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How The Bobcats Can Improve : Escaping The Nottery – Ver. 2.0
Charlotte Bobcats Offseason Checklist – PreDraft Edition
A little over a month ago I began part one of this series by defining the titular "Nottery" as:
A place where franchises go to die: Not good enough to be good and not bad enough to get good. Bobcats owner Michael Jordan understood this more so than any other when he made the controversial Gerald Wallace trade last month. Good isn't good enough and if you want to get better, sometimes you gotta get a little worse.
Flash forward to last Monday when my bald-headed AmerAsian brother from another mother capped off his initial press conference with the following zinger:
One of the worst things you can do in this league, I think is be a middle-of-the-road team. After the team traded Gerald Wallace, I think there's a lot of parallels (with Cho's previous gig in Seattle/OKC). We got some cap room coming up, some assets and picks.
What can I say, great minds think alike.
So without further ado, let's get to some good old fashion rosterbation, Southern Style!
SECTION 1. WHAT WE GOT
Before we head out to the supermarket, we should take a look in the cupboard. As badly as the Bobcats finished the season, the team does have a few assets.
a.) D.J. Augustin
Has clearly shown that he can be a top 20 starting PG in the league (although our own @BaselineDrE insists that Earl Boykins would destroy him in a PER contest). D.J. can shoot and has figured out how to score from in close. Perhaps no player currently in the league benefited from J.J. Barea's Playoff Explosion more than Augustin. D.J. has more upside, is more versatile and stronger. Could be headed for a breakout season and newly crowned Bobcats GM Rich Cho repeatedly brought his name up during last week's press conference – the team seems committed to him.
Another couple of positives: He proved that he could shoot his way out of a slump and is still on that sweet rookie deal.
b.) Stephen Jackson
Volatile and getting a bit long in the tooth, Jackson is a former champ and the Bobcats' best player. He's the only guy who can consistently create his own shot and when he's on, can single-handily carry the team to a victory. Showed up at a team workout last month twenty pounds lighter and in great shape. Coach Silas intimated that at this weight JAX could play another 4-5 seasons. His contract is probably untradeable until at least the summer of 2012 so look for JAX to remain in his role with the team next season.
UPDATE: AP's @mikecranston1 announced that other teams have been inquiring about Jackson's availability so there could be a scenario in which the Bobcats start next season without one of the League's most under-rated two way players.
c.) Tyrus Thomas
Needs to prove that he can stay healthy and stay focused but when he's in physical and mental shape can really change the game from a defensive perspective. Solid rebounder and excellent shot blocker who has a nice mid-range jumper. Bobcats have invested a ton of cash hoping the Tyrus experiment works out. Best case scenario: Starting Power Forward for the next five seasons. Worst case scenario: Severely overpaid role player.
d.) Gerald Henderson
Very good defensive guard. Very athletic. Shown promise as a cutter but jump shot is still erratic. Henderson is another unknown. May one day become a great long-ball shooter but not there yet. Finished the season on an absolute tear, going for nearly 15ppg in March and April while shooting nearly 46% from the floor just over 34 minutes a game.
UPDATE: Had hip surgery in early May to repair a congenital flaw that led to chronic knee pain. Brass hopes he's back 100% by the start of training camp.
e.) D.J. White, Dante Cunningham (RFA), Shaun Livingston
Three youngish rotation players who have shown flashes of potential. White seems to have the most upside and is still on his rookie deal. Livingston has managed to carve out a place in the league after destroying his knee a few years ago. Cunningham showed flashes as a full-time three (recording possibly the team highlight of the year by smacking away a KG gimme at the rim) but was busted for possession of the chronic after the season and has yet to receive his $1 million tender from the team.
Total it up and you have seven players who'll most likely be suiting up for the Bobcats next season. That's half a roster. Combine them with two first round draft picks next week and the CAP CRUNCHERS (Gana Diop, Matt Carroll, Eddie Najera) and you're down to just two roster spots available to improve the team.
SECTION 2. WHAT WE NEED
Augustin, Jackson, Thomas and Henderson will most likely return as four of the team's starters. Livingston, White and possibly Cunningham will be solid contributors from the bench. That still leaves some major needs:
a.) Men in the Middle
A pleasantly mediocre surprise, Kwame Brown will be an unrestricted free agent come July and the team will need to make a major upgrade if it wants to compete. Gana Diop is currently the only center on the roster and he was bad before the season ending achilles injury. With Diop not likely to see action until at least next December, the Cats will most likely have to add size in Thursday's Draft (see below) and hope Kwame gives them a bit of a hometown discount once FA starts after the new CBA.
b.) Bench Scoring
Augustin, Jackson and (if he develops a jumper) Henderson can handle most of the scoring as starters but the team lacks any sort of big time scoring presence from the bench. The Bobcats will need to find someone capable of taking off some of the scoring load. Coach Silas has been very vocal about his team's lack of three point shooting and there are some players in the middle of the draft who could fill that need. Some veteran help might come relatively cheap in the way of Delonte West, Anthony Parker or Mike Dunleavy should Cho feel the need to stock up.
c.) Stars
Either through the draft or through crafty trades, the Bobcats will need to find a way to bring in a guy who'll move the turnstiles and put down game-winning buckets.
This need won't likely be met during the draft or in free agency this year but with Diaw and Najera coming off the books next summer and with Jackson transitioning into an expiring year, the Bobcats could make some serious noise in the vaunted summer FA class of 2012 (Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Dwight Howard).
SECTION 3. THE DRAFT
Just a few days away and the Bobcats sit pretty with picks number 9 and 19 in a muddy first round.
I've been racking my brain about this on Twitter and have come to the following conclusion:
It's gonna be a wing and a big man.
Can't say in what order but looking at the options available to the team at number nine and the dearth of quality starting fives in the league my gut tells me it's going to be Southern Cal's Nikola Vucevic first and whichever wing is available around pick nineteen next.
This would be high for Vucevic, who wasn't even a first round lock at the end of the college season, but after his outstanding workouts around the league and after surveying the competition I think Bobcats management will pull the trigger simply because Nikola represents the best value.
Think of it this way: At 7ft, 260 and with three years of NCAA experience Vucevic has the body to come in and play right away. Between his soft touch around the hoop and a nice collegiate three point jumper, the guy would immediately be the most offensively potent center in team history (well, at least since Primoz Brezec). He plays a position which traditionally is well over-paid so by drafting a rookie the team could lock a potential starter into a four year rookie scale deal. Killer timing for next year's free agency bonanza. Defensively, Vucevic's slow-footedness is a concern but he's a solid rebounder and would be a great fit next to Tyrus Thomas.
COMPS: Mehmet Okhur, Roy Hibbert, Brook Lopez.
At pick nineteen, Master Cho could then look at the abundant number of wing players (Jordan Hamilton, Marshon Brooks, Chris Singleton, Tobias Harris, Darius Morris) still on the board. He could roll the dice and take a player like Boston College's Reggie Jackson. With the Heat reportedly high on the Rondo-clone, the Cats could screw over a division rival while adding another dimension to their backcourt.
The IDEAL scenario, of course, would be a second-tier wing player like Kawhi Leonard dropping to the Bobcats at #9 and then maneuvering up from #19 to select Vucevic before the Rockets can nab him at #14. I just don't see how this is a possibility though if Houston is in fact ready to Nikola with the last pick in the Lottery.
SECTION 4. FREE AGENCY
No one knows what the new CBA will look like next season (if there is one) but I'd be willing to bet that the Bobcats' situation won't change much. Once all of the expirings come off, the team will sit at around $49 million in salaries, around $10 million south of this year's cap. Add in the two first rounders along with (possibly) re-upping Dante Cunningham, the team should be at around $54 million.
Obviously, the remaining $6 million wouldn't be enough to bring in a big-name star (even if there was one in a weak FA class) but the extra wiggle room may help them pull off a deal or two IF the team is lucky enough to import a decent center from another team.
Free Agent Centers 2011:
a.) DeAndre Jordan.
Made big strides this season but the high-flying athlete probably doesn't make much sense to pair with a similar player in Tyrus Thomas. Clippers also seem intent on keeping him.
b.) Marc Gasol.
Will likely command around $10 million+/per on the open market. Gasol is a lower rent version of his All-Star brother but is only 26 and could develop into top tier center himself given the right circumstances. He's a restricted and the Griz have stated that they'll re-sign him but given the historical ownership thriftiness and the fact that Z-Bo's deal is also up makes me think that Gasol could be had with a big poison-pill offer sheet. To make a move for Gasol, the Bobcats would likely have to find a taker for Boris Diaw's $9 million expiring contract first (see TRADE section).
c.) Kwame Brown.
Performed adequately for the team as a starter this season and could be brought back as a backup if the price is right.
d.) Other Potentially Interesting FAs.
Big Baby Davis, Nene (ETO), Shane Battier, Carl Landry (who they've tried to sign before), Sam Dalembert, Craig Smith, Brandon Wright.
SECTION 5. TRADE
Boris Diaw, Boris Diaw, Boris Diaw. Did I mention Boris Diaw? I just can't see any way the Frenchman stays on the Bobcat roster come training camp. Only on the books for a final season, in a contract year (so will likely be motivated – see Chandler, Tyson) and has proven that when he gives a crap can be a game-changing presence in the lineup. All these factors combined with the Coach's obvious dissatisfaction in Diaw's inconsistent performances will likely land Boris in another uniform next season.
Potential Trades:
a.) Boris Diaw to Toronto for Leandro Barbosa + 33rd Selection.
Colangelo wanted him last summer and they need size. Both players on expirings, Bobcats trade big for small but also shave another $1.4 million off the books to go after a FA. 'Cats get the bench scoring they've so desperately needed and another high second rounder for an international draft 'n stash.
UPDATE: With the Raps hiring of "D"wayne Casey, odds are that Toronto will be actually playing a little defense this season, making this trade more likely if the 'Cats wanted to make it.
b.) Boris Diaw to LAClippers for Chris Kaman.
Again, both players on expirings. Clips get the third big to rotate with Griffin and Jordan. Bobcats take on an additional $3.2 million and risk Kaman's recent injury history but if it works out, then they have a high-scoring starting center for the first time in franchise history.
UPDATE: With rumors flying around a possible Iggy for Kaman swap, this offer looks rather paltry. Would the Clips be in the market for a Stephen Jackson for Kaman trade?
c.) Boris Diaw + the #19 to TeamX for cap space.
In this deal, the 'Cats could find a team with cap space in need of a versatile big and compensate them with either this year's late first rounder or Portland's pick in 2013. The 'Cats would then have around $18 million to pursue a free agent target like Marc Gasol.
UPDATE: This seems very unlikely.
SECTION 6. WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE
Whenever the '11-'12 NBA season starts, the Bobcats (barring major injury) will look quite a lot better than currently configured.
If the team simply follows the recipe above, they could trot out:
PG: Augustin/Livingston
SG: Henderson/Chris Singleton/Carroll
SF: Jackson/Chris Singleton/Cunningham
PF: Thomas/D.J. White/Najera
C: K.Brown/Vucevic/Diop
Not bad. Depending on the development of the youngsters, the team could even compete for one of the final seeds in the East. But I don't think that's Rich Cho's plan. Again, in order to get better, some times you have to get worse. It wouldn't surprise me to see the team bottom out by trading both Diaw and Jackson by the trade deadline and finishing it up with a bunch of 25 and younger types logging major minutes. That is the OKC model anyway. A high lottery pick in 2012 and a boatload of cap space could then launch the Charlotte basketball franchise into the stratosphere.
Until Version 3.0…
Enjoy the Nottery, Bobcats Fans,
Tags 2011 NBA Draft, Chris Singleton, D.J. Augustin, D.J. White, Dante Cunningham, Gerald Henderson, Kawhi Leonard, Kwame Brown, Nikola Vucevic, Paul Silas, Rich Cho, Shaun Livingston, Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson Wins Game On Buzzer Beater, Downs Hawks 88-86
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Box Score | Recap
At the time of writing this recap, it's been over an hour since end of the Bobcats-Hawks game, and I still can't believe what I saw.
Stephen Jackson, while double-teamed and with the clock winding down, faded away and caught nothing but net on a shot that won the game at the buzzer.
But that wasn't the only thing that absolutely boggles my mind. Try these on for size: the Bobcats came back from a 22 point deficit; the Bobcats had a reserve score 22 points; AND Stephen Jackson scored efficiently.
And all on the tail end of a back-to-back.
The end result was a Bobcats win over the Hawks, 88 to 86.
But the whole game was an extremely difficult fight. Even in the first quarter, the Bobcats found themselves down by ten points early. Luckily they recovered, with the help of Livingston, who had eight points in the first quarter. They went into the second quarter tied at 27.
The second quarter for the Bobcats was a disaster of epic proportions. Charlotte was down by 22 points and allowed an 18-0 run by the Hawks at times during the quarter. It wasn't until 2:26 left in the quarter until a Bobcat made a field goal. And by that time, it seemed like the only thing separating the Bobcats from their 32nd loss was about 24 minutes of game time. The starters, outside of Gerald Wallace and Jackson, were completely awful. And Livingston was pretty much the only redeemable thing about the game, scoring 12 points by halftime. Meanwhile, Atlanta was hitting their shots from all over. In the first quarter they attacked the paint, but in the second, they hit shots from all over the court.
(CLICHÉ ALERT)
But there's a reason they play 48 minutes, right?
(CLICHÉ ALERT OVER)
In the third quarter, you could see the Bobcats beginning to right the ship. An ineffective, poorly-shooting Augustin was replaced with Shaun Livingston, who played out of his mind. The defense tightened up, allowing only three Hawks attempts in the paint. Gerald Wallace even did un-Gerald Wallace-y things, like hitting three treys. Livingston picked up where he left off, dropping 6 points and two dishes. And Stephen Jackson came to life, playing more efficiently on offense, even drawing a few fouls. The game came into reach as the quarter ended, Hawks up 72-68.
As the final period of play began, one could feel the Bobcats taking complete control. They were getting shots that they wanted and more importantly, the Hawks weren't able to attack Charlotte's main weakness: defense in the post. Even D.J. and Gerald Henderson added some points, despite their rough nights. More importantly, Jackson was rolling. Whenever Stephen Jackson can get to the free throw line, it's going to be a good night for him. And boy, was it for him tonight. Despite the Bobcats' desire to pull away, the Hawks wouldn't let that happen. While their offense wasn't getting much of anything, their defense helped force the Bobcats into bad shots, making the game struggle at times when both teams took time off from scoring. But after a pair of Jackson free throws to tie up the game, the Bobcats stifled the Hawks on their next possession and Stack Jack a long, tough mid-range jumper to put Charlotte up by two. But Atlanta struck back with an Al Horford score and getting possession after Livingston missed a jump shot.
And then it was crunch time. Tie game at 86. Atlanta squeezed as much time from the clock but couldn't also get a good shot, with Joe Johnson bricking a 21-foot shot. Bobcats ball with a little over five seconds left. Coach Paul Silas called for a time out, which moved the ball up court. Eduardo Najera inbounded the ball to Jackson from the sideline. And he just stood there. No one else even moved. Then Jackson took a single dribble back, towards Najera's defender! Then, with about .8 seconds left, he jumped and faded away from the two defenders, hitting the bottom of the net and winning the game.
I was dumb-founded. I'm still dumb-founded. The Bobcats have never been really effective using isolation plays. And over a double team? I could have sworn we were headed to overtime. And it's not just that. Shaun Livingston had 22 points! The Bobcats haven't had a reserve score that many points since November! I'm just in awe over all of this.
When is D.J. Augustin going to find his shot? We need his offense quite badly.
Boris Diaw was pretty bad tonight too, just so it doesn't go unsaid.
Gerald Wallace was really good. I didn't want anyone to think I missed that.
Good defense by Jackson and Henderson on Joe Johnson (4-14 FG, 11 PTS) and Jamal Crawford (1-9 FG, 2 PTS).
I hate you, Mike Bibby. Eduardo Najera, I don't like you much either, but you're better than Bibby, I guess.
The Bobcats are now 23-31 and face the Lakers on Monday, in Charlotte. Watch out for the bandwagon fans if you go.
Josh Smith destroyed Eduardo Najera with a single dunk.
Stephen Jackson: 12-24 FG, 7-8 FT, 32 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO
Shaun Livingston: 8-13 FG, 6-6 FT, 22 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 1 BLK, 2 TO
Gerald Wallace: 6-15 FG, 4-6 3P, 16 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO
Josh Smith: 11-17 FG, 4-7 FT, 28 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL
Al Horford: 8-15 FG, 16 PTS, 10 REBS, 3 AST
Well, I guess they can't always be Shaun Livingston plays, haha.
Stephen Jackson's game-winning shot
Tags Atlanta Hawks, D.J. Augustin, game winner, Gerald Wallace, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Shaun Livingston, Stephen Jackson
Bobcats Come Up Big To Defeat Celtics
Tres (Photo by Chuck Burton/AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats rode big contributions from unlikely sources to beat the East-leading Boston Celtics 94-89 on Monday night at the Cable Box. After Stephen Jackson was ejected arguing a call in the second quarter, Shaun Livingston and Gerald Henderson stepped up off the bench to fill the void. Gerald Wallace continued his recent strong play, leading the Bobcats with 19 points and 16 rebounds.
AP Recap | Box Score
After hanging with, but ultimately succumbing to elite teams twice over the weekend at home, the Bobcats got another chance against the Boston Celtics, who were without Shaq, Marquis Daniels and Semih Erden due to injuries (not to mention Jermaine O'Neal and Delonte West) AND on the second night of a back-too-back.
This one started out similarly to the Heat and Mavs games: the Cats showing no signs of backing down, hanging right with the Celtics. Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen played well early on, while Stephen Jackson paced the Bobcats. Early in the second quarter, 6′-7″ Shaun Livingston took advantage of his matchup with 5′-9″ Nate Robinson to the tune of 10 points in a 5 minute span.
But late in the second quarter, Cap'n Jack struck again. After a defensive switch left Jackson on Garnett in the post, Garnett began to work for position. Jackson fought him for said position, forcing Garnett to take an awkward, slightly off-balance step. Garnett sold it well and a foul was called on Jackson.
It wasn't a terrible call; but Jack apparently thought it was and laid into the official, quickly drawing a tech. Silas went to the bench to sub for Jack, but not quickly enough. Jack continued to berate the refs on the way towards the sideline and drew his second tech and an ejection.
But the Bobcats surprisingly wouldn't fade, taking a one point lead into halftime. Midway through the third, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce hit back-to-back threes to give the Celtics 65-57 lead; but from that point, the Bobcats dug in for a strong finish.
The fourth quarter was an exctiting, back-and-forth affair that ultimately saw an unconventional Bobcats crunchtime group overcome Jack's ejection and a Celtics team that appeared to run out of gas.
Coach Paul Silas went with Shaun Livingston's hot hand down the stretch over DJ Augustin; Livingston responded and kept up his strong play, finishing the game with 18 points on 7-10 FG.
Gerald Henderson filled in admirably for Jackson, playing his customary fantastic perimeter defense and nailing a clutch 20-footer off a down screen with 2:31 left to give the Bobcats an 86-83 lead.
And on the next Bobcats possession, Eduardo Najera, who played great defense on Kevin Garnett in 19 minutes of playing time, drained a huge three to push the lead to 89-83. From there, good defense and a few free throws closed it out.
With Gerald Henderson's continued improvement and Stephen Jackson's persistent and apparently worsening troubles, is a trade becoming more and more likely? I'd love to see it, even if doing so meant the Bobcats falling out of the playoffs. Problem is, with Jack's continued embarrassing behavior and the Maverick's elite play with their current roster, would they still even be interested in him?
So Jack is up to 13 technical fouls, if you're counting. As a reminder, once you get to 16, every other tech begets a one-game suspension. More disincentive for another team to make a trade for him.
Kwame Brown also picked up a tech for getting into Kendrick Perkins face after a hard foul.
Ray Allen had only two three-pointers and will have to wait another game to tie and overtake Reggie Miller for the all-time NBA record for made threes.
Next game is Wednesday night as the Bobcats visit Indianapolis to take on the Pacers; 7 PM ET start. Along with the Sixers and Bucks, the Pacers are one of the teams that the Bobcats will be fighting for the 7th-8th East playoff spot — so the head-to-head matchups are obviously huge. The Pacers currently lead the Cats by a half-game for the 8th spot.
-Dr. E
Be sure to follow Dr. E, ASChin and Cardboard Gerald on Twitter
Author Dr. E
Tags Boston Celtics, Eduardo Najera, Gerald Henderson, Gerald Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Shaun Livingston, Stephen Jackson
Clippers Decimate Road-Weary Bobcats
Believe it or not, this defense did not stop Blake Griffin. (AP Photo)
It was a rough game tonight, from the beginning to the final buzzer.
Immediately after the tipoff, Los Angeles Clippers color-commentator, Ralph Lawler, called the Charlotte NBA team the "Charlotte Hornets" and their play-by-play guy, Michael Smith, said the coach was "Pete" Silas.
And though that didn't have any impact on the game, it should have warned me that I was in for a bumpy Bobcats game that would end with them losing 103-88, ending the Bobcats' three-game road win streak.
The real damage was done by Blake Griffin tonight, as everyone should have known. Coming into the game, I was a little worried that the Bobcats didn't have a power forward as strong or athletic to defend Griffin.
And that's exactly what happened.
Blake Griffin led the Clippers in the first half with an array of highlights, including an eye-popping 360 degree, reverse layup en route to 19 first-half points. The tired Bobcats simply couldn't keep up and fell behind to a huge deficit in the third quarter. Then, like the young team they are, the Clippers let the Bobcats make a comeback effort, led by the bench. However, after the lead reached 11 points, L.A. regained their focus and beat the weary road opponents (JUST AS I PREDICTED).
Boris Diaw and whoever else tried to defend Griffin just could not control him. Whether it was Griffin's strong post moves, his quickness, or his amazing leaping ability and fervor for getting rebounds, no Bobcats player could defend him at all. In fact, most of his mistakes were unforced, including a huge missed dunk. He would end the night with 24 points and 10 rebounds on 11-23 shooting. Admittedly, it's not the most efficient stat line, but his presence was felt on every play. The Bobcats began to double-team him – in the second quarter. He was that good. And the only player who had a good shot at defending him was injured (Tyrus Thomas).
But I can't just put all of the loss on Griffin's night. The Bobcats were on the tail end of a back-to-back with this being their fourth game in a six-game road trip. The Clippers, on the other hand, last played on Wednesday. The effect was enormous. Charlotte came out at a decent clip, but faded fast, unable to keep up with the Clippers' pace and energy. It wasn't until the fourth quarter, when Silas let loose the bench players, that the Bobcats regained any type of offensive scoring.
The Bobcats starters were simply atrocious, except for Stephen Jackson, who seems to have emerged from his January slump. Jackson went for 15 points on 5-11 shooting from the field, but the rest of the starters combined for 9-30 FG and 29 points. The fatigue was obviously overwhelming, considering the Bobcats had just finished an overtime thriller the previous night. Many shots were short and the Bobcats were lazy with their passing. D.J. Augustin, who has been outstanding as of recently, finished with four assists and three turnovers. As a team, the Bobcats had 17 turnovers.
The bench played admirably, reeling in a 25-point deficit to 11 with 7:37 to go in the fourth, but L.A. regained their focus and squished the Bobcats like an annoying mosquito. Gerald Henderson continued to show his talent, pouring in 14 points on only six field goal attempts. Shaun Livingston just had an awful night, hitting no shots from the field and turning the ball over three times. However, he did get to the line for six free throws, all of which he made. Derrick Brown had five points and five rebounds and Matt Carroll scored eight points all in garbage time. Nazr Mohammed was also effective off the bench with five points and 5 rebounds.
The Clippers were also led by Baron Davis (12 points, 11 assist, 6 rebounds), Randy Foye (21 points, 4 three-pointers, 4 steals, 2 blocks), and Ryan Gomes (6-8 FG, 3-4 3P, 18 points).
The Bobcats continue on their six-game road trip on Monday against the Utah Jazz.
By the way, get your tickets for the Clippers when they come to Charlotte now.
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS, TRUST ME. (AP Photo)
Tags Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Clippers, D.J. Augustin, Gerald Henderson, Shaun Livingston, Stephen Jackson


I cannot remember the last time it snowed like this in Georgia. Sure I remember the occasional dusting. I even semi remember the Blizzard of '93, but only a little. And often I wonder if I really remember it or if I have just been told stories about it so many times I THINK I remember it.
But this year was different. I cannot tell you the last time I have had as much fun as this snow storm brought. This snow brought three days of sledding, gorgeous scenery, and family fun.
This is what we woke up to! Talk about gorgeous!
Just like any good Southerner…we got out our measuring tape!
The animals were not too sure about the snow.
The chickens were VERY sure that they were NOT going out.
But my dad's geese were big fans! They wandered all over.
In true southern fashion we pulled out the pool floats for a little sledding!
And when my nephew came (he brought REAL sleds…plastic) Uncle Justin had to show off.
Bailey came over to sled and see the babies. Hercules and Hebe LOVED every second of the snow.
Needless to say the adults had TONS of fun on day one. And day two was more of the same, except sleet was added to our snow and that meant one thing… SPEED! Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures to put on here. I do have a picture of this cutie on Day 2! Say hello to Truffles!
Day three was absolutely amazing. We woke up to 6+ more inches and everything looked like a winter wonderland!
Our Ancona ducks love the pond when it is cold!
By noon the snow was melting but that did not stop us from sledding all morning!
The goats and chickens may have not been the biggest fans of the snow but the rest of us (including the ducks and Great Pyrenees) not only loved it but we made the most of it!
I will leave you with this yummy recipe for southwestern omelets!
Having fresh eggs is something we love and we make omelets a lot.
After beating my eggs together I add a little salt and pepper. I then pour enough in the pan to start an omelet. After it has been flipped I add some of the seasoned chicken, the salsa ranch mix, and cheddar cheese. I then fold it over and let it all melt together for a minute.
When it is all good and melted I move it to a plate and add more of the salsa and ranch mixture on top.
How do you like my "fine chine" aka paper plates?
And last but not least…No breakfast is complete without a cup of coffee! Enjoy!


text:
Q: Javascript date and HTML I'm very new to Javascript. I'm not exactly sure how to call it or use it. And some websites aren't that much of a help. So I thought you guys would be a great help.
I have this so far:
<!DOCTYPE html>

    <META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh" CONTENT="2">
    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="style.css">
    <title>Current Time</title>

        blah
        blah2
        blah3

As you can see, I want it to just display a couple of links in the header, and then display the date. (I am in Boston according to my profile so I used that.)
I also tried to put it in it's own .js file and calling it externally and placing that line of code in the  part of the HTML. But even then, I have no idea how to call it in the place I want it to be called (after the links). Please help?
Thanks in advance!

A: Add a div to your code where you want to display the time, such as

and then, instead of document.write... use:
document.getElementById("display_time").innerHTML=dateTime;

If you want your time to be updated constantly, use setInterval, as in:
setInterval(
    // YOUR FUNCTION HERE
,1000);

That will recalculate the time and redisplay it every 1000 ms (=1s).
EDIT:
As mentioned by Jon P, you have to call the function (and not only define it).
A way to do it is to call it once the page body has loaded. All you have to do is adding it to your body tag as in:

Alternatively, you can just call it inside your script, as in
setInterval(getBostonDate(),1000);

Also, as mentioned by Samurai, don't forget to correct your typo: getMinutes() instead of getMiutes()

A: Since you're new to javascript, I think it would be a good idea to start learning jQuery instead of going with native javascript. Here's the jQuery way of doing it:
$(document).ready(function () {
    setInterval(ShowTime, 1000);
});

function ShowTime() {

    var TheDate = new Date();

    var TheHour = TheDate.getHours();
    var TheMinutes = TheDate.getMinutes();
    var TheSeconds = TheDate.getSeconds();

    TheSeconds = (TheSeconds < 10) ? "0" + TheSeconds :  TheSeconds;

    var TheTime = "Boston current time: " + TheHour + ":" +TheMinutes + ":" + TheSeconds;

    $('#TheDate').html(TheTime);
}

And here's the jsFiddle

A: Use this in case you want to load this javascript on link click:
<!DOCTYPE html>

    <META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh" CONTENT="2">
    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="style.css">
    <title>Current Time</title>

        blah
        blah2
        blah3

In case you want it to load on form load Use this:
<!DOCTYPE html>

    <META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh" CONTENT="2">
    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="style.css">
    <title>Current Time</title>

        blah
        blah2
        blah3

A: Try something like this:

        blah
        blah2
        blah3

Once you've learned some javascript, you might also want to have a look at jQuery

A: Your main problem is that you have set the function but you don't call it anywhere. Your simplest solution would be to make the script naked, i.e Take it out of the function.

        blah
        blah2
        blah3

See this example: http://jsfiddle.net/LpMeR/
This will fix your problem but is not the best way to do it.

A: Can try this as well. It will auto reflect the system timezone. Add it where ever you want.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Tommy D. Hancock passed away in his home, September 3, 2017 at 3:30 a.m. with his wife, Robin, and his daughter, Amy Hughes at his side.
Tom had fought Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with everything he had since May 2013.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Hancock, his children, Christopher Hancock (Belinda), daughter; Amy Hughes (Eric), son; Jacob Hancock, stepsons; Dillon Moyd (Emily) and Zachary Moyd, and seven grandchildren.
Services will be held in Kingman at Grace Lutheran Church, Sept. 28, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
His cremains will be buried at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.
In lieu of flowers, Tom requested that donations be made to the Cancer Center at Kingman Regional Medical Center, 3269 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, Arizona 86401.


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Halo Job Posting Hints at Online, Cloud-Like Service for Fans to 'Dive Deeper' Into Game
Yara Simón | staff@latinopost.com
Apr 14, 2014 03:21 PM EDT
Microsoft may not be ready to reveal more on Halo 5 at the moment, but a job posting on its career site did just that.
In the post, which only talks about the Xbox One platform, Microsoft says it's looking for someone to create "new and innovative companion experiences for the Halo Universe," according to Game Ranx.
So far, there have only been a few clues about Halo 5's plot through a leaked comic strip, which features Scruggs telling Sarah Palmer about a conspiracy that's attempting to hide the Didact. He also continues to wonder where the Master Chief is.
Still, there is still a lot of information missing. However, more is supposed to be unveiled at E3 later this year.
The description of the job continues: "We are creating a best in class experience for fans to dive deeper into games, story, products, and community across the web, Xbox One, and mobile platforms. We are seeking a self-motivated SDET with significant experience in web technologies and services."
At the very least, it's obvious from the job posting that the Microsoft team has big plans for Halo.
"The breadth and scope of impact in this role is a great opportunity for a candidate with a passion for client-service interaction, games, and sci-fi. If you want to work on a premier game franchise and be a champion for our customers, then come help us create the next generation of Halo!"
Candidates who apply should preferably have experience with Azure or other Cloud Services.
FOLLOW: Halo 5, Video Games, gaming new, games, Microsoft, Xbox One

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Update #10 - What was one, is now three!
1) Ascension: the Codex of Immortals. This zine will cover general discussion of epic games, epic / immortal player rules and guidelines, and DMing epic / immortal games.
2) Ascension: Pantheons. Originally just a chapter in the zine, it is being expanded into its own zine. This zine will provide, lore, art, and stats for deities, equipment, epic entities and servitors, heroes, and minions associated with a particular pantheon.
3) Ascension: Allies and Adversaries. Also, originally just a chapter in the zine, it is being expanded into its own zine too. This zine will provide, lore, art, and stats for epic entities and their servitors, heroes, and minions that are not associated with a particular pantheon. This is were we will cover various celestials and fiends such as the Demon Lords, Obyriths, the Seelie Court, and the Celestial Hebdomad.
Everyone who as pledged will get all three zines! If you pledged at the 1 issue level, you get the first issue of all three zines! If you pledge at the full year level (Celestial and higher), you get 4 issues of each zine (12 total issues)! It is really just an organizational change, not a change in content. You still get all the great content that is promised on the campaign page. Also, if you want, we will provide the zines compiled into one PDF. So you can get issue #1 of "the Codex of Immortals," issue #1 of "Pantheons," and issue #1 of "Allies & Adversaries" compiled into one PDF and we can do this for the rest of the first year's issues as well. The separation is more for selling the issues at online retailers, not for backer rewards. Just let us know how you prefer to get it and will get the PDFs to you, our backers, in the format that works best for you!
The reason for the shift is licensing and printing. By separating the zine into three components I can provide OGL compliant zines through multiple channels (DriveThru RPG, Goodman Games, etc.) and offer print and POD options of those zines now. I can also publish future issues on the DMs Guild and provide content with WotC Intellectual property (currently limited to Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, & Ravnica). Eventually I hope to offer POD versions of this titles as well, but that will depend on future negotiations with the DMsGuild.
Does this mean we can get print copies?
Yes it does! POD options for the OGL zines will go on sale with the PDF version at, or shortly after, the launch of the PDF issue. Also, to mark the final 7 days of the kickstarter I will be offering up new rewards with print options. So keep an eye out for those on Wednesday!
Chris Striker, King Rollo, and 4 more people like this update.


Provides information about: Capacities of associate companies, GAIA, GAIA's and associate companies' activities and news, etc.
Provides information about: Innovation agenda, work areas, formal documents, meetings with associates, reports, studies, boards of directors, special committees, strategic plan, GAIA publications, etc.
Private for registered companies, not only GAIA companies.
Collaborative network of companies associated with GAIA for finding partners, professionals, sales, etc.
GAIA SAREAN is the digital communication channel with associate companies. It is sent out every month in the first week of the month. It reports on the activities GAIA is going to carry out in the next 3 months and in which associate companies can participate. A GAIA SAREAN EXPRESS is sent out when something extraordinary happens. The newsletter can be received in full, or by areas of activity. There is also a "New Products" section, which include new products / services.
GAIA SAREAN MICRO is the digital communication channel with the micro-SMEs of GAIA. It is sent out every month in the third week of the month. It reports on aid / funding, intercompany collaboration and legislation: labour, tax, trade, accounting, security, prevention.
Posts the latest news from the social profiles of associate companies (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and automatically displays it on our homepage, as well as in the specific section created for it (GAIA SOCIAL). To appear in the "Social Hub" you must include the hashtag: #clustergaia in online publications.
Provides information about interesting news in strategic sectors: information systems, power electronics, energy, transport, health, etc.


War of the Rebellion: Serial 106 Page 0017 Chapter LXII. CORRESPONDENCE-UNION AND CONFEDERATE.
avail myself of their protection. I will start within a week to visit the agencies east of the mountains, and will be pleased to call upon you and have a further interview concerning the matter.
San Francisco, Cal., July 11, 1862.
SIR: Your communication of the 3rd instant regarding the condition of affairs in the District of Oregon has been received and submitted to the general commanding the department. The activity and zeal displayed by you while in command of the district are highly commendable, and the general has much satisfaction in assuring you that the disposition of your forces for the protection of the inhabitants and preserving the peace has received his entire approval.
Tucson, Ariz. Ter., July 12, 1862.


The Crucible Research Paper Sample.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller was a very admirable way to portray the Salem Witch Trials.
This is a topic suggestion on The Crucible from Paper Masters. Use this topic or order a custom research paper, written exactly how you need it to be.
The Crucible was a very admirable way to portray the Salem Witch Trials. The name crucible itself was a cleaver way to name this play. Crucible means a vessel made of refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures and in the play it illustrates how things get perpetually heated until they solidify and resolve themselves. The word crucible also means a severe test, as of patience or belief, a trial, which is likewise applicable to the play. Elizabeth Proctor, who is the wife of John Proctor, is a kind friendly woman but very judgmental to what John has done in the past. She is a good woman but doesn't know how to show her feeling. Reverend Hale, an outsider who originally believes in witchcraft, changes his opinion when he realizes the hypocrisy the town pulling on these innocent people. John Proctor, husband of Elizabeth Proctor, is a man respected in the village but yet not very active in the church. John realizes what he does wrong and does not like following what others do. Insight, a tool used frequently through out the play, is a clear, deep and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation. Therefore, I would like to discuss the elements of insight into the character of Elizabeth Proctor.
Elizabeth was a well-respected lady of the community, yet in her household she was very bitter. She was very devoted to her beliefs, she was known for telling the truth always. Elizabeth often tried to fool herself thinking everything was all right. Her insight with John was held back and she didn't have much faith in him because of his previous engagements with Abigail. On page 1073 Reverend Hale asked John if he know his commandments and he know everyone but one and Elizabeth said "adultery John". Even though she has theses doubt she still loved John dearly. With Bringing Hale into the story complicates it even more.
Reverend Hale was a minister of a near by town. He very precise in what he does and in what he believes in. In the beginning of this play he believed everything that was going on with the witchcraft hysteria, but by the end of the play he say the false actions done in the town of Salem. Away he shows this is when he leaves the court and says, "I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!" on page 1102. At first he liked the laws and judges but when he realized the hypocrisy that was going on in the town he disagrees with it. An example of this is when he leaves the court, on page 1102 he says, "I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!" when John is put in prison. Thus adding more twists and turns to the conclusion of the story.
Paper Masters writes custom research papers on The Crucible and explores a novel about the Salem Witch Trials with a focus on the character of Elizabeth Proctor.


text:
Dirac Live
Dirac Live Blog
Digital Room Correction
Room correction improves on room EQ to deliver unrivaled audio optimization
Recent advances pioneered by leading technology companies are changing how audiophiles and general home theater enthusiasts approach audio performance in their homes. While frequency equalization provides a degree of control over sound characteristics, and room EQ solves some issues with reverberations and frequency response, a far more robust and effective solution's penetrating the market and delivering truly optimized listening experiences for any listening environment: room correction.
Q&A on the New Dirac Live
As some of you may have noticed, things are happening with Dirac Live. We announced a brand new mobile version (for Android and iOS) at CEDIA back in September, and in December we announced a new version of the PC based calibration tools (for Windows and macOS). So far so good. But we haven't really said much about the hows and the whys, and what it all means for existing customers. Thus, the following was written with the intent of clearing up as many questions as possible. Inevitably new questions and concerns will be raised, but those we will address as they come along.
An Interview With Acclaimed Music Producer/ Songwriter Rami Yacoub
As part of a new Dirac Blog Series, we're interviewing members of the audio and technology community about their lives, inspirations, and their passion for all things audio-related.
In our first installment of this series, we're speaking with acclaimed music producer and songwriter Rami Yacoub. Rami began his professional career working with his Cheiron Studio's production partner Max Martin on acts such as Britney Spears, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and more. He has since collaborated with many other artist, including One Direction, Nicki Minaj, Tiesto, AVICII, and Madonna, amongst many others.
Big Sound in Small Packages: Is it Any Match to Hi-Fi?
Ever since humankind started creating music, the means, or equipment, for doing so have often been prohibitively bulky. True, there exists many small musical instruments, but the ones that can produce sound of sufficient strength and volume are typically really, really large; and an ensemble playing multiple instruments at once requires a lot of space indeed.
Home Audio Industry Takes a Big Leap Forward: Multi-Room, Garden Sounds, and Pitch-Perfect Raindrops
This year I returned to home audio after over a decade working in other industries and I was shocked to find that very little had changed since I'd been away. Generally speaking, progress has been relatively slow. In the 90s there was almost no home install and people tried their best to create a good listening environment, sometimes with a good result, sometimes not. But last month I discovered a very different picture of progress. I attended the CEDIA expo for home technology in Dallas and it was undeniable that technology is finally catching up with the imaginations of the people.
Equalization and Digital Filters: Going Beyond the Standard Toolbox
"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
This well known quote is attributed to psychologist Abraham Maslow, who observed that the accessibility of a given tool tends to influence the type of approach humans take when solving a problem.
As engineers and researchers, we are not spared from the phenomenon of Maslow's hammer, although many of us might like to think otherwise. In our education and training we've spent much time and effort learning a variety of practical and theoretical tools. And once they're understood and mastered we often cling to them in ways that are not always beneficial. In the worst case, over-reliance on the most familiar engineering tools can serve to maintain misconceptions and inhibit progress.
Under the Hood of the Stereophonic System: Phantom Sources
Is there any real physical sound experience that can be exactly replicated through a stereo system? Probably not. Why? Because the sound engineer who's making the recording is limited to coding a complex three-dimensional sound field using only two channels, which are then played back from two distinct locations in a probably less than perfect listening room.
www.dirac.com
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© Dirac 2021
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Johnny Meyer (I)
Actor | Additional Crew | Writer
This curiously shy Johnny Meyer may be a Hoosier by birth but he was raised in Beverly Hills, MI, and is the only son of George and Sandra Meyer. Meyer graduated W.E. Groves High School and went on ... read full biography
Known for Altitude (2017), Phila.Sophical, Bullet (I) (2014), Airplane vs. Volcano (2014)
Aug 7 | 5' 11" (1.80m)
2 official web sites
Become a member to see Johnny Meyer's STARmeter.
Become a member to see Johnny Meyer's contact information.
Phila.Sophical
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Short description: The goals and results of this internal research project are described in the PhD thesis of Mathias Goller.
In: M. H. Hamza (Ed.): Proceedings of the IASTED International Conference on Databases and Applications (DBA 2004) as part of the 22nd IASTED International Multi-Conference on Applied Informatics, Innsbruck, Austria, February 17-19, 2004, ACTA Press, ISBN 0-88986-383-0, pp. 145-150, 2004.


To find out, ten grad and undergrad students carried out original ethnographic research in sites including food coops, the student union, colleges, sororities, clubs, campaign meetings, street protests and counter-protests, websites and archives.
Come hear what they found and be inspired with the fun and challenge of conducting original ethnographic work right here on campus. Stay for the whole afternoon, or just drop in for an hour – everyone welcome.
This entry was posted on December 6, 2018 by Ant Admin.


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iHeartRadio Live
Madonna to Celebrate 'Madame X' During Intimate NYC Event: How to Watch
posted by Taylor Fields - Jun 11, 2019
Madonna is the reigning Queen of Pop and a long-standing pop culture icon. Over the last four decades, she's continued to push the envelope, mastering the art of reinvention and has released some of the most influential music that many artists today draw inspiration from. On June 14th, Madonna is sharing her fourteenth full-length studio album, Madame X, and is celebrating the new release and her incredible career with an exclusive and intimate show for fans in New York City: iHeartRadio ICONS with Madonna: In Celebration of Madame X.
Madame X follows Madonna's 2015 LP Rebel Heart, and showcases 13 new songs including lead single "Medellín" (featuring Maluma), "I Rise" and "Crave" (featuring Swae Lee), in addition to other features from artists like Quavo and Anitta. On each song, the Queen of Pop was creatively influenced by living in Lisbon, Portugal, as fans will pick up on in the visuals and sound. And Madonna is set support her new album with her intimate "Madame X" Theater Tour, which kicks off September 12th in Brooklyn and wraps up in Los Angeles on November 17th.
During iHeartRadio ICONS with Madonna: In Celebration of Madame X, Madonna will open up about the making of the record and so much more during the Q&A hosted by iHeartRadio's Paul "Cubby" Bryant and Christine Nagy. Fans from across the country will be able to tune in to the event to watch it all happen live.
How To Stream The Show
Fans can listen and tune in free for a video stream of the exclusive iHeartRadio ICONS with Madonna via LiveXLive on Friday, June 21st at 6:30pm local time. You will NOT want to miss it!
Get pumped for the show and listen to some of Madonna's new music from Madame X below.


Lyrics included. Sit back and let this exciting New York rhythm section take you on an exhilarating ride through these timeless jazz session favorites.
Sit back and let this exciting New York rhythm section take you on an exhilarating ride through these timeless jazz session favorites.
With lyrics and a CD included, this play-along set is a terrific and effective approach to Jazz improvisation. Sultry ballads, exciting bossas and finger snappin' swing tunes at comfortable tempos make this a welcome edition to anyone's musical library. Rhythm section is Niels Lan Doky, piano; Christian Doky, bass; Billy Hart, drums.


The Seattle City Council's unanimous passage of a business head tax sent ripples throughout the business community and economic development organizations who are sounding the alarm that the move threatens the current business climate and will deter potential companies from relocating to Seattle.
On May 14, the council unanimously approved its business head tax plan, which would charge an estimated 585 of Seattle's largest businesses $275 per full-time worker per year. The tax would begin in January 2019 and continue until Dec. 31, 2023.
The move drew strong criticism from members of the labor and businesses communities, who argued that the council has already spent upwards of $160 million without seeing an improvement in the homelessness issue the tax seeks to address.
In response, several business owners and economic development groups are now saying that city council members have gone too far.
Jon Scholes, President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), told Lens the association opposed the tax when it was in place in 2008, and it has been speaking out against the tax since it was reintroduced.
"We are familiar with the policy, and the research and experience from other cities that shows that it is a job killer," he said.
Scholes added that the head tax makes Seattle the only city in the state that would levy a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax along with a tax on jobs.
The last six or seven years have been filled with new taxes on companies in Seattle, he continued.
"In many ways, we've gone from an unpredictable business climate to a predictable, hostile business environment.
Scholes said businesses of all shapes and sizes across every sector have come together in the past week to fight the tax with their own dollars and resources. Business owners along with members from economic development groups make up the "No Tax on Jobs" coalition, which has raised over $300,000 in one day to place a referendum on the fall ballot to repeal the tax.
"We haven't seen a response like this in many years in businesses from across the city … voters in Seattle also feel like they are not being listened to by the council on this issue or others," he added.
To qualify for the ballot, the group needs to gather 17,632 signatures within 29 days of Mayor Jenny Durkan signing off on the tax.
"The reason we're starting with a referendum is because we don't have time to let the council shut down growth like this," Saul Spady, President of Cre8ive Empowerment and the campaign's secretary, told Crosscut.
One reason that SMCC opposes the tax is that the Seattle City Council has "demonstrated an alarming recklessness about spending.
Pathway Homes offers a resident-focused plan to reduce homelessness by transforming how homeless services are delivered and transitioning from short-term to long-term solutions.
The Poppe report, prepared by Barbara Pope and Associates, recommends the city reduce homelessness by addressing key underlying issues including the lack of affordable housing options and the lack of jobs that offer living wages.


"Veteran Show Brings Updated Laughs"
In an already-politicized world of "fake news," where does one of the original biting comedies about Washington fit in? That's the question viewers face as CBS relaunches Murphy Brown (9:30 Eastern/8:30 Central) on Thursday in a Donald Trump world.
For 288 episodes in the late 1980s to late 1990s, the show parodied, but also advocated, for journalism with a fiery storyteller who frequently got in trouble by doing things that today would more often be considered absolutely tame.
So how would that character or show even fit in during today's news cycle?
The answer, it seems, is it hasn't lost much of a beat. And that is both the strength and the weakness of the new Murphy Brown reboot on CBS.
Like the actors, the show has aged. Plot-wise, the pilot's premise follows a retired Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) who decides that today's political climate is just too irresistible (or perhaps too depressing) to not be on the air, so she comes out of retirement and now heads a morning talk show. Her son Avery Brown (Jake McDorman) (yes, the character that was once the fictional baby that Dan Quayle complained about in the famous "single mom" incident) unknowingly decides to take a job at the rival "Wolf" network, a conservative Fox-like channel during the same morning time-slot as his mother.
Murphy's producer Miles Silverberg (Grant Shaud), now living in the Watergate Hotel, is as paranoid as ever, and Murphy's co-workers Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford) and Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto) continue as fellow-journalists and often co-conspirators to Murphy's shenanigans.
The biggest change involves the bar/diner they hang out at the end of the day. Phil's Bar and Grill is now run by Phyllis (6-time Emmy winner Tyne Daly), as she takes over the bar from her brother. Daly is sarcastic but still warm (like most of the other characters on the show), and is a fitting tribute to replace the late Pat Corley, who passed away in 2006.
Also new to Murphy's news-team is the off-camera Pat Patel (Nik Dodani), who plays the Social Media Director and tech support person for the crew. He constantly worries about tweets, Facebook profiles, and media presences, and even helps makes Murphy fake White House press credentials--something most of us should ask about at work the next time we see our own IT folks.
There are some issues that have grown old. Continual jokes about the characters' inability to use technology today seem odd and demean the idea that older journalists can understand technology. To think a character like Murphy Brown wouldn't be able to successfully use a modern day cell phone seems out of character and unrealistic.
And, as always, Murphy is continually looking for new secretaries. The first episode featured a surprise guest-star in Hillary Clinton (not playing herself but a secretary simply named "Hillary") who nevertheless poked fun at herself with lines like "I do have experience with emails" and boasting her own email address at "Hillary at youcouldofhadme.com" Still, other than the guest-star power of Clinton on the pilot, the old routine of Murphy hiring or firing secretaries may seem outdated in 2018, when journalists not only file their own stories but often do their own camerawork and post their own online stories as well. (The original run on CBS had Murphy feature about 93 secretaries). Maybe it's time for this Murphy Brown to rid itself of the secretary trope.
But what started as a safe, familiar but outdated show in the pilot did become a more politically relevant show by the second episode. That episode involved Murphy becoming jealous her son, from a rival network, would be inside for his first White House press briefing.
Murphy, of course, has been kicked out of press briefings, so she launches an elaborate plan with her newscast members to "get her inside" the next press briefing at the White House. When she eventually gets in (with fake Le Monde credentials named Cousette Peugeot - which makes her wonder if she came from the "Jean Valjean Academy of Stolen Bread") she does the typical Murphy Brown thing: refuse to back down and asks questions even when she isn't called upon by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Why do you lie? That line lingers. Even after the show ends.
And in that moment, Murphy Brown becomes instantly relevant. The humor may not be completely biting--but it was important. And necessary.
Will the show be too liberal for CBS? Probably not--because Murphy Brown, unlike some shows, backs down just enough to make it all a good episode of fun. The characters genuinely care about each other, care about the country, and admit when they go too far. We like our journalists as crusaders. But we like our journalists to be a bit humble, too. And the second episode still puts Murphy in her place after making an important commentary.
Before getting kicked out of the White House (again), Murphy scolds her fellow press corps members, "I know a lot of you personally" but when they don't come to her aid, "Maybe I don't know you as well as I thought I did." It is a biting line about how the press in Washington lets the White House Press Secretary regularly lie to the public without using the "L" word.
Even if it's a fictional voice of reason, it was great to see Murphy critique the White House press office. And it was great to see Murphy critique the press. And the beauty of the show: it was still tremendously entertaining. We need more Murphy Browns in real life--but until we get them, we should celebrate that while this show is aging, it is clearly still relevant.
It's funny and appropriate. A rare blend that only network TV can still bring.


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AFMalik Law provides development consultancy services to local and foreign clients on a wide range of areas including Legal, Policy Research and conduct pilot based research studies in development areas such as Climate Change, Gender, Social Entrepreneurship, Child Rights and Juvenile Justice.
As a unique development consultancy firm we offer associated services in policy, capacity building, development and corporate law:
Policy & Government:
We provide expert legal and policy advice, services and research analysis services to the public, private and development sector in the following areas:
Drafting of Rules & Regulations.
Drafting of MoUs, TORs, Policy Papers etc.
Child Rights : Laws & Policy Development
Juvenile Justice: Law Reform & Policy Development
Women Empowerment: Laws & Policy Development
Youth Development: Laws & Policy Development
Economic Empowerment: Laws & Policy Development
DEVELOPMENT & NGOS
Our consultants have the experience of working with international organizations such as UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNDP, Umeed Jawan, and Creative Associates International.
For national NGOs, AFMalik Law partners with ICx Seplaa International, Incubator & Learning Programs to combine assessment of projects with workshops, and design support systems and training trajectories on request.
Our Development Sector Achievements:
Some of Ms. Ammara Farooq Malik's professional achievements which are a testament to her level of expertise and enthusiasm to be a change maker in the development sector and policy issues are as follows:
Mrs. Ammara Farooq Malik advocated for the initiation of the first bone marrow transplant center to be set up in Lahore with the Hospital San Matteo (Italy) and the National Institute of Blood Disorders (NIBD) Karachi from 2010 to 2014. As a result of her initial advocacy efforts and the efforts of a lot of associated doctors and government departments, the first public bone marrow transplant center was set up in the Children's Hospital in Lahore in 2017.
Under the SEPLAA Foundation, she initiated the health policy advocacy campaign 'Save a Life, Save a Generation' (2009 –2013) which directly challenged existing health systems and gave policy recommendations to the Punjab Government to make blood screening compulsory before marriage to avoid the birth of children with thalassemia, hepatitis and HIV. As a result of these efforts and the efforts of other Civil Society groups, the 'The Premarital Blood Screening (Family Laws Amendment) Act, 2016' was tabled by PML-N legislator Chaudhry Tanvir Khan which makes blood tests before marriage compulsory to prevent inherited blood disorders and birth defects. Family Laws Amendment Bill is now being deliberated upon to be passed as law.
As a result of her Child Rights & Juvenile Justice Law Reform & Policy Consultancy with UNICEF (2013-2014) wherein she researched the Employment of Children's Act 1991, ILO Conventions and the UNCRC, she gave several recommendations to the Office of Ombudsman Punjab and UNICEF. As a result of the 3 large consultative dialogues that were held with 20 government departments, 25 NGOs and parliamentarians, Ms. Malik was able to collect several recommendations which helped pave the way for the newly promulgated Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Ordinance 2016.
As a result of her expertise, networking and discussions with several High Court Judges and government officials, she was able to give her situational analysis of the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000 to UNICEF.
She was the only Pakistani selected to present her policy research paper on 'Innovative Solutions to Promote Peacebuilding: A Case Study Analysis of the Social Entrepreneurship for Peacebuilding Model in Pakistan and its Application in Iraqi Kurdistan' at the International Peace Education Symposium organized by UNICEF, Centre of Global Affairs New York University (USA), US Embassy Iraq and the University of Duhok in Iraq in 2014.
She has been working on creating legal awareness about 'Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace' since 2013. She has given several presentations at universities and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries on the said topic. She has also completed a Policy Dialogue Series under the SEPLAA Empowering Women for Economic Growth & Peace (SEW-EGAP 2015-2016) under which she conducted 6 Policy Dialogues on women in education, development, disability, corporate sustainability and Empowerment with over 70 professional women. A policy paper is now being created to record the findings of these diverse dialogues.
She has been an entrepreneur and social entrepreneur having started 6 successful startups and is adept at creating the requisite linkages for profitable collaborations.


CXTO, Taking a year off.
We've had a great time the last two seasons putting on the Cookie Cross, but it has not been without some challenges. CXTO is a completely self-funded, volunteer-run organization.
Right now we're looking towards the future and have begun discussions with our friends at Substance Projects, to work together to develop and bigger and better Cookie Cross for 2019.
And a request please to not pre-ride the course. We're getting permission to run the race by respecting the community and their use of the park, so please hold your excitement until Saturday morning, when there will be lots of time to pre-ride.
Following on the heals of last season's awesome race course, we've made a few upgrades and modifications.
This new course promises to be a whole lot of fun... while also pushing one's skills and fitness levels. We also wanted to make very spectator friendly and to use as much of the park as possible. Enjoy.
Racers and participants... here's all you need to know about our upcoming event. Download the CXTO Christie Pits "Cookie 'Cross" Technical Guide.
New for 2017, we're partnered with the fine folks at CCN for our CXTO Cookie Cross event registration.
We are very excited to let you know that we're heading back to Christie Pits to present the 2nd Annual Cookie Cross.
We've locking in the date for October 28th. Yeah... this year its on a Saturday.
Details and plans are in the works, but stay tuned for more news, sponsor info, course maps, technical guides, etc.
Racers... here's all you need to know about our upcoming event. Download the CXTO Christie Pits "Cookie 'Cross" Technical Guide.
We are super pleased to let you all know that our online Registration is officially open for business.
We're looking forward to seeing you on the 29th of October.
Following our meeting with City Parks officials on September 21st, we've had to make some modifications to our first race course layout. The CXTO organization committee was insight this evening and we're all pretty excited about this new layout.
We're looking at a lap length of about 2.6k, and yes... there is a good amount of climbing and varied terrain involved.
Our updated course layout... 2.6k of fun and excitement. Thanks to Dan B for the cartography and course mapping.
With Christie Pits being pretty much in the "backyard" of the Bateman's Bicycle Company, we are thrilled to add them to our roster of supporters and sponsors.
The crew at Bateman's are all serious about their cycling and the shop has quickly made a positive reputation for itself in the downtown core. We also know that cyclocross is very near and dear to the heart of Robert Bateman, so we're thrilled to have him and his team supporting our event.
We are thrilled to see KindHuman Bicycles participating in our first event at Christie Pits.
KindHuman was founded by Adam Abramowicz and Gavin Brauer. The two come from uniquely differing backgrounds but are united by one commonality: the bike. Friendship brought the cycling industry designer and experienced businessman together and upon realizing their shared love for the sport, they have decided to share this passion with the world. KindHuman is not just a bike company for Gavin and Adam, it is a vehicle for them to bring more people to the sport. To empower cyclists everywhere to give back to the sport that they love and help grow cycling in their communities. Together, they are committed to making cycling more accessible to all people and they are committed to growing the sport and sustaining it – from the ground up.
We are very happy to announce that Gears Bike Shop is going to be one of the key sponsors of our Christie Pits event, taking place on October 29th.
With four locations in the GTA, Gears Bike Shop has built its reputation and business via positive engagement with the local and cycling community.
To create a bike shop and community that makes cycling accessible to all Canadians.
Belonging to and connecting with community increases everyone's level of happiness. In our increasingly isolated world, GEARS strives to be an inclusive cycling community where everyone feels welcomed and where anyone can connect to other like-minded individuals who also enjoy riding a bike.
Its a work in progress for now, but here's a sample of what you could expect on the CXTO Christie Pits "Cookie" Cross.
We are very happy to let you all know that after well over a years worth of effort, we can safely let you all know that the City of Toronto has granted us approval to utilized the Christie Pits Park (at Bloor and Christie).
In the coming weeks leading up to this event, we'll be adding more information for registration, course descriptions, partners, sponsors, etc.
So in the meantime, don't forget to mark you Cyclocross Calandar for Saturday, October 29th.


Level Playing Field How many years of experience do you and your senior leadership have in negotiating outsourcing agreements? How much of that experience was obtained in the past three years? It's probably not enough experience to get the value that you should from an outsourcing agreement. With so much change and consolidation occurring in the IT outsourcing space, you need to level the playing field as you prepare to negotiate with outsourcing providers. By working with an external sourcing advisor, you immediately bring dozens, if not hundreds, of years of negotiation experience to your side of the table and will gain valuable insight into best practices for creating a sustainable outsourcing agreement.
Improved Cost Savings Cost arbitrage is probably your immediate reason for pursuing an outsourcing relationship with a third-party provider. While you should expect to find cost savings compared to your current IT structure (and perhaps even meet/exceed your goal), history shows us that by engaging an external sourcing provider you can realize additional cost savings. At Alsbridge, we typically achieve additional cost savings in the 11%-16% range. We often see that the mere presence of an external outsourcing advisor will incent the provider to quickly get to the right price point for the services being discussed.
Shorter Negotiations As the saying goes, "time is money." It is not unusual to spend 12-24 months working with potential outsourcing providers before you actually sign the final contract and start your transition. This lengthy process is costly for both you and the provider(s) in terms of resources expended. It is even more costly for you, since every month that passes without a new agreement is a month that you are paying much more for your IT services than you should. Engaging an external outsourcing advisor can help shave months off of the negotiation lifecycle by bringing industry knowledge, market price knowledge and outsourcing best practices to bear. Our history at Alsbridge shows that when we are engaged in the negotiations process, it can be as much as 55%-72% faster than doing it on your own.
Sustainable Outsourcing Relationships While most effort in negotiating an outsourcing agreement is focused on scope, price and service levels, there are many other components of a high-value, sustainable outsourcing relationship that an external sourcing advisor can help achieve for you. These components include flexibility, personnel handling, continuous improvement and governance. Without proper attention and expertise in these areas, many agreements become outdated within 2-3 years. This heavily contributes to "value leakage" because the provider continues delivering what is no longer needed or valued by the client. An external sourcing advisor will bring additional perspective to each facet of the outsourcing agreement and help ensure that it is created to be valuable and sustainable over time.
There are other very good reasons for considering the services of an external outsourcing advisor, but you get the point. Remember, the outsourcing providers do this for a living and their sales and solutioning teams are quite experienced in negotiating the terms of an outsourcing agreement. Whether you are considering outsourcing for the first time or are preparing to renew and renegotiate an existing outsourcing agreement, it is imperative that you work with a partner who will help you through the selection, negotiation and transition processes.
About the Author: John Meyerson is a senior research analyst for Alsbridge, Inc. and ProBenchmark, which supports Outsourcing Leadership. Outsourcing Leadership, http://www.outsourcingleadership.com/ , is the unbiased source for information on outsourcing, benchmarking and shared services. Find the latest news, trends and sources of research and consulting through our home page, newsletter and events.


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Eyes on the prize of 2024.
Posted byNorth South Perspective 11th Jul 2020 11th Jul 2020 Posted inUK politicsTags:Boris Johnson, Coronavirus, Election, Lockdown easing, Rishi Sunak, UK government, UK politics
If a week is a long time in politics, then four years is an eternity. Barring some exceptional circumstance wherein we face an election sooner, it is four years until the Great British electorate will see the inside of a polling station to choose their Westminster representatives. It is safe in this knowledge and with their 80 seat majority that the Conservative high command sit comfortably. Make no mistake, the coronavirus pandemic will not be forgotten about. The once in a lifetime onslaught of such an indiscriminate and tragic novel virus, and the lockdown in which it placed us all, will no doubt form the fabric of many stories we tell the generations yet to come. In the yarn shared between grandparent and grandchild, no doubt, the scope of tragedy will not be lost. But I fear the unscrupulous nature of political electioneering. I fear the human scope of the tragedy will be forgotten in four years' time in favour of a heralded, 'against all odds' great economic recovery. I fear the countless gaffes will be forgotten too. Above all, I fear the Tories already know this.
In knowing this, the Tories have adopted a long-term electoral strategy, centred upon engineering a post-pandemic environment wherein the economy does not struggle nearly as bad as economists warned us it ought to have. Fuelled by Nando's and Pizza Express vouchers, the Tories want things moving again. Understandably, and chomping at the bit following three months of exhaustive zoom quizzes and burnt home cooked Delia recipes, the public will not hesitate in taking Sunak's arm off for these high-street incentives. But there remains a glaringly problematic dimension of the UK's restriction-easing experience and that is, are we ready?
Sunak leads the charge in the post-lockdown hospitality sector, without a mask of course. Source: The Independent
The UK experienced the highest death toll in Europe and the third highest in the world (after Trump's U.S and more recently Bolsonaro's Brazil) and at the time of writing the UK is experiencing 512 confirmed new daily cases. Five Hundred new daily cases coupled with a Sunak and Johnson sponsored encouragement to get back to work and back to businesses – albeit alongside an insistence upon the use of face masks, a uniquely welcome U-turn from Number 10. Despite this message, there remains a swell of scepticism surrounding the preparedness of the UK to handle what is essentially the final stage in lockdown-easing. This scepticism is borne out of the UK's lack of a digital track and trace app – the successful development of which was considered by many other countries to be the crucial skeleton key for relaxing restrictions. Indeed, various epidemiologists and members of the SAGE committee have compounded and stressed the necessity of digital tracking and tracing capacity in the easing of the lockdown. The benefit of track and trace of course being that normality can resume, traders can trade, restaurants can restaurant all while pockets of Covid-19 could be efficiently quashed. Nevertheless, in the gaping absence of such capability, we move fourth.
Reopening the economy is of course essential, and broadly, Mr. Sunak's support for business throughout the pandemic, and now the support for consumers is, on the surface, encouraging (the point shouldn't be lost however, that it took Marcus Rashford to point out to the government that starving schoolchildren required government subsidisation, yet when it came to the survival of businesses, Downing Street proved well capable of figuring it out themselves, without the input of a Premier League footballer.) But the thought of the human cost and the familial grief of more pandemic-related tragedy, as such will be the case with premature relaxation in light of no digital track and trace, is deeply troubling. Likewise, on the other hand, a post-pandemic recession as hard-hitting as '08 or worse, as some economists have suggested, would no doubt bring hardship and further tragedy to the households of many.
The calculations are stupendously difficult and I do not envy the shoes in which the individual stands who has to make them. But I do believe that each single human life is invaluable, and an overzealous fascination with bolstering the economy, particularly when underpinned with an eye to 2024, will significantly skew these calculations harrowingly in favour of percentage points and pounds. Moreover, and rather unfortunately come 2024, the Tories will not let subside any shred of economic triumph in the wake of this once-in-a-lifetime global struggle. The pandemic will not be forgotten, but the intensity of the grief of thousands of deaths which sits so viscerally with us all now, may recede as normality returns. Replaced only by a loud Tory acclaim to economic success, propelled by the chancellory and testament in the avoidance of a crippling recession -and it will probably be written on the side of a big red bus too.
Trump's Chickens coming home to Roost.
The hypocrisy of Trump's woes.


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https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Capitalist-fever-gripping-Shanghai-3107782.php
Capitalist fever gripping Shanghai
Edward Iwata, OF THE EXAMINER STAFF
Published 4:00 am PDT, Sunday, July 20, 1997
1997-07-20 04:00:00 PDT SHANGHAI, CHINA -- SHANGHAI, China - If this fabled port city is China's new cultural and economic showcase to the world, you can glimpse the future at a trendy downtown nightclub called Time.
On a hot summer night, stylish young professionals danced to flashing lights and frenetic house music. Others puffed Marlboros and sipped Carlsberg beer. Perched on a moving steel platform, an aspiring "Cantopop" singer named James Yang crooned love songs for the women below.
Shortly before midnight, the dance floor suddenly emptied. Why were people leaving so early? "Everyone has to work tomorrow," explained 21-year-old Mike Gu, a bell captain at a local hotel. "We have to make money."
As they embrace the lifestyles and work ethos of the West, the Shanghai youths still are seized by the iron grip of the world's largest dictatorship. In recent weeks, the police have quietly closed several local nightclubs, underground parties and a gay bar - apparently part of China's on-and-off crackdown on "spiritual pollution" from overseas.
Despite the draconian decrees of the Communist Party, the people of Shanghai take pride in the huge leaps toward modernization made by their city and nation. Now that China has regained Hong Kong from British rule, they feel the future looks even more lustrous.
"The world is looking at us," said Yang, who names Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and Asian singers as his musical influences. "It's an exciting time - there are so many opportunities."
His girlfriend, Jennie Chen, returned to Shanghai this summer after living for eight years in Queens, N.Y., and graduating from New York University with a communications degree. "I love America, but it never felt the same as here," Chen said. "I'm proud to be Chinese. I want to stay."
China's dramatic rebirth is symbolized by Shanghai, a sprawling metropolis of 16 million - half the head count of California. Shanghai is the "dragon head" for vast economic reform and free-market experiments that may reshape the most populous nation in the world.
Upgrading infrastructure<
Communist leaders want Shanghai to grow into a global power rivaling New York and London, and they are imposing steps to make it happen. Over the next few years, China will spend $11 billion on building a new airport and upgrading the city's big port, its highway and subway systems, its power and telecommunications networks. Already, Shanghai has erected a gleaming library and a world-class art museum.
The command economy is working. Like giant steel birds, construction cranes fill the skyline. City streets are dusty and noisy with scores of developments. On the muddy waters of the Huangpu River, the Port of Shanghai handled a record $48 billion worth of cargo in 1995.
Westerners are joining the charge. With 1,700 projects, the United States is Shanghai's third-largest foreign investor, trailing only Hong Kong and Japan. The biggest foreign enterprise in Shanghai is a $1.6 billion Buick factory being built by General Motors.
Shanghai is gripped by capitalistic fever - measured by per capita income, it trails only Guangzhou, near Hong Kong, as China's most prosperous metropolis.
Look at the city's fast-growing middle class, its waves of white-collar business people. Their eyes glimmer as they describe their work, their passion to make money and better their lives.
"The only way to show our talents is through our work and our businesses," said Li Pei Rong, founder of New Horizon Advertising Co., a young marketing firm that is landing prized corporate accounts with Hitachi, Coca-Cola and others. "We must prove ourselves."
"Chuppies' on parade<
There's more time for leisure, too. Thousands of Shanghai residents are avid ballroom dancers. This fall, they'll enjoy an international music festival with rock, jazz and classical performers, the first event of its scope in Shanghai. In local parks, teens in baggy shorts and basketball shoes swagger about like Michael Jordan.
On Nanjing Road, the bustling Fifth Avenue of Shanghai, stylish "chuppies" - Chinese urban professionals - strut their stuff. Outside one department store, a longhaired woman wears a tight T-shirt reading, "Born to Be Free."
In casual talks with dozens of Shanghai residents, their pride swells over Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Along the Bund, the regal stretch of seaside boulevard, huge red banners drape the 100-year-old, neoclassical buildings. "Welcome Back, Hong Kong! Together We Will Create a Better Future," the banners read.
"We will be an international city again, especially with Hong Kong back," said Jian Qing Zhou, a restaurant manager who worked for several years in Miami. "Our future will be very good."
Dramatic history<
Shanghai long has been steeped in Chinese lore and history. During its heyday before World War II, the port town was known as the "Paris of China" and the
"Hollywood of the East" - one of the world's cultural centers of music, film, fashion and literature.
The city also was a battleground of political intrigue. Mao Zedong and his comrades founded the Communist Party here 70 years ago. And in 1949, the Communists forced out all foreign influences and the Nationalist Party of Chiang Kai-shek.
Shanghai lost much power in the 1980s to coastal provinces in southern China, which became rich manufacturing centers for Hong Kong businesses.
But this port city has seen a remarkable renaissance over the past five years with the help of the so-called
"Shanghai mafia," the former city leaders who now run China. President Jiang Zemin and Vice Premier Zhu Rongji both are ex-mayors of Shanghai. The 69-year-old Zhu, a liberal economic reformer, is favored to succeed Prime Minister Li Peng, whose 10-year term ends next March.
Aided by its powerful patrons, Shanghai is China's largest free-trade zone. Last year, 14,000 foreign companies - including Intel, Ford, AT&T, Kodak and Federal Express - poured $34 billion into the city. Meanwhile, hundreds of China's state-run companies in Shanghai are merging and experimenting with free-market practices.
The upshot: Shanghai's economy has grown 14 percent over the past five years, outpacing all other regions in China.
"It's a boomtown unlike any I've seen, and it's still on an upward swing," said David Miller, director of the U.S. Information Service in Shanghai.
Biggest mall in Asia<
The most frenzied growth can be found in Pudong, the vast rural region dotted with farmland and old shacks a decade ago. Today, Pudong boasts dozens of commercial and residential highrises, a new stock exchange building and large business parks for finance, technology and manufacturing.
Pudong also is home to the largest shopping mall in Asia. The NextAge center is a 10-story concrete wonder co-owned by Japan's Yaohan retail giant and China's Shanghai No. 1 Department Store. The first floor is dominated by an auto showroom with Toyotas and BMWs. For sale upstairs: Clairol cosmetics, Nike tennis shoes, Esprit casual wear and Donald Duck backpacks.
"If you had seen Pudong 10 years ago, you wouldn't believe how much has changed today," said Zhou Dan Yan, a translator for Shanghai Oriental Pearl International Media Co. "No one wanted to live in this place. Now, everyone wants to move here."
Not everyone is equally optimistic. Some economists and analysts worry that Shanghai is growing too fast. Air and water pollution are serious problems. The real estate boom has slowed, with plenty of vacancies as companies and local residents wait for lease and rental prices to drop more. Foreign and Chinese executives gripe that they must fork over to the government too much in taxes and workers' benefits - up to 60 percent of operating costs.
Bullish on the future<
But those gazing at the long term are more bullish on Shanghai than on any other cosmopolitan region in Asia.
Russell Miller, an investment banker at Russell Miller Inc. in San Francisco, first visited Shanghai a decade ago. The grimy city looked like the China of old. Business was slow and leisurely. Telephones didn't work well. Department stores were empty. Few cars and trucks filled the narrow streets.
On a trip earlier this month, Miller was amazed at the new Shanghai. He spent days touring the city and forging economic and political ties.
Cutting deals in Shanghai isn't a waltz, Miller warned. Differences in language, cultural values and business styles are a tough challenge. Western legal and accounting standards are much stricter than China's, he said.
But by the end of the year, Miller hopes to seal a $10 million investment with a well-known Chinese insurance company.
"A brand-new city is sprouting from the ground, and we're a scouting party, an early explorer," said Miller, who also is a board director of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. "If you think Shanghai is something, wait until 10 years from now."
NEXT SUNDAY: In The Examiner business section, a rare look into China's state-owned companies that are turning to Western-style, free-market practices.<


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Operation «Гладіо» () — кодова назва підпільної операції НАТО «залишені позаду» в Європі під час Холодної війни. Її метою було продовжити збройний опір у випадку радянського вторгнення і завоювання. Хоча першочергово «Гладіо» називали операцію італійської гілки НАТО, згодом назва «Операція Гладіо» почала використовуватися як неофіційна назва для всіх «залишених позаду» операцій. Назва Гладіо є  італійською формою назви  римського короткого меча — Гладіус. Операції «залишені позаду» проводились у багатьох країнах-членах НАТО і навіть у деяких нейтральних країнах

Примітки

НАТО
Холодна війна

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Short list of services you provide and where, plus anything else like opening times, etc.
The Forum in this group can be used by everyone to discuss any related topics. An opportunity to create a greater trusted connected community and build up a great local directory.
You need to be a member of Topiary to add comments!
We are a local on-line business located in Beckenham specialising in Topiary, Hedges and niche garden products & plants and we love growing Fuchsias.


Wonderful work of art, great colors and scene..!!
Thanks, I appreciate that!Makes me want to draw more illustrations! I actually have a few but they are unfinished.
I absolutely love the contrasting colors.
Thoughts is exactly how many of us would think about life in general.
I enjoy the visual gentleness of the colors and that of the atmosphere.
I can't think of any more words to express how this pic makes me feel at the moment.
The compositions and placements look so satisfying and perfect.
This is very beautiful! Wonderful job!
So gentle and surreal. I love the softness of everything in this piece!


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