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|System: X360, PS3, PC, PS2, Wii, DS
|Review Rating Legend
|Dev: Avalanche Software
|1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
|4.0 - 4.4 = Great
|Pub: Disney Interactive
|2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
|4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
|Release: Nov. 18, 2008
|2.5 - 2.9 = Average
|5.0 = The Best
|Players: 1
|3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
|ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
|3.5 - 3.9 = Good
by Pete Richards
While licensed games often receive a bad rap, it seems as though Disney is determined to prove that they are a company that doesnt rely solely on the games title and starring characters to sell copies. Bolt continues the trend of good Disney film-based licensed games, especially lately with platforms such as the pretty fun Wall-E, offering something in the way of ingenuity and quality.
Blending a good mix of gameplay mechanics with excellent design and graphics and usually pretty humorous characters from the films often make Disney games more fun than your average licensed platform. With complex mazes, problem solving, and eye-hand coordination skills, these games are easy enough for a child to grasp yet become challenging enough for even a skilled gamer at times. Such games also offer a level of educational value with solid gaming elements without boring the player. While gamers who enjoy licensed titles are always skeptical about quality, for those who enjoy these types of childrens titles, Bolt is a good one to check out.
Its a game that combines several different styles of gaming into one fun package, with a mix of not only maneuvering through platforms and unlocking pathways, but a fair amount of action as well. For much of the game, youll play as Bolt. Whereas the film follows the life of dog-actor Bolt who believes he has super powers, the game takes place inside of the fictional TV series he stars in. This enables Bolt the game to be entirely its own entity without relying on cheesy tie-ins from the film, as you are set on a mission of defeating the evil Calico and his cronies.
Bolt the character acts as your powerhouse, with light and heavy attacks for button-mashing fun you can unleash on your worst oncoming attackers. The absence of intricate combo buttons and a detailed button setup is targeted at a young age group, and more mature gamers may find the mindless attacks to be boring and tedious while trying to complete various missions. But where platformers often dont reward you enough for beating away cloned bad guys senseless as they run at you, this game has a power meter that builds up and lets you unleash super moves, which can help you defeat more difficult enemies later in the game. Bolt is also equipped with an eye laser and a super bark move that gives the little guy extra functionality. You'll have to use either move sparingly though, as your meter drains as you use them.

subset: commoncrawl


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- 7 Cu.Ft
- Double Door
- CFC Free
- Direct Cool
- Hard top
- Glass shelf
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With Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquière
HQs from kstewartfans.
CourtJustice: Kristen Stewart just arrived at the #METGala wearing head-to-toe @BALENCIAGA! #ZebraPrint
Tagged MQs bfanyc fiercebitchstew
EdwardEnninful Kristen Stewart and Logan Marshall-Green at the #MetGala xoxo/
With Kristen Wiig from NY Times via Linn
Dean was at the MetBall with another client. Hello Dean!
Inside the Ball via IvankaTrump
poptrashmoviee Kristen waved at us!!DED! So did HBG!Incredible night! She waved at us as she was heading to her car bestie!I love her!She is awesome! HBG is one hell of a wonderful,professional man.While all the other guests were milling around waiting for their cars,he signalled Kristen's,and ushered her safely through the unorganized throng of private cars and guests outside of the Met museum after the Gala. Kristen Stewart is wonderful,dynamic,and gracious.A true role model. Dean was escorting a very elegant lady this evening,and he also ushered her safely through the mess of private cars,normal traffic,and exiting guests.
lacesy Kristen Stewart changed into her leather jacket and jeans #doittt
Fan Pics cybermelli epnebelle imTulip Via @vonch/ KStewAngel kstewartnews kstewartUK


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The problem is, pork wasn't made for me. I struggle to digest it. I really like it. Sometimes. And then, sometimes I'd rather just have a bowl of lentils. The 1970's vegetarian sends messages into the future, warning me of all the things we were warned about back then.
A week ago, during a particularly demanding work period and in a moment of frigid, icy temperatures, on my way from work I stopped and bought a load of pork. Went home, cooked it up, slow, until it was a Dutch oven full of melt-in-your-mouth pork goodness. I ate three times more than I should have. And was sick for three days. I should have come home and had a glass of Lambrusco and gone to bed. Live and learn. Again and again.
I never learned about the mystical connection between Cotechino and Sorbara. Sorbara, the "lighter" Lambrusco. The wine that cannot sit in my fridge for more than a day. The Lambrusco with which I never have enough around. If there are two bottles, we needed three. You feel me, dawg?
I'm thinking about Sorbara for tonight. There is a reception at a pizzeria here in town. The judges, who are available, from the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, are to assemble at this humble little place. It's a BYOB situation. I had three bottles of Sorbara set aside. Now there are two. They will come with me.
First, though, Cotechino.
The whole place smelled like blood. The cotechino was seamless with the disposition of the experience. But the Sorbara was hundreds of miles away. Barred from entering this foreign region.
I'm not here to explain cotechino. There are plenty of places to find that information. What I cannot talk enough about is the hold that Sorbara has on me. It is like the one wine that I find works with almost anything. Pizza, duh. Fish, no problem. Standing rib roast? Yes it can. Cheese? Which kind? Short answer? Yes. Thai, Mexican, BBQ, vegetarian. DOP lentils from Sicily? In my world, hell yes. But even if there is no food around, so what? The only problem, as I said, is there is never enough.
I'm conflicted with eating pigs. And my genetic traits send me messages when I cross over and indulge a little too freely. "Stick to cheese and chocolate," the inner sentinels advise, for my addictions (and, of course, Sorbara). "Leave pork to those who can handle it."
All good advice. You all can take all the Cotechino you can carry. Just don't touch my Sorbara.
My choice: Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Premium Lambrusco di Sorbara
written and photographed by Alfonso Cevola limited rights reserved On the Wine Trail in Italy
wine blog + Italian wine blog + Italy W


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The other day I found out that some people are outraged by the casting in a Hollywood film -- in this case Ridley Scott's latest effort, Exodus: Days of Future Past (or whatever its full title is). They're apparently so upset that they're boycotting it, which is something I do with all but one or two Hollywood films every year although I refer to it simply as not paying to see it.
The problem that the boycotters have, it seems, is that Exodus is almost completely historically inaccurate (It's safe to guess that most of the Egyptian and Jewish characters are most portrayed by Anglo-Saxons and presumably speak Modern (if pretentious) English with a modern British accent, or approximation of one. Without having watched a trailer I'd guess that there aren't a lot of apparently Middle Eastern Africans portraying Middle Eastern Africans and the actual actors of African descent are used entirely for background color and supporting roles).
Apparently these scandalized and offended won't-be viewers have never seen a Hollywood film before... or assumed that they'd somehow completely change their raison d'etre. Even at Hollywood's artistic peak in the 1930s, racial sensitivity and historical accuracy were not exactly hallmarks of Hollywood films -- making loads of money was, and that's what they did and they did it well. At one point Hollywood made loads of money with elaborately choreographed, brilliantly scored, escapist musicals. Nowadays Hollywood makes loads of money with loud CGI superhero cartoons. Sometimes -- rarely -- art slips through the cracks. Much more often big, dumb-looking movies like Exodus get released that look rather like the big, dumb movies that Hollywood was mostly pumped out for the last 90 years.


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Read below for preorders recently made available at Amoeba. I've linked to vinyl LP on all of these, but they're all available to preorder on CD as well. See all of the albums up for preorder here.
John Paul White - The Long Goodbye
The Civil Wars man is embarking on a solo release. Check out The Civil Wars' live show at Amoeba here. Download the performance here.
Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love
The latest from the indie-pop band features the melancholy synths and vocoder jam "When I Dream."
Tomahawk - Oddfellows


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Studies claim that adding drugs to drinking water could result in cognitive enhancement for the long-term betterment of society. This hypothesis has its roots in the successful fluoridation of water now hailed by some as a "tremendous human advancement."
More recently, studies are showing that adding trace amounts of lithium to the public drinking water supply could limit suicides. This drug, which is normally used to combat bipolar disorder, some say could do for suicide what fluoride did for cavities. According to the studies, communities with naturally lower levels of lithium in their drinking water have higher suicide rates than those with higher lithium levels. Scientists claim that the levels in fortified water are too low to be of any harm to humans. However, this claim has also been made about water fluoridation, in spite of the evidence that links fluoride to neurological defects, blindness, bone cancer and thyroid problems.
Opponents of water enhancement argue that lithium is far more dangerous than fluoride. Conspiracy theorists also claim that adding drugs to drinking water could result in a population much like that envisioned in Aldous Huxley's famous novel Brave New World. Huxley predicts a future dictatorship in which the mass medication of society renders people complacent with slavery and less likely to revolt against the political regime. Whether or not this is likely to occur, we must consider that the automatic fortification of drinking water – with fluoride, lithium, or any other chemicals – is an infringement on the right of humans to give informed consent to medical intervention. Proponents of mass medication say the opposite – suggesting that our right to lithium-free water is no greater than our right to lithium-enhanced water, and that those opposed to it can simply drink bottled water (which opens up an entirely different can of worms…). What do you think? Should the government add fluoride, lithium, or any other drugs to our drinking water? Vote on this issue in our latest poll!.


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Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev - Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 8
O Victorious Leader, who has chosen the Pochaev mount as your habitation. / We, your servants, sing our grateful thanks and praise to you, O Theotokos! / As you have since ancient times glorified this godly place through the appearance of the healing power of your footprint and your wonderworking image. / As you once preserved your habitation from the invasion of infidels, / set us free from every calamity and invasion, / so that always preserved through your help, we may sing from the depths of our souls: / Rejoice, O Praise of Pochaev, our hope and consolation!


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some more on authors youtube channel
Hey kids!
I've been busy working on this little thing:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_4d7miYVkeM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Be back soon.
Updated 10-04-2011 at 12:09 AM by Artur
Quick update on previous post. Found another awesome WebGL site dedicated to 3D fractals
@ http://fractal.io/
And a nice tutorial on snow shader for architectural visualization by Bertrand Benoit
@ http://www.ronenbekerman.com/3d-snow...rtrand-benoit/
Updated 10-04-2011 at 12:08 AM by Artur
What? GPU raytracing in your web browser? Yes, check out Shader Toy by Inigo Quilez.
Most likely you will need to install WebGL which took me a few minutes to figure out what it is and where to find it. Eventually got it running on my Mac's Safari and Chrome. Nightly builds can be found here
Once up and running you will find a library of 2D and 3D sample shaders.. Some well known fractals and demo-scene implementations. Great place to play around and learn about shaders or math.
Actually reminds me Paul Falstad's page. Lots of Java apps to play around. Atom visualization, waves interference, math, physics, electronic circuitry. Probably one of my favorite toys. Nerdgasmic!
Friend of mine started a little scanning service in Brisbane and I had a chance to check out the tech. Even got myself scanned.
It's a relatively simple system that captures 3D geometry in a single shot using 4 DSLR cameras.
Most of the work is actually done after images are captured. Once high resolution images are downloaded onto computer, software analyzes 4 images by triangulating pixel and pattern shifts in 3D space
There are number of papers and projects describing how it all works in more detail. Check out his site at 3dfacelab.com
Software and projects based on the same tech:
Updated 01-27-2011 at 05:38 AM by Artur


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Aerodynamic contours, frameless windows, a striking rear design – the Arteon's allure endures far beyond the first encounter. And the R-Line trim level features additional exterior highlights that emphasise these dynamic elements.
The Arteon's elongated contours and long wheelbase give it a highly distinctive profile – and an abundance of space wherever you are seated. The wrap-around emcompassing bonnet and frameless side windows are especially eye-catching and exude quality and elegance in the style of a classical fastback limousine.Find out more
The Arteon lettering on the rear holds out the promise of more; it is guaranteed to turn heads and leave a lasting impression. The name is taken from the Latin word for art and alludes to the coherent, aesthetic lines of the design.Find out more
The modern LED taillights are a token of the new Arteon's potency and outstanding dynamic range. The dynamic turn signal featured in the R-Line and Elegance trim levels are a striking, safety-enhancing feature.
You won't just look good in the new Arteon, you'll also enjoy amazing views out of the frameless side windows. They don't just typify the new Arteon as a fastback but also very discreetly underline its elegant appearance.
Fascination to touch in the new Arteon R-Line. The look-and-feel of the interior is truly inspirational.
The look-and-feel of the cockpit in Arteon's new R-Line trim is truly inspirational. The multifunction, leather sports steering wheel bears the "R-Line" badge and boasts decorative stitching; it is complemented by "Silver Rise" inlays in aluminium. The optional "top-comfort" seats in "Nappa" leather with "carbon-style" inner faces of the side sections and decorative stitching and braiding, not to mention the "R-Line" badge embroidered into the front seats make each ride a feast for the senses.Find out more
The elegant panoramic tilting/sliding sunroof (optional on the Elegance, standard on the R-Line) with ambient lighting comprises a glass element with an electrically operated tilt and slide function. Its elegance is surpassed only by the fabulous views it provides of the outside world. What's more, the light streaming in through the sunroof adds to the feeling of space.Find out more
The optional Comfort Package offers exclusive 14 way adjustable ergoComfort seats with Nappa leather, designed to provde special support to the back, enhancing your overall driving experience.
Beneath the bonnet of the new Arteon is the 2.0 TSI engine. The engine delivers 190 PS or in combination 4MOTION all wheel drive technology, 280 PS. 4MOTION models also comes with the XDS electronic differential lock and the DCC adaptive chassis control all come as standard features.
The features of the new Arteon are as impressive as the car itself. They turn every ride into a unique experience that will tantalise all your senses.
Lean back and enjoy the exquisite interior with its exclusive materials and comfort. The optional 14-way ergoComfort seats in Nappa leather in the colours "mistral grey" and "raven grey" provide special support to the back.(Available through the Comfort Package, on R-Line and Elegance)Find out more
Simply and conveniently adapt your driver's seat to your needs. Use the optional 14-way setting to define its longitudinal position, seat height, seat and backrest tilt and the position of the seat depth adjustment. The optional electrical 4-way lumbar support with massage and memory function provides particular comfort, even on longer journeys.(Available through the Comfort Package, on R-Line and Elegance)Find out more
The multifunction leather steering wheel lets you stay in charge of the vehicle and your information while on the move. And with the optional innovative Active Info display, content such as rev counter, speedometer and mileage indicator – even detailed data on the trip and the various driver assistance systems – are arranged in your direct line of sight at the heart of the dash display.Find out more
In the new Arteon, comfort and convenience begin even before you set off. Offering a good up to 563 litres of luggage space, the boot is generously proportioned by fastback limousine standards. And thanks to the optional easy-open function, a flick of the foot under the rear of the vehicle is all it takes to unlock the electric hatch. The time-delayed electric closing function means you can close the luggage compartment at the touch of a button, leaving you free to load and unload at your leisure.Find out more
Attention to detail: the new Arteon offers premium design as well as driving pleasure. It leads the way in terms of the latest driver assistance systems.
By far one of the most useful driver assistance systems is Cruise Control. You simply specify your top speed and the system makes sure you don't exceed it.Find out more
The "Rear View" reversing camera lets you reverse while looking forward. It conveniently lets you see the area behind the vehicle on the display of the radio or radio-navigation system to cautiously approach obstacles or couple a trailer.Find out more
Advanced dynamic cornering light illuminates bends in the road before you even start to turn the wheel. This means that you can see – and be seen – much better on winding roads.Find out more
Sportily, comfortably, normally or in your own individual style: you determine how your new Arteon is to drive. Optimised adaptive chassis control DCC continuously reacts to the road and the driving situation. This is extremely pleasant for you as it allows you to enjoy a high level of driving comfort combined with optimum driving dynamics.Find out more
Keep everything in view when changing lane. Even vehicles you can't see in your exterior mirror or when looking over your shoulder. "Side Assist" alerts you to vehicles up to 70 metres behind you and in the vehicle's blind spot, which could present a potential danger should you change lane.Find out more
Pure driving pleasure: the XDS electronic differential lock delivers improved traction and more responsive steering around bends, i.e. more agility during fast cornering.Find out more
The optional park and steer assistant Park Assist manoeuvres you elegantly into your parking space. All you have to do is operate the accelerator, the clutch and the brake. The system takes care of the rest.Find out more
The optional "Dynamic Light Assist" package optimises illumination of the carriageway by controlling the main beam automatically and ensuring greater visibility on the road.Find out more
The proactive occupant protection system acts like a protective guard, within the system's limits, when it recognises critical situations. Drivers and passengers are protected from a possible accident in a situation such as this, by the front seat belts being tightened to restrain the driver and passenger. Any open windows and the sliding roof are closed until only a small gap is open.Find out more
The head-up display presents key driving information directly in your field of vision. Speed, traffic signs and assistance systems, as well as warning and navigation messages, are pushed directly to the high-quality head-up display on the windscreen.Find out more
Keeping an eye on what's around: the optional Area View function. Area View feeds live images from around your Arteon straight into the cockpit.Find out more
Enjoy first-class communication and navigation options and treat your ears to the optional premium sound system in the new Arteon.
Journey into a world of sound.Find out more
The optional Discover Pro navigation system is the Infotainment system for the especially discerning driver. Special eye-catcher: Noble glas superstructure. With innovative gesture control, it's easy to move around in the main menu or – with a single hand movement – to switch from radio station to radio station or from song to song, for example.Find out more
Stay connected while you're on the road. The Mobile Phone Preparation "Premium" interface meets even the high expectations in terms of comfort. Thanks to the "Bluetooth rSAP" link or SIM-card slot, it can access your mobile phone's SIM card directly and wirelessly. A link to the vehicle's own aerial means you always get the best reception*, simply and effectively. And the integrated WLAN function provides Internet access for up to seven different devices.Find out more
Operate the most important functions of your smartphone from the centre console. Telephony, messaging and music are available at the touch of a button. At Volkswagen, we call this App-Connect. Three innovative technologies that let you integrate smartphone content into the touchscreen of your infotainment system: MirrorLink™, CarPlay™ from Apple and Android Auto™ from Google.Find out more
You're holding the future in your hand, as you use it to make the swiping movements to operate the "Discover Pro" navigation system. Use gesture control, which is optionally available, to change radio stations, songs, or even photos.Find out more


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"Good designers must always be avant-gardists, always one step ahead of the times. They should – and must – question everything generally thought to be obvious. They must have an intuition for people's changing attitudes. For the reality in which they live, for their dreams, their desires, their worries, their needs, their living habits. They must also be able to assess realistically the opportunities and bounds of technology."
(Dieter Rams, 1980 speech to Braun supervisory board, from his Design Museum profile)
There can't be many more legendary & respected designers around today than Dieter Rams. For over 50 years Rams has been one of the most influential industrial designers around, producing elegant, stripped-down and flawlessly balanced everyday objects in such enduring forms that one is hard-pressed to identify a design of his that hasn't stood the test of time.
In fact, if you own an iPod, iPhone, or iMac you almost certainly owe thanks to Dieter Rams for some of the look, feel and simplicity of these products. His influence is explicit in the work of Jonathan Ive at Apple, most literally, perhaps, in the design of the calculator on the iPhone, but in fact across almost the entire range of Apple products.
(For more, including Q&A with Rams, click below)
For more on the strong influence of Rams' work on Ives design thinking at Apple take a quick look at this, or see the excellent piece by Jesus Diaz in Gizmodo in January 2008):
Today, the only products of Rams' that are still produced are his furniture: the 606 Universal Shelving System and the truly magic 620 Chair Programme, both from Vitsoe (they are available from vitsoe.com).
One of the most frequently cited pieces of Rams' thinking are his 'Ten Principles of Good Design", originally published in his 1995 book, "Weniger, aber besser" ("Less, but better").
Through these ten principles Dieter Rams defines what he means by "good design". The most frequently cited summary list is below but for the fuller and more illuminating version head to the Vitsoe site.
Good design is innovative.
Good design makes a product useful.
Good design is aesthetic.
Good design helps us to understand a product.
Good design is unobtrusive.
Good design is honest.
Good design is durable.
Good design is consequent to the last detail.
Good design is concerned with the environment.
Good design is as little design as possible.
Back to purity, back to simplicity.
(Here is Rams, talking in more detail about his philosophy, in an interview produced for the V&A's 'Cold War Modern' exhibition in 2008).
We've been long-time fans of Rams', his work, his 'take no prisoners' attitude towards innovation, and indeed, customers of his products (my Vitsoe 606 shelving system is currently stored in 10 bomb-proof boxes in a friend's basement back in London; BBH London uses 606 in a number of places around the agency).
We've been thinking about what we can borrow from Rams' approach in order to make our innovation efforts more radical, and more successful, more quickly, and finally managed to catch up with Rams in Tokyo last month, where we put some questions his way. In response came some typically forthright and uncompromising replies, most notably around the subject of crowdsourcing design (which, of course, is an area of interest for us in Labs) . . .
BBH Labs: The design process has changed out of all recognition in the last 20 years, thanks primarily to technology. Are we net better off, or worse off?
Rams: Technology is, of course, very important but so too are new materials. I see no change in the design process because it is always important that new technologies, new materials and new manufacturing processes are included within it. It is even more important today that industrial designers should be trained more as design engineers. The computer helps the speed of the design process but you must still make sketches by hand. After all, design is a thinking process that starts in the head and with sketches. Thinking cannot be done by a computer. (Note: Rams, famously, does not own a computer).
BBH Labs: Your philosophy "Less, but better" / "Weniger, aber besser" is looking smarter and smarter with time. Do you think that will be manifested in the years ahead? What excites you about the future and what worries you?
Rams: I certainly hope that it will be manifested. My worry is that the world is becoming more chaotic every day. My excitement is that more people paying attention to 'Less but better' could help solve our growing problems.
BBH Labs: Is there an alternate design philosophy to your own that you appreciate or value? For example, is there any room for 'maximalism', layers, multiplicity, intricacy, confusion? Are there designers or artists you admire who occupy a very different space to you?
Rams: I have a strong dislike for those who make a monument to themselves. I admire Ettore Sottsass and his Memphis movement but he told me that he never intended the items to be produced.
BBH Labs: There is lots of discussion in the design community at the moment about the promise (or evils – delete as appropriate) of crowdsourcing (see businesses such as Crowdspring). Many are excited about the democratization of design, proposing quality will always win through and crowdsourcing simply increases the chances of excellence whilst reducing costs. Others are dismayed about the erosion of both the principles and margins of the design profession. Where do you stand on using the 'creativity of the crowd'?
Rams: Under no circumstances. No way.
BBH Labs: Thinking specifically about the interactive space what kind of work is catching your eye?
Rams: I am not working in this field so I cannot give a meaningful answer.
BBH Labs: Finally, who are the 'ones to watch'? Who will extend your legacy?
Rams: I hate to give names. But I am astonished that my design ethos and my 10 Commandments are being picked up by other designers. I am hopeful that my ethos will be continued.
So there we go. Hardcore stuff. Uncompromising.
Rams was recently in Tokyo for the opening of his exhibition at the Fuchu Art Museum (the wonderful catalogue is available at the Cooper Hewitt online store, and the exhibition moves to London's Design Museum in November 09). Whilst in Tokyo he met Jun Takahashi of Under Cover who was presenting a fashion collection at Pitti Uomo that was an homage to Dieter Rams. The collection is called 'Less but better'. When Mark Adams, the MD of Vitsoe, asked Takahashi why he was paying homage to Rams he answered, "The world urgently needs reduction. And the master of reduction is Dieter Rams."
There's a purity and almost obsessive drive to Rams that marks him out as a maverick and a pioneer. While he was happy (and successful) designing for the masses, he remains unswervingly focused on his own quest for good design. And for doing things his way.
We take three major lessons from Rams' story that we believe are relevant to our own modest innovation efforts.
1. Question absolutely everything, especially the 'most obvious'.
2. Strive to understand people, at every level.
3. Embrace technology, but do so with pragmatism not hype.
For more on Rams, his background, inspirations and legacy see the excellent profile of him on the Design Museum's site.
Many thanks to Mark Adams at Vitsoe for arranging the interview with Dieter.


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I was at school all day, so I had to buy my ticket at the library. I logged in at 2:15 pm, about 15 minutes before the tickets went on sale. Then I realized: I totally didn't think to bring my authenticator. Ooops.
I crossed my fingers and quickly made myself a new account. It worked! And I finished it in time to refresh the ticket page a few times.
Then, after what felt like the longest 3 minutes of my life, a refresh brought up a different screen. I didn't even stop to think about how many tickets I wanted. I just slammed on the "purchase" button. At least, that's what I assume the button said. Reading it would have wasted too much time.
Aaaand my place on the queue?
Well, about that. Something like 2900. 20 minute wait.
I honestly didn't care either way if I got a ticket. If I didn't, I'd play tourist and party hard at night. If I did, then I'd look forward to the cinematics panel. (*shrug* I'm visual, I like cinematics.) So I was surprised at how much fun I had sitting in line, watching the queue get smaller, wondering if I'd get a ticket or not. I'm sort of tempted to buy another ticket on Wednesday, just for fun.
The Question of Accommodations
Which brings up the question of accommodations. I want to make reservations as soon as possible since rooms go fast, but I'm not sure what I want to do yet. Neither of my current guilds are doing Blizzcon and I don't know what my future West Coast guild will be doing because I don't know who my future West Coast guild will be. A few friends are going to Blizzcon, but either their taste is waaaay out of my budget, or they're staying with too many people I don't know for me to want to invite myself.
I could get my own room. I like my peace and quiet and I'll have a good job by October so money won't be as tight.
But then it would also be fun to have some people to show up at events with. Or people to listen to my all night ramblings.
I know that there are a few others solo Blizzcon travelers who are in the same boat, so if you'd like a roommate or several roommates, send me an email and I'll bake up some plans. I do cheap but classy. And near the convention center.
I'd, um, prefer female roommates, with this being the internet and all, but I would make exceptions for guys I know well. And, would prefer people that I've had some previous interaction with. I like adventure, but I'd kind of like to not share a room with an axe murderer. Or, less dramatically, someone unreliable.
Anyway, yeah, send me an email (not a comment) if you're interested and not creepy.


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Hits and Errors of a "Thankful" Man
On a day when we all sit down with our families and gather to feast, reflect and also reminisce on the past year since our last Turkey Day the one word synonymous with today is Thanks. It is also a day I am going to tell you about something I have hidden away from most people who know me, and finally feel needs to be addressed now.
No, I am not sick or getting worse with a terrible illness, but there is a ailment that has attached itself to me. Since about June of this year I have been foreclosed, repossessed and bitterly had to face the reality that my life choices, no matter how much I have enjoyed them, were wrong turns at best. I guess you can see a positive that when they came and picked-up my new old car I went immediately to a pawn shop and purchased a 21-speed bike so I could attend all 81 Tampa Bay Rays games this season.
And there lies the one positive that has kept me plugging away and not giving up. Even as I sit with my little laptop on my lap right now stealing/borrowing/sharing a WiFi connection through a local coffee shop, the reality is that I have never given up. Even in the rain and slick roads I tumbled my way to the Trop to get satisfaction and pleasure from the sport that has never abandoned me, or made me feel worthless. And for that I owe a lifetime of gratitude and admiration to the Rays.
When I finally slip my head down onto a pillow while doing a real life 24/7 backyard camping trip in a friend's backyard because I am penniless, but not within the limits of emotional bankruptcy, I and wealthy thanks to the baseball friends and colleagues I know surrounding my Rays lifestyle. Some might say I have finally scrapped the bottom of my collective barrel, but I see it more as a way to finally treasure what I had, what I lost, and hopefully in the future, what is ahead for me.
This is the first time I have admitted publicly and to more than a few people the plight I have thrust myself into since I first started to pull my retirement savings a little at a time since April 2008 to secure my time with my Rays family at Tropicana Field. So on a day like today I give a huge bushel and gaggle of thanks to the many and the few who have passed paths with me in my Rays adventure.
This is not a solemn time, or one made to make people think they need to help. This is just me, an overly proud and optimistic person finally coming clean on the true extent of the damages. But please, do not despair, I cooked myself an amazing steak today with green beans and corn on the cob and reflected on the past year with great baseball joy and a personal admiration that I am stronger than I realize at times.
I am stuffed with the optimism of the coming months leading up to the Rays Fan Fest and again seeing members of my extended family again. Full to the gills of determination and persistence that by April things can be better. I am never homeless as long as I see Tropicana Field. I am not jobless for the work of following this team and writing about it fills me with the joy and reasoning to travel on. The ultimate "Thank You" is to the people who grace and read my passages day in and day out. For if it wasn't for you…
To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner
13 Comments
Renegade, you're one of the most optimistic people I know, and I have no doubt that your energy, enthusiasm and capacity for hard work will enable you to turn this around. No doubt! In the meantime, it's a gift that your passion for the Rays and dedication to writing about them are there to sustain you in tough times. Very courageous post.
Renegade, you're one of the most optimistic people I know, and I have no doubt that your energy, enthusiasm and capacity for hard work will enable you to turn this around. No doubt! In the meantime, it's a gift that your passion for the Rays and dedication to writing about them are there to sustain you in tough times. Very courageous post.
Just decided it was time to vent that issue that is hidden behind the green curtain.
I have to be honest that the optimism is a by-product of knowing it can onlyget better.
Nothing conragious about it to me. There are people in dire straits compared to me, and fighting for their lives and mire exsistence.
It is more of a thankful message to the people who inspire me to keep that stream of optimism.
Rays Renegade
Having been there, I can only say that it WILL get better. I should also point out, with your passion for baseball and gift for writing, the answer may be right in front of you. Use your writing skills and passion for baseball. You have one of the best blogs that I have ever read. You have talent, use it! Fight the good fight and good things will happen. I have faith in you. Good luck on your endeavors. By the way, I really do love your blog.
Thank you for that.
I had a writing prospect a few months ago, but they have not written me back. It would be a non-paying position, but it would be for a well known magazine I studied like a school book as a kid.
Always loved trying to create the illusion of being there, even if you on an opposite coast.
Head is up, feet are still faced forward and hopefully I do not look up while it is raining…might drown ( just kidding).
Rays Renegade
Thanks for sharing, RR. I'm with everyone else in sayin' "keep ya head up". You got the baseball blog fam behind you. 100 percent.
Thanks for that nudge of confidence.
I do consider this site an extended family. I know I do not hit as many blogs as I want to in a short period of time, but I try and leave comments and small pieces of me wherever I can.
Rays Renegade
I am amazed and impressed that you have been able to stay so positive and optimistic through this. I really enjoy reading your blog and am thankful that you choose to direct so much of your energy toward sharing your thoughts and stories with all of us.
Best wishes to you as you move forward! I can say, from more experience than I would like, that even when it doesn't seem like they can, things do get better eventually.
Never had much trouble keeping my energy going, or staying positive. But I can honestly say I do stray from the path to smell the flowers on the roadside and get distracted at times.
Ever since I was a child I thrilled and found new found glory every day on the baseball diamond.
Even when I played football in college and beyond, it never seemed to bring ro me the passion and the joy that baseball did day in and day out.
Guess I am standing by the one love that has never left me….baseball.
Rays Renegade
I probably shouldn't ever complain about my job again. I probably will, but when I do maybe I will think of your situation and buck up myself a little. Thanks for being devoted to the baseball cause through thick and thin!
It is fine to complain about your job…That is as American as…. well, Baseball.
Just felt it was time to let the proverbial "cat out of the bag".
I guess it was just time to give up the illusion finally.
Rays Renegade
I definitely would not mind a little devine intervention/prayerlisting.
I agree so much with the escalade of pessimisim that can take root if you do not keep you head forward and looking to the future. Still not sure what direction it will take, but hopefully the journey will make for a few well told stories some day.
I am actually thinking my 2011 credo might just be " we'll get 'em tomorrow" just in case the Rays have a few growing pains as the young guys get their claws into the game.
Rays Renegade
Hey, Renegade,
I haven't been reading the blogs for a while and had just read your Crawford blog and decided to catch up on your more recent entries, when I saw this one. What a wonderful Thanksgiving "feast" of optimism for the rest of us who have already received so much enjoyment from your blog! I know that there must be pain between the lines, but, as a friend of mine says, "You can't change your past, but you can ruin your future by fretting over it." I agree with you that baseball is a game for optimism. The season even begins in the Spring, when nature is coming alive again after the long winter (maybe not where you live in Florida, but definitely true here in cold MN!). There are 9 innings of chances, 162 games…so many "We'll get them tomorrow" opportunities. This may seem silly, but I hope you won't mind if I add you to my prayer list today. You're one special dude, and I wish you all the best.


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Tagged: Field Days
Pirates Season Ticket Holder Batting Practice
Recently, the Pirates invited their season ticket holders to come and take batting practice on the field at PNC Park.
This was the second year that the Pirates have done this, and the second year that I would participate. If you're a long time reader of this blog, you may remember this entry from last year.
I had asked my dad if he'd like to go hit again, but he indicated that he wasn't interested. So, I decided to ask Zack Hample, winner of the ballhawk league in 2009, if he'd like to come to PNC Park as my guest. Hample enthusiastically obliged, and brought along his mother and his friend Brandon.
Zack, two fellow ballhawks and friends, Nick and Bryan Pelescak, and I met at the stadium at 9AM. We promptly entered through the right field player's garage door and walked down towards the field.
This was the view at the end of the tunnel.
And that, was that.
See you April 5th 2010, PNC Park.


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photo credit: palewire
USDA Invests $4.98 Million To Help End Hunger In AmericaSource: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Posted on: 23rd February 2011
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a series of new initiatives aimed at helping communities increase food access by promoting coordination and partnerships between public, private and non-profit partners.
USDA will be investing $4.98 million in grants to 14 communities in eight states to end hunger and improve the nutrition of low-income Americans.
Authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the grants fund research, planning, and activities designed to improve access to nutrition assistance for those in need.
"The Hunger-Free Communities Grants underscore the administration's priorities to both end hunger and promote healthier diets for every American," said Vilsack. "Our valued state and community partners are uniquely positioned to create and implement sustainable solutions to ending hunger."
The 14 Grantees are located in New York, New Jersey, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Maryland. The grants fund the development and implementation of plans to help communities expand access to healthy food through increased participation in federal nutrition programs and other creative initiatives that meet a community's unique needs.
Among the grantees are:
- Maryland Governor's Office for Children, Baltimore, Md., $923,812; This project will help Maryland increase participation in the National School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program that provides meals to hungry kids in the summer, and improve access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
- Centro del Obrero Fronterizo, Inc., El Paso, Texas, $110,065; This project will help South Central El Paso administer a culturally relevant nutrition education campaign for food service workers and families, strengthen partnerships and coordination among organizations, and help increase access to fresh, affordable foods for families in need.
- United Way of King County, Seattle, Wash., $987,380; This project will focus on initiatives described in the Hunger Relief Now! Plan, and seeks to reduce hunger among low-income children, senior citizens, immigrants, and refugees.
- United Way of New York City, New York City, NY, $2,000,000; This project will help increase participation in government and private nutrition assistance and anti-poverty programs for New York residents living below the poverty line.
- Community Services Planning Council, Sacramento, Calif., $99,396; This project will help survey low income individuals to assess the extent, causes, and consequences of food insecurity in Sacramento County and develop an action plan that will move Sacramento County toward becoming a hunger free community.
In 2009, over 50 million individuals in the United States, or 16.6% of the population, lived in food insecure households. Children are most at risk.
During the same time frame, over 17 million children lived in food insecure households. These homes had difficulty providing enough food for all their members due to a lack of resources at some time during the year.
The anti-hunger initiatives announced today, along with the Stakeholder Guide to Ending Childhood Hunger recently published on USDA's Food and Nutrition Service website, are all tools to help individuals and families put food on the table.
"The health and wellbeing of our nation is dependent on the health of our children," said Vilsack. "It's imperative that we make these critical investments in our children, our most vulnerable and valuable resource, to help them reach their full potential."
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the child nutrition programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year.
These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger.
Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.
Topics: 2011, America, business, childhood obesity, children, Department of Agriculture, economic development, economic growth, Economy, food secuirty, funding, Governance, government, Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, hunger, Hunger Free Communities, investment, Let's Move! Initiative, low income, moniter, monitor, National School Lunch Program, news, NSLP, planning, public private partnerships, research, School Breakfast Program, school meal programs, School Nutrition Program, Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S., United States, USDA, youth
I wonder why Hawaii is not a recipient. Did Hawaii not put in a grant or did they not award it?


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Latex condoms are often talked about when purchasing condoms. If you are new to using condoms, you may want to explore this topic a bit. Specifically, this type of condom is ideal for most people. Latex is a material that is highly usable, easy to use, flexible and yet very durable. You are likely to have the level of protection you need when wearing this particular type of condom.
However, latex condoms are not right for everyone. In many cases, they can be a problem in terms of health. Latex is a material that some people are allergic too. If you do have an allergic reaction to the latex material itself, you should realize that there are alternatives in the condom marketplace that work just as well, but are not going to cause the same reaction.
If you are unsure if you have a problem with latex, consider a doctor's office visit. Many times, doctor's offices use latex gloves when doing examinations. If you have any type of bad reaction to those latex gloves, avoid latex condoms as well. You can be tested for a latex allergy, too.
Latex is more affordable than non latex based condoms. However, if you do need a product that is not made of latex, do invest in this product. It is very important for those who are allergic. Keep in mind that you can easily find both alternatives on the web.


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That is to own my very own piece of composed song and not sing covers all the time.
I jumped at the opportunity when I came across this contest that offered me a chance to do just that!
When I shared with my friends the prize options, many said that they would have flown the Cesna plane. But I chose do the recording anyway. It was something that I really wanted to do for the longest time. Thank you PINK DAISY for realizing my dream.
This was the moment when I saw them announced me as one of their winners. I was thrilled. Could not sleep till recording day! So egg-cited.
The people at PINK DAISY were so kind to allow me to share this great experience with a friend. So, I invited Ryeniko, one of my band members to join in the fun. She helped me enhance the song and she is a great harmonizer. You can hear her do the harmonizing in my song. Thanks so much Ryeniko for your help! I really appreciate your presence there!
So ladies and gentlemen, here's the song that I have recorded. Enjoy!
Alternatively, you can watch it here
Lyrics to the song if you wanna sing along.
Credits given to Siang Xi and Jocelyn who gave life to this piece of music.
And here's a sample of one of the entries for the contest. I submitted 10 entries. Thank goodness one of it was a lucky strike! Am I kiasu or what!!!
Here are some shots of the day to share with you. See how happy we were.
Mic test! Mic Test 1,2,3
Thumb's up! OK! Set and we're ready to roll.
Thank you Billy of BOSH Music Productions and Siang Xi for making this possible for me.
They are really hard at work, crafting a beautiful piece for me and everyone's listening ear.
A photo for remembrance with the client with Shu Ling
Ryeniko and me
End of the day I had a BLAST and an experience of a lifetime!
Thank you once again PINK DAISY
You've certainly made my day!


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Paper & Media/
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Retired dentist Young C. Park built this 1/16 scale replica of the classic WWII-era fighter plane mostly from common aluminum roof flashing, of the type sold in big rolls at most hardware stores. Dr. Park spent considerable time and energy developing special methods for working this material, including an annealing technique that's a real gem:
After much experimentation I found that using a red "Sharpie" permanent marker pen made by Sanford works well as a heat indicator. Draw lines on both sides of the aluminum. Use a brush flame butane torch and slowly head both sides. The lines will turn brown and disappear completely. At that point it is properly annealed. I sometimes see a dark orange glow. The aluminum returns to its original color after it is correctly annealed. If I over anneal a part it is discarded. When correctly done, the soft metal is now easier to form, drill or carve.
The parts are shaped using a his old dental hand-piece, and joined using small wire rivets. There's a bunch of additional info about Dr. Park's process, and many more cool pictures of this and other models he's made, over at The Internet Craftsmanship Museum. [Thanks, Ken!]


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Downton Abbey revisited: British butlers making a comeback
LONDON, UK -- Amid an otherwise bleak landscape, Britain's economy is showing one unexpected bright spot: the job market for butlers is booming.
The rising fortunes of the world's wealthiest are creating a global demand for butlers unsurpassed at any time in the last 50 years.
Not just any domestic help will do.
Discreet, impeccably elegant and as comfortable typing on a Blackberry as uncorking a champagne bottle, the image of British butlers makes them requisite status symbols on par with Ferraris in the garage -- and they're being exported to the houses and private yachts of the planet's uber-wealthy in droves.
The demand is giving new life to a once-dying profession. Britain had 30,000 working butlers in the 1930s, according to the International Guild of Professional Butlers. By the 1980s, as the aristocratic estates portrayed in shows such as "Downton Abbey" faded into history, there were barely 100.
Estimates put the number of British butlers employed in homes, hotels and elsewhere in the UK today at between 5,000 and 10,000, and there are more abroad.
The job has changed since the days of P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves, however. A modern butler is a blend of personal assistant, valet, housekeeper, driver and event planner.
"I use a computer all the time, telephone, email -- but I still have to check the wine and polish silverware and the glassware," says Christopher Cantlon, 58, an instructor at the International Butler Academy in the Netherlands who also works at a private home.
As the incomes of European aristocracy dwindle, employers are more likely to combine several roles into one to save money, says butler Robin Stuart, who once worked among a staff of more than 200 in the Saudi Arabian second home of an employer who visited there only twice a year.
"They try to keep up appearances," says Stuart, who now runs his own butler training services. "One minute you're chopping wood and the next you're bringing a duchess in for tea."
Salaries begin at $45,000 for recent graduates and can reach as high $160,000 for head butlers -- although as Gary Williams of the British Butler Institute points out, those at the higher end of the pay scale "don't have much of a life."
The global financial crisis may have forced an era of austerity and sacrifice on most households, but it hasn't affected demand for butler schools and placement agencies that cater to a clientele that lives outside normal economic realities.
"We've been through what should have been a crash for us but wasn't," said Sara Vestin Rahmini, whose Bespoke Bureau training and placement agency is located in the heart of London's financial center.
As streams of newly unemployed left their offices with cardboard boxes in arms when banks collapsed in 2008, "we didn't see demand fall," Rahmini said. "The really rich aren't affected by the economic downturn. They're getting richer. We're lucky in that sense."
The website of the International Guild of Professional Butlers offers job postings in London, Singapore and Long Island. There are listings by employers from Russia, the Middle East, India and the Far East, agency staff say, in addition to Europe, the United States and the UK.
However, the undisputed leader in the job market is China, where virtually every agency has an office or representative. Demand for British and British-trained staff outstrips supply even though the market is believed to be two or three years from really taking off, according to Williams of the British Butler Institute.
"They'll soak up as many butlers as they can get their hands on," he says.
Not every butler is happy about that. As the industry expands, some in the old guard privately mourn the passing of what they describe as a golden age of etiquette.
"It's all been ruined, really," says Rick Fink, 78, who began training as a steward for the Royal Navy in 1953 and has since worked as a butler and trainer. "There's a lot of nouveau riche around who think a butler's what they need... Whatever training's going on is pretty poor. It's not correct."
"You've got to know how to clean a shoe, how to do a proper press," he added. "You've got to do the old skills."
Stuart agrees.
"I think the old ways will always be there," he says, standing by a table in a basement classroom set with china, two sets of cutlery, three kinds of glassware and an assortment of folded napkins.
"There will always be people who want to live the good life."


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PHP & JavaScript
Recently i really had a tough time doing something very trivial and still weighing my head. I am back to the drawing board to learn javascript, cos i taught i could hide from this one.
I have become more addicted to PHP that i want to do everything in PHP but i was enlightened about a fact about php that i did not know and even if i knew i did not think that was the problem i was facing.
"Problem: I have two select form where by the values of the first field is related to the second in that when a value of the first field is select the value of the second field changes and all the data is selected from the database;"
I was successful somehow to do that in PHP but it did not work as i expected cos u have to refresh each time for the data to change.
I will appreciate if u can contribute to this post….


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In celebration of 20 years of ministry, Compassion Ethiopia is creating a special anniversary magazine and they'd like you to be a part of it!
If you currently sponsor a child in Ethiopia, or if you have sponsored a child in Ethiopia at any time over the past 20 years, would you share your story with us?
Here are some things our staff would like to know about you. Please post your answers in the comments below.
And thank you, or as they say in Ethiopia, amesege'nallo'!
- What is your name?
- When did you start sponsoring a child in Ethiopia?
- What is the first name of the child that you sponsor?
- How would you describe your sponsored child?
- What kind of a person do you want your sponsored child to become?
- What would you like to say to Compassion Ethiopia as they celebrates their 20th anniversary?


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From Crudedoodle.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
Cool Art
Posted by Rot at 8:06 AM
Labels: art, artist, crudedoodle.com
2 comments:
- Nev said...
I LOVE the first one with the lanterns!! A lot! heheh
- March 21, 2008 at 8:58 PM
- Anonymous said...
The lanterns are beautiful but I have to say the witches is drawing me a lot more. I would love to have one or two of those on my front lawn!!
- March 26, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Yolo CountyHome Sitemap Contact
Consumer Fraud/Environmental Protection
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National Fraud Awareness Month
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Welcome to the Consumer Fraud/Environmental Protection Division (CFEPD) of the Yolo County District Attorney's Office. The CFEPD protects consumers and honest businesses from unfair business practices, ranging from deceptive sales pitches to false advertising by national corporations. It also serves to protect the environment and consequently, the health and safety of Yolo County's citizens. Consumer fraud is a preventable crime. By learning about current scams and rip-offs in the marketplace and by following basic tips on smart consumer behavior, you can protect yourself and help us protect all of the consumers of Yolo County. Environmental crimes are serious crimes and need to be reported, investigated and prosecuted. Citizens can be instrumental in helping the CFEPD meet this goal.
Speakers on consumer problems are available to groups from the District Attorney's Office. Call Jonathan Raven or Larry Barlly at 530/666-8180
Specific Consumer Problems may be addressed at the following locations:
Click on a Link to go Directly to the Specific Resource (Use the browser back button to return to this menu). Disclaimer Regarding Links
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1110 West Capitol Avenue
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Phone: 916/617-4645 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/617-4645 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 916/371-0845
West Sacramento Code Enforcement
550 Jefferson BLVD.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: 916/617-4900 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/617-4900 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Woodland Community Development
520 Court Street
Woodland, CA 95695
Phone: 530/661-5820 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 530/661-5820 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 530/406-0832
Yolo County Building Division
292 West Beamer Street
Woodland, CA 95695
Phone: 530/661-5820 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 530/661-5820 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 530/406-0832
Doctors/Pharmacies/Nursing Homes
Medical Board of California
1426 Howe Avenue, #54
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916/263-2382 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/263-2382 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
TDD: 916/263-2687 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/263-2687 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 916/263-2944
Toll Free: 800/633-2322 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 800/633-2322 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CA Department of Managed Health Care (HMO's)
980 Ninth Street, Suite 500 Sacramento, CA 95814-2725
For Consumer HMO Complaints
Phone: 888/HMO-2219
TDD: (877) 688-9891 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE (877) 688-9891 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
CA Board of Pharmacy
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite N219
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: 916/574-7900 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/574-7900 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 916/574-8617
Nursing Homes
CA Department of Health Services
630 Bercut Drive, Suite B
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 800/554-0354 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 800/554-0354 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Employer Disputes and Workplace Safety
Department of Labor Standards Enforcement
2031 Howe Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95825
916/263-1811 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/263-1811 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (office)
916/263-5378 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/263-5378 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (general information on wage and hour issues)
Environmental Management
Yolo County Environmental Health Services
137 North Cottonwood Street, Suite 2400
Woodland, CA 95695
530/666-8646 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 530/666-8646 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Yolo/Solano Air Quality Management District
1947 Galileo Ct., Suite 103
Davis, CA 95618
530/757-3650 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 530/757-3650 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 800/287-3650 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 800/287-3650 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 530/757-3670
Ag Burn Line: 800/246-3660 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 800/246-3660 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 530/757-3660 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 530/757-3660 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
California Environmental Protection Agency
1001 I Street
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95812-2815
US Environmental Protection Agency-Region 9
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105
Toll Free: 866/EPA-WEST (372-9378)
415/947-8000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 415/947-8000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Mail Fraud
US Postal Inspection Service
Phone: 415/778-5800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 415/778-5800 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 415/778-5822
Postal Inspections - http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/
Movers - California
CA Public Utilities Commission
770 "L" Street, Ste. 1050
Sacramento, CA 95814
San Francisco Office
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
415/703-2782 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 415/703-2782 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Complaint Hotline: 800/366-4782 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 800/366-4782 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Main Site - http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/
Movers - http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/transportation/movers.htm
Licensed Movers - http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/tmis/
Complaints - http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/forms/complaints/transpcomplaints.htm
Contact Information - http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/contactus/
Movers - Interstate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1325 J Street, Suite 1540
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916/930-2760 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/930-2760 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Toll Free: 888/368-7238 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 888/368-7238 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Real Estate
CA Department of Real Estate
2201 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95818-2500
Phone: 916/227-0864 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/227-0864 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 916/227-0863
Repairs - Major Appliances & Entertainment Equipment
CA Bureau of Electronic & Appliance Repair
3485 Orange Grove Avenue
North Highlands, CA 95660
Phone: 916/574-2069 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 916/574-2069 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: 916/574-2120
Scams, Generally
California Department of Consumer Affairs http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/guide/comptable/cmpltbs.shtml
Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm
Internet Fraud Complaint Center - http://ic3.gov/
California Public Utilities Commission
770 "L" Street, Ste. 1050
Sacramento, CA 95814
Utility and Telephone Fraud Hotline: 800/649-7570 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 800/649-7570 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Main - http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/cec/index.htm
Complaints http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/forms/complaints/filecomplaint.htm
CalPhoneInfo - http://www.calphoneinfo.com/
Weights and Measures
Yolo County Agriculture Department
70 Cottonwood Street
Woodland, CA 95695
Phone: 530/666-8140 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE 530/666-8140 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Yolo County Links
Yolo County Website
County Government
DISCLAIMER: Our web pages have many links to other organizations, such as other government agencies, non-profit community based organizations, and for-profit entities. While we offer these links for your convenience in accessing the services you require, please be aware that the policies that apply to our portal may not be the same as the terms of use for other web sites. In addition, the Yolo County District Attorney cannot attest to the accuracy of the information provided by linked sites and cannot guarantee that the hyperlinks contained in this site will be accurate at the time of your access. The inclusion of a hypertext link to an external website is not intended as an endorsement of any product or service offered or referenced by the linked websites, the organizations sponsoring linked websites, or any views that might be expressed or referenced in websites linked from the Yolo County District Attorney's Official Web Portal.


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4BETTER OR WORSE- The week in review
Worst timing: Reports of a gun-toting person lead police to crawl all over Wilsdorf Hall at UVA late April 23 before arresting Christopher A. Smith, 19, who was carrying a BB gun for a class filmmaking project, the Daily Progress reports. According to the Cav Daily, police escorted between six and 10 frightened students from the building, including three young women who were crying and having "panic attacks."
Worst example of father knows best: Colin Andrew Glasgow gets 12 years for reacting to the news that his wife wanted a divorce by attempting a murder-suicide, Liesel Nowak reports in the Progress. Glasgow drove around the countryside for hours August 19 with his wife and two children in a minivan before crashing into a tree near Dickerson Road.
Worst case of mother knows best: An Albemarle woman is convicted of felony child endangerment April 18 for not giving her HIV-positive foster son his meds, and the jury recommends nine months in jail, according to a Nowak story.
Best reason to not leave angry voice messages to your kid: Alec Baldwin
Biggest retrial: Judge Daniel Bouton tosses out the first-degree murder convictions of Orange County resident James H. Long Jr., ruling that prosecutors should have given Long's attorney information that could have hurt the credibility of a key witness– Long's girlfriend, Robin Browning– Rob Seal reports in the DP.
Best place for a movie and a robbery: The Carmike Cinema off U.S. 29 north has been hit five times since last June, according to Seal's tally, most recently early April 21.
Biggest crime spree: Five businesses– Big Jim's Barbecue and B Fabulous Hair Salon on Angus road, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Subway on Emmet street, and Jack 'n Jill on East High street– are robbed early April 21 and police believe the burglaries are related, according to WINA.
Worst correlation: Children with asthma have higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a study by researchers at UVA Children's Hospital published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
Most contested: Five candidates vie for the $113,000-a-year Albemarle circuit court clerk job: Businessman Alan Van Clief and lawyer Lisa Graziano, independents; city deputy clerk Janet Ferrance and county deputy clerk Debbie Shipp, who will duke it out for the Democratic nomination at the May 14 caucus; and businessman John Dawson, who's running as a Republican.
Latest re-up request: Supervisor David Wyant announces he'll seek re-election to the White Hall seat he currently holds; he'll face challenger Ann Mallek.
Least re-ups: Three Charlottesville School Board members– Vice Chair Peggy Van Yahres, former chair Julie Gronlund, and Louis Bograd– say they aren't going to run, according to a Matt Deegan story in the Progress.
Biggest court decision on abortion: The Supreme Court upholds the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act in a 5-4 ruling.
Biggest grant: Albemarle Fire Rescue pulls down $309,168 from Homeland Security to make sure all firefighters have appropriate protective gear. An additional $77,292 in local funds is required for the garb, which runs $6,695 per firefighter.
Biggest individual grant: Burnley-Moran principal Daphne Keiser is presented a $25,000 check April 22 in Beverly Hills from the Milken National Educator Awards.
Biggest award without money: Charlottesville School Board member Juandiego Wade receives the John L. Snook Child Advocate Award for 2007 from Children, Youth and Family Services.
Worst news for limbo: The Vatican is ready to do away with the place between heaven and hell, according to the Washington Post.


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After every member of the 13-person yoga class slowly moves into Warrior II, their arms parallel to the ground, their chest lifted and their torsos long and tall, they focus on their breath and repeat the words of their instructor, Lucy Wagner.
"I live my life with an open heart," she says. "I live my life with an open heart," the class says together.
"I'm no longer a prisoner in my body," she says. "I'm no longer a prisoner in my body," they repeat.
"I'm learning to let go," she says. "I'm learning to let go," they repeat, again.
The class, a mix of ages, abilities, shapes and nationalities, has one thing in common: all of the members are American war veterans grappling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Yoga and movement helps. In fact, before one Vietnam veteran began taking the specialized class for combat veterans, he used a cane and complained that his foot was cold. Since coming to the free weekly classes offered by Wagner, owner of the Central Mass Yoga Institute in West Boylston, MA, he feels warmth in his foot and doesn't use the cane at home or when he comes into the yoga studio.
"They're not the typical people you see in a yoga class, but they are receptive to it," Wagner says. "I didn't know what to expect when I first started. Some of them have been holding these wounds of war for 30 years."
Wagner isn't alone in her efforts to help injured veterans. A number of fitness- and sports-related programs are helping "wounded warriors" transition back to everyday life. Typically funded through military hospitals, nonprofit organizations and clubs' charitable efforts, these programs use physical activity to improve the outlook, mood and overall life of veterans after a major mental or physical injury.
These types of programs are filling a growing need. Although Wagner's class includes veterans from multiple wars, the conflict in Iraq has greatly increased the number of wounded veterans. According to the Department of Defense, almost 25,000 servicemen and servicewomen were wounded between March 2003 and March 2007 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Recent media reports have criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs for the handling of veterans' post-action care.
"We consistently hear that when an injured veteran gets to the hospital, they're a rock star, and then once they get home, no one is calling anymore," says John Register, associate director of military programs for the U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee. "Then the healing begins and depression starts setting in. We want sports and activity to be one of the tools for helping at that time."
Register understands how important sports can be after an injury. A Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran, Register won nine gold medals in track and field as part of the Army's World Class Athlete program. After qualifying for the 1992 Olympic trials in the 400-meter hurdles, his Olympic dreams were cut short in 1994 when he hyperextended his left knee after a faulty landing, resulting in the severing of the popliteal artery. An attempt to reconstruct the artery using a vein from his right leg failed, and within days gangrene turned the muscle black. Instead of leaving the useless left knee and ankle, which would confine him to a wheelchair, he chose amputation. Through the use of a prosthesis, Register learned to swim, ski and run again, winning a silver medal in the long jump at the 2000 Paralympic Games.
"Other individuals' [reaction to] people with a disability is that they shy away; it isn't polite to stare, and they don't make eye contact," he says. "The way you get past that is through the acceptance of peers and friendship."
The U.S. Paralympic military program provides that acceptance for athletes and non-athletes alike through sports camps, Register says. Earlier this month, more than 35 injured veterans gathered to learn how to compete and train for a triathlon.
"There's a certain level of fitness that people have to be at to be in the military," he says. "Once they can't do it, we find that they want to do it. They're missing that part of their life, and we want to give it back to them."
Operation Fitness
In the last few years, a select number of high-tech centers have been built to treat wounded service members. Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, TX, is the site of the Department of Defense's second Amputee Care Center. Since its opening in January 2005, the center has treated more than 144 military members injured in the global war on terrorism. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, an independent nonprofit organization, funded the center, along with The Center for the Intrepid, a $50 million, 65,000-square-foot rehabilitation center, also located in Fort Sam Houston, TX.
The Center for the Intrepid opened in late January and features a cantilevered running track, a treadwall and 21-foot climbing tower with auto belay, and custom-designed elevating parallel bars. A gait laboratory analyzes human motion, and a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment immerses patients in a 21-foot simulator dome where patients use atrophied muscles and relearn skills necessary to do everything from walking on different terrains to driving a car. Prosthetists and technicians can fabricate artificial limbs onsite, including unique specialty limbs for sports and other activities. The facility also contains a six-lane pool and an indoor wave pool used to improve balance, strength and confidence.
The Comprehensive Combat Casualty Care Center, commonly called C5, opened last September at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) to provide research, education and training using leading edge technology for the care and management of the severely injured. The center also hosts the Balboa Warrior Athlete program, which introduces Paralympic and adaptive sports and fitness into the rehabilitation process.
"The first time we get them out [for activity], they're hesitant or refuse to try because they think it's impossible," says Helen Metzger, department head for health promotions at NMCSD. "It's like a psychological barrier, but once they do it and adapt, it gives them confidence by just interacting with people and pushing themselves out there."
In about a month, NMCSD will also launch a healthy living class to address weight gain for those who are severely injured, says Stephen K. Robinson, NMCSD assistant public affairs officer.
"Amputees are oftentimes used to living a very active lifestyle, and when something happens, especially to our legs, we lose that ability to be as active as we were before," Robinson says. "We've lost weight because we've lost a limb but gained weight around our middle."
The program will include cooking demonstrations, information on balancing energy intake and outtake, and hands-on experience cooking with a microwave, as most service members in barracks don't have access to stoves.
Once amputees begin exercising, they can actually burn more calories than they did before the injury.
"When they're in their prosthetics they're actually burning more energy because it takes more muscles to move," says Jacqueline Coley, chief of C5's physical therapy division. "So the energy cost of what they're doing can help maintain their weight. We get a lot of these guys to do aerobic exercises."
Administrators of military fitness centers are also looking to do more for their injured service members. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is researching what programs are available for wounded soldiers and plans to market those programs to its soldiers or partner with the programs, says Karen White, chief of Army Sports, Fitness and Aquatics.
"It will be a two-part educational process of informing the MWR personnel on our installations and in turn, educating the soldiers as to what's out there," she says. "We are looking at opening up programming opportunities for our installations as well."
Fitness Recruitment
Although military facilities are focusing on rehabilitation, few health clubs offer programs specifically for wounded veterans.
In October 2004, Bally Total Fitness began offering complimentary memberships to disabled veterans nationwide after they partnered with Disabled Sports USA, a national nonprofit that offers sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent disability. Bally doesn't promote the free memberships to the general public, and the program has no planned end date, says Matt Messinger, spokesperson for Bally. Most veterans learn of the program through Disabled Sports USA or from their physical therapist at their military hospital.
About 10 percent of the 700 wounded veterans that Disabled Sports USA has worked with take advantage of the free membership, says Kirk Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA. During the rehabilitation process, most veterans learn how to work out on the various pieces of equipment in a traditional health club.
"It's not a perfect system though, and we encourage Bally and other facilities that when they do a repurchase of equipment to make it adaptable to people in wheelchairs," says Bauer, who lost a leg while serving in a combat unit in Vietnam. "The equipment is out there. Sometimes they take advantage of it. Sometimes they don't."
Because many wounded veterans are amputees, machines that allow for independent movement are a good choice, as are stationary cycles with toe straps that help keep on an artificial leg. Aerodynamic leg-and-hand machines are also good choices, Bauer says.
However, few educational materials and workshops about how to train wounded veterans exist. Some certification bodies offer tracks on adaptive sports, but its reach to the general fitness instructor is minimal, Bauer says. There is no Bally-wide mandated certification or training to work with disabled veterans, although each new member, disabled or not, receives one complimentary personal training session, Messinger says.
Cedric Bryant, American Council on Exercise's chief science officer, recommends an advanced personal training degree or certification, such as a clinical exercise specialist certification, for trainers who want to work with disabled veterans. He also advises trainers to interview the person and pay close attention to their needs, goals and any emotional issues that may be connected to the disability. Trainers should also work with other medical professionals to ensure they stay within their scope of practice, Bryant says.
Vladimir Bellevue, expert personal trainer at Athletic Club Northeast in Atlanta, did just that when a 63-year-old Vietnam War veteran approached him, hoping to get back to running. The client had limited range of motion in his left leg due to shrapnel. After an interview and consultation with the club's physical therapist, the veteran trained with Bellevue for nine months, slowly increasing his range of motion so he could run again, albeit short distances.
"You have to be motivational, and that doesn't mean yelling at them but staying in their face and being there for them," he says. "Putting yourself in their shoes is very, very important."
Wagner has worked closely with medical professionals for the combat veteran yoga class she leads. In fact, the program began when the Worcester (MA) Veteran Center contacted her about leading a class at the center for veterans with PTSD. The class was so successful that she brought it to her facility. Attendance has increased from six participants to more than 50 with "more coming every time," she says. The class is backed through private funding.
Other fitness facilities should consider offering specialized programming for war veterans, Bryant says.
"It's only right, given what they do for us, that we may want to consider a special area or special class devoted to our returning vets," he says.
Making Your Fitness Center Welcoming to Wounded Warriors
Assess how environmental barriers can be removed and accessible features can be incorporated into all areas of your facility, including doors and entryways, restrooms and locker rooms, signage and equipment.
Go beyond the minimum requirements of the law to incorporate principles of universal design to make your facility accessible to more people.
Provide adaptive and assistive equipment that enables users of varying degrees of ability to use new and already existing equipment both safely and effectively.
Interact with people with disabilities as you would any other member, taking into account individual needs and utilizing the many exercise options that may be available.
Source: The Inclusive Fitness Coalition