text:
MetLife Stadium hasn't heard many compliments during its first two years of existence.
It has all of the worst traits of the wave of new stadiums we've seen come online in New York and elsewhere over the last few years. It is antiseptic, overly slanted toward luxury amenities and devoid of the character that made the buildings they replaced beloved parts of fandom.
Making matters worse, neither of the building's occupants have done anything particularly special in the new stadium since it opened.
The Giants and Jets haven't gained any home field advantage from playing in front of PSL holders who seem a lot less interested in the game going on in front of them than the folks who packed Giants Stadium for years.
All in all, the first two years in the new building have done nothing to change the impression that the new building was an overpriced and largely unnecessary addition to the landscape that only serves to benefit the bank accounts of Woody Johnson, the Maras and the Tisches.
It doesn't have to remain that way.
We saw some inklings of the old life and atmosphere in the last two weekends as the Giants saved their season with wins over the Jets and the Cowboys. There was emotion and electricity in a building that had never seen it before, raising hope that there might actually be a day when the new place felt like the old one.
Sunday can be another big step in the right direction. It's the first playoff game at the new place and that should jolt even the least interested of the new downstairs folks into actually putting something into the game that they are paying big money to watch.
The fans are only half the battle, though. Two weeks after winning a game with the Jets that Gang Green tried to make a referendum on whose home it was, the Giants have to take advantage of the chance Sunday provides to really make this building "their" building.
Before the last two weeks, there would be serious doubt about their ability to do that. The Giants have not played well at home over the last two seasons, but the last two weeks showed that they might just be starting to feel comfortable in the new digs.
Getting off to a fast start, like they did against the Cowboys, will get the crowd going and that life should feed the energy of the Giants. Should it come to fruition, that's an intimidating mix that can give the new joint the identity that has been missing since it came into existence before the 2010 season.
MetLife Stadium gets a chance to define itself on Sunday and the Giants get a chance to win a playoff game for the first time since the Super Bowl run. The result of each effort will linger well beyond the end of this football season.
Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City. You can follow him on Twitter and he is also a contributor to Pro Football Talk.


text:
Brad Goldpaint
Star trails whirl through the skies over California's Mount Shasta in a time-exposure photo by Brad Goldpaint. For more of Goldpaint's work, check out his website.
Time-lapse is one of the hottest trends in photography nowadays, thanks in part to the wider availability of high-end cameras, high-resolution video and high production values. But you need some high-class talent behind the lens as well.
It doesn't hurt that the past year has been a gold mine for the glories of the night sky, especially the northern lights. We've featured quite a few time-lapse videos of the aurora, as seen from Earth and from space, and you can click through a few of our favorites below. The latest stunner to surface comes from Pacific Northwest photographer Brad Goldpaint, whose work we featured just a few days ago.
Goldpaint's three-minute time-lapse, titled "Within Two Worlds," features three years' worth of sky imagery collected from a variety of locales — including Tumalo Falls, the Three Sisters Wilderness, Crater Lake and Sparks Lake in Oregon, as well as the High Sierra, Mono Lake and Mount Shasta in California.
"I discovered my passion for photography shortly after my mother's passing while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail three years ago," Goldpaint writes. "This time-lapse video is my visual representation of how the night sky and landscapes co-exist within a world of contradictions. I hope this connection between heaven and earth inspires you to discover and create your own opportunities, to reach your rightful place within two worlds."
For more of Goldpaint's perspectives on the two worlds, check out the Goldpaint Photography website, or his Facebook or Google+ page.
But before you do that, click into the video below and turn it up to full-screen resolution.
Within Two Worlds from Goldpaint Photography on Vimeo.
More time-lapse wonders:
- Cameras roll on Manhattanhenge
- Northern lights spark summer delights
- Auroral fireworks blaze on video
- Northern lights shine through a crack
- Time-lapse view of aurora from space
- The best of NASA's night lights
Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page, following @b0yle on Twitter and adding the Cosmic Log page to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box every weekday. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This is the banner that greeted us as we walked in to the International Tap House (or iTap as the locals call it) in St. Louis last week. Similar banners plastered the walls at The Foundry and All Star Pizza in Kansas City and Cicero's in St. Louis, welcoming us and our beers to the Show Me state.
Even in Columbia, home to Mizzou, several restaurants/pubs came together to host a beer crawl where we got a chance to meet up with their local beer enthusiasts. We were blown away with the thriving beer scene in Missouri and with how excited everyone was to finally have access to our beers. Needless to say, it was fun being the "prettiest girl" at the dance and we look forward to sending more beer out to our new friends. Bravely Done Missouri!
Here's what some of the beer writers we met during our trip had to say about us.
STL Hops
St. Louis Magazine
Appellation Beer
Pine Tar Press


text:
5 things to know before financing a new car
Save yourself thousands of dollars, tons of stress
Henry Ford had a vision of making a car that everyone could afford. He automated the process of building cars, and soon what was once something only the rich could buy was parked in garages all around America. Now everyone has their own ride, and plenty of us have car payments to go along with those cars.
Some of us do a better job than others when it comes to getting a car loan, and there's plenty to consider when financing a car, especially in this cruddy economy. A little forethought when financing a car can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
Here are some good things to be aware of when you try to finance your new dream machine -- they are some things that can keep you out of trouble now and in the future.
No. 5: Zero percent financing
Obviously, the lower an interest rate the better. And zero percent financing is about as good as it can get, but there's more to the story.
First, the car model that you want to buy may not be covered under the zero percent interest rate, so they'll try to steer you toward a model you don't really want. Also, you have a shorter time to pay. Dealerships love it when people pay a huge interest rate and stretch it out over six years.
Conversely, if you do qualify for the zero percent rate, they don't want you hanging around for half a decade -- at best you might only get 36 or 48 months.
Finally, look for the sticker price to be bloated and non-negotiable. They're not making much money off this sale, so they aren't likely to take much off if you try to haggle.
No. 4: HELOCs
Especially in this economy, we should already be wary of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).
These are the things you can use to get a loan to pay off your car, but you use your home as collateral. That is, if you can't make your payments, the good news is you get to keep your car, but the bad news is since you are securing the loan with your home, you lose your house.
Making the concept even more frightening is the fact that usually HELOC interest rates are variable. So while the payment might be reasonable now, a couple bumps to the rate can lead to disaster.
Sure, there are advantages -- like being able to write your car loan off your taxes, for instance. But the whole thing can go south on you pretty quickly.
No. 3: Beware of online brokers
There are tons of loan options out there, but how do you know the best one? You can do all the research on your own, but that's all you'd wind up doing if you tried to do it yourself.
At least that's the selling point of online brokers. They act as middlemen between the buyer and lender, to get you financed right away. But "right away" is not the same as "with the best deal."
One of the dangers is that even though you give the broker all your information, they aren't able to come up with the answers the ideal lender needs, and quite possibly you can be rejected.
You'd probably be better off looking around yourself than rely on an online broker. The broker's job is to get you approved -- not to get you the best deal. As such, you might get approved, but with less than favorable terms.
No. 2: Think about financing first
On the previous page, we talked about the dangers of using an online broker. It's a better idea to do the legwork yourself.
There are all sorts of places you can look to get a car loan. Don't just go with the dealership. Although convenient, they might not offer the best rates. Banks and credit unions usually offer better rates, but they're not always open at nights and on the weekends.
Some insurance companies even offer financing plans. The benefit here is not only competitive interest rates, but also provide built-in Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance. GAP insurance is something you should have on a newer car in case it gets totaled and the amount insurance pays does not cover the amount remaining on the loan.
Shopping around can save you thousands on the life of the loan. Don't just go with the dealer's financing plan.
No. 1: Details matter
You know when you go in for a car loan and they shove the stack of papers under your nose and you just sign on the line, grab the keys, and go on your merry way? Yeah.
Don't do that. Not that any lender would be willingly shady, but a detail you may think exists in fact may not.
Know all the details of your deal. For instance, what's your interest rate? Can you afford it? Is there a fee for prepayment? What's the grace period for payments? How will you get the title when the car is paid off?
Think also about warranties. What will the warranty cover? Is there something that would destroy you, financially, if it broke and your warranty doesn't cover? If so, you might want to renegotiate the terms of the warranty or start saving up for a rainy day.


text:
It took THREE HOURS to post that entry on the Jaguar C-75X concept car - five bars of cell service, but I guess everyone else was Bogarting the bandwidth. It was sort of like forcing a hurricane through a drinking straw.
So I'll post again when I get back to the hotel.


text:
Resources & Reading
Selected books for Civic Engagement
Educating Citizens: Preparing America's Undergraduates for Lives of Moral and Civic Responsibility
This is the text used by ADP projects across the nation. Some American colleges and universities are preparing thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates. Many institutions assert these ambitions, but too few act on them. The authors demonstrate the fundamental importance of moral and civic education, describe how the historical and contemporary landscapes of higher education have shaped it, and explain the educational and developmental goals and processes involved in educating citizens. They examine the challenges colleges and universities face when they dedicate themselves to this vital task and present concrete ways to overcome those challenges. This book is available in Course Reserves at the Circulation Desk in the library and as an e-book. Please note: nefUbrasy e-books require a one-time free registration for online access.
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Putnam's groundbreaking work shows how social bonds are the most powerful predictor of life satisfaction. For example, he reports that getting married is the equivalent of quadrupling your income and attending a dub meeting regularly is the equivalent of doubling your income. The loss of social capital is felt in critical ways: Communities with less social capital have lower educational performance and more teen pregnancy, child suicide, low birth weight, and prenatal mortality. Social capital is also a strong predictor of crime rates and other measures of neighborhood quality of life, as it is of our health. (Review excerpt from Syndetic Solutions)
Better Together: Restoring the American Community
Inspiring stories of people who are reweaving the social fabric by bringing their own communities together or building bridges to others. Better Together examines how people across the country are inventing new forms of social activism and community renewal. An arts program in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, brings together shipyard workers and their gentrified neighbors; a deteriorating, crime-ridden neighborhood in Boston is transformed by a determined group of civic organizers; an online "virtual" community in San Francisco allows its members to connect with each other as well as the larger group; in Wisconsin schoolchildren learn how to participate in the political process to benefit their town. As our society grows increasingly diverse, say Putnam and Feldstein, it's more important than ever to grow"social capital," whether by traditional or more innovative means. (Review excerpt from Syndetics Solutions)
Globalizing Civic Engagement: Civil Society and Transnational Action (e-book)
Chapters include: Consumers unite internationally; Trade unions in a changing world; Campaign to increase access to HIV/AlDs drugs; Internet-based 'dot-causes' and the 'anti-globalization' movement: World social forum; Campaign for a 'Robin Hood tax' for foreign exchange markets. Please note: netLibrary e-books require a one-time free registration for online access.
New Student Politics: The Wingspread Statement on Student Civic Engagement
The Wingspread Summit on Student Civic Engagement was held on March 15 - 17, 2001 at the Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. The participants included a group of thirty-three juniors and seniors representing twenty-seven colleges and universities from across the country. These students were nominated by faculty and community service directors and asked to participate for two days in a candid group discussion focused on their "civic experiences" in higher education. More information:
Civic Engagement in American Democracy (e-book and print)
Inspired by three major theoretical perspectives, particularly institutionalist and rational-choice perspectives, contributors broaden the theoretical horizons of ongoing discussion on social capital, American society, and democracy. They use an array of empirical approaches and kinds of evidence to address the roots of civic engagement, long-term changes in American society and culture, and new forms of civic activism in the late 20th century. (Review excerpt from Book News, Inc.)
The Communitarian Reader: Beyond the Essentials
Amitai Etzioni is one of the premier leaders in the subject of communitarianism, social responsibility, and education that fosters these ideals. This reader is a second collection of articles reprinted from the communitarian quarterly The Responsive Community.
Selected books on Service Learning
Alternative Strategies for Evaluating Student Learning
Includes valuable insights on assesment theory for coil classrooms theory learning for college classrooms, mastery learning,, and how to improve learning. Especially valuable for ADP: chapter on assessing performance in problem-based service-learning projects.
Serve and Learn: Implementing and Evaluating Service-Learning in Middle and High Schools (e-book)
Implementing a collaborative model for service learning to increase intellectual development, academic achievement, and citizenship education. Includes ideas for one-day events, in-class curricula, recurring curricula, and assessment. Please note: netLibrary e-books require a one-time free registration for online access.
Service-Learning : History, Theory, and Issues
Fourteen American academics contribute II chapters providing an overview of service-learning issues and a debate format for the theoretical positions on the topic. Coverage includes an historical overview of the issues related to service-learning, justifications and critiques of each of the three theoretical models - philanthropic, civic engagement, communitarian - a synthesis of the theoretical stances, and ethical issues and concerns. (Review excerpt from Book News, Inc.)
Building Partnerships for Service-Learning (e-book)
Chapters include: Fundamentals of service-learning partnerships; campus-community partnerships; collaborative student affairs; community engagement; partnerships among colleges and universities for service-learning; community agencies; elementary and secondary education; residents and students; corporate partners; international service-learning; building service-learning partnerships for the future. Please note: netLibrary e-books require a one-time free registration for online access.
Studying Service-Learning Innovations in Education Research Methodology (e-book)
Chapters include: foundational issues; definition and program diversity in the study of service-learning; epistemology and service-learning research; developmental theory in the design and evaluation of K-I 6 service-learning programs; selection of variables for study; creating and utilizing databases on service- learning; research design and statistical analysis; conduct of large-scale, multisite research and evaluation; self-assessment for service-learning. Please note: netLibrary e-books require a one-time free registration for online access.
Developing and Implementing Service-Learning Programs
Issues involved in bringing together students, teachers, and community partners in ways that foster the student's responsible citizenship and promotes a lifelong involvement in civic and social issues. Authors explore successful service-learning programs in a variety of settings and offer clear, practical advice on such matters as finding community partners, reaching diverse populations, assessment concerns, and integrating service-learning and research. (Review excerpt from Syndetics Solutions)
Reading List
Battistoni, R. (2002) Civic Engagement Across the Curriculum: A Resource Book for Service-Learning Faculty in All Disciplines, Providence, RI:
Campus Compact. Battistoni, R., Gelmon, S.B., Saltmarsh, J., Zlotkowski, E. and Wergin, J. (2003) The Engaged Department Toolkit. Providence, RI: Campus Compact.
Boyte, H. and Hollander, E. (1999) Wingspread Declaration on the Civic
Responsibilities of Research Universities. Campus Compact. Retrieved June
22, 2005
Campus Compact. (2003) Introduction to Service Learning Toolkit: Readings and Resources for Faculty. Proviaence, RI: Campus Compact.
Campus Compact. (2002) The New Student Politics Curriculum Guide. Providence, RI: Campus Compact.
Colby, A., Ehrlich, T., Beaumont, E. and Stephens, J. (2003) Educating Citizens: Preparing America's Undergraduates for Lives of Moral and Civic Responsibility. Indianapolis, IN: Jossey-Bass.
Cress, C.M., Collier, Pj. and Reitenauer, V.L. (2005). Learning Through Serving. - A Student Guidebook For Service-Learning Across The Disciplines. Sterling, VA: Bolton, MA: Stylus Publishing Company.
Ehrlich, T. (2000). Civic Responsibility and Higher Education. Washington, D.C.: The American Council on Education and The Oryx Press.
Kuh, G.D., Schuh, J.H., et als. Involving colleges: Successful approaches to fostering
student learning and personal development outside the classroom. San Francisco, CA.:
Kuh, G.D. (Ed.), (1993) Using cultural perspectives in student affairs work. Washington, D.C.: American College Personnel Association.
Kuh, G.D. (2000) Understanding campus environments. In MT Barr and M.Desler
Handbook on student affairs administration (2nd ed,). San Francisco, CA. Jossey-
Schuh, J.H., Kuh, G.D. (1991) "Evaluating the quality of collegiate environments", 7 Journal of College Admissions (Winter): 17-22.
Kuh, G.D. (1991) "The role of admissions and orientation in creating expectations for -College life." College and University,66 75-82
Kuh, G.D., Schuh, J.H., Whitt, E.J., (1991) "Some good news about campus life: How 'Involving Colleges' promote learning outside the classroom." Change 23 (5): 48-55.
Kuh, G.D. "Appraising the character of a college." Journal of Counseling and Development 71: 661-668.
Langseth, M. and Plater, W. (2004) Public Work and the Academy: An Academic Administrator's Guide to Civic Engagement and Service-Learning. Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company.
Purdy, J. (2003) "Suspicious Minds". The Atlantic Monthly. January/February 2003.
Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival ofAmeri can Community. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Tocquevjlle, A., and Heffne R. D. (2001). Democracy in America. New York:
Signet Classic.


text:
"Those Old Memories" will include stories, photographs, genealogy, scrapbooking, recipes, and interesting history of my family. Some family surnames: Troyer, Gardner, Moore, Hopkins, Allen, Amsberry, McPherson, Wyatt, Godfrey, Lee, Henley, Cutbirth, Tudor, Gustafsson, Larson, Hellgren, Farley, Harshbarger, Harvey, McComsey, Johnston, Hyndman, and Buchanan.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
" MACEY GIRL", All Creatures Great and Small
Very few photos of early family pets seem to be in my collection of old ancestral photos. The only conclusion I have come to is that raising dogs and other animals has all been passed down to me. I think I make up for all the generations before me. I am the lucky one who has filled my home with enough dogs to makeup for all the ones that my ancestors did not have or did not photograph. My camera shutter rarely stops. Life, scenery, grandchildren and animals, dogs in particular- all find their way into my photos!
Our beloved "Macey Girl" is one of many family pets through the years but she was also one of our most prized companions. She was a gorgeous, smooth coat, liver colored Border Collie. Macey came to us in a round about way but was just meant to be part of our family.
Our youngest son got her from someone he knew who didn't want her anymore and who never took very good care of her. She was about 2-3 years old at that time. Jason, our son, lived in the country and Macey fit right in his new family. She loved to herd the farm cats and anything else she could find. They had no cattle so she made do with what she could find! What a beautiful and obedient girl she was, she just seemed to be thankful that she was loved and adored. Her former owner did not treat her well and she came to Jason with a somewhat fearful and sad emotional condition. Her life showed through her eyes. All it took was loads of love to show her that people really could love and care for her. In time her timid and reserved ways subsided and she gave back to all of us a thousand times more love. The light came back into her eyes!
When our son moved his family to eastern Nebraska and couldn't take Macey along we agreed to care for her until he could find a place to live that would allow a dog. We already had two other loving animals in the house, a little black cocker spaniel and a big sharpei/chow mix dog. We really did not want another dog at the time. Macey moved in with us and we fell more in love with her and never gave her back. She became my husbands pride and his best friend.
Anyone who has ever lived with a Border Collie, knows that they want to rule the roost. She bossed the other dogs and often used her eyes to let everyone know that she thought they should be doing what she wanted them to do. Our Sharpei was not thrilled by it all. Macey was gorgeous and affectionate, especially to the little male cocker at times! She never forgot to let us all know that she was thankful to just be loved and have a good home. Her only goal in life, other than herding all the birds into one bush and the squirrels into one tree, was to please us-the rest of her pack.
For 6 1/2 years Macey, our" beautiful redhead" brought pleasure to us all. She was a big dog but that never kept her from being our constant travel companion. If we went, she went along. She rode for hours at a time and never made a peep or acted wrestless in the car, she loved to watch for other animals as we went along. She was a great camper and always made us feel safe, just by her presence. I used to camp alone occassionaly when my husband was working and she was my protector. We also owned a sporting goods business and she rode to work every day with one of us. People would remark that she scooted right up next to my husband in his old truck and proudly rode there, ears perked up, just like she was his "girlfriend"-driving down the street with him. They had quite a reputation in town! At work she greeted our customers and knew many as good friends, they stopped to see her and say hello, we were secondary.
Our Macey got cancer but she persiviered on for about 3 years and she never quit or complained in her daily life. She was ready to go along right up to her last day.
By the way, our Macey Girl could really sing too. Not your ordinary dog howling but she had her own unique singing voice. She loved music and kept in quite good tune. She could sing along when all the grandkids put on their music and they delighted in hearing her. The Annie Lennox song "Into The West" from The Lord of the Rings was her favorite.
What a great pleasure it was to have had her as part of our family. Life will never be the same without her, just as it is when we lose any loved one. Our family was so lucky and priviledged to call her one of us. We never owned her, she owned us - heart and soul!
Future generations of my family will have many photos of Macey Girl and all of our beloved pets to pass down, right along with the precious photos of their human ancestors.
3 comments:
What a beautiful tribute! I love Border Collies; they are so intelligent. I remember when my husband and I were vacationing in Britain and stopped some place where there was a Border Collie - that dog could not wait to herd us around! We laughed so hard.ReplyDelete
I especially like the second photo from the top. when you see such a completely relaxed animal you appreciate how much he trusts his master.ReplyDelete
What a beautiful and touching story! Beloved members of our family don't always have to walk on *two* legs...ReplyDelete


text:
"I am a Brush girl," proclaimed Susie Weimer, a woman who, despite experiencing tremendous loss throughout her life, has turned tragedy to triumph after completing a bereavement skill support group facilitator certificate through the Center of Loss and Life Transition via the Hospice of the Plains.
For Weimer, the path to recovery, after losing both her husband and son within months of each other, began with her involvement with Hospice of the Plains and the program's outreach program and bereavement support.
"And my son was a Beetdigger," finished Weimer as she began her tale of tragic circumstances.
After Susie and husband Rick's son Kirk Weimer graduated, the couple made the move to Denver before Rick fell ill with heart difficulties. It was then that Rick announced, "I need to move back to Brush. I need to go home."
Two weeks later, their son Kirk moved in, telling his mom, "I need to help take care of Dad and I need to be with you."
What happened next was completely unforeseen by the Weimer's. On September 28, 2009, Kirk passed away from heart disease at the age of 40.
"During this time, Rick got progressively worse," reminisced a tearful Susie. "The very day Kirk passed away, we found out Rick was eligible for a heart transplant and a few days later we buried our son. Rick soon went to the hospital, where he made the decision to not go through with the transplant. Instead, he went on hospice," she continued.
"The first week was difficult. I didn't have time to grieve for my son as I was busy taking care of Rick."
Although her husband rallied during his second week on hospice, making time to grieve together with his wife, the third week saw him deteriorate and on December 1, 2009, just three months after son Kirk, Rick passed away.
The next three to four months were a blur for Susie until she made what would prove to be an important life decision in signing up for the very first Hospice of the Plains support group held in Morgan County after seeing information about it in a newsletter.
"I was there every Monday night, I read through the book and after the 10-11 weeks of regular sessions, I called Deb Neal (Hospice of the Plains Chaplain/Social Worker) and told her that I wasn't done. That I couldn't be done."
Although Neal was holding another series of sessions in Sterling at the time, Susie simply didn't want to endure the drive and an idea emerged to have Susie herself run the Morgan County group.
"With assistance from prior group members and new, we began a new series in Morgan County," said Neal, who was proud to present the certificate of completion to Weimer on a sunny Thursday afternoon. "Her loss and the tragedy she went through, continues to impact all of Morgan County through the support group she leads and she is a very stable force that continues to support the people."
"Because I grew up here," said Susie, "There are many people who know who I am and who I was. It's a trust thing," she continued.
"People around the community trust her and come to her with their troubles and she has an outstanding connection with the community," Neal said.
The group, hosted at Sunset Manor in Brush on Monday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m., is open to anyone going through a rough time in grieving, whether their loss be hospice related or not, and has, in the past, included members as young as 17 who have lost grandparents, to members of over 90 who grieve over the loss of children and spouses.
"We don't talk about each other to each other unless we are in the group," noted Susie. "It is confidential and we don't leave until we are done. The lessons I've learned I can share," continued Susie, "and I have learned some lessons."
"To see the difference in how people heal and grow is amazing," said Susie. "From fresh grief to realizing, 'I'm not crazy, I think I'll survive' is a wonderful growth to witness and every tear that is shed helps us all heal. I watch them grow and become someone they didn't think they could."
The group is based on a companioning model that reiterates a 'I'm going to work beside you, we are in this together' philosophy. The book "Grief" by Allan Wolfelt, Ph.D., who undersigned the bereavement support facilitator certificate given to Susie, also is used as an guide for those who join.
Anyone at all who is interested in joining the group can do so, where companionship is often formed in an atmosphere of comfort, tears and even laughter, where nothing is off limits as far as topics and emotions and, as Neal reiterated, there is no age limit in grief, but rather a shared common bond that come pull people together and help the healing process.
"They don't have to go through it alone," reiterated Susie, whose triumph over tragedy also reinforces the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
If you or someone you know is interested in helping with or attending these open groups, feel free to contact Deb Neal at (970) 526-7901 or Susie Weimer at (970) 842-7332.
The Brush group meets Monday evenings at Sunset Manor's 242 Princeton Street location beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Weimer turns tragedy to triumph for those in grief
"I am a Brush girl," proclaimed Susie Weimer, a woman who, despite experiencing tremendous loss throughout her life, has turned tragedy to triumph after completing a bereavement skill support group facilitator certificate through the Center of Loss and Life Transition via the Hospice of the Plains.


text:
It's The Walking Dead Gumball 3000! Like a real-life version of the short animated movie Ruin, this cameraman thought it would be a fun idea to tear ass down a derelict stretch of road in Japan as fast as possible. Nifty, albeit not advisable!
Semi-related: Norway's techno train.
[Airamasked via Neatorama]


text:
Make a meaningful impact as a Sous Chef at Blue Smoke!
Founded by CEO Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Cafe in 1985, Union Square Hospitality Group has created some of New York's most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars such as Gramercy Tavern, Maialino, The Modern, Marta and Porchlight to name a few!
We are a Values-Driven Company that is committed to creating great work experiences for our people with lots of growth opportunities for advancement.
As an important member of our team, you'll receive:
What You Bring to the Table


text:
Hughes Dominant, Comes Close to No-No
When I woke up this morning before school, I opened my dresser drawer. It's a routine I and most people go through every day. I shuffled through several Yankee tee shirts and came across the one I decided to wear today:
The one that read "Hughes 65" on the back.
"He's pitching tonight," I thought to myself. "I guess I can wear Hughes."
Little did I know what was in store for Phil Hughes tonight. En route to the Yankees' 3-1 win over Oakland, the 23 year-old righty flirted with a no-hitter, setting down the A's one by one until the bottom of the eighth inning.
A sharp come-backer off the bat of Eric Chavez (which caromed off Hughes himself) spoiled a beautiful no-hit bid. Believe me when I tell you, Hughes was dealing like he was playing blackjack in Vegas.
Making only his second start of the year, Hughes pitched 7 1/3 innings, and was charged with one run on that one fateful hit. He walked two batters over the course of his outing and struck out a career-high 10.
Talk about doing work!
Hughes became the second Yankee pitcher this season to come within an eyelash of a no-no. CC Sabathia almost got the job done back on April 10, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning with two outs against Tampa Bay before losing it.
As for Hughes, his fastball was very live tonight; it was exploding through the strike zone. His breaking ball was un-hittable, dancing all over the place and fooling every Athletic he faced. The youngster certainly brought his best fastball with him tonight, along with his Uncle Charlie…
Well, Hughes's Uncle Charlie was present in a figurative way. In a literal way, his parents were in attendance tonight. I noticed he was throwing the no-no in the fifth, and when they showed mom and dad in the crowd, I was really pulling for him. It would have been very special for Hughes to have gotten the no-hitter with his parents there.
The Yankee offense supplied Hughes with just enough runs to pick up his second win of 2010. In the top of the fourth, the Yankees scored two of their three runs, breaking the scoreless tie. Alex Rodriguez tripled and subsequently scored on a triple by Robinson Cano.
Jorge Posada then drove in Cano with an RBI groundout to first, giving the Yankees a 2-1 edge. The Yanks' final run came in the top of the eighth, an RBI single off the bat of Brett Gardner to score Curtis Granderson.
The A's plated one run in the eighth on the strength of an RBI single by Jake Fox to score Chavez. Joba Chamberlain had taken over for Hughes at that point, but since the base runner was Hughes's responsibility, meaning he was charged with the run.
Tonight reminded me a lot of May 1, 2007. Hughes made a start in Texas against the Rangers and was on fire, as he was tonight. He took a no-no into the seventh inning, but was forced to leave with a hamstring injury.
Bobby Murcer (God rest his soul) was calling the action in the game. He said, "If Phil Hughes had stayed in the game, he would have undoubtedly pitched a no-hitter."
I was watching the game too, and I agree. I think he would have done it.
So at the end of the night:
–No no-hitter for Hughes, but he once again came close.
–Hughes is now 2-0 this year.
–Hughes set a career-high in Ks (with 10)
–The Yankees won 3-1.
–The Yankees have now won their first five series of the year.
–The Yankees have won six consecutive games.
–Mariano Rivera recorded his sixth save of the year.
–The Yankees are 11-3 on the year, still in first place in the AL East.
A productive night!!!


text:
The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a translation tool that helps communication and comparison between qualifications systems in Europe. Its eight common European reference levels are described in terms of learning outcomes: knowledge, skills and competences. This allows any national qualifications systems, national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) and qualifications in Europe to relate to the EQF levels. Learners, graduates, providers and employers can use these levels to understand and compare qualifications awarded in different countries and by different education and training systems.
For more information on NQF's and their relation to the EQF click on the buttons below:
Legal documents, Studies, Documents agreed by the EQF Advisory Group and
European Qualifications Framework Series
Qualifications that are part of national qualifications framework are listed on this page. You can scroll down to find all information. Filter by Subject Field, EQF level and Location and you will find more detailed information on qualifications, and a link to the national database. The qualifications are part of national qualifications frameworks that have formally referenced to the EQF
They have an integrated perception of the function of the Ocean and the Coastal Zone, both as ecosystems and as climatic factors. - They have extensive specialized knowledge on the field of Marine Sciences, which includes the most modern scientific developments, comprising the basis for original thinking and research activity. - They show critical understanding of the principles, theories, methodologies and practices for a specific field of Marine Sciences, along with its interconnection with other cognitive domains. - They are capable of formulating research hypothesis of particular scientific interest in their cognitive domain, design methods for checking the hypotheses (through laboratory experiments or field observations), deductively consider the correctness of hypotheses and apply a critical analysis in relation to the existing scientific knowledge.- They easily operate scientific instruments and methodologies from their field of specialization, both in the laboratory and in the field. - They analyse the scientific outcomes using statistical and calculative tools. - They operate and programme computers in order to solve scientific problems. - They apply with originality any specialized knowledge obtained through their doctorate to research, to analysis and to the development of innovative solutions for complex, interdisciplinary or pioneering issues. - They are capable of evaluating and developing modern scientific research and studies relevant to Marine Sciences. - They transmit knowledge to specialised ...
Awarding bodyUniversity of the Aegean
The graduates of the department: - Understand the basic principles and concepts of Oceanography. - Know the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes of the coastal zone. - Understand the basic principles and concepts of fishing biology and managing the reserves of the marine biological resources. - Have basic knowledge about the structure and operation of coastal ecosystems.- Understand the interaction between the man and the coastal environment and the sea resources. - Know the biodiversity of the Mediterranean, the Ecosystems of Community interest and Priority in the coastal environment, along with the endangered species. - Identify the various forms of pollution, its sources, and routes of dispersal. - Know methods for identifying, taking precautions and treating with coastal geological hazards. - Have knowledge about environmental economics and environmental law with regard to the marine and coastal zone. - Combine the protection of biodiversity with sustainable development (e.g. diving tourism, fishing tourism) in the coastal environment with emphasis to island areas. - Apply integrated techniques for the approach and understanding of the processes of the coastal marine environment and the interactions between the land and sea area, with emphasis on the impacts of climate change. - Combine an integrated perception of marine and coastal environmental processes with an understanding of their socioeconomic impacts. - Apply methods and techniques for the ecological monitoring and analysis of ...
Awarding bodyUniversity of the Aegean
The graduates of the Department of Marine Sciences: - Understand the principles and concepts of the basic sciences comprising Oceanography and Marine Sciences in general. - Have an all-encompassing perception of the sea processes and of their interactions, as well as of the basic theories and knowledge with regard to the function of the Ocean. - Have a systemic approach towards ecosystems and understand the interactions between the marine environment, the land and the atmosphere, while taking into consideration the planet change. - Understand the processes taking place in the coastal zone. - Have knowledge on environmental economics and environmental law. - Have basic knowledge on the raising of marine organisms. - Understand the factors affecting the growth and the health of marine livestock. - Understand the scientific methodology and its application to marine sciences through the formulation of questions and the use of experiments, observations, and literature analysis for case studying.- Design and apply with safety field and laboratory techniques, using the respective scientific instruments and methods. - Know, understand and apply analytical laboratory methods that relate to the biological function of marine organisms, pathogen microorganism, and the diseases caused. - Analyse the outcomes using statistical and calculative tools. - Operate and programme computers in order to solve scientific problems. - Process and conduct analyses through telemetry and satellite data. - Conduct scientific literature s ...
Awarding bodyUniversity of the Aegean


text:
What We Offer
Property Options
Burial / Cremation Services
Floral Placements
Payment Options
Veteran Services
Honor a Veteran
Veterans Headstones
Veterans Burial Flags
Why Plan Ahead?
Planning Guide
One of the traditional ways for honoring a deceased loved one is to adorn their final resting place with floral arrangements. Our Flower Shop works to create beautiful floral tributes for all occasions, and that includes arrangements made for cemetery placement.
The floral options we can provide here at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens are numerous, and include bouquets, wreaths, garden and blooming plants, and other arrangements. Standard arrangements are available throughout the year, but we also have special flowers to fit the different seasons, and can also provide arrangements that match upcoming holidays or special remembrances.
Our Flower Shop team members try to listen, first and foremost, to what you're looking for on your loved one's behalf, and to provide arrangements that are truly memorable. If you are looking to honor a loved one with a cemetery flower placement, we invite you to contact us today.
We stand ready to assist you. If a death has occurred, please call us on the number below:
Close this window
Who We Are
How We Help
Contact Us


text:
Five clips from the period drama Lawless have been released. Directed by John Hillcoat, the film stars Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jason Clarke as three brothers who became bootleggers in the South during Prohibition. I was able to see the pic at Comic-Con and it's great. The violence is incredibly raw and brutal, but it's grounded with real, engaging characters brought to life by stellar performances. Though there's not a bad actor in the bunch, the standout is definitely Guy Pearce as a corrupt FBI agent who's obsessed with bringing the Bondurant boys down. His character is as slimy as he is disturbing, and Pearce chews the scenery like no other.
Hit the jump to watch the clips. The film also stars Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, and Gary Oldman. Lawless opens on August 31st.
Here's the synopsis for Lawless:
LAWLESS is the true story of the infamous Bondurant Brothers: bootlegging siblings who made a run for the American Dream in Prohibition-era Virginia. In this epic gangster tale, inspired by true-life tales of author Matt Bondurant's family in his novel "The Wettest County in the World", the loyalty of three brothers is put to the test against the backdrop of the nation's most notorious crime wave.


text:
HOBOKEN, N.J. � Saturday afternoon belonged to junior attack Liz Mather (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) as she scored five goals and tallied two assists to lead the Stevens Institute of Technology women's lacrosse team to a 14-5 victory over Farmingdale State College at the De Baun Athletic Complex in Hoboken, N.J. In addition, Mather broke Lesa Glick's single-season record for assists at Stevens.
Mather, who entered the game with 28 assists this season, tied Glick's mark from 2002 on a goal by freshman midfielder Alyssa Pigott (Jobstown, N.J.) with 3:27 left in the first half. Mather went on to break the record on a goal by sophomore defender/midfielder Cassidy Callahan (Skaneateles, N.Y.) with 24:07 remaining in the game. During her three years with the Ducks, Mather has amassed 40 career assists.
Stevens (9-6, 5-1 Skyline Conference) also received a solid effort out of freshman midfielder Kara Borzillo (Mount Laurel, N.J.), who had three goals, two assists, two ground balls and two draw controls against the Rams. Sophomore attack Dana Perriello (Pittsburgh, Pa.) finished with two goals. Junior attack/midfielder Kaitlyn Roes (Stillwater, N.J.) contributed a goal, two assists and four draw controls.
Meanwhile, Callahan posted a goal, two assists, four ground balls and four caused turnovers. Pigott chipped in with two goals, three assists, six ground balls, three draw controls and three caused turnovers. Mather added three ground balls and two draw controls for the Ducks. Junior goalkeeper Stephanie Linder (Eatontown, N.J.) improved to 7-6 on the year by making five saves. Linder allowed just one goal in 30 minutes of action.
Freshman midfielder Jennifer Jung (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) led Farmingdale (6-5, 2-4 Skyline) with three points from two goals and an assist. She also had two ground balls. Sophomore attack/midfielder Nicole Brett (Babylon, N.Y.) tallied two goals in the loss. Junior goalkeeper Janine Forman (North Massapequa, N.Y.) made 22 saves in net for the Rams.
Brett scored the first goal of the game as Farmingdale jumped out to a 1-0 lead just under four minutes into the contest. Stevens, which has won four games in a row, proceeded to score the next 11 goals to grab the momentum.
Pigott got the Ducks going with an unassisted goal. Less than a minute later, Mather picked up her first goal. Perriello added a goal with 20:12 left on the clock to stake Stevens to a 3-1 lead. The Ducks scored six times in the final 9:01 of the half to take a 9-1 lead at the break. Mather scored three times during that stretch. She added her fifth goal of the game just 32 seconds into the second half.
Stevens out-shot Farmingdale 47-21 in the game. The Ducks also owned the advantage in ground balls (23-13) and draw controls (15-6). Stevens was 22-for-24 (91.7 percent) in clearing attempts. The Rams were 17-for-35 (48.6 percent) in clears on the day.
(Story courtesy of Stevens Sports Information)
Farmingdale will host their final home game of the regular season this Tuesday, April 24th against Ramapo College at 4:00 p.m. The Rams will be having Senior Day at the game for seniors Natalie Budinich, Andrea MacIntyre and Melissa Simonin.


text:
BevNET Live Wrap-Up
By Max Rothman
On stage, hunching forward, Don Vultaggio spoke with a soft Brooklyn voice and the candor of a proud success story.
As he sat, the cuffs of his pants rested by his shins, well above his loafers, exposing his trademark style: no socks.
It's rare to see Vultaggio, the co-founder of AriZona Beverage Co., out in a public forum, as he was during his appearance on Tuesday during BevNET Live Summer '13 in New York. But he appeared to be in a fine mood, letting his own style, which symbolizes an insightful, unique nature that has carried his company to sustained achievement, wash over the crowd. Vultaggio said he doesn't mess around with computers; that's for his sons, Wesley and Spencer. Instead, he's created a beverage behemoth without forgetting his roots and morals. With that low, local accent, he regularly talks with all kinds of employees — from fellow executives to sales representatives to truck drivers.
"These things that I call basic and simple are forgotten by most executives," Vultaggio said.
As exhibited by Vultaggio's wise simplicity, BevNET Live Summer '13 on Tuesday and Wednesday offered attendees not just a networking harbor of beverage industry brands, distributors and retailers, but also an educational experience; a reinforcement of strategies for the veterans and steps of guidance for the startups.
Vultaggio has towed his distinct personality and consistent business model — flavor that meets demand — to the pantheon of the industry. He serves as an example of how beverage brands must first discover their identity before expecting any significant returns. After years of sculpting the brand and adding successful product offerings, such as the wildly popular Arnold Palmer line, AriZona has established its identity. And, after some tinkering, so has Zola Fruits of the World, which makes acai drinks and coconut waters.
"Zola is the 12-year overnight instant success," said Chris Cuvelier, the brand's founder and CEO.
During a speech on Wednesday morning that discussed the Zola brand's evolving identity, Cuvelier said that an 8-by-10 foot bedroom served as his first headquarters. Over the course of several years, he felt confident in his product and the benefits and marketability of acai, but he struggled with the packaging. He went through several rounds of redesigns, making his way past illustrations of tigers and samba dancers, before settling on much more basic images of the key ingredients, depending on the product. Acai pomegranate, for example, features those two fruits and some jungle-like grass on the bottle.
Cuvelier laid bare his struggles with semantics during the brand's infancy. He first called his product Brazilian Power Juice. Then he called it Acai Power Juice. Then Brazilian Superfruit Juice. Then just Brazilian Superfruits. None of these terms remain on the bottle. Instead, "fruits of the world" sits below the brand name.
"We almost threw the towel in several different times," Cuvelier said.
However, his persistence has paid off; in its fourth year of existence, he said that Zola topped $1 million in revenue. It can be found in Whole Foods and Costco stores across the country. And after all this success, Cuvelier can still take a step back and consider the lessons of his brand's growth.
"What you want to be is sometimes different than what the consumer wants in a product," he said.
Zola's rise took several years, but after refining the brand and packaging, it finally became profitable. It also provided a lesson worth remembering for the hordes of entrepreneurs who were in attendance at the Metropolitan Pavilion this week. It's not easy to succeed in this industry, even with a tasty product. Strong sales come from the complete package; strong distribution, polished marketing and the elusive pinnacle: identity.
L.A. Libations co-founder Pat Bolden said that the walls have been broken down. This is the time for new and emerging brands that fit with the nation's growing interest in healthy products. Sometimes it just takes a little while to maximize a brand's potential.
"It's always been about being patient but still being persistent," Bolden said.
Josh Goldin, a managing director with Alliance Consumer Growth (ACG) Fund, had a similar opinion in his speech, which discussed his group's interest in partnering up with young, innovative brands. Goldin said that ACG is willing to provide $2 to $10 million investments per company, depending on the brand. He's looking for fast rising brands, even if they're not yet household names. He's looking for direction and style; the kind of thing that the sock-less Vultaggio had when he started AriZona more than 20 years ago.
"You don't need to take over the world tomorrow," Goldin said.


text:
Will the redesign of the site make new or beginning family historians (avoiding the genealogy word) make the transition from copying to researching? Where do the photos and stories come from? Most of my older photos, other than those of my immediate family, have come from a consistent effort over many years accumulating them from a variety of sources both in and out of the ancestral family. Likewise, the stories, where I have been able to verify them, came from research into journals and diaries found from collecting from relatives but in many cases from collections in the Special Collections sections of university libraries. Is there some fear that I won't transmit these photos and stories on to others in my family? A family, by the way, that largely ignores my genealogical activities?
Just as an example, I searched through several of my ancestors in the first three generations of my family on FamilySearch.org Family Tree and looked at the complete history of the entries, an easy thing to do with the complete record of changes since the person was added. I have made hundreds of edits and added dozens and dozens of sources. My source list includes about 204 sources so far. As I go back in time, I do find some additional entries, but considering that my information has been in New.FamilySearch.org and now, FamilySearch Family Tree and the previous programs for about twenty or so years, the lack of commentary, questions and interaction are staggering. Is this lack of interest due entirely to the design of the webpages? Will changing the pages attract more and younger users? Apparently, FamilySearch is convinced that they have the solution.
Except for one error, where a user put in a wrong name for my maternal grandfather, I could not find one other person from my family who had made any edits or added even one source over the past year. Does that mean that the old format of the website was to blame for this inactivity? The fact that I am correcting the entries and adding sources is apparently viewed as a detriment to the advance of family history. I am single-handedly driving away the very people FamilySearch would like to attract. As I sat and watched the FamilySearch.org startup page, I realized, none of the people they are showing in photos, doing family history, are old like me. I guess I have definitively moved into invisible old age.
But one thing is certain. I didn't become involved in my family history because anyone helped me or mentored me or even encouraged me. Since my first efforts at gathering family history I have been met by family members ignoring me or pretending I don't exist. It is a good thing I wasn't confronted by even more opposition.
OK, so why do I care? I am and have been for some time, extremely involved in writing, correcting and editing the FamilySearch Research Wiki. I hate to see this valuable resource virtually ignored as are many other valuable resources available to the serious genealogist, such as Community Trees. Now we find the FamilySearch.org Learn Center with all the instructional videos in about the same category.
In fact, if you look at the FamilySearch.org startup page for a while, you will see that there are almost no links to any of the research resources of the website at all except user submitted areas such as photos, family tree and indexing. There are two links to the search screen for Historical Record Collections and other resources, but nothing to tell you what or how to search.
In a comment by Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings, he summed up the problem. Quoting from the comment:
A simple listing of the major pages on the home page, near the top, would be really useful. Even a two-tier link set where Family Tree, Photos and Search are now located. I want to be able to go to the home page and click once and be in the Family Tree, the Record Search, the Collection page, the Wiki, the Research Courses, Getting Started, the Catalog, Indexing, the Blog, etc. I hope these comments do not come across as the ramblings of a old guy who resists change. I am probably the last person to complain about change per se. But as a teacher, a research consultant, a missionary at the Mesa FamilySearch Library, a researcher and as a contributor to the Wiki, my life was just made significantly harder.
For my part, I am not feeling sorry for myself. I will continue to do what I have done for over 30 years now: research. I will also continue to teach, write and encourage all those I meet and talk to about genealogy. Changing the website will not change what I do.
I am certain that if FamilySearch measures success by the number of photos and stories put on their website, they will find success. I have over 2.3 Terabytes of photos and stories waiting to go onto the site. But I would like some way to correct the duplicate stories and photos as well as have them attached to the correct ancestors. :-)


text:
Rejecting criticism from the EU, the U.S. and human rights groups, Hungary's prime minister insisted Thursday that recent constitutional changes aren't threatening democracy and the rule of law in the Eastern European nation.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said those concerns were wrong and the amendments to Hungary's constitution were in line with EU treaties.
"As far as I can see, we are talking about political opinions here," he said through an interpreter. "They cannot replace facts."
"Hungary's democratic institutions are strong enough to defend themselves," he added, speaking before a summit in Brussels of the EU's 27 national leaders.
Critics, however, fear that an amendment approved by Hungarian lawmakers on Monday weakens the country's constitutional court and undermines its democratic checks and balances.
Orban's conservative government holds a two-thirds majority in parliament, which it has used to push through a sweeping overhaul of the country's institutions and its constitution.
"We got a two-thirds majority because people trusted us with the job," Orban said.
Since 2010, Orban has battled often with the EU over attempts to increase his executive control, ranging from limiting the central bank's independence to curbing media freedom. His government has altered some legislation to comply with EU demands, but critics claim the changes were only superficial.
"The changes have undermined media freedom, limited judicial independence, and weakened the power of the constitutional court, which has been a key check on the executive," warned the rights group Human Rights Watch.
The European Commission, the EU's executive body, vowed this week to probe whether Hungary's new laws violate the bloc's values.
Many leaders were also critical. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Hungary's constitutional changes are cause for "great concern," especially for minorities.
"Europe is not only about the market and the currency, but it is also a community of values that we share - human rights, democracy," Rutte said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leader of the bloc's biggest economy, welcomed the European Commission's announcement to probe the laws and stressed that Hungary's government must also protect the minorities' rights.
"One may not abuse a two-thirds majority, but has to proceed very carefully with it," she said.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz urged the bloc's leaders not to allow a member state to slide back on the EU's core principles.
"The European Union is a community of values," he said. "We cannot remain silent if a member state rides roughshod over them."
The amendment enshrines several government policies that had been struck down by the Constitutional Court over the past months. Those include allowing local authorities to fine or jail homeless people, banning political campaign ads on commercial radio and TV stations, and forcing university students who accept state scholarships to work in Hungary for years after their graduation.
Crucially, the amendment also limits the court's right to review constitutional amendments. That allows any government with a two-thirds majority - such as the one Orban's Fidesz party has with its Christian Democrat allies - to put whatever it wants into the constitution.
While the European Commission has sweeping monitoring and enforcement powers on many economic matters, the bloc's executive arm lacks authority if a member state changes its laws to curb the rule of law or democracy itself.
If the commission finds Hungary's amendment to violate the bloc's laws, it can put political pressure on the country and then launch a formal infringement procedure - although the hurdles for the latter are high and it is a slow process.
Several EU countries and leaders therefore proposed this month to create a new powerful watchdog mechanism to monitor legal compliance with the EU's fundamental values.
"No eyebrows are raised when the EU monitors economic developments in the member states, and it should be no different when it comes to monitoring compliance with fundamental values," Schulz said.
AP writer Pablo Gorondi in Budapest, Hungary, contributed reporting.
Juergen Baetz can be reached on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/jbaetz


text:
It's one thing when an intern indulges a little skepticism about Ken Rosenthal's rumor-mongering. Now, though, it's Phillies ace Roy Halladay. Yesterday, after Halladay was roughed up in his latest spring outing, Rosenthal cited the observations of two scouts who "expressed concern" about Halladay:
One scout said Halladay topped out at 89 mph Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins, threw from a lower arm angle and lacked bite on his changeup and sinker. Another said that Halladay does not resemble the same pitcher who comes out "like gangbusters" every spring.
Rosenthal then used what the scouts told him to speculate, saying "questions invariably arise" when an "older pitcher" like Halladay shows "signs of slippage." This morning, the 34-year-old Halladay fired back:
"Yeah, I heard about that," Halladay said, referring to a report that seemed to wonder if the pitcher, like teammates Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, might have a physical issue. "Poor reporting on the extreme end of poor reporting. It couldn't be further from the truth."
Halladay didn't specify what was wrong with Rosenthals's actual reporting. A scout apparently did claim that his velocity was down, that his arm angle had changed, and that he was getting less from his changeup and sinker. Halladay himself didn't deny that the scouts were seeing something underwhelming; he just said he's not approaching spring training games with "as much intensity" as he did in the past. Halladay's objection was to the insinuation that he was breaking down physically. On that point, he thought Rosenthal was throwing some shit against the wall.
Roy Halladay Not Worried About Poor Start This Spring [The 700 Level]
Halladay velocity down; Amaro not concerned [Fox Sports]


text:
Vani Rani 11-08-2018 Sun TV | Vaani Rani serial 11.08.18 is a story about two sisters who are twins. Vaani Raani latest they both have their own family and the story revolves around the problems. Vani rani 11/08/2018 that happens in the family and how they solve it Vani Rani August 11th 2018.
Source 2 – Click on the image below to watch. (Use Google Chrome or Firefox)
Source 3 – Click on the image below to watch.
Vaani Rani 11-08-2018 | Sun TV serial Vani Rani 11/08/18.


text:
It's hard to keep track of the political gyrations at FIFA these days, especially with president and Swiss money-eel Sepp Blatter running for reelection. Corruption charges have been flying since former FA head and England's 2018 World Cup campaign chairman Lord Triesman told the British Parliament about FIFA executive committee members who allegedly wanted bribes in exchange for their votes. Russia wound up landing the 2018 World Cup.
And then there was the whistleblower who told Parliament that Qatar paid FIFA executives Issa Hayatou from Cameroon and Jacques Anouma from Ivory Coast $1.5 million each for their 2022 World Cup votes. The Qatari World Cup bid committee today fired back in a letter freighted with doublespeak and fist-shaking.
Cue Sepp Blatter on the hustings. In an attempt to sway public opinion, Blatter has now promised to reform FIFA "once and for all." Let's get this straight: Widespread corruption is alleged under Blatter's watch — as it has been for years — and Blatter promises to rein in the menace if reelected. Worse: he promises that FIFA will "be sucked into a black hole" if he's not. He's about a poll point away from hiring Karl Rove and lying about WMDs. Maybe he should because Blatter couldn't possibly look less trustworthy. Here's what he said the other day by way of exhibiting his unimpeachable ethics:
[Blatter] said someone attempted to bribe him when he was general secretary, a post he held until 1998, by putting an envelope containing cash into his jacket pocket. He declined to identify the person in an interview last week, and said the money was returned the next day.
"I couldn't refuse because he put it in my pocket," Blatter said, unbuttoning the golden buttons of his navy sports jacket to reveal a pocket. "I came here to the home of FIFA and gave it to the finance director and he put this money on the account of the Swiss Bank Corp."
At FIFA, everyone seems to have an envelope in a pocket, which is how it's "allegedly" been for years with Blatter at the wheel. We're now supposed to believe that a man who wouldn't immediately refuse a cash bribe is going to clean up the mess? That's about as easy to believe as the notion that Blatter getting chummy with Alimzhan 'Alik' Tokhtakhounov in Moscow in 2005 was innocent coincidence (after the two were introduced by a FIFA executive committee member). It's not like Blatter could have known that Tokhtakhounov had been accused of bribing judges to fix the ice skating competition at the 2002 Winter Olympics and indicted in a federal court, right?
FIFA's Blatter Vows to End Corruption Claims [Bloomberg]


text:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid voices his dismay on the House floor Thursday over the filibuster of Chuck Hagel's nomination as U.S. secretary of defense.
As Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid set a cloture vote for Thursday afternoon at 4:15 pm ET, the White House is trying to answer Republican concerns and Vice President Biden is making calls to ex-GOP Senate colleagues in an effort to save Chuck Hagel's nomination for defense secretary.
Republicans are threatening to filibuster Hagel's nomination and require 60 votes to overcome cloture, if they do not receive more information on Hagel's speeches and finances. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) sent a Feb. 12 letter to the White House requesting more information on the attacks in Benghazi and are tying Hagel's nomination to it.
Hagel has 57 votes -- 55 Democrats and two Republicans -- but would need three Republicans to vote for cloture, to end debate on his nomination, in order for it to proceed to a final up-or-down confirmation vote. The White House believes with Susan Collins (R-ME), Hagel has 58 votes for cloture.
"The Administration has repeatedly made clear its commitment to understanding the facts and circumstances surrounding the September 11-12, 2012 attack on our diplomatic mission in Benghazi...," White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler wrote in response to McCain, Graham, and Hagel.
Ruemmler also writes that the administration has begun to implement "each and every one" of the Accountability Review Board recommendations.
"This intensive response, which was directed by the President, included 13 meetings of interagency Principals and Deputies within a week of the attack and included continuous outreach by senior administration officials to the Government of Libya, including by the President and members of his Cabinet," Ruemmler wrote.
Republicans have questioned the level of involvement of President Obama in the handling of the aftermath of Benghazi. In response to a specific question from McCain, Graham, and Ayotte, Reummler writes, "Secretary Clinton called Libyan President Magariaf on behalf of the President on the evening of September 11, 2012 to coordinate additional support to protect Americans in Libya...The President spoke to President Magariaf on the evening of September 12."
She ends the letter with: "We continue to urge the full Senate to act swiftly and confirm former Senator Hagel as the next Secretary of Defense."
In the Senate, McCain said Thursday there is an effort underway to negotiate a way to get more information and get Hagel a clean up-or-down vote.
"We are working on and having negotiations now trying to smooth this thing out and get it done," McCain said. "We're working on trying to get a path forward to having the questions answered and the vote and Hagel getting his vote."
NATO defense ministers are meeting next week in Brussels, and the administration would like to have Hagel in place to attend. Reid had said earlier Thursday he would set the cloture vote on Hagel's nomination for Friday morning and an up-or-down vote Saturday before moving it up to Thursday afternoon.
"It's critical that we get our new national security team confirmed as soon as possible," said a White House official, per Kristen Welker. "When we have 66,000 American troops serving in Afghanistan, face the looming threat of sequestration, and are dealing with continued North Korean intransigence, it's irresponsible not to move forward to confirm Chuck Hagel. There are real consequences to this kind of unprecedented political posturing against a Defense Secretary nominee - consequences that are dangerous to our national security.
But Republicans want a further delay until after the Senate's break next week.
No Defense Secretary has ever been filibustered and just two cabinet secretary nominees, aside from Hagel, have been. But McCain harkened back to the failed nomination of John Tower in 1989.
"I have said all along that we had to have the concerns of Senators addressed," McCain said, "and I'm hopeful we can get those concerns addressed and still move forward with a 51-vote vote, because we have never required 60 votes of a Defense Secretary. But I would remind you that in the case of John Tower -- and I was here when you were teenagers -- John Tower, nominated on Dec. 16, 1988. [On] March 10, 1989, the Senate rejected his nomination. I was here, while the Democrats stalled his nomination for three months. So please, don't give me that argument about how we're holding things up."
Tower was rejected 53-47. It was not by a filibuster, but Democrats controlled the chamber. Three Democrats voted for Tower; one Republican voted against.
Graham said he would support cloture after the recess "unless there's some bombshell."
NBC's Kristen Welker, Mike Viqueira, and Bob Constantini contributed to this report.
This story was originally published on Thu Feb 14, 2013 2:17 PM EST


text: Chef Xavier Deshayes, the creative genius behind our Washington D.C. Fresh Thoughts dining series has a real passion for sustainable seafood. In preparing for dinners like Fresh Thoughts, it has become common practice for Chef Deshayes to travel and investigate the sources of his fresh ingredients first-hand! Earlier this month, Chef Deshayes and members of our conservation team traveled to an aquaculture facility in North Carolina that will be providing both the sturgeon and caviar for our upcoming dinner on April 24th! Chef Deshayes observing the sturgeon in North Carolina. The Atlantic Sturgeon and Caviar Company began selling their products just last year, but operations at the facility began as early as 2008. They're located in the hills of Lenoir, North Carolina, at the foot of the Appalachians and within sight of Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. The business is cooperatively funded by private business partners, North Carolina State University and experts from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The 720,000 gallon aquaculture facility sits on the site of the family farm of one of its founders and contains 36 large tanks. An aerial shot of the facility. Three species of sturgeon are raised at the farm; Atlantic , Russian and Siberian. The Russian Sturgeon is the source of the famous Osetra caviar. Atlantic sturgeon are native to the United States and can be found in distinct populations along the east coast and in the rivers from Canada to Florida. They spend most of their adult lives in the ocean but will return to the river in which they were born to spawn. Like their Russian counterparts, Atlantic sturgeon populations are diminishing and there are limits or outright bans on fishing these animals. The Atlantic Sturgeon and Caviar Company was founded in order to help fill the demand for quality seafood and caviar without over-burdening wild populations of fish stocks. Fish are fed and maintained for several years – until they are 3-5 years old and are approximately three feet in length. Around this time, experts at the facility use ultrasound technology to determine the sex of the animal and males and females are separated. A sturgeon being given an ultrasound to determine sex. Males are raised to the desired size and harvested for their meat. Fresh sturgeon meat is white and firm and popular in restaurants around the region. Once the females are separated they are monitored through ultrasound for proper egg development. We watched this process and it's an amazing marriage between science and art. The subtle differences between "exactly right" and "a tad too far" are impossible to detect from a layman's perspective but are extremely important if you want to maximize profits by providing the best caviar product possible. The process of extracting caviar is delicate, exacting, detail oriented and extremely time consuming. Once the caviar has been harvested, it's canned by hand. The staff at the Atlantic Sturgeon and Caviar Company are passionate about creating a successful business that is sustainable in the long-term! Join us at the next Fresh Thought dinner in Washington, DC to see the success of their work! Want to learn more about our sustainable seafood program in DC? Watch this video. Tags: atlantic-sturgeon, caviar, fresh-thoughts, fresh-thoughts-sustainable-seafood-dinner, national-aquarium-2, national-aquarium-in-dc, russian-caviar, sturgeon, sustainable-caviar, sustainable-dining, sustainable-seafood Categories: Animals, Conservation, News Previous Post Next Post


text:
Hauntings abound at Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall
Witnesses report seeing 'man in the hat' on balcony
Inside its bricks and 100-plus years of history, there's plenty of activity throughout the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, even some that could be considered paranormal in nature.
People have heard footsteps, and even seen a man watching from above.
"We have the man in the hat. He likes the balcony. He'll sit and watch shows or watch rehearsals," said actor Rob James.
The library, in the 300 block of Beechwood Avenue, was once a gathering spot for Civil War veterans.
Library director Erin Tipping said some people have reported seeing a man at the top of the stairs in a blue outfit.
"Who else would be in something old that looked like a uniform hanging out upstairs?" she said.
Nathaniel Wyrick said he wasn't a believer, but that all changed when he was waiting to close the library one night and heard loud noises downstairs.
"It essentially sounded like 'stomp, stomp, stomp,'" he said.
Wyrick went downstairs to investigate, but found no one.
"When I got to the top of the steps, and I heard it again, and I could hear it right there, I flipped out," he said.
The actors who perform on stage at the music hall also have their own stories.
"You'll hear somebody walking upstairs, up in the balcony," said James. "We would be rehearsing on stage, and you could see somebody walking in the lobby, just real quick. Nobody was there. Nobody's ever there."
A former worker remembered locking up one night and returning the next morning to find a row of books tossed from the shelf.
"As if someone was just walking through and threw them onto the ground," said Tipping.
Ironically, a book about ghosts was at the top of the pile.
The Pittsburgh Paranormal Society joined Channel 4 Action News anchor Wendy Bell for a ghost hunt in the building, bringing along cameras, digital voice recorders and special sensors.
They set up in the dark in the music hall after hours.
Founder Shawn Kelly and member Leeanne Salerno said they captured "strong evidence" in the room, including orbs of energy.
Many investigators believe the orbs are really spirits.
"After a while, when the spirits start getting used to you, they start to come out," said Kelly.
Bell went up to the balcony, where many have reported seeing the ghost of a man.
A thermal-imaging camera showed a heat source coming from a seat where no one was sitting.
During the investigation, the ghost hunt turned uncomfortable.
"It sounds really weird, but I just got exceedingly nauseous," said Bell.
"There you go. They're around," said Kelly.
While Bell was overwhelmed by nausea, Kelly said he felt a blast of cold air.
"When you get nauseous and you get the chills, that means they're right next to you. They're right next to you," said Kelly.
Salerno's camera captured an orb close to Bell's stomach.
"You can see the one that passed him, and you can see the one that's right by you, that's the one making you feel sick," said Salerno.
More video showed two orbs coming out of Bell's body.
Bell said once they left her, the nausea went away.
"That was really uncomfortable. I thought I was going to throw up," said Bell.
At the end of the night, at least one person was turned into a believer.
"I do. I do believe in ghosts," said James.


text:
Water Activity Measurement - Moisture Meter - Measurement and Monitoring of aw Value
YouTube.com video not visible? Try this link: Vimeo.com - ROTRONIC Water Activity
The measurement of water activity or equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) is a key parameter in the quality control of moisture sensitive products or materials.
If there is too much water in a product, there is a risk of microbial growth and water migration. This can lead to clumping, changes in consistency and reduced shelf-life. Manufacturers of foods and pharmaceutical products must, for example, show to the FDA that the water activity of a product has declined to such an extent that bacteria can no longer grow.
You can find further information on the measurement of water activity and equilibrium relative humidity in our video, brochure or white paper:
Browse our brochure and find products and solutions for measuring and monitoring water activity as well as information on software and calibration.
The Whitepaper contains detailed theory about water, water activity and water content. It also provides information on where and why it is important to measure water activity and how to perform water activity measurements.
Fill in the form and download the 12-page white paper for free:
Best sellers:
AwTherm - Water Activity Meter
With AwTherm, ROTRONIC offers a professional, high-end laboratory unit for temperature-stabilized measurement of water activity in the foodstuffs, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries.Learn More
HygroLab C1 - high-end laboratory deviceROTRONIC provides a high-end laboratory device – the HygroLab C1 – for water activity measurements with up to four probes. Connect station probes and insertion probes for measuring water activity in cheese, meat, tobacco, building materials, animal feed, pharmaceuticals products and much more. Learn More
HC2-AW - AW probeFor water activity measurements in bulk materials such as flour, grain, spices, etc. For solid and pasty products such as meat, sausage as well as oils, fats, etc. Learn More
HC2-AW-USB - USB ProbeThe station probe HC2-AW-USB offers new possibilities. The USB probe can be directly connected to a PC running HW4-P-QUICK-Vx software enabling water activity measurement capability. The HC2-AW-USB is the perfect device for a multi station application, as multiple probes can be attached to a single PC. Learn More
HygroPalm - HP23-AW-A - Portable Water Activity AnalyzerIn many situations it can be very useful to measure water activity in production or storage rooms, e.g. inspection of bulk materials to ensure they meet specifications. Learn More
HP23-AW-A-SET-14The HygroPalm AW sets are the perfect solution for on-site measurements. They are supplied in a tough, lightweight ABS carry case and include everything needed for measurement and calibration. Learn More
The insertion probe is suitable for measurement in bulk materials, bricks, concrete, etc. It measures humidity and temperature and calculates the dew/frost point.Learn More


text:
If you're the type who like to read tea leaves, you might be interested in this next one. Andy Rubin may be headed to Facebook, according to someone (Jean-Baptiste Su) who has known him for years.
While he doesn't outright claim this to be fact, he makes a semi-valid argument as to how it could be possible that Andy Rubin is en route to the social networking giant. From his perspective, Andy's leaving Android behind was far too sudden and seemed to come from nowhere.
But today's invite for Facebook's Android event, next Thursday, got me thinking again. Did Facebook make an offer Andy couldn't refuse, to re-imagine Android for example, no strings attached, no budget. Forget about Chrome and other useless Google services. Just a beautiful, simple, more social, mobile operating system.
The Forbes writer also tosses out the fact that Andy has been busy on Facebook recently with a new cover photo, a profile picture, and more.
So, what if?
Could just be a string of coincidences, right? But what if? What happens if Andy Rubin picks up with Android over at Facebook and starts an entirely different endeavor? How does that make you feel? Do you even care? Heck, do you even know who Andy Rubin is?
We could find out in less than a week if there's any truth to the speculation; Facebook is holding a "new home on Android" event on April 4.


text:
Heads up on two extremely rare decks on e-bay: 280647886078 and 280647891623, no reserve.
The first is Bill's Tarot, edition of 12. It's in Kaplan, and there's a thread about it on AT: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=98277
Second is a facsimile of a Piedmont deck that came from the Kaplan collection. As far as I know, it's the only repro of this deck available anywhere, 18 copies.
I'm in love with both these beauties.
Re: Two very rare: Bill's and Strambo#2
I have one. Would love the other. Watching...
He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy...
Re: Two very rare: Bill's and Strambo#3
I do have the other and yep, you do want it LOL
The Strambo's should be interesting to tarot history fans.
The Strambo's should be interesting to tarot history fans.


text:
Food & Drink
Fowl play? Giant rubber duck drowns in Hong Kong
By CNN Staff • Updated 15th May 2013
View Gallery
4 Pictures
Hong Kong's favorite new resident, a giant inflatable duck, took a turn for the worse on Wednesday, looking less like an oversized lovable plaything and more like an unappetizing fried egg on the water.
The 16.5-meter (54 feet) inflatable sculpture mysteriously lost its mojo overnight, deflated and bobbed lifelessly in Victoria Harbour.
Organizers called an urgent duck crisis meeting early Wednesday and didn't immediately respond to questions about the misfortunes of the duck or whether the deflation was part of regular maintenance, as reported in some local media. A tweet did appear however on the official
Harbour City Twitter account
, saying: "The Rubber Duck needs to freshen up. Stay tuned for its return."
Much later in the day, organizers responded and said it was a planned deflation. Why it took so long to clarify and why officials had to get senior management approval to make such a statement seems a little odd and naturally, this got Hong Konger's busy with the popular pastime of gossiping.
The duck has captivated Hong Kong since its arrival earlier this month and news of the duck's deflation was splashed across Hong Kong media and social networks with many ruminating as to the duck's health.
Hong Kong's new favorite tourist attraction, a giant inflatable duck, mysteriously deflated overnight.
A giant rubber duck goes on display in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor.
Called "Rubber Duck," it's the product of Dutch artist
Florentijn Hofman
. After going on show on May 2, it was to be on display until June 9.
The artist told CNN earlier this month the duck was built locally so it would be easier to fix should there be any duck drama.
Hong Kong is the latest port of call for the duck. It's previously taken up temporary residence in cities all over the world, including Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paolo and Amsterdam.
The duck hasn't always enjoyed plain sailing. In 2009 during a port call in Belgium, it was stabbed 42 times by a vandal.
"We don't know why the person did it," Hofman said. "But in the Middle Ages there was a moment when they ruined all the sculptures in Europe. We call it a "sculpture storm." The museum that bought the work spoke about 'Sculpture Stormers' that would hit the work - and kill it."
"But [the incident] brought the people of that town together. The community had a stake out at night and protected it and even the police looked after it. It shows that this piece of art means a lot to people in the vicinity of this work."
The duck team also closely monitor the weather after the duck copped some nasty treatment during a storm in Belgium.
"There is a crew that has wind speed meters and they follow what the weather does," Hofman said. "They monitor by computer and monitor the weather so they can react in advance because we don't want to cry if it gets ripped up."
For more details on the duck during cheerier times read our earlier report:
Hong Kong crazy for giant duck
A year of the world's
Best Beaches
There's a perfect beach for every week of the year. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all
Go to the best beaches


text:
Pink Dinosaur
Description: -
From Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
You're a sweet little dinosaur
Deeno Dino, dum da du da du
You're a pink little dinosaur
* Repeat
Deeno, Dino, won't you play with me?
I'm your friend, and you know you'll always be
Mine forever, we could be as one
Laughing, playing, always having fun
You love candy, and you like to play
Hide and seek all day
I'm so happy just to be with you
Hope that you feel it too
* Repeat
Deeno, Dino, baby dinosaur
You're my toy and the one that I adore
You can smile, your eyes are oh, so blue
Tell me, Dino, do you like me too?
You love candy, and you like to play
Hide and seek all day
I'm so happy just to be with you
Hope that you feel it too
* Repeat
* Repeat
* Repeat
Typed from the lyrics booklet for Dancemania X2
Contributed by James Edge (LockeVanish) <[email protected]>
[Submit an English translation for this song]
See an error in these lyrics? Let us know here!
Animelyrics.com now has an OpenSearch plugin that you can install into your browser (FireFox, Chrome and IE/Edge supported)
My Little Pony Ties
Lyrics copyright to their respective owners or translators. No copyright infringment is intended or implied.
Layout and other content copyright Anime Lyrics dot Com / Anime Globe Productions
This is some text here


text:
NEWS- Sin the pink: 11 protesters convicted but freed
Eleven protesters who occupied U.S. Representative Virgil Goode's (R-Rocky Mount) office were convicted of trespassing April 6 in Charlottesville General District Court and given 30-day sentences, suspended on condition of two years of good behavior.
Unusual in the sentencing is that the protesters are not barred from Goode's office. "I'm not including the provision that you stay away from the property, because you may be constituents of Virgil Goode, and you can go there, but you must act in a lawful manner," said Judge Bob Downer.
He also warned the Code Pink 11 they could not use his courtroom as a forum for political statement, an injunction many of the defendants tried to skirt. Downer cautioned defendant Patricia Sonne she was looking at a contempt charge when she tried to interject 18th Century British political philosopher Edmund Burke into the proceedings. Organizer Jennifer Connor had better luck quoting Martin Luther King Jr., but she, too, was found guilty of trespassing.
The protesters who pleaded not guilty detailed their frustrations at trying unsuccessfully to meet with Goode and express their concerns about the war. "In a representative democracy, the way to do that is to petition your elected official," said Jeff Winder, who was arrested February 21. "Unfortunately, here in Charlottesville, our votes don't count."
However, Goode says that he talked to one of the Code Pinkers on the telephone when they occupied his Charlottesville office. "I got the feeling they wanted to be arrested," he says. "I've communicated with them and responded to some of their letters. Some I couldn't since I couldn't read their names."
Goode also suggests that if the Code Pinkers want to meet with him, they can call his scheduler, Judy Mattox. "If they want to come to Washington, they can do that next week," he says.
The Code Pinkers organized colorful demonstrations of their opposition to the war in Iraq in front of Goode's office just off the Downtown Mall four Wednesdays in a row. Those arrested are Susan Frankel-Streit, Shelly Stern, and Jeff Winder (February 21); Jennifer Connor, Priscilla Sonne,and Mary Grace (February 28); Brian Buckley, Patricia Lloyd, and Robert Shaw (March 7), and Alexa Barratt and Terry Lilley (March 14).
Jennifer Connor was convicted of trespassing April 6 for her occupation of Congressman Virgil Goode's Charlottesville office.


text:
France: American Business School
Program type: Tuition/Room
University Overview
The American Business School was established in 1985 and is one of the first English-speaking business schools in France modeled on American undergraduate business education and has established links with several renowned American universities. Today, the American Business School has over 700 alumni working in over 22 countries in marketing, finance, import/export and sales positions. Since its inception, the American Business School has attracted students from all around the world and has evolved from a uniquely Franco-American vision to a completely global approach to business education. In 1995, the American Business School joined IGS (Institut de Gestion Sociale), one of France's most dynamic private non-profit universities, an innovator in the field of practical business education.
With 48% French students and 52% non French students representing 65 different nationalities, the American Business School Paris offers real diversity in the classroom. Typical feedback from study abroad students when they finish at the school is that they actually get to really meet people of different cultures and nationalities. At the American Business School Paris, small class sizes, diversity, readiness to challenge assumptions creates a real environment for cross cultural exchange and understanding. What can best be called an ignorance of what is politically correct conjugated with values such as tolerance for all forms of diversity; humanism and entrepreneurship foster a strong, challenging, broadening and self developing learning environment.
The City of Paris
Paris and its region is one of the major business centers in Europe and the headquarters for many multinational companies are located there. The American Business School students benefit from the proximity of these firms for internships, company visits and corporate presentations.
Program Overview
A U.S. accredited Bachelor of Business Administration curriculum taught entirely in English by professors who are American, or have trained in America, but who all have their own unique international experience and career paths that they bring into the classroom thus adding further experienced diversity.
All French students commute so the French campuses don't have dorms but The American Business School can organize the housing for the students. Besides living outside the campus is a good way to make the most of Parisian life.


text:
Making a difference!
Technological advances can be applied to every aspect of our lives. Yes, I drink the apple juice meaning that Apple has rolled out some truly life changing technology and I expect more of the same even with Steve gone.
- |
- Written by Dan Fisher
- |
- Comments: DISQUS_COMMENTS
His example of innovation will continue to inspire for many years to come just like Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek.
Fundamentally speaking, both individuals were driven by the desire to make a difference and that they have. Both were visionaries and both advanced the understanding of technology in life to advance ideals and principles. The vision of these two represented an amalgam of noble causes and lifestyle improvement. I am astounded at the possibility that Roddenberry put forth regarding the future and the reality that Job's has produced! Fascinating!
We, too, have started a new company with the intent to make a difference! It is our desire to exploit the growing power of the computer and the emerging technologies that represent the human to computer interface (HTCI).
Our company name is Folded Cortex and we have just started testing eye tracking technology in a real-world scenario. Our objective is to assist students in the K-12 grade levels who suffer from gross and fine motor skills deficiencies or communications disorders.
A life-changing event
A student that is unable to use a mouse or keyboard is at a distinct disadvantage in today's technology driven classroom. Also, a student that can't communicate is in the same situation. They can sit in the classroom, but are unable to participate. This can be frustrating and disappointing particularly when the student possesses all of the cognitive capability, but is unable to use the tools that most take for granted. They are screaming to themselves that they know the answer, but are the only one that can hear!
Now imagine, with what we are doing at Folded Cortex, the student is provided the tools that will enable them to use the computer with their eyes or EEG. They will be able to raise their hand and answer the questions just like everyone else in the classroom. The first time this happens, will be a life changing event for them. It will make a difference for them, their family, classmates, school and society. The implications are huge.
Making a difference
At Folded Cortex, we did not invent the technology, we are just finding a different way to use the technology. We are looking forward to moving beyond the testing and development stage and into the lives of others. I can only imagine how that fourth grader is going to feel that first time they are able to use this technology in a live classroom. Uh Huh! That is what I am talking about. It was the imagination of Roddenberry and Jobs that drove them and it is their legacy that is driving us in our imagination of the possibilities today with technology and the classroom accessible to all. Today we can only imagine what is going on in the mind of a young learner.... Tomorrow, they will be able to tell us!
Tagged under Blogs, Beyond the Bank,


text:
medimops necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 94 diseños de 23 diseñadores freelance.
Medimops (http://www.medimops.de, see the little flag for an English version) is an online shop for used CDs, DVDs and video/computer games. We've got about 300,000 different items in stock, and 80,000 of them are offered for 99 cents.
The purpose of the re-design of Medimops.de is that we want to:
– Add more categories (used books, new CDs/DVDs/Games, Tickets and electronics).
– Improve usability
– Expand and enhance cross-selling features
– Improve the overall look & feel
The structure of the site must comply with the following wireframe:
In addition to the redesign we want to re-fresh the design of the Medimops logo. Don't change the logo completely. Just make it a little bit more respectable and a little bit more style - to get the old logo as .psd please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com
The winner of the contest gets the job to design other templates of medimops.de, too.
The Medimops target group is + 35 years old, and a large number of buyers is 50 years or older. In the future, Medimops wants to attract younger target groups as well, so the design should work for people around 30 years, too – without alienating the existing customer base.
Design tasks:
- Design the startpage/homepage of medimops.de
- Design a re-freshed medimops logo (optional)
The structure of the site must comply with the following wireframe:
The main objective of the homepage is to get the visitor's interest. We want to convey our key messages – the fact that we offer 100s of thousands of quality-checked used products at unbeatable prices in a secure online shop – and show the visitor some topics and products that he may be interested in.
- Likable and pleasant, informal yet respectable, simple, understandable design
- A nice visual teaser "300.000 quality checked used products"
- Similar color scheme like the current website.
- Must be compatible with 1024x768 resolutions
- Be modern, but not young. Be mature.
Sites that we like:
- Etsy.com (Great simple layout, very clean, nice overall aesthetic appeal. We especially like the fact that the site has a very strong structure without being "boxy" - the boxes give structure without getting into the way of the actual content).
- Threadless.com (GREAT color scheme and overall personality, great use of fonts (although a bit too fanciful for our purpose)).
Don't Wants
- Text that is so small that it's hard to read