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Kanye West is at an enviable place in his career. Everyone knows who he is. He's reached near iconic, almost mythic status. The problem is, everyone knows who Kanye West is, even if they don't listen to his music. I'm fairly certain there are people I'm related to who are only familiar with him largely because he impregnated and proposed to a beautiful woman with a large, rich family, sextape, hard-working publicist, and contract with an unscrupulous cable TV network (in roughly that order). They likely also know him as an egotistical and crazy loudmouth, for reasons too long to detail here.
In sum, Mr. West's celebrity has threatened to obscure and confuse his accomplishments. Luckily, his newest stage production, Yeezus, represents the history of Kanye West, according to Kanye West.
Stage production may not be the best term, but Yeezus is not a typical concert. Unless you want to consider it a prog-rock concert. Which it may be, in terms of elaborate structuring and an overwhelming amount of obvious symbolism. Also, it has a large mountain on stage. A sort of small-scale Matterhorn, which alternates as an iceberg and a volcano, depending on how it is video mapped, and if flash pots are going off.
Shot from the right angle (please see the photo here provided by West's people) it was positively expressionistic. Otherwise ignore the rigging showing out the sides, or the crew members placing a box near the top for West to complete his summit, which he did, triumphantly, at points throughout.
Yeezus, the character Mr. West plays, a masked figure drawn out of obscurity by a group of cult-like robed women at the outset, reached a spotlight at the end of a long stage. Thus began the journey, which went through five distinct stages. They were easy to follow, listed on screen above the mountain: Fighting, Rising, Falling, Searching, Finding. The songs that followed were not a chronology, but rather represented his career in retrospect. For instance, the highlight of the Fighting section was "New Slave," the first single off West's current Yeezus album, but in this context a reflection on his entry into the music business, and a struggle to maintain freedom from corporations that attempt to control artists.
Rising began with the phrase "pride always preludes the crash…the bigger the ego the harder the fall." Did you catch those references? If so, please mark another two boxes on your Yeezus Biblical Allusion Scorecard. You already marked one for Yeezus, right? Keep it handy because more followed, when Yeezus came down from the top of the mountain, appearing shirtless to the prog rock sounds of King Crimson's "20th Century Schizoid Man."
This was "Power" and Yeezus had it, confirmed moments later during the Foreigner-sampling "Cold," when a girl in the audience gleefully showed her breasts to Yeezus not once, but twice. Given the black mask, there was little reaction from Yeezus. But in any case Tony Montana was right, and a song or two later the cultish women from the beginning returned in nude body-suits. Yeezus was literally swarmed by women.
For obvious reasons "I Am a God" has been one of the more controversial tracks on Yeezus and at first the performance of it was expectedly problematic, with Yeezus's harem kneeling down before him. It was a criticism-baiting moment, until the menagerie awkwardly lifted him into the air as he screamed. It was the first sign of things going wrong for the play's 'hero', and when he performed "Can't Tell Me Nothing" from Graduation, the singer finally started to project a little emotion, mask and all; the catwalk in the middle of the crowd — despite the weight of the lyrics "To whom much is given, much is tested" — began to raise, as Yeezus was increasingly insulated from the world around him.
After a long dramatic pause (Yeezus took arguably way too many over the course of the evening, sometimes leaning against the mount, sometimes reclining in mock exhaustion) he stopped to speak and connect for the first time, detailing that the next song, "Coldest Winter" was written after his mother died, describing a crisis of faith, and a life that was "spiraling." Fake snow falls from the ceiling of the Oracle Center. Depending on your sympathies, it could be the most touching moment of the night.
I found it short lived because it segued into the Falling section, which if meant to be bad, succeeded. By then the metaphors and imagery were so in my face that I feared the opening lines, "Who will give me wings, I ask, wings of a dove?" would actually cue West, er, Yeezus donning angel wings and flying around the room on wires. Instead, a red-eyed yeti simply crouched on one side of the mountain, until Yeezus stared it down and it retreated. There was a storm on the stage and some truly awful guitar shredding on "Hold My Liquor," and I basically started tuning out.
After staring down the yeti a second time and singing "Heartless," it seemed like the sun was rising. Until then it had all been so rehearsed that when a mic suddenly crackled and Yeezus retreated back stage to fix the issue, all I could think was, "hey, we're off our regularly scheduled programming, maybe something exciting will happen."
But instead Yeezus returned to jump on the spring loaded part of the catwalk, triggering explosions and turning the mountain into a volcano. This was relatively restrained, compared to a few songs later, when the mountain cracked open for the Searching section, and a church procession of women emerged, bearing smoking thuribles, candles, the Virgin Mary, and motherfucking Jesus on the cross.
And Yeezus, now wearing a bulky trench and a white jeweled balaclava, was in pastor mode. Which he could do since he totally had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. Playing a single key on a controller lead to rapturous applause. (Never had a performer received so much applause for doing so little.) He paused to soak it in and repeated to the same effect. Twice, before leading into the celebratory and douche-shaming "Runaway."
This lead to the wonkiest part of the night, with Yeezus on the pulpit running through a list of issues with misquotations and the media, which I won't, for obvious reasons, attempt to summarize. I will say that at one point he asked people to put their hands in the air if they believe they could do anything, and if you are the kind of person who would have their hand up, you probably would have dug it.
The point is anything is possible through the power of prayer, and Yeezus prayed for his fiance. (Apparently she was at the show, or her mother, or Pharrell from N.E.R.D. In an embarrassing moment, the crowd got overly excited when they thought they recognized one of the three between sets.)
The audience went through some emotional transformatory Campbell-esque hero's journey. (Made particularly intense for me by the guy two seats over trying to get his girl to not breakup with him during the entire show.)
We came to the final part, Finding, and the words "God arrives at the right time…" Yeezus performed "Harder" and the crowd was magically re-energized, probably in part by the lasers reflecting off his disco ball balaclava. Yeezus talked about how he feels like he got a second chance in life, and sings "Through the Wire," the breakout song from The College Dropout. On cue…
…Jesus appeared.
And our Lord walked up to Yeezus, who exclaimed, "White Jesus!"
As if sensing something was amiss in this sudden display of humor, Jesus pulled off Yeezus's mask to reveal that it was Kanye West all along. He went full circle, the nightmare was over, the trauma was over, etc.
Obviously they played "Jesus Walks" and a whole slew of jams. West went on a spiritual discovery, stripping off all the bullshit and pretense, returning to a simpler era. (You couldn't see his face because it was covered with opulent jewels, get it? It was symbolism.)
Presumably his next tour will be back to basics. Just a flat stage and a mic. In a sense, he's born again, and all it took was the power of prayer, love, and a good woman. May they live happily ever after.
But, if they divorce then future albums will probably be better. And then he'll perform "Gold Digger" again.
Opener: Kendrick Lamar
Pictured as a bat hanging upside down from a streetlamp was probably the perfect visual for opener Kendrick Lamar, the latest champion of West Coast hip-hop, who borrows the extraterrestrial imagination of ATLiens era Outkast and Lil' Weezy's, uh, wheeze. Already established with two solid albums, Lamar recently leapt in profile for a single enormous, lung bursting verse on Big Sean's "Control."
As if the technicality alone wasn't impressive, he also had the gall to mention that he'd like to kill all but about half a dozen other rappers, which upset more than that. On the Yeezus tour, Lamar also seems to be working on some myth building of his own, visualizing a Compton that's as much a fantasy as the Oakland in "California Love," that's more Terence Malick than George Miller: horses riding down the city streets, living room floors practically covered with spent liquor bottles, slo-mo drumlines, foxy women hitting speed bags/traipsing down railroad tracks, and flashes of gun violence.
Backed up by a full band, Lamar was aggressive and energetic in a way that West only occasionally let himself reach, all the way from "Money Trees" off his exactly one year old album good kid, m.A.A.d city through to the end. Lamar seems to see himself as a successor to Tupac, particular in dread-filled terms, as an air of gun violence pervades a lot of his songs, augmented by the sound of shots. But midway through the set, after ripping ASAP Rocky's "Fuckin' Problem" he launched into the a signature track saying, "As long as I'm representing the West Coast, nobody — nobody — will kill the fuckin' vibe." We hope so.


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Sensual? I'm too careful to say that either in writing, in person, or over the phone (click "Visit my Website" above for reasons why), but at my price it's worth your while to find out, isn't it?
You can check availability via email if you're from out of town, but appointments are by phone only.
Hours are 11am till Midnight. (Please, no calls before 10am or after midnight!)

subset: commoncrawl


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A. Incapacity. If a lawyer is judicially declared to be incapacitated or is involuntarily committed on the grounds of incapacity or disability, the court, upon proper proof of the fact, shall enter an order immediately transferring the lawyer to disability inactive status until further order of the court. A copy of the order must be served upon the lawyer, a guardian or conservator (if any), and the director of any institution to which the lawyer has been committed.
B. Inability to Defend.
(1) If a lawyer alleges inability to assist in the defense of a disciplinary proceeding due to mental or physical incapacity, the court shall immediately transfer the lawyer to disability inactive status pending determination of the incapacity.
(2) If the court determines the claim of inability to defend is valid, the disciplinary proceeding must be deferred and the lawyer retained on disability inactive status until the court subsequently considers a petition for transfer of the lawyer to active status.
(3) If the court determines the claim of inability to defend is invalid, it shall take any action it deems proper and advisable, including a direction for the resumption of the disciplinary proceedings against the lawyer.
C. Incapacity to Practice Law. Information relating to a lawyer's physical or mental condition which adversely affects the ability to practice law, as distinguished from the ability to defend, must be investigated and, where warranted, formal proceedings must be initiated to determine whether the lawyer should be transferred to incapacitated status. The hearings must be conducted in the same manner as disciplinary proceedings, except that all such proceedings are confidential. The court may take or direct whatever action it deems necessary or proper to determine whether the lawyer is incapacitated, including the examination of the lawyer by qualified medical experts designated by the court. If, upon due consideration of the matter, the court concludes that the lawyer is incapacitated from continuing to practice law, it shall enter an order transferring the lawyer to incapacitated status until further order of the court. Incapacitated status is a disability status for all purposes under these rules. All pending disciplinary proceedings against the lawyer must be investigated as if the lawyer were still on active status. The court shall provide for such notice of incapacity proceedings to the lawyer as it deems proper and may appoint an attorney to represent the lawyer.
D. Compliance with Applicable Law.Determinations under these rules of disability or incapacity must be made in compliance with applicable requirements of state and federal law.


text:
I have Apache running on another machine on the local network but am unable to do certain things that I can on the live server - namely perform file uploads.
Wordpress tells me this may be because Apache doesn't have permissions to write to the website directories - does anyone know how to fix this?
The website folder is shared on the network also so I can't really go around
chmoding it incase I break access for someone else.
Any help appreciated


text:
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The Apiary
Mistress Rose
Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 11829
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 17 6:50 am Post subject:
The other problem about a cool wet spell is that the bees can't get out and plan all sorts of naughty things, like swarming. In reality, because there are so many bees in the hive at one time there isn't enough 'queen substance' to go round to control them properly, so they think the queen is aging, and breed up queen cells, so watch out for them.
Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1461
Location: Somerset
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 17 7:26 pm Post subject:
Well, what do you know??? Email from the National Bee Unit arrived this afternoon:
Beekeepers in the South West of England may want to check their colonies food levels, as stated in our previous Autumn Husbandry alert. Many of the Bee Inspectors are finding colonies on the brink of starvation with alarmingly low food stores. Remember, a colony will now need 25 kilos of food to see them through the winter. As a reminder, a strong syrup (i.e. 630ml water to 1kg sugar) should be fed to the colony at this time of the year and not a weak syrup. If you have any questions about feeding then please do not hesitate to contact us.
So very definitely not just our bees
Joined: 27 Jul 2009
Posts: 6694
Location: Just south of north.
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 17 8:37 am Post subject:
I take it that they don't know what's caused it then, with them not mentioning it in the email.
Mistress Rose
Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 11829
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 17 6:52 am Post subject:
Probably the bees not being able to get out and forage.
Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 17 9:59 am Post subject:
Climate change is having an effect.
The weather pattern here is mild late winter/early spring, followed by warm dry springs. & then wet cooler summers.
The met office confirms this trend with 9 from the last 13 years.
You should IMHO be setting your beekeeping calendar a month earlier.
As for feeding now, the Ivy has started flowering here & between showers my bees are working so I'm not reaching for the sugar yet.
Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1461
Location: Somerset
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 17 5:47 pm Post subject:
Well, you feed when your bees are hungry! First lot of sugar syrup went into the feeders yesterday evening, 2 1/2 litres per hive: feeders were checked this morning and all 3 were bone dry. OH was flabbergasted. There really have been bees feeding on all the flowers, ornamental and fruit/veg blossom, all summer, weather permitting, and plenty in the garden today.
I think you're right re the beekeepers' calendar though.
Second lot of syrup is cooling as I type.
Joined: 05 Mar 2006
Posts: 5692
Location: New England (In the US of A)
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 17 6:27 pm Post subject:
Plants are typically going to flower regardless of conditions (to a point), but the amount of excess sugar they have to put towards something like nectar is completely dictated by how much sun they're getting.
The sun was up for about the same number of hours every day this week, but my solar panels only generated about 2.5 kwh the other day because of the clouds. The day after they generated 14.5 kwh.
It's the same way with plants, but it's a carbon budget not an electrical one. First the plant needs to be meeting its energy needs for respiration (day to day life), then for structural needs (building leaves and flowers), then depending upon the plant (annual or perennial) it will be allocating sugar to storage (starch in roots) or enhancing reproductive success (e.g., nectar) or some combination of both.
The amount of absolute power shining down really drops with just a bit of cloud cover, so even with lots of bee visits, there may not be enough sun to make lots of nectar.
Mistress Rose
Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 11829
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 17 5:58 am Post subject:
There is also the condition of the bees to consider. Firstly, if it is very wet they can't get out to forage, and if it is windy they will be bringing in less as they need some for energy to get there and back. Secondly, if it is still warm there may be a longer reproduction season, so more bees in the hive for longer and more mouths, both adult and larvae to feed.
Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1461
Location: Somerset
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 17 7:30 pm Post subject:
All very gloomy really. Last night's feed went the way of Tuesday night's: feeders empty this morning. 3rd lot in feeders now.
Mistress Rose
Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 11829
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 17 5:51 am Post subject:
They may be storing most of it if their stores are badly depleted, so I wouldn't worry that they are taking it all. Now is the time they want to make sure they have enough stores for winter and they will still be very active, so a good time to lay them in.
Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 1461
Location: Somerset
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 17 9:12 am Post subject:
3rd night's syrup has also disappeared...OH off to buy more sugar...
We're certainly hoping they're storing it.
Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 17 10:13 am Post subject:
I don't expect anybody to follow my philosophy on beekeeping but there are many like me who are finding a more natural approach does work.
Flowers, as slim says will flower regardless but nectar flow can be seriously depleted by wet cooler summers.
White clover which has been a reliable crop & a mainstay of the beekeeper for generations is much reduced. Because of nectar only being produced at temps over 20c, & when produced easily knocked down & diluted by heavy rain. Also so few pastures are managed now in a way that encourages white clover so it's not as prevalent as it used to be.
Ivy as I have said many times here in the past has the ability to recharge its nectaries until pollination is successful.
That's good for the bees & the plant, & makes it a very reliable source.
I will feed sugar in an emergency. But if you are going to feed sugar until they stop taking it, you will end up with a hive full of sugar, also bees that wont bother foraging, even on days when it's possible. It's part of a bees nature to gather from the nearest & strongest source first. So if there's a full feeder on top the hive, they aren't going to waste energy flying to a source a few hundred metres away.
In emergency I make blocks of fondant.
Feeding syrup can encourage breeding & I would rather have bees that breed when nectar is abundant & reduce breeding when it's not.
A kilo of fondant on top of a hive will keep even a large colony alive for a week a smaller one longer.
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 44533
Location: Essex
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 17 2:40 pm Post subject:
Alright mate? Long time no see, how's things?
Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 17 9:32 am Post subject:
More in touch with nature than ever, & loving my land even more as well.
Had a long internet break, needed to spend time in the real world & get things done.
Have I missed anything?
Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 6873
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 17 5:07 pm Post subject:
missed you and your blogging as well, Tavascarow
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MEDWAY, MA — Despite a still uncertain future for the fitness industry, Cybex International is moving ahead, promoting its Arc Trainer and Bravo strength products to old and new markets.
In a financial call with stockholders and analysts last month reporting the Medway, MA-based company's fourth quarter 2009 numbers, Cybex CEO John Aglialoro said that the company's balance sheet had greatly improved, allowing the company to have some cash on hand during what he called a "still uncertain time as far as visibility in the market."
While some operators are ready to buy equipment again, many are still holding off because of the economy, he said. However, university and military markets are still growing, so Cybex is focusing its marketing dollars on these areas, he said. Clubs and hotels now make up just half of Cybex's customer base.
Aglialoro also reiterated the company's commitment to value pricing.
"Our revenues are down, but we're going to stay away from bidding wars," he said in the call, adding that the company had spent years developing better performing products as a way to differentiate itself.
Cybex reported a 12 percent decrease in fourth quarter 2009 net sales, which were $34.8 million in fourth quarter 2009 compared to $39.3 million in the corresponding 2008 period. Net income for the quarter was $1 million compared to a net loss of $10.9 million for the corresponding 2008 period.
For the year 2009, net sales were $120.5 million compared to $147.9 million for 2008, a 19 percent decrease. The net loss for the year was $2.4 million compared to a net loss of $9.1 million for 2008.


text: Seller: statue-collect (2,660) 100%, Location: chaoyangqu, Ships to: Worldwide, Item: 333599412210 All my items show wear and tear, which is related to natural age. I will highlight all the significant damage in the list of items.Please take a closer look at my photos, thank you! Size (inch): 1.9x0.8x1.9 (long x wide x high) Weight (g): 25g Age: 1940-post Region Of Origin: Original Making Process: Genuine handmade About us We are a company that we collect beautiful Chinese antiques and fine arts and crafts,Art is the human best interpretation of beauty. We collect the folk fine art from China. Please note that check my size, weight, all item are second-hand art, my all items are chinese arts decoration, It can be collectable, I collect them from folk, So I am ensure it existence of the real, But it is not antique, If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, I try my best to serve you, in reply to you within 11 hours Shipping time: Usually to USA and UK 7-10 work days and to other country 15-25 work days Italy Mexico customs processing time extend 10-15 working days Handling time: Wewill ship 1 work days when payment being received Condition: Size (inch): 1.9x0.8x1.9 (long x wide x high)Weight (g): 25g, Region of Origin: Chinese, Product: statues, Age: Post-1940, Primary Material: deer horn, Theme: Men, Women & Children, Features: Handcarved, Sub-Type: Tables, Original/Repro: Original


text:
Joke #2 "Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has squozen some kind of weird bulb. So, if someone could come tell me what that means, we could all move on."
Joke #3 - In 1946, the number of midair collisions spiked by "a couple". The FAA responded by mandating the installation of "ahoogah" horns on all planes.
Joke #4 - "EZ-Flite Manual, Step 2: Turn the Flight Indicator from 'DON'T FLY' to 'FLY'. The plane should now be flying. If the plane does not seem to be in flight, check the position of the Flight Indicator. After being set on 'FLY', it should be on 'FLY'. If the plane remains in a state of non-flyingness, have the Flight Indicator checked by a qualified knob technician. Do not attempt to exit the plane before having the Flight Indicator serviced, in the event that the plane is actually in flight. If you are uncertain whether the plane is in flight, please consult supplementary manual 2C: "How High Is Up?" for step-by-step instructions on identifying "flight". Do not attempt to exit the plane before discerning definition of 'flight'..."
Joke #5 - "For safety, the pilot's hat has been screwed to the roof of the cockpit. Please note that in the even of an emergency, the pilot's hat must be unscrewed from the roof of the plane as rapidly as possible."
[Commenter jokes will be added to the post. -Mgmt.]
|Click for big.


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Topsail Beach is paddling ahead with a proposal that would cater to the second fastest growing outdoor activity in the country.
Topsail Beach is paddling ahead with a proposal that would cater to the second fastest growing outdoor activity in the country.
With the help of faculty and students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, along with local Topsail Beach business Ecological Marine Adventures, the town has identified three proposed paddling trails in the marshes of Topsail Island.
The town is hosting a public meeting Saturday morning to receive input about the trail locations, as well as interpretive signs that would be placed throughout trail routes.
Anthony Snider, assistant professor of environmental studies at UNCW, said the longest trail would stretch about six miles.
The proposal, which will be presented at the public meeting, includes multiple water accesses for paddlers along the western side of Topsail Beach.
�Two of them will have restroom facilities,� Snider said. �There will actually be signage on the trails. It�s a great opportunity for people to see what the marsh system is like.�
Topsail Beach has two sound-side accesses for paddlers � one at the town�s Bush Marina and one off Smith Avenue.
Town officials see an opportunity in paddling � the second fastest growing outdoor activity, just behind bird watching � to help boost ecological awareness as well as the local economy.
The town recently lost a major attraction when the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center relocated to a new facility in neighboring Surf City.
Pender County years ago tried to tap in to the paddling craze by mapping trails throughout the county. It was an effort led by Pender County�s tourism department that never came to fruition because of a lack of funding.
�In the meantime we added all the boat put-ins where you can put in kayaks and canoes on our website,� Pender Tourism Director Monique Baker said. �Paddling is big-time here. It�s a sport that just about anybody can do.�
The county�s Intracoastal Waterway tributaries, along with such popular waterways as Holly Shelter Creek, Moores Creek and the Black River, draw numerous paddlers to Pender, she said.
Herrings Outdoor Sports in Surf City offers guided and self-guided trips along Topsail Island�s tributaries.
�These trails are going to be used by a lot of tourists, but there�s a lot of locals who have their own boats too,� Herrings� owner Steve Bailey said. �A lot of people want to know where to go. It�s just a good thing for North Carolina to promote these activities in this state.�
Topsail Beach has received a $2,500 matching National Park Service grant from the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. The proposed project has also gained support from The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Want to go?
What: A public meeting on Topsail Beach�s proposed paddling trails. UNCW officials, as well as a representative with the N.C. Paddle Trails Association, will attend, and a map of the proposed paddling trails will be available.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: Topsail Beach Town Hall, 820 S. Anderson Blvd.


text:
I am in process of developing a Java application (war) which will be deployed in an Application Server like jBoss, WebSphere, WebLogic and Glassfish. Within my code I am getting an instance of a class which is 'static', now If I deploy two instances of the same application, both will end up using same static instance rather than different. Is there anyway I can have only one instance of a class for each separately deployed application without using 'static' property. I heard about this 'Context Classloading Stuff' but couldn't grasp the idea. Can anyone explain or refer me to the good article about it. Also, I am looking for an example, seems like its all about configuration of my application at deployment time but how?
I am quite new to java so please accept my apology if I am talking nonsense.


text:
Farrell's decision making pays off against Rays
BOSTON -- It wasn't an easy move.
The reaction from the Fenway Park attendees as closer Joel Hanrahan was lifted with no outs in the ninth inning was if they had finally found out the twist ending to a suspense film. It wasn't the obvious, happy ending, but the final result still left all 33,039 with a warm feeling.
John Farrell earned his stripes as the Red Sox's new manager in Saturday's 2-1 win, said outfielder Jonny Gomes, not pointing to any moves specifically, but praising Farrell for his decision making.
In a pitchers' duel that had a National League feeling to it, Farrell pulled all the right strings while crafty Rays' manager Joe Maddon was left manipulating a five-man infield before the Red Sox scored the winning run in the 10th inning.
Even though Hanrahan was coming off a game in which he allowed five earned runs in a save situation and ended up with the loss, yanking a Major League closer after just 12 pitches and two batters (both who walked) in the ninth inning isn't a common result.
"I felt like it was time to make a move right there," Farrell said. "He's pitching in some tight spots, and I know that's the life of a closer, but at that point, it was time to make a move."
Koji Uehara entered and promptly retired the next three straight batters, leaving Hanrahan's runners stranded as the Red Sox rallied in the 10th for a walk-off win.
After Hanrahan departed, conventional baseball wisdom indicated that the Rays should bunt their runners over to second and third, putting the go-ahead run 90 feet away. Maddon, however, instead pinch-hit James Loney for Shelley Duncan. Loney struck out looking.
"Loney was the best shot there," Maddon explained. "Loney has an ability to get a base hit and drive in the run. Again, the guys hitting [after Loney] are not really tearing the ball up right now. … If James had gotten a base hit, it was the right move."
Thus is life as the manager -- if the move works, the manager is praised. If it doesn't, he takes the blame.
It's the thought process behind the move that can often be judged more accurately than the result.
Farrell had a similar situation occur on Thursday. The Orioles had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh inning of a 2-2 game. Farrell brought in Uehara to face Adam Jones, but the O's outfielder doubled to bring home the eventual game-winning run.
The result wasn't there, but Farrell chose perhaps his best relief option in the game's crucial moment. More often than not, that move pays off.
Catcher David Ross said anyone can fill out lineup cards, but making the tough decisions is what Farrell excels at.
"It's what he gets paid for, and he does a good job of it," Ross said. "He's got the numbers and he's got the information from all the scouting and all the video, all the stuff they do. Those guys are here way early getting that information, so I have 100 percent confidence in him in making moves."
Whether it's been pulling his closer in the ninth, riding the hot bat of Daniel Nava, giving Jacoby Ellsbury the green light to steal second before scoring the game-winning run or getting the most out of a platoon-catching situation, Farrell has been pressing the right buttons.
"We have a lot of faith in him," Gomes said, "and when he's making moves like that, it says a lot about the 25 guys he has. It's not like the starting nine is all he's going to work with. We have a deep bench and a deep 'pen. He puts guys in places to succeed and plays the hot hand. All hands on deck."
After a perilous, three-hour, 23-minute pitchers' duel finally ended, Farrell was asked if the intensity brought fun to his job.
"Any time you win 2-1, it's a lot of fun," Farrell said. "Like I said, well-played game. We execute well defensively. The tone is set from the mound.
"I'm not going to say the games are won and lost on certain decisions, but our guys are performing pretty darn consistently. Even when we're scuffling to score some runs against some good pitching against us, we executed at the appropriate time."
Saturday, the manager executed, too.


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The upcoming Ico/Shadow of The Colossus collection was confirmed for a Spring 2011 release at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) this week.
Also, Team Ico's The Last Guardian finally got more love - a holiday 2011 release was floated out there, though it still seems to be in "when it's done" mode.
Microsoft showed a lot of Kinect, but also its new line of Xbox panties.
The venerable (and very expensive) Sega Saturn shooter, Radiant Silvergun, is headed for Xbox Live.
Lord of The Rings Online (LOTRO) is now free to play. Plus, check the super hokey ad on the homepage.
Quake Live got some tiered pricing, but "Premium" is free until Sept 26th, if you feel like taking a 10 year step backwards (into awesomeness).
PC gamers rejoice! Relic will be dumping GFW Live and replacing it with Steamworks for their upcoming Dawn of War 2: Retribution (Orkz!).
StarCraft 2 hackers/cheaters are about to get the boot.
For those few who may care at all, (the outstanding) Heavy Rain is getting Playstation Move support on 9/22. Looks a little ... dirty.
The sad cost of shoe-horning in Move support is all that DLC they promised. Lame.
The Wii is getting a Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary collection next month. In Japan. No US date has been announced.
Demon's Souls developer, From Software, has a new game coming in 2011 to PS3 and 360. Project Dark.
Biggest MMO flameout EVAR - Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds' latest game, APB, shuts down after only 3 months. Sad.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Vietnam got another trailer this week at TGS. And it's weird. The trailer plays it like there's some narrative, but it's a multiplayer expansion.


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I think the Hasselblad V system meets all your requirements.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=75194\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
It might sound a little funny, but what I am really missing in digital Medium Format is the option to work also with a waist level finder. The new systems like hasselblad H1/2 or Mamiya AFD dont have that option. Is there a solution which works not only with old outdated backs, but with backs in the 20 MP range ? Are there backs which work with the old Mamiya 645 pro or with the Contax ? What are the problems I will get with such a system - metering with a hand held meter is not a problem for meWhy do I want to work with such a system ? As I am scanning my old pictures I encountered that the best pictures I made, I made with my old mamiya 645 System, best not in the sense of sharpness alone, but the composition is much better than the pictures made with the Nikons. I also seem to have some problem with composition through a SLR viewfinder, even the Canon 5 D is for me not very pleasant to use. While the versatility of that camera is certainly great and much better than any medium format system (Birds with Tele lens or high iso in a pub - just came back from a trip to Ireland), it is the feeling of having fun while taking pictures I totally miss with a SLR. As I am planning to go to Santorin in Greek the Idea of walking around with my Canon 5D is not pleasing me too much. No action shots there but a lot of beatiful houses, villages and great scenery.Thanks for your help!
Looks nice, but a factor 1,5 with the lens means that I need special markings in the waist level finder and that the positive effect of a big finder is reduced quite a lot?
One of the benefits of the Mamiya Angle Finder attachment for the 645 AFD/AFD II/AF is that it will rotate, thus allowing the camera to be rotated for a portrait/vertical orientation.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=75311\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have the Contax 645 with P45 and a waist level finder all the time. the only issue is that since contax discontinued production, WLF's have been like gold dust and are now nearing $500 on EBay. they used to be around $100...[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=75295\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
what is the difference between a "angle finder attachement" and a prism? any rotating prism on a 645 would allow one to shoot looking down at the image, but i would not consider that a WLF, because you would still have to rotate the camera...and in case of a finder attachement the camera would have to be rotated and the would be 2 prisms to look through?...the whole point of the WLF is the bright image...[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


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An opponent of John Duane in the race to replace Ann-Margaret Carrozza is crying foul over a recent piece of literature that the Duane campaign sent out. In it, Duane, who served in the Assembly over 20 years ago, touts his record of fighting on behalf of Vietnam veterans – in a legislative capacity, or course – when their post-war struggles were being overlooked by the country at large.
While he served in the Assembly in the 80s, Duane sponsored a tuition assistance bill for veterans of the Vietnam War.
At issue is a quote in the campaign literature that reads, "We didn't return home to parades. It seemed like America just wanted to forget Vietnam, even the veterans like me who served there."
Well, Duane opponent Elio Forcina didn't care for the "we" and the "me" in that particular quote. Forcina charges that the quote is being used to mislead voters into thinking that Duane actually served in the military and fought in the Vietnam War, neither of which is the case. In fact, according to Forcina, Duane decided to stay out of Vietnam, applying for conscientious objector status.
Forcina quickly sent out a press release denouncing the literature, and clarifying that he is the only candidate in the primary – also running are Steve Behar and Edward Braunstein – who has a record of military service. Forcina served in the Marines and was stationed in Israel.
"My opponents are full of bluster and empty promises," read his release. "Like most people in John Duane's Manhattan circles, he and the rest of my opponents chose not to serve. There is only one veteran in this race – and that's me. And when I'm in Albany, I will fight for the rights of veterans and working families just like I fought for our country in the Marines."
We're printing the controversial page so you can decide for yourself if it is misleading.
To be fair, the rest of the flier, which is four pages long, clarifies that what Duane did to help veterans was sponsor a tuition assistance bill, and it never states as fact that he actually served in Vietnam.
Nevertheless, the Forcina campaign has jumped on the vague wording and made it a campaign issue, time will tell if it pays off at the polls.


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Dear Sirs,
The Members of the
Alkylamines REACH Consortium (n-octylamine)
the registration of the substance
n-octylamine under
(here thereafter referred to as "Consortium ") agree that the data, studies, summaries,
waiving argumentations, reasoning of testing proposals and/or assessments specified
in detail below, either jointly or individually owned by and/or licensed to the
Members of the Consortium and submitted by its Member the Lead Registrant
OXEA GmbH
in support of the registration under REACH of substance
n-octylamine (hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Dossier"), may be referred to, pursuant to Article
10 (a) last para. REACH, (or Articles 17 (2) second last para, or 18 (2) second
last para. respectively for Intermediates) by the Applicant.
LoA will be issued per group of companies. Please fill in the application form only once for all affiliated group companies.
If you act on behalf of several non-EU legal entities that are not related to each
other, please fill in new application form for each of your principals.
Do you want to disclose the name of the party you represent?
This Letter of Access does not create any rights for third parties or any liability towards third parties in relation to the data for which access is granted.
Authorized Representative of the Consortium.
I have read and I agree with the legal Terms of the Agreement.
Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006; as may be amended from time to time.
If you choose not to disclose the Third Party represented, Fieldfisher reserves the right
to appoint a neutral party that is entitled to audit the accuracy of the Third Party
Representative's submission whilst guaranteeing the confidentiality of the Third
Party. The Third Party Representative hereby agrees to such third party audit.
LoA applicants will be informed by separate email or via SIEF communication if the
CSR and guidance on safe use will be prepared jointly and also submitted jointly,
or rather whether they will be prepared jointly but will have to be submitted
individually. In the latter case, LoA applicants will receive the CSR
and guidance on safe use via a Iuclid so-called "export file" and must then insert
it themselves into their individual REACH registration.


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For A Fabulous Look of Your Garden, Buy These Amazing Planters
Gardening is a nice hobby for sure because that keeps one healthy mentally and physically. Planting trees and herbs contributes to a higher level of oxygen and thus makes people stress free. Therefore, gardening or planting is a very noble job which everyone should start doing in a small to large extent. That would make our home and world in a larger sense a better place to live in. Ferns N Petals is here to flatter this nature of yours by introducing a large range of planters. These indoor/outdoor planters can be ordered by you for impressing your loved ones who loves to invest time in their gardens. These planters come in various shapes and sizes so that gardening becomes really fun and exciting for your loved ones. For example, you can have a look at the mushroom planter, half-moon planter, or the garden accessories like embossed design water cane or rain water measurer and order it for your young children who would start loving this hobby.
With Colorful Planters, Gardening Would Be Fun
Planters that are spacious, colorful, and carry a style would always be a great gifting option for your loved ones on a variety of occasion. Plants and trees contribute to a better tomorrow with its fruits and flowers and that's why these planters would be a lovely gift option for your loved ones. Planting is tree refers to a beginning of life and that's why for birthday to Diwali, New Year to Christmas, you can place an order for wall-hanging planters or garden planters and surprise your near and dear ones. The colorful planters would definitely bring in more life to your garden. If you have kids at home, they would also start taking keen interest in this noble hobby.
Buy Planters, Plants, and Other Gifts from Ferns N Petals
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You can also avail our express delivery, midnight delivery, same day delivery, fixed time delivery, or next day delivery and enjoy the joy of gifting.


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How to Make a "Fish Tail" Braid
Nice iridescent "fish-tail" or "spike" hair braids look great on thick, straight and shiny hair. This method of hair braiding allows for the reflection of light in all directions, creating an effect of aurora. For special occasions, decorate your hair with rhinestones (sold in many stores). They are glued to the studs and in any order along the entire length of the braid.
Elastic band, hair ornaments
1. Comb the hair to the back. To begin hair braiding, separate two thin hair strands, one strand starting from the left temple and another from the right temple. Each strand should be about 2,5 cm thick.
2. Cross over the strands – the right strand over the left one.
3. Holding the strands with your right hand and holding them to the head, grab a new strand from the left strand with your left hand. A new strand must be of the same size as the previous one.
4. Now cross the new strand from the left over the right strand, putting it on top, and press to the head with your left hand.
5. Use your right hand to get a new strand from the right. Cross the new right strand with the increased left strand, overlaying it on top, and press to the head with your right hand.
6. Repeat the step 5 till the hair braid reach the neck.
7. Continue to weave a "fishtail" hair braid, pulling strands from the "horse's tail" and twisting their center. (Although the hair isn't fixed with an elastic, it will still come down along the back as a "horse's tail").
8. Fasten the end of the hair braid with an elastic band. If you prefer, you can pin hair ornaments.
See also:
How to Make a 4-Strand Hair Braid
French Braided Bun
How To French Braid Hair


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How 'West of Memphis' Helped Free the West Memphis Three
Sometimes a documentary about a newsworthy story, becomes part of the story itself.
Directed by Amy Berg ("Deliver Us From Evil"), "West of Memphis" is a new documentary about the case of three men known as the West Memphis Three. The film was never planned, but was produced by some high-profile filmmakers: Peter Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh (the Oscar-winning team behind the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Hobbit"). Also on the producer list is the main subject of the film, Damien Echols, who was on Death Row for 18 years. Echols's wife, Lorri Davis, who in the film shares the story of how she met and married Echols, is the fourth producer.
The film is the unexpected product of a yearslong investigation funded by Jackson and Walsh as they supported Echols's defense team in the fight to free Echols and clear his name of a crime they say he didn't commit. Jackson and Walsh proposed the film in 2007, two years into their work on the case, when the legal team hit a snag in the case and wasn't granted an evidentiary hearing. Jackson and Walsh thought a documentary would be a good strategic move, and they approached Berg because of her previous documentary experience and background as an investigative journalist.


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I'm thinking that the terrorists will win….
Filed under: homophobia | Tagged: Gay Marriage | Leave a comment »
I'm thinking that the terrorists will win….
Filed under: homophobia | Tagged: Gay Marriage | Leave a comment »
It's the same jacket the late Heath Ledger wore for the famous gay film; Brokeback Mountain.
In addition to the problems, this has been a problem with Rick Perry's core volunteers and supporters. He decided on his own to go ahead and present himself this way – and his homeboys are simply ditching him for the Project Runway disaster…
Filed under: Gay, Gay Marriage, GLBT, homophobia | Tagged: Brokeback Mountain, commercials, fashion, freaks, GOP Freaks, Idiot), Rick Perry (R-Gov TX) | 1 Comment »
When asked about the "National Popular Vote Interstate Compatct (NPV), US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reacted by calling it a "genuine threat to our country". NPV, guarantees that whichever candidate wins the popular vote of the American public would guarantee a win in the Electoral College. This puts to rest a repeat of the Gore v. Bush Debacle in 2000. It's a return to the United States Constitution's guarantee of "one man – one vote". However, Senator McConnell completely disagrees with it beyond calling it intriguing.
MCCONNELL: Hosting this seminar on the most important issue [the National Popular Vote proposal] in America nobody's talking about. Everybody's following the debt crisis in Europe, the presidential election in America, unemployment statistics, but nobody is paying much attention to the genuine threat to our country. That's what I want to address this morning.
Let's remember that this isn't the first time the Senator has been at odds with our Constitution. In July 2011, he declared on the Senate flor that we must "rewrite the Consistution" by adding an amendment permanently entrenching a Tea Party police agenda because "elections" haven't "worked".
How odd is this current state of affairs? I mean, if President Barack Obama happened on the idea to rewrite the Constitution and "popular votes would be a threat to our country", do you think he'll get some air-time on Fox News?
Filed under: Mitch McConnell (R-KY), US Senate, War on Terror | Tagged: dumb-ass, McConnell, republican, senate, treason | Leave a comment »
Only a few short years after Sarah Palin got punked by a couple of radio hosts in Montreal, it appears that Governor Walker was next on the list. In 2008, Sarah Palin took a phone call she thought was France's Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, where she gushed and tried to sound intelligent. Little did she know, she was live on the air in Montreal with radio comedy duo "The Master Avengers".
More than willing to follow in Palin's footsteps, Mother Jones is publishing a telephone conversation between a guy identifying himself as right-wing Richie Rich financier "David Koch" who calls Governor Walker in Madison. Even while losing support from other Republican Governors throughout the country, Walker is more than willing to noodle around great ideas on his strategy to break the protests outside of his office. Amid rumors that the Capitol Police in Madison have begun to shut down wi-fi access in the capitol to prevent protesters (and consequently everybody else) access to left-wing websites, Walker brags about laying off as many state employees as quickly as he can.
Other bragging points include:
Radix malorum est cupiditas, 1 Timothy 6:10
Filed under: David, Democrats, GOP, Prank, Punked, Teapots, Walker | Tagged: fanancier, governor, greed, humor, Idiot), jerks, joke, Madison, phone, prank, protests, stupidity, Wisconsin | Leave a comment »
Oh wait! That was the "Family Values Crowd" that was talking about that… I forgot!!
Hooray for the liberals in Massachusetts!! They've elected their first porn-star!!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: David Vitter (R-LA) Hooker-Lover, Democratic Douchebags, Democratic Losers, GOP, GOP Disease, GOP Evangelicals, homophobia, idiots, Martha Coakley (D-MA Loser), Mitt Romney (R - Mormon), Republican Loosers, Rudy "The Drag Queen" Giuliani, Rush Limbaugh, Scott Brown (R-MA) | Leave a comment »
Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »


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The real estate world is a dynamic one; it never stays the same. Popular trends keep changing from time to time. Newer trends come up and beat the older ones. What is in vogue nowadays is the trend of integrated townships. These mixed use development projects are increasingly becoming popular for the economies of scale they provide. Generally, such projects are launched at the peripheries of already established cities and are self-sufficient in terms of infrastructure and civic amenities. Several Residential Property in Thane have been launched under the integrated township module.
The reason why integrated townships became so popular is that they catered to the main challenges of urbanization in the country i.e., overcrowding and unplanned development. These mass development projects consist of high-quality residential and commercial spaces. Banks, hospitals, retail outlets, convenience stores, ATMs, restaurants, multiplexes, clubs and recreational sports- everything is available in a township premises. [Read more…]


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Americans who did nothing wrong are losing their homes as a result of irresponsible government enabling the banks.
The epidemic of home foreclosures has been made far worse than necessary due to the banks' unwillingness to work with homeowners. Although Congress has passed numerous laws to force the banks to assist homeowners, the banks have found ways not to comply. The banks also brazenly break other laws to further their profits at the expense of homeowners, most recently by falsifying interest rates in the LIBOR scandal.
Regular middle class Americans everywhere have unjustly lost their homes to foreclosure. They ended up in homes they could not sell due to the Federal Reserve Board, not their own actions. The Fed manipulates interest rates in order to grow or shrink the economy. It kept rates artificially low several years ago for a lengthy period of time. At the same time, Congress relaxed the laws on lending. The Obama administration ordered banks to lend to risky borrowers or face lawsuits. Many people with poor credit bought homes who were clearly risky borrowers. A large number were issued subprime loans they could not afford, ensuring their default.
Once the defaults began in 2007, the abandoned homes flooded the housing market, driving down home values for everyone. This left most homeowners unable to sell their homes, since most homeowners have a sizable mortgage. Someone who bought a home with a mortgage for $200,000 saw the value of their home dip to as low as half of that. Upside down, there is no way for someone to sell their home without owing the bank a considerable amount.
As people began losing their jobs due to the recession, they could not downsize to a smaller house or apartment because of being upside down on their mortgages. Many tried to short sale their homes, in the hopes of walking away without owing anything. In order to force the banks to accept a short sale, homeowners had to play chicken and stop paying their mortgages. Other homeowners stopped paying their mortgages in hopes of getting a loan modification, relying upon laws that were passed requiring banks to work with homeowners on loan modifications.


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Gene Robert Bowser Jr., 37, of Aberdeen, was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison without the benefit of parole, for possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone, an opiate narcotic, by Harford County Circuit Court Judge M. Elizabeth Bowen for charges stemming from an arrest Jan. 6, 2012, at the Travel Lodge Motel in Aberdeen, the Harford County State's Attorney's Office said.
Bowser was convicted by a jury on Dec. 18, 2012. This sentence closely follows a sentence of 13 years handed down May 7 by Circuit Court Judge Stephen M. Waldron after Bowser was convicted Feb. 13, of misdemeanor possession of Hydrocodone and morphine, stemming from an earlier arrest in Aberdeen on Aug. 31, 2011, State's Attorney Joseph Cassilly said in a news release.
The latest felony conviction made Bowser a three-time felony narcotics offender eligible for a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years without a chance of parole. Consequently, Bowen ordered Bowser to serve the mandatory 25 years without parole, consecutive to the earlier 13 year sentence imposed by Waldron. The defendant will serve a combined total of 38 years, 25 of which will be without parole, Cassilly noted.
On Aug. 31, 2011, Bowser was a passenger in a car that was pulled over by Aberdeen Police for running through a stop sign at Plater and Law streets. Acting on previous information that Bowser may be engaged in narcotics violations, police obtained consent to search his person and discovered hydrocodone and morphine in his pockets, the state's attorney's news release continued.
Five months later, on Jan. 6, 2012, while free on bail and awaiting trial for the August 2011 offense, Bowser was again arrested while in possession of hydrocodone at the Travel Lodge Motel on West Bel Air Avenue, after Aberdeen Police watched him make an alleged sale of narcotics at a gas station adjoining the motel. Minutes after the alleged drug deal, Bowser was arrested by Aberdeen Police in a Travel Lodge room registered to him. Several hydrocodone pills were found in Bowser's pocket during the search.
In announcing her sentencing decision, Bowen cited Bowser's lengthy criminal history, including his two prior felony drug convictions in 1996 and 2007, and said his continued criminal conduct weighed heavily in her decision to impose 25 years without parole, Cassilly said.
Bowser will be transferred to the Maryland Division of Correction from the Harford County Detention Center where he has been held since his January 2012 arrest.


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Digital is here. But when it comes to externally sourced operations and services, many buyer-provider relationships are stuck in an analog world.
While analytics and automation remain important, other tools, such as cloud computing, mobility and social media are increasingly taking center stage.
How to get your arms around this and stay competitive? Our analysis points to four strategic pillars:
Executing processes on a resilient digital platform that's secure, available on demand and easy to set up and use.
Offering anytime, anywhere digital insights, driven by analytics.
Creating a digital workforce platform of connected workers, using advanced monitoring, search and analytics tools.
Proactively managing a digital innovation ecosystem comprising multiple partners to incorporate the latest technologies.
According to Accenture-sponsored research, providing effective analytics solutions is the most urgent capability required.
Half of buyers surveyed said analytics is a critical component to making the move to value beyond cost.
The second most important technology noted in the research was automation. When automation becomes a part of the basic delivery of operational or business process services, increasing amounts of intelligence reside in the infrastructure and the applications. That decreases the amount of human intervention required.
Cloud computing, mobile and social media are increasingly important to businesses but have not yet had a major effect on externally sourced operations. But this is changing as more buyers become aware of their potential. Together, these technologies can:
Reduce costs and errors in compliance.
Improve job satisfaction for staff.
Provide insights into process and business performance.
Set an organization on the path to truly intelligent IT.
Provide an opportunity to re-shape engagements around business outcomes.
Business leaders should recognize four keycomponents of digital operations:
Architecting for resiliency—Providers must support wide-ranging demands for non-stop processes, services and systems.
Incorporating analytics and mobility to deliver real-time, digital insights—Predictive analytics technologies offer the promise of helping an operational team look "around the bend" to see what's coming and respond.
Connecting the digital workforce—Automation removes the need for a lot of clerical-type work, enabling knowledge workers to make higher-level contributions and gain increased job satisfaction.
Enabling and participating in a digital innovation ecosystem—Outsourcing is by nature a collaborative endeavor. But the larger ecosystem of enterprises, research institutions and other entities needed to keep a competitive edge goes far beyond just the buyer and provider.


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And you're done! Strap it on your lil man and soak up the cuteness!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
the bow tie (tutorial)
And you're done! Strap it on your lil man and soak up the cuteness!
15 comments:
- Gaspord Adventures said...
SO, so, cute!!! I want one for my baby - that is if it is a boy. :)
Love you!
- May 6, 2011 at 7:47 AM
- Jo-Anna@APrettyLife said...
This is adorable!
- May 11, 2011 at 7:00 PM
- Cassandra Potter Kemp said...
So cute! Could you please clarify some things to make it a little easier? Could you specify on the bow & neck strap if they are to be folded lengthwise or not? You only clarified with the center. Also you said how long to cut the bow material but not how wide? It would also be helpful to know what size seams you used..
- January 12, 2012 at 2:59 PM
- Diane said...
Thanks for the tutorial. There are a few things that need to be clarified. For the bow, the length only needs to be doubled, not quadrupled. I cut my fabric 20 inches and it created a bow that was 10 inches long. Way too big. Don't you mean 10 inches, not 20? Also, you forgot to include the width you used. I'm guessing 3 inches?
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The Iowa State University Library, including the Special Collections Department, will be closed from Saturday, December 22nd through Tuesday, January 1st. The Special Collections Department will be open during our regular hours (9am-4pm, M-F) starting January 2nd. We wish everyone a wonderful winter break, and safe travels!
While our department is closed, we thought you might be interested in viewing additional winter scenes from our collections available online. A number of images can be found here. Quite a variety of items in Digital Collections can also be found by searching under the keyword "winter."


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Doral's clean, unadorned design makes it the perfect neutral base on which to build your bedroom. The bed has metal grills finished in a textured Matte Black powder coat -- for long life and care-free maintenance and sturdy solid-wood posts.The Doral is a charming bed of simple design and a beautiful blend of materials.The posts are finished in Walnut, a medium tone wood color which will blend with many decors. This bed is available in full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
The Wood and Metal Beds Full Doral Bed w/ Frame by Fashion Bed Group at Find Your Furniture in the area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
Provide your bedroom setting with the perfect mix of wood and metal material with these attractive beds and headboards. The pieces come in several finishes as well as designs, integrating contemporary, casual and traditional styles into eye-catching final products. Plus, curved brackets maximize connection from headboard to footboard while locking legs create a triple-thick layer of steel at the corners and Hercules glides establish a wide stance with four stabilizing brass collars. Plus, the solid castings are an integral part of the design aesthetic wise while also keeping the structure strong. Sleep beautifully and wake refreshed with one of these magnificent fashion forward beds.
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This item has been tagged as: Bed, Bedroom Furniture, Twin Size Bed, Full Size Bed, Queen Size Bed, King Size Bed, California King Size Bed, Bookcase Bed, Book Case Bed, Canopy Bed, Bed with Canopy, Captain's Bed, Daybed, Headboard and Footboard Bed, Headboard, Footboard, Headboard & Footboard, Pier Bed, Poster Bed, Sleigh Bed, Upholstered Bed, Wall Unit Bed, Double Bed, Day Bed, Storage Bed, Home Furnishings, Furniture, Bed frame, Furnishing For Bedroom, Bedroom Furniture Set
Nothing on this page may be copied or reproduced without explicit permission.


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On November 24, 1859, Charles Darwin's book, The Origin of Species, was published. As a result, the concept of organic evolution was popularized. The science of genetics, of course, was completely unknown at that time, and would not come into its own until approximately forty-one years later. Since around 1900, evolutionists have advocated "neo-Darwinism," as opposed to "classical Darwinism." In classical Darwinian thought, natural selection alone served as the mechanism of evolution. In neo-Darwinian thought, natural selection and genetic mutations work together as evolution's mechanism.
Genetics has played an increasingly important role in evolution, especially in regard to mutations that alter the genetic code within each organism. That code is expressed biochemically in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Mutations are "errors" in DNA replication (Ayala, 1978, pp. 56-69). It is those errors that cause the genetic change necessary for evolution to occur. In 1957, George Gaylord Simpson wrote: "Mutations are the ultimate raw materials for evolution" (1957, p. 430). Twenty-six years later, nothing had changed when Douglas J. Futuyma remarked:
By far the most important way in which chance influences evolution is the process of mutation. Mutation is, ultimately, the source of new genetic variations, and without genetic variation there cannot be genetic change. Mutation is therefore necessary for evolution (1983, p. 136).
Mutations can occur in several different ways, and can affect individual genes or entire chromosomes (see Futuyma, 1983, p. 136). Further, mutations can be placed, theoretically, into at least three categories: (a) bad; (b) neutral; and (c) good.
Some mutations, therefore, can have profound effects. They can alter the structure of a critical protein so much that the organism becomes severely distorted and may not survive. Other mutations may cause changes in the protein that do not affect its function at all. Such mutations are adaptively neutral—they are neither better nor worse than the original form of the gene. Still other mutations are decidedly advantageous (Futuyma, 1983, p. 136).
Neither bad nor neutral mutations aid evolution, since the bad ones produce effects that are deleterious (and often lethal), and the neutral ones neither help nor hurt an organism. Neo-Darwinian evolution relies entirely on good mutations, since they not only alter the genetic material, but are, to use Futuyma's words, "decidedly advantageous." Evolutionary progress, then, is dependent upon nature "selecting" the good mutations, resulting in genetic change that ultimately produces new organisms.
What does all of this have to do with the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics? Over the past several years, the medical community has become increasingly concerned over the ability of certain bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics. Undoubtedly this concern is justified. Antibiotics, which usually are substances naturally produced by certain microorganisms, inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. One of the first antibiotics to be discovered (in 1928) was penicillin, produced by the mold Penicillium chrysogenum. Since then, more than a thousand similar substances have been isolated. Most people recognize the tremendous impact antibiotics have had in the battle with pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms. Without antibiotics, the death toll from infections and diseases would be much higher than it is.
Today, however, there is compelling evidence that we are in danger of losing our battle against certain pathogens. Bacteria sometimes develop resistance to even powerful antibiotics. As a result, the number of antibiotics that can be used against certain diseases is dwindling rapidly. Both scientific and popular publications have addressed the seriousness of this issue. The cover story of the March 28, 1994 issue of Newsweek was titled, "Antibiotics: The End of Miracle Drugs?" (Begley, 1994). Articles in Scientific American (Beardsley, 1994), Science (Travis, 1994; Davies, 1994), Discover (Caldwell, 1994), and Natural History (Smith, 1994), have all called attention to the impact on our lives that bacterial resistance to antibiotics is causing.
The phenomenon of bacterial drug resistance was first documented around 1952 (see Lederberg and Lederberg, 1952). Interest in the phenomenon has increased as fewer antibiotics are effective against pathogens, and as deaths from bacterial infections increase. Scientific interest in this problem is both pragmatic and academic. In the pragmatic sense, those working in medical fields (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, researchers, etc.) are interested because lives are at stake. In an academic sense, this issue is of importance to evolutionists because they believe the mutations in bacteria responsible for drug resistance are, from the standpoint of the bacterial population, "good," and thus offer significant proof of evolution. Their point is that the bacteria have adapted so as to "live to fight another day"—an example of "decidedly advantageous" mutations. Evolutionist Colin Patterson of Great Britain has commented: "The development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, and also of insects resistant to DDT and a host of other recently discovered insecticides, are genuine evolutionary changes (1978, p. 85, emp. added). But are these mutations sufficient to explain long-term, large-scale evolution (macroevolution)?
Bacteria do not become resistant to antibiotics merely by experiencing genetic mutations. In fact, there are at least three genetic mechanisms by which resistance may be conferred. First, there are instances where mutations produce antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms. Second, there is the process of conjugation, during which two bacterial cells join and an exchange of genetic material occurs. Inside many bacteria there is a somewhat circular piece of self-replicating DNA known as a plasmid, which codes for enzymes necessary for the bacteria's survival. Certain of these enzymes, coincidentally, assist in the breakdown of antibiotics, thus making the bacteria resistant to antibiotics. During conjugation, plasmids in one organism that are responsible for resistance to antibiotics may be transferred to an organism that previously did not possess such resistance.
Third, bacteria can incorporate into their own genetic machinery foreign pieces of DNA by either of two types of DNA transposition. In transformation, DNA from the environment (perhaps from the death of another bacterium) is absorbed into the bacterial cell. In transduction, a piece of DNA is transported into the cell by a virus. As a result of incorporating new genetic material, an organism can become resistant to antibiotics. Commenting on these processes, Walter J. ReMine wrote:
Transformation and transduction occur extremely infrequently, but this rarity can be offset somewhat by the enormous population sizes that bacteria can achieve, especially under laboratory conditions. By those three methods bacteria can acquire DNA that alters their survival.... For example, DNA transposition can result in reduced permeability of the cell wall to certain substances, sometimes providing an increased resistance to antibiotics (1993, p. 404).
The issue is not whether bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through alterations in their genetic material. They do. The issue is whether or not such resistance helps the evolutionists' case. We suggest that it does not, for the following reasons.
First, the mutations responsible for antibiotic resistance in bacteria do not arise as a result of the "need" of the organisms. Futumya has noted: "...the adaptive 'needs' of the species do not increase the likelihood that an adaptive mutation will occur; mutations are not directed toward the adaptive needs of the moment.... Mutations have causes, but the species' need to adapt isn't one of them" (1983, pp. 137,138). What does this mean? Simply put, bacteria did not "mutate" after being exposed to antibiotics; the mutations conferring the resistance were present in the bacterial population even prior to the discovery or use of the antibiotics. The Lederbergs' experiments in 1952 on streptomycin-resistant bacteria showed that bacteria which had never been exposed to the antibiotic already possessed the mutations responsible for the resistance. Malcolm Bowden has observed: "What is interesting is that bacterial cultures from bodies frozen 140 years ago were found to be resistant to antibiotics that were developed 100 years later. Thus the specific chemical needed for resistance was inherent in the bacteria" (1991, p. 56). These bacteria did not mutate to become resistant to antibiotics. Furthermore, the non-resistant varieties did not become resistant due to mutations.
Second, while pre-existing mutations may confer antibiotic resistance, such mutations may also decrease an organism's viability. For example, "the surviving strains are usually less virulent, and have a reduced metabolism and so grow more slowly. This is hardly a recommendation for 'improving the species by competition' (i.e., survival of the fittest)" (Bowden, 1991, p. 56). Just because a mutation provides an organism with a certain trait does not mean that the organism as a whole has been helped. For example, in the disease known as sickle-cell anemia (caused by a mutation), people who are "carriers" of the disease do not die from it and are resistant to malaria, which at first would seem to be an excellent example of a good mutation. However, that is not the entire story. While resistant to malaria, these people do not possess the stamina of, and do not live as long as, their non-carrier counterparts. Bacteria may be resistant to a certain antibiotic, but that resistance comes at a price. Thus, in the grand scheme of things, acquiring resistance does not lead necessarily to new species or types of organisms.
Third, regardless of how bacteria acquired their antibiotic resistance (i.e., by mutation, conjugation, or by transposition), they are still exactly the same bacteria after receiving that trait as they were before receiving it. The "evolution" is not vertical macroevolution but horizontal microevolution (i.e., adaptation). In other words, these bacteria "...are still the same bacteria and of the same type, being only a variety that differs from the normal in its resistance to the antibiotic. No new 'species' have been produced" (Bowden, 1991, p. 56). In commenting on the changing, or sharing, of genetic material, ReMine has suggested: "It has not allowed bacteria to arbitrarily swap major innovations such as the use of chlorophyll or flagella. The major features of microorganisms fall into well-defined groups that seem to have a nested pattern like the rest of life" (1993, p. 404).
Microbiologists have studied extensively two genera of bacteria in their attempts to understand antibiotic resistance: Escherichia and Salmonella. In speaking about Escherichia in an evolutionary context, France's renowned zoologist, Pierre-Paul Grassé, observed:
...bacteria, despite their great production of intraspecific varieties, exhibit a great fidelity to their species. The bacillus Escherichia coli, whose mutants have been studied very carefully, is the best example. The reader will agree that it is surprising, to say the least, to want to prove evolution and to discover its mechanisms and then to choose as a material for this study a being which practically stabilized a billion years ago (1977, p. 87).
Although E. coli allegedly has undergone a billion years' worth of mutations, it still has remained "stabilized" in its "nested pattern." While mutations and DNA transposition have caused change within the bacterial population, those changes have occurred within narrow limits. No long-term, large-scale evolution has occurred.
The suggestion that the development in bacteria of resistance to antibiotics as a result of genetic mutations or DNA transposition somehow "proves" organic evolution is flawed. Macroevolution requires change across phylogenetic boundaries. In the case of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, that has not occurred.
Ayala, Francisco (1978), "The Mechanisms of Evolution," Scientific American, 239[3]:56-69, September.
Beardsley, Tim (1994), "La Ronde," Scientific American, 270[6]:26,29, June.
Begley, Sharon (1994), "The End of Antibiotics," Newsweek, 123[13]:47-51, March 28.
Bowden, M. (1991), Science vs. Evolution (Bromley, Kent, England: Sovereign Publications).
Caldwell, Mark (1994), "Prokaryotes at the Gate," Discover, 15[8]:45-50, August.
Davies, Julian (1994), "Inactivation of Antibiotics and the Dissemination of Resistance Genes," Science, 264[5157]:375-382, April 15.
Futuyma, Douglas J. (1983), Science on Trial (New York: Pantheon Books).
Grass', Pierre-Paul (1977), The Evolution of Living Organisms (New York: Academic Press).
Lederberg, J. and E.M. Lederberg (1952), Journal of Bacteriology, 63:399.
Patterson, Colin (1978), Evolution (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press).
ReMine, Walter J. (1993), The Biotic Message (St. Paul, MN: St. Paul Science).
Simpson, George Gaylord, C.S. Pittendrigh, and L.H. Tiffany (1957), Life: An Introduction to Biology (New York: Harcourt, Brace and World).
Smith, John Maynard (1994), "Breaking the Antibiotic Bank," Natural History, 103[6]:39-40, June.
Travis, John (1994), "Reviving the Antibiotic Miracle?," Science, 264:360-362, April 15.


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Our seismograph and related programs have been well received by our patrons. Young students learned how to build and test their own seismometers. Older students explored the structure of the earth's interior. And all ages enjoyed a lecture discussing recent earthquakes in New England. STEM+M events continue to be a major part of our programming here at Gleason Public Library.
-- Steve Golson
Gleason Library Trustee
Getting young learners interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and improving STEM education are national priorities. The Gleason Public Library realized that the library could play a major role in sparking interest and providing hands-on education in STEM within the community. A poll of library visitors also indicated a community interest in music and musical performances, which research has shown has a cognitive link with math. With IMLS funding and support from the Library Endowment's Susan Zielinksi Natural Science Fund, the library embarked on a multi-faceted program to enhance STEM and Music (STEM+M) learning and participation.
From fall 2011 through summer 2012, the library hosted 19 adult programs and 6 teen/children's programs in science and technology, along with 10 adult and youth music events and activities. One astronomy event led youth on a walk through the community, using local landmarks to learn about relative distances in space. A stargazing program introduced learners to the transit of Venus. The library featured several lecturers on various science topics and music appreciation. A new science fiction book club includes discussion of science topics, and a concert on the library lawn helped bring in community members who rarely visit the library.
Seismography Spurs STEM Interest
Educational activities around seismography have been a major draw for the library. Boston College, as part of its Educational Seismology Program, recently expanded its network of seismographs to include selected local libraries. Gleason's seismograph is part of the New England Seismic Network. Library visitors of all ages are captivated by the ability to see seismic activity from around the world, while the library website (http://www.gleasonlibrary.org/seismograph.htm) lets visitors see what the seismograph is recording in real time. The library also coordinated with local schools to incorporate use of the seismograph in the sixth grade earth science curriculum.
Showcasing STEM+M
The library enhanced its collections with educational media and streaming music. It reorganized shelving and created new displays to showcase new STEM books and media, and updated its technology corner to better introduce visitors to available resources and services. Library staff also developed two reading maps to guide readers, including one for the 2012 community-wide reading of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (an historically-rooted exploration of medical research and ethics), and one as a guide to dystopian and post-apocalyptic nonfiction for science fiction fans.
In addition to drawing new visitors, the program spurred new curiosity within the community. Reference inquiries increased about 24 percent, while questions about technology and computers rose 33 percent, and research requests in general increased 166 percent. Library staff members report that that these trends have continued.


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Conservatives aren't bizarre
Janis Jaquith claims to know what conservatives think [November 24: "Say what? What we mean when we talk"], but I'm puzzled about why she's attempting to argue that conservatives are so essentially different from liberals that we make sense only in some sadistic "parallel universe."
Conservatives are not wrong-headed in realizing that all humans respond to "rewards and punishments." Life is hard. If we weren't sensitive to what works and what doesn't, and if we didn't try to provide as much as we can through self-discipline, we'd be extinct. If this process ever breaks down, we will be.
We also know that we need each other. Humans have survived and succeeded by working together. We can't live without love and compassion– without each other. I wonder how Jaquith has reached adulthood without realizing that we need both– and that neither can exist without the other.
What we have in this country is a beautiful medium, a fragile balance between these two ideals. We push and pull at where the line in the middle should be– preserve independence and innovation, or provide for the needs of everyone? I for one respect and admire what those before us have passed down, what we are charged to preserve– a working democracy.
What I don't respect and most definitely do not admire is the suggestion that I think helping others is evil (I volunteer weekly teaching adults to read), that I must believe in God to be conservative (the idea of any god gives me the creeps), that I think rich people are "better" (the only thing I think they're better at is making money), or that the best argument I can come up with for setting limits on the redistribution of wealth is a blank stare.