text:
At the AVCA Convention in San Antonio, I enjoyed dropping in on a session by Russ Rose and Terry Lyskevych. As fascinating as it was to listen to two fellow Chicagoans give their perspective on the lay of the volleyball land, I enjoyed as much watching the crowd. John Cooke sat in front of me (although he looked as if he was sleeping…as he sometimes does) to take in their words. I wondered if he were there to enjoy the conversation, to learn new ideas for their own team, or to take a nap. In any case, I found it fascinating that the elite of the elite coaches were present.
One point of interest, besides the comical overture of the presentation, was Russ’ comment about today’s athletes. He said we are not in a good time with athletes right now. Unfortunately, this is a common theme I hear amongst many coaching colleagues these days. Coaches feel as if the players take a lot for granted, don’t work as hard or don’t know how to work as hard, are spoiled, privilege, etc. Ironically, I have an 80 year old mentor with 35 years in the military tell me that his parents said the same thing about his generation. It’s all perspective and every generation has its own unique challenges. I believe we often compare what we had versus what the current generation has.
Through my blog, I am often overwhelmed and humbled when someone tells me they have followed me for years. I never knew them nor got any comments, but have time and time again been told I’m followed. The only following I really know of are a few numbers on Google analytics that tells me I had 25,000 visitors this month. I have no idea who these visitors are, I can see they are from around the world, but I am appreciative they find what I write somewhat interesting. Or maybe they are on my blog for the resources. Honestly, I’m indifferent to why they visit. I’m glad to provide a resource and a way to help grow our game. That’s always been my objective.
Recently, an active participant of the AVCA and a board member of the First Time Attendees Committee, Brian Swenty, who I randomly met at a round table lunch at an AVCA Convention in Kansas City, approached me to join him to start up a Volleyball Coaches facebook user group. I was just about in the process of moving to my new gig at Miami and really wasn’t ready to embark on another online journey. But I couldn’t avoid Brian’s persistence and partnered along.
On this facebook group, we quickly attracted 250 users in the first week of the group and it is over 400 users now. I’m impressed and surprised with its quick growth, but I also find it fascinating that only a small group of members actually participate in the group. By participate, I mean GIVE information or comment on posts, and are active. I am willing to guestimate that only 15 people are contributing members, givers, to the group. The remaining members are “takers”. Those that are group members in order to learn, find information, or feel they need to be a part of the group to not ‘miss’ something important.
I am a taker of many groups. I enjoy taking information from the Harvard Business Review group, Mashable, The Talent Code, etc. I do not plan on being an active member of those groups, will rarely if ever leave a comment, but I do enjoy the ideas I develop through these groups. Sometimes I will share information from these groups that really spark my interest and feel my online friends will find the same.
Being a taker is easy and something I do for me, but being a giver is far more rewarding. We can’t be givers in everything we do, but we shouldn’t be takers with everything we do. There needs to be an aspect of our lives that we embrace and give. We can’t give all the time either, but there needs to be a discipline regiment that we can provide information, experience, and expertise to help others grow. In turn, we grow.
With the abundance of information and convenience of access to it, this generation, our players, continually and unconsciously take information. We have not provided them the tools to be givers. So much is already taken care of for athletes, and students of this generation, that we fail to provide the platforms for them to learn to give. And if we do provide them that platform, it is often a false platform because we are scared to let them fail, make their own mistakes, and grow from the process. The platform has a safety net that needs to be cut.
There is a precarious balance between giving and taking. How much leeway should we allow our players to grow before they get in serious trouble. At what point do we define serious trouble. When does providing a platform to be a giver interfere with the ultimate path of the team? I don’t have answer for these giving questions, but I hope as you take this information you can come up with the answers. Hopefully, I can read about your ideas in the format of your choice and we can network to grow from one another…as I have with so many other great coaches and thinkers.
Balance in life is essential, but teaching how to give, to be humble, to be a servant will pay great dividends to future generations (until they become grandparents and complain about their grandchildren). Maybe it’s a never ending cycle.

lowercased:
at the avca convention in san antonio, i enjoyed dropping in on a session by russ rose and terry lyskevych. as fascinating as it was to listen to two fellow chicagoans give their perspective on the lay of the volleyball land, i enjoyed as much watching the crowd. john cooke sat in front of me (although he looked as if he was sleeping…as he sometimes does) to take in their words. i wondered if he were there to enjoy the conversation, to learn new ideas for their own team, or to take a nap. in any case, i found it fascinating that the elite of the elite coaches were present.
one point of interest, besides the comical overture of the presentation, was russ’ comment about today’s athletes. he said we are not in a good time with athletes right now. unfortunately, this is a common theme i hear amongst many coaching colleagues these days. coaches feel as if the players take a lot for granted, don’t work as hard or don’t know how to work as hard, are spoiled, privilege, etc. ironically, i have an 80 year old mentor with 35 years in the military tell me that his parents said the same thing about his generation. it’s all perspective and every generation has its own unique challenges. i believe we often compare what we had versus what the current generation has.
through my blog, i am often overwhelmed and humbled when someone tells me they have followed me for years. i never knew them nor got any comments, but have time and time again been told i’m followed. the only following i really know of are a few numbers on google analytics that tells me i had 25,000 visitors this month. i have no idea who these visitors are, i can see they are from around the world, but i am appreciative they find what i write somewhat interesting. or maybe they are on my blog for the resources. honestly, i’m indifferent to why they visit. i’m glad to provide a resource and a way to help grow our game. that’s always been my objective.
recently, an active participant of the avca and a board member of the first time attendees committee, brian swenty, who i randomly met at a round table lunch at an avca convention in kansas city, approached me to join him to start up a volleyball coaches facebook user group. i was just about in the process of moving to my new gig at miami and really wasn’t ready to embark on another online journey. but i couldn’t avoid brian’s persistence and partnered along.
on this facebook group, we quickly attracted 250 users in the first week of the group and it is over 400 users now. i’m impressed and surprised with its quick growth, but i also find it fascinating that only a small group of members actually participate in the group. by participate, i mean give information or comment on posts, and are active. i am willing to guestimate that only 15 people are contributing members, givers, to the group. the remaining members are “takers”. those that are group members in order to learn, find information, or feel they need to be a part of the group to not ‘miss’ something important.
i am a taker of many groups. i enjoy taking information from the harvard business review group, mashable, the talent code, etc. i do not plan on being an active member of those groups, will rarely if ever leave a comment, but i do enjoy the ideas i develop through these groups. sometimes i will share information from these groups that really spark my interest and feel my online friends will find the same.
being a taker is easy and something i do for me, but being a giver is far more rewarding. we can’t be givers in everything we do, but we shouldn’t be takers with everything we do. there needs to be an aspect of our lives that we embrace and give. we can’t give all the time either, but there needs to be a discipline regiment that we can provide information, experience, and expertise to help others grow. in turn, we grow.
with the abundance of information and convenience of access to it, this generation, our players, continually and unconsciously take information. we have not provided them the tools to be givers. so much is already taken care of for athletes, and students of this generation, that we fail to provide the platforms for them to learn to give. and if we do provide them that platform, it is often a false platform because we are scared to let them fail, make their own mistakes, and grow from the process. the platform has a safety net that needs to be cut.
there is a precarious balance between giving and taking. how much leeway should we allow our players to grow before they get in serious trouble. at what point do we define serious trouble. when does providing a platform to be a giver interfere with the ultimate path of the team? i don’t have answer for these giving questions, but i hope as you take this information you can come up with the answers. hopefully, i can read about your ideas in the format of your choice and we can network to grow from one another…as i have with so many other great coaches and thinkers.
balance in life is essential, but teaching how to give, to be humble, to be a servant will pay great dividends to future generations (until they become grandparents and complain about their grandchildren). maybe it’s a never ending cycle.


text:
A pedal with just one knob and a simple, some would say primitive circuit shouldn't be very difficult to recreate- and yet MXR's original “script logo” phase 90 remains one of the most elusive effects for boutique companies and digital modelers alike. Often hinted at but seldom duplicated precisely, the original Phase 90 is like a bigfoot of the guitar world. But now, a new contender with a very legitimate claim to Phase 90 fame has entered the arena.
For anyone who doesn't know, the Whirlwind company (while most famous for D.I. boxes, signal splitters and other behind the scenes “utility” devices) was actually founded by some of the very same people who original founded MXR (now owned by the Jim Dunlop company) and invented many of the most popular effects of the stompbox's golden age- including the Phase 90. With this classic pedigree in mind, it's easy to see why Whirlwind's new Rochester series of effects (which features Distortion+ and Dynacomp style boxes as well) strikes so close to the mark in recreating that classic old-school MXR magic.
So how does the Orange Box sound? Just like a Phase 90 should. As someone who owns all of MXR/ Dunlop's current takes on the Phase 90 (the standard model, script reissue and custom shop '74 script reissue) I feel that this pedal does a much better job of capturing the idiosyncratic qualities of an original script- that instantly identifiable chewiness and transparent but present emphasis the effect seems to add to the tone. Compared to my personal pick of MXR's current offerings (the custom shop '74 reissue) this pedal also boasts the advantage of featuring a bright blue indicator LED (which runs off a separate internal board to keep the main effect board as close to '70s specs as possible), a 9v DC in jack, and true bypass switching. Compared to all of my MXR units, the Whirlwind is also substantially less noisy and hissy, thanks to higher grade, tighter tolerance parts. The Orange Box and its siblings in Whirlwind's Rochester series are the type of effect that is seldom seen today; made in the USA but at a very fair price (roughly the same as MXR's Phase 90s, depending on where you shop) and crafted by some of the very people who made the devices and designed the circuits that would help to shape the sound of a million songs to follow. They say that they don't build them like they used to, but in the case of the Orange Box, I'm glad to say that that is simply not the case.

lowercased:
a pedal with just one knob and a simple, some would say primitive circuit shouldn't be very difficult to recreate- and yet mxr's original “script logo” phase 90 remains one of the most elusive effects for boutique companies and digital modelers alike. often hinted at but seldom duplicated precisely, the original phase 90 is like a bigfoot of the guitar world. but now, a new contender with a very legitimate claim to phase 90 fame has entered the arena.
for anyone who doesn't know, the whirlwind company (while most famous for d.i. boxes, signal splitters and other behind the scenes “utility” devices) was actually founded by some of the very same people who original founded mxr (now owned by the jim dunlop company) and invented many of the most popular effects of the stompbox's golden age- including the phase 90. with this classic pedigree in mind, it's easy to see why whirlwind's new rochester series of effects (which features distortion+ and dynacomp style boxes as well) strikes so close to the mark in recreating that classic old-school mxr magic.
so how does the orange box sound? just like a phase 90 should. as someone who owns all of mxr/ dunlop's current takes on the phase 90 (the standard model, script reissue and custom shop '74 script reissue) i feel that this pedal does a much better job of capturing the idiosyncratic qualities of an original script- that instantly identifiable chewiness and transparent but present emphasis the effect seems to add to the tone. compared to my personal pick of mxr's current offerings (the custom shop '74 reissue) this pedal also boasts the advantage of featuring a bright blue indicator led (which runs off a separate internal board to keep the main effect board as close to '70s specs as possible), a 9v dc in jack, and true bypass switching. compared to all of my mxr units, the whirlwind is also substantially less noisy and hissy, thanks to higher grade, tighter tolerance parts. the orange box and its siblings in whirlwind's rochester series are the type of effect that is seldom seen today; made in the usa but at a very fair price (roughly the same as mxr's phase 90s, depending on where you shop) and crafted by some of the very people who made the devices and designed the circuits that would help to shape the sound of a million songs to follow. they say that they don't build them like they used to, but in the case of the orange box, i'm glad to say that that is simply not the case.


text: There are seven Local History Centres in Surrey libraries. Each provides a collection of research materials relating to the surrounding area. You can use the resources of the local history centres at any time that these libraries are open. Better still, visit when enthusiastic volunteers with local knowledge are there to help you use the resources and equipment. Please follow the links below to find out what each centre offers.

lowercased: there are seven local history centres in surrey libraries. each provides a collection of research materials relating to the surrounding area. you can use the resources of the local history centres at any time that these libraries are open. better still, visit when enthusiastic volunteers with local knowledge are there to help you use the resources and equipment. please follow the links below to find out what each centre offers.


text:
Oak Creek Automotive provides Lube and Oil Change services to Oak Creek, WI, Franklin, WI, Greenfield, WI, and other surrounding areas.
Why Should You Have Lube and Oil Change Services Performed at Oak Creek Automotive?
We proudly service the Lube and Oil Change needs of customers in Oak Creek, WI, Franklin, WI, Greenfield, WI, and surrounding areas.

lowercased:
oak creek automotive provides lube and oil change services to oak creek, wi, franklin, wi, greenfield, wi, and other surrounding areas.
why should you have lube and oil change services performed at oak creek automotive?
we proudly service the lube and oil change needs of customers in oak creek, wi, franklin, wi, greenfield, wi, and surrounding areas.


text:
Ready to book? Give us a call at 1-937-328-1783 .
Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel, a Red Collection hotel, lets you enjoy a city chic, midscale yet affordable experience in the heart of Times Square. With our hotel just minutes away from iconic landmarks of downtown Manhattan, we offer our guests a cozy, comfortable stay with the ease of city exploration. Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel keeps you close to NYC’s most exciting attractions such as Madison Square Garden, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, Madame Tussauds, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. We are within walking distance to Broadway’s biggest shows. There are three major airports: LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). RediRewards members can now receive a $2 discount plus 500 bonus points when upgrading to our Elite 2 Queen room. We offer our guests free Wi-Fi, a free expanded cable package and 24-hour front desk service.
Click here to experience more of Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel.
Take in the vibrancy of Times Square at Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel located in the dazzling center of New York City. Our hotel reflects The Big Apple’s chic style that focuses on definitive decor and classic comforts expected from today’s guests. As part of The Red Collection®, Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel features a welcoming lobby and newly-designed rooms with modern, clean and fresh décor for a relaxing city stay.
You’re just steps away from the Crossroads of the World when you stay at Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel. We are within minutes of the city’s most famous attractions including the breath-taking views at the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock tours at Rockefeller Center, Strawberry Fields at Central Park and the concerts or sports games at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center. Wave to the Statue of Liberty as you ride the ferry to Ellis Island and zoom up 102 stories in a SkyPod Elevator to the observatory at One World Trade Center. Museum-goers will love exploring the exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History and the art collections at the Museum of Modern Art. Discover the events or expos happening at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and snap a few pics with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds. Lace up your ice skates at The Rink or take a ride on Le Carrousel at Bryant Park. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge for sightseeing in Brooklyn such as Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Building 92 of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Broadway is bigger than life in NYC, so it’s not a trip to New York without seeing the most sought-after shows at a variety of theater venues including New Amsterdam Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Palace Theatre, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, Gershwin Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Walter Kerr Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Shubert Theatre, Broadway Theatre, St. James Theatre and Minskoff Theater. We are an easy walk to several subway stops as well as a short drive to LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
All of our 100% Smoke-Free, newly-renovated rooms at Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel feature plush bedding and linens, comfortable beds, stylish bathrooms and décor that pairs classic elegance with refreshed flair. We offer our guests in-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with a free expanded cable package, individual thermostat control and bedside charging outlets for your smart devices. We provide superior service at our 24-hour front desk where you will find a multilingual team who are in-the-know on what to see and do during your stay.
Learn more about Lord & Moris - Times Square Hotel!
Stayed here in March for a couple of nights stopover and was happy with what we got. Friendly staff, no complications, clean and ideally situated. Also has free tea and coffee facilities in the lobby and purified water. The rooms are spacious enough with a clean bathroom that has a tub and shower. Would stay here again.
Very tiny room, we barely fit in there, during 4 nights stay they changed the towels only once and we asked to send someone for the water pressure of the shower but none came. Bit disappointing. I don’t think i’ll go back there for my next trip to new york.
We stayed for one night. Good size of room. It was booked under comfort inn and must have changed hands but unfortunately that was not clear and we, like many other people were not aware so spent some time walking up and down trying to find it. No complimentary tea and coffee in the room. There was some at reception. It empty. Good location.
What a shocking place, this was a huge disappointment. This is like a hostel not a hotel, the reception is about 4 foot wide and looks like it was built in the 70s. The room was a cement floor with a small square carpet, the floor was freezing when you got out of bed, only positive was the bed was fine. we paid 640 dollars for a building that looked like a something out of the stone age, we could have stayed at the Hilton next door for 50dollars more, please do not stay at this hotel.
2.5 Stars and that generous. Read the bad reviews, all 32 of them. Sure there's complaints about room sizes, renovations etc. but what everyone is saying is that your Customer Service is far below industry standards. You're not the only hotel in NYC with small rooms, "boutique" or otherwise, nor are you the only property to perform renovations, the difference is that better hotels manage customer expectation and when that fails there is what's know as service recover and in my experience with the team there, NO ONE has a grasp of that concept. My wife and daughter spent the past weekend there (12/15-18) and although astonished about how small the rooms were compared to the pictures on the site, they weren't too distraught because they weren't there to be in the room. They were leaving on Tuesday afternoon had some time between check out and having to go to the airport so decided on some last minute exploration. They checked 4 bags with Dre and received a claim check for 4 bags. When they returned for the bags Mr. Dre only gave them 3 back. This wasn't discovered until they were on their way to LaGuardia, Both my wife and I tried to reach out to the hotel to see what arrangements could be made to get the bag and my wife was told that Sandra, the GM was at lunch and she should try back in 20 minutes. I got through to Dre and asked to speak to Sandra was was forwarded to a voice mailbox in which I left a message. A few minutes later Dre called me back. This is where service recovery differentiates great or good hotels to yours. As a frequent traveler for over 30 years, I have occasionally left items behind, I have also had properties lose or mishandle items. I fully expected there was going to be some charge to retrieve the backpack that was held in storage, what I wasn't expecting was the belligerence and arrogance I encounter from Dre. His first statements were to blame my wife and daughter for leaving them behind even though they were in HIS care and custody. Then he began a litany of all the steps that WE had to follow to get it returned, (go to a shipper in TX, get a lable, send it to them etc.) I suggested, as I have experienced in the past that perhaps the property already had a UPS/FedEx account and could ship it and bill me. Providing customer service and saving me money. Instead Dre wanted to get into a shouting match about how it wasn't his fault he couldn't be accountable for returning the proper number of bags because he was just "too damn busy", I reminded him that HE was in the service industry, my wife and daughter were in the "panic about getting to the airport in time" industry. When I asked his name he said it was irrelevant, at which point I asked to speak to the manager and he hung up on me. My wife finally got through when Adeline was working the desk/phone and asked once again to speak to Sandra and was told she was gone for the day (3:00 PM EST) making Sandra's work day roughly 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM with a lunch. With help from Adeline and $60 I THINK the backpack is on it's way but the social media blitz about this abhorrent customer service is just beginning. In my opinion, you do not deserve the 2.5 star rating you have on this site. Read these reviews and study them, otherwise I fear Mr. Irrelevant may become exactly that.
$25.00 Deposit required at check-in for all guests.

lowercased:
ready to book? give us a call at 1-937-328-1783 .
lord & moris - times square hotel, a red collection hotel, lets you enjoy a city chic, midscale yet affordable experience in the heart of times square. with our hotel just minutes away from iconic landmarks of downtown manhattan, we offer our guests a cozy, comfortable stay with the ease of city exploration. lord & moris - times square hotel keeps you close to nyc’s most exciting attractions such as madison square garden, empire state building, rockefeller center, central park, the statue of liberty, ellis island, one world trade center, brooklyn bridge, museum of modern art, american museum of natural history, madame tussauds, jacob k. javits convention center, the new york public library and bryant park. we are within walking distance to broadway’s biggest shows. there are three major airports: laguardia airport (lga), john f. kennedy international airport (jfk) and newark liberty international airport (ewr). redirewards members can now receive a $2 discount plus 500 bonus points when upgrading to our elite 2 queen room. we offer our guests free wi-fi, a free expanded cable package and 24-hour front desk service.
click here to experience more of lord & moris - times square hotel.
take in the vibrancy of times square at lord & moris - times square hotel located in the dazzling center of new york city. our hotel reflects the big apple’s chic style that focuses on definitive decor and classic comforts expected from today’s guests. as part of the red collection®, lord & moris - times square hotel features a welcoming lobby and newly-designed rooms with modern, clean and fresh décor for a relaxing city stay.
you’re just steps away from the crossroads of the world when you stay at lord & moris - times square hotel. we are within minutes of the city’s most famous attractions including the breath-taking views at the empire state building, the top of the rock tours at rockefeller center, strawberry fields at central park and the concerts or sports games at madison square garden or barclays center. wave to the statue of liberty as you ride the ferry to ellis island and zoom up 102 stories in a skypod elevator to the observatory at one world trade center. museum-goers will love exploring the exhibits at the american museum of natural history and the art collections at the museum of modern art. discover the events or expos happening at jacob k. javits convention center and snap a few pics with your favorite celebrities at madame tussauds. lace up your ice skates at the rink or take a ride on le carrousel at bryant park. cross the brooklyn bridge for sightseeing in brooklyn such as prospect park, brooklyn botanic garden and building 92 of the brooklyn navy yard. broadway is bigger than life in nyc, so it’s not a trip to new york without seeing the most sought-after shows at a variety of theater venues including new amsterdam theatre, al hirschfeld theatre, richard rodgers theatre, palace theatre, brooks atkinson theatre, gershwin theatre, music box theatre, walter kerr theatre, majestic theatre, shubert theatre, broadway theatre, st. james theatre and minskoff theater. we are an easy walk to several subway stops as well as a short drive to laguardia airport (lga), john f. kennedy international airport (jfk) and newark liberty international airport (ewr).
all of our 100% smoke-free, newly-renovated rooms at lord & moris - times square hotel feature plush bedding and linens, comfortable beds, stylish bathrooms and décor that pairs classic elegance with refreshed flair. we offer our guests in-room amenities such as free wi-fi, a flat-screen tv with a free expanded cable package, individual thermostat control and bedside charging outlets for your smart devices. we provide superior service at our 24-hour front desk where you will find a multilingual team who are in-the-know on what to see and do during your stay.
learn more about lord & moris - times square hotel!
stayed here in march for a couple of nights stopover and was happy with what we got. friendly staff, no complications, clean and ideally situated. also has free tea and coffee facilities in the lobby and purified water. the rooms are spacious enough with a clean bathroom that has a tub and shower. would stay here again.
very tiny room, we barely fit in there, during 4 nights stay they changed the towels only once and we asked to send someone for the water pressure of the shower but none came. bit disappointing. i don’t think i’ll go back there for my next trip to new york.
we stayed for one night. good size of room. it was booked under comfort inn and must have changed hands but unfortunately that was not clear and we, like many other people were not aware so spent some time walking up and down trying to find it. no complimentary tea and coffee in the room. there was some at reception. it empty. good location.
what a shocking place, this was a huge disappointment. this is like a hostel not a hotel, the reception is about 4 foot wide and looks like it was built in the 70s. the room was a cement floor with a small square carpet, the floor was freezing when you got out of bed, only positive was the bed was fine. we paid 640 dollars for a building that looked like a something out of the stone age, we could have stayed at the hilton next door for 50dollars more, please do not stay at this hotel.
2.5 stars and that generous. read the bad reviews, all 32 of them. sure there's complaints about room sizes, renovations etc. but what everyone is saying is that your customer service is far below industry standards. you're not the only hotel in nyc with small rooms, "boutique" or otherwise, nor are you the only property to perform renovations, the difference is that better hotels manage customer expectation and when that fails there is what's know as service recover and in my experience with the team there, no one has a grasp of that concept. my wife and daughter spent the past weekend there (12/15-18) and although astonished about how small the rooms were compared to the pictures on the site, they weren't too distraught because they weren't there to be in the room. they were leaving on tuesday afternoon had some time between check out and having to go to the airport so decided on some last minute exploration. they checked 4 bags with dre and received a claim check for 4 bags. when they returned for the bags mr. dre only gave them 3 back. this wasn't discovered until they were on their way to laguardia, both my wife and i tried to reach out to the hotel to see what arrangements could be made to get the bag and my wife was told that sandra, the gm was at lunch and she should try back in 20 minutes. i got through to dre and asked to speak to sandra was was forwarded to a voice mailbox in which i left a message. a few minutes later dre called me back. this is where service recovery differentiates great or good hotels to yours. as a frequent traveler for over 30 years, i have occasionally left items behind, i have also had properties lose or mishandle items. i fully expected there was going to be some charge to retrieve the backpack that was held in storage, what i wasn't expecting was the belligerence and arrogance i encounter from dre. his first statements were to blame my wife and daughter for leaving them behind even though they were in his care and custody. then he began a litany of all the steps that we had to follow to get it returned, (go to a shipper in tx, get a lable, send it to them etc.) i suggested, as i have experienced in the past that perhaps the property already had a ups/fedex account and could ship it and bill me. providing customer service and saving me money. instead dre wanted to get into a shouting match about how it wasn't his fault he couldn't be accountable for returning the proper number of bags because he was just "too damn busy", i reminded him that he was in the service industry, my wife and daughter were in the "panic about getting to the airport in time" industry. when i asked his name he said it was irrelevant, at which point i asked to speak to the manager and he hung up on me. my wife finally got through when adeline was working the desk/phone and asked once again to speak to sandra and was told she was gone for the day (3:00 pm est) making sandra's work day roughly 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with a lunch. with help from adeline and $60 i think the backpack is on it's way but the social media blitz about this abhorrent customer service is just beginning. in my opinion, you do not deserve the 2.5 star rating you have on this site. read these reviews and study them, otherwise i fear mr. irrelevant may become exactly that.
$25.00 deposit required at check-in for all guests.


text:
Expanding from cannabis-based skin products into the beverage side of the wellness industry, Yield Growth Corp. (CSE:BOSS; OTC:BOSQF) just acquired eight formulas for THC- and CBD-infused drinks from natural health vendors Vivek Taneja and Bhavna Solecki.
The deal will see Yield Growth paying $100,000 in shares and warrants to the vendors to acquire the new formulas.
Vivek Taneja — who has previously worked for such corporations as Coca-Cola, Nestle Water, and Minute Maid — has also been brought on as the company’s new head chemical engineer.
In his new role, Taneja will lead the company’s commercial-scale cannabis extraction and hemp root oil production processes.
After the formula asset acquisition is complete, Yield’s subsidiary company UJ Beverages will develop a line of new products to sell in Canada and U.S. states where cannabis has been legalized.
The new infused beverage products will be marketed as preventing or lessening the effects of hangovers, providing energy, battling anxiety, and treating the symptoms of inflammation.
We are very excited to acquire these formulas as the first acquisition for our cannabis beverage line. We intend to leverage the expertise and international distribution channels that we have developed for our topicals products.
Both infused beverages and hemp or marijuana-derived CBD products represent two large new growth sections of the overall cannabis industry.
Just last week, Auxly Cannabis Group (TSX.V: XLY) acquired Uruguay-based hemp growing company Inverell S.A. for the purposes of producing CBD products.
In infused beverage news, Tilray recently struck a $100 million deal with beer giant Anheuser-Busch to develop CBD and THC beverages, which is a partnership likely to dominate the Canadian market in the months to come.
Aside from the pending development of CBD-infused beverages, Yield Growth primarily operates through subsidiary Urban Juve to provide skin-based cannabis products such as lip balm. Earlier this month, the company announced a second manufacturing run of 5,000 lip balm units to meet increased demand.
That product line is now being adapted with hemp-based formulas following the passage of the Farm Bill to meet legal restrictions for sale in the United States.
Auxly Cannabis Group Acquires CBD Company Inverell S.A.

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expanding from cannabis-based skin products into the beverage side of the wellness industry, yield growth corp. (cse:boss; otc:bosqf) just acquired eight formulas for thc- and cbd-infused drinks from natural health vendors vivek taneja and bhavna solecki.
the deal will see yield growth paying $100,000 in shares and warrants to the vendors to acquire the new formulas.
vivek taneja — who has previously worked for such corporations as coca-cola, nestle water, and minute maid — has also been brought on as the company’s new head chemical engineer.
in his new role, taneja will lead the company’s commercial-scale cannabis extraction and hemp root oil production processes.
after the formula asset acquisition is complete, yield’s subsidiary company uj beverages will develop a line of new products to sell in canada and u.s. states where cannabis has been legalized.
the new infused beverage products will be marketed as preventing or lessening the effects of hangovers, providing energy, battling anxiety, and treating the symptoms of inflammation.
we are very excited to acquire these formulas as the first acquisition for our cannabis beverage line. we intend to leverage the expertise and international distribution channels that we have developed for our topicals products.
both infused beverages and hemp or marijuana-derived cbd products represent two large new growth sections of the overall cannabis industry.
just last week, auxly cannabis group (tsx.v: xly) acquired uruguay-based hemp growing company inverell s.a. for the purposes of producing cbd products.
in infused beverage news, tilray recently struck a $100 million deal with beer giant anheuser-busch to develop cbd and thc beverages, which is a partnership likely to dominate the canadian market in the months to come.
aside from the pending development of cbd-infused beverages, yield growth primarily operates through subsidiary urban juve to provide skin-based cannabis products such as lip balm. earlier this month, the company announced a second manufacturing run of 5,000 lip balm units to meet increased demand.
that product line is now being adapted with hemp-based formulas following the passage of the farm bill to meet legal restrictions for sale in the united states.
auxly cannabis group acquires cbd company inverell s.a.


text:
Early in my career I had the hubris of youth thinking that I “knew it all”. So you can imagine my reaction when the SEO guy came up to me and told me I had to add keywords into my content, I truly thought he was just trying to make more work for me. I would think to myself: Didn’t he know how much I needed to do? Is this going to really matter? Won’t randomly dropping SEO keywords into my content seem forced and weird?
No, and he didn’t care (and it wasn’t his problem).
Yes, that is, if you like traffic to your website.
Yes, that’s why we don’t do that. We create copy that explores topics thoroughly to answer user questions.
Working closely with Sean Van Guilder, Point It Director of Search Engine Optimization, has given me a deeper understanding of not only how the search engines work from a user query perspective. Gosh, that sounds fancy. But it’s not. As we built the refreshed Point It website (Hooray for a new site launch!), he infused just the right amount of SEO knowledge into my education to make me a smarter marketer. This means my content works harder for me than it ever has. And thus, our recent webinar, SEO + Content Marketing: Two Sides of the Same Coin (we’ll share the link shortly) was born!
Do SEO and Content Marketing have common goals?
Despite my early inclinations, SEO and marketing are aligned far more than most people think. The purpose of SEO is drive traffic to websites by removing online barriers from searchers. This way they can answer their questions by being served content from your website and ultimately convert!
Content marketing’s purpose is to drive prospects to our websites by answering critical business questions. By becoming a publisher, we’re able to create content in a variety of formats that help us drive prospects through our funnel and ultimately convert!
The big take away here is: SEO and Content Marketing both need to drive traffic, answer prospect questions and convert prospects into customers.
SEO-Optimized content is valuable, relevant, consistent, question-driven, user-friendly, and designed to have the customer take action.
Make sure your site is easy to use.
It’s the simple best practices that so many content writers put into place that ALSO adhere to SEO best practices.
What is the difference between a core keyword phrase and a user question?
I’m sure you remember the days when it seemed like “keyword phrases” were all the SEO industry experts could talk about. With the shift towards natural language, search engines are focused on delivering answers to user questions. Let’s set the stage: you’re in your car and hungry. You ask Siri, Cortana, or Google now “Where is the best Chinese restaurant near me?” Google answers by combining geographically relevant information. This could include a knowledge card on a restaurant and Yelp reviews.
Long tail keywords (phrases with words between 5 and 7 words) tend to be the way most searchers look for information. Make sure you have keyword information across your content, social media promotion and landing pages to get best results!
Bottom Line: You don’t have to be an SEO expert to get outstanding SEO results from your content.
Check out Sean Van Guilder’s holiday SEO guide, “SEO for the Holidays”. Although it’s geared toward retailers, it includes best practices that can be applied before any big release or campaign.
Download your FREE SEO-friendly Content Calendar!

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early in my career i had the hubris of youth thinking that i “knew it all”. so you can imagine my reaction when the seo guy came up to me and told me i had to add keywords into my content, i truly thought he was just trying to make more work for me. i would think to myself: didn’t he know how much i needed to do? is this going to really matter? won’t randomly dropping seo keywords into my content seem forced and weird?
no, and he didn’t care (and it wasn’t his problem).
yes, that is, if you like traffic to your website.
yes, that’s why we don’t do that. we create copy that explores topics thoroughly to answer user questions.
working closely with sean van guilder, point it director of search engine optimization, has given me a deeper understanding of not only how the search engines work from a user query perspective. gosh, that sounds fancy. but it’s not. as we built the refreshed point it website (hooray for a new site launch!), he infused just the right amount of seo knowledge into my education to make me a smarter marketer. this means my content works harder for me than it ever has. and thus, our recent webinar, seo + content marketing: two sides of the same coin (we’ll share the link shortly) was born!
do seo and content marketing have common goals?
despite my early inclinations, seo and marketing are aligned far more than most people think. the purpose of seo is drive traffic to websites by removing online barriers from searchers. this way they can answer their questions by being served content from your website and ultimately convert!
content marketing’s purpose is to drive prospects to our websites by answering critical business questions. by becoming a publisher, we’re able to create content in a variety of formats that help us drive prospects through our funnel and ultimately convert!
the big take away here is: seo and content marketing both need to drive traffic, answer prospect questions and convert prospects into customers.
seo-optimized content is valuable, relevant, consistent, question-driven, user-friendly, and designed to have the customer take action.
make sure your site is easy to use.
it’s the simple best practices that so many content writers put into place that also adhere to seo best practices.
what is the difference between a core keyword phrase and a user question?
i’m sure you remember the days when it seemed like “keyword phrases” were all the seo industry experts could talk about. with the shift towards natural language, search engines are focused on delivering answers to user questions. let’s set the stage: you’re in your car and hungry. you ask siri, cortana, or google now “where is the best chinese restaurant near me?” google answers by combining geographically relevant information. this could include a knowledge card on a restaurant and yelp reviews.
long tail keywords (phrases with words between 5 and 7 words) tend to be the way most searchers look for information. make sure you have keyword information across your content, social media promotion and landing pages to get best results!
bottom line: you don’t have to be an seo expert to get outstanding seo results from your content.
check out sean van guilder’s holiday seo guide, “seo for the holidays”. although it’s geared toward retailers, it includes best practices that can be applied before any big release or campaign.
download your free seo-friendly content calendar!


text:
Adoption of modern management tools etc.
platform for exchange of ideas on policy and technology. Circulation of relevant papers and proceedings of 2013 event for sharing of knowledge/ techniques in water sector to States and other stakeholders.

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adoption of modern management tools etc.
platform for exchange of ideas on policy and technology. circulation of relevant papers and proceedings of 2013 event for sharing of knowledge/ techniques in water sector to states and other stakeholders.


text:
Photographer Jenna Gang and I continued our deconstructed series by entering the savory realm with these images burgers, fries, and all the fixings.
File it under the category of bizarre requests. Floral breakfasts for Kheil's highlighting the botanicals in their Daily Reviving Concentrate.
Target's first ad campaign aimed at Latin America features words with no direct English translation scrawled in all manner of sweet and savory bites. Art Direction by Latin Works and SNASK, the innovative creative agency based in Stockholm. More images and video after the jump.

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photographer jenna gang and i continued our deconstructed series by entering the savory realm with these images burgers, fries, and all the fixings.
file it under the category of bizarre requests. floral breakfasts for kheil's highlighting the botanicals in their daily reviving concentrate.
target's first ad campaign aimed at latin america features words with no direct english translation scrawled in all manner of sweet and savory bites. art direction by latin works and snask, the innovative creative agency based in stockholm. more images and video after the jump.


text:
Train your disobedient dog without damaging his shiny coat with this extra Strong Chrome Plated Choke Collar with smooth and long links.
This Chrome Plated Choke Collar provides the handler with a long service, fast training effect and incredible strength!
Strong and rust-proof Brass Fur Saver Collar is designed to keep your pet's fur perfect-looking during easy and effective obedience training.
Your pet will be reliably controlled with Chrome Plated Choke Collar, which is gentle to the dog's coat and effective for teaching him good manners.
Being an effective and almost indestructible training tool, Unusual Black Stainless Steel Collar will preserve the dog's coat in perfect condition.
This collar is made of durable stainless steel. It is designed for effective behavior correction.
Do you need a quality fur saver? Pay attention to this stainless steel dog fur saver which is designed for behavior correction.
This fur saver is made of high quality curogan. It can be used for dog behavior correction.
Choose this Stainless Steel Collar with fur saving links for excellent performing in dog shows. Royal silver color creates the look of an expensive accessory.

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train your disobedient dog without damaging his shiny coat with this extra strong chrome plated choke collar with smooth and long links.
this chrome plated choke collar provides the handler with a long service, fast training effect and incredible strength!
strong and rust-proof brass fur saver collar is designed to keep your pet's fur perfect-looking during easy and effective obedience training.
your pet will be reliably controlled with chrome plated choke collar, which is gentle to the dog's coat and effective for teaching him good manners.
being an effective and almost indestructible training tool, unusual black stainless steel collar will preserve the dog's coat in perfect condition.
this collar is made of durable stainless steel. it is designed for effective behavior correction.
do you need a quality fur saver? pay attention to this stainless steel dog fur saver which is designed for behavior correction.
this fur saver is made of high quality curogan. it can be used for dog behavior correction.
choose this stainless steel collar with fur saving links for excellent performing in dog shows. royal silver color creates the look of an expensive accessory.


text:
The GTC provides a small number of scholarships for international master students. Funding will preferentially be offered to international applicants who excel in the selection procedure (i.e., students, top-ranked on the short list) and who would not be able to afford studies abroad by own means (specifics on the amount of funding and the maximal funding period will be detailed in the scholarship confirmation letter).
Please note that students who apply for a GTC-scholarship have to provide a proof that they also applied for a scholarship elsewhere, for example with the DAAD. Only in case students are not eligible for or have not been awarded a DAAD-scholarship, they can be offered funding from our graduate schools.
The next step is yours. To apply, go to the DAAD scholarship-database.

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the gtc provides a small number of scholarships for international master students. funding will preferentially be offered to international applicants who excel in the selection procedure (i.e., students, top-ranked on the short list) and who would not be able to afford studies abroad by own means (specifics on the amount of funding and the maximal funding period will be detailed in the scholarship confirmation letter).
please note that students who apply for a gtc-scholarship have to provide a proof that they also applied for a scholarship elsewhere, for example with the daad. only in case students are not eligible for or have not been awarded a daad-scholarship, they can be offered funding from our graduate schools.
the next step is yours. to apply, go to the daad scholarship-database.


text:
Demo Reel — Surf Dog Art!
SurfDogArt Demo Reel 2016My mid-2016 demo reel, containing work that I did on the video game Battleborn, the thrice-Emmy-nominated show Archer (we've got it this year! *vigorously shakes fist*), and some other work with Secret Sauce Animation.All of the work with Battleborn was cleanup and HUD design. The work on Archer consists of asset creation, props, key framing, and more.

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demo reel — surf dog art!
surfdogart demo reel 2016my mid-2016 demo reel, containing work that i did on the video game battleborn, the thrice-emmy-nominated show archer (we've got it this year! *vigorously shakes fist*), and some other work with secret sauce animation.all of the work with battleborn was cleanup and hud design. the work on archer consists of asset creation, props, key framing, and more.


text:
DGMM is comprised of a varied group of talented men & women with unique and creative skills needed to bring the fashion, beauty & entertainment industries to life! We strive to succeed in expanding across these industries with our unique perspective; making a bold statement in today's evolving marketplace!
In these competitive and ever expanding industries, DGMM offer clients a refreshing and imaginative alternative to the typical juvenile humdrum that is universal in the current market.
Creative services include: professional choreography, performing artists (on an assortment of stages!), artist management, & on staff MUA & hair stylist.
DGMMs ultimate goal is to become a full-service management firm, establishing multiple departments for the diverse line-up of talent and clients. In just a short amount of time, we have already begun to makes strides in expanding to several other facets of the industry. The Launch of PlatinumJewelz Designs in January of 2011 took the clothing design industry by storm, producing rave reviews! With plans underway to continue expansions in clothing design as well as music and photography, DGMM will hit all aspects of the industry spectrum! From runway to swimwear, theater to hip-hop, DGMMs talent is the ultimate & most desirable, supreme quality; unmatched by any other!

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dgmm is comprised of a varied group of talented men & women with unique and creative skills needed to bring the fashion, beauty & entertainment industries to life! we strive to succeed in expanding across these industries with our unique perspective; making a bold statement in today's evolving marketplace!
in these competitive and ever expanding industries, dgmm offer clients a refreshing and imaginative alternative to the typical juvenile humdrum that is universal in the current market.
creative services include: professional choreography, performing artists (on an assortment of stages!), artist management, & on staff mua & hair stylist.
dgmms ultimate goal is to become a full-service management firm, establishing multiple departments for the diverse line-up of talent and clients. in just a short amount of time, we have already begun to makes strides in expanding to several other facets of the industry. the launch of platinumjewelz designs in january of 2011 took the clothing design industry by storm, producing rave reviews! with plans underway to continue expansions in clothing design as well as music and photography, dgmm will hit all aspects of the industry spectrum! from runway to swimwear, theater to hip-hop, dgmms talent is the ultimate & most desirable, supreme quality; unmatched by any other!


text:
John Passauer joined IJM in December 2016 as IJM’s first ever Chief Financial Officer. John’s career spans over many leadership roles that have driven transformation and development at MCI, AES and most recently Ascom Network Testing Division. He has played an integral role in creating and leading teams to deliver innovative solutions to support growing businesses. John has extensive international experience having worked and lived in Brazil as Controller of a large publically held telecom operator, as well as having served on board of directors for entities in Chile, South Africa, Malaysia, India and China.
John enjoys spending time with his wife Nancy and with their four adult children and two grandchildren. Other interests include team-teaching Bible (with Nancy) with a group of sixth graders at their church and running, bicycling, kayaking, backpacking and gardening.

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john passauer joined ijm in december 2016 as ijm’s first ever chief financial officer. john’s career spans over many leadership roles that have driven transformation and development at mci, aes and most recently ascom network testing division. he has played an integral role in creating and leading teams to deliver innovative solutions to support growing businesses. john has extensive international experience having worked and lived in brazil as controller of a large publically held telecom operator, as well as having served on board of directors for entities in chile, south africa, malaysia, india and china.
john enjoys spending time with his wife nancy and with their four adult children and two grandchildren. other interests include team-teaching bible (with nancy) with a group of sixth graders at their church and running, bicycling, kayaking, backpacking and gardening.


text:
In the heart of the city or in the midst of unspoilt nature: this sturdy stainless steel drinking bottle feels at home anywhere – as it combines practicality with individual design.
With its practical loop cap, the drinking bottle feels comfortable to hold as you open it; it’s also really easy to open and close again and can easily be carried anywhere. It weighs just 211 g – yet it holds 1 l!
The drinking bottle is 100% leak-proof and is easy to clean thanks to its 32 mm wide opening.
Offering a water bottle that looks good in both the city and the country; that’s light yet sturdy and that has a good capacity – these were the basic considerations when we were developing this product. The result? A combination of individual design and great practicality that’s ideal for use outdoors and in town.
Naturally, it’s also free from BPA and phthalates.

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in the heart of the city or in the midst of unspoilt nature: this sturdy stainless steel drinking bottle feels at home anywhere – as it combines practicality with individual design.
with its practical loop cap, the drinking bottle feels comfortable to hold as you open it; it’s also really easy to open and close again and can easily be carried anywhere. it weighs just 211 g – yet it holds 1 l!
the drinking bottle is 100% leak-proof and is easy to clean thanks to its 32 mm wide opening.
offering a water bottle that looks good in both the city and the country; that’s light yet sturdy and that has a good capacity – these were the basic considerations when we were developing this product. the result? a combination of individual design and great practicality that’s ideal for use outdoors and in town.
naturally, it’s also free from bpa and phthalates.


text:
Death Cab for Cutie is about to make its long-awaited return. The band just announced that their first album in three years, called Thank You for Today, will be released on August 17, and the first single, “Gold Rush,” is out now.
Frontman Ben Gibbard spoke with NPR Music’s Bob Boilen on a special episode of All Songs Considered to talk about the nostalgic new song. “Gold Rush” is inspired by Gibbard’s observations of how the world around him has changed over the last few decades; he says it’s “about coming to terms with the passage of time and losing the people and the moments in my life all over again as I walk down a street that is now so unfamiliar.” That sentiment and the repeated lyric “It didn’t used to be this way” are mirrored in the video, which shows Gibbard walking down a street, alone in a crowd, as time passes around him.
Listen to the full conversation here and watch the video for “Gold Rush” below. Death Cab will play their first Philly show since 2015 at the Tower Theater on October 9. Tickets are still available; find more information on the XPN Concert Calendar.

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death cab for cutie is about to make its long-awaited return. the band just announced that their first album in three years, called thank you for today, will be released on august 17, and the first single, “gold rush,” is out now.
frontman ben gibbard spoke with npr music’s bob boilen on a special episode of all songs considered to talk about the nostalgic new song. “gold rush” is inspired by gibbard’s observations of how the world around him has changed over the last few decades; he says it’s “about coming to terms with the passage of time and losing the people and the moments in my life all over again as i walk down a street that is now so unfamiliar.” that sentiment and the repeated lyric “it didn’t used to be this way” are mirrored in the video, which shows gibbard walking down a street, alone in a crowd, as time passes around him.
listen to the full conversation here and watch the video for “gold rush” below. death cab will play their first philly show since 2015 at the tower theater on october 9. tickets are still available; find more information on the xpn concert calendar.


text: A small fishing settlement in the district of Trinity, at the westren extremity of Random Sound. Distance from New Bonaventure by boat 25 miles. Population 27.

lowercased: a small fishing settlement in the district of trinity, at the westren extremity of random sound. distance from new bonaventure by boat 25 miles. population 27.


text:
China has 2.5 million millionaires − 80 per cent more than last year − and more than any other country except America. On the 2013 Forbes China Rich List, Liu Yiqian currently appears at number 200 (with $900 million), slipping from number 171 in 2012 when he actually had a hundred million fewer dollars. Described on one Chinese website as ‘the king of corporate shares’, he made his fortune in real estate and pharmaceuticals but has put his wealth to use as a renowned art collector. In April 2014, he broke the world auction record for Chinese porcelain, paying $36 million for a Ming Dynasty porcelain ‘chicken cup’ in Hong Kong. Quoted in arts magazine, Jing Daily, Liu’s wife Wang Wei says: ‘in terms of the optimal selection, stocks and art works are almost the same’.
The first Long (‘Dragon’) Museum opened on Luoshan Road in Pudong, Shanghai two years ago. At that time, it was China’s largest private museum showing an extensive collection of Revolutionary Period ‘Red Art’ and classic calligraphy. That museum, designed by Chinese artist and minimalist architect Zhong Song, is a plain box, entirely granite faced, that has been described in the Chinese press as Brutalist because it is a heavy, lumpen structure, devoid of windows. Ironically, its uncomplicated form actually seems to help to celebrate the content.
Just two years after that museum opened, Liu and Wang have just completed a second one, also in Shanghai. This one, known as the Long Museum West Bund, has been designed by Liu Yichun of Atelier Deshaus and will continue to house the client’s own acquisitions as well as displaying art from around the world. The government’s five-year plan for Shanghai pledges that by 2017 the city will emerge as China’s cultural capital, comparable to major Western cities like Berlin or London. Furthermore, as Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone is just starting to allow art auctions to be held in Shanghai − as a rival venue to Hong Kong − so the increasingly important Chinese gallery collections will be encouraged to loan and bring in touring exhibitions.
One of the sites earmarked for this cultural (and economic) makeover is the south-west bank of the Huangpu River; a 19-hectare ex-industrial site that was recently tested out with the Shanghai Bund biennale (AR February 2014). Immediately afterwards, the site was rebranded as the ‘West Bank Media Port’ which is busy transforming itself into a cultural landmark development, featuring film studios, TV production and digital entertainment companies, from established players like Dreamworks to new media start-ups.
In this ex-industrial area, much has changed. Heavy industry has been moved out and now wedding couples canoodle along the newly laid promenade, expats amble, skateboards trundle, and the nouveau riche walk their dogs … while a group of migrant labourers struggle to control a concrete power float that seems to be dragging them into the long grass. The contradictory scene of old and new world is exemplified by the rapid churn of contemporary architectural developments on the quayside while hundreds of huge barges, heavily laden with carbon-intensive industrial products, chug up and down the riverside. Similarly, the new Long Museum currently sits alongside the nine-month-old relic that is Schmidt Hammer Lassen’s Bund Biennial cloud pavilion. One year is a lifetime in this rapidly evolving area.
The new Long Museum has been designed to play with this concept of change and the modern-versus-post-industrial condition. Situating a new 17,000sqm art building on the site of the old coal-loading yard is an attempt by the local government to renew the area while capturing some of its urban memory. Here the tramlines have been retained and the huge concrete silos, constructed in the 1950s, remain as one of the key features of the site. However, while the museum itself is impressive, there is something unconvincing about this play with the historic urban grain.
For example, the coal trolley tramlines have been encased in cobblestoned paths but veer off at tangents to the building. Given that the tramlines were here first, such curious angles imply that the building doesn’t really respond to these historical routes in any coherent way. (This is compounded by the fact that a sculpture has been plonked directly on top of this rail route to undermine any sense of its importance as a meaningful heritage motif.) Secondly, the coal silos seem to have been treated as a monolithic objet d’art, with no genuine connection between this crumbling piece of Maoist industrial history and the resulting building. Admittedly, visitors can walk on the top of these silos where they have been overlaid with timber decking, but this misses the point. Impressive though this structure is, it appears to be merely an obstacle on the site. In fact, it is such an obstacle that it has caused the museum to be cut in half. Two parts of the new building are isolated from each other, divided by the coal hoppers, so that the main gallery to the north and a smaller gallery to the south are each entered separately.
The reception area in the north gallery is accessed from the break in the silos, and from there, the remarkable geometry becomes apparent. The building form is generated from what the architect calls the concrete ‘vault umbrella’ columns. These strong structural forms (that are also expressed in the external elevations) fan out at the head to provide a cantilever structural frame for the roof, while other shear walls tie into the original structure of the converted pre-existing basement. The architects insist that the form of the umbrellas is a ‘visual echo’ of the coal hoppers, but this is not entirely convincing. In fact, for this reviewer, there is a faux-industrial symbolism, a false impression that the building has been created from infilled, extant industrial arches rather than being a new-build.
That said, the geometric rigour of this construction, using vaulting radii to generate the spaces, has resulted in some impressively cavernous rooms: four-storey-height volumes with curved soffits in exposed concrete. This allows for the equal treatment of huge Big Character banner art (that dominates the space) and small pieces of work on expansive, non-distracting walls (that demand that the visitor steps closer). The opening exhibition of contemporary works was accompanied by an intense set of curatorial notes pasted on the concrete surfaces that added greatly to the appreciation of the displayed art works. For example: ‘Artists born in the 1960s have innate antipathy towards “grand narration” and do not have any lofty ideas or sense of mission.’ Or ‘Globalization has brought about economic growth and scientific progress, both of which have shed light on the artists’ thought … after the Cultural Revolution.’ Or, a guidance note on how to appreciate ancient calligraphy reads: ‘converse with delight; interpret the subtlety; observe in silence … only by doing so can one complete the spiritual journey’.
The more physical journey around the building is full of three-dimensional surprises, with low-level galleries opening up into full-height spaces; walls cut away into mezzanine-style balconies, or dramatic curved walls that lure the visitor into quiet spaces and out again. The staircase to the basement area is tiered into 1.5 metre landings that act as individual gallery areas. The architecture allows visitors to lose themselves while reassuring them that they are still connected.
Each adjoining volume − some at right angles, others in parallel − creates very interesting connections, infilled by rooflights and shutters, which the architect says has been the most awkward part of the building to get right. These junctions are infused with light, which is then cast onto the concrete curvature and dissipated without glare. As in a cathedral (that overused analogy for galleries), the light here is a crucial means to contemplation. As in a temple to art (that seldom used analogy for galleries), this building seeks to display the works to their best advantage.
Light is allowed in through large, gable end windows, but restricted by internal manifestation on the glass and by the external perforated metal sheets, which lends the appearance of a woven fabric. It is a clever detail, allowing a subdued even light to infiltrate the spaces even on a bright summer’s day. It blocks views in and restricts views of the surroundings so that there is no distraction from the gallery display.

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china has 2.5 million millionaires − 80 per cent more than last year − and more than any other country except america. on the 2013 forbes china rich list, liu yiqian currently appears at number 200 (with $900 million), slipping from number 171 in 2012 when he actually had a hundred million fewer dollars. described on one chinese website as ‘the king of corporate shares’, he made his fortune in real estate and pharmaceuticals but has put his wealth to use as a renowned art collector. in april 2014, he broke the world auction record for chinese porcelain, paying $36 million for a ming dynasty porcelain ‘chicken cup’ in hong kong. quoted in arts magazine, jing daily, liu’s wife wang wei says: ‘in terms of the optimal selection, stocks and art works are almost the same’.
the first long (‘dragon’) museum opened on luoshan road in pudong, shanghai two years ago. at that time, it was china’s largest private museum showing an extensive collection of revolutionary period ‘red art’ and classic calligraphy. that museum, designed by chinese artist and minimalist architect zhong song, is a plain box, entirely granite faced, that has been described in the chinese press as brutalist because it is a heavy, lumpen structure, devoid of windows. ironically, its uncomplicated form actually seems to help to celebrate the content.
just two years after that museum opened, liu and wang have just completed a second one, also in shanghai. this one, known as the long museum west bund, has been designed by liu yichun of atelier deshaus and will continue to house the client’s own acquisitions as well as displaying art from around the world. the government’s five-year plan for shanghai pledges that by 2017 the city will emerge as china’s cultural capital, comparable to major western cities like berlin or london. furthermore, as shanghai’s free trade zone is just starting to allow art auctions to be held in shanghai − as a rival venue to hong kong − so the increasingly important chinese gallery collections will be encouraged to loan and bring in touring exhibitions.
one of the sites earmarked for this cultural (and economic) makeover is the south-west bank of the huangpu river; a 19-hectare ex-industrial site that was recently tested out with the shanghai bund biennale (ar february 2014). immediately afterwards, the site was rebranded as the ‘west bank media port’ which is busy transforming itself into a cultural landmark development, featuring film studios, tv production and digital entertainment companies, from established players like dreamworks to new media start-ups.
in this ex-industrial area, much has changed. heavy industry has been moved out and now wedding couples canoodle along the newly laid promenade, expats amble, skateboards trundle, and the nouveau riche walk their dogs … while a group of migrant labourers struggle to control a concrete power float that seems to be dragging them into the long grass. the contradictory scene of old and new world is exemplified by the rapid churn of contemporary architectural developments on the quayside while hundreds of huge barges, heavily laden with carbon-intensive industrial products, chug up and down the riverside. similarly, the new long museum currently sits alongside the nine-month-old relic that is schmidt hammer lassen’s bund biennial cloud pavilion. one year is a lifetime in this rapidly evolving area.
the new long museum has been designed to play with this concept of change and the modern-versus-post-industrial condition. situating a new 17,000sqm art building on the site of the old coal-loading yard is an attempt by the local government to renew the area while capturing some of its urban memory. here the tramlines have been retained and the huge concrete silos, constructed in the 1950s, remain as one of the key features of the site. however, while the museum itself is impressive, there is something unconvincing about this play with the historic urban grain.
for example, the coal trolley tramlines have been encased in cobblestoned paths but veer off at tangents to the building. given that the tramlines were here first, such curious angles imply that the building doesn’t really respond to these historical routes in any coherent way. (this is compounded by the fact that a sculpture has been plonked directly on top of this rail route to undermine any sense of its importance as a meaningful heritage motif.) secondly, the coal silos seem to have been treated as a monolithic objet d’art, with no genuine connection between this crumbling piece of maoist industrial history and the resulting building. admittedly, visitors can walk on the top of these silos where they have been overlaid with timber decking, but this misses the point. impressive though this structure is, it appears to be merely an obstacle on the site. in fact, it is such an obstacle that it has caused the museum to be cut in half. two parts of the new building are isolated from each other, divided by the coal hoppers, so that the main gallery to the north and a smaller gallery to the south are each entered separately.
the reception area in the north gallery is accessed from the break in the silos, and from there, the remarkable geometry becomes apparent. the building form is generated from what the architect calls the concrete ‘vault umbrella’ columns. these strong structural forms (that are also expressed in the external elevations) fan out at the head to provide a cantilever structural frame for the roof, while other shear walls tie into the original structure of the converted pre-existing basement. the architects insist that the form of the umbrellas is a ‘visual echo’ of the coal hoppers, but this is not entirely convincing. in fact, for this reviewer, there is a faux-industrial symbolism, a false impression that the building has been created from infilled, extant industrial arches rather than being a new-build.
that said, the geometric rigour of this construction, using vaulting radii to generate the spaces, has resulted in some impressively cavernous rooms: four-storey-height volumes with curved soffits in exposed concrete. this allows for the equal treatment of huge big character banner art (that dominates the space) and small pieces of work on expansive, non-distracting walls (that demand that the visitor steps closer). the opening exhibition of contemporary works was accompanied by an intense set of curatorial notes pasted on the concrete surfaces that added greatly to the appreciation of the displayed art works. for example: ‘artists born in the 1960s have innate antipathy towards “grand narration” and do not have any lofty ideas or sense of mission.’ or ‘globalization has brought about economic growth and scientific progress, both of which have shed light on the artists’ thought … after the cultural revolution.’ or, a guidance note on how to appreciate ancient calligraphy reads: ‘converse with delight; interpret the subtlety; observe in silence … only by doing so can one complete the spiritual journey’.
the more physical journey around the building is full of three-dimensional surprises, with low-level galleries opening up into full-height spaces; walls cut away into mezzanine-style balconies, or dramatic curved walls that lure the visitor into quiet spaces and out again. the staircase to the basement area is tiered into 1.5 metre landings that act as individual gallery areas. the architecture allows visitors to lose themselves while reassuring them that they are still connected.
each adjoining volume − some at right angles, others in parallel − creates very interesting connections, infilled by rooflights and shutters, which the architect says has been the most awkward part of the building to get right. these junctions are infused with light, which is then cast onto the concrete curvature and dissipated without glare. as in a cathedral (that overused analogy for galleries), the light here is a crucial means to contemplation. as in a temple to art (that seldom used analogy for galleries), this building seeks to display the works to their best advantage.
light is allowed in through large, gable end windows, but restricted by internal manifestation on the glass and by the external perforated metal sheets, which lends the appearance of a woven fabric. it is a clever detail, allowing a subdued even light to infiltrate the spaces even on a bright summer’s day. it blocks views in and restricts views of the surroundings so that there is no distraction from the gallery display.


text:
It is almost the end of 2018, and taxpayers have been subjected to a whirlwind of changes brought about by the effectivity of the first of five proposed comprehensive tax reform packages under the Duterte administration.
In response to the amendments to the Tax Code, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been relentless with its flurry of advisories and issuances to ensure proper compliance and guidance, keeping the taxpayers’ best interest in mind.
Upon the enactment and the effectivity of the TRAIN Law, the revision to Section 249 has caused confusion among taxpayers and BIR officers alike. Consequently, there has been an inconsistent application of the interest rate on unpaid taxes, as well as on the computation of deficiency and delinquency interests due. Thankfully, the BIR has finally issued the regulations on interest last September to clear the air and settle the misunderstanding once and for all.
While Section 2 of the RR echoes the revision found in the TRAIN Law, i.e. that the applicable rate of interest to be assessed and collected on any unpaid tax shall be double of the effective legal interest rate for loans or forbearances of any money in the absence of an express stipulation as set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from the date prescribed for payment until the amount is fully paid; RR No. 21-2018 now categorically states that under Section 249 of the Tax Code, the rate of interest imposable shall be 12 percent, which is double the rate of interest per BSP Memorandum Order No. 799 series of 2013 for loans or forbearances where no express stipulation of interest have been made. Hence, for interest payments for unpaid taxes due as of Jan. 1 until the full payment of the tax liability, the interest rate shall be at 12 percent. However, it should be noted that for taxpayers with tax liabilities and/or deficiency taxes due before the effectivity of the TRAIN Law, or up until Dec. 31, 2017, the applicable interest rate will still be 20 percent.
Moreover, Section 5 of the regulation expressly states that there shall be no double or simultaneous imposition of interest, in view of the implementation of the TRAIN Law. Prior to the enactment of RA No. 10963, taxpayers have to deal with the double imposition of deficiency and delinquency interests, which becomes burdensome to those who are unable to settle their unpaid taxes on time.
The revision in the last statement of Section 249(B) on the definition of a deficiency interest from “interest shall be assessed and collected from the date prescribed for its payment until the full payment thereof” to include a second condition “or upon issuance of a notice and demand by the commissioner or his authorized representative, whichever comes first” paved the way for the interpretation that deficiency and delinquency interests may no longer be simultaneously imposed. As illustrated in the RR, deficiency interest at 12 percent shall be imposed for unpaid taxes up until the deadline for payment stated in the notice or demand issued by the commissioner. In case a taxpayer settles the unpaid taxes after the deadline, delinquency taxes are imposed thereafter on the total amount due (i.e. basic tax, surcharge and deficiency interest).
However, taxpayers must still be wary of the transitory provision in the regulations, which states that for unpaid taxes due on or before Dec. 31, 2017, unfortunately the old rule of double imposition of both delinquency and deficiency interests remains applicable to such unpaid taxes.
RR No. 21-2018 is a welcome development in terms of the proper interpretation and implementation of the revised Section 249 of the Tax Code. This comes as an assurance that in the advent of changing Philippine taxation landscape, the BIR has the taxpayer’s best interest in mind.
Arik Aaron C. Abu is a supervisor from the tax group of KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG RGM&Co.), the Philippine member firm of KPMG International. KPMG RGM&Co. has been recognized as a Tier 1 tax practice, Tier 1 transfer pricing practice, Tier 1 leading tax transactional firm and the 2016 National Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year in the Philippines by the International Tax Review.

lowercased:
it is almost the end of 2018, and taxpayers have been subjected to a whirlwind of changes brought about by the effectivity of the first of five proposed comprehensive tax reform packages under the duterte administration.
in response to the amendments to the tax code, the bureau of internal revenue (bir) has been relentless with its flurry of advisories and issuances to ensure proper compliance and guidance, keeping the taxpayers’ best interest in mind.
upon the enactment and the effectivity of the train law, the revision to section 249 has caused confusion among taxpayers and bir officers alike. consequently, there has been an inconsistent application of the interest rate on unpaid taxes, as well as on the computation of deficiency and delinquency interests due. thankfully, the bir has finally issued the regulations on interest last september to clear the air and settle the misunderstanding once and for all.
while section 2 of the rr echoes the revision found in the train law, i.e. that the applicable rate of interest to be assessed and collected on any unpaid tax shall be double of the effective legal interest rate for loans or forbearances of any money in the absence of an express stipulation as set by the bangko sentral ng pilipinas (bsp) from the date prescribed for payment until the amount is fully paid; rr no. 21-2018 now categorically states that under section 249 of the tax code, the rate of interest imposable shall be 12 percent, which is double the rate of interest per bsp memorandum order no. 799 series of 2013 for loans or forbearances where no express stipulation of interest have been made. hence, for interest payments for unpaid taxes due as of jan. 1 until the full payment of the tax liability, the interest rate shall be at 12 percent. however, it should be noted that for taxpayers with tax liabilities and/or deficiency taxes due before the effectivity of the train law, or up until dec. 31, 2017, the applicable interest rate will still be 20 percent.
moreover, section 5 of the regulation expressly states that there shall be no double or simultaneous imposition of interest, in view of the implementation of the train law. prior to the enactment of ra no. 10963, taxpayers have to deal with the double imposition of deficiency and delinquency interests, which becomes burdensome to those who are unable to settle their unpaid taxes on time.
the revision in the last statement of section 249(b) on the definition of a deficiency interest from “interest shall be assessed and collected from the date prescribed for its payment until the full payment thereof” to include a second condition “or upon issuance of a notice and demand by the commissioner or his authorized representative, whichever comes first” paved the way for the interpretation that deficiency and delinquency interests may no longer be simultaneously imposed. as illustrated in the rr, deficiency interest at 12 percent shall be imposed for unpaid taxes up until the deadline for payment stated in the notice or demand issued by the commissioner. in case a taxpayer settles the unpaid taxes after the deadline, delinquency taxes are imposed thereafter on the total amount due (i.e. basic tax, surcharge and deficiency interest).
however, taxpayers must still be wary of the transitory provision in the regulations, which states that for unpaid taxes due on or before dec. 31, 2017, unfortunately the old rule of double imposition of both delinquency and deficiency interests remains applicable to such unpaid taxes.
rr no. 21-2018 is a welcome development in terms of the proper interpretation and implementation of the revised section 249 of the tax code. this comes as an assurance that in the advent of changing philippine taxation landscape, the bir has the taxpayer’s best interest in mind.
arik aaron c. abu is a supervisor from the tax group of kpmg r.g. manabat & co. (kpmg rgm&co.), the philippine member firm of kpmg international. kpmg rgm&co. has been recognized as a tier 1 tax practice, tier 1 transfer pricing practice, tier 1 leading tax transactional firm and the 2016 national transfer pricing firm of the year in the philippines by the international tax review.


text:
Unser nächster Stammtisch findet wieder in Berlin statt.
Ich freue mich KAI KÖNIG sowie FRANK LEUE für einen Vortrag gewonnen zu haben.
Frank Leue wird den zum letzten Stammtisch ausgefallen Talk nachholen (Danke!).
Danke auch an Kai, das er sich die Zeit nimmt, trotz cfobjective und sotr bei uns vorbeizuschauen.
Both Adobe ColdFusion and Railo are Java-based web development platforms. In layman's terms that means: Your CFML engine runs on top of a JEE application server or a servlet container and the JVM (Java Virtual Machine). The latter is pretty much the low-level runtime environment of your CFML application. To make sure your CFML engine operates in a well performing and stable way, you need to have some knowledge about Java memory management and how that can impact the behaviour of your CFML server.
Kai würde alternativ auch zu jQuery Mobile sprechen.
While working on the web for nearly two decades it's hard to disregard the repetition of promises which are made with the advent of new technologies. As web technologies mature they offer new possibilities to build for the web. Using newly discovered possibilities and stretching them a bit can turn promises as old as the web itself into reality.
Neben ein paar Gimmicks (Shirts, Stifte etc.) wird auch wieder ein 1 Jahresabo der Creative Cloud verlost.

lowercased:
unser nächster stammtisch findet wieder in berlin statt.
ich freue mich kai könig sowie frank leue für einen vortrag gewonnen zu haben.
frank leue wird den zum letzten stammtisch ausgefallen talk nachholen (danke!).
danke auch an kai, das er sich die zeit nimmt, trotz cfobjective und sotr bei uns vorbeizuschauen.
both adobe coldfusion and railo are java-based web development platforms. in layman's terms that means: your cfml engine runs on top of a jee application server or a servlet container and the jvm (java virtual machine). the latter is pretty much the low-level runtime environment of your cfml application. to make sure your cfml engine operates in a well performing and stable way, you need to have some knowledge about java memory management and how that can impact the behaviour of your cfml server.
kai würde alternativ auch zu jquery mobile sprechen.
while working on the web for nearly two decades it's hard to disregard the repetition of promises which are made with the advent of new technologies. as web technologies mature they offer new possibilities to build for the web. using newly discovered possibilities and stretching them a bit can turn promises as old as the web itself into reality.
neben ein paar gimmicks (shirts, stifte etc.) wird auch wieder ein 1 jahresabo der creative cloud verlost.


text:
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) — U.S. and Canadian officials are planning a celebration next month for the 50th anniversary of the bridge that links Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and its Ontario namesake.
The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority met Thursday in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and heard a presentation about the June observances.
On June 28, authorities will light red and white industrial rope strands on the Canadian portion of the bridge. The U.S. side will get strands of red, white and blue.
Michigan officials say the primary celebration site will be at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A secondary is the Sault Locks viewing area on the Michigan side of the St. Marys River.
An enhanced 26th annual bridge walk is June 30.

lowercased:
sault ste. marie, mich. (ap) — u.s. and canadian officials are planning a celebration next month for the 50th anniversary of the bridge that links sault ste. marie, mich., and its ontario namesake.
the sault ste. marie bridge authority met thursday in sault ste. marie, mich., and heard a presentation about the june observances.
on june 28, authorities will light red and white industrial rope strands on the canadian portion of the bridge. the u.s. side will get strands of red, white and blue.
michigan officials say the primary celebration site will be at the roberta bondar pavilion in sault ste. marie, ontario. a secondary is the sault locks viewing area on the michigan side of the st. marys river.
an enhanced 26th annual bridge walk is june 30.


text:
Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway will give “dirty rotten men” a run for their money this spring – that’s the tagline in this new trailer for MGM’s The Hustle, a female-centric remake of 1988’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. That comedy starred Steve Martin and Michael Caine.
Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson is to star in an Australian period drama funded by Sonar Entertainment.
Magazine publisher Bauer Media has successfully appealed against the size of a record defamation payout made to Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids star Rebel Wilson.
Chris Addison’s untitled Anne Hathaway-Rebel Wilson MGM comedy will see a wide release on August 10.
Actress Rebel Wilson says she’ll no longer “be polite” when witnessing or experiencing sexual harassment. Her vow – “Interpret that as you will,” she writes – came at the end of a string of nine tweets today regarding her experience being sexually harassed by both a “top director” and a male star.
EXCLUSIVE: Alex Sharp, who won the Tony in 2015 for his starring role in The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, has been set to co-star in Nasty Women, MGM’s reboot of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels that stars Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson.
EXCLUSIVE: MGM is in talks with Anne Hathaway to team with Rebel Wilson in Nasty Women, the title of the Jac Schaeffer-scripted remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The comedy gender-reverses the 1988 Frank Oz-directed film that starred Steve Martin and Michael Caine as con men who try to swindle an heiress.

lowercased:
rebel wilson and anne hathaway will give “dirty rotten men” a run for their money this spring – that’s the tagline in this new trailer for mgm’s the hustle, a female-centric remake of 1988’s dirty rotten scoundrels. that comedy starred steve martin and michael caine.
pitch perfect star rebel wilson is to star in an australian period drama funded by sonar entertainment.
magazine publisher bauer media has successfully appealed against the size of a record defamation payout made to pitch perfect and bridesmaids star rebel wilson.
chris addison’s untitled anne hathaway-rebel wilson mgm comedy will see a wide release on august 10.
actress rebel wilson says she’ll no longer “be polite” when witnessing or experiencing sexual harassment. her vow – “interpret that as you will,” she writes – came at the end of a string of nine tweets today regarding her experience being sexually harassed by both a “top director” and a male star.
exclusive: alex sharp, who won the tony in 2015 for his starring role in the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, has been set to co-star in nasty women, mgm’s reboot of dirty rotten scoundrels that stars anne hathaway and rebel wilson.
exclusive: mgm is in talks with anne hathaway to team with rebel wilson in nasty women, the title of the jac schaeffer-scripted remake of dirty rotten scoundrels. the comedy gender-reverses the 1988 frank oz-directed film that starred steve martin and michael caine as con men who try to swindle an heiress.