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"Well, I guess I'm here to find out if I am," he tells me.
The fast-looking dude, well, he sort of does start with a sprint, and actually ends up winning.
Maybe his story would be sexier, but this is my blog, and it has some lessons about mortality and tragedy, so listen up.
I came with to this year's race with 2 goals (besides run hard and have fun), either one of which would've made me inwardly feel like a badass:
- Beat last year's time, to continue my 2007 streak of setting new personal records in every race to which I've returned.
- Get some age-division extra swag. The long-sleeved pine-green tech shirt I barely eked at last year's 25th anniversary race is one of my favorites.
But, since I guess I have a lot of shirts and will only continue to accumulate more, I really want the first goal more. Not that anyone cares if I tell them I've PR'd every race this year. But because as long as I continue to improve my times, it's clear that I haven't started to decline. It's my way of defying the inevitable, of putting off death. How can I say I'm dying if I keep getting faster? With every PR, I grow younger; I defy time.
This spring I turned 40 and cut an hour of my flat 100k, 26 minutes off my American River 50 mile, 24 minutes off my Quicksilver 50 mile, and 16 minutes off my Ohlone 50k (the last one really surprised me). So, I think, it would only be reasonable to cut 10-15 minutes AT LEAST off this early August race on my home course. Furthermore, I have not repeated last year's mistake of again signing up to run the SF Marathon the previous weekend. I bring a little print-out of all my aid station splits from last year, and anticipate shaving a minute or two off each.
As the race starts, I am chatting with Jean Pommier, just back from running and travelling in France. He is very fast at 50 km, and does not appear to be jet-lagged. In fact, I try to hold a conversation with him and Ron Gutierrez, whom I saw last at Quicksilver in May. I run well above lactate threshold on the paved trail that is the first 2 miles of the West side of Lake Chabot. Perhaps I do this because I know they are both in my age-group, and so I'm unconsciously worried about not getting age-group swag. Soon enough I figure out that this is stupid and insane, as they surge ahead. Before the 1.8 miles of pavement gives way to hard-packed firetrail, they and a few others, are out of sight.
My wife and first child, a week after he was born. She was a little unhappy I used this photo, but I think she looks great, 1 week post-partum.
I look back and see or hear no one on my tail. I figure if I keep a decent pace, no one will catch up. I'm wrong.
First footsteps I hear is a surprise: Chikara Omine, the rookie record holder, taking a break from ultras this year. He started the race 3 minutes late. It's good to see him back.
Then a shirtless Juan passes me as we climb the summit around mile 4 just before the first aid station. I am feeling hot in my shirt, and consider shedding it. If his knee has been bothering him, he's still much faster than me.
Finally, after the Bort Meadow aid station (mile 6.3) as the MacDonald trail descends into Redwood Regional Park, this guy I think maybe I've seen, but have never met, wearing a dark blue 2006 Quad Dispea shirt, flies past me, obviously very good at downhill running.
So now I'm in 9th I think, already lower than last year's 7th. I could care less. Overall place was not one of my goals.
Through the 11 or 12 miles around Redwood Regional Park, I see no other runners. Mountain bikers, hikers, dogs and their owners. The outward half to Skyline aid station goes on the firetrail at the parks eastern perimeter. I enter fog and it is drizzly, windy, even cold, and I long for my arm warmers, which I initially was glad I hadn't brought. Coming back, it's mostly single track, fairly technical, with lots of ups and downs. Last year my left shoulder was cramping, so I thought this year, lacking that problem, I could gain a few minutes. Plus, perhaps from the 3 or 4 caffeinated Gu's I've intentionally downed, I'm finally feeling awake. (To understand why I was feeling pretty sleepy for so long, as well as passing so much flatus, see my previous post. [Wait, the gas thing probably isn't evident. There was hummus, these meatballs that my son would scream for, but then not eat, so not wanting to waste food, I'd eat it. And this salad with walnuts and peaches. Maybe too much fiber for the night before, dunno...])
So what I've noticed at each aid station, is that with uncanny consistency, my splits have been almost the same as last year, just a bit faster (2007 time vs. 2006 time):
32:24 vs. 33:09 (4.31 miles)
32:24 vs 33:09@ Grass Valley, 4.31 miles
15:29 vs 15:33 (1.98 miles)
47:54 vs 48:41 @ Bort Meadow, 6.29 miles
22:47 vs. 22:54 (3.06 miles)
1:10:41 vs. 1:11:35 @ Big Bear, 9.35 miles
44:12 vs. 44:17 (5.05 miles)
1:54:54 vs. 1:55:52 @ Skyline, 14.40 miles
53:07 vs. 53:04 (5.87 miles)
2:48:01 vs. 2:48:56 @ Big Bear, 20.27 miles
At the return to Big Bear, I fumble as I stash my Gu. An amused volunteer tells me, "Relax, you have 11 miles to go." Of course, I do not attempt to explain to her the reason I don't relax, give my heartfelt but quick thanks, and boogie out of there. The problem is that I am feeling more tired than I would like with 11 miles to go.
Near the top of MacDonald trail, I see guy with the blue Quad Dipsea shirt bending over, maybe in pain, going slow. I ask if he hurt something, but can't hear what he tells me as I pass by. I was hoping that I'd be able to pick off a runner or two coming back, as an incentive to run faster, but this sort of didn't cut it--no joy in passing someone looking crippled. Plus, I don't care about overall place and he doesn't look like he's over 40, I just feel kind of bad for him. When I reach the gate near the bottom close to Bort Meadow aid, he actually catches up with me--very fast downhill even when injured. I take off without carefully checking what my split time is (In fact, I have lost half a minute and now am only a few seconds ahead of last year's time).
The next leg diverges from the outbound route, traveling on the opposite side of Lake Chabot on single track. I notice my bladder is full, but especially with my cutting the PR-thing so close, I don't want to stop and pee. I'm aware that the first part of the leg is all downhill. So I have to hold it in for 32 minutes (to be exact) before I hit the anticipated steep uphill to do my duckwalk. Relieving the pressure helps a lot, and I try to keep pushing it. I remember last year on this split I passed a faltering Mark Lantz, then passed and was pursued by John Mintz, who at the time appeared to be a lead contender for the Open male division of the PAUSATF Ultra Grand Prix. It was also rather warm by this time, whereas this year it was still cool. I was SURE that I could cut a minute or two, since it didn't seem like 41 minutes had passed when I saw the Honker Bay aid station.
I'm opt to be quick, decide not to fill my water bottle since only 3 miles left. I click my watch and it's 3:55:49. My paper says it was 3:55:18 last year. (Only later do I realize I actually lost time on the split and then wonder if it was the bladder.) Doable. I try to pour it on. Last year, I was being pursued by Mintz, so I was pushing it. How much to push? I wish I could see my ghost from last year, so I know exactly where I need to get to set a PR. All I can do is keep running fast and breathing hard. I start flagging.
Last year, on the paved trail in the last 1.7 miles before the finish, Mintz dashed past me, and I could not mount a response, and in fact he put more than another minute between us in that last mile. I'm hoping now that last year when it was apparent I couldn't keep up, I had eased up, so that I this year, if I don't let up, I can catch myself.
The paved path is marked every 0.25 miles on the ground measured from the start/finish. At the 1.0 mile mark, I look down at my watch and it reads just before 4:13. I'm supposed to defy reality and run a 5:30 mile after 30 hilly ones, but this isn't a fairy tale. I know I'm physically incapable of running that fast (I'm not even sure I can do a mile that fast fresh.) It's over. I come a few seconds before 4:20, a nice round number, but not one of my goals.
So there you have it. I've peaked and IT'S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE.
(See, I'm so over-the-hill, I can't tell the difference between up and down. Thanks, Joe for taking the pic.)
A few burgers and conversations with running friends later (2 hours worth), Race Director Bill White gives out the place awards. I realize that the fast-looking guy is 41 years old. So maybe, as the recipient of a nice jacket, a packet of Zombie coffee and other great winner swag, he'll be excluded from the age-division award, a nice light green fleece vest, and I can get one, even though I'm in 4th. But alas, the prizes only go to the 3rd place guy, Ron Gutierrez, who actually already left (he just had his 2nd kid in July, so I know getting to come out here and run all morning was a granted indulgence he can't abuse--I will that added pressure in but a few weeks.)
And the sun never came out!
But, funny, even as I confront my own mortality and go 0 for 2, I'm feeling pretty good as I head back to my Prius for a quick drive home to entertain some friends, while their toddler son and mine tear up the house.
I'm having a great day. Life is good. Thanks all the volunteers and RDs!
The standard swag, was very nice, nonetheless:
Some links:
Joe Swenson's post-race photo gallery.
3rd place finisher Jean Pommier's blog with post-race photos.


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DH-88 Comet Limited Edition in Rose Gold
To commemorate the de Havilland 1934 and to raise funds for the Shuttleworth Collection, Bremont introduces the 'Limited Edition Bremont DH-88' chronometer, a special timepiece which has been painstakingly handcrafted in the company's workshops in England and in an elegant style reminiscent of that wonderful 1930s era. The 282 stainless steel and 82 rose gold cases house the beautifully finished BE-54AE chronometer rated chronograph movement with GMT functionality. Constructed ensuring the durability and precision Bremont is renowned for, the timepieces also incorporate original spruce plywood from the undercarriage assembly of this winning aircraft.
Specification Price £14,995.00
|Calibre 13 1/4''' BE-54AE automatic chronometer, 25 jewels, Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800 bph, 42-hour power reserve. Each Bremont DH-88 Limited Edition rotor features some of the spruce plywood used in the original 1934 de Havilland Comet 'Grosvenor House'.
|Hour, minute, second, date at 6H, chronograph small counters with seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours, 24 hour GMT hand.
|Hardened polished stainless steel/18 carat rose gold Bremont Trip-Tick® case construction with scratch-resistant DLC treated case barrel with vintage style crowns. Case diameter 43mm, height 16.2mm, lug width 22mm.
|Case Back
|Exhibition type with integrated flat crystal, secured with 5 polished headed screws. Engraved markings with specific limited edition serial number.
|Metal dial with fine opalin matt black base colour decorated with period Arabic numerals, opaline silver white sub-dials with DH-88 designation. Flat polished nickel rounded hands with Super-LumiNova® centre fill.
|Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
|Water Resistance
|Water resistant to 10 ATM, 100 metres
|C.O.S.C chronometer tested
|Individually serial numbered with accompanying C.O.S.C certification.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- 18 & over
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Purchase Tickets
Share with your friends:
Performing Artists (Click on Artist for Reviews and Previews)
Show Details
- Ticket Price: $25.00 - $115.00
- Door Time: 7:45 PM
- Show Type: Comedy
18 & over
2 Beverage Minimum Per Person
Non-Refundable & Non-Transferable
Completely Objective Biography by M. McDonald
Michael McDonald is not a singer. That's the other guy. He is also not a professional fighter. That's the other other guy. He's also not an abusive unemployed alcoholic. That's some of the rest of the Michael McDonalds out there. You've found the one who is best known for his ten years playing freaks on Mad TV. Michael got his start writing and performing for free at the famed Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles. His first paid writing and acting jobs came from Concorde Pictures, Roger Corman's infamous low-budget movie studio. Starting as an extra, McDonald landed dozens of roles in terrible movies. He eventually moved behind the camera to write and direct more terrible movies. Roger Corman still owes Michael money. Since those early poverty stricken years, Michael has divided his career into as many tiny hard-to-reassemble pieces as possible:
Michael has usually worked in television, landing guest spots on SEINFELD, ELLEN, JUST SHOOT ME, and NEWS RADIO before landing on MAD TV in 1998. During his ten-year run, McDonald created several weird characters - most notably man-child Stuart Larkin, Marvin Tikkvah Rusty Miller, and The Depressed Persian Tow Truck Man. He was also forced to attempt many impressions, including Dr. Phil, Al Gore and most of the murders & politicians of that era. In 2007, McDonald left MAD TV because the wigs were really getting to him. He went on to guest star on more television shows, including SCRUBS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, and PUSHING DAISIES. As of this writing by a completely impartial third party who has no connection to Michael what so ever, I – I mean Michael - currently has recurring roles on HOUSE OF LIES and WEB THERAPY. Both of these are on SHOWTIME, which means they are better than network shows, but they don't pay very well. Michael's first film role in years is as a bad guy in THE HEAT, starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. Watch for it in the summer of 2013.
Aside from the early days of directing crap for Concorde Pictures, McDonald took up directing again on Mad TV. It seemed like a natural thing to do, since he was always telling everybody what to do anyway. From there, he branched out to direct episodes of other shows in which he had previously worked as an actor, including SCRUBS, and SEVENTH HEAVEN. Eventually he became a producer/director on ABC's COUGAR TOWN, and guest director on DON'T TRUST THE BITCH IN APT 23, SAVE ME, and HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS. Directing actors has taught Michael that he should be nicer to directors when he is acting.
McDonald enjoys writing his own material, starting with those horrible Corman movies in the early days, to sketch comedy at the Groundling Theater, and then on MAD TV. In 2012, his first drama pilot, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, was produced for NBC but was not picked up because it was "too cool for TV." NOTE: It bears repeating that this is an unbiased, third-party assessment. Michael is currently working on another drama script through his deal with ABC Studios. Luckily, this one is guaranteed to be a hit – because it just has to be, damn it!
Whenever his schedule permits, (translation – frequently) McDonald tours the country doing stand up comedy. His first hour-long comedy special, MICHAEL MCDONALD: MODEL. CITIZEN. aired on SHOWTIME in 2010 and is currently available on AMAZON. Michael hopes to tape a second hour-long special before the end of 2013.
For a more complete list of Michael's many career highs (and even more lows) click here! http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0567912/
Tweet Feed
- #TBT to @TheLewisBlack performing at Gotham Comedy Club pic.twitter.com/Mohvk7YzzD 20 h
- .@laughingvlad's mother has no problem reminding him who gave him life. #GothamComedyLive pic.twitter.com/Q6YQFPuW19 Jul 01
- Carl Reiner was a comedy legend who lived a great life. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/WJJ6miwFng Jun 30
- Leonard Ouzts has no time for your attitude when it comes to turkey bacon. pic.twitter.com/HeBwY2kxk6 Jun 26
- #TBT to @JoKoy popping into Gotham Comedy Club pic.twitter.com/zH5T67njel Jun 25


text:
Title: Breaking Point
Author: James E. Gunn
Year: 1972
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Short story collection with your standard range of quality: some good ones, some average ones, some poor ones. Solid reading, but nothing overly memorable.
Title: In the Problem Pit
Author: Frederick Pohl
Year: 1976
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Another collection, same situation as above. I really hated the title story, but some of the others made up for it. Most were fairly average. Also contains a short essay, "Golden Ages Gone Away," about some of the early decades of sf. It's always fascinating to me to hear about sf history from the people who were there making it, which leads to the next book……
Title: The Way the Future Was
Author: Frederick Pohl
Year: 1978
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The memoirs of a man who fell in love with science fiction, and spent his life as a fan, writer, editor, literary agent, speaker, and anything else that could be related to sf. Throughout much of sf's history, Pohl was there, right at the center of it all, and this account of the genre and the people in it is absorbing from first page to last. Very much recommended.


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It has been rumored for months that Grammy-winning artist Adele would perform the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film, Skyfall. Today, Showbiz411 confirms she has the gig, and the song will probably be called "Skyfall" (as opposed to "Another Way to Die" being the song from Quantum of Solace). Adele will likely write the song as well. It will be the English singer-songwriter's first single since her last album, 21. I'm curious to see where her song will rank among Bond themes. Probably higher than "Die Another Day".
In other Skyfall news, new posters and banners have been released for the film, and you can check them out after the jump. Skyfall opens October 26th in the UK, November 9th in the US, and stars Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes.
Posters via SHH.
Here's the official synopsis for Skyfall:
Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.


text:
Top Items:
GOP pollster: Stop talking about rape — WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — It's way past time: House Republicans need to stop talking about rape. — That's the message GOP lawmakers got here Wednesday evening from Kellyanne Conway, a top GOP pollster. — Conway dispensed the stern advice as part …
Discussion: Washington Monthly, The Plum Line, Twitchy, Mediaite and Shakesville
Ed Kilgore / Washington Monthly: The Anti-Choicers' Fascination With Rape
Jonathan Bernstein / The Plum Line: The GOP's real problem
Thisistwitchy / Twitchy: Effort to Akin-ize pro-life Republicans continues apace
Noah Rothman / Mediaite: Republican Pollster At GOP Retreat: Stop Talking About Rape
Melissa McEwan / Shakesville: Today in Perfect Solutions
Russell Berman / The Hill:
Ryan: House GOP discussing short-term hike to debt ceiling — WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - House Republicans are discussing a short-term debt ceiling increase to buy time for broader deficit reduction negotiations with Democrats, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) told reporters Thursday.
Discussion: Politico, Daily Kos, FreedomWorks blogs, Wall Street Journal and CNN
JBorowski / FreedomWorks blogs: End the Debt Ceiling Shenanigans
Corey Boles / Wall Street Journal: GOP Weighs Short-Term Debt-Limit Increase
Deirdre Walsh / CNN: Ryan to attend Obama's inauguration
House GOP seeks to make friends
House GOP seeks to make friends
Discussion: CNN, Daily Kos and Hullabaloo
Deirdre Walsh / CNN: House GOP discussing short-term increase in debt ceiling
Digby / Hullabaloo: It's all Mitt's fault
Scott Keyes / ThinkProgress:
Republicans Brag They Won House Majority Because Of Gerrymandering — In a classic Kinsley gaffe, the Republican State Leadership Committee released a report boasting that the only reason the GOP controls the House of Representatives is because they gerrymandered congressional districts in blue states.
Discussion: Talking Points Memo, The Impolitic, The Hill, The National Memo, The Political Carnival and Plunderbund
Libby Spencer / The Impolitic: GOP boasts cheating to win works very well
Pete Kasperowicz / The Hill: Dem bill would require independent commissions to redraw congressional districts
Jason Sattler / The National Memo: With The GOP Bragging About Rigging A House Majority, Is There Any Way To Stop Them?
GottaLaff / The Political Carnival: Doonesbury: Shhh... You didn't hear it from the Speaker, but future of the GOP is gerrymandering, voter suppression!
President Barack Obama: Now is the time — As a society, our first task must be to care for our children — to shield them from harm and give them the tools they need not only to pursue their dreams, but to help build this country. That is how we will be judged.
Janet Shan / The Hinterland Gazette: Right Wing Site Likens President Obama to 'Tyrants' Mao Zedong, Kim Il-Sung & Fidel Castro
Charles Johnson / Little Green Footballs: President Obama's Gun Control Op-Ed: Now Is the Time
Geoffrey Norman / Weekly Standard: Healer in Chief — Among the president's 23 "executive actions" …
Jonathan Easley / The Hill: In op-ed, Obama urges lawmakers to 'act soon' against gun violence
Jennifer Epstein / Politico: Obama, Biden begin guns outreach
Annie-Rose Strasser / ThinkProgress: Everything You Need To Know About Obama's Gun Violence Prevention Proposals
John Fund / National Review:
Gun Sales and Background Checks: Obama's Bogus 40 Percent Stat
Gun Sales and Background Checks: Obama's Bogus 40 Percent Stat
Discussion: The PJ Tatler and Outside the Beltway
Bryan Preston / The PJ Tatler: Do 40% of Gun Purchases Really Escape Background Checks?
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: "Universal Background Checks" Likely Unenforceable
Reid J. Epstein / Politico:
Biden on guns: 'We're going to go around the country.'
Biden on guns: 'We're going to go around the country.'
Discussion: Weasel Zippers and Washington Free Beacon
Alexandra Jaffe / The Hill:
Republicans worry they'll lose the House to Dems if they botch fiscal talks — There's growing angst among Republicans that the party's House majority could be at risk in 2014 if the deep GOP divisions that emerged during the recent "fiscal cliff" negotiations persist in looming negotiations over a slew of budgetary issues.
Discussion: The Week, Politico, The Democratic Daily, The National Memo, The Plum Line, Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog and The Reaction
Alex Isenstadt / Politico: Dems have hard road to taking House in 2014
The Democratic Daily: Poll Finds Positive Outlook on Obama's Second Term as Inauguration Day Approaches
Henry Decker / The National Memo: Poll: Obama's Approval Surges, Voters Back White House On Debt Ceiling
Jamelle Bouie / The Plum Line: GOP intransigence won't hurt the party (much) in 2014
Hugh Hewitt / Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog: Memo to the GOP Retreat
Richard K. Barry / The Reaction: A.M. Headlines — (Washington Post): "NRA's success shows challenges facing Obama"
Ashley Parker / New York Times:
No Votes Disguise Yes Sympathies for Some in G.O.P. — WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — House Republicans have their Tea Party Caucus. They have their G.O.P. Doctors Caucus. And, joining the list of varied special interest caucuses, they recently picked up another influential but much more unofficial group — the Vote No/Hope Yes Caucus.
Discussion: CNN, Daily Kos, PostPartisan, Prairie Weather and Weekly Standard
Jonathan Bernstein / PostPartisan: When is a roll a roll? — Republicans have now twice allowed …
Matthew Stolle / Post Bulletin:
Franken undecided on assault weapons ban — On the day that President Obama proposed a sweeping package of gun-control measures, U.S. Sen. Al Franken signaled his support for several components of Obama's plan. — Franken, speaking during a press event in Rochester, said he supports limits …
Discussion: Politico, Wonkblog, Hot Air, Post Politics and Washington Monthly
Ginger Gibson / Politico: Franken: I support 'principle' of assault weapon ban
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Franken: I'm not so sure about the assault-weapons ban; Update: "I also support the principle …
Rachel Weiner / Post Politics: Al Franken backs assault weapons ban in principle, wants to review proposal
Ed Kilgore / Washington Monthly: Sign of the Times
Erica Goode / New York Times:
Even Defining 'Assault Rifles' Is Complicated
Even Defining 'Assault Rifles' Is Complicated
Discussion: Hit & Run, Daily Kos, JustOneMinute, Hot Air, Guardian, Washington Free Beacon and Power Line
Jacob Sullum / Hit & Run: NYT, Which Uncritically Refers to 'Assault Weapons' All the Time, Explains Why the Term Is Misleading
Tom Maguire / JustOneMinute: Is There A Calm Explanation Of The Merits Of The Proposed Assualt Weapons Ban?
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: NYT: Say, what exactly is an "assault weapon," anyway?
Ana Marie Cox / Guardian: Why Obama's gun control orders miss the target
John H. Hinderaker / National Review:
Obama's Unserious Gun Proposals
Obama's Unserious Gun Proposals
Discussion: CANNONFIRE, Betsy's Page and Washington Examiner
Betsy Newmark / Betsy's Page: Political Theater of the Absurd
Jim Hoffer / ABC 7 Eyewitness News:
Additions to be made to gun laws for law enforcement — new york city, albany, gun control, new york news, jim hoffer — More: Bio, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Stories by Jim Hoffer, News Team — NEW YORK (WABC) — A troubling oversight has been found within New York State's sweeping new gun laws.
Discussion: Hot Air, Weasel Zippers and National Review
Allahpundit / Hot Air: Oh, by the way: New York forgot to exempt cops from its new ban on high-capacity magazines
ZIP / Weasel Zippers: NYPD To Be In Violation Of Cuomo's New Anti-Gun Law After They Fail To Exempt Police Officers …
Michael Walsh / National Review: High-Magazine Clip Capacity
McKay Coppins / BuzzFeed:
How Gun Culture Won Over Liberals — The new "gun nuts": media elites, locavores, and hipster hunters. — On a Sunday morning a couple years ago, Brooklyn journalist Foster Kamer and a few of his "particularly liberal" blogger friends decided to skip brunch and hit the shooting range instead.
Discussion: Soup, Mediaite, The Daily Caller and Capital New York, more at Mediagazer »
Meenal Vamburkar / Mediaite: Website's Story On 'Media Elites' Embracing Gun Culture Draws Ire From Journalists
Joe Pompeo / Capital New York: 'Hipster hunters' get mad at BuzzFeed; we all get mad at Manti Te'o hoax (but at whom?)
Mark Murray / First Read:
NBC/WSJ poll: Public lowers expectations heading into Obama's 2nd term — As President Barack Obama is set to begin his second term next week, he finds himself with a job-approval rating above 50 percent and with majorities supporting his general direction on gun control and immigration …
Discussion: msnbc.com
Lamine Chikhi / Reuters:
Six hostages, 8 kidnappers killed in Algeria siege; 7 still held — (Reuters) - Six foreign hostages and eight of their captors were killed when Algerian forces fired on a vehicle being used by besieged gunmen at a gas plant in the remote Algerian desert on Thursday, a local source told Reuters.
Jennifer Rubin / Right Turn: Algeria hostage situation and 'leading from behind'
Fred Kaplan / Slate: Don't Overreact to Mali (or the Hostages)
Lamine Chikhi / Reuters: "We'll kill infidels": Algeria gunmen told hostage
Thomas Joscelyn / Weekly Standard: Al Qaeda Commander Suspected in Algerian Attack
Josh Rogin / Josh Rogin's blog: White House: We don't know if American hostages in Algeria are alive or dead
Bryan Preston / The PJ Tatler: So Obama is Antagonizing Israel Again
Jim Hoft / The Gateway Pundit: Report: 34 of 41 Hostages Killed in Algeria - 2 Americans Survive Raid - One American Escapes
Donald Douglas / American Power: Reports: 35 Hostages Killed in Algeria
Walter Russell Mead / Via Meadia: Dispatches from the (Nonexistent?) Global War on Terror
Alex Spillius / Telegraph: Algeria attack: Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the one-eyed gangster behind the raid
Mike Allen / Politico:
Exclusive: Fox renews Karl Rove contract through 2016 — Fox News Channel is expected to announce shortly that Karl Rove has signed a multi-year deal to remain a Fox contributor through the 2016 election. — The contract assures the ratings-leader cable news network that it will retain …
Andrew Kirell / Mediaite: Karl Rove Re-Signs With Fox, Secures Chance To Cause On-Air Chaos Again For 2016 Election
Daniel Strauss / The Hill: Kucinich joins Fox News Channel
Associated Press:
Idaho lawmaker compares abortion and prostitution — BOISE — A lawmaker from northern Idaho drew audible gasps Wednesday morning when he asked representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union-Idaho if their pro-abortion rights stance also means that they support prostitution.
Discussion: Taegan Goddard's …
Sharmin Kent / ThinkProgress:
Glenn Beck And The Price Of Independence — It's kinda hard to knock Glenn Beck's hustle. Since leaving Fox News in June of 2011, Beck has kept himself busy with projects like starting a jeans label and relaunching The Blaze as a libertarian online network.
Discussion: Crooks and Liars
Timothy O'Connor / Newsday:
Journal News map-listed guns, permits stolen from New City home, cops say — Two handguns and two pistol permits were stolen from the New City home of a man whose name and address are listed on the website of a local newspaper as possessing gun permits, police said.
Discussion: The Gateway Pundit, Weasel Zippers and The Daily Caller
Jim Hoft / The Gateway Pundit: Second Home Identified on Journal News Gun Map Is Burglarized - Vandals Steal Gun Safe
ZIP / Weasel Zippers: Second Home That Was Listed On NY Newspaper's Map Of Gun Owners Broken Into, Thieves Steal Two Guns...
Dave Itzkoff / ArtsBeat:
Biden Getting an Autobiography From The Onion (Whether He Wants It or Not) — "Hombre, you've just done Uncle Joe a real solid buying this book," begins the foreword to a new autobiography attributed to Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. "I ain't the kind of guy who forgets his debts.
Discussion: Politico and Mediaite, more at Mediagazer »
Mackenzie Weinger / Politico: The Onion's Joe Biden 'autobiography' out Friday
Meenal Vamburkar / Mediaite: The President Of Vice: Joe Biden's Autobiography To Be Published By... The Onion
Katie Glueck / Politico:
Rand Paul: Nullify 'king' Obama — Sen. Rand Paul is pledging to undo some of President Barack Obama's executive orders on guns that the Kentucky Republican believes overreach. — "In this bill we will nullify anything the president does that smacks of legislation," Rand said Wednesday on Fox's …
Discussion: Mother Jones, Weekly Standard, Weasel Zippers, The Plum Line, First Read, CNN, The Week, ThinkProgress and Mediaite
Michael Warren / Weekly Standard: Kaine: Rand Paul Using 'Code Word' on Gun Control
ZIP / Weasel Zippers: Dem Sen. Tim Kaine: Rand Paul Using "Code Word" When Talking About Nullifying Obama's Executive Actions...
Jamelle Bouie / The Plum Line: Marco Rubio's 'reformer' mask slips
Eddie Gehman Kohan / Obama Foodorama:
White House Takes Down Petition Calling For Beyoncé To Be "Disinvited" From Inauguration Due To PepsiCo Deal — White House spokesman says removal of petition from 'We the People' site has nothing to do with controversy...But East Wing doesn't want to discuss the optics problem for Let's Move! campaign...
Discussion: The PJ Tatler, The Hinterland Gazette, Techdirt, Politico, Weasel Zippers, Post Politics and The Atlantic Online
Bryan Preston / The PJ Tatler: White House Nixes Petition about Beyonce Singing at the Second Immaculation, Lies About Why They Removed It
Janet Shan / The Hinterland Gazette: White House Ditches Anti-Beyoncé Petition Over Inauguration Performance Due to Pepsico Deal
Tim Cushing / Techdirt: White House, Tiring of Death Stars And Deportation Requests, Ups 'We The People' …
Patrick Gavin / Politico: White House ditches anti-Beyonce petition
Natalie Jennings / Post Politics: Petition against Beyonce removed from White House site
World News:
Pakistan's envoy to US faces potentially deadly blasphemy accusation — Sherry Rehman, Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S., seen in November last year, is facing accusations of blasphemy. — ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A petition accusing Pakistan's ambassador to the United States of committing blasphemy has been filed with the country's
Discussion: DAWN.COM, Weasel Zippers, Jihad Watch and The Volokh Conspiracy
ZIP / Weasel Zippers: Pakistan's Ambassador To America Facing Blasphemy Charges For Making "Comments Derogatory …
voteview blog:
An Update on Political Polarization through the 112th Congress — The 112th Congress closed unceremoniously this month with a series of votes (by the House and Senate) to avert the "fiscal cliff". With this data, we can now analyze roll call voting in the 112th Congress in its entirety …
Discussion: Wonkblog, Mediaite and A plain blog about politics
Dylan Matthews / Wonkblog: It's official: The 112th Congress was the most polarized ever
Meenal Vamburkar / Mediaite: The 112th Congress Was The Most Polarized Ever, Report Says
Jonathan Bernstein / A plain blog about politics: Read Stuff, You Should — Happy Birthday to Muhammad Ali, 71.
John Howard / New York Times:
I Went After Guns. Obama Can, Too. — IT is for Americans and their elected representatives to determine the right response to President Obama's proposals on gun control. I wouldn't presume to lecture Americans on the subject. I can, however, describe what I, as prime minister of Australia …
Discussion: News Desk, Booman Tribune, Alan Colmes', Washington Post, Prairie Weather, Capital New York and msnbc.com
Adam Gopnik / News Desk: Obama's Gun Pulpit
Dana Rubinstein / Capital New York: Bloomberg: 'Clearly the White House was listening'
Orin Kerr / The Volokh Conspiracy:
The Criminal Charges Against Aaron Swartz (Part 2: Prosecutorial Discretion) — This is the second in a series of posts on the Aaron Swartz prosecution. In my first post, I analyzed whether the charges that were brought against Swartz were justified as a matter of law.
Scott Shackford / Hit & Run: Can Outrage over the Zealotry of Federal Prosecutors Outlast Swartz Case?
Miranda Neubauer / TechPresident: First POST: Data Flow
Mike Masnick / Techdirt: Carmen Ortiz Releases Totally Bogus Statement Concerning The Aaron Swartz Prosecution
Chloe Albanesius / PC Magazine: After Swartz Death, Lofgren Calls for Update to Computer Fraud Law
Blair Bowie / Demos:
BILLION-DOLLAR DEMOCRACY: THE UNPRECEDENTED ROLE OF MONEY IN THE 2012 ELECTIONS — The first presidential election since Citizens United lived up to its hype, with unprecedented outside spending from new sources making headlines. — Demos and U.S. PIRG Education Fund analysis of reports from campaigns …
Discussion: American Prospect and Mother Jones
Melissa Hayes / The Political State:
Christie calls NRA ad criticizing Obama daughters' security 'reprehensible' — Governor Christie called the National Rifle Association's ad criticizing President Obama's daughters' security detail "reprehensible." — "I think any of us who are public figures, you see that kind of ad and you cringe," he said.
Maggie Haberman / Politico: Chris Christie slams NRA's Obama daughters ad
Carlo Munoz / The Hill:
OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: US kidnappings in Algeria an act of terror — The Topline: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta pulled no punches on Wednesday when he characterized the kidnapping of U.S. and foreign citizens by Algerian extremists as an act of terror. — Members of Algerian-based Islamic militant groups …
Discussion: ABCNEWS and The Moderate Voice
Dorian De Wind / The Moderate Voice: Is 'Mr. Marlboro' Behind the 'Act of Terror' in Algeria?
Numbers / Pew Research Center for the People …:
Obama in Strong Position at Start of Second Term — Support for Compromise Rises, Except Among Republicans — OVERVIEW — As he prepares for his second inauguration, Barack Obama is in a stronger position with the public than he was over much of his first term.
Discussion: The Fix and Prairie Weather
Aaron Blake / The Fix: Why Republicans have no incentive to compromise


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In Case You Didn't Know…
…the following is all True:
This is NOT the Cubs' Year
If you read the Chicago Tribune you might be confused. Sure, the Second City would like nothing more than to see a Windy City Classic in October, but let me tell ya, it ain't gonna happen. At least, it ain't gonna happen on the north side. Racist t-shirt sales, urine trough diving fans, beer bottle throwing contests and blasphemous predictions from bench riders like Ronny Cedeno prove that a team as destined for Ultimate Failure has no chance. They may make a run, but in the end, that goat is still pissed off.
Carlos Quentin Should Be an All-Star
Not to mention, the man is the offensive spark in an otherwise underachieving lineup. Sox are in first. 'Nuff said.
Florida and Michigan Delegates are Negligible
If you break the rules, there are consequences. (See Pete Rose)
No Matter What, R. Kelly Is Still a Sick, Sick Man
Who waives his right to a speedy trial? Who makes a serial R&B opera using the same melody over and over again that is so ridiculously far fetched (including midgets and flatulence) that one can't help but laugh hysterically throughout viewing it? Who pees on another human being? Seriously, guilty or not, the man is a sicko. (At the same time, I must admit, I have seen Trapped in the Closet in its entirety more than five times.)
The St. Louis Cardinals Are In This for the Long Haul
They're good. They're young. They're hungry. They're determined.
They aren't going away.
Hillary Won't Win the Popular Vote
She won't. She's not as popular. That's all there is to it. However, I have been wrong once, and if the gods so choose that it happen again, I can assure you that it still won't matter. (See Al Gore 2000 General Election)
It's the End of May and the Detroit Tigers Still Su<k
At 22-31, these guys sure are the poster-children for overspending underachievement. In fact, they might just be the new Yankees. Their situation can be easily reenacted at home by taking $1,000 cash, lighting it on fire and then flushing the ashes down the toilet.
Mr. Allen Krause Is Still Not Off the Hook
This is where I chide Allen for not being a major player at RSBS. This is where I tell him that he should write more posts. This is where I tell him he should put down the Arabic language books and pick up the friggin' sports section and get involved!
Contrary to Popular Belief, Billy Beane Is Not Gay; Billy Bean Is Gay
Two different men (both former baseball players), two different sexual preferences. Billy Beane, the infamous moneyball G.M. of the Oakland A's: NOT GAY. Billy Bean, the infamous whistleblower on gay antics inside the Tigers', Dodgers' and Padres' locker rooms: IS GAY. Different Billys, different Bean(e)(s).
Bill O'Reilly Is an Awful Human Being
Watch **this**
Don't hate me 'cuz I'm right…


text:
A number of cringe-inducing provisions go into effect in the New Year and beyond.
President Obama and lawmakers were expected to return to Washington this week in a last-ditch attempt to keep the country from plunging over the so-called "fiscal cliff" after last week's breakdown in negotiations. Some economists have said the toxic cocktail of spending cuts and tax increases, slated to begin taking effect in the New Year, has the potential to knock the country into another recession, but with a mere four days to go until the deadline, hopes are waning that the nation's leaders will be able to come to a palatable agreement.
National Journal has a refresher course on exactly what going over the cliff would mean over the next year and in the long-term.
- Bye-bye Bush-era tax cuts. The reductions known collectively as the Bush-era tax cuts—a major point of contention in cliff negotiations—will expire on Dec. 31, meaning that tax rates would rise for every income bracket in 2013, including low- and middle-income Americans.
- AMT for about 30 million more people. The Alternative Minimum Tax Cut, designed to apply largely to only affluent taxpayers, would apply to 30 million more taxpayers next year because Congress will have failed to pass an inflation adjustment, as it usually does.
- No more payroll tax holiday The 2-percent reduction in payroll taxes—from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent—will also end on Dec. 31. The holiday, championed by the Obama administration in 2010, increased the average worker's take home pay by about $1,000 a year—money that they'll have to live without in 2013.
- Miscellaneous A slew of tax cuts for individuals and businesses—like the Earned Income Tax Credit, a form of aid for low-income workers that was expanded under the provisions of the 2009 stimulus, and the Research and Experimentation Credit for businesses—are also set to time out on Dec. 31, as well as a number of corporate tax breaks that all told total $109 billion.
- Taken together, about 90 percent of American households would see their tax bills rise in 2013, and on average, by $3,446, according to the Tax Policy Center.
Spending Cuts
- Big bad sequestration—$1.2 trillion of automatic spending cuts, slated to go into effect over the course of nine years, will kick in beginning on Jan. 1 if lawmakers can't come up with an alternate budget deal, as mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011. For 2013, that means $109 billion in cuts, half from the national defense budget and half from non-defense spending. Although federal furloughs and layoffs would not occur immediately, they would likely come eventually in a worst-case scenario, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Certain social safety net programs, like Social Security, veteran's benefits, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (otherwise known as food stamps) are exempt from the cuts, but there are plenty of other federal programs that will feel the pain. That includes everything from Pell Grants to Head Start to federal disaster relief to the salaries of federal workers.
- Unemployment insurance runs out—Eligibility for unemployment benefits was expanded in the midst of the recession and has been extended regularly during the recovery, but come the New Year, many jobless Americans who have already exhausted state benefits will stop receiving federal payments as well.
- No more Doc Fix Medicare payments to doctors would be reduced by 27 percent, or about $11 billion, because Congress will not have acted to keep the cuts from going into effect, as mandated by another mid-1990s deficit reduction measure.
What happens next in Washington?
Some have termed the fiscal cliff more of a slope, because many of the tax provisions will not take effect until Americans file their income taxes and because it will also take some time for the effects of the spending cuts to be felt. That gives lawmakers slightly more wiggle room—as in the country could fall off the cliff, and Congress would feel an added urgency to iron out a deal when it reconvenes in January, with Americans already beginning to feel its effects. Congress could also punt, voting to override the sequester and extend the Bush tax cuts and the payroll holiday, while vowing to take up the big deficit-reduction and tax reform debate at a later date—although we've all seen how that plan has played out in the past.
NEXT STORY: Reid: We're headed over the fiscal cliff


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School of Anatomy and Human Biology - The University of Western Australia
|Blue Histology - Lymphoid Tissues I
Lab Guides and Images
Thymus, young - H&E
Thymus, adult - H&E
Lymph Node - H&E, carbon injected
These links will open a new browser window.
Lymphoid (or lymphatic) tissues, which mainly consist of dense accumulations of lymphocytes, are widely distributed in the body. Lymphoid tissues are typically located at sites that provide a possible route of entry of pathogens and/or sites that are liable to infections. Epithelia delimit all other tissues from the "outside world", and it is not surprising that lymphoid tissues are often found near them. Such lymphoid tissues are grouped together as epithelium-associated lymphoid tissues. Depending on their precise location these lymphoid tissues may be referred to as e.g. mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) or bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). The tonsils or Peyer's patches are examples of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. Lymphoid tissues represent the sites of proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes.
Lymphoid organs may be defined as anatomical "entities" which consists chiefly of lymphoid tissues. The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ in that it supplies other lymphoid organs and tissues with T-lymphocytes. Inserted into the blood and lymph vascular system, the spleen and lymph nodes (secondary lymphoid organs) monitor the internal environment of the body.
The thymus is situated in the upper parts of the thorax, behind the sternum and the upper four costal cartilages, in the anterior and superior mediastina. The size of the thymus changes in the course of life. It weighs about 10-15 g at birth and reaches its top weight (about 30-40 g) at puberty. After puberty a progressive involution (see below) occurs, which leaves a middle-aged person with a thymus weighing about 10 g. The thymus consists of a right and left lobe which are joined by connective tissue.
The thymus is enclosed by a thin connective tissue capsule from which numerous septa extend into the thymus subdividing the two lobes into numerous lobules (about 0.5 -2 mm in diameter). Blood vessels enter and leave the thymus via the connective tissue septa. Each lobulus is divided into a darker peripheral zone, the cortex, and a lighter, central zone, the medulla. Medullary tissue is continuous from lobule to lobule throughout each lobe.
Reticular cells and macrophages are present in addition to the lymphocytes, which are the dominant cell type within the lobules.
are quite abundant. Their cytoplasm is eosinophilic, and their large, ovoid and light nuclei may contain one or two nucleoli. The cells are branched, and their slender processes are connected with the processes of other reticular cells to form a cellular reticulum (or cellular network). This cellular network (reticular fibres are scant in the thymus) provides support for other cells of the thymus.
Reticular cells sheathe the cortical capillaries; they form an epitheloid layer which delimits the cortical tissue from the connective tissue and secrete substances (hormones and other factors) important for thymic function. Thereby they create and maintain the microenvironment necessary for the development of T-lymphocytes in the cortex. Their functions thus go beyond those of "typical" reticular cells and, to reflect this, they are also referred to as thymic epitheliocytes.
occur in both cortex and medulla. They are difficult to distinguish from the reticular cells in H&E stained sections.
are present in both cortex and medulla, but are more numerous (denser) in the cortex. Their sizes are variable (5 - 15 µm) in the cortex but generally small in the medulla. The vast majority of them will be developing T-lymphocytes. They are also called thymic lymphocytes or thymocytes.
Thymus, foetal human - H&E
The thymus is necessary for the development of the recirculating pool of small,
long-lived (in humans many years) lymphocytes, the T-lymphocytes.
These cells
are mainly responsible for the cell-mediated
part of an immune response. Stem cells invade the cortical regions
of the thymus, where they divide to form lymphocytes. Only a small fraction (estimates
range from 10-30%) of the cells generated in the cortex leave the
thymus. They migrate via the medulla into the blood stream to populate the
areas of other lymphoid tissues and organs. Cells which do not express the
necessary receptors to recognize antigens presented to them or which react
incorrectly towards
"self-antigens" die and are removed by cortical macrophages.
Since the function of the thymus is to produce lymphocytes for the other lymphoid tissues it is a primary lymphoid organ.
After puberty much of the parenchyma of the thymus, in particular cortical lymphoid tissue, is replaced by adipose tissue. The process, which is called involution, initially proceeds rapidly but slows down in adulthood. Involution is under the control of steroid hormones (both sexual hormones and stress hormones). Although most pronounced in the thymus, involution is a common feature of all lymphoid tissues.
Another age-related phenomenon is the increase in size of the thymic (or Hassall's) corpuscles. Thymic corpuscles are rounded eosinophilic structures, which consist of concentrically arranged, flattened cells. Thymic corpuscles are likely to be formed by reticular cells. Similar structures occur also in the tonsils. The size of these structures varies from 20 µm to more than 100 µm in diameter. Thymic corpuscles may calcify, and their core may "dissolve" leading to the formation of a cyst.
Thymus, adult human - H&E
Lymph nodes are small, flattened, oval or bean shaped organs, which are situated in the course of the collecting lymph vessels. Their size is variable (from a few mm to more than 2 cm). The capsule and trabeculae of lymph nodes are formed by connective tissue. Afferent lymph vessels penetrate the capsule and empty into the subcapsular space. The lymph continues thereafter through cortical and medullary sinuses towards the efferent lymph vessels, which emerge from the hilus of the lymph node. The walls of the sinuses can be traversed freely by all components of the lymph, which allows lymphocytes to enter/leave the lymphoid tissue (as part of their constant circulation) or to get in contact with antigens/antigen-presenting cells that may arrive with the lymph.
In lymph nodes we find B- and T-lymphocytes, macrophages and reticular cells.
which are located in the outer cortex of the lymph node are likely to represent B-lymphocytes. They are organised into spherical masses - lymphoid nodules or follicles. Sites within the cortex at which B-lymphocytes have been stimulated to proliferate (by contact with an antigen) appear lighter than the surrounding tissue and allow you to identify the centres of lymphoid nodules. The lighter stained parts of the nodules are called germinal centres. Mature B-lymphocytes (plasma cells) are located in cord-like extensions of the lymphoid tissue into the medulla, the medullary cords. T-lymphocytes are located in the more diffuse tissue between the nodules and in the paracortex, i.e. the deep part of the cortex.
are found scattered within the lymphoid tissue. In many preparations they are difficult to distinguish from the reticular cells, but if an H&E stain turns out nice, macrophages can be distinguished from the reticular cells in the sinus system of the lymph node.
Blood vessels enter the lymph nodes through the hilus and travel initially in the connective tissue trabeculae that extend from the hilus into the parenchyma of the lymph node. They continue in the medullary cords towards the cortex and give off capillaries to the surrounding tissue as they do so. High-endothelial venules (or postcapillary venules) in the deep cortex have a characteristic low cuboidal epithelium - quite unlike the squamous epithelium that we usually would expect to see. Lymphocytes, which reach the lymph node via the blood stream, may migrate through this epithelium as part of their recirculation. Larger venules accompany the arteriolar branches as they leave the lymph nodes.
Lymph node, rabbit - H&E
The subcapsular and cortical sinus system was hardly (if at all) visible in the slides I looked at. Identify the connective tissue capsule and trabeculae, cortex and medulla of the lymph node, lymph nodules with germinal centres, medullary cords and postcapillary venules.
Draw a section of the lymph node in which you can see the capsule and a nodule. Include, if possible, a postcapillary venule at high magnification.
Lymph node - H&E, carbon injected
page content and construction: Lutz Slomianka
last updated: 5/08/09


text:
Type a name for your new list.
The fast and efficient charger for E-flite® and ParkZone® single-cell Li-Po batteries with E-flite's AC to 6VDC power supply.
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Technical questions about this E-flite product should be directed to Horizon Hobby's Product Support Department:
Horizon Hobby, LLC. ATTN: Product Support 2904 Research Road Champaign, IL 61822
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Horizon Hobby, LLC. ATTN: Consumer Sales 2904 Research Road Champaign, IL 61822 Email: email@example.com
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text:
What is door hardware?
Door hardware is a collection of the various components designed for use with doors to assist with opening, closing, hanging doors, improving security and allowing effective use in domestic, office, and industrial applications.
Types of door hardware:
We offer a wide range of door accessories such as handles, hinges, gas springs, as well as many other products. Some of the most popular types include:
- Handles - they can be used industrially and domestically for doors, drawers, and cabinets to assist in opening and closing. Handles are available in many shapes, styles, and sizes such as lever handles and drawer handles
- Hinges - are used to control the rotation of a door. Door hinges are available in different styles, sizes, and quality materials.
- Compression and gas springs - are used commonly for mechanical purposes. Gas springs can be used for maneuvering heavy doors in industrial use.
- Seals and brush strips - used to seal doors in order to act as draught excluders and increase security in the case of a fire.
Door hardware finishes
For all types of door hardware we offer many types of finishes, such as:
- Chrome finish
- Polished brass finish
- Polished chrome
- Satin stainless steel
- Electro Phoretic Coated
- Aluminium anodised


text:
Friday, November 22, 2013
Comparing and Ordering Fractions
Posted by Rebecca May at 8:47 AM 0 comments
Labels: 4th grade, Comparing Fractions, Fractions
Thursday, September 12, 2013
How Many Miles to 1,000?
Suppose you are taking a trip. Your destination is 1,000 miles away. You're starting to get VERY bored in the car, so you decide to figure out how much farther you have to go. You ask your dad how far you've already gone, and he says you've just reached mile 632. How do you figure out how many miles are left of your trip?
The kids then use whatever strategy they wish to solve the problem. Just as with our addition lesson, the kids show their different strategies. There are always many different ones! These are just a few we saw in our room. The most interesting thing is that even though this is technically a subtraction problem because we need to find the difference, most the kids turned the problem into an addition problem. They are so much more comfortable with addition! Most didn't even realize they had done this until we pointed it out in class.
This activity will lead us into examining our different subtraction strategies tomorrow.
Posted by Rebecca May at 11:04 AM 0 comments
Labels: 4th grade, addition, math, subtraction
Starter Problems for Flexibility with Numbers
For me, the most important outcome of this lesson (and I mention it A LOT during the lesson) is that the children learn to think flexibly with their numbers. This is why I love math! In no other subject can you change up what you're given to make the outcome easier to figure out! The sooner we learn to think this way, the easier harder operations will become!!
Posted by Rebecca May at 9:29 AM 0 comments
Labels: 4th grade, addition, Place Value
Changing Places Center
Posted by Rebecca May at 8:55 AM 0 comments
Labels: 4th grade, addition, math, Place Value, subtraction
Friday, September 6, 2013
Math Journal Set-Up
|An example of our math journal a few days in...
|Our place value chart is glued on the inside cover of the math journal
Posted by Rebecca May at 6:03 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Visual Vocabulary
This week we made visual vocabulary cards for our water cycle vocabulary. The purpose of a visual vocabulary card is to design it in a way which will help teach the meaning of the word. Your children picked either water cycle, evaporation, precipitation, or condensation. They then designed or decorated the word in way to help others understand the concept. Here are some of our examples:
|Condensation in the form of clouds
|Evaporation in the kitchen
|Water cycle visual
|Water cycle in the kitchen
Posted by Rebecca May at 2:07 PM 0 comments
Labels: 4th grade, Science, Water Cycle
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Sun's Energy
The sun is the source of all our energy. We learned when we discussed our natural resources that each one could be related to the sun somehow. In particular this week, we discussed how the sun plays a role in plant growth, the water cycle, and creating winds. The sun's role in the water cycle is pretty obvious to the kids - it powers evaporation, and without evaporation the whole water cycle shuts down. In regards to plant growth, the sun allows the plants to go through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, the plant converts light energy into chemical energy, or food. Finally, the sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, leading to the creation of winds.
I gave the students a list of several words that would connect to each of the three roles of the sun. They were to make a diagram stemming from the sun, and decide where all the words fit best. Here is an example:
Posted by Rebecca May at 8:54 AM 0 comments
Labels: 4th grade, Science, Sun's Energy


text:
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Zombusters Desura Key
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Zombusters is a fun and action-packed 3rd person game that will let you sticked on your seat until the end. Its 2D graphics and isometric view make it a different specie in its genre. You will have to face a horde of Zombies that try to get you down with the help of various weapons/power ups and differents moving styles.
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text:
LOS (Bad Boy Signee) - LA Leakers 10 Minute Freestyle
"Bad Boys newest signee stopped by to share some bars with the L.A. Leakers"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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1. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green (Dutton's Children)
2. "The Collector" by Nora Roberts (Putnam Adult)
3. "Divergent" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
4. "Heaven Is for Real" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson)
5. "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
6. "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
7. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt (Little, Brown)
8. "Divergent Series Complete Box Set" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
9. "Shadow Spell" by Nora Roberts (Berkley)
10. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
11. "Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt" by Michael Lewis (W.W. Norton)
12. "Never Go Back" by Lee Child (Dell)
13. "The Space Between: An Outlander Novella" by Diana Gabaldon (Dell Books)
14. "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Mary Higgins Clark (Simon & Schuster)
15. "Minecraft: Essential Handbook" by Scholastic (Scholastic)
16. "Minecraft: Redstone Handbook: An Official Mojang Book" by Nick Farwell (Scholastic)
17. "The Fixed Trilogy" by Laurelin Paige (Published via Kindle Direct Publishing)
18. "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)
19. "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline (William Morrow Paperbacks)
20. "Missing You" by Harlan Coben (Dutton Adult)
21. "Frozen: Junior Novelization" by RH Disney (RH/Disney)
22. "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin (Bantam Books)
23. "Four Blood Moons: Something Is about to Change: by John Hagee (Worthy Publishing)
24. "The Last Days of Jesus: His Life and Times" by Bill O'Reilly (Henry Holt snd Co.)
25. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck" by Jeff Kinney (Amulet Books)
Reporting stores include: Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble.com, Barnes & Noble Inc., Barnes & Noble e-books, BooksAMillion.com, Books-A-Million, Bookland and Books & Co., Costco, Davis-Kidd Booksellers (Nashville, Memphis), Hudson Booksellers, Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Lexington, Ky.; Cincinnati, Charlotte, Cleveland, Pittsburgh), Kobo, Inc., Powell's Books (Portland, Ore.), Powells.com, R.J. Julia Booksellers (Madison, Conn.), Schuler Books & Music (Grand Rapids, Okemos, Eastwood, Alpine, Mich.), Sony Reader Store, Target, Tattered Cover Book Store (Denver).


text:
A home for this book addict to review or share any recent reads. Feel free to stick around and comment.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Review of "Love Is A Battlefield" by Annalisa Daughety
Yay! I'm finally back with a review! School is over for the year, and I am a college graduate! With a Bachelors in History! I'm hoping to go back to school, but for the moment, I can honestly say I'm happy with what I have now, and I'm proud of myself for getting to where I am. But enough about me... This book was almost perfect for the end of this semester, because the main characters work at a National Park, a site of a battle from the Civil War - A dream job for a lot of American History lovers.
First off, where I got the book: I recieved this book via Librarything.com 's Early Reviewers program. I was sent this book in exchange for a review, whether that review is good or bad. So here goes!
From the back of the book: "All relationships are doomed to fail - At least that's what History has taught Kristy O'Neal. Left at the altar, Kristy returns from her solo-honeymoon to ask for her old job back as a park ranger at Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee. But the position's already been filled. So she takes a seasonal position, praying something will open up before the job ends on Labor Day. Ace Kennedy gets off on the wrong foot with beautiful, spunky Kristy - not only does he have her job, but apparently she doesn't like the way he does it. But he has a secret: He's really there to write a history of his family, who can be traced to the Shiloh battlefield. Ace is appalled to learn Kristy doesn't believe in true love. Using the story of his ancestors as proof, Ace begins the battle to win Kristy's heart. But when Kristy learns he's keeping secrets from her, her skepticism seems justified. Can she risk her heart on the battlefield of love one more time? "
I would like to first start by saying, overall, I enjoyed "Love is a Battlefield" by Annalisa Daughety. As a History buff, I like that it was set in a National Park, and the setting felt real. A quick google search tells me that there is a real Shiloh National Military Park, and I firmly believe the author did some research, or maybe even volunteered or worked at that park or another at some point, because the list of duties, etc, seemed extremely accurate. As far as the characters, I thought both Ace and Kristy seemed natural and real, and even the side characters were all quite believable, and I didn't find any of them overly annoying. Sometimes lesser characters that are only there to drive the plot along can seem unnatural and irritating, but I found very little instances of that in "Love is a Battlefield."
Just a few little nit-picky points, there was a slight over-emphasis on the mysteries in the book. Kristy is suffering from some instances of vandalism, which is an interesting part of the plot, but I would at least like to see some subtlety with the mystery, instead of her wondering some form of "Who could do this?" every time something happened. We can assume Kristy wants to know who's doing this, and the audience wants to know too, the author does not need to keep saying "Kristy wanted to know who was doing this." or "Who could have done this?" [Not exact quotes], etc.
But I'll say it again. I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked both Kristy and Ace. And actually, "Love is a Battlefield" made me want to go out and visit some National Parks (you all should go to! Support the National Park system!), and heck, maybe I could get a seasonal job at one too!
I would give this book a THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE. The copious amounts of prayer was a little much for me to get over, but I did enjoy this book.
Happy Holidays everyone, and Happy Reading. Expect another review soon!
~!~ Morning Glow
PS: Check out my new layout! Thanks to my bestest friend. Loves ya!
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text:
Seven U.S. Teams Still Playing in Berlin
B.J. Hoeptner Evans, Manager, Communications, Phone: (719) 228-6800, E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
USAV Facebook - @USA_Volleyball - @USAV Beach
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2013) – Three U.S. men's teams advanced and four women's teams won matches on Thursday at the FIVB Beach Volleyball Berlin Grand Slam.
In the men's bracket, Jake Gibb (Bountiful, Utah) and Casey Patterson (Van Nuys, Calif.), seeded No. 6 in the tournament, won their final pool play match over Poland's No. 11 Grzegorz Fijalek and Mariusz Prudel on Thursday (21-17, 21-18 in 39 minutes) to finish 3-0. They advanced straight to Friday's second round.
Sean Rosenthal (Redondo Beach, Calif.) and Phil Dalhausser (Ormond Beach, Calif.), seeded No. 5, fell in their final pool play match to Spain's No. 12 Pablo Herrera Allepuz and Adrián Gavira Collado (21-18, 24-22 in 43 minutes). They will play in the first round on Friday against Brazil's No. 4 Ricardo Alex Costa Santos and Álvaro Morais Filho.
Brad Keenan (Westminster, Calif.) and John Mayer (Thousand Oaks), seeded No. 30 after having to qualify for the main draw, finished pool play 2-1 after defeating Germany's No. 19 Markus Böckermann and Mischa Urbatzka (21-14, 21-18 in 33 minutes) on Thursday. The U.S. pair will face Germany's No. 8 Sebastian Dollinger and Stefan Windscheif in Friday's first round.
No. 21 Ryan Doherty (Toms River, N.J.) and Todd Rogers (Santa Barbara, Calif.) went 0-3 in pool play and did not advance.
In women's pool play, which started on Thursday, the U.S. teams of Jennifer Kessy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) and April Ross (Costa Mesa, Calif.) along with Lauren Fendrick (Carlsbad, Calif.) and Brittany Hochevar (Hermosa Beach, Calif.) each went 2-0.
Kessy and Ross, seeded No. 5, defeated Argentina's No. 28 Ana Gallay and Georgina Klug (21-10, 21-9 in 33 minutes) and Finland's No. 21 Emilia Nystrom and Erika Nystrom (21-12, 21-13 in 31 minutes).
No. 10 Fendrick and Hochevar beat Germany's No. 23 Karla Borger and Julia Sude (22-24, 21-17, 15-9 in 56 minutes) and Kazakhstan's No. 26 Tatyana Mashkova and Irina Tsimbalova (21-19, 18-21, 15-9 in 46 minutes).
Jennifer Fopma (Bellflower, Calif.) and Brooke Sweat (Fort Myers, Fla.), seeded No. 16 and the new team of Emily Day (Torrance, Calif.) and Whitney Pavlik (Laguna Beach, Calif.), seeded No. 18, each went 1-1 on Thursday.
Fopma and Sweat beat Russia's No. 32 Alexandra Shiryaeva and Ekaterina Syrtseva (15-21, 21-16, 15-13 in 44 minutes) and fell to Czech Republic's Kristyna Kolocova and Marketa Slukova (21-11, 22-20 in 37 minutes).
Day and Pavlik defeated Australia's No. 15 Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy (16-21, 25-23, 16-14) and lost to Brazil's Taiana Lima and Talita Da Rocha Antunes (21-16, 21-15 in 36 minutes).
The Berlin smart Grand Slam is the seventh Grand Slam on the 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, which is comprised of 10 Grand Slam events and the 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. There are also eight Open events and while they are not part of the World Tour, they still count towards the FIVB World Rankings and help open the door for development of the sport.
The tournament concludes with the women's gold and bronze medal matches on Sunday August 11, while the men's medal matches take place on Saturday August 10.
For more information on the Berlin Grand Slam, click here.


text:
according to the book Memoirs of a Lithuanian Rabbi
by Bezalel Isaacson
Translated by Elisabeth Ruderman
The first written account of Radoshkowitz dates from the end of the eighteenth century. It was written by Rabbi Shlomo David, who was then the head of the Yeshiva of Radoshkowitz. He used to scribble notes at the edges of whatever text he was studying. These comments concerned private and public affairs and wound up being passed down from generation to generation.
From these we learn that at the time of Catherine the Great, Radoshkowitz was a thriving town. At one point there was a plan to build a major highway linking Vilna, Minsk, and Smolensk. This highway was supposed to run through northern Radoshkowitz. On one hand it would bring great economic prosperity; on the other, it threatened to cut through the Jewish cemetery. But the plan never materialized.
The town consisted mostly of small shopkeepers. There were a few well-to-do landlords and a couple of rich men who leased forest tracks and employed many people. The actual workers were gentiles and the clerks were Jewish. These employers provided housing and a decent living for their employees.
The townspeople had to pay taxes to the government. In addition they had to contribute heavily for the needs of the community: the yeshiva and its students, the synagogue, the rabbi, two mohalim, and hordes of poor people, both from their own community and others. From the remaining texts we learn that people complained about the high assessments imposed on them to cover unexpected community needs.
These writings also reflect the social gap between the esteemed Torah scholars and their students, and the lower, uneducated classes. It was a big honor for a rich man to marry his daughter to one of the yeshiva students and thus enable him to continue his studies without worrying about making a living.
Travelling salesmen (book sellers) brought news about the world in general and from the Jewish world in particular. At the time (the end of the 18th century) a rift began in the Jewish world between the Hassidim and their opponents. No such rift developed in Radoshkowitz.
Most problems of daily life were ruled on by the rabbi. One case involved a grain merchant who wanted to hire a worker who was a Cohen. The merchant learned from a yeshiva student, that the Shulchan Aruch clearly forbids the use of a Cohen in such work, because it would be sacrilegious. The merchant couldn't decide what to do. The question was brought to the rabbi, who allowed the employment of the Cohen on the grounds that if he were not employed, he would end up relying on charity, which would be a worse sacrilege.
Another question of employment arose when the caretaker of the bathhouse died, leaving a widow and three children. The leaders of the community wanted to hire his fourteen year old son, in order to ensure the livelihood of the family. Others questioned this appointment because the boy's name was "Shalom," which is one of the names of God. Would it not be sacrilegious to use that name in a place where people undressed? Again the rabbi found a practical solution. He suggested that, instead of "Shalom", they use the German translation, "Fried." A notice was posted at the synagogues and at the entrance to the bathhouse, that in the future, Shalom, while in the bathhouse, should be called, "Fried."
This only demonstrates how religion shaped matters of everyday life.
Another story, which demonstrates the degree of religiosity and modesty
of some, is that of Reb Shimcha Neta, who broke an arm and a leg when he
fell. According to the sages, while a couple is having sex, no creature,
not even a fly or a mosquito, should be present. But there was a fly in
the room. So he climbed on some furniture while trying to kill it, fell,
and was injured. He poured his heart out to the rabbi that now he was unable
to satisfy his wife. The rabbi's reaction was, "If all the Jews were as
righteous as this young man, the redemption would already have come."
[Page 35]
Shimshon, The Shabbes Goy
Translated by Elisabeth Ruderman
Shimshon was a giant, like his biblical namesake. He was knowledgeable of Halacha and the duties of the Shabbes goy. Every Shabbat, early in the morning, he would come to the Beit Midrash and start a fire, then do the same at the synagogue. Then he would go to the houses of those who had no gentile employee and do whatever was necessary.
He once came to the rescue of the whole community when word got around that the rope, marking the "eruv," had been cut by some gentile rascals, no doubt, and every one on their way home from synagogue froze in place. When Shimson heard of it, he rushed to tie the rope together again and thus, saved the day.
On Erev Pesach, I would sell my chametz to Shimshon, as did many other Jews, and he knew to return the bill of sale when Pesach was over.
He was also responsible for giving people bad news (a duty performed by a goy). And he did it with delicacy and sensitivity.
He also performed many duties which were not the duties of a goy. He provided us with tree branches and decorations for Succoth, he took part in our Purim celebrations, dressed up as Haman, and ended up being invited to our homes to partake of meats and drinks.
He spoke Yiddish and knew our laws and customs. At the same time he was an observant Christian.
We paid Shimshon for all he was doing for us, as a community and as individuals. He was also part of any celebration and was given food from the table. He was also given chickens when their kashrut was in question.
It was sad that Shimshon died suddenly. One day he just did not wake
[Page 44]
The Town at the End of the 19th Century
by Ester Bessin
Translated by Elisabeth Ruderman
I first came to Radoshkowitz at the age of ten, with my father, who took the post of rabbi. In the following years I came to know and to love it. The main street stretches diagonally from north to south. The street is tree-lined, and is part of the road from Vilna to Minsk. The side streets lead to fields and forests and some nondescript gentile neighborhoods. In the center are the markets and stores, and until the big fire (1851) some of the wealthiest residences stood there. They were replaced by plain, walled buildings which fit into the drab business section.
Opposite, at the low end, stretched the spiritual center: synagogues and houses of learning (Baytai Midrash). The old synagogue, tall and always dark, was a remnant of the Gothic era. It was in poor condition, and many a boy climbed through its unsafe back rooms for a smoke near the tower. On the day of the big fire, this building went up in flames and burned like a huge torch. After a big effort to collect funds for a new building, it was replaced with one made of stone and plaster, which in a short time developed holes and cracks, which were never tended to.
Minsk, forty kilometers away, a town steeped in modern trade and culture, left its imprint on Radoshkowitz. Our people were pleasant; Hebrew and general education were part of us. Private Hebrew teachers and government public schools where Russian was taught, coexisted. Meetings with the gentile lords were short and cordial. They discussed meat, tariffs, profit distribution, repair of the bath house, etc. And in the evening people would meet in each others' homes for conversation, to play cards, etc. The young would roam the countryside and were very fond of swimming in the rivers.
There was a feeling of satisfaction and calm which generally prevailed. And when I would return to Radoshkowitz from studies away, and see from afar the top of the Catholic church, a sense of peace and contentment would envelop me as I was coming home.
A dozen years passed. The church still stands as a reminder of the loss
which will never return.
JewishGen, Inc. makes no representations regarding the accuracy of
the translation. The reader may wish to refer to the original material
for verification.
JewishGen is not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in the original work and cannot rewrite or edit the text to correct inaccuracies and/or omissions.
Our mission is to produce a translation of the original work and we cannot verify the accuracy of statements or alter facts cited.
Radoshkovichi, Belarus Yizkor Book Project JewishGen Home Page
Copyright © 1999-2019 by JewishGen, Inc.
Updated 27 October 2012 by OR


text:
I would like to monitor the RCON register, so I put a C function call block with only one Output (output size 1 et output type uint16) and the function name is called 'reset_function'. I did this very simple C program :
Code: Select all
#include <p30f2010.h>
extern uint16_T reset_function(void) {
return RCON;
but it doesn't compile...what's wrong? Thanks for your help!


text:
LONDON - Commodities mostly rallied this week on investor relief as US lawmakers clinched a last-gasp deal to avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts in the United States, stoking optimism over demand.
"The commodities markets have started the new year with a bang," said Commerzbank analyst Eugen Weinberg.
"The main reason cited for this is the agreement achieved in the fiscal dispute in the US, though growing economic optimism and risk appetite, a weaker US dollar and the expansionary monetary policy pursued by central banks are likely to lend additional support to the upswing.
"We thus look ahead to the year 2013 with great optimism. This will also be good news for most businesses, as prices are being driven above all by robust demand."
The fiscal deal was seen as a step, albeit a temporary one, towards correcting US public finances, which are suffering from a huge annual deficit and accumulated mountain of debt.
Traders also digested December's US non-farm payrolls report which came in largely as expected, showing modest job growth, while the American economy's huge services sector showed a surprising expansion.
OIL: Prices jumped following news that the United States — the world's biggest consumer of crude oil — has avoided harsh "fiscal cliff" measures that had threatened to plunge it back into recession.
However, while Democrats and Republicans passed a compromise, they only delayed the imposition of spending cuts for two months, meaning another debilitating stand-off is almost certain at the end of next month.
"Relief that the US avoided its fiscal cliff pushed Brent crude to a two-month high at the start of the New Year," said analyst Gary Hornby at Inenco.
"Although the deal was cobbled together at the last minute, oil prices rose as the alternative was much worse." On Wednesday, the first trading day of 2013, Brent hit $112.90 per barrel — its highest level since mid-October. New York crude meanwhile touched $93.87, which was a mid-September pinnacle.
The oil market has since retraced some of its gains after minutes from the Federal Reserve's December policy meeting indicated that its quantitative easing stimulus policy could end sooner than expected. Prices also pulled back somewhat on growing concerns over further political wrangling in Washington in the coming months.
There are big worries about the lifting of the debt ceiling, also at the end of February, with analysts saying the US could witness a repeat of the row in summer 2011 that saw Washington's credit rating downgraded for the first time.
"Oil prices have begun to ease back slightly, with the euphoria over the US budget deal fading away and the threat of a possible downgrade from the big three ratings agencies as well as high oil production levels," added Hornby.
By Friday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) or light sweet crude for delivery in February climbed to $92.65 a barrel from $90.97 a week earlier. On London's Intercontinental Exchange, Brent North Sea crude for February gained to $111.22 a barrel from $110.72 the previous week.
PRECIOUS METALS: Gold faced a rollercoaster ride, soaring to $1,694.81 on Wednesday to the highest level since December 18, as the market was driven by optimism over the fiscal cliff breakthrough deal.
However gold plunged on Friday to $1,625.85 — a low point last seen on August 21 — as the Federal Reserve minutes dampened concerns over rising inflation. Sister metal silver faced a similar fate, soaring as high as $31.48 on Wednesday before diving to $29.23 on Friday.
Glamorous metal gold is regarded as a safe store of value in times of elevated inflation.
"Gold has softened a little on US dollar strength now that the initial bout of euphoria over the deal to avert the fiscal cliff has passed," said Ross Norman, head of London-based bullion broker Sharps Pixley.
He added: "Gold is seen primarily as an inflation hedge and a wealth preserver and to that extent we are seeing some some investors exiting gold."" By late Friday on the London Bullion Market, gold dipped to $1,648 an ounce from $1,657.50 a week earlier.
Silver slid to $29.32 an ounce from $30.15. On the London Platinum and Palladium Market, platinum rose to $1,557 an ounce from $1,527. Palladium fell to $689 an ounce from $675.
BASE METALS: Base or industrial metals scored multi-month peaks in the first trading week of 2013, as traders celebrated the fiscal cliff deal and upbeat Chinese data.
"Despite the meagre progress the politicians made, markets are rejoicing," said INTL FCStone analyst Edward Meir.
"Base metals are up sharply, with copper up by about $270 per tonne and now at the $8,200 mark. There are good gains in the rest of the group as well, with lead and tin in breakout mode."
Sentiment was also boosted after official data showed that China's manufacturing activity expanded in December for a third straight month, adding to signs the world's number two economy is emerging from a prolonged downtrend.
The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) stood at 50.6 in December, unchanged from the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.
By late Friday on the London Metal Exchange, copper for delivery in three months soared to $8,116.50 a tonne from $7,888 a week earlier.
Three-month aluminium rallied to $2,090 per tonne from $2,067. Three-month lead grew to $2,365.24 a tonne from $2,325.
Three-month tin rose to $23,975 a tonne from $23,252.
Three-month nickel increased to $17,585 a tonne from $17,150.
COFFEE: Coffee prices forged seven-week peaks on speculative buying interest but finished the week with mixed fortunes. By Friday on NYBOT-ICE, Arabica for delivery in March eased to 145.80 US cents a pound from 145.85 US cents a week earlier.
On LIFFE, Robusta for March gained to $1,937 a tonne from $1,907 a week earlier.
COCOA: The market slid on the back of plentiful supplies of the commodity which is mostly used to make chocolate.
By Friday on LIFFE, London's futures exchange, cocoa for delivery in March dropped to £1,417 a tonne from £1,445 a week earlier. On New York's NYBOT-ICE exchange, cocoa for March decreased to $2,213 a tonne from $2,262 a week earlier.
SUGAR: Prices hit multi-week highs after the fiscal cliff deal, but ended in negative territory on expectations of rising output from key producer Brazil.
By Friday on LIFFE, the price of a tonne of white sugar for delivery in March fell to $511.60 from $522 a week earlier.
On NYBOT-ICE, the price of unrefined sugar for March decreased to 19.00 US cents a pound from 19.45 cents the previous week.
RUBBER: Prices climbed on hopes of buoyant Chinese demand, while production was expected to be hit by the annual rainy season in key rubber-producing countries.
The Malaysian Rubber Board's benchmark SMR20 ended the week at 307.90 US cents a kilo, up from 300.50 cents the previous week.


text:
With multiple entertainment tours out, we're reminded why we do what we do. Even though entertainment is about 20 percent of our mission, it's a very visible way to let troops and families know someone back here cares about service members serving far from home – especially at the holidays.
So, hats off to Anna Kournikova, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dave Attell, Mark Wills, Keni Thomas, Sheryl Underwood, Leeann Tweeden, members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the U.S. Army Band (Downrange) for traveling to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Germany this month. Thanks, too to Admiral Michael Mullen and Sgt Major of the Army Ken Preston for continuing their tradition of taking these celebrities overseas.
I don't want to leave out country artist (and Army Airborne veteran) Craig Morgan for visiting troops on Guam (hey, if you haven't been stationed there, you don't know how lonely that island can be) and to other members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for heading out on their annual Christmas tour of Korea.
Remember, folks, these performers don't have to do this. They volunteer to give up time with their families and this most family-centered time of year to do something bigger than themselves.
It really is the most wonderful time of the year.[gallery columns="2"]
As the COVID-19 outbreak is evolving, the USO has pivoted resources across the entire global enterprise in an approach that helps care for military members and their families.
More from the USO
Jul 1, 2020
How the U.S. Military Made the T-Shirt the Most Popular Garment in the World
T-shirts are something most people wear almost everyday all around the world. But did you know that the history of the T-shirt, and its rise to global popularity, has roots in the U.S. military dating back to World War I?


text:
David Boorman was a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 1990s. He competed in the school Gobstones tournament during the 1996–1997 school year.
Behind the scenes
- This particular student was only featured in the Nintendo DS version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
"David" is from the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dawid), which was probably derived from Hebrew דוד (dwd) meaning "beloved". David was the second and greatest of the kings of Israel, ruling in the 10th century BC. Several stories about him are told in the Old Testament, including his defeat of Goliath, a giant Philistine. This name has been used in Britain since the Middle Ages. It has been especially popular in Wales, where it is used in honour of the 5th-century patron saint of Wales (also called Dewi), as well as in Scotland, where it was borne by two kings.
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game) (Nintendo DS version only)
Notes and references
- ↑ He was at least in his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1996


text:
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text:
Three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo once described the Augusta National Golf Club as "the course is perfection, and it asks perfection."
According to his PGA Tour profile, Kevin Streelman "graduated from Duke University in 2001. When most of his friends headed for Wall Street or law school, he used his mom's Nissan Altima to travel to South Dakota for the 2001 Dakotas Tour. Streelman burned out three cars logging in more than 300,000 miles criss-crossing the country while playing various Tours."
Now ranked 45th in the world, Streelman has earned nearly $10 million on PGA Tour.
I asked Streelman a few questions about making preparations for playing in his third Masters Tournament and what it is like "inside the ropes" of Augusta National.
Q. There really is no good way to simulate the conditions at Augusta — until tournament week — what do you do or where do you play to get prepared for what you are going to experience at Augusta?
A. I'm fortunate that my club in Scottsdale (Whisper Rock) does such a great job helping some of its members prepare for Augusta. Each year around this time they shave down a few of their practice areas and putting greens to help us prepare our short games for the upcoming challenges. I'll spend a ton of time practicing chips and bunker shots around those greens as well as dialing in my distances inside of 150 yards. I also plan on spending time working on crooked lies as it seems you never have a flat lie anywhere around Augusta National.
Q. Do you plan to make any changes or additions to the clubs you normally carry in your bag?
A. No, this year I don't plan on making any changes in my club setup for the Masters. Some guys mess with using less bounce in their wedges but I just want to feel as comfortable as possible with the clubs I know and love.
Q. You and Zach Johnson are very similar players, both from the roads to the tremendous success you both have had on the PGA Tour and your golf games. Have you studied or discussed with Zach what he did to win the Masters?
A. Zach is an incredible guy and a great friend of mine. He's a gentleman who understands the role golf plays in his life and his sincere humbleness is inspiring to me. Zach is an incredible wedge player and putter player and that's what he capitalized on to win his first major a few years ago. I aspire to have the wedge play Zach does and I am working daily to improve that aspect of my game. The better I can get inside of 150 yards increases my chance of hoisting a major championship trophy.
Q. What are your thoughts on the ice storm in February taking the famed Eisenhower tree from Augusta?
A. I think that secretly Augusta was OK with losing the Eisenhower tree. The reason I say this is I'm guessing there will be a new and bigger Ike tree 25 yards further up the 17th fairway by the time the tournament starts. This is just my guess, but I wonder if they have had enough of the long hitters bombing it over the old tree.
Q. About a year after winning your first PGA tournament, you are now a top-50 ranked player in the world. Will this ranking impact you at all as you make your way to the first tee at Augusta National?
A. I wouldn't say my ranking will have any impact on my psyche as I make my way to the first tee at Augusta. I have worked extremely hard in my training and preparations for this year's upcoming tournaments and have a goal of becoming a top-20 player in the world by the end of this year. This will be my 12th major championship and with each one I play, I feel more comfortable with the pressure and everything associated with them.
Q. The pre-Masters preparation by some of the players on the PGA Tour is very well-documented. Do you take anything from their approaches in your preparation?
A. I don't take too much from others' preparation. My coach and I prepare for major tournaments in much the same mannner as we prepare for non-major tournaments. I try to not make too big a deal of big tournaments in order to not place excessive pressure on my performance. I try to simply let great finishes get in the way after great preparation .. whatever week that may be.
Q. Of course, Amen Corner is infamous. What is your favorite hole(s) at Augusta?
A. My favorite hole is No. 13. Standing back in that corner of the property on the tee without any crowds around you, staring at that dogleg with the incredible azaleas everywhere — it's a magical experience. It's the pinnacle of tournament golf in the world, in my opinion.
Q. There are many historical moments at the Masters over the years ... what is your favorite?
A. My favorite Masters moment is the 1986 masters when Jack Nicklaus came back to catch Seve (Ballesteros) on the back nine on Sunday. He shot a 30 on the back nine to capture his 18th and final major championship. I hear that the roars around that back nine were the loudest in Masters history. It would've been amazing to witness.
Q. What is it that only players would know or appreciate about being inside the ropes at Augusta?
A. Playing in the Masters is an amazing experience. To compete on such a daunting test of a golf course is incredible. The golf course is always the celebrity Masters week. To be at the center of the golfing world that one week of the year is an honor. We have such a mixed bag of emotions the entire week. From excitement to nervousness to fear to joy to be able to share the experience with the ones you love. There really is nothing like playing in the Masters for a professional golfer, and something I never take for granted.
Q. What have you learned from your past rounds at Augusta that you are hoping to change this year?
A. I have to putt better this year at Augusta. Lag putting is crucial going up and down those sloped greens, and I didn't do a good enough job giving myself enough tap-ins last year.
Q. Masters week is a big deal, with many players renting houses in town and having lots of family and friends there. What will your cheering section be like this week?
A. I will have both sets of mine and Courtney's parents at Augusta this year. My sister and brother-in-law get in Wednesday, along with a number of my high school buddies coming in over the weekend. And I can't forget our 3-month old Sophia, who will be making her first appearance at the Masters. She has a special outfit planned for the par-3 tournament on Wednesday.
Tee Time: Q&A with Streelman
Three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo once described the Augusta National Golf Club as "the course is perfection, and it asks perfection."


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5 inch (125mm) Solid fuel/Multi fuel Flexible Chimney Liner, used to line an existing brick or masonry stack.
- Made of 904 grade Stainless steel inner and 316 outer (Triple Lock).
- Suitable for burning the following fuels: dried seasoned wood, household coal, gas, oil, coke, peat and the occasional use of smokeless fuels.
- This liner also has a 25 year product replacement (conditions apply).
Priced per metre. Various lengths are available.
Same day dispatch on all orders placed before 2pm.
Internal Diameter = 125mm
External Diameter = 130mm
Various lengths of flexible liner are available (up to 40 metres).
Before you start the installation
Check the following:
1. Your chimney has been swept.
2. Check the liner will go down your chimney. This can be done by pulling down a small section of the diameter liner you will be using eg: a 1 mtr length, down the chimney as a "test-pull".
3. If you are going to be using a suspended cowl then there is no need to remove the chimney pot. However, if you are going to use any other type of termination, check that you can remove the pot easily on the day of installation.
Installation Guide
You need to install your flexible liner from the top of the brick chimney stack. Please ensure that you have sufficient clearance around the outside of the liner to ensure the least amount of friction, or possibility of catching any bricks within the chimney stack.
Unpack your flexible liner and, attaching a drawstring to the nose cone, (making sure it is long enough to reach the bottom of the stack), connect the nose cone (purchased separately) to the end of the liner using gaffer tape. Ensure the arrows marked on the liner are facing an upward direction (representing the direction of flue gases).
You will need two people to install your liner successfully, one at either end of the chimney stack. From the top of the roof, start to push the liner, nose cone first, down the stack. The person at the bottom of the stack should hold the string and take up the slack. Work in tandem to feed the liner down the chimney stack, ensuring you leave enough liner at the bottom to secure your adaptor and enough at the top to secure the top fixings.
Please note: The liner should not be fitted directly to the appliance. A short length of either vitreous or 316 stainless steel (preferably with a clean-out door for sweeping) should be fitted from the appliance to the liner adaptor.
Building Regulations
Download Building Regulations Document J (effective October 2010) below
(Right click link, then select "save file as..")


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Hey Dan,
Looks like I've misplaced your number. Let me know if you want to hit sometime.
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