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Home » File extensions » O » OCR File Extension
File Extension Search
.ocr File Extension
Developer: Nuance Communications
File type: FAXGrapper Fax Text File
You're here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .ocr. Files with the file extension .ocr can only be launched by certain applications. It's possible that .ocr files are data files rather than documents or media, which means they're not meant to be viewed at all.
what is a .ocr&nbspfile?
The OCR file extension is used for a FAXGrapper Fax Text File developed by Nuance Communications. It is a document in FAX form that is converted into a standard text format that allows the user to easily read the information written on the document. Nuance Communications is a forerunner in sophisticated voice technology and provider of imaging and speech applications. It was founded in 1994 as a Speech Technology and Research laboratory with the aim of commercializing speech recognition technology. Nuance was able to release its first speech recognition technology in 1996 through automation of call centers. The high cost of providing staff that would fill the positions in a call center paved the way for Nuance Communications to introduce their speaker free speech application. This innovation has proved its practicality and cost efficiency to call centers thus giving proof that there is advantage and good benefits from call center automation. This automation also initiated the start of centralizing the call center industry.
how to open a .ocr file?
Launch a .ocr file, or any other file on your PC, by double-clicking it. If your file associations are set up correctly, the application that's meant to open your .ocr file will open it. It's possible you may need to download or purchase the correct application. It's also possible that you have the correct application on your PC, but .ocr files aren't yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a .ocr file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for that file. From then on, opening a .ocr file will open the correct application. Click here to fix .ocr file association errors
applications that open a .ocr file
Nuance OmniPage 18
The Omnipage 18, developed by Nuance Communications, Inc. is imaging software that allows users to convert file formats like PDF, camera images, images from mobile devices as well as images from e-book readers into documents that can be edited. This software saves users' time retyping documents from another file format since they can just convert them. The features contained in this application are innovative, speedy and more accurate. Nuance Omnipage 18 features an automatic language detection that allows the program to assign a single OCR language once this auto language detection feature is enabled. The software also supports multiple languages as well as it supports various applications like Corel WordPerfect, MS Office Suite, etc. Converting file formats into documents with the use of Omnipage 18 is a very simple but interesting process because the files that users convert into documents will look exactly the same as the original file; only that all the file contents were converted into documents.
Visit Developer Website
Notepad2
The Notepad2 application is a more advanced text editor for Windows developed by Florian Balmer. This program originated from the original built-in Microsoft Notepad which is why it is also effective and fast even when it is small. Notepad2 also has a lot of features such as syntax highlighting that allows a text or a source code to be displayed using different fonts and colors. This syntax highlighting feature of notepad2 allows users to write programming language easily and distinctly. This amazing function of Notepad2 is also owing to several other features it possess such as auto indentation, regular and expression-based find and replace feature, bracket matching, newline conversion, encoding conversion as well as multiple undo and redo features. These features make the function of the simple Notepad more advanced and it makes Notepad more interesting to use either to open files in .txt format or to write HTML codes. Notepad2 also supports many programming languages such as ASP, C++, Perl, Java, etc.
Microsoft Notepad
Notepad is a basic text editor used to create plain documents. It is commonly used to view or edit text (.txt) files, and a simple tool for creating Web pages, and supports only the basic formatting in HTML documents. It also has a simple built-in logging function. Each time a file that initializes with .log is opened, the program inserts a text timestamp on the last line of the file. It accepts text from the Windows clipboard. This is helpful in stripping embedded font type and style codes from formatted text, such as when copying text from a Web page and pasting into an email message or other "What You See Is What You Get" text editor. The formatted text is temporarily pasted into Notepad, and then immediately copied again in stripped format to be pasted into the other program. Simple text editors like Notepad may be utilized to change text with markup, such as HTML. Early versions of Notepad offered only the most basic functions, such as finding text. Newer versions of Windows include an updated version of Notepad with a search and replace function (Ctrl + H), as well as Ctrl + F for search and similar keyboard shortcuts. It makes use of a built-in window class named edit. In older versions such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows 3.1, there is a 64k limit on the size of the file being edited, an operating system limit of the EDIT class.
Microsoft WordPad
Files with .rtf, .openbsd, and .readme extensions are some of the files associated or which can be opened with the Microsoft WordPad. RTF files are text documents that can be created, opened, viewed, edited or changed using word processing applications for both Mac and Microsoft Windows-based computers, like Microsoft WordPad for Windows and Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac. It gives the users a wide cross compatibility support, which was the central objective for the improvement of the Rich Text Format technology, and these .rtf files can even be opened, viewed and used with database applications. The OpenBSD Unix platform is frequently utilized in computers running as Web servers of a secure network. OpenBSD files may be saved in directories of the OpenBSD system that were generated upon installation of the software applications. Files with the .openbsd extension can be opened by standard text editors, particularly well-known like Microsoft Notepad, and this text editor may also be utilized to create and edit OPENBSD files. Files with the .readme extension are text documents engaged to give users with beneficial information and specific details about certain applications installed in the system. These files can be opened, viewed and edited with a selection of text editors including Microsoft Notepad and Microsoft WordPad.
Microsoft Word is a word processor program that is packed in the Microsoft Office Suite. It is developed by Microsoft Corporation, generating a .doc file extension when the file is saved. A document file format (.doc) is a text or binary file format for saving documents on a storage media, mainly for computer use, like typing text, charts, tables, page formatting, graphs, images and other documents whose content is created and edited. Contents of these documents are printable in any sizes and are capable to open in other devices provided that its operating system is able to read DOC files. This .doc file extension has become extensive de facto standard for office documents, but it is an owned format and is not always totally supported by other word processors. A variety of programs that is able to open this type of file, and different operating systems and have installed programs that can open a 1ST file are: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Notepad, Microsoft Word, IBM Lotus WordPro, and Corel WordPerfect.
a word of warning
Be careful not to rename the extension on .ocr&nbspfiles, or any other files. This will not change the file type. Only special conversion software can change a file from one file type to another.
what is a file extension?
A file extension is the set of three or four characters at the end of a filename; in this case, .ocr.&nbspFile extensions tell you what type of file it is, and tell Windows what programs can open it. Windows often associates a default program to each file extension, so that when you double-click the file, the program launches automatically. When that program is no longer on your PC, you can sometimes get an error when you try to open the associated file.
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1829, Tasmania. John Batman, ruthless, singleminded; four convicts, the youngest still only a stripling; Gould, a downtrodden farmhand; two free black trackers; and powerful, educated Black Bill, brought up from childhood as a white man. This is the roving party and their purpose is massacre. With promises of freedom, land grants and money, each is willing to risk his life for the prize. Passing over many miles of tortured country, the roving party searches for Aborigines, taking few prisoners and killing freely, Batman never abandoning the visceral intensity of his hunt. And all the while, Black Bill pursues his personal quarry, the much-feared warrior, Manalargena.
A surprisingly beautiful evocation of horror and brutality, The Roving Party is a meditation on the intricacies of human nature at its most raw.


A nunatak 3 mi WNW of Mount Alibi on the N side of Leppard Glacier, in Graham Land. Surveyed by FIDS in 1955. Named adit (an entrance) by UK-APC, because at the time (1957), it marked the approach to an unsurveyed inland area between Leppard and Flask Glaciers.


Many people see Norfolk as a somewhat overlooked corner of Britain. Its countryside doesn't always get the recognition it deserves when compared to, say, Cornwall, Devon or Gloucestershire, because it doesn't have the immediate easy charm of quintessential, rolling, rural England. To the unfamiliar its sweeping expanses and vast skies can make it appear rather bleak and uninviting. Yet so many people return, whether to holiday or relocate.
In reality, Norfolk is as breathtaking as anywhere else in Britain but to truly experience its beauty and some natural wonders you have to venture into the rural heartland that is the Broads, with its woodland, fens, grazing marshes, rare plants and wildlife and, of course, the shallow lakes that provide its name. The best way to capture this wonderful place is by boat.
If you're thinking of moving to the Broads, you won't go far wrong with Horning, on the River Bure, which has many waterside properties. The village has a great selection of amenities, including pubs, shops, restaurants, tea-rooms, boat trips and other attractions to enjoy.
Contact Simon Nisbet at Gilson Bailey, 01603 764444.


This entry was posted on Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Wings.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Thanks. Unfortunately, I'm back at work now, so I don't know that I'll be able to keep up my 10 hours per week rate. Besides, if you speed up and I slow down, you'll pass me.
Good luck on your project, and keep in touch.
I think all those things sticking out of the wings look a little wierd, and might affect the aerodynamics. What do you think?
And what was that about the stall warnings?


Race For Life 5K & 10K at Cheltenham Racecourse is a brilliant for all running abilities. This is thousands of people uniting with one purpose – to raise valuable funds for life-saving research.
The route goes around the perimeter of the racecourse along a combination of grass, woodchip and paths.
Take part in the 5K with friends, family or work colleagues and raise valuable funds for life-saving research.
Under 6 entry (Girls and boys): free and no registration needed.
Race for Life 10K is a great step up from our 5k events, that's still achievable for everyone.


Our gas engineers are qualified and highly experienced in all aspects of gas boilers, kitchen appliances, cookers and hobs.
At Southern Heat Solutions Ltd, our track record of reliability precedes us, and our boiler installation in Eastleigh service is no exception to this. We have a wide range of boilers for you to choose from as our Gas Safe registered engineers work with all makes and models.
An energy efficient boiler is of paramount importance for every household – it accounts for approximately 55% of energy bills, and the average boiler lifespan is 12 years. You can save upwards of £300 annually, as well as cutting your carbon dioxide emissions by installing an A-rated condensing boiler and improving your heating controls. Visit www.energysavingtrust.co.uk for additional info. We are the Eastleigh specialists in the supply and installation of energy efficient heating systems. Modern energy efficient boilers also provide homeowners with an investment that will pay back in 6-7 years, in addition to being more environmentally friendly. As a trusted and experienced installer, we're also able to offer extended product warranties, in addition to our highly competitive prices for boiler installations.
We take gas safety seriously at Southern Heat Solutions Ltd. In order to prove they are registered, our gas safe engineers always carry their identity cards.
The Gas Safe Register in Great Britain forms the official gas safety organisation. The Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI on 1st April 2009. When it comes to the registration and regulation of gas engineers, the Gas Safe Register is responsible. For companies and engineers working with gas appliances, membership is mandatory. In order to find out more about the Gas Safe Register, visit the website or call 0800 408 5500.
Our objective is to locate the ideal boiler for your needs, not the quickest system to fit.
A system boiler heats your heating system directly and provides hot water to your cylinder.
A system boiler, similar to a regular (conventional) boiler works on the concept of stored hot water. However, a system boiler is different from a regular boiler in a few crucial respects.
To start with, a number of the key individual components of the heating and hot water system are constructed into a system boiler, which means installation is faster, tidier, less complicated and a lot more efficient.
Secondly, the hot water is pumped from the system boiler throughout the heating system to the radiators and hot water cylinder, providing a fast response and more cost-effective running costs. The system boiler removes the requirement of a feed and expansion cistern.
Combi boilers are the UK's most favored sort of boiler for gas central heating and domestic warm water. They're very easy to install, user-friendly and cost effective to run.
Heat only boilers are also known as 'regular' or 'conventional' boilers. If you're replacing an old boiler and have a small expansion tank and a larger cold water storage cistern in your loft area space, you almost certainly have already got a heat only boiler.
Heat only boilers are likely to be installed on an open vented system. The system will in most cases comprise two tanks in the loft space, a hot water storage cylinder in the airing cupboard and a separate pump.
To book your appointment for your boiler installation estimate, call our team today. All of our quotes and estimates are free and fixed price, with each stage of the job explained from start to completion, meaning you'll know exactly what you'll pay. Feel free to browse our plumbing and heating services.


The Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment produces forged hardened steel rolls, cast rolls, open-die forged products, and specialty steel ingot and cast billet products. Forged hardened steel rolls are used mainly for rolling mills by producers of steel, aluminum and other metals. Cast rolls, which are produced in a variety of iron and steel qualities, are used mainly in hot and cold strip mills, medium/heavy section mills and plate mills. Ingot and forged engineered products are used in the oil and gas industry and the aluminum and plastic extrusion industries. Specialty steel ingot and cast billet products are used primarily by the open-die industry and downstream rolled-steel producers. The segment has operations in the United States, England, Sweden, Slovenia, Canada and an equity interest in three joint venture companies in China. Collectively, the segment primarily competes with European, Asian and North and South American companies in both domestic and foreign markets and distributes a significant portion of its products through sales offices located throughout the world.
Roll market conditions in the United States and Europe have improved as protectionist acts have financially strengthened our customer base. Backlog for mill rolls has increased roughly 12% from year end 2017 to year end 2018. However, tariffs imposed in 2018 on U.S. imports of primary steel products from Canada have adversely impacted our Canadian operations and the cost structure of our forged engineered products. In response, we are continuing to seek relief through available government channels. With respect to the oil and gas market, an inventory adjustment in the supply chain has continued to suppress order intake.
In October 2018, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved a plan to sell ASW Steel Inc. ("ASW"). ASW is our specialty steel producer based in Canada which we acquired in November 2016. Loss of significant U.S. business due to a combination of tariffs imposed by the United States on imports of steel products and the loss of a key customer due to a plant closure have resulted in significant losses for the Canadian operation in 2018. While the Corporation will continue to service the open-die forged products market, it will not have a dedicated supply of required specialty steel through a back-end integration of ASW. The Corporation, however, expects to enter into a longer-term supply agreement post-sale for the supply of steel ingots. Also, the Corporation will no longer manufacture and supply primary specialty steels to customers in the non-roll opened and closed die forgings and rebar markets and will exit the Canadian market. Collectively, the sale of ASW represents a strategic shift that will have a major impact on our results of operations and has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
New York with headquarters in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The segment distributes a significant portion of its products through a common independent group of sales offices located throughout the United States and Canada.
For the Air and Liquid Processing segment, business activity in the specialty centrifugal pump industry has been negatively impacted by a decline in activity in the fossil-fueled power generation market, partially offset by increased activity in the marine defense market. For the heat exchanger business, there are early signs of growth in the industrial market. Additionally, demand for custom air handling systems remains steady although competitive pricing pressures continue. The focus for this segment is to grow revenues, increase margins, strengthen engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and continue to improve the sales distribution network.
ASW has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the operating results of ASW have been excluded from continuing operations for 2018 and 2017. Prior year amounts, percentages and backlog have been recast to exclude ASW.
(1) (Loss) income from continuing operations for the Air and Liquid Processing segment for 2018 includes a net pre-tax charge of $32,910 for estimated costs of asbestos-related litigation through 2052, the estimated final date by which we expect to have settled all asbestos-related claims, net of estimated insurance recoveries (see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Consolidated net sales for 2018 increased from 2017 principally due to higher sales for the Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment. Specifically, sales of forged engineered products improved approximately $17,000 and mill rolls by approximately $16,000 when compared to the prior year. For the Air and Liquid Processing segment, sales of air handling units increased approximately $4,000 from the prior year while sales of heat exchange coils decreased by approximately $2,000. Sales of centrifugal pumps were comparable in 2018 and 2017.
Consolidated loss from continuing operations for 2018 includes a charge of $32,910 for the estimated costs of asbestos-related litigation through 2052, the estimated final date by which we expect to have settled all asbestos-related claims, net of estimated insurance recoveries (see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Corporate expenses decreased in the current year principally due to lower professional fees.
A discussion of sales, (loss) income from continuing operations and backlog for our two segments is included below.
Gross margin, excluding depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales, was 16.1% and 17.7% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The deterioration is principally attributable to the Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment which experienced lower production levels but benefited from a higher volume of shipments and improved pricing.
Selling and administrative expenses totaled $58,068 (13.8% of net sales) and $60,164 (15.6% of net sales) for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to lower professional fees for Corporate.
The charge for asbestos litigation in 2018 represents an extension of the estimated costs of pending and future asbestos claims, net of additional insurance recoveries, from 2026 through 2052, the estimated final date by which we expect to have settled all asbestos-related claims. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investment-related income for the current year includes a dividend of $377 from the Corporation's U.K./Chinese cast roll joint venture company. No dividends were received in 2017.
Interest expense for the current year increased when compared to the prior year due to increased borrowings under our revolving credit facility, coupled with an increase in our average borrowing rate, and interest on a sale and leaseback financing transaction consummated in the third quarter of 2018.
Other income (expense) improved in 2018 from 2017 primarily due to a contract settlement with a third party of approximately $2,425 and higher pension and other postretirement benefit income of approximately $3,309. The balance of the change between the periods is attributable to fluctuations in foreign exchange gains and losses.
Our income tax provision for 2018 includes a one-time transition tax imposed on the deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Originally, in 2017, as the result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Reform"), the deemed repatriated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries were included in the computation of our net operating losses generated in 2017. However, in 2018, the Internal Revenue Service issued additional guidance with respect to certain provisions of the Tax Reform. Specifically, the additional guidance allowed a taxpayer to exclude the deemed repatriated earnings from the computation of net operating losses generated in tax year 2017. We availed ourselves of the election which enabled us to carry back additional net operating losses resulting in a release of a previously established valuation allowance of $1,419 and a higher refund of federal income taxes previously paid. However, as a result, we recognized the one-time tax of $2,369 on the deemed repatriation of previously untaxed foreign earnings in our income tax provision in 2018. For 2018 and 2017, our income tax provision includes income tax expense (benefit) associated with our profitable operations. An income tax benefit is not able to be recognized on losses for certain of our remaining entities since they remain in a three-year cumulative loss position.
Gain on sale of joint venture represents principally proceeds received from the 2016 sale of a portion of our equity interest in a forged roll Chinese joint venture. Proceeds are being recognized when received since, at the time of the sale, collectability was not assured. The final installment of $400 is due in 2019.
For 2018, we incurred a net loss from continuing operations of $43,575, or $3.50 per common share, which includes an after-tax charge of $31,881, or $2.56 per common share, for estimated costs of asbestos-related litigation through 2052, the estimated final date by which we expect to have settled all asbestos-related claims, net of estimated insurance recoveries. For 2017, we incurred a net loss of $15,051, or $1.22 per common share.
For 2018, net loss from discontinued operations approximated $23,901, or $1.92 per common share, and includes an after-tax charge of $15,000, or $1.21 per common share, for the write down of the assets of ASW to their estimated fair value less costs to sell. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For 2017, net income from discontinued operations approximated $3,749, or $0.30 per common share.
Net sales for 2018 increased 10.8% compared to 2017. The current year benefited from higher sales of mill rolls and, during the first half of the year, from forged engineered products. During the second half of the year, sales of forged engineered products, particularly frac blocs, declined primarily due to excess inventory in the supply chain.
Operating results for 2018 and 2017 were comparable. Operating results for 2018 benefited from higher volumes of shipments and improved pricing, which contributed approximately $14,000; however, operating results were negatively impacted by unabsorbed costs from lower production levels, higher operating costs and equipment maintenance issues, which approximated the same amount.
Backlog at December 31, 2018, increased from the prior year due to improved demand for mill rolls, both forged and cast; however, backlog decreased approximately 50% for forged engineered products principally due to a retraction in the frac bloc market. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $126,008 of the backlog is expected to be released after 2019.
Net sales for 2018 improved when compared to 2017. Specifically, sales of air handling units increased over the prior year due to expanded marketing efforts resulting in improved order intake. Sales of centrifugal pumps approximated sales for 2017; while benefitting from a higher volume of shipments to U.S. Navy shipbuilders, sales of commercial pumps declined from a year ago. Sales of heat exchange coils declined from the prior year and continued to be adversely impacted by a lower volume of shipments to the nuclear and fossil-fueled power generation market. Operating results for 2018 include a charge of $32,910 for the estimated costs of asbestos-related litigation through 2052, the estimated final date by which we expect to have settled all asbestos-related claims, net of estimated insurance recoveries (see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Otherwise, operating results improved based on a higher volume of shipments, product mix and cost containment efforts. Backlog at December 31, 2018, increased from December 31, 2017, with each of the product lines benefiting from higher order intake. The current backlog is expected to ship in 2019.
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities for continuing operations equaled $6,710 and $(19,047) for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The improvement is primarily attributable to a lower investment in trade working capital for the Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment of approximately $13,300 and U.S. federal income tax refunds of approximately $3,500 as a result of the carry back of additional net operating losses to earlier years. While we recognized a non-cash charge for the revaluation of our estimated costs of pending and future asbestos claims, net of additional insurance recoveries, this non-cash charge did not affect cash flows by the same amount. Instead, net asbestos-related payments equaled $6,904 and $5,828 in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are expected to approximate $7,000 in 2019.
Net cash flows used in investing activities for continuing operations were $1,220 and $11,293 in 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to proceeds from the sale of a division of ours for approximately $7,200 (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and a reduction in capital expenditures for our Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment. As of December 31, 2018, expected future capital expenditures approximated $888, which are anticipated to be spent over the next 12 months.
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities for continuing operations equaled $(3,421) and $8,925 for 2018 and 2017, respectively. During 2018, we completed a sale and leaseback financing transaction providing $19,000. The majority of the proceeds was used to repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility or loaned to ASW. By comparison, a portion of our borrowings under the revolving credit facility in 2017 was loaned to ASW to repay debt. In June 2017, we announced that we would suspend quarterly dividends, beginning with the second quarter of 2017. Dividends paid in 2017 equaled $0.18 per common share (including $0.09 per common share for dividends declared in 2016 but paid in 2017) and dividends paid on restricted stock issued prior to June 2017 that vested in 2017. Dividends paid in 2018 represent dividends paid on restricted stock issued prior to June 2017 that vested in 2018. The three-year promissory notes, and accrued interest, issued in connection with a 2016 acquisition were paid on March 4, 2019.
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents is primarily attributable to the fluctuation of the British pound and Swedish krona against the U.S. dollar.
Cash flows from discontinued operations represent the cash activity for ASW. The increase in net cash flows used in operating activities is primarily attributable to net losses incurred during 2018 and an increase in net trade working capital. While the net loss for ASW for 2018 includes the non-cash charge of $15,000 for the write down of its assets to their estimated fair value less costs to sell, the non-cash charge did not affect cash flows for ASW. Net cash flows used in investing activities represent capital expenditures for each of the years. Net cash flows provided by financing activities for 2018 include borrowings under the revolving credit facility and intercompany advances from continuing operations. Similarly, net cash flows provided by financing activities for 2017 include intercompany advances from continuing operations which were used by ASW to repay its outstanding borrowings under its separate credit and term debt facilities.
As a result of the above, cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations increased by $1,057 in 2018 and ended the year at $19,713, in comparison to $18,656 at December 31, 2017. Cash held by our foreign operations, excluding ASW, equaled $10,662 and $13,765 at December 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Cash held by our foreign operations is considered to be permanently reinvested; accordingly, a provision for estimated local and withholding tax has not been made. If we were to remit any foreign earnings to the U.S., the estimated tax impact would be insignificant.
Funds on hand, funds generated from future operations and availability under our revolving credit facility are expected to be sufficient to finance our operational and capital expenditure requirements and to repay our financial obligations. As of December 31, 2018, remaining availability under the revolving credit facility approximated $35,000, net of availability reserves associated with the proceeds from the sale and leaseback financing transaction and the sale of a division of ours in 2018. The availability from these reserves was used toward the settlement of the three-year promissory notes and interest paid on March 4, 2019. While the revolving credit agreement limits the amount of distributions upstream, we have not historically relied on or have been dependent on distributions from our subsidiaries and are not expected to be in the future.
With respect to environmental matters, we are currently performing certain remedial actions in connection with the sale of real estate previously owned and periodically incur costs to maintain compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Environmental exposures are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons, including lack of reliable data, the multiplicity of possible solutions, the years of remedial and monitoring activity required, and the identification of new sites. However, we believe the potential liability for remedial actions and environmental compliance measures of approximately $324 accrued at December 31, 2018, is considered adequate based on information known to date (see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
The nature and scope of our business brings us into regular contact with a variety of persons, businesses and government agencies in the ordinary course of business. Consequently, we and certain of our subsidiaries from time to time are named in various legal actions. Generally, we do not anticipate that our financial condition or liquidity will be materially affected by the costs of known, pending or threatened litigation (see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). However, claims have been asserted, principally against Air & Liquid, alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing components historically used in some products and there can be no assurance that future claims will not present significantly greater and longer lasting financial exposure than presently contemplated.
Our off-balance sheet arrangements include operating leases (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), the previously mentioned expected future capital expenditures, and letters of credit unrelated to the Industrial Revenue Bonds (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). These arrangements are not considered significant to our liquidity, capital resources, market risk or credit risk.
While inflationary and market pressures on costs are likely to be experienced, it is anticipated that ongoing improvements in manufacturing efficiencies and cost savings efforts will mitigate the effects of inflation on our 2019 operating results. The ability to pass on increases in the price of commodities to the customer is contingent upon current market conditions, with us potentially having to absorb some portion or all of the increase. Product pricing for the Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment is reflective of current costs, with a portion of orders subject to a variable-index surcharge program which helps to protect the segment and its customers against the volatility in the cost of certain raw materials. Additionally, long-term labor agreements exist at each of the key locations. Certain of these agreements will expire in 2019. As is consistent with past practice, we will negotiate with the intent to secure mutually beneficial arrangements covering multiple years. (See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Finally, commitments have been executed for certain commodities (copper and aluminum) to cover a portion of orders in the backlog (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
We have identified critical accounting policies that are important to the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations and involve the most complex or subjective assessments. Critical accounting policies relate to assessing recoverability of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and assets of discontinued operations; pension and other postretirement benefits; litigation and loss contingencies; and income taxes.
Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for recoverability at least annually, as of October 1, or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows generated from the use and eventual disposition of the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. Estimates of future cash flows are based on expected market conditions over the remaining useful life of the primary asset(s). Accordingly, assumptions are made about pricing, volume and asset-resale values. Actual results may differ from these assumptions. We believe the amounts recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for property, plant and equipment are recoverable and are not impaired as of December 31, 2018.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life, which is determined by identifying the period over which most of the cash flows are expected to be generated. Additionally, intangible assets, both finite and indefinite lived, are assessed for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For finite-lived intangible assets, if the undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, if the discounted cash flows attributable to the assets are less than their carrying value, then the asset value may not be fully recoverable, potentially resulting in a write-down of the asset value. In assessing recoverability, we make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and discount rates. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment charge. Also, if the estimate of an intangible asset's remaining useful life changes, we will amortize the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. We believe the amounts recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for intangible assets are recoverable and are not impaired as of December 31, 2018, based on information known to date.
Assets of discontinued operations are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Consideration is given to market comparables, asset valuations and asking price. If the amount received is less than the estimated fair value, then an additional loss will be recorded. If the amount received is more than the fair value estimated, then a gain will be recognized. We believe the amounts recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for assets of discontinued operations are recoverable as of December 31, 2018.
Accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, input from our actuaries is evaluated and extensive use is made of assumptions about inflation, long-term rate of return on plan assets, longevity, employee turnover and discount rates. The curtailment of certain defined benefit plans and the amendment of various other postretirement benefit plans has helped to mitigate the volatility in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs resulting from changes in these assumptions.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is an estimate of average rates of earnings expected to be earned on funds invested or to be invested to . . .


When last did you try a new hairstyle? Cook with a different herb or spice? Wear a colour that you've never worn before?
We feel comfortable with the familiar, we feel safe when we follow what others say is good for us. But by sticking with the masses, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to experience so much more.
We were born for curiosity, to push our boundaries and discover the new. Our limits are dictated by our fears. They hold us back from experiencing a world that was created to be discovered.
When we make an effort to take little steps out of our comfort zone everyday, we are stepping out of our self-limiting state of mind and taking leaps and bounds towards the greatest version of ourselves.
Nothing great ever comes from living a life of sheer comfort. When we become too familiar with a life of safety and luxury, our fear of the unknown becomes stronger than our admiration of it, and we start to believe that it is somehow stronger and more powerful than us.
This is not so. We are beings of rationality, intellect, and instinct - the best of creation. We have been given everything we need to survive.
Use all your blessings and all your material luxuries to step out of your comfort zone and into a space that pushes you to conquer your fears and discover your true self. Only then will you unlock the door within yourself to all the greater immaterial treasures you have been blessed with.
These treasures cannot be bought. They are already yours, and only yours. They are unlike any other, and to be worthy of them you have to prove that you are unlike any other.
There is something greater in you that has always been protecting you and guiding you to this point of reflection and self-discovery. You owe it to yourself to pursue this feeling.
Start today - try something new, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Try it in goodness and with sincerity. Try it with the intention of discovering something new and greater within yourself.


At 7 p.m., April 5, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will close MD 213 (Liberty Street/Commerce Street/Church Hill Road) in Centreville through the weekend to install a temporary "jump bridge" over Gravel Run, weather permitting. The closure will be just south of MD 305 (Hope Road). MD 213 will reopen no later than 5 a.m. Monday, April 8.
Motorists will be detoured using MD 305 and MD 304 (Ruthsburg Road/Water Street) to navigate around the closure. Business access will be maintained at all times.
The temporary bridge will allow MDOT SHA to maintain vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the week while crews replace the Gravel Run bridge deck (driving surface). Up to four weekend closures may be needed to complete the work, which includes bridge deck replacement, abutment repairs, new sidewalks, new lighting and paving. The installation of the jump bridge will enable the contractor to expedite the project and minimize long-term impacts to traffic.
The MD 213 Bridge over Gravel Run is one of two ongoing bridge replacement projects in Centreville under a $5.2 million contract awarded to McLean Contracting of Glen Burnie. At the south end of town, MDOT SHA is replacing the MD 213 Bridge over Old Mill Stream Branch. To minimize public impacts, the new bridge will be constructed adjacent to the existing bridge then moved into place under a weekend closure. Up to four weekend closures may be needed to complete work on this bridge. MDOT SHA expects to complete both bridges by the end of this year.
On average, more than 10,000 vehicles travel MD 213 through Centreville each day. For more information on both bridge replacement/rehabilitation projects, click here.


text:
BNBC · stuff I read
May 31, 2011 balletbookwormLeave a comment
Anne Bronte often seems like the "other" Bronte sister. Not as prolific as Charlotte, not as sweepingly Romantic as Emily. But while we chew our nails and involve ourselves in the swirling stories of Jane and Cathy and Rochester and Heathcliff, Anne takes a different tack in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. She tells the story of Helen and Gilbert and Arthur "straight" and it's subject matter was all the more shocking to Victorian England for that reason.
In short, their story is one that seems entirely contemporary: a young man meets a mysterious new neighbor – a widowed woman and her little boy – and grows to love her but comes to learn that she is in hiding from an abusive husband. For us, this is a story for the newsfeeds but for Victorians it was more like rudely airing one's dirty laundry. Women's rights, spousal abuse, and alcoholism are all brought forth over the course of the novel. Helen refused to have sex with her husband, an act that a husband was entitled to whenever and wherever he chose
The novel sold out its first printing in six weeks, selling better than Wuthering Heights, even though the critical opinions were mixed. Several magazines, though, warned women to avoid reading the book because of its fixation on coarse language and scenes of debauchery. Anne wrote a Preface to the second edition – one in which she states she did not write to amuse but to tell the truth – but Charlotte suppressed further printings after Anne's death. The precise reasons are unknown but in a letter she though Anne's subject matter poorly chosen. (I did a great deal of research on the Brontes for a Victorian poetry course, so know most of this first-hand, but the Wikipedia article on the book sums it all up nicely, with references).
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall doesn't flow nearly as well as Jane Eyre or Shirley or Villette having a somewhat convoluted storyline like Wuthering Heights. The book starts with a letter from Gilbert to his brother-in-law explaining how Gilbert met his wife (the "frame" of the letter gets a bit long in the tooth and we have to assume it is supposed to be multiple letters). Gilbert's "letter" recounts his life from the time "Mrs. Graham"/Helen moved into the old Wildfell Hall until the point she gives Gilbert her old diary to explain why she can't marry him. The "letter" proceeds to recount word-for-word the diary of a young woman swept off her feet by a dashing rake she thinks just needs a good wife to reform him. Bollocks to that. The diary section of the novel is quite long. It does get a bit far-fetched when Helen's entries are pages long and contain many conversations but there aren't very many ways to give such a large backstory to the reader. At the end of the diary pages, the letter reverts back to Gilbert's point-of-view and he finishes out his tale.
Helen is a remarkable character and for her creation during an era when married women were treated more as objects by law it says a great deal about Anne's thoughts on the matter. Gilbert is a somewhat annoying character. His pursuit of Helen begins to border on the obsessive. Arthur, as Helen's drunken rake of a husband, is the kind of dastardly character for whom comeuppance doesn't come nearly soon enough. I quite liked the book and found it very readable. Not as moving as Jane Eyre with respect to the actual writing nor as wildly imaginative as Wuthering Heights but an excellent realist Victorian novel.
After I finished the book I watched the 1996 BBC miniseries with Tara FitzGerald (Helen), Toby Stephens (Gilbert), and the always-yummy Rupert Graves as the reprobate Arthur. A very good adaptation of the book, well-acted and costumed, a good costume-drama as expected from the BBC.
ASoIaF · movie star drool · stuff I read
I think I'm obsessed!
Soooo…I've just read four very long books, like almost 3500 pages, in about three weeks.
I keep checking a television show website and fan pages for clips because I don't get the channel.
I think I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones.
When does the fifth book come out again? Glad I only have to wait one month because I can totally understand why people have been asking about A Dance with Dragons for years.
ASoIaF · stuff I read
May 21, 2011 balletbookworm1 Comment
I'll be writing about book four in a series, so be warned I'm going to spoil books one though three.
Pretty sure my eyes bugged out at the end of A Storm of Swords (there's an Epilogue that blows your mind in the second to last paragraph). Some swearing occured, too, mostly along the lines of "Fuck!" And then I went and downloaded A Feast for Crows right away so I could keep on reading.
So…Jon is now Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Arya is roaming about the countryside with Sandor Clegane, Joffrey's dead because he was poisoned in a scheme so complicated it makes my head spin, Tyrion was tried for it – and lost his trial by battle – then Jaime decided to free him only Tyrion killed Lord Tywin while sneaking out of King's Landing with Varys, and Sansa was spirited off to the Vale by Littlefinger wherein he shoved Lysa out the Moon Door.
Shit gets real (after a Prologue that seems to make no sense until the end of the book).
Everybody and their brother gets POV chapters in AFoC – the first chapter is from the POV of the "The Prophet" aka Damphair aka Aeron Greyjoy, the second "The Captain of Guards" aka Hotah, the Prince Doran's axe-wielding bodyguard (but we get to meet some of Prince Oberyn's daughters and they are a nasty bunch), and in chapter three we finally get a chapter from someone we know. And it turns out to be Cersei, of all people, and let me tell you that is one unsympathetic character. Didn't like her to start with, I like her even less by the end of the book. Other new POV chapters come from Brienne, "The Kraken's Daughter" aka Asha Greyjoy, "The Soiled Knight" (which is a really interesting chapter, due to the turn of events in it), "The Iron Captain", "The Drowned Man", "The Queenmaker", etc.
I'm not sure why GRRM switched from exclusively proper-named chapters to using more descriptive titles. With character names as chapter titles, signalling the POV of the chapter, it gave no hint as to the tone of the chapter but something like "The Kraken's Daughter" indicates Asha's stance that she feels she is Balon Greyjoy's heir and should succeed her father on Pyke. Sharp readers will figure out what's going on in those chapters ahead of time. Maybe that's the point.
Now, here's the irritating thing about this book: it's only half a book. GRRM split the narrative into two but he didn't do it chronologially. He did it geographically. Say what? So AFoC follows Arya on Braavos, Samwell (with Maester Aemon and Gilly) on his way around Westeros to Oldtown, Cersei's shennanigans in King's Landing, Jaime trying to win a war without actually fighting one, Brienne (and Pod) looking everywhere for Sansa, Sansa in the Vale, characters in Dorne we've never met before, and the Greyjoys as they do whatever Greyjoys so (which seems to be raping and pillaging). We don't hear from Jon, Daenerys, Tyrion, Stannis, Davos, &etc., which is worrying because there's a reference to Davos and it doesn't bode well at all. Their stories will all be in the next book, due out in July, which will run concurrent and then a little past this one as far as chronology. WTF. I have to wait until after book five to see what happens to Sansa and Cersei (and I really hope Cersei gets it, too).
*Audiobook slightly disappointing – no Roy Dotrice (sad face). The narrator was John Lee. He did a credible job but I missed some of Dotrice's particular voices (although with no Tyrion I did not have to listen to a different Tyrion) but John Lee sounds exactly like Christopher Lee. Seriously. I have Wiki'd and Googled and IMDB'd Christopher Lee and he seems to have no sons, only one daughter. I am strangely disappointed.
I'll be referring to events that have happened in book 1, A Game of Thrones, and book 2, A Clash of Kings, so you might want to skip this post if you don't want to read any spoilers.
So, instead of opening A Storm of Swords with Jon (captured by wildings), Arya (just having escaped Harrenhal and that pack of homicidal nutters, the Bloody Mummers), Sansa (stuck in King's Landing), Catelyn (who just let Jaime escape Riverrun with Brienne the Beauty and some Lannister), Daenerys (sailing from Qarth after torching some freaky magicians/sorcerers), or even Bran (escaping the ruins of Winterfell with Rickon, Osha, and the kids from Deepwood Motte), we open on a Prologue narrated by a very, very put-upon Brother of the Night's Watch and then get our first real chapter narrated by…Jaime? The arrogant sister-loving Kingslayer gets his own POV chapters now? Odd….
This is helpful, actually. Through Jaime we learn more about Aerys the Mad King and some of Jaime's true motivation behind his act of assassination. We also learn a little more about why Lannisters act the way they do – which doesn't make him endearing, it just clears the air. Jaime also develops a sudden weight-loss in the book which makes him a much more sympathetic character and he stops being a arrogant prick. Some of the time.
Daenerys is, well, still the Mother of Dragons and off in Essos. Her dragons are a little bigger but instead of heading for Westeros to take back the Iron Throne she somehow progresses to a one-woman abolishionist movement, crushing the cities of Astapor and Mereen (once she's bought and freed some many thousand Unsullied to fight for her – that was a clever trick). A character we haven't seen since the beginning of ACoK pops back up and that gets pretty interesting.
Sansa really starts to develop in this book and you really feel sorry for her. She has no one to trust and she's forced to marry Tyrion. We know Tyrion isn't a bad guy (out of all the Lannisters, he's probably the most decent, well, except for Kevan but we don't get his POV), since we get to read his chapters, but Sansa sees him only as a Lannister. Those times when she ought to confess the truth of what she's feeling to him all she sees is Lannister crimson and can't trust him. But she goes on an adventure at the very end – I would love to have a POV chapter for Petyr Baelish. That man is crafty.
We catch back up with Davos (who I quite like), Arya's storyline seems unclear, and Sam gets his own POV chapters (poor guy but he has a good heart) but it's Catelyn's last chapter that really sets the tone for what I think will be the remainder of the series. The Red Wedding sequence proves that no one in this epic has any integrity (except maybe Davos and Jon, we will see).
*Audio by Roy Dotrice, too – excellent, and we get to hear his Walder Frey voice again.
A Clash of Kings
I'll be referring to events that have happened in book 1, A Game of Thrones, so you might want to skip this post if you don't want to read any spoilers.
So, A Clash of Kings picks up with Jon heading north of the Wall with the Night's Watch (to rout the Others and/or wildings, both of which sound like a bad idea), Arya has been rescued by Yoren and is now disguised as a boy destined for the Wall (but will be dropped off at Winterfell on the way by), Catelyn and Robb are at Riverrun where they have Jaime held prisoner, Sansa is stuck in King's Landing with Cersei and her crazy-inbred son Joffrey, Tyrion has been dispatched to King's Landing to sort out the mess Joffrey caused by beheading Eddard Stark, and Daenerys, well, she's still wandering around Essos but now she has her own tribe and three dragons.
Dragons, holla. But they are baby dragons and need protecting. (Oh, and Bran and Rickon are still at Winterfell, boring.)
GRRM's world gets a little bigger and then a little bigger. We meet ever more characters, learn complicated backstories. It's impressive and ultimately very, very readable. Once you have a favorite character (Tyrion, Jon, Sansa – who gets progressively more sympathetic because you have to remember she's only, what, eleven and currently caught in a metaphorical pit of vipers, and a new character, Davos) you have to read madly to find out just what happens to that person in the next chapter (flipping back to the table of contents to see when they might next appear). The amazing Battle of the Blackwater sequence closes the King's Landing portion (echoed in Jon's fight with the wildings). Since this is book two of a projected seven, and considering the character everyone thought would last through the end (Eddard) got the chop on the steps of Baelor's sept, it's hard to tell where GRRM is going. Which is the mark of a master storyteller, in my opinion.
*I have since listend to the audio book, still narrated by Roy Dotrice, and IT IS AMAZING. Again.
In the fall of my senior year of high school I took a class called "Contemporary Literature" and it was the easiest class I've ever taken. We had to read six books greater than 200 pages each published after 1981, write one character bio, one book report, draw one book cover, and do one other thing (that I can't remember anymore). If we read a book over 600 pages it counted as two books…so guess who read three James Clavells and one Tom Clancy in about two months thus acquiring a permanent pass to the school library for the rest of the semester during the class period? Me, and I started with the "A"s and read my way through the sci-fi/fantasy section of the library. Fun, yes, but with the consequence that I binged on fantasy literature so much that I stopped reading the genre when I started college.
Meaning I never read George RR Martin's A Game of Thrones when it was first released in 1996 (I started college in 1996 so giant, fat hardcovers that I was reading included my biology textbook and very few, if any, novels). I continued to not read it even after I started working for a bookstore and about about every third week some sad-eyed fantasy fan would come ask if we had a release date for "A Song of Ice and Fire #5" or "George RR Martin's Dragon book" (which we didn't, this being 2007 or later).
However, HBO has got a miniseries up and running based on the series – Game of Thrones. And it has Sean Bean. And Lena Headey….and it looks good. Really good. So good, in fact, that I stalked the show's website looking at the videos posted there. I decided that I really ought to at least read the first book in the series. I don't get HBO (I refuse to pay the insane amount of money it would take for me to get the three channels I want to watch along with the 250 other channels I don't care about) so what do I have to lose?
Only my sanity. I ordered up A Game of Thrones on my handy-dandy nook and spent all Friday evening, Friday night, and Saturday reading. Reading, reading, reading. I couldn't stop. I couldn't have found a place to stop if I had to (and I didn't need to, so lucky me).
This is a fantasy book that is light on the obvious fantasy elements. "The Others" live north of a giant Wall of ice that was apparently built by magic centuries ago. The seasons are irregular, summers and winters last for years. There is talk of dragons and mages but no one has seen a dragon for hundreds of years (there are dragon skulls in the secret passages of the castle in King's Landing). The Stark children find direwolves – gigantic, prehistoric-ish wolves that supposedly don't ever live south of the Wall.
Martin structures the book very cleverly. Each chapter is told through the viewpoint of one character so the narration passes around to the characters unevenly – Bran, Eddard, Jon, Catelyn, Sansa, Arya (all Starks so far), Tyrion (a Lannister), and Daenerys (an exiled Targaryen). If you have a favorite character *cough* Tyrion *cough* you eagerly wait for the narration to get back to him/her. The similarity of Westeros to Arthurian/Medieval tales was a big draw for me and I got into the extensive heraldry Martin uses.
Here's where I talk plot points and big cojones (if you haven't read the book and don't want it spoiled for you then quit reading now….ok, henceforth you are forewarned). GRRM has a set of stones, let me tell you. Very few authors would be ballsy enough to set up a major moral center for a story (Eddard Stark), give him a fatal flaw (honor), and then BEHEAD HIM in the climax to book one of your seriously epic series. Seriously. I started shouting, paging back in my nook, then forward, then back, repeating, "I can't believe…he did…HE DID HE KILLED OFF THE MAIN CHARACTER!!!" Now who's the good guy? Are then any good guys? Also, everyone in this book is young, really young. As in, Daenerys is thirteen when she gets married off to a horselord (think, nomadic hunter/gatherer tribe) and the gets pregnant and widowed all within about nine months. And the boys are all supposed to be crazy-good knights by the age of fifteen or so…. I agree with the writing decision of the HBO producers to age everyone by two or three years. The young ages of the kids works in the book but it is a little icky or improbable…and doubly so if on the television screen.
A Game of Thrones is a book that really reminds me of an old storyteller, sitting by the fire and telling the tallest tales imaginable. You hang on every word. So much so, I already bought books two through four and pre-ordered book five for my nook.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go see what happens to Sansa with Cersei's clutches and if Jon turns into ghost chow (haha, made a pun – only if you've read the books).
Addendum: Have since acquired A Game of Thrones on audio read by the amazing Roy Dotrice. The man got a Guiness World Record for the number of distinct character voices he creates for this audio book. It. Is. Amazing. Love his voices for Tyrion and Walder Frey – fantastic.
movie star drool
May 6, 2011 balletbookworm1 Comment
Now, everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a comic book geek. I can appreciate the work and the artistry that goes into writing graphic novels and comics but I don't get much out of reading them. Most of my knowledge of the "Thor" series comes from the movie Adventures in Babysitting (one of the kids is a Thor fan). However, I am a huge Kenneth Branagh fan and that alone (well, OK, the prospect of Anthony Hopkins as Odin helped, too) got me out to the theatre on opening weekend to see Thor.
I can't say much about Thor as a comic book adaptation because I don't know much about the source material. Only….this does look like a Thor comic, from what I've seen, and the storyline is decently plotted. There aren't crazy plot jumps or really bad plotholes (like the whole hey-we-have-this-gun-with-adamantium-bullets-and-a-sharpshooter-who-can't-miss-but-we're-not-going-to-give-him-the-gun-to-stop-Logan mess in X-men: Wolverine). Chris Hemsworth looks like Thor – big, blond, and not very bright, but hotter than hot because he has to be a Norse god. Anthony Hopkins is Odin – who else would you want as the Allfather? Natalie Portman is neither here nor there for me – it's kind of a role that any younger actress could pull off easily – but it is nice to see her in a fun popcorn movie in a role where she doesn't look tortured onscreen.
And then there is Kenneth Branagh. Say what you will about Shakespeare, yadda yadda yadda, because Branagh was a great choice as the director (and I love all Branagh's Shakespeare adaptations, even As You Like It, right up until the very end when the Happy Japanese Peasants do an English country dance…what's that about?). This version of Thor is essentially a Shakespearean history play come to life…yup, Henry IV, parts1 and 2 and Henry V. Thor is an arrogant jerk, disrespects his father, and gets his drinking buddies in trouble by stirring up a war in Jotunheim; Prince Hal is an arrogant jerk, disrespects his father, and gets into trouble at Falstaff's behest. Thor gets banished to Earth to learn to behave himself and subsequently understands how to be an adult; Prince Hal inherits the throne and decides that he can't rule England if he runs around with drunken lowlifes. And so on. Branagh even brings in his long-time composer, Patrick Doyle, who has created a really expansive score for Thor and I've loved his film music since Henry V (Non nobis, anyone?).
Thor is a great movie to watch – the visual effects are stunning. They shot the Earth sequences on location in New Mexico and the expanse of sky is something you just can't duplicate with CG. Asgard was designed with this amazing Art Deco/steampunk-ish vibe with vast, sweeping gold buildings and an amazing, breathtaking field of stars that comprise Yggdrasil. Idris Elba, who plays Heimdall the Guardian, has this amazing gate he uses to open the Bifrost bridge and his costume blends into it in such an amazing way.
I have to really call one performance to the fore and that is Tom Hiddleston as Loki. It could be really easy to play Loki off as just a goofy trickster like the Joker or the Riddler in Batman. Hiddleston, though, imbues the part with such a subtle shading of emotions that you're not quite sure where Loki's real motivations lie. Is he merely jealous? Spiteful? Evil? Overgrown child? I'm still not sure but I can't wait to see what Joss Wheedon has him do in The Avengers movie coming out next May (Chris Hemsworth, too – Thor does grow on you).
I had so much fun with Thor – can you tell?
(Sorry no previews – I forgot to write myself a note!! I want to say one was for Xmen: First Class and one was for Conan…but don't quote me on it.)
Tolstoy and the Purple Chair
May 5, 2011 balletbookwormLeave a comment
Three years after her oldest sister died of cancer, Nina Sankovitch began a reading project: she would read a book per day for one year. The love of books was one she shared with her sister. Reading in her purple chair – a flea-shop-type find well-loved by children and the family cat – Sankovitch finds both the escape and the space to heal she has been searching for. Her reading project becomes Tolstoy and the Purple Chair.
As the year passes, Sankovitch weaves together her reading exploits with the memoir of her family, the history of her Polish-Dutch immigrant parents and her relationship with her husband, Jack, and their four boys. The book is funny, sweet, and sad by turns.
For some reason, I didn't connect with Sankovitch. I was looking for a book that went from book to book to book, looking at what she read, how she read it, how each book informed the choice of the next. Instead, this is really a memoir about a woman who learns to accept her life for the joy that is in it and, occasionally, she writes about the books she reads but not all 365 of them – the alphabetized list in the back doesn't really give me a sense of her year of reading. For me, the books she read blurred together in between the story about her family, her parents, her sister, her children. Sankovitch is a lovely writer, with good prose and a nice touch to her sentences but I didn't really feel anything solid reading her book. I get the distinct impression I should have felt…something. And that really is the worst part – I have no strong feeling about this book so it's very hard to write anything about it.
Dear FTC, I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Captivated by Annette Mori is yet another quirky, humor-filled, out of the box type of story that fans have come to expect from her, and new readers are sure to love. Juliet Lewis accidentally saw the new local police officer, Tanner Sullivan, kill a drug dealer execution-style, in cold blood. She takes off, running for her life, but the next thing she knows, she's waking up, bound to a chair with a gun to her head, and Tanner's face smirking at her. The story that follows includes an unexpected attraction, some serious bad guys, a lot of compulsive cleaning, and maybe, just maybe a bit of love and understanding in the end.
Juliet is not your typical romance novel heroine. First of all, she has some annoying habits. She's borderline OCD, a result of intense parental indoctrination at a very young age, which could definitely be considered abusive. Juliet has never been able to move past these learned responses. She's also been alone much of her life, and is thought of by her fellow townsfolk as strange. She's decided to get her revenge by writing a tell-all book about the town she lives in, so much of her free time is spent spying on her neighbors and fellow citizens, and taking copious amounts of notes about their activities. She also, according to her grandmother, has a lamentable habit of sticking her nose into other people's business.
Tanner Sullivan is on a mission. She's been a rogue cop for quite a few years, taking matters into her own hands when the legal system fails to deliver justice to those criminals who need to be taken down. She lives by her own code, determined to do what's right. Her last partner, professional and personal, was killed by the head of a criminal organization on a job that was supposed to be Tanner's, so Tanner is determined that justice will be served. She's taken a job in this small town in order to get close to one of the crime boss's men. In fact, that's who she killed, and now she has to decide what to do with Juliette, whose nosiness has made her the only one who can expose her.
This story is told in third person. The pacing is swift, and the plot twists keep coming. Mori has written a story that makes you keep turning pages, just to see what will happen next. Not only that, but she has a way of writing the bad guys that keeps you guessing because the real criminal could be any one of a number of suspects.
I love the fact that neither of these characters fits the mold. There are times when Juliet is so annoying, you can't help but wonder how Tanner refrains from shooting her. And Tanner is such an honorable character, yet she commits the most dishonorable crimes without batting an eye. Even the fact that they end up together is an astonishing feat of writer-ly glory.
I have to say that I think Juliet made some questionable (okay, dumb) choices that made me want to slap her. Maybe it was part of her personality, but it's hard to reconcile, because she otherwise seems pretty smart.
Annette Mori has made a career out of writing genre mash-ups, meaning her books tend to mix the romance with other genres. This particular book is in the suspense category, but there's definitely enough time to stop and smell the romance along the way. And like usual, Mori delivers a tale that entertains, somewhat enlightens, and definitely satisfies. So yeah, buy it, read it, love it.
Juliet started to squirm as she realized she needed to go to the bathroom and glumly noted that once that thought was in her head, she wouldn't be able to erase it, unable to think of anything but her need to urinate.
She tilted her head, looked up at the ceiling, and in an effort to sidetrack her brain, started singing an old song from one of her all-time favorite musicals. The light, airy sound of her alto voice floated in the room.
A loud guffaw filled the small cabin as Juliet heard a creaking sound. She turned her head to the door and found Tanner's laughing eyes.
Juliet nodded so vigorously that she felt like she might be mistaken for one of those bobble heads. A part of her decided to adhere to Tanner's request because she was petrified that Tanner would track her down, and without remorse follow through with her threat. Yet a bigger part of her was curious why Tanner had killed that man in cold blood. She had to find out, even if it meant risking her life.
Note: I received a free review copy of Captivated by Annette Mori. No money was exchanged for this review. I will always review books as honestly as possible and on occasion I refuse to review books.


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Future State the Next Batman #1 Kirkham
Landmark issue. First appearance of the first African American Batman.
Article below
https://www.cbr.com/tim-fox-batman-dc-future-state/
Tyler Kirkham limited to 3000 Copies
Kyle Hotz limited to 3000 Copies
DC Comics Release 1/4/2021
(W) John Ridley - Brandon Thomas - Paul Jenkins
(A) Nick Derington - Sumit Kumar - Jackson Herbert
(CA) Tyler Kirkham
Gotham City has always been dangerous—but now, it's downright deadly! Following the tragedy of "A-Day," the mayor allowed the private law enforcement group known as the Magistrate to take over policing so-called mask crime—and that has given rise to a new Dark Knight! What is this mysterious crime fighter's connection to former Batman weaponeer Lucius Fox? The fight for justice has never been this dangerous! Then, in an new tale of the Outsiders, everything in Gotham City may be under the thumb of the Magistrate—but even members of that totalitarian force know that the outskirts of town are protected by the sword of Katana! Plus, ride with the Arkham Knights on their quest for freedom. Arkham Asylum has been decommissioned, and the Magistrate rules the land with an iron fist and zero tolerance. Now it's time for the lunatics to take back their town! Follow Croc, Two-Face, Phosphorus, Zsasz, Clayface, and Astrid Arkham as the Arkham Knights raise holy hell on the occupiers of Gotham! This title is fully returnable at a later date.
Due Date: 11/27/2020 / FOC: 12/6/2020 / In-Store: 1/5/2021


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Home Politics German soldiers accosted in southern Turkey
German soldiers accosted in southern Turkey
Seven German soldiers who are in Turkey as part of a NATO mission to install a Patriot missile system near the Turkish-Syrian border were attacked by a group of activists opposed to the deployment of the missile system in Turkey.
The soldiers went to a local bazaar in ?skenderun, Hatay province, to shop after getting permission from their commanders. They were surrounded by a group of 26 activists from the Turkey Youth Union (TGB), youth branch of the leftist Labor Party (?P).
The group tried to put sacks over the soldiers' heads, in an apparent reference to the American treatment of 11 Turkish soldiers in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah in 2003.
The German soldiers managed to escape from the scene with the help of locals.
The soldiers took shelter in a jewelry shop. After police arrived to the scene, they were transferred to their hotel by security forces. The soldiers are reportedly in good health and were not hurt.
Upon hearing about the incident, riot police showed up. District Police Department Chief Cengiz Ba?ar said the group had violated public order and the law and that those who had engaged in the incident would be detained.
The group continued the protest and chanted various slogans. The head of the group said: "We will not allow Turkey to be the center for attacks on the Middle East. We will not allow American and NATO soldiers to travel freely in this country. Whether it was German or American soldier whose heads we put sacks on, it does not matter. All of them are NATO soldiers."
After a brief scuffle, riot police detained 28 activists, including TGB President ?lker Yücel. The detainees were released following a police interrogation.
Passersby who witnessed the incident said the group's members had mistakenly put sacks on the heads of the German soldiers, thinking they were US soldiers.
In 2003 American troops detained 11 Turkish soldiers in Sulaimaniyah on suspicions that the Turkish military unit was preparing to assassinate the Kurdish mayor of the city. The American army put sacks over the Turkish soldiers' heads while they were detained out of security concerns, but the act had great negative implications among the Turkish public and poisoned relations between the two close allies for some time thereafter.
source: http://www.todayszaman.com
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RedHawks Re-Sign Alexander, Add Parmenter
FARGO, ND – The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have re-signed LHP Tyler Alexander and added RHP Tyler Parmenter to the roster for the 2016 season. With the signings, the RedHawks now have 13 players under contract for the upcoming campaign.
Alexander, 24, had a breakout season with Fargo-Moorhead in 2015 after signing with the club in early June. He was 5-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 21 games (14 starts). Alexander pitched 111.1 innings and allowed 47 runs (41 earned) on just 91 hits. He struck out 111 batters and walked 52. Alexander's strikeout total was good for fourth in the American Association last year.
Alexander joined the starting rotation in late June and posted quality starts nine times in 14 outings. He also posted three complete games. He struck out 11 batters twice during the season and recorded a ten-strikeout game as well.
Alexander is entering his fourth season of professional baseball. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 27th round of the 2013 draft out of Florida International University. In his career, he is 12-11 with a 3.78 ERA in 60 games (25 starts). He has struck out 232 batters and walked 96 in 207.1 innings pitched.
Parmenter, 22, joins the RedHawks after spending the past two years in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He appeared in 19 total games last year between the Billings (MT) Mustangs of the Pioneer League (R) and the Dayton (OH) Dragons of the Midwest League (A). Parmenter was 2-3 with a 3.94 ERA and one save between the two stops. In 32.0 innings, pitched, he allowed 18 runs (14 earned) on 32 hits while striking out 38 batters.
Parmenter was selected by the Reds in the 21st round of the 2014 draft out of the University of Arizona. Originally an infielder, Parmenter converted to pitching before his final season with the Wildcats. In his two-year professional career, he is 2-4 with a 3.19 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 48.0 innings pitched.
"We expect Alexander to come in and take one of the top spots in our rotation this summer," said RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. "He showed he has the make-up and the stuff to be one of the top starters in the league. Parmenter is still learning to pitch, but he has a power arm that should translate well to our bullpen."


Laura Racero is a designer, illustrator and artist living in Madrid. Focusing in digital paint and pencil, Laura has found her own place and voice in the world of illustration. Her works are individualistic, yet showing a certain sense of surrealism in a present reality, and can be found in publishing, editorial, and advertising around the world.


Well, if we're not snowed in this Saturday, March 21st, thaw out your car and drive on down to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis and join us for the monthly meeting of the Chesapeake Woodturners. This month's demonstrator will be Jamie Donaldson who will be showing us variations on square form lidded and unlidded vessels.
The Final Cut Newsletter is posted here. Thanks Ted for another great issue.
Please remember to put together a package of those bowls that we all have just lying around half finished. Finish them up as these bowls will contribute greatly to help the cause of Project Echo. Project Echo's main fund raising effort is in the Empty Bowl Supper where our bowls are auctioned off along with ceramic bowls. We've done well in supporting them in the past and hopefully this will continue this year. Project Echo provides nearly 11,920 bed nights and 26,265 hot, nutritious meals and more every year. The Empty Bowl supper is a large part of that effort, so please bring any bowls that you would like to donate to the March Meeting. Dave Wardrup will be picking up the bowls at the meeting as the Empty Bowl Supper is on the evening of the 21st.
Thanks to all of you who entered pieces into the Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) show. Charlie Goedeke did a terrific job organizing the event and we ended up with 62 pieces from 22 turners.


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Emera Maine Releases Power Restoration Projections
Jeff Tuttle, Townsquare Media Bangor
Emera Maine says it has restored service to nearly half of the customers who lost power Monday, and the company hopes to have power restored to almost all of its customers by Saturday.
The storm brought heavy rainfall and damaging winds to the state Monday.
"This storm caused the most outages we have seen since the 1998 ice storm," the utility said in a Tuesday news release.
Wind gusts exceeded 65 mph in Penobscot and Hancock counties and brought down large trees and limbs, damaging utility poles and wires.
Southern Penobscot and Hancock counties were hit hard, accounting for 75 percent of the total outages.
The company on Tuesday released power restoration projections for its customers.
Washington County - almost all remaining customers restored by 10 p.m. Tuesday
Aroostook County - almost all remaining customers restored by 10 p.m. Tuesday
Northern Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties (Milo to Lincoln to Millinocket) - 90 percent of customers restored by 10 p.m. Thursday, almost all customers restored Friday
Southern Penobscot County (Greater Bangor, Orono/Old Town) - 90 percent of customers restored by 10 p.m. Friday, almost all customers restored Saturday
Hancock County — 90% of customers restored by 10 p.m. Friday, almost all customers restored Saturday
"We would like to thank our employees and all first responders for their hard work keeping the public safe during this event," Emera Maine President Alan Richardson said in the release. "We also want to thank our customers for their patience as we have worked to restore service to our neighbors."
Source: Emera Maine Releases Power Restoration Projections