text:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a frequent occurrence on today's busy roads. Accidents of this type can both stressful and time consuming to sort out so it's important to appoint the right legal representive. We operate a No Win No Fee service and can arrange everything from replacement vehicle to compensation and rehabilitation.
Our job as your conveyancing solicitor is to oversee the legal process in either the sale or purchase of your property. Our experienced team of property solicitors will take the stress out of the transaction allowing you to concentrate on the more important things in like moving home.
Work Accidents
Do you know where to turn in the event of accident at work? Your employer has a duty of care to provide you with a safe environment to work in. If you have been involved in an accident at work through no fault of your own, then our legal team are here to help. We can assess your work accident and advise you of both your rights as an employee and any compensation that you may be entitled to.
Medical Negligence
Being the victim of a failed medical or beauty procedure can leave you feeling alone. We are here to listen to your complaint and advise you of your rights as a consumer. Our first class medical negligence department will provide you with all the answers you need to determine your prospects of success
Housing Disrepair
Has the property you occupy made you or someone in your household unwell? Damp properties can cause damage to your belongings but most off all can lead to serious health problems. Don't delay contact our housing disrepair department today.
Have you been sold insurance alongside your credit card, accounts or mortgage? We can help you claim back your miss sold payment protect insurance, don't delay contact our payment protection department today.
Industrial Disease
If you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease, or suffer with a condition that has been caused by your work, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Contact our Industrial Disease Department today.
Slips, Trips & Falls
What starts out as a simple shopping trip can sometimes end up in a local accident and emergency department. Slip trip or fall accidents are one of the most common types of accidents and can lead to serious injuries such as back problems, paralysis, broken bones and head injuries. If you have slipped or tripped through no fault of your own, then contact us today to find our if you have a claim for compensation.
Family Law
Are you looking for help and advice in relation to family law? We understand family law can be a sensitive and difficult area to negotiate. We have a wealth of experience in this area and in most cases will offer a free no obligation phone call.
Discrimination Claims Manchester
There are several different types of discrimination categories which contribute to valid claims. These include:
- Sex Discrimination – Sex discrimination is the discrimination of an individual based upon their sexual orientation or marital status.
- Racial Discrimination – Racial discrimination is the discrimination of an individual based upon their racial origin(nationality, colour,ethnic or national origins).
- Age Discrimination – Age discrimination is the discrimination of an individual based upon their age with regard to working practices, hiring procedures or pay scales. However, it is possible for a company to provide justification for age restrictions provided there is an acceptable reason. Such as to ensure an individual's safety or health.
- Disability Discrimination – Disability discrimination, is the discrimination of an individual based upon a specific impairment they may have, that has more than a minor effect on their ability to perform normal day to day activities. Disability discrimination also applies to anyone who cares for a disabled person. This would apply to situations in which an employer refuses to take into account an employees caring responsibilities and requests related to them, such as requests for flexible working.
- If an employee is treated less favourably to other employees due to their trade union status or lack thereof.
- Discrimination based on an employee being pregnant or on maternity.
- Indirect Discrimination – This describes a situation in which a specific company rule or policy is applied to everyone but has a disadvantageous effect to a particular race, gender, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnerships, disability and gender reassignment.
In cases of discrimination there is no minimum service requirement in order to make a claim. It even applies in situations where an individual has been interviewed and turned down due to their race, gender or disability.
However, a company can lawfully discriminate if the protected characteristics of an individual are directly related to the job role being applied for. If you have any concerns about any discriminatory related experiences please feel free to get in touch with us. We have a specialist team of solicitors who can help you with any queries or claims which you feel you may have experienced.
No Win No Fee
No Win No Fee arrangements (or Conditional Fee Arrangements; CFAs) ensure that if you do not win your accident claim, you do not have to pay your solicitor a fee. Insurance will cover you against the other side's costs and expenses. If you win your no win no fee claim, you should receive your compensation free of any deductions, as your solicitor's costs should be paid by the other side.
Call Us Now
Call us today and one of our specialist solicitors can start your claim straight away.
Start A Live Chat
Need an answer to your question quickly? Chat Live with our staff 24 hours a day .
Email Us
Alternatively drop us an email with a brief description of your claim and we will get back to you within 30 minutes..
Housing Disrepair
Housing disrepair can often cause health issues, stress or damage to your belongings.
Medical Negligence
Have you been the victim of medical negligence? Then you may be entitled to compensation.
Traffic Accident Claims
Have you been involved in a Road traffic accident that wasn't your fault, find out more about how we can help.
Bus Accident Claim
Have you been involved in a bus accident? Have you suffered an injury as a result of this accident?
Motorbike Compensation
"Sorry mate, I didn't see you."
The words you are likely to hear after an accident involving a motorcycle.
Surgery & Beauty Claims
Have you been the victim of medical negligence? If you have, then we may be able to help you with a claim for compensation.
Employment Compensation
Do you have problems at work, need help with a work related issue? We can assist you with all your employment problems.
Industrial Disease Claim
Have you been diagnosed with an industrial disease? Do you suffer from a condition that has been caused by work? We can help, get in touch today!


text:
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Tag Archives: hand-forged jewelry
A Dazzling Floral Basket
A while back, we were approached with a challenging task. We were presented with a handful of diamond rings, some inherited from family and some acquired in years past, none of which suited the client's current lifestyle. She asked us to design a large … Continue reading
Posted in Re-do and Renew! Tagged custom jewelry, diamond jewelry, diamonds, hand-forged jewelry, hand-made, inherited jewelry, jewelry, jewelry design, jewelry re-purposing, jewelry recycling, old jewelry, redesigning jewelry, reusing diamonds, reusing gemstones, signature jewelry, transformed, white gold Comments Off on A Dazzling Floral Basket

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We Challenge Lawfulness of Badger Cull Licences
Lawyers instructed by the Save Me Trust have today written to the Chief Executive and the Chief Legal Advisor of Natural England warning them that if any licences to cull badgers are either activated in Gloucestershire and Somerset or any new licences granted for this purpose anywhere, then the lawfulness of the decisions to do so will be challenged by a Judicial Review in the High Court. To continue the culling of badgers is unlawful as it does
not rationally serve the statutory purpose which permits the killing of badgers only to achieve the aim of preventing the spread of disease. Additionally there has been a fundamental failure in the consultation process, a logically flawed approach in calculating badger numbers and a failure in Gloucestershire in any event to meet its minimum targets in 2013 and 2014.
Anne Brummer,
CEO Save Me Trust


text:
Tyler, TXHome Menu
Crash Reports
To obtain a Crash Report from the Tyler Police Department please allow one business day for the report to be received and processed. You may request a Crash Report by mail or in person.
Request a Crash Report in Person
You may receive your Crash Report in person in our main lobby from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Tyler Police Department located at 711 West Ferguson, Tyler Texas, 75702 or at our south police station in Faulkner Park located at 574 W. Cumberland Road, Tyler Texas 75703.
You must have 2 out of 4 identifiers – Location of Accident, Name of Driver, Date of Accident or Case Number.
The fee for the Crash Report is $6.00
Request a Crash Report by Mail
You may request a Crash Report by Mail by providing the following:
You must have 2 out of 4 identifiers – Location of Accident, Name of Driver, Date of Accident or Case Number.
The $6.00 fee must be paid to the Tyler Police Department in advance.
A self-addressed envelope with a stamp must be received with your request and payment.
The Tyler Police Department will accept Cash, Credit Card, Money Order and Business Check.
No personal checks will be accepted.
Crash Reports will not be available on the same day as your accident. Data Management will have up to 10 days to process your request if necessary.
Driver's Crash Report
The driver of a motor vehicle involved in a crash not investigated by a law enforcement officer and resulting in injury to or death of any person, or damage to the property of any one person, including himself, to any apparent extent of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) must within 10 days after such crash complete a Driver's Crash Report.


text:
Indicative Rate * AU$185 to AU$329
Lanai Riverside Apartments are located right alongside the Pioneer River and just next door to the ever popular Bluewater Lagoon water funpark, Canelands Shopping Centre, and just a two minute walk from the city heart specialty restaurants and bars.
Modern, spacious apartments range in size from one to four 4 bedroom penthouses, and are fully equipped with the latest cooking facilities and European stainless steel appliances, perfect for a one night stopover or extended stay. Relax in air-conditioned comfort and enjoy the views from the large balconies taking in the picturesque Pioneer river. You can even stay connected with family and friends with free Wi-Fi (limit of 500Mb daily) plus there's secure undercover carparking and Austar available.
The property features a range of facilities which guests can enjoy at their leisure including an outdoor heated resort style swimming pool, barbecue, gymnasium and traditional sauna.
If you're thinking of travelling to Mackay or planning a special event, enquire now about their range of packages available to suit all occasions, from families to the corporate traveller.
Their friendly team are on hand to take your booking - so call them now.
Due to current health advice on social distancing, please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening times and services.
The Three Bedroom Family Loft Apartment are perfect for the whole family. The Loft has three bedrooms, spacious lounge room for entertaining, private courtyard and a full working kitchen. The rooms have modern furnishings and are beautifully presented. The perfect home away from home.
The Penthouse Suite is luxurious accommodation at its finest. The beautiful three bedroom penthouse apartment and ensuite to master bedroom. The Penthouses contain generous living areas, full working kitchen with separate dining, and private upstairs balcony with spa. Relax and take in the view from the top floor of Lanai! Perfect for a relaxing get away or that special occasion.
The Two Bedroom Executive fully serviced Apartments offer spacious living areas and bedrooms with ensuite to main bedroom. The Apartments all contain modern and stylish interiors with stainless steel appliances and outdoor balcony areas.
As each apartment is individually decorated, you can be sure we have something to suit all requirements.
The Three Bedroom Riverview Apartments are serviced and all contain stunning river views with a large balcony to enjoy the views from. There is spacious living areas, two bathrooms and extra large bedrooms.
Each apartment features stainless steel appliances, and large outdoor balcony with seating.
The Three Bedroom Superior Apartments are beautiful with spacious living areas and large bedrooms. The rooms all contain a full working kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances and separate dining area. Modern furnishings complement the open plan living areas and the separate balconies are perfect for outdoor dining.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


text:
BENEFITING: The Boot Campaign
ORGANIZER: Kevin
EVENT: Pushups for Charity
Kevin Webb wrote -
Starting on Armed Forces Day, May 17th, Americans throughout the U.S. will show their support of the 1.4 million men and women who are currently serving by completing as many pushups as they can in 90 seconds.
Each pushup completed raises much needed funds for Boot Campaign®, a national nonprofit that promotes patriotism, raises awareness and provides vital assistance for our nation's heroes.
The Boot Campaign® provides assistance to our military and their family members through six key initiatives: Jobs, Housing, Wellness, Education, Urgent Assistance and Family Support.


text:
This web site (hereinafter, TOGGLE or Web Site, indistinctly) has Bibado Investments S.L (hereinafter, the Company) as the information society service provider with registered office in 9 Urano Street, Alcorcón, Madrid, Z.P. 28925, with email contact:
The Company is registered in the Companies Registration Office in Madrid, Volume 29026, Sheet 94, Page M-522708 and with company tax code B86262896.
This Web Site is ruled by the Spanish laws and is protected by the international and national legislation on industrial and intellectual property.
All patent royalty reserved.
TOGGLE is an analysis service of virus during file downloads.
Thanks to TOGGLE, you will be able to know how much safe is a download before starting the download plus the reliability offered by this Web Site.
The downloads analyzed in this Web Site are all shareware, freeware or demo versions spread by their authors publicly from these authors' Web Sites.
TOGGLE offers its users the following services:
- Content files ordered by categories, theme and rating.
- Content search service.
- Daily revision of download availability and guaranteed safety of download.
- Known virus analysis service of files downloaded by users.
- Others services integrated in TOGGLE.
Downloads are done by the author website through a mechanism called downloader created by this company.
Said downloader is never related or belong to the author of the downloads, and this program aims at making reliable downloads from the authors Web.
Sometimes the downloaded software applications may be published in the electronic means property of this web site as it can be compiled in CDs and software applications.
Said electronic means can be required for the creation of direct access or to change the main page of your PC for our web site, which is not related to the possible subsequent installation of the downloaded software applications.
The Company shall not be held responsible for the damages which might be derived from the proper and improper use of the content shown in this web site.
The users accessing to this Web Site can visualize the information and content of the web site, make downloads of software applications and content of the web site, make reproductions or use these products provided that they comply with the legislation of copyright and industrial property and that they do not transfer and distribute such software applications without previous consent of the creating author or company, be the Company or any other. Likewise, the download and payment for the use of the before-mentioned services under no circumstance includes the right to license of use which can be required by the author of the program by the creator/author or distribution company.
The Company shall not be held responsible for the functioning of the downloaded programs, nor the possible collateral problems which could be caused to your PC.
The Company shall not be held responsible for misuse which might be derived from the use of the software applications downloaded or infringement of the user or author which might affect the copyright of the author or third parties.
Under no circumstance it is allowed or authorized in this site the publication of system software's which can make the copyright vulnerable (cracks, serials, warez, etc).
If by any chance the user is not satisfied with the services offered in this Web site, he/she shall be able to request the total return of the amount said user might have paid to have access to the services of this web site.
On the other hand, the authors understand that this web site offers added value services and that in some occasions, a share can be charged for said services to the end user for maintenance of the Web Site or said services, but never related to the acquisition of the license of a product.
The author also accepts that the above-mentioned electronic means can require the change of the main page or the creation of the direct access (shortcuts) to pages related to this Web site (but never to pages property of the author).
The relation between the author and the web site can be terminated at any time prior request of any party.
Any manufacturer can request the update or the removal of any software applications offered in this web site.
Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding these terms and conditions through our email or the contact webpage.
The Company knows that your privacy is very important to you and we respect that.
We welcome questions and comments regarding this policy, so feel free to contact us.
At any moment, the user may exercise the rights of access, rectification, cancellation or opposition by sending an email with the reference TOGGLE (Legal Department) to , including a photocopy of a valid identification and indicating the corresponding right to exercise.
In the event of discrepancies between the English and this version of the Terms and Conditions, the English version shall prevail.


text:
A step by step guide on how to create a free CRXZone account!
Support staff
Copyright © 2013-2020 Intellect Mkt. Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.
Home Legal Agreements
Site Map
Consumer advisory. Crypto currencies trading (involving bitcoin, litecoin, etc.) is always accompanied by high risks. The market of crypto currencies represents new and unstudied economic reality without any guarantees of its growth. At the present time crypto currencies are limitedly used in commercial trade, but speculators use them rather widely which results is one of the reasons of high volatility and can negatively affect investments into crypto currencies. In order to participate in crypto currencies trading it is necessary to adequately evaluate the benefits and risks of investments and fully understand that one of the probable cases of such activity can be a complete loss of investments. None of the materials published on this website should be considered as the proposal of selling or buying crypto currency from CRXzone. Users are advised to read the Legal Agreements section carefully.
Follow CRXzone


text:
What is Radioplayer?
What is Radioplayer?
Radioplayer is a non-profit partnership between the BBC and commercial radio. Our aim is to keep radio listening simple, particularly on things which are connected to the internet, like computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Web player
Web player
See the web player
Working with designers from the BBC and across the radio industry, we launched our first shared web player for computers in 2011. With simple, consistent controls and a powerful search engine, it quickly became the industry standard. It's now used by over 400 stations across the UK, and more than 6 million people every month.
Mobile and tablet apps
Mobile and tablet apps
See the apps
In 2012, with smartphone use growing quickly, Radioplayer released a series of apps, first for mobiles and then for tablets. These have continued to develop and grow, remain free to download, and are available for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Kindle Fire and Windows 8 Phone.
Radioplayer, what's next?
Innovating radio
Innovating radio
More news and announcements
More recently, Radioplayer has added hardware devices to its portfolio, with an in-car hybrid radio due for public release later in 2015 and further next-generation radio devices in production.
Radioplayer Worldwide
Radioplayer Worldwide
More about Radioplayer Worldwide
Beyond the UK, Radioplayer is available for international licensing, and has already launched in a number of European territories including Germany, Ireland, Norway and Belgium.
Send us a letter
UK Radioplayer ltd, 55 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1BS, United Kingdom


text:
HOWTO: Set Clock
Setting your Clock
For the whole of this how-to you need to be root user. So you might as well `su` now
With systemd
Look at: HOWTO: systemd#timedatectl
With OpenRC
Adding NTP to your system
First off we are going to set up so that your computer will go out and find out what time it is on its own.
# equo install net-misc/ntp
The next two commands will update the time on your system and adjust the time for your hardware clock
# ntpdate time-a.nist.gov # hwclock --systohc
Finally we are going to tell your computer that it needs to check the time when it boots up, and keep checking occasionally as long as it is booted up. Also we will set it up so that it will act as a time server for any other devices you might have on your network.
# rc-update add ntpd default # rc-update add ntp-client default
Setting System Time
In our last step we set our hardware clock, now we are going to define our hardware clock. In you favorite text editor, as root, you need to edit:
You should see a line at the bottom of the top section that looks like
If it says anything other than UTC edit it and make it just as that line is in the example. Save and exit.
Setting Local Time
Finally we are going to tell the computer what time zone you are in.
First things first, we remove the link that already exists
# rm /etc/localtime
Now we are going to set a link to your actual timezone. The easiest way to drill down to this is using TAB complete, where you type a few letters and hit the tab key to complete the next little bit. If there are too many options it will show you your available options and then you keep typing. A pretty nifty trick.
# ln -s /usr/share/zoneinfo/USE_TAB_COMPLETE_HERE_TO_SELECT /etc/localtime
an example would be
ln -s /usr/share/zoneinfo/America/Adak /etc/localtime
All done and thanks for playing ~Az


text:
Ventless fireplaces are an alternative to installing a regular fireplace for homeowners. They are realistic looking, and have minimum installation requirements. However, a vented fireplace is really a non-vented fireplace. A ventless or gel fireplace does release emissions, and is vented into a room inside the home. It is critical that homeowners follow simple safety rules when using a ventless fireplace. The two primary concerns with ventless fireplaces are carbon monoxide and oxygen depletion.
Buy the Right Size Ventless Fireplace
Buy the right size ventless fireplace; this will prevent issues with oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide build-up. Measure the square footage of your room prior to shopping for a ventless fireplace. Purchase a ventless fireplace designed for a slightly smaller room that you have measured.
Ventless Fireplaces With ODS
Consider purchasing a ventless fireplace that contains ODS (oxygen depletion sensor). The sensor detects levels of oxygen in the room containing your ventless fireplace. This sensor will disable your ventless fireplace prior to the room reaching any unhealthy levels of oxygen.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Purchase a carbon monoxide detector and install in the room the ventless fireplace is placed. Ensure it contains an auditable alarm and not just a color changing strip, this prevents having to check it constantly for high levels of carbon monoxide. A carbon monoxide detector is recommended in each room there is a ventless fireplace.
Ventless Fireplace Operation Time
Ventless fireplaces should only be used for six hours or less a day or whatever is recommended by the manufacturer. If possible, purchase a ventless fireplace with a timer or a timer install on the gas line leading to the ventless fireplace.
More Safety Tips
• If your carbon monoxide or ODS alarm sounds, shut down the fireplace, open a window, if possible, get out of the home, and call 911.
• Never operate a ventless fireplace when no one is home; even it it's within the six hour operation time frame.
• The downtime should be equal or greater than the amount of recommended time in use.
• Check often for recalls for your ventless fireplace unit; and if you use a gel unit, also check for recalls for the gel fuel.
Public Affairs and Life Safety Education Section
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
703-246-3801 or TTY 711


text:
Friday 25 January
|Brookesia (1)
Often considered to be the smallest species of the diminutive stump-tailed chameleons, (Brookesia species), the minute leaf chameleon (Brookesia minima) is one of the smallest reptiles in the world (3). The cylindrical body is camouflaged in shades of green, brown and grey, often with a lichen-like striped pattern. Often there is a pale beige patch on the chameleon's front, believed to play a role in communication or mate recognition. The tiny head is relatively flat with a short, downwards pointing snout, and a row of small, spiny scales runs along each side of the backbone. Male minute dwarf chameleons are shorter in length and have a longer tail than females (2).
As expected for its tiny size, the minute leaf chameleon consumes minute prey, including small fruit flies, white flies and spring tails. When not foraging in the deep leaf litter, the minute leaf chameleon climbs up onto thin branches to sleep. When threatened by a predator, or the branch on which it is perched is shaken, the minute leaf chameleon will drop to the ground like a piece of dead wood and feign death until the danger has passed (5).
Courtship in the minute leaf chameleon begins with a male walking around a female making nodding and rocking movements. Non-receptive females react with jerky side movements, causing the male to cease his advances, while a receptive female allows the male to follow them throughout the day. After a lengthy courtship, which could last up to several days, the male mounts the female and is carried on her back until copulation takes place in late evening or night. 30 to 40 days following mating, the female deposits a clutch of two eggs, a few millimetres deep in the substrate. Hatching takes place around three months later (2).
The minute leaf chameleon occurs in parts of northern and north-western Madagascar. As this chameleon is a difficult species to identify correctly with the naked eye, only populations inhabiting the offshore island of Nosy Be and the neighbouring mainland can be said with certainty to be this species of Brookesia (2) (4).
The minute leaf chameleon inhabits the leaf litter of evergreen primary rainforest. It prefers areas with sparse undergrowth, where there is a layer of dead leaves up to ten centimetres deep (2).
The minute leaf chameleon is listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).
Brookesia chameleons are mainly threatened by habitat destruction. The humid forests of Madagascar are being degraded by agriculture, timber extraction, and industrial and small-scale mining (6). As a result, the specific habitat of the minute leaf chameleon is rapidly declining and may disappear with continued disturbance (2).
Although the minute leaf chameleon may be harvested for the pet trade, this is unlikely to be threatening its survival. In 2001, 162 minute leaf chameleons were exported from Madagascar for the pet trade, but the annual export quota in 2010 was zero (7) (8).
The minute leaf chameleonis listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that trade in this species should be carefully controlled in order to be compatible with their survival (1). The minute leaf chameleonhas also been recorded from the Manongarivo Special Reserve (2) and the Lokobe Special Reserve (4), although illegal harvesting or other activities that degrade the forest habitat may lessen any benefits this bestows.
For further information on the minute leaf chameleon see:
Authenticated (07/03/11) by Dr Richard Jenkins, Madagasikara Voakajy, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent.
Image credit
© Nature Production / naturepl.com
Nature Picture Library
5a Great George Street
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 117 911 4675
Fax: +44 (0) 117 911 4699
Link to this photo
Embed this Arkive thumbnail link ("portlet") by copying and pasting the code below.
Terms of Use - The displayed portlet may be used as a link from your website to Arkive's online content for private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. It may NOT be used within Apps.
Read more about
MyARKive offers the scrapbook feature to signed-up members, allowing you to organize your favourite Arkive images and videos and share them with friends.
Play the Team WILD game:
Friday 25 January
Friday 05 October
Monday 24 September


text:
Christ Is Risen!
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Vladik if you are going to post pictures of Russian women, actually make them good ones.
I just need to find out how to say it in Slavonic!
My youngest cousin (I think, too many to keep track of at this stage); half Greek, half Suryoyo, 100% Orthodox
Quote from: celticfan1888 on July 07, 2013, 10:16:37 AMPre-BMTPost-BMTBMT? Bacon, Mutton and Tomato?
What'd you do to that girl to make her cry?
Michal my hand is bigger than your face!
I look like if Ryan Gosling and Hugh Jackman had a love child.Or so I was told today...don't tell me otherwise!
I've only been told once that I look like a celebrity... when I had a goatee and bald head a priest told me that I looked like Walter White from Breaking Bad. This has done wonders for keeping my sizable ego in check
Since I've brought her up so much on that most wonderful of threads, here's the little lady:And for fun, here was me in all my whale-y glory shortly before she made her entrance:I think that about brings me up to speed here.
So the recent Harry Potter thread reminded me of a Halloween pic on facebook of my sister and I when we were kids:Somehow she managed to grow up and not be an actual witch. Win!
After 40< hours of no sleep.
Nice But you're married, aren't you? Just ask your wife to take the pic. "Honey, I really want these anonymous people on this strange board to see what I look like."
ZZ you and your daughter are simply lovely.
Now with a new haircut.
Heretic! Where's your smoking jacket?
Yes, although in the meme, you look much angrier. Was the pint skunked?
The more beer I drink, the more I laugh.
Quote from: hecma925 on December 30, 2019, 07:25:46 PMOCnet is KGB.I hail Mor Ephrem as our Secretary General.
OCnet is KGB.
Oh you Greeks, you are all dumb!An Athonite
Quote from: Cyrillic on August 26, 2013, 12:36:53 PMThe more beer I drink, the more I laugh.Good man!
Page created in 0.105 seconds with 24 queries.


text:
Former LV Mayor Oscar Goodman To Be Roasted July 23 at Stratosphere
Oscar Goodman, former Las Vegas Mayor, will be roasted on Tuesday July 23rdfor the benefit of the Miracle League of Las Vegas. The no-holes-barred event at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower will begin with a red carpet and pre-show party at 9:30 p.m. The roast is scheduled to begin at 10:45 p.m. The festivities will continue with an after party at the Level 107 Lounge.
The Red Carpet is expected to draw a vast array of celebrities including roasters, as well as those from the entertainment and show business industry. Who knows who else might be stopping by to watch Oscar get roasted.
This is the second in a projected series of Las Vegas Roasts being produced by Andy Walmsley Entertainment aka AWE. The first event, the roast of Chris Phillips aka Zowie Bowie was filled with laughter, zings, and good natured arrow-sharp barbs. There's no telling what will be said at Oscar's roast.
Walmsley set about creating the roasts, "to bring the show business community of Las Vegas together in a social setting to experience the camaraderie rarely enjoyed since the golden era of the Rat Pack."
Roasters will be celebrating, teasing, and poking fun at both the former Mayor of Las Vegas and their fellow roasters. There will be musical roasts backed by a live ten piece band, surprise guests, and an on-stage bar fueling the fun, all with tongue in cheek affection for fellow Showbiz pals.
The pre-show party, referred to as "The Show before the Show" or the pre-roast in the Theater Lobby area will feature strolling look-a-like performers such as Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin, Elvis and Liberace who will be back from the beyond to tickle the ivories. There will be showgirls, puppets, artist Jimmy Mulligan painting a large scale portrait of Oscar Goodman, a Vegas entertainers themed photo booth, a DJ and even a Vegas showbiz themed robot.
The good news is that with all these show biz folks and entertainers, there's still some room for the public to come out, see the former Mayor who during his days in office described himself as "The Happiest Mayor in the Universe" and enjoy the kind of off the cuff entertainment that they won't see anywhere else. And yes, this is the same Oscar Goodman who once represented well known figures in what the world reputed was "The Mob." Lest there be any doubt, check out "Being Oscar From Mob Lawyer to Mayor of Las Vegas, Only in America" written by the former Mayor (Weinstein Books).
The Miracle League of Las Vegas was designated by Oscar Goodman to benefit from the laughter fest at Oscar's expense. http://miracleleaguelasvegas.com/ President Tim McGarry started this local branch of the nationally known organization that enables children with cognitive and or physical challenges to play baseball on a unique cushioned field at it's facility The Miracle League Engelstad Family Park in Las Vegas.
Admission to the event is $30 and $40 VIP plus tax. Catch the action at the Stratosphere Theater, on the second floor of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. Use the escalators near Roxy's Diner and Ticketing.
Roasters confirmed thus far include Mac King (The Mac King show, Harrahs), Chef Carla Pellegrino (Bravo Top Chef ), Clint Holmes ( The Smith Center ), The Amazing Johnathan, Zowie Bowie ( Red Rock Casino ), Heidi Harris ( 790 Talk Now ), Lola The Showgirl ( aka Penny Wiggins ), Chet Buchanan ( 98.5 KLUC ), The Phat Pack ( The Plaza Casino ), Norm Clarke ( Las Vegas Review Journal ) Rich Little, and Pia Zadora.
Magician Murray Sawchuck (Tropicana) will be the roast master. The roast also features The Lon Bronson Band.
For more information check http://showbizroast.com/www.twitter.com/showbizroast


text:
goodideazs, LLC is not affiliated with the authors of this post nor is it responsible for its content, the accuracy and authenticity of which should be independently verified.
About | Advertise | Terms | Privacy | Contact A Greater Town
Top Business Listings | Banner Art Gallery | Blog | Seo Site Crawler
Copyright © 2007-2019 goodideazs, LLC. All rights reserved.


text:
Sugar Rush: White Taiyaki with Red Bean Paste from Nijyia Market, San Francisco
It's what I like to call the gummy candy rule: things taste better when shaped like adorable animals. And who knows that rule, apart from gummy candy makers? Well, almost all of Japan (case in point) but specifically bakers of taiyaki, the fish-shaped cakes you see above. Because this sweet is essentially just imagawayaki, (a type of red bean cake), but shaped like fish, which makes them oh, 200 times more awesome.
Taiyaki is made by pouring pancake or waffle batter into fish shaped molds. A sweet filling—usually red bean paste, but sometimes chocolate or custard—is placed inside, the mold is closed, the pancake baked, and voila: fish cakes!
I bought these at Nijiya Market, which is a great one stop shop if your shopping list includes onigiri, Asian snacks, tea, and cheap-ass sushi grade fish, which, actually, mine often does. The package came with two large (we're talking 4-5 inch long) fish for $2.99. That's a bargain that made up for the fact that they were cold as opposed to hot, crisp, and golden, as good taiyaki ideally are coming straight out of the mold.
I wish I could say it was a deal breaker, but the truth is I still enjoyed the squishy pancake exterior and sweet red bean filling so much that I ate both in about 10 minutes. (Yes, even the tails which lack bean paste and are therefore decidedly inferior.) A chocolate pancake with chocolate filling and a white pancake with white chocolate filling were also available.
Nijiya Market
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115; (map); (415) 563-1901
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
Let's be honest: as with any service, there is uncertainty involved in copywriting, especially when it's for a new client. It's your job, as a copywriter, to take control and remove this.
The uncertainty is inevitable, and applies to both sides. At the client end, if they've never worked with you, or perhaps even with any copywriter before, then there's naturally going to be some nervousness about taking on board a new supplier. Hopefully you'll have been through some hoops before taking on the work – at least some emails, ideally a meeting or two – but even though your portfolio is great, and you've both enjoyed a coffee together, the client needs reassuring that they're in safe, professional hands.
At your end, as a supplier, you really want to make sure you get it right first time. But by definition, the client doesn't know as much about the copywriting process as you do – that's why they hired you. So it's your responsibility to guide them through it.
This is why the copy brief is so important. It's the statement of what is needed, by when, and who has responsibility for what. As you develop your own working methods together the copy brief can become less important, but for those first few jobs together, it's essential.
I have my own standard copy brief, which I use as a vehicle to help me guide clients through what's needed. Sometimes I even write my own copy brief just for my own use, if I'm wrestling with a particularly thorny piece. I developed it during my time at Porter Novelli where, as half of the Writing Bureau there, I produced miles and miles of copy, almost in a production line, and this necessitated the discipline of the copy brief.
As well as the basic details around who the client is, contact details and so on, it covers several essential areas:
- How many words? This is admittedly quite basic but you sometimes need to be quite militant on this one. There's a tendency for clients to ask for 'two or three pages', which begs the questions around how large are the pages and how large is the font!
- What is the piece about? This needs to be a succinct statement, ideally one sentence. I've done quite a lot of branding work and this is the equivalent of the killer question, 'What do you do?'. Ask ten people in an organisation and you'll get ten different answers. Same with the copy brief. Make sure someone absolutely knows what this piece is going to be about.
- What is 'the hook'? Why would people want to read this? As with branding, this is the equivalent of 'What do you do differently'? It's sometimes a really tough question but you both need to dig down and find a reason for the audience to want to read it. Ideas here could be that it's a unique offering, or the first of a kind, or perhaps there's been something big in the news that you could use as a hook. Be creative.
- What are the points you want to make, and what is the proof for each point? This is where the rigour starts. You need to have 'proof points' for the statements that you're going to make. These can be quantitative (5,000 holes in Blackburn, Lancashire) or qualitative, using anecdotal evidence such as news items that support your point. Certainly working in an agency I found this section incredibly useful, as I couldn't be expected to be a subject matter expert on everyone's account. This section made them think about what they were asking me to do, and we all ended up with better work as a result.
- Where will it appear (publication name or type, email, PDF, printed newsletter)? To give an extreme example, if this is going to appear in the FT, it needs to have a completely different tone than for the Daily Mail. But even trade or vertical titles will have different requirements, so it's important to ask where this piece is going to appear.
- What effect do you want to create? This could be to drive awareness, or get more sales, or win an award. It might be less important in a copy brief but I know marketing clients like to see this, because you're echoing to them that you know what they want from the piece.
- Who is going to read it and what are their wants/needs? This is a basic question about the audience. Are they senior management who want a macro-level view across their industry? Are they junior staff who just want direct advice? Don't forget, journalists are also audiences (and are also human, mostly).
- Why now? Any tie-ins? This is similar to 'the hook' question but is explicitly looking for tie-ins. The point here is that the client is often the subject matter expert and they should know what's been going on in their marketplace. So, ask them.
- What is the tone of voice? This is important. It's an expression of the client, the publication, and the audience. You need to decide whether you're going to be authoritative, or direct, or friendly. If you're a challenger brand you might want to be a bit pushy. If you're a retail or consumer brand then maybe err towards the side of informality.
- Is there an in-house style? This can just be a shortcut to the tone of voice, but consider that the graphic design can also be a pointer towards tone.
- Do you have any examples? If so, then perhaps you don't have to reinvent the wheel. I tend to find that previous successful examples are the key. I don't think you can get away without asking all the other questions, but if the client can show you something they liked, and that worked, then this can get you a long way towards knowing what's required.
- Do you have any background material? Again, this is where the client needs to work hard, not just in helping with the 'why now' question, but with providing you with what you need. Obviously you'll have to do your own research, but if the client can help with recent articles they've seen, or their own research/data/publications, this can help immensely.
- Timings. This is where you become a project manager as well as copywriter. You don't need to go crazy here. Just list the stages, responsibilities, and estimated time. The stages and responsibilities should be along the lines of first draft (copywriter), first review (client), second draft (copywriter), second review (client), final draft (copywriter), and sign-off (client).
So you see, this pretty much covers everything. There can be overlaps, for example with the 'why now' and 'what's the hook' questions, but this brief has never let me – or my clients – down. You could maybe distil it further and create a 'brief copy brief' but if it ain't broke, don't fix it!


text:
Submit the online request above to contact VIP services. Our team will fill you in on the best options to make your concert an unforgettable experience. VIP reservations are not inclusive of concert tickets. A ticket is required to gain entry to our shows.
Door Time: 6:30pm
Show Time: 7:30pm
Support Acts:
Age Restrictions:
All Ages Welcome!
Admission Type:
All RESERVED SEATING on both main floor and balconies.
Premium Seat Services:
For info on Premium seating options at this show contact the Premium Seating team at email@example.com.
FOLLOW {{ artist.ArtistName | toUpper }}


text:
Authorities continue to investigate what motivated the man they say opened fire on concert-goers as victims' identities continue to come to light over a day after the attack.
During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Nevada officials said they have identified all but three victims of the shooting, but still offered no information on potential motives.
A gunman opened fire from a hotel room above a packed, outdoor concert in Las Vegas early Sunday morning, killing at least 59, wounding 527 more and prompting chaos as the panicked crowd scrambled for cover amid the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Gunman Stephen Paddock, 64, was found dead by officers who stormed his 32nd-floor room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, said Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, who announced the death toll and said it could rise.
Lombardo described Paddock, of Mesquite, Nev., as "a distraught person intent on causing mass casualties." Lombardo said Paddock was likely a "lone wolf" and that a motive for the shooting had not been determined.
"This is a crazed lunatic full of hate," Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said. "This has been a hugely traumatic time for all of us."
President Trump addressed the nation Monday from the White House, calling the attack "an act of pure evil" and ordering flags flown at half staff. He thanked first-responders for their "miraculous" efforts and said he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The three-day Route 91 Harvest festival started Friday, and Lombardo estimated that 22,000 people were in the crowd when the shooting began Sunday at about 10 p.m. local time.
The festival's headliner, country music singer Jason Aldean, was on stage when the barrage of bullets began and continued to play through the first, extended volley, video from the scene shows. The crowd appeared confused, unsure what the sound was.
The music stopped at about the same time the volley did, but after several seconds another, lengthy round of gunfire began, setting off bedlam in the crowd. Videos on social media show people ducking for cover and fleeing amid the unrelenting bombardment.
Cassie Manzanares, who was covering the festival for a Utah radio station, said she heard a "popping" noise.
"I've shot guns before, and it didn't sound like a gun," Manzanares said. "I thought maybe someone was doing firecrackers as a joke, or something happened with the pyrotechnics. But the next round (of gunfire) started, and that's when we heard the screaming."
Terrified, she said she froze. But a friend was shot, and she said she realized they had to run.
"We jumped over the wall and there were just bodies and blood and people screaming and trying to get away," Manzanares said. "People were breaking down fences to use to carry the bodies."
My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017
Justin Zimmerman, of Dexter, Iowa, said he was with four friends when the carnage began.
"I left my friends to go get more beer, then you heard a distinct 'Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!,'" he said. "(I) thought it was the sound guy messing up, but you learn quickly it's actual gunfire."
He said he, too, froze and then hit the ground. Eventually he ran to the safety of a nearby casino.
Among the victims was Sonny Melton, 29, a registered nurse from Big Sandy, Tenn. "He saved my life," his wife, Heather, said. "He grabbed me from behind and started running when I felt him get shot in the back."
Aldean confirmed that he and the rest of his team were safe.
"Tonight has been beyond horrific," Aldean posted on Instagram. "It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night."
Aaron Rouse, chief of the FBI's Las Vegas office, disputed an Islamic State claim that Paddock was one of the militant group's soldiers. Rouse said no connection to the militant group had been found.
"We have no idea what his belief system was," Lombardo said. "We believe he was the sole aggressor."
Authorities were reviewing the recent transfers of large amounts of money involving the suspect and the possible relationship to gambling activities, a federal law enforcement official said. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, said the review is part of wide-ranging search for a possible motive in the attack.
Lombardo said Paddock checked into the hotel Thursday. He said that when the shooting started, authorities could see the gunfire was coming from Mandalay Bay. Employees and guests helped direct officers to the room. Officers used explosives to "breach" the door and found Paddock's body.
At least 23 weapons, many of them rifles, were found inside Paddock's hotel room, officials announced Monday. The ATF recovered a total of 47 guns owned by Paddock, including those recovered at his home.
The official, who has been briefed on the matter but is not authorized to comment publicly, said that police also found two tri-pods positioned at the hotel windows in what appeared to be a fully-equipped sniper's nest to take better aim at the crowd below.
Hundreds of rounds of ammunition were among the suspect's possessions, a cache that could have sustained him in a much longer assault, the official said.
Authorities believe that the gunman, who had no serious criminal background, purchased many of the weapons legally. The ATF also announced Tuesday the shooter had devices attached to 12 weapons allowing semiautomatic rifles to mimic fully automatic gunfire.
Lombardo said authorities also searched Paddock's home and found even more weapons — 18 firearms, explosives, and unidentified electronic devices, as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition. Officials also said Tuesday they found cameras inside and outside his hotel room-- one of them in a food service cart.
Guns & Guitars, a shop in Mesquite, confirmed that Paddock had purchased guns from them in a past. Manager Chris Sullivan said all necessary background checks and procedures were followed.
"He never gave any indication or reason to believe he was unstable or unfit at any time," Sullivan said. "We are currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation."
Mesquite is a town of about 18,000 people 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Paddock lived in a retirement community, Sun City Mesquite, an upscale development of about 1,400 homes. The community includes an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a recreation center. Residents must be at least 55 years old, and no children are allowed.
Lombardo said authorities had searched Paddock's home and found more guns and ammunition.
Paddock's brother, Eric, who lives in East Orlando, Fla., said that to his knowledge, his brother had no history of mental illness or substance abuse. He said his brother had "nothing to do" with political or religious organizations. His brother owned guns and played high-stakes video poker, he said.
"There's absolutely no way I can even conceive that my brother would shoot a bunch of people he didn't even know," Eric Paddock said. "There's no rationale. There's nothing anywhere that said why he did this."
The FBI confirmed that the shooter's father was a bank robber who reached the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted list in 1968 after escaping prison. The wanted poster described Benjamin Paddock as a "psychopath" and "very dangerous." He was recaptured 10 years later and has since died.
Lombardo said police had named Paddock's roommate, Marilou Danley, as a person of interest. She is out of the country, and Lombardo said she will be questioned further upon her return.
City officials urged local residents to donate blood as blood drives organized across the city drew long lines. Kay Anne Johnson, 32, who has lived in Las Vegas for about six years, said she fell asleep before she knew the extent of the shooting spree. Her husband woke her at 5 a.m. with the tragic news.
"At that point, you aren't going back to sleep, she said. "You get up and try to find a way to help."
Pope Francis expressed his "spiritual closeness" to victims and promised his prayers in a telegram addressed to the Bishop Joseph Anthony Pepe of Las Vegas.
Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval called the shooting a "cowardly" act.
"We are angry, we are grieving," he said. "We're confused. People are hurting."
Contributing: Jane Onyanga-Omara, Alan Gomez and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY; Emily Havens, The Spectrum and Daily News; Caroline Glenn, Florida Today; Aaron Young, The Des Moines Register; Brett Kelman, The Desert Sun


text:
At Creative Display, the mission, vision and values all come together holistically around a central theme of happiness. Our aim is to create a great place to work.
Be the happiness evangelist for each other, our customers and society. Be known as the company with the highest ethics and moral standards.
Find the latest news and updates from Creative Display. Enter your email now!
Creative Display Newsletter
Leave this field empty if you're human:


text:
Checking in on… the Mountain WestPosted by Brian Goodman on March 1st, 2011
Andrew Murawa is the RTC correspondent for the Mountain West and Pac-10 Conferences.
[Ed. Note: This was published before BYU suspended Brandon Davies for the rest of the season.]
A Look Back
With BYU's second 13-point win of the season over San Diego State on Saturday, the Cougars have put the clamps on their first outright regular season Mountain West Championship since 2007-08. They've got a one-game lead now over the Aztecs, but own the tiebreaker as a result of their two head-to-head wins, so one more win clinches the #1 seed in the MWC Tournament and two more wins (in their two remaining games) sews up the conference title all for themselves. We'll have more on the game below, but elsewhere around the conference, it is looking more and more like a three-bid league. While SDSU and UNLV can count on their Selection Sunday invitations arriving without delay, Colorado State's hopes for its own at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament took a huge hit on Saturday when they got run out of Clune Arena by Air Force, failing to score for almost nine minutes in the second half and dropping their tenth game of the season. Barring a big late run by the Rams, which would have to include a win at San Diego State on the final Saturday of the regular season, or a surprising run by somebody else outside of the top three seeds in the MWC Tournament, the Cougars, Aztecs and Rebels will be the entirety of the MWC representatives in the Big Dance.
- Team of the Week: BYU – In their final season as members of the MWC, the Cougars have fought through numerous hurdles on their way to all but clinching the regular season title. They've been able to deal with the distractions of the media circus surrounding the traveling Jimmer Fredette show (although, in all honesty, the benefits of having a guy like Fredette obviously outweigh whatever distractions his presence may bring), they've weathered the taunts and jeers of jilted and jealous fans across the conference, and they've replaced players lost due to injury or calling. And when all is said and done, they've put themselves in position to be in strong consideration for a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They're the #1 team in the RPI, they've got a 27-2 record on the season, an 8-1 record against top-50 RPI teams, and, if they can take care of business in the regular season, then continue their success into the MWC Tournament, they've almost got to get a #1. Of course, winning the MWC Tournament is a whole other consideration, as BYU is just 6-4 in the MWC tourney since it returned to Las Vegas in 2007, with three losses to UNLV (and one to SDSU) mixed in there. While this Cougar team has made a habit of proving that it is different from previous incarnations, the prospect of either beating UNLV on its home court for the second time this season or beating SDSU for the third time this season is one challenge I'm very interested in seeing the Cougars face.
- Player of the Week: Dairese Gary, Senior, New Mexico – Gary has been the one constant for Steve Alford this year, but this past week he took his game to another level. In a tough home loss against UNLV, Gary put up 26 points on 10-15 shooting, six assists, three steals and a couple of threes. After finding that such a contribution just wasn't enough, Gary made sure to get the job done at TCU over the weekend, scoring 32 points on 11-14 shooting, with nine assists, another steal and three more threes. While this has not been the type of season that Lobo fans expected, their senior leader has more than lived up to expectations and he'll be sorely missed in Albuquerque next year.
- Newcomer of the Week: Quintrell Thomas, Sophomore, UNLV – The Kansas transfer has come on in a big way down the stretch for the Running Rebels, and when he gets minutes, he produces for Lon Kruger. Since the start of February, Thomas has gotten more than 20 minutes four times, including twice in the last week. In those four games, he has averaged 15.8 PPG and 11.5 RPG, and over four offensive rebounds in those games. This past week he posted 34 points and 20 rebounds, made 12 of his 19 shots from the field and got to the line 14 times and converted ten times. While the Rebels still have major question marks from behind the three-point lines, Thomas has helped clear up any questions about their ability in the paint.
- Game of the Week: BYU 80, San Diego State 67 – It was, almost without a doubt, the biggest basketball game in the history of the Mountain West Conference. It may not have had a dramatic finish, but it's the only choice as the MWC game of the week. Fredette continued his sterling season by matching his season high of nine assists, turning into the distributor rather than the scoring point guard that had taken the college basketball world by storm (and the fact that a 25-point, four three-point game is proof of Fredette backing away from his score-first persona tells you exactly how great of a scorer he is). With Steve Fisher giving Fredette several different looks defensively, from the long defenders like Billy White and Kawhi Leonard to the more traditional defender in Chase Tapley, to double-teams of all sorts, Jimmer had plenty of chances to set up his teammates for clean looks from deep, and they responded beautifully, as the Cougars knocked down 14 of their 24 shots from deep. That, coupled with the Aztecs repeatedly missing point-blank shots following offensive rebounds, explains the final score, but while BYU did everything right to earn their victory, most college basketball fans without a rooting interest in the outcome would love to see these two teams run this one back in a week and a half.
- Game of the Upcoming Week: Colorado State (18-10, 8-6) at San Diego State (27-2, 12-2), 3/5, 7pm, The Mtn. – If the Rams are going to continue to entertain any notions about a possible at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, this is an absolute must-win. A loss here, and their only chance at a bid is running the gauntlet through Utah or New Mexico in the first round of the MWC Tournament, BYU in the semifinals and either San Diego State or UNLV in the finals. In other words, win this game. And, really, even if they win this game, they are still completely bubblicious, and would really need a semifinal victory over BYU in order to ease their worried minds a bit, but first things first: win this game. And in order for that to happen, there are a few events that need to take place. First, Andy Ogide needs to continue his strong play, and given that he has only failed to score in double figures once on the season, has only shot less than 50% from the field four times this year and has posted nine double doubles, that is a likelihood provided he can stay out of foul trouble against SDSU's talented front line. More troubling for Tim Miles is finding somebody else on his team that can help Ogide out. Travis Franklin is the team's second leading scorer, but he's scored exactly 11 points over the span of the team's three-game slide and hasn't posted back-to-back games in double figures since January. Adam Nigon, Wes Eikmeier, Dorian Green, and Greg Smith (among others) have all shown the ability to be that big second-option to Ogide, but none have proven their ability to be consistent. For all the improvement that the CSU basketball program has made in Miles' four years on campus, now is their time to finish the deal and get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Power Rankings
1. BYU (27-2, 13-1): We've talked about Fredette and Jackson Emery in this space quite often. We've talked about the emergence of Brandon Davies (though the Cougars now have to survive without him after an honor code violation led to his suspension for the rest of the season). We probably haven't talked about Noah Hartsock and Stephen Rogers and Charles Abouo enough, but suffice it to say, each of those guys has made significant contributions on the Cougars' way to that gaudy record above. The guy we haven't talked about near enough is the guy at the end of the bench, head coach Dave Rose. Rose has been nothing short of spectacular in his time in Provo. He took over a program that had just finished last in the conference with an abysmal 9-21 campaign, and since then he has never once finished lower than second place in the conference. Assuming the Cougs finish the deal this year, he will have three outright MWC titles in six years, another shared title and a couple second place finishes. All that's impressive enough, before you even mention his biggest win of all, surviving a bout with pancreatic cancer a couple of years back. On the verge of his third MWC Coach of the Year award and more than a couple of National Coach of the Year votes, Rose is every bit as important to the success of this BYU program as is the scoring machine from Glens Falls.
A look ahead: The Cougars get a chance to avenge their only MWC loss when they host New Mexico on Wednesday with a chance to wrap up the #1 seed in the conference tourney. On Saturday, they'll complete the regular season by hosting Wyoming.
2. San Diego State (27-2, 12-2): In his two games this year against BYU, D.J. Gay has scored eight points, handed out seven assists and grabbed four rebounds. He's made just two of his 14 shots from the field, has been largely invisible on the defensive end and simply has shown no signs of being the positive on-court leader that he has proven himself to be in the rest of his games this year. While what blame there is for the losses to BYU does not fall solely on Gay's shoulders, he'll need to play more like the type of guy who won duels with Casper Ware, Anthony Marshall and Dairese Gary earlier in the season in order for the Aztecs to live up to their March dreams.
A look ahead: The Aztecs finish up with a trip to Wyoming tonight, then senior night at Viejas Arena during which The Show will say goodbye to Gay, Billy White, and Malcolm Thomas. And, they might as well say goodbye to Kawhi Leonard while they're at it.
3. UNLV (22-7, 10-5): The Rebels have now won eight of their last ten games (losses at BYU and home against SDSU) since Tre'Von Willis returned from missing a couple of games with a knee injury. Willis has now scored in double figures in six of the last seven games and has averaged over 16 points a game over that stretch, just a notch below the 17.2 he averaged all of last season. He's also averaged four assists per game in those seven games, and the box scores will tell you that Willis is back. Then you watch a game. And you see Willis dragging that left knee up and down the court. Every now and then he surprises you and blows by a defender with an explosiveness that reminds you of what he was like at the top of his game last year, but for the most part, it is pretty clear that Willis is really just squeezing every last drop of goodness out of a knee that needs at the very least some rest and more likely needs some medical attention. Can the Rebels win a game or two in the NCAA Tournament with a gimpy Willis? It remains to be seen, but you can never count out a tough old veteran like him.
A look ahead: The Rebels travel to Utah on Saturday to wrap up their season before hosting the MWC Tournament at the Thomas & Mack as a #3 seed.
4. Colorado State (18-10, 8-6): This Ram team already had a couple bad losses on their scorecard: a home loss to Sam Houston State and a neutral-site loss to Hampton. This team had also lost more than one game in a stretch this season, when they lost back-to-back games at Colorado and Kansas. And yet, with all that, they were still solidly on the bubble. Then came this weekend's loss at Air Force, their third loss in a row, during which only Ogide was even remotely effective. The rest of the CSU starting lineup went a combined 5-30 from the field. Really. 16.6%. On the final weekend of February. Coming off losses to BYU and UNLV. With an NCAA Tournament bid on the line. For the Rams to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003, they now have to do something that they've given little reason to believe they are capable of doing: beat both San Diego State and BYU in their next four games, while at the same time taking care of their other business. They did play SDSU to the buzzer a month ago, but that was at home. To go to Montezuma Mesa and beat the Aztecs on Senior Day? That's quite a challenge.
A look ahead: Before that SDSU game, the Rams have to get back on track at home against a rested and hot Utah team.
5. New Mexico (18-11, 6-8): The Lobos broke their four-game losing streak behind Gary's heroics, but of bigger concern for Alford is the inability of any other Lobo to provide consistent offensive production. While the Lobos are still in the top 50 in offensive efficiency, their shooting percentages are headed downward and the confidence of guys like Philip McDonald and Kendall Williams is plummeting, with each guy thinking too much about his shot and often passing on good looks. While the Lobos are still talented enough to make things tough for a higher seed in the MWC tourney, they're not playing anywhere near their best basketball right now.
A look ahead: The Lobos have already beaten BYU once this season, but this time around, given the visit to the Marriott Center looming, the challenge is a bit tougher. On Saturday, they'll close out the regular season by hosting Air Force.
6. Utah (13-15, 6-8): The Utes haven't played since we last checked in, so not much new to report on them, but it is interesting to note that the only games the Utes have won in conference are against Wyoming, New Mexico and TCU, and they've swept all three teams.
A look ahead: With Colorado State and UNLV looming on the Utes schedule, unless they pull off an upset, they'll wind up being swept by the other five teams in the conference.
7. Air Force (14-13, 5-9): The Falcons broke their four game slide with the big win against CSU, and did so in convincing fashion. They effectively shot 61% from the floor and held the Rams to just a 36.4 effective field goal percentage, and even beat the Rams from the free throw line, outscoring them 24-14, a rather uncommon occurrence for the Academy. Sophomore guard Michael Lyons continued his strong breakout season, scoring in double figures for the fifth straight time and for the 18th time on the season, while the versatile senior Evan Washington, who has taken a backseat in the scoring department this season, continued to contribute in other ways, handing out eight assists and grabbing four rebounds. Washington has in many ways been the consummate Academy player, doing whatever is needed of him to help the team. Last year as the Falcons struggled through injuries to an eighth place finish, Washington was called on to score more, and he provided over ten points per game. But this year he has been asked to be more of a distributor and has racked up nearly a 2-1 assist-to-turnover ratio this year
A look ahead: The home crowd says goodbye to Washington on Wednesday as the Falcons host TCU, then they travel to New Mexico on Saturday to wrap up the regular season.
8. Wyoming (10-18, 3-11): Fred Langley continues to get great production out of sophomore forward Amath M'Baye, who added 24 points and seven rebounds in a loss at UNLV. He has averaged 21 points per game since the dismissal of Heath Schroyer and is now averaging 12.3 points per game.
A look ahead: Wyoming hosts SDSU then travels to BYU in a nightmare end to a nightmare season.
9. TCU (10-20, 1-14): Speaking of nightmares, the Horned Frogs have now lost 16 of their last 17 games. And in doing so, they've been bad everywhere. They don't shoot particularly well, and they certainly can't keep opponents from shooting well against them. They get killed on the glass as if it were their collective life's meaning. They never get to the line, but they send their opponents to the line regularly. They're a very bad basketball team. And yet, somehow, junior J.R. Cadot is ranked #41 in the nation in Ken Pomeroy's offensive rating. Typically, despite an offensive rating higher than guys like Jon Leuer, Nolan Smith, Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette, Cadot only uses about 15% of all TCU possessions when he is in the game. Sure, if he was used at a higher rate, his efficiency numbers would likely drop, but given that Garlon Green is the only other Frog with an offensive rating above 100, you'd figure that Jim Christian would find a way to use him more. Cadot's numbers had been picking up, as he averaged over 14 points a game in the four games before his one-point, two-field-goal-attempt stinker against in the loss against New Mexico, but given that there's not a whole lot else going on in Fort Worth, you would hope that Cadot would get a chance in TCU's remaining games.
A look ahead: Mercifully, the Frogs wrap up their regular season at Air Force on Wednesday.


text:
Product description
- A very popular, classic ESP 7-string model, with absolutely professional features.
- Finish: Black Satin, with black hardware.
- Body: Mahogany.
- Neck: Maple, 3-piece. Neck-thru-body construction - this enables a very good sustain, and a super easy access to the upper frets.
- Scale: 25.5" - Standard.
- Fretboard: Ebony, with ESP "Sanskrit" inlay.
- Frets: 24, XJ (Jumbo).
- Nut: Standard.
- Headstock: ESP Forest-Style, matching the body color.
- Tuners: Sperzel USA, locking.
- Bridge: Tune-o-Matic bridge with stop tailpiece.
- Pickups: 2x EMG 707 active humbuckers. This PU combination is very versatile, provides lots of gain for aggressive sounds, fits well for downtuning and is absolutely quiet, due to its active design.
- Electronics: 1x volume, 1x tone, 3-way toggle switch.
- Absolutely outstanding quality of selected woods, craftsmanship, handling and sound!
- The guitar comes in a high-quality original ESP Forest Series formfit hardcase with ESP logo.
Item condition
Additional information
|ESP Forest F-STD S7 Sanskrit 7 BKS - Black Satin - b-stock
|Electric guitar
|Product group(s)
Order processing time
We ship worldwide on daily basis, with DHL, DPD, and UPS. All in-stock items are usually shipped within 24h upon receipt of payment, mostly on the same working day. Of course, all orders are checked by our qualified personnel and professionally packaged for shipping. Express delivery options are available upon request.
A transport insurance cover up to the full value of the purchased item(s) is already included, at no extra charge.
COD (cash on delivery)
5.00 € COD fee for shipping within Germany. Unfortunately, we currently don't ship COD to addresses outside of Germany.
Personal purchase at our store
Of course, you are absolutely welcome to personally visit our shop premises in Munich to check, test, compare, purchase and take home your items right away, without any waiting, stress or pressure, and with a proper professional advice from our product experts. Please feel free to contact us for your individual time appointment, or simply visit us during our business hours!
Shipping outside the EU
Shipping costs to most EU destinations, Switzerland and Norway are included in the overview on the left. Selling and shipping to any countries not mentioned in this overview is subject to prior inquiry and receipt of our shipping quotation. Please also note that not all orders from all countries can be automatically processed through our website at this time; such orders must be handled on individual basis. If you are outside the EU, please make sure to contact us first, for necessary details on the ordering procedure, shipping and payment. Please make sure to provide us your full address for a correct calculation of the shipping expenses.


text:
MWC 15 Special
That's kind of an interesting news for Microsoft users. After its early investment in Facebook, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Microsoft is investing into Foursquare which helps the New York-based company to turn its location-based service into a sustainable business. According the the WSJ report, Microsoft has (already) invested US$ 15 million and has also agreed to a strategic partnership, Chief Executive Dennis Crowley said in an interview. However, the most important part of this investment is the multi-year contract, Microsoft has signed with Foursquare which allows Microsoft to use Foursquare data in services such as Windows Phone and the company's search engine.
It's said that Foursquare has collected data of more than 60 million restaurants, shops and other points of interest within cities, much of it entered by the app's 45 million users, who rely on the service to broadcast their location to friends and get tips and discounts on the places they go and that's the point. Since these are user generated data, not imported from other services, Foursquare basically owns these data while so called Foursquare "Superuser" help to keep the database up-to-date and clean (disclaimer: I'm also a Foursquare Superuser).
All these data are often used by 3rd party apps like InstaWeather, InstaPlace, etc. to mark a place, for instance where the photo was taken or where it belongs. And that's what Microsoft will also be able to use now, helping Microsoft generate smarter search results, or - as the WSJ highlights - "ping Window Mobile users when they're in the vicinity of a great new restaurant they might like".
According to WSJ, Microsoft becomes Foursquare's single biggest data licensee, though Crowley declined to specify how much the contract is worth. However, the deal with Microsoft is said to not be exclusive and does not change the terms of its deals with other companies that receive its data, Crowley said.
I said it before and often repeated it. Foursquare should and will stay free or charge and they would be dumb if they would display ads in their mobile apps. The real value and asset of Foursquare is the user contributed data of locations, Foursquare virtually owns. They don't have to pay license fees but instead this allows Foursquare to license its data, without the need to sell user profiles.
Cheers ~ Arne
Article Source
Related Articles Foursquare
No items available


text:
Shakespearean Romances
Shakespeare, William
William Shakespeare, 1564–1616, English dramatist and poet, b. Stratford-upon-Avon. He is widely considered the greatest playwright who ever lived.
His father, John Shakespeare, was successful in the leather business during Shakespeare's early childhood but later met with financial difficulties. During his prosperous years his father was also involved in municipal affairs, holding the offices of alderman and bailiff during the 1560s. While little is known of Shakespeare's boyhood, he probably attended the grammar school in Stratford, where he would have been educated in the classics, particularly Latin grammar and literature. Whatever the veracity of Ben Jonson's famous comment that Shakespeare had "small Latine, and less Greeke," much of his work clearly depends on a knowledge of Roman comedy, ancient history, and classical mythology.
In 1582 Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior and pregnant at the time of the marriage. They had three children: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins, Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585. Nothing is known of the period between the birth of the twins and Shakespeare's emergence as a playwright in London (c.1592). However, various suggestions have been made regarding this time, including those that he fled Stratford to avoid prosecution for stealing deer, that he joined a group of traveling players, and that he was a country schoolteacher. The last suggestion is given some credence by the academic style of his early plays; The Comedy of Errors, for example, is an adaptation of two plays by Plautus.
In 1594 Shakespeare became an actor and playwright for the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the company that later became the King's Men under James I. Until the end of his London career Shakespeare remained with the company; it is thought that as an actor he played old men's roles, such as the ghost in Hamlet and Old Adam in As You Like It. In 1596 he obtained a coat of arms, and by 1597 he was prosperous enough to buy New Place in Stratford, which later was the home of his retirement years. In 1599 he became a partner in the ownership of the Globe theatre, and in 1608 he was part owner of the Blackfriars theatre. Shakespeare retired and returned to Stratford c.1613. He undoubtedly enjoyed a comfortable living throughout his career and in retirement, although he was never a wealthy man.
The Plays
Chronology of Composition
The chronology of Shakespeare's plays is uncertain, but a reasonable approximation of their order can be inferred from dates of publication, references in contemporary writings, allusions in the plays to contemporary events, thematic relationships, and metrical and stylistic comparisons. His first plays are believed to be the three parts of Henry VI; it is uncertain whether Part I was written before or after Parts II and III. Richard III is related to these plays and is usually grouped with them as the final part of a first tetralogy of historical plays.
After these come The Comedy of Errors,Titus Andronicus (almost a third of which may have been written by George Peele), The Taming of the Shrew,The Two Gentlemen of Verona,Love's Labour's Lost, and Romeo and Juliet. Some of the comedies of this early period are classical imitations with a strong element of farce. The two tragedies, Titus Andronicus and Romeo and Juliet, were both popular in Shakespeare's own lifetime. In Romeo and Juliet the main plot, in which the new love between Romeo and Juliet comes into conflict with the longstanding hatred between their families, is skillfully advanced, while the substantial development of minor characters supports and enriches it.
After these early plays, and before his great tragedies, Shakespeare wrote Richard II, A Midsummer Night's Dream, King John, The Merchant of Venice, Parts I and II of Henry IV, Much Ado about Nothing, Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night. The comedies of this period partake less of farce and more of idyllic romance, while the history plays successfully integrate political elements with individual characterization. Taken together, Richard II, each part of Henry IV, and Henry V form a second tetralogy of historical plays, although each can stand alone, and they are usually performed separately. The two parts of Henry IV feature Falstaff, a vividly depicted character who from the beginning has enjoyed immense popularity.
The period of Shakespeare's great tragedies and the "problem plays" begins in 1600 with Hamlet. Following this are The Merry Wives of Windsor (written to meet Queen Elizabeth's request for another play including Falstaff, it is not thematically typical of the period), Troilus and Cressida,All's Well That Ends Well,Measure for Measure,Othello,King Lear,Macbeth,Antony and Cleopatra,Coriolanus, and Timon of Athens (the last may have been partially written by Thomas Middleton).
On familial, state, and cosmic levels, Othello, Lear, and Macbeth present clear oppositions of order and chaos, good and evil, and spirituality and animality. Stylistically the plays of this period become increasingly compressed and symbolic. Through the portrayal of political leaders as tragic heroes, Coriolanus and Antony and Cleopatra involve the study of politics and social history as well as the psychology of individuals.
The last two plays in the Shakespearean corpus, Henry VIII and The Two Noble Kinsmen, may be collaborations with John Fletcher. Shakespeare also may have had a small part in writing the play Double Falsehood, first published in 1727 and thought to be mainly the work of Fletcher. The remaining four plays—Pericles (two acts of which may have been written by George Wilkins), Cymbeline,The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest—are tragicomedies. They feature characters of tragic potential, but resemble comedy in that their conclusions are marked by a harmonious resolution achieved through magic, with all its divine, humanistic, and artistic implications.
Appeal and Influence
Since his death Shakespeare's plays have been almost continually performed, in non-English-speaking nations as well as those where English is the native tongue; they are quoted more than the works of any other single author. The plays have been subject to ongoing examination and evaluation by critics attempting to explain their perennial appeal, which does not appear to derive from any set of profound or explicitly formulated ideas. Indeed, Shakespeare has sometimes been criticized for not consistently holding to any particular philosophy, religion, or ideology; for example, the subplot of A Midsummer Night's Dream includes a burlesque of the kind of tragic love that he idealizes in Romeo and Juliet.
The strength of Shakespeare's plays lies in the absorbing stories they tell, in their wealth of complex characters, and in the eloquent speech—vivid, forceful, and at the same time lyric—that the playwright puts on his characters' lips. It has often been noted that Shakespeare's characters are neither wholly good nor wholly evil, and that it is their flawed, inconsistent nature that makes them memorable. Hamlet fascinates audiences with his ambivalence about revenge and the uncertainty over how much of his madness is feigned and how much genuine. Falstaff would not be beloved if, in addition to being genial, openhearted, and witty, he were not also boisterous, cowardly, and, ultimately, poignant. Finally, the plays are distinguished by an unparalleled use of language. Shakespeare had a tremendous vocabulary and a corresponding sensitivity to nuance, as well as a singular aptitude for coining neologisms and punning.
Editions and Sources
The first collected edition of Shakespeare is the First Folio, published in 1623 and including all the plays except Pericles and The Two Noble Kinsmen (the latter play also generally not appearing in modern editions). Eighteen of the plays exist in earlier quarto editions, eight of which are extremely corrupt, possibly having been reconstructed from an actor's memory. The first edition of Shakespeare to divide the plays into acts and scenes and to mark exits and entrances is that of Nicholas Rowe in 1709. Other important early editions include those of Alexander Pope (1725), Lewis Theobald (1733), and Samuel Johnson (1765).
Among Shakespeare's most important sources, Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1587) is significant for the English history plays, although Shakespeare did not hesitate to transform a character when it suited his dramatic purposes. For his Roman tragedies he used Sir Thomas North's translation (1579) of Plutarch's Lives. Many times he rewrote old plays, and twice he turned English prose romances into drama (As You Like It and The Winter's Tale). He also used the works of contemporary European authors. For further information on Shakespeare's sources, see the table entitled Shakespeare's Play.
The Poetry
Shakespeare's first published works were two narrative poems, Venus and Adonis (1593) and The Rape of Lucrece (1594). In 1599 a volume of poetry entitled The Passionate Pilgrim was published and attributed entirely to Shakespeare. However, only five of the poems are definitely considered his, two appearing in other versions in the Sonnets and three in Love's Labour's Lost. A love elegy, The Phoenix and the Turtle, was published in 1601.
Shakespeare's sonnets are by far his most important nondramatic poetry. They were first published in 1609, although many of them had certainly been circulated privately before this, and it is generally agreed that the poems were written sometime in the 1590s. Scholars have long debated the order of the poems and the degree of autobiographical content.
The first 126 of the 154 sonnets are addressed to a young man whose identity has long intrigued scholars. The publisher, Thomas Thorpe, wrote a dedication to the first edition in which he claimed that a person with the initials W. H. had inspired the sonnets. Some have thought these letters to be the transposed initials of Henry Wriothesley, 3d earl of Southampton, to whom Shakespeare dedicated Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece; or they are possibly the initials of William Herbert, 3d earl of Pembroke, whose connection with Shakespeare is more tenuous. The identity of the dark lady addressed in sonnets 127–152 has also been the object of much conjecture but no proof. The sonnets are marked by the recurring themes of beauty, youthful beauty ravaged by time, and the ability of love and art to transcend time and even death.
Critical Opinion
There has been a great variety of critical approach to Shakespeare's work since his death. During the 17th and 18th cent., Shakespeare was both admired and condemned. Since then, much of the adverse criticism has not been considered relevant, although certain issues have continued to interest critics throughout the years. For instance, charges against his moral propriety were made by Samuel Johnson in the 18th cent. and by George Bernard Shaw in the 20th.
Early criticism was directed primarily at questions of form. Shakespeare was criticized for mixing comedy and tragedy and failing to observe the unities of time and place prescribed by the rules of classical drama. Dryden and Johnson were among the critics claiming that he had corrupted the language with false wit, puns, and ambiguity. While some of his early plays might justly be charged with a frivolous use of such devices, 20th-century criticism has tended to praise their use in later plays as adding depth and resonance of meaning.
Generally critics of the 17th and 18th cent. accused Shakespeare of a want of artistic restraint while praising him for a fecund imagination. Samuel Johnson, while agreeing with many earlier criticisms, defended Shakespeare on the question of classical rules. On the issue of unity of time and place he argued that no one considers the stage play to be real life anyway. Johnson inaugurated the criticism of Shakespeare's characters that reached its culmination in the late 19th cent. with the work of A. C. Bradley. The German critics Gotthold Lessing and Augustus Wilhelm von Schlegel saw Shakespeare as a romantic, different in type from the classical poets, but on equal footing. Schlegel first elucidated the structural unity of Shakespeare's plays, a concept of unity that is developed much more completely by the English poet and critic Samuel Coleridge.
While Schlegel and Coleridge were establishing Shakespeare's plays as artistic, organic unities, such 19th-century critics as the German Georg Gervinus and the Irishman Edward Dowden were trying to see positive moral tendencies in the plays. The 19th-century English critic William Hazlitt, who continued the development of character analysis begun by Johnson, considered each Shakespearean character to be unique, but found a unity through analogy and gradation of characterization. While A. C. Bradley marks the culmination of romantic 19th-century character study, he also suggested that the plays had unifying imagistic atmospheres, an idea that was further developed in the 20th cent.
The tendency in 20th-century criticism was to abandon both the study of character as independent personality and the assumption that moral considerations can be separated from their dramatic and aesthetic context. The plays were increasingly viewed in terms of the unity of image, metaphor, and tone. Caroline Spurgeon began the careful classification of Shakespeare's imagery, and although her attempts were later felt to be somewhat naive and morally biased, her work is a landmark in Shakespearean criticism. Other important trends in 20th-century criticism included the Freudian approach, such as Ernest Jones's Oedipal interpretation of Hamlet; the study of Shakespeare in terms of the Elizabethan world view and Elizabethan stage conventions; and the study of the plays in mythic terms.
For about 150 years after his death no one seemed to doubt that Shakespeare wrote the works attributed to him. However, in the latter part of the 18th cent. questions began to arise as to whether or not the historical William Shakespeare was indeed the author. Since then the issue has continued to be a subject of often heated debate, albeit mainly in academic circles. Those who doubt that Shakespeare wrote the works (sometimes called "anti-Stratfordians" ) generally assert that the actor from Stratford had a limited education; some have even claimed that he was illiterate. Many of the questioners maintain that such a provincial upstart could not have had the wide-ranging worldly and scholarly knowledge, linguistic skills, and fine sensibilities evinced by the author of the Shakespearean canon. Such qualities, they assert, could only have been possessed by a university-educated gentleman, multilingual, well-traveled, and quite possibly titled. Critics further contend that playwriting was a lowly profession at the time and that the "real" author protected his reputation by using Shakespeare's name as a pseudonym. Over the years, many other arguments, some involving secret codes, some even more abstruse, have been offered to cast doubt on Shakespeare's authorship.
On the other hand, traditionalists ( "Stratfordians" ) who believe that William Shakespeare was indeed the author of the plays and poems, point out that his probable education at the Stratford grammar school would have provided the required knowledge of the classics and classical civilization as well as of Latin and at least some Greek. They also maintain that what can be assumed to be his broad reading of historical sources along with his daily involvement in the lively worlds of Elizabethan London—artistic and intellectual, ordinary and aristocratic—would, when transmuted by his genius, have provided Shakespeare with the necessary background to create his dramatic and poetic works. Moreover, they say, Shakespeare was known to his contemporaries, as attested to by a number of extant references to him as a writer by other notable men of his time.
Anti-Stratfordians have suggested a number of Elizabethans as candidates for the "real" author of the works. From the late 18th through the 19th cent. the individual most often cited was Francis Bacon, who had the requisite aristocratic background, education, courtly experience, and literary talent. Others claimed that Bacon was one of a group that collectively wrote the Shakespearean oeuvre. In the 20th cent. a new candidate emerged as the authorial front runner—Edward de Vere, 17th earl of Oxford. His proponents, the Oxfordians, cited correspondences between events in his life and those in some of the plays, apparent similarities in the two men's language, and Oxford's proven skills as a dramatist and poet. Prominent among the many reasons to doubt de Vere's authorship is the fact that he died in 1604 and that some of Shakespeare's greatest works were written well after that date.
More than 50 other names have been put forward as the "real" Shakespeare, ranging from the implausible, e.g., Queen Elizabeth I, to the somewhat more possible, e.g., Christopher Marlowe; William Stanley, 6th earl of Derby; and Roger Manners, 5th earl of Rutland. Still others have suggested that the works were the result of a collaboration by two or more Elizabethan writers. In 2005 a new candidate, Sir Henry Neville, a courtier, diplomat, and distant relative of Shakespeare, was proposed. Even as studies and biographies of Shakespeare proliferate, the authorship controversy shows few signs of subsiding, and books, scholarly essays, and, more recently, websites continue to be devoted to the question. Scholars have also suggested that some of the plays were cowritten. The New Oxford Shakespeare (2016) identified 17 plays as cowritten, crediting Marlowe as coauthor of the Henry VI plays.
See also biographies by E. K. Chambers (2 vol., 1930), G. E. Bentley (1961), S. Schoenbaum (1970 and 1975), S. Wells (1974), R. Fraser (2 vol., 1988), P. Levi (1988, repr. 1995), E. Sams (1995), P. Honan (1998), A. Holden (1999), I. L. Matus (1999), and P. Ackroyd (2005); A. Nicoll et al., ed., Shakespeare Survey (1948–) and, as author, Shakespeare: An Introduction (1952); G. Taylor, Reinventing Shakespeare (1989); J. Bate, The Genius of Shakespeare (1997); H. Vendler, The Art of Shakespeare's Sonnets (1997); H. Bloom, Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human (1998); D. S. Kastan, ed., A Companion to Shakespeare (1999); S. Orgel, Imagining Shakespeare (2003); B. Vickers, Shakespeare, Co-Author (2003); S. Wells, Shakespeare for All Time (2003) and Shakespeare, Sex & Love (2010); S. Greenblatt, Will in the World (2004) and Shakespeare's Freedom (2010); J. Shapiro, A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599 (2005), Contested Will: Who Wrote Shakespeare? (2010), as ed., Shakespeare in America (2014), and The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606 (2015); M. Garber, Shakespeare and Modern Culture (2008); J. Knapp, Shakespeare Only (2009); J. Bate, Soul of the Age: A Biography of the Mind of William Shakespeare (2009); C. Beauclerk, Shakespeare's Lost Kingdom (2010); T. Tanner, Prefaces to Shakespeare (2010); G. Wills, Verdi's Shakespeare (2011); G. Bullough, ed., Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare (8 vol., 1957–75); O. J. Campbell and E. G. Quinn, ed., The Reader's Encyclopedia of Shakespeare (1966); M. R. Martin and R. C. Harrier, The Concise Encyclopedic Guide to Shakespeare (1972); M. Spevack, A Complete and Systematic Concordance to the Works of Shakespeare (6 vol., 1970) and The Harvard Concordance to Shakespeare (1973); bibliographies ed. by G. R. Smith (1963), E. Quinn et al. (1973), and L. S. Champion (1986).


text:
Does Facebook Have 600 Million Users Yet?
What's the next big Facebook public user-count milestone?
The social networking giant had for a while publicly announced every 50 million active users it had added, though more recently it waited for 100 million increments.
If Facebook were growing purely linearly (which of course it's not), the site would be crossing 600 million users right about now, at the turn of the year. (See the chart below, which illustrates user-count milestones since mid-2008. Facebook counts users as "active" if they have returned to the site within the past 30 days.)
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in June at Cannes that it's "almost a guarantee" Facebook will reach one billion users, though he didn't predict when that would happen.
Facebook insiders said the company is waiting for a bigger milestone than just a few more million users.
A spokesperson did not suggest when that next milestone might be, saying only, "We update our stats occasionally, but have not updated our active user number since this summer when we announced that we hit 500 million people." (Update: A reader points out that Facebook apparently confirmed it had 550 million users for Time Magazine, as cited within its Man of the Year piece on Zuckerberg.)
Without public figures, it is of course possible that Facebook active user growth has slowed. However, just last week comScore numbers indicated that Facebook had surpassed Yahoo to become the third-most-visited Web site in the world, after Google and Microsoft.
To quote the great Justin Timberlake (sort of): You know what's cooler than a million users? A billion users.
Please see the disclosure about Facebook in my ethics statement.