support well, meaning he only teams with a few characters well.
Sweet Tooth: DOMINATES most characters at close range, against or with a team comp. that lets him get in, a 100 AP level 1 that is easy to land with one good read makes him a threat. Problem is he's not hard to keep out of melee range and render useless.
Big Daddy: Basically plays like ST but with crowd control, a slightly easier time getting in, and supers which are bad.
Low Tier:
Heihachi: Similar to the other melee characters, he needs to get in but it's difficult for him. Once he is in, he doesn't have crowd control or ways to stick to the opponent. Level 1 sucks outside of online false combos, level 2 is unreliable at best, level 3 is cinematic. Not really good at partner assistance.
Dante: Unsafe moves, doubles in too frantic for him to get his full combos off easily, needs to be at melee range but loses to most characters there.
Radec: It's Radec. He has linear projectiles, no way to keep opponents out, can't even build up meter against good players.
Sir Dan
Sweet Tooth
Big Daddy
Looking for a competitive hub for Playstation All Stars? Want tournaments and events with CASH PRIZES? Visit this site: http://allstararena.com/
psn: dabuz18
IcyFlamez96 4 years ago#3
The only thing that stands out to me in this list is Radec at the bottom. I mean, I haven't looked in to character's 2v2 viability much but I wouldn't expect someone to think he's the lowest.
[Not changing sig until a new Ratchet and Clank game that I can be hyped for is announced.]
PSASBR Main: Ratchet, PSN: xQziCyFlaMeZxQz, msg to _krat0s_: K
>Not high at the very least
PSN/XBL/Steam: mcnichoj
Proud Vita/3DS/Wii U owner.
fuzzylittlbunny 4 years ago#5
Yeah I kinda thought that Radec would be higher. He's good at breaking your partner out of combos since he can save them full screen with his sniper rifle, and his O move (the sticky grenade thingy) is great to land while your partner is comboing someone, since it's just one quick hit that causes no knockback, in addition to the threat of the explosion later. Plus having a (competent) partner always makes landing his level 1 easier. As long as there's someone else attacking, it won't be as easy to just air dodge it.
...and not a serious thing, but when it's 2v1 it's hilarious to trap your poor opponent between 2 flamethrowers, alternating to knock them back and forth lol
I kinda would've expected Captain Manthong to be bottom, since his combos take a while, and his moves don't have very impressive hitboxes. He's definitely more comfortable when it's 1v1.
( ^_^)/\(^_^ )
Maya high five!
Garfield64 4 years ago#6
The first big tournament PSASBR showed up at the top 4 player in 2 vs 2.
2 of them had Narikos ^_^. Good Job on the Tier list lmao.
WARNING: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/user.php?=2426382
Is a very well known Troll, please do not fall for their shenanigans!
dante is too low, but i would agree.
Dante can easily get full combos in 2v2. Its easy.
There goes my free time
Garfield64 posted...
The first big tournament PSASBR showed up at the top 4 player in 2 vs 2.
That was also kill limit to 5. It takes Nariko mad long to get to a level 3 against good opponents. : >
That said, I think kill limit = 5 is the way to do 2 v 2. Timed just sucks in general.
If I haven't mentioned Trivio in my post, it's because she is so beautiful and precarious that I just wanted to show her how much she means to me.
Lucarioaura22 4 years ago#9
Garfield64 posted...
The first big tournament PSASBR showed up at the top 4 player in 2 vs 2.
This proves nothing. The players in those videos suck and were just slighty above average skill than the rest of the trash at that tournament.
We do what we must.................
Lucarioaura22 posted...
Garfield64 posted...The first big tournament PSASBR showed up at the top 4 player in 2 vs 2.
Until you play them, you don't have the right to say that.
But your point does still stand. One tourney means nothing compared to the world.
There goes my free time
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text: On Thu, Sep 30, 2004 at 03:15:33PM -0400, Aaron Switzer wrote: > I do agree that a "lower-level" extension point would be useful and more > inline with OO design. I guess stripping out the HTML specific stuff > would be a good starting point. I couldn't make CVS diff honor the -N flag for some reason, so here is a first cut at a new class HTTPContent, containing the non-HTML parts formerly in Page (and a diff to Page.py). Please comment. I'd like to remove preAction and postAction from Page as well, or at least make them be called in a more consistent fashion. Right now they get called for _action_ style things, but not when defaultAction() is invoked. I suggest removing Page.preAction() and Page.postAction() and letting them fall through to the empty versions in HTTPContent, and then consistently calling them before and after *all* actions, including defaultAction(). Maybe this should be another diff... -- kylev@... Some people have a way with words, while others... erm... thingy.


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We will be arriving in Tokyo (Haneda) on a late flight Oct 10 (arr 10:15pm). We plan on spending the first night near the train station - Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa-eki Takanawa-guchi, so we can get up the next morning and catch the bullet to Kyoto. We will most likely take a taxi from the airport to this hotel. Do taxis take credit cards? About how much will this ride be so we can have some yen on hand upon arrival?
I plan on purchasing my JR Rail voucher for 7 day pass in advance. Will I need to reserve seats or is unreserved adequate? From what I can tell (from hyperdia website) the train runs fairly frequently.
We plan on some days trips so figure the 7 day pass will make the most sense.
We will be spending 3 nights in Kyoto at Ryokan Shimizu, then will return to Tokyo (Century Southern) for 5 nights. Our 6th night in Tokyo will be near Haneda because we have a very early flight home.
I was in Tokyo about 25 years ago for business and remember eating at Curry, Yakitori and Shabu Shabu restaurants. I am looking for some recs for these and other types as well. Could be anywhere from very casual for a quick lunch, to places for a nice dinner (nothing too high end, but a little upscale would be nice for a meal or 2). 'Local', off-the-beaten path places are also welcome, and any "must eats". I need recs for both Tokyo and Kyoto.
I am not much of a sushi eater, but my husband is, and I'm willing to try if really good (and no radiation issues), so recs there as well.
Any other recommendations or advice in general is also welcome.
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Restaurant and rail questions for Oct Tokyo/Kyoto trip
We will be arriving in Tokyo (Haneda) on a late flight Oct 10 (arr 10:15pm). We plan on spending the first night near the train station - Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa-eki Takanawa-guchi, so we can get up the next morning and catch the bullet to Kyoto. We will most likely take a taxi from the airport to this hotel. Do taxis take credit cards? About how much will this ride be so we can have some yen on hand upon arrival?
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According to the Taxi Fare Finder, the after 10pm fare from Haneda to Shinagawa will be about ¥5,200 (US$53). There is an excellent alternative -- the Keikyu Airport Express train goes directly from the Haneda terminal to Shinagawa station in 20 minutes and costs ¥400/person; the trains run about every 12-15 minutes, and the last one leaves at midnight. The Keikyu station at Shinagawa is directly across the street from the Toyoko Inn.
If you're only traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you might want to consider the Tokyo-Kyoto flexpass, which gives you an unreserved round-trip seat (7-day max) for ¥21,000, which is considerably less than the JR pass. With this pass, you can travel on the Nozomi train, which you cannot do with the JR pass. (Info: http://www.japanican.com/tours/tourdetail.aspx?destcd=18&deptcd=TYO&tc=GMT01TYOOVJOPENTK )
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There is also a bus at forty minutes after midnight that goes to Shinagawa Station.....
I came in on that plane the end of March and getting through immigration was a very lengthy process - I must say I was surprised as when I came into NRT which was in the afternoon it was fast...don't know if that happens all the time or if I was just lucky...
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DonT, glad you mentioned this, the train schedule I was looking at was on Nozomi train.
What type of train pass make the most sense for a round trip tokyo-kyoto and maybe Nara day trip form Kyoto and Nikka and Hakone day trips from Tokyo?
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yes taxis take credit cards but the less expensive modes of transport are mentioned above.
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First, you do not "plan" on purchasing the JR pass voucher in advance, you MUST purchase it in advance. You cannot buy the JR pass in Japan. In fact, you cannot buy a JR pass directly. You must buy a voucher outside of Japan and exchange it in Japan.
Second, you need to hop onto the Hyperdia.com site and determine your pricing with and without a JR pass for the trips. It can tell you the Tokyo-Nikko and Kyoto-Nara costs. Using a shinkansen for part of the trip to and from Nikko will save a good bit of time, but cost another 2k yen per leg.
Remember, in Kyoto and Tokyo you can use the JR pass for local transport on JR lines in the cities. Same is true for Osaka if you decide to go there.
Third, the difference between a Nozomi shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo (and reverse) and a Hikari shinkansen is about 20-35 minutes depending upon the scheduling. If your costs come out close to the same, get the JR pass for the extra flexibility outside of the Tokyo-Kyoto round trip.
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The JR Tokai Tours package that DonTopaz linked looks pretty good for the original itinerary (in the OP) which didn't mention Nikko and Nara. One problem for you with that package is your plan to go to Kyoto in the morning. The JR Tokai Tours office doesn't open until 11AM at Shinagawa station (10AM at Tokyo). Figure 30 minutes to get the tickets (their estimation) and you wouldn't get to Kyoto until after 2PM.
When you add in Nara and, especially, Nikko then I think the 7-day JR Pass makes sense for you. You won't be able to take the Nozomi trains but the Hikari trains that you can use depart Shinagawa every 30 minutes or so. The JR Pass will give you some flexibility for day trips and save a couple hundred yen on JR trains in Tokyo that you might take.
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Office hours for JR Tokai Tours offices are shown here: http://www.japanican.com/misc/openticket_conditions.pdf
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I'm also thinking of Kamakura and skipping Hakone/Mt. Fuji (been there years ago). I also have a local Tokyo friend who offered to take us to some of these places by car, but not yet sure of her availability, so not yet sure which trips we'll be doing by rail. Other than Tokyo and Kyoto, all the other trips would be for the day.
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Those office hours mess up my plans! If that's the case, I may go a la carte with the train tickets. I want to get to leave Tokyo around 9am, which seems impossible with those office hours.
Thanks for the heads up.
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My tentative trips via rail (cost in yen 1 way):
Tokyo>Kyoto - ~130 min on Shinagawa Shinkansen, cost 7980 fee + 5540 seat
Kyoto>Nara - ~45 min on Kintetsu express (690 fee + 500 Seat) or JR Nara Line rapid service (690 fee)
Tokyo>Kamakura - ~ 1 hr, Shinjuku JR > JY Yokosuka > Kamakura (1 transfer) or JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, cost 890
Tokyo>Nikko ~118-137min, Tobu Asakusa > Tobu Nikko (w 1 transfer), cost 1320 fee + 1300 seat, or Asakusa - Tobu Sky Tree Line Rapid, cost 1320.
This info is from Hyperdia website assuming morning, weekday departures around 9-10am.
In Tokyo, we'll be staying near Shinjuku station (except for arrival night, when we'll be near Shinagawa).
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I also just came across the Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass, which may be a good alternative for the Kamakura day trip.
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The free passes are great deals,. We used an Izumi pass last year and it made it so simple,
especially since it included the local trains and bus once we got to the peninsula.
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I added the fares you listed, which sound correct, and came up with ¥19,040. That would be each way, so total a al carte cost would be ¥38,080 which is a good bit more than the 7-day JR Pass at ¥28,300
The JR Shinagawa office for exchanging a JR Pass opens at 9:00 AM, so that might work for you.
There are two offices at Tokyo station for doing the exchange and they both open at 7:30 AM. It is only 7 minutes and ¥160 from Shinagawa to Tokyo.
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My post should have said ..."IZU" pass...
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I counted both the Tobu limited express and rapid trains. Subtract the rapid train and the total is ¥38,080-2640 = ¥35440.
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Turns out my Tokyo friend will be taking us to Kamakura so I don't need the rail ticket for that. Also I am reconsidering doing Nikko on my own (vs guided tour). It's a long hall, and to add to it, Asakusa Station is about a 1/2 hour from where our hotel is.
Any tour operator recs for this?
Also restaurant recs, please...
Thanks again.
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I thought Nikko very easy to visit on one's own. Just be sure you have a good guidebook. Depending on what you want to see and experience, you can visit as either a very long day trip from Tokyo or spend a night there.
If you are interested in splurging on a meal in Kyoto, I had an excellent meal of French kaiseki some years ago at Misoguigawa.
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In Kyoto Omen is a great noodle shop near Ginkakuji.
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<<I thought Nikko very easy to visit on one's own. Just be sure you have a good guidebook. Depending on what you want to see and experience, you can visit as either a very long day trip from Tokyo or spend a night there. >>
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Just realized there's a 7:30am train that goes from Shinjuku to Nikko without any transfers or going to Asakusa Station. That makes things easier.
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Chapter 13 : Chapter 13
|Rating: Mature
|Chapter Reviews: 16
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Chapter 13
Draco woke up to see Ginny stretched out on his bed, wearing his shirt, and reading his Quidditch Weekly. I see you are making yourself comfortable.
I didnt think youd mind, she informed his as she flipped another page and continued reading. This review says the new Nimbus is really fabulous. If you get one for Christmas, will you take me flying?
Just like that, Draco new what he was getting Ginny for Christmas. I promise you well go flying over Christmas break. Hows that?
Ill look forward to that. By the way, what do Malfoys do for the Christmas holidays?
Draco shrugged. We have boring dinner parties where the women show off their diamonds, and the men sneak off and drink substantial quantities of alcohol.
That doesnt sound like very much fun at all.
It depends on how much alcohol you drink. What do Weasleys do for the holidays?
Ginny sighed with apparent happiness. My mum and I bake every cookie imaginable until the entire house smells like a bakery. Then all of my brothers start showing up. We all cram into the parlor and catch up on each others lives. My mum announces that she expects grandchildren before she dies, and we all eat until were fit to burst.
Draco looked at the sparkle in Ginnys eye, and not for the first time, he wished that his parents had given him a brother or a sister. That sounds nice.
You can come if you like. Hermione and Harry always stop by, and Charlie normally brings home someone from Romania. Of course, Ron would probably be rude, but other than that it would be fun.
Draco pretended to think for a moment. I wonder what the life expectancy of a man is when he is surrounded by the six older brothers of the girl he is currently shagging senseless?
Chicken, Ginny commented and giggled as Draco glared at her.
Thanks, I think Ill just drink myself into a stupor while I pretend to listen to my father and his friends talk about their mistresses.
Ginnys head shot up. Im sorry, what was that last part?
Oh, well, my mother and all of her friends are aware of the mistresses. Its not like they mind.
Sitting up, Ginny just stared at Draco for a moment. You really arent joking, are you?
Draco shrugged. No, my father and his friends married for pedigree. Their wives produced the agreed upon number of heirs and were given unlimited spending accounts. Now the men seek out mistresses, and the women keep the diamond industry going.
Ginny sat with her mouth open for a minute. I have no idea what to say to that. I cant imagine what my mum would do to my dad if he stepped out on her, but Im sure it would involve very sharp kitchen utensils and be as painful as possible.
Listen, I didnt mean to upset you. Draco reached over and grabbed Ginnys hand. I thought it was common knowledge.
Ginny shook her head. If that is what having money does for people, Im glad I dont have any.
Draco looked at the annoyed expression on Ginnys face, and he realized it was time to do damage control. He moved so that he was lying next to her, and then he reached out and wrapped his arm around her. Lean back against me, and we can both read, he suggested.
Ginny rolled to her side, and Draco wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her spoon fashion against his body. They read the Quidditch magazine, remarking on interesting articles, until Draco noticed that the male Quidditch players all seemed to be looking down and to the right. Looking over Ginnys shoulder to follow their line of site, he frowned when he saw she hadnt bothered to button his shirt. Button up. The Quidditch players are getting an eyeful.
Theyre pictures. she pointed out as she casually buttoned a few buttons.
Draco muttered something as he looked over her shoulder and buttoned two more buttons. Ginny chuckled as a Quidditch player made a rude gesture at Draco. When Draco commented, Sod off, shes with me, Ginny smiled.
After they finished reading, Ginny yawned and asked, Do you want to take a nap?
Draco didnt feel the least bit tired, but he was loathe to move away from Ginny when he knew he wouldnt be seeing her for a couple of days. Sure, I could close my eyes for a bit.
Ginny reached up and grabbed a pillow for them to share, and then she carefully pulled the blanked over only herself.
Draco listened to the sound of Ginny breathing while he wondered, for the first time, if his mother was happy with her life.
The next day Ginny looked around for Draco as she boarded the Hogwarts Express. She knew he would be able to find her, but for some reason she felt anxious. Finally, she climbed on board and headed for her usual compartment. When she reached it, she smiled at Harry and Lavender, who were cuddled together in a seat. She tentatively smiled at Ron, who gave the same tentative look back.
Hermione sighed and said, Thank you, Ronald.
Ginny noticed that Ron and Hermione were holding hands, so things must be going better in that area. Figuring that Draco would come and find her, Ginny took a seat. She looked out at the platform, and what she saw nearly made her ill. Draco was smiling at a tall blond woman. Almost in slow motion, she watched the woman place her hand on Dracos chest as she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Draco didnt move away. Instead he took the womans hand and started leading her towards the train.
Ginny, it may not be what it looks like, Hermione said in a voice that held little conviction.
Ginny turned to see that everyone in the compartment was looking at her. Right, it may not be what it looks like, Ginny repeated. Then she asked Hermione, What do I do?
Harry spoke up. Wait and see what he says. I hug Hermione, and it doesnt mean we are anything but friends.
Right, he might just be friends with the leggy, blond Amazon, Ginny growled, or, he could be a dead man, she added as she stood up and walked towards the door.
Hermione grabbed Ginnys hand as she passed. Dont let your temper control you. Nothing good will happen if you yell at him in front of a group of people.
Right, Ill just wait to see who she is, and then Ill decide what hex to use on them both.
Hermione stood up to follow Ginny. Come on Ron, your sister may need us.
Ginny was aware of the train starting, and she could feel the motion of the wheels as she walked down the hall in search of answers. She was vaguely aware that she should not be this upset, but she really wanted to hex first and ask questions later.
When she finally found Draco talking to a group of Slytherins, she waited to see if he would notice her. When he looked up and saw her, he smiled. She gave him a tentative smile back. Then he reached over and grabbed the Amazons hand and pulled her towards Ginny, and Ginny tightened the grip on her wand.
Ginny, I want you to meet my second cousin, Delilah. She came to meet me at school with a Portkey, but I told her I had to say goodbye to you first.
Relief coursed through Ginnys body like a wave. Oh, shes your cousin. In that case, its nice to meet you.
Delilah studied Ginny for a moment and she chuckled. You came out here to find out who I was and why I kissed Draco back there on the platform, didnt you?
Ginny smiled. Yes, I did. Turning to Draco, she glared at him. You might have mentioned that a tall blond was going to be kissing you in my line of vision. You were very close to a Bat-Bogey Hex.
Draco appeared taken aback. Ginny frowned at him and reminded him, You were jealous of pictures of Quidditch players.
Draco nodded. Right, sorry I didnt tell you, but I didnt know myself. I think I deserve some credit for coming to find you to say goodbye. I could have just used the Portkey.
Delilah looked at Hermione and Ron. Maybe you two could pretend to talk to me while Draco and his girlfriend sort this out? she suggested as she walked further down the hallway. Hermione and Ron followed Delilah with a nervous laugh.
Draco stepped closer to Ginny and put his arm around her. Im sorry. I know that must of looked bad, but now you understand that everything is ok. Dont you?
Ginny slid her arm around Dracos waist and hugged him. She sighed and pouted up at him. Could you possibly refrain from kissing tall blond women? I find it really irritating.
I guess tall brunette women would irritate you too? Draco asked and received a poke in the ribs for his cheekiness. I was just kidding, he informed her as he leaned down to kiss her lightly on the lips. Although, I could point out that she kissed me, not the other way around.
Ginny glared at Draco. I will hex you if you continue to tease me about this.
Draco chuckled and pulled her into a hug. No more teasing; your temper is too volatile.
Ginny relaxed in Dracos arms, and then she looked up at him. I was hoping wed have some time on the train together.
I know. I had plans for the luggage compartment, but my mother sent Delilah with a Portkey, so I have to go.
Will you owl me about going flying? Ginny asked, trying not to sound too needy.
I will, Draco promised. Now, I really have to go.
I know. Ginny stepped back and let Draco lead her down the hall to where Delilah was having a stilted conversation with Hermione while Ron pretended to find his shoes very interesting.
Delilah, we can go now, Draco informed his cousin.
Delilah looked relieved as she said, All right then. It was nice meeting you all. Ginny, Im sorry I upset you. I had no idea Draco was involved with someone.
Ginny felt irked by that comment, but she let it go. I hope you have a happy holiday, was all she could think of to say.
Delilah said, It will be what it will be, as she pulled a box out of her pocket. She opened it to reveal a brass key. She and Draco both touched it, and then they were gone.
Hermione looked at Ginny. Are you all right?
Im fine. Thanks for coming out here to support me.
Hermione walked ahead, and Ron reached out to stop Ginny from following her. Ginny, you really care about him, dont you?
I do.
Just be careful, Gin. I still dont trust the guy.
As they walked back to the compartment Ginny thought. Please let him feel the way I do. If he dumps me, and I have to watch him kiss other girls, I am going to end up in detention a lot because I am going to hex his arse off.
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New exciting business opportunities in Vietnam – expression of interest announcement
Upon the request of companies, the call has been extended to continue until January 16, 2017.
Quickly evolving and fast-growing Vietnamese markets can offer exciting opportunities in several business fields. To support these openings to materialize, Tekes BEAM programme and the Ministry of Science and Technology in Vietnam will jointly fund Vietnamese-Finnish technology-driven innovation collaboration with a joint call for proposals. Funding will be available for challenge resolving innovation projects.
The aim of a joint call is to stimulate innovative and collaborative business-led innovation projects in addressing a specific market need or challenge, demonstrate high industrial relevance and commercial potential. The call for proposals for joint projects will be open during October 15th, 2016 - January 16th, 2017. The proposals should have two lead companies – at least one from Vietnam and one from Finland. The call is open for companies with a special focus on the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The call for proposals is open to projects in the following challenge-based themes:
1) Health related food safety or water solutions
2) Waste treatment solutions
3) ICT solutions for education and innovation training
To prepare for the actual call, we are now seeking expression of interests from Finnish companies interested in participating the call and partnering with Vietnamese entities. This expression of interest (EOI) invitation aims at assisting Vietnamese-Finnish partners in joint proposal design, matchmaking and consortia forming for the upcoming call.
- To express then company's interest, please kindly fill the EIO-form (docx)
- Please refer to the call leaflet for further information (pdf)
Kindly send the filled EOI-form to BEAM Programme Coordinator Juha Miettinen, juha.miettinen(at)spinverse.com. BEAM Programme representatives will be then in touch with the company for further actions – proposal design, partnering and matchmaking.


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Vice President, Search Technology, Ask.com
Keith Hogan manages technology for search engine development at Ask.com in the Edison, NJ office. Mr. Hogan has been with Ask since 2001.
Prior to joining Ask, he worked at the Motorola Corporation, where he was responsible for the development of protocol software and systems in the cellular wireless technology area. Mr. Hogan has built technology and systems at various Washington D.C.-based companies in the fields of telecommunications, data communications, and military systems.
Mr. Hogan received his BSEE from the University of Delaware. Mr. Hogan currently resides just outside Washington DC in Maryland
© 2017 Third Door Media Inc.


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Bank supervisor cleared of blame after clerk falls asleep with finger on keyboard, resulting in €222,222,222.22 transaction
A German court has ruled that a bank supervisor was unfairly dismissed for failing to double check a €222,222,222.22 transaction made when a clerk fell asleep with his finger on a keyboard.
The 48-year-old was fired for failing to investigate the accidental multi-million euro transfer, which took place when a junior clerk started dozing at his desk with his finger resting on the 'number two' key. He had been attempting a transfer of just €64.20 at the time.
Judges at Hesse labour court ruled that the supervisor's failure to spot the error was not worthy of dismissal, however. They instead decided that the supervisor, who had been employed by the company since 1986, should only have been reprimanded over the incident.
The judges pointed out the woman had already checked 812 transactions that day, and was allowed just a few seconds to check each one for irregularities and errors.
They added that it was clear there had been no malicious intent on the supervisor's behalf, saying she should have received a warning.
As a result the judges ordered the bank reinstate the supervisor, saying her work contract could never have been terminated.
Fortunately for the company, the huge deposit was spotted by a third employee later in the day and corrected before any money was actually transferred.
Belfast Telegraph Digital


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Your donations keep RPGWatch running!
Diablo 3 - Incredibly Early Impressions @ RPS
by Dhruin, 2011-09-21 14:02:07
John Walker gives some Incredibly Early Impressions of the Diablo III beta over at Rock, Paper, Shotgun:
It's a bit more of an RPG than my withered hack-n-slash brain was thinking it would be. That's not to say it doesn't get straight into the attacking – it certainly does. But it's regularly interspersed by chats with the locals, all fully voiced of course, setting you your quests, or giving colour to the world. Things begin in the New Tristram, where after a star fell from the sky, the dead have started rising, and the villagers are understandably concerned. But you, whoever you are, have turned up and prove a surprisingly decent combatant to this attack. You seem the right person for everybody in the world to ask to do everything.
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Information aboutDiablo 3
SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Hack & Slash
Platform: PC
Release: Released


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Fitness Tip: Measuring your exercise
January 27, 2014
The type of workout performed can determine the amount of calories you burn and for how long after the workout you will continue to burn calories. Post-exercise oxygen consumption (PEOC) is the term we use that explains the heavy breathing you perform after vigorous exercise. This breathing allows us to recover oxygen debt that happens during exercise. Our metabolism stays elevated while allowing your body to restore the oxygen you used when working out. Interval training results in a larger EPOC effect than some other forms of exercise. Beginners can start with a 1:3 work-to-rest ratio, and everyone should progress to a 1:1 or less ratio. If your exercise is walking/running, you would want to sprint for 30 seconds followed by a brisk walk for a minute and a half to have a 1:3 ratio. Stationary bikes can be used the same way by sprinting for 30 seconds followed by steady pedaling. Try to incorporate this technique into your favorite workouts.
Bridget R. Sanders, PTA
The Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy Department


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Christian musicians to perform at benefit concert in Moultonborough
- Published in Community Announcements
MOULTONBOROUGH — Moultonborough United Methodist Church is hosting a monthly fundraiser concert series featuring some of New England's most talented Christian musicians. The series "Wake The Lake" is a monthly fundraiser concert series with different groups performing each month. All of these events are free admission, and will have a free-will offering to be taken to raise money to complete the modernization of the church sanctuary's audio/visual systems.
For the month of August the church will be hosting a Family Fun Evening on Saturday, August 24, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moultonborough Lions Club featuring three New Hampshire-based bands and a magician from The Dialogue Church in Manchester.
The Ossipee Mountain Boys, a Country/Bluegrass Band from Moultonborough, will open followed by Cryin' Shame which will be taking the stage at 5:30 p.m, they are a Christian Rock Band based out of Raymond, and recently performed at Rock The Park in Ashland. The final band is Delivered, another Christian Rock Band based out of Laconia.
There will also be a BBQ and family oriented activities for everyone in attendance.


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Arden Moore:
The Pet Edu-Tainer
Pet expert and best-selling author
Wag Your Tail! Its Time for Doggy Disco with Pet Entrepreneur Jaime Van Wye
..Jaime Van Wye ....................
Does your dog got some dance moves? Looking for creative ways to bring out the purposeful play in your pooch? Tune in to this special episode of the Oh Behave Show as host Arden Moore chats with Jaime Van Wye, a multi-talented pet entrepreneur and creator of the latest canine fun trend: doggy disco. She is the founder of Zoom Room, a place that offers many ways to make learning fun for dogs. She is also the author of the tongue-in-cheek book, How to Have an Ill-Behaved Dog, which she will autograph for the 1 0th person to tune in and email Arden (email@example.com) with the code words. Pump up the volume, turn on the disco lights – it's time to dance, dance, dance with your dog!
Questions or Comments? Send them to: email@example.com
After you purchase your Infoseed™ you will be taken to the form to upload your copy.
Click here for more information about our Infoseeds™
Transcript will be available shortly.
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The Comic Speculator is a blog written by WorthPoint Comic Book "Worthologist" Matt Baum that takes a look at each week's hot new comics and back issues and the comic market place in general. Prices discussed here are taken from the Overstreet Guide to Comics (OVST), Comicspriceguide.com (CPG) and current online auction sales. Sales numbers and rankings are courtesy of ICV2.com. The codes under the prices of new titles discussed are Diamond Comics order codes that can be used to help your local comic retailer in ordering the issues discussed.
It's time, once again, for me to click and squint while analyzing sales numbers and auction results in an attempt to understand the wacky world of back-issue comics. Put on your smoking jacket, grab your bubble pipe and join me in my nerdy parlor, won't you?
There's another smoking-hot Pedigree collection went up for auction at Pedigreecomics.com on Monday, Nov. 15, a collection Silver-age comics from the early-to-mid-1960's known as the Bogatah collection. Not Bogotá, Columbia, but Bogatah, New Jersey (I didn't know there was a Bogatah, New Jersey, either). The collection is named after the city from which the single owner of the collection hails and is the same collection that produced an Amazing Spider-Man #40 in CGC 9.8 condition that sold for $30,000. Here're some of the highlights from the collection that I will not be bidding on because I have to buy my wife something impressive for our first wedding anniversary.
Aquaman #1, CGC Certified 9.2
Atom #4, CGC Certified 9.0; #5, CGC Certified 9.2
Avengers #19, CGC Certified 9.4; #20, CGC Certified 9.4; #24, CGC Certified 9.2; #25, CGC Certified 9.2; #26, CGC Certified 9.4; #27, CGC Certified 9.4; #28, CGC Certified 9.2; #29, CGC Certified 9.4; #30, CGC Certified 9.4; #31, CGC Certified 9.4; #40, CGC Certified 9.4
Batman #145, CGC Certified 9.0; #164, CGC Certified 9.0; #227, CGC Certified 9.4; #232, CGC Certified 9.6
Captain America #100, CGC Certified 9.6; #114, CGC Certified 9.2
Daredevil #7, CGC Certified 9.0; #8, CGC Certified 9.4; #9, CGC Certified 9.4; #12, CGC Certified 9.0; #13, CGC Certified 9.2; #14, CGC Certified 9.0; #16, CGC Certified 9.4; #17, CGC Certified 9.2; #18, CGC Certified 9.2; #19, CGC Certified 9.2
Flash #123, CGC Certified 9.2; #126, CGC Certified 9.2; #129, CGC Certified 9.4; #130, CGC Certified 9.0; #131, CGC Certified 9.4; #138, CGC Certified 9.0
Green Lantern #5, CGC Certified 9.0; #6, CGC Certified 9.0; #10, CGC Certified 9.2; #76, CGC Certified 9.2
Hawkman #1, CGC Certified 9.2; #4, CGC Certified 9.2; #5, CGC Certified 9.4;
Iron Man #1, CGC Certified 9.2
Superman Annual #2, CGC Certified 9.4
Tales to Astonish #87, CGC Certified 9.2; #88, CGC Certified 9.4; #89, CGC Certified 9.6; #92, CGC Certified 9.4
Over at Comicconnect.com, the November-December Grand Auction has begun and it features an Archie Comics #1 (Archie: 1942) in CGC 5.0 condition. Currently, the comic is going for $14,200 but, after the Pep Comics #22 (the first appearance of Archie) sold for $50,000, I would guess this Archie #1 sells for at least $25,000.According to Rob Reynolds, director of consignments at Comicconnect.com, the sale of the Pep #22 in its last Grand Auction lead to the Consignment of this Archie #1.
Also included in the auction are several other early Archie''s, including:
Archie Comics #4, CGC Certified 3.5
Archie Comics #5, CGC Certified 4.0
Archie Comics #7, CGC Certified 5.0
Archie Comics #10, CGC Certified 5.0
Archie Comics #11, CGC Certified 7.5
Archie Comics #12, CGC Certified 6.0
Archie Comics #13, CGC Certified 5.0
Archie Comics #14, CGC Certified 7.5
Archie Comics #16, CGC Certified 8.0
Archie Comics #17, CGC Certified 6.5
Archie Comics #18, CGC Certified 6.5
Archie Comics #19, CGC Certified 4.5
Archie Comics #20, CGC Certified 7.5
I'm not going to go as far as to say that Golden Age Archie comics are hot, but those who do collect them understand how rare they are and aren't afraid to shell out serious money for early issues.
A few months ago I wrote—and poked a little fun—about an eBay seller who was asking upwards of $4,000 for a copy of The Walking Dead #1. This was before the AMC series premiered on cable and prices on early issues went completely nuts. At the time, I was estimating that the first issue of Walking Dead (Image, 2003) might top out at $1,000. Well, it seems I get to eat those words. On Nov. 3, a copy of Walking Dead #1 in CGC 9.9 condition sold for $1,825 with 23 bids. This is easily the most expensive sale of a Walking Dead #1, which isn't too surprising given that the CGC census only lists three copies of #1 in 9.9 condition. To illustrate just how rare a 9.9-graded issue really is, a copy of issue #1 in 9.8 condition sold for $650 just two days ago. See my Bull vs. Bear section below for more on Walking Dead #1s in 9.8 condition.
These could be the hot back issues of the future so pay attention and buy now or pay way too much for them later. The sell-outs discussed here are at the distributor level meaning there may be copies still available at your local comic shop. If they are still there, then go buy 'em, fool!
Aspen Entertainment:
Shortly after the announcement of the first-printing selling out news, Aspen announced that the second-printing of Lady Mechanika #0 has also sold out and a third printing will ship on the same day as issue #1 in early December. First printings of issue #0 aren't selling for much over cover price but Convention and Signed variants are selling very well. Watch for issue #1 to sell out very quickly as well.
Image Comics:
Artifacts #2 sold out almost as quickly as issue #1, which is a good sign for the crossover because fans seem to be sticking with the story. A second-printing with a black-and-white variant cover by Ryan Sook is scheduled to ship on Nov. 17.
Artifacts #2 Second Printing AUG108192
Currently, first-printings of issues #1 and #2 are still selling for cover price online and should be at most comic shops.
Buy or sell? Every week I get asked "what's hot in comics these days?" Well, here're a few comics that are either moving right now or just begging to be added to your collection:
Walking Dead Omnibus #1 (Image, 2005). This was the first oversized, slip-cased hardcover edition of the Walking Dead collecting the first 24 issues. It's beautiful. It's out of print and it's selling for more than $300. The collection has been out of print for a little while now and people are going nuts while bidding on eBay trying to get their hands on one. It's only a matter of time before Image reprints the first Omnibus and as soon as they do watch for the value on the first-printing to plummet. I don't see sales much higher than where they are now so, if you don't care about first printings, now is the time to sell.
Walking Dead #1 (Image Comics, 2003), specifically CGC graded. With the $1,800 sale of the one I mentioned in 9.9 condition. Everyone who saw that sale and owns Walking Dead #1—graded or otherwise—wants a piece of that sale. Watch for eBay to be flooded with Walking Dead #1s, which will push the price on this hard-to-find comic down and maybe for the last time. AMC announced that "The Walking Dead" TV series has been picked up for another season, so there's no sign of the comic becoming any less popular. The small flood of #1s hitting the web now might only push the price down to the $500 level, which is still pricey, but it might not ever be that low again. If you put off buying this issue for the last seven years, this might be your last chance to buy it for less than $600. Walking Dead #1 is quickly becoming the most expensive Modern-Age comic out there.
Matt Baum is WorthPoint's comic book Worthologist. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact Matt or post your question below in the "comments" section below. Also, you can follow him on Twitter, where I'm always screaming about something nerd-related. Thanks to all Matt's new followers and keep the comments coming! Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint to search its database or use its "Ask A Worthologist" feature. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price. And finally, a word to the Federal Trade Commission; all the comics discussed here are purchased solely by the writer, who receives no gifts or free merchandise from any publishers, even though he would graciously accept them.
WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth


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Diners who send a glass of champagne back to the kitchen of head chef Randal Abrams are politely told that this traditional salute might contribute to the delinquency of a minor.
Whereas many of his 18-year-old peers cannot even pronounce escargot Bourguignon or fettuccine Milanaise-- much less prepare them--Abrams dishes up these and other delicacies six nights a week.
One recent evening, the Canoga Park teen-ager scurried through the kitchen preparing his specials just before the dinner rush at Twists in Sherman Oaks. Abrams grew excited as he ticked off the names of the dishes: oysters and clams Provencal with garlic, fresh charbroiled swordfish, smoked sturgeon with bearnaise sauce, fresh salmon with pecans and honey butter, roast leg of lamb, roast goose with rosemary and green pepper corn sauce, duck with natural gravy over rice and pork tenderloin Parmesan.
Picking up a large, shiny silver bowl, he gave its contents an affectionate jiggle. "But this is my favorite," he said, displaying a dish of angel hair pasta, which he later combined with mussels, cream, garlic, shallots, mushrooms, basil, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. "Fish pastas are my specialty," he said, beaming.


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Suitable for 2 rabbits or 3-6 guinea pigs
Directions - Fill bowl to top, then place in cage EASY !
Perfectly measures 3/4 cup
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Back in the Day – Woody Allen & Mia Farrow Split
Woody Allen & Mia Farrow's Relationship Ended.
1863 – THOMAS CRAPPER unveiled his invention . . . the one-piece pedestal flushing toilet.
1929 – WYATT EARP died in Los Angeles at the age of 80.
1957 – After seeing Yale students toss pie tins from Frisbie's Pie Company in the air, an executive at Wham-O decided to mass-produce the first FRISBEE.
1979 – The YMCA filed a libel suit against the VILLAGE PEOPLE for hit, "YMCA". The suit was later dropped.
1985 – On a 130-yard hole at a golf course in Spain, one Otto Butcher became the OLDEST PERSON EVER to hit a hole-in-one . . . at AGE 99.
1988 – HANK WILLIAMS JR.'S "duet" with his late father, "There's a Tear in My Beer", was released.
1992 – WOODY ALLEN and MIA FARROW ended their 12-year relationship when Mia found naked pictures of her adopted daughter SOON-YI in Woody Allen's apartment.
–She was later awarded custody of their children.
1994 – Two of TONYA HARDING'S bodyguards were arrested and charged with conspiracy in the clubbing of NANCY KERRIGAN.
1999 – MICHAEL JORDAN announced his SECOND retirement from the Chicago Bulls.
2002 – While watching football at the White House, GEORGE W. BUSH choked on a PRETZEL . . . to the point of PASSING OUT.
2003 – PETE TOWNSHEND of THE WHO was arrested for accessing child pornography on the Internet.
2010 – Paralyzed R&B legend TEDDY PENDERGRASS died of respiratory failure at 59. He was a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, which scored a hit with "If You Don't Know Me By Now", and he was also a big solo artist in the '70s and '80s.
(via Thursday's Back In The Day Events » Birthdays And Holidays » More Sections » The Complete Sheet » Wise Brother Media.)


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In the classic Nintendo fashion, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask contains a receded, but perhaps not so subtle reference to the beloved Ocarina of Time. According to Did You Know Gaming, in a mini-game you can unlock instruments, and what else than ocarinas? Hit the jump for the full easter egg!
If the color coded ocarinas weren't enough, the descriptions of the three parts of the Triforce are described in the game. Definitely a solid reference to Ocarina of Time and the Zelda series in general. And maybe it's just me, but those descriptions seem to embody the spells you can get in Ocarina of Time, which are Din's Fire (power), Farore's Wind (courage), and Nayru's Love (wisdom), particularly because the courage ocarina says it "blows away worry".
What are your thoughts? Have you played the game and experienced this reference yourself? Tell us in the comments below!
Source: Did You Know Gaming