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How to migrate from CS-Cart to Magento?
The essence of LitExtension products focuses on their friendliness to users, which means that every shopping cart owners, even who has little knowledge of technology, can follow guidance and migrate data from CS-Cart to Magento easily. You are advised that need not to consult any other sources except this understandable step-by-step guide below.
1. Preparation
- Permission to upload files to CS-Cart store
- Permission for Magento to access connector
- PHP Compatibility: PHP 5.3 or later
2. Setup
2.1. Download Migration Tool
After downloading the product zip file from our Store, please extract it into a folder.
2.2. Install Cart Migration
Target Magento Data Migration Module Setup
- Step 1: Check to see if Magento's Compilation mode has been enabled. If it has, it's vital to turn it off before installing an extension or making any code changes (go to System > Tools > Compilation).
- Step 2: Use upload file by FTP or uploaded directly to upload or copy all folders in the zip package to your Magento site root folder. This will not overwrite any existing files, just add new files to the folder structure.
- Step 3: If you are using Magento's compilation mode, you need to hit the "Run Compilation Process" button to update the compiled state with the newly installed extension (go to System > Tools > Compilation).
- Step 4: Log into your Magento admin console and go to System/Cache Management. Click "Clear Storage Cache".
- Step 5: Log out admin panel and log in again ( this is a normal behavior of Magento ).
- Step 1: Access to Magento store by using FTP program and upload 'Apps' folder to Magento root folder.
- Step 2: In SSH console of your server navigate to your store root folder:
cd path_to_the_store_root_folder
run these commands:
php -f bin/magento module:enable LitExtension_Core
php -f bin/magento module:enable LitExtension_CartMigration
php -f bin/magento setup:upgrade
php -f bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy
- Step 3: Flush store cache; log out from the backend and log in again.
- Step 4: Allow Admin Account Sharing, to ensure the migration progress will not be stopped when you login Admin from another place. Please go to Backend > Stores > Configuration > Advanced Tab > Admin > Admin Account Sharing change to "YES".
2.3 Install Connector for CS-Cart
- Step 1: Access to CS-Cart store by using FTP program
- Step 2: Upload the folder 'Magento_connector' to CS-Cart root folder
- Step 3: Test the connector by accessing http(s)://yourstore.com/magento_connector/connector.php. Connector is set up successfully if getting message "Connector installed".
- Step 4: For security, open connector.php in 'connector' folder, find this very first line:define('LECM_TOKEN', '123456');And change "123456" to another string which used to enter to the Migration Form (Cart Token) and acts like "password" to prevent unauthorized data access to your source store.
3. Enter license key
License Key is an encoded string which comes with your download package. This key is needed to activate your Migration Tool.
After purchasing the product, please login to our store and enter "My downloadable products" section. Here you will find download link and license key for the download package.
Login your Magento Target Store backend, select Cart Migration > Configuration, and copy and paste your license key here
4. Migration
4.1 CS-Cart setup
Fulfill information in the setup table:
- Cart Type: Choose 'CS-Cart'
- Cart URL: Your CS-Cart URL
- Token: The token string which has been configured in connector.php
4.2 Migration Configuration
- Root Category: the category of current Magento store to import all CS-Cart categories into.
- Product Attribute Set: select an Attribute Set which is used to import products, all necessary attributes in migration process will be created in to this set.
- Languages Mapping: If your CS-Cart is multilingual, corresponding languages ( or storeviews) should be available in Target Magento Store. You may need to create additional languages in Magento Store to avoid data loss.
- Currencies Mapping: Assign CS-Cart currencies to proper Target Magento Store currencies. Creating currencies in Target Magento Store may be needed.
- Orders Status Mapping: Assign CS-Cart order statuses to proper Target Magento Store order statuses. Creating additional order statues in Target Magento Store may be needed.
- Entities to Migrate: select all entities to migrate or just a part of them.
Additional Options:
- Migrate recent data: if you choose this option, it will migrate new data only. Supposed you have just finished a full migration from your current CS-Cart to Magento, after that CS-Cart store is still live and continue getting new data, and you want to get your Magento updated with the new data, select this feature to avoid starting over again.
- Clear current data on Target Store before Migration: if you choose this option, all current products, categories, manufacturers, customers, orders, product reviews, taxes will be cleared.
- Migrate categories and products SEO URLs: if you choose this option, old SEO urls of source will be preserved in Target Magento Store, allowing you to maintain your Pagerank.
- Transfer images in product descriptions to Target Store: download all images in product description into your store so that it won't have to refer back to your CS-Cart or anywhere else for images.
- Preserve Customer IDs on Target Store: this will help you preserve your old Customer IDs for easier reference.
- Preserve Order IDs on Target Store: this will help you preserve your old Order IDs for easier reference.
4.3 Migration
The migration will take place automatically in this final step. In order for it to progress, you should not close your browser of remove Source Cart Connector.
After the migration is completed, click on "Clear Cache and ReIndex Data" to finish.
That's all about migration process which can be carried out yourselves. Technical knowledge and skills are not necessary to use LitExtension shopping cart migration tools. Hope that with this detailed guide and attached video, online store owners don't hesitate to try our live demo and decide to use our CS-Cart to Magento migration tool– optimized solution for your online business.
You can also consider to migrate CS-Cart to other target carts:
Migrate CS-Cart to WooCommerce
If you have any question, please feel free Contact us for more support.


text: Hello all - I changed my ISP provider and am trying to restore my services. I have changed my DNS entry to point my new external IP Address. Time has elapsed for the DNS entry to propagate. On my Debian server, I can successfully ping my website domain, but when I go to a browser, I get "Page cannot be displayed". Any thoughts what could cause this ? Thanks ! Mike

subset: commoncrawl


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The Sebring 12 Hour endurance race is the oldest event of its kind in the United States. Now in its 62nd year, Sebring hosted a new sanctioning body this year called the United Sports Car Series (USCS). The USCS merged the Grand Am and American Le Mans Series (ALMS) into one championship. The Le Mans prototypes (LMP-1) are no longer eligible to compete for the top spot on the podium. Instead the former Grand Am Daytona Prototypes (DP) and the ALMS LMP-2 entries now compete for top honors in the Prototype (P) class. At Daytona the DP Corvettes swept the first four finishing positions. The LMP-2 cars are lighter and have a lot of downforce, which makes them slower on high-speed tracks like Daytona. They qualified almost 4 seconds a lap slower than the Corvette DP's at Daytona. Sebring was a different story. The Action Express Corvette won the pole with a time of 1:51.917. Second fastest went to a former LMP-2 Nissan Morgan with a time of 1:52.086 or 0.17 of a second slower. This tight bumpy circuit seemed to favor the former LMP-2 competitors as predicated.
Corvettes also competed in the GTLM class against Porsche, Viper, BMW and Ferrari. The No. 4 C7.R of Gavin/Milner/Liddell was Fourth in class, 0.29 seconds behind the pole winning Porsche. The No. 3 Corvette driven by Magnussen/Garcia/Briscoe was Fifth fastest 0.31 seconds behind the Porsche. Both Corvettes started in 29th and 30th positions.
A large starting field of 64 competitors in four classes took the green flag at 10:10 a.m. under mild clear skies. The first hour saw a variety of yellow flags caused by spins and crashes. The initial one was due to a high-speed spin at 19 minutes and the car was unable to continue. During the yellow flag Antonio Garcia came together with another car and damaged the nose of his No. 3 Corvette. At the same yellow flag the No. 33 GTD Viper caught on fire causing further delay. The No. 3 took this opportunity to pit for a 6:19 minute stop to repair the nose damage. This pushed the No. 3 down one lap in the GTLM class. The race resumed at 11:34 a.m. after a 1h 18m delay. Yellow flags became a pattern for the remainder of the race. In the Prototype class, five cars battled for the top position. Only one Corvette DP from Action Express was able to keep pace with the competition.
The GTLM battle was fierce between Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, and Viper. The No. 4 Corvette stayed at or near the top of the class from the 6th to the 11th hour. Unfortunately, a couple of spins and an engine going off song pushed the No. 4 down into the Sixth place finishing position in 17th place, one lap behind the class winner. Porsche took first followed by Viper, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche and Corvette. The No. 3 C7.R was doing quite well until it had to pit at 8h 43m to change a fuel pump. Shortly after Magnussen resumed racing he had to return to the pits to serve a stop and go penalty. It was for too many people over the pit wall during the repair stop. The No. 3 finished 8th in class and 19th overall.
When the checkered flag fell at 10:10 p.m. a Ford Riley was First, a Honda LMP-2 (P) Second, and the No. 5 Action Express Corvette took Third. All three were on the same lap and after 12 hours of hard racing the Corvette was only 8.97 seconds behind first place. The new series is providing some exciting racing, but the numerous yellow flags were a distraction for the fans. Overall the USCS merger looks like a successful move and we wish them continued success.
Action at the Corvette Coral
If you own a Corvette and you like to take your pride and joy to races here is a tip for you. Sign up to park at a Corvette Corral. Chevrolet and Corvette Racing opened a well thought out Corral at the recent 12 Hours of Sebring. It is located near the circuit's entrance and offers safe parking and a perfect view of the track action. The first 100 owners are invited to take a parade lap around the famous Sebring racecourse on Thursday. Besides the parking, grandstands and a large tent to help you stay out of the sun, another treat is available. The Corvette Racing paddock is open for owners to visit and inspect the awesome C7.R race car.
Many noted guests put on presentations throughout the weekend. This year Tadge Juechter and Harlan Charles were on hand to answer questions about current and future Corvettes. Drivers also visited to add their autographs to posters, hats, car models, shirts, etc. If you are planning on attending a United Sports Car event, make a reservation to see the races at a Corvette Corral. It's a great way to meet other owners and enjoy the company of people who share your Corvette passion. (202)


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Internet Freedom Fighter of the Day: President Obama Gets Tough on Net Neutrality
Obama made his first big push in the fight for Net Neutrality Monday, with a statement encouraging the FCC to keep the Internet open and free.
"There are no gatekeepers deciding which sites you get to access. There are no toll roads in the information superhighway," Obama says in the accompanying video, which opens with a playful little "buffering" animation.
FCC chair Tom Wheeler proposed new Internet traffic rules earlier this year, and millions of people commented on the FCC website in protest.
From his statement:
"Net neutrality" has been built into the fabric of the Internet since its creation — but it is also a principle that we cannot take for granted. We cannot allow Internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict the best access or to pick winners and losers in the online marketplace for services and ideas. That is why today, I am asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to answer the call of almost 4 million public comments, and implement the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality.
Obama also emphasized that ISPs shouldn't block sites that are legal or throttle a user's service.
- Reposted by


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Living, Dreaming, Dying
This eBook is available from the following online stores
Amazon eBook DownloadBefore you go, sign up to receive news & promotions from Shambhala.com
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The Tibetan Book of the Dead is one of the best-known Tibetan Buddhist texts. It is also one of the most difficult texts for Westerners to understand. In Living, Dreaming, Dying, Rob Nairn presents the first interpretation of this classic text using a modern Western perspective, avoiding arcane religious terminology, keeping his explanations grounded in everyday language. Nairn explores the concepts used in this highly revered work and brings out their meaning and significance for our daily life. He shows readers how the Tibetan Book of the Dead can help us understand life and self as well as the dying process.
Living, Dreaming, Dying helps readers to "live deliberately"—and confront death deliberately. One thing that prevents us from doing that, according to Nairn, is our tendency to react fearfully whenever change occurs. But if we confront our fear of change and the unknown, we can learn to flow gracefully with the unfolding circumstances of life rather than be at their mercy.
Of course, change occurs throughout our life, but a period of transition also occurs as we pass from the waking state into sleep, and likewise as we pass into death. Therefore the author's teachings apply equally to living as well as to dreaming and dying.
Through meditation instructions and practical exercises, the author explains how to:
News & Reviews
- Explore the mind through the cultivation of deep meditation states and expanded consciousness
- Develop awareness of negative tendencies
- Use deep sleep states and lucid dreaming to increase self-understanding as well as to "train" oneself in how to die so that one is prepared for when the time comes
- Confront and liberate oneself from fear of death and the unknown
"The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a guide to liberating the mind from illusion in the bardo of death. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to train the mind in this life by developing kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Rob Nairn is offering a modern psychological perspective with the hope that it will be easier for people to understand and apply these ancient teachings to their lives." —His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa
"This book will benefit many beings." —His Eminence the Twelfth Tai Situpa
"Rob Nairn integrates the insights of Jungian psychology with the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism to explain the relationships between day-to-day life, our experience of dreaming, and the opportunity for enlightenment that arises when we die. This excellent book speaks directly to the reader in a style free from jargon, and shows with great clarity how we can begin right now to prepare for a skillful death." —Francesca Fremantle, author of Luminous Emptiness: Understanding the Tibetan Book of the Dead and co-translator, with Chögyam Trungpa, of The Tibetan Book of the Dead
"Beautifully written, Living, Dreaming, Dying is at once a profound description of and an accessible guide to the most fundamental aspects of ourselves—the great mysteries of birth, death, and what lies between. Highly recommended." —Joseph Goldstein, author of One Dharma: The Emerging Western BuddhismReader Reviews


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Now that the Clintons have bared much of their financial life, in the form of tax returns going back to 2000, will voters view them any differently?
Probably not, unless further revelations about the former president's business dealings raise red flags, analysts say. There was never any doubt that the Clintons have become quite wealthy since leaving the White House in January 2001, starting with the bestselling books both Bill and Hillary have written. In addition, former President Clinton is active on the global lecture circuit, at times commanding well into six figures per speech, and has engaged in lucrative investment partnerships.
When the Clintons left the White House, they faced massive debts – reportedly, about $12 million – from legal fees incurred during various investigations, but they have long since paid them off.
Now, voters in Pennsylvania and in the other remaining primaries have new information to weigh as they decide between Senator Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. In the past eight years, according to the returns released Friday afternoon, the Clintons earned $109 million, almost half of that ($51.9 million) from the former president's speeches. They paid $33.8 million, or 31 percent of their gross income, in taxes. They donated $10 million to charity, including to their own family foundation.
The irony for Senator Clinton is that it's the lower-income, working-class segment of the Democratic Party that has tended to support her, while the far less wealthy Senator Obama has attracted higher-income voters. But American voters often don't begrudge wealthy candidates their money; many aspire to wealth themselves.
"Wealth by itself will not be a problem for her, but the means by which she acquired it could raise some questions," says Jack Pitney, a political scientist at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif.
Clinton's strength with lower-income voters comes in part from her husband's presidency, and memories of the economic prosperity of that eight-year period. When the Clintons were just starting out in politics, Bill could tout his humble origins. Hillary came from a more middle-class family, her father a successful small-business man. Now, the question is whether voters will look at the Clintons and believe they still know what it's like to face financial challenges.
On the campaign trail, both Obama and his wife, Michelle, talk about their own modest family backgrounds and how it hasn't been that long since they paid off their student loans.
But their days of financial struggle are clearly over. When the Obamas released their 2000 to 2006 tax returns last month, they presented a picture of a two-career couple that began the decade comfortably (earning $240,505 in 2000) and can now be called wealthy. In their best year, 2005, their combined income was $1.6 million, including $1.2 million in earnings for Senator Obama's bestselling books. In 2006, the couple made almost $1 million.
Still, the Obamas are not Clinton-level wealthy. And their financial picture is far less complicated than the Clintons' especially given the former president's business dealings with fundraisers for both Clintons' campaigns and with donors to the Clinton presidential library in Arkansas. Bill Clinton's best-known business associate, billionaire Ron Burkle, is the founder of the Yucaipa investment firm and a "Hillraiser," the title for those who raise more than $100,000 for Hillary's '08 campaign. Bill has earned at least $12.6 million as an adviser and rainmaker for Yucaipa since 2003.
Yucaipa's dealing with the government of Dubai and with a Chinese media company could present a conflict of interest to Senator Clinton if she becomes president, and Bill Clinton is reportedly set to sever his ties to the company if his wife wins the nomination.
The origins of the Clintons' wealth became a campaign issue when Clinton revealed in February that she had loaned her campaign $5 million, and was reportedly prepared to donate up to $15 million.
"The Clintons have now made public 30 years of tax returns, a record matched by few people in public service," Clinton campaign spokesman Jay Carson said in a statement. "None of Hillary Clinton's presidential opponents have revealed anything close to this amount of personal financial information."
Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, has not released past tax returns. Candidates aren't required to release their tax returns, but the practice has become customary.


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Locker RegistrationPage address: https://www.mnsu.edu/campushub/otherservices/locker/
Lockers are the property of the University. At no time does MSU relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students.
Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by MSU authorities for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.
The personal possessions of students within a locker may be searched only when MSU authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or MSU rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student's personal possessions, MSU authorities must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or MSU officials.


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Aluminum extrusion's endless opportunities
The advantages of aluminum are to a great extent based on their manufacturing method. Extrusion provides unique construction and design possibilities.
The extrusion process starts with ingots of aluminum alloy. We cut these into smaller logs, or billets, and heat them in an induction furnace to the right extrusion temperature.
The heated billet is forced through a die under great pressure, and the finished extrusion is squeezed out of the die like toothpaste from a tube. It is then cooled using air or water.
Aluminum extrusion
With the extrusion process, aluminum can be shaped in almost any way desired. This provides unique construction and design possibilities, which is a good foundation for creating products that contribute to sustainable development.
Once cooled, the extrusion is stretched to relieve any stress and to give it the desired straightness. We check surface quality and the dimensions that are important to the function of the profile. It is then cut to a suitable length, or to the length requested by you.
The final strength of the material is controlled through natural or artifical aging.
We have extrusion presses in all sizes at manufacturing locations near you, and the technical competence that makes sure you receive exactly what you need.


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cause 15% damage does reduce the DPS stat alot
Why can you not just tell us the truth from the beginning? This is not the first stealth nerf, but I hope to god it is the last, Ubisoft are fast becoming a joke now, and all of these lies and hidden truths is doing you no favours, stop pretending and saying Ubisoft care, and SHOW US!!!
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!!! And so far Ubisoft/massive's actions show they don't care, or that you think we are not smart enough to notice you taking more from us than you said you would.
The G36 has still the best bullet dmg in combination with high rpm and ok-ish recoil and you guys moan like little girls, because you need an OP weapon to compensate your lack of skill/knowledge, when fighting lvl35 npc?
You need no more than 200k base dps for pve endgame content, as you are using buffs to increase the damage.
Further to this; and this is a big one; you tell us it's damage is being reduced 15% and well ok that's fine, I understand Massive are simply pushing back the issue of npc bullet-sponge effects - but don't tell us only part of the nerf thinking that the community won't data mine the truth out?
If there's one thing Massive lack, it's trust from the community. Full disclosure is surely your only way to repair that trust!
Your customers have paid for a product which has been plagued with issues, inconsistencies and imbalances. It's time you address these before any new content. Wasn't 1.3 supposed to balance weapons? Sure the shotgun stagger has helped a bit, the LMG damage etc - yeah it's all helped but it's not the complete re-balance I'd have expected - it's more like a bodged attempt at it. Post-1.3 I can't say there's a whole lot of balance at all. The gun meta shifted sure, but that's all you're doing - not balancing. Back to the drawing board please!
Ubi, Massive, you continue losing credibilty at every turn. Do you not realize the value of credibility? Do you not realize how trust is diffcult to regain once lost. Your behaviour here will have repercussions beyond just The Division. Do you not care about your company's future success? To not care about us the players is one thing, but it seems you don't even care about your own jobs down the road.
I can just picture a job interview for a position at say Blizzard:
-What was the last game you worked on
-I was part of the dev team for The Division
Brief silence...
-Ok, thank you for your time, we will get back to you.
You need to quit whilst your behind.
You should also be asking Ubisoft why they like to make you look stupid on their forums.
At least one other player here who knows that DPS does not mean s*it in this game. I've got an awesome 133k dps but since I know how to roll my gear and what attributes actually matter I have no problem melting the Level 35 npc's. And this is with a six piece Bli d gear. Get that whiners? BLIND GEAR.
You've got a rogue dev that hates CMs or something ?


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06/28/2017 - Sucking on a pacifier, known as non-nutritive sucking, has been thought to encourage sucking behavior and improve digestion. Researchers wanted to assess the effects of non-nutritive sucking on physiologic stability and nutrition in preterm infants. The study, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, found that non-nutritive sucking reduces the time infants need to transition from tube to oral feeding.
05/31/2017 - Researchers wanted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of capsaicin in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract that produces a burning sensation when applied to the skin. It affects the nerves and reduces the activity of pain receptors. The study, published in the Journal of Pain, found that capsaicin treatment provides modest improvements in pain and sleep quality.
04/20/2017 - Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is especially dangerous to infants until they receive a 3-vaccine series called DTaP. One study, published in Pediatrics, found that maternal Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is highly protective against infant pertussis, especially in the first 2 months of life.
03/31/2017 - Procedures can be painful to infants, but giving an infant pain medication can pose its own problems. One study found that skin-to-skin contact appears to reduce procedural pain in infants.
02/03/2017 - A food allergy occurs when the body has an abnormal immune reaction to a food, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and fish. One trial found that the early introduction of allergenic foods at 3 months in average-risk, breastfed infants is associated with lower rates of food allergy at 3 years compared to introduction at 6 months.
01/11/2017 - Children with conduct disorder have difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable manner. A recent study found that Internet-assisted parent training may improve behavior in preschool children with disruptive behavioral problems.
12/27/2016 - Cancer symptoms and treatment side effects can cause both physical pain as well as anxiety and depression. A recent study found that music interventions may have beneficial effects on anxiety, pain, fatigue, and depression in patients with cancer.
11/30/2016 - Adults who are obese are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, and other complications. Activity trackers can help you monitor and track fitness-related data, but they may not lead to weight loss in those under 35.
10/16/2016 - Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that interferes with the way a person interprets reality. Non-pharmaceutical therapies are being tried to further reduce symptoms.
09/16/2016 - Alzheimer dementia is a condition that progressively affects the ability to learn, function, and remember. Some lifestyle changes have been shown to help manage certain symptoms.
08/19/2016 - Many factors affect asthma management, including taking medications, avoiding environmental triggers, and staying physically fit. Researchers found that yoga was associated with improvements in quality of life and reduced symptoms in people with asthma.
07/31/2016 - Cancer-related fatigue can last for an extended period of time and can make it difficult to complete daily tasks and affect quality of life. Alternative treatments are gaining notice. This study showed that acupressure reduced persistent fatigue.
06/30/2016 - Previous studies have strongly suggested that eating whole grains is an effective way to lower the risk of many chronic diseases, but the amount of whole grains is not always clear. This study found that 3-7 servings of whole grain everyday was associated with a reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases.
05/24/2016 - High BMI is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults but researchers wanted to see how early this affect started. The study found that high BMI in adolescents may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life but it is too early to make a firm link.
04/20/2016 - Low back pain is a common complaint that can last a few days or weeks or become a chronic condition with significant impact on well being. Treatments can vary depending on the cause. A recent study found that exercise alone or in combination with education was most effective for preventing low back pain.


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Juston Preble necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 1945 diseños de 306 diseñadores freelance.
SMART or SMARToff road go karts
Who cares about me! But I guess some things that you need to know about me is I grew up around Motor Sports, racing bmx, dirt-bikes, mountain bikes, R.C. Cars. I'm an Eagle Boy Scout and love the adventure of the outdoors. I drive a White FORD F150-Crew Cab 4x4 King Ranch. I'm 28yrs old, married, w/ 2 Boys. I live a balanced life, bordering on workaholic. We will out pace our competition with rapid prototyping plus adjustments to make our products the very best, safest, economical, and totally bad to the bone. http://www.OGIO.com, & <http://www.briggsracing.com/racing_…index.html> these two sites are the direction that our new site will be built after. We need a logo that will pop and which we can create a brand image around.
We are targeting the adults and young teens that have not found their fun, adventure side yet. We are also targeting parents who want a safe alternative to four wheelers and dirt bikes but which also extract the confidence that this is a cool, tough, and rugged activity to actively pursue. Finally we are targeting the consumer that agrees that we can make something small, compact, portable, and affordable.
Stick with http://www.ogio.com/ & http://www.briggsracing.com/racing_…index.html and you will be sure to be on the right track to win this contest.
Make it clean. If you have any icons or mascots keep it simple and recognizable!But not to distracting from name of the company. That is it, have fun, but realize that this is still a corporation and one that plans to run with the big boys like, Yamaha, Honda, CanAm, the major extreme Mountain Bikes Companies etc...
This logo will be the foundation of all our branding.
5 Star Finalists, and those who believe their design will be a 5 Star Finalists. Three Design Layouts will be reviewed to be in our top 10 group. The first two are required to have a Single Logo Layout with a pure BLACK BACKGROUND. The 1st one must be a black and white logo. The 2nd: Can have your best color scheme. The third is your best corporate identity layout. It must at minimum have the wrist restraints displayed and your logo design on the front of the bikini top of the blue go cart provided in Juston's uploads.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Sunday, September 21, 2008
One Restaurant, Two Menus
Confused? Well, this is what happened to a friend when he dined at Imperial Kingdom with 9 of his friends. This friend of mine is a white Caucasian male, and his friends also happened to be Anglo Saxon too. In case you haven't already worked it out yet, they were subjected to the anti-racism that occurs for Anglo Saxon customers at many fine, and not so fine, Chinese restaurants around Melbourne.
Some Chinese restaurants have two menus, one in Chinese which they give to Asian looking customers, regardless of whether they can read Chinese or not. The other "sanitised" menu is given to Anglo Saxon customers, who they think will not want to eat the other types of food and who they can probably rip off more easily. It seems a strange practise given that Australian's gastronomic vocabulary has improved so much that they shouldn't give people a choice in the matter.
Many a times I have been to Imperial Kingdom and seen other tables order the banquet and be presented with spring rolls, corn soup, dim sims, lemon chicken, seafood bird's nest etc and thought to myself that a)no Asian would ever eat any of those things at a Chinese restaurant, and b)they could be trying so much more authentic and more delicious food. I'm not picking on Imperial Kingdom, just merely using it as an example as this was a real situation that occurred. When my friend was telling me about his weekend dining experience at Imperial Kingdom, before he even finished talking, I asked him if he ordered the banquet. When he said yes as that was the easiest thing to do, I started to rattle off the list of food items and he said that was what they had. The killer for me was when I said lemon chicken and plum pork. Uuugh, how many Asians ever eat lemon chicken anywhere. And plum pork is so hard to make taste right. Unless you use real pickled plums so that the dish has both a sour and sweet component, it just tastes so wrong. All restaurants use these generic ultra gluggy plum sauce that only gets served to the "gwei low" (Anglo Saxons).
It's funny how so many Chinese restaurants are still getting away with having two menus. I guess maybe I may be overestimating the palette of most Australians. Maybe a lot of people are happy with spring rolls and dim sims, but why not give everyone a choice. Some might still go for the dim sims, but others may want to try that delicious Abalone.
22 comments:
It's not anti-racism Thanh, it's racism, plain and simple. And it sucks. When I go with my (anglo) family for yum cha to many venues, it's very upsetting when some of the trolleys refuse to stop at our table. We generally have to pointedly request chicken feet, tripe and jellyfish, otherwise we don't get them!!! Grrrrrrr.ReplyDelete
Yep. Culinary racism, if you like. But of the more benign kind, mostly. I mean, many restaurateurs know that their other-ethnic customers are (1) unlikely to like certain dishes, or (2) might be weirded out by being offered chicken feet (so then not return). I'm sure some people would say it's appropriate pitching -- give each customer 'category' what they're most likely to respond positively to.ReplyDelete
Of course, with more open minded palates, this pitching starts to fail. It frustrates the hell out of me that many student eateries in the CBD have more dishes on the walls, only written in Chinese, say.
And we can't forget that there are certain types of foodies who take great pleasure in showing off that they can order off-menu and get their companion/s something special.
- Oblivion9/22/2008 12:20 PM
Maybe there is nothing to do with racism but fatism.ReplyDelete
Picture this. The restauant manager stands at the door and sees a group of people come in and then sees Fat Do!!
He shouts to his staff: Quick!! Special menu for table 5B!!
- Anonymous9/22/2008 4:59 PM
I don't think racism has anything to do with this at all. I think those restauranteurs are just pandering to their clientel in a general sense. There are obviously caucasions that like to eat all the nasty stuff, but I'd say most do not. As recently as last year, I saw a caucasion man make a dumb joke about the 'meat' in a vietnamese restaurant was cat meat. Now I think that's trully racist and ignorant. If you own a restaurant and there are dicks like that coming in, you'd try to do what you can to not stop them from coming back. It's a shame that those few dicks make it harder for the rest of us. However, as a foodie, I'm sure you'd get what you're looking for if you knew what you're looking for, even if you didn't, an adventurous foodie can always get the full food experience in any restaurant if you were polite enough to just ask.ReplyDelete
Claire, the anti-racism thing is a a private joke I have with this friend that went to Imperial Kingdom. We've had this joke for a while and the origins are quite lengthy so I won't bore you with it.ReplyDelete
It's strange how they assume you just don't want it isn't it. I think Purple Goddess had a similar experience when she went to yum cha without her usual Asian dining partner and was totally ignored with the "exotic" dishes. However, I'm sure you will put them in their place. :-)
Duncan, it's appropriate pitching if that was the reality. I think that's really changing though. I've seen many white Australians eating Pho at Springvale with the tendons and tripe etc.
The specials plastered all over the walls is definitely a frustration, even for me. My very terrible written Chinese means that I can't make out all of the specials and have to ask the waiter what some of them are.
Oblivion, hahaha, I wouldn't mind getting a special menu, as long as that menu contained more options than the regular menu.
Anonymous, I'm sure there are still people who don't anything that isn't beef or lamb. However, I think palettes are improving and people should be given an option. It's not a major problem as you say, people who want those food will seek it out. But it might open up more people's mind to the variety of food that is out there.
- Anonymous9/23/2008 1:32 PM
Hey Thanh!!!ReplyDelete
You find racism funny do you?
Do you mind if I call you Ricky Wong from now on then!!!
- Oblivion9/23/2008 3:23 PM
He's more of a Sammy HungReplyDelete
Hello I'm Ricky Wong, how are you going Jai'me?ReplyDelete
Yo Thanh,ReplyDelete
My family doesn't read Chinese, so when we go to Chinese restaurants we always have to ask for the English menus and then hide our heads in shame.
However, we don't just order from the menu. We'd usually pick a dish or 2 from the menu, and then Mum and Dad will talk to the waiters in broken Cantonese to ask for suggestions. Especially at places we visit often. Or we'll just point at another table and say "What's that?", and then order it.
I think that once you become a regular at a place, it's easier to discuss with the waiters and get good advice.
I remember once, at my family's most regular Chinese restaurant, ordering "honey pepper chicken". And the waiter said to me, "Hey just let you know, this one kwai-lo dish". So I ordered something else, LOL.
xox Sarah
p.s. Lemon chicken is a guilty pleasure of mine.. I sometimes eat it at food courts. But don't tell anyone!!!!!!
Yo Sarah, so are you the English speaking Malaysians? I thought all Malaysians spoke five dialects?????ReplyDelete
Asking the waiters is good, but sometimes they don't know everything on the menu. Obviously the more you visit a place and try out things, you'll know what's on the menu and be able to pick what you like.
Some dishes I do classify as very gwei low food. Honey pepper chicken would be one of them. I just don't like the combination of flavours. It doesn't work for me.
**gasp**, you eat lemon chicken. It's ok, I'm very partial to a Hungry Jack's burger (not Maccas, only Hungry Jacks) and KFC.
Yo Thanh,ReplyDelete
Yeah my parents are Malaysian-Chinese (they spoke Hokkien at home), and they were English educated. They also speak Malay and a bit of Cantonese. So what's that, 4 languages? Heehe.
I don't eat Maccas either, but I do like Hungry Jack's. I only eat it at the airport though, haha.
I try not to eat it too often, but I LOVE KFC. Huge generalisation, but I think most Asians do. The majority of my Malaysian friends love it.
WICKED WINGS! Hot and Spicy!
xox Sarah
I thought you would speak many dialects. I speak Teo Chew at home, which is close to Hokkien for some words. Obviously there's English (or at least Australian English, my vocab isn't that good) and I've learnt Mandarin and Cantonese. My Cantonese is really bad accent wise but ok vocab wise because I speak it to a lot of Cantonese friends.ReplyDelete
If you only eat Hungry Jack's at the airport, you mustn't eat it as much as I do. I have a Hungry Jack's opposite my house, making it all too convenient.
I think the generalisation that Asians like KFC may have some merit. I like KFC but love the Wicked Wings or the Hot and Spicy. When those are available, I only buy those.
- irisav9/30/2008 12:40 PM
My partner is what his parents call a 'banana', Thanh I'm sure you know the term.ReplyDelete
It's also an oblique way of saying my partner is asian (I'm not) but born in Australia with an aust accent stronger than mine.
I've observed the same behaviour in many restaurants and would add one more quirk. When eating at Supper Inn, when my partner orders in cantonese I'm absolutely convinced we get better food, particularly when we order flounder, we get fresher, fleshier fish.
Also I love the term 'gwei low' and how you politely interpret it as Anglo - but isn't closer to white ghost/devil?!
Irisav, yep a banana. I'm only half banana since my early childhood was spent in Asia and I can still speak Chinese.ReplyDelete
My Australian accent isn't too strong. It's a fairly neutral accent whereas some banana friends sound like they're straight from a TV show.
I'm pretty sure that you do get better quality food when you can converse with the staff in their native tongue because you feel an instant connection.
The term "gwei low" literally translates to ghost man hahaha.
Hi Thanh!ReplyDelete
Oh yay! A fellow wicked wing and hot and spicy lover. I was afraid admitting a love of KFC would be controversial in the foodie world, hehe.
I'm not too happy about the hot and spicy breast fillets though. I prefer their normal chicken pieces in the hot and spicy rather than the dry breast fillets.
I love how KFC in Malaysia has hot and spicy all year round. And how it's hotter and spicier than the hot and spicy here!
xox Sarah
Sarah, I really hate the hot and spicy breast fillets too. They are extremely dry and not tasty at all. I love all the fat and oils in the skin of the chicken wings, mmmm, mmmm.ReplyDelete
The Malaysian KFC definitely was spicier, which I liked.
Interesting thing, my mum knows someone who works for the chicken company (not sure if its Steggles or Ingham) that sells the chicken to KFC. It turns out the hot and spicy wings are pre-marinated before being shipped to KFC. The employees are allowed to buy those. So she bought some and gave some to my mum. They tasted just like the KFC wicked wings, with a different batter of course. So now I can eat wicked wings much cheaper.
I find the two menu's thing a perplexing concept. Like Sarah, my family can't read Chinese, though when I go with my parents, they can usually ask the "Captain" in Cantonese for recommendations.ReplyDelete
I prefer equity for all in terms of menu choices and don't like the idea that some diners will get different (arguably better) dishes on the basis of language capability. some might argue that the reason for this is that non-asian diners might not like the "bona fide" stuff, but I'd prefer people to make that choice themselves rather than have it imposed on them.
one pet hate is the discrimination of offering complimentary soup and dessert to asian patrons but not to non-asian ones, or even to tables with a mix of asian and non-asian diners. why shouldn't all diners receive all that is coming to them, regardless of creed?
I am also mixed about the term "gweilo". in certain contexts, it is quite insulting. nothing irks me more than waiters who smile charmingly at patrons then refer to them as gweilo behind their backs. insults hidden behind language is still an insult. I wonder what the patron's reaction would be if they had known what it meant.
on KFC, I must profess to a weakness for the Colonel, much to my partner's horror ;) it must be the asian DNA, drawing me to the deep fried goodness like crack cocaine. I am a big fan of the original receipe chicken :)
Dan, it is a very strange situation. I know that one argument is that the "Aussie" patrons may be grossed out by tripe, intestines etc, but they can easily not order those dishes.ReplyDelete
You did bring up one thing I left off. The free soup, dessert and fruit given to Asian patrons and not others is another definite bias.
Depending on how it is used, gwei low can be derogatory. But I think in most cases it's just used as a slang term for Caucasasians without any insult behind it.
I just had some more home made wicked wings today, mmmmmm yum yum.
Dan, Thanh,ReplyDelete
I *heart* KFC. My bro offered to buy it for dinner tonight, but I thought we better try and be healthy, so I'm making "sake-simmered chicken with mushrooms" and grilled miso vegetables, from an ancient copy of Delicious.
I love the free soup at Chinese restaurants!
Anyway, back to KFC. One of my friends (Malaysian) lives close to the big 24-hr Caulfield one and he's seriously addicted to it. He had a KFC party for his birthday this year, which was insane!
Thanh... so how can I get my hand on some of those home-made Wicked Wings???
xox Sarah
Sarah, you should have just been wicked and said "15 wicked wings pack please".ReplyDelete
A KFC party is insane. I think his addiction is way worse than mine, although I did suggest a KFC meal for the NRL grand final day instead of a BBQ, but that was just due to me being lazy.
Well the Wicked Wings supply currently isn't a fully flowing stream as they only sometimes offer it for sale to the employees. If I can get a lot, I will definitely contact you and you can have some.
Actually at the party, I remember trying one of everything and then feeling very, very full. Haha!
xox Sarah
Wow and this was from 2008, I thought this was the culture dating back at least 10 years ago... So I heard from others.ReplyDelete
Oh yeh we all love our KFCs. Malaysian KFCs do the best Hot and Spicy! yums!


text:
I posted a little while ago that ReSharper had updated to 4.5.1, and that the test runner in xunitcontrib worked just fine with it, even though it was actually compiled against 4.5.
Except for one little edge case – all of the xunitcontrib tests themselves.
That was a little… perturbing.
ReSharperRunnerLoggerTests.ExceptionThrownCallsReportsExceptionAndFinishesClassTask : Failed
System.IO.FileLoadException: Could not load file or assembly
'JetBrains.ReSharper.TaskRunnerFramework, Version=4.5.1231.7,
Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=1010a0d8d6380325' or one of its dependencies.
The located assembly's manifest definition does not match the assembly reference.
(Exception from HRESULT: 0x80131040)
So what's happening here?
The test runner plugin, compiled against ReSharper 4.5, is running (successfully) in the ReSharper 4.5.1 test runner. It is trying to execute its own test assembly, which is also compiled against ReSharper 4.5 (aka 4.5.1231.7). This test assembly is unable to find the ReSharper 4.5 assemblies, which are deployed into the same directory as the test assembly (I checked. Several times). And just to reiterate – the test runner plugin had no such assembly loading issues.
Surprisingly, this does make sense. It just took me a while to figure out.
Let's start with the easy stuff. The test runner plugin is working due to plain old assembly redirects. ReSharper runs tests out of process, in an executable called JetBrains.ReSharper.TaskRunner.exe. If you look in its config file, you'll see a ton of assembly redirects to map all ReSharper assemblies from 184.108.40.206 and above to 4.5.1274.1 (ReSharper 4.5.1). So, when xunitcontrib is used to run some tests, the exe fires up, loads the plugin, redirects my dependencies to the newer versions and all is well.
(xunitcontrib also runs in the devenv.exe process. A quick look at the devenv.exe.config file sees another ton of redirects. I know it's the correct way to do this, but it does feel a bit crufty stomping all of that into someone else's config…)
That explains why the test runner works. Why don't the tests?
Thanks to the very same redirects that make the test runner work.
Tests are run in the same JetBrains.ReSharper.TaskRunner.exe as the plugin, so the same redirects apply. The problem starts because the ReSharper test runner sets up some custom assembly resolving handling, meaning that when the CLR tries to find a ReSharper assembly, the test runner can point it to the ReSharper installation directory. But because the tests run in a new AppDomain, they don't get this custom assembly lookup, and so can't find the new assemblies. Annoyingly, it reports this as being unable to load the originally requested version of the assembly (the version which is in the same directory, causing lots of confusion).
There are two solutions to this.
Obvious: recompile to 4.5.1.
Simple: add an empty app.config file. When the new AppDomain is created, it uses this config file, so no more redirects and no more failing tests.
So, if you ever get stuck trying to dogfood a test runner to run its own tests in another AppDomain within the same process while redirecting assembly references - this post's for you.
Tags: xunitcontrib, resharper, appdomains, assembly redirects, app.config
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Theme by Mads Kristensen


text:
USAV Announces Boys' Youth Training Team
Kristina Harter, Intern, Communications, Phone: (719) 228-6800, E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
USAV Facebook - @USA_Volleyball
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 13, 2013) – USA Volleyball has announced the 17-player roster for the 2013 U.S. Boys' Youth National Volleyball Training Team (BYNTT).
| Connor Lammey (5) hits against Puerto Rico at the 2012 NORCECA
Continental Championship.
Of the 17 players on the training roster, only 12 will be selected to compete in the FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship to be held June 27 to July 7 in Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico. More players may be added to the training team roster as they become available.
Five of the 2013 training team players competed on the 2012 BYNT Team that netted the bronze medal last summer at the NORCECA Boys' Youth (U19) Continental Championship. The players' international experience is a valuable contribution entering the World Championships, first year U.S. Boys' Youth National Team Head Coach Colin McMillan said.
"Any time players can get international experience, it helps them in the future," McMillan said. "Players with international experience understand the difficulty and intensity of these matches." They are not intimidated. Not scared by the way other teams play. That experience is going to be invaluable."
The five returning players on this year's roster are opposite Aidan Albrecht (Old Bridge, N.J.), setter Christy Blough (Ontario, N.Y.), middle blocker Connor Lammey (West Grove, Pa.) and outside hitters Earl Schultz (Chicago) and Lee Smith (Sewickley, Pa.).
Middle blocker, Alex Pia (Johns Creek, Ga.) was also a 2012 BYNT selection, but was unable to attend the championship because of illness.
The 11 incoming players on the 2013 roster include opposites Karl Apfelbach (Shorewood, Wis.) and Clay Carr (Newport Beach, Calif.), setters Soren Dion-Kindem (Agoura Hills, Calif.) and Curtis Stallings (Chesapeake, Va.), middle blockers Christian Rupert (Chalfont, Pa.) and Matt Walsh (Chicago, Ill.), outsides Jacob Arnitz (Yorba Linda, Calif.), Colby Harriman (Rochester, N.Y.), Chris Nugent (Fair Lawn, N.J.), outside/libero Evan Enriques (Panalu'u, Hawaii) and libero Kyle Dagostino (Tampa, Fla.).
While the returners offer international experience, McMillian said he is eager to see the incoming talent from the new players.
"We have some new guys that are very talented," he said. "One of the overall strengths of USA Volleyball teams is competitiveness. There's going to be good competing in the training gym for roster spots and playing time."
The FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship overlaps the USA Volleyball Boys' Junior National Championships this year, which created a difficult decision for some players, McMillan said.
"They've played with their club teams all year and worked hard to qualify for that tournament (Junior Nationals). I'm thankful for those guys who chose to go to Worlds, knowing they had to sacrifice quite a bit to get there," he said.
In addition to McMillan, who is an assistant coach for Penn State's men's team, the 2013 coaching staff includes Dave Hunt, assistant coach at Pepperdine University and assistant coach of the 2012 BYNT, and Kris Berzins, assistant coach at Loyola University-Chicago.
"I'm very happy to have Kris and Dave on board," McMillan said. "They bring a lot to match preparations and the training gym."
The BYNT is one of the 20 teams participating in the FIVB Boys' U19 World Championships held in Mexico.
The BYNTT, which consists of players born in 1995 or '96, will first convene June 12 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. For one week, the team will practice, prepare and the 12-player roster will be finalized for the World Championship. Then, the 12-man team will travel to Mexico to participate in a pre-championship tournament with several other countries.
"I'm excited about the team we do have together," McMillan said, "As always, we will compete as hard as we can for as long as we can. Getting into the medal round would be fantastic."
2013 U.S. Boys' Youth National Training Team
Name (Position, Grad Year, Hometown, USAV Region, Club)
Aidan Albrecht (Opp, 2013, Old Bridge, N.J., Garden Empire Region, Warren Juniors)
Karl Apfelbach (Opp, 2014, Shorewood, Wis., Badger, North Shore Milwaukee Volleyball Club)
Jacob Arnitz (OH, 2014, Yorba Linda, Calif., Southern California, Balboa Bay)
Christy Blough (S, 2013, Ontario, N.Y., WEVA, Rochester VBC)
Clay Carr (Opp, 2014, Newport Beach, Calif., Southern California, Balboa Bay)
Kyle Dagostino (L, 2014, Tampa, Fla., Florida Region, Tampa Bay Invaders)
Soren Dion-Kindem (S, 2013, Agoura Hills, Calif., Southern California, SMBC)
Evan Enriques (OH/L, 2014, Panalu'u, Hawaii, Aloha, Ka Ulukoa B17 Mizuno)
Colby Harriman (OH, 2014, Rochester, N.Y., Western Empire, Rochester Pace Bootlegger)
Connor Lammey (MB, 2013, West Grove, Pa., Florida Region, Tampa Bay Juniors)
Chris Nugent (OH, 2013, Fair Lawn, N.J., GEVA, Warren SixPack)
Alex Pia (MB, 2013, Johns Creek, Ga., Southern, Southern Storm Club)
Christian Rupert (MB, 2014, Chalfont, Pa., Keystone, Yorktowne)
Earl Schultz (OH, 2014, Chicago, Great Lakes, Powerhouse Volleyball Club)
Lee Smith (OH, 2014, Sewickley, Pa., Beaver Valley Premier)
Curtis Stallings (S, 2013, Chesapeake, Va., Old Dominion Region, Coastal 18's National)
Matt Walsh (MB, 2014, Chicago, Great Lakes, Ultimate VBC)
Head Coach Colin McMillan (Penn State University)
Assistant Coach Dave Hunt (Pepperdine University)
Assistant Coach Kris Berzins (Loyola-Chicago)
Team Manager Brandon Dyett (USA Volleyball)


text:
2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Long Term Update 4
Frugality Has Its Rewards
When the 2014 Mazda CX-5 was introduced, it launched with only the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine, producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Although that motivated the smaller, lighter Mazda3 with plenty of verve, tasked with hauling the larger CX-5, the engine's zest is blunted somewhat. The tradeoff for less than neck-snapping power is its competitive fuel economy, something Motor Trend associate editor Nate Martinez has come to appreciate over the time he's driven the CX-5. In addition to its 30 mpg combined fuel economy, Martinez has been impressed with the engine's smoothness.
Speaking of smoothness, Martinez noted that, although usually a model of composure, it is possible to upset the CX-5's drivetrain into being occasionally abrupt and jerky. Deliberate, smooth inputs are rewarded with smooth performance.
With fuel economy that rivals many compact to midsize sedans, the CX-5's added measure of utility has also come to Martinez's attention, noting the crossover's ability to swallow four passengers and a small barbecue grill in the cargo area, plus all the accompanying good time accessories, while enjoying its thrifty fuel economy.
If the need arose for carrying more cargo than people, the CX-5, like other current Mazda hatchbacks and CUVs, has spring-loaded rear seat releases, that will flop the rear seats forward just by pulling a lever, rather than having to go around to the back seats and pull them forward manually. He asked why these weren't standard in class. Good question.
Also, unlike with your typical Elantra or Corolla, if the road gets a little rough, there's no need to throw it in reverse and declare party over. With the elevated ground clearance and more rugged suspension inherent in a crossover, the CX-5 can venture where most compact sedans fear to tread.
The 2.0 may not have the grunt of the larger 2.5-liter engine now offered, but its outstanding economy is something that can be appreciated by everyone, and makes the case for the CX-5 over a conventional sedan even more compelling.


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Friday, May 23, 2008
Comic 427: Bad Timing
Now I first have to point out that it was only last week when I expressed my desire to have the red spiders come back, although of course I specified that I wanted it to be cool. Nonetheless, I called it.
Think back to what the red spiders used to be, waaaaaaay back at the beginning of xkcd - they were a little creepy, a little threatening - crawling over boxes, apparently learning to build things, threatening a city, necessitating a counter offensive. And here, they...disrupt a relationship talk. I mean scary....but....
Also I'm not sure why in panel three the guy knows about the spiders, and why he assumes that the girl knows about them. But that's not the problem really, it's the spiders coming back but being lame thing that annoys me.
Now - if it turns out that this is only the first of many red spider strips, this is like some prelude to a series of horrible death and destruction comics with the spiders, that would be ok. I would admit to being wrong here. But it seems unlikely. But who knows?
3 comments:
- AnonymousJune 27, 2010 at 7:13 PM
Eh, it's just fanservice for people who read the other ones. Randall likes making jokes that he hopes people won't get.ReplyDelete
man, you are probably right, and that just makes it worse...ReplyDelete
- I like itAugust 30, 2010 at 8:24 AM
I like it, this is absurd humour. They're having a cliché conversation about their relationship, in a balloon, which is alreay absurd, and then the guy mentions red spiders, completely out of the blue,and then they attack, which gives sort of a logic to the crazy point the guy was making.ReplyDelete
So when you say: Also "I'm not sure why in panel three the guy knows about the spiders, and why he assumes that the girl knows about them. But that's not the problem really"
I think yeah, that's the problem, really. 2 people in a balloon, red spiders attacking: not funny. It is funny because the guy talks about them as a reason for breaking up with the girl.


text:
Six Hardeeville residents were arrested Tuesday evening in connection with damages discovered at the Hardeeville Recreation Complex field house, according to police reports.
Anthony Bowers, 18, was charged with attempted burglary and Jamonta Davis, 20, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors, said Hardeeville Police Lt. Steven Thomas.
The other four suspects were juveniles age 13-16 and were taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Columbia. They are each being charged with attempted burglary and with malicious injury to property, Thomas said.
"The arrests were made through the cooperation of the residents of Hardeeville who helped by providing information about the suspects," he said. "It took the community, hard work by Det. Alexis Weber and the dayshift, but we were able to find the suspects and make the arrests."
Damage discovered Tuesday morning at the field house in the complex could cost up to $4,000 to repair, a price that will be borne by Hardeeville residents, said City Manager Bob Nanni.
The recreation complex damage was discovered a few days after it was found vandals broken into the garage behind the Heyward House on Main Street and run amok inside, throwing the items around and spray painting comments on the walls and floors.
"Our concern was they got inside of an old building that was an unsafe structure," Nanni said.
He said the things that could happen to vandals when they break into a building can range from merely getting caught and paying the penalty for vandalism as well as restitution to more serious results, such as injury or even death.
"When they trespass, there are things that could happen to vandals that are unexpected," Nanni said. "When they go to break a lock, metal splinters could fly back in their eyes, part of that building could collapse on them, the windows upstairs are broken and that lets in the weather, causing damage to the floors."
Nagy said the vandalism problem has crept up on the community within the past six months, with eight juveniles charged with vandalism shortly before the holidays.
Nagy, Nanni and Hardeeville Recreation Director Addison Jarrell think the vandals expect to find sodas and candy in the field house even though it is just being used for storage.
Whether they get in or not, Nagy said the repercussions will be severe.
"The good people in this community are not going to tolerate this," said Hardeeville Police Chief Ralph Nagy. "They haven't tolerated other things, so they're not going to tolerate this either."
"We're growing tired of this problem so we are going to get more aggressive in prosecution," Nanni said after inspecting the field house damages. "It's not fair making the citizens of Hardeeville pay for this."


text:
Message Board
Maureen Dennis Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Dennis has written!
Author Dennis's Book Reviews
No Hiding Place
Naomi, an American art student in London, falls under the spell of Kevin who hides a dark secret and involves the unwilling Naomi in his plans. She finds herself enmeshed in a world of intrigue when the pair separate, leaving Naomi isolated in a strange limbo of guilt. She knows that Kevin will return for her, but when? Then a new force enters her life. Bruce Campbell, a law-officer, enemy of everything Kevin stands for. Naomi resists his advances, unabl...


text:
This project is just one of many to have received a grant from the Local Food programme, which distributed grants from the Big Lottery Fund to a variety of food-related projects across England.
The £59.8 million programme offered grants which provide the opportunity for people to grow food locally. As a result, volunteering, training and job opportunities are created, providing people with chances to get involved with their local communities that they may not otherwise have.
Local Food has benefitted many people by bringing communities together to learn about the cultural diversity of food. With food being such a diverse issue, everyone can take part – regardless of their class, disability, age, or race. The projects also help to promote an awareness of the links between food and healthy living so that people can make long term improvements to their lifestyles.
For more information about projects funded through the Local Food programme visit www.localfoodgrants.org
For more information about Spice it up! with Women's Environmental Network visit the website.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch
Map location
- Latest @hyperlocalfood @localfoodgrants blog - #MexboroughFoodbank t.co/JtCC0LH004 @BiglfCommunity #doncasterisgreat #southyorkshire
- Fruit and veg portions: 'Seven a day better than five' t.co/teowQztF5z #r4today t.co/J4SiYL0xQC
- £30M Our Environment Our Future Visit @wildlifetrusts the UK portfolio lead t.co/4nUUBQ9hu9 #BigLottery t.co/xY4zeXHZWN
- @localfoodgrants Full conference programme for Thursday's conf Growing for Health t.co/QoJIfmn6Zq booking t.co/8VWWZshajA
- We've just updated r @HYPERLocalFood @localfoodgrants blog! t.co/Cis2ygL19e @BiglfCommunity @BigLotteryFund #southyorkshire #ilovedn


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Ok lets hope we will have more success with 2017 challenger.
Judging by other forums and journalist they all think we will fall even more.
Lets prove them wrong, FORZA FERRARI
Ok lets hope we will have more success with 2017 challenger.
Judging by other forums and journalist they all think we will fall even more.
Lets prove them wrong, FORZA FERRARI
I have just read on Autosport forum, that Sauber will stays on the 2016 PU because its expected that the 2017 PU will be unreliable
Sorry don't have a link to where I read that, it was a while ago...
I made a promise to myself not to get excited with low fuel chart topping runs during testing and practice next year until Q3 in Melbourne. Hope I can stick to it.
I hope our president keeps his mouth shut!
I hope Ferrari SF17-H is able to qualify on front row from there Seb can take care of it as he is really good when he lead the race
Mmm would be interesing if the nose will be short or long, or if they go for a shape like the SF-15T.
will the new cars have the ugly noses like this year?
I have a feeling the Scuderia will never be successful during the V6 Turbo era no matter what other regulations they change. It's not 1982-1983 anymore and I believe we're closer to the end of Formula 1 than a new beginning.
Forza Ferrari
Maybe topic should be name "Project 668" as we don't know name yet
Marko thinks RedBull will be fighting for titles next year.
I prefer to beat them on Sunday -Fernando Alonso, Press Conference Korean GP 2010
"Giornata fantastica !!"- Andrea Stella, European GP 2012
Well, ferrari must done the right things to success in this Hybrid-Turbo era, but only doing right everything, With a team with so much money and dedication, should be minimally possible, maybe is time to look the rivals. For example Mercedes power unit layout and redbull aerodynamics, obviusly you don't gonna to get their engineers, but is possible just copy them, i seen the SF-16H shapes and i think if they were more "smooth" it could beeing a better car in aerodynamic terms, maybe a bit more "stable"
To much chassis and not enought engine, and will happen the same as Red Bull in 2015, too much power and you will be fightning in the middle of the table as best, like williams in this 2016 season.
Yeah - we just seem a bit more rubbish at making the whole package work, sadly!
I think we need a Ross (or a Flavio !?!) at the top. Not sure that fits Italian/ Ferrari-style governance though..
We're doomed, Cap'n Mainwaring, doomed I tell ye!
I have 0 expectations for next year.
Given the new set of rules, I expect we will start the year with an uninspired car, and then spend the rest of the season trying to copy RBR and Merc's ideas.
I would not be bothered at all with any kind of rumors, news, pictures, anything regarding new car, until first race and I actual see the performance. Seeing is believing!


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Biodiversity of Cytochrome P450 Genes and Biomarkers for Coastal Pollution in Mussels
John J. Stegeman and Jared V. Goldstone, Biology
We propose to develop molecular biomarkers for anthropogenic coastal pollution in environmentally and economically important mussels, focusing on the blue mussel Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia: Mytilinae), and on related Mytilus spp. (e.g., M. galloprovincialis). Global aquaculture production of mussels has at times exceeded 500,000 tons annually, and mussels are an important aquaculture species in New England. Like several other bivalves, Mytilus species have important characteristics of sentinel species useful in pollution biomonitoring. They are distributed in temperate waters in both pelagic ecosystems and brackish estuaries where runoff is at its highest, and are sessile filter feeders, which accumulate a wide range of contaminants. Studies over several decades have
consistently shown that contaminant levels in mussel tissues respond to ambient environmental levels and are integrated over a given area.
Despite the decades of chemical exposure data, few if any reliable biomolecular indicators of chemical exposure exist in Mytilus. This is in distinct contrast to marine vertebrates. We propose to develop a suite of molecular biomarkers for chemical exposure in mussels that will inform regulators of likely contamination problems, and will provide sentinel markers for chemical change that could affect coastal systems. The information would be useful to researchers around the world working to identify and establish monitoring programs incorporating biomarkers in mussels.
The studies will involve searching databases for Mytilus CYP genes, cloning and sequencing CYP genes that are candidates for regulation by chemicals to unambiguously establish relationships, and determining their response to exposure to chemicals experimentally and environmentally. The approach will include:
- Searching public databases using hidden Markov models for CYP genes, and similarly searching
private databases produced by collaborators.
- Annotating all CYP genes uncovered and cloning and sequencing selected genes to confirm
identity of full-length sequences and to confirm that the genes are expressed.
- Exposure of reference site mussels to chemicals (e.g., benzo[a]pyrene, polybrominated diphenyl
ether, ortho- and non-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls), including dose response and
time dependent variables, and measurement of the levels of expression of relevant CYP genes in
M. edulis tissues by quantitative PCR.
This grant, though small, would enable us to provide critical information to engage an international consortium to address molecular responses in mussels exposed to organic chemical contaminants, a longstanding question with implications for biomonitoring, seafood safety and public health, and molecular evolution of and biodiversity of xenobiotic response systems. Understanding the environmental effects of contaminant chemicals cannot be achieved without knowledge of the diversity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes and their expression, and eventually their function. A comprehensive knowledge of Mytilus CYP and their probable functional relationships to mammalian CYP will provide a lasting foundation, underpinning current or future toxicological research with mussels. The studies we propose will be the most complete and definitive to address molecular responses to chemicals in Mytilus.
*pdf of final report at right


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Mercury retrograde strikes again and creates a hot mess for everyone involved! Mercury retrograde is easily the most feared transit in our skies, but its also the most common. Happening three to four times a year for about three weeks at a time, Mercury appears to be moving backwards in the sky. The retrogrades moonwalk […]
The post We Dare You Not to Laugh at These 15 Mercury Retrograde Memes appeared first on YogiApproved.
You may be asking yourself, "How do I know if I have a candida infection" Some of you may be asking, What exactly is candida, anyway Candida is a type of yeast produced by the body to help with nutrient absorption and digestion. When overgrown, however, yeast can cause various health issues ranging from digestive […]
The post 8 Signs You May Have a Candida Infection and How to Heal Naturally appeared first on YogiApproved.
A digital cleanse helps us detox bad tech habits that infringe on our lives so we can regain more presence. Did you know that Americans spend up to 11 hours a day looking at screens and gadgets like the computer, cell phone, TV and video games That means that for the average 16 hours we […]
The post Too Much Screen Time Go Unplugged With a Digital Cleanse – Here's How In 6 Simple Steps appeared first on YogiApproved.
Eating butter, bacon, and heavy cream might sound like a dream diet to some. And thats exactly whats promised with the Ketogenic Diet (Keto Diet). Followers of a Ketogenic Diet seek out high-fat, low-carb food choices to sustain their energy. But is this diet really all its cracked up to be Lets take a closer […]
The post A Closer Look at the Keto Diet: Is It Really All Its Cracked Up to Be appeared first on YogiApproved.
Recently I met two women who had flown out from the east coast to attend a yoga retreat in Malibu. You know . . . the beautiful beachside oasis just a few miles west of Los Angeles. These were intelligent, successful people who loved yoga but who had never been on a retreat before. Theyd […]
The post Wondering How to Choose the Right Retreat for You Ask These 6 Questions appeared first on YogiApproved.
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The auto industry is growing. 2015 marked a record year for new car purchases and while traditional sedans and economy cars, known as the "super segment", dominated these purchases there has been a strong resurgence in larger passenger vehicles and SUVs. Lower gas prices and more efficient engines have helped bring back these tanks into the homes of new families in desperate need for a kid-and groceries-hauler. Many people tend to overestimate and purchase an eight passenger vehicle when they only have one child along the way, while many more underestimate and try to taxi three kids and their big dog in the family's only compact hatchback. How do you find the right balance? While it's difficult to pin the exact number of seats you need, there are some considerations which can help in the long run.
After the happy news of a pregnancy and the first child on the way, after the celebrations and calls to families and friends, a lot of couples immediately go into a panic mode as they realize some big changes need to be made to the house and vehicle situation. A very common dread comes from giving up the fun sports coupe, coming to terms with the end of fun and the start of the much maligned minivan or station wagon, which is why many families compromise with the at least rugged look of an SUV. Before you go putting ads on Craigslist or assuming your role as shuttle driver you'll need to consider how many kids you're actually going to have. If this is your first child you'll need to plan for one car seat to have a permanent spot in the vehicle, and to consider if the floor beneath it will be enough for the bag of supplies or if the other rear seat would work.
Consider how often you need to fill the cargo area or trunk, as you might be bringing a stroller with you, if you often like to pack a vehicle full with groceries and other shopping in one trip you'll want to consider a large cargo area. This means that a smaller compact won't work in most cases unless going for a larger hatchback. You then need to consider how many children you plan on having and how far apart you'll be having them. If you are having twins or siblings that are born close together then the vehicle should accommodate them as if they were born at the same time. If you're planning on having your next child much later, such as in five or more years, you'll have some flexibility in that the older child will be able to switch to the front seat at times and/or you can use one vehicle for the time and then exchange for something larger when the new child arrives.
Then there is the tricky topic of other kids. You'll find yourself in the position of picking up friends or having to haul a whole group of them because you're the only parent who has such capacity. If transporting a carpool to school isn't your preference then limiting the number of seats from eight to five is a great excuse to push that responsibility on another, more willing parent. When looking at a massive, truck like SUV that could carry the whole marching band consider how often you'll actually need to use every seat. If you only plan on helping with the annual field trip then there's little reason have so much space each kid as their own row, better to downsize to something smaller and take advantage of the fuel savings and better ease of parking.
The best advice to any new family is that instead of considering a do-it-all car have two cars instead. Two sedans can have a lot more options than a single large SUV, especially as your kids go down different paths and need to coordinate to different locations. This could be as simple as purchasing a new large car while keeping your old smaller vehicle or leasing a small car to go alongside your larger purchase so that it too can grow and adapt as you need to. Remember, as a couple, you'll need to decide who gets to drive which and maybe you'd prefer to have something for yourself once in awhile so make a really strong case to keep that sports coupe.


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American Idyllby Steve Charles • December 13, 2007 Share:
LESLIE HUNT WAS LIVING the latest version of the American Dream when her father had a nightmare.
The vision came to Steve Hunt '76 during Leslie's run last spring as the "token artist girl" on season six of Fox Television's top-rated American Idol.
The specter wasn't Idol judge Simon Cowell ripping the 25-year-old singer-songwriter to pieces in front of the 41 million viewers who tuned in to see who would become the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood in the pantheon of pop music superstars.
Nor was it an anxious image of his daughter missing a note or otherwise melting under pressure. Having battled lupus since being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease as a child, Leslie has taken on more daunting foes than Cowell and his sidekicks.
She brings up the nightmare during my dinner with her and Steve on the porch of the El Pacifico restaurant in Chicago's Logan Square historic district on a warm summer night in August.
"It was me in this really sleazy outfit, strutting out on stage and looking into the camera and saying, 'Hey, baby.' "She laughs.
"Like this competition had completely changed you," he says.
"Like I had become this sleazeball — all Hollywood slime and nothing of substance," Leslie says.
"I told her about that dream a few days before her appearance as one of the 24 finalists," Steve recalls. "I knew she would laugh, and I hoped it would help her keep her sense of humor during a very intense time in her life. And she knows she is nothing like this affected 'drink your own bathwater' type of person that I dreamed she suddenly became!"
Flying to Los Angeles to try out for American Idol was more impulse than decision for Leslie. She had never even seen the show.
"I guess I was kind of naive," Leslie says. "I had this 'what's there to lose' attitude."
More than 10,000 singers from around the country auditioned, and Leslie, packed into the Rose Bowl as contestant number 73560, made the first cut—one of 174 to reach "Hollywood Week." Then she made the Top 40, and her rendition of Carole King's "Natural Woman" earned her a spot among the Top 24 semifinalists.
The emotional stakes ratcheted up with each success.
"I auditioned on a whim, but I developed such high hopes," says Leslie, who has been performing since she was seven years old. Her smoky singing voice belies her 25 years, willowy build, and girl-next-door prettiness. "I wasn't cocky about it. I just know what I possess, what I've been given."
What Leslie Hunt has been given is a soulful voice that can deliver Patsy Cline's "Crazy" or Gershwin's "Summertime" on one stage, slide through her own introspective ballads on the next, and then move you with "Amazing Grace" at Arches National Park (courtesy of YouTube) on the next.
She told Idol audiences that, if she won, the first people she would thank would be her parents, "for instilling in me the gift of music."
She dedicated her performance to her late grandfather.
"He was the definition of unconditional love," she said in the clip shown before the performance. "That's what I carry with me on the stage."
She hit her mark in front of the cheering studio audience and 41 million viewers to sing "Feeling Good," knowing she was taking a giant step toward the dream her father dared not chase—the dream of playing music full time, making a living at her vocation, avocation, and passion.
Back Home in St. Charles, Il., Steve Hunt was calling everyone he knew, telling them Leslie was on television, and encouraging them to vote for her. By day, Hunt is vice president of the architectural division of Northfield Block, the company his father had owned since 1983.
By night, Hunt is "one of the wonders of the world's drummers."
That's how Chicago jazz historian and critic John Litweiler describes the former Wabash music major in the liner notes of his group's latest CD, Extraordinary Popular Delusions. Hear Hunt's jazz and see photos here.
"He has such great sensitivity for ensemble texture and for exactly where to accent," Litweiler writes. "His gestures sound so natural and so necessary."
Hunt carries that same natural ease into conversation. Once the percussionist of the groundbreaking free jazz quintet Hal Russell's NRG Ensemble, Hunt now plays with former NRG saxophonist Mars Williams and bass player Brian Sand-strom, as well as keyboardist Jim Baker. The group has a standing gig every Tuesday night at Hotti Biscotti, a bar/coffeehouse/music venue on Fullerton Avenue in the historic Logan Square District on Chicago's near-west side.
Divorced and remarried to his new wife Polly (Leslie and her sister, Lauren, sang
at the wedding), Steve now has six daughters. He has returned to live in the house he grew up in in St. Charles — a home that has always resonated with music. His brother, Jeff, directs the 34-voice St. Charles Singers. His brother, David, who owns the town bookstore, also sings in that choir, along with his youngest sister, Jennifer.
"I love to sing, too, though I'm not near their level," says Hunt, who began singing in the church choir when he was four and was good enough to tour with the Glee Club during his Wabash years. He has sung in various rock bands, but percussion has been his favorite entre to music since grade school.
"I listened to a lot of Beatles music growing up, and in sixth grade I wanted to be the next Ringo," he remembers. "I tied together two toy drums between a TV tray stand, my three friends made cardboard guitars, and we had our first (and only) gig for the end of year sixth grade party. The class voted to see and hear us lip sync along with Beatle songs and have our party inside, instead of playing kick ball!"
"That same year, the school choir instructor, Mr. Stoffel, needed someone to accompany the singers on snare drum.
"I really liked drumming, so I raised my hand exuberantly, and he picked me."
By eighth grade, he was the drummer for the Brass Leaf Quartet, earning $8 per night playing Dixieland jazz on the stern-wheeler that plied the Fox River. The trombonist in that band, Jim Masters, is still among his best friends.
"We'd play and the music would just permeate everywhere across the water," Hunt recalls. "The boat owner would tell us, 'Soft and sweet, fellas; soft and sweet.'"
After high school and a semester at a conservatory, Hunt transferred to Wabash as a music major. There he met pianist/composer Eric Johnson '76 (pictured above, playing piano with Hunt during their Wabash years).
"We were like soul mates," Hunt says of Johnson, who with bass player Kyle Jones '78 and saxophonist Andy Murduck '78 were the core group led by Johnson during his Wabash days. The summer after his graduation, Hunt moved with Johnson, Jones, Murduck, and manager/enthusiast Alex Betz '78 to Bar Harbor, Maine, where Jones' family had a house.
When Hunt's father's business associate died of cancer, Max Hunt offered his son a job with the family business. Steve took the offer, but brought the band with him.
"We lived in a house outside of St. Charles," Hunt recalls. "I was the only one with a full-time job. Eric was writing music and playing all the time.
They were playing gigs as the Eric Johnson Quartet.
"It was the best of both worlds," Hunt recalls.
Then Murduck was killed in a car accident in the spring of 1977. Johnson moved to New York, Jones returned to Maine to become an attorney and state legislator, and Hunt married Anne Voigtmann, a voice performance major at Indiana University whom he had known since high school in St. Charles.
"I had the best of both worlds when I played with Eric and Kyle, and I have the best of both worlds now," Hunt says. "I can play the music I want to play, not weddings on the weekends or stupid
private parties where I'm playing background music. I can't play all the time, but when I play, I play music that is meaningful to me."
Leslie Hunt was steeped in that music.
"Family gatherings were all-out sing-alongs, mostly around the piano," Leslie recalls. "I was always singing."
And she was always encouraged.
"It was around the time The Little Mermaid came out. I'd be singing downstairs, and Mom and Dad, knowing I was within earshot, would say, 'Wow! Doesn't she sound just like Ariel?' I got all cocky
about it!"
The basement was a musical recreation room.
"We had a keyboard I'd play, Mom would play bass, and Dad would shout out chords to me while he was playing the drums with my sister Lauren on his lap. We had all these microphones set up, and friends would come over and we'd sing."
In those days her musical influences weren't Dad's jazz but the cartoon show Jem and the Holograms.
"We'd dress up in all this hard-core 80s garb, wear blue eye shadow, and Mom would tape us on the video camera while we looked right into it." Leslie can still sing the title song, though not without laughing.
In fifth grade she and her sister were among six kids chosen from 600 to performed in Kenny Rogers' Christmas show.
"We ran around in fake snow and Kenny Rogers appeared out of this gift box, and we all said, 'Ooohhhh, Kenny Rogers.'"
In seventh grade she appeared in a year-long run of Fiddler on the Roof in Chicago. In her late teens, her musical influences ranging from Billie Holliday to Joni Mitchell to Nina Simone, she was making a demo CD for Sony. Her dad played vibes on one of the tracks.
But the carefree, creative childhood had a catch.
"I was diagnosed with lupus when I was six-and-a-half, so when I was a kid there were a lot of limitations," Leslie says. "For me, the symptoms were extreme photosensitivity and full-body arthritis. I'd get scabs all over my face if I spent any time in direct sun—I could only go out in the shaded back yard after 3 p.m. I had friends, but not a lot of kids wanted to hang out with someone who couldn't come outdoors until the sun went down.
"I had to learn to entertain myself."
The basement music room was her refuge. She began writing songs in grade school, and today carries a digital recorder, capturing words and musical phrases, later to be shaped into songs.
"Scrawling out a version of me," as she sings in her 2004 CD From the Strange to a Stranger.
The arthritis still flares up if she doesn't get eight hours or more of sleep, but two years ago she began taking the anti-malarial drug Plaquenil, which has greatly reduced her photosensitivity. That newfound freedom has its hazards. A reaction to a yellow fever medication during a visit to Brazil last year was nearly fatal.
"I told myself that if I survived that, I could survive anything," she says. "It was time to really go after life, to take a risk."
Less than a year later she was auditioning for American Idol.
Steve Hunt watched his daughter's American Idol semi-finals performance with pride, wonder, and frustration.
"It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life," Leslie sang, delivering Nina Simone's signature song, "Feeling Good."
"She nailed it," Steve Hunt says. "She sounded so good. Her version was fully valid, fully real."
But Randi Jackson called it "a little on the kitschy side." Paula Abdul liked it, but her inarticulate ramblings are often little more than fodder for Cowell's acidic remarks.
The record executive turned to Leslie. "You've been whacked by three or four very big voices [that performed before you]," he said. The camera caught her reaction. Her expression was part startle, part disappointment. She listened to the words that, for all practical purposes, eliminated her from the competition.
"I'm watching this and, as proud as I am of her, I was getting very frustrated with the fact that the judges just didn't get her," Steve says. "And the judges' comments have a lot to do with how people vote."
Leslie drew millions of votes from viewers, but not enough to propel her to the next round.
"I feel she really didn't get the visibility on the show that she deserved," Steve says. "Had she gone even one more week, the outcome would have been completely different."
She'll laugh about it now, but the experience still stings.
"Think about a national rejection," she says. "Or think about America not wanting to see you week after week. It's a strange feeling. Like you've become a has-been before you've had a chance to show anybody even one-percent of what you're capable of."
"And it would be one thing if the judges gave me any practical advice," Leslie adds. "Given that I am attacking a career in this business with every bone in my aching body, perhaps I could have learned something, had they said anything but, 'I wasn't feeling it.'"
I point out that four million people did vote for her, and that such an affirmation is more than most of us will ever get.
"I never thought about it that way," she says. "In some ways, it's good I didn't make it. I might have lost my ability to trust my own vision. It could have taken away whatever integrity I have. It really wasn't my vision at all."
What began as a personal quest to promote her career is becoming a good thing for millions whose struggle Leslie knows well.
"It's brought me some great opportunities locally, particularly with the Lupus Foundation. I'm playing several events for the them here in Illinois, but the guy who is setting up the event in Florida sees it as something bigger, something nationwide."
Six months after her final appearance on Idol, she's put together a new band with some of Chicago's best players, is at work on a new CD, is performing to larger audiences, and is seeing new purpose for her work. During an interview before the semi-finals, she told a reporter that her "real objective is to be in a position to help the Lupus Foundation."
And that's exactly where she is.
BACK AT EL PACIFICO IN CHICAGO, it's the night of the CD release party for Steve's band. Father and daughter are recalling Leslie's early songwriting.
"Do you remember the first song you wrote?" I ask.
"I was seven or eight," she says. "It was all about why you should be kind to all your stuffed animals, even the ones you hate."
She sings a verse of it, and Steve leans toward her and harmonizes on the chorus. They laugh, and Leslie instructs me not to print the lyrics in this story.
She's been searching for a drummer for her band, and when I suggest her dad, they both laugh again.
"I'll always have a thing for jazz because of what I learned from my Dad," Leslie says.
"And I did play drums on the stuffed animal song," Steve says.
"The Hunt Band," Leslie says. "We never took it on the road."
But Dad did hit the road with her this summer on a day trip to Nashville when she was looking for a producer for her next CD.
"I've got to learn the business, how to make this really happen—finally," Leslie says.
TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE CD release party, I ask Steve what he thinks of Leslie's chances of making it in one of the toughest careers on the planet.
"With her talent and confidence, she's got to try," he says. "There are plenty of good people in the music business—she just needs to find them. And a good lawyer, so she doesn't sign something she regrets."
He knows the odds. He once made his own calculations—albeit in the far less lucrative genre of free jazz—and chose not to go for it. But he's 100 percent behind his daughter now.
"If she can do what she loves and make a living at it, wouldn't that be great?"
Keyboardist Jim Baker sticks his head out the door. It's time to get started.
Five minutes later, Steve kicks off the set. "Preternatural" is the word one critic uses to describe the way these musicians play off one another. John Litweiler writes that "in reflection, in the heat of passion, and in their moods between, their intensity of listening, feeling, and responding makes their quartet amazing."
Leslie is watching from a few tables back, sitting next to a family friend from one of Steve's earlier bands. Several more old friends and many much younger walk in during the first number. Her younger sister Lauren arrives and Leslie hugs her. After a few minutes they're playfully imitating their father, who is rocking back and forth in reverie as the first set winds up.
Watching Steve play the music he loves with these friends he's played with for decades brings back Leslie's words to him earlier that evening: "I think it's great that you never really have to take gigs because your bills depend on it—that you play only the music you love to play."
At that moment, it's hard to imagine a man more content. His daughters are in the audience and he's sitting at the back of the band, cueing Williams or Baker one moment, closing his eyes and smiling the next, his drums keeping it all together.
The best of both words.
Read more about Leslie Hunt's music at www.myspace.com/lesliehunt