text:
Review: PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (PS3)
Title: PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
Format: Blu-ray Disc / PlayStation Network Download (7.2 GB)
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Superbot Entertainment
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: T
This game is also available on PlayStation Vita.
The PS Vita version can be purchased separately, but also comes with the PlayStation 3 version for free.
The PlayStation 3 version was used for this review.
Audio Review:
The audio review for this game is available on Episode 295 of the podcast.
Check out our Youtube Channel for a bunch of gameplay videos!
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (PSASBR) is something of a surprise to me, after playing more than a few iterations of the game in the past year at events and in beta form, I'll admit that I wasn't feeling the gameplay. I did, however, honestly love what the game was, a true love letter to PlayStation fans. So I've been quite conflicted about the game for a long time, and unfortunately for PSASBR, it can't get past the fact that everyone will compare it to the 'Smash Bros' franchise because of the visual and thematic similarities.
Let's get those comparisons out of the way, yes it is similar to the Smash Bros. series in a couple of ways. Visually, it is definitely similar in the fact that playfields are arena's that (mostly) exist in a single screen environment. Thematically, the game consists of characters and levels from the consoles past, present, and future franchises, and you have four fighters in the matches at the same time. That's really where the similarities end though.
Again, I was pretty worried about reviewing this game because I'm not a fan of the gameplay in the 'Smash Bros' games. I was afraid that no matter how much time I put into the game, that I just wouldn't have the capacity to give it a fair shake. Thankfully though, once I realized that the core gameplay is more likened to a brawler like Double Dragon/Final Fight/Streets of Rage, I totally got it. Unlike a "normal" fighting game, in PSASBR every character uses the same control scheme. Instead of learning a moves set for each character, you'll know what button presses and directional moves are for every character, it's just that every character's actual moves are different. So pressing 'Up' and 'Square' is normally an uppercut move, but for some characters that move may do something completely different.
So unlike the Street Fighter games, where a character like Ryu has a Fireball move with D/DR/R with Punch, yet Guile doesn't and instead has a charge move to do so (so D/DR/R with Punch doesn't do anything for Guile,) in PSASBR every character has a move for the standard set of movements and button presses. This allows the player to focus on the move mechanics of specific characters, and definitely makes the game a LOT more accessible.
Also, you can't simply beat someone up enough to finally knock them out, as the only way to do so is with a 'Super', and those come in three levels for every fighter. A Level 1 Super is usually performed in close-quarters, and can be cancelled by a well-timed hit. A Level 2 Super usually has a better range, and can be cancelled by another Super. Level 3 Supers though cannot be cancelled, and depending on the character, can even be an insta-kill for anyone on the screen.
This is where the deep balance system definitely reveals itself to the player. But it doesn't stop there, as balance has obviously been a priority in the development process, and even though there will most certainly be certain balance issues (there always are), this is better than most other fighters that I've played at release. Some characters build-up AP quicker (AP being what you need to accumulate to achieve Supers,) some may walk slower, and even others have special abilities to overcome deficiencies. Sly Cooper for example, can't block at all, but he can teleport and become invisible, which when I was playing the testers I learned can be incredibly effective if used correctly.
Twenty fighters are available on the disc with a good amount coming in the future as DLC (2 have already been announced, and both will be free.) Like any modern fighting game, there are definitely different tiers that the fighters fall into, but it really does seem like the lines between those tiers are blurred more than in other games. Even a character that you would consider weak like Sackboy or Toro can really pack a punch when you take the time to learn their moves and combos, and fortunately PSASBR has a deep learning system to teach you all of those things. They've done a great job of giving you the tools to learn your characters, so it only takes time and patience to do so.
Additionally, those who are fans of unlockables will be incredibly pleased, with tons of unlockables available for each character and your profile as well. These can include titles for your player card, alternate costumes, intro and outro music and quotes, and even avatars that will cheer you on during your match. The unlockable system is deep, and definitely helps the player stay motivated to keep going deeper into the game.
One last mechanic that needs to be talked about is how the developers have handled one of the worst problems in fighting games (at least in my opinion), the 'Infinite Combo.' Superbot have taken a stand against this pariah in an active and welcome way. If you get cornered, or get caught-up in an Infinite Combo, the game will automatically shoot your player across the screen and into safety when 100 AP is inflicted, and will even make your character invincible for a couple of seconds. There are a few fighters that can definitely get you into an Infinite, and the addition of this system is pretty great, especially for those with non-expert skills (like me!)
The visual style is just fantastic (and really cool too.) Superbot has done PlayStation fans a wonderful service by keeping the themes of both the characters and the environments as faithful as the original source material. Each level consists of environments from 2 separate games (the word "mash-up" has been invoked a few times,) and there's some pretty sweet combinations there. The way they're presented just adds to the excitement as well, like when the walls of the Parappa Dojo fall down to reveal a Helghan walker in the background destroying the city.
The characters are also handled extremely well, with moves that are right from the games that they're pulled from. Drake hides behind concrete cover, or rolls an exploding barrel across the ground, and Cole/Evil Cole floats around the sky or even climbs a wall when they're present. All of this is presented in a smooth and constant 60 frames per second, on both the PS3 AND Vita versions. This consistency will be appreciated by those that obsess over frame counts in fighting games. Quite frankly, this game is a visual stunner, and the amount of detail included is more than simply impressive.
Pretty-much every character is voiced by the person that provides the voice in the original games they come from, and what a difference that makes! Not just that, but music from all of the original games is included as well, and with some of the older games that are represented, PSASBR can be a pleasing walk down memory lane. On top of that, fighting sounds and environmental effects add to the experience, making this a wonderful aural extravaganza. The attention to detail once again makes the entire game an incredibly genuine and accurate trip through the history of PlayStation's life, and can even help educate those that only joined the "family" with the PS3.
Beside the awesome 4-player local play, online is a MAJOR factor in PSASBR, especially since it supports cross-play with the included Vita version. The modes available aren't anything groundbreaking, but they do offer a decent diversity with the ability to team-up with friends.
Ranked matches don't allow for a party of more than two fighters to be utilized, so either with two players on a single PS3, or via invite with a friend on another PS3 or a Vita. Unlike the flexibility offered in non-ranked events, Ranked matched follow a specific set of rules: three-minute matches, default item drop rates, default AP generation, and a mix of Free-For-All and 2v2 modes. Also a part of the ranked mode are Seasons, which integrate with the online leaderboard system. Each season brings a new set of rewards and challenges, including new ways of reaching the top rank. So for those that think "I'll never achieve a good rank on the leaderboard," they've taken steps to give many people a chance to climb through the ranks. I'm not sure if there's a set duration for each season, but the current one I believe was set for around 25 days.
When you leave the realm of ranked matches, your options obviously expand. The standard "quick match" is available right from the menu, which will take you into public matches of any type, or use filters to restrict your search to only a certain game type or match limits. Again in quick match, you can only bring one other friend along.
Standard online opens up even more, allowing you to party-up with up to three more friends, and lets you control every aspect of the matches while also not having to deal with dumping back out to the menu after each match. Two game types are available; Free-For-All and Team matches. One funny thing about the team matches is that you can play the standard 2v2, or if one of your friends is extremely cocky, can be played in 3v1! There are three rule sets that can be changed; Time limit, Stock Limit (after so many deaths you're knocked-out of the match), and Kill Limit (first one to X kills wins). The diversity and level of control is quite good, and the flexibility of having one or two per PS3, and being able to include Vita players is great! I do wish though, that there was a lobby system included, but since the matches always consist of 4-players, it's probably a bit tougher to implement something like that in a functional sense. Also, I'm still a bit concerned about attempting to setup a tournament in any usable form, which may keep this from becoming a true contender in competitive gaming circles, although I'm sure that if the game gained enough interest and credibility, that players would find a way to make it work.
Actual online play has been exceptional so far, so it seems that the lengthy beta process may actually have yielded some good results. Voice chat is superb, with clear audio throughout. Matchmaking seems to be working very well, but with only a handful of players online during the review period, that's left to be seen. In no match that I've played online have I had even a minor issue, as it is impressively smooth all-around.
For anyone that listens to the podcast especially, I don't think that it's any secret that while I loved what this game is, I wasn't very excited for it at all. To me it was an attempt to best the 'Smash Bros' franchise, and I really do hate those games. What we got instead though, is an extremely deep but accessible brawler with a deceptively simple to pick up control scheme. The fighting system definitely allows players to spend the time and energy to master the favored characters, and like any competitive fighting game these days, there's a rock-paper-scissors system that can take time to master.
Also, I've found myself actually using a fighting stick almost exclusively now. The game plays great with a Dual Shock 3, and even gives beginners an advantage with shortcuts via the right analog stick, but the folks at Superbot knew that to be taken seriously, they'd need to support some standard fighting stick configurations. Once you get used to what the buttons do, it's just a natural feel, and one that I've really become accustomed to.
Like I said at the beginning, I was truly worried that I wouldn't like this game, not because of how good it was, but because of my distaste for the genre as I knew it. Once I read the instructions and made my way through the tutorials, everything simply clicked. I'll probably never be a master at this game, but I can definitely hold my own. Heck, I even won a match against three of the testers!
My best advice is to ignore your preconceived notions based on the obvious initial similarities to the 'Smash Bros' series and what you may have played in the beta. I seriously considered having someone else do the review for PSASBR, but I'm glad I didn't, because it's a fantastic game that not only exudes a deep love for the history of the PlayStation platform, but also brings a deep fighting system while still being very accessible to everyone else. Give it a try, you may be surprised like I was.
Buy this game from Amazon.com:
Buy this game from Amazon.co.uk:
Buy this game from Amazon.de:
Buy this game from Amazon.ca:
Buy this game from Amazon.fr:
Buy this game from Amazon.es:


text:
HMV will meet with UK game publishers to discuss chain's future this week
HMV will reportedly meet with UK game publishers this week, in a bid to secure a place for gaming in the retailer's revised strategy. It comes after HMV administrators Deloitte made most of the company's game arm redundant, casting doubt on the matter.
Deloitte headlines
Blockbuster UK sold to Gordon Brothers Europe
Deloitte has completed the sale of Blockbuster UK to Gordon Brothers Europe. The firm purchased the brand license, 264 stores, and the 2,000 jobs which came with the buy. "Having identified a profitable core portfolio of stores we are pleased to have achieved this sale for creditors," joint administrator Lee Manning stated. "Together with the […]
ASDA in talks to buy troubled HMV - rumour
UK supermarket chain ASDA is rumoured to be in talks with HMV administrators Deloitte to put in a bid for the troubled games, music and movies retailer.
HMV to close 37 more stores, 464 staff affected - full closure list here
HMV and administrators Deloitte have today announced that they close another 37 stores amid efforts to restructure the business.
HMV strips down game arm amid redundancies and closures
HMV's restructuring with administrators Deloitte has seen its games division whittled down to just two games buyers. The group's recent round of lay-offs and store closures suggests a severe down-sizing of HMV's games business.
Blockbuster closures continue as total store cull hits 324
Blockbuster has announced the closure of 164 more UK stores, brining its entire tally to 324. The movie and game rental chain has handed the keys over to administrators Deloitte, which is now trimming the fat.
HMV closures: full store list published
HMV has confirmed it will close 66 UK stores, and has published a full list of sites to be shuttered over the next six weeks.
HMV expected to close 66 stores - report
HMV is expected to announce that it will shutter 66 stores across the UK in the next six weeks. An official statement is to be expected later today.
HMV administrators Deloitte to close up to 100 stores - report
HMV's administrator Deloitte is said to be closing 100 UK stores amid a phase of restructuring the business. If true, the move would result in the loss of some 1,500 jobs.
1.1 million EUK games to be sold off cheap
Administrators are to auction off 1.1 million games accrued as part of distributor EUK's demise this week, MCV reports.Burn-firm Deloitte is reportedly accepting tender offers for the outstanding warehouse stock, which also includes 2.9 million CDs and 1.8 million books.An anonymous publisher told the site, "We should be fine, but I worry about other suppliers […]
Deloitte survey says average UK household spends over 6 hours a week on gaming
GI writes that a Deloitte survey has unearthed that the average UK household plays over six hours of videogames each week. "Gaming has been traditionally frowned upon by parents. However it is now considered 'family time' for many people aged between 26 and 42," said Jolyon Barker, head of technology, media and telecoms at Deloitte."Although […]
Deloitte latest
HMV will meet with UK game publishers to discuss chain's future this week
HMV to close 37 more stores, 464 staff affected – full closure list here
HMV administrators Deloitte to close up to 100 stores – report
Deloitte survey says average UK household spends over 6 hours a week on gaming

subset: commoncrawl


text: Hollywood Joe on Frying Pan Sports- 8/6/2012 August 9, 2012 Joey Williamson 0 Comments Please Share This Share Tweet Pin It Plus one Share Leave a Reply Cancel comment replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Comment


text:
RPS Asks: Who's Your Gaming Love?
Happy Valentine's Day, readers. We luurrrrrrve you. Kissy kissy slurp.
On this loviest of days, we want to know which gaming characters you truly love. Not fancy. Bleaurgh – we're not CVG. Love. Whether it's eros, philos, storgy or agape, whom do you find yourself caring about in the gaming world? Which characters do you worry about like you might your brother or sister? Is there a hero you'd make sacrifices for? Is there a game kid you find yourself wanting to parent? Or is there a fictional someone you'd swoop up into your arms, stare deeply and lovingly into his or her eyes, and carry into the sunset? Let us know your game loves below.


text:
Litsch to have Tommy John
Blue Jays right-hander Jesse Litsch is scheduled to have Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery on his throwing elbow, according to manager Cito Gaston. The operation will likely take place on Friday and will be performed by arm specialist Dr. James Andrews.
Litsch has been rehabbing his arm at the Jays' complex in Florida since mid April and has met with Andrews twice before coming to this decision. In both prior visits, an MRI exam revealed no ligament damage and Litsch continued on his throwing program.
Litsch, 24, entered the season as the Blue Jays' No. 2 starter, as he was pushed up the depth chart with the losses of Shaun Marcum (right elbow) and Dustin McGowan (right shoulder) to injury and A.J. Burnett's departure to the Yankees in free agency. Last year, in his second season with Toronto, Litsch went 13-9 with a 3.58 ERA over 29 games.
On April 13, Litsch pulled himself out of a starter on the road against the Twins after throwing 50 pitches over just three innings. In his two outings this year, the right-hander had allowed nine runs on 14 hits over nine innings. After Litsch was placed on the DL on April 14, the Jays decided to move left-hander Brian Tallet out of the bullpen and into the rotation.
4 Comments
There is something wrong with the Blue Jays strength & conditioning coaching/training when their top three young pitchers have to undergo surgeries that take them out for at least a year. This is not bad luck. Not to mention BJ Ryan undergoing Tommy John surgery in the same span.
There is nothing wrong with the strength and conditioning. The sucess of the TJ surgury has led to alot more players getting it done. As Litsch doesnt even show structural dammage that they can see. It is common place in MLB even in College sports for this surgury to be done at the slightest sign of dammage. The players usuallty come back completley healthy. Do a little reasearch around the league and you will find players all around baseball are having it doen not just the Jays.
Yikes, Tommy John's surgery is never a good thing.
I wish him the best of luck!
Jays vs Texas, Game 3: The story of the boxes ?
Scutaro and Hill ? 3 for 8 (.375); Rios and Wells: 1 for 8 (.125). When, guys?


text:
We just ended out first meeting which consisted of an overview of the contest, introductions, individual skill sets and brainstorming project ideas. So far, we are going to do something involving plants. Whether that is hacking a plant directly or using sensors around a plant is yet to be determined. Feel free to attend our second meeting which is tentatively to be held next Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
What? :: Members create original designs. Members vote on the


text:
Craig James's sad longshot campaign has entered an even more desperate phase: He's seeing mirages in the desert and mistaking his friends for oversized hot dogs and accepting endorsements that don't actually exist.
James's campaign announced today it had received the "support" of San Antonio's Tea Party leader George Rodriguez. Hooray! A release on James's campaign website quotes the Tea Partier as saying, "I think Craig James would make a great United States Senator and I am honored to call him my friend."
There's a problem with this. Here's Reuters reporter Corrie MacLaggan:
James's campaign lamely told MacLaggan that they had said only that Rodriguez "supports" James, not that he endorses him. Bla bla. "Supports," "endorses." "Potato," "potahto." "Killed five hookers while at SMU, didn't kill five hookers while at SMU."


text: Dorcy Flashlight - Black Plastic with Yellow Trim Mini Light (c. 1990) Home Search/Browse for Flashlights Contributors Collectors About Us Our Sponsors: Flashlights : Dorcy Brand / Mini Style Dorcy Black Plastic with Yellow Trim Mini Light Value: $2.00 Manufacturer: Dorcy Mfgr. Model #: N/A Circa: 1990 Battery: 2AA Style: Mini Online Since: 8/24/2005 FM Reference #: DP00003 Copyright 2003-2016 FlashlightMuseum.com The Flashlight Museum specializes in providing antique, vintage, classic and new high-tech flashlights. Some of the most popular flashlight brands include Eveready, Ever Ready, Surefire, Maglite, Pelican, Brinkmann, Streamlight, Delta, Garrity, Winchester, Ash Flash, Franco, Coleman, Rayovac, USA Lite and Duracell. We have such styles as LED, Candle, Art Deco, Tactical, Military, Standard 2 Cell, 3 Cell, safety lights, lanterns, rechargeable, fluorescent flashlights, keychain and novelty lights and much more. This website is a great resource for flashlight collectors and those who enjoy collecting batteries and accessories.


text:
SMEs, 9 ways we can be your Logistic partners!
1) Contract deliveries
Give us your delivery schedule, and let us do the rest!
We have day and night delivery teams (specialising in Mall/Shopping centre deliveries).
Our reliable delivery teams will not only deliver, but will also suggest how to improve your supply chain process, to enhance and speed up, the delivery process to your clients.
2) Bulky/Heavy item deliveries
Our tailgate lorry will make delivering these items a breeze!
We have done safes (for banks), sail dinghies, large flower pots, exhibition push carts, freezers, vending machines, robots, large crates, fish tanks, jacuzzis, pianos, building models (for Condo launches) and a host of other such items.
3) Ad-hoc manpower supply
Need manual labour or skilled movers for short term projects, even on an hourly basis?
We can provide you with logistics support to do internal housekeeping, moving of items within office/warehouse, event set up and teardowns, or even to support your deliveries. Hiring our experienced workers, who already specialize in packing and moving, will enhance your productivity and efficiency in delivering results.
4) Container stuffing/unstuffing
We can do at either your premises or ours.
5) Supply of Carton boxes and moving materials
Doorstep delivery of packing/moving materials.
6) Warehousing and Storage of goods for delivery
Goods arriving for local distribution? Send your inbound containers to us. We will unstuff, store and deliver to your clients here, with real-time updates that you can access on the move!
7) International Shipping of your goods and products
Let us arrange doorstep collection/delivery of your items, be in nearby JB or anywhere else, Worldwide.
8) Hourly rental of lorry
Affordable hourly rates for rental of various lorry sizes, with driver. Add manpower for just a small fee, if needed.
9) Storage of company documents (IRAS/Invoices/Legal Documents/Medical Records etc)
We help remove clutter from small shops/offices, by packing and storing away important documents, for the long term.\
Whatever your delivery, warehousing or material needs, speak to us, even if yours is a small start-up project!
We listen to what you need, and we will offer our constructive input.
Once deliveries have begun, we will consult you every step of the way, until the process of receiving and delivering your goods, is smooth, affordable and reliable.
Choose the www.MrMover.sg and www.MrStorage.sg team as your Logistics partner today.
Call us for a no-obligation discussion on how we can be of help.
The www.MrMover.sg and www.MrStorage.sg team.
We really listen.
T: 1800MrMover
E: firstname.lastname@example.com
M: 94593979 (Call/SMS/Whatsapp)


text:
Main Page
the Roguelike information resource that you can edit.
Roguelike events of 2019:
What is a Roguelike?
A Roguelike is usually described as a free turn-based computer game with a strong focus on intricate gameplay and replayability, and an abstract world representation using ASCII-based display, as opposed to 3D graphics. Of course, as with any genre, there are deviations from the norm.
Roguelikes allow the player an indefinite amount of time in which to make a move, making gameplay comparable more to chess than to reflex-based games like first-person shooters. Since graphics are limited (if not completely shunned), the player's imagination must come into play - gameplay is more like reading a book than watching a movie.
Of course, the best way to understand what Roguelikes are is to download and play one.
Many Roguelikes are freely available online. The most influential are known as the Major Roguelikes:
Before their rise in popularity in the late 80s and 90s, the genre was dominated by the Major Classic Roguelikes:
Since the control systems of these Roguelikes are geared towards "expert" players, the novice player may be interested in trying a 'lighter' game like some of the coffeebreak roguelikes or just dive in at the deep end and find a roguelike game to suit you.
Roguelike Community
There are several other important places in the roguelike community that you should consider visiting:
Featured Roguelike: Zorbus
In Zorbus your goal is to delve deep into a dungeon, find a portal to a mythical place called the Zorbus where a mere mortal can ascend to demigodhood.
Thematically Zorbus draws influence from the late 70s and early 80s tabletop D&D campaigns, adventures and lore. The goal is to create a tight, streamlined dungeon crawling experience where the dungeon feels alive, eventful and rich in content. Something more than just boring empty rooms and corridors! Diversely shaped levels with themed content (throne rooms, prisons, lots of hidden treasure caches etc.) with good connectivity between the areas.
Important part of the living dungeon are the creatures. Creatures act intelligently, might fight each other, flee when threatened and try to gather their friends to overcome a threat. Most creatures can use items and also pick them up from from the dungeon floor. Creatures are not silent either but comment on things with speech bubbles.
You don't have to go to the fight alone but can recruit other creatures along the way.
The rule system for the game is slightly influenced by the d20 system used in the 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Zorbus has experience levels but no character classes (race is selected). On each level up, you point buy skills and talents (mostly combat maneuvers and spells).
New Roguelike Releases
See also: Old news, Recently Updated Roguelikes
Roguelike Development
If you have some ideas for a new Roguelike and would like to give development a go (or are already a seasoned developer) the RogueBasin is here to help you expand the Roguelike genre. A complete list of articles is available, but here are some to get you started:
If you'd like to contribute to RogueBasin, simply create an account and log in. Feel very free to edit! We especially need more information added to the games pages and the lists - if you're a developer, consider updating your game's page, and making sure that it (and you) are included in the relevant lists.
If you're an experienced developer, consider writing articles about creating Roguelikes. There are many people new to Roguelike development, and they often need help. It's especially helpful to write articles about problems you have experienced yourself. Also you can add your name to the RGRD Wiki Project (directly, or by posting a message on rgrd saying how you want to participate). If someone sees a relevant post by you, they'll upload it to this wiki as an article.


text:
- By: David Morrell
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
- Length: 8 hours 22 minutes
Frank Balenger, the resolute but damaged hero of David Morrell's acclaimed Creepers, now finds himself trapped in a nightmarish game of fear and death. To save himself and the woman he loves, he must play by the rules of a god-like Game Master with an obsession for unearthing the past. But sometimes the past is buried for a reason.
Scavenger is a brilliant, frightening hunter-hunted tale that layers modern technology over the dusty artifacts of earlier times. The result is a surreal palimpsest, one that contains the secret of survival for Balenger and a handful of unwilling players who race against the game's clock to solve the puzzle of the time capsule, only to discover that time is the true scavenger.
Gift audiobook memberships
You pick the membership (1, 3, 6, or 12 months/credits), your gift recipient picks their own audiobooks, and your local bookstore is supported by your purchase.Start shopping


text:
Product Description
Mity-Lite ABS Plastic Table - CT-72 - 72" (183cm) Round Folding Leg Table. Standard Leg Style is 72W.
This size is commonly called the "10 top" or "Ten Top". It is a six foot round (6' round) table. The "8 top" (eight top) is the five foot round or the 60 inch round. It's a nice size for larger ballrooms where you want to have larger center pieces. We use them at family events so we can get lots of food on the table.
MityLite ABS Plastic Table Colors and Color Combinations
The Mity-Lite folding leg table is available in several colors and folding leg configurations. This folding table is the ABS plastic design.
As you select various options, the table price will show the cost.
The lowest price standard tables are the following four tables. 1) A "two-tone" design in beige and brown. The top is beige texture and the trim and apron (bottom) is brown with brown legs. 2) A "two-tone" design in gray and black. The top is gray texture and the trim and apron (bottom) is black with black legs. 3) An all brown table. The top is brown texture, with brown trim and brown apron (botton) and brown legs. 4) An all black table. The top is black texture, with black trim and black apron (botton) and black legs.
The two (2) smooth top tables that carry a $15 per table up-charge are: 1) Speckled beige top with with brown trim and brown apron (botton) and brown legs. 2) Speckled gray with with black trim and black apron (botton) and black legs.
Other color combinations ($10 per table up-charge) are the following. 1) A beige table with brown trim. The top is beige texture, with brown trim and beige apron (botton) and brown legs. This is the traditional Mity-Lite color combination. 2) An all gray table. The top is gray texture, with gray trim and gray apron (botton) and black legs. 3) Speckled beige top with with beige trim and brown apron (botton) and brown legs ($25 up-charge). 4) Speckled gray with with gray trim and black apron (botton) and black legs ($25 up-charge).
Table height is 29" high with a 30 " option. Supports a static 2000 lb load.
Other color options are avaialble with a small upcharge to match existing inventory.
Product questions? Or just need to make sure this is what you want? Trident has over 25 years industry experience. Call us at 866-485-2864. Or email us at email@example.com. Trident has plywood and aluminum tables in all sizes and shapes.
Detailed Folding Table Product Specifications
Outer Shell:
1. The top plastic shell, or tabletop surface, shall be formed from a nominal .050" [1.3mm] thick sheet of high impact ABS plastic. The entire top shell shall be permanently bonded to an internal wood laminate core (See "Internal Wood Laminate Core").
2. The table shell is supplied in four textured finishes or three smooth finishes.
3. The edge thickness of the table shall be a nominal 3/4" [19mm] and shall accept standard industry skirting clips.
4. The table top edge radius shall be nominally 3/16" [4.8mm]. The table bottom edge radius shall be approximately 5/64" [2mm].
5. The bottom plastic shell shall be formed from a nominal .050" [1.3mm] thick sheet of high impact, ABS plastic and shall be permanently bonded to the internal wood core where they come in contact.
Internal Wood Frame:
1. The inner wood frame shall be constructed of hardwood such as Alder or Whitewood, or wood laminates of equivalent strength and performance, and shall be nominally 3/4" [1.9mm] thick.
2. The frame shall consist of cross members at approximately 41/2" [59mm] intervals and a perimeter apron, minimum 2 1/4" [57mm] high.
3. Cross members shall be nominally 3 3/8" [85mm] and 1 3/8 [35mm] wide, with a minimum of four (4) of the wider cross members in each table.
4. Rectangular tables over six (6) feet [180cm] long shall have an additional cross member across the center, minimum 2 1/4" [57mm] high.
5. Tables shall have a "runner" on each side, minimum 2 1/4" [57mm] high.
6. The framework shall be fastened together with 1/4" [32mm] pneumatically driven staples.
Internal Wood Laminate Core:
1. A 0.10"-0.14" [2.5mm - 3.6mm] thick wood laminate layer shall be permanently bonded to both outer shells of plastic where they come in contact with each other.
Internal Edge Reinforcing Extrusion:
1. An extrusion of high impact ABS shall be permanently bonded to the interior of the table, running continuously around the entire perimeter between corner components.
Corner Reinforcement Component:
1. All corners shall utilize an external corner-reinforcing component, which shall fit tightly between the ends of the wood perimeter members.
Trim/Bumper Extrusion:
1. The trim extrusion shall be chemically welded to the entire perimeter of each table, welding the top shell to the bottom shell.
2. The trim extrusion shall provide an aesthetic, finished edge. It shall be nominally .080" [2mm] thick and 1/2" [12.5mm] wide.
3. The welding of the trim component shall be continuous, sealing the perimeter of the table and making it impervious to moisture.
Folding Leg Construction:
1. The base table shall be equipped with fixed height reinforced wishbone legs as standard, and shall have a 29" or optional 30" [76cm] height from top surface to floor. For the mobile buffet, the 18" wide
top tier shall have insert-post-style legs and be 11 3/8" [29cm] from bottom surface of tier to top surface of base table.
2. The standard base table leg shall be constructed of 1" [25mm] diameter 16 gauge [1.5mm] steel tubing, Vertical members shall each be welded to the cross bar and top bar.
3. The standard base table leg assembly shall incorporate a folding steel brace mechanism consisting of two (2) each .155" [4mm] z-bars and a 16 gauge (.060") minimum 2 x 3/4 [50.8mm x 19.1mm] U-channel 12" [30.5cm] long. The folding mechanism is connected together at 6 points
using 1/4" [6.4mm] steel pivot pins. A gravity-operated 16-gauge [1.6mm] steel lock ring locks the mechanism.
4. Ends of legs shall be equipped with nylon or steel closures for floor protection.
5. Adjustable height legs shall be available on selected table sizes at extra cost, allowing for table height adjustments between 25" and 38" [64cm- 97cm] in 1 inch [12.5cm] increments.
6. Standard legs shall be cleaned and coated with brown or black mar-resist polyester powder, fused to the leg at 375°F [161°C] for 10 minutes.
Folding Leg Mounting System:
1. Leg assemblies shall be mounted to the members of the internal wood frame using 16 gauge [1.6mm] minimum steel tube clamps.
2. The clamps are secured with a minimum of 2 each 1/ 4"[6.4mm] diameter x 3/4" long [6.4mm x 19.1mm] plated hex-head bolts into plated steel "T-Nut" type fasteners.
3. The folding braces shall be attached to the frame members with 16 gauge minimum steel brackets.
4. All brackets are secured with a minimum of 4 each 1/4" diameter x 3/4" long plated hex-head bolts into plated steel "T-Nut" type fasteners.
5. Each "T-Nut" type fastener shall be pressed into the frame members from the topside. The fasteners shall have at least three (3) anti-spin prongs each.
Performance Specifications:
1. The tabletop surface can withstand direct contact with hot objects having a temperature of no more than 160° F [71°C] for no more than 10 minutes.
2. Any rectangular table will support a static load of 2000 lbs. [907Kg], evenly distributed over the entire surface of the table. Under this load the legs shall experience no permanent bending or damage.
3. A 30" x 72" [76cm x 183cm] table, as an example, shall withstand a vertical drop onto a smooth hard surface, squarely on the table's edge from a height of 8.0" [20.3cm], at a table temperature of 72°F [22°C], with no substantial damage such as cracking or crushing.
4. All tables meet the American National Standard Institute's stability standard: ANSI-x5.5-1989.
CP 8/27/19 updated price


text:
|Xizang (Tibet): Zuogong (Zogang) Xian. Dongda-La (pass), border of Mangkang (Markham) and Zogang xian on highway 318. Scree slopes, rocky vegetated slopes and adjacent level area at pass. 29°42'39"N, 98°0'9"E; 5100-5300 m.
On soil; 5000 m.
|Yu JIA & Hidetsugu MIWA
|25 July 2004
Copyright 2004 JIA Yu [Edit image] [View original in new window][center]


text:
Gasoline prices have finally dropped after 27 straight days of increases.
The nationwide average for regular unleaded slipped less than a penny to $3.764 per gallon Tuesday. That ended a streak of price hikes that began on Feb. 8. Pump prices rose by more than 28 cents per gallon in that period, making gasoline the most expensive ever for this time of year.
Also Tuesday, oil fell to its lowest price in about two weeks, while the price of natural gas remained near a 10-year low.
The relief at the pump should be temporary. Experts predict that gasoline prices will rise over the next several weeks. The Oil Price Information Service says the nationwide average could peak at $4.25 per gallon in late April, beating the record high of $4.11 per gallon set in July 2008. That will likely keep gas prices front and center in the presidential campaign, and economists will argue their impact on the U.S. economy.
At a White House press conference, President Obama dismissed suggestions by some of his Republican critics that he wants to see gasoline prices rise. No president wants to put more financial strain on American families, especially in an election year, Obama said.
The White House will continue to look for ways to reduce the amount of oil Americans consume, Obama said. The president also asked his attorney general to examine whether speculators were driving up the price of oil.
But �there is no silver bullet� for lowering oil and gas prices, Obama warned.
Meanwhile, the government boosted its estimates for average oil and gasoline prices. The Energy Department said the average price of oil should be nearly $106 per barrel this year, while gasoline should cost an average of $3.79 per gallon. Government data show Americans paid an average of $3.53 per gallon in 2011.
Gasoline already exceeds $4 per gallon in California, Alaska and Hawaii, which is tops at $4.37. It�s close to $4 in several other states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Washington.
In response, U.S. drivers are driving less and buying less gasoline. MasterCard SpendingPulse, which uses credit card purchases to estimate gasoline consumption, said average gasoline demand fell last week by 6.3 percent when compared with a year earlier.
The price of gasoline has tracked the increase in its primary component, crude oil. In the first two months of 2012, oil jumped by an average of 13 percent, compared with the same period last year.
Pump prices are almost certain to rise further this spring as refineries switch to making summer fuel blends. This annual changeover temporarily cuts into gasoline supplies just before the summer tourism season.
Oil prices fell Tuesday after Iran agreed to let international nuclear inspectors into its facilities. The standoff between Western powers and Iran over that country�s nuclear program had driven oil�s rise. The announcement eased concerns about a possible disruption to oil supplies around the globe.
Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude, which is used to price oil produced in the U.S., fell by $2.02 to end the day at $104.70 per barrel, the lowest price since Feb. 21. Brent crude, which prices foreign oil imported by U.S. refineries, gave up $1.82 to finish at $121.98 per barrel.
In other energy trading, natural gas futures were flat at 2.356 per 1,000 cubic feet after nearly hitting a 10-year low on Monday. With winter nearly over and warmer weather expected in coming days, oil traders are betting that demand will fall as homeowners and businesses turn down the heat.
Analyst and trader Stephen Schork said natural gas prices could fall back to the 10-year low of $2.32 per 1,000 cubic feet.
�There�s just too much supply out there,� Schork said.
That should be good news for homeowners. The Energy Department said residential natural gas prices should fall by nearly 2 percent in 2012.
Heating oil was also flat, at $2.356 per gallon. Gasoline futures lost 2.81 cents to finish at $3.2299 per gallon.


text:
From cultivation to bottling...
The Domain has adopted sustainable cultivation methods to preserve the natural interaction between the vines and the land.
- Preparing the soil, ploughing,
- Using organic fertilisers,
- Severe debudding,
- Removing leaves by hand to provide airflow to the vines and the grapes,
- Harvesting by hand.
This makes it possible to provide satisfactory yields of healthy, ripe grapes.
The land nourishes the vines and man lends a hand all year round to harvest the fruit.
Red wines
The harvested grapes are sorted several times and 100% destemmed. Vinification takes about 18 days. During this stage, the wine is left relatively undisturbed apart from occasional punching down and pumping over.
Daily tasting throughout this period determines the balance of the wine for each vintage to retain the maximum FRUITINESS. The red wine is vinified in open tanks, it is macerated cold and the vats are temperature controlled. It will spend 12 months in oak casks, 20% of barrels being new.
White wines
The grapes are sorted and pressed slowly to extract the best of their juice. After separating the must from the sediment, the alcoholic fermentation is temperature controlled to preserve the flavours and freshness of the wine. It will be bottled 6 to 8 months later.
Each year 90% of the wine is sold in bottles. The wine is tasted regularly while it is ageing, to check how it is developing.


text:
hey this is a good Question
He might have died in the accident <-- after giving careful thoughts
this could implie he could be dead or alive
but also i think it depends on the situation
like for example, other info was given such as luckly his friend, who is a doctor was beside him or he might have died in the accident.
then in this situation he is still alive.
oh yeah by the way tdol you sure post really good polls
that can make me think hee hee :D


text:
AUSTIN, TEXAS (Sept. 13, 3:50 p.m. ET) — As more companies and brand owners debate the pros and cons of extended producer responsibility, several individuals currently involved in mandated product take-back programs caution that putting together the right system is a daunting task that gets further complicated when government mandates vary from state-to-state.
They also note that there are not many precedents for how companies can work together — which breeds caution and conservation. In addition, collection can be fragmented, preventing programs from getting the volumes needed to successful.
In addition to different mandates, "the biggest challenges are collection and influencing consumer behavior," said Walter Alcorn, vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability for the Consumer Electronics Association, at the recent Resource Recycling Conference in Austin.
Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle — a non-profit organization funded by Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. members to advance recycling — agreed.
"Recycling of items needs to be in an environment that pushes things forward," said Smith, whose organization now recycles both batteries and cell phones. "That is difficult because often it is so fragmented that there is not enough critical mass for recycling to be efficient."
"In most voluntary systems, the brand owner should be active in taking the product back and playing an important role in financing, but that doesn't always happen," he said.
The other collection challenge is engaging and incenting consumers to recycle products, they said.
"Products are widely distributed, but consumers own them until they dispose of them, and collection ultimately depends on consumer behavior and often there is no direct incentive for consumer," Alcorn said.
"Recycling is good for a lot of reasons, but there is no direct incentive for consumers," he said. "We need recycling programs convenient to the public. Our long-term goal is to make recycling as easy as a purchase."
In addition, Smith said Call2Recycle believes — based on its nearly 20 years of experience — that "voluntary collection eventually maxes out at a certain number, unless there is a huge end value in the market for what you are collecting."
"Without putting more of backbone to it, you don't get huge collection numbers," he said
That's why both Call2Recycle are both seeking nationwide product stewardship solutions to help their organizations spur more recycling — and to bring uniformity to take-back programs that have different rules in different states.
A case in point: e-waste, where 25 states now have mandated take-back program, many of which are similar in natural — but still different.
"The differences in state laws present long-term difficulties and challenges," said Alcorn. "We are now working [as an industry] toward a national solution to get the scale of collection to where we can get efficiencies. A national problem should have a national solution. All parties must be held to the industry standards."
That was one of the factors that triggered CEA and a dozen leading consumer electronics companies to launch a nationwide eCycling leadership initiative 18 months ago with the aim of recycling 1 billion pounds of consumer electronics goods by 2016.
"We are doing it to keep state 26 from happening," admitted Alcorn, "We are trying to reduce the need for legislation. You could almost say that we were almost a failure because it took us [the industry] this long" to put together a national program.
"The eCycling leadership initiative provides an operational model for an industry-led national system and the opportunity for us to learn what works and what doesn't as we go forward," Alcorn said. "It really marks the shift in our industry from talking about a national solution to setting goals and expectations that will help make that happen."
Similarly, Call2Recycle — whose predecessor organization was originally formed to prevent more states from adopting mandated battery recycling — now advocates "a nationwide product stewardship" approach in order to get companies that do not join in industry-wide recycling initiatives — to participate, Smith said.
"We were collecting more and more, but less and less that had a revenue stream," Smith said. "Up to 40 percent of what we were collecting did not have a revenue stream."
Since 1996, Call2Recycle has diverted over 70 million pounds of rechargeable batteries and established a network of 30,000 public collection sites to collect rechargeable batteries and cell phones. In 2011, it collected a record 7.6 million pounds of rechargeable batteries in the U.S. and Canada, and 1.3 million pounds of non-rechargeable batteries in Canada.
Similarly, in 2011, CEA — which estimates that there are more than 7,500 permanent drop-off locations for consumer electronics in the United States — said that manufacturers and retailers recycled 460 million pounds of electronics up 53 percent from 2010 with 96 percent of that done through certified third-party recycling facilities.
Also giving electronics recycling a boost was Best Buy's decision nine months ago to eliminate the fees it had been charging consumers for dropping off items for recycling.
Both groups agree that for recycling to succeed that national programs are needed, and that recycling needs to be viewed "as a component of a company's business model," Alcorn said.
'What I'd like to see is an industry-driven system for recycling consumer electronics where companies make it part of their business model," said Alcorn. "If you can get companies to integrate recycling into their business model, it will happen nationally."
Eventually, Alcorn said he'd like "to see five or six product stewardship organizations that collect a variety of products—not material or product-specific programs."
Smith agreed.
"We have to look at ways to work across product streams," said Smith. "As we expand product-specific recycling, we also need to put time into thinking about this to develop collection and recycling properly so that is not all splintered, and so we are doing it efficiently, not inefficiently."
Garth Hickle, product stewardship leader with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, concurred.
"There is an increasing demand from the public for more recycling of products, and major brand owners are stepping forward and managing products at the end of their life," he said. "We are starting to see kernels of multi-material approaches. The idea is starting to gain traction."
"We need to research to determine what contributes to a well-funded voluntary stewardship program and how to make these programs efficient because we need to get a revenue stream associated with it," said Hickle. "The fundamental stumbling block has been getting brand owners to work together and their concern whether benefits will accrue to them" or to their competitors.


text: ROYAL ROAD TRIP: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are following in the footsteps of their father, Prince Andrew, by acting as trade ambassadors to promote all things British. On Thursday, they will drive in a British-designed Mini Cooper, emblazoned with the Union Jack, to the Bread & Butter trade fair in Berlin, where British brands French Connection, Tatty Devine and Superdry are represented. Beginning at the at the Brandenburg Gate, the princesses are kicking off the Great Britain Mini Tour, which will see them visit all 16 German states over the next year in an effort to promote the best of British culture.


text:
Montana Human Trafficking Expert Witnesses
Montana Family & Education Expert Witness Listings
Although there are no experts who have listed "Human Trafficking" as their area of expertise from Montana , the below listed expert witnesses have indicated they are available to assist in your selected state.
Expert Witnesses
List Your Qualifications by Clicking Here
Featured Experts
Marc Evans is a 26-year veteran lieutenant with the Los Angeles Police Department, who is a nationally recognized expert in human trafficking, pimping, pandering, and prostitution related crimes. Marc has conducted over 4,000 investigations and has testified... Learn More ›
Dr. Jane Gray is a premises liability expert specializing in assessing foreseeability in events involving violent criminal conduct by third parties. She also provides expert witness testimony with regard to negligent hiring and retention. Her specific... Learn More ›
Mr. Hunter has over 40 years of Law Enforcement experience including Chief positions at two major California agencies. As such, he has vast experience in policy and procedure development, training, use of force investigations, management misconduct,... Learn More ›
Location: Montana
Areas of Expertise: I have extensive experience working in public child welfare and human resources for the County of Orange, California Social Services Agency. Child Welfare areas of expertise include dependency intake and...
Location: Montana
Areas of Expertise: Kelly Liberti is a retired FBI Special Agent who specialized in the investigation of Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC and CAC) matters, including Child Abduction, Missing Children, Child Sex Trafficking,...
Location: Montana
Areas of Expertise: PD&A offers forensic experts in psychiatry, psychology, neurology, pathology, nursing, social work, criminal behavior analysis, security, and toxicology. For the 25 years we've been operating as a group...
Location: Montana
Areas of Expertise: Mr. Del Marva is a premises liability, premises security and dram shop expert. Mr. Del Marva was the testifying expert in the largest dramshop verdict ever awarded, a $135M verdict in Verni v. Aramark....
Human Trafficking Expert Witnesses by State
All States, Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming


text:
Programs for Businesses and Other Organizations
Decades of business and industry experience and a powerful network of resources converge at CBI, enabling our expert teams to design and deliver specialized training and strategic solutions that improve performance, productivity and profits.
All training areas can be customized to your company's specifications. To set up a meeting to develop your training plan, please call 610.332.8668 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. Learn how to become an Affiliate Organization.
Career Training for Individuals
From continuing education to skills for a new job, CBI programs give you the edge in healthcare, hospitality, leadership, public safety, IT/computer training, industrial and automotive technologies/trades, and more. Join CBI on LinkedIn.


text:
Nicholas Cendoya, one of the two hikers rescued last week after five days lost in a Southern California canyon, was released from the hospital Sunday.
Cendoya, 19, and his friend Kyndall Jack, 18, disappeared Easter in Trabuco Canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains. He was found disoriented, barefoot and shirtless on Wednesday and taken to Mission Viejo hospital for treatment. She was rescued Thursday, shoeless and clinging to a ledge.
"We weren't meant to die," Cendoya said at a press conference from the hospital. "We just wanted to go on an Easter adventure."
Cendoya said he and Jack tried to call for help when they got lost, but their cellphone battery died. They tried to find their way down the mountain but fell and were separated. He recounted eating plants and hallucinating about being stalked by tigers.
"I just wanted to see Kyndall more than anything. Just to see her face-to-face just so I know that she's OK," he said.
"The whole time I was lost, I felt the presence of Jesus and my friend, Carlos, who died last year of cancer," Cendoya said in a statement released by the hospital. "I felt they were both with me, inspiring me to stay alive."
Doctors said Cendoya showed signs of blunt-force trauma to his lung from the fall, resulting in amnesia and other injuries.
Jack is being treated at University of California-Irvine Medical center and is in stable condition.
"She was very dirty, up on a small little ledge, in the fetal position holding on," L.A. County Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Fred Wenzel told KABC-TV. "She asked me what year it was. She thought it was the year 2030. She was very confused."


text:
Silhouette of an Israeli soldier overlooking a protest | CC Jill Granberg
Israeli forces wanted to make Hasan*, 26, their collaborator.
Hasan opened an Internet café in a small village in the north of the West Bank in 2008. At the time few of the locals had Wi-Fi connection at home, and his café became a popular place for people to chat online and for children to do their homework.
In 2010, villagers began protesting the Israeli-constructed separation wall that cuts through a large part of their agricultural fields. Israeli soldiers often responded with force, arresting demonstrators and firing rubber bullets in the town center, right next to Hasan's café.
One night, soldiers were patrolling the village again. Local boys responded by throwing stones. A sound bomb was thrown into Hasan's café, and amidst the confusion the Israelis arrested him and four other men. Blindfolded and handcuffed, they were driven to olive groves near another village.
"You took me behind my computer. I have nothing to do with stone-throwing," Hasan tried to protest, to no avail.
Still unsure of where they had been taken, the men heard the soldiers playing with their guns, pretending to prepare to kill the five captives. After a while, the Israelis took photos of the villagers and let them go. It was now the middle of the night, and the men had to find their way back home by foot.
Soon after the incident, soldiers started coming to Hasan's café regularly, seven to eight persons at a time. They tried to chat with the children, asking them questions on topics ranging from football to how they learnt to throw stones.
One day Hasan had enough and asked one of the soldiers what they were looking for.
"I want to make a simple deal with you. The next time you see someone throwing stones, you call me and tell who that person is," the soldier responded.
"How do you expect me to do that? It's a small village. That person would likely be my cousin or my brother," Hasan exclaimed.
"Fine. If you don't want to do that, then expect my visit every day," the soldier said.
The soldiers visits persisted and customers began to avoid the café. In 2011, Hasan sold his computers and closed down the business. Though his passion was information technology, the young man was now forced to commit his life to his family's olive and orange groves on the other side of the wall.
Getting to the fields was difficult. As Hasan had become a "security problem" for the Israeli authorities, his travel permit was marked with stars, which meant sometimes he could cross the checkpoints and other times he would have to wait for hours. Occasionally he was denied entry completely.
Collaborator once, collaborator forever
It is impossible to know how many in Hasan's village have agreed to work for the Israelis. Attempts to recruit new collaborators are commonplace. Hasan says the soldiers usually target young people without a job or opportunities to study.
"They might offer them money or permits to Israel, saying they could go to swim and have girls there, to do whatever they want," Hasan said.
Mourad Jadallah, a legal researcher from Prisoners Support and Human Rights Organization Addameer, says that permits to travel or to access better medical treatment are commonly used as incentives, in addition to money, sex, and drugs. Another way is to make other Palestinians suspect that someone already works for the Israelis.
"They might keep sending you an invitation to come and meet them. Or they can arrest a group of people and release one before the others, repeatedly," Jadallah said. "Eventually, when everyone thinks you're a collaborator, you might ask to become one."
According to Hasan, the recruiters usually start with simple questions. For instance, they might ask how many students go to the local university. Step by step the requests become harder, and can even lead to a demand to kill someone.
"They give money only the first time. When you accept it once, it's impossible to go back," Hasan said.
"They threatened to rape my aunt"
Mental and physical pressure is often used to "turn" Palestinians into collaborators. The perfect place for this is prison, Jadallah says.
"When I was arrested as a child, the Israelis threatened to rape my aunt if I didn't confess," he said, adding that sexual violence and torture are common practices at the interrogation. According to Jadallah, children as young as 12 years old are sometimes recruited to work for the Israelis.
At prison, recruitment efforts can continue after interrogation. Hasan tells that one of his cousins, who served a seven and a half year sentence, was once put into a special cell in the prison. All the other prisoners seemed very nice, and the cousin felt that he could share his experiences with them. In reality, all the others were collaborators, ready to pass on what they heard.
"This is called the 'asafir-system ("birds" in English)," Jadallah explained. "It is just a theater. The other prisoners welcome you with food and cigarettes, and tell you that you have to explain them everything about your background – just to make sure that you're a good guy."
"The reports they get this way cannot serve as an official document in the court, but this doesn't matter for the Israelis: They already received the information they needed," he added.
Revealed informants are marginalized – or even killed
Revealed collaborators become enemies of the society. Even children are marginalized, and people refuse to talk to them or let the suspects marry their daughters. No one offers to help.
"I remember how one of my friends saw his dad's body lying in the dumpster on his way to school. He said he couldn't forgive his dad for being a collaborator, but neither could he forgive the people that killed his father," Jadallah said. "It's a tragedy on both sides."
These kinds of executions outside of the law are not unheard of. Armed men shot to death a suspected collaborator in the middle of a street in Gaza a week ago. No militant group took responsibility of the killing, Ma'an News reported.
According to Al Jazeera, Israel has recruited approximately tens of thousands of collaborators since 1948. The state still relies on informants, but used them most actively in the 1970s and 1980s, before today's surveillance technology.
Jadallah agrees that because of the security cooperation between Israel and Palestinian Authority, Israel has to rely on collaborators only to get back-up information in the West Bank. In Gaza, much more details are lacking, as the Israeli soldiers are not deployed on the ground.
A taboo that destroys the society
While providing information remains the collaborators' main task, some Palestinians are also used for purchasing land in strategic areas of the occupied East Jerusalem on behalf of settler organizations. Others serve as contractors to sell mostly Israeli products in the West Bank.
Hasan says that although men and children are among the most targeted, anyone is a potential collaborator, including people trying to renew their travel permits.
"When the Israelis see that you really want that permit to access your land, they can start pressuring you," Hasan said.
Although the system of collaborators is widespread in the Palestinian territories, people rarely want to talk about it. Palestine Monitor contacted several human rights organizations both in Palestine and Israel, but few had done research on the topic or had specialists in it.
Hasan says infiltration of collaborators in the society makes it hard to trust anyone.
"I don't talk about politics or resistance, not even with my friends," he said. "You never know who is good and who is bad."
Jadallah believes that the recent movies dealing with collaboration, like Omar and Flower Seller, have made people more willing to talk about the topic, although many might find the films demoralizing.
"It bothers the people to know that not everyone is willing to fight against the enemy," Jadallah said. "The Israelis already control the Palestinians. The collaboration system is a tool to destroy the society, an attempt not to make us behave as a group that has rights."
"I believe this is one the reasons why we can't have a third intifada," he added.
Under international law, it is illegal for the occupying power to force people to collaborate with it.
*For security reasons, Hasan (name modified) did not want his real identity to be revealed.
Back to Top


text:
Out of Stock
5 Rating (0 Customer Reviews)
Similar Products
Refurbished World Tech Toys X9 Extremely Tuff 3CH RTF Electric RC Helicopter
$69.99 $14.95
Save: $55.04 (79%)
Refurbished Nano Titan X 3.5CH RC Helicopter w Replacement Parts Bundle
$59.99 $14.95
Save: $45.04 (75%)
Refurbished Striker Live Feed 2.4GHz 4.5CH RC Spy Drone
$179.95 $34.95
Save: $145.00 (81%)
Refurbished Striker-X Pro GPS Live View 2.4GHz 4.5CH RC HD Camera Drone
$247.99 $39.95
Save: $208.04 (84%)
Refurbished Orion 1-Axis Gimbal 2.4GHz 4.5CH RC HD Camera Drone
$247.49 $39.95
Save: $207.54 (84%)
Refurbished Camo Hercules Unbreakable 3.5CH RC Helicopter
$129.95 $34.95
Save: $95.00 (73%)
Refurbished Omega 2.4GHz 4.5CH RC Camera Spy Drone
$284.99 $39.95
Save: $245.04 (86%)
Refurbished Elite Mini Orion Glow-in-the-Dark 2.4GHz 4.5CH Live-View Camera RC Drone
$219.99 $39.95
Save: $180.04 (82%)
Refurbished Panther UFO Video Camera 4.5CH 2.4GHz RC Spy Drone
$249.95 $39.95
Save: $210.00 (84%)
Refurbished Striker-X Camo 2.4GHz 4.5CH RC HD Camera Drone
$164.99 $27.95
Save: $137.04 (83%)
Refurbished Prowler 2.4GHz 4.5CH Camera RC Spy Drone
$339.99 $69.95
Save: $270.04 (79%)
Refurbished Enforcer 2.4GHz 4.5CH Camera RC Spy Drone
$189.99 $69.95
Save: $120.04 (63%)
Refurbished Striker Camo 4.5CH 2.4GHz Spy Drone
$135.99 $34.95
Save: $101.04 (74%)
Refurbished Elite Mini Orion 2.4GHz 4.5CH HD RC Camera Drone
$140.19 $39.95
Save: $100.24 (72%)
Refurbished Sentinel 2.4GHz 4.5CH Live-View Camera RC Spy Drone
$339.99 $49.95
Save: $290.04 (85%)
This is a refurbished RC car. This RC car comes with a 45 day true warranty. We have our highly trained technical staff repair and test our refurbished products to make sure they are in perfect working order. Get ready to tear up the dirt with the Carrera Jeep Grand Cherokee 1:16 Electric RTR RC Car! People will be rubbing their eye's in disbelief because of how stylish this RC is. Featuring a full function transmitter and rubber tires, this great RC gives you complete control allowing you to hit speeds while driving off road with ease! A cool feature is the 2-speed mode which lets you select the best settings for indoor and outdoor action. If you want to go really fast, press the High Speed Turbo Button! Everything you need to get running comes in the box: Transmitter Batteries and Rechargeable Battery Pack/Charger for vehicle!
- 12 MPH Max Speed
- Ready to Run
- 2-speed mode
- Full Function Steering
- 1.2 Hour Charge Time
- High Power Lithium Battery
- Carrera Jeep Grand Cherokee 1:16 Electric RTR RC Car
- Tri-Band Radio
- Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- Race Fast Charger
- Length: 33 cm
- Li-ion High Power Battery: 7.4V - 700mAh
- Charger: 8.4V - 500mAh
- Long Running Times Up To 40 Minutes
- Short Recharging Time Approx. 1.20 Hours
Battery Requirements:
- Vehicle: Rechargeable Battery Pack (Included)
- Transmitter: 9V Battery (Included)
For questions regarding this product please email our friendly customer service team.
Call our Customer Service at 818-675-9000 if you find a lower price on any of our items we'll match it.*
Need Help? Call our Customer Service Team at 818-675-9000. They can help with any questions you may have.
- Your Stuff
- Your Account
- Order Status
- Wish List
- #HobbyTronFan
- Giveaways
- Customer Service
- Contact Us
- Order Status
- Policies
- Testimonials
- Learn
- Blog
- Learning Center
- HobbyTron.com
- Daily Deals
- Coupons
- Affiliate Program
- Wholesale
- Site Map


text:
| 1.7°C Belfast
The estate of Anna Nicole Smith has failed in its final bid to obtain her late husband's money, seven years after the death of the Playboy model and reality TV star.
A federal judge rejected the effort to obtain about 44 million dollars from the estate of Texas billionaire J Howard Marshall, whom Anna Nicole married in 1994 when he was 89 and she was 26. The oil tycoon died the next year and his will left his 1.6 billion dollar estate to his son and nothing to his famous wife.
Anna Nicole, under her real name of Vickie Lynn Marshall, challenged the will, claiming that her husband promised to leave her more than 300 million dollars on top of the cash and gifts showered on her during their 14-month marriage. A Houston jury said Marshall was mentally fit and under no undue pressure when he wrote the will.
Over the course of nearly 20 years, the Texas bankruptcy court and local and federal courts, including the US Supreme Court, all rejected Anna Nicole's various attempts to overturn Marshall's will and trust and to obtain money from his estate.
The efforts continued even after the model died of an accidental drug overdose in February 2007.
US District Court Judge David O Carter has now denied a request from Smith's estate to sanction the estate of Marshall's son, E Pierce Marshall.
"Time spent litigating the relationship between Vickie Lynn and J Howard has extended for nearly five times the length of their relationship and nearly 20 times the length of their marriage. It is neither reasonable nor practical to go forward," the judge said in his ruling. He noted that it was the last surviving piece of decades of litigation.
"The American taxpayer has supported the burden of this litigation for many years, and it is time for this suit to no longer 'drag its weary length before the Court'," Carter concluded, quoting a Supreme Court decision in the case that itself quoted Charles Dickens' Bleak House.
G Eric Brunstad Jr, lawyer for the Marshall family, said in a statement that the family agreed with the judge that it was time to stop the litigation.


text:
Use our search tools to explore our records and find out about those we commemorate.
Explore the CWGC Archive through our online portal.
Find out about the records we maintain, the changes we make and what to do if you spot an error.
No visit to the Western Front is complete without a trip to The CWGC Experience.
Just a stone's throw from the Menin Gate, visit our Information Centre to learn more about the CWGC.
Can't visit one of our sites? Discover our range of books and gifts online and support the CWGF
If you have any questions or queries, our friendly Enquiries Team is on hand to help.
Find out how you can apply to become a CWGC Volunteer.
Join us in an act of virtual remembrance and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Want to work for the CWGC? Check here to see our open positions and volunteer roles.
Get information about our funding, our Customer Charter and our Strategic Plan.
Explore the story of the CWGC, from our formation during the First World War to our work today.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Find out more.


text:
You can find a sample business plan for a small business in all kinds of formats. There is a sample business plan for a small business where you basically fill in the blanks or you can have access to a sample business plan for a small business where you can pattern yours from it or you can develop a business plan that is centered on what you want for your dreams and your life.
I don't know of better way than to let your business give you what you want for your lifestyle. Whether it's a sample business plan for a small business or one where your business gives you a plan, it should tell you what is needed to take you where you want to go and when and how you can get there and it should be in clear simple terms, supported with all the specifics.
So using a sample business plan for a small business is just one of many ways to make a business plan but frankly I think designing one that will have your business give you exactly what you want is by far the best way.
So, why not start out with what you would like to have in life for you and your family? Then develop a business plan that could show you exactly what your business would need to do to give you that life style. If you think about it, there is no other way where you have more control over what you want in life than letting your own business do it for you. If you work for someone else, you're sure not going to have as much control over your future.
So how would you go about making a plan like this? Well if you know a fair amount about business, you can. It will take some special calculations and some work but if you know how to put together a Profit & Loss Statement, you can probably do it.
You would first do a P&L for the present year for your existing business and the first year and as many years after as you would like to have your plan cover. Your existing business financials will be the foundation for building yourself a business plan for as many years out as you want. This data will tell you a number of things but first if you want to build your plan around what you want in life, you would need to decide some things about your life:
1. You would need to decide how much income you would like to have for yourself for each of the years you plan for.
2. You would need to determine what kind of profit margin you would want from your business for each of the years.
3. And by combining these 2 things into a P&L format you can develop a financial business plan that can extend as for into the future as you would like.
4. The first thing it will show you is how much sales you would need each year to give you the income and profit you would like. Once you see the sales needed, if you know your business well enough, you should be able to estimate those additional expenses needed to overcome capacity constraints that will occur as your business grows.
With this information you can actually predict not only what your sales will be, but you can see how much your fixed and variable expenses will be, what your labor cost will be, your material cost, and your profit.
1. So let's first look at what exactly are fixed expenses? They are exactly what they say they are; they are fixed. This simply means these are expenses that are ongoing whether you have a lot of sales or "0" sales. They are expenses like utilities, taxes, rent, salaries other than the wages used in the making of the actual product or doing a service, business fees, telephone, etc. See how these expenses would continue on even if you have 0 sales? Any expenses that fall into this category are fixed expenses. Far too many small business owners never divide their expenses into fixed and variable. As a matter of fact, if you could have a business that had "0" fixed expenses; this would be the best of all worlds, why? If you had "0" sales, you would have "0" expenses. So the closer you could get to this the better you would be.
2. Variable expenses are those expenses that track directly with sales. If sales stop they stop. These are expenses like supplies used to support in the making of your product or doing your service. Such things as shipping cost for raw materials for your product or service. If you have no sales then you're not going to be purchasing materials so your shipping cost for those materials will stop as well. As an example, if you have a lawn mowing business and there are no lawns to mow, then you wouldn't be buying gasoline to travel to your lawn mowing site. These kinds of things are variable expenses. If you're producing a product, it would include supplies used to produce that product like sand paper, glue, finishing materials, cutting tools, etc.
3. Labor and material costs are also directly proportionate to sales. These are things that go directly into the making of the product or into doing the service.
a. Labor cost is the actual direct labor used in the making of product or doing the service. The cost would also include all the fringe benefits like social security, payroll taxes, vacation pay, holidays, sick pay days, etc.
b. Material costs are all the materials used in the making of product or in doing the service. In the lawn mower service as an example it would be the gasoline used in the mower and any other materials used directly in that service. For producing a product it would be all the materials used in the product that is sent to the customer including all the packaging materials.
Average Selling Price
Now when you calculate your average selling price which is your cost of sales (material + labor) divided by (1-gross profit), you can determine how many customers you would need and then come up with what you think your conversion rate would be for converting leads to customers, you can determine how many leads you would need. Then from this and with the aid of the U.S. Census Bureau and some basic research on your own you can actually have a pretty decent idea of what size your market is and is going to be in the future so you can see if it will support your business plan or not.
So if you can put this all together, you can have a complete business operating plan that would show you exactly what your business would need to do to give you the income and profit you would like to have and a rough idea whether your market would support it or not. All you would have left to do would be to figure out how to make it all happen.
It's like planning backwards.
1. Determine what you want in life
2. Figure out what your business would need to do to give you that life.
3. Figure out how long it would take you to reach it.
4. Figure out how big of a market it would take each of the years you're planning for.
5. Then see if that market is big enough.
Isn't this a much better way to go about planning your business? Shouldn't your business be designed to give you want you want instead of you working yourself to death just hoping for the best?
So how would you go about calculating all this?
There is quite a bit of calculations and you should know a little about business principles but it isn't that complicated. So first let's look at figuring out your future needed sales with this formula:
Projected sales = fixed expenses divided by (1-(var exp % of existing sales + mat cost % of existing sales + lab cost % of existing sales + desired net prof %))
So, let's say you existing sales is $850,000 annually, your fixed expenses are $275,000, variable expenses is $55,000 or 6.5% of the $850,000, material cost is $236,000 or 27.8%, labor cost is $109,000 or 12.8%, and your existing profit margin is $175,000 or 20.6%.
Now let's say next year you want to have a profit margin of 25% so what would your sales need to be to give you that profit margin? Now you might think you would simply tack on 4.4% more to sales (25% – 20.6%) and you would have it. Well not quiet. it doesn't work that way because you are going to have the additional variable expenses, material cost, and labor cost too. Remember, the more sales the more each of these expenses and cost will be.
So here is how you would do it:
Projected sales = fixed exp ($275,000) divided by 1-(6.5% + 27.8% + 12.8% + 25% (your new profit margin) = $896,057 (new sales)
You can do this for as many years out as you want. Obviously this is based on your first year's fixed expenses remaining constant and no consideration of depreciation, inflation, or taxes.
But most likely you would need to increase your fixed expenses because you're going to probably have more rent, utilities, or such as your business grows. So, you would simple put in your new fixed expense number in place of the existing one for each of the years you would be planning for.
So, you see if you decided you wanted a 35% profit margin at year 5 then you could see how much sales it would take to give you that.
Now it's also important to know how many more customers you would need as well so you should always look at that unless you have another way of growing your sales other than with new customers.
Let's say your average selling price for your service is $925.50 and you have one transaction per year per customer.
Using that first years sales example we used above, you would calculate it this way.
$896,057 divided by $925.50 = 968 customers needed for the year. Now if your average transactions per customer are more than 1, then you would need fewer customers. As an example, let's say your average transaction per customers per year is 2.5 then 968 divided by 2.5 = 387 customers per year.
Now let's say you estimate your conversation rate to be 3% of turning leads into paying customers with the advertising method you're going to use, how many leads would need to contact to get 387 customers? Simply divide 387 by 3% and you get 12,909 leads you're going to need to contact.
Then the question is; is your market going to be big enough to provide you with 12,909 leads for the next year and how many will you need each of the following years?
It may be easier than you think to figure this out. You would do some research and with the aid of the U.S. Census Bureau you can roughly determine whether your plan can be supported by your market or not.
So what do you think? Is it better to build a business plan around what you want in life then see how your business can maybe give you that or is it better to use a sample business plan for a small business where you are probably guessing?
I'd love to help you some more. Please go to http://www.StrategicBusinessSolutionsLLC.com and see what might be available.


text:
You have no items in your Shopping Basket.
Contact Us
Dobies Growing Guides
Vegetable Garden Planner
A vigorous-growing cauliflower whose deliciously flavoured green heads, with their exquisite pointed turrets, are ready to harvest from mid July to mid September. Italian romanesco type. Recommended for deep freezing. Maturing approximately 20-26 weeks from sowing.
Simon says: "Romanesco types are fantastic-looking vegetables. Treat as an ordinary cauliflower and serve with grated egg and chives and lashings of hollandaise sauce."
Hardiness:-10 degrees
Aftercare - Easy:False
Aftercare - Moderate:True
Aftercare - High:False
Edible Flower:False
Likes Acidic Soil:False
Beds & Borders:True
Greenhouse, Glass House or Home:True
Prefers Full Sun:True
F1 Variety:True
For early crops sow seed under glass, at 10-15°C (50-60°F) February-March. Harden off plants before planting outdoors. For maincrop sow direct outdoors, 1.8cm (¾") deep, in a prepared seed-bed March-May.
Summer types - bend leaf over developing head to protect from sun. Winter types - bend over leaf to protect from frost. HEALTH BENEFITS: Ideal for slimmers, low in calories. Good vitamin C (Anti-ageing, wound healing, decreasing blood cholesterol and prevention of infections. Assists the body in absorbing iron.
All Dobies products should reach you in perfect condition, just as they left us. If you are dissatisfied in any way with their condition on arrival, please let us know within 14 days. We are only liable for the cost of the goods as quoted on the website plus the cost of delivery if the goods are faulty.
Order online or call 0344 967 0303 For product or any other queries, please email Customer Services Customer Services call 0333 240 5933
Dobies, Long Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7SX


text:
IF people come and buy stuff from the Hawthorn Local Food Market
THEN the owner Jimmy will commit 100% of profits to improving the environmental sustainability of his business operations.
17 Apr 2010
Hawthorn Local Food Market
52 Church St
Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia
A couple of people from Transition Town Boroondara in Melbourne's East loved the Carrotmob concept and thought they'd give it a shot. We approached small grocery stores in the local area offering them a free sustainability assessment and the opportunity to compete for Melbourne's first Carrotmob. The sustainability assessments helped three businesses understand the changes they could make and allowed the owners to make a solid pledge/bid for the Carrotmob.
We had assistance from the Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce (VECCI) who provided the sustainability assessments.
It was a beautiful sunny day and what was normally a quiet little local store became a hive of activity - In 3hrs we more than doubled the store's average Saturday revenue.
As a result of the Carrotmob the owner replaced all the store's lighting with more energy efficient options, supported a local biscuit provider by selling products during the Carrotmob, and made improvements to his bathroom plumbing to reduce his water usage.
No updates yet!
Have ideas for Carrotmob? Experiencing problems on our site? Please use the form below. You can also reach us at: firstname.lastname@example.com. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Happy mobbing!
The fastest and easiest way to join Carrotmob is by connecting with your Facebook account. You will also be able see what your friends are doing on Carrotmob and quickly share some of your activities with your network. To learn more about how this works, read this. If you are curious about the permissions we're requesting of your Facebook account, read this. Clicking this button will NOT post anything to your Facebook wall.


text:
Welcome to FreeGames.net, the leading online games site, where you can play a huge range of free online games including; Action Games Car Games Puzzle Games Sports Games Games for Girls flash games and many more.
Description: Help the girls make their nails look funky-fresh!. Flava Manicure is a Nail Games.
Instructions: This game is played with mouse only..
Category: Nail Games


text:
Green Dot Checking App Aims to Shake Up Market
Show more sharing options
Share Show more sharing options
It's not enough to be multichannel anymore, says author and Movenbank founder Brett King. Banks need to help people bank within the context of their lives.January 14
Green Dot says acquisition of geolocation company Loopt won't be felt in its earnings or services until next year but it's looking to profit from licensing the company's technology.April 27
The Monrovia, Calif., prepaid card company plans to roll out the bank account with a traditional debit card later this year, chief executive Steve Streit told American Banker.January 26
After months of internal testing, GreenDot (GDOT) is rolling out a beta version of its mobile consumer checking account, the aptly named GoBank.
The launch of the iPhone and Android app is the culmination of several acquisitions, including the purchase of Bonneville Bancorp in Provo, Utah (now Green Dot Bank) and geolocation company Loopt.
The test puts the prepaid card company in the same league as Simple (formerly BankSimple), which is itself in beta; Movenbank, which plans to launch in late February; and American Express, which is marketing its Bluebird fee-less, prepaid account with Walmart.
What sets GreenDot apart, asserts chief executive Steve Streit, is the company isn't relying on a third party to hold its customers' deposits.
"We are a bank, and this is a bank-issued checking account. It is a real, FDIC-insured bank account," he says, alluding to Bluebird, which is not backed by the independent federal agency, and Simple, which keeps its customers' deposits with The Bancorp Bank. "That's different."
As of Tuesday morning, people were able to sign up for the beta launch at GoBank.com. "The whole team is set up to hit 'clear, clear, clear,' says GoBank spokesman Quinn Daly. Green Dot will be accepting "a few thousand" initial users, says Streit.
After being accepted into the program, beta testers will be given a confirmation and be able to download the app at the Apple or Google app store.
GoBank customers will be given access to two buckets of money — a Money Vault, a type of savings account where users can sock away cash in an effort to save, and a regular checking account.
In addition to Green Dot's ATM network and mobile check deposit, people will also be able to send cash to others via text message or even through Facebook. Those receiving cash will be able to either open their own GoBank accounts or get the money through PayPal, says Streit.
There is also a savings tool, "Ask the Fortune Teller," that after being set up will advise users on potential purchases. At first blush, the utility of that tool seems similar to Simple's Safe-to-Spend feature.
Users will be able to decide if they want to pay Green Dot a monthly fee, anything from nothing to $9 a month.
"Everyone gets mad when a bank forces you to pay this, or pay that, but by making a fee voluntary, it's a sense that [a customer] can punish 'my bank,'" says Streit.
Still, Green Dot is creating new competitors for itself, says Brian Riley, a senior research director of retail banking and cards at CEB Towergroup.
"They lost their first-mover advantage on this in a lot of ways," he says. "But now they are in the hunt with those big dogs... they kind of went from the world of retail and prepaid cards to competing in retail banking, which are two very different animals. They now have to be benchmarked not against NetSpend, but against Chase and American Express."
It's been no secret that the Pasadena, Calif., company's earnings have floundered amidst lost shelf space at Walmart and other retailers.
In its third quarter, Green Dot's profit fell to $10.6 million, down from $13.3 million from a year earlier. Earnings per share also fell to 24 cents, a 20% drop from the same period in 2011.
"It's not just the lost shelf space, though," says Aite Group senior analyst Madeline K. Aufseeser. "It's the average tenure of the card in the wallet, and how many dollars are getting loaded on those cards… Their average direct deposit ratio is far less than" their competitors.
Green Dot still has a chance to bounce back, she says.
"The market is growing exponentially, Green Dot has just as much opportunity to grow as any other," Aufseeser added.


text:
AJ Daulerio's Cultural Oddsmaker runs every Friday ... well, that next four Fridays, anyway. Yes, after more than a year of goodness, Mr. Daulerio is retiring the Cultural Oddsmaker column at the beginning of 2008. There are now FOUR left. Email him to let him know how much you'll miss him.
Greetings. It's week two of the great Cultural Oddsmaker countdown, and this will once again not attempt in any way shape or form hold up a mirror to professional sports culture. This is simply a venue for me to expose my id in three-dimensional high-def for all the world to see. And, of course, showcase my favorite emails. This week's selection comes courtesy of the CO spelling bee column, which resulted in a couple spirited missives like this:
Richa Gupta firstname.lastname@example.com wrote:
You're a jackass who's just jealous that these kids are about 1000 times as smart as you are. Your descriptions are unwarranted and your attempt at mockery is just sick. Find another outlet to express your excessive loathing for thirteen year old kids, and get a fucking life.
Guptas. So sensitive.
Anyway, this week's Oddsmaker will focus on Playboy magazine's "Playmate of the Year" coronation. If you haven't heard, the magazine is currently in the middle of its selection process to crown this year's Bunny queen. This is somewhat sports-related because, as we all know, professional athletes have a tendency to end up in relationships with these bouncy bundles of dim-witted fun. In addition to the odds on their POY-dom, I'll also include which athlete their destined to end up with, and, for added color and depth, the odds on their favorite sexual position.
So, this week, I'm injecting my urethra with Deca-Durabolin, learning how to skin a rabbit (It is what it is — bunny-lovers beware), and calculating odds on the 2007 Playmate of the Year.
Pictures of almost naked young ladies, after this brief commercial break:
Heather Rene Smith, Miss February: 2/1
She's 20-years-old, California-cooked, and enjoys "going to see live bands" and "working on old cars." Oh, and "wake boarding," which I believe is what the CIA insists was very instrumental in winning the war on terror. When she says "working on old cars," we'll assume that means "leaning over a balance beam and almost doing a split without her tits falling out." Now, that's talent! She's into tattoos and guys who know how to play a musical instrument. Wizard-sleeved bassoonists, your princess has arrived.
Athletes she may possibly bang: Wayman Tisdale, Bronson Arroyo
Favorite sexual position: The Alfonseca: Heather can only orgasm when a man enters six digits or more inside her and tickles her her g-spot.
Brittany Binger, Miss June: 3/1
She's not blond, so she'll have a tough time generating support from the old fella, plus she's 5'7, 109lbs, which means she's about one missed meal away from being just a giant head and a pointy clavicle. Brittany's favorite singer is Snoop Dogg and her hobbies include "going to the beach." She's turned off by cockiness and womanizers, but she gets revved-up by men who are "mysterious." So, wear a Zorro mask, boys.
Athletes she may possibly bang: Manny Ramirez, Gilbert Arenas
Favorite sexual position: The Bo Diaz: Brittany climaxes the hardest when she's being banged on a Venezuelan rooftop with a satellite dish laying on top of her.
Shannon James, Miss May: 1/4
Shannon's a Council Rock graduate (We are! CR!) and still lives just outside the Philly area prepping for a life of either modeling, writing poetry or being a pharmaceutical sales rep. (What else is there really?) She's prime-time POY material thanks to her blonder than blondestness and willingness to admit she's "comfortable with her sexuality" and that she and her friends like to "walk around naked." Hooray. Plus! Her favorite team is the Philadelphia Phillies.
Athletes she may possibly bang: Jayson Werth, Mike Zagurski, The Sarge
Favorite sexual position: The Schmitter: Shannon likes to have anal sex using a "secret sauce" lubricant with a man who has a piece of fried salami wrapped around his dick.
Spencer Scott: 1/1
This Georgia gal is only 18 years old and says she's looking for a man who'll be "spontaneous" with her — no beach or fancy dinners, something, like, you know, like, a "theme park." Well, the gal likes roller coasters and also won't tolerate a guy who can't "make her laugh." So, no Mr. Fuddy-Duddys for her, no way. There's a reason God gave her so much brain power. Unfortunately, most of it is in her left breast.
Athletes she may possibly bang: Chipper Jones, Jeff Francoeur, The Georgia Bulldogs football team, an actual Georgia bulldog
Favorite sexual position: The Coolbaugh: Like she said, Spencer's a fan of spontaneity and loves it when a guy will sneak up behind her, take out one ball, whack her in the side of the head with it, and then do her while she's sprawled out in the grass in front of a stadium full of people.


text:
Tecmo is bringing Xbox 360 exclusive Ninja Gaiden II and big guns to the PS3 with Ninja Gaiden Σ 2.
It has a few new game modes (including online co-op), some new characters and a whole range of fixes for the problems that plagued the 360 edition such as better camera control.
The game will be released October 1 in Japan and priced at ¥7,800 (US$81). Those who pre-order the game will get a "starter guide book" and a code for an original downloadable Ryu Hayabusa character costume.


text:
The Mummy's Tomb
Item #: GC3870
All Products
(8 Total)
View by Size:
Getting , please wait.
|Chaney Jr. is in wraps for the first time in this sequel to "The Mummy's Hand." Kharis is transported to America by a crazed Egyptian high priest to kill off surviving members of the expedition. Weakened by a lame script and too much stock footage. Based on a story by Neil P. Varnick.
|Directed by:
|Harold Young
|Mark Huffam, MCA Home Video.
|Lon Chaney Jr., Dick Foran, John Hubbard, Elyse Knox, George Zucco, Wallace Ford, Turhan Bey


text:
A 13-year-old Quincy boy faces charges he was driving drunk and refused to stop for a State Police trooper who tried to pull him over at about 1 a.m. today near Neponset Circle in Dorchester. The boy allegedly crashed the Ford sedan into a utility pole and tried to run away before being caught.
A 13-year-old Quincy boy was arrested today after allegedly driving drunk and crashing a stolen car.
State Police attempted to pull the boy over on Neponset Avenue in Dorchester shortly after 1 a.m., but he wouldn't stop, driving instead toward Neponset Circle, State Police Sgt. David Mahan said.
The Ford sedan the boy was driving crashed into a utility pole on Neponset Avenue moments after State Police began following him, and the boy tried to run away, Mahan said.
A trooper caught up to the boy and arrested him. The teenager was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, failure to stop for police, and larceny of a motor vehicle, along with other motor vehicle-related charges, Mahan said.
He was taken to Caritas Carney Hospital in Dorchester with minor injuries, Mahan said.
He was then taken to a juvenile lockup in New Bedford. He will be arraigned in Quincy Juvenile Court.
The Patriot Ledger