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Here I am again, after a few days away, with a gift for you: a great post written by my sweetheart friend Eva.
Before leaving Tokyo and back to Los Angeles, Eva wrote 65 reasons why she loved living in Tokyo. It's just amazing how she managed to put all these points together. I'm sure you'll love this post!
1. Public intoxication: It's legal, it's fun, it's a way of life. If you pass out on the sidewalk in America, you're a bum. If you pass out on the sidewalk in Tokyo, you're the average, hard-working business man.
2. Toilets: As many of you know, Toilets in Japan come installed with coolers (and heaters, for the winter). Imagine waking up at 4am in the middle of the night on a cold February morning to take a s***. It's absolute heaven. And any country that pays heed to the comfort of your butt is a winner in my book.
3. Respect for old people: I'm Asian. I believe in respecting your elders. I love old people, especially the grumpy ones. I don't believe in retirement homes. I admire the Japanese for how they treat the elderly.
4. Health care: It exists. It works. It's affordable.
5. F*** New York when it comes to cities that never sleep. Tokyo deserves the title hands down. Bars are open 24 hours and convenience stores never close. This city is so over populated, it feels like people are always around, no matter what time it is. Love hotels, capsule hotels, karaoke bars, and internet cafes all cater to a society of people who never have to actually go home to sleep.
6. Tokyo has the most intricate, advanced train system in the world. And after the bicycle, trains are the next best thing. I have spent countless hours sitting, standing, putzing around in stations, marveling over the magic that is the Japan Rail system. They're so nice to look at, coming in and out of the station in marching order, carrying hundreds of people at a time. It's truly a work of engineering art. Man-made modernity at its best. I love everything about the trains here, except actually riding them.
7. Love Hotels.
8. Cell phones: I hate cellphones, but if I'm going to use one, it might as well be a Japanese phone. They're like the new hover board.
9. The Japanese government actually cares about its own people. Being American, this is a foreign concept to me. In Japan (for the most part) the government/big businesses/economical dominators actually WANT their fellow countrymen to do well. The country has its own citizens' well-being at heart, unlike in America where authority figures misuse their power to take advantage of the general public. Take Enron, Halliburton, and Katrina for example. And our health and educational systems which do little to help the average American. Or how about our food supply as another example. In American schools, we feed our kids over-processed, chemically reduced junk food to keep them fat and hungry. Not only does the government approve of this, but they're the suppliers- like dealers to a junkie. In Japan, most of this kind of stuff would never fly. The result is that Americans a are suspicious, if not paranoid, people. Our survival skills require us to be defensive and aggressive. The Japanese, on the other hand, are more trusting and at ease with their surroundings because they don't have to fight for quality.
10.Traditional Japanese temples.
11. You can wear whatever the f*** you want, anytime, anywhere. Wigs, latex, a monkey costume? Sure, it's all good.
12. Incredibly well-dressed, dapper old men. I have a SERIOUS thing for old guys who dress well. Three piece suits, canes, fedora hats, shiny shoes- all of it. It makes me swoon. And in Tokyo, they're everywhere. I don't see this enough in LA or Philly.
13. Small businesses thrive in this city. In fact, they strike me as the norm. In America, every small business is always eventually eaten up by some bigger company with more money. But in Tokyo, it seems as if 60% of restaurants, clothes/food/music stores are all independently owned (that's a VERY rough estimation, since I can't find the numbers. But if you live in Tokyo you get what I mean). My hypothesis is that the high cost of living in this city allows for small businesses to thrive. It's a pretty good trade-off, especially when you grow up in the burbs' where everything is generic. In Tokyo, every street is lined with something quirky, unique and totally home grown.
14. No class struggles: This is a concept that continues to baffle me because sadly, my western society is one that is very much divided and defined by class systems. The psychological, sociological, and philosophical implications of money (or the lack thereof) in our lives are are ingrained in to our heads from day one. Yet in Japan, 90% of Japanese people consider themselves middle class. Yes, read that sentence again if you have to because it's totally NUCKING FUTS!!! That means virtually everyone here considers themselves monetary equals. It means where you live, where you come from, who you hang out with, date, marry etc is no longer determined by economical class! How beautiful is that? It's also very strange to me, because in America, like it or not, class is permeating factor on most life aspects. Think about all The Clash songs or John Hughes' movies about the taboo of high school kids dating outside their class- they just don't make sense here. I'm still flabbergasted as to how exactly it works.
15. Sleeping in public: I really like this one! In Tokyo, it's totally normal to sleep on the train, or to put your head down in Starbucks or MacDonald's to take a short nap. It can be really rejuvenating! But you do the same in America and chances are you'll wake up with your wallet missing. Either that, or people will just assume you're sick/homeless.
16. Perikura: Japanese sticker pictures.
17. Japanese kids are just cuter. And maybe its something in the water, but they're all well-behaved, too!
18. Hang over medicine that works.
19. Cherry blossom season: People take a week off to sit under pink cloud-like trees to drink publicly while admiring nature. Even Christmas isn't this cool.
20. Symmetry: I've always like symmetry and Tokyo is full of it! I love the way this city looks- as if it were made up of puzzle pieces that have been thoughtfully rearranged.
21. Simplicity. The Japanese have simplicity down to an art.
22. Religion (or lack thereof): People don't care what religion you choose to be. You can believe whatever you want and no one's going to give you some obnoxious spiel about how you're going to hell because you've sinned. Homosexuality and abortions are choices each individual can make on their own terms without some asshole trying to tell you otherwise.
23. Beverage vending machines: This country will never go thirsty.
24. Green tea: everything.
25. Great city for bikes!! I LOVE riding my bike in Tokyo. The streets of Philly always look like they've just been hit by a meteor shower. You could probably bury a dead body in one of the potholes in North Philly. In comparison, riding your bike around Tokyo feels like riding on the marble floors of the Vatican. The streets are smooth, glossy, pristine- perfect for cruising on your two-wheeler. And Japanese people are really skilled, patient drivers, because obtaining a license actually requires that you know how to drive (not so in the states). So you have fewer crazy idiots swerving at you from out of no where.
26. Dualities: The complexity of this aspect of Japan is far too complicated to get into it. But let's just say, Japan is the only country in the world that exist in balance between the extremities of modern/traditional, sophistication/kitsch, and simplicity/complexity. Somehow, they all co-exist simultaneously.
27. Neighborhoods: Suburbs don't exist in Japan, at least not the way they do in the cookie-cutter parts of America. Japanese neighborhoods are full of character- quiet, peaceful, clean, and beautiful.
28. The interesting world of Japanese sex: It's too complicated to get into here.
29. Japanese people are naturally sophisticated. Americans are not.
30. Tokyo-ites are amazingly stylish- but not in a snooty, nauseating kind of way. Rather, in an inspirational, admirable kind of way.
31. Matsuri (festivals). If we had festivals like these in America, riots would break out and s*** would be stolen.
32. Everything is clean. Spotless, in fact. I'd put money on the fact that the toilet in McDonald's is cleaner than the one I used while living at 16th and Christian.
33. Environmentally conscious: Sure, people waste here too, but in comparison to America, most places are environmentally conscious. Here, recycling is the law. And with the pure amount of people living in Tokyo alone, they have to conserve just to make sure their standard of life is consistent.
34. For the most part, people are polite. Or at the very least, considerate.
35. Crows! 99% of people here will disagree with me, but I love the crows in Japan because they're one of the only things in this country that aren't minuscule. In fact, they are freaking HUGE (bigger than some Japanese people!) and actually quite scary. And thus, they are way bad ass.
36. Outrageous gaudiness and a culture of kitsch. They're shameless when it comes to this stuff. It's as enchanting as it is annoying.
37. Bath culture: Baths in America are reserved for 5-year olds and hot MILFS with sore feet. Baths in Japan are for everyone, and often done naked in front of a lot of other people. Every neighborhood has its own bathhouse and its considered totally normal to go in whenever (everyday, if you want) to soak for an hour or two for some R&R.
38. Karaoke: If you're a hater, you just don't know.
39. Delivery services: I can't express enough to you my love for the Japanese Mail System. I would give up television for the rest of my life if I could be guaranteed to have mail this efficient in America. Things arrive quick, on time and in one piece. If you aren't home when your package arrives, you can call the mailman and he'll come back THAT day! You can deliver anything, from artwork to furniture, at an affordable price. And if you don't want to take your luggage onto the train on your way to the airport, the delivery people will pick it up and take it to the airport for you!!!!
40. Manga, anime, and video games: I'm not particularly into video games and computers etc (though I do love manga and comic books), but I still think it's pretty cool that there is a whole world out here for super geeks. Even I can admit that the high-tech video games and well crafted cartoons are absorbing when they're done at this level.
41. Shoes: Japanese people have the BEST shoes! From sneakers, to flats, to boots, to heels. These people really know what they're doing when it comes to foot wear. They're much more imaginative and outgoing when it comes to matters of the feet.
42. Lockers at every train station.
43. Combinis or convenient stores. Always there, always open. Always have something delicious inside waiting to be eaten by me.
44. Work ethic: The Japanese have the strongest work ethic of any people. It makes sense that they have the 2nd strongest economy in the world even though its such a small country. It's both a sad and beautiful thing. Even though I don't think it's healthy, I really admire their motivation, ability and drive. They're always talking about doing their best and giving 110%. In this sense, I have a great deal of respect for the Japanese.
45. Reliability: Living in Tokyo, we take for granted that everything actually works the way it's supposed to. In America, you never know when the vending machine is going to eat your money or when the bus is going to come. Internet is always going down and packages get lost in the mail. In Tokyo, things like this rarely happen. We go on living our daily lives with the assurance that are expectations will be met.
46. Clubs: Tokyo has some of the best clubs in the world. And I don't even like clubbing in America. Take Womb for example. It's voted the 2nd best club in the world by DJ Mag and it has a 2m diameter disco ball. It's also 20 minutes away from my house. Amazing.
47. Fit, healthy people: I never realized how depressing it was to be around obese people until I wasn't anymore.
48. Japanese girls are hot. And when they're not hot, they're at least amusing to look at.
49. People in Tokyo just do more stuff. They live faster, work harder and are constantly on the move.
50. Stuff catered towards Asian people: Did you know they have a whole world of stuff made just for Asian people? Because I didn't. In America, I just use whatever I can buy at Rite Aid. But here, simply, silly things just work better for me- like eye lash curlers for small Asian eyes or shampoo for Asian hair. It's kind of nice to live in a land where things are made just for you! =)
51. Tatamis: Japanese flooring made out of rice straw. It's beautiful and smells nice. It makes sitting on the floor enjoyable.
52. It's so easy to meet people in this city.
53. Safety: When I lived in North Philly, there were days I'd walk home at night with my keys between my fingers. I didn't feel safe. Here, I can stumble back home drunk at 4am (naked, if I wanted to) and not have to worry for a second. The crime rate is non-existent in comparison to America.
54. Honesty and good will: 90% of the stuff you lose here will be returned to you. Friends who have lost cell phones and wallets almost always get them back in the mail. Japanese people are really, really honest.
55. Good costumer service.
56. Shibuya crossing, one of the biggest, most populated street crossings in the world. I didn't know you could be in love with a crossing, but apparently, you can. I still get goose bumps every time I cross it, and I do it almost everyday!
57. Tradition: Japanese culture is riddled with traditions. Coming from a country as new as America, our traditions are somewhat flimsy. I am fascinated by the historical context by which people do things here. I admire that they still honor their traditions, as it makes for a richer, more intriguing way of life.
58. Tokyo at night is a whole different beast. At night, all the humans turn into werewolves and spend the night prowling for prey. People go crazy amongst the shining neon lights. It's the perfect place for mayhem.
59. Food presentation as an art.
60. Yakuza. Asian gangsters are way cooler than white ones. Especially since they get such bad ass tattoos.
61. The mind your own business mentality. If you're bleeding from the eyeballs in the middle of the road, this mentality can prove to be fatal. But if its 6:30 in the morning and you're obviously just coming home after a long night of partying dressed in sequins and spandex, stuck on a crowded train smelling of cigarettes and booze, the fact that everyone around ignores you because they don't want to embarrass you is actually kind of comforting. Japanese people are trained to strictly mind their own business, which is why in Tokyo there are so many weirdos that can get away with almost anything. In fact, it seems the stranger your behavior, the more people pretend you aren't there.
62. People still pay for music. Rarely do Japanese people actually download music because it's considered stealing. I'm glad someone is still buying CD's because I shamefully have not in a while.
63. Weather/Seasons: Tokyo has really great weather compared to other big cities like London and NY. Fall and Spring actually last three months each. It doesn't get too cold, and I enjoy the summer heat.
64. Conformity and sacrifice: This is a tough one, and something I've given a lot of thought to. Everyone knows that Japanese culture is based on conformity. It's good to follow the status quo, and being different is something most people frown upon. Japanese people really don't know how to think for themselves, and rarely will they argue with you. On the other hand, in America, we pride ourselves on being the exact opposite. We believe in expressing our ideas and developing strong, individualistic opinions. Thus, most of the time, the Japanese mentality frustrates me because I find it boring and devoid of any real gutsy-ness. But overtime, I've come to think that maybe conformity is a choice Japanese people consciously make. Ultimately, they sacrifice their individuality in return for a society free of drugs, crime, poverty and illness. This sort of utopian life standard is something unique only to Japan because of their dogmatic loyalty to "group-think." Here, community trumps the individual. And thus Tokyo, despite its harsh circumstances, is a flawless, efficient, streamlined city. It's the perfect well-oiled machine- the way perhaps George Orwell would have imagined it. I don't know if it's something I could ever get used to, but there is something deeply admirable and beautiful about the willingness of a person to prize their community over their own well being. It's humbling and awe-inspiring. It's lack of ego. It's something Americans should learn a thing or two about.
65. And finally, my number one, all time favorite thing about Japan- The Food. I could write a novella on Japanese cuisine. In fact, I think I will, but I'll save it for next time.
OKAY. So I think I've covered every last freakin' thing. Now I just hope someone actually reads this thing.


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Welcome to RichardArmitageOnline.comThis is an unofficial website about the work of the British actor Richard Armitage, star of The Hobbit, Strike Back, Spooks, Robin Hood, North and South and The Vicar of Dibley. There's information here about his television, film and theatre work, including pictures and video clips of many of his TV and film roles. You can also read his comments about his characters, taken from published interviews. Navigate to any of his roles from the menu at the top of the page, or go to the Television Career, Film Career, Theatre Career or Voice Career pages and follow the links from there. Also see... - Recent updates to the site (below)
This site is an Amazon.co.uk Associate and a BookDepository.co.uk Affiliate, and all commission earned from sales referred from the site will be donated to charity. If you follow any of the links on this site to Richard Armitage's DVDs or audiobooks at Amazon UK or The Book Depository and make a purchase (whether of that item or anything else), some money is donated to charity. Further details of these schemes... Annette
If you'd like to contribute to any of the four charities supported by Richard Armitage, please see his JustGiving pages.
Recent updates to the siteDecember 2013The Hobbit Added a summary of the - generally very positive - reviews of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (8th December). The Hobbit : Premieres Added information about the world premiere of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in Los Angeles, with links to a recroding of a live-stream, and interviews and reports (8th December). The Hobbit : Videos Added a link to the thirteenth production blog for The Hobbit (8th December). Articles and interviews : 2013 Added interviews with the New Zealand Herald, Daybreak, Access Hollywood, Today, 3 News, Rotten Tomatoes, TheOneRing.net and New York Moves (8th December). November 2013The Hobbit : Videos Added a link to the twelfth production blog for The Hobbit (10th November). October 2013The Hobbit : Miscellany Added information about the new commemorative stamps and coins being released by New Zealand Post (27th October). The Hobbit Added a note about the international release dates for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (20th October). Articles and interviews : 2013 Added a short interview about filming the barrel scene (20th October). The Hobbit : Pictures Added a new banner that was released today for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (1st October), and a still of Thorin Oakenshield (3rd October). Also a super-horizontal banner for the film (20th October). The Hobbit : Production details, DVDs etc Updated with information about the release of the Extended Edition of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and a number of tie-in books for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (19th October). The Hobbit : Videos Updated to include a link to the trailer released today for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (1st October). September 2013About RichardArmitageOnline.com Added details of three donations to charity of commission earned by this site from Amazon.co.uk and BookDepository.co.uk: £89.97 to Shelter, £93.78 to the NSPCC (Childline) and £73.46 to Crisis. Many thanks to all who have bought from Amazon UK and the Book Depository via this website to raise this money (24th September). Into the Storm Updated to reflect the change of name for this film, from Black Sky to Into the Storm (24th September). Updated to include the release date, now announced by Warner Bros as 8th August 2014 (25th September). August 2013Fraud Squad Addded a clip from the recently broadcast episode (18th August). Articles and interviews : 2005 Converted interviews with Radio Cumbria and Radio 2 from RealPlayer to MP3 format (17th August). July 2013The Hobbit : Videos Added a link to Peter Jackson's eleventh video blog, which covers the pick-up shooting on The Hobbit. June 2013The Hobbit : Videos Added a link to the first trailer of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which was released today (11th June). May 2013Articles and interviews : 2013 Added several interviews that Richard gave while visiting Australia recently to promote the release there of the DVD of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. They include video interviews with CNET Australia, GO POP on SFTVau, and Mornings on Channel 9, and a radio interview with Dan &Maz on 2day FM. Also Q&As with Popcorn Taxi at a special showing of the film, and with Warner Bros Australia, as well as interviews with The Vine and MMGN (9th May). Added a video interview with IGN, a radio interview on the Scotty & Nige Show, and interviews with The Music, News.com.au, and MovieFIX (18th May). April 2013Articles and interviews : 2013 Added links to a radio interview with Steve Wright, a video of a radio interview with Sarah-Jane Crawford, and an interview in the Independent on Sunday (9th April). Also added a link to a radio interview with Dino and Pete of Capital East Midlands, and replaced the link to the Steve Wright interview on iPlayer with a downloadable MP3 clip (10th April). Added a link to a fascinating discussion between Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage and James Nesbitt for iTunes Germany; also some comments by them about Smaug for IGN, for Digital Spy and for Yahoo Movies. Also added a radio interview with Rick Astley for Magic 105.4, and interviews with DIY, SFX and HeyUGuys (14th April). Forthcoming workRichard's latest appearance is in the first of Peter Jackson's three films of The Hobbit, based on the novel by JRR Tolkien. The other two parts will be released in December 2013 and December 2014. Earlier this year he was in New Zealand completing pick-up shooting on the remaining two films. Into the Storm, a film for New Line about a tornado, is due for release in 2014. |
© RichardArmitageOnline.com, 2007-2013 |

subset: commoncrawl


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Apr21 |
Chelsea Clinton Has The Ass Of LifePhoto via Brett Lieberman, Pennsyltucky Politics Chelsea Clinton was in town Friday night, and boy did she have a fabulous time! And why not: She hit all the gay bars in Center City, along with Ed Rendell and Rob Reiner. She even went to Tavern on Camac and Sisters! (Her pub crawl also included Woody's and Bump. What, no Uncle's?) When Chelsea was little, Rush Limbaugh called her ugly and everybody got mad at him. But nobody's calling Chelsea unattractive now. "Chelsea, the gays love you," shouted one gay person. "We love your highlights — you're gorgeous baby!" said another, which prompted bisexual hottie Anne Dicker to say, "Maybe they're swingers." Sadly, Chelsea could not visit the now-closed Club Kama Sutra to find out.
You grab that ass of life, girl! Sadly, that woman has now been tracked down and fired from her job for grabbing Chelsea Clinton's ass. Chelsea Clinton hits the gay bars in Philadelphia [Pennsyltucky Politics] |


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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)- According to KUB's website, power has been restored to almost all customers.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)- KUB crews are busy dealing with a power outages in several parts of Knoxville.
The biggest outage is near the Knoxville Center Mall. KUB's website shows close to two thousand customers are in the dark.
A spokesperson says the power provider doesn't know why the outage happened. But efforts to shift the amount of power in the system to
help get things up and running again are underway.
Meanwhile, KUB's website shows close to one thousand people are without power in the West Hills area.


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Marked Decrease in Illegal Immigration
Written by Kelly HoltThe flow of unauthorized immigrants is down sharply, according to a September 1 report by Pew Hispanic Center. The 8 percent reduction from 12 million to 11.1 million illegals currently living in the U.S. marks the first significant reversal in this population in two decades. The number is nearly two-thirds smaller in the period from March 2007 to March 2009 than from March 2000 to March 2005.
Automatic Citizenship
Written by Joe Wolverton, II, J.D.A recent article published at Politico.com asked, "What makes an American?" That question and the implications arising from the many answers being proffered to it have attracted the attention of pundits and politicians since the passage earlier in the year of S.B. 1070 by the Arizona legislature.
WSBTV Atlanta, August 26, reported that Barbadian mother Petra Gooding has one week to stay in Atlanta with her sick child before she's required to leave the country.
Controversy surrounds the recent arrest of an illegal immigrant in Gwinnett County Georgia, part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. On August 23, MyFoxAtlanta reported that authorities have no plans to deport illegal immigrant Celso Campo-Duartes, who was convicted in a deadly hit-and-run accident and arrested for multiple traffic violations.
Left-wing activists are upset that the U.S. Government is deporting too many illegal immigrants who don't have "serious" criminal records, the Miami Herald reports. "Few deported aliens have serious criminal records, activists say," ran the headline in the paper. Question is, what do the activists and the Herald consider a "few"? The number apparently hovers at about 40,000.


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IRIS Nights Lecture Series - David HiserThe Annenberg Space for PhotographyThursday, January 24, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (PST)Los Angeles, United States |
After Wednesday's tickets sell out online, there will not be any other tickets available until Thursday, January 17th's batch opens online at 9:30am PT.
Photographer David Hiser will share his 1993 work with the Penan hunter-gathers in the deep forests of Borneo. Published in the book, Nomads of the Dawn, it was part of the last comprehensive documentation of their unique society before it began to yield to outside influences. Nomads of the Dawn shows a lifestyle once lived by all mankind, which is now almost gone from the face of the earth.
Hiser is an editorial photographer and photo educator, whose work has been published in over 100 National Geographic books and magazines, as well as many other international publications.
He has done stories of the Aztec, Mayan and Tarahumara cultures in Mexico, the island peoples of Micronesia, and the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic. Hiser's work is outdoor-oriented, involving mountain climbing, desert travel and diving.
His work is represented by Getty Images, Still Media and the National Geographic Image Collection. He lives with his wife in Colorado.
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Posts by philby
6 posts • joined Friday 26th October 2007 18:46 GMT
Some success in USA politics
With a mustache and cowboy boots it worked for John Kitzhaber, MD:
16 bit floating point?
You sure it's not 64 bit -> 32 bit conversion????
one balloon, rigid triangle frame
hang a triangular frame, approximately equilateral, under the balloon.
Attach it to the balloon by one vertex, lower triangle edge to be horizontal. Rocket on one side, counterweight on the other side.
Similar to original Register idea except a single beam attached to string at the center is never going to remain horizontal
Standard US Recharging is different
UK mains are 200V or 200V or some such?
US are 110V~120V "standard". Then with a 15A circuit you are way behind the 3kW you quoted.
You can get 20A at 115V pretty easily, and any new house now built will come with some 220V plugs for oven, clothes dryer, etc. Not sure if that's usually 15A, could be higher.
So electric car owners in US are told "special equipment" might be needed.... and I assume that's a 220V socket installed in the garage somewhere handy.
The article quoted "US standard" mains so is technically correct
Google "Interdata Computers" for more info, Interdata was acquired by Perkin-Elmer.
IIRC, Tektronix's 4081 graphics computing systems used Interdata CPUs; Cannot remember what OS was on that beast however.
Re: Nehalem
> Couldn't they have chosen a better name? Whenever I try to pronounce this > it sounds like I'm clearing my throat.
Maybe you'd prefer one of
Chetco would have been a good choice to sow confusion


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05/06/2012 (16:00 - 18:00) · Bonn · Haus der Geschichte
Lecture & Discussion
Bonn: »Bloodlands«
The Amerika Haus e.V. NRW invited in cooperation with Stiftung Haus der Geschichte to a lecture with Timothy Snyder, winner of the Leipzig Book Award 2012.We were delighted to welcome the American author and historian Timothy Snyder who was only recently awarded with the Leipzig Book Award.
His prize-winning book Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, a history of Nazi and Soviet mass killing on the lands between Berlin and Moscow, published in 2010, was awarded with the Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding earlier this year. It has been translated into twenty languages, becoming book of the year 2010 and a bestseller.
Numerous attendees came to the Haus der Geschichte (HdG) in Bonn, on Mai 6, 2012 to listen to the lecture held by Timothy Snyder, who was just awarded the Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding. All seats were taken. In his welcoming speech Prof. Dr. Hans Walter Hütter, HdG's President, pointed out that the topic prevails and that Timothy Snyder had impressingly accomplished to redefine the area under examination of mass murder during World War II.
In his lecture, which Timothy Snyder gave in German, he first spoke about the inhabitants of the Bloodlands, the Eastern-European area decisive for Hitler's and Stalin's power political campaigns. Referring to diary entries and letters, he told the story of a starving man digging his own grave in order to avoid an anonymous mass grave. Furthermore he told the story of a family living in a ghetto, missing their relatives. Timothy Snyder highlighted that the family was regarded as most important support, by those suffering hardship.
These were only two out of 14 million stories which had taken place in the bloodlands. Timothy Snyder gave insight to his sources and left room for questions: If so many people lost their lives in the bloodlands, why was the momentousness not accordingly acknowledged? As a possible answer to that question, Timothy Snyder suggested, that man would view history on a national level. German and Soviet crimes would be seen as separate from one another and examined according to that. On a historical level the overlaps were therefore not fully reviewed. This separation of the areas under examination is quite convenient, Timothy Snyder pointed out, but history had nothing to do with convenience. Accordingly, when writing he had tried to avoid "Special Treatment".
With respect to World War II he observed that the Holocaust was the worst catastrophe, but not the only one. As he pointed out, the mass dying in the bloodlands was mostly caused by deliberate starving campaigns; the wider context should therefore not be left unacknowledged. The Yale Professor further explained why the Hitler and Stalin regimes decided to become militarily active in the bloodlands. Both campaigns were neo-colonial projects which covered the same regions of Europe. According to Timothy Snyder, The Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Soviet Union of 1939 had come to pass, because Poland was an obstacle for both Hitler and Stalin. But because Ukraine was supposed to become the "breadbasket" for both parties, and could only be controlled by one, war broke out in 1941.
Timothy Snyder emphasized that Bloodlands did not aim to make a comparison between two evils. Comparing the Holocaust to any other genocide is highly controversial in Germany. Yet he pointed out that a supranational historiography may at times need to make a comparison to substantiate an argument. A comparison should therefore not be tabooed.
Before Timothy Snyder engaged in a discussion with his discussion partner Prof. Dr. Joachim Scholtyseck and the audience, he stated his motivation for writing Bloodlands: to turn casualty figures back into names.
Summary by Julia Große-Vorholt, Amerika Hau e.V. NRW
Timothy Snyder is Bird White Housum Professor of History at Yale University since 2001, teaching courses in modern East European political history. Previously, Timothy Snyder has lived and worked in Europe. He speaks five and reads ten languages. Snyder's research findings have not only been published within scientific but in many journalistic journals, such as the New York Times.
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Joachim Scholtyseck, University of Bonn
Amerika Haus e.V. NRW
Telefon: 0221 – 169 26 350 │ Fax: 0221 – 169 26 308
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com │ www.amerikahaus-nrw.de
E-Mail: email@example.com │ www.amerikahaus-nrw.de
In coorperation with Stiftung Haus der Geschichte Bonn


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After experiencing crime, teen trains to stop it
By SONALI KOHLI
Sally Ortiz stood in her light blue shirt and black slacks, hair pulled in a tight bun, police belt wrapped around her waist. She had her rubber gun pointed at a man crawling on the ground. "Bang bang bang bang bang," the 17-year-old said, leaving the man "dead" just before he reached a stray gun.
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Ponzi suspect has a link to 60
anniversary celebration
By ERIC HARTLEY
A Costa Mesa businessman who's now accused of taking part in a Ponzi scheme provided entertainment for the city's 60th anniversary celebration this year, records show.The city has said it's investigating allegations of fiscal mismanagement related to the 60th anniversary celebration in June. Two employees were put on lea
Mon Dec 09, 2013
CIF basketball preview: Costa Mesa Mustangs
By BRANTLEY WATSON
Editor's note: Today is the first of the boys basketball previews for Newport-Mesa high schoolsMike Molina has an ace in the hole. It might be his first season as a coach, but for some of his guys, it will be their last as a player. "For some of these guys, it's their senior year, that's what they realiz
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Senk: Newport fiddles while fire pits burn
By AMY SENK
I've been following the beach fire rings controversy in Newport Beach since 2009, covering about every single step of the process. I've written about council members suggesting the city consider a ban on fire rings, and then changing their minds. I've covered parks commissions meetings and California Coastal Commission
Mon Dec 09, 2013
OCC to host Florida State in preparation for BCS title game
By RICHARD DUNN
Orange Coast College will host the top-ranked Florida State football team at its Costa Mesa facilities next month as the Seminoles prepare to face Auburn in the Bowl Championship Series national title game Jan. 6 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, OCC spokesman Doug Bennett said Monday. The exact practice dates are not set, but Florida State
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Newport council to vote on long-awaited parks projects
By DEEPA BHARATH
The Newport Beach City Council, during its last meeting of the year, is expected to approve contracts that will take the city closer to completing two major park projects. The council will consider allocating a little over $5.2 million for the 13.7-acre Sunset Ridge Park, which has been planned for many years, but finally got the necessa
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Baseball West Coast to hold tryouts
Baseball West Coast will hold tryouts for its Under 9-11 and Under-14 teams Jan. 4-5 at Concordia University in Irvine.The tryouts will be led by former Major League player Mike Rouse and other former professional and college coaches.For more information, email email@example.com the writer:
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Eye on O.C.: Movers and shakers
By CONNIE K. HO
A man surfing a wave. A crescent moon. These are a few images that were drawn by Norton Wisdom, a performance painter who captured the essence of the honorees at the 24th annual OC Metro magazine's "Hottest 25 People in OC" reception last month at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. "I've met several people who have real
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Zarnow: Nonprofit furnishes homes for veterans
Suzanne Hoey – college graduate, single mother and veteran – has seen a lot in her 36 years. She enlisted in the Air Force after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks because she wanted to make a difference. She served two deployments in Afghanistan, where she encountered things unimaginable to most of us. She goes all to piece
Mon Dec 09, 2013
Group seeks to put punch in kids' defense
By ALMA FAUSTO
COSTA MESA – Some in the crowd looked at the exquisite cars, while others greeted each other with hugs and laughter as if being reunited after a long time. Christmas decorations adorned the private classic car garage and holiday tunes played in the background Sunday.The quaint gathering came out of a specific tragedy, but was meant
Sun Dec 08, 2013
UCI grad prepared for a fight, literally
By JOSEPH PIMENTEL
A recent University of California Irvine grad has launched a career path that almost certainly is a first among the school's alums. He became a professional boxer. Daniel Kim graduated in June with a 3.3 grade-point average, a bachelor's degree in psychology and social behavior and a love of what can be brutal sport.
Sun Dec 08, 2013
Where to find that perfect (live) Christmas tree
By ANTOINE BOESSENKOOL
For some, an artificial tree just isn't Christmas. It's about the scent and beauty of a real and freshly cut tree, said Terri Thomas of Mission Viejo. On Wednesday, she and her family – twin 10-year-old daughters Bryn and Hayden and husband Bruce – were at Peltzer Pines to find such a tree. The tree farm, set among the pictur
Sun Dec 08, 2013
Exciting fights highlight Fight Club OC
By JOSEPH PIMENTEL
Mixed martial artist Curtis Millender certainly knows how to use his feet. The 26-year-old from Fullerton elicited a lot of cheers and smiles when he performed the moonwalk ala the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, inside the locker room prior to his fight against Alex Suhonosov on Thursday at the Hanger in the OC Fair & Event Center.
Sun Dec 08, 2013
Christmas Walk is a boon for local retailers
By JOSEPH PIMENTEL
NEWPORT BEACH – The fresh smell of garlic naan and vegetarian samosas in front of Mayur Indian Cuisine attracted the festive crowd and partially blocked the sidewalk. Just a few stores down, people were gulping on samples of organic juices from Ritual Juice Box. Across the street, carnitas sliders were being handed out in front of
Sun Dec 08, 2013
Students bring holiday show to veterans
By LAUREN STEUSSY
Students from Corona del Mar Middle School took their show on the road Thursday, putting on a holiday performance for veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach. "These kids have a real giving attitude with their talents," said Navy veteran Craig Weigle, 58. The students entertained with skits, song
Sun Dec 08, 2013
CEO of Morningside group homes resigns
By NICOLE SHINE
The CEO of Morningside Recovery, a Newport Beach-based provider of sober living homes and addiction treatment, has resigned. Mary Helen Beatificato said she resigned Nov. 19 over "differences in opinion and direction" with one of Morningside's owners. She had spent more than five years as the company's legal counsel and the p
Sun Dec 08, 2013
CIF playoffs: Ross guides Oilers past Sailors for first title since '35
By ADAM MAYA
ANAHEIM – Kai Ross plucked the ball out of the air and dodged just about every opposing defender as he zigged, zagged and zigged again, covering the width of the field during a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown. "When you get a pick-six, you're exhilarated," Ross said. "It's the best feeling I've felt in
Sun Dec 08, 2013
Chapman gets $10 million Christmas present
NEWPORT BEACH – Longtime Chapman University supporters James and Catherine Emmi announced Saturday that they would be donating "upwards of $10 million" to the school, university President James L. Doti said. The gift was announced during the Women of Chapman Christmas at the Ritz fundraiser. It is the second lar
Sat Dec 07, 2013
Governor appoints 3 new O.C. judges
By ALYSSA DURANTY
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Edmund G. Brown appointed three local attorneys as new Orange County Superior Court judges Wednesday. Thomas A. Glazier, 53, of Lake Forest, worked as an assistant district attorney at the Orange County District Attorney's Office where he worked in multiple positions since 1989. He earned his law degree at B
Sat Dec 07, 2013
Crash causes Sigalert on the 405 south
By ALYSSA DURANTY
COSTA MESA – A crash on the 405 south near Fairview Avenue closed three lanes for about an hour Saturday morning, officials said.First reports of the accident came in to California Highway Patrol officials at 10:15 a.m., according to the department's log.The initial report of the accident was that a black truck spun out
Sat Dec 07, 2013
Three-time Kings: CdM beats Garden Grove to win another CIF title
By CARLOS ARIAS
COSTA MESA – Garden Grove coach Willy Puga said he thought his team was ready for all the explosive players on Corona del Mar's football team, but sophomore running back Anthony Battista turned out to be the big surprise. The Argonauts fell behind by two touchdowns in the first quarter, but they battled their way back to tie it at
Sat Dec 07, 2013
CIF final preview: CdM, Newport Harbor go for titles
By BRANTLEY WATSON
It wouldn't be the first CIF title for either, but it would be the first time they won it together. Newport Beach rivals Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor will both play in CIF championship games this weekend; CdM in the Southern Division final and Newport Harbor in the Southwest Division final. It is the first time in hist
Fri Dec 06, 2013
California colleges see growth in enrollment of veterans
By LAUREN STEUSSY
NEWPORT BEACH -- – Bracing for an increase in veterans looking to spend their benefits on higher education, administrators from California community colleges gathered this week to swap ideas for the services veterans need. The third annual Veterans Summit in Newport Beach kicked off with a panel of student veterans. They set the to
Fri Dec 06, 2013
Costa Mesa man recruited Ponzi victims, SEC says
By ERIC HARTLEY
Federal authorities say a Costa Mesa man helped recruit investors into a Ponzi scheme that raised almost $18 million by promising returns from oil and gas projects.Instead of being invested in energy production, a lawsuit says, much of the money went to the promoters and to repay previous investors.Roland Barrera of Costa Mesa is o
Fri Dec 06, 2013
Air board OKs gas fire ring contracts for Newport Beach
By DEEPA BHARATH
DIAMOND BAR – Southern California's air quality board Friday approved two contracts totaling $600,000 to two companies that will work to develop propane and natural gas fire pits for Newport Beach. The South Coast Air Quality Management District's board unanimously voted to execute contracts with Earth's Flame Inc. and Blazing Desi
Fri Dec 06, 2013
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Study Slams Industry Self-Regulation and Kids' Marketing
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You are here
About the performer
Newport Jazz Festival 60th Anniversary
The Newport Jazz Festival: Now 60 tour will both celebrate the great history of the Newport Jazz Festival and it's current role as one of the most active presenters of contemporary jazz artists in the world.
The Newport Jazz Festival's historical moments and recordings have been well-documented but during the past 10 years, the festival has made new news by continuing to be at the forefront of discovering new talent and nurturing the incredible creative community of jazz and related music that thrives today.
George Wein, the producer of the Newport Jazz Festival since it's inception in 1954, and now at 87-years young, continues to hear live jazz in the clubs of NYC on a regular basis and has focused the programming of the festival towards the young composers and musicians who perform nightly in those venues.
The title of the tour celebrates the longevity of the festival and also the relevance it enjoys today.
As the concert repertoire will span the ages, from Louis, Duke and Miles to Latin, Brazilian and fusion, and more, the leader of the touring group, Anat Cohen, is a perfect ambassador for the Newport Jazz Festival. She's a master of "classic jazz:" swing, be-bop and New Orleans music in addition to Brazilian, Latin & gypsy music.
The "front-line" of the touring ensemble features renowned, multi-Grammy nominated vocalist Karrin Allyson, who sings fluently in four languages; 5-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker, an expert in funk, hard bop, Brazilian music and ballads, and versatile guitarist Mark Whitfield accompanied by the A-list rhythm section of pianist Peter Martin, drummer Clarence Penn and bassist Larry Grenadier. These artists have collectively recorded hundreds of albums featuring countless styles of music and will bring this experience to the stage together for the first time.


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- January 16, 2013
- 12:17 p.m.
- Suggest removal
- Reply to this post
Bewitched writes:
in response to reflection:
The decision yesterday was all about getting the state funding for that day, nothing else. I brought mine to work with me yesterday and made them study, because I've been to that movie before and I know how it ends. You end up with frantic parents fighting each other in traffic and getting stuck in the very weather everyone was trying to avoid.
Are you going to write a note saying they were sick or are you going to let them take the unexcused absence? Just wondering what example that sets for "the kids".
Want to participate in the conversation? Become a subscriber today. Subscribers can read and comment on any story, anytime. Non-subscribers will only be able to view comments on select stories.


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What show are you coming from/going to? Prabal Gurung What is your favorite fall trend? Army, brocade What is your favorite candy? Turkish pepper candy For more street style, follow us on Tumblr. Photos: Statia Grossman for DailyCandy
15 Breaks from Holiday Overload A short December means a hectic season. We took a few minutes out to appreciate homages to top television ladies, Nick Hornby's latest, and more.


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GO TO: An Independent in the North Sea Global Activity NPR-A Update Petroleum Systems The Lure of Egypt Top 10 Exploration Areas
The world in 2002 might be spinning under the influence of terrorism and reeling from other uncertainties, but that hasn't stopped the planet's need for energy -- nor extinguished the fire to explore and discover hydrocarbons.
In a word, the world's exploration possibilities are good.
"Generally the activity in acreage awards around the world is quite healthy," said Ken White, senior editor of the "IHS International Oil Letter."
"Awards exceed relinquishments today," he said, "and the market is especially strong in Africa, South America, the Middle East, the Far East and Europe."
He said there is a strong general interest in prospectivity that is driven by restrictions on production.
"Companies need to impress shareholders," White noted, "so interest is high in major areas of opportunity like Brazil, where large chunks of acreage can make an impact."
Africa is particularly robust.
"There is opportunity all over that continent today and there is a large amount of acreage available in countries where governments are trying to encourage investment," he said. "The opportunities are not just confined to the typical producing countries like Nigeria, Egypt and Libya."
Unlike Africa, activity is somewhat sluggish in Indonesia. Plus, areas of unrest due to terrorist threats are extremely volatile today.
International success rates are very healthy, however, which also encourages companies to continue looking for acreage, he said -- and developing infrastructure is driving activity around the world.
"Huge transmission lines in South America, for example, have prompted companies to look for prospective acreage close to these transportation corridors," White said.
A key transmission line for future exploration activity is the 4,000-kilometer pipeline from the Tarim Basin in western China to the industrial centers in the east.
"The joint venture framework agreement has been signed by Shell, ExxonMobil, Gazprom and PetroChina," he said. "When that line is in place in five years it will stimulate intense activity along that corridor."
The following summary regarding available acreage is an excerpt from the International Acreage Inventory, a quarterly supplement to the International Oil Letter published by the IHS Energy Group (www.ihsenergy.com.)
Algeria -- A Third Licensing Round includes 10 packages of 19 blocks in various basins. Also offered is a Berkine Basin Project involving six fields that includes exploration through marketing elements, with technical bids due in October.
Angola -- Three ultra-deep water areas that have been delimited for future rounds are awaiting blocks definitions and bid terms.
Angola/Namibia -- A joint study of six undrilled blocks ranging in size from 4,500 to 10,000 square kilometers is available through WesternGeco, with direct negotiations welcomed and no bid round planned.
Congo -- Areas are available in the 750,000-square-kilometer Central Congo Basin and the 70,000-square-kilometer Tanganyika Graben in the African Rift System.
Djibouti -- Three blocks onshore and offshore covering a total of 7,900 square kilometers comprise the first-ever offering for petroleum exploration. A 2-D non-proprietary, speculative seismic shoot is planned by WesternGeco.
Egypt -- Thirty blocks in five basins are being offered, with application deadline of October 1. A data room and data packages are available at the Egyptian General Petroleum Corp. in Nasr City and on the EGPC Web site.
Eritrea -- Despite ongoing conflict with Ethiopia, 20 blocks covering 11,800 square kilometers in the Red Sea Basin remain open for licensing.
Ethiopia -- Fourteen blocks are offered and the ministry is seeking a spec seismic shoot.
Ghana -- Regulatory revisions are under way preparing for an offering this year.
Guinea -- Nine deep- and ultra-deepwater blocks and 20 on the shelf will be offered in the first offshore licensing round.
Kenya -- Twelve blocks, including on- and offshore areas, are available for negotiation.
Liberia -- TGS-Nopec has 9,500 kilometers of seismic data that includes deepwater and shelf areas -- the first in 15 years -- and is organizing a licensing round.
Mali -- The first bidding round includes 15 blocks, with applications open through September.
Mauritania -- Three areas are being offered, one of which is offshore.
Niger -- Four blocks are offered, two in a basin in the western portion of the country and one offshore.
Nigeria -- Further licensing rounds are delayed until at least 2003 due to excessive delays in concluding the year 2000 round.
Senegal -- Three deepwater tracts and four shelf blocks are offered, along with four onshore blocks.
Sierra Leone -- An offering is imminent, with TGS-Nopec working with the government to update legislation and contracts to complement 4,500 kilometers of seismic shot last year -- the first new seismic data in 15 years.
South Africa -- A block relinquished by Phillips after completion of an obligation well is being re-offered.
Tanzania -- A second offshore round offers seven new blocks along with five others that received no bids in round one.
Tunisia -- A revised list of 24 blocks is being offered, with a data room opened in Tunis.
Uganda -- Three areas in the under-explored Albertine Graben are being offered under both royalty/tax and production sharing terms.
Georgia -- A tender including two offshore and four onshore blocks was expected to be announced in July, with 60 days to respond.
Russia -- While a moratorium on acreage offerings has been levied, states are preparing a number of tenders, including a long-term exploration being considered in West Siberia. The government of the Khanty-Mansiyskiy Automomous Okrug announced the entire okrug will be divided into zones and into blocks of 350-500 square kilometers, which will be offered to companies through open auctions.
Turkmenistan -- 32 Caspian Sea blocks are on offer, and 18 blocks -- or parts of the blocks -- lie within zones disputed by either Iran or Azerbaijan. Fifteen onshore blocks are also offered.
Uzbekistan -- Direct negotiation is available on 16 projects, plus eight proposed development projects on existing fields requiring investment commitments of $242 million (U.S.).
Bulgaria -- A tender call was announced in June for two deepwater blocks in the West Black Sea Basin, along with a shelf block.
Denmark -- The customary nine-month Open Door Policy is in effect through September, where applications are accepted for any unlicensed areas west of 6° 15' East.
Greece -- A Second Licensing Round is expected late this year for onshore and offshore areas, including in the deepwater Ionian Sea.
Ireland -- An Open Door Policy is in effect for areas not included in previous four rounds.
Latvia -- Offshore non-exclusive prospecting licensing for a shelf area is open through August, along with a tender call for three exploration permits unlicensed in the country's first offshore bid round.
Malta -- Contracts are expected in the fall for five areas ranging in water depths of 50 meters to 2,000 meters.
The Netherlands -- Two blocks are being reviewed for offer, with the Ninth Round bidding just being closed.
Norway -- The government has indicated that licensing rounds in the Norwegian Sea will be held every second hear. The 17th Round closed in March.
Portugal -- Deep offshore bids for seven areas are being sought through November.
Romania -- Six blocks, including five onshore, have been offered, with bids open through August.
China -- Sinopec is seeking government approval to open four gas fields in the Songliao Basin for foreign participation. Also, two enhanced oil recovery contracts are offered in the South Yellow Sea area and two blocks with deep gas potential are available in the Bohai Gulf.
Additionally, CNOOC has been offering blocks in the Bohai Gulf, South Yellow Sea, East China Sea and the South China Sea.
India -- A total of 27 exploration blocks have been offered bid, including nine deepwater bocks, seven shallow water blocks and 11 onshore blocks. Four are being offered for the first time and the others with either reprocessed or new data.
Indonesia -- Migas intends to offer 23 blocks under production sharing terms, with announcement expected in August.
Malaysia -- Various onshore and offshore blocks in three geographical areas remaining from a late-2001 offer remain available.
Mongolia -- Direct negotiations are invited on 16 blocks.
Philippines -- Jebco is acquiring up to 10,000 kilometers of data in three basins in the southern Sulu Sea in preparation for a proposed licensing round in 2003.
South Korea -- Seven offshore blocks are open for exploration.
Thailand -- The 18th Round closed in 2000, and a moratorium was declared. However, three additional applications were filed for that round earlier this year. No timeframe has been announced.
Vietnam -- All open areas are available for direct negotiation under varying contract regimes with PetroVietnam.
Bolivia -- Nine blocks have been nominated for bid, two of which in non-traditional areas. Bids expected to open August 15.
Brazil -- A disappointing 14 of 38 blocks offered received bids in ANP Round 4 held in mid-June, with only two blocks receiving second bids.
Chile -- State oil company ENAP has yet to award a contract to any of the several companies that have expressed interest in ENAP's search for partners to rehabilitate 21 of its largest fields.
Colombia -- Six blocks are being offered via farm out or joint venture agreements by Ecopetrol.
Cuba -- Sixteen onshore blocks and nine offshore blocks are offered "out of round."
Ecuador -- The upcoming bid round was reduced from eight blocks to six, with two in Ecuador's Amazon region and the remaining four along the Pacific Coast. Observers anticipate little bid action until a newly elected government takes power in January.
Meanwhile, IHS reports the bid round to form operating alliances with private service companies to rehabilitate 90 inactive wells scattered in the Oriente region drags on, with no offers presented and no date set for delivery of bids.
Falkland Islands -- New production licenses are being offered on all acreage not already claimed, with certain exceptions. Bids for open-door licensing can be submitted at any time, with bids opened on the last working day of each month.
Guatemala -- An 11-block round planned for late 2001 is still pending.
Mexico -- The long-anticipated First Multiple Service Contracts tender is expected in November.
The tender represents the broadest opening of the Mexican upstream sector in decades. It is anticipated that all contracts will be limited to field development, with operations limited to already-proven and audited reservoirs. However, field extensions will apparently be permitted.
Contracts will carry a maximum term of 20 years broken into sub-periods.
Nicaragua -- Approval is expected this year for a tender covering 150,907 square kilometers, including offshore Caribbean and Pacific areas as well as onshore coastal plain of the Pacific margin.
Peru -- IHS indicates a planned auction of three blocks adjacent to the Camisea Field has been abandoned due to lack of interest. Three other blocks remain available through direct negotiation.
Venezuela -- A decision is imminent on a 10-block tender, including five offshore blocks not awarded in last year's bid round. The offshore areas lie in the 25,000-square-kilometer Plataforma Deltana area on the maritime border with Trinidad & Tobago.
A wildcat in June confirmed the area's potential, and PDVSA estimates gas reserves at 38 trillion cubic feet.
Iran -- Sixteen field development projects are being undertaken in the Zagros Fold Belt, including eight previously unbid projects offered under buy-back terms.
Iraq -- Seven exploration blocks covering 84,500 square kilometers are offered in the Western Desert along the Saudi border, as well as major field development projects throughout the country.
Jordan -- Five blocks remain open to foreign countries.
Oman -- PGS has an agreement to shoot and interpret seismic on Block 41, which covers 19,500 square kilometers offshore northern Oman. The block includes shelf and deepwater areas.
Qatar -- An open block of 2,830 square kilometers, considered to contain an extension of the 90-million-barrel Balal Field.
Syria -- Eleven exploration blocks are open for application to bid under production-sharing terms.
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great idea for a thread Bumpus, I'll hit youtube later today and see what kind of good stuff I can find.
#1. Live free or die hard
After seeing the trailer, I give it a 10 out of 10 on how excited I am to see it. I love the Die hard series.
Yippy Kae yay!
Will Smith is da man.
Just saw the new Die Hard, and it is awesome!!
There is no movie I want to see more than Superbad this summer.
NSFW language.
Transformers was my favorite movie of the entire summer! Better than Die hard, pirates, 1408, Ocean's 13, and any of the other movies.
It's a movie I'll actually buy
P.S. - It was even better than 300 or Spiderman 3 on Imax screens.
P.S.S. Megan Fox is SUPER HOT!
Yea Zig I saw Transformers last week it was better than I was expecting the new Die Hard was damn good as well.
RIP Michael Jackson & Steve McNair


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There's been a minor Olympics scandal about participants "tanking" preliminary events in order to get a better match-up in a later round.
- Four badminton teams threw matches last week, seeking to draw an easier opponent for the qualifying round. They were disqualified and sent home for impugning the integrity of the sport (lawn bowling will be included in the 2016 Olympics, right?).
- Algerian runner Taoufik Makhloufi tanked his heat in the 800 meter prelims to save his strength for his better even, the 1500. He was expelled but appealed and was reinstated. He went on to win the 1500 meter gold.
What do you think? Good ideas or bad behavior?
It depends on the goal.
One of the critical steps in managing a project is to determine the goal, particularly the client's goal. Understanding of that goal should inform not just the outcome(s) you strive to achieve but the way you channel your efforts.
Back to the Olympics — what's the goal?
There's more than one. (The same is often true for your clients.)
For the Olympic organizers, the goal is to provide a showcase for great athletic exhibitions.1
For the athletes, the goal is to win, or to place as highly as possible.
If I were a miler also asked to run the half-mile a 1500-meterer asked to run the 800, why wouldn't I choose to excel in one rather than be mediocre in both? In baseball, for example, we praise a player who lays down a sacrifice bunt. Football teams that play each other twice rarely show their full playbook the first outing. They keep the larger goal in mind.
On the other hand, if I were sponsoring the games, would I want to show an event where a few participants might give a half-baked performance? I'd look bad, the sponsors would be mad at me, etc.
Keep the goal in mind. And remember that your goal may not be everyone else's goal, even when you're supposedly on the same side.


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Island Retainer..Acrylic Free (All-wire) Retainer & Alternative to Invisalign (W/video)
When I was researching Acrylic-Free retainers, I...
- 13 Oct 2008
When I was researching Acrylic-Free retainers, I came across the Island Retainer company first. What a discovery!
This retainer is VERY comfortable, and it's quite easy to speak while wearing. It's great if you are on the phone all day at work as you will be able to speak without impediment (no lisp like I had with the Invisalign Retainer).
You can eat soft foods such as cake, applesauce, mashed potatos, rice, icecream, etc. I don't recommend eating meats such as Steak, or hamburgers while wearing the Island Retainer as you will risk bending them. They also pop out if you have too much food in your mouth, but I can snack/eat at my desk and then pop the Island Retainer back in when I'm done ... without leaving my desk to go brush my teeth several times a day.
With the Invisalign, I found it impractical for snacking at work as you have to keep brushing your teeth before putting them back on (can't keep leaving my desk at work).
This was my retainer of choice because it's Acrylic Free and there is no gag-reflex as with the traditional mouthpiece retainer or the Invisalign Retainer. I am pressure-sensitive so removing the Invisalign Retainer was very uncomfortable for me.
My insurance covered 90% of my treatment with braces and retainer COMBINED, but my Orthodontist said it would be $350 to REPLACE if I lost them, so this is not recommended for younger children or teens who are not responsible. They can be easy to lose (they are quite small).
As with any retainer, in the beginning there is some MILD discomfort as you adjust to wearing the retainer. Ibuprofin will help alleviate that. After a while, you will forget you are wearing them.
I'm so pleased I found the Island Retainer, and I highly recommend it. Again, it's very comfortable and most people didn't even realize I had them on (I got the traditional Silver). Glad I found them, and I love my retainers! You will, too. (I only have to wear mine half-days now).
***My Orthodontist says the Island Retainer Company always attends the Orthodontic Conventions.
**$350 is what is would cost to REPLACE mine*** Please check with your insurance provider to verify initial coverage/copayment and replacement costs regarding YOUR individual and specific needs.****
Great review?
Tell your Orthodontist you want the Island Retainer. He/She will determine if you are a candidate and then do the rest. Direct your Orthodontist to the website if he doesn't already do business with them.
Comments (3)
- 2 years ago
- 3 years ago


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Ask about any of the hotel attributes and I'd reply - excellent. Why? Simply because we could not fault the staff, the room, the facilities or the location. Breakfast offered a good selection of both continental with scrambled egg and bacon. There was an option for extras at additional cost. Bar drinks were not the cheapest but then what elsecould... More
- Also Known As:
- a La Commedia Venice
- a La Commedia Hotel
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Just opened in 2006, Hotel a La Commedia is located in one of the most lively areas of the historical centre a few steps away from Rialto bridge and the most famous San Marco's Square. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz, Splendia, Travelocity, Otel, Priceline, Fastbooking, Asiatravel.com Holdings, HotelsClick and Tingo so you can book your Hotel a La Commedia reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


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I'm a fan of learning through "dangerous" play and hope to enroll Lulu in the Tinkering School someday. We pulled out the ladder to install art in her bedroom and she immediately ran to climb it. I showed her how to manueveur up and down the ladder, how to find her footing, and explained to her how she could fall off. Guess what? She got it and proceeded to climb up and down, up and down, up and down, etc. without incident. Not bad for an almost-17 month old. And yes, I know accidents can happen, but like, hello!!!, falling's okay too. And besides, I was nearby.
RELATED: Little Thinkers/Tinkerers and Big Think Interview with Lenore Skenazy
Outfit: James Perse Baby Long-Sleeved Tee and American Apparel infant cotton spandex jersey legging.


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June 20, 2012 | LXXII, No. 11 | View PDF
Eddie Mae Pfeifer
A celebration of life for Eddie Mae Pfeifer will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Spring Canyon Park in Grand Coulee, starting at 1 p.m. It will be a potluck picnic.
Eddie Mae passed away Wednesday, June 6, in East Wenatchee at the Highline Care Center.


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Spring Cleaning.
Out of Clutter, Find Simplicity. From Discord, Find Harmony. In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity. --Albert Einstein
In honor of the spring season and the opportunities it brings for personal renewal, rebirth and fresh starts, our April-June Feature Articles, dedicated to personal and spiritual growth, are exploring the topic of "Spring Cleaning for the Soul." Our contributing authors have provided us with a wonderful and varied collection of thought and insight on this subject and offer us practical tips and advice for cleaning out and clearing away our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter. The simple act of clearing one's clutter can serve to open up and create space for new growth, change, and unlimited possibilities! May peace and joy be yours as you embark on some soulful spring cleaning!
"Spring Cleaning for the Soul" by Kathryn L. Robyn, a Reiki Master, healing coach, and author of "Spiritual Housecleaning: Healing the Space Within by Beautifying the Space Around You" and co-author with Dawn Ritchie of the new book, "The Emotional House: How Redesigning Your Home Can Change Your Life." She has also led transformational workshops and support groups for over fifteen years. (www.emotionalhouse.com)
"Rituals for Springtime Soul Cleansing" by Barbara Biziou, author of "The Joys of Everyday Ritual" and "The Joy of Family Rituals," is an internationally acclaimed teacher of meditation and a life-strategy coach. As one of America's foremost ritual experts, she teaches us how to restore ritual to its rightful place as food for the soul through practical, easy to use ritual recipes that are inspiring and fun. (www.joyofritual.com)
"Spring Cleaning as a Spiritual Act" by Debra Lynn Dadd, hailed as "The Queen of Green" by the New York Times, she has been a leading consumer advocate for products and lifestyle choices that are better for health and the environment since 1982. She is author of six environmental consumer guidebooks, including "Nontoxic, Natural & Earthwise," "The Nontoxic Home & Office" and "Home Safe Home." Her website offers free email newsletters links to thousands of nontoxic, natural products. (www.dld123.com)
"Spring Cleaning for Your Dreams" by Suzanne Falter-Barns, author of "How Much Joy Can You Stand? A Creative Guide To Facing Your Fears and Making Your Dreams Come True" and her new book, "Living Your Joy: A Practical Guide to Happiness." Her free ezine, The Joy Letter, brings you a crisp, fresh burst of inspiration for your dream every week or two. It will teach you exactly what you need to know -- and think -- to create the stuff you dream of in life. (www.howmuchjoy.com)
"Removing the Deadwood" by Sunny Schlenger, a professional organizer for over 25 years, working with large and small corporations, non-profit agencies, and individuals to help them manage their time and space more creatively and effectively. Sunny is the author of the best-selling "How To Be Organized in Spite of Yourself," a Book-of-the-Month-Club featured selection, and her newest, "Organizing for the Spirit," published by Jossey-Bass/John Wiley & Sons in April 2004. (www.suncoach.com)
"Tips for Springtime Space Clearing" by Christan Hummel, author of the "Do-It-Yourself Space Clearing Kit." She travels internationally lecturing and teaching people how to use sound for personal healing and awakening, and to activate power points for planetary transformation. Christan is the co-creator of the international seminar, Geobiology-Earth Acupuncture and co-founder of Earth Transitions. Her website is www.earthtransitons.com.
"Clearing Spiritual Clutter" by Gaylah Balter, a practicing Feng Shui consultant, who has been teaching meditation and Chinese healing classes for fifteen years. Her publishing company, Learning Tree Books, produces books that motivate, inspire, create healing, and deepen our bonds with the Earth. Gaylah has been active for many years in social action and environmental organizations. Her website is www.learningtreebooks.com.
"Give Yourself the Gift of You" by Mildred Lynn McDonald, founder of Applied Ability, a Canada-USA coaching, mentoring and marketing company for mind-body-soul advocates ready to apply their abilities to fulfill their heart's passion. Mildred Lynn is a Registered Dietitian (RD), a Certified Integrative Coach (CIC), member of the International Association of Integrative Coaches (IAIC), and author of "Dance to the Beat of Your Own Heart" e-book. (www.appliedability.com)
"Spiritual Spring Cleaning" Read Father Paul's New Quarterly Column, "As You Think," at SoulfulLiving.com by Father Paul Keenan, popular speaker, author and radio co-host of WABC Radio's "Religion on the Line." Widely experienced as a national and local television and radio news commentator, he is the author of "Good News for Bad Days," "Stages of the Soul" and his newest, "Heartstorming: The Way to a Purposeful Life." (www.fatherpaul.com)
"Trash and Treasure" Read Bret's New Quarterly Column, "Seasoned Living," at SoulfulLiving.com by Bret S. Beall, MS, PhD (Cand), who applies his scientific training as an evolutionary paleontologist to help people easily live fantastic lives via consultations, demonstrations, lectures, articles and his free e-newsletter about Cooking, Entertaining, Décor, Budgeting, Simplification, Prioritization, Organization, and Travel via his company, Global Organic Designs Lifestyle Services. (www.god-dess.com)
"Imaginary Borders" Read Laura's Quarterly Column, "Gifts of the Soul," at SoulfulLiving.com by Laura Grace, co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, author, and national speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the US and Canada, she writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed book, "Gifts of the Soul" and is the creator and teacher of various personal growth programs. (www.laurahyde.com)
"Soul Cleaning with the Help of Numerology" Read Rob's Quarterly Column, "What's Your Number?," at SoulfulLiving.com. by Rob Ragozzine, expert numerologist, owner of www.simplynumbers.com, and monthly columnist at SoulfulLiving.com
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BBC and the Big Society
And so it begins. Another call for the BBC's licence fee to be scrapped, this time from the glorified wanktank of the Adam Smith Institute. (Why they didn't simply dig up Adam Smith's corpse and skullfuck it instead is beyond me - it would have achieved pretty much the same outcome without having to publish so many neoliberal 'papers').
As ever, the Beeb steadfastly covers the story, like a turkey writing a particularly unbiased article about Christmas dinner suggestions. (It's to their credit that they do so, of course, though just for once I'd love them to do a spectacularly partisan article or report sticking two fingers up to the critics.) They'll probably do a Have Your Say on it as well They've even done a Have Your Say on it as well, so that a few chimp-brained fuckknuckles can say "Wurgggh, I hate the BBC, cut everything! I don't like the fact that the BBC is running a forum where I can say that the BBC shouldn't be running a forum" and so on.
Here comes Big Society. Big Society was one of David Cameron's most feeble and hard-t0-sell policies during the election campaign, but like any bad boss who thinks they've had a good idea, he won't let it go. That swimming pool that's closing down? Labour spent too much, you can run it for yourselves if you like, for no money, seeing as you've got nothing better to do. That youth project that's closing down? Labour spent too much, you can run it for yourselves if you like, for no money, seeing as you've got nothing better to do. And so on.
Do it yourselves, or it won't happen at all. Of course, people are very accepting of the need for cuts - that argument appears to have been won, rightly or wrongly - and so an awful lot of them are going to happen, needlessly or not. People seem willing to take the bad medicine in the hope it's going to make them better. Whether it will or not remains to be seen.
And so to the BBC - a state-funded broadcaster who dares to provide programmes, news and things that people like, with a world-class reputation. And which is, therefore, next in the firing line. Of course, the neoliberal Coalition aren't behind this latest report, but no doubt we'll see a trickle over the coming weeks and months. A campaign is being prepared.
It might be too cynical to imagine that this will be not entirely unadjacent to the feverish campaigning for David Cameron conducted by the BBC's commercial rivals during the election. I think it's probably the case that the shock doctrine Coalition don't like the BBC anyway - it smacks of big state and not big society, and therefore it must be shown to be wrong. A successful BBC, or NHS, or anything, means that state funding is capable of being the right solution - this isn't a question of what works and what doesn't. It's a question of blind belief in a particular type of solution - the 'big society' neoliberal solution.
Of course we don't need 'big society' to step in where broadcasting's concerned. I don't think the Tories will close down BBC1 and say that we're more than welcome to have a bash ourselves, if we like, so long as we're prepared to pay for all the programme-making ourselves. But the arguments will begin.
The 6Music and Asian Network debate was just the start, though that was a self-inflicted wound that meant the BBC was itself buying into the 'cuts are inevitable' narrative. But now the whole operation is going to be put under the microscope - not just by the likes of the Adam Smith Institute - although they will of course be the kind of people only to happy to provide the justification and the relevant ammunition - but by the BBC's direct competitors in the media, the people who really have something to gain from their popular and much-loved rivals being broken up, or sold off, or made into a subscription service, or whatever.
The arguments are beginning now, and they're only going to get stronger and louder. If you do like the BBC and don't mind how it's paid for - and I don't remember any political party campaigning very much about this at election time - then you're going to have to get ready to fight for it. Big Society means things like the BBC and its funding method must be seen to be obsolete, outdated, unnecessary... if you disagree, you must be ready to challenge these assumptions.
The first place to go might be that BBC Have Your Say discussion, then. It's already filling up with dozens of commenters who say they don't want the BBC to be funded by anything other than subscription, and they don't even watch the TV anyway. Is that what you think? Maybe it's time you made your voice heard, too.
No related posts.
I always thought that – as much as they complain – commercial broadcasters don't want a "free" BBC.
Would you rather advertise in the middle of Eastenders of Celebrity Toad Eating on Sky One?
Given that advertising budgets haven't haemorrhaging over the last few years, who is going to advertise on ITV1 when they can get more eyeballs from Doctor Who?
Did anyone see a Leader column in the Scum a couple of weeks ago? The rag called for a reduction in the Licence Fee to help "cut the deficit".
The BBC Licence Fee has fuck all to do with the fucking deficit of course, but Murdoch's rags will use any method to confuse the fuck out of its shit-for-brains readers.
I recommend everyone writes to their MP. 38 Degrees makes it easier to do that sort of thing.
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/bbc-license-feeAnd, just for good meaure.
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/contribute/Murdoch-inquiry-nowExcellent work sir! Your translation of Shiny Faced Dave's 'big society' actually means is bang on and needs adding to the Oxford dictionary pronto! It's like 'Care in the community' all over again … and we all remember how well that worked out!
Increasingly I hear people from all over the rest of the world saying "can we pay the license fee please and get full access to the BBC's TV, radio, and web services" – surely a sign that Auntie Beeb is doing everything right.
Looking for a volunteer to do my bilateral knee replacements I'm going to need in ten years' time. Any takers?
Another good blog.
As the whole media want the BBC dead (and after Terence's point above i've no idea why) the attacks are only going to get worse. I'm writing to my MP via the link above, cheers Luddite.
Hypothetically if the BBC in its current form was subscription i'd happily pay double. For the price of all the BBC offers you could alternatively just get (an advertising packed) Sky Sports, or just Sky Movies, or perhaps both MUTV and ChelseaTV!
It never ceases to amaze me how down as a nation on the things we as a nation own, be it the BBC (quality telly), Royal Mail (send a letter anywhere in UK for 41p), the Monarchy, the NHS (and what it achieves on a shoestring budget) etc etc. Yet when commercial companies behave far worse the public just shrug their shoulders – ITV intentionally stealing £8M from phone calls that never counted for the competition, it just gets a kind of "oh well Ant & Dec are lovely, i'm sure they didn't mean it" reaction.
Of course those who are going to be picking up the slack in this whole Big Society won't be bound by the same kind of principles that bind government departments. Churches are going to be one big group. Youth groups etc will be bound to churches, who won't let in the 'wrong kind' of people, by which they mean non-Christians and homosexuals. We've already seen yoga groups banned from parish halls because they're a distraction from the Christian faith. Are these the kinds of people we want providing public services the government wants rid of?
Yep, here we go. We all saw it coming a mile off, though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHlr3wMtjNE
Have to say, while I have nothing against the BBC as such and do think they do a great job I couldn't agree more with looking at new ways of funding. I absolutely resent being forced to pay £148 a year just for owning a TV, regardless of whether I watch BBC or not. I think the change to a subscription based service is more about the fact that people's attitude to how they watch TV has changed.
For me personally, I have a PC connected to my TV in the living room. Almost everything I watch is downloaded and with the exception of using the BBC news website and occasionally watching F1 I don't go near the BBC channel (or any other for that matter). This is absolutely where things are going, the change from broadcast to broadband and the BBC I'm afraid need to start realising that people don't just have 5 channels in which to view things or get information any more. More importantly, getting that information is for the most part free and if more is needed, you pay a subscription.
£148 is how much it costs me to insure my flat per year, it's how much my annual water bill is and it's probably how much I spend on Gas/Electricity per quarter. I and others should not have to pay for the BBC if I don't use the service, and if I do… well, subscription.
As someone who only watches TV news and the odd documentary, I don't think there's anything particularly "world class" about the BBC, given the kind of budgets at their disposal. They're just dining out on a reputation garnered in a different era.
As far as I can tell they've got about 80 journalists sat in the same office in Westminster churning out the same – admittedly, technically proficient – story to vaguely different audiences.
The level of investigative journalism (considering the cash available) is abysmal. You might get a genuine piece once every 3 months, maybe, on Newsnight. The rest of the time it's just ultra-cheap round table discussions and aimless interviews.
As for their local news offer, here in Bristol, it's worse than the Northcliffe-run local newspaper. It's junk by any standard.
BBC news – on paper – has the skills and finance to have a transformative effect on this country setting new and important agendas. Instead it's a force of conservatism and the Westminster line.


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"B" is for Beats. This seems to be the mindset in the headphone world these days as the iconic headphones from Monster and Dr. Dre continue to gain popularity. Born in 2008, the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones come from the first celebrity to successfully market a pair of headphones. Known for their killer bass and sweet style, they have become quite well regarded amongst the younger generation of listeners and athletes. Join me after the break for my full review of these now well known favorites.
Now accompanied by the Solo and Beats Pro Headphones, the Studios currently sit as the midrange Beats headset. At $300, the Studios hold their place in the world of higher end consumer headphones. Included with the headphones comes 2 audio chords, one with Monster "ControlTalk" capabilities, the other without, an traveller's case, a full size ¼" Adapter, an airline adapter, and a Monster Cleaning Cloth. The pair which I am reviewing is a limited edition color pair, originally released late last year. A little overwhelming at first with all the features, it's time to break it down piece by piece.
The Studios are some of the most comfortable headphones I have ever put on my head. With a lightweight plastic frame and plush over ear cushions, it was hard to remember I was even wearing them. Even with the noise canceling turned on, I felt zero pressure. The cans are certainly comfortable enough for wearing during longer listening periods and everyday street use as well. Wearing the Studios while moving seems to be no problem either as the earcups do twist to allow some movement. Overall, comfort is extremely solid.
Build Quality
Unfortunately in order to benefit comfort and style, durability and build quality were seemingly cut. Some of the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn are unfortunately also some of the weakest built. With an all plastic build, the Studios are extremely light though fragile. I've already seen countless pairs which have had better days. That aside, the sturdy carrying case will certainly help. If you respect your gear, I doubt you will have any major issues. Another point to make about the build of the Studios is the amount of sound leakage. Even at about 30% volume on my device, I was able to hear the music clearly as another user was listening. Whether or not this matters to you is your call, just keep it in mind the next time you're rocking out to Justin Bieber.
Sound Quality
Now the all important sound. With well marketed and stylish headphones like these, it may be difficult to remember what should be the most influential factor in your headphone purchase. After my testing, it is clear that these headphones are quite different from the previously reviewed QC 15's. Where the Bose produced a clean and refined sound, the Beats create a strong and powerful effect. This is neither good or bad, simply a matter of choice. With the Beats by Dr. Dre option, you should realize you're getting some pretty bass heavy headphones. Throughout my detailed sampling, I found this feature to be the most intriguing when listening to the hip-hop/rap, alt-rock, and modern pop genres. When listening to other genres such as classical, the bass may be a bit too heavy for some and a nuisance more than anything. Other than the strong bass, the mids and highs performed relatively well. Only briefly did I notice muddying between layers, as to be expected from headphones with this powerful of a sound. As advertised, the Studios do have a noise canceling feature, not too noticeably affecting the sound and canceling out a fair amount of background disturbances. To be pointed out though, is that the Studios may have been more appropriately named noise isolating as they do a fair job doing just that.
Value for Price
At $300, the Studios aren't your everyday headphone-purchase. For many, these will be the best headphones they ever own and rightfully so. If you are ready to make the jump to a higher quality headset, the Studios are definitely feature packed enough to be worth the extra glance. Even though a price decrease would make these headphones downright killer, where they stand now keeps them recommendable nonetheless.
If you appreciate the style of your headphones and some solid bass, I'd say these are some of the best headphones for you. If you would like a bit more quality for your buck, like the Beats brand, and have the extra cash resources necessary, stay tuned for my review of the Beats Pro.


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Page (1) of 1 - 04/13/12 | email article | print page |
Hybrid and electric cars see record sales in March as gas prices rise, new models arrive
Source:Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed..
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Chef Tong Hoang Gia shares trivia about what makes this fare unique
1.Vietnamese cuisine involves the use of fish sauce, soy sauce, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.2. Cakes are wrapped in banana or coconut leaves.
3. Vietnamese recipes make use of a range of herbs, including lemongrass, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander and Thai basil leaves.


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1. Boltneck (1998)
directed by Mitch Marcus
featuring Matthew Lawrence, Justin Walker, Christine Lakin, Christian Payne, Shelley Duvall
For once, a kid from the science club really does impress someone with his latest experiment, though it hardly works out the way he planned in this ... More
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2. Born Bad (1997)
directed by Jeff Yonis
featuring James Remar, Justin Walker, Heidi Noelle Lenhardt, Corey Feldman, Taylor Nichols
A group of teens find themselves surrounded while robbing a bank. They take everyone hostage and begin a standoff with the authorities. ~ Rovi
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3. Humanoids From the Deep (1997)
directed by Jeff Yonis
featuring Emma Samms, Robert Carradine, Mark Rolston, Justin Walker
See all DVDs | List of all editions


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vicont11 5 months ago
she's sexy nimphete.
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amazing as brazilians here
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- February 24, 2013
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Looks like the City of Poulsbo is running like a well-oiled machine. Quality employees are attracted to a town like that. Congratulations to the mayor and city council.
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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staff
Treatment may not be necessary
If your simple kidney cyst causes no signs or symptoms and doesn't interfere with your kidney function, you may not need treatment. Instead, your doctor may recommend that you have an imaging test, such as ultrasound, periodically to see whether your kidney cyst has enlarged. If your kidney cyst changes and causes signs and symptoms, you may choose to have treatment at that time. Sometimes a simple kidney cyst goes away on its own.
Treatments for cysts that cause signs and symptoms
If your simple kidney cyst is causing signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment. Options include:
- Puncturing and draining the cyst, then filling it with alcohol. Rarely, to shrink the cyst, your doctor inserts a long, thin needle through your skin and through the wall of the kidney cyst. Then the fluid is drained from the cyst. Your doctor may fill the cyst with an alcohol solution to prevent it from reforming. The cysts generally return after this type of procedure, so it's reserved for certain situations.
- Surgery to remove the cyst. A large or symptomatic cyst may require surgery to drain and remove it. To access the cyst, the surgeon makes several small incisions in your skin and inserts special tools and a small video camera. While watching a video monitor in the operating room, the surgeon guides the tools to the kidney and uses them to drain the fluid from the cyst. Then the walls of the cyst are cut or burned away.
Depending on the type of procedure your doctor recommends, treatment for your kidney cyst may require a brief hospital stay.
- Taal MW, et al. Brenner & Rector's The Kidney. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6193-9..C2010-1-67932-1--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6193-9&uniqId=321553651-265. Accessed June 7, 2012.
- Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1445/0.html. Accessed June 11, 2012.
- Simple kidney cysts. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cysts/index.htm. Accessed June 7, 2012.
- Eknoyan G. A clinical view of simple and complex renal cysts. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2009;20:1874.
- Tanagho EA, et al. Smith's General Urology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=21. Accessed June 7, 2012.
- Skolarikos A, et al. Conservative and radiological management of simple renal cysts: A comprehensive review. British Journal of Urology International. In press. Accessed June 13, 2012.


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On the most recent edition of Inside The Actors Studio, Jennifer Aniston spoke of her days as a high school athlete, most of which were spent sitting on the bench. She admitted that a rogue ball once broke her nose, to which James Lipton replied, "That's a broken nose?" Aniston, with a smirk, replied, "Sort of — not…
Last night's Inside the Actors Studio with James Franco was informative—he used to work at McDonald's, he's shoplifted cologne, he has two brothers—but nothing was more revealing than his confession that he's sometimes turned on by rabbits.
Who cares about bombs in Times Square? Last night, the theater district saw the star-studded premiere of the first all-black production of Tennessee William's classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring Phylicia Rashad, James Earl Jones, Dreamgirl Anika Noni Rose, and baby-wipe fan
James Lipton appeared on The View this morning to discuss his book Inside Inside, which chronicles his career as dean of Actor's Studio Drama School and host of Inside the Actor's Studio. But in the book, he also divulges information about a completely different career: pimping! (For real.) Clip above.