Welcome to the Character Column! Each week, I'll be taking a look at a different character from Nintendo's long and esteemed history, and I'll analyze what makes them interesting, nuanced, or just plain memorable. Whether they're heroes, villains or NPCs, I'll explain why they deserve respect or love from the fanbase and a place in video game history.
It's the very first edition of the Character Column, so I thought to choose a character with a certain amount of iconicity behind him, and since we're doing a Year of Zelda here at Nintendo Inquirer, who better to cover than the King of Evil himself: Ganondorf, one of the most recognizable villains in game history.
WARNING: Spoilers for Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess and Wind Waker to follow!
Ganondorf – also known as Ganon in his pig-man form – has been around since the very first Zelda game, and is by far the greatest villain the series has to offer. While occasionally another wannabe like Vaati or Ghirahim comes and steals the spotlight, Ganondorf is clearly Link's arch-nemesis for now and all time. Time and time again he assails Link and Zelda in his quest for power, often manipulating others for his own needs in order to accomplish his goals. He's cunning, mighty and pragmatic – always making him the greatest obstacle in Link's journey.
Yet, the number of games where Ganon is a character as opposed to simply a boss to conquer at the end is… rather few, when you get down to it. The main reason for this is that Ganon, in his pig form, doesn't display many of the interesting qualities that his human self – Ganondorf – possesses. Ganon rarely exhibits the intelligence present in Ganondorf, and as a result most of his appearances are equivalent in character to somebody like Bowser from Mario. That said, I'll be focusing almost entirely on Ganondorf and the games in which he appears, which only amounts to three (not counting spin-offs): Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess and Wind Waker. For a man who displays such iconicity, it's surprising to realize that his human form appears little throughout the franchise's history.
Before Ocarina of Time, Ganon was more a plot device than a fleshed out character. In the original Zelda he kidnapped Zelda in an attempt to take the Triforce and conquer Hyrule. He was dead in Zelda II (though an attempt at his resurrection was part of the plot), and he didn't appear at all in Link's Awakening. A Link to the Past is the only pre-OoT game that offers something somewhat interesting – namely, the fact that Ganon had been manipulating the wizard Agahnim for his own nefarious purposes. This is the first we see him using others for his own purposes, and it wouldn't be the last: Ganon's position as puppet master is one of his most consistent character traits, one that is made wonderfully overt in Wind Waker with Link's battle against Puppet Ganon.
But that's enough introduction. Let's get down to the nitty gritty of it, shall we?
Ganondorf wastes no time making an appearance in Ocarina of Time, showing up in Link's dream in the opening cutscene. A massive man atop a mighty black steed, he immediately radiates power and danger to young, inexperienced Link. While Link awakens from his nightmare quickly, the image of both Ganondorf and the fleeing Zelda stick in his – and the player's – mind. Without even a hint of dialogue, the player gets everything they need to know about him: He's menacing, mysterious, and likely a key villain in the plot.
He's next mentioned by the Great Deku Tree in his dying speech, as the man who caused the old oak to croak in the first place. Here we get fuzzy, unclear shots of Ganon surrounded by darkness and fire – not dissimilar to Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII – once more making the player feel the threat he poses to Link. But the first proper look we see of Ganon is in the castle courtyard with Zelda, where the Gerudo King is seen bowing before the off-screen King of Hyrule, as Zelda explains his diabolical plots.
What I love about Ganon's depiction in this game is how he exudes confidence and evil at every turn. He discards Phantom Ganon almost immediately after the ghost is defeated, calling it a "worthless creation." His character model is perpetually smiling for 90+% of the game, as if he views Link as a pebble in his path towards conquest. Every move that Zelda and the player make is only a step in Ganon's plan, as he expects Link to open the door to the Temple of Time and thus the Sacred Realm, allowing Ganon to swoop in and seize power for himself. The fact that he always seems one step ahead of Link – kidnapping Zelda when she reveals herself in the future, and preparing a multitude of monsters and obstacles to stop Link's quest – showcases how terrifying a truly cunning and smart villain can be. Not to mention how, when you finally confront him atop his tower, he's nonchalantly playing the organ. He's deliciously malevolent, which makes it all the more satisfying to stop his plans. The final scene of him cursing Zelda, the sages, and Link (or, depending on what you named you save file, something far sillier) is still immensely satisfying to view.
But that doesn't mean he's completely without depth. While not very pronounced, the sections in the Gerudo Desert shine a little bit of light on Ganon's backstory: the only Gerudo man born in a hundred years (which raises the question of how they procreate in the interim…) and also their King, raised by the witch(es) Twinrova. The leader of the thieves (and eventual Sage) Nabooru is said to disagree with his methodology, but not much else is said on the matter. While not a lot is elaborated upon, it does become an important bit of backstory in future games.
Ocarina's Ganondorf definitely defined the character as we know him today, but his thirst for power was not abated by Link's thwarting of his plans. Skipping over Wind Waker for the moment (we'll get back to it momentarily), Twilight Princess is the other major appearance of the King of Thieves, though he doesn't show up until halfway through the plot, when he's revealed to be the man behind Zant's rise to power.
Once again, the first appearance of Ganon within the game is an establishing character moment; the Sages, knowing the evil he possess, attempt to kill him. But he laughs off having a sword driven into his torso and promptly turns the weapon around on his would-be executioners, escaping from his bonds with the help of the Triforce of Power. While exiled to the Twilight Realm, he's still able to plot, manipulate and scheme his way into power, and by the end of the game the number of people he's controlled has risen to great quantities.
TP's Ganondorf doesn't exhibit quite the same levels of maniacal evil that the Ocarina version of him did, but he's still clearly not a nice guy. He outright possesses Zelda in the final battle, forcing Link to turn his blade against a common ally, before turning into his familiar beast-Ganon form and doing battle himself. He's just as dangerous as he was in OoT, but not many new developments within his character are made in the game. While his deviousness is still front and center of his character, not much of his backstory or motivation is explored. Part of the issue is of his role as the secret villain – one he frequently plays in the 2D games as Ganon – as it means he spends most of the game in the shadows. This doesn't make this depiction of him bad, per say; it more feels like a repeat of what Ocarina did with his character (which I commonly see lobbied as a complaint against Twilight Princess in general, but that's neither here nor there).
My favorite portrayal of Ganondorf, by far, comes in Wind Waker, which is his most human, matured, and by far interesting appearance. He shows up relatively early on, at the Forsaken Fortress, though his face isn't shown – the King of Red Lions quickly explains his role the plot soon after, however. In the backstory of the game, Ganon broke the seal put upon him in Ocarina (for those who don't know, WW and TP take place in separate timelines, but share Ocarina as a divergence point) and set out to conquer Hyrule once more. In response, the Gods flooded the land, creating the Great Sea. While this thwarted Ganon's ambitions, he still continues to pursue the missing Zelda (who's magically disguised as the pirate Tetra) and the Triforce as a whole.
Link and Tetra eventually confront Ganon on top of the Forsaken Fortress, where he easily defeats them while revealing that Link has once again played into his hands by pulling the Master Sword and breaking the seal on his magic… all while bringing what Ganon wants (the Triforce holders) directly to him. The two are only able to escape with the help of the dragon Valoo, and the King of Red Lions (actually the King of Hyrule) explains to Link and Tetra/Zelda how to defeat him. As Link seeks to awaken the Master Sword, however, Ganon easily kidnaps Zelda, leading Link to go and rescue her in Ganon's Castle. So far, a worthy followup to his Ocarina incarnation – still holding wit and relying on Link to do his deeds for him.
"My country lay within a vast desert.
When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes. No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing… Death. But the winds that blew across the green fields of Hyrule brought something other than suffering and ruin.
In a single, short, simple monologue, a great deal is revealed about Ganondorf's character. It paints the image of a struggling ruler, one who toiled to bring his people prosperity in a cruel wasteland, and one who envied the peace of greener pastures. It makes him appear as a classic literary character – one who aspired to do good with the power he obtained, but was ultimately corrupted by the unlimited strength he now possessed, losing sight of his ideals in the process. And thus, he gathers the Triforce together, and prepares to make his wish… only to have the King of Hyrule take it away, casting his land forever into the abyss in order to pave the way for Link and Zelda's future.
And what does Ganon do?
What always struck me about this depiction of Ganon was the fact that he never outright transformed into a pig demon, the only instance where he doesn't, in fact. I think this is a subtle, but important way of fleshing him out, making him appear more human. This incarnation of Ganon is older, wiser… and ultimately, the most tragic.
Ganondorf has evolved as a villain: from a two-dimensional pig-monster, to a hammy, arrogant, and witty opponent, to a man blinded by his own desires. I didn't even delve into what Skyward Sword's plot meant for his character, even though it technically didn't feature him. Regardless of what version of Ganondorf you like the most, there can be no doubt as to his claim as one of the greatest video game villains of all time.
Thanks for reading the first edition of the Character Column! This edition will likely be longer than future entries, due to the scope and breadth of Ganon's character, so expect slightly shorter pieces in the future. Tune in next week, when we'll talk about an even more devious scoundrel: Tom Nook, of Animal Crossing infamy. In the meantime, please, feel free to leave suggestions for future entries in the comments, and have a great day!
I really appreciate your portion dedicated to Wind Waker. That game (besides being my favorite Legend of Zelda game) has the best portrayal of Ganondorf to date! Then again, channeling greek tragedies/Shakespeare does wonders with storytelling (when done right, of course).
Hopefully the next game in the series will pull from Wind Waker concerning Ganondorf's character and his development (if he is featured at all).


An 11-year-old boy says he found himself in a disgusting pickle after biting into a McDonald's cheeseburger – and ending up with a mouthful of maggots.
Vincent Ingram of Michigan is suing the fast-food giant for $1 million, claiming his favorite food has become his worst nightmare.
"Since this incident, he's been freaking out. He won't eat," Vincent's lawyer, Arnold Reed, said.
The youngster says he discovered the live insects after eating part of the burger he had brought home from a McDonald's restaurant in Wayne County on June 19.
"His sister is standing next to him and starts freaking out, because she sees these things crawling around his mouth," Reed said.
Ingram swallowed at least six of the bugs, the lawyer said.
As evidence, his mom saved the rest of the cheeseburger as well as the boy's vomit.
"We have not been provided with any evidence to validate this claim," a spokesman said.


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Binance is 'not capable' of being effectively supervised
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, is "not capable" of being effectively supervised, according to the UK's financial regulator.
The Financial Conduct Authority in an 11-page notice published Wednesday said Binance Markets Limited, a London-based affiliate of Binance, failed to supply further information about its business model and wider product offerings, among other requests.
"This is of particular concern in the context of the firm's membership of a global group which offers complex and high-risk financial products, which pose a significant risk to consumers," the notice said.
In response to the FCA's first inquiry into its business, Binance said: "We do not consider these questions to be appropriate, or in any way relevant, to BML's application."
The cryptocurrency exchange added its website is operated outside of the UK and therefore does not fall under the country's regulations concerning money laundering, terrorist financing, and transfer of funds.
But the fact that Binance's main exchange is not UK-based is a problem for the watchdog because people living in the country can still trade cryptocurrency products that otherwise won't be allowed via Binance's broader platform.
"The FCA considers that the firm's responses to some questions amounted to a refusal to supply information, and that the firm has failed to respond adequately to the FCA's information requirements," the notice said.
Binance, which was founded in 2017, does not have a formal headquarters. While it was founded in China and officially domiciled in the Cayman Islands, the firm is mostly present online, something authorities have taken issue with.
The FCA in June banned Binance's UK-based marketplace from conducting activity without written consent and has issued a warning to potential investors, telling them to be "wary" of promises of big returns.
A Costa Rican House With Privileged Views Of The Pacific
Luxury property in Costa Rica with views of the Pacific Ocean, a charred teak exterior, swimming pool, wide terraces, and large open plan living spaces.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


 Anya walked out of the bathroom, drying her damp red hair. She sat down at the corner of the one of the two hotel room beds and began pulling on her socks. She looked over at the man tied to the wooden chair in the corner.
"I see you're awake," she said.
The man dropped his façade and looked up at his captor, his jaw set.
The Czech was uncertain whether her nail worries were serious or a joke, but nonetheless, it was an irritating statement. He was not easily annoyed, but after being on assignment with this woman for the last month, his thick exterior was starting to wear thin. She always talked, even when it was entirely unnecessary, adding phrases and quips when it would have been perfectly efficient to remain silent.
"Black menace?" the Messenger said, appearing at the foot of the Czech's bed.
The bald man sat up in surprise. And Anya smiled nervously.
"That'sss a new one." The hooded, hunched figure replied in a fake, cheerful tone.
The man's eyes widened. "Truth serum? That's a little cliché." he said nervously, his bravado failing.
Painlessly the fluid entered the man's veins.
As the Messenger continued its interrogation, the door to the hotel roomed opened and the sound of a pair of squeaky wet shoes entered. Anya leaned back to look down the hallway, "Oh, you have breakfast!" she cheered excitedly.
The blond, soaked, and very irritated youth walked past her and laid two bags down on the table.
"So how was the trip, Vladdy?" she queried, her wide satirical eyes mocking curiosity.
The enraged youth's eyebrow twitched.
"Oh, and how did you get all wet? Did you fall?" she asked in feigned concern.
"No wonder it took you such a long time, I hope the food didn't get cold," she said, looking into one of the containers. She sighed in relief when steam rose from under the Styrofoam lid.
"I could heat it up if it's not hot enough." Vladimir offered through gritted teeth, raising a vibrating cupped hand in front of him.
'There she goes, using that horrible nickname again…' he thought in agony as he carefully heated the air around him, his clothes steaming dry within moments.
"Has he said anything important yet?" Anya asked, gesturing to the yammering Dermott.
"How long?" Vlad asked, looking down at his damp pants.
"What?" Anya's face could have been the poster child of naivety.
"How long until I stop being everyone's little caddy?" he demanded angrily.
"Then, of course, we have to watch out for that power of his." Dermott said loudly in his drug induced rant.
"What ability?" The Messenger asked, eagerly moving the recording device closer and writing down important notes.
"You don't know?" Dermott laughed cheerily, "My boss knows quite well, that jerk, but he only told a few of us, I was going to get the memo next week. I would have thought you lads might be more prepared! Seems our competition isn't that great." He laughed cheerfully.
"Is there anything else we should get out of him?" The Czech asked.
He administered another injection into the man's arm. Within moments Dermott fell unconscious.
"Wouldn't it be troublesome letting him go just to have to deal with him later?" Vladimir asked.
Vlad rolled his eyes. In his opinion there were two types of people, those he would kill, and those he would not. There was no point to temporary mercy.
"Please don't drop stuff. It's not helpful," Evan replied patiently as he fastened one final bolt into place for the pipe.
"I think so…" clank, "that should be all--," clang, "Start it and we'll see what happens." Evan scooted out from where he had been lying down underneath the engine. Aleksei went to the front of the boat and turned the ignition. The engine roared beautifully.
"Yay!" they exclaimed, "We did it…" their voices died with the motor. They moaned in unison.
Hopping off of the boat, Aleksei stretched, making pops sound from his spin eliciting a gasp of relief. Now limber, he made his way up the dock to the boardwalk. He recalled that Jake had mentioned earlier in the morning he was working on the Bellamarie.
He hurried down the boardwalk, looking at the various colours of the small boats and yachts crammed into their section of the harbour. Further down the dock, larger barges and tankers stopped in for maintenance and refuelling.
"If it's last night's casserole, I think we'll be fine." Aleksei replied cheerfully.
"I will, Da svidanya!" He flipped the phone closed and placed it in an inner chest pocket.
The Bellamarie was at the very end of the small ship docking. Just beyond it, there was a large shipping barge ported. His company's port mechanics never worked on those. Usually the big ships already had their own engineers aboard.
He turned down the dock and was only a few metres away from the Bellamarie when he heard a loud splash behind him. He looked back to see what seemed like baggage floating in the water. He walked back towards it curiously, hoping to retrieve it for the owner of the barge. It was not until he was just a couple metres away that he was able to see what it was; a body. He heard a commotion from above and looked up just in time to see a dark head disappear behind the railing of the barge.
Two sable-skinned men appeared at the foot of the dock and charged towards him.
He opened his mouth to declare what he had seen, thinking they were dock workers, but be soon recognised that he was their target, so he ran the opposite way to the boat where he desperately hoped Jake was working.
Just as he stepped onto the boarding ramp, he felt two strong arms grab his waist and yank him back. He tried to make a backwards kick to trip his assailant, but his leg was grabbed by the second man. He was about to bring up his other foot but felt something sharp against his neck.
The man holding his leg signalled for him to be quiet, he figured that he probably should stop resisting if he did not want a slit throat. They hurriedly led him towards their ship. Unfortunately no one passed by, and the next thing he knew he was walking up a ramp to the barge. Aleksei's eyes roved around desperately trying to think of a way to escape, however no brilliant idea was forthcoming. His day had taken a turn for the worse.
He stepped up onto the empty deck, there was only a handful of shipping containers. Obviously they had not picked up their next cargo, or had just finished offloading. He looked up at the flag-mast to see the Nigerian colours flying.
A few more men approached, one of which he guessed to be the captain. They yammered on in a language he had never heard before. It seemed to be an argument over what to do with him.
'Well, they are either going to kill me, lock me up, or lock me up and then kill me once they are out to sea.' Aleksei did not like the options.
One of them approached with a rope. Aleksei tried to struggle but another one of the men raised a fist to knock him out. Aleksei dodged just in time. His unexpected movement threw the guy holding him off balance and he was free. Following the inertia of the dodge, he made a back kick, knocking one man atop the other. He was about to flee when he felt a hard thump on the back of his skull. He fell face down to the deck, dazed.
A rope was tied to his wrists and he was lifted to his feet and pushed along below deck. Finally he was pulled through the galley, shoved into an empty closet, and tied to a ring bolted to the wall. Slowly his eyes closed as silence numbed his mind.


The Golden State Warriors have signed free agent center Keith Benson to a 10-day contract, the team announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.
Benson, 23, is being called-up from the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League, where he has appeared in 20 games this season, averaging 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.50 blocks in 30.6 minutes per contest. He is shooting 50.2% (122-243 FG) from the field and has posted seven double-doubles, including a 17-point, 11-rebound effort last night vs. Bakersfield. This marks the 41st GATORADE Call-Up of the 2011-12 NBA season.
The 6'11" center was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round (48th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft out of Oakland University in Michigan, but was waived prior to the start of the 2011-12 campaign. While in college, he averaged over 17 points and 10 rebounds in both his junior and senior seasons and finished second in the country as a senior in 2010-11 with 3.6 blocks per game.
Benson, who will wear #34, is scheduled to be in uniform for the team's home game tonight against the Sacramento Kings.


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Enrico Patrizio (born 15 January 1985) is an Italian rugby union footballer who plays for Mogliano in the Top12. Enrico Patrizio's position of choice is at centre.

He made his debut for Italy against Uruguay on 2 June 2007.

References

External links
RBS 6 Nations profile

1985 births
Living people
Italian rugby union players
Italy international rugby union players
Rugby union centres

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath corner unit located in the heart of Chilliwack. Features fireplace, new carpets and paint. Master bathroom has deep soaker tub, ceramic tile and textured porcelain tile floor. In-suite full size stacking laundry washer & dryer. Secure underground and gated parking. Walking distance to historic downtown, restaurants & theatre. The tenant is responsible for paying the non-refundable move-in fee of $75.00.


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Christopher T. Tassone
Chris focuses on tax and corporate law. In his tax practice, Chris frequently counsels businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities on a wide range of tax issues, from planning to controversy. This includes advising local governments on the implementation of tax laws and regulations. He also regularly represents taxpayers before state taxing authorities and the IRS. In his corporate practice, Chris advises businesses on governance, acquisitions, divestitures, and family business planning. Prior to FBT, Chris worked in the National Tax Department of a Big Four accounting firm where he focused in the areas of tax credits, economic incentives, and excise taxes.
Taking Advantage of Ohio's Sustainability Incentives
Three Tax Exemption Takeaways In Contractor Case
Environmental Mitigation Trust: Deadline looming on grant money
Other Info About Chris
Major Publications
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2016
University of South Carolina, B.A., 2012, Magna Cum Laude
Chris is licensed to practice in the following state:
Local & National Recognition
University of Cincinnati College of Law, Adjunct Professor, State and Local Taxation
CALI Award, Small Business and Entrepreneurial Finance
CALI Award, International Mergers and Acquisitions
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Cincinnati Bar Association
Civic & Charitable Activities
Center for Respite Care, Board Member
Sand Angel Foundation, Secretary
United Way of Central Ohio Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, Site Coordinator, 2014-2017
Chris was invited to speak at the following event:
Ohio State and Local Tax Update, Presenter, Southwest Ohio Tax Institute, 2018
Chris is an author of the following publication:
How Long Will Perpetual Leases Last in Ohio Oil and Gas Law? Ohio State Business Law Journal, 2015
Accept Terms and email ctassone@fbtlaw.com Cancel
Rebecca Schorr
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text:
layout: post
title: A bot on Amazon is making the best, worst smartphones cases
posturl: https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2017/7/10/15946296/amazon-bot-smartphone-cases
tags:
- Experiment
- Product
---

{% include post_info_header.md %}

Even if this is not case, it could be. Just shows how common, basic graphic design will become mostly the domain of AI users, rather then design operators.

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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


We weren't able to write a new blogpost today, but we wanted to update you all on our Twitter and YouTube account. You may have seen our YouTube account several times on our blog already, but I wanted to point it out one more time!
Leuk recept voor een masker! Ga het wel eens proberen!


For generations, ladies have gathered at churches to quilt, as they bring income to their treasury. Kate Meyr's love for quilts convince her to join the quilters at Concordia Lutheran church in Borna. The ritual of their practices amuse Kate as she listens to the diverse personalities. It doesn't take long after Kate joins them that a mystery surfaces of a missing quilt. The Pastor, who is dearly admired by the ladies, tries to keep the story quiet for the church's reputation. In the meantime, Kate's friendship with Clark is turned upside down and a new relationship appears with a red Jeep. Kate's research on Josephine is enhanced by discovering who has been putting yellow roses on her grave.


text:
Belfer Center experts frequently research and write about energy technology, nuclear energy, biofuels, and sustainable energy.
Economics & Global Affairs--Emerging Markets Development (1)
Economics & Global Affairs--International Finance (2)
Economics & Global Affairs--Monetary Policy (1)
Energy--Electricity (5)
(-) Energy--Oil (9)
(-) Environment & Climate Change--Air pollution (4)
Environment & Climate Change--Arctic (1)
Environment & Climate Change--Environmental economics (6)
Governance--Intelligence in policymaking (2)
International Relations--Diplomacy (2)
International Relations--Sanctions (3)
International Relations--United Nations (4)
International Security & Defense--Infrastructure technology (1)
International Security & Defense--National security economics (4)
Nuclear Issues--China nuclear issues (1)
Nuclear Issues--India nuclear program (4)
Nuclear Issues--Iran nuclear program (4)
Nuclear Issues--Pakistan nuclear program (1)
Nuclear Security Matters--Treaties and International Agreements (1)
(-) Policy Briefs & Testimonies (11)
International Security & Defense (1)
Electric Vehicles in China
Pinar Akcayoz De Neve
Read more about Electric Vehicles in China
This policy brief is based on the discussion paper "Leapfrogging or Stalling Out? Electric Vehicles in China" by Sabrina Howell, Henry Lee and Adam Heal, published by the Belfer Center in June 2014.
Policy Brief - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Oil, Conflict, and U.S. National Interests
Jeff D. Colgan
| October 2013
Read more about Oil, Conflict, and U.S. National Interests
The influence of oil on conflict is often poorly understood. In U.S. public debates about the 1991 and 2003 Iraq wars, both sides focused excessively on the question of whether the United States was fighting for possession of oil reserves; neither sought a broader understanding of how oil shaped the preconditions for war.
The U.S. Shale Oil Boom: Potential Impacts and Vulnerabilities of an Unconventional Energy Source
Leonardo Maugeri
Read more about The U.S. Shale Oil Boom: Potential Impacts and Vulnerabilities of an Unconventional Energy Source
A new study by Belfer Center Geopolitics of Energy researcher Leonardo Maugeri finds that oil production capacity is surging throughout the world, but the United States in particular will experience unprecedented output as a result of technological advances and some unique attributes. This increased production will not be without challenges, however, as the drilling industry adapts to this relatively new method and overall output depending greatly on price stability. In the end, the U.S. may yet still import oil from other countries. The findings by Maugeri, a former oil industry executive who is now a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, are based on an original field-by-field analysis of the world's major oil formations and exploration projects.
AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani, File
Global Oil Production is Surging: Implications for Prices, Geopolitics, and the Environment
Read more about Global Oil Production is Surging: Implications for Prices, Geopolitics, and the Environment
A new study by Belfer Center Geopolitics of Energy researcher Leonardo Maugeri finds that oil production capacity is surging in the United States and several other countries at such a fast pace that global oil output capacity is likely to grow by nearly 20 percent by 2020. This could prompt a plunge or even a collapse in oil prices. The findings by Maugeri, a former oil industry executive who is now a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, are based on an original field-by-field analysis of the world's major oil formations and exploration projects.
Reducing the U.S. Transportation Sector's Oil Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
W. Ross Morrow
Kelly Sims Gallagher
Gustavo Collantes
Read more about Reducing the U.S. Transportation Sector's Oil Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This policy brief is based on Belfer Center paper #2010-02 and an article published in Energy Policy, Vol. 38, No. 3.
Oil security and the threat of climate disruption have focused attention on the transportation sector, which consumes 70% of the oil used in the United States.
This study explores several policy scenarios for reducing oil imports and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Export Control Development in the United Arab Emirates: From Commitments to Compliance
Bryan Early
Read more about Export Control Development in the United Arab Emirates: From Commitments to Compliance
The swiftness with which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its civil nuclear program presents a number of challenges for policymakers in seeking to ensure the program's safety and security. At the onset of its efforts, the UAE government consulted with a set of the world's leading nuclear suppliers to develop a framework that would help its nuclear program conform to the highest standards in terms of safety, security, and nonproliferation. The UAE drew on these consultations in making a sweeping set of international commitments in April 2008 to ensure that the sensitive nuclear materials and technologies it would acquire as part of its nuclear program would be securely controlled.1 While the UAE has been widely praised for the depth and breadth of the nonproliferation commitments it has made, it will be the UAE's efficacy at complying with them by which its success will be judged.
Harvard's Gallagher Discusses New Report on Energy Policy Challenges Facing U.S.
Read more about Harvard's Gallagher Discusses New Report on Energy Policy Challenges Facing U.S.
Will the Obama administration's plan for vehicle emissions standards and auto efficiency affect consumer behavior? During today's OnPoint, Kelly Sims Gallagher, director of the Energy Technology Innovation Policy research group at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, gives her take on the administration's recent auto emissions announcement and whether it will have any significant effects on the environment. Gallagher, editor of the new report, "Acting in Time on Energy Policy," explains why she believes Congress should consider a variable tax on the price of oil as part of the United States' energy policy.
Policy Brief - Consortium for Energy Policy Research
Acting in Time on Energy Policy
Read more about Acting in Time on Energy Policy
This policy brief outlines urgent priorities for U.S. energy policy at the dawn of the Obama administration, and recommends specific steps that the U.S. government should take to address the numerous energy-related challenges facing the United States. It is based on the book, Acting in Time on Energy Policy (Brookings 2009), edited by Kelly Sims Gallagher, director of the Energy Technology Innovation Policy research group at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center.
We concentrate on six topics: climate change policy, carbon capture and storage policy, oil security policy, energy-technology innovation policy, electricity market structure, and infrastructure policy. The United States cannot afford to wait any longer to enact long-term policies on these topics. In fact, acting early is clearly in the longer-term interest of the United States.
Testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
Read more about Testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
The economic and national security of the United States is now inextricably connected to China's energy consumption with respect to the environment, oil and gas security, and the economy.
Will the Oil Boom Solve the Middle East Unemployment Crisis
Read more about Will the Oil Boom Solve the Middle East Unemployment Crisis
During the recent oil boom the MENA region has seen job creation accelerate' given favorable economic prospects going forward, the region could see unemployment decline to nearly 7 percent by 2010


text:
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Hydroelectric/Solar Energy
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assesments / Transaction Screens
Wetlands/Soils
Commercial/Multi-Family
Municipal/Government
Water Rights/Legal Witness
Landscape Architecture & Community Planning
Commercial/Public Landscape Architecture
Parks, Recreation, & Sports Fields
Residential Landscape Architecture
Canyon Boulevard Trail
Through a design competition, CSG was selected to design the new Logan City Canyon Boulevard Trail. The final trail design is exciting, safe and innovative. The trail features two sections which are raised approximately 24"-36" above the Canyon Boulevard road....
Brookside Meadows – Logan
Brookside Meadows is a mixed-residential smart growth development designed to meet the demands of Logan City's form-based code. The housing types in the project include: single family, townhomes, two-family homes, three-family homes and 12 unit apartment buildings....
Bridgerland Applied Technology Center (BATC)
The BATC east and west campuses required a complete overhaul of the existing parking lots. CSG was retained as the lead project designer/project manager for the existing asphalt analysis, design, bidding assistance, and construction oversight of the two campus...
Boardwalk Town Homes SWPPP Inspections
Civil Solutions Group performed Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections. The multi-family development was constructed in 2017 and 2018. Site inspections were conducted by a registered storm water inspection (RSI) every two weeks or after a...
Black Bear Resort Master Planned Community
Black Bear Resort is a master planned community located in Bear Lake County, Idaho. The resort has 4,000 acres with more than 3,000 planned residential units. Danny Macfarlane helped to create the overall master plan which includes a golf course, biking trails, ATV...
Terraces at Holladay
The Terraces at Holladay is a two building condominum project in the heart of Holloday city. Civil Solutions Group performed the survey and completed the condominum plat as well as the civil engineering design for the project.
Hampton Inn and Suites – Logan
CSG completed the civil design, landscape design and surveying services on the Hampton Inn and Suites located in down town Logan.This project was designed with the building located adjacent to the Main street sidewalk and 200 North sidewalk with parking in the...
Providence Hollow Subdivision
CSG completed the entitlement services for the 33 lot Providence Hollow phase 1, the 23 lot phase 2 and the current 29 lot phase 3.Services provided were civil design, landscape design, surveying and construction administration.CSG was also tasked to design a one acre...
Evergreen Elementary School
Civil Solutions Group completed the civil design, landscape design and survey related work for the parking lot expansion for the Evergreen Elementary School in Salt Lake City.The design solved traffic flow issues and storm drain collection issues.
Logan City Cemetery Pump House
Civil Solutions Group was tasked to complete the design of an irrigation pump house to water the Logan City Cemetery.This project included detailed design of the piping, pumping fixtures, utility connections and the structure.
Utah State University Aggie Rec Center
Utah State University Maverik Stadium
"The Romney Stadium Renovation is a major undertaking for USU in general and athletics. CSG has contributed to the project through re-design of the concourse and plaza areas on the west.CSG has also developed a custom landscape design for the west hillside that...
Members First Credit Union – Providence
Civil Solutions Group completed the civil design and landscape design for Sanders and Associates Architects for the Members First Credit Union located in Providence, Utah.
Nyman Mortuary
Civil Solutions Group completed the civil design, landscape design and survey services on the Nyman Mortuary project located in River Heights, Utah.
Evergreen Junior High Parking Lot Expansion
The Evergreen Junior High parking lot expansion was completed to provide additional parking for facility, staff, and visitors of the school. An additional access was designed to provide circulation throughout the parking area and improve safety by installing a...
Utah Corrections Industries – Draper Prison
Civil Solutions Group completed a geotechnical investigation, site survey, and civil engineering for the Utah Corrections Industries parking lot expansion at the Draper Prison. The geotechnical investigation and recommendation took into account existing material that...
Utah Department of Transportation Salt Sheds
Civil Solutions Group completed eight geotechnical investigations for new Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) salt sheds. The locations were spread out throughout Utah in remote locations. Civil Solutions Group performed an in-situ field investigation, laboratory...
Mammoth Creek Fish Hatchery
The Mammoth Creek Fish Hatchery site rehabilitation was completed in 2018. Located 15 miles south of Panguitch, Utah, Civil Solutions Group completed the survey, geotechnical investigation, and civil engineering for the project. In order to save the project time and...
McCarthey Family Track & Field
Civil Solutions Group completed civil engineering and landscape architecture for the Harmony Hill Assisted Living Center in Draper. The project was designed on an extremely complicated site with significant grade variations, aging infrastructure, and abandoned...
Mountainland Applied Technology College Parking Lot Expansion
The 3.5 acre parking lot expansion at the Mountainland Applied Technology College (MATC) was completed 10% under budget which allowed MATC to install a 2 acre temporary parking area for facility, staff, and students. Civil Solutions Group was the prime on the project...
Great Salt Lake Nature Center (GSNLC)
The Great Salt Lake Nature Center is an educational center in Farmington Bay that provides a fun and unique place for people of all ages to enjoy. The education center provides access to wetlands and educational programs for youths and adults. Civil Solutions Group...
NUVI Basketball Center
The NUVI Basketball Center was completed in 2017 and provided an exclusive place for the UVU basketball teams to practice. Civil Solutions Group completed the civil engineering and landscape architecture for the project which included designing the building around a...
Franklin Discovery Academy
CSG helped in the design and construction staking of a new charter school in Vineyard Utah, called the Franklin Discovery Academy. CSG designed the utilities, site, and landscaping that was part of constructing a new school.
UVU Basketball Practice Facility
CSG was part of the design team for a new basketball practice facility at UVU's main campus. CSG designed the site, utilities, and landscape that accompanied the construction of the building, and the re-routing of existing utilities on site.
Ronald Reagan Academy Addition
CSG helped on the civil, survey, and landscaping design of almost 7,000 square feet of classroom space that was added to the existing Ronald Reagan Academy charter school in Springville Utah. With the addition, the on site detention pond was modified, as well as...
Logan City 1200 South Wetland Delineation
Logan City hired CSG to complete a wetland delineation and cultural resource survey of a section of 1800 North Street in Logan. CSG used its expertise in environmental planning to complete the delineation and cultural resource survey on time and within budget....
Zollinger Commercial Warehousing Floodplain Consultation
Nyman Funeral Home
Civil Solutions Group was retained by the project developer to complete all civil and site related design for a 276 unit apartment project in Meridian, Idaho called the Fields at Gramercy. The project consisted of underground seepage bed storm water detention,...
Logan Light and Power
The Logan Light and Power Project is a new facility the the Light and Power department. The site development was very conventional in nature with attention to detail paid to site aesthetics. The building is proposed to utilize alternative energy methods for...
Utah State University Maverick Stadium Press Box
Services Provided: Project Administration Utility Design Site Design Construction Documents Storm Water Planning Landscape Architecture Construction Administration
Our work with Shopko Stores
CSG has been working with Shopko Stores Operating Co, LLC to develop new retail locations throughout the Mountain West. Our Shopko collection of projects illustrates CSG's ability to effectively service national retailers pursuing large-scale fleet expansions. Shopko...
USU BDSHI
Maple View Estates Conservation Subdivision – Nibley City
This residential subdivision is the first of its kind in Nibley as the first conservation subdivision to be approved by the City Council. Maple View Estates includes 78 residential lots clustered to allow for 25% open space. The open space provides the development...
The Reserve at the Bear Lake-Water Line and Road Project
CSG was tasked to design a 12" water line to provide water to the Reserve at the Lake project. The designof the 12" water line consisted of 1.5 miles of 12" water line and the construction of a new roadway alongthe water line alignment. The water line presented unique...
The Reserve at the Bear Lake-Townhome Project
The Reserve at Bear Lake is a exclusive residential development overlooking beautiful Bear Lake, UT. CSG provided full planning and design services for the Reserve at the Lake project. The Reserve at the Lake is a townhome and beach home development located on the...
Hyrum City Library Addition
CSG was retained by Hyrum City to complete the civil site design for the Hyrum City Library Addition. This project required detailed site grading to minimize the impact of the addition to the existing developed site. CSG provided value engineering ideas that helped...
Utah State University QUAD/CHASS Master Plan
CSG was retained by Utah State University and CRSA Architects to provide civil engineering analysis for the QUAD area of Utah State University master plan. The intent of the master plan is to provide guidance for the overall direction of development surrounding the...
Utah State University Roosevelt and Vernal Campus Master Plan
CSG master planned the sewer, water, storm drain, gas, irrigation, and power for the Utah State University campuses in Vernal, Utah and Roosevelt, Utah. The master plan was completed under the contract of CRSA Architects. CSG provided detailed analysis of water, sewer...
Tremont Center
The Tremont Center represents the single largest mixed-use development in the history of Tremonton Utah. The project went through a lengthy and collaborative design process to evolve to the final master plan. This project is a 33 acre mixed-use development in the...
Mount Sterling Farms
Mount Sterling Farms is a prime example of a new Smart Growth for Cache Valley community. Mount Sterling Farms has 3 different lot sizes for families of different income, size and stage in life. The community features a new Hyrum City park with a splash pad, pavilion,...
Utah State University Aggie Legacy Fields
Civil Solutions Group was commissioned by Utah State University to design, project manage, and perform construction administration for the new Aggie Legacy Fields project on the school's campus in Logan, Utah. The fields included: 197,825 SF of Turf 2 Flag football...
Uintah County Library
The Uintah County Library is an architectural gem situated in the heart of Vernal City. The three-story building is surrounded by a beautiful plaza and landscaped areas. The parking lot and site were designed to handle stormwater on-site. The creative landscape design...
Idaho State University Turf Field Conceptual Plan
Civil Solutions Group created a conceptual rendering of the proposed Idaho State University Artificial Turf Field located on the campus of Idaho State University during the RFQ process. Services Provided: Conceptual Layout Color Rendering
Uintah County Golden Age Center
The Golden Age Senior Center is a multifunction center for the senior community. The facility houses meals on wheels, a Wii Fitness Center and senior community events. The site was designed with low-impact development methods to reduce storm water runoff to the...
Smithfield Canyon Hydroelectric Project
This renewable energy project features a 4 kW Micro Hydroelectric Facility located in Smithfield Canyon, UT. The project is used to power an equine facility and a future home. The output from the facility provides adequate energy to power three to four average sized...
The Fields at Gramercy Apartment Project
Utah State University Strength and Conditioning Center
CSG was retained by the architectural team to complete the civil site design and site related LEED consultation for the Utah State University Strength and Conditioning Center. The site presented unique challenges due to the steep slopes, poor soils, complex utility...
Logan River Golf Course Club House
CSG was commissioned to complete the civil site design documents for the newly completed Logan River Golf Course Club House. The site was designed to collect and control all storm water on-site without the use of pipes or storm drain boxes. All surface water is...
Utah State University Brigham City Campus Master Plan
The Utah State University Brigham City Campus recently acquired additional acreage at the site of the old Indian School. CSG was asked to complete a 100-year planning horizon utility master plan for the proposed campus area to determine the adequacy of the existing...
Logan City Drainage Project
The newly completed Logan River Golf Course Building developed ice issues during the winter months due to the drainage from the roof drains. CSG completed the design and oversight for storm drain system to drain the roof drains on the project. The completed project...
Logan City 1800 North Wetland Delineation
Uintah County Vernal Field House Museum
The Uintah County Vernal Field House Museum project is an addition to the existing Field House Museum. CSG was retained as part of the architectural team to complete the initial data collection and civil design of the site. The proposed building was to be built on a...
Hyrum State Park
CSG was retained to complete the civil site design and construction oversight for the Hyrum State Park Asphalt Replacement Project. Services Provided: Existing Asphalt Analysis Site Plan Design Civil Construction Documents Project Management Construction Oversight
Horse Station at Cache Valley Master Planned Community
The Horse Station Master Planned Community – Civil Solutions Group was retained by the developer of the Horse Station at Cache Valley to provide engineering and planning consultation for the conceptual, preliminary plat, construction document and final plat phases of...
Four Season Apartment Homes
Four Seasons is a resort style apartment community in Cache Valley with a total of 250 units and 16 acres. The units are composed of various sizes of apartments and townhomes. The community has a reception center with elaborate water features and a large outdoor...
Salt Lake City Assisted Living Center
CSG was commissioned to design and guide the rebuilding of a dilapidated site and landscape into beautiful setting for Senior living. The project site is approximately 3 acres. CSG developed a re-design for a storm water system that is both attractive and effective....
Utah State University North End Zone Building
The USU North End Zone Complex is a 55,000 square-foot facility. The three floor facility is located in the north end zone of Romney Stadium on the campus of USU. The project presented a number of challenges including an irrigation pump house that was designed to be...
Utah State University Teaching and Research Facility
The Teaching and Research Facility serves as an academic facility to teach the practice of meat harvesting, animal reproduction, and veterinary science. This unique facility required extensive off-site utility design and construction to provide basic sewer and water...
Upper Smithfield Canyon Hydroelectric Project
CSG was retained to complete preliminary design services and permitting for a small hydroelectric project located in Smithfield Canyon. CSG successfully secured the necessary permits for a non-consumptive water right for the land owner to use water from the nearby...
Hydroelectric/Solar Energy Projects
Mink Creek Hydroelectric Preliminary Feasibility Analysis Mountain Green Hydroelectric Preliminary Feasibility Analysis Southern Idaho Property Hydroelectric Preliminary Feasibility Analysis Home Builder Conceptual Solar Design Logan Residential Solar Analysis
Utah State University Early Childhood Education Building
This new building for the College of Education includes a facility for Early Care and Education and a new deaf education facility for children up to pre-school age. This building spans 60,000 square feet and had a budget of $13 million, which was completed in...
Wetland Delineation Consulting
Civil Solutions Group is trained and recognized as a company with experience to delineate, permit and provide consultation regarding wetland areas. All wetland delineations and permitting performed by Civil Solutions Group meets the strict guidelines and rules...
Water Rights Consulting & Permitting
The complex field of water rights consultation is dynamic and requires an understanding of water rights law. Civil Solutions Group has the necessary experience and understanding of water rights laws and issues to provide consultation to a range of clients. Civil...


This category contains client success stories that show HOW YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND, SAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP, and BUILD THE LOVING AND FULFILLING PARTNERSHIP YOU BOTH CRAVE.
Have you ever thought your partner was wrong for being the way they are and then gotten angry because they won't take your advice and they can't be who you want them to be?
I was working with a couple recently, and they weren't seeing eye to eye about work. Elaine is working on a huge time consuming project that she loves, is taking care of her aging mother, and works as a life coach.
She spends a lot of time doing all kinds of things that she loves while her sweetheart has a job that he doesn't particularly like.
But to her, just focusing on her project would be like death. She cares for her mother, she loves her coaching AND she loves the project she's working on.
Elaine looks at Sam and sees him in a job that he hates. She hears him express his unhappiness about what he's doing. She cares about him so she gives him the advice to do something that he loves, because that's what she, as a woman, would put her attention on.
It's all about life enhancement for women. So she encourages him to do something that will enhance his life. However, her input gets brushed aside because what he's doing provides for himself and his son. He can't see himself leaving his job until his 15 year old son is grown.
On the surface, it looked like they're helping each other. But because they didn't understand how the other one operated in the world, they were unintentionally hurting each other.
If this type of conversation gets a foothold in your relationship, it can mean breakup or years of frustration.
When we worked together, Sam began to understand that his sweetheart loved what she was doing, and the best way to support her was to make sure she was getting some quality down time to nurture herself so she could do what she loved.
Elaine got that the best way to support him was to plant seeds for him that would help him leave his job and move onto something more fulfilling when his son was 18.
Understanding how your partner operates in the world not only averts relationship disaster, it creates the foundation for a life of relationship bliss.
If you want to learn more about the instinctual differences between men and women and how to avoid letting them run your relationship amok, schedule a 30-minute appointment with me to discuss your unique situation and goals and what you can start doing right away to achieve them.
I worked with a couple, Julie and Tom, who came to see me shortly after they got married. They'd called each other "soul mates." However, once they tied the knot, Julie started pointing out problems, trying to get Tom to fit into the image she wanted her marriage to be like.
In her attempt to nip the problems in the bud, she initiated conversations with Tom. She told him about the sadness and worry she was feeling.
She expressed her disappointment and frustration with the way things were going between them, and she tried to tell him what was important to her.
Guys will back out when they can't make you happy.
They turn off. They see your happiness as vitally important and your unhappiness as a sign of their failure. It's evidence to them that they can't fix it. And over time, they shut down, spiraling into inertia.
Men don't try, they only do. Can you see how that's a set up for relationship failure?
The more Tom backed away, the more fear Julie had about their future, the more angry she became and the more she tried to get him to understand what needed to be "fixed." It was a downward spiral.
The problem is that our brains are wired to look for danger and things we don't like, and to call up past memories, so we don't make the same mistakes again. It's an attempt to avert disaster. It's our survival instinct.
In order to make changes that will get you what you want, you must retrain your mind to see something other than what you're wired to look for.
Julie and Tom had forgotten to high-light what was working in their relationship and express appreciation and gratitude for each other.
They were letting fear get in the way of their love for each other.
Love survives the inevitable ups and downs in relationships when we are conscious about where we put our attention and focus, and choose instead to express what we appreciate about our partner regularly to them.
Julie started coaching with me first, and what I worked on with her was to bring her focus back to the present moment and to turn her attention on what she liked, appreciated and valued – to remember why she had married Tom.
It was hard to do when we started working together because there was so much tension between them, but she was committed and persevered.
I had her call her energy back into this present moment by catching herself when she started worrying. She was re-training her mind to look for the things that she liked, appreciated, and were working, and then express them and only them to Tom.
Tom had to get himself into the present moment too. He'd been reacting with anger to Julie because of a memory of his previous long-term relationship that had ended badly. He'd seen himself as a failure. My work with Tom was to heal the memory of his past relationship, so that he wasn't projecting worry onto his marriage with Julie.
By being in the present moment and focusing their attention and energy on what was working, they've been able to remember why they got married and co-create the future they truly want together.
Through our work together, they began expressing gratitude and appreciation for each other daily and enhanced the love they have for each other.
If you're experiencing similar challenges in your relationship and wondering what you can do to turn things around, schedule a 30-minute appointment with me to discuss your unique situation and goals and what you can start doing right away to achieve them.
When men and women get into partnership, things like safety can create tension and break relationships up when they aren't addressed.
During her coaching session, she began to understand why Brett wasn't concerned at all about the house and the safety.
He's a big man and had never in his life experienced a physical threat. Not only that, because he sees himself as her protector, he knew he was protecting her. Something she didn't understand by his casualness in addressing her concerns. He's say things like, "it's fine, just let it go," and "you're making a big deal out of nothing." Unfortunately, this was only making her feel more anxious and uncared for.
Women experience real and imagined threats to their physical safety almost every day.
From a man's loud voice when he's angry that triggers her instinctual fears, to choosing the safest parking space when parking their car. Most women take it as par for the course to pay attention to these things, however it's something that most men will never truly understand because of how they experience the world.
If you and your partner are struggling to find harmony in your relationship, schedule a 30-minute appointment with me to discuss your unique situation and goals and what you can start doing right away to achieve them.
Fear of failure makes you hide from the inevitable breakup. But it also makes you hide from a real solution.
If breaking up is the last thing you want, and you have no idea what to do to turn things around, read on because waiting until you've said horrible things to each other and you're seething in anger never works.
One of my clients, I'll call Margaret, reached out to me in February. She was terrified that her relationship was failing. She had good evidence that things were grim.
Her husband, I'll call Mark, had told her he wanted a divorce and was looking on dating sites. Mark was no longer willing to talk with her about their relationship. He pushed Margaret away at every turn.
It felt like the life, trust and family they'd been building for the last 12 years was being ripped away from her, and they have a two year old daughter.
The good news is that she reached out before Mark had moved out.
The problem was that when their daughter arrived, Margaret became Mama Bear protecting her daughter, and she'd ignored Mark's ideas about parenting. Mama Bear mode, by the way, is extremely protective and what I'd call masculine mode.
Margaret and Mark had had very different upbringings, and have very different ideas about how to raise children. This isn't uncommon. Add to that that often the masculine and feminine have different ideas about parenting to begin with, and trouble brews.
They hadn't clarified how they wanted to raise their children and both of them had assumed they were on the same page. Which they weren't.
This happens when a couple doesn't have clear DEALS about something. In this case it was raising children.
Mark couldn't even see the qualities he loved about Margaret anymore, and neither could she. Their situation had changed with the birth of their daughter, and they hadn't renegotiated a new DEAL, so they were battling.
They were both protecting and providing for their daughter in different ways, and they couldn't even see it through the arguments.
As Margaret and I began to work together, she learned how to navigate Mark's masculine energy and make room for him to contribute to parenting their daughter.
She also learned how to change her focus from the problems they were having to finding good that Mark was offering.
It took about three months and now, divorce is off the table, they are planning a family vacation, and planning their next child.
If you're frustrated and scared and don't know where to start, the first step is to be open to the possibility that nobody is misbehaving and recognize that men and women are different – you and your partner speak different languages.
You love each other and resolving your differences is about developing consciousness in your relationship (it's not about compromising).
It's about learning how to navigate your differences in ways that work to empower your sense of partnership.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE – YOU HAVE RESOURCES.
The other day, I was doing a Relationship Breakthrough Session with a couple who is struggling in their relationship. They're what I call a conscious precommitted couple; they were at an impasse because they weren't sure they were on the same page about their future.
They aren't married. Mary wants to get married. She's 51 years old and has always wanted to get married.
Dave is 54 years old, and is uncertain about getting married again, because he's been married before.
Like most Conscious Couples, they've made some great choices in their relationship, but what they haven't done is make a plan for how they want their life to be.
They have been winging it up until they hit a major roadblock.
She'd brought up the idea of marriage early on, but because they'd been having a great time together, it has sat on the back burner for the last year and a half.
Then one night at dinner, she brought it up. She thought the conversation had gone well, but it turned out that he felt broadsided.
She was surprised because she thought they were on the same page. And it's not that they aren't, it's just something they haven't talked about for most of their relationship.
There seems to be a fear about talking about the future of your relationship because maybe you'll jinx it. The unfortunate thing is that when you don't talk about it and create a plan for how you want to be together and what you want to do, you end up winging it, and when you wing it, you get "wing it" results.
The universe can't provide what you want if you're not clear. And you can't plan your life together unless you take the time to plan your life together!
That's why I recommend creating a Relationship Plan (in writing!) every year. Taking the time to think about and discuss what you want your life together to look like now – for the next 12 months – will keep you on the same page as a couple, and help the universe kick in its part to ensure you get great results.
In the meantime, if you've been having problems connecting with your partner and building the relationship that you want, schedule a 30-minute appointment with me to discuss your unique situation and goals and what you can start doing right away to achieve them.


text:
#include <tos.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>
#include "falcsys.h"
#include "graphics.h"
#include "mp2.h"

#define SIZE_TILE 16
//#define Put_Background(a,b) Notrans_DrawSprite_NoChecks_scroll(&bmp[0], scr, abs(scroll_x+160));

char *collision_map, *background_map;
unsigned char game_mode;
unsigned short map_width, map_height, map_size;
short scroll_x, scroll_progress;
unsigned char active_enemies;
unsigned char enemies_left;
unsigned char lives, current_level;
unsigned long score, highscore;

unsigned short wait_tocontinue;
unsigned short results_mode, results_wait;

const unsigned char shoot_snd[] = {0x00, 0x00, 0x01, 0x00, 0x07, 0xFE, 0x08, 0x10, 0x0B, 0xCF, 0x0C, 0x58, 0x0D, 0x00, 0x80, 0x00, 0x81, 0x00, 0x29, 0x00, 0xFF, 0x00};

const unsigned char human_anim_spr[10][10] =
{
	// Standing still
	{0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 2, 1, 127},
	// Running
	{3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 6, 5, 4, 127},
	// Jumping
	{7, 127},
	// Firing (standing still)
	{8, 9, 9, 8, 127},
	// Unused running animation
	{10, 11, 12, 13, 12, 11, 127},
	// Firing (while running)
	{14, 15, 16, 17, 16, 15, 127},
	// Hit by projectile
	{18, 18, 19, 19, 18, 18, 19, 19, 127},
	// Death a la Mario
	{18, 127},
};

const unsigned char human_anim_spr_delay[10] =
{
	12, 4, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2, 2
};

struct main_player
{
	short x;
	short y;
	short oldx;
	short oldy;
	unsigned char state;
	unsigned short max_hp;
	short hp;
	unsigned char width;
	unsigned char height;
	unsigned char time;
	unsigned char frame;
	unsigned char pickframe;
	unsigned char incollision[6];
	unsigned char speed;
	unsigned short jumptime;
	unsigned char fallspeed;
	unsigned char isfiring;
	unsigned char state_anim;
	unsigned char moving;
	unsigned char flip;
	unsigned char hit;

	/* The following variables are only used for the enemies */
	unsigned char active;
	unsigned char direction;
	unsigned char jump;
	unsigned char tojump;
	unsigned char firetime;
	unsigned char sighted;
	unsigned char latency;

} player, enemies[16];

struct bull
{
	long x;
	long y;
	unsigned char direction;
	unsigned char col;
	unsigned char speed;
	unsigned char active;
	unsigned char player;
	unsigned char status;
	unsigned char power;
} bullets[17];

void Change_game(unsigned char mode, unsigned char level);
void Load_Images(unsigned char level);
void Reset_default_values(unsigned char level);

void Press_Start_prompt();

void Results_screen();
void GO_END_screen();
void Print_text(unsigned short x, unsigned char y, char *text_ex);

void HUD();
void Missions_Graphics();

void Put_Background();

void Animation_sprite(struct main_player* pp);
void Put_player();
void Player();
void Place_thing(unsigned char tile_x, unsigned char tile_y, struct main_player* toput, unsigned char playerornot, unsigned char direction, unsigned char flip);
void Enemy_AI(struct main_player* enemy, struct main_player* playertofollow);
unsigned char Collisions_MAP(short col_x, short col_y, unsigned short w, unsigned short h);
unsigned char Collision(unsigned short x, unsigned short y, unsigned char w, unsigned char h, unsigned short x2, unsigned short y2, unsigned char w2, unsigned char h2);
void Animate_Player();
void Enemy(struct main_player* enemy, unsigned char id, struct main_player* pp);
void Put_Enemy();

void Bullets();
void Play_GameMusic(unsigned char song);

/*
 *http://www.strudel.org.uk/itoa/
*/

char* itoa_own(unsigned short val);


2018 Jean Rim – Page 4 – Make an impact with custom business cards in Photo Cheap Business Cards Unique Pin By Css Author Business Card Professional.
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text:
package net.smartrover.skyrover.util;

import java.text.SimpleDateFormat;
import java.util.Date;

import android.content.Context;
import android.content.pm.ApplicationInfo;
import android.content.pm.PackageManager;
import android.content.pm.PackageManager.NameNotFoundException;
import android.util.Log;

/**
 * @author OROCA SmartRover Team
 * @since  0.1
 */
public class SystemUtil {

    private final static String TAG = "SystemUtil";

    public static String getCurrentFormatTime() {
        SimpleDateFormat format = new SimpleDateFormat("HH:mm");
        String nowTime = format.format(new Date());
        return nowTime;
    }

    public static boolean isDebugModel(Context context) {
        PackageManager mgr = context.getPackageManager();
        try {
            ApplicationInfo info = mgr.getApplicationInfo(context.getPackageName(), 0);
            return (info.flags & ApplicationInfo.FLAG_DEBUGGABLE) == ApplicationInfo.FLAG_DEBUGGABLE;
        } catch (NameNotFoundException e) {
            Log.e(TAG, e.getMessage(), e);
        }

        return false;
    }
}


Have you decided to get a divorce and are ready to start dividing your assets? If so, you'll need to go through mediation. It can be an effective way of working out problems that are difficult to make decisions on, since you will have some professionals working with you during the entire process. Here are some tips to help get through mediation.
You will want somebody that is neutral to help with mediation between you and your spouse. This should not be a situation where each person brings their own lawyer and try to argue about what they want. Mediation is a time where both parties can speak about what they are looking to receive from a divorce settlement, and the mediator will help everyone make a joint decision about what is fair.
Before you start mediation, it will help to come up with a list of things that you want and need as part of the process. For example, you may want to hold onto the house, but what you really need is a fair amount of alimony so that you can get back on your feet. Be sure to keep these things in mind during meditation so that you can prioritize what is important.
If you or your spouse have a mindset that you want to win during mediation, it will cause mediation to not go well at all. You must enter mediation with an open mind and be willing to compromise. Your marriage may be ending for better or for worse, but you and your spouse both have a right to shared marital assets after a divorce.
If you have children with your spouse, you should really consider them first before yourself. Try to think of what would be in the best interest of the children. For example, instead of selling the house and splitting the profits, it may be best that the custodial parent stays in the same house so that the children can continue going to the same school district.
Following these tips will help ensure that mediation is successful. Remember that your goal should be to settle the divorce during mediation. Taking the divorce to a family court is not only costly for you and your spouse, but puts the final decision in the hands of a judge rather than yourself. For more information, contact a center such as The New York Center for Divorce & Family Mediation.


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Icahn criticises Dell for vote rule change on proposed deal
Icahn on Monday urged Dell's board not to support the proposed shareholder vote change as it could disenfranchise voters.
Agam Shah July 30, 2013, 10:31 am July 30, 2013
Michael Dell raises buy-out offer for Dell by $0.10 per share, with new voting conditions
Michael Dell has raised his offer to take Dell private by $0.10 per share, to about $24.7 billion.
Peter Sayer July 25, 2013, 11:24 am July 25, 2013
Motorola plans Moto X unveiling for August 1
In a few weeks, your wait for the Moto X will come to an end. Motorola plans to take the wraps off its most anticipated Android phone ever on August 1.
Armando Rodriguez July 22, 2013, 10:44 am July 22, 2013
Oracle's Saggia gives tips on simplifying IT at CIO 100
High-growth countries are usually exhibited by a low per capita income. The upside, though, is that such countries, usually emerging countries, are able to do more with fewer resources.
Dennis Mbuvi July 15, 2013, 9:56 am July 15, 2013
BYOD breeds distrust between workers and IT
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement is supposed to boost worker productivity but a study released on Monday said it can also breed distrust between employees and IT departments.
John P. Mello July 11, 2013, 11:25 am July 11, 2013
Amazon slashes prices up to 80% to lure public cloud-weary enterprises
Amazon Web Services Wednesday dropped the price of its dedicated instances, which are virtual machines allocated to individual customers and that do not run on shared hardware.
Brandon Butler July 11, 2013, 11:18 am July 11, 2013
Dell buyout wins support from shareholder advisory group ISS
Prominent shareholder advisory group Institutional Shareholder Services has given a stamp of approval to Dell founder Michael Dell's bid to take the company private.
Chris Kanaracus July 9, 2013, 10:22 am July 9, 2013
CIOs outline chief concerns of cloud computing
Over three-quarters of CIOs (79 percent) are concerned about "hidden costs" associated with cloud computing.
Antony Savvas July 4, 2013, 10:35 am July 4, 2013
Etisalat ICT Forum: Broader than broadband
When you've built yourself up to become one of the Middle East and Africa's largest telecoms operators, it can be …
Tom Paye May 30, 2013, 11:51 am May 30, 2013
Ten years young
Serjios El-Hage, CEO, EMW
Tom Paye May 27, 2013, 3:50 pm May 27, 2013
Most Read in private
Evolve 2018: fast-track your business transformation
Microsoft snaps up developer site GitHub: Bloomberg
Abu Dhabi's Gulf Capital to invest $350m in the "new oil"


Before we dive into why your website is not converting, you need to ensure your website is set up to track conversions. If you have set up goals in Google analytics, you can skip to the next section. If this is the first time you have read about Goals in Google conversion, then read along.
The most straightforward way to track conversions is via Google Analytics. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up a Google Analytics goal for a Lead Gen form.
1. Create a thank you page which links to your main lead gen page.
If you are using a tool like Unbounce or Clickfunnels you can easily create a new page and link it.
If you have a Wordpress website you can use various plugins to redirect the user to a thank you page once the form is submitted.
2. Copy the thank you page URL and go to your Google Analytics Admin and click Goals.
3. Create a new Goal and use the URL of the thank you page.
Create a new Goal and use the URL of the thank you page as the destination. Once set you can now track goals/conversions in Google Analytics.
Does your Call-to-Action button on the website stand out?
What stands out gets clicked (call-to-action buttons or links shouldn't be the same as the rest of your design).
CTA button should create a sense of urgency that guide your visitors towards your goal conversion.
Adding directional cues assists in focusing the visitor's attention on the buttons.
Always test the position of your call-to-action button. With simple A/B tests check if the page performs better when the position of the button is on the left, right or middle of the section.
Do you have a low traffic website?
This is a no-brainer. The more money you spend on Google and Facebook ads the more traffic you will generate. As this can easily burn a hole in your marketing spend, its best to use paid traffic as only one of your traffic channels.
Using Search Engine Optimisation you can build traffic for free. Although it's free traffic, you will have still invest time, money and effort in getting indexed in Google. SEO techniques such as off-page (link building) and on-page (optimising web pages so search engines can rank it) are difficult to master as Google changes search algorithms quite frequently. However, nothing is impossible and with effort and perseverance comes reward.
An ecosystem which puts your brand in front of your target audience. By using tools such as blogs, podcasts and YouTube you can increase awareness and generate traffic. I will strongly recommend checking out Content Machine in which Dan Norris the author used Content Marketing to Build a 7-figure Business With Zero Advertising.
Do visitors trust your brand, when they visit your website?
According to a study by Econsultancy, physical address, contact phone number, and email address are the top three credibility signals for any website. Clearly displayed contact details subconsciously assures users that there is a real business behind a website. One of the best ways to add contact details is to incorporate an effective contact us page within your website. A contact us page is an integral part of a website allowing users - the customers, investors, or perhaps advertisers - to get in contact with you. As a business owner, having a contact us page converts users into leads for your business.
Even small grammatical errors can make a negative impression on your visitors. Double check your contact page before publishing it on your website.
Links to the contact page should appear in the header or the footer of the website. You should always make the contact link easier to find on the page.
Never underestimate the power of a visually appealing contact page. While the page may be simple, careful thought must still go into its design.
Since the number of people using mobile devices to access the web has surpassed desktop users, make sure your contact page looks good on all mobile devices.
Adding a Google map on your Contact Us page helps visitors easily enter the Google interface and request directions directly from their home/office.
You can reinforce trust by showcasing testimonials, reviews or partners logos on your contact us pages. Social proof or any trust signal will nudge the visitors to fill out the form.
I will be writing more on how you can [increase conversions from your websites ](https://www.apexure.com/wordpress-web-design)and landing pages. I hope you found this post useful. If you have any tips of your own, would you mind sharing them with our readers?
Q.How do you calculate the conversion rate?
Q.What is a conversion on a website?
A.Conversion could mean different things. Typically a conversion is when a user submits a form on the website or purchases a product. However, in some instances, a conversion could also mean a user clicked a button and viewed the next page in the online sales funnel.
Q.Why is Conversion Rate Optimization Important?
A.Optimising conversion rate can have a significant impact. Let's consider this scenario where a business spends £1,000 on Google Ads and generates 100 leads at a conversion rate of 5%. The Cost Per Lead is £10. Now with CRO lets assume we increase the conversion rate to 7% which means 140 leads which imply we reduced the Cost per Lead to £7.14. The business can continue spending the same amount of budget and enjoy more leads or reduce the budget.
Q. How do you increase conversion rate?
A.Increasing conversions can be achieved by split testing. In a split test, we can create 2 variations of the same page. We call the first variation as control and in the other variation we add a change. E.g. we change the colour of the button from red to orange. By sending the same volume of traffic to each variant we can calculate which variation performs better over time.
Q.What is the average conversion rate?
A.There is no fixed answer for it. Unbounce did a study by testing landing page results across various industry verticals you can check the results here.


Dolphines don't drink at all. They get all the water they need from squid and fish. They actually extract all of the water that they need from their prey.... Dolphin's obtain water from their food, they don't actually need alot of fluid because unlike us, their skin is impermeable and they don't lose water by sweating.
Dolphines don't drink at all. They get all the water they need from squid and fish. They actually extract all of the water that they need from their prey.... 24/05/2011 · Best Answer: As the other person said, there are a number of river dolphins. Usually salt water breeds don't do well in fresh water though.
Dolphines don't drink at all. They get all the water they need from squid and fish. They actually extract all of the water that they need from their prey. how to get free carproof Do fish drink water? Why water is important for life. Water makes up a large part of our bodies, as it does with all animals. In people this figure is around the 60%-70% mark.
Yes, baby dolphins do drink their mother's milk because they are mammals like us. how to get rid of watermark camtasia dolphins data card 2. Facts about dolphins . PART 2: How deep can a dolphin dive? Do dolphin drink salt water? How deep can a dolphin dive?
Dolphins can't breathe underwater, so every time a dolphin needs to breathe, it has to make the decision to come to the water surface to breathe and supply its lungs with oxygen.
19/10/2007 · Best Answer: Like all mammals, dolphins cannot drink salt water. It would upset their elecrolyte balance and kill them. They actually extract all of the water that they need from their prey. In addition, they do not sweat (they live in water), and hence lose far less fluid than land based mammals.
Dolphins don't drink water Dolphins, like other sea mammals, don't drink the seawater they swim in. Instead, dolphins hydrate using water from their food.
Different sea creatures have different ways of maintaining their osmoregularity (aka staying hydrated and keeping a good salt balance) Drinking water or not drinking water is usually done in the interest of maintaining this balance.


After a couple of weeks in the wild, The Starr Conspiracy's Employee Engagement Brandscape Report™ has prompted lots of questions. Probably the most frequently asked is this one: "Seventy-four billion dollars? Really? That number seems way too big and impossibly huge."Well, the $74 billion Total Addressable Market (TAM) in Employee Engagement is a big number, but if anything, it's too small.
Recognition: There's a range here. IDC predicted in 2013 that the 2016 market size would be $32 billion in 2016, with an 8 percent CAGR. In 2012, Josh Bersin pegged the market at $46 billion. Assuming a modest 4 percent CAGR would put the 2016 market at $54 billion in 2016, using Bersin's numbers.
Wellness: For 2016, IBISWorld research put the TAM at $7.8 billion.
Measurement: This category is harder to pin down, but after speaking to several CEOs in the space, $750 million in 2016 is a consensus figure.
Talent Management: According to the investment bankers at William Blair, $13.2 billion is the 2016 TAM.
Total: On the low end, TAM for these three categories is $53.75 billion. On the high end, the TAM is $75.75 billion. Even if we are toward the high end of some of these other entities, we feel secure about our numbers.
However, what we believe is getting lost in all of the number crunching is this single core truth: Market share in HR technology is incredibly fluid right now. Simply put, Employee Engagement has become a stand-alone category that most observers are still more comfortable seeing as multiple discrete categories. We believe that the future leaders in the Employee Engagement category will rapidly shift their thinking. They will see Employee Engagement as the category and recognition, wellness, measurement, and talent management as subcategories that will become increasingly less relevant as time goes by and feature sets begin to look more similar than different.
There are really only two types of companies in the new Employee Engagement category today — the quick and the dead. Which group do you want to be in? It behooves you to be vigilant, because someone is coming for your customers, and that someone is not who you think it is. If you're in talent management, solutions in recognition, wellness, and measurement are going to take customers from you in 2017 — especially in the midmarket. And everyone should be concerned about the measurement category. You should expect upstart solutions in this category to push this space's comparatively small TAM into a much, much larger number.


text:
package org.drools.guvnor.client.ruleeditor;

import org.drools.guvnor.client.messages.Constants;

import com.google.gwt.core.client.GWT;
import com.google.gwt.user.client.Command;
import com.google.gwt.user.client.ui.MenuBar;

/**
 * Default implementation for Oryx that includes "Save All Changes" button
 */
public class DefaultOryxMultiViewEditorMenuBarCreator implements MultiViewEditorMenuBarCreator {
    private Constants constants = GWT.create(Constants.class);

    public MenuBar createMenuBar(final MultiViewEditor editor) {
        MenuBar toolbar = new MenuBar();

        toolbar.addItem(constants.SaveAllChanges(),
                new Command() {

                    public void execute() {
                        editor.checkin(false);
                    }
                });
        return toolbar;
    }
}


text:
Home The Market Auctions Andy's favorites available this weekend at Auctions America's California sale
Andy's favorites available this weekend at Auctions America's California sale
By Andy Reid
Auctions America has come a long way since RM Sotheby's launched the company in 2010 from the ashes of the Kruse auction company. We attended the first sale in 2010 and it was a good new auction company sale but the cars of that first sale bear no resemblance to the offerings at Auctions America's California sale this weekend in Santa Monica.
Many of the top lots at this sale would easily be at home at the parent company's Monterey sale next month. Some of these lots include a Ferrari Enzo, a 1960 300SL roadster and even a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K.
All of those cars are amazing, but happily Auctions America still has cars at every level of the hobby, and the cars I would most like to have in my garage are a bit more affordable and easier to attain for the average collector.
Stuff More stuff Even more stuff Foo
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Andy Reid's first car, purchased at age 15, was a 1968 Fiat 124 coupe. His second, obtained by spending his college savings fund, was a 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2. Since then, he has owned more than 150 cars—none of them normal or reasonable—as well as numerous classic motorcycles and scooters. A veteran of film, television, advertising and helping to launch a few Internet-based companies, Reid was a columnist for Classic Motorsports magazine for 12 years and has written for several other publications. He is considered an expert in European sports and luxury cars and is a respected concours judge. He lives in Canton, Connecticut.