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Here are area girls softball preview capsules. We'll try and round up the rest over the next couple of days.
HEAD COACH: Katie Risner (2nd year, 9-9
2009 RECORD: 9-9 overall, 7-2 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Courtney Garcia, sr., SS; Alyssa Below, sr, 2B; Ashley Hengsteler, sr., C; Mandy Minard, jr., 2B/SS; Kendal Moses, jr., P/3B; Jenna Mock, jr., OF/SS; Rachelle Palmer, jr., 1B; Sam Greenwell, soph., OF/2B; Hannah Barger, jr., OF; Raven Aurand, soph., OF/2B; Kristin Glick, soph., C/UT; Cristen Cramer, jr., P; Shannon Moses, soph., 3B/OF, Alysha Funk, soph., OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Lauren Ward, fr., P; Lauren Conine, fr., 1B; Miranda Palmer, fr., OF; Marie Keefe, fr., 3B/C.
NOTABLE: Moses and Rachelle Palmer were first-team all-BVC selections a year ago. Palmer was second-team all-district and Moses honorable mention all-district. Garcia and Glick were honorable mention all-BVC picks.
HEAD COACH: Gregg Feller (7th year, 84-50).
2009 RECORD: 18-6 overall, 7-2 Blanchard Valley Conference
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Shaunie Rettig, sr., P; Mary Price, sr., CF; Bailey Streib, sr., C; Tina Brunswick, jr., OF; Jessica Hunter, soph., 2B; Katie Johnson, jr., 1B; Kelsey Norway, sr., OF; Madison Simons, jr., 3B; Abby Streib, jr., OF
TOP PROSPECTS: Mackenzie Heacock, jr., IF; Megan Tossey, jr., OF; Elizabeth Helms, soph., IF/OF; Rachel Helms, fr., OF/P.
NOTABLE: Arlington should be one of the teams to beat in the BVC this season with Rettig back in the pitching circle. She was a first team all-Ohio selection after racking up a 16-4 record with a 0.69 ERA.
HEAD COACH: Dan Gillett (9th year).
2009 RECORD: 10-9 overall, 6-3 Northwest Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Carrie Bassitt, sr., P/3B; Heather May, sr., C; Leah Fett, sr., OF; Lauren Emans, sr., OF; Shannon McKamey, jr.; Brianna Laing, jr., 2B/SS; Molly Lengyel, jr., OF; Kayla Longworth, soph., P/OF; Ashlin Gable, soph., 1B.
TOP PROSPECTS: Tori Holcomb, fr., IF; Adrian Rumer, fr., IF; Katie Palte, fr., IF.
NOTABLE: McKamey is back after a terrific sophomore season in which she hit .453 drove in 13 runs and stole 14 bases for the Pirates.
HEAD COACH: Eric Mullholand (9th year, 111-77).
2009 RECORD: 14-12 overall, 5-5 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hillary Crawford, sr., OF; Tessa Kelbley, sr., P; Lacie Sherman, jr., C/OF; Leah Ritter, jr., P; Haley Johnson, jr., 1B; Morgan Draper, jr., SS; Audrey Walter, jr., OF; Sarah Phoenix, soph., OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Erin Boes, soph., 3B; Hannah Tong, fr., P; Chelsie Swartz, jr., 2B; Audrey Hotelling, fr., UT.
NOTABLE: Sherman is back after a sensational sophomore season for the Blue Devils. She was a first-team all-MAL and all-district selection after hitting a robust .425.
Columbus Grove
HEAD COACH: Jim Wagner
2009 RECORD: Not provided.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashley Birchmeier, sr., 1B; Paige Gerteman, sr., SS; Amanda Langhals, sr., LF; Lyssa Stechschulte, sr., RF; McKenzie Creely, jr., P; Taylor Haines, jr., 3B/CG; Erica Walker, jr., 3B/C; Cece Utendorf, so., 2B.
TOP PROSPECTS: Tara Duling, sr., C-OF; Emily Frick, so., P; Katelynn Scott, fr., C.
NOTABLE: Ashley Birchmeier and Paige Gerteman are both four year starters for the Bulldogs. Birchmeier hit .406 last season in earning first team Putnam County League and second team Northwest Conference honors and Gerdeman batted at a .319 clip and was named to the PCL second team.
HEAD COACH: Bruce Purcell (2nd year, 5-8).
2009 RECORD: 5-8 overall, 4-5 Blanchard Valley Conference
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lauren Rettig, sr., 1B; Hallie Snodgrass, jr., P/SS; Kayla Rossman, jr., P/SS; Nicole Lawrence, jr., CF; Morgan Woodward, soph., C/SS; Kresana Ward, soph., 2B; Carly Marshall, soph., 3B/OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Ashley Flanigan, sr.; Kimberly Launder, soph.; Megan Augustine, fr.; Chris Barlekamp, fr.; Josie Duncan, fr.; Tessa Heitmeyer, fr.; Nicole Hulihan, fr.; Taylor Hummel, fr.; Abbie James, fr.; Celese Montgomery, fr.; Erika Nigh, fr.; Devin Roth, fr.; Shelby Woodward, fr.; Kaitlyn Wolfarth, fr.
NOTABLE: Things will be looking up for the Hornets in the future as Purcell enters his second season as head coach he has 12 freshmen on this season's roster.
HEAD COACH: Matt Hoiles (12th year, 215-79).
2009 RECORD: 17-10 overall, 10-4 Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Emily Reynolds, sr., 2B; Sam Pollard, sr., SS; Vanessa Schwind, sr., 1B; Shelby George, sr., UT; Marissa Lee, sr., P; Morgan Arnold, jr., C; Amanda Peters, jr., OF; Stephanie Barringer, soph., OF; Whitney Striff, soph., UT/P; Sierra Beckford, soph., OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Michelle Sander, soph., UT; Brittany George, fr., 3B.
NOTABLE: Elmwood is looking to get back to the top of the SLL standings this season. Arnold was a first team all-conference selection while Lee, Pollard and Reynolds were second team all-league picks.
HEAD COACH: Gabe Sierra (4th year, 69-30).
2009 RECORD: 23-5 overall, 12-2 Northern Ohio League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Samantha Goddard, sr., OF/IF; Aja Hall, sr., IF; Genee Keels, sr., IF; Melanie Nye, sr., P/IF; Taylor Nye, sr., C; Allyson Beechum, jr., IF/P; Raina White, jr., IF; Megan Manns, jr., OF; Trisha Roddy, jr., OF/C.
TOP PROSPECTS: Not available.
NOTABLE: The Redmen should field a solid team on the diamond again this season. Hall hit .464 and Keels is back after batting .341 for the defending NOL champs.
Fostoria St. Wendelin
HEAD COACH: Theresa Webb
2009 RECORD: 19-5 overall, 7-3 Midland Athletic League
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lauren Geroski, sr. SS; Chelcie Rutter, sr., P/2B; Alisha Weis, jr., OF; Katelyn Schiefer, jr., P/3B, Leighanne Stahl, jr., C; Cassi Papenfus, sr., 1B; Brittany Haris, jr., 2B; Tamara Emerine, sr., OF; Meghan Taylor, sr. , OF
TOP PROSPECTS: Colleen Foudesy, fr., IF; Catrina Lang, fr., OF; Sami Birkmire, fr., OF; Audrienne Emerine, fr., Johnna Hoover, fr., IF/C; Katie Statham, so., OF; Meghan Taylor, sr., CF.
NOTABLE: The Mohawks return plenty of talent. Geroski was second-team all-Ohio and hit .375 last season. Rutter was first-team MAL and second-team all-district; Weis hit a team-high .522 and was second-team all-MAL; and Schiefer hit .358 and was second-team all-MAL.
Hardin Northern
HEAD COACH: DeAnna King (2nd year, 10-13).
2009 RECORD: 10-13 overall, 4-6 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Chelsey Bloom, sr., 2B/SS/P; Alyssa Cleveland, sr., OF; Morgan Hill, sr., OF; Alex Hossler, sr., P; Liz Bentz, sr., 1B; Taylor Bishop, jr., C/OF; Jocelyn Black, jr., OF/2B; Anne Fruth, jr., CF; Eva Tanner, soph., IF/P.
TOP PROSPECTS: Jessica Dull, soph.; Kendra Welly, soph.; Lauren Trumpler, fr.
NOTABLE: Tanner earned honorabler mention all-league honors for the Chieftains after posting a 2.83 ERA in 52 innings in the pitcher's circle. Black, meanwhile, is the top returning hitter after posting a .351 average in 2009.
HEAD COACH: Kelly Coble (2md year).
2009 RECORD: 2-15 overall, 1-4 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kelly Kehres, sr., OF/2B; Julia Fuerst, P/1B/3B; Amanda Brinkman, sr., C/OF; Stephanie Verhoff, sr., OF/3B; Emily Turnwald, jr., 3B/SS; Michelle Jorrey, jr., P/SS; Rachel Stechschulte, jr. 2B.
TOP PROSPECTS: Amanda Schulte, jr., OF; Paige Burgei, soph., OF; Julia Vandemark, fr., 3B/OF; Summer Holtkamp, fr., 2B; Courtney Kimmel, jr., C/OF.
NOTABLE: With six returning starters, the Wildcats are looking for big improvement in 2010. Turnwald earned second-team all-PCL honors last season as a sophomore and she will anchor a solid defensive group in the infield.
HEAD COACH: Sarah Simon (2nd year, 9-15).
2009 RECORD: 9-15 overall, 4-9 Suburban Lakes League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hannah Podach, sr., SS; Rachel Hoffman, sr., IF; Amber Bickford, jr., OF; Abby Durst, soph., P/OF; Kaeyla Wiseman, soph., P/OF; Jessica Hoffman, soph., OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Courtney Chalfin, soph., C; Sierraa Ray, fr, C; Kaitlyn Baumer, fr., P.
HEAD COACH: Dennis Warnecke (1st year, 6-13).
2009 RECORD: 6-13 overall, 3-6 Blanchard Valley Conference; 3-3 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Emily Gerten, soph., P; Molly Ellerbrock, soph., 2B; Mara Schroeder, soph., OF; Liz Inkrott, soph., OF; Santana Diaz, jr., 1B; Briana Lomeli, jr., 3B; Shari Mangas, jr., SS; Brittny Bohlman, jr., C.
TOP PROSPECTS: Emily Westrick, fr., OF; Brooke Krienbrink, fr., 2B/P; Bryce Knisley, fr., OF; Melissa Alt, fr., OF; Kendra Gerten, fr., 1B; Chantel Fantom, soph., OF.
NOTABLE: Leipsic should be improved with eight letterwinners back but the Vikings have no seniors this season. Bohlman earned second team all-conference honors in both the PCL and BVC last season as a sophomore.
HEAD COACH: Jeff Schimmoeller (1st year)
2009 RECORD: No record was provided.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashley Stamper, sr., OF/IF; Kara Marshall, sr., C; Annie Black, jr., OF; Taylor Stamper, so., IF; Kaitlyn Schimmoeller, so., IF; Erin Hackworth, so., IF/OF; Kelsey Dager, so., IF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Alyssa Hunker, jr., OF/1B; Kelsie Spieker, so., OF/2B; Stephanie Taylor, so., C; Jerrica Baumlien, sr., OF; Krysta Gorman, fr., P; Becca Dean, fr., P.
NOTABLE: Liberty-Benton returns seven letterwinners in Jeff Schimmoeller's first year at the helm. The Eagles will be counting on their two senior captains Kara Marshall and Ashley Stamper to provide leadership for a relatively young team.
HEAD COACH: Nick Shoop (4th year).
2009 RECORD: 16-7 overall, 9-0 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ellie Hammond, sr., IF; Abbie Joy, soph., P/IF; Rachael Barker, jr., IF; Susan Rader, sr., IF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Haylie Haas, jr., IF; Mallory Schaffner, jr., OF/IF; Kristen Buck, fr., OF/P; Hannah Bundy, fr., IF/P; Sarah Kettels, fr., OF/IF; Karah Kettels, fr., IF.
NOTABLE: McComb is the defending BVC champion but winning the league again this season may be a challenge. The Panthers have just four returning letterwinners and on their 22-player roster, 10 players are freshmen.
Miller City
HEAD COACH: Emily Haselman (2nd year, 15-7).
2009 RECORD: 15-7 overall, 4-2 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Trisha Niese, sr., OF; Kayla Schroeder, sr., 1B; Olivia Rump, jr., 2B; Sara Schroeder, jr., OF; Kara Vennekotter, jr., OF; Ali Lammers, soph., SS; Jessica Leis, soph., P; Marissa Schroeder, soph., P; Toni Steffan, soph., C.
TOP PROSPECTS: Taylor Niese, soph., IF; Sami Michel, soph., 2B/OF; Ashley Niese, soph., 3B/SS.
NOTABLE: Steffan is the top returning offensive player for the WIldcats as she hit .400 with a pair of doubles, three triples and 12 RBI last season.
New Riegel
HEAD COACH: Jamie Lininger (7thyear, 98-56).
2009 RECORD: 18-7 overall, 8-2 Midland Athletic League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Paula Kelbley, sr., OF/1B; Taylor Mathias, sr., P/3B/1B; Sarah Reinhart, sr., 2B; Jami Wagner, sr., OF/2B/SS; JoAnn Borer, jr., C/OF; Danielle Coleman, jr., OF; Kylie Mathias, jr., 2B/OF; Shana Scherger, jr., OF/IF; Megan Mathias, soph., 3B; Paige Noftz, soph., C/OF/P; Brooke Scherger, soph., SS/P; Holly Tiell, soph., OF; Stacey Wank, soph., 1B.
TOP PROSPECTS: Cassandra Acree, fr., OF/C; C'Aira Conley, fr., 1B.
NOTABLE: The Blue Jackets will have to replace the offensive punch provided by 2009 graduate Lauren Mathias, who hit .398 with two home runs and 25 RBI.
North Baltimore
HEAD COACH: Frankie Hernandez (3rd year, 37-12)
2009 RECORD: 20-6 overall, 8-3 Midland Athletic League
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Taylor Boyer, jr., IF; Andrea Smith, jr., IF; Emily Stewart, Jr. IF; Brianna Ferguson, jr., C; Leona Euler, jr., IF/P; Mackenzie Carpenter, jr., OF; Ciara Hernandez, jr., OF; Andrea Bankey jr., IF; Jessica Frost, so., P/OF; Alli Baker, so., OF/P.
TOP PROSPECTS: Rachel Flores, Courtney Bretz, Paige Cotterman, Ricci Emahiser, Megan Frost, Kelsey Gazarek, Taylor Straley, Megan Wright.
NOTABLE: Usually having no seniors on a roster would be an issue. But Frankie Hernandez's North Baltimore club returns 10 letterwinners and five players that earned All-Midland Athletic League status. If the returning players provide positive leadership and other players make solid contributions, North Baltimore could be in the hunt for a MAL title and a deep tournament run.
HEAD COACH: Troy Yant (6th year).
2009 RECORD: 8-19 overall, 2-7 Western Buckeye League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashley Hempfling, sr., P/SS; Tara Wehri, sr., SS; Amy Maag, sr., OF/2B; Brittany Zynda, sr., 3B; Katie Ruhe, jr., OF; Kylee Pothast, jr., 1B/P/OF; Sara Basinger, jr., C/OF; Molly Moening, jr., OF/2B; Hayley Kitchen, soph., SS/OF; Jessie Kreinbrink, soph., SS/OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Kari Leatherman, jr., 1B/3B; Alyssa Ebbeskotte, soph., 1B; Taylor Bockrath, soph., SS/C; Molly Closson, fr., UT/C.
NOTABLE: Yant has players back and that could translate into a winning season at O-G this year. Hempfling will be the team's top offensive threat after hitting .316 last season. Hayley Kitchen is also back and was the Titans' No. 1 starting pitcher as a freshmen.
HEAD COACH: Joe Modica & Connie Rhodes.
2009 RECORD: 1-16 overall, 1-5 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Samantha Modica, sr., P/IF; Kelsey Hoersten, so., OF; Lindsey Eickholt, so., IF; Marissa Nienburg, so., OF; Kendra Kroustop, so., IF/OF; Angelina Keeran, so., OF; Krista Schimmoeller so., IF; Crystal Mathews, so., C.
TOP PROSPECTS: McKenzie Martin, fr., P; Casey Miller, fr., P.
NOTABLE: Ottoville returns eight letterwinners from last year's squad, but Samantha Modica is the only upperclassman on the roster. The experience that the seven returning sophomores got last season should help the Big Green improve.
HEAD COACH: Kurt Mullins (3rd year, 7-37).
2009 RECORD: 5-17 overall, 4-5 Blanchard Valley Conference, 1-5 Putnam County League.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kerri Hovest, sr., C/IF/OF; Jessica Watkins, sr., P/OF; Grace Basinger, jr., IF; Kristyn Hovest, jr., IF; Alecycia Prater, jr., IF/OF; Blake Basinger, soph., IF/OF; Ashley Bevins, soph., IF; Stevie Bockrath, soph., OF.
TOP PROSPECTS: Emmy Higbea, jr., OF; Taylor Hiegel, soph., IF/OF; Hope Bockrath, fr., OF/IF; Brianna Kuhlman, fr., IF.
NOTABLE: Look for even more improvement in Mullins' third year in charge of the program. Kristyn Hovest batted .436 and earned first team all-league honors in both conferences last season.
Patrick Henry
Upper Sandusky
Van Buren
HEAD COACH: Jerry Cook (1st year)
2009 RECORD: 1-17 overall, 0-9 Blanchard Valley Conference.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Dustie Ward, sr., IF. Jenny Hendricks, soph., SS/IF; Melissa Hall, jr., UT; Sabrina Hesson, soph., UF; Ashley Parsell, jr, IF/1B.
TOP PROSPECTS: Abi Blair, fr., C/OF; Kelsie Ward, fr., C/OF; Taylor Kloepfer, fr., P/IF; Holly Chiow, fr., P/IF; Logan Frey, fr., CF/SS; Morgan Hotelling, sr., OF; Haley Carr, fr., OF.
NOTABLE: Hendricks was a first-team all-BVC pick after batting .500 last season. Dustie Ward is a three-year letterwinner. Expect the Wildcats to improve as the season goes along; five freshmen dot the starting lineup.


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2018 Visitor Guides and Coupon Books Are Here!
For almost 30 years, the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau has been creating and distributing a comprehensive Visitor's Guide. The Frankenmuth Visitor's Guide is full of information about lodging, dining, shopping, festivals and attractions we have in town. However, the 2018 guide has all of that and more! The new guide acts as a planning … Continued

subset: commoncrawl


text: Spectronic Devices Ltd., a Befordshire, England, manufacturer of line cameras and miniature spectrometers, has received a Smart award -- a grant for feasibility studies and development projects from the UK Department of Trade and Industry Small Business Service -- to develop a dual-channel line camera for applications such as dual-channel spectroscopy, wide-bandwidth spectroscopy and dual-channel metrology. The DuoflexT camera uses two separate, facing linear arrays and a prism arrangement positioned so that one beam strikes an array while a second beam hits the opposite array. The space between the detectors can be adjusted from 0 to 15 mm. First production models will be available in January. . . . ElectroniCast Corp., a market forecast firm for the fiber optic, optoelectronic and photonic industries, announced that David Milverton, PhD, has joined a project to analyze the markets for and technology of liquid crystal-based components used in optical communication applications, including variable optical attenuators, wavelength blockers, switches and multifunctional integrated components. Milverton was formerly business development manager of Intel Corp.'s photonics technology operation and was previously director of sales and marketing at Optical Micro Devices Ltd. . . . Optics for Hire announced it was selected by Promet International Inc., of Shoreview, Minn., to assist in the development of a new generation of PROMET's FiBO interferometer. Optics for Hire will provide electrical design and electrical board prototyping for the new system. The FiBO is a portable version of the Michelson interferometer, used for fiber optic surface inspection. The Optics for Hire research and development team is comprised of 18 physicists and engineers based in the Ukraine.


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Vilmino of LoserRules posted a S.I.E. ad with this sissy bar in it.
This is likely the same as the one in the Dick Allen photo. I'm still not 100% sure they made mine. This one has flat fender mounts like the one Mark sent in. Mine has side mounting holes, is taller, and a license plate/taillight mount.


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A retired Chinese general recently revealed that his country might be planning a surprise missile attack on the United States. The public comment of Xu Guangyu came in response to WikiLeaks revelations that last year Washington had warned its allies beforehand of China's test of a missile interceptor.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a classified cable sent last January 9th, instructed American embassies in Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand to notify those countries of upcoming Chinese launches two days later. The cable included details of the launch sites for the intercep
Originally posted by Anoynymoose
Not really a surprise now is it?
I say lets get this ball rolling.
Bring it China!
Originally posted by TDawgRex
But all it takes is one getting through...right?
Originally posted by Meekbot2000
I know americans like to deny that it could even happen because "no one would do that we would nuke them" but the chinese are very capable. They did launch a missle off the coast of California as well as pop up in the middle of an American naval exercise. Im not saying they would, but they could attack mainland USA. With troop all over the world the mainland troops would be shorthanded on an all out attack.
Also if the chinese attacekd american mainland the americans wouldnt just hop in planes and fly to china to bomb them, they would be foremost concerned with protecting their own country. If someone is robbing your house you dont run away to their house and rob it back, you first have to defend your own home.
Originally posted by Biigs


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What makes a character the "worst" isn't necessarily their amoral actions or behavior (some of our favorite characters walk a very thin line between good and evil). They could be the most self-righteous and moral character ever, but still annoy the ever-living shit out of us. Worst characters are those whose screentime we want depleted immediately because they're just so unlikable, despite the writers best attempts at getting us to root for them. Who are some of the worst characters on TV? These are our 8 choices:
1. Fitz, Scandal
Why is Fitz, the hunky POTUS from Scandal, on this list? Let me count the ways… First of all, he shouldn't even be president. It was all rigged! And when he found out about it, he played the 'woe is me' card and murdered an old lady with cancer instead of setting things right. (To be fair, the old lady with cancer tried to have him assassinated. Unfortunately for us, it didn't exactly pan out.) He treats the women in his life like shit, and that includes Olivia Pope – the supposed love of his life.
Did I mention that he almost raped her in an elevator once? Yeah. That happened. But of course, he has daddy issues, so I guess we're supposed to forgive and forget. (But I don't.) Oh yeah, and there was that time he sent his friend Jake to go put surveillance cameras in Olivia's apartment and spy on her – after having sex with Olivia in a dank closet and then telling her that he wanted nothing else to do with her, that she was basically just a piece of ass to him. On top of that, he can't even do his job as president right! Fitz is dull, sloppy, and entitled.
2. Henry Mills, Once Upon A Time
I hate picking on a little kid… but, you know what, I'm going to. Henry Mills (Jared Gilmore) or Charming or whatever his last name is… is one of the most annoying children on television. You constantly wish for him to fall down a portal somewhere and never return (and since this is Once Upon A Time, it could very well happen). A large part of my irritation towards Henry is due to the acting – though to be a little fair, Once Upon A Time is not a very good venue to showcase your acting capabilities – but besides that, the character is undeniably whiny. There just doesn't seem to be a whole lot of depth to Henry. If it weren't for the dialogue telling you what the character is feeling or thinking, you don't get the sense that he's particularly attached to either Emma or Regina. He's got to be the most annoying child on television right now.
3. Roman Godfrey, Hemlock Grove
It's been mentioned many, many times throughout our recaps of Netflix's Hemlock Grove, but Roman Godfrey (Bill Skarsgard) is a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Person. What makes it even worse is that as I was watching the show, I felt like I was supposed to be rooting for him. After all, he's one of the main characters of the show, so one of the major themes of his character arc is his need to become a Big Damn Hero, and by the end of the show he struggles against his very nature so that he might become one – but no. Just, no. Roman is an entitled rich boy who, among other things, threw a hissy fit when he couldn't get what he wanted (Peter's friendship) then dealt with those issues by raping his classmate and wiping her memory of the attack afterwards. One of his few redeeming qualities is how kindly he treats his sister, Shelley, but in light of the rest of the shitty things he's done, that's hardly enough to warrant not adding him to this list of Worst Characters.
4. Finn Samson, Misfits
Finn (Nathan McMullen) is basically the textbook definition of a creepy Nice Guy™. He spends the majority of season four of Misfits stalking Jess, and one of his first major story arcs dealt with his highly problematic relationship with his long-time girlfriend. It was revealed early on in the latest series that he had her tied up in his apartment, forcing her to shit in a bucket because she was basically his hostage. And the whole thing was just really… rapey (for lack of a better term). Despite all the creepiness, all was forgiven and they even hinted at Jess and Finn possibly entering into a romance. He was later given a storyline about his long-lost father and sister, but we did not care one bit. This character never became endearing to us, therefore we simply didn't care about his storylines or inner angst.
5. Finn Hudson, Glee
To start off, he forced Santana out of the closet in a very public and humiliating way. He's dumber than a box of rocks. He behaves like a violent, hulking gorilla. This latest season, he beat up Rachel's college boyfriend, telling him "stay away from my future wife," and also made out with his former guidance counselor, Emma, who was engaged to Mr. Schue at the time. On top of all that, he can't even sing! I would say more, but I think it's obvious what makes Finn one of the worst characters on television. Everything.
6. April Kepner, Grey's Anatomy
I started getting really annoyed with April (Sarah Drew) towards the end of season 8, when she came out as a total Jesus Freak. Before you jump all over me, I want to preface this by saying that I'm usually very respectful of people's religious beliefs. Usually. I guess I just have a hard time grasping my head around the idea that Jesus wants you to be a virgin until someone puts a ring on your finger, and if you break that rule, then you're automatically going to hell regardless of whether or not you're a veritable angel in all other aspects of your life (having sex doesn't make you a bad person, after all).
After April lost her virginity to Jackson, she proceeded to have a total meltdown because "Jesus hates her" and it was the most irritating thing to watch play out on-screen. But she enjoyed sex with Jackson so much that she kept going back for more… and so began the process of her waffling back-and-forth between wanting to bang Jackson and wanting to be abstinent, because she couldn't make up her mind about anything. This girl makes mountains out of tiny molehills! At this point, you just want her to join a convent and leave our TV screens forever.
7. Jackson Whittemore, Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf is, as its name suggests, a show about teenagers. It takes place in a high school located in a small town. Like all TV high schools located in small towns, it is going to include the archetypes that television producers have yet to figure out don't always exist in real life. One of those archetypes is Jackson Whittemore's (Colton Haynes); since his role was to be the Bully-Jock, he was always going to be a huge asshole.
The key to the success of Teen Wolf was that the characters grew out of the silly stereotypes that the characters initially embodied. While Scott (Tyler Posey) went from lovelorn wimp to legitimate hero and Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) matured out of his solely comic relief stage, Jackson continued being a huge douche that looked out for no one but himself. Fans got an arc where he goes on a power trip and insists on becoming a werewolf so he can be the best version of himself possible (or something like that, I don't even know – I tune him out a lot).
Sure, there were some attempts to redeem him by revealing he was abandoned by his birth parents and making Lydia his "One True Love," but it just didn't ring true. His worst moment would have to be when he told the local sheriff that he knew fellow lacrosse player Isaac (Daniel Sharman) was beaten by his father, but kept the info to himself because it didn't concern him. That's one irredeemable little nitwit right there.
8. Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl
To be fair, all of the characters on Gossip Girl are huge contenders for Worst Character on Television. So this makes Chuck Bass worst of the worst (worse than Gossip Girl himself!). Despite what all the whisper-acting and rapid aging syndrome would have you believe, Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) isn't even an interesting bad boy. He's got the usual daddy issues and issues with women in general (he has countless fake moms). He attempted to rape someone at least twice… (three times if you count the physical abuse Blair – his future wife – endured in his apartment in the Season 4 episode "The Princess and the Frog") and somehow ended up being some big romantic hero by the end of the series. And while we're on the topic of Blair, I want to mention the fact that he prostituted her out to his uncle (who has a history of attempted rape) in exchange for a hotel and then proceeded to have sex with his then-step-sister whom he tried to rape in the Pilot.
9. Tate Langdon, American Horror Story
Certain avenues of "fandom" have a tendency to woobify villainous characters (particularly male ones they find attractive), but if ever there were a character that should never, ever, ever in a million years be woobified or felt sorry for, it's Tate. When he was alive, the guy poured gasoline on his mother's boyfriend before setting him on fire. He also brought guns to school and terrorized then killed several of his classmates (and doomed their ghosts to wandering the earth forever, but that's a story for another time).
He's pretty much a sociopath, and just because he and Violet share some kind of fucked up Romeo-and-Juliet-esque romance once he becomes a ghost doesn't mean he's redeemed. It's pretty clear throughout the course of American Horror Story's first season that he's just as terrible as he always was. Just look at what he did to Violet's mother, and to Chad and Patrick, the gay couple that moved into Murder House.


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To treat every guest as special and make
their every movement special.
Committed to be the best with affordable
rates in hospitality sector in the state of Gujarat. We continuously evolve and
improve to bring in delightful experiences for our guests.
Hotel Ghunghat is a one the most prominent brands in hospitality segment in the
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on the Gandhinagar - Visnagar Highway, the hotel offers variety of rooms with facilities
such as boarding & lodging, conference hall, marriage & reception hall. The hotel
has put in dedicated efforts to cater to the needs of the customers visiting Gandhinagar
and its nearby locations. The strategic location gives easy access and the hospitality
of our staff would make your stay luxurious and memorable. It is the delicious food
of Hotel Ghunghat, location and hospitality which attracts local citizens of Gandhinagar
and tourists to the Hotel on a regular basis.


text:
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So close... to proto!
In the works is grid pathing for wandering and fine-grained seeking behavior from AI. Almost done and tested.
Player, left, is standing around while AI, right, is wandering.
AI, right, has become hungry and spotted the Player, run P run!
Player, left, is trying to hide but thanks to sensory memory the AI has an idea where he is...
As you can see the prototype is in a very 'low level debug' state, this allows me to tweak and play arround with concepts and test changes to the engine. Also the LUA integration is paying off a lot for tweaking and flexibility.
My next objective is going to be the scripting of more game mechanics like random Zombie placement and game states. This is going to be handled by a Commander.
Only forward...


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There has been an increasing movement in recent years by many citizens in the United States to legalize marijuana. Many states such as Colorado have already legalized it for medical purposes, and many feel that it is the first step to full on legalization.
There are some commonly accepted stigmas when it comes to the negative effects of marijuana. For instance, many proponents of the drug argue that it is not addictive and that it is not possible to overdose on pot.
However, though there is still a lot of controversy over the definite negative effects of marijuana use, there appears to be a lot evidence out there that is published in medical journals to refute some of these commonly accepted stigmas. These particular points, such as its alleged non-addictive nature, are some of the main arguments for the legalization of the drug.
The video below was uploaded to YouTube back in 2011 and is designed to dispel some of the myths about marijuana usage and claims to have only cited information that was found in peer reviewed medical works.
Some of the so called myths that are addressed in the video are the addictiveness of marijuana, how it effects you behind the wheel and the potential for overdose.
The publisher of the video does mention that there are justifiable medical uses for the drug and that the video is focused on presenting facts and not injecting opinions.
Though the supposed facts brought to light in this video may not be popular, it brings to light some serious potential issues with marijuana usage that are very commonly swept under the rug.
Be sure to watch the video below.
YouTube video courtesy of C0nc0rdance


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I recently discovered that my coaching website http://www.JudithSunleyCoaching.com was hacked, and so I have decided to close it down and concentrate on this blog.
I have been neglecting the blog as I made no blog posts during 2014. My excuse? Well we have moved to Spain and have been settling into our new life here. Joining clubs, becoming part of the fabric of the community, and well – coaching has taken a back burner.
But I have gathered the resolve to streamline and improve…. So my blog now has a new heading – Dr Judith Sunley – Life Coach, instead of "The Doctor's Reflections".
Most of the Summer 2014 was taken up with a visit to France to visit my sister's French farmhouse – which is a work in progress – and substantially with our grand daughter's extended visit and other holiday visitors. We had a good summer.
Then just before the end of August my husband tore his Achilles chasing after Rosie, and many weeks were taken up subsequently with surgery and rehabilitation.
In October we rescued our "abandonado perro" his name is Poco. It was my husband's joke, as we have seen the suspected father who is a whopper of a dog, and Poco seems to be following in his father's footsteps.
I had no wish for a 3rd dog, as we were happy with the balance of Rosie our runaway rescued black Labrador, and Jim our rescued border collie. I took some persauding to bring Poco home as that tiny puppy.
But here we are, 5 months later firmly thrilled with our 3rd dog who has integrated fully into the pack. It has been a lesson for me to open up my horizons and take a risk. We have had to go through puppy training, and dog training classes (for all 3), but it has paid off. Poco has a lovely life with us instead of scavenging on the streets, or at worst put down.


text: After seeing some pics of others screen i noticed that the lock screen says "Verizon Wireless" on it. Well mine does not and it never has. As far as i can tell everything works fine. I bought this phone from VZW phone sales and got it Tues after the launch. Anyone ideas? Is it on yours? Are you ex alltel on a alltel plan? (i am)


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'Exports' are any items (e.g., commodities, software, technology, certain materials, devices and technical information related to such materials and devices) sent from the U.S. to a foreign destination. Exports include the release or sharing of restricted technology or data with foreign nationals inside or outside the U.S. (including oral sharing of data).
'Export Controls' are the U.S. federal laws and regulations that restrict the flow of exports outside the United States or to foreign persons within the United States. The laws and regulations require federal agency approval before the export of controlled items (exports) to restricted foreign countries, persons and entities (including Universities).
Why do Export Controls Exist? The U.S. Government Export Control laws and regulations exist to protect national security and foreign policy interests.
Deemed Exports: An export of technology or source code (except encryption source code) is "deemed" to take place when it is released to a foreign national within the United States.
A relatively small percentage of total U.S. exports and reexports require a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). License requirements are dependent upon an item's technical characteristics, the destination, the end-user, and the end-use.
The BIS states that you, as the exporter, must determine whether your export requires a license.
When making that determination, the following factors must be considered:
What are you exporting?
Where are you exporting?
Who will receive your item?
What will your item be used for?
"Items" in the campus setting are usually information, whether it be information derived from research or a study, or a faculty member publication.
Campuses should contact their General Counsel and the campus International Departments to make a determination as to whether or not the export will require a license.
For questions about whether or not you need to apply for an Export License, see the U.S Bureau of Industry and Security Frequently Asked Questions Guide to Export website.
"A U.S. export license requirement from the Department of Commerce can be triggered by several important factors specific to your transaction: the actual item (commodity, software or technology) being exported, where it is going, who is going to use it, and what they will be using it for. If any of these factors change in your transaction, the license requirements may change."
"The Department of Commerce does not regulate all goods, services, and technologies. Other U.S. Government agencies have export control responsibilities for regulating more specialized exports. For example, if you are shipping military goods, your item may be subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls at the Department of State. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries, terrorism sponsoring organizations, and international narcotics traffickers."
See Bureau of Industry and Security Website on how to apply for an export license
Deemed Export Attestation
Memo from the SUNY Office of General Counsel (University Counsel in 2010) regarding the new I-120 Export Attestation Form, 2010
Memo advised campuses to complete the following steps:
SUNY General Counsel's Office Deemed Export FAQ
Information on Export Attestation for Form I-129,
January 2011, by Colleen L. Caden and Jeffrey C. Johnson, Pryor Cashman LLP
The SUNY Research Foundation conducts regular training for principal investigators.
The Office of General Counsel is also available for consult on individual basis.
Introduction to the Commerce Departments Export Controls,
U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security
"The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and reexport of most commercial items. The EAR do not control all goods, services, and technologies. Other U.S. government agencies regulate more specialized exports. For example, the U.S. Department of State has authority over defense articles and defense services… This overview is designed to give people who are new to exporting, and, in particular, new to export controls, a general understanding of our regulations and how to use them. However, nothing provided here can substitute for consulting the EAR. The EAR include answers to frequently asked questions, detailed step-by-step instructions for determining if a transaction is subject to the regulations, how to request a commodity classification or advisory opinion, and how to apply for a license."
Guidance on the Commerce Department's Reexport Controls,
U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security
"The United States Department of Commerce regulates exports and reexports of "dual-use" items, i.e., goods, software and technologies with commercial and proliferation/military applications, through its Export Administration Regulations (EAR). If you are outside the United States and wish to export or reexport an item that is of U.S. origin or that has a U.S. connection, your product may require a license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). This overview is designed to give an understanding of our regulations and how to use them."
SUNY Research Foundation Export Controls Website
The SUNY RF maintains an excellent resource page related to Export Controls, and specifically, an Export Controls overview for Principal Investigations in the research context
Deemed Export Frequently Asked Questions, Deemed Export License Resource, Bureau of Industry and Security website on how and when to apply for a 'Deemed Export' license
Deemed Export Regulation Q&A, Bureau of Industry and Security website
Deemed Export Process Improvements and Guidance on Renewals and Upgrades, Bureau of Industry and Security Website
Guidelines for Preparing Export License Applications Involving Foreign Nationals, Bureau of Industry and Security Website
Certification Pertaining to the Release of Controlled Technology or Technical Data to Foreign Persons in the United States, Bureau of Industry and Security Website
Export Controls Classification Number (ECCN) Guidance,
U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security
"An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is an alphanumeric designation (i.e., 1A984 or 4A001) used in the CCL to identify items for export control purposes."... "An ECCN categorizes items based on the nature of the product, i.e. type of commodity, technology or software and its respective technical parameters.... If your item is subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce, you should first determine if your item is designated by an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) on the Commerce Control List (CCL). The ECCN is a key factor in determining whether you need a license to export dual-use items outside of the U.S.." The guidance document clarifes how to request an ECCN.
The information contained on the SUNY Compliance website is for general campus guidance only and is not intended, nor can be relied upon, as legal advice or the imposition on SUNY campuses of specific policies or requirements. The site is intended to be an informational-only clearinghouse for some of the laws, rules, and regulations that may impact the State University of New York's campuses. Additionally, given the rapid, changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, there may be delays or omissions contained on this site which therefore cannot be relied upon as complete. For complete compliance information, consult your campus compliance officials. For legal advice, consult your lawyer.


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Natural user interfaces, movement, and emotion (Google Talk)
A Purdue ENE student posted this video on Facebook, and after watching, I had to curate it here. The idea is so simple, and so brilliant – after seeing the video, all I can say is "duh! – it makes perfect sense!"
Here's the brief summary:
- we have the technology to interface with computers using movement – aka Natural User Interfaces (NUI) – like Xbox Kinect.
- movement of the body is related to emotion – something yogis have known for a long time, and modern research is confirming. For example, an open, expansive, body posture will make you feel happy and powerful (see, for example, this research study). Also, body posture and movement have social implications – for example, moving in sync creates liking & trust.
- Therefore, we should create interfaces that invite open, expansive, fluid body movements, in order to increase positive affect (put people in a good mood).
- Possible applications: Gmail TaiChi – Using TaiChi movements to sort through your Inbox in the morning; OR: A serious game for learning math that requires open, expansive movement is likely to reduce math anxiety.
- DUH! Brilliant!
Watch Katherine Isbister's Google Talk to grasp the details of this argument, and to see applications and interesting research projects:
Another take on attention
Attention is one of the main themes of this blog, something I like to think and teach about – and what I see as the scarcest, and therefore most precious resource in our connected lifestyle.
I came across a view of attention in a book about Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine from India:
"Ayurveda says that attention happens when prana goes out and carries the vibration of awareness toward the object. Thus, attention is awareness plus prana, movement."
Prana is the essential life energy, also known as qi/chi or ki in Chinese and Japanese traditions, respectively.
It's interesting to think of attention as more than focusing the mind on something, but also directing, or giving of your own energy to the object of attention. If you think about it that way, attention becomes even more precious – it's almost a giving of the self.
The view that includes energy in attention might also explain why people "feel" someone's gaze and all of a sudden turn around to meet it. Do they feel the energy, the prana? Could it be that even us Westerners who have not developed our potential to feel and work with energy (like Yoga, Tai Chi, and other traditions do) – feel it anyway, even though we don't quite have a name for it?
Does it change anything for you, to think of attention as giving of yourself, directing your energy towards someone/something else?
New Research Project – Help, Please!
Update 2/26/2010: Thank you to all who have participated in this research. The survey is now closed.
I'm working on a new research project about how people manage identities across social networks, and I need your help!
If you are over 18, live & work in the U.S. and use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter on a weekly basis, could you please take my survey? It should take you about 10-25 minutes to fill it out.
Participation is voluntary, but if you complete the survey, you have a 1 in 50 chance of winning a $15 amazon.com gift certificate.
I'd much appreciate it if you pass on the link to this post to your contacts!
Please read the information sheet before you proceed to the survey:
Managing Identities Online
Mihaela Vorvoreanu, Ph.D.
Purdue University
Computer Graphics Technology
Purpose of Research
This research project aims to understand how people manage their identities and relationships with various groups across social networks.
Specific Procedures
To participate in this research, please fill out this online survey.
Duration of Participation
Participation should take between 10-25 minutes.
All research carries risk. The risks associated with completing this research are minimal risks which are found in everyday life.
There are no direct benefits to you from participating in this research. The questionnaire may help you reflect on your participation in online social networks. The research results may benefit society at large, because we need to understand cultural trends and practices.
You may opt to participate in a random drawing for a $15 amazon.com gift certificate. To be eligible for the drawing, you must answer all the questions on the survey. One in 50 participants will win a $15 gift certificate.
The survey does not ask for any personally identifiable information. All research reports will present aggregate data, or quotations without any context that makes it possible to identify the source. The survey results will be stored in a locked cabinet within a locked office at Purdue University for 5 years, after which, they will be destroyed. The project results will be disseminated at research conferences and in specialty research journals. The project's research records may be reviewed by departments at Purdue University responsible for regulatory and research oversight.
Voluntary Nature of Participation
You do not have to participate in this research project. If you agree to participate you can withdraw your participation at any time.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about this research project, you can contact Dr. Mihaela Vorvoreanu, 765-496-7709, mihaela at purdue dot edu. If you have concerns about the treatment of research participants, you can contact the Institutional Review Board at Purdue University, Ernest C. Young Hall, Room 1032, 155 S. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114. The phone number for the Board is (765) 494-5942. The email address is email@example.com.
Documentation of Informed Consent
By clicking the link to proceed to the survey, I certify that I have had the opportunity to read this consent form and have the research study explained. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the research project and my questions have been answered. I am prepared to participate in the research project described above. I can print out a copy of this information sheet for my records.
The survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest!
Thank you!!!
Mihaela / Dr. V
Research Focus: The Social Internet
This is the course I'll be teaching at Purdue this Fall. I'm so excited, I can't wait for the semester to start already! It is a Ph.D. level seminar, open to Master's students too, open to all departments.
If you're a Purdue graduate student interested in taking the course and have any questions, feel free to contact me (my Purdue username is my first name, Mihaela. You can figure out the rest).
Thank you, dear friend Rashee of Pulchitrude Graphic Design for the flier!
Things I'll miss
As we get ready to move out of S.C., I'm making mental lists of things I'll miss, and hey, why not share the good stuff with you?
First, foremost and most badly I'll miss practicing yoga at North Main Yoga, and specifically, my teacher, Liz. I am hopelessly addicted to her teaching style, kind energy, and the complete bliss I experience after practicing under her guidance.
Second, I'll miss working with Clemson students. They're bright, honest, nice people; excellent writers; and once you figure them out, it's SO easy to help them succeed. I've never worked with students who have made me so proud in such a short time!
Then, there's eating. The Village Baker in Pendleton is a little European piece of heaven: pastries, cookies, sandwiches, more pastries. I'll miss our late Saturday lunches there, and in Greenville: the pecan pie at High Cotton, the chef's creativity at Lazy Goat, the Thai food at Sweet Basil on Pelham, and of course, the gelato at Luna Rosa.
I'll miss my hair stylist, kind and attentive Maggy – now at Tangles in Clemson.
I'll miss the colorful flowers, and the scent of gardenias on warm summer nights.
To all the things and people I won't miss (y'all know who you are): I wish you'll find confidence and peace, so you can open your minds and hearts, and maybe experience kindness now and again. Namaste!
Leaving Clemson
I broke the news on Twitter last week, but here is a more detailed account of the events in my life. In the past 10 days, I:
– accepted a job offer at Purdue University
– resigned from my position at Clemson University
– looked for a house in West Lafayette, Indiana
– found a house in West Lafayette, Indiana
– put an offer, negotiated, etc., etc. – and now my husband and I are this close to being home owners.
It's been a whirlwind: Things are happening much faster than my bewildered mind can process. So maybe writing will help.
As I write this, I think of my Clemson PR students, who I will miss dearly. They've been the best students I've ever worked with, and my heart is breaking knowing I'm leaving them. They're bright, quick learners, amazing writers. If you haven't hired them already, there might be a couple left. 🙂
So, why am I leaving? (actually, both my husband and I are leaving).
Many of you know that during the past 3 years it has become clear to both Krishna and me that Clemson (and Seneca), South Carolina cannot ever feel like home for us. We both come from large, crowded cities, and the quiet, rural lifestyle is … killing us (softly).
We'll both be tenure-track faculty at Purdue, Krishna in Engineering Education, and I have a joint appointment in the College of Technology, shared between two departments: Computer Graphics Technology and Organizational Leadership & Supervision.
There will be some changes in my research and teaching focus: less PR (possibly no PR), a lot more technology – and its impact on culture, society, and communication. I will be teaching mostly graduate courses, at the Master's and Ph.D. level.
This move is a bit sideways and up, and although I am very sad to step away from teaching PR (it will still be part of my research agenda), I am excited to tackle some research projects I've had in mind for a while now, that didn't quite fit in with my PR-oriented research agenda.
I've done my best to make sure my PR students at Clemson are well taken care of. Dr. Denham has agreed to take over as PRSSA adviser, and I am so grateful and relieved that he's stepping in!
Next semester, two wonderful instructors will be teaching a section each of the PR Principles class – and one of them might already be your twitter friend!
Dr. Hawkins, the CU Communication Studies Department Chair, has expressed a strong commitment in maintaining the momentum we have built here in PR @ CU, and I will do whatever I can to help her – and you.
If you were my student, I want you to know that I will always think of you as my student – and possibly friend. I will always be happy to hear from you and to be in touch. Follow me on twitter (@prprof_mv – should I change my user name?), friend me on LinkedIn – stay in touch.
To all of my wonderful PR friends from Greenville (you know who you are) – with twitter, facebook, linkedin, and whatever comes up next, we have no excuse for not keeping in touch! So, let's.
To all my blog readers (both of you 🙂 – I don't know which way this blog will go, but it'll keep going, with some break while my life settles down into a routine after the move.
Like all big life changes, this one is bitter-sweet, exciting, exhausting, exhilarating… send me good thoughts, and you know you'll get them back 🙂
Mantras for Strategic Public Relations
Stimulated by Shel Holtz' post about the 4-step strategic planning process, I want to share with you some "mantras" (PR principles) about strategic public relations that I (try to) drill into my students:
– Strategic PR begins and ends with research (from Dr. Carl Botan, George Mason University)
– Strategic PR is goal-oriented
– Strategic PR has data or theory-based reasons for all decisions (decisions are never random)
– Good research takes the guesswork out of PR
Do you practice these? What do they mean to you? Do you have your own mantras to add?


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system-repair-software.com – fraudulent site associated with System Repair virus
secure-system-repair-software.com is a site you need to avoid by all means. In fact, it doesn't even exist. This unreal site is yet used in the interface of System Repair fake hard drive defragmenter as a way to collect funds from deceived and tricked users. However, paying money for this program is a serious mistake on the part of users. Regretfully, many people have been already tricked and scared by this program and the bunch of fake system errors, notifications and alerts reported by it during the bogus scan of your system. Here is how this fraudulent web-site looks like:
Without a doubt, you should ignore all offers of System Repair scam to buy its license. The reason why this program exists is to make money for its developers who are the pack of cyber crooks. As we've mentioned already, System Repair Trojan comes to infected systems as a fake system optimization tool. However, its infiltration isn't coordinated with user ahead of time. Thus, this rogue enters PCs without user's consent, permission or approval. While System Repair scam is up and running on the attacked computer it gives the bunch of fake system errors and bugs reported. Finally, it tells users to buy its activation key to fix all these unreal bugs. The real purchase and waste of money is done via unreal secure-system-repair-software.com site. Once again – please avoid all such purchases, which are the waste of your funds. Instead, please follow the removal guidelines to delete this scam from your system effectively and completely.
In order to remove System Repair malware from your PC it is strongly recommended that you first run GridinSoft Trojan Killer. Use Win + E" hotkey combination to open "My Computer" window. From this stage (in the address field) you may insert the address of GridinSoft Trojan Killer's site https://trojan-killer.net and download our recommended software. Install and update it, run the scan and remove all threats it finds. Then download two additional free applications called Unhider.exe and restore.exe . The download links are as follows:
- GridinSoft Unhider https://trojan-killer.net/download/unhider.exe
- GridinSoft Restore https://trojan-killer.net/download/restore.exe
Run both of them and reboot your PC. Good luck!
System Repair automatic remover:
Similar removal video at YouTube:
System Repair manual remover:
Delete System Repair files:
%AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\File_Restore.lnk
%Programs%\System Repair\System Repair.lnk
%Programs%\System Repair\Uninstall System Repair.lnk
Delete System Repair registry entries:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\[rnd_0].exe %CommonAppData%\[rnd_0].exe
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system\DisableTaskMgr 0


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Knowledge Base System and Player Secrets
One of the uses to which I intend to put this Wiki, is to help the Players maintain information specific to their characters. Certain topics will be 'locked' and can only be accessed by characters with Knowledge/Lore and Craft skills at a certain level. It is my hope that this will provide an extra level of benefit to these often neglected skills by truly granting knowledge other players won't have.
For example -a player with a Knowledge: History rank 3 would have access to additional information about the fall of the Elders beyond the Primer and Recent History entries featured here, that may make it easier to decipher clues and riddles that come up in the game.
The Player Secret feature also alllows for the GM to post additional information here that is only available to particular players. If your character made a key 'Spot' or 'Search' check during the game and therefore had information the other players didn't – I will post those sections of recap for your eyes only.


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Wonder what's on Oprah
ICE MELTING AND FALLING OFF STRUCTURES AND TREES WILL BE A HAZARD TO LIFE IN LOCATIONS OF NORTHWEST OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON WHERE SIGNIFICANT ICE HAS ACCUMULATED. AVOID STANDING UNDER TREES... TOWERS OR ROOF EDGES WHERE LIMBS... SHEETS OR LARGE CHUNCKS OF ICE MAY FALL AS THE ICE MELTS. -- Statement by National Weather ServiceI hate those "hazards to life." Let's stay in. Pass the popcorn.


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Christina lusts for just one more wild night
The 'Dirrty' singer - who is six months pregnant with her first child with husband Jordan Bratman - admitted it is difficult to avoid temptation but is very aware of the consequences of her actions.
She said: "Sometimes I wish I could go out to a party or a club and just be able to be free, but there's a consequence with the temptation - you know you'll feel it the next day when you wake up. There are too many things I have to accomplish."
Christina, 26, admits it was very difficult to avoid the trappings of celebrity when she was young.
She added in an interview with Glamour magazine: "When you hit 20 or 21 and you're around drugs and alcohol, everyone has a moment when they like to dabble in it and express themselves. It's called being young - but there is a boundary.
"You see all of these horror stories about people that have taken it too far and ruined their lives, and for me, I had so many things that I had yet to accomplish. It was just a matter of thinking, 'I don't want to waste any time and am sticking to the plan."


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It wasn't your average Monday night at the ice rink for a pair of Buffalo men's league hockey teams when Patrick Kane stopped by and offered his services.
The Chicago Blackhawks star, who recently signed an eight-year, $84 million extension with the team, took his talents to a much smaller stage as he suited up for the Piranhas Hockey Club of the Performax Hockey League in his hometown. [tweet https://twitter.com/PxHockeyLeague/statuses/491599836144496641 align='center']
Kaner showed no mercy against his lesser opponents either, lighting them up for five goals and five assists. The Piranhas destroyed Essex St. Pub (obviously, seeing as they weren't playing alongside any Stanley Cup champions) 13-5, but surprisingly Kane wasn't his team's leading goal scorer.
His teammate, Vinny Scarsella, who spent last season with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL, netted seven goals on the night, which had to be the worst night of the opposing team's goalie life.
Heads up, Buffalo, No. 88 could be coming to a local beer league near you.
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While they are commonly used, Tree structures usually don't work well for cases where user's don't know the location precisely i.e. when they are browsing
- For example, if you know the name of a Prof. but not sure which Department he is in, you will keep looking within a Tree Structure.
- It works well for things which you know well. For example if you are looking for Specifications for Maruti 800 car tyre specifications. You know you will go via Car > Suzuki > Maruti > 800 > Tyre
- These may not work for deep-information structures with similar first-level categories. This is because the first wrong choice will lead you down a complete wrong path.


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Thanks to all members of InterNations Rhineland (Duesseldorf)
I will like to thanks everybody for the wonderful times spent during the last 2 and a half year by hosting all the InterNations events in Dusseldorf and the unforgetabble moments and conversations we had at them. Lots of friends, some couples and even a marriage have been outcome from our events.
I' m sorry not having met or chat with everybody personally and I please you to apologize me.
It all started in october Protected content 10 attendees and nowadays we are Protected content members in our guest list.
I will like to thanks the locations and its managers for all the support they gave me by hosting our community.
Bar Alexander,K21,Jase,Les Halles,Schlosser,Hausbar,Skybar,Purple Lounge Melia,Tobar, Rudas Studio,St. James, Hyatt and much more in the future...
The new ambassador{s} will be introduced in the next days. I'm sure they will do a great job!
Thank you very much again! And keep enjoying InterNations!
Best wishes!


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The American Foundation for Equal Rights is dedicated to protecting and advancing equal rights for every American.
As the sole sponsor of the federal court challenge of California's Proposition 8, known as Perry v. Schwarzenegger, AFER is leading the fight for marriage equality and equality under the law for every American.Thanksgiving in the United States is often thought of in mythical terms, beginning with the Pilgrims and Native American Indians feasting together. Wikipedia has an interesting page that includes the history going back to the Spanish (a few years before the Pilgrims). Since 1863 Thanksgiving has been a national holiday in the United States.
Today the holiday is often celebrated with overeating and watching parades and sports. The idea of thanks is one that many religious and civic organizations endeavor to remind us is at the heart of this holiday. Despite political wrangling between the parties, the average person in the United States still enjoys many blessings.
The folks at AFER are making progress in gaining equality for all American citizens. As their lawsuit progresses ever so slowly through the court system, the plaintiffs took time to record a Thanksgiving message worth sharing here.
As the plaintiffs said, may you and your families have a very happy Thanksgiving.


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Wine at Home is an on-line wine store where you can sit back and have an unique shopping experience from the comfort of your own home....
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Apprenticeships Manchester is a local training provider of Apprenticeships in the Greater Manchester area of the UK. We forge relationships with suppliers of government funded apprenticeships (and grants of up to £1500 for businesses where applicable) in order to help you with your business by upskilling your current staff to increase their productivity and help with the business growth.
We currently specialise in the delivery of Technology Apprenticeships mainly in Digital Marketing and more specifically in Web and Social Media.
We are a local company offering a personalised service to local businesses by providing training in our Manchester city centre location. Our aim is to provide unbeatable value for your business by educating and empowering your labour force through technology in order to help grow your business and provide a young person with not only a job, but a career of their dreams.
Quick FAQs
Why Hire an Apprentice?
By hiring an apprentice, a business owner can really nurture and develop their own "blank canvas" into a valuable business asset. Apprentices are young, enthusiastic, loyal and can bring new ideas to your business.
According to the National Apprenticeship Service;
- 89% of employers reported that apprenticeships improved the quality of their business
- Apprenticeships boost productivity to businesses by on average £214 a week
Employer Benefits
- Apprenticeships, if done correctly, are an appreciating investment, hence they are a good business asset to have.
- Apprentices increase productivity, performance and quality, thus adding a competitive edge to your business.
- We specialise in Government Funded Apprenticeships, so the costs of apprenticeship training are lower than those involving non-apprenticeship training. Did we mention that there is potential for a Government Grant of £1500 for your business by taking on an apprentice?
- Apprentices are your "blank canvas" and thus are easier to train/"mould" into the ethos of your company and thus adopt to company values easier. This also results in an apprentice being much more likely to remain with your business and progress through becoming a vital business asset.
- We also have a referral incentive scheme for all our employers.
What is the Cost?
The cost depends on whether you are upskilling your current staff or hiring a new apprentice.
If you are upskilling your current staff via and apprenticeship, then there is no cost other than what you currently pay your member of staff. In fact, you might be eligible for a £1500 grant!
If you are hiring a new apprentice, the cost to you is the apprentice's wage. The National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage is currently £3.30 per hour and the Apprentice must work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
What Apprenticeships Do We Offer
We currently are focusing on the digital technology and business sectors. Our 2 apprenticeships are:
We will be adding more types of apprenticeships as we build out our relationships with suppliers. Visit our Apprenticeships Section for a full list.


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|02 Apr 2011
Why does my audio mess up a bit when I launch my browser?
I have noticed, while video chatting on Stickam, that when I launch a new browser window or perhaps run the Secunia PSI program that the chat audio laggs a but or quickly messes up and then goes back to normal. What are possible causes of this?
|My System Specs
|02 Apr 2011
Several, including Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
Using various audio devices, switching between them, or changing the programs that are using them can cause various noises. It can also take a moment for a switch-over to complete. It's perfectly normal.
It is a good idea to reduce the volume when switching stuff, as very "loud" ( the volume is a result of signal strength, some "switching" noises can be very loud indeed), noises of certain types are annoying and can be detrimental to your speakers etc.
Switching or starting other programs can also cause various noises.
If you use Firefox, then try this;
This will stop various embedded media from starting or switching until you click to allow it.
Regards....Mike Connor
|My System Specs
|02 Apr 2011
thank you :)
and thank you for the add-on
|My System Specs
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After IE 10 update browser does not launch
After the last IE 10 update browser does not launch. Had to go back to vers 9 ?
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When watching a video or playing an audio file in a browser (IE, Chrome and Firefox all exhibit this problem) the system crashes. The system might not crash, especially if nothing else at all is done on the machine, but it is very unpredictable. Is Windows 7 . . . - x86 (32-bit) or x64 ? X64 - the...
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Integrating MPC-HC into 7MC and launch from Media browser
Hi, Have just switched to using MPC-HC from the trials and tribulations of using TMT and PowerDVD for DVD, Bluray, AVI and MKV playback. I have set MPC-HC as an external player in media browser for file types: - MKV, bluray, DVD, AVI. This works very well for MKV and other rips in "file...
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Two CD/DVD roms - AutoPlay/launch seperate software for audio CD's
Is it possible to configure Windows 7 to automagically launch and play audio in, e.g WMP if audio CD is inserted in CD rom A, and iTunes if audio CD is inserted in CD rom B?
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Launch Manager (Quick Launch Buttons)
I now have these quick launch buttons working but I was wondering how can I change the defaut programns they open. e.g. The email button opens Outlook but I want it to open Windows Live Mail. REP will be given.
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Back in the Saddle
Hey time hackers!
It's been almost 3 months since I launched this website and blog, and almost 3 months since I've put out any content. But not to worry, all that is about to change. Time Hackers Unite is becoming a different kind of platform over the course of the next 13 months.
My whole life, I wanted to be able to help people in some way. After spending almost 2 decades collecting tips and tricks for productivity, efficiency, time management, happiness, habit forming, and just generally living a better life, I know that becoming a life coach and running a resource-driven website is what I am meant to do.
The Most Important Piece of the Puzzle
However, even with all the self-improvement books I read and the webinars and videos that I watch to keep learning, growing and evolving as a coach, I forgot one important element. This element is so crucial that I honestly should've done it even before I launched this website.
The irony is, in almost every outlet that I explore to find more tools to share with you guys about creating a life that you can be proud and passionate about, I'm reminded of this element. In fact, I tell my friends and potential clients on a daily how important it is. But still I haven't fully embraced it for myself. And that is the importance of self-love.
Major Course Correction
I recently got out of a difficult relationship. A relationship that took the last five years of my life and a lot of patience, selflessness and struggle. Because of this massive weight being lifted from my shoulders, I realized that my real focus needs to be on my own self-worth before I will be ready to fully invest in and launch my business.
I've decided that for the next 13 months, Time Hackers Unite is going to be focused on my journey through the dark throes of self-doubt and hopefully with some planning, intention, and a whole lot of gratitude for the amazing things that have already appeared in my life – I can find my way to the person who I want to be. A person who fully loves herself with a strong, steady and unbreakable commitment to resiliency and confidence.
Buckle Up Friends
I'm done living in fear of what would happen if I told my story. I'm done living with worry about how everyone else will perceive me if they know what I've been through and why I find it so hard to hold onto my own self-worth. It's time that I start writing from my heart, writing often, and giving you all the most authentic version of myself.
I know that I need to do this in order to grow but I'm also taking a year to reclaim my inner badass is so that one day, when you need a life coach and you need help re-organizing your life so that you can create the best version of yourself, I can ask you the tough questions without being a total hypocrite.
My Happiness Project
Over the next year I will be completing a happiness project. In the course of the project I hope that my readers find content that helps them, but my bigger goal is to build a foundation of self-worth that is so strong that regardless of the failures I know will still come my way, I'll be able to keep moving forward. I want to take a year to dive deep. To explore my curiosity and re-institute the healthy habits that I've been working towards my whole life and have faltered over the course of the last year as I struggled in my relationship.
I'm taking back my life, making no excuses, and making sure that the next time change comes my way, I am ready for it. I would love for you to join me, so if you are interested in starting your own happiness project for 2018, let me know!
Until next time…


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Past Projects
Our latest video: Setting Finch Beer Tanks
At American Industrial Werks our crews are proficient in machinery moving, rigging, and mechanical work. As an industrial services company, we go beyond the standard with a full range of services. We offer full installation... leveling, alignment, and anchoring, electrical, piping, concrete foundations, demolition, metal fabrication, and even services such as pallet racking and safety guard rail installation. Give us a call today to speak with an estimator.
Read about our featured service: Injection Mold Machine Relocation & Installation »
Our latest video: Setting Finch Beer Tanks


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Sunday, November 4, 2012
In Defence of Urban Fantasy
When Bastard Books did a series of guest posts discussing urban fantasy I was interested. However i was a little surprised by what was actually written. The guest posters by their own admission are for the most part not urban fantasy readers.
They give the impression that they don't really like the genre, and they have their reasons. One was due to lack of 'epicness' in urban fantasy books, and I'll cover that later. The other reasons tend to be the proliferation of sexually explicit storylines and lurid covers. The issue of highly traditional relationships to the exclusion of non-traditional pairings was also highlighted.
I was initially going to let the cover thing pass, because it's something the genre tends to be known for, and I've even made jokes about it myself. I have looked at some covers and wondered if the books themselves are set in temperate climes, which is why the people on the covers wear so little clothing. Then I actually began to think about it and realized that it's a myth. Urban fantasy by and large doesn't favour those sort of covers, paranormal romance does.
People don't seem to make a distinction between the two, and it needs to be made. Paranormal romance, and romance in this context generally stands for sex, is an offshoot of the romance genre itself. The main difference being that it features vampires and werewolves. It is true that booksellers do shelve the two; paranormal romance and urban fantasy together and there are examples of crossover, but they are definitely separate genres with their own readerships and marketing channels.
I first discovered what is recognized as urban fantasy these days the same way as many others via Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake. I liked the Anita Blake books to begin with. Anita was a tough talking, hard-edged necromancer who was hell bent on vengeance against vampires and she didn't care about the laws that protected them in the world Hamilton created for her heroine to operate in. At some point the sex became more important than the story and I gave up the series; it's still going. The Anita Blake series created their own subgenre; vampire porn.
I stayed away from the genre for some time after that, but picked up a book by Simon Green called Nightside. It was okay, but not outstanding. While reading reviews for it I noticed people referencing the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, so sought out the first book in the series; Storm Front.
I began an ongoing love affair with the Dresdens, and I still enjoy them immensely. Butcher doesn't shy away from sex, but he doesn't highlight it. It isn't the focus of the books, the story arc and Harry Dresden's interpersonal relationships are.
It wasn't until I saw Seanan McGuire win the John W. Campbell award at Worldcon 2010, the first urban fantasy author to do so, that I investigated the genre seriously. Rosemary and Rue, the first of Seanan's Toby Daye books was a revelation. No vampires or werewolves and a really interesting heroine and world. From that point on I've sought out concepts within the genre that are different. Faeries, like those in the Toby Dayes, are becoming more and more popular.
Now comes the cover criticism. Once I read it I initially agreed with it, then thought hang on, that's not right. Chris McGrath's Dresden and Toby covers never have what is thought of as a typical urban fantasy cover. They're always fully clothed and often in fairly dark settings, the one possible exception was One Salt Sea and as Toby was a mermaid at the time I think we can let that one pass.
There's Ben Aaronovitch's Folly books on which the UK covers display road maps, and what's in between them isn't what people think of as urban fantasy either. With a bi racial protagonist and African river goddesses.
I started really looking at the covers after this and thinking about them and I was hard put to find the ones with a hard bodied woman wearing a midriff bearing tank top, posing in such a way that she shows off both her toned body and her collection of tattoos. They exist, and some of them are what I term as urban fantasy, but most are for paranormal romances.
Even a series that straddles the line between urban fantasy and paranormal romance like Charlotte Harris' Sookie Stackhouses has never used a cover of that sort. The original US covers, which are still in circulation, are bright and almost cartoony in execution. The UK covers are generally a solid cover with a blood splash.
The issue of urban fantasy not being epic, well that perplexes me too. I'm yet to find an epic fantasy where the hero rides an animated dinosaur through a city scape, it happened in a Harry Dresden book, and Harry regularly saves the world, plus the actual scope of the books (it looks at tagging out around 20) is truly epic. Tanya Huff's Enchantment Emporium had a dragon in it, and some very interesting non-traditional relationships. Atticus O'Sullivan, the 2,000 year old druid from Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series took on Norse Gods in one book of that. Laura Resnick's fabulous Esther Diamond series is about a struggling actress who just happens to get herself into supernatural situations, they're more comedic than anything and the covers are wonderfully whacky.
You've even got books like A. Lee Martinez's Gil's All-Fright Diner and Catherine Jinks' Reformed Vampire Support Group which take the tropes of urban fantasy and turn them on their heads.
I haven't yet even covered Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate which took steam punk added vampires and werewolves, a wonderfully strong heroine and gave us what Jane Austen might have produced if she'd ever decided to dabble in urban fantasy.
Have a look around with eyes and mind wide open and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.
Labels: cover art, paranormal romance, Urban Fantasy
2 comments:
- AnonymousNovember 19, 2012 at 6:44 PM
I was one of those Urban Fantasy guest posters, and I was surprised that Bastard was specifically soliciting articles from bloggers who were known to dislike UF, or to at least have had bad luck with it.ReplyDelete
and now I'm really wishing i'd mentioned Ben Aaronovitch's series in my article, because that is some damn, damn good UF!
It was an odd tack to take. Maybe he didn't want to be accused of using lovers of the genre and preaching to the choir. The Folly books are great, Tad Williams new series about fallen angel Bobby Dollar is also worth a look, as is Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate, and you know I adore Seanan McGuire.ReplyDelete
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The Mushroom Tree
A Surprise for MandyPosted on 2008.01.17 at 23:38
It's my first-ever MINKEE diaper! And it wasn't as scary to sew as I thought it would be. I sewed a gift bag for my mom for Christmas using the same minkee, and it was surprisingly non-aggravating. I guess it varies from minkee to minkee, just like difficulty varies from different PULs and different velours. Some give you shit, some don't.
The fabric was cut with my old pattern, which has a little less butt coverage than my new one, but it's not too drastically different. And yes, there are nine rows of snaps, not eight. *puts bag over head* I am completely incapable of lining up snaps evenly, and there was two inches of extra room on one wing, so I added another row of snaps. No biggie.
I made it for this gorgeous little girl, Mandy's daughter Bella:
Is she not the most beautiful baby EVER?! Isn't she?? I hope it fits, Mandy!
What a hiatus!Posted on 2008.01.11 at 00:21
It's a new year and I have a brand new design for my cloth pads! After listening carefully to customer feedback, I've revamped the soaker to be contoured in the middle to give less bunching. It is also smaller all around so it fits entirely within the two outer layers. I've changed my 13-in. pads to 12-in. pads, and instead of two layers of terry, which some customers found too bulky, I've made my heavy flow pads with one layer of terry and two layers of jersey.
This new design is slightly more labor-intensive than the old, so I have raised my prices just $1 for each pad, bringing them to $5. Seconds are $4, the same price as my first-rate pads were in the past with the old design.
Check out some of the awesome new stuff I've got available! Stripey sets, gorgeous jewel tones, mini-wetbags too!
I also have my very first business cards! They're just free ones from Vistaprint, but hey, it beats having to draw and color them by hand! I also got a working printer for Christmas, so no more writing out addresses...I can use Paypal shipping! WOOHOO!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! Take 20% off now thru Dec.1st!Posted on 2007.11.18 at 22:36
Now through December 1st, take 20% off your whole order! When you go to checkout, add your Paypal address in the comment box, but do not complete payment when it takes you to your account. I will send you a revised invoice with 20% marked off your total!
Rain, rain....get lost!Posted on 2007.10.26 at 03:09
I need to get to my mom's house so I can use her sewing machine to make the cloak I'm wearing for Halloween. Uma is still in the shop; I should call and see how long it will take for them to order that part she needs. I have stock that needs to get sewn soon!
Speaking of stock, I'm revamping my mama pads. The old design had some flaws: A) the soaker always wound up too wide at the wings after trimming once the initial tack-down sewing had been done, plus it felt kinda uncomfortable with the heavy pads, and B) the bulk of the soaker was too difficult for my serger to chew through. So I made a second pattern for the soaker itself, which is now smaller around the edges so the outer layers are the only ones getting serged, and nipped in at the middle to get rid of that bulk at the wings. Here's an example with my 7-in. pads:
I've got so much awesome fabric to sew up, I am really eager to get Uma back. I plan on introducing pad sets just in time for Christmas! They'll be in the 10-in. size since that's my most popular seller, with 2 liners, 3 regular, 2 heavy, and a mini-wetbag with a cute matching pouch to put it all in inside your purse. Fun stuff!
Huge Fall Sale!Posted on 2007.10.08 at 02:09
Wow, haven't posted in a while!Posted on 2007.10.08 at 01:55
Here's a pouch sling I made for J to carry his "baby" in. Good thing I decided to make it adjustable, cuz I didn't realize that fake babies aren't quite as pliable as real ones.
I also made him a new pair of longies. I'm working on a matching hat for them right now. I've finally mastered the crotch, although the concept of short rows still escapes me. Oh well, practice makes perfect!
Wearing them at Spaghettifest last weekend.
And today, I finished something that I actually started working on several years ago and forgot about till now. I bought a plain navy jumper for $1 at a secondhand store, and although it was cute, it needed some jazzing up. I didn't have a sewing machine at the time, but I'd bought a Handistitch at Goodwill, and cut up a skirt I had that didn't flatter me so I could make the jumper a little more interesting. The Handistitch turned out to be a horrid piece of crap like most "seen on TV" stuff, and the jumper looked awful once I was done. I shoved it in a bag with a bunch of other miscellaneous craft items, put it in my mom's basement, and forgot about it.
I recently went down to her basement looking for some of my yarn, and rediscovered the jumper. I took it home, took off the crappy embellishments, and put them back on properly. Although it's still far from perfect - hey, I make diapers, not clothes, okay? - I'm pretty pleased with how it came out. I got to use one of my decorative stitches (the patchwork stitch) for the first time. Whee!
Closeup of top:
On me:
My first longies!Posted on 2007.09.12 at 02:24
Most labor-intensive thing I've EVER made. Note to self: don't ever make another pair of longies using single crochet stitches!
I tried doing short rows on the bum and royally screwed it up somehow. It got really weird, so I tucked in the corners and sewed them down inside. It looks goofy as hell when they lay flat, but you don't notice with a diaper underneath.
They're a little baggy, but I made them to grow into anyway. And yes, the pockets are crooked. They were too much of a pain to attach for me to bother going back and taking them off so I can align them better.
Pads, pads, pads galore!Posted on 2007.09.06 at 17:22
Been waiting for a chance to try cloth pads without breaking the bank? Wait no longer! I just stocked a TON of pads in all sizes and absorbancies at my Etsy store! Only $4 each, and seconds for only $3.50!
This will be the last time I will stock pads for a while, and the last two stockings sold out in no time flat, so be sure to get 'em while they're hot off the machine!
I also have available a totally new Mushroom Tree item: pouch slings! I have one available each in M, L, and XL. Only $15!
Don't forget to sign up for our mailing list to keep on top of all our new products, stocking dates, sales and more!
Where the magic happensPosted on 2007.09.05 at 04:00
I tidied up my "fabric wall" and my sewing desk today, and it looked so nice that I decided to take some pics. I love looking at pictures of people's sewing rooms online; I like seeing how other sewers organize things and utilize/decorate their space. Like this one, for example: I just wanna scamper around that beautiful room and quiver with glee! (And I don't even quilt!) I, however, have a slightly more Dumpster Chic look going on....
This may look incredibly messy, but it's actually very organized. I could sit here and label everything in the picture with a number and write out a list of what each section is, but nobody would read it and the people that did would be bored to tears. The trunks underneath it all hold some of J's outgrown/yet-to-be-grown-into clothing, and the gray totes hold my current store stock. With the exception of the totes, I got all this stuff for free, hence the mismatched look. Those apple boxes are KICKASS for storing things.
It's rare you'll see my desk looking this tidy. The milk crates on the left not only store things I am working on or about to work on, but they also keep that end of the desk up, since it is old and the leaf droops pretty severely. It is a classic sewing cabinet with a hole in the middle part, so I put a board that I think came from Adrian's computer desk over the hole. It works out pretty well, because I can move the machine back and forth this way if I need some space right in front of me for trimming or pinning. The orange shoebox sitting on the shelf in front of the chair holds my rolls of Velcro, unopened thread cones, and my eight thousand plastic craft organizers that I keep my twenty billion snaps in. That's my computer desk to the right....no, you don't get to see it, it's still a shambles since Adrian hasn't done any more work on my computer after we found out the power supply I just bought was broken.
There you have it. I'd like someday to have all my craft stuff in one room, organized in matching cabinets without a cardboard box in sight, but for now, I'm happy that I have enough room in my bedroom to store all this stuff. Yay for spacious apartments! And really, it's more practical to have my sewing desk out in the common area: I can't be holed up in a back room with a curious toddler running all over the house, plus, I can watch TV while I sew.
Tomorrow, I'm stocking TONS of new mama pads, plus some pouch slings! WOO-HOO!!!
Don't forget to sign up for our mailing list to keep on top of all our new products, stocking dates, sales and more!


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[ https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/YARN-2562?page=com.atlassian.jira.plugin.system.issuetabpanels:comment-tabpanel&focusedCommentId=14137854#comment-14137854 ]
Hadoop QA commented on YARN-2562: --------------------------------- {color:green}+1 overall{color}. Here are the results of testing the latest attachment http://issues.apache.org/jira/secure/attachment/12669482/YARN-2562.1.patch against trunk revision ea4e2e8. {color:green}+1 @author{color}. The patch does not contain any @author tags. {color:green}+1 tests included{color}. The patch appears to include 2 new or modified test files. {color:green}+1 javac{color}. The applied patch does not increase the total number of javac compiler warnings. {color:green}+1 javadoc{color}. There were no new javadoc warning messages. {color:green}+1 eclipse:eclipse{color}. The patch built with eclipse:eclipse. {color:green}+1 findbugs{color}. The patch does not introduce any new Findbugs (version 2.0.3) warnings. {color:green}+1 release audit{color}. The applied patch does not increase the total number of release audit warnings. {color:green}+1 core tests{color}. The patch passed unit tests in hadoop-yarn-project/hadoop-yarn/hadoop-yarn-api hadoop-yarn-project/hadoop-yarn/hadoop-yarn-common. {color:green}+1 contrib tests{color}. The patch passed contrib unit tests. Test results: https://builds.apache.org/job/PreCommit-YARN-Build/4998//testReport/ Console output: https://builds.apache.org/job/PreCommit-YARN-Build/4998//console This message is automatically generated. > ContainerId@toString() is unreadable for epoch >0 after YARN-2182 > ----------------------------------------------------------------- > > Key: YARN-2562 > URL: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/YARN-2562 > Project: Hadoop YARN > Issue Type: Bug > Reporter: Vinod Kumar Vavilapalli > Assignee: Tsuyoshi OZAWA > Priority: Critical > Attachments: YARN-2562.1.patch > > > ContainerID string format is unreadable for RMs that restarted at least once > (epoch > 0) after YARN-2182. For e.g, > container_1410901177871_0001_01_000005_17. -- This message was sent by Atlassian JIRA (v6.3.4#6332)


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Our guidance counselor will be sharing important information about the path to college that begins during the freshman year of high school. This is an informative and important presentation for any student about to complete Grade 8. All families interested in learning about Cornerstone's high school program are welcome!
She will also share about Cornerstone's high school program and how our staff can help prepare your child for his/her next step after high school graduation. During the evening you will also have an opportunity to meet our high school teachers and to visit our classrooms.
This event will be held in the secondary McLain Building. Registration is not required but is appreciated. Please contact the office at 860-643-0792 or firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.


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This 9-hole, par 29 course, gives you a chance to brush up on your score while surrounded by spectacular beauty. Designed by Mother Nature, this unique, executive course is nestled beneath towering cliffs covered with cedar and sage.
The full-service clubhouse is adjacent to the Heise Pizza Parlor offering mouth-watering pizzas, fresh salads and sandwiches, and a video game room.


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..In case you were wondering where I've disappeared to, I've spent most of the last week in hospital with a recurring kidney problem.
I've been home for a day and it looks as though I may have to go back.
Double Boo.
Normal service will resume soon - I promise!


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Marrickville Greens have put questions-on-notice to Council recently, and the answers don't stack up. How can Council justify $1M+ for a Trophy Project, but delay desperately needed funds for childcare centres in baby-booming Marrickville & Dulwich Hill yet another year when there's TWO THOUSAND children on waiting lists for early childhood care centres?
Meanwhile, Leichardt Council found $4M for 2 childcare centres, and the City Of Sydney Council found $55M.
In what way, exactly, is this "getting the basics right", as Marrickville Labor's slogan would have us believe?
Have a read:
We're hopping mad at Council's… skewed priorities. How about you? Have you made a submission on Council's draft budget? It only takes a few minutes… and you've got 24 hours left to be heard.


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These Berlin-based art innovations show why this German city remains such a popular tourist destination.
With tons of flair and personality, this city is booming with creativity and has a lot to show for it. From public installations to incredibly artful architecture, this metropolis is full of surprises and inspiration for anyone who stumbles through town. Known as one of the most vibrant European cities with a young vibe, Berlin is a highly desirable tourist destination for young people, and is decked out with amazing architecture and traditions.
A city with both a rich history and a bright future, it's no surprise that Berlin is the center of so much innovation. Sure to keep tourists coming in, Berlin is an unforgettable place with a unique charm.
54 Examples of Berlin-Based Art
More Stats +/-
Stir Stick Installations
3-D Graffiti
Sinister Superhero Sculptures (UPDATE)
City-Themed Typography
Realistic Cardboard Sculptures


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|A young John Favreau poses with a reel of 35mm data film, four years before he is born.
|A young John Favreau poses with a reel of 35mm data film, four years before he is born.
I spent several years of my 20's in the dark in front of a microcard reader. Many works of early American literature only exist as one or two crumbling copies in somebody's vault (usually the Newberry Library in Chicago of the American Antiquarian Society in Massachusetts). But they're all on microcard. Or they were then, but even then (1990's), major research libraries only had one or two card readers kept operative by cannibalizing parts from broken machines. I wonder what the poor grad students are doing now? I wonder. But I don't really care.
I have to believe somebody's started a project to auto-scan and convert all that important stuff from cards to digital, right? It shouldn't be that hard to do. I bet a normal scanner would have easily enough resolution, and a little program could interpret the holes / dots on the cards without too much trouble. If they can read handwriting, or text in a photo (my phone can), punch cards should be child's play.
This article was pretty ironic, considering that now you hear people going on about information overload, when back in '62, PM was trying to freak out about losing data.
"The Soviet Union has mounted a massive effort to 'brainpick' the world's recorded literature..." "...our 'brainpicking' efforts have been desultory." Gentlemen, we must not allow a 'brainpick' gap.
Remember what 'brainpicking' did to Trotsky.
Nice to see Puggsley Addams is working again.