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Kembalilah Wahai Bidadari...

emperor — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:23:10 +0000

Awal cerita hiduplah seorang lelaki yang bernama Rei, nama lengkapnya Silvarei Galpagos. Rei adalah

Environmental Affairs Update

meisnerarmstrong — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:08:52 +0000

Hey Folks,

As you may have noticed, I am no longer the SGA Treasurer. I have hung my abacus and refuse to open any more spreadsheets. Now a days, my dealings are with the environment – recycling, renewable energy, conservation, education, and the whole kit and caboodle.

Recently, the Renewable Energy Initiative (REI) celebrated the accomplishment of installing the largest wind turbine in North Carolina that was purchased in part through the funds of the voluntary REI fee. With the completion of the wind turbine and a solar thermal system on top of Plemmons Student Union, the committee is continuing to suggest and work on new ideas for the implementation of renewable energy around campus.

In other news, I am continuing to work on Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC), a program that promotes reusing a single cup/mug for incentives of cheaper product. Jacob Nall drafted a rockin’ design that I’m excited about getting out there for use.

Finally, as Winter Break comes closer I’ll be working on an educational campaign discussing phantom energy. Phantom energy comes from appliances that are plugged in and draw electricity while in a sleep or off mode.

For any questions, concerns, or comments feel free to email me or stop by the office to talk.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving,

Andrew Edmonds

The National Real Estate Investors Association has a new blog

nareia — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:49:15 +0000

The National Real Estate Investors Association has a new blog! New articles and valuable content will be coming soon. In the meantime, visit the website for more information.

50 anni fa moriva Mario Mazza, ideatore delle Gioiose, precursore degli Scouts

Andrea "feynman82" — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:30 +0000

E’ uscito su Avvenire un interessantisimo articolo sulla storia di un grande personaggio genovese, Mario Mazza. Consigliamo a tutti di leggerlo:

50 anni fa moriva Mario Mazza – Italia: scout cattolici nati sotto il giglio

Frattanto ecco una breve sintesi di quanto proprio a Genova accadeva, segnando la storia dello scoutismo cattolico italiano:

Scoutismo cattolico: la nascita a Genova nel Chiostro delle Vigne

1905: Il pedagogista Mario Mazza fonda a Genova i Ragazzi Esploratori Cattolici Italiani (RECI)
1910: Mario Mazza conosce il medico inglese sir James Richardson Spensley. Insieme fondarono la Sezione genovese dei Ragazzi Esploratori italiani (REI).
1912: A Roma il prof. Roberto Colombo fonda il Corpo Nazionale Giovani Esploratori Italiani (CNGEI), dove confluiscono molti giovani dei REI.
1913: Mario Mazza esce dal REI per contrasto con il Presidente di allora. Con l’autorizzazione della Curia Arcivescovile di Genova fonda nuovamente le Gioiose, ma in chiave Scout.
La cerimonia si svolse nel Chiostro Millenario delle Vigne. Primo Assistente Spirituale fu don Vittorio Bruzzo, Canonico della Insigne Collegiata.
1928: Il governo scioglie lo scoutismo; mons. V. Bruzzo difese gli Scouts presso le autorità civili e con articoli sui giornali; per la sua fiera opposizione venne denunciato come antifascista. Finita la guerra, fu tra coloro che riorganizzeranno l’ASCI.

Per concludere questa documentazione storica, due foto d’eccezione:

Targa nel chiostro delle Vigne

Cappella dei Lanaioli – ex chiesa di S. Agostino- Genova
(una nota interessante su questa foto di Procione Attento nei commenti)

TANTI AUGURI MARIO MAZZA, E UN SENTITO GRAZIE DA PARTE DI TUTTI NOI!!!!!

Enfim chegou a Televisão!

Iza — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:56:57 +0000

Estão vendo esse homem na foto ao lado? Sabem que foi ele?

Digam olá para Assis Chateaubriand.

Tá, ja sei o nome dele! Mas o que tem de mais nisso? (Você deve estar se perguntando isso agora)

Este Paraibano, de Umbuzeiro, foi o responsável pela chegada da televisão ao Brasil, em 1950.

Menino que teve um desenvolvimento conturbado devido a sua gagueira e ao fato de ser pequeno e magrinho, transformou-se em um dos mais poderosos da comunicação brasileira. Fazendo referencia ao título do livro que traz a biografia de Chateaubriand, podemos dizer, Chatô foi o Rei do Brasil.

Ele queria ele fazia, assim foi com tudo durante a sua vida e não ia deixar de ser com a televisão.

Fundou em São Paulo a TV TUPI difusora e para que a primeira transmissão oficial acontecesse em setembro de 1950, contrabandeou 200 aparelhos receptores e espalhou em pontos estratégicos da cidade de São Paulo.

Dizem também, que ele fez algumas manobras para que a sua emissora fosse a primeira do Brasil, atrasando alguns processos da TV Record.

A primeira transmissão de fato ocorreu no dia 18 de setembro de 1950, trazendo o espetáculo chamado TV NA TABA, que contou com um time de peso, senod em sua amioria profissionais do rádio.

Para nós que as vezes vemos os bastidores dos programas de hoje e sabemos de toda a tecnologia, é dificil acreditar que naquela época orquestras inteiras eram colocadas dentro dos estúdios para fazer a trilha sonora dos programas, que os comerciais eram feitos ao vivo e que tudo que se errasse ia para o ar.

Tudo isso acontecia por que não existia o video tape, então não era possivel gravar nenhuma programação, somente alguns comerciais e filmes, porque eram gravados em película, mas era bastante caro.

Falando em altos preços, quando a televisão chegou ao Brasil ela era um privilégio para poucos. Ter um aparelho desse na sala de casa e uma antena no telhao dava status para a família. Por causa disso, os vizinhos abriam suas casas para que aqueles que não tinham TV pudessem acompanhar a novidade. Esses encontros eram praticamente eventos, era suco e bolo pra todo mundo.

REI sale

taylorius — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:49:11 +0000

22% off on Marmot and Mountain Hardwear gear. Ends tomorrow [Thursday, Nov 19].

Promo code: OUT2DAY

Scoutismo e... Mario Mazza!

Falco Impetuoso — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:09:03 +0000

Dal quotidiano “Avvenire” del 18 novembre 2009

50 anni fa moriva Mario Mazza

Italia: scout cattolici

nati sotto il giglio

Cinquant’anni fa, esattamente il 21 novembre 1959, moriva a Verona Mario Mazza. Era stato l’iniziatore dello scautismo cattolico in Italia nel secondo decennio del secolo scorso a Genova, dov’era nato nel 1882. Aveva però iniziato la sua attività di educatore già nel 1905, quando, ancor studente universitario, aveva convinto gli amici Min Ratto e Giorgio Paganini della capitale importanza della questione educativa e insieme con loro aveva fondato la Juventus Juvat, un movimento giovanile per radunare ed educare i ragazzi nelle ore libere dalla scuola, nell’intento di aiutarli negli studi, guidarli in gite d’istruzione e allenamenti sportivi.

Costituì in tal modo un gruppo di ragazzi che denominò Gioiosa (derivandone il nome dalla casa di Vittorino da Feltre) e che riunì nell’ex Oratorio di San Nicolosio a Genova. Distintivo del gruppo era la foglia di rosa a 5 punte, simbolo dei gruppetti in cui vennero suddivisi i ragazzi. Il movimento d’idee non uscì dalla cerchia universitaria, ma vi collaborarono con consigli e aiuti personalità della cultura e dell’educazione come Edmondo De Amicis, Arrigo Boito e altri. Il 13 novembre1910 Mazza, insieme col dottor James Richardson Spensley (1867-1915), incontrò a Genova il baronetto inglese Francis Patrick Fletcher Vane, che nell’estate aveva promosso a Bagni di Lucca un primo gruppo scout all’inglese.

Dopo l’incontro, Mazza e Spensley – un medico inglese che a Genova curava i marinai delle navi britanniche e che fu all’origine anche della squadra calcistica del Genoa – fondarono l’Associazione dei Ragazzi Esploratori Italiani (Rei). La sede messa a disposizione dal Comune era il chiostro e la trecentesca diruta chiesa di Sant’Agostino, nella quale venne scovato anche il giglio da adottare come italiani: esso era al sommo dell’arco della Cappella dei Lanaiuoli fiorentini.

Due anni dopo, nel 1912, sorsero però divergenze con Ottavio Reghini, presidente della sezione ligure della Rei, che molto abilmente era riuscito a mettere l’associazione sotto l’egida della Massoneria. Mazza e Spensley si ritirarono perciò non potendo tollerare che venisse mutato il carattere apolitico fissato nello statuto di fondazione. Sempre in collaborazione con Spensley, nel 1913 Mazza trasformò il suo gruppo di esploratori nella seconda Gioiosa, con sede nel chiostro di Nostra Signora delle Vigne, vicino all’abitazione paterna, «con ordinamento scout e sotto l’antica bandiera della Juventus Juvat».

Il gruppo conservava il simbolo del giglio accanto alla foglia di rosa e si dotava di un fazzoletto scout bianco con un bordo rosso vivo. Dal 29 marzo al 3 aprile 1914 il gruppo svolse poi il primo campeggio al Deserto (convento) di Varazze (Sv). In aprile Mazza preparò inoltre il nuovo Statuto che ottenne l’approvazione «ad experimentum» dall’arcivescovo di Genova monsignor Ludovico Gavotti. In tal modo le autorità religiose della diocesi riconoscevano ufficialmente il movimento, che allora prese il nome di Esploratori Cattolici Italiani, dando carattere ufficiale all’iniziativa e animandosi ad attivare altri gruppi nei vari quartieri cittadini.

Nel 1921 Mario Mazza insieme con la moglie Lisa De Nardo, che aveva sposato nel 1914, si trasferì definitivamente a Roma per meglio seguire l’Associazione Scautistica Cattolica Italiana (Asci), da lui fondata il 23 gennaio 1916 e in grande espansione in Italia, redigendo pressoché tutti i manuali dell’associazione.

Quando poi nel 1928 il regime fascista soppresse l’Asci, egli trasferì i princìpi e i metodi dello scautismo nella scuola, insegnando e collaborando con i maggiori pedagogisti e le più importanti riviste pedagogiche del tempo. Tra queste I Diritti della Scuola, di cui diresse la parte didattica fino al 1942, entrando in tal modo a far parte del gruppo pedagogico di Luigi Volpicelli, Giuseppe Lombardo Radice, Giorgio Gabrielli e Nazzareno Padellaro, e Scuola Italiana Moderna, edita da La Scuola di Brescia.

Alla fine della seconda guerra mondiale Mario Mazza fu tra i principali promotori della rinascita dell’Asci, che riavviò insieme con altri importanti personaggi ancora nel settembre 1943. Dopo la liberazione di Roma da parte degli alleati, avvenuta agli inizi di giugno 1944, partecipò a tutti gli incontri con le autorità ecclesiastiche vaticane, con Luigi Gedda, allora presidente della Gioventù Italiana di Azione Cattolica (Giac), per il riavvio dell’associazione scautistica cattolica.

Mazza avrebbe voluto, come del resto auspicava anche l’organizzazione scout internazionale, che si costituisse in Italia un’unica associazione, ma non vi riuscì: riuscì invece, insieme con gli altri esponenti scout, a non farla assorbire dalla Giac e a farla rinascere come Asci. Durante questo periodo tuttavia Mazza non era ben compreso da coloro che, durante il ventennio fascista, avevano continuato clandestinamente le attività scout giovanili nei boschi e sulle montagne. Il suo ruolo durante il fascismo fu perciò «molto discusso», ma egli si difese sempre dichiarando di aver continuato a svolgere attività scout «clandestina» negli ambienti scolastici seppur in forme diverse dalle usuali.

Quando poi, nell’estate del 1944, venne sospeso dall’incarico di direttore didattico della Scuola «Franchetti» da parte della Commissione centrale per l’epurazione del personale dipendente, poté presentare un lungo memoriale in sua difesa, che convinse la Commissione al punto da reintegrarlo nei ruoli del Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione.

Negli anni del dopoguerra l’Asci visse anche un periodo di grande ristrutturazione dei princìpi e del metodo, che portò a una nuova definizione e organizzazione delle Branche di Lupetti, Esploratori e Rover. Ciò accadde particolarmente dopo la partecipazione al Jamboree de la Paix, un raduno internazionale che si svolse nel 1947 a Moisson (Francia) tra ragazzi di Paesi che fino a due anni prima erano stati nemici tra loro; in quell’occasione gli italiani rimasero particolarmente suggestionati dallo scautismo cattolico francese e belga, soprattutto per la spiritualità e le attività dei gruppi più anziani di rover, scolte e capi. Nel frattempo si costituì anche l’associazione femminile o Associazione Guide Italiane (Agi); proprio dall’unione tra Asci e Agi, nel 1974 nacque l’attuale Agesci.

Mazza e gli altri che erano stati scout fin dalla prima ora e che avevano fatto dello scautismo il loro «sistema di vita» si posero inoltre il problema di come continuare a viverlo anche nell’età adulta, pur non potendo più svolgere le attività nell’associazione giovanile. Vennero così fondate dapprima le Compagnie dei Cavalieri di San Giorgio, le quali diedero poi vita, sotto lo sprone determinante di Mazza, al Movimento Adulti Scout Cattolici Italiani (Masci): la nuova associazione fu fondata alla Domus Pacis di Roma nel 1954 ed è tutt’oggi fiorente con oltre 6.000 iscritti. Nel 1950 Mario Mazza aveva aperto anche un collegio scout sperimentale per ragazzi bisognosi, dapprima a Cortona e dal 1953 alla periferia di Verona. La morte lo colse mentre affrontava il problema di dare continuità alla sua opera anche dopo la sua scomparsa.

Seguirono funerali solenni, col cordoglio anche di papa Giovanni XXIII e numerose commemorazioni. Il collegio però continuò solo per un altro anno. Oggi, 50 anni dopo, il personaggio meriterebbe di essere conosciuto soprattutto per le elaborazioni pedagogico-didattiche e per la spiritualità. Lo scautismo cattolico gli deve, tra l’altro, le prassi religiose tuttora in uso nell’associazione, come la posizione dell’altare al centro del campeggio, la messa mattutina al campo, la meditazione serale dopo il fuoco di bivacco.

Pino Agostini

People Always Love Their Brands' Stories

paulmiller1960 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:31:48 +0000

I was riding on the railroad from my Westchester County, N.Y., home to New York City this morning with a fellow who recognized me. Nice guy. I sort of recognized him, but didn’t know (or remember?) his name. But he knew mine, because he used to watch my son play on the high school basketball team. We talked almost the entire hour-long ride about a myriad of subjects. Inevitably, the issue of my forthcoming unemployment came up.

Explaining to people what I’ve done for most of my professional life — editing, writing and reporting for a B-to-B publication/newsletter/Website serving the retail/catalog/e-commerce business — has never been easy. I get a lot of quizzical looks. Sure, they perk up a bit when I say “y’know, companies like Lands’ End, L.L.Bean, those…,” but more often than not, they just don’t get it.

That’s fine. I’d venture to guess that about 30%-50% of the world’s professions can’t be easily explained to the average Joe. But the cool thing about my profession — if there is a cool thing about it, and while it lasts — is people have heard of the kinds of companies I’ve covered over the years.

So this gentleman and I got into a whole involved conversation about our families and he talked about his family’s devout love for skiing and lodging up north. Then he got into some of the brands he’s either bought from over the years or received catalogs from, like REI, Patagonia, Eastern Mountain Sports, and others. He really led the conversation, raving about REI, its service and its cooperative set-up to which he gains annual dividends. I was quick to inject that I wrote up a big cover story on REI just last May (see http://www.allaboutroimag.com/article/the-camping-gear-marketer-has-changed-its-approach-but-not-its-focus-406552_1.html). We had a nice connect.

But he wasn’t done. And keep in mind that this kind gentleman is in the financial world, but has no sort of business connections to the retail world. He continued to lead this conversation. Somehow we talked our way into Abercrombie & Fitch, sharing recollections of the Sharper Image-Meets-Brookstone A&F used to be back in the ’80s before it became a racy teen clothing phenom.

That led him to discuss Eddie Bauer and its latest comeback. He boasted that recently he had these two bags (I think they were backpacks?) he had bought from Bauer some 20 years ago — and what? three or four ownership changes ago? — and the inner lining of both had fallen apart. He decided to try to send them back and see what Bauer would do. Much to his surprise and joy, Bauer gave him a credit for comparable new ones.

It seems as though anybody can tell a good story about a merchant they’ve done business with at some point in their lives. People clammer to favorite retail brands and often get caught up in those brands’ evolution.

Everybody loves a story, and in retail or mail order or even e-commerce, they’re looking to be part of newer stories. As retailers and businesses of all types continue to tighten their belts, they shouldn’t lose track of the stories they tell – past, present and future.

Vasque Mantra Cross-Training Shoes

brandshoe — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:18:13 +0000

The Vasque Mantra cross-training shoes I bought at the REI garage sale were basically brand new. There were no signs of wear at all, which made the price even more amazing at $19.83 (they retail for $99.95 or so).

Vasque Mantra Cross-Training Shoes - Men's

PROS:

These are hands-down the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever owned or worn. They give me that take-off-your-shoes-at-the-end-of-the-day-and-walk-on-plush-carpet feeling for hours on end. They’re great to hike in and have pretty good ankle support for a shoe (given it doesn’t come up on the ankle at all). They breathe like crazy so they’re good for warm weather hiking. The vibram sole is extremely durable and helps me feel sure on my feet. I would recommend to highly recommend these shoes to anyone doing anything outdoors. This is my second pair.

CONS:

They don’t insulate very well in the cold. If you’re hiking on really dusty trails, you may end up with really dirty socks and feet as fine dust can go right through them. They’re not water-resistant, but Vasque does make a pair of the Mantras that are, they just cost more.

Hello!

elkangirl — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:21:47 +0000

I have officially researched real estate wholesaling for an entire week straight (9+ hours each day)
and i feel exhausted, lol. my eyes hurt every time i get on this thing but the good news is..im learning!
learning a lil too much i think (j/k). i actually purchased an ebook from brian and ryan of learn to flip real estate
and i guess it was pretty good stuff..ive also been watching alot of youtube videos as well..what i really want to find
is an ebook (under $100) that will take me step by step through the process of an actual deal (from finding the property to closing).
in brian & ryans ebook they explain their first deals from when they first got started and im not gonna lie, they are very inspirational but at the
same time even though they tell you exactly what they did .. all of it wasnt right/legal, lol. im actually thinking about paying for a mentor but man
this crap is expensive!! i wish i could find someone thats doing this in my area (im sure there is) but they are not on the forums ive been visiting.
anyways…let me see what all have a learned this past week? wow..alot

i know what ARV is yay!! lol
learned the basic principles of wholesaling property
ive learned alot of marketing tips
alot of ways to build a buyers list

i know ive learn alot more than this but this is all i can come up with for now because my brain feels like its about to burst with this overload
of information and i need to take
a little break.

oh yea..before i go … the day before yesterday i went on yahoo to search for investors in kansas..i came across a company
from kansas city that rehabs properties..and i was thinking damn..more ppl in kansas city .. can i find anyone
in wichita, ks… but i know kc is like maybe a couple
hours away so i decided to shoot them an email anyway..so i filled out their online form and introduced myself.
told them i was a wholesaler and if they would be inerested in working some deals my way..well gues what..
they emailed me back today and the guy told me to call his cell…now im scarred shitless, lol..
i have know idea what the hell to tell him (hi, my name is lablanca and i dont know what im doing but i was told that one of the first things i need to do is build my buyers lit so….how would you like to be added? i’ll be your little puppy and find whatever you need!)..i know ive read some on this subject..but i forgot..so what im
about to do is go read on biggerpockets forum and try and get some advice…..i’ll let you know
what happens..

well i guess thats it for now…gotta rest the eyes to start again 2marro!

Rebuild of Evangelion 1.0, the Dub Review

brikhaus — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:36:02 +0000

Delicious Eva-flavored Doritos

In honor of the first Rebuild of Evangelion movie being released on DVD in the U.S., I thought I’d post my thoughts of the dub. My dub review comes from a theatrical viewing of the dub a few months ago, and is not representative of the DVD. But they should be identical anyway.

First of all, I completely loathed the original Evangelion dub (and I hated the original movie dubs even more). It had one of the worst assembled casts of all time. Worse than the people in “Manos: The Hands of Fate.” Not to mention one of the shittiest directors, Matt Greenfield, ever. Basically, he just cast a bunch of his no-talent friends, and had them ham it up. The original dub is on par with what you’d find in a middle school drama class. It is fucking awful. A testament to why you should never watch a dub. And just in case any of you think I “hate all dubs,” let me explain something else. There are some anime dubs that I loved, and watch those shows exclusively in English (e.g. Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Outlaw Star, and Fullmetal Alchemist — just to name a few). Anyway, my expectations for the Rebuild of Evangelion dub were extremely low. I was expecting a turd on celluloid. So, how did it hold up?

Shinji – Spike Spencer performed much better than he ever did in the TV series. It seems like he has grown quite a lot as an actor. His line delivery was spot on almost all of the time. He embodied the role quite well, and was very convincing. The only complaint I have is that his screams are somewhat comical, and when Eva-01 got blasted by Ramiel, his screams were so ridiculous they actually made me laugh out loud. I don’t think the other theater-goers were very happy with me.

Misato – Allison Keith-Shipp did a good job, too. While I still think her acting can be a little weak, and her voice shrill, for the most part she was fine. She had the proper amount of gravity during dramatic scenes, and the right amount of lightheartedness in the fun scenes. She was probably the person I hated the most in the original dub, and I expected her to ruin the entire movie. Fortunately, she has improved a lot as an actor since her original performance in the TV series. Not bad, not bad at all.

Rei – Her voice actress was excellent. She was able to be quiet and solemn, without sounding fake and hoarse like Amanda Winn-Lee (the original english Rei). She doesn’t have that many lines, but her delivery for all of them was perfect. Without a doubt, she was one of the highlights of the dub.

Rei getting her Rick James on.

Gendo – Why is Crispin Freeman* not voicing this character? Gendo was all right, but not too memorable. He came off as more of a bastard than the previous dub actor, which is definitely a good thing. Still, there was something lacking in his performance. Maybe he came across as too emotionally involved, where Gendo should seem detached. Again, a good performance, but not amazing. *Rumor has it that Robin Williams, a self-proclaimed Evangelion fan, also auditioned for the role of Gendo. While it might have been odd hearing a big star on an anime dub, I think he would have been much better than the person they went with. At least he would have sounded different than the actor who played Fuyutsuki.

Fuyutsuki – He sounds too much like Gendo, and sometimes it can be hard to tell which character is speaking. I’m apathetic to his performance as he does not have much of a presence in this movie.

Ritsuko – Sort of flat sounding. She had more of the detached voice that Gendo should have had. I think her actress, while good, could have been better. There’s just something about her voice that doesn’t quite fit the character.

Toji – The best Toji so far. At first I didn’t like his voice, but it grew on me. By the end, I thought he fit the role well.

Kensuke – I think that Greg Ayres did an awesome job. Even though he is omnipresent in anime these days, he did fine. His higher pitched, almost puberty-cracking voice was perfect for the role. He had the right amount of enthusiasm and nerdiness to make Kensuke memorable.

Keel – Although he only shows up in Monolith form, his voice is menacing as hell. Great choice.

Kaworu – He seemed all right, but his part was too brief to make any real judgment.

Bridge Bunnies – They sort of just blend into the scenes, and nobody stood apart from the others.

While I don’t think this cast will ever surpass the original Japanese actors, Funimation did a damn good job. This time they had a real director instead of motherfucking Matt Greenfield, and that payed off in spades. Spike and Allison have had years to improve their skills, and with a competent director, were able to turn in great performances. Overall, the dub was good, and I can entertain the idea of watching it again in the future. While the original Japanese is still the best, this English dub is a vast improvement over the ADV dub.

And also, it rocked watching Evangelion in a movie theater, on the big screen.

Verdict: Good

Evangelion 2.0 - You Can (Not) Advance [Warning: Contains Spoilers]

Shazzsteel — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:32:40 +0000

Travel and Arrival You Can (Not) Advance – which was what basically happened to me on the way to the

Blogografia 2

pratxanda — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:34 +0000

Tornem al recopilatori de blogs i notícies interessant apargeudes ales darreres setmanes.

Público està que es surt i n’acapara un fotimer.

Cas Transició: Descobrim a José Carlos Monedero, tot parlant del militar franquista mort recentment, Sabino Fernández-Campos.

Quien hurta información a los pueblos quizá sea prudente, pero está por demostrar que sea demócrata.

La democracia española, desde la Transición, viene guardando silencio y obligando a impostar la voz para lograr un espacio público

Cas Alakrana: Impagable José A. Pérez i punyent Hugo Martínez Abarca

Si realmente queremos ayudar a los pescadores, invirtamos las subvenciones en reciclar a quienes no tiene más remedio que jugarse la vida por un puñado de atunes.

Cas Campechano I y la seva Comptabilitat: Efectiu Nacho escolar.

Impagable el diputat del PP que en resposta a Joan Tardà, va i brama:

“odio verdaderamente deleznable” que ERC alberga contra “la institución mejor valorada por los españoles”.Igual que en años anteriores, el diputado del PP aseguró que los republicanos pretenden cambiar la Constitución a través de los Presupuestos. Terminó recurriendo incluso a alusiones personales. Albendea advirtió a Tardá que no aceptarán de ERC lecciones de “moderación, sentido común, moralidad ni transparencia”. “No queremos ser como usted”, concluyó.

Ni que hagués dit “guillotina” en seu parlamentària!!

Evangelion 1.01 You Are (Not) Alone First 8 Minutes

kamanashi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:36:38 +0000

AMAZING! Can’t wait for the Blu-Ray release next year.

Where's The Service-su? Evangelion Magazine Exclusives

Actar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:07:15 +0000

Ever wonder what or where the service Misato promises at the end of every preview is? Anyways, just collected my tickets for tomorrow’s showing of Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance! I will be watching the Friday 11.40pm showing at Cineleisure Orchard.

To commemorate the event, let’s take a look at all the Evangelion Related Magazine Exclusives that I have acquired so far.

Asuka from Young Ace Vol. 2

Mari from NewType Magazine

Mari Plugsuit Ver. from Young Ace Vol.1

Yes, this Mari figure does have an exchangeable head with her helmet off, but I forgot to take a picture. (^.^;)

Overall, for Magazine exclusives, they have superb detail and are exceedingly well crafted. Won’t miss out on the Rei figure that will be released with Young Ace Vol. 3! Ah, as for the revoltech miniature, I’m sure you’ve seen my review by now. (^.^)

Anyone seeing the movie at the same time and place as me?

Smokies Hiking Trip 2009

mixonitup — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:28:48 +0000

While the ladies manned the fort (8 kids), we went hiking on the Appalachian Trail. We put in at Newfound Gap in the heart of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We hiked northbound on the trail for 5days/4nights. We were weather channel savvy and hiked to the first shelter prior to the monsoon that arrived the first day. Thankfully, we stayed fairly dry. We had gusty rain through the majority of the night.

The following morning (Wednesday), was clear and cool. The hike took us by Charlie’s Bunion and over the sawteeth. Vistas were clear and beautiful. Several spots gave a 180-degree view. I’ll post some photos without many captions (too much effort involved). We hiked shelter-to-shelter backing off a little from the mileage obtained in the previous years. This made for a more relaxed experience. You will notice that there is a photo of a grouse. his name is Ricardo (don’t know how he earned that one) and he is a resident of the TriCorner Knob shelter metro area. Saw lots of bear scat but no bears. I do want to put a plug in for the new sleeping pad I bought this year. It is the REI Lite-Core 1.5. This pad was worth every penny. Light, compact, luxurious. I was not paid by REI to say that, but wouldn’t refuse it if they like the publicity.

The hikers this year were Andy Wells, Micah Lewis, Chad Bailey, and myself. We also had some rain on our hike out of the park, but a steak dinner made it tolerable.

All in all a great trip. Fun Facts about Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN:

1. These two towns have a pancake restaurant/resident ratio of 3:1. I was amused and counted twelve dedicated pancake establishments as we drove the main drag of Pigeon Forge. This is not counting the Shoney’s and TWO Cracker Barrel stores. What gives? Who decided that pancakes are the official food of Appalachia? Did I miss this in my schooling?

2. You can buy a Funnel Cake 365 days a year in Gatlinburg.

3. There were at least 5 stores that I’m confident sold a Braveheart-like sword.

4. Halloween is creepy in Gatlinburg. Hard to tell who is wearing a costume or just out for a night on the town.

Rumo à Série A em 2011

Lule — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:21:09 +0000

Essa imagem aí pertence à década de 80. O ano certo, confesso, não sei. Mas o que importa é o que nela está traduzido: atacante rubro-negro na área, bola na rede, torcedores em festa na Ilha do Retiro.

Essa imagem aí, vamos combinar, nós já vimos milhares de vezes. Participamos dela. Protagonizamos cenas históricas. Só neste 2009, batemos LDU e Colo-Colo pela Libertadores. Sim, pois neste mesmo 2009 que está para se encerrar, jogamos pela segunda vez o torneio continental.

Essa imagem aí vem do passado para vislumbrar o futuro. Porque no presente, OK, o Sport Club do Recife já se encontra matematicamente rebaixado para a Série B. Vamos jogar a Segundona em 2010. Tudo bem. De fato, nenhum de nós que fazemos o blog da TORCE imaginava que o ano que começou com vitórias no Chile terminaria assim. Mas é assim mesmo que a vida segue… Com surpresas de um lado e a reafirmação de um compromisso ideológico-afetivo-futebolístico-cultural-existencial do outro. Porque torcer pelo Sport não é apenas vestir a camisa rubro-negra. É ser do Sport, é viver o Sport, é carregar o time no coração a todo instante, a toda hora, em todo o lugar. É nunca se esconder. Muito menos quando o time está ali, na lanterna.

Essa imagem aí é a certeza de que em 2010 vamos ser pentacampeões pernambucanos, vamos jogar a Copa do Brasil em busca do bicampeonato e vamos quebrar todos os rivais na Segundona.

Essa imagem aí é minha provocação para os alienados: vão encarar o Leão em 2010? Vão duvidar da nossa força? Da nossa capacidade de recuperação?

Essa imagem aí é minha aposta: quem quer casar dinheiro que o Sport, com Givanildo Oliveira, o velho Giva, como técnico, vai ser campeão pernambucano?

Essa imagem aí é a certeza de que hoje, 12 de novembro de 2009, é o dia em que a torcida do Sport, a despeito da pífia campanha no Brasileirão e das confusões que (sempre) envolvem a diretoria, acordou com a missão de ajudar a devolver o Leão a seu posto natural: o de rei.

Que venha 2010. Rumo à Série A (e à Libertadores, por que não?) em 2011.

O Rei Acorrentado

Daniel R — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:40:12 +0000

Só pra não deixar o blog sem nada da minha parte (ocupado pra dedéu), uma pequena lenda que usarei com um monstro na minha campanha. Ela foi tirada da Dragonslayer 07, e o autor do texto original é o MEDC. Não reparem na mistura horrorosa de norma culta com coloquial, é que vou brincando com os termos à medida que dá vontade.

Meus estimados convivas, agradáveis companheiros de copo, como sois todos corajosos de estar em uma taverna no fim do mundo em uma noite gélida e agourenta como esta, brindar-vos-ei com uma estória que me vem ao pensamento já que o frio eregela nossos ossos podres. Teus próprios corações hão de julgar se tal narrativa faz-se ou não verdadeira.

Pois bem. Taverneira, maldita, enche a minha taça e que vá às favas a ladainha. Segura a taça, rapariga, enquanto ao alaúde dedilho os acordes.

Ouçam a lenda do norte
Do belo rei Rorjavik
Tinha coração doirado
Seus campos vivazes
Seu nome adorado.

Reza uma lenda antiga na qual um bondoso rei de terras distantes viu seu último inverno cruel, quando seus domínios foram implacavelmente atacados por uma horda de demônios, míticas e temidas bestas dos abismos mais escuros.

O soberano, Rorjavik do antigo clã Bolderon, era querido e amado por todos os seus súditos, um carismático e astuto senhor, de inigualável habilidade tanto na peleja quanto na refinada equitação. Suas palavras vinham acompanhadas de ruidosa exultação, e seus éditos eram os mais justos. Assim, este grandioso líder tinha poucos inimigos.

E o monarca fazia o reino. Suas terras eram a mais prósperas, e seu povo dos mais contentes.

Mas quanto mais alto é um alguém, meus amigos, maior é a sombra – é o que dizem.

E a sombra tinha a sibilante forma da traição: era de se esperar que nosso prodigioso rei fosse também uma fortaleza em cerco de exércitos femininos, não? Sim, minha donzela, imagines tu que havia uma rainha, uma privilegiada rainha, hein? Pois Inara tinha as palavras doces, mas sabia que não tinha o coração de ouro do rei.

Dado dia, à caça Rorjavik foi por Inara seguido. Os montanhosos campos que traziam alces e carneiros monteses aos nobres e espertos caçadores mostraram ao bondoso rei uma cintilante forma feminina, exuberante e viçosa jovem que de chofre roubara seu coração. Rapidamente foi ao seu encontro, apaixonado como os deuses, mas a menina fugia de seu chamado, de sua galhardia, de sua deslumbrada presença! Ela fugia, fugia como uma raposa dos cães, como o diabo do paladino! Fugiu, e tropeçou, e tombou pela relva, rolou o declive, caiu no precipício.

A esperança arrefeceu dezenas de metros abaixo, findo o cadáver. O rei gritou como nunca por perder sua breve e única paixão, e a rainha ferveu em ódio daquilo. Esperou os homens irem embora, e viu de perto o mais fresco exemplo de que aquele homem coroado amaria qualquer pequena coisa que visse fortuitamente, mas não a ela, que tinha ao seu lado a todo o tempo.

Se este desgarrido não pode ser apenas meu, que não seja de ninguém mais, bradou a rainha às pajens suas quando soube de noturnas escapadelas de nosso fugidio rei, e minhas palavras são verdadeiras. Vede: um veneno forte até poderia fazer o trabalho, certo? Pois não foi nada necessário.

Em uma noite sem lua ou estrelas, um bruxo procurou as atenções da rainha – seu nome era Morgsten, profundo conhecedor dos segredos antigos do mundo, e pai da jovem assassinada com tanto descaso por aquele que deveria proteger seu povo. As serpentes comemoravam e os anjos choraram quando a dupla conspirou, e na nevasca seguinte sangue foi derramado e as portas foram abertas.

Ouçam a lenda do norte
Do belo rei Rorjavik
A noite mais negra chegava
Os ventos uivavam
E o abismo atacava.

Macabro foi o assalto. Em uma noite tão fria quanto esta, como gafanhotos tomando a plantação, seres saídos dos nossos pesadelos tomaram os campos, varreram as aldeias e se proliferavam nas cidades. Homens e mulheres foram tirados de suas camas ou engolfados pelo caos ululante enquanto bebiam à lareira! Sim, com um vento forte como este soprando! Dizem que os gritos foram ouvidos até mesmo em reinos distantes, enquanto as criaturas brincavam as suas cabriolas doentias com o povo. Pegos de surpresa, os homens de bens das urbes lutaram, mas não eram páreos para a força dos demônios, e morreram em agonia.

O impávido rei combateu com bravura até o último momento, quando o castelo tombou e as criaturas horrendas laçavam sua pessoa. Dizem que Rorjavik fez fronte àqueles que provocaram a sua queda – Inara arrependida estava, mas o velho Morgsten fez questão de rir-lhe a desgraça e culpar-lhe pela morte de sua filha. Destruído e arruinado, o rei gritou injustas palavras de vingança e foi levado ao mais alto torreão de vigília além das montanhas brancas que cercavam a região. Trancado no último andar em uma pútrida masmorra, teve seus membros agrilhoados a correntes diabólicas que o prendiam a uma janela, de onde foi obrigado a ver sua amada terra queimar até que claridão surgisse no horizonte.

De Inara e Morgsten ninguém mais soube, e dos demônios restou apenas a ruína.

Ouçam a lenda do norte
Do belo rei Rorjavik
Aquele de vontade forte
Que não se curvou
Nem mesmo à morte.

Imerso em ódio e dor estava o bondoso rei Rorjavik, meus queridos, mas sua vontade de viver foi inabalável e sua resistência foi bravia. O vento tempestuoso rasgava e cortava e talhava, o frio era insuportável e tenebroso. Lutou e lutou e lutou para ver-se livre, e as correntes espinhosas se ecravavam em sua pele e lhe abriam chagas na carne, que ardiam com o terrível frio, mas no fim fechou as pálpebras e feneceu.

Mas o poder de sua vontade era tão forte que, mesmo morto, seu corpo se recusava a definhar e o fez com muita lentidão. Os anos se passaram naquela câmara esquecida sem conseguir arrancar-lhe a carne dos ossos, e uma mórbida força ali se formava.

E assim, houve um momento em que seus músculos voltaram a se mexer. E as correntes que o fustigaram, uniram-se à sua ressequida pele, e o antigo monarca renasceu, nem vivo e nem morto, apenas dor e raiva. Sem nenhuma pressa, o Rei Acorrentado livrou-se de sua prisão, e arrastou suas correntes pela torre abandonada, um passo atrás do outro, e vagou pelos restos outrora calcinados de seu reino, silenciosas colinas tumulares onde uma vez tinha cavalgado em brilhante armadura e grande altivez.

Imaginem, meus convivas, a revolta deste ser ao ver que não havia mais ninguém para receber sua justiça!

E assim ninguém conheceu a sua história a não ser os poucos pastores que, incrédulos, testemunhavam a visão assustadora e sobreviviam para dizer que aquele era o antigo rei de volta dos mortos. Mas a lenda ganhou contornos mais sólidos recentemente, quando um bando de vagabundos, um grupo de aventureiros assim como vós tantos que bebeis comigo nesta escura noite, dormia nas ruínas do que fora um castelo soberbo, mas que era então apenas algumas muretas e nada mais. Como é apropriado à tolice jovial destes caçadores de glórias e emoções, se enfurnaram nos porões escuros e mofados desta ruína, e que sangue não petrificou, qual sangue não tornou em água, quando avistaram tal assombração, homem desprovido de cabelos ou roupas, indecisão entre robustez e decrepitude, a face exposta da morte, as correntes negras e enferrujadas que giravam fantasmagóricas e cruéis, mordendo, apertando, matando… Daquele infortunado grupo, com verdade em minhas palavras, sobrou apenas um vivo, que fugiu com o rei acorrentado em seu encalço.

E este pobre diabo está aqui, deixando vossas senhorias a par do que está para acontecer. Esta noite, enquanto festejamos e bebemos, está vindo

o Rei Acorrentado.

PMX Day 1 (for me)

KimikoKotomi — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:53:59 +0000

Yes this is a bit late but…
I went as Rei Ayanami gothic outfit~
I thought it turned out alright. Not the smartest thing to wear while still sick >.<
I blame me for that xD Should’ve worn Haruhi! But … oh well~
I guess when I make up my mind… I make up my mind!

But that Saturday was fun. Went pretty late though >.<
I wish I interacted with the other congoers more. But then again I had a pretty big group with me.
It starts off with one other person and it just.. grows o.o;;

I LOVED cosplaying for PMX this year. Yea… not as many pics as I thought I’d get, but I didn’t go to get my pictures taken by some random people. I want it for my own portfolio xD
And its just.. Fun. Dressing up and all~ Omgsh and seeing the looks on some of the people’s facses that didn’t know what was going on. lol!

I wanted to DecoDen my phone but didn’t wanan mess up what was already on it. … should’ve done it anyways! Rawr.
But I know how its done now so I’ll just wait till I can get a new phone~ hehe.

Omgsh Kogi truck? BEST everrrr~ Soooo yummy. Like… seriously? I was well worth my $5.

Bought a braclet from a vendor that makes it all herself. Also got a cool little phone charm~ I <3s it.

So from what I can remember that’s what I remember! lol xD
I’m actually working on my paper.. like.. REALLY working. I need that A >.<

–Kimiko–

The SPOT Messenger and Personal Locator Beacons

desertexplorer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:41:02 +0000

Until recently I had never heard of the SPOT. I was familiar with the Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, but I had never considered using one. As we sat around the campfire during a recent North Wash canyoneering trip, people talked of their experience with SPOT- how well it messaged, how they used it for pickup at the end of their treks, how it kept their families happy knowing they were safe, and how it creates an online GPS coordinate database of the ground they cover.

The SPOT sounded interesting, but I have always been one to leave technology behind when going into the wilderness. I have never carried a cell phone, any type of two-way radio, or even a GPS in the bush. For more on my thoughts on the GPS, see my recent blog post . But after listening to peoples’ experiences with SPOT, after doing research for a blog post on rattlesnakes, and after reading recent news articles regarding the use (and misuse) of SPOT and PLB’s (see Ramkitten’s collection of articles) I have been thinking more about how I could use the device.

The safety of my five year old has also prompted me to take a closer look at the SPOT and PLB’s. In recent years my son and I have been spending more time together in the Utah desert. Rattlesnakes have always been my greatest concern in the bush, and I seem to meet up with them frequently enough. Now that my son is along with me, that concern has become heightened. If keeping him safe means merely carrying another 6 or 8 ounces in my pack, then that is easily done. There is no question that these devices save lives, and are worth their weight and cost during emergency situations.

SPOT,PLB’s, and Avalanche Beacons

The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT 2)- 5.2 ounces without batteries (about 6 ounces with lithium batteries), cost- $149.95 at REI for the device and $100.00 per yer activation fee for basic features.

Being relatively unfamiliar with both SPOT and PLB’s, I began by seeing what REI had to offer. REI carries a number of PLB’s and both versions of SPOT including the new, SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, the ACR SARLink 406 PLB, and the McMurdo Fastfind 210 PLB. Both ACR and McMurdo have a complete line of PLB’s and related survival equipment for all types of outdoor activities. Do not confuse these devices with avalanche beacons, or transceivers, which are a separate device altogether. Avalanche beacons transmit a homing signal locally, so that others with a transceiver are able to pinpoint a person’s exact location under the snow.

Common Features

In my research I focused my attention on devices for “land-based” activities- hiking, backpacking, floating rivers, and biking for example- where you might find yourself far from help. The information I provide comes from the spec sheets for the respective devices and phone calls to customer service for each. Speaking of customer service- I spoke to representatives at SPOT and ACR immediately after placing my calls.

The ACR SARLink PLB- 8.9 ounces with battery, cost- $399.95 at REI (no yearly activation fee).

For purposes of presenting SPOT and a PLB, I chose to focus on the ACR SARLink and the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. Should you use either one to call for help, both devices use GPS satellites to find your location and then transmit those coordinates and a distress call to other satellites, which in turn transmit them to a call center. A distress call using the ACR SARLink goes through the government’s SARSAT system, ultimately ending at their control center in Maryland. When you register your ACR SARLink you are given a unique identification code which allows rescue personnel to know exactly who you are so they can seek additional information about your situation. The ACR SARLink transmits a local 121.5 mhz homing signal (line of site), much like avalanche beacons, to search and rescue personnel in your vicinity. The SARLink also has a built in LED strobe.

Unique SPOT Functions

Activating the SPOT S.O.S. function will send your GPS coordinates and distress call through a commercial satellite to the GEOS Alliance, a private company in Texas. In Tracking Mode the SPOT will retrieve your coordinates every 10 minutes and store them on your SPOT personal web page for 30 days. This page can be shared with friends and family. The coordinates can be exported and saved in Excel or Google Earth formats. The Track function continues for 24 hours after the Track button is depressed. You must reactivate the Track function every 24 hours.

Using the Check-in function you can send your present coordinates and a custom message to up to 10 email addresses or phone numbers as a text message. Using the Custom Message function you can create a different message to be sent to the same or other email addresses or phone numbers. Finally, you can create a custom “Help” message for up to 10 contacts- this can be used to notify contacts that you are at a resupply or pickup location, for example.

Cost and Activation Fees

There is a difference in the initial cost between the two devices. PLB’s are more expensive across the board than SPOT. But it is important to look beyond the initial cost of the device. You will spend 400 dollars on the ACR SARLink. You will spend 150 dollars for the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger.

To keep your SPOT active and to use the basic functions- S.O.S., Help, Check-in, and Custom Message- costs another 100 dollars per year. Additionally you can choose to pay $7.95 for yourself and each family member, per year, which covers up to $100,000 for each individual in search and rescue costs (see the GEOS Alliance website for full details). The Track function costs $49.99 per year, Road Assist can be added for $30.00 per year, and replacement insurance for the unit can be added for $17.95 per year.

There is a one-time activation for the SARLink, and that is included in the initial cost of the device.

Batteries and Battery Life

The ACR SARLink uses a proprietary lithium battery that is costly. A replacement battery for the SARLink will cost around 160 dollars, not including shipping. The battery only needs to be changed every 5-6 years, or after emergency use of the device. The battery change should be done by an authorised service center where they will also verify the seal on the unit, reset the battery use indicator, and perform a number of tests on the unit to insure that it is ready for use. Battery life in emergency mode is rated at about 35 hours.

The SPOT uses 3- AAA lithium batteries, available at your local grocery store for about 7 dollars (the first generation of the device uses 3-AA batteries). The use life of the batteries in the SPOT depends on the operation of the device. In tracking mode you will get about 14 days of use on one set of batteries. If you use the message functions- the Help, Check-in, or Custom Message function, you can send up to 1900 messages on a set of batteries. So if you use the Tracking function and send a message or two a day, you can probably expect to change the batteries every 10 or 12 days. The SPOT will send a message every 5 minutes for 7 days in the S.O.S. function. All of these time estimates are assuming new batteries.

Waterproofing and GPS Accuracy

Both devices are rated waterproof to 5 meters in depth for 1 hour. You could safely swim with either for extended periods, for example making your way out of rapids or swimming across a river.

There is a difference in GPS accuracy in the devices. The SPOT is accurate to about 6 and 1/2 meters. The SARLink is accurate to within 100 meters. The homing feature on the SARLink more than makes up for its being less accurate than the SPOT.

Rescue

According to the SARSAT/NOAA website, there were 282 rescues in the United States in 2008 initiated through SARSAT. Of these, 68 people were rescued in 35 incidents using the PLB to call for help. No further details were given about the rescues. You can read a few ACR PLB rescue stories at the ACR website. According to the GEOS Alliance website, 400 people were rescued using the SPOT to call for help in 2008. No details were given regarding the number of incidents involved. You can read about some of the SPOT rescues at the SPOT website.

After researching the SPOT and the ACR SARLink, I cannot say that one is a better choice than the other. If you are looking for peace of mind in the form of 6 or 8 ounces, you have found it in either device. If your goal is to carry a device to call for help in the event that rescue is needed, the PLB will suit your needs. If you are interested in communicating your location daily, and tracking your progress in the wilderness, then the SPOT is for you.

Ultimately one of these devices may save your life, but they are not a license to act without caution. A PLB or SPOT is not a substitute for knowledge, preparedness, or common sense. Recent unnecessary SPOT distress calls may signal the need for a closer look at who pays for search and rescue costs. Proper use of these devices by everyone will keep us all safe at a reasonable price.

Great shopping near Award Winning Hillsboro Hotel

SpringHill Suites - Portland Hillsboro — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:59:21 +0000

Woman with shopping bags

As the holiday shopping season is quickly approaching. I thought I would share a few great choices nearby the hotel. First we would like to welcome Dick’s Sporting Goods to the neighborhood. They just opened last week in the Crossroads at Orenco Station shopping center, located with-in walking distance to the hotel. The store carries everything sports related and we are happy to have this new addition to our local shopping community. Also nearby for those that like to make their own gifts is a Joanne Fabric and Craft Super Store located next door to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Whether creating a holiday decoration or a hand made hostess gift, you are sure to find what you need by visitng Joanne’s Also nearby is retailer Kohl’s, located in the same development. A little over a mile from the hotel, you will find The Streets of Tanasbourne. A delightful little town center style shopping area with national chains like Macy’s, American Eagle Outfitters, REI, Hollister, Lane Bryant, The Gap, Christopher & Banks, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill, White House Black Market and many more. Also find a unique store to Oregon, Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals featuring a variety of unique gifts and trinkets that are beautiful and often times hard to find. Not to be left out, we also have Barnes and Noble books as well as Target, Best Buy, Old Navy and the ever popular Nordstrom Rack. All this with-in a two and a half mile radius of the hotel. One of the best features about shopping in Oregon is all your purchases will be tax-free. We do not have a sales tax on retail items, so the price you see is the price you pay. While in town if you need overnight accommodations we are happy to provide them for you at reduced holiday rates on selected weekends between now and the end of the year. We also have a special going on right now through December 13, 2009. Stay two nights and get the third night free. For complete details visit the Deal & Packages section of the hotel website, or call the hotel directly at 503-547-0202 and any of our ready and willing front desk agents will be happy to make reservations for you. So come and stay for a few days, shop to your heart’s content and get a jump-start on your holiday shopping.

REI Hobitat 4

brandshoe — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:17:26 +0000

Well, looks like the REI Hobitat 4 tent that I purchased at the REI garage sale ended up being practically brand new. All pieces were accounted for and it looked like it had been used only once. There were some pine needles still in it so whoever the original owner was certainly didn’t take time to keep it clean, but they were easily cleaned out. As a bonus, I also scored the footprint for under $10 (normally about $40). The stakes that come with the tent look robust, but heavy. They’re the solid metal pole that is bent at the top. I prefer aluminum stakes with a point at the end and some flair up the shaft, but these should work unless we get into some major wind. In that case I’d want to be in a different tent anyway because this one is really tall.

REI Hobitat 4 Tent purchased from the REI Garage Sale

This is a large tent. I’m not quite 6 feet tall and was able to stand straight up in the center of the tent with a few inches between the top of my head and the tent ceiling. Four adults would take up the entire floor space, but I might be able to squeeze my whole family into it since I’ve got some pretty young kids (5 kids + 2 adults). It would be tight, but we might be able to do it. The rain fly was in perfect shape too, but it looked like it will rely a lot on the waterproofing in the door. There is no vestibule space to speak of, but all in all not a bad tent with footprint for the price.

O Rei Artur estava pronto para ir para as Cruzadas...

heldermv — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:46:48 +0000

Antes de partir, vai ver Merlin e pede-lhe para fabricar o melhor cinto de castidade que pudesse existir. Isso para que nenhum cavaleiro pudesse atentar contra a virtude da sua linda esposa. No dia seguinte Merlin volta com um cinto que, contrariamente a todas as expectativas do Rei Artur, possui um buraco exactamente onde não devia ter…
- Merlin! – Berra o Rei. – Está a brincar comigo?
- Observe Majestade. Diz o mago, mostrando uma pequena guilhotina com uma lâmina afiada. – Ela funciona assim que se introduz algo no buraco…
-Excelente. Realmente excelente. Responde o Rei.
- Traga-me a Rainha, para que possamos instalar a geringonça!
Três anos depois, Artur volta das Cruzadas.
Quando chega a Camelot, convoca todos os cavaleiros:
- Vamos lá ! Baixem as calças, é o exame médico!
Todos os cavaleiros alinham-se em frente ao Rei, baixam as calças… Horror e estupefacção do Rei, todos estão amputados!…
Todos, excepto o fiel Lancelot. Artur, vendo que o seu fiel amigo não o traiu agarra-o pelos ombros e diz:
- Lancelot, estou orgulhoso de ti. Enquanto nenhum dos outros resistiu à tentação de dormir com a Rainha, conseguiste domar os teus impulsos. Por isso, concedo-te o que quiseres. Faz a tua escolha.
Lancelot não dizia nada, ficou mudo…
- Que foi Lancelot? Perdeste a língua?!