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Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 552
Location: Central Kentucky
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:27 pm
Post subject: Customer Service Rant
How do you define customer service? Apparently, retailers like Williams-Sonoma define it differently than I do.
Just before leaving on vacation we went into the local W-S to buy some knives. I've decided to assemble a culinary travel kit separate from my household stuff. By the time I'm done I'll probably have a thousand bucks tied up in knives and other cutlery.
So, figuring to start with a chef's knife, we asked to see several of them. The clerk rather reluctantly opened the display case (I mean, after all, she managed to show up for work; kind of mean of us to expect that she'll do her job as well).
We choose a couple of models to look at. And then I asked her for a cutting board to work on. "Whatever for? she asked. "So I can get a feel for how the knife fits in my hand when I'm working with it," I told her.
"Oh, no. You can't do that," she replied. "Because then it would be a used knife." We're talking knives from the display case, mind you. And the last time I bought a knife, from a real store, not only did they give me a board to work on, the clerk actually brought out an onion "so you can really feel how that knife works." Obviously, she wanted to make a sale. But the clerk at W-S could care less.
We walked out, vowing to not return to Williams-Sonoma. And, with that sort of imcompetence, it's easy to understand why they're in such financial trouble.
OK, jump ahead. This morning I attempted to contact W-S about that problem. For starters, nowhere on their site do the words "customer service" even appear. But there is a "contact us" navigation button. So that's where I went.
Apparently, W-S is interested in everything except identifying and resolving problems. The contact site tells me how to get a catalog. And how to track an order. And how to send W-S info to a friend. And, stuck on the bottom, is a response form. You fill out your contact info. And then you explain what you want. Except it's limited to 1,000 characters.
Alright, I managed to condense the problem into 800 some odd characters (including spaces). But it wouldn't go through because, the error message said, it "contained invalid characters." No other explanation. But I'm guessing they were confused by characters like "a" and "t" and maybe even "w."
So I sent a semi-nasty comment instead, telling them what I thought of their site, and their lack of customer service. Next comes an automatically generated response with this last paragraph:
>Have you checked out our Customer Service page? You will find order tracking and shipping information, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our products and company at:
This is the first time the words "customer service" appear anywhere. And, if you follow the link, it merely takes you back to the same "contact us" page where you started.
I don't know who Williams-Sonoma's target audience is. But it obviously isn't serious cooks who know what they're doing. And whatever they're definition of customer service is, it doesn't fit any definition I'm familiar with.
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Joined: 23 Jan 2006
Posts: 1324
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:06 pm
Post subject:
Well, I sure love to look through the gorgeous Williams-Sonoma catalogs, and I get sucked in often, and I'm sure nearly everything I've ever bought from W-S has been overpriced. However-- (this will probably be a ramble rather than a rant)--
A store should
let you handle the knives, but I can see problems with cutting food in the store. It seems like an experienced cook would know from the feel of the knife how it would slice, and an inexperienced one wouldn't know the difference. What if a customer wanted to try it out with raw chicken? Who's gonna clean the cutting board? The employee who is dressed clean and neat for the customers? Problems with sanitation and food splattering and smells in the mall! A small specialty shop that holds a few people at a time could do this better, maybe. I think it's possible to find any level of customer service you want,
if you're willing to pay for it
There are just too many people browsing in a big place like that to have chopping and slicing and maybe even accidental finger-knicking (blood on the counter might put off the customer who came in for cupcake liners!)
There are so many different knives, I wouldn't expect a store to be willing to soil every one. Also, when the "new models" come in, surely they don't just throw out the display case knives--I think maybe they do sell them.
If I'm aware that a store has a certain policy I wouldn't try to "test" or "push" it further, but I'm pretty timid. Of course NO rudeness or snobbishness should ever come from an employee no matter HOW pretty the damn casserole dishes are!
As far as the website goes, "Contact Us" instead of "Customer Service" doesn't bother me, it's sort of nicely direct-- and, like FAQ lists, it's probably set up that way to use their time to the best advantage. Can't blame 'em for that. But of course it's maddening when you have a gripe--you'll please let us know what they say back to you??!!
Maybe Erin will read this, she's a professional chef and particular about her knives. Or anybody--other opinions?
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Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 552
Location: Central Kentucky
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:48 pm
Post subject:
I wouldn't expect a store to let me use a knife on food. That's an unreasonable request, IMO. The one time it happened was totally unlooked for.
But the idea that I can't determine the fit and feel of a knife before buying one is alien to me. I've never been anywhere that they won't let you do that. Even BB&B, if you ask, will open one of those clamshell-packed knives so you can get a better idea if it's right for you.
You miss the point about "contact us" vs "customer service." It isn't a matter of semantics. It's a question of orientation. Using the W-S site it is all but impossible to register a serious complaint. Do you have any idea how few characters 1,000 is? To give you an idea, this paragraph alone has 354 of them. More than one third of the allotted space.
They do not provide a street address, so you can't write them. They have no other email address on the site, so you can't write customer service directly. And the 800 number directs you to a voicemail system in which none of the choices seem to fit. Oh, yeah. You can fax them, if you're willing to incur the cost of doing that on a maybe.
I don't understand your reference to Erin. I'm very particular about my knives. That's why I insist on handling them before buying. But a knife that I find balanced and comfortable to use might not fit her needs.
That's the very point.
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Joined: 23 Jan 2006
Posts: 1324
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:49 pm
Post subject:
Oh--I got the impression you were mad at W-S for not letting you actually use the knife--you said the "real" store brought you a cutting board and an onion.
You wrote: "You miss the point about "contact us" vs "customer service." It isn't a matter of semantics. It's a question of orientation. Using the W-S site it is all but impossible to register a serious complaint. Do you have any idea how few characters 1,000 is? To give you an idea, this paragraph alone has 354 of them. More than one third of the allotted space."
KYHeirloomer, with the above paragraph you stated a problem, included (5) side comments, and asked a question--all in 354 characters-- about one third of the allotted space! (Sorry, I know you're a writer, couldn't help but point this out!) 1000 characters is really probably adequate.
I'm curious about the "invalid characters"--sometimes, online, this just means quotation marks--because they figure it isn't important what was said, but what happened? Of course, what was said can be WAY
more important, depending on what was said.
I'd like Erin (or anyone/everyone) to answer your original question -- "How do you define customer service?" because she also has mentioned how important her knives are. I wonder how far she thinks a merchant reasonably needs to go. I suppose the answer would be different for each person.
The quality of knives, the quality of customer service--apples and oranges?
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Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 552
Location: Central Kentucky
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:22 pm
Post subject:
Just so we're clear, Ginger, what I expected from W-S is that they'd let be handle the knife just as if I were using it. I could make all the appropriate cutting--chopping--mincing---slicing motions with it that I would if I had it at home, just without actual foodstuffs.
I do not consider that unreasonable. And it's something every other knife vendor I know of allows.
The only time I might forgo that is if I were buying the same make/model I already was familiar with.
>with the above paragraph you stated a problem, included (5) side comments<
Being as you brought it up.... That paragraph is comprehensible only because it refers back to something you said. So there was no need to state the basic problem at all. With my W-S problem there was. Ironically, your paragraph dealing with that issue also was 344 characters.
If you look at my original post, just the text dealing directly with the problem takes almost 1,300 characters---and doesn't really do an adequate job. I was able to boil that down to their requirements; which, of course, made it rather telegraphic. But it didn't matter because their system wouldn't accept it anyway.
None of which is relevent to the fact that W-S seems dedicated to avoiding customer service issues, rather than resolving them.
There have been further exchanges, btw, mostly automatically generated emails on their part, and one live person response from the regional manager. Maybe there's hope from her. But nowhere else, because the next to last one from California said, in effect, that any problem you have with a retail store is none of corporate's business. No kidding!
Anyway, back to customer service in general. Customer service should have nothing to do with a product or person, per se. The fact that I had a poorly-trained clerk, for instance, is not the real problem. The question is: What happens after an issue arises? How does the company handle it?
Hopefully, they resolve the issue in a way that's good for both parties. Or at least make a sincere effort to do so. That's good customer service. If not, it's bad customer service. And that's when you actually have a problem.
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Joined: 14 Oct 2005
Posts: 827
Location: Oakland, CA
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:28 pm
Post subject:
Oh KYH, totally with you on this one. Yesterday a friend had a go-round with a bank who shut down his account without contacting him. It was due to some fraudulent activity by someone in Spain. But he couldn't get through to a human being on the phone and finally had to leave work for an hour to go to a branch and solve the problem.
Today, I just got off the phone with my son after a 2 hour wrangle with At &T. Yesterday he had his i-phone stolen and today went to AT&T for a replacement. In this case, it was an untrained clerk, who really didn't know what he was doing or how to resolve the problem that arose because the new i-phone doesn't come out for 2 weeks and if my son bought an inexpensive new phone today he wouldn't be eligible for the "upgrade" lower price on the new i-phone later. The bottom line is that there was NO ONE in the store who could answer the questions he had and there was no apparent solutions to the folks working there - nor did they care to search for a solution. The "manager" seemed as clueless as the clerks. He felt the same way you did - they seemed put out at having to deal with him and his questions. He finally solved the problem himself by buying a cheap "pay as you go" phone at K-Mart and haing his number attached to it. Now, he should go online and complain - but that takes up more of his time and causes him to feel aggravated. So he likely will not complain and then At &T continues on their merry way providing poor - or terrible - "customer service".
As I see it, if a company makes it difficult to impossible to complain about the treatment we receive, that's not customer service. IMO, what they want is for us to shut up and go away. Frustrating!
And yes, I agree that you should be able to handle the knives before you buy them!
L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais
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Joined: 23 Jan 2006
Posts: 1324
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:31 am
Post subject:
Wait--now I'm confused--the clerk...reluctantly opened the display case--and you "chose a couple of models to look at"--but you were not allowed to touch them?
You never actually handled the knives? The clerk wouldn't let you touch them or heft them? That's different, of course. I thought you declined to do further business because no cutting board was provided. (If the clerk literally wouldn't let you hold the knife, I KNOW you could get
into one or two succinct sentences!) I guess the question is -- were you, or were you not , allowed to handle the knives?
Donna, please more detail (if you feel like pursuing this)-- I get that his phone was stolen, (not the fault of AT&T) so that phone is gone, and he's unable to get a good deal on another phone that will be sold... in the future? So far I don't see any injustice! (Unless AT&T promised otherwise in a promotion?)
One day a few years ago, in a perfectly rational (to me) buying frenzy, I charged several wonderful porcelain things to grace my table
from a Dutch import company
to my Visa. Yep, Visa shut me down because of the unusual out-of-the-country transactions, the fact that there were several in a row, and the fact that it wasn't my usual $20-$30 dollar fun-on-eBay purchase. After I realized what happened, I saw that maybe this is a good idea, to put on the brakes if something Unusual happens on a credit card account. It was straightened out with a phone call. It would have taken more than a phone call to straighten out if it had been a theft--identity-theft-type theft.
Yes, I'm defending the phone company, credit card company, and yuppie-Food-Network-parasite-commercial-establishments. But only when I think they're in the clear!
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Joined: 18 Oct 2004
Posts: 1654
Location: Within view of Elliot Bay, The Olympics and every ship in the Sound
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:50 am
Post subject:
Yowser. . .
Being a former master of customer service myself I define it as going above and beyond for the customer. I actually took pride in being an expert at dealing with difficult customers. I once called and harassed several other stores then drove 30 miles because a customer that others deemed to be a giant pain needed a discontinued espresso machine in a specific and very hard to find color. So I have some pretty strong feelings about customer service. I also believe customers should follow a certain protocol and treat workers with respect, but that is a different subject. On the subject of customer service websites and or telephone numbers, am still recovering from a 20 minute Kafka-esque phone call with Swedish Hospital.
A hospital.
Good luck with you knife hunt. I recommend resurrecting an old thread on the subject if you need more info.
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."
"It's hot ham water."
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Joined: 14 Oct 2005
Posts: 827
Location: Oakland, CA
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:46 am
Post subject:
No Gingerpale. In neither case was there any injustice. In Ben's case, there was no one in the store who could help him problem solve. He knew he had to wait 2 weeks for the phone, but no one cared to help him figure out what to do - without losing his upgrade. They really were quite indifferent to him and actually left him at the counter to deal with other customers 2 times. I am not accusing ATt &T of injustice, just poor customer service.
In Tim's case, he was upset that his bank account was locked
without contacting him
and when he tried to reach someone at the bank by phone, it kept disconnecting him and he could never hit the right combination of buttons that would lead him to a PERSON. He wasn't unhappy that they shut down his account - he obviously was not in Spain charging things. He was unhappy that he had to leave work for an hour to go to a branch to solve the problem because they didn't let him know they had shut down the account and he couldn't reach anyone by phone. That's BAD customer service - on two accounts.
Years ago, I was about to leave town on vacation and was packing when I noticed that a brand new pair of shoes (never worn) had a problem with the sole coming apart. I called the store, thinking I would ask them to put a replacement pair aside until I could get in, later in the evening. When they heard my story, they sent someone to my house with replacement shoes! This was Nordstrom. They remain the ideal of customer service to me and I will ALWAYS be a customer there. Erin, you are right in there with the Nordstrom model!
As I said, AT&T really didn't WANT to help Ben. If they had, the problem could have been solved in minutes, not hours. He had to come up with the solution himself. They wanted to make money off him and that's all they wanted.
That said, I must say that I have always gotten quite good service at AT&T - both by phone and in the store. So, it's not universal and when it occurs, it deserves to be noted.
Defend away, GP, but until companies start training their employees to provide good information and customer care and then providing ways for customers to contact them when there IS a problem, the customer continues to get screwed.
L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais
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Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 552
Location: Central Kentucky
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 3:47 am
Post subject:
Ya know, Erin, I'm the first to applaud exceptional service. In fact, I'm one of the few people I know who send complimentary letters as well as complaining ones.
But nowadays, it seems, going above and beyond just means doing the basic job you're being paid for. It's like somebody handed out I don't care pills, and everyone takes them on a daily basis.
Not the world I grew up in, that's for sure.
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Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 368
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:53 pm
Post subject:
I'm a little hesitant to jump in here, but the W-S situation you describe was too familiar. In recent years it seems they've wanted to protect the merchandise from the customers. Not to be entirely critical - I shopped there in the past happy and was happy with my purchases. And once I used one of their freebie recipe books to recreate their version of Thanksgiving dinner, and it was sublime. Every recipe rocked.
But in terms of consistent, good, customer service, I've been annoyed more often than not, and now take my business to one of the many other options now available.
This has made me think of something though - while I can list what makes good customer service, I wonder what a business owner would say makes a good customer. Apart from the obvious - a good customer spends money - I wonder what other characteristics make business owners glad to have a customer relationship with a particular person.
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Joined: 14 Oct 2005
Posts: 827
Location: Oakland, CA
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:53 pm
Post subject:
One problem, as I see it, is that all these companies are big nationwide organizations. W-S can afford to lose a customer in Central Kentucky, because they've got a million others in the other 49 states. AT&T has a monopoly on the i-phone, so they know they have Ben locked in - there's no NEED to provide customer service. He will go back, no matter how shabbily they treat him.
In contrast are the small neighborhood shops - like the little kitchen shop in my neighborhood. They don't carry NEARLY as many products as W-S - but if I ask for something, they go out of their way to find it. Last year, several months after I casually mentioned that I was looking for French onion soup bowls, I got a call that the owner had located some she thought I might like! And she was correct, I did like them! THAT'S customer service! And when a vegetable peeler broke after only a couple of months, they replaced it. They know me personally and make an attempt to keep me as a customer, because they know their business depends on it.
That's why I think it's imperative that if a large company provides excellent customer service, or no customer service at all, we should be able to get in touch with them to sing their praises or bitch about it. (KYH, I also go online or write letters when I've gotten excellent service.)
L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais
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Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 552
Location: Central Kentucky
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:54 pm
Post subject:
I'm a big believer in shopping at those small specialty shops, Donna. If we don't support them Walmart will own the world.
The problem is, there just aren't any of them 'round heah. I'm not kidding when I say this is, from a culinary standpoint, a wasteland.
I have to go to Lexington---30+ miles away---to find anything. And then it's places like W-S, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. There's not even a restaurant supply place there, in what is the second largest c ity in the state.
I've been ferreting out ethinic places for foodstuffs. But if I need any sort of kitchen tools, it's either those big guys or on-line.
I always laugh when Emeril and those guys say, "you can find it everywhere..." Apparently, central Kentucky is part of everywhere.
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Joined: 23 Jan 2006
Posts: 1324
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:49 pm
Post subject:
msue, I hate it when a salesperson acts as if they are superior in knowledge--and I know they hate it when I act that way toward them! So I think "lack of attitude" would be rule #1 if there is a service/product problem.
Small shops are wonderful--but I get tugged 20 ways--I see the headline "Brad Pitt spends more money that most people will see in a lifetime on ugly furniture" and you KNOW he wasn't shopping at IKEA, he was supporting an independent! Sometimes I think boutiques gouge, because they can. But if stop buying from China, India, Bangladesh, will some poor children have even less?
Right now I can get a copy of "Chocolate & Zucchini" and the profits will go to Broadway Publishing, Amazon, and Clotilde. OR I could support one of the small online bookshops selling used books, save myself 2 or 3 dollars. Am I cheating Clotilde or helping a small business owner?
It's sad that some small shops could be the least prepared to take an extra financial blow for a customer. I always picture some scenario--store stays open an extra half-hour for me because I ask them to--smiles all around, but there is a daughter at home forced to do extra babysitting duty for siblings--Mom is late again, daughter's evening plans suffer. But maybe the porcelain lollipop I just bought was marked up 700%, helping to put bratty daughter through college.
No easy answers!
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Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 552
Location: Central Kentucky
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:14 pm
Post subject:
I once had a gun dealer complain that it was impossible for him to compete with Walmart.
I looked at him askance. "Why do you say that?" I asked. His response, "they can sell guns for less then I pay for them."
I told him the problem was that he thought he was in the gun business. "Of course I'm in the gun business," he responded. At which point I told him he was in the wrong business.
The point is, at small, specialty shops, particularly independents, the goods are the least important products. What we are shopping there for is service and expertise. The girl selling guns at Walmart today was selling ladies undies yesterday---and doesn't understand either product line.
At a specialty store we have clerks (W-S excepted) who know the product line. Who love the subject. Who are at least as knowledgeable about it as you are. Who understand how you will use the product.
They can suggest which product is really best for your needs, and explain the options and answer questions. They can handle special orders without a fuss.
And, most of the time, they offer lines of goods you just can't find anywhere else.
Service and expertise. That is the business they are in. Anyone not willing to pay a premium for all that deserves Walmart, IMO.
The problem with specialty chains is that, too often, they offer Walmart's service level but at the prices you'd expect at an independent shop. If the clerk doesn't understand the product line; is unfamiliar with corporate policy; cannot answer questions or explore the options, then there's no reason, far as I'm concerned, to walk through the door. I can
find the product cheaper if that's my goal.
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Tourism–Dutch Maid Bakery, Tracy City
The Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City was founded in 1902 by Swiss immigrants John and Louise Baggenstoss and was housed in an old brick building with hardwood floors.
"The bakery has survived this long because of its great recipes," said current owner Cindy Day, who purchased the bakery in 2005. She collected all the original recipes the Baggenstoss family used back in 1902. "Every loaf of bread is hand-rolled and we ship fruitcakes all over the United States," said Day.
Visit our online store
Breads from the bakery include Black Olive Roasted Red Pepper, Chuck Wagon, Honey Wheat, Jalapeno, Onion Dill, Pumpernickel, Raisin, rosemary Olive Oil, Rye, Marble Rye, Schweizer Brot-Sugar Free, Six Grain, Six Grain Country French, Sour dough, Sundried Tomato, and their famous Salt Rising Bread.
Pastries, rolls, cookies, candies, jams and jellies and fruitcakes such as their Applesauce Fruitcake, loaded with applesauce making the cake moist and delicious, are also available.
Specialty cakes and wedding cakes are also available by special order.
The Dutch Maid Bakery was recently featured in the "Pie in the Sky Trail," which spans 363 miles throughout East and portions of Middle Tennessee, guiding tourists through communities brimming with attractions and outdoor adventure from Chattanooga to Monteagle, McMinnville to Crossville and returning to the Sequatchie Valley. The bakery is one of the points of interest on the trail.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Beat the Streak Report: Wednesday, June 8
They're not saying "BOOOOOO" this morning in Streakland, they're saying "AsdrUUUUUUUUUbal."
A robust 19.1 percent of all Streakers opted for the Indians' breakout shortstop last night against the Twins, and he obliged with a first-inning single off of Francisco Liriano. Did the Report call Cabrera's shot yesterday morning? We link, you decide (Hint: there's a huge picture of Asdrubal at the top of that post!).
Current leader leahydpt wasn't feeling the Cabrera karma, instead siding with the 3.7 percent of you who called on Joey Bats to deliver a message against the Royals. Mr. Bats failed to go yard for the 10th straight game — he's done! — but his 1-for-2 performance still made leah the fourth Streaker to reach 30 games this season.
A share of the campaign lead is in play today, and the $5.6 million grand price is just starting to come into view over the horizon. We recommend staying away from Asdrubal (0-for-16 vs. Carl Pavano) this time around, but then again, our current Streak sits at a measly two games.
Wednesday's picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there …
Howard Kendrick: .611 (11-for-18) since '06 vs. Rays starter James Shields
Laynce Nix: .500 (8-for-16) since '06 vs. Giants starter Matt Cain
Chipper Jones: .452 (14-for-31) since '06 vs. Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco
Brian McCann: .368 (14-for-38) since '06 vs. Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco
Jose Reyes: .417 (10-for-24) since '06 vs. Brewers starter Randy Wolf
Carl Crawford: .350 (14-for-40) since '06 vs. Yankees starter A.J. Burnett
Ichiro Suzuki: .379 (11-for-29) since '06 vs. White Sox starter Gavin Floyd
Feeling kinda spicy?
Orlando Cabrera: .714 (5-for-7) since '06 vs. Twins starter Carl Pavano
Michael Cuddyer: .421 (8-for-19) since '06 vs. Indians starter Justin Masterson
You'll thank me later …
Aramis Ramirez: .152 (7-for-46) since '06 vs. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo
Asdrubal Cabrera: .000 (0-for-16) since '06 vs. Twins starter Carl Pavano
Johnny Damon: .167 (5-for-30) since '06 vs. Angels starter Jered Weaver
Brandon Phillips: .125 (3-for-24) since '06 vs. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster
Joey Votto: .167 (3-for-18) since '06 vs. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster
Leaderboard time!
DanOClock sits three games off leahydpt's pace at 27 games. Remember, happy hour always starts at DanOClock, so feel free to crack a half-price beverage of your choosing should Dan the Man reach the pinnacle of the current leaderboard.
Top MLB streakers
Ryan Theriot: 20 games
Hunter Pence: 18 games
Jose Reyes: 11 games
Ben Revere: 10 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Robinson Cano: (12 HR this season) vs. Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield
10 Comments
Pujols brought me to 17 with a home run in the 8th! 🙂 Today is a big day, almost a year ago I was at 17 and took Nick Swisher against supposedly Jeremy Guthrie. Around 12:15PM on June 10, 2010 I was reading the game preview of that Yankees vs. Orioles game on my phone. To my fear it announced that a then unfamiliar pitcher named Jake Arrietia was going to make his Major League Debut. It was a 12:30 lock day and I was far away from a computer. Swisher went on to be 0 for 3 with a Sac Fly (essentially 0 for 4) including hitting into a game ending ground out. Swisher has gone on to be 0 fer in all 4 games that he has been in that are started by Jake Arrieta at this point.
Unfortunately for you, it looks like your nightmare has just reoccured. Only difference is it wasn't Swisher, and it wasn't Arrieta. 😦
Gotta get those lucky rabbits feet out. Only need 1 more extra batter to come to the plate for Cano to have another shot, barring a double play of course….
You jinxed it LaVolpe.
Only if it was that easy; we'd never have another 40-gamer winner 😉
LOL! Yeah, I guess you're right.
It looks like Cano vs. Wakefield (and Aceves) will be sharing memories with Swisher vs. Arrietia + Oriole Pen. 😦
Well, you've been near 20 games twice now. Plenty of time to get another one going
Post will be up later when I get to work.
LaV's List
Wednesday's Top Picks of the current Top2500,
152 Batters picked overall
Batter, Times Picked, Percentage
Jose Reyes 258 10.32 (3RD)
Ichiro Suzuki 182 7.28
Paul Konerko 161 6.44
Joey Votto 142 5.68
Ryan Braun 141 5.64
Robinson Cano 134 5.36
Jose Bautista 126 5.04
Adrian Gonzalez 101 4.04
Jay Bruce 77 3.08 (2ND)
No Selection 61 2.44
Albert Pujols 59 2.36
Brian McCann 58 2.32
Lance Berkman 23 0.92 (1RST)
Highest "No Selection" 😛 pg# 10 with streak of 16 back to zero.
Yesterday's Top2500 Reset rate was 19.63% with RYAN BRAUN reseting the most.
There was also 4.9% PPD due to players not playing. These streakers do not reset, but did not increase either.
Got Pinched OR 1 AB Wonders
TOP2500 saved or reset by PHA (going to include any pinch hitters and/or double switch, 1 AB or More)
J Rollins PHI, RESET 13, Highest was 17 gamer
D Valencia MIN, RESET 1, Was 11 gamer
J Werth WASH, RESET 1, Was 10 gamer
Bloggers Group Top2500
UserName, Streak, Page#, Rank, Pick, (Times picked in top2500)
Yanksgiantsdevils33, 17, pg 7, 146, ROBBIE CANO (PICKED 134X)
ajemelka, 10, pg 69, 1597, JOSE REYES (PICKED 258X)
Bloggers Reset Yesterday
GL to all


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32 Cute And Simple Paper Art For Christmas
For children, the easiest way to decorate is origami. Because its raw materials are simple, you just need a beautiful piece of paper and some auxiliary tools, such as scissors and glue, then you can change a variety of patterns.
If you want to enjoy a moment of parent-child time with your child, prepare Christmas paper with him. There is nothing happier than decorating your home together.
All we choose are simple paper art, very easy to understand and operate.
Source: https://pin.it/rabzxky3spmqat
You can put those ornaments on the dinner table, over the door or at the entrance-hall.


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Will China Cancel Some Soybean Purchases?17 December 2013
CHINA - In the December WASDE report, the USDA increased the forecast of 2013-14 marketing year exports of U.S. soybeans by 25 million bushels, to a total of 1.475 billion bushels, writes Darrel Good.
That forecast is 155 million bushels larger than exports of last year and only 26 million bushels smaller than the record exports during the 2010-11 marketing year.
Large U.S. exports are expected this year even with record large production in South America. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service estimated the size of the 2013 crop in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay) at 5.377 billion bushels and forecasts the 2014 crop at 5.766 billion bushels. The projected size of the 2014 crop is 1.515 billion bushels larger than the drought-reduced crop of 2012.
Compared to production this year, production in 2014 is expected to be 220 million bushels larger in Brazil and 190 million bushels larger in Argentina. Larger crop expectations reflect increased acreage (particularly in Brazil) and expectations of slightly higher yields (particularly in Argentina). Production is expected to be down slightly in Paraguay and Bolivia.
The actual size of those crops will not be known for several months, but current weather conditions are generally favorable and some anticipate that the Brazilian crop in particular will be larger than the current forecast.
The primary reason for the forecast of large U.S. soybean exports in the face of record competition from South American supplies is the strength of Chinese demand. The USDA estimates show that China imported fewer than one billion bushels of soybeans from all origins as recently as the 2004-05 marketing year.
Those estimates show larger imports each year since then, reaching 2.2 billion bushels during the 2012-13 U.S. marketing year. Chinese imports during the current marketing year are projected at 2.535 billion bushels. China accounted for 63 percent of total world soybean imports during both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 marketing years. That share is projected at 66 percent for the current year China imported 864 million bushels of U.S. soybeans during the 2011-12 marketing year and 791 million bushels during the 2012-13 marketing year. Exports to China accounted for 63 percent and 60 percent of total U.S. soybean exports in those two years, respectively.
Large soybean imports by China have been the result of the combination of declining production and increasing consumption. Chinese production totaled an estimated 639 million bushels in 2004 and only 448 million bushels in 2013. China consumed an estimated 1.583 billion bushels of soybeans during the 2004-05 marketing year and consumption during the current marketing year is forecast at 2.921billion bushels. Chinese consumption of soybean meal this year is forecast to be 126 percent larger than in 2004-05 while consumption of soybean oil is expected to be 89 percent larger.
Sales of U.S. soybeans for export during the 2013-14 marketing year have been extremely large. As of December 5, the USDA reported sales for the year that began on September 1, 2013 at 1.421 billion bushels, with nearly half of that total already shipped. Additional large sales under the daily reporting system have been reported since December 5 and will show up in subsequent weekly summaries.
Sales account for just over 96 percent of the USDA's projection of exports for the year ending August 31, 2014. In the previous five years, total sales as of the first week of December accounted for 53 to 83 percent of total exports for the year. Sales to China as of December 5 totaled 901 million bushels, or 63 percent of the total sales, with additional sales reported since December 5. Sales to "unknown" destinations, which may include some sales to China, accounted for an additional 14 percent of the total sales.
With 38 weeks left in the 2013-14 marketing year, soybean export sales are already near the total export projection for the year. On the surface, it appears that either exports will exceed the USDA projection or that prices will have to increase to slow the pace of consumption. With year-ending stocks of U.S. soybeans already forecast at a near-pipeline supply of 150 million bushels, there is little room for exports to exceed the current projection.
Exports can be measurably larger only if the 2013 U.S. crop was larger than the current forecast (final estimate to be released on January 10, 2014) or the domestic crush is smaller than forecast. A third alternative is that China will cancel some purchases of U.S. soybeans if the South American crop turns out to be large and prices are lower and/or the current bird flu situation there worsens and reduces the demand for soybean meal.
Developments over the next few weeks will be critical for the direction of old-crop soybean prices. A combination of export sales cancellations, a larger U.S. crop estimate, or a larger South American crop estimate would likely trigger a lower price trend. Without such developments, current high prices would likely persist a while longer in order to finish the rationing of old crop supplies. Protecting the downside price risk appears prudent.
TheCropSite News Desk


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Arab Spring
protests and revolutions in the Arab world
The Arab Spring (Arabic: الثورات العربية; literally the Arabic Rebellions or the Arab Revolutions) is a name used for a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests that have been taking place in the Middle East and North Africa since 18 December 2010.
- Alphabetized by author
- People all over the Arab world feel a sense of pride in shaking off decades of cowed passivity under dictatorships that ruled with no deference to popular wishes. And it has become respectable in the West as well. Egypt is now thought of as an exciting and progressive place; its people's expressions of solidarity are welcomed by demonstrators in Madison, Wisconsin; and its bright young activists are seen as models for a new kind of twenty-first-century mobilization. Events in the Arab world are being covered by the Western media more extensively than ever before and are being talked about positively in a fashion that is unprecedented. Before, when anything Muslim or Middle Eastern or Arab was reported on, it was almost always with a heavy negative connotation. Now, during this Arab spring, this has ceased to be the case. An area that was a byword for political stagnation is witnessing a rapid transformation that has caught the attention of the world.
- Though it took a decade to find bin Laden, there is one consolation for his long evasion of justice: He lived long enough to witness what some are calling the Arab Spring, the complete repudiation of his violent ideology.
As we debate how the United States can best influence the course of the Arab Spring, can't we all agree that the most obvious thing we can do is stand as an example of a nation that holds an individual's human rights as superior to the will of the majority or the wishes of government? Individuals might forfeit their life as punishment for breaking laws, but even then, as recognized in our Constitution's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, they are still entitled to respect for their basic human dignity, even if they have denied that respect to others.
- There are very few moments in our lives where we have the privilege to witness history taking place. This is one of those moments. This is one of those times. The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard, and Egypt will never be the same. … Egyptians have inspired us, and they've done so by putting the lie to the idea that justice is best gained through violence. For in Egypt, it was the moral force of nonviolence — not terrorism, not mindless killing — but nonviolence, moral force that bent the arc of history toward justice once more. … Today belongs to the people of Egypt, and the American people are moved by these scenes in Cairo and across Egypt because of who we are as a people and the kind of world that we want our children to grow up in.
The word Tahrir means liberation. It is a word that speaks to that something in our souls that cries out for freedom. And forevermore it will remind us of the Egyptian people — of what they did, of the things that they stood for, and how they changed their country, and in doing so changed the world.
- What happened in Abbottabad … has been the second death of Osama bin Laden. His physical one. Meanwhile, his symbolic, political and ideological [death] had already occurred on the squares of Cairo, Tunis, Damascus, and Bengasi, where Al Qaeda had been ignored. Nobody exalted it. Nobody mentioned it. The "Arab spring" has blossomed and exploded for want of democracy and freedom. It is not provoked by Islamic fanaticism and even less inspired by the idea of a caliphate... launched by bin Laden. His terroristic instrument, Al Qaeda … has been, and is, ignored by the Egyptian, Tunisian, Syrian or Libyan youth. For them, [Al Qaeda] is a bloodstained and obsolete tool. It is not a choice. It is outdated, even if its sporadic followers are still able to strike. Before the Americans, bin Laden had been symbolically killed by the people on Tahrir square and Burghiba avenue.
- Bernardo Valli, in "Il Giovane viziato con lo sguardo timido diventato il 'principle del terror': I sold del padre e la svolta Nella lotta control l'Urss in Afghanistan" in La Republica (3 May 2011)


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Offset Sofa
With its thoughtful play of contrasting proportions, Offset Sofa makes a statement that resonates without shouting. Copenhagen's vaunted Norm.Architects arrived at the design by experimenting with offsetting—juxtaposing narrow armrests with a thickly cushioned, generous seat, all supported by four short metal legs. The impressively clean-lined, boxy shape is softened at the edges in a nod to hygge, that defining sense of coziness and comfort that permeates Danish culture.
- 2-seater: 23.5" h x 68.75" w x 35.5" d (60x174.3x90cm)
- 3-seater: 23.5" h x 88.25" w x 35.5" d (60x224.3x90cm)
- Seat height: 15.75" (40cm)
PU foam, upholstery
- Textile Group 1: Remix 2, Gaja C2C, Hot Madison, Champion
- Textile Group 2: Fiord, Canvas, Colline, Hallingdal, Savanna, Steelcut trio, Steelcut, Divina Melange, Clay, Moss
- Textile Group 3: Vintage, Safire, Grisaille, Ponpon
- Textile Group 4: Doppiopanama, Deco, Lupo, Atlas
"It's about creating aesthetically pleasing designs that evoke true feelings," Menu founder Bjarne Hansen told the online magazine Lonny, "as well as improving processes in people's daily lives." Ranging from tabletop objects to bath fixtures to lighting and furniture, the Danish brand's pursuit of "soft minimalism" involves collaborations with designers from all over the world. The company's guiding spirit is a quest for functional originality—with each product having either a new purpose, incorporating a new material or utilizing a new production method.
Menu is just as dedicated to responsible manufacturing as it is innovation. Working to locate new partners in developing countries around the world, the company searches out local factories or small private co-operations to turn out high quality goods and also provide a better economic foundation for the people involved in that production. "We're passionate about design, new materials and clever details," say the folks at Menu, "and we dream about making a difference."
Norm Architects
"Norms aren't boring," Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects says, reflecting on the name of his Copenhagen-based design studio, formed with fellow architect Kasper Rønn. "On the contrary, the firm wants to make use of all that centuries-old wisdom that we now know as design." Norm encompasses furniture, dinner service, kitchenware and lighting fixtures as well as architecture projects with third partner Linda Korndal.
"There's something in our design culture that's born out of our connection to the Nordic climate, to the crafts and the natural materials that surround us, and that 'something' makes us stand out," Jonas says. Norm Architects has garnered numerous prestigious awards such as Red Dot, IF Design Award and Design Plus Award. Jonas focuses on aesthetics and Kasper concentrates on technology but the lines are often blurred on any offering, says Jonas. "You should be able to look at it in 10, 20 years' time and still find it useful and beautiful."


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Glitter Star Stickers - Silver with Dark Purple Outline
Glitter Star Stickers Silver with Dark Purple Outline : Glitter Stickers are the perfect accessory to make any performance more memorable. The Glitter Stickers come 1 per sheet and can be used 2-3 times with proper care. Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5
$ 2.00


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four brothers review.....
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Four Brothers
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Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 618
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 5:58 pm
Post subject: four brothers review.....
Four Brothers
Evelyn Mercer is a sweet older lady who spent her life trying to help people, including working as a foster mom to place a string of troubled youth in good homes. She adopted four of the roughest boys herselftwo white and two blackraising them as her own.
So, when Evelyn is murdered in a convenience store robbery in her run-down Detroit neighborhood, her four adopted sons return home for the funeral and stick around to track down her killers.
In their 20s and 30s, the four are still a rough bunch and still close. Bobbys the petty criminal who likes to fight. Angel is an ex-hustler and a ladies man. Jeremiah, the oldest, has settled down with a wife, kids and a business. The youngest, Jack, is trying to make it as a rock star.
After some crying, drinking, lots of swearing and little street ice hockey, the brothers start asking questions about the gang members who supposedly killed their mom. Although warned off by the cops, they continue their dangerous hunt to avenge her death.
Evelyn Mercer is practically a saint to her sons and the people in her neighborhood. Her selflessness in adopting them is heralded. Although they still dabble in crime and immorality, a police detective points out that the Mercer brothers are far better men than they would have been without Evelyns parenting. Theyre a crude bunch and hard on each other, but these brothers are obviously close. They take care of each other and stick together in spite of social pressures that would divide them along racial lines.
Evelyns funeral and another are presided over by ministers. In her house, one son examines Evelyns rosary beads. Before a Thanksgiving meal, one of the four leads in a very traditional prayer beginning with, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. However, little else in the film would suggest that these guys are guided by any kind of religious beliefs.
A poster shows a womans backside in a very small thong. Angel reclaims an old girlfriend upon returning to Detroit, and we see the pair running in their underwear from her current armed-and-shooting boyfriend. The girlfriend, played by Latin TV star Sofia Vergara, wears tight and revealing clothing, as do other women in the film. We see the couple (still clothed) preparing to have sex on a dryer before being interrupted by the doorbell. And we witness her anger when she discovers lots of condoms in his coat pocket. Later, Angel removes a towel from around his waist in front of two of his brothers, asking if they think hes got a venereal disease. One uses a crude phrase to describe what he sees. (The camera doesn't see what the brother sees, but it does show us another brother, who is showering at the time, fully naked from behind.)
The most aggressive sexual content is found in the extremely crude conversation between the brothers. Using imaginative and very descriptive phrases, Bobby barrages Jack with jokes about him being gay. (Jack insists he likes boobies.) Sexual acts and human anatomy are explicitly described in repeated crude expressions. (I wont recreate any of it here, but much of it is quite graphic.)
The main villain tells a henchman that hes going to have sex with the woman the henchman is engaged to. While being questioned by the police, all the brothers repeatedly use crude slang to tell the cops that they were having sex with the officers wives at the time of the crime in question.
Four Brothers is packed with action violence, some of which is bloody and/or gory. A convenience store clerk and Evelyn are gunned down with shotguns. In their search for information about the killers, the Mercers beat people up, pour gasoline on them (with the threat of lighting them on fire), chase them with cars and shoot at them.
Dogs attack one of the four, bloodying his arm. A man falls from a window, and we see the bone protruding from his broken leg. Hundred of bullets fly, nearly destroying a house in one instance. Good guys and bad are shot and killed at close range with bloody results. While interrogating the brothers, the police repeatedly hit them (faces and heads receive most of the punishment).
The Mercer brothers like to swear. More than 60 f-words and 40 s-words are heard, along with multiple uses each of "d--n," "h---," "b--ch" and "a--." Gods name is interjected close to 10 times, and Jesus' name is uttered as a swear word. As mentioned, crude sexual expressions are used pervasively, including aggressive slang for male and female anatomy and various sexual acts.
The Mercer brothers and the bad guys drink during dinners, at home, in bars and while hanging out. Several characters also smoke, including at least one of the brothers.
One brother is seen sitting on a toilet. Racial epithets include several uses of "n-gger." Also, the convenience store shooters call the Middle Eastern clerk Osama, proclaiming before blowing him away something like, Black people dont get what they want, so why should you. Additionally, the Mercers mock Angels Latina girlfriend by calling her Lavita Loco.
Inspired by old westerns and the manly-man films of Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood, Four Brothers owes more than a little to The Sons of Katie Elder. In that 1965 western, John Wayne and Dean Martin star as two of four brothers who return to their Texas hometown to avenge the death of their dad. Of course, the Duke avoided saying the f-word or talking about other guys private parts, but director John Singleton attempts to bring that same sense of Wild West justice to his testosterone-fueled revenge tale.
He told chud.com, In the era of the '70s ... they took western archetypes and put them in urban milieus. The movies that came before that were westerns, and they were often revenge-basedthere was something bad that happened, there was a bad guy who did something bad or there was a set of bad circumstances and there had to be the cowboy, the good guy, who came to town to do the right thing. Sometimes in the wrong way but for the right reasons. That has kind of been lost for this generation. Even though the good guy is doing something righteous in their revenge, its in a bad way. It brings out the audiences blood lust. So its like, Get 'em, get 'em, get 'em! Its a trip.
To be honest, I didnt sense much blood lust in the theater while I was screening this movie. The villain is just too silly, the ending too contrived and the reasons for Evelyns murder too murky. Some of it works to be sure, but not enough to hold everything together. The chemistry between the four brothers makes them likable. Their candid relationship generates a few moments of genuine humor. And one extended car chase in a Michigan blizzard is well-executed and exciting. Whats missing, though, is the films center. These guys just dont seem as motivated to avenge their moms death as they are to wreak havoc for the pure joy of violence. Her murder is the perfect excuse to start hitting and shooting people. I didnt buy that they felt the need to do it for her. Theyre just having too much fun.
Even so, I'm left pondering this question: Is trying to incite audiences to gleeful vicarious revenge a good idea?
According to mtv.com, Sofia Vergara, who plays Angels girlfriend, lost her brother when he was shot and killed in Colombia in 1998. I think were doing the wrong things for the right person in the movie, but sometimes, you should just let go and keep going with your life," she said. "Its hard, when something happens, to just sit back. ... But after a little while, it stops being important, and you realize the person is never coming back, no matter what you do. When the anger goes away, even if you do [get vengeance], whats done is done.
That attitude wouldn't satisfy the urban cowboys in Four Brothers, who despite praying to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ arent anywhere close to being ready to trust Him with handling vengeance.
all kisses from me..except kisses to nose and lips from Myra..lol..
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Joined: 26 Oct 2005
Posts: 4
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:04 am
Post subject: Sweet
That was a badass movie. I want to see it agian!
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Our Chamber promotes economic prosperity through business advocacy and collaboration. Our diverse membership consists of over 1000 member organizations representing 55,000+ employees.Learn More
Our Culture is best described by these qualities:
Redwood City represents the center of opportunity, geographically, as the heart of the peninsula as well as being central to the entrepreneurial spirit of the entire Silicon Valley.Learn More
Our Members are the top, most engaged, and successful businesses in Redwood City and San Mateo County. The Chamber blends all segments of the community, educators, non-profits, large business, small business, public officials, and professionals.
Share, promote and grow your business at events specifically for the business community.
Connect and watch your "reach" multiply. Become more involved through Committee Participation, Promotional Opportunities, Leadership and Members Only Events throughout the year.
Chamber membership will accelerate your goals. Whether it is enhancing your community or having your voice heard by local and state decision makers, the Chamber will aid in these endeavors and everything else in between.
The latest Covid-19 Updates and Resources


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Sri Lanka visa for Bahamian passport holders
Apply for visa
Sri Lanka online e-visa 🇱🇰
Last updated: December 5, 2020
Bahamas citizens can get e-visa for travelling to Sri Lanka as tourist. COVID travel advice is country is Major for travel. The stay is usually short with a period of 30 days and visa expires in 180 days. Applicant is not required to be present when applying for visa and a total of 5 documents are required. You can also find useful tips from fellow travellers.
Visa requirements
Sri Lanka Visa requirements for Bahamas
Electronic Travel Authorization
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COVID-19 travel advice
Sri Lanka is Major for travel. You are required to have mandatory quarantine. Find travel restrictions, quarantine and entry requirements to visit Sri Lanka.
Get visa for Sri Lanka from Bahamas
Persons intending to visit Sri Lanka can apply for ETA online.
The ETA is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival although it may be extended for up to six (06) months.
Apply online for Sri Lanka e-Visa/ETA can be obtained very easily, fill out the secure application form online along with confirmation and document requirements and get your ETA and instructions to get your visa stamped.
On arrival, your visa stamped onto your passport.
Max Stay: 30 days
Visa Expires: 180 days
short Stay
Documents required for Sri Lanka tourist visa : 5
Visa Application Form: Complete application form online for Sri Lanka
Passport Photo: Photo must be no older than 6 months
Passport Copy: A clear scan of the information pages of your signed, machine readable passport. Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue and expiry dates. Must be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa.
Hotel Bookings: Hotel reservation(s) for the duration of your visit.
Hotel Itinerary Embassy recommends not to purchase tickets until visa is approved. Don't risk your money, time and effort by buying actual tickets. Get hotel bookings for any city in the world within minutes for visa purposes.
Flight Bookings: Flight reservations(s) for the country of your visit and return ticket
Flight Itinerary An Onward Ticket is a flight reservation made by a real travel agency that can be helpful for visa applications or if you want to enter a country without purchasing a return flight. Get verifiable one way, round trip, and multi-city flight bookings for visa purposes.
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Travel information of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is part of Asia with main city at Colombo. Its Developing country with a population of 21M. The main currency is Sri Lanka Rupee. The languages spoken are Sinhalese and Tamil.
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ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley is urging supporters of raising the minimum wage in Maryland to sign a petition.
The Democratic governor in an email from his political action committee on Thursday says he believes the state must make the choice to raise the minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 an hour.
O'Malley says is expecting a long and difficult effort. A measure to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10 by 2015 stalled in a Senate committee in the last legislative session.
O'Malley does not specify in the email how much he believes the minimum wage should be raised.
Last month, District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed a bill that would have forced Wal-Mart and other large retailers to pay their employees at least $12.50 an hour.


text: Newcomer Dray talks about how "irrelevant" everyone is when they try to stop his progress. Other New York rappers join him to defame the misguided back-talkers, with Cory Gunz and Troy Ave mostly carrying the team to the finish. With this bold statement on record, let's hope all of them are relevant in a year. Track after the jump.


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Millions of women around the world suffer fromthe pain of post-abortion syndrome. But God has the key to setting them free.
From the time I was a little girl, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up—a wife and a mommy. But my life took a turn that would prevent part of this desire from ever being fulfilled.
As a teenager, I rebelled against God and my family. I ran with a rough crowd, did all sorts of drugs, and married a man who beat and abused me.
I got pregnant for the first time several months before our planned wedding. My "Prince Charming" convinced me I should "get it taken care of" so that the ceremony wouldn't be ruined. Afraid of the embarrassment—but more afraid of losing him—I had an abortion.


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Schiller And Nadia Ali's Try Is Charting On Club Phusion Radio
Months after its initial debut, Schiller And Nadia Ali's single Try is charted on ClubPhusion Radio – a 24/7 internet dance radio chart. The Thomas Gold Remix is still receiving over 25 spins a week. Try is great company, other artists featured include – Nero, Knife Party, Robbie Rivera, Sharam, and Afrojack. You can stream Try Remixes from Thomas Gold, Jerry Ropero & Stefan Gruenwald, and Frank Lamboy.


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Davida news, events and features — baumm
Davida MotoPhoto Images & Monthly Competition – Exclusive To Davida Newsletter
Posted by Davida on
Here are three images from Davida MotoPhoto that haven't been released on the web before and which we've included within the last few editions of our Davida Newsletter. From now on every Davida Newsletter will present an image from the MotoPhoto Exhibition that has never been on the web before. Being exclusive to the Davida newsletter we can guarantee you'll be […] » Read more
The post Davida MotoPhoto Images & Monthly Competition – Exclusive To Davida Newsletter appeared first on davida news events and features.
- Tags: baumm, cafe racers, D4Vi9A, D4Vi9A_JPV_Visor, davida, Davida Classic, Davida Competition, Davida facebook page, Davida Jet, Davida MotoPhoto, Davida Newsletter, Davida-open_face_helmet, Davida-Speedster-helmet, davidamotophoto.com, Davida_Jet_helmet, facebook, goggle_open_face_helmet, H.P.Muller, Land speed records, London, made_in_england, Mortons Media Archive, motorcycling history, News, Peckham Mob, Race Day at Johnsons Cafe, The rainmaster


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Some of you may have wondered what I have been doing the past weekend since I've been noticeably absent from the blogging realm. Well, I was at the first ever Vienna Comic Con! I originally was scheduled to work on both days, but due to some changes, I only worked Saturday and had the whole day to roam free on Sunday.
I loved the whole experience, especially since I got to see both sides. The first day wasn't exactly stressful, but definitely a lot busier than Sunday. I met a ton of interesting people and had fun with the rest of the crew members. The second day was great because I got to roam through the Comic Con myself though, and with my Crew badge, I even got access to all areas. I'm surprised that I came out of the venue with more money than I spent, having really restricted myself since I only made one purchase. It's extremely difficult to sum it all up, so I'll try to pinpoint my personal highlights:
- Cosplayers: I put some pictures above, but there were so many more costumes I didn't catch on film! Surprisingly (at least to me) there were a lot of One Piece cosplayers. Other fandoms included (but weren't restricted to) 2 Broke Girls, Supernatural, Doctor Who, Assassins Creed, Transformers, pretty much all the Marvel and DC superheroes and villains (a lot of Jokers and Harley Quinns in particular), Simpsons, Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter and many more. It's really impressing seeing all those costumes in real life. I can't imagine how much work was put into them, but they were all happy to pose for pictures when asked and they got asked a lot. Someone even stopped me because they wanted to take a photo of my TARDIS tote bag that I got back in the day at the Doctor Who Experience. Another girl thought I was dressed as Clara, which I loved, because I adore her style of clothing.
- The entertainment and artist guests: Considering that it was the first ever VIECC, they really got a great assortment of guests. I didn't take a picture or got an autograph from any of the entertainment guests, which included names such as Natalia Tena, Giancarlo Esposito, Finn Jones, Neve McIntosh and William Houston. However, that doesn't mean I didn't get to meet them at all. It was only briefly, but they were all nice and really fun. I even got to shake Esposito's hand, so I am cool.
I strolled down the artist alley a couple of times, definitely wanting to buy something from there. I found the table of Rahsan Ekedal, a Californian artist who currently lives in Berlin, and I simply loved his style. If you look at the pictures above, you can see the print and the sketch that I bought from him. He even signed them both and took a picture with me. A friend from the crew and I spent so much time at his stand, talking with his wife and himself. I am so glad I got to meet them and that I now have something memorable to put on the empty walls in my room.
- All the people: I think it has become obvious from the two previous points above, I mostly loved getting to know everyone. That should in no way mean that the exhibitor booths weren't great, because they were! You could pose on the Iron Throne of Game of Thrones, take pictures with Deadpool or a Storm Trooper or you could by yourself a BB-8 at another booth. They had almost all the merchandise you could ask for, but in the end it's the people you talk to and connect with that stay in your mind. I still know that there was an incredibly nice guy dressed as John Constantine who was so enthusiastic about meeting LeeAnna Vamp. Another dude cosplaying as the 10th Doctor soniced me and told me that I wasn't his TARDIS and it was hilarious. Also, some of the best people were definitely the guys and girls who were my fellow crew members.
I loved getting to geek out with everyone and I hope it somewhat came across in this post. The Comic Con will return next year (Nov 19-20) and I hope I'll be able to work there and visit it again. Do you have any experiences with Comic Cons? Were you by any chance at the one in Vienna? What is your take on it?


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I really haven't been thinking much about the Olympics lately, though once they are on TV, I usually can't stop watching them.
I do wonder, however, what people will be eating there. I don't really know that much about Rusian food except for borscht and caviar — and vodka.
Of course, that is cliche, there are many other dishes in the Russian cuisine. Here are a couple of recipes to try:
Sbiten is a Russian mulled honey drink. Served warm, it is similar to mulled cider. It's usually served without alcohol, but certainly is delicious with vodka added just before serving. We also found it delicious with bourbon or cognac.
Start to finish: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
1/2 cup honey
12 ounces seedless blackberry or currant jam
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1 tablespoon whole cloves
Pinch salt
7 cups water
1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cover.
2. Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, then serve warm.
From the Associated Press
Syrniki is a farm-style cheese pancake, sort of a cross between cheesecake and pancakes. It can be served for breakfast, tea, a light meal or a snack. We liked ours topped with sour cream and jam, or fresh fruit and whipped cream, but you could omit the sugar and go completely savory, topping it with sour cream, chives and chopped ham.
Start to finish: 1-1/2 hours
Servings: 12
Two 7-1/2-ounce packages farmer's cheese
3 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dredging
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Zest of 2 lemons
Vegetable oil, for frying
1. In a food processor, pulse the cheese until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl, and stir together with the eggs, <AF>1/2<XA> cup of flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and lemon zest. The dough should be soft and somewhat sticky. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Form the dough into small rounds, the size of a walnut. Flatten into patties, then lightly dredge in flour. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high, heat about 1 / 4inch of oil. Working in batches, fry the patties for 3 minutes per side, adding additional oil between batches as needed. Serve immediately.
From the Asociated Press
More of a burger fan?
Even though the Olympics are in Russia, you might be more of a burger fan and don't want to give that up to get in the spirit. Have no fear — you can combine your love of burgers with a take on traditional beef stroganoff.
Of course, it is the sauce that really makes the dish, so don't leave it off.
Start to finish: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
1 ounce dried mushrooms (porcini, shiitake, chanterelle, oyster, button or a mix)
1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 ounces fresh cremini mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced
1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1 pound 90 to 95 percent lean ground beef
1. In a small saucepan over medium-high, combine the dried mushrooms with the broth and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft. Reserving the broth, strain the mixture through a strainer lined with a wet paper towel. Clean the mushrooms if you see any dirt on the edges, then finely chop them and set aside.
2. While the dried mushrooms are soaking, in a large nonstick skillet over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the onion mixture to a medium bowl.
3. Add another tablespoon of the oil and the fresh mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms give off all their liquid. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the reserved mushroom broth in a stream, whisking, then bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Whisk in the sour cream and mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and keep warm.
4. Wash the skillet and return it to the stove.
5. Add the chopped reconstituted dried mushrooms to the onions in the bowl along with a hefty pinch of salt, ground black pepper to taste, and the ground beef. Mix well and form into 4 burgers.
6. In the cleaned skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium. Season the burgers lightly with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the burgers for 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on the desired degree of doneness (3 minutes for rare and 5 for medium-well).
7. Transfer the burgers to each of 4 plates and spoon some sauce over each portion.
From Associated Press


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CRA helps clients navigate the minefield of IP risks and opportunities. Intellectual property and other intangible assets are critical components of the net worth and overall shareholder value, but many companies fail to appreciate and take periodic inventories of these assets, so they are often under-exploited. Patents, pending patent applications, trade secrets, and licenses to these assets are the most financially-significant types of intellectual property biotechnology companies possess. CRA helps plan, protect, and defend our clients' IP assets, while also safeguarding brand recognition, so that trademarks, service marks, and copyrights are not violated.
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Our consultants act as your advocate in the process, working with you to shape the terms of the deal or advising you to walk away when appropriate. Unlike investment banks, we are not typically rewarded on the basis of a "success fee," nor do we advise on transactions for which we provide capital. This enables us to act as impartial arbiters in the process. Our independence is particularly valued by investors and directors who might be evaluating competing investment opportunities, or who are under pressure to make potentially expensive, complex, and liability-laden decisions based on limited data.
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Smuggling in Early America
- Christian J. KootChristian J. KootDepartment of History, Towson University
Smuggling was a regular feature of the economy of colonial British America in the 17th and 18th centuries. Though the very nature of illicit commerce means that the extent of this trade is incalculable, a wide variety of British and colonial sources testify to the ability of merchants to trade where they pleased and to avoid paying duties in the process. Together admiralty proceedings, merchant correspondence and account books, customs reports, and petitions demonstrate that illicit trade enriched individuals and allowed settlers to shape their colonies' development. Smuggling formed in resistance to British economic and political control. British authorities attempted to harness the trade of their Atlantic colonies by employing a series of laws that restricted overseas commerce (often referred to as the Navigation Acts). This legislation created the opportunity for illicit trade by raising the costs of legal trade. Hampered by insufficient resources, thousands of miles of coastline, and complicit local officials, British customs agents could not prevent smuggling. Economic self-interest and the pursuit of profit certainly motivated smugglers, but because it was tied to a larger transatlantic debate about the proper balance between regulation and free trade, smuggling was also a political act. Through smuggling colonists rejected what they saw as capricious regulations designed to enrich Britain at their expense.


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We partner with our clients to define their growth vision and strategy, through a wide range of growth initiatives. These include: visioning, growth pipeline development, market opportunity analysis, scenario planning, growth strategy & implementation, and mergers & acquisitions. If you're looking for new growth opportunities and the partners you need to succeed, click here for a typical Vision and Strategy case study.
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We strengthen client brand(s) and rejuvenate demand for their products and solutions by leveraging our globally recognized thought leadership and relationships across a wide range of markets, technologies and industry sectors, to help clients attract, engage and convert prospects to customers. Enhance your content marketing programs, with services such as interactive white papers, and webinars. Click here for a typical Brand and Demand case study.
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We see great opportunities for innovation and growth at the points of convergence of technologies. We help our clients leverage technology convergence to create better solutions for their customers, with services such as technology vision road-maps, technology convergence workshops, and technology commercialization strategies. We also help our clients evaluate and monetize their IP through a structured approach that integrates our deep understanding of applications across multiple points in the value chain. Click here for a typical Technology and IP case study.
Multi-billion Dollar Technologies Transforming Our World & Creating New Growth Opportunities.
Frost & Sullivan's Mobility analysts highlight digital transformation within the automotive industry, with excerpts from interviews of key players within mobility at CES.
Growth Consulting services encompass customized research, business strategy, and organizational development initiatives. Growth Consulting provides uniquely powerful and practical solutions to help companies successfully address their growth challenges. These services are tailor-made.
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Corrections to the cast of the Mitelli Deck!
The daughter of Oceanus (15) is Thetis the Neried who we see as Temperance (14). It was she who attempted to make Archilles immortal by holding him by his heel and dipping him in the River Styx- annointing him with Ambrosia. She did so because of the Propecy of Themis that she would bear a son greater than Zeus (echoes of the Christian Christ to come?). How oddly coincidental that we see the Hanged Man before Death in Tarot. I had never thought of the Hanged Man as Archilles- but there you go. (15/14/13/12/) 11 which I will have to revisit as a sequence may not be Eris/Ate at all.
Thetis played a far more central role in the religious beliefs, practices, and imagination of some of the Greeks. The pre-modern etymology of her name, from tithemi, "to set up, establish," suggests the perception among Classical Greeks of an early political role. Setting up and establishing the worldly order?
Card 9 we see as the Hermit is Hephaistos (not Geras:Time) husband of Aphrodite (7) He is the God of Forge and Fire, and made the armor of the Gods and Mortals.
So I guess this all leading to the two Popes being The Eastern and Western Popes.
Re: The Most Beautiful Deck in the World?#21
The Universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
Eden Phillpotts
Eden Phillpotts


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« D.C. Charter Schools Expel Far More Students than Local District | Main | A Strategy for Saving Catholic Schools? »
Calif. Parent-Trigger Charter Advances, and New Effort Begins in Conn.
Last night, the Adelanto, Calif. school board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation of the Desert Trails Parent Union to transform Desert Trails Elementary School into a charter school operated by LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy.
The vote makes the Adelanto District the first in the country to have officially approved any aspect of implementing a parent-trigger law—which allow schools to be restructured through a majority vote of parents, said Parent Revolution, a Los Angeles-based organization that has advised a group of parents in their efforts to overhaul the school's structure. The vote to support the parents' union's decision was aided by results from the November election, which ousted school board president Carlos Mendoza, who had vocally opposed the parents' effort. In the same election, Teresa Rogers, a member of the Desert Trails Parent Union, was elected to the school board.
The operator of the school will be LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy, which is located in nearby Hesperia, Calif. The academy currently operates one school, and it does not have experience turning around low-performing schools. When LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy was selected as a finalist for the charter model Desert Trails could turn into, Debbie Tarver, the school's founder and executive director, said that she envisioned implementing a "classical" academic model that would emphasize language development, history, and the integration of subjects.
The decision would appear to conclude a long and contentious battle between Adelanto district officials and the parents who pushed for the school's restructuring. Meanwhile, for another group of parents, in Waterbury, Conn., it appears the battle is just beginning.
Parents there are invoking a form of their state's parent trigger law to begin the process of turning around Walsh Elementary School, an academically low-performing school in the area. In 2012, 53 percent of the students there demonstrated proficiency in math, while only 32 percent were deemed proficient in reading, lagging far behind the state average in both subjects.
Connecticut's law is a much more modest form of trigger policy than those approved in California and some other states. Passed in 2010, the state's law allows parents in low-performing and failing schools to form School Governance Councils consisting of parents, teachers, and community leaders, which serve an advisory role to the school's administration. The Walsh Elementary School Governance Council recommended either the creation of a CommPACT school, a model to help close the achievement gap in Connecticut's public schools through collaboration with parents and community leaders, or an innovation school, which are created through a local decision and operated under a plan developed by the school faculty, district leadership, or an external partner (which could be a higher ed. institution, a nonprofit charter school operator, an educational collaborative, or an educational consortium).
The Walsh Elementary School Governance Council will be meeting tonight at 6pm with district officials there to discuss the school turnaround process and how it could play out in that district.


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Triple Academy Award winner Peter Jackson and visual effects guru Weta Workshop have teamed up with Ubisoft's Montpellier Studio to deliver King Kong on PS2. True to its silver screen inspiration, the video game captures the epic vision and emotion of Jackson's titanic film.
Blending first and third-person perspectives, as Jack Driscoll and King Kong respectively, you'll experience both the drama of survival and epic battles on Skull Island. As Jack, leading your expedition team through the perils of the dark jungles and oversized environments requires careful cooperation and coordination. In contrast, when assuming the role of King Kong, you'll be able to bring his agility and raw strength to the fore when battling against the other monstrous denizens of his mysterious world.
1 Players
See it in action


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Re: What misconceptions of Star Wars did you have as a kid?
as a kid watching it i always thought Darth Vader was a machine and i watched them at night so i would usually not see the end, so how was i supposed to know Vader demasks at the end lol. i always called it a Bright Saber, dont know why but thats what my parents say i said.
―Peter Griffin


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Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremony hints at anti-gay law
- Dmitry Chernyshenko%3A %22Because when we come together in all our diversity%2C it is the Olympic Games that unite us.%22
SOCHI, Russia – After weeks of serious fears and concerns, who would have thought that the worst thing that would happen during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games would be an Olympic ring malfunction?
There were no reported security breaches during the nearly three-hour ceremony. No protesters appeared inside the arena. There were no apparent problems at all, except for a moment very early in the evening when four brightly lighted rings – not the planned and official five – appeared high over the stadium floor. They had all been huge snowflakes, and four then turned into rings. The fifth steadfastly remained a snowflake.
Otherwise, Russian President Vladimir Putin's Games, so maligned for their $51-billion budget and grave fears of terrorism in a troubled part of the world, as well as the country's highly controversial anti-gay propaganda law, began with stunning and even delightful success.
The ceremony, held indoors in the massive and very chilly Fisht Olympic Stadium, was a little bit Sydney, a lot Beijing -- and all Russian. With the stadium roof soaring into the sky, it allowed for all the flying an Olympic choreographer could ever want to imagine, from a young girl to a hammer and sickle. Olympic fans will remember Sydney's opening ceremony for a similar theme, just without the Communist props.
And the stadium floor came alive over and over again in superimposed pictures and designs, just like in 2008 in Beijing. As the athletes marched in from underground, their country's shape was displayed on the stadium floor, a kind of Olympic-sized Google map. These grand, hugely expensive productions might only be possible in countries like China and Russia. What democracy would allow such an expense with other bills to pay?
However, surprisingly, and refreshingly, there were discordant notes sounded in this ceremony, words that Putin could not have liked. His anti-gay law has received a remarkable amount of attention and scorn, as it should.
But who expected it to be alluded to by the two top Olympic leaders here tonight? Although they didn't mention it specifically, both Sochi Olympic Organizing Committee President Dmitry Chernyshenko and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach made a veiled reference to the controversy in their speeches:
"Our Games will be yours," Chernyshenko said. "All of yours. Because when we come together in all our diversity, it is the Olympic Games that unite us."
Then came Bach.
"The Olympic Games are a sports festival embracing human diversity in great unity," he said. "Therefore I say to the political leaders of the world. … Please respect their Olympic message of goodwill, of tolerance, of excellence and of peace."
This was just another one of the pleasant and unexpected developments on a Friday night when the world came together in Sochi.


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We know that a 700 horsepower Aventador owned (but not driven) by Mario Williams is going to be faster than a 563 horse SLS droptop. But how much of a head start will the Benzo need to tie it up? John Hennessey went to find out.
It turns out that on a one-mile airstrip run, no head start is big enough for the SLS to stay ahead of the Lambo for more than a few seconds. John summed up the monster Aventador nicely in his Texan accent, "ain't no doubt about that to me; it's fast."
The SLS, if you were wondering, is owned by Mario Mendias of My Fit Foods. Oh to be rich, and to know a guy with access to an airstrip.