text:
Look where one of Emily's photos turned up:
Cool, eh?
Look where one of Emily's photos turned up:
Cool, eh?
As I type, Emily is on her way back to college. Yesterday, we had a chance for one last ski together at… where else?… Camp Timbercrest.
It was a pretty day, if cold. Temperatures in the teens, "RealFeel" in the single digits… It took me until we got all the way over to the Sunset shelter before my fingers were warm…
We decided to ski out to the leanto…
I would so love to winter camp here… Though it would be nice if the shelter faced the fire circle, rather than the creek… hmmm… Maybe another location for winter camping would be better…
We rested only briefly. The cold settled in quickly… We needed to keep moving to stay warm.
Keyser Lake appears to be completely frozen over… But I would never try to cross it… I know how deep it is! I'll stick to the roads and trails, thank you very much.
A delightful day…
(Cross posted at the Camp Timbercrest Blog.)
I've been trying to get out on the trails as often as possible to get in shape for a cross-county ski weekend coming up. Today, I went back to Akeley Swamp with skis instead of snowshoes.
I've been to this place 3 times in the last week. The first time, the temperature was near zero. The second… low 30s. Today, near 40. And do you see that front coming in? Tomorrow they are saying: back to the teens.
Gotta love winter!
Check out more images at the SkyWatch site.
Terry ended up with the afternoon off and twisted my arm to join him for a snowshoe walk. Mozart came, too, so we had to go down to Akeley Swamp, where dogs are allowed. When I looked out the window, it was gray and dull… so I left the camera in my office… Oh I would regret that a little later.
After following the trail for a long while, we decided to go off the trail into a beautiful hemlock woods. As we stood resting, sipping water, Mozart comes up proudly… with an opossum in his mouth. He lay it gently on the snow… treating it sort of playfully – just like he treats his many, many stuffed toys.
The opossum lay there looking dead… But they do that… as a defense. I noticed that when Mozart pushed it with his nose, the skin crawled and the chest raised and lowered breifly. That critter was playing 'possum!
Why oh why do I EVER leave my camera behind when I go out in the woods? I'm still chuckling…
Do you know your conifers?
The bark is sort of gray and scaly.
The branches droop dramatically.
The cones are 4-6 inches long with very stiff scales.
Usually found in plantations or landscapes, as it is not native to North America, though it has naturalized in some areas.
Click for the answer:
It was a bright, sunny, cold winter day. After lunch, I decided to take my camera for a walk around the 1/2 mile loop at Audubon and experiment with snow pictures. Snow can be rather challenging to capture because your camera wants to overcompensate for all the bright light entering it. Often snow pictures will come out gray, even on crisp beautiful days.
Some photographers will tell you the way to get good exposures is to set your exposure compensation up a step… That's right – over expose your pictures. So, I set my ISO on 100, white balance on daylight, and the exposure compensation at +1. I thought I had the camera on shutter-speed priority… but turns out I had it on aperture priority at f/4. And off I went.
In post processing, I may have fiddled a bit with sharpness on some, but I didn't touch anything else.
Please let me know what you think. I'm still developing my eye for color and exposure… I know I don't see things like photographers do yet… So be critical, please! (Thanks for helping me learn.)
On the same day that I photographed the barn, I was struck by the number of animal tracks I saw…
These were coming up out of the woods on one side of the road, then crossing and disappearing into shrubs on the other side of the road:
Ruffed Grouse
At the end of the day when I was walking back to my car, I scared the poor fellow out… He flew up into some pines.
I tried to imagine exactly what happened here:
White-tailed Deer
It looks like the deer was dragging its toes. Then scratched for bit to get to the grass… And are those larger imprints from its nose?
Mouse and Squirrel prints were everywhere!
Although I found myself wondering the difference between mouse and vole, red squirrel and grey…
Now who do you suppose did this?
A shrew perhaps??
Something came up from Subnivea, ran around in a sloppy figure eight, and jumped back down under the snow. Curious…
These prints were just outside one of the barn windows:
These were very tiny, too:
More Shrew Tracks, perhaps?
I suppose this could be anyone:
But I'm going to guess it was a mole.
It sure would be fun to see all the critters that left these tracks… But alas, I saw only the grouse.


text:
Our delicious Beach Break is back- and just in time for Cinco de Mayo! Forget those generic margarita mixes that are full of added sugar, processed syrups and lacking personality. The Beach Break (watermelon, mint and hibiscus) makes a killer margarita that is fresh, festive and clean.
The watermelon juice not only pairs nicely with tequila but it helps to keep you hydrated and ward off any May 6th hangovers. The mint leaves your breath extra fresh while the hibiscus provides a delicious dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Beach Break Margarita
4 oz Beach Break
2 oz tequila
1 lime wedge, to garnish
1/4 teaspoon of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, for rim
Combine Beach Break and tequila in a shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds. Strain over a glass with ice and give a squeeze of lime. Blend with a cup of ice for 30 seconds for a frozen version. Garnish and serve!
Comments will be approved before showing up.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Affiliate offer:
|NCP - Airport Parking
|AWin - Join AWin
NCP is the UK's number one parking operator and we've been providing parking services for over 75 years. Our brand is synonymous with parking, so your earning potential is huge. Our platform allows you to pre-book parking at one of our 6 major airports - Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Norwich and Heathrow.
Benefits to joining the program
Join the NCP affiliate programme today and start earning a minimum of 5% commission on an average order value of £48. Its easy to start earning, as every 45 seconds someone books parking with us, and with competitive rates and offers available, and low cancellation rate, this helps reinforce our position as a leader in the market. So sign up today and start earning.
We validate pending orders monthly, but orders will only be approved once the booking has been completed. For example, a booking could be made in January for a stay between the 12th and 19th of February. The order will be validated after the booking completes on the 19th of February. Bookings with NCP may be made up to 12 months in advance on most of our sites.
Approved Copy
We ask that all affiliates use the below copy on their sites. We welcome affiliates writing their own copy, but please ensure this gets signed off by the client!
NCP is the UK's number one parking operator and have been in business for over 75 years. The brand is synonymous with parking and there is availability at any of over 100 city centre Pre-book locations in over 25 city centres across the UK and at 6 major airports - Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Norwich and Heathrow. Whether you're going shopping for the day, or going to see the latest gig or to catch a show in the West end , guarantee your parking ahead to save time and to get the best rates.
0 Review | More AWin Network Info


text:
We keep working on new methodologies for measuring impact of Word of Mouth on Brand equity. Only a few quarters ago CE manufacturers named their laptops and netbooks as two very separate categories of products, however after release of iPad this distinction started to melt away. This is the analysis of 25,4169 customer reviews of 232 laptop and netbook computers from 9 brands. The measurements represent difference between customer expectations and customer experiences using 2 point scale
The assessment was administered on reviews published before September 28, 2010. The chart below represents Customer Satisfaction Indexes for these brands.
- As all brands display a very close, above 1, mean value which makes it safe to conclude that most customers had their expectations exceeded.
- All brands have "negative" outliers, but their number is small
- Samsung emerges as a leader with a large majority of it's customers are highly positive about their experience – 50% are very concentrated at higher than average values
- Acer and Apple display a "long tail" of disappointed customers, while Sony has the weakest brand satisfaction ratings.
Let me know if you want to see the results for Functionality, Reliability and Support reputation analysis and I will email it to you.


text:
Since 2013, the number of U.S. consumers tracking their health data with wearables has doubled.1 And that number continues to rise: During the third quarter of 2018, the wearables market saw a nearly 60 percent increase in earnings over the prior year.2
Wearables are electronic devices worn on the body, often like a watch. Wearables can track patient data like heart rate, blood pressure, or blood glucose. They can also track activity level, e.g., counting steps.
Promoters of wearables say that they could provide physicians with abundant data when caring for patients with chronic health issues. They also predict that combining wearables and gamification—e.g., competing with family members to see who can "score" the most steps in a day—may lead to improved health and better health outcomes.
However, skeptics question whether gamification will really lead to healthier behaviors long-term. And questions abound about what to do with wearables' data and how to protect it. Wearables bring promise, but also real risks for patient safety and physician liability.
Promoters of wearables believe wearables will drive the transition to intelligent care, whereby physicians have access to more data—in which they can identify actionable components. Florence Comite, MD, a New York endocrinologist who describes wearables as "almost like magic," uses data from wearables to tailor her interventions for patients with chronic conditions.3
Wearables can help patients take action, too. In one recent study, diabetes patients using a wearable app showed randomized controlled trial results comparable or superior to patients taking diabetes medications.4
Promoters of such digital strategies hope that they will encourage healthy behaviors while requiring fewer office visits purely for monitoring purposes, thereby reducing healthcare costs while improving patient experience and engagement. For instance, David Rhew, MD, chief medical officer for Samsung, hopes that wearables can help patients move to the highest level of patient activation, Level 4:5
The Four Levels of Patient Activation
Some apps promote healthy behaviors with gamification.6 For instance, a user might compete with family or friends to take the most steps each day, either informally or through an organized group. Harvard professor Ichiro Kawachi, PhD, wrote in JAMA Internal Medicine that this is "an opportunity for clinicians to turn health promotion into an engaging, fulfilling and fun activity."7 Sponsors hope that such groups can promote accountability, responsibility, and mindfulness about activity and health conditions.
It is too soon to say whether wearables will increase healthy behaviors and/or reduce office visits, thus lowering healthcare costs. Some studies have found that wearable devices have no advantage over other forms of goal tracking or social support in helping people meet their health and fitness goals.8 A 2016 study from the University of Pittsburgh, for instance, found that "young adults who used fitness trackers in the study lost less weight than those in a control group who self-reported their exercise and diet."9
Though each device has its pros and cons, all wearables generate concerns for physicians, including:
As more and more physicians are accepting—or requesting—their patients' data from wearables, questions include: How can we tell when data from wearables is accurate? When it's actionable? When it's secure?
Certainly, physicians interacting with data from wearables should independently confirm that data before changing a patient's care, and should store data from wearables securely.
For help implementing remote patient monitoring in your practice, see the American Medical Association's (AMA's) Digital Health Implementation Playbook.
The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.


text:
Apple's 2016 15" MacBook Pro (2.7GHz, 16GB, 512GB, Radeon 455) for $2,549 with free shipping and no tax outside NY & NJ
You save $250.00
DEAL EXPIRED: Now through Dec. 27, B&H is offering AI readers the lowest price ever on Apple's brand-new 15" MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage space and Radeon 455 graphics. This popular model in Space Gray (MLH42LL/A) is $200 off instantly, but with our exclusive one-time use promo codes, readers can save an additional $50, bringing the price to $2,549.00 with free expedited shipping. What's more, B&H will not collect sales tax on your order if it's shipped outside NY and NJ, making this exclusive deal roughly $450 cheaper for shoppers outside NY and NJ compared to paying full price with tax at the Apple Store. To take advantage of this offer, please follow the instructions below to request a time-sensitive, one-time use promo code.
15" MacBook Pro (2.7GHz, 16GB, 512GB, Radeon 455) in Space Gray for $2,549.00
($250 off + no tax outside NY & NJ)
How to request a single-use coupon code
To secure the bonus savings on top of B&H's already reduced pricing, please email us at [email protected] and we'll send over a time-sensitive, one-time-use coupon code to activate the deal. This deal runs through Dec. 27 or while supplies last.
Save $50 when you add AppleCare
You can easily tack on an AppleCare extended protection plan to this 15" MacBook Pro at B&H at a discounted rate of $299 by selecting the AppleCare option immediately after you press the "Add to Cart" button on B&H's website. Or just use this link.


text:
Hearty congratulations to all who attended the Holiday Learning Club last year and got into their first choice grammar or independent school! Some of you also got scholarships to private schools. Well done!
Absolutely delighted 11+parents!
The children did very well.
Rachel passed Wallington and was offered an academic scholarship by Old Palace which we decided to accept.
Benjamin passed Wallington and Wilson's and having put Wallington as the first choice, he was offered a place there. The amazing thing was that on the day the offers went out Benjamin was also approached by Wilson's stating that even though he didn't select them as a first choice, they'll offer him an immediarte place if he changed his mind! He decided to stay with his first choice.
He was also offered a place at Whitgift, which we all loved but without a scholarship, we couldn't accept. Both children were also offered places at Caterham.
Overall, we are very proud and very pleased. I'm glad this stage is over though.
We didn't start " working" intensively until the summer at the Holiday Learning Club. So unlike many, the children didn't have to endure years of this pressure. I think as a result we have emerged from this process without any scars...
Do write back.
All the best
Our daughter xxx, received a place at Nonsuch which was her first choice so she is very happy.
I hope all your other pupils were successful as well. I would be interested to know as I know she made many good friends there and it would be good to know if any of them are going to Nonsuch too.
Thank you in your all your help.
Best regards
Thanks to my daughter, for attending the fantastically run Holiday Learning last summer, we are now celebrating the amazing news that she has won a place at her first choice grammar school. Attending the club, helped Grace to focus on the seriousness and hardwork of studying for the 11+ and yet also enabled her to make new friends in a fun environment.
As a parent I was reassured and encouraged by the amount of targeted and relevant homework Grace was given and the regular reports sent to me daily when attending the Holiday Learning Club. This also helped take the pressure off; knowing someone else was doing the necessary work with her.
KP, Sutton SM1
"We are delighted to inform you that our daughter had obtained a much desired place at her first choice school WHSG (Wallington High School for Girls). Sandra and her team were fantastic during the 11+ journey, our daughter attented both the Holiday Learning Club in the summer prior to the exam as well as the Saturday sessions. The classes gave my daughter a real feel for the test papers and having like minded children around her really helped motivate her to try hard at each session. She also made a whole new set of friends. We would like to wish the 11+ Holiday Learning Club every success in the future and will certainly be introducing our second daughter to this system as soon as she is ready." Kind regards,
Al, London
You I don't know how to say thanks, Michael got into Wilson's. Apart from the normal weekend classes which were great, the Holiday Learning Club was excellent in solidifying his knowledge. Thanks once more.
DO, Sutton SM1
Hope you are OK and business is going well. Just to let you know that Emmanuel got admission into Wallington Boys. We would like to thank you and your team for all the effort and hard work put into making it a success.
BO, Wallington SM6
I believe, The Holiday Learning Club made the difference in my child gaining a grammar school place. After only a few days of attending, we noticed she became more focused, as she was in the company of other children also preparing for the 11+. The competitive atmosphere encouraged her to do her very best and most of all, she looked forward to attending the club everyday, as they had so much fun! A fantastic club which I'll wholeheartedly recommend to any 11+ parent. Sandra and her team are dedicated and extremely helpful.
Jane, Sutton SM1 (Her daughter gained a place at Nonsuch High School for Girls.)
We are pleased to announce that our son Haidar was successful in receiving a place at Wallington County Grammar School. Attending the Holiday Learning Club in the summer, really boosted his confidence in preparation for sitting all the exams. His weak and strong areas were identified and we were able to focus on those topics. The regular daily reports really gave me a clear idea of his progress. Haidar especially enjoyed all the recreational activities which didn't make it seem as though he was only doing work all day. Great job to all the staff at the club. Wishing you further success in the future.
Just to let you know that Rachel was successful in getting into Wallington High School for Girls. We feel that having a structured programme of learning in the summer helped her understanding which areas she needed to focus on, and also gave her the opportunity to understand that she was among a group of many children her age that were working towards similar goals. Wishing you success with future programmes.
We are very happy to share with you that Monika has been offered a place in Wallington High School for Girls, which we have with pleasure accepted, of course. The Holiday Learning Club was most surely very efficient and helped Monika to pass the 11+ test. I personally think that even if Monika would not have passed the test, The Holiday Learning Club was useful for her English and Maths skills, and was a great fun as well. Thank you for organizing it, and best of luck for the future. Best regards,
Thank you for your email. Eden did indeed get into her first choice school. Her results were 96% on the Non Verbal Reasoning Test and 95% on the Verbal Reasoning. We found your Holiday Club and the online tests extremely valuable in preparing her. Thanks so much. Very best wishes,
Thanks, yes my daughter xxx passed and managed to get into Wallington Grammar school Thank you for all your help.
Dr N.E
Lorna got very good scores for three tests she took. She got her first choice school at Nonsuch High School for Girls. Cheers
Hi, thanks for asking. Our daughter got into Overton Grange which is fine as we live very close. She had quite wanted to go to Nonsuch but did not pass the exam (nor for Wallington) and so we knew long before March that she was not going to a Grammar school and were able to adjust our thinking accordingly. She is happy to be going to Overton, and we are both happy that she tried out for the other schools and being at the Holiday Learning Club really helped to boost her confidence in her academic ability. Thank you.
We have decided she will be going to Christ Hospital boarding school. She did well, as all the three exams she sat for she passed all of them. Will pass on your congratulations to her. Thanks
My daughter completed 3 weeks at The Holiday Learning Club where she learnt some really useful exam techniques. The content in the summer learning club was so useful she has now got a place at Wallington High School for Girls.
Kelly B, Carshalton


text:
Alright. Complete honesty right here.
I know it sounds like every other statement that I make (I make a ton of statements, tis true. Check Twitter, I make a lot of those...) but I have always dreamed of having a cut-out top or dress (Yes, it is very sweet that I can make it both) such as this one. I mean, what are the odds of entering a 7-story Forever 21 store in New York and scouring each section until landing upon this very dress in the most random of places. (Trust me, it was hidden between all multitude of colors. How did I find it? No idea.) I love the idea of a cut-out dress. It's very breezy and a perfect dress for a Starbucks coffee date (check the last photo!) or wearing it out on a hot summer night since there won't be too many of those soon. That thought excites me to no end. You have no idea how much I am looking forward to fall. I mean, I think my message is clear, according to my many recent fall posts. Adding on to my list of loves, the cinching of the waist and this color shade of blue makes this so comfy and chic.
I think I've ranted just about enough for one post. So tell me, how much more can you find perfect about this dress?
Your turn ;)


text:
by Kara Gibbs '96
Discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia in the 9th century, coffee was mainly used, originally, for religious purposes. Today, that legacy continues as Stoney Creek Roasters, located in downtown Cedarville, Ohio, partners with The Luke Commission to help the people of Swaziland.
So, what do a nonprofit organization and a coffee shop have in common? The story begins in 2005 when Grace Minor became a nanny for Dr. Harry and Mrs. Echo VanderWal '96, the founders of The Luke Commission. Grace had heard that a physician's assistant needed help with her triplets and newborn son. Two years later, she traveled with the VanderWals to Swaziland, a small, impoverished country in southern Africa.
The Luke Commission provides free medical care, medications, health education, vision care, eyeglasses, and the hope of the Gospel to families, schools, AIDS orphans, and others who have nowhere else to turn in Swaziland.
Grace's brother, Taylor, and parents, Craig and Carrie, opened Stoney Creek Roasters in August 2008. They soon introduced a Luke Commission blend of coffee beans, with half of the proceeds from each purchase going to the organization. The Minors also collect used prescription glasses, a much-needed aid for the people of Swaziland.
On November 8, Cedarville University's Women of Vision organization will join the Swaziland Volunteer Team to host a dinner and charity auction called An Evening in Swaziland. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on unique items during the live and silent auctions.
So, if you find yourself walking down Main Street in Cedarville, make sure to stop by Stoney Creek for a nonfat café mocha with a shot of caramel and grab your special bag of Luke Commission coffee beans while you're there. Don't forget to ask the Minors how you can get involved — they'd be glad to tell you how their passion for ministry and their passion for coffee are being used to help further the Kingdom.
As you step back outside, you might notice that the shop next door is becoming the headquarters for The Luke Commission. The primary function will be to process the used prescription glasses. By figuring out the prescription now, they can quickly expedite the glasses to the field. Several Cedarville students have volunteered their time to help this ministry.
Stoney Creek is not alone in contributing to The Luke Commission. Just this year, Miami Valley Hospital donated incubators, and the Lions Club of Illinois donated school supplies and more than 3,000 t-shirts for Swazi children.


text:
Essential Information
Testing & Certifications
Locking & Security
Key Features
The Chubbsafes ProGuard DT (drawer trap) is a fully certified deposit safe, tested and approved to the European standard, EN 1143-2.
The ProGuard DT range is suitable for floor mounting and is provided with bolts allowing for the safe to be permanently fixed. Once fitted the ProGuard DT range has a cash rating of £10,000 and valuables of £100,000. Read our blog for the explanation behind these ratings. The deposit drawer comes with with an anti-fishing device which prevents anyone getting to your valuable contents by gaining access through the drawer.
The ProGuard DT is made from new composite material designed for strength and is lightweight. The three-way boltwork is constructed with solid steel bolts. For additional security, ProGuard DT is fitted with an active relocker and anti-drilling plates have been incorporated into the boltwork to resist burglary attempts.
The Proguard offers professional protection for your cash. For duel protection you can check out the DuoGuard range.
If you have any questions about the product or wish to speak to our team give us a call on 024 7664 4560.
|External Size
|(H)1052 x (W)600 x (D)561mm or (H)41.42 x (W)23.62 x (D)22.09 in
|Internal Size
|(H)932 x (W)500 x (D)386mm or (H)36.69 x (W)19.69 x (D)15.20 in
|242kg or 38 st. 02 lbs
|Insurance Rating
|£10,000 cash rated
|Fire Protection
|Lock Type
|Key Locking
|Fixing Holes
|Floor Fixing
|Fixing Bolts
|1 (included)
|Insurance Approved
|2 Years
|More Sizes
|Security Certificate
|EN 1143 -2 Eurograde 1 - Tested by ECB-S
|Police Approved
|Protection from Fire
|No. of Keys
|Key Type
|Double Bitted
|Certified Key lock
|EN 1300 Class A
|Locking Bolts
|6 (3-way)
|Bolt Diameter
|Fixed Hinge Bolts
|Anti-drill Protection
|Double walled steel body and door filled with Dualite composite to protect against thermal cutting tools
|Holds A4 Paper
|Deposit Facility
|Drawer Deposit
|Anti-Fish Facility
|Max Deposit Size
|030 x 430 x 220mm
|Delivery Details
|Drop Off Delivery
|Your purchase will be delivered via pallet to your door step by the carrier company Bishopsgate, where tracking information and ETA's will be available through the sales desk. Please allow 2-3 working days for dispatch and delivery.
|Our specialist delivery crew will either position the safe or install the safe by bolting to the floor or walls dependent on the available fixing points and your requirements. The price confirmed is to a ground floor or an upper floor location via a suitable lift with no more than 1 step required to negotiate.
|£168.00 Inc VAT
Free delivery is standard on this product. If you wish to change the delivery service to any of the options stated, please select one of the delivery options in the checkout.
Please give our team a call on 024 7664 4560, if you have any questions or enquiries on delivery.
For more information, or to read our terms and conditions for delivery, please head over to our delivery and returns page.
For more information, or to read our terms and conditions for delivery, please head over to our delivery and returns page.
|Product Name
|Product Description
|5 Year WarrantyPlus - Proguard DT Grade 1
Protect your product for 5 years under Chubbsafes WARRANTYPLUS agreement. Click here for more information
|£321.60 incl VAT
|Additional Key
Add an additional key to your choice of purchase. Please note 2 x keys are supplied as standard on this item.
|£78.00 incl VAT
|Mechanical Combination Lock
Upgrade your lock to a mechanical combination lock. This lock does not require power.
|£237.60 incl VAT
|Dual Locking: Two Keys
Add an additional key lock to your safe to further protect and secure your cash and valuables
|£205.20 incl VAT
|Dual Locking: Key and Combination
Upgrade the standard key lock to include a mechanical combination lock as well, to further protect and secure your cash and valuables.
|£349.20 incl VAT
|Electronic Lock
Upgrade your lock to an electronic lock
|£477.60 incl VAT
|Dual Locking: Two Combinations
Upgrade the standard key lock to fit two mechanical combination locks for additional security.
|£403.20 incl VAT
|Dual Locking: Key And Electronic
Upgrade the standard key lock to include a battery powered electronic keypad lock as well. The electronic lock will have up to 2 programmable PIN codes. Both key and PIN code will be required to open the safe.
|£500.40 incl VAT
If you have questions regarding these accessories please give our team a call on 024 7664 4560. Accessories can be added after the product has been added to the basket.


text:
I'd love to hear from you! I encourage you to contact me for:
- Questions and comments
- Guest Article possibilities
- Advertising Inquiries
- Networking & Collaboration
(Disclosure: I realize it can cause some concern to send your email through an impersonal form; but, rest assured I abide by the Golden rule in my business practices and follow all legal CAN-SPAMM requirements regarding your email. You can be certain that you will not be spammed in any way and you can expect a prompt response. Thanks for your interest.)


text:
We value live performances. We are committed to bringing live Jazz shows and other art performances to those who are institutionalized, such as nursing homes, hospices and hospitals.
NYC has many great artists, but they also struggle to find venues to create and perform. We would like to provide artists opportunities to sharpen their skills while compensated modestly.
We are a fiscally sponsored organization which allows supporters to be part of our project tax-exempt.


text:
ANTIQUE & ESTATE BOOKS @ 4:30 P.M. - 150+ lots. Categories include: Frank Lloyd Wright, Chap books, Easton Press, limited editions, textile books, Military, miniature books, Ralph Caldeco II, travel, children's & juvenile, medical, British literature, school readers, New England, Bibles, the Arts, genealogy, Ornithology, Botanical, Boxing and more - online list avail. @ www.knottypineantiques.com - not avail. for online bidding.
EPHEMERA, ADVERTISING, TOYS & COLLECTIBLES @ 6:00 P.M. - 200+ Lots. Categories include - Photography, Holiday decorations, sm. collection of U.S. & Foreign stamps, toys & dolls, post & trade cards, sm. collection of travel & product adv. posters, WWI & WWII posters, maps, periodicals, product advertising, signage & displays, children's blocks, postal history, albums, Steiff animals & more.


text:
The Cross-Border Health Integrated Partnership Project (CB-HIPP) is designed to extend quality integrated health services in selected strategic border areas and other transport corridor sites in East, Central and Southern Africa (ECSA region). The programme aims to address the need and gap for alternative health financing in order to increase uptake and sustainability of HIV and other health services within an enabling policy environment in the ECSA region. The programme runs from September 2014 – September 2019 and has an important learning component to enable sharing of lessons.
Cross-Border Health Integrated Partnership Project is designed to achieve three main results:


text:
Posts Tagged 'bassoon'
Tips for Woodwind DoublersPublished September 12, 2012 Top 10 Tips & Facts 1 Comment
Tags: bassoon, clarinet, flute, music student, music teacher, saxophone, teaching resources, top 10 article
10 Little-Known Bassoon "facts"Published June 27, 2012 Top 10 Tips & Facts 8 Comments
Tags: bassoon, bassoon quartet, music student, music teacher, oboe, top 10 article, woodwind quintet
By Charles Moehnke
It could be argued that all facts about the bassoon are little-known facts. That being said, most of them would also be pretty boring so I thought I'd focus on "facts" instead. The quotation marks mean we can have some fun while we learn!
"Fact" #1:
The bassoon is not an oboe.
You'd be amazed by how many times I've been asked, "You play the oboe, right?" The oboe and the bassoon are both in the double reed family and we do sit near each other in the orchestra, but they are, in fact, different instruments! All musicians who are already aware of the subtle differences between Continue reading '10 Little-Known Bassoon "facts"'


text:
Stone Cold Steve Austin WWE Network Podcast Coverage
Anaheim, CA
Credit: WrestleZone.com
The podcast starts off with Austin tipping his cap to Daniel Bryan, and Austin admitted that Bryan's retirement last week made him tear up.
Austin also offered well wishes to Bret Hart as he battles prostate cancer.
Big Show then arrives, and brings Austin the Slammy Award he won back in December for best WWE Network Original. Austin then gave Show one of his Broken Skull Ranch beers. Show then admitted he too teared up during Bryan's retirement speech, but added everyone knows he always cries.
Steve Austin brings up the "please retire" chants, and says he received emails from fans asking him to ask Big Show to retire. Show responds by saying those people don't understand the way WWE works, and don't realize what he is doing for the product and the WWE brand. He says he has maybe won 8 matches in the past two years, so how can he be holding other talents down? Show says he must be relevant in the business because has had "more [heel and babyface] turns than NASCAR." He finally said he will not be retiring anytime soon, barring any injuries.
Austin says he dug Show and Braun Strowman main eventing Raw tonight. Show says Strowman is doing well for himself and has a long way to go but if he keeps his head right, he'll be a major player. Show says he's an incredible athlete and gets a little better everyday, and doesn't make the same mistake twice. Show says it's not easy being in Braun's position. Austin asks how Show is feeling, and Show says he was fine in the match but he blew up running down the hallway trying to get to the interview.
Austin then shifts gears and brings up Big Show's size, and adds that Show was born with acromegaly, which is a form of giantism caused by a pituitary issue. It is a hormonal disorder that results from too much growth hormone (GH) in the body, and Show says when he was younger he was diagnosed with a tumor as a result.
Big Show then says during his sophomore year at Wichita State, which was one of the toughest years of his life, he decided to have the tumor surgically removed. Show also said he lost his grandfather that year, and following that and his surgery he developed a close relationship with the Wichita State basketball coach, who was later fired. Show then said his father was battling cancer at that time, and was very sick at the time.
Show then became very emotional, and recalled living in a home and only had $6 to his name. He recalled cleaning his apartment, and was cleaning his friends gun, and mocked suicide. He said he put the unloaded gun to his head and pulled the trigger to see what it would be like to be dead, and because he needed a "mental reset".
Show then said he got a good job opportunity, and made the attempt to pull his life back together. He helped load trucks for cash, and was paid $50 per day. Show talked about becoming friends with his boss, and his boss helped him get his introduction to WCW. Show said Danny Bonaduce at the time was doing a regular show, and he knew Hulk Hogan. Show met Hogan in Chicago and that was how he got his start. Show said he did an impression of Hogan for him, and figured that it was a bad idea. Hogan liked it though, and told Show he had a "dollar sign on his forehead."
Big Show then talks about his days in WCW, and reveals his initial deal was only for one match, and that was to test and see what kind of draw he could be in WCW. The match of course was against Hogan, and was for the WCW World Title. Show says Hogan told him he was going to put him on the map that night, and Show admitted he was terrified of the match and what the WCW Title meant. Show said he knew what the belt represented, but he didn't know how to handle it and what to do with it.
As for the locker room reaction to his Title win, Show said it was fine with the locker room, and the WCW talents were pulling for him, not rooting against him. He added they really didn't care because Big Show being in WCW didn't affect how much they were getting paid because they had the Ted Turner WCW type guaranteed deals.
Show recalled a funny story about Hulk Hogan telling him he had to wear the WCW Title through the airport, and so he did. Show later found out that Hogan and the other talents were just ribbing him, and it was Sting who eventually told him not to wear the title in the airports as it was just a joke. Show then realized that everyone was making fun of him. Austin looks at the camera and calls that Jabroniville, saying you never wear your title in the airport, heel or face. Show says he was proud but may have been a little Markville.
Show then talks about leaving WCW in 1999, which was in the middle of the Monday Night Wars. Show said he wanted to go outside the night DX invaded WCW's arena and say hello to Triple H, since HHH trained Big Show, but that would not have gone over well with Eric Bischoff.
Show then talks how Scott Hall and Kevin Nash jumping ship to WCW changed the business, and he saw how the locker room changed when The Outsiders came into the promotion. He said before Hall and Nash came in there was a very loose atmosphere in WCW, but when they came in everyone started taking it much more seriously because Hall and Nash were such great talents.
As far as the way WCW was run vs WWE during the Monday Night Wars, he said it was totally different. Show said morale got very bad in WCW because it went from a lax atmosphere to everyone fighting each other over money and negotiating contracts. When he got to WWE, Show said it was all about having the best match of the night, and that really scared Show. Show put over how talented Austin was when he got to WWE, and also put over other talents like HBK and The Undertaker.
Austin and Show talked about a match the two were involved in once back in the day, and it took place in a cage. Austin talked about how hard Big Show threw him into the cage, and Show said he was told by Vince to really manhandle Austin so Austin could sell for him. The two laughed about it, and then Show talked about The Undertaker taking him under his wing. Show said 'Taker was very hard on him, and always had something to say to him about getting better, but he was very grateful for it.
Taker would always give him pointers on what he needed to work on. He says Taker poured so much knowledge into him, and he didn't deserve it but he's blessed to have received it. Show thought everyone in WWE absolutely hated him to the point no one would care if he drove his rental car off a bridge.
As for his relationship with Vince McMahon, Show says it's almost been like a father son type relationship. Show said Vince has been very hard on him at times, but has given him a tremendous opportunity in WWE and always steered him in the right direction.
Austin asks Big Show what he thinks his biggest accomplishment has been in WWE, and Show responds by saying that it was the fact that he has always been a team player, and earned the respect of his peers. He said when he came to WWE he was a hated man, but now he is told all the time by people he respects that he has earned their respect.
As the interview winds down, Austin asks Show a few last questions, and asks him to be brutally honest in answering the question of how Show thinks he's been booked in WWE. Big Show responds by saying "horrible." But Show added that he knew what his role has been in WWE, which is that he is the workhorse that comes in and is a team player and does what he is told to do.


text:
FlatlandApril 16, 2014 | Katy Silva
Flatland July 11- October 11, 2014 Curated by Patty Ortiz Museo Guadalupe
Opening Reception: Friday, July 11, 6-9 p.m.
In a time of globalization, transcultural movement and the leveling of world commerce, economists believe that today the earth could be … Read More
La Carpa GuadalupeMarch 6, 2014 | Katy Silva
La Carpa Guadalupe March 21 – May 18 Various locations
La Carpa Guadalupe offers a traveling exhibition emulating the traditional Mexican tent shows of the early 1900s. Mirroring the exuberant spirit and resourceful energy of the artists of San Antonio, La Carpa Guadalupe carves … Read More
Sundown AnthologyJanuary 31, 2014 | Katy Silva
Sundown Anthology Ray Santisteban February 22 – April 26 Opening Reception: Saturday, February 22, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Guadalupe Gallery (located in the Guadalupe Theater)
San Antonio is bird city and at dusk during the winter roost, countless grackle silhouettes are seen … Read More
Untitled (Public Display) | CAM Perennial 2014January 28, 2014 | Katy Silva
Untitled (Public Display) 2014 CAM Perennial Exhibition March 21- May 10, 2014 Curated by Leslie Moody Castro Museo Guadalupe
Opening Reception: Friday, March 21, 6-9 p.m.
For the third consecutive year, Contemporary Art Month (CAM) has chosen the … Read More
Unveiling reception of ARTBoard #2 & ARTBoard#3August 28, 2013 | Katy Silva
Last week, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presented ARTBoard #2 by artist Angel Rodriguez-Diaz and ARTBoard #3 by Arturo Infante Almeida with a lively reception at La Casita.
In the spirit of keeping art accessible, approachable, and in the everyday … Read More


text:
Kaplan College Denver
Kaplan College Denver is a very small two-year, private for-profit school with 25 students enrolled. This college was founded in 1977 and is one of the 2 colleges located in Thornton, Colorado.
Academic OfferingsAt Kaplan College Denver you can earn your several-month certificate, 1-year certificate, or associate's degree.
Kaplan College Denver follows a continuous curriculum calendar system and provides 4 majors. The most popular concentrations are Medical Assistant and Criminal Justice. Read the details about Majors offered at this college and see prorgam Ratings versus other colleges and schools.It is important to know student retention and graduation rates before you apply to a school to get your diploma or to engage in a long-term study; high retention and graduation rates are usually a good sign. Nevertheless, if you are planning to transfer or take non-credit coursework, these metrics are not important.The student retention rate at Kaplan College Denver is fair at 70% (close to Colorado average). Considering this statistic, it seems that students like their stay at this school.
The graduation rate at Kaplan College Denver is average - 63%.
Student to faculty ratio at Kaplan College Denver is good, 10:1.
Admissions InformationThe college might accept dual credits, credits for life experience (learned through independent study, noncredit adult courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion of other learning opportunities), and advanced placement credits (college-level courses taught in high school) earned prior to admission.
The undergraduate application fee at Kaplan College Denver is $10.00.
To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information about studying at Kaplan College Denver and a program that best suits your goals and budget, call this school's general information office at (303) 295-0550.
Opportunities and ServicesKaplan College Denver provides a distance learning option and evening/weekend study opportunity, which is a wonderful option for those who work full-time.
There are options for on-campus part-time employment at Kaplan College Denver, which allows students to cover some of the tuition expenses. Additionally, this school helps students to evaluate their career options and to find a full-time job upon graduation.
Unfortunately, there is no on-campus housing at Kaplan College Denver.
Kaplan College Denver Location and Maps
Post Address: Kaplan College Denver, 500 E. 84th Ave., W-200, Thornton, Colorado 80229, USAReview Majors / Ratings
You might also like
Contemporary trends : Bernhard, Crane, Dater, Gibson, Gowin, Heinecken, Hosoe, Metzker, Siskind, Walker, Welpott, White : [exhibition], the Chicago Photographic Gallery of Columbia College, Chicago, Illinois
Book (Chicago Photographic College of Columbia College)


text:
It is the ideal place to relax after visits to the magnificent sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Dzibichaltun. Each of the 15 elegant rooms and suites overlook the old courtyard and gardens, have original high ceilings and tiled floors and are beautifully decorated. Suites also boast a private terrace and plunge pool. Meals are served on a terrace overlooking the breathtaking gardens and an impressive swimming pool nestles beside a 100-year old orchard. There is also a delightful outdoor spa cabin.
For local telephone numbers, our working hours and country currency


text:
Rover WorkstationsCompact, lightweight, adjustable, and secure–Rover is a caregiver's all-in-one workstation.
Making the most of valuable space to place supplies or set down a laptop or tablet, Rover offers two surfaces without expanding the footprint of a lightweight, highly mobile workstation. Rover comes in two sizes and features lockable drawers and a variety of exterior accessories.
- Pneumatic 12-inch height-adjustment
- Platform holds a standard-sized keyboard
- Electronic keyless lock option
- Side-mounted rail system places accessories in easy reach


text:
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf your answer is not addressed here please contact us.
What are your operating hours?
- Monday – Thursday • 5 am – 10 pm
- Friday • 5 am – 8 pm
- Saturday • 6am – 6pm
- Sunday • 8am – 6pm
What are your general policies?
General Policy information will be here.
- Please sign in before working out.
- Please do not bring valuables into the fitness centers.
- Exercise at your own risk.
- Appropriate exercise attire is required. T-shirts must be worn.
- Sandals are not allowed.
- Children 15 and under are not allowed to use the fitness centers at any time.
- The use of a towel is strongly recommended while exercising.
Paper towels will be available to wipe down equipment after use.
- There is a 25-minute time limit on all cardiovascular machines.
- For your safety and comfort, returning weights and dumbbells to their proper racks after usage is required.
- Do not drop weights on floor.
- Do not rest dumbbells on bench pads.
- Do not bang dumbbells together while working out.
- Chalk and powder are not permitted at any time.
- Weightlifters are encouraged to work out with a partner and to use weight collars.
Class Etiquette- Please arrive early; if you are over 10 minutes late, do not enter the class. It is disruptive to others and does not allow for proper warm-up. Keep conversations for after the class. Wipe down and return equipment to its proper location. Please exit the room as soon as possible, to allow for the next class to start on time.
Do you provide towel service?
Every member will receive a FUEL fitness towel. If forgotten, the member can purchase another for $2. NOTE: These towels are property of the member and they are responsible for washing and bringing their own towel to the gym.
Can I set up recurring membership payments?
Absolutely, just inquire at the front desk for details.


text:
The construction of the T's North Shore Connector took four years, cost $523 million and stirred considerable controversy. It demolished Carnegie Science Center's annex, which housed the original SportsWorks and traveling exhibitions such as Bodies ... The Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact.
That was 2008. Almost 10 years later, the Science Center unveiled its new home for traveling exhibitions, the PPG Science Pavilion, and its first exhibition: The Art of the Brick.
"Pittsburgh is a city that needs to be able to host these great exhibits," says Ron Baillie, co-director at the Science Center.
"They're great for tourism. … People are driving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia or to [Washington,] D.C., to see exhibits like this. Well, no longer."
The Art of the Brick is an artistic work of one man: Nathan Sawaya.
A former lawyer, Sawaya quit his full-time gig to play with Legos. No, seriously. For the past 14 years, he has made art with this iconic construction toy, creating everything from a replication of the Mona Lisa to a 20-foot long Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
For the exhibition's stop in Pittsburgh, which runs through January 9, 2019, Sawaya created a Lego sculpture honoring the city's sister bridges. But it's not an exact likeness of the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges.
"What [Sawaya] did is he created [the sculpture] with a series of those big, iconic arches on those bridges," Baillie says. "So, there's a big one, then there's one that's a little smaller, then a little smaller and there's seven or eight of them that sorta just keep going down. You can stand at the end and just look through them, and it's really quite nice."
The Science Center has also added a hands-on element to The Art of the Brick called Science of the Brick, which explores physical science. Timed racetracks with custom Lego cars explore aerodynamics, while skyscraper and bridge-building areas put to the test attendees' engineering skills.
"One of the really intriguing activities with Legos is … how do you make a curve with a block that is all 90-degree angles?" Baillie says. "And of course, you see it in how [Sawaya] did it in the gallery, then you have a chance to try and do that yourself."
If Sawaya's love for Legos as an adult doesn't make it apparent these bricks aren't just for kids, a convergence of art and science makes The Art of the Brick a draw to people of all ages.
"This is something that's gonna be of interest to the entire family," Baillie says. "This is for Grandma and Grandpa, as well as your 5- and 6-year-olds."
The Art of the Brick
Continues through Jan. 7 at Carnegie Science Center, 1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore.
$19.95 for adults, $15.95 for children and $17.95 for seniors. Carnegie Museum members receive discounted rates, and package deals for entry to both the Science Center and The Art of the Brick are available. carnegiesciencecenter.org


text:
Fitness fans complete charity rowathon
TWO determined fitness fans have completed a charity rowathon for a cause close to their hearts.
The event at Lister Hospital in Stevenage was organised by Andrew Hall and Glyn Doggett who both have children who were cared for by the hospital's Neonatal Unit.
The aim was to keep a rowing machine going for 12 hours, with local gym The Hub Letchworth lending the pair two machines for the challenge and giving them a month's free gym membership to help with their training.
Around 10 other people came along throughout the day to take part and over £2000 was raised via a Just Giving page and through a bucket collection.
Go backPosted on 12th April 2017


text:
AceShowbiz - Rumor has it, %cKanye West% may be entering recording room with %cRihanna%. A source tells Perez Hilton that the two singers will be collaborating on a re-recorded version of Kanye's single "Paranoid" taken from his latest album "808's & Heartbreak".
If the rumor is proven to be true, the duet track will reportedly be released sometime in January 2009. However, no statement has come out from both Kanye and Rihanna's managements regarding the issue.
Previously, Kanye West shared that "Paranoid" was indeed most likely to be his next song after singles "Love Lockdown" and "Heartless". However, he mentioned he was "not gonna release [the track] for awhile" to let his two previously-released songs "soak into the culture."
Kanye's fourth studio LP "808's & Heartbreak" has been available for purchase since November. It features %cKid Cudi% on "Welcome to Heartbreak", %cYoung Jeezy% on "Amazing" and %cLil Wayne% on "See You in My Nightmares".


text:
We woke up bright an early on Wednesday morning, partly because we knew we had a lot to do that morning, and partly because the sun rises at like 4am and my body was still on East Coast time. We headed to the lobby to check out and grab some breakfast, but the hotel restaurant was pretty crowded and we didn't have a ton of time until our cab arrived to take us to the airport. So we walked a few blocks to Silverbow, an Inn and bakery, which I only knew about from sharing a cab with the family the night before.
Going to Silverbow was SUCH a good idea! Carbo loading the day I was about the hike 13 miles? Heck yes!
Bill and I each ordered an egg and cheese bagel. Silverbow claimed to have the best cookies in Juneau, so I grabbed one of their Moka Choka cookies too.
So. Good. It was hard for me to save it for the trail!
We devoured our breakfast and hopped into our cab to the airport. The cab driver was actually a teacher, who was working to make some extra cash for the summer. Juneau is an expensive place to live, so she was doing what she could to make a few extra bucks.
We were flying Wings of Alaska, which is a tiny airline that flies into the small towns all over southeast Alaska. One of the most popular forms of transportation in Alaska is small aircraft, which is exactly what we would be boarding to get to Skagway.
The plane had seats for 10 people, including the pilot and copilot. Guess who was the copilot for today's trip?
Yup, that would be yours truly! I kept my hands OFF of all of those controls while our pilot safely flew us over the ice fields between Juneau and Skagway.
Besides the beautiful snow topped mountains, we also saw plenty of greenery, lakes, waterfalls, and even a whale in the water below!
When we arrived in Skagway, Bill's friend Nathan picked us up from the airport. Skagway is the definition of a small town, so the airport was literally less than a 5 minute drive to downtown, where we needed to pick up our alternative solution for a tent, our permits to hike, and our train tickets to get back to Skagway when we finished the hike. We also needed to pick up some bear spray and alcohol for our stove, since the box we sent several weeks earlier with these supplies hadn't yet arrived.
Bill and I had decided that our best and cheapest option would be to purchase some tarp and lines to make a tarp tent. So, he headed to the mountain shop for some extra line and our bear spray. He'd pick up the tarp at the hardware store after we got our permits. Next, we stopped at the trail information center to check in, get our permits settled, and hear about the trail conditions.
(the 18th was our summit day, the day we would cross into Canada)
The rangers went over permit conditions, and prepped us on what we could expect to see out on the trail. All Bill and I needed to hear was: "A lot of hikers have been saying how bad the mosquitoes have been. It's been the worst season for bugs in years…" and "Once you get past the summit, there are patches of ice; we highly recommend trekking poles." before we looked at each other and decided that we were keeping the Squall and buying a set of trekking poles. I stayed and listened to the rest of the ranger's talk, which included that the avalanche warning had been lifted (HOORAY!), while Bill went back to the mountain shop.
By this time it was getting close to 11:30, so we stopped at a coffee shop for our final "real" meal before Nathan dropped us at the trailhead. It was finally time to start the hike.


text: Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools. f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. g) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in accordance with these instructions and


text:
Download The October Country Study Guide
The October Country Analysis
(Critical Survey of Science Fiction and Fantasy)
The themes that dominate Bradbury's later work—the uneasy alliance between man and machine, the destructive tendency of technology—are absent in these early stories, but many of the stylistic elements of his mature fiction can be found here in embryonic form. The October Country exhibits his intensely poetic style and his aptness with imaginative metaphor.
Also present in this collection are Bradbury's often-used themes related to small-town life and the need for simplicity. The stories in this collection share a sense of place, regardless of their disparate settings. Whether in a wheat farm, as in "The Scythe"; a city, as in "The Crowd"; or even a foreign village, as in "The Next in Line," each setting is both isolated and claustrophobic, like a midwestern town encircled by vast open land, cut off from the rest of the world. This, Bradbury says in his preface, is the October Country, "where it is always turning late in the year. The country where the hills are fog and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilights linger, and midnights stay."
Bradbury's idea that modern life has grown too complicated is nowhere clearer than in "The Wonderful Death of Dudley Stone," in which a writer feels a wonderful sense of freedom when forced to abandon his literary career for a simpler life. The problems of Bradbury's protagonists seem rooted in complicated living: automobiles that crash or cannot be relied upon, a view of the human body that is overly clinical, or hucksters waiting for a trusting soul upon whom to prey.
In their obsessions, Bradbury's characters do not misperceive reality; they perceive it differently. They focus too intently on a single detail of experience, such as the skeletons concealed within in their bodies or the crowds that invariably gather at automobile accidents. They allow past trauma to skew their frame of reference, like the mother who barely survives giving birth and suspects her baby of murderous intent, or the abandoned woman who joins her love by drowning. They are trapped in their perceptions through no fault of their own, like the boy raised indoors in "Jack in the Box" and the farmer compelled to kill in "The Scythe." Ultimately, Bradbury's reality contorts to fit his characters' twisted perceptions, and his readers are thus swept into his October Country.


text: Paul Scott wrote in linux.debian.user: > > Maybe a silly question but nearly all the Debian docs in the > > /usr/share/doc tree are in gz format. Is there a viewer that will > > allow me to read them without having to decompress them first? > zless Or simply put "eval `/usr/bin/lessfile`" in ~/.bashrc and less will be able to read .gz files just fine (and a lot of others too). -- Kind regards, +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Bas Zoetekouw | GPG key: 0644fab7 | |----------------------------| Fingerprint: c1f5 f24c d514 3fec 8bf6 | | firstname.lastname@example.com, email@example.com | a2b1 2bae e41f 0644 fab7 | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+


text:
I agree, now that I know we have a deals forum, it's easy to just click on that and see the list of threads
I agree, now that I know we have a deals forum, it's easy to just click on that and see the list of threads
Not sure it's worth it's own thread, but there's some cool bags and accessories from Ben Sherman over at Gilt:
http://www.gilt.com/sale/men/ben-sherman-accessor?ect=Control&eca=Image&et=DSR&ept=DSRMainM en&eptn=2&epn=2&et_cid=2801&et_rid=e03428d2-ca98-4b9e-bf20-d7f042c4ac74&oeid=2801
If I wasn't over budget and waiting for the Bonobos sale I'd pick up some cufflinks and a belt
Century 21 has some more menswear deals:
Italian made ties for actually pretty reasonable prices:
If you're in the market for a really nicely made suit, there's deals on Corneliani ($700) and Hickey Freeman ($450) suits which are good deals for the quality. Also some blazers, sportcoats, and pants.
Finally there's a sale on Clarks / Bostonian with some pretty good prices ($55-80):
If you haven't signed up for c21 before, you can use my link to do it:
Also, I don't know if you guys saw on the valetmag.com link above, but Brooks Brothers has some stuff on clearance. They have some of their dress shirts on sale for $40. I'd be all over it if I hadn't blown my budget on Bonobos and BR
Thanks for the tip. Pretty good selection on the BB sale.
Lands' End has a 30% off one item deal going. http://www.landsend.com/hpmedia/pop_promo_details.html
I prefer BB Extra Slim, but there are no extra slim non-irons. The fit on the BB extra slim is great, perhaps a tad tight in the chest and loose in the waist. Can I get the slims tailored to fit about as well as the extra slims?
@Jason, and they're having free shipping until midnight tonight (EST)!!
@CharlesMartel, You can definitely get the slims tailored, but what do you like about the non-irons? I think they feel like crap on my skin. I always get the classic cotton.
They're hell in hot weather, but they look great, and dry cleaning takes too much time and money. I don't even put the non-irons in the dryer, to make them last longer.
Do the non non-iron's look decent if air dried?
You don't have to take your shirts to the dry cleaner. I machine wash all my cotton dress shirts. Just wash on delicate according to the instruction and then hang dry. Ironing each shirt takes about 5 minutes. No problems.
If i get a stain I use a pretreat or soak it in an oxyclean bath for a couple hours.
LEC is having a 40% off Fall, and the prices look very reasonable...
"The key to Success is the Quality of Execution"


text:
Receive quick resolutions to your complex information technology problems from the skilled staff at Bilqees Technology Solutions. In addition to our software expertise, BTS is an authorize reseller for Dell, EMC, HP, Cisco and IBM WebSphere Core Product Group. We perform development and administration services for IBM Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) related technology.
Hours of Operation:Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Available Weekends by Appointment
Bilqees Technology Solutions (BTS) in Saugerties, New York, is an authorized IBM Reseller and provides knowledgeable IBM™ middleware technology development and administrative services for companies who adapted service-oriented architecture in their environment. We understand and have experience in IBM technology such as: IBM WebSphere DataPower, WebSphere Cloudburst Appliance, IBM Integration Bus, WebSphere Process Server, WebSphere Business Process Manager, IBM WebSphere Portal Server, IBM WebSphere Integration Designer, IBM WebSphere Message Broker, IBM WebSphere Application Server, IBM WebSphere MQ, IBM WebSphere Transformation Extender, IBM WebSphere Service Registry and Repository. Assisting IBM in training and development to complete the short and long term project successfully.
BTS actively working in the U.S. federal government projects through government's System for Award Management (SAM) to help government agencies find and solve technical problems with the right tool. Certified Minority Business Entity (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity (EDGE) company for the State of Ohio and the State of New York. Actively assisting State of New York in information technology recruitment, technical services, and technology sales.


text:
Akasegawa Genpei is a pseudonym of Japanese artist Akasegawa Katsuhiko (born March 27, 1937 in Yokohama). He used another pen name, Otsuji Katsuhiko, for literary works. During the 1950s and 1960s, Akasegawa became involved within the Neo-Dada movement, along with Ushio Shinohara, Shusaku Arakawa, and Yoshimura Masanobu. He formed the Hi-Red Center with Jiro Takamatsu and Natsuyuki Nakanishi during this time, which was a group of artists that presented their works as a collective in Japan. They performed "Happenings" within the Hi-Red Center. Akasegawa was also associated with the avant-garde. In the 1970s he used the idea of "Hyper-Art" -- an ordinary but useless street object that happened to look like conceptual artwork. As Otsuji Katsuhiko, he received the Akutagawa Prize in 1981 for his short story, "Chichi ga kieta." Akasegawa is known for many humorous essays, and his 1988 book Rojinryoku was a major hit. In January 1963, Akasegawa sent out invitations to a solo exhibition at a gallery in Tokyo. The announcement was delievered to several close friends in a cash envelope that was mailed through the postal service. The announcement itself was a 1,000-yen note reproduced in monochromatic colors on the front, with relevant information regarding the exhibit on the back. He produced four more during the next year. In January 1964, his 1,000-yen note partial reproductions became noticed by the police and he was indicted for creating imitations of banknotes stemming from the 1894 Law Controlling the Imitation of Currency and Securities. In August 1966, he went on trial for what was dubbed the "Thousand-Yen Bill Incident." In June 1967, he was found guilty with three months suspended sentence. He appealed twice, but the decision was upheld in 1970.
(Source: "Genpei Akasegawa." Artfinding. Photo: "Akasegawa Genpei." RemixCulture.)


text:
Your needs
Each stage of your life requires you to apply a distinct planning strategy. We can help you choose the one that best suits your situation.
Our approach
By choosing National Bank Financial – Wealth Management as a partner in your financial success, you can count on receiving expert, unbiased advice to help you make the right decisions.
Wealth management
There's more to building wealth than money. You also need to consider the judicious planning of your projects through time.
investment program
Benefit from our investment program which offers you an integrated wealth management approach.
Learn more
Products and services
National Bank Financial offers a wide array of products and services to help you achieve your financial goals.
Tools and publications
To manage your wealth in a manner that suits your objectives, make sure you use all the resources and information we put at your disposal.
Our Team
Benefit from one of the largest investment advisory networks in the country. With more than 100 points of service across Canada, there is one near you!
Corporate Information
National Bank Financial – Wealth Management is the 5th largest investment dealer in Canada.
In March 2010, The U.S. Treasury Department signed into law the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" (known as FATCA), to enable U.S. tax authorities to counter tax evasion by U.S. taxpayers (U.S. Persons) who hold foreign accounts. This U.S. law requires non-American Financial Institutions to identify U.S. Persons who hold accounts with them and to report relevant information on these accounts annually to fiscal authorities.


text:
Thorpe Park has teamed up with entertainment firm Lionsgate to completely overhaul its Fright Nights Halloween events for 2013, which will feature three all-new mazes based on well-known horror movies.
The new mazes will be based on My Bloody Valentine, Cabin in the Woods and The Blair Witch Project. Returning from previous years is the Saw Alive attraction, while The Asylum is also strongly rumoured to be back for 2013. The Fright Nights events are scheduled for October 5-6, 11-13, 18-20 and October 25 - November 3. Tickets are now on sale via the official Thorpe Park website.
The three new mazes form part of a deal with Lionsgate UK, and are part of a major rebranding exercise for Fright Nights. The events will again see the park staying open until 10pm, enabling guests to experience some of its thrill rides in the dark.
The My Bloody Valentine maze will be based on the 2009 remake of the 1981 original. The movie featured a host of 3D effects, including a character being pick-axed through the head.
The Cabin in the Woods attraction will based on the gruesome 2012 movie, directed by Drew Goddard and co-scripted by Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon. Guests are likely to step into either the titular cabin itself or the secret underground facility seen in the film. A maze based on the film will also feature at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2013.
The Blair Witch Project maze is likely to be hosted in the wooded area that hosted the shuttered Canada Creek Railway attraction. It will be inspired by the low-budget smash hit from 1999, which saw a group of college students getting hopelessly lost in a creepy forest.
The Saw Alive Horror Maze, previously a permanent attraction in Thorpe Park's line-up, will make a temporary return for the Fright Nights events. Located close to Saw - The Ride, it sees guests being tormented by twisted genius Jigsaw. The set-pieces include the iconic bathroom set from the first movie, a live electric fence and chained-up bodies.
The Asylum is expected to be back in 2013. Located in its usual position at the back of Thorpe Park, the maze will once again sees brave guests attempting to break out of a mental hospital in meltdown.
A final attraction will be based on You're Next, due to debut in UK cinemas on August 28. Killers wearing animal masks will roam the park's grounds, stalking guests.
Announcing the Fright Nights events, Thorpe Park's marketing director Jason Wills said: "We are hugely excited about this partnership with Lionsgate. Fright Nights promises to be horrifically immersive, yet entertaining. A team of specially-trained scare actors is being recruited to deliver what will undoubtedly be the UK's premier Halloween event – near London, without the need to go to Florida."
Lionsgate UK's CEO Guy Avshalom ocmmented: "We are delighted to be partnering with THORPE PARK particularly following the success of our collaboration on the world's first horror movie themed rollercoaster Saw – The Ride and live action horror maze, Saw Alive. The mix of the park's world-class rollercoasters and our acclaimed horror films will be a sure-fire win with thrill seekers and horror fans alike".
For more more information on the Fright Nights events, and to book tickets, visit the Thorpe Park website.


text:
Fizzy Sidewalk Painting02 August
Everyone seemed to be in a crabby mood today, so I decided to look around online for something fun to do. I found fizzy painting on pinterest, and started wondering if I could use it outside somehow. To my surprise I found instructions for it on the same site (Time for Play)!
I had no idea how big of a container of baking soda they used, so I just kind of made up my amounts. I probably used around 1 1/2 C of baking soda, 1/2 C of cornstarch, and 3/4 C hot water. I divided it into 3 parts and mixed in red, blue, and yellow food coloring. Now if you let it sit it separates a bit, and when you mix it, it reminds you of oobleck. Maybe I should have used more water, but it would have been so thin.
Then I turned the kids loose with paintbrushes. Even Eli thought it was great fun to paint.
Then I introduced a spray bottle filled with vinegar, and the fun began! They would paint and spray and paint and spray.
Then Eli accidentally knocked over the cup of blue paint. Bria started spraying it, and they realized how much more of a mess they could really make. So all the colors got dumped and sprayed. And the clumps in the bottom of the cup (which basically were colored oobleck) got dug out and sprayed.
They sprayed and splashed and sprayed some more until they were out of vinegar.
Then Bria wanted to see what affect water would have. She filled the bottle and splashed it on. She looked down, and says, "It made a hole!" So there was more splashing, and most of the paint was washed away!
Well at least from the sidewalk.


text:
Found 0 ads
CediSell.com is a website where you can buy and sell almost everything. The best deals are often done with people who live in your own city or on your own street, so on CediSell it's easy to buy and sell globally. All you have to do is select your package.
For Advertisement Graphic Designing Solution, Please contact below;
Phone: +233543052955/+233540689564
WhatsApp: +233504553596/+233540689564
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
E-Mail: email@example.com


text:
IT Financial Management (ITFM) has become one of the most important initiatives for any organization. When IT can improve service while lowering costs, everyone benefits. Unfortunately, this is not always the result.
Bad implementations happen – some 30% of ITFM tool implementations fail to meet expectations, according to research and advisory firm Gartner, Inc.
But with the right planning and roadmap, your ITFM deployment will not only succeed – it will flourish. This eBook provides a roadmap to leading a successful ITFM implementation.
In this eBook, you'll learn:
- Secrets to proving value early
- Common enemies of a successful implementation
- How to avoid "precision traps"


text:
Editorial for Chinese Annals of History of Science and Technology
Zhang Baichun, Jürgen Renn (Editors-in-Chief)
Chinese science and technology have interacted with other cultural traditions, both directly and indirectly, for thousands of years. The ongoing discussions of "Silk Road," or rather "Silk Roads" are emblematic of knowledge dissemination and the global connectivity of Chinese society. Modern Chinese science and technology can be understood as the product of practical, technical and theoretical knowledge developments in China, and an exchange with Western learning and other knowledge traditions. The distinctive history of Chinese science and technology can help us to understand how science and technology emerges and evolves and how it is communicated in globalization processes. Historical sources and new archaeological discoveries in China have been intensively studied since the beginning of the twentieth century. The results of this research, however, have been published mainly in Chinese, so that the vast majority of results and historical data remain unknown to the international community.
Research on history of science and technology began to be professionalized and institutionalized in China after the 1950s. Even earlier, Joseph Needham and other non-Chinese scholars undertook pioneering studies on Chinese science and technology. International academic conferences followed, and a great number of articles were published. A variety of approaches emerged: sinologists explored science and technology with respect to Chinese culture, considering cultural, economic, social and political factors. Historians, on the other hand, attached greater importance to the discussion of methodologies and historiographical questions in studying the relation between science, technology, and society. All of the studies undertaken, both by Chinese and non-Chinese scholars, are important and, despite their different approaches, clearly complement one other. In recent years, the study of history of science and technology in processes of globalization has become a new research focus, with the development of science and technology in China attracting increasing attention from the international community. Chinese and non-Chinese scholars, however, are still unable to easily benefit from each other's work, with one of the main reasons being a lack of joint communication platforms.
The Chinese Annals of History of Science and Technology (CAHST) has been established by the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences and the Science Press to offer a broad platform for the exchange of research results. This platform will support further research on the formation and development of science and technology in China and disseminate the results both in China and in other parts of the world. CAHST is a peer-reviewed international journal that encourages studies with different perspectives and approaches, especially interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and transnational studies on the history of science and knowledge, including issues of dissemination and transformation that go beyond the Chinese tradition. We hope that CAHST will bring to the international academic community a new understanding of the diversity and global character of science and technology, as well as introduce the varied and rich traditions of research in China.
CAHST will publish longer research papers and reviews, but also specific studies on original documents and archaeological findings. Review essays on previous research and ongoing discussions and controversies on historiography or methodology are also welcomed. We aim to make each issue of this journal thematic, with more or less homogeneous subject matter. CAHST also encourages the submission of conference reports, and proposals for special issues edited by guest editors, or by specific research teams. The International Editorial Committee of CAHST comprises historians and sinologists from various countries and includes international experts versed in history of science and technology who will take into account a wide range of disciplines and cultural traditions.
The current issue focuses on ancient Chinese history and brings together archaeological studies with the study of ancient texts. It is a combination of contributions offering new findings with invited reviews that introduce readers who are not experts in the history of Chinese science and technology to developments in particular fields. Some papers are published here for the first time, and others have been published previously in Chinese and are presented here for the first time in English. Our hope is to provide non-Chinese-speaking readers with the opportunity to access the riches of current research in China on the history of science and technology. While all papers make reference to both Chinese and Western literature, there is a prevalence of Chinese sources, reflecting the academic context in which these papers emerged. This highlights the gap that still exists between Chinese and Western academic contexts in the humanities, a gap that this journal aims eventually to close. Most of the contributors to this first issue are affiliated with the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences. We are grateful for their willingness to contribute to this pioneering effort. For future issues, the thematic scope will be widened substantially and also include papers on subjects pertaining to later history and of course we welcome all relevant submissions from wherever they may come.
Zhang Baichun, Jürgen Renn: Editorial... i
Feng Lisheng: On the Structure and Functions of the Multiplication Table in the Tsinghua Collection of Bamboo Slips... 1
Zou Dahai: An Elementary Study of the Unearthed Mathematics Book, Suanshu Shu... 24
Zhao Zhijun: Archaeobotanical Data for Research on the Introduction of Wheat into China... 59
Su Rongyu: Archaeologist-Led Studies on Bronze Casting in Ancient China: 1928-2000... 80
Li Yuanzhi et al.: The Lost-Wax Process in the Pre-Qin Period: A Bronze Appendage with Hollow Snake Patterns from the Tomb of Duke Ning of Xu... 98
Dai Nianzu: An Experiment on Releasing Water from Water Tanks by Xu Youzhen during the Ming Dynasty... 116
Style Guide... 121
Zhang Baichun, Jürgen Renn
Editorial Board
Nadia Asheulova (St. Petersburg Branch of Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of Sciences)
William G. Boltz (University of Washington)
Francesca Bray (University of Edinburgh)
Chang Chia-feng (Taiwan University)
Chang Qing (Tongji University, Shanghai)
Karine Chemla (Université Paris 7)
Joseph W. Dauben (City University of New York)
Fan Fa-ti (State University of New York, Binghamton)
Rivka Feldhay (Tel Aviv University)
Feng Lisheng (Tsinghua University, Beijing)
Han Qi (Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, CAS)
Takehiko Hashimoto (University of Tokyo)
Hu Danian (University of New York City)
Hu Shenghua (Science Press, Beijing)
Kim Yung Sik (Seoul National University)
Eberhard Knobloch (Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities)
Wolfgang König (Technische Universität Berlin)
Alfons Labisch (Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf)
Mei Jianjun (The Needham Research Institute)
Dagmar Schäfer (Max Planck Institute for the History of Science)
Matthias Schemmel (Max Planck Institute for the History of Science)
Shi Yunli (University of Science and Technology of China)
Tian Miao (Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, CAS)
Hans Ulrich Vogel (Universität Tübingen)
Wang Zuoyue (California State Polytechnic University)
Yeang Chen-Pang (University of Toronto)
Zhang Daqing (Peking University)
Zhang Jiuchen (Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, CAS)
Zhao Zhijun (Institute of Archaeology, CASS)
Editorial Office
Institute for the History of Natural Sciences, CAS.
55 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Tel: +86-10-57552521
Fax: +86-10-57552567
Managing Editors
Chen Wei, Dong Min, Liu Yexin, Lü Xin, Yu Yueyuan
English Editors
Lindy Divarci, John Moffett
Address: 16 Donghuangchenggen North Street, Beijing 100717, China
Tel: +86-10-64017032


text:
Think back, if you can, to the time before the tragic attacks on 9/11/2001. Back before news reports of bombings, massacres, and violence became daily occurrences. Back when former President George W. Bush first declared the "War on Terror" fifteen years ago, hardly anyone thought that terrorism would be an even larger issue fifteen years later (Source). Despite countless bombings, military operations and invasions throughout most of the middle-east, terrorism does not appear to be going away anytime soon.
Many politicians and news personalities claim that we are simply not dropping enough bombs. Usually these individuals consider themselves to be"hard" and argue that the whole problem can be solved by simply using more military force, and anyone who disagrees is simply "soft" or a bleeding-heart. While those "hard" individuals preach a tough rhetoric, they are almost never the ones that would be actually going to war. In case you are, or know one of these people, please realize that there is literally absolutely nothing tough or hard about talking tough, while you send other people to do the fighting for you. Unless… maybe by "hard" they are referring to their heads! You would have to be pretty dense to not realize that we have literally been bombing the hell out of suspected terrorists for fifteen years. Despite the over 2 million casualties in the middle-east, and countless bombs dropped, terrorism is a larger issue than ever before. How long does it take to realize that a strategy isn't working? Apparently in the case of the War on Terror, fifteen years has not been long enough.
In order to start thinking of real potential solutions to terrorism, we need to first understand what causes terrorism in the first place. Contrary to the propaganda claiming that all terrorists are on a mission to destroy freedom and democracy, most terrorist see themselves as freedom fighters, defending their homeland (Source). Another misconception (covered in the previous source also) is that religious fanaticism is itself the cause of terrorism. The fact is that there is no single "cause" of terrorism, but rather a series of conditions that allow terrorism to thrive. Conditions such as poverty, lack of jobs, poor living conditions, and resentment towards an invading force are among the major conditions that seem to breed terrorists(Source). Unfortunately, the U.S. led campaign throughout the middle-east has produced the perfect environment for extremism to thrive. Think about it for a second, how would you react to having your home destroyed, and family members killed by a drone from a foreign country, because your neighbor was a suspected terrorist? Whenever you hear the term "collateral damage" this is exactly the kind of situation that is being described.
If we are ever going to stop terrorism we need to take a step back and look at the issue as objectively as possible. The sad truth is that it looks like there is no easy solution, and unfortunately, there will undoubtedly be countless more deaths before The War on Terror is finally over. While I do not have a simple solution to propose myself, I do know one thing; more bloodshed is not going to solve this problem, it will only propetuate the cycle of violence. Check out the video link below from VICE to learn more about this topic.
Contributed by F.B.


text:
14 Golden Orchid Dr, Airlie Beach
Mediterranean Resorts are luxurious apartments with magnificent Coral Sea and Whitsunday island views. The apartment complex is ideally positioned, offering all the right ingredients to enable you to experience every wonderful aspect of The Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. It's just a short stroll to the heart of the holiday village of Airlie Beach. where you'll find beachside boutiques, outdoor cafes and many restaurants to suit all tastes.
The resort facilities include 2 beautiful private saltwater pools, both with outstanding views, and a spa in which to refresh. For absolute privacy there are 3 rooftop terraces each with its own heated spa and furniture to enjoy the starry nights and the panoramic view. A gas barbeque is also available for guest's use.
A luxurious holiday apartment awaits you at Mediterranean Resorts Whitsunday. This premier holiday destination is perfect for visitors seeking the ultimate Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef holiday experience. Mediterranean Resorts offers affordable luxury in self contained 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas, honeymoon suites plus a choice of 3 or 4 bedroom penthouses.
The private balconies and spacious apartments offer unsurpassed views across the Coral Sea and the magnificent Whitsunday Islands.
For those who require pampering, the resort can arrange massage, hairdressing, manicure, and other beauty treatments right here in the privacy of your own villa.
How about a romantic dinner or a special dinner party prepared and served for you in your villa by a gourmet chef?
Situated on the side of hill you may require your own transport and this can be arranged - anything from scooters to sports cars are available for hire and there is an excellent taxi or limo service on request.
For the more energetic there are organised jogging times and routes on request, plus an excellent fitness centre nearby.
Imagine waking to the the breathtaking sparkling turquoise waters of Airlie Beach from your balcony, or enjoying a chilled drink from your own private spa while taking in the unsurpassed views of the nearby Whitsunday Islands.
Mediterranean Resorts Whitsunday is one of the few premier holiday apartment properties in Airlie Beach able to offer 3 bedroom and penthouse accommodation.
Mediteranean Resort's spacious apartments offer unsurpassed luxury and style to provide an unforgettable Whitsunday holiday.
Their apartments come complete with cable television, private laundry facilities, and separate lounge/dining areas and private laundry facilities. And your lock up garage will ensure your car is safe while you enjoy your stay.


text:
The violence in Mexico has been on the upswing since the 1990's. From horrific news reports to movies like Traffic, the war on drugs in Mexico is a real war. Sadly it's been one of mostly casualties.
Desperate to resolve the situation, the President of Mexico and many in the US media, horrified at the violence, claim that up to 90% of the guns there come from the US. Some even claim that fully automatic rifles and machine guns (banned or heavly restricted in the US and banned outright in Mexico) come from the US. Not true.
The violence stems from the failure of Mexican institutions to function. The police and military are corrupt. Soldiers and cops desert their posts (taking their weapons with them). Many are on the take or owned outright by the cartels. A whole unit deserted to work for the cartels. Los Zetas was a special forces unit of the Mexican army paid for and trained by the US. They deserted and now are almost a cartel themselves.
The failure of government to enforce the little things makes the bigger crimes possible.
From City Journal comes this tale:
The Truth About Policing and Skid Row:
For 25 years, Skid Row constituted a real-world experiment in the application of homeless-advocate ideology. The squalor that engulfed the 50-block district just east of downtown Los Angeles was the direct outgrowth of advocates' claims that the homeless should be exempt from the rules of ordinary society. The result was not a reign of peace and love among society's underdogs, but rather brutal predation and depravity. Occupants of the filthy tents and lean-tos that covered every inch of sidewalk in the area pimped each other out and stole from, stabbed, and occasionally killed one another. Gangs and pushers from South Central and East Los Angeles operated with impunity under cover of the chaos that reigned on the streets.
The intrepid small wholesalers and warehouse owners who tried to keep the area's once vigorous commercial trade alive removed feces, condoms, and hypodermic needles from the entrance to their properties every morning. Elderly residents of the local Single Room Occupancy hotels were imprisoned in their tiny apartments, terrified to go outside.
A hell on Earth created by social activists causes a spike in murders, drugs and other crime. A fatal shooting happened inside a "clinic" operated by some bleeding hearts. Lax rules and no police presence caused a double homicide.
In 2006, Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton announced a full-scale attack on Skid Row anarchy. His Safer City Initiative (SCI) would be a demonstration project, he said, for Broken Windows theory, which holds that tolerance for low-level forms of crime and disorder allows more serious crime to fester. When the police started enforcing jaywalking, public urination, and public camping laws, thousands of warrant absconders and violent parolees on the lam lost their refuge. Order gradually returned to the streets.
Skid Row's radical social-service providers and public-housing advocates declared war on the Safer City Initiative. They directed a nonstop barrage of propaganda and lawsuits against the LAPD, claiming that its officers were abusing the poor on behalf of would-be gentrifiers. One of the most vocal critics was Casey Horan, executive director of Lamp Community and a highly public presence in Skid Row politics.
Given Horan's long record of opposition to assertive policing, jaws dropped all over Skid Row on the morning of August 12, 2009, when the Los Angeles Times quoted Horan criticizing the LAPD for not fighting lawless behavior aggressively enough. Horan's about-face came in a Times exposé of the reckless mismanagement at Lamp that had led to a double murder in April. Horan's desperate effort to deflect responsibility for the violence in her own facility contradicted everything she had ever said against the Safer City Initiative and blew apart the advocates' longstanding opposition to proactive policing.
At around 5 am on April 12 (Easter Sunday), a drug dealer and an associate were gunned down while watching TV in a Lamp residence.
And so the article continues.
Broken windows. Drug legalization and gun bans do nothing. Without the will or ability to enforce basic laws and rules, society breaks down. Criminals see a green light to step in. Like Skid Row, the poor sections of Mexico have no police presence, or the police are part of the problem. No functioning government, so criminals can operate in the open.
Now "War Is Boring"'s Zach Rosenburg puts forth some solutions to the violence in Mexico.
South of the Border, Part Two:
2) Tighten restrictions on weapon purchases through new restrictions or better enforcement. Of course, the cartels can — and do — obtain weaponry elsewhere, but the quality, quantity, and ease of obtaining high-grade weaponry here makes the U.S. a natural arms market.* Denying them the opportunity to use American weapons may substantially raise the risk, and thereby the cost, of purchasing weapons. However, as any politician knows, legislating anything to do with guns invokes the wrath of constituents like little else. Politicians in the American Southwest, who have the greatest interest in stopping violence in Mexico, also have the constituencies least likely to agree with restrictions on weapons. Better enforcement is certainly a possibility, but many of the weapons going to Mexico are legal until they actually cross the border.
3) Tighten restrictions on money to deny cartels their profits. The same principles above apply to this idea. Americans generally do not appreciate restrictions to the free flow of cash, and there are easy ways around the restrictions in place.
4) Allow the shipments of the least violent organizations through while cracking down on the most violent, allowing the more peaceful smugglers a crucial competitive edge. Frankly, I don't know if this ideal organization exists, but by clearly favoring organizations that do the least damage to the extent that it creates a major price disparity, other groups are given an incentive to do less harm. Alternately, as a certain amount of violence in Mexico is due to smuggling groups fighting each other, allowing one group a monopoly on the best smuggling routes could lead to much less competition.
5) Bankrupt Mexican smugglers by encouraging alternate smuggling routes or production from less harmful places. Take radars down from Caribbean routes; stop patrolling the Canadian border; let more Asian cargoes through without inspection. Allow the competition easier access to American markets, thus denying Mexican cartels a competitive edge. Canadian institutions are likely to be less susceptible to corrupting influences than Mexican institutions; violence in northern Cambodia would not affect as many Americans as in northern Mexico. Will coca grow in Asian climates?
7) Put smuggling organizations in a position where the costs of violence are far outweighed by the benefits of nonviolence.
Back to City Journal and the Safe Streets Initative:
One of the most vocal critics was Casey Horan, executive director of Lamp Community and a highly public presence in Skid Row politics. Lamp is a subsidized housing provider that counsels its mentally ill clients to use drugs "safely"—an approach to drug treatment known as "harm reduction"—rather than requiring abstinence from drugs as a condition of residency. Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez has championed Horan, giving Lamp a prominent and always virtuous role in his book and subsequent movie about Skid Row, The Soloist.
Horan's denial that the Lodge sheltered a busy drug trade was childish but hardly surprising. Her explanation for how the murders could have happened in her facility, however, was nothing short of stunning. She had the gall to blame the police for the murders—because they weren't policing aggressively enough on Skid Row, she said! "It was really the Wild West out there," Horan sniffed. "We were aware that this is bleeding through our doors." The "LAPD did not adequately police the area immediately outside the Lodge," the Times paraphrased her as saying, "despite numerous calls Lamp made to them about crime there."
No reduction of our freedoms will fix Mexican violence. Only a stable Mexican government will do that. Unless they have the will, gun bans are meaningless. Reducing American demand will help, but the Zetas are going global. Drugs are popular all over the world, we just happen to be a neighbor to a nearly failed state. Even the biggest cities swim in garbage, pollution, crime and poverty run rampant. In El Paso, you can see the lack of basic services from the border. What good would there be in trying to reduce harm when the cartels' money goes farther in the crushing poverty of the cities they operate in?
Lax enforcement of our laws in not the answer. Yes we need to reduce demand in the states, but that only works if drug use and distribution is a crime. Otherwise addicts have no incentive to get clean. "Harm reduction" does not work. With no teeth, people don't care about the law. That's why addicts and dealers shot up the "clinics" in Skid Row. That is why the cartels will walk allover lax enforcement. Worse, terrorists will expolit it to strike at America. Broken Windows indeed.
Just as there was no harm reduction in Skid Row, there will be no harm reduction in Mexico. They need to win this one. The cartels must not be able to run and hide. These are not social clubs, they kill without mercy. We can help the people turn the tide, but Mexicans must fight their own battles. From beating the cartels to fixing the potholes. It's their battle to win or lose.