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HOUSTON - Ever the techno wrestling geek, Bob Kapur filed his report Twitter-style, giving you short bursts of his wacky life as he heads to Raw on Monday, with waffles (again), an old-school referee, and malls on the agenda.
Mon, Apr 6, 8:27am -- Down to the lobby for breakfast. The waffle maker is designed so that the waffles are in the shape of the state of Texas. That's brilliant.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:39am -- Doug does some net research and finds what is described as a great mall near our hotel. We walk in and are greeted with the smell of manure.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:40am -- Nope. That's the smell of the guy sitting on a bench near the entrance way. Doug is banned from doing any further net research.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:47 am -- This is the most depressing mall in the world. Every store is either closed or should be. The employees are surprised to see a customer.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:53am -- There's an Easter Bunny for kids to take a picture with. The guy in the ratty, dingy costume is sitting alone, giant head in hands. Sad.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:57am -- I buy the "Everything's Bigger in Texas" shirt from the video for "So Yesterday", that great song by Hilary Duff. So sue me, I'm a fan.
Mon, Apr 6, 10:13am -- Find a FedEx store to box up my Mania chair. Noel left this morning and said the airport has no such facilities and to pack it in advance.
Mon, Apr 6, 11:19am -- Go to the Galleria Mall, one of the largest and fanciest in Houston. There's an ice rink, many high-end stores, and no manure smell.
Mon, Apr 6, 11:22am -- There's a sign for the free parking area; follow it, and it leads you to the exit, as if to say "Can't afford $3 to park? Leave now, peon."
Mon, Apr 6, 12:17pm -- Every third person in this mall is wearing a wrestling shirt. Many other people in fancy suits and such, looking down on us in disgust.
Mon, Apr 6, 1:33pm -- After lunch, call Tommy Fooshee, a long-time referee living in Houston. SLAM! boss Greg Oliver suggested he would be great to meet up with.
Mon, Apr 6, 2:12pm -- Pick up Tommy and head to the Armadillo Palace, a nearby restaurant right beside the Goode BBQ place from yesterday.
Mon, Apr 6, 3:04pm -- Sitting in the Armadillo Lounge with Tommy, laughing up a storm. He's great, sharing stories from his multi-decade life in the business.
Mon, Apr 6, 4:09pm -- Still there with Tommy. He's got a great sense of humour, and has some amazing stories. Hopefully my future writeup will do him justice.
Mon, Apr 6, 5:11pm - Disappointed that we have to finish up with Tommy. Drop him off after exchanging contact info and a promise to meet up again in the future.
Mon, Apr 6, 5:22pm -- Get in line for RAW. Everyone there heard it would start at 6:30, but it was not to be. We all stand there like idiots for the next hour.
Mon, Apr 6, 5:27pm -- Teddy Long is driving in and gets stopped at a red light, right beside where we're standing in line. Nobody but Doug and I seemed to notice.
Mon, Apr 6, 5:53pm -- There's a guy in line wearing tights and a lucha mask. We ask if he's a local worker. He says, "I have a job, but it's about an hour away."
Mon, Apr 6, 5:55pm -- Someone in line asks the fake luchadore if he's the guy who works for the local paper. The guy says yes he is. Kayfabe is dead.
Mon, Apr 6, 6:32pm -- The doors finally open and we head in. Pass by the merch stand, but nothing new. Probably for the best, in terms of my souvenir budget.
Mon, Apr 6, 6:49pm -- Our seats are way at the very top of the arena. Thinner air up here, as people beside me seem to be oxygen depleted -- or just stupid.
Mon, Apr 6, 7:51pm -- After dark matches, Lillian sings the anthem. To our left, the guys don't remove their hats. To our right, they remain seated. Commies.
Mon, Apr 6, 7:57pm -- Jerry Lawler is introduced. I try to start a "Jerry" chant, but the people beside me don't get into it. Commies.
Mon, Apr 6, 8:35pm -- This kid a few rows back is screaming, almost pleading the RAW divas to win. He hates the Smackdown girls like they killed his pet dog.
Mon, Apr 6, 8:47pm -- They show a Tribute to the Troops video to the great, but lesser-known Bob Dylan song, "Ring them Bells". Great tune, iTunes it if you can.
Mon, Apr 6, 8:51pm -- Forgot about Jeff Hardy's pyro. Surprised, I jumped when they went off, and spilled diet pop on my pants. Hardy is now my new Starbucks.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:19pm -- Two gangsta types just came into our section. People are scared to cheer guys they're not, for fear of getting shanked, "Oz" style.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:21pm -- Another Troops video, but not to a Dylan song unfortunately. Dubya's appearance gets the gangstas all riled up. I fear for my life.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:25pm -- Vickie Guerrero has more heel heat with these guys than even Dubya. Rest of the crowd hates her too, based on the boos during her promo.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:37pm -- I might be in the minority, but I really can't stand Santino's schtick anymore. His segment is really lame. What a giant waste of TV time.
Mon, Apr 6, 9:40pm -- They should have used the returning divas like Sunny, Molly, Torrie, etc. to expose and embarrass Santino and end this stupid angle.
Mon, Apr 6, 10:01pm -- Earlier today, Doug was saying how little he missed Batista. Houston fans would seem to disagree based on the reaction for his return.
Mon, Apr 6, 10:04pm -- Great. HHH, Vince, Shane and Batista. It's like the Four Horsemen ... if, that is, only one of the Horsemen could wrestle worth a damn.
Mon, Apr 6, 10:19pm -- Outside, someone compliments my tie-dye shirt. I turn around, it's ROH star Larry Sweeney. We talk to set up a SLAM! piece on him soon.
Mon, Apr 6, 10:47pm -- We stop at the Hard Rock to buy a T-shirt and have a shot of Jack, as is my tradition when traveling. Then, back to the hotel to crash.


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For Sale: Swan 44 MK II - PIRAT
|Swan 44 MK II
|Marion, MA USA
|Hull Number
|44 ft 0 in
|13 ft 8 in
|7 ft 2 in
|27300 lbs Full Load
|8400 lbs
|Volvo Penta MD22L - 50HP
PIRAT, ex REEF POINTS, easily one of the better Swan 44mkIIs to ever come to the brokerage market. Her first owner maintained her with a full time captain. In 2007 she was sold to the present owner who has continued to look after in such a way she still looks close to new. Many recent upgrades have been made to PIRAT and she comes highly recommended.
HULL and DECK
Solid fiberglass hull with interior longitudinal and transverse stiffeners.
White gel coat, gold cove stripe, dark blue gelcoat boot stripes
Epoxy barrier coat applied at the factory when new
Red bottom paint
Bronze seacocks and through hull fittings
Eliptical fin keel with bulb
Eliptical spade rudder
Larger 47" steering wheel with elkhide cover
Suunto compass mounted at pedestal
Transom with recessed platform
Teak overlay vacuum bagged and glued down over low density foam cored fiberglass deck
Aluminum toe rail
Deck access to anchor locker
Anchor windlass, Lewmar Ocean 3, gypsy only with hand held control (new motor 2011)
Double rollers on stemhead
Hatch over the forward cabin, head, passageway, galley, navigation station, saloon and aft cabin
2 x opening ports aft side of coachroof
2 x opening ports aft end of coachroof coaming
Floating genoa car system, tow lines lead to the secondary winches including jammers
Main traveler track over coachroof
Bow sprit attaches to stem head fitting
Gate in lifeline port and starboard side
Halyard jammers Spinlock XX0812
Outboard bracket on pushpit
Mug holder on pedestal
Two coaming stripes
GRP repeater console above entrance
Acrylic companionway drop board
Large cockpit locker under starboard helm cockpit seat
Large lazarette locker under helm seat
Fold down stainless steel boarding ladder at transom
1 x dorade with 2 cowls forward of mast
Stainless steel hand rails on coachroof
3 x pairs of mooring cleats, 2 x fwd, 2 x aft and 2 midship
Socket for flag pole
All by Harken
2 x 56.2 ST, 2 Speed, Electric primary winches
2 x 48.2 ST, 2 Speed, Secondary winches
1 x 48.2 ST, 2 Speed, electric Mainsheet and Halyard winch
1 x 48.2 ST, 2 speed halyard and utility winch
Sleeps a total of six. Two in each of the two sleeping cabins and two in the saloon. Two heads. Interior is finished with hand rubbed teak throughout. Teak and holly cabin sole. Minor interior re-varnish as necessary, 2011
Double berth with filler and stowage under. Spring mattress with mattress cover and custom sheets (2008). Shelves and cupboards over. Starboard side dresser and hanging locker. Full length mirror. 5'11 headroom.
White gel coated GRP module with teak grating. Enameled wash basin. Pressure hot and cold water. Mirror. Towel and soap holder. Waste container. Lockers with shelves outboard. Headroom 5'11". All head plumbing replaced, 2010.
Table on the centerline with folding leaves port and starboard and fiddle rails. "U" shaped settee to port and straight settee to starboard. Leather saloon settees and navigation seat. Lockers and shelves outboard of each settee. Custom bookshelf with roll top door on starboard side of saloon for TV. Headroom 6'2".
Located aft of the saloon and on the port side. "U" shaped. Stainless steel sink with pressure hot and cold water. Garbage bin below sink. Gimballed Force 10 propane stove with oven and protective stainless steel bar. Pots and pans locker under stove. Chest of drawers. Technautics Coastal 12 refrigerator and freezer with holding plates, Nautor-made insulated box, front and top loaded refrigeration. Refrigeration powered by 12 volts. Headroom 6'5".
Located aft of the saloon and on the starboard side. Forward facing. Surrounded with navigation and communication electronics. Headroom 6'5".
Located aft of the galley and on the port side. Double berth with filler. Spring mattress with mattress cover and custom sheets (2008). Shelves over full length of berth. Hanging locker forward. Full length mirror. Headroom 6'3".
Located on the starboard side and aft of the saloon. Description same as the forward head. Headroom 6'3".
Volvo Penta MD22L marine diesel, rated 50HP at 3000rpm on flexible mountings with saildrive (1750 hours)
Fresh water cooled
Drip tray integral with engine bed
Sound proofed engine space
Engine control panel, behind a smoked plexiglass door, starboard side of cockpit
Single lever throttle gear control
Coolant temperature guage
Oil pressure guage
Fuel level guage
Battery charge warning light
Low oil pressure, high engine temperature audible alarm
Engine space ventilation blower
3 blade Volvo folding prop
Fuel tank guage at engine control panel
Fuel tank dip stick
Fuel/water seperator with alarm
PLUMBING and VENTILATION
Deck shower, hot and cold water at transom
Shower in heads
2 x Stainless steel water tanks
Water tank level guage at main switchboard
Hot water, 5.8 gallons, can be heated either from the engine cooling water circulation or from 110 volt AC.
Back up fresh water foot pump at galley
Fresh water manifold allows for control of tank fills and tank usage
Salt water foot pump at galley
Electric shower sump pumps
2 x manual bilge pumps
1 x electric bilge pump
Par manual toilets salt water flush
Stainless holding tank with hand pump for forward and aft heads
Wiring for heater
Reverse cycle air conditioning in forecabin, saloon and aft cabin, Cruisair 16000 BTU, 115V
6 x 2volt gel cell 400 Ah batteries
Batteries stored in the dining table and battery box vented through the mast
1 x starting battery, 12V 75 Ah/20h gel
Additional 115V outlet, at chart table
Alternator Amptech 12V 125A for service batteries
Alternator 12 volt, 60 amp, for charging engine and service batteries
Link 2000R Remote Control Panel with AhMeter and regulator for Freedom Marine 25 2500 watt charger/inverter
Temperature controller TC+2 for battery charger
Seperate shore power inlet 115 V 25A for air conditioning
Additional bulkhead lights, 2 pcs, outboard in saloon
6 x Hella Turbo fan, 2 in forward cabin, 2 on main bulkhead, 1 in galley, and 1 in aft cabin
Red night lights at floor level
Battery parallel switch
Lightening protection with rigging and tanks grounded through keel bolts
- RD 418D Radome antenna, mast mounted, 2011
- Raytheon E120 Raymarine chart plotter widescreen at the navigation station (2011)
- Raytheon E90 Raymarine chart plotter widescreen display at the helm station in an Edson box, 2011
- AIS 350 receiver, 2011
- Brookes and Gatehouse Hydra 2000 instruments with speed, sea temperature, depth and wind instruments on 2 digital displays in the cockpit
- Multifunction display at pedestal
- 2 x analogue displays in the cocpit, 1 for apparent wind direction, 1 for apparent wind angle
- Wireless remote control for B and G readouts and autopilot (2011)
- SSB grounding cage in lazarette (no SSB)
- Active antenna, Delta Biscaya for VHF and TV/FM
- VHF IC-M502 DSC at chart table with IC-HM127 remote mic port side of helm station
- Autopilot, B&G Hydra 240-PK-ACP 2 with hydraulic ram RAM-T2-12V
RIG and SAILS
- Three-spreader aluminum mast, tall option, stepped on the keel
- Antal sail track system for mainsail
- Adjustable mast step for rig tuning
- Aluminum boom
- Carbon fiber spinnaker pole
- Stainless steel rod standing rigging
- Full out-of-boat standing rigging assessment and replacement as necessary, 2011
- Inner forestay with mast and deck fittings, shroud roller and halyard included
- Shroud rollers on main shrouds
- Seperate fore stay with Tuff Luff foil fitted for racing
- Deck flood light mounted on mast
- Navtec hydraulics for backstay tensioner and boom vang
- Harken headsail roller furling
- Running rigging, 2010 to 2012
- Mainsail, Quantum Fusion 8000 (Carbon and Vectran) with Dutchman system, 2009
- 130% genoa, Quantum Fusion 8000 (Carbon and Vectran) 2010
- Mainsail for racing, North 3DL Marathon, 2003
- Light/medium #1 genoa, with Tuff Luff, North 2007
- Light/Medium #1 genoa, with Tuff luff, North 2003
- #1 Heavy genoa with Tuff Luff, North
- #3 genoa with Tuff Luff, North 2003
- Code 1 Asymmetrical .65 ounce spinnaker, North
- Code 2 Symmetrical .75 ounce spinnaker, North
- Code 2 Symmetrical .50 ounce spinnaker, North
- Code 4 Symmetrical 1.5 ounce spinnaker, North
- 3x Pull-out mosquito screens/blinds for saloon, forecabin and aft cabin hatches
- Cockpit table
- Cockpit upholstery, white with dark blue piping
- Crew covers for saloon upholstery and saloon table (2007)
- Heavy weather webbing safety lines
- 19" Samsung TV
- TV can be used as a monitor for the computer
- Alpine CD 9851 Radio/CD-player in saloon with Sirius adapter and Ipod adapter, with two loudspeakers
- MB Quartz 6.5" 2 way loudspeakers in cockpit
- Zodiac 8 foot dinghy
- Honda 2HP 4 cycle outboard engine for inflatable, 2011
- 15' Polypropylene dinghy tow line
- Lee cloth for saloon settee
- Elkhide on mast in saloon
- Wine storage in forward cabin seat
- Corian covers for sink
- Extractor fan in each head
- 1 x 45lb CQR anchor with 60 feet of chain and 150 feet of rode
- 4 x medium fenders with fleece liners
- 2 x large fenders with fleece liners
- 1 x boat hook
- Fairclough full winter cover, mast in, 2009
- Grey Sunbrella dodger, binnacle and wheel covers 2011
- Grey Sunbrella mainsail cover 2012

subset: commoncrawl


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A forum about Atari 16/32 computers and their clones. This forum is in no way affiliated with Atari Interactive.
Moderator: Moderator Team
MM41 wrote:Nice Slide Show , thanks FedePede04 !
the slide run on Hataroid emulator but not on my real STe (with SatanDisk Hard drive),
it freeze after the first earth picture , the music and the scroll text are OK .
I'll try with a simple floppy to see.
MM41 wrote:nothing change, no slide show with my hard drive, my STe TOS 1.62 Fr 4mb SatanDisk 512mb
i must reset for exit.
The space slide run on floppy with the original file (may be my hd driver is too old )
MM41 wrote:The music is more speed?
I run the slide then ESC : return to desktop and mouse key are OK.
I run the slide a new time: the screen flicker and no double clicks again.
MM41 wrote:At any moment the slide freeze with wrong palette on picture, no scrolltext but music is playing.
When the slide run normally i can exit to desktop and try the demo again without trouble.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests


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McDonald's wife picks up World Series ring at Fenway
HOUSTON -- John McDonald was originally expected to wait until the Angels play the Red Sox to receive his World Series ring, until he thought otherwise.
"I got traded four times last year," the veteran utility infielder said, "and the Angels don't play the Red Sox until August. You just never know how things are going to turn out in a baseball season. So I can say I'll wait until August, but who knows?"
Instead, McDonald's wife, Maura, corralled the couple's two kids and made the 45-minute trip from their home to Fenway Park, sitting in a luxury suite and getting presented with the ring from general manager Ben Cherington.
"My wife's from Boston, so it's pretty cool for her," McDonald said. "She grew up a Sox fan. It's kind of engrained in the fabric of New England."
McDonald already had pictures of the ring on his phone prior to the series opener against the Astros from Minute Maid Park. One side had "Boston Strong" on it, the other had an engraving of the World Series trophy.
McDonald started last year's regular season with the Pirates, was sent to the Indians on June 10, went to the Phillies on June 27 and was acquired by the Red Sox for Minor League pitcher Nefi Ogando on Aug. 31. The 39-year-old slick-fielder appeared in all of six games with the Red Sox and didn't make it onto any of their playoff rosters.
He wasn't too disappointed about missing the ring ceremony.
"If I was a part of it, that means I didn't make the team and nobody else picked me up," McDonald said. "So it would've been a whole different team. I still want to be playing baseball."


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Can you afford to buy?
Wrong! How quickly we forget the lessons of the recent recession! Low rates and great houses should NOT be your only deciding factors.
First, figure out how much house you can afford. I like the rule of thumb that monthly housing costs—that means mortgage (including taxes and insurance), utilities, HOA fees, etc.—shouldn't exceed 40 percent of your monthly gross income. Be sure to include repair and maintenance costs, especially if you're buying a "fixer-upper."
Second, don't use up all your cash reserves on a down payment. It's very important to always have money readily available in case of unexpected financial setbacks.
Third, contact a mortgage planner to see if you qualify for a loan. More than one mortgage broker has told me that the most frequent challenge they see with buyers is low credit scores. So get this issue squared away before you start shopping.
Finally, insist that your real estate agent only shows you homes within your price range. Don't get sucked into trying to justify a dream house that might send you into financial turmoil. It's not worth it!


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4 Large Shade for TourPacks w/Large GaugeCover
Protect your motorcycle seat from sun damage, moisture, bird droppings and sap. The Cycle Shade adds years to the life of your seat, keeps it cool, and looks cool! Put helmets out of sight and out of the sun. Detours people and kids from sitting on your bike! Rolls up small to fit in it's own compartment. Made from quality materials. No cool down period for mounting Cycle Shade. High quality polyester, water resistant, protect from heat of sun, high quality bungy material for securing Cycle Shade to motorcycle, polyester thread for longer lasting protection. Reinforced mount with rubber wrap to avoid scratching. Fastest shade on and fastest shade off. sewed on attached storage pouch, never lose it. Fastest shade on and fastest shade off.
- Item #: CS-3-GC-8" TO 21"


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Councillors and meetings
You can use this section to find out about who your parish, town, and district councillor is, along with details of your MP and MEP. You can also see what committees there are, when they meet, their agendas and what decisions they have reached. Our decision making structure and how we expect our councillors and staff to conduct themselves can also be found here. If you are looking for information about councillors allowances, refer to the page Finance and statistics, councillors allowances


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Privacy Policy & Opt Out Information


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Now running at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum at 1419 Topanga Cyn Road, Topanga, is the uproarious comedy "The Royal Family," the center piece of the 40th Anniversary season of the Summer Repertory.
The Cavendishes are (like the Barrymores) the first family of the American stage. There's the old matriarch Fanny Cavendish (Ellen Geer) and daughter Julie (Melora Marshall) and granddaughter Gwen (Willow Geer) around whose lives the play revolves as each of the women try to decide the future that is best for them and Gwen realizes that despite her desire to be "normal" acting is in her blood. (These three women are part of the Geer family theatre dynasty and it's fitting that they play these roles.)
Watch the family interactions as they try to deal with their long lost Hollywood brother, Tony and their manager Oliver or the other actors Herbert and his wife Kitty. Also in the cast are manager Oscar Wolf (Alan Blumenfeld), Tony Cavendish (Aaron Hendry,) Gilbert Marshall - Julie's finance (Bill Gunther,) Perry Stewart - Gwen's finance/husband (Andy Stokan,) Della, the maid (Earnestine Phillips), McDermott (Alexander Aguila,) Miss Peake (Mannette Antrill,) Herbert Dean (Tim Halligan,) and his wife Kitty (Abby Craden.) Servants included Jessica Butsenshon, Dane Oliver, Edward Gallogly, Chauffeur - Setareki Wainquito, Cook - Christopher Weir, and Jo - Frank Weidner.
The phenomenal acting made you feel as if you really were part of the family and the costumes by Shon LeBlanc were amazingly true to the time period.
Directed by Susan Angelo and assisted by Christopher W Jones, the play was stage managed by Kim Cameron who was assisted by Morgan Dingle. Ashton Williams handled the props while Ian Flanders did the sound and Zach Moore assisted by Lauren Tietz handled the lights.
Written in 1927 by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, as a comedy of theatrical manners, it's wisdom rings true even for today. I particularly enjoyed the line by Fanny when Gwen wanted to marry - "Marriage isn't a career, it's an incident."
The play runs only until September 28 on Saturdays and Sundays. In between they present several wonderful Shakespearian plays, as well.
The theatre is located halfway between the Ventura Freeway (101) and the Pacific Coast Highway. Parking on the lot is $5 but senior and handicap are free. There is plenty of free parking on Topanga near the theatre. Adult tickets are $25-35 (depending on your seats) while seniors, students and vets are $15-25. Children (7-12) are $10.
As the theatre is outdoors, it often gets cool in the evening, so be prepared with the proper clothing and you might want to bring a cushion for the bench - or you can rent them there. Picnickers are welcome before and after to bring food (though no food is allowed in the theatre.)
For a complete schedule of performances or to book seats call 310 455 3723 or log onto www.theatricum.com


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Dubious Diplomacy
As in other countries, Israel's attacks on Gaza have been greeted in Turkey with angry protests. Nevertheless, the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is currently making every effort to mediate between the two sides. According to Can Baydarol, in doing so, it is protecting its own interests too
In the current situation, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is not afraid of using strong words. Some critics feel that the Turkish prime minister, who last met his Israeli counterpart about a week ago, is creating a profile for himself that makes him look like a spokesman for Hamas. For others, he is the only political player that can credibly conduct negotiations with Hamas.
However, even though nothing is known about the content of the discussions between Erdoğan and Olmert and one can only speculate as to what they talked about, the voices speaking out in opposition to Erdoğan are getting louder.
Turkish soldiers in the crisis region?
A lasting ceasefire in the region is undoubtedly the top priority for Turkey and Prime Minister Erdoğan. Should it become necessary, Turkey would also be willing to send troops to the region as part of a peace-keeping force.
But Olmert has rejected this proposal because Israel is strictly opposed to Hamas. Even though Israel does not intend to end its military operation until the military strength of Hamas has been significantly reduced, what would happen if this goal was not entirely reached?
It is also conceivable that Palestinian opponents of Hamas would join forces with Hamas in protest against the Israeli campaign in the Gaza Strip, thereby ensuring that the campaign actually strengthens Hamas.
New chaos would be unavoidable if Iran's influence on Hamas were also to play a role in this scenario.
Fragile diplomatic balance
When seen in this way, Erdoğan's attitude to Israel, which does not include a critical stance on Hamas, could be considered a kind of poker game.
Were Israel to carry its campaign through to the bitter end despite the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and eliminate Hamas, this would put Turkey out of the picture as a mediator and would call into question the Turkish-Israeli friendship, which has proven very important for regional stability.
Should Israel, however, be convinced by the efforts of President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and the Turkish special envoy Ahmet Davutoğlu to agree to a ceasefire, Erdoğan could become one of the most important diplomatic players in the region. This could however, change at any time, depending on the outcome of the aforementioned poker game.
In Turkey, some of the reactions to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza have been very hostile. Countless numbers have taken to the streets to protest against the war in the Gaza Strip - something which did not happen during Turkey's social, domestic conflicts. The display of solidarity with the Palestinians and the protest against Israel are starting to assume alarming proportions.
Israeli policy as an election issue
Turkey's policy towards Israel could also become a central issue for the local elections in March.
Political observers assume that the effects of the global financial market crisis will reach Turkey in February and March, which will mean that some political players - and particularly those within the government - will be tempted to shift the political focus away from the economy.
In terms of averting defeat in the elections, Erdoğan must be thanking his lucky stars for the Gaza conflict. Turkey's desire to accede to the EU is undoubtedly still another important issue.
Re-assessment of Turkish-European relations
The discussions about Turkish membership of the European Union have not always gone quite as the government in Ankara would have wished. It is often said that 2009 will be the year in which Turkey will decide about its accession to the EU. Successful mediation in the Middle East conflict could have an additional positive influence on Turkey's candidature.
Particularly those who view Turkish membership of the EU from a strategic perspective could conclude that the cost of not having Turkey as a member of the EU far outweigh the costs that would accrue with Turkey's accession to the union.
Against the backdrop of the growing importance of Turkish diplomacy in the region, one should not ignore the new opportunities for Turkish influence as a non-permanent member of the UN security council.
Can Baydarol
© Qantara.de 2009
Can Baydarol read political science at the University of Ankara and the University of Bogaziçi in Istanbul. Among other issues, he focuses mainly on Turkey's relations with the EU, European law, and the European integration process.
Translated from the German by Aingeal Flanagan
Turkey and the Middle East
A Trustworthy Mediator
Turkey has skilfully expanded its influence in the Middle East in recent years. The country could also help the EU advance its interests in the region – thus it is about time Europe finally recognised the possibilities offered by a closer collaboration, says Hüseyin Bagci
Interview with Ümit Boyner
"Europe Will Never Become A World Power Without Turkey"
Ümit Boyner is the vice-president of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association. Hülya Sancak discussed the relationship between Turkey and the EU with her, as well the role of women in Turkish society
Turkey's Image in the Arab Countries
"Are There Any Muslims in Turkey?"
Part of the West or leader of the Islamic world? The Arab nations see their neighbour Turkey in various ways. The Jordanian journalist Yousef Alsharif, head of TV station Al Jazeera's Turkey office in Ankara analyses how the perception of Turkey in the neighbouring Arab states has changed


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Wilson Chu was born in China, in 1946. From a young age, he showed a natural ability to paint and at fifteen, he apprenticed under Professor Wong Shaw Ming, a well known artist in the Guang Zhou Academy of Art. In 1977, Wilson Chu immigrated to Canada where he continued to paint in his free time. A very successful exhibition in Vancouver in 1985 resulted in Wilson painting full time.
Wilson paints landscapes and portraits, but gardens and flowers are his favorite subjects. His depictions of flowers are infused with a rich, textural quality of light that very few painters are able to achieve. Chu maintains a keen sense of observation combined with a well developed talent for painting that merits him continuous and well deserved praise. He has a natural feeling for the many vibrant colors of flowers. "Light is the pulse of my paintings. It is that light which makes the whole picture vivid, creating a sunshine atmosphere so the viewer may feel pleasure."
Because of Chu's belief that real beauty always originates from pureness, the subject matter of his paintings usually comes from natural scenes, be they flowers in a garden or children on a beach.
ZANTMAN ART GALLERIES is pleased to present the work of this luminous artist.
Chinese Painter


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Illinois shining today, but political limelight soon could wane
For Illinois Democrats, President Barack Obama's candidacy for the White House that began six years ago was a huge opportunity to grab the political limelight, from the best seats at the party's nominating conventions to the attention that comes for the many local party faithful who know Obama personally.
And now, Obama's second inauguration today could provide the beginning of the end -- at least for now -- of being on that national political pedestal.
The situation for Democrats in Illinois has rarely been better after huge gains in November's election. But politicians always are looking ahead, and on the presidential level, the chattering soon will be about the next nominee from somewhere else.
"Illinois is not going to be in the forefront like it was in the last four years," said state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat and friend of Obama. "You never know when it's going to happen again."
Link plans to be among the Illinoisans in Washington, D.C., for Obama's second inauguration, but he expects a different scene with smaller crowds.
"The fact is, it's never as exciting and thrilling as it was the first time," Link said.
The difficulties of governing perhaps have tempered Obama's brand, and his second oath of office might not carry the same historic weight as his first in 2009.
Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson was in the Washington, D.C., area for a mayors' convention that ended Saturday, but high hotel prices and other factors will prevent him from being on the National Mall today like he was four years ago.
"I can always watch it on a big-screen TV," Larson said.
Cristina Castro was a first-time delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte last year, but the Elgin resident said between the crowds and the expense, she's "happy staying home and being supportive" while watching on TV.
Castro said she will never forget being five rows from the convention stage, seeing the president accept the party's nomination in September.
"The electricity of the convention can't be topped for me," she said.
Illinois Democrats, particularly in the suburbs, have a lot to smile about in 2013 as they come off a November election in which they won all three of their targeted races for Congress and sent a historic number of party members to Springfield.
New Democratic U.S. Reps. Bill Foster of Naperville and Brad Schneider of Deerfield will join other members of the Illinois delegation in watching today's events at the Capitol. U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, will be near the stage on a wheelchair-accessible platform alongside Rhode Island Democrat Jim Langevin, who also uses a wheelchair.
All three new suburban members will ride the momentum into the 2014 races for governor, U.S. Senate, and their own suburban congressional seats -- races that in some cases are already brewing even before Obama stands at the Capitol today to start his second term.
"To be even a small part of the second inauguration of a president from my own state and in my first term is extraordinary," Schneider said. "So, like the millions in attendance or watching on TV, I am most excited to be a witness to this historical moment."
Lauren Beth Gash of Highland Park, a local party leader, said getting those freshmen suburban Democrats re-elected in 2014 is one of the key ways local party members can help Obama in his second term.
"There's no question we'll be working to re-elect our tremendous team," she said.
That might not be a slam-dunk. The Republican wave in the 2010 midterm election helped sweep three suburban Republicans into Congress, just as 2012 did for the Democrats.
Gash said she's going to the inauguration like she did in 2009 because even though the scene is likely to be different, Obama's second election showed that 2008 wasn't a fluke.
"It's an opportunity to follow through with a very clear mandate," Gash said.


text:
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division provides uniformed police services to all unincorporated areas of San Juan County, with the exception of parts of the County that are within the Navajo Indian Reservation.
The Sheriff's Office provides 24-hour coverage by utilizing three ten-hour shifts in every 24-hour period. The overlap between the shifts is designed to have more deputies working during busy times. The Patrol Division currently consists of three Animal Control Officers, one School Resource Deputy, 42 Patrol Deputies, a 14 man SWAT Team and six Negotiators (all comprised of patrol deputies and supervisors), seven Patrol Sergeants and three Lieutenants. The Division is overseen by the Operations Captain.
Uniformed Patrol Deputies handle a wide variety of incidents to include search missions, security details, burglary investigations, traffic accidents, domestic violence, fights, drive-by shootings, sexual assaults and homicides. Detectives are assigned to handle follow-up investigations on felony crimes; however, Patrol Deputies conduct preliminary investigations on most of these cases and handle a large number of investigations from the initial stages through prosecution. During times when Deputies are not handling calls, they conduct patrols to watch for suspicious activity and work to address traffic-related safety issues to include DWI's.


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May you all have a great day! ;)
November 12, 2014
I take some people's negativity as a compliment
Yep, I said that. Do you want to read what I and some awesome ladies have to say about negativity? Then hop on over to Mary's blog.
Posted by Miki at 7:19 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: negativity
October 29, 2014
Live Work Travel USA
Hello, there! Long time, no see! Just a note to say that you can read a little interview over at Live Work Travel USA where I talked about moving from Buenos Aires to California, the red tape involved, cultural gap, what catches my eye, what I miss, etc.
If you're planning to move to the US, don't hesitate to read other interviews with fellow expats from all over the world.
If you're planning to move to the US, don't hesitate to read other interviews with fellow expats from all over the world.
Posted by Miki at 12:58 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: blog, california, expat, interview
September 15, 2014
GIVEAWAY - Win a Belle and Sebastian ticket
In honor of the release of Stuart Murdoch's film God Help the Girl, I'm giving away a ticket to see Belle and Sebastian live at the Ace Hotel in Hollywood on Monday, October 6th. It's the first of their two shows in California; tickets to both concerts are now sold out.
Since the concert is Los Angeles, this giveaway is only open to residents of California - I want to make sure the winner will actually attend the show; I'd hate to see this ticket go to waste! In order to enter, please fill the Rafflecopter options below; only the first one is mandatory.
Since the concert is Los Angeles, this giveaway is only open to residents of California - I want to make sure the winner will actually attend the show; I'd hate to see this ticket go to waste! In order to enter, please fill the Rafflecopter options below; only the first one is mandatory.
I'm sorry to make this giveaway so restrictive :(, I promise the next one will be open worldwide.
* If you do not live in California, but can prove you'll be here on October 6th and would like to enter, leave a comment below.
* Should no participant qualify, I reserve the right to use such ticket.
* I will contact the winner as soon as this giveaway closes on Sunday, September 29th at midnight (Pacific Time). The winner has 3 days to claim the prize (take into account that the ticket will take a couple of days to reach you!).
Here are a few pictures of their last show in Santa Barbara, California last year :p.
If you could spread the word about this giveaway, it be would highly appreciated! ;D
You can rent/buy God Help the Girl and buy the soundtrack here. If you want to share your opinion about the movie, please, do so in the comment section! ;) I simply loved it.
Posted by Miki at 1:11 PM 5 comments Links to this post
Labels: Ace Hotel, belle and sebastian, bellesglasgow, concert, film, giveaway, God Help the Girl, Hollywood, LA, Los Angeles, music
July 27, 2014
What to send with a forever stamp
Hello, everybody! Well, my posts are becoming too scarce, but I honestly don't want to blog unless I have something to say or show you, you know. So, as it turns out, today I do have a little something I want to share; it's a post that actually took a while to take shape and it's about one of my favorite topics: snail mail! :p
I love sending things to my friends, but I realized that I was being too reckless, so to speak, with what I was mailing. The post in America is cheaper than it is in other parts of the world, but still, I became aware of the fact that I needed to buy lighter things to mail. For the past few weeks, I've been trying to send out envelopes that are no more expensive than the value of a forever stamp. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, a forever stamp is the necessary postage to mail bills, postcards or letters up to 1 ounce/28.3 grams within the United States. It's called forever stamp because even when its price does change through time, if you buy forever stamps today at 49 cents per unit (its current value), you'll still be able to use them years from now when they'll probably be pricier. There are also global forever stamps which cost $1.10 and allow you to send a postcard or light letter to recipients in foreign countries. I usually need only one global forever stamp to send 4 photos and a letter to Argentina. If you used oddly shaped envelopes or plastic ones, or if the envelope can't be bent additional charges may apply.
What to send with a forever stamp
Aside from the obvious such as regular stationery, cards and envelopes, here are some different suggestions:
1.- Fortune teller miracle fish
I found out about their existence only a few days ago at the library, when kids who attended a program were given these cute fish. They are super light and fun to play with!
2.- Die cuts
Craft punches are not the cheapest thing in the world, but they can certainly go a long way! My latest acquisition is a circle with scalloped edges; I freaking love it! You can use the die cuts for decorations or as labels. Use your craft punch on maps, magazines, old books, sticker sheets ...
Even on old packages.
3.- Foam stickers
I usually get them in the bargain section over at Target or at Michael's. Obviously, I only go to Michael's when I have a good coupon ;).
4.- Bookmarks
Well, I work at a library, so I get them for free, but Target usually has a good and inexpensive selection.
5.- Paper bags to be used as envelopes
And DIY envelopes, as well.
6.- Paper doll sets
You guys, if there's a Daiso Japan nearby, please do yourselves a favor and go. It's become my favorite place to shop for gifts and stationery. On Saturday, I bought this lovely notebook with paper dolls; it comes with a few sticker sheets to dress them up, but I actually had more fun using clothes I cut out of fashion magazines, haha.
I'm sending paper dolls and clothes to my pen-pals this week :).
7.- Decorated photos
Many of my friends from Argentina aren't on Instagram, so every now and then, I print the phone pictures I've posted there (full size) and then either write captions with a Sharpie or print them with my label maker. I've even sent a couple of these as postcards.
Other light things you can mail
The following are a little heavier than what a single forever stamp will allow you to send, but I thought I could still include them in this same post. If you ever want to send candy that's wrapped individually and that fits in a regular envelope, check out Party City; you can buy 15 pieces of candy for a dollar. In the picture below, you can also see powder juice sticks.
I usually also grab party favors; these Hello Kitty mazes are 56c each.
Crayola tissue paper found at Target.
Lastly, if you don't want to use regular packing peanuts, head over to Daiso Japan and get these adorable heart-shaped ones :p.
Hope you're all doing great!
Want to read more mail related posts?
Posted by Miki at 7:30 PM 10 comments Links to this post
Labels: forever stamp, mail, pen pals, snailmail, stationery
July 01, 2014
What I'm reading
Well, hello there! How are you all? I've been a busy bee these past couple of months, and that is just fine. That doesn't mean I didn't have any spare time to relax, but truth to be told, instead of blogging and checking up on my favorite blogs, I felt more like reading, which is what this post is about.
It's been almost exactly 2 months since my first "What I'm reading" post and since then, I've read a few more books, I'm happy to say. The pile on the left in the picture above are the books I read from February till the end of May, and I have finished a few more since then. By the time I took this picture I was reading the one to the right (Deluxe, How Luxury Lost Its Luster), but I gave up on it on page 100; the information about Louis Vuitton and some of the major so-called luxury brands was interesting, but I started feeling grossed out as I kept turning pages. It was certainly not hitting the spot.
It's been almost exactly 2 months since my first "What I'm reading" post and since then, I've read a few more books, I'm happy to say. The pile on the left in the picture above are the books I read from February till the end of May, and I have finished a few more since then. By the time I took this picture I was reading the one to the right (Deluxe, How Luxury Lost Its Luster), but I gave up on it on page 100; the information about Louis Vuitton and some of the major so-called luxury brands was interesting, but I started feeling grossed out as I kept turning pages. It was certainly not hitting the spot.
The Pact
by Jodi Picoult
I decided to pick up Jodi Picoult's The Pact, which I had read before but never made it to the end. I only skipped the first chapter since I remembered the story and characters quite well. I'm glad I finally read everything single bit of the story, but I highly doubt I'll read one of her books ever again; there's no time for that when there are so many other books in my to-read list! Man, the story was sad and dragged in a way that wasn't enjoyable. The only aspect that I sort of liked was the present/future dynamics; other than that, I have nothing left to say, it was a totally forgettable book to me.
The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
I'm so glad I followed Katrin's advice and checked this one out from my library! In the beginning I found Don Tillman a bit too obnoxious, but he quickly grew on me. He reminded me of an older version of Sheldon Cooper (I can't compare him to anybody else). I truly enjoyed the story and look forward to reading other titles by the author.
The Introvert Advantage - How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
by Marti Olsen Laney
Back to non-fiction. I was undecided whether to buy this one or Quiet, which is a very popular book about the topic. What leaned me towards choosing The Introvert Advantage in the end was the fact that it includes explanations about what chemical processes take place in the brain of an introvert and those involved in an extrovert's brain, which was what I really wanted to know. I read a lot of reviews on Good Reads, a lot of which I feel are not fair at all, but I knew I had to follow my gut and got it anyway. Some people accuse Mrs. Laney of being condescending, but I beg to disagree. It might be because of the fact that English is not my native language, but I just found it easy-to-read and not condescending. Chapter 3 was my absolute favorite and I'm sure I'll be coming back to it in the future. I absolutely recommend it to the introverts out there ;).
The Tipping Point
by Malcolm Gladwell
Another wonderful book I think everybody should read. It simply explains how an idea spreads the same way an epidemic breaks out. The examples are clear and varied; I suppose this book is a must-read to those who study marketing, but not necessarily exclusive to them. I now understand what word of mouth really is and I'm pretty sure I'll be able to put some of the information into practice.
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
by Lynne Truss
If you studied English and/or English translation chances are you have read this book in college. I came across a brand new looking copy in the book sale at the library I work at and couldn't help buying it. I read it for a second time and found it just as funny. Oh, I forgot to mention it's about punctuation, haha. If you're a writer or just a person who freaks out every time an apostrophe is misused, you'll love Eats, Shoot & Leaves.
The Moaning of Life
by Karl Pilkington
You guys. If you're familiar with Ricky Gervais' Show (his podcast) and some of his latest shows, you sure know who Karl Pilkington is and how hilarious he is indeed. He made laugh hard on An Idiot Abroad and I totally loved him as Dougie in Derek; he even does a cameo in the final episode of Extras. The show The Moaning of Life is not available on Netflix yet and if it never is, I'm sure I'll end up getting the DVDs, but for now, I'm happy going through Karl's written rants on marriage, kids and whatnot.
And while we're at it, let me recommend another show by another member of Ricky Gervais' crew, Stephen Merchant. I honestly think he doesn't add much in the podcast or in An Idiot Abroad, but if you liked him in Extras, you definitely need to check out Hello Ladies. Sadly, there won't be a second season :(, but the material that's out there is really good, Stephen Merchant at its best.
Everything is Connected
by Keri Smith
Well, I guess this is a bonus, since it's not an actual book, but a compilation of hands-on postcards. It's my very first Keri Smith experience (for a lack of a better word) and I'm thrilled. I can't wait to share the progress made, but I guess it's going to take some time since it also involves other people. I'm terrible at drawing so her other materials intimidated quite a bit, I think Everything is Connected was the best choice for someone like me who likes collaging, is bad at drawing and loves snail mail. More to come on this in the near future :).
So what are you, guys, currently reading?
Anything you can recommend?
Do you ever read reviews on Good Reads or do you try not to be biased by them?
Hope all is great on your end! ;D
Posted by Miki at 11:50 PM 10 comments Links to this post
Labels: books, Instagram, literature, mail, postcards, reading, what I'm reading
June 05, 2014
Well, hello! Hello! It' been ages since I last blogged :/. I've been planning to write a new entry, but I guess life keeps getting in the way, haha. I'll be back soon, though. But for now, you can find me over at Uncustomary where I talked about some of my favorite spots in Southern California. Mind you: you'll see no ocean or cool stores, or Hollywood or any of the typical tourist attractions, because I'm weird like that.
May you all have a wonderful weekend! ;D
Posted by Miki at 7:07 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: california, Guest post, travel
May 04, 2014
Where horror movies take place
Not really. But I do seem to have a fascination for weird and creepy places. I've never been much of a beach girl (although I like to know I live not too far from the ocean), but I would have never imagined that the desert hides so many cool little treasures; I'm starting to believe I'm more of a desert creature. Elmer's Bottle Tree Farm is one of the many gold nuggets out there in the wild west.
As we were driving down route 66 towards Oro Grande, the landscape turned eerier and dustier and more intriguing. We spotted abandoned houses, a derelict factory that somehow managed to keep functioning and an empty school bus (on a Saturday evening) driving slowly in our same direction. I pointed out that the place looked like a horror movie and David replied that that was exactly the kind of place where horror movies took place.
Elmer's Bottle Tree Farm is in the middle of nowhere, literally. This is what you see to the left and to the right, and every now and then, far on the back, you get to see long cargo trains.
Lucky us, we made it there before the sun went down, so the colorful bottle trees didn't look scary at all. I imagine it must be a whole different story when it's pitch dark.
If you look closely, you'll find not only bottles, but also a bunch of different objects on top of the bottle trees including guns, which are fully functional!
And we know this because we heard it from Elmer himself :p. Doesn't he look like the Heisenberg?!
We tried taking some pictures together, but it was so freaking windy, there's no good one, haha. I forgot to ask Anthony (a friend and photographer who was there with us) if he had better photos of us, but oh well.
May you all have a great week!
And if you're ever in SoCal, pay Elmer a visit ;).
Interested in visiting similar places? Then, check out:
Pioneertown, Salvation Mountain, Calico Ghost Town
He was inside his house when we got there, fireplace on (we could smell the burning log) and he came out to say hi to us right when we were getting ready to head back. I'm really glad we had the chance to exchange a word or two.
He told us he started this project 12 years ago and people from all over the world come visit. He also admitted he wonders who's going to take care of the place once he passes.
The farm itself is not very big, but there are a lot of details and artifacts to see. We were there for well over an hour, exploring and taking photos.
Before leaving, we left a tip and grabbed a stone each.
We tried taking some pictures together, but it was so freaking windy, there's no good one, haha. I forgot to ask Anthony (a friend and photographer who was there with us) if he had better photos of us, but oh well.
May you all have a great week!
And if you're ever in SoCal, pay Elmer a visit ;).
Interested in visiting similar places? Then, check out:
Pioneertown, Salvation Mountain, Calico Ghost Town
Posted by Miki at 11:32 PM 17 comments Links to this post
Labels: california, desert, travel
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(YouTube link for easy mobile viewing)
One of the BlackBerry® World™ 2011 keynote highlights for me was the demonstration of SAP's enterprise-ready BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet sales dashboard applications. With the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, SAP is evolving sales dashboards into portable resources with dynamic data and visually rich implementations.
I had the opportunity to chat with Steve Lucas, EVP and GM of SAP Business Objects division, about the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and the "big data" opportunity in enterprise mobility today.
What would you like to see in enterprise applications for your sales force? Leave us a comment and join the discussion!


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4Videosoft 3D Converter 5.1.72
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text:
This Phase 2 dose-ranging study will evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a
range of doses of GW677954 compared with placebo over sixteen weeks of treatment in subjects
with T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus).
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled,
Study To Evaluate Efficacy, Safety And Tolerability Of Oral GW677954 Capsules (2.5, 5, 10,
15 And 20 Mg Once A Day) As A Monotherapy (Diet and/or exercise treated) Or As An Add-On To
Metformin For 16 Weeks Duration In Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Inclusion criteria:
- Subjects with T2DM as defined by the criteria of the ADA and/or recognized by WHO
Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus [American
Diabetes Association, 2004], for at least 3 months preceding screening (see Section
15.3, Appendix 3:, "Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus").
- To be eligible for Randomization into the trial, a subject must satisfy all of the
following glycemic criteria:
- HbA1c level via central laboratory at the pre-screening visit
- If HbA1c ≥ 8.0% but ≤ 10.0%: subject may proceed to Randomization;
- If HbA1c ≥ 7.8% but < 8.0%, subject not eligible to proceed, but may be retested
once to establish eligibility (or lack thereof). If HbA1c level ≥ 8.0% upon
retest, subject is eligible to proceed; otherwise they should be withdrawn.
- If HbA1c < 7.8%, subject not eligible to proceed (no retest allowed).
- FPG level via central laboratory at the pre-screening visit must be < 270 mg/dL
(15.0 mmol/L). FPG may be retested within a week to confirm eligibility (or lack
- Concurrent T2DM therapy:
- Diet and/or exercise treated: Must not have taken antidiabetic medication for at
least 2 months prior to the pre-screening visit, OR
- Metformin monotherapy: Subjects entering the study on metformin must be on the
same dose, formulation and regimen of metformin for at least 2 months prior to
the pre-screening visit, AND
- TZDs and insulin are excluded in the 3 months prior to the Screening visit for
all subjects.
- Males and females who are 18 to 70 years of age inclusive at the time of Screening.
- If female, eligible to enter and participate in this study:
- If of non-childbearing potential (i.e., physiologically incapable of becoming
pregnant (tubal ligation), including any female who is post-menopausal [>1 year
without menstrual period]); or,
- If of child-bearing potential, has a negative pregnancy test at Screening
(serum), at Randomization (urine) and:
- Has a male partner who is sterile prior to the female subject's entry into
the study and is the sole sexual partner for that female subject, or
- Uses double-barrier methods of contraception; condoms with the use of caps
(with spermicide) and IUDs are acceptable, or
- Uses hormonal contraceptives (oral, depots, patches etc) with double-
barrier methods of contraception as outlined above, or
- Abstains from sexual intercourse, or
- Is with a same sex partner and does not participate in bisexual activities
where there is any risk of pregnancy.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): ≥25 and ≤40 kg/m² and weigh at least 50 kg at Screening.
- If subject is a smoker, must be able to abstain while in clinic at each visit.
- Subject has given full written informed consent prior to any study related procedures
are performed.
Exclusion criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
- Metabolic Disease including:
- Diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Uncorrected thyroid dysfunction. (NOTE: subjects with hypothyroidism on a stable
dose of thyroid replacement therapy for at least 1 month prior to Screening, and
who have a screening thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) within the upper limit of
normal may participate).
- Significant weight gain or loss (defined as > 5% of total body weight) within
the 3 months prior to Screening.
- Previous use of insulin for treatment of hyperglycemia within 3 months of Screening.
- History of recent clinically significant cardiovascular disease including:
- History or ECG evidence of prior myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to
- Current unstable angina or history of unstable angina in past 6 months.
- Coronary revascularization including percutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery that is either
planned or occurred in the 6 months prior to Screening.
- Clinically significant arrhythmia or valvular heart disease.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class
II-IV symptoms (see Section 15.4, Appendix 4).
- Blood pressure > 160/100 mmHg or resting heart rate > 100 bpm. Note: subjects
using antihypertensives [e.g., beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, calcium channel blockers and
diuretics] must be on stable doses during the 30 days prior to Screening and
during the trial.
- Has a QTc interval (Bazett's) > 440 msec in males and > 450 msec in females at
- Clinically significant ECG abnormalities which, in the opinion of the
Investigator, may affect the interpretation of safety data, or which otherwise,
contraindicates participation in a clinical trial with a new chemical entity.
- History of chronic pancreatitis.
- Familial hypercholesterolemia.
- TGs ≥800 mg/dL (8.96 mmol/L) at Screening.
- Serum creatinine at screening > 1.4 mg/dL (124 µmol/L) for women, or > 1.5 mg/dL (133
µmol/L) for men.
- Clinically significant anemia defined by hemoglobin concentrations <12.0 g/dL or <
120.0 g/L for males and < 11.0 g/dL or < 110.0 g/L for females.
- History of significant co-morbid diseases (e.g., cholelithiasis, gastrointestinal
disease, etc.) that would preclude participation in the study.
- Documented history of hepato-biliary disease including a history of, or positive
laboratory results for hepatitis (hepatitis B surface antigen and/or hepatitis C
antibody) at Screening, and/or clinically significant hepatic enzyme elevation
•Any one of the following enzymes greater than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal
(ULN) value at Screening:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Total or direct bilirubin > 1.5 times the ULN at Screening, unless consistent
with presumed or diagnosed Gilbert's disease.
- History of metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, myalgia, myositis or myopathy after
taking statins or fibrates.
- Any subject who has withdrawn therapy due to AEs after taking a PPARγ or a PPARα/γ
dual agonist, either marketed (e.g., troglitazone, rosiglitazone or pioglitazone) or
under current or previous clinical investigation.
- Signs or symptoms of myositis at Screening (or upon 1 repeat test), and/or creatinine
phosphokinase (CPK)≥3.0 times ULN
- Is currently taking or has taken any of the following medications in the 3 months
prior to the pre-screening visit:
- Anti-obesity agents (including fat absorption blocking agents)
- St. John's Wort
- Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants (excluding aspirin and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Digoxin
- Oral or injectable corticosteroids (inhaled and intranasal steroids are
- Use of antidiabetic agents (other than metformin) in the 2 months prior to the
pre-screening visit.
- Use of TZDs in the 3 months prior to the pre-screening visit.
- Methotrexate, cyclosporine or monoclonal antibodies (e.g., alemtuzumab,
gemtuzumab ozogamicin, rituximab, trastuzumab, ibritumomab, tiuxetan) for
rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.
- Atypical antipsychotic medications [e.g., aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone
(Risperdal), clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel),
and ziprasidone (Geodon)].
- Antiretroviral drugs
- Use of lipid lowering agents within 3 months prior to the pre-screening visit.
This includes statins, fibrates, ezetimibe (Zetia), niacin and bile acid
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- History of cancer except for the following:
- Basal cell carcinoma or superficial squamous cell carcinoma treated by local
- Cervical cancer in situ treated definitively more than 6 months prior to
- Women who are lactating, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.
- Known immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reaction or idiosyncrasy to any drug
chemically related to the study drug.
- Known allergy to any of the capsule excipients, or history of drug or other allergy,
which, in the opinion of the responsible study physician, contradicts participation.
Hypersensitivity to metformin or any of its components (for subjects entering on
- Has a history of substance and/or alcohol abuse within the past year as determined by
the Investigator at screening or during treatment:
- Unwilling to refrain from the use of illicit drugs and adhere to other
protocol-stated restrictions while participating in the study.
- History of alcohol abuse defined as an average weekly intake of greater than 21
units or an average daily intake of greater than 3 units (males) or defined as
an average weekly intake of greater than 14 units or an average daily intake of
greater than 2 units (females). One unit is equivalent to a half-pint of beer or
1 measure of spirits or 1 glass of wine.
- Received treatment with a new molecular entity (investigational drug) during the
previous 4 months or participated in any other trial during the previous 3 months, or
has participated in a previous study with GW677954. A new molecular entity is defined
as any compound not in Phase 3. (The washout is from last dose of investigational
product in the previous study until the first dose of investigational product.)
- Likely to be non-compliant, in the investigator's opinion, with respect to the
protocol and related scheduled visits.
- Subject has any concomitant medical condition which in the opinion of the
investigator makes them unsuitable to participate in the study.
- Subject is either an immediate family member of a participating investigator, study
coordinator, employee of an investigator; or is a member of the staff conducting the
Study In People With Type 2 Diabetes
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Dose-Ranging Study of Oral GW677954 as a Monotherapy for 12 Weeks Duration in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Phase 2
18 Years
70 Years
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text:
While reading the articles on training camp and listening to the player interviews, one thing stands out about this team. Nearly every player has a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove this season. Miami's 3 Am-Egos have chips on their shoulders, and maybe they have something to prove, but that attitude doesn't extend to every player on the team like it does on the Celtics.
Let's start with Kevin Garnett. The Big Ticket has been a shell of himself over the past two seasons. After the injury in the '08-09 season and the surgery in the off season, KG seemed to lack confidence last season and definitely had lost his explosiveness. He tried to avoid going into the post and his defense was porous at best. I'm sure he heard all the talk about KG being washed up, KG being too old, KG having lost a step, etc. He spent a dark summer with thoughts about how close he came to another ring and he is back this season with a chip on his shoulder. He is out to prove that he isn't washed up, that he hasn't lost a step and that he has gotten better with age. Doc had to keep after him to take a couple minutes rest in camp. He has been deemed unguardable in camp and is playing with an intensity we haven't seen from him since the Celtics' championship season. He is definitely a man on a mission.
Paul Pierce also had a sub-par season last year as he struggled with pesky injuries throughout the season. Ray Allen had a record breaking game in the playoffs and then couldn't seem to hit anything the rest of the series. He was playing with a severe thigh bruise courtesy of a Ron Artest knee, but he never made excuses. Both Pierce and Ray signed contracts this summer and both know that their window is closing. They spent the summer remembering how close they came to another ring and they both want to be the ones celebrating next season. They will be playing with chips on their shoulders and seeking that championship that they came within minutes of winning last season.
Rajon Rondo has said that he wants to prove this season that he is the best PG in the league. He doesn't want to be known as one of the best, or top 5, but the best. Some of that motivation could come from his Team USA experience where he ended up the odd man out on a guard heavy team. Right now, he knows he is seen as the PG who couldn't beat out Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry and Eric Gordon for a spot on Team USA. He will definitely have a chip on his shoulder coming into this season to prove that he is indeed the top PG. Along with his other teammates from last season, he also has that hunger that only a close game 7 loss can give a player.
Shaquille O'Neal first and foremost wants a ring so that Kobe won't have one up on him. He also is a proud player and wants to prove to everyone that he still has what it takes to help a team win a championship. He has come into camp in great shape and has impressed Doc to the point that, at least for right now, he has been playing with the starting unit. Shaq plans on playing just 2 more years and after hearing Kobe gloat about having one more ring than him, he is more than motivated to get that 5th ring this season.
Jermaine O'Neal was last seen fading into the sunset with the Miami Heat after being totally shut down in the playoffs by Kendrick Perkins. He has heard all the talk about how he has been overpaid and has never played up to his contract. At this point in his career, he wants to help the team to win the championship and prove that he can play and can help a good team win. JO is another player who worked very hard in the off season and came into camp in great shape with a chip on his shoulder to prove his critics wrong. Shaq and JO have a competition going for the starting spot and when Perk comes back, the competition gets even stronger.
Perhaps the player with the most to prove is Delonte West. After a very tough year that included an arrest, losing his starting spot and much turmoil in his life, Delonte is trying to get his career and his life back on track. He was traded by the Cavs and then cut by the Wolves. The fact that the Celtics were willing to take a take a chance on him prompted Delonte to say that he would go to war and die for this team. All 5 days of practice, he was the last guy on the floor, staying hours after practice was over to work on his game. He is determined to prove that he isn't a bad person and that he can help the team. He is driven and motivated and doesn't want to let the team, Doc, or Danny down. That is some strong motivation.
Marquis Daniels has a lot ot prove as well. Last year started out very well for him until he went down with the thumb injury. After that, he never was able to get back into the rotation. He is determined to prove that his big year in Indiana wasn't a fluke. He wants to prove that he can stay healthy for a season and that he is capable of contributing to a championship team. He is also another player who tasted the exhilaration of being minutes from winning a championship only to have it taken away at the end. He has a chip to prove that Danny didn't make a mistake in re-signing him.
Nate Robinson had a very tumultuous relationship with the Knicks, ending with being benched and labeled a malcontent. He has loved his time with the Celtics and in spite of falling out of the rotation for a time in the playoffs, ended up being key in a couple of wins. This season he has the benefit of being in training camp and has made the most of it. Along with Shaq, Doc singled out Nate as a player who impressed him the most. Nate is still trying to shed the malcontent label he received in New York and wants to prove that he can be a team player.
Glen Davis is constantly trying to prove that he belongs in the upper level of players. But he is also pulling stupid stunts to show that he isn't quite there yet. He is once again in a contract season and will be playing for his next contract along with trying to make up for past mistakes. Big Baby's chip will be more for his own personal gain than the other players, but it will motivate him nonetheless.
Kendrick Perkins was in camp although he can't take part in any basketball activities yet and he looks to be way ahead of schedule. He was walking without any limp and without a brace. He took part in the fun and games after practice, bonding with his new teammates. He also did some shooting. Reports are that he was on the sidelines shouting encouragement to his teammates during practice. Perk definitely has a chip on his shoulder, knowing that if he hadn't been hurt, the Celtics would have been celebrating Banner18 this summer. He also is in a contract year and wants to remain a Celtic. He knows that there are now 2 guys ahead of him on the depth chart while he is rehabbing and he will come back looking to earn his starting spot back. Look for Perk to return with a vengeance when he does.
And there are young guys in camp trying to earn playing time and even a spot on the team. Luke Harangody, Avery Bradley, Von Wafer, Semih Erden, Stephane Lasme, and Mario West are all trying to prove themselves in the preseason and Wafer, West and Lasme are trying to earn that last spot on the team. The players who do make the team will probably not see a lot of playing time unless there is an injury or one of them impresses so much that they beat out one of the current rotation players, which isn't too likely. But each of these players is important to sharpen the rotation players in practice and also for the future.
From 1 down to 15, each player on this team has much to prove and most are playing with a chip on their shoulders. The players who were here last year have the monkey that was game 7 hanging on their backs along with the chips on their shoulders. It's promising to be a fun season. Buckle up and hang on because it's going to be quite a ride.
While reading the articles on training camp and listening to the player interviews, one thing stands out about this team. Nearly every player has a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove this season. Miami's 3 Am-Egos have chips on their shoulders, and maybe they have something to prove, but that attitude doesn't extend to every player on the team like it does on the Celtics.
6 Responses so far.
Bohemian says:
Very good article FL. It seems Danny always chooses very hungry players for our team. All are in revenge mood, having something to prove to the rest of the league. That is so good and so refreshing for a league in which many players just play for fame and money.
wayne7779311 says:
Good article.
Also, two very important attributes (not to be underestimated) which also should be included in this conversation is the fact that both JO and Delonte come into this year particularly ready (and extremely motivated) to get their first ring, and smoke that first big stogy which has so adamantly evaded them their whole entire careers.
Partiularly Jermaine who has been playing 14 yrs since draftd in '96. Been to (6) playoffs, and (1) Conf. Finals & (6) All-star selections. Yet hasn't been able to put "Champion" next to his name, to cement a name and a place for himself amongst those who have significantly impacted the game. (While all the while looking at lesser players like Celtics tryout candidate Adam Morrison, a do-nothing bench player, who has "TWO" glittering rings on his fingers and titles next to his name as a World Champion.
Albeit, not only has JO verbally expressed his strong reason for coming to this team is to get that elusive ring...but Delonte West has also gone on public record and stated out loud that it's all about getting an elusive first ring for himself. We forget that he has NEVER won a Championship on any level in all of his very touted basketball career. He went all the way to the state championship in H.S. basketball (Maryland 4A) only to lose. After taking Eleanor Roosevelt HS, Greenbelt, MD, to its first playoff appearance in the school's history only to lose in the state championship by nearly 20 points which was very deflating for him.
Then, he went to St. Joseph's playing along side Jameer Nelson, went "UNDEFEATED" (27-0) throughout the regular season, earned an Elite Eight appearance in 2004 only to lose out in the East Regional Final to Oklahoma State.
Lastly, adding more insult to injury, this past year he played with the very best record team in the NBA (Cleveland)who were touted to win it all...only to come up short, when he had already had his finger fitted to wear a ring.
Thus, I see both Jermaine O'Neal and Delonte West as having serious chips on their individual shoulders coming into this year because they both have been trying so hard to get something in which they both have felt so very close to being good enough to have gotten along the way, yet never could land the big one.
Not to even mention Marquis Daniels (Indiana, Dallas...playoff teams) and Von Wafer (Houston) booted out by the Fakers in the '08 playoffs. And even Nate Robinson,included. These are ALL veteran players with playoffs experience who have "NEVER" won an NBA title, who are now taking this team's opportunity very seriously as their best hope to finally taste the sweet taste of Championship victory. And who carry chips on their shoulders into this year. Feeling that if they can't win with this HOF-laden team who were only 4 points from the title last year, then who can they win with ?
FLCeltsFan says:
Excellent point Wayne. Thanks for sharing it! You are right on with those observations.
Stephen Bailey says:
Great piece FL! Morea than anyone else, I'm excited to see KG out there. I think if he can return to 08 form, the C's can raise another banner this year.
wayne7779311 says:
Thanks FL. Your article is the bomb. Right on target.
I sense another major Banner about to hit Beantown. These guys are not playing around this year. As Shaq Daddy has already stated publicly, anything short of a title this year can only be deemed a failure in his book.
Gerald Alden says:
Great article FL. Everyone does have something to prove and I expect nothing but great and amazing this year for the Cs. KG in particular. "Beast mode" again.


text:
Vikings center John Sullivan will spent the next three or four months rehabilitating after knee surgery.
Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN reports that Sullivan underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee last week.
Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery, which will likely require 3-4 months of rehab. Microfracture surgery, which creates tiny fractures in the bone, is often a last resort for players with serious knee problems, but Sullivan's lesion was small and he is expected back before training camp.
Sullivan played every snap of the season and was only listed on the injury report as having a knee issue once, in Week 13. The 27-year-old Sullivan was on the first season of a five-year, $25 million contract in 2012.


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I have a theory that absolutely everything in Australia can and will try to kill you. This koala is yet another example of the wildlife of the country trying to get humans to leave forever.
Instead of killing it's prey, the koala tries to make its attacker kill himself by making him feel so bad for hitting something so damn cute.
The poor little marsupial is just trying to get to the other side of the road — cue obvious "why did the koala cross the road?" joke — when he encounters a group of motorcyclists.
Every single bike avoids him... except for one. Thankfully the biker slows down enough that he doesn't kill the koala. Instead the koala gets knocked over, looks adorably dazed for a second, and runs back into the brush.
There is no word on the current condition of the koala or if the motorcyclist fled Australia to escape his shame.
(via Reddit)